Chapter 32. Jackals and tigers.
How awful those words were! Shimi said, "I only have you as my husband. This concerns a woman's reputation, so you can't say such things carelessly."
The spring breeze blowing in through the car window had already shed its chill, feeling like a beautiful woman's hand caressing my face, very comforting and pleasant.
Their relationship, from a standpoint of absolute opposition, yet their physical contact seemed remarkably natural. Shi Mi didn't reject his closeness; sometimes, when feeling tired, she could even snuggle against him like this, feeling perfectly at ease. Lu Min, on the other hand, was never a kind person. He was like a perfectly orchestrated mechanism, precise and accurate, never making a mistake. He rarely possessed ordinary human emotions. The Yan Dynasty's conquest of four kingdoms ultimately boiled down to land, wealth, and women. He remembered a once-famous princess from the Yin Dynasty, who, after her kingdom's fall, was sent to him. Despite her virtuous and chaste nature, she hurled insults at him, and he, without a moment's hesitation, ordered her executed.
The tales of warlords and princesses are laughable fabrications by storytellers. Rather than humiliating a princess, killing her would be the greatest honor bestowed upon her dignity.
Later, rumors circulated that the Grand Tutor did not love women. Whether he loved them or not... he himself couldn't say for sure, but he certainly didn't love men.
Perhaps he is a passive person in relationships, and when a domineering and passionate woman comes along, he is not too embarrassed to go along with her.
Now she leans on him, resting her head on his shoulder, and there's nothing wrong with it. She speaks erratically, and it's hard to tell how much of what she says is true, but that doesn't matter; there are always some people and things that can be tolerated.
The spring sunshine was warm, and people were less sharp-tongued. She still tried to frame him, but he calmly replied, "Let me know when you're due, and I'll get you the best midwife."
Shi Mi shook the handkerchief in his hand and sighed, "You are such a generous young man, and a very kind person at that."
He twitched the corner of his lips slightly, "If you can give birth to him, I will raise him as my own flesh and blood, and I will never go back on my word."
These words sounded rather melancholic. Although he was unlikely to have any offspring in this life, she still kindly revealed some of the truth: "Actually, half-humans are flesh and blood, and it's not entirely impossible for them to have children, it's just more difficult than giving birth to a human. However, two half-humans together really can't have children. If you don't object, we can each find someone we like, and then raise the children together. Each child will have a proper status, and everyone will be happy."
He frowned as he listened. "Luckily, I don't need able-bodied people to drive the carriage, otherwise everyone would have overheard it."
She chuckled, "Of course I know the people outside can't hear, that's why I'm telling you the truth." As she spoke, she looked up at him, "How about it? You've met a girl you like, and you don't have to force yourself to suppress your feelings. Doesn't it make you feel like your future has suddenly become brighter?"
His jawline was sharp, and a cold smile curved his upturned lips as he slowly lowered his eyes to examine her. "Are you testing me? If I have any thoughts, you'll cut off my supplies, won't you?"
So this person is just too suspicious, taking the truth as a lie. Even when he's confused, he doesn't persist, finding a comfortable position to lean back in, saying, "Believe it or not, it's up to you."
The horses' hooves clattered as they trotted through the streets and alleys, and soon they arrived at Shanhefang. The officials and stewards waiting at the gate welcomed them inside.
Upon Lu Min's return to the capital, official business naturally followed one after another. One moment someone would deliver a visiting card, and the next someone would send a message from the palace. He was extremely busy in the front hall.
Shimi rested in the back corridor, fanning herself. The plums of Baiyujing ripened early, and the palace attendant had washed a large plateful, placing it beside her reclining chair. She turned her head to look; the fine fuzz on the plums, glistening with dewdrops, seemed to encompass the opposite houses and corridors within tiny, rice-grain-sized squares. Some of her memories before the age of six were hazy, but this scene was vividly etched in her mind, for there was a plum tree in front of the Empress's palace. Every year when they ripened, they were sent as gifts to various palaces and halls. In truth, they didn't taste good; they were quite sour, but everyone was deeply grateful, remembering Her Majesty the Empress's kindness.
I pinched one and held it in my mouth, afraid to bite it, lest I break the skin and feel the sourness. I only wrapped it around half of my cheek, letting the delicate fragrance of plum blossoms fill my nose and forehead.
She was going to Longcheng tomorrow, and tossing and turning, finding it hard to fall asleep for the first time. She felt anxious, but at the same time, she was also vaguely afraid—probably what they call the fear of returning home.
As evening approached, the official delivered the formal attire for the next day, with its grand sash and belt, even more elaborate than the one worn on the wedding day. Shi Mi weighed the headdress in her hand; it was quite heavy. However, when dressed up and standing next to Lu Min, their attire was remarkably similar.
A huge bronze mirror was placed on the east wall, and candles were lit on the silver lamp tree behind it. The two stared at their expressionless reflections in the mirror. After a long while, Shimi suddenly grinned and said, "We look like a pair of jackals and tigers."
His serious facade was quickly shattered by her. He turned away and said, "Be careful what you say and do when you enter the palace tomorrow. Once we're married, many people will pay extra attention to you, not just those in the palace, but also the officials in the court."
Shimi was quite frank, saying, "Do you know what touches people the most in the world? Sincerity! I am a sincere person, and I am sure I can get along well with everyone."
He chuckled, making no attempt to hide his suspicion of her.
He hadn't originally planned to bring her, but he was more worried about arousing suspicion, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and take the risk. Fortunately, she was quite presentable in appearance, and as long as she kept her mouth shut, even if she seemed a little clumsy, everything would be fine.
The following day, Emperor Shengyuan ascended the throne in the Shenglong Hall, and the Grand Tutor led all the civil and military officials in paying homage. The wives of the officials waited in the West Council Hall until they were summoned by the main hall, at which point they could enter the hall with the empress and concubines to offer their congratulations.
After fourteen years, Shi Mi finally returned to Dragon City, a place she had longed to visit for so long. Familiarity wasn't the only factor; it was more of a feeling of nostalgia. Standing on the polished gold bricks, under the gilded and painted roof, she knew in her heart that this was her home, now inhabited by a band of robbers—a truly humiliating situation.
The Empress of Yan showed her great kindness, taking her hand and saying, "You two have gone too far in keeping the wedding ceremony. It was only the next day when the news reached the palace. I know that the Grand Tutor doesn't care about such formalities, but he has made countless contributions to Yan. It is disheartening for His Majesty and me to be so careless about such an important event in his life."
Although Shimi had only received six years of court education, the princess's upbringing was ingrained in her very being. In a critical moment, she could pull out her trump card and handle the situation.
She leaned forward slightly, spoke softly, and said gently, "Your Highness's kindness is deeply appreciated by my husband and me. It is my duty to be loyal to the Emperor and assist him, and I dare not take credit for it. The construction of Zhongdu is in full swing, and nothing is more important than properly completing the important task entrusted to us by His Majesty. How can such a private matter be compared with the affairs of the state?"
His manner of speaking was so measured and his official jargon was almost on par with Lu Min's; after he finished speaking, he was somewhat impressed with himself.
The Empress was naturally very satisfied. To be honest, capable ministers are important to the country, but being too capable is another matter entirely. Emperors need their ministers to be obedient and subservient; a sufficiently humble attitude is an important component of harmony between the monarch and his ministers, and the attitude of a minister is largely reflected in his wife.
This newly appointed wife of the Grand Tutor, though young, was humble, unambitious, and cautious, suggesting a good upbringing from the Grand Tutor's family. The Empress thus developed a more favorable impression of her and said gently, "If I'm not in a hurry to return to Zhongdu, I plan to privately host a banquet and invite the Grand Tutor and his wife to grace us with their presence. The Crown Prince has been studying at the Guodong Academy for a full year now, but in my opinion, his progress has been limited. I wonder if it's due to the inadequacy of his tutors. Previously, the Grand Tutor was in charge of the Guodong Academy; I'm always uneasy about having someone else in charge. I would like to ask the Grand Tutor to take some time to test the Crown Prince's scholarship, or perhaps appoint a few renowned scholars to further enlighten him."
These serious matters made Shimi's head spin, but she had a way of winning, and obediently agreed: "I will go back and convey His Highness's decree to my husband."
No sooner had these words been spoken than a servant announced that the Empress was to lead her entourage into the palace to offer birthday greetings.
Shi Mi followed the crowd into the Shenglong Hall. Ahead of her stood a sea of imperial concubines, followed by the wives of the Three Dukes and other noblewomen. She couldn't act recklessly; she had to carefully follow the wives of the Grand Tutor and Grand Protector in bowing. Only after the announcer had finished chanting the congratulatory verses and Emperor Shengyuan declared that the formalities were waived did she straighten up, glancing upwards out of the corner of her eye.
There was no deep-seated anger, but rather a sense of assessment and mockery. Emperor Shengyuan was a man of poor appearance and bone structure, so making such a puppet wouldn't be difficult. If it were given to Senior Brother Gu, it would be completed in at most two months.
The elaborate formalities of the court served as a prelude to the grand banquet and revelry to come. The Emperor and Empress led their court officials on foot through the palace walls, into the lake to the west. Shimi gazed at the scene that often haunted his memory, a wave of sorrow washing over him—his homeland was no more. It remained unchanged, with towering pavilions over the water and viewing platforms built along its banks. And the palace lanterns hanging between the pavilions, no longer draped with oil-paper umbrellas, were now crimson winter jasmine flowers made of oil-paper silk, a beautiful contrast to the three-zhang-tall cherry trees laden with buds.
On the fifteenth of August that year, my grandfather held a banquet here. In the blink of an eye, the hosts changed. The smiles on the faces of Emperor Shengyuan and the Empress were truly glaring.
Her every move seemed to be under Lu Min's watchful eye. He would always glance at her, whether intentionally or unintentionally, whether out of fear or trepidation, it was hard to tell.
Shimi turned around and looked back. They were some distance apart, but she still winked at him in a coquettish way, indicating that he didn't need to worry.
He raised his long eyebrows slightly, then frowned again. This small gesture was naturally noticed by the other noblemen at the table, who teased him, saying that the newlyweds couldn't bear to be apart for even a moment.
He could only force a smile, skillfully changing the subject, toasting Emperor Shengyuan, and then reporting back on the progress of the construction of the Zhongdu Divine Path.
Emperor Shengyuan sighed, "Although it was built on the foundation of Qianyu, it still consumed enormous manpower and resources. But this place will be the final resting place of me and my descendants, concerning the fate of the nation. We must strive for perfection and cannot be careless." After speaking, he glanced at Lu Min, "Grand Tutor has been ill, yet he has still worked tirelessly for me to build this blessed land for two years. It has truly been hard work. Fortunately, he has improved now and has even married a lady, which puts my mind at ease. However, the burden of trivial matters is heavy, and I fear that this will become too much of a strain in the long run. If Grand Tutor is willing to return to court, I can send someone else to take over. You and your wife can recuperate in Baiyujing. The two places are only a few hundred miles apart, but the climates are very different. Baiyujing is more suitable."
Lu Min put down his cup, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty knows my temperament; I have no habit of giving up halfway. I see the sacred path being built mile by mile, with winding corridors and covered walkways. Once the temple is completed, I will be able to report back to Your Majesty. My health is failing, and this is probably the only thing I can do to serve Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty to grant me permission to watch over things until the very end.”
Upon hearing this, Emperor Shengyuan smiled again. "Why are you saying such discouraging things? I was hoping that the Grand Tutor would take command of the provinces and assist me in conquering the Western Regions." He then picked up his wine cup again. "Alright, today is my birthday. Let's leave the matters of the court to be discussed in the court."
Amidst the clinking of glasses and the exchange of toasts, Lu Min was too preoccupied with his own affairs to pay attention to anything else.
The women were naturally much more at ease than the men. The banquet was short-lived; after leaving their seats, they strolled in twos and threes along the waterfront platform to enjoy the scenery and watch the fireworks. The acquaintances among the noblewomen were only initial; later, they went their separate ways. Her target was clear: the favored concubines, surrounded by admirers, were not on her radar; she focused on the unassuming, even neglected, women of the court.
Sure enough, the young woman who had caught her eye from the very beginning was once again gazing into the distance alone by the railing. Shi Mi knew that she was Bao Lin, a newcomer to Longcheng, whose father was the Guiyi Cheshi Jun. Guiyi, well, just from the name, one could tell that she was an official from Qianyu who had switched allegiance to a wise ruler.
So she took the initiative to strike up a conversation, smiling and bowing to her. He Baolin was flattered and quickly reached out to help her up, saying, "Madam Lu, there's no need to be so polite. I haven't even congratulated you on your wedding yet."
Shi Mi calmly expressed her friendliness: "I should have greeted all the noble ladies in the palace, but since I have been in Zhongdu all this time, it was my fault for being impolite. Today is my first time entering the palace, and I felt that Bao Lin looked familiar at first glance, so I had to come and pay my respects to her. Why is Bao Lin wandering around here alone? Why are you not with the other noble ladies?"
He Baolin shook her head. "I haven't been in the palace long, and I feel out of place with the other noble ladies. Besides, they all speak in Yan dialect in private, and I'm from Qianyu, so I'm afraid they'll laugh at me for having an accent."
Shi Mi was surprised. "I am also from Qianyu. However, I traveled with my father to various places when I was young and was not often in Baiyujing. In that case, I feel even more at ease with Baolin. We are about the same age, so we can get closer in the future."
She was the wife of a powerful Grand Tutor, while He Baolin was merely a low-ranking concubine who was out of favor. Her willingness to befriend her was something He Baolin couldn't have asked for.
Before long, they became as close as sisters. The two of them went to a secluded place and, with a knowing look, inquired, "Has Baolin served the master? With your beautiful appearance, His Majesty must value you highly."
He Baolin blushed with embarrassment, "I only served you once. I was clumsy and didn't please His Majesty."
Shi Mi became increasingly satisfied, thinking to himself that it was better if he didn't like it; the less presence he had, the freer he felt.
She continued to comfort him, "You've only just entered the palace; there are still many opportunities ahead. Don't rush things. His Majesty is a ruler for all ages, and Baolin is of noble character. One day you will win His Majesty's favor. I didn't bring anything special with me today, but I'd like to leave something as a memento, so as not to let down my acquaintance with Baolin." She placed a palm-sized square box in He Baolin's hands. "Please accept this, Baolin. This was given to me by a celestial master when I traveled to Nanshan with my father many years ago. Inside is a portable bronze mirror. The celestial master said that looking into it often would prevent one's appearance from fading, so I'm giving it to you, Baolin."
He Baolin looked down at the square mirror box, constructed with delicate mortise and tenon joints and bronze inlay. Upon opening it, she saw a small bronze mirror that was so bright it reflected her image; it was exquisitely crafted. She was immediately somewhat taken aback, "It's extremely valuable, how could I dare to accept it?"
Shi Mi pressed down on her hand, "It's just an ordinary mirror box, nothing valuable. I hope Bao Lin won't find it offensive."
He Baolin's eyes darkened. "I am a lonely palace servant. I am grateful for your kindness, Madam. I do not know how to repay you."
Shimi laughed, "Baolin, you flatter me. When you gain favor in the future, please take good care of my family. My husband and I will be eternally grateful."
They chatted casually for a while longer before the Empress sent someone to greet them. Only then did Shimi reluctantly part ways with He Baolin.
The mirror case, tucked into He Baolin's sleeve pocket, had a hard outer shell, within which an organic spring began to turn silently.
That small bronze mirror was no ordinary bronze mirror; it was ground very thin, and the inner arc rotated in concentric circles, imperceptible even to the naked eye. Yet, it could subtly influence your attention, gradually replicating your vision. When the time was right, the mechanism inside the box would break free, gripping the skin like a spider and slowly integrating into the texture. At that point, what He Baolin could see, she could also see; whether it was Empress Song or Emperor Shengyuan, their appearances would be crystal clear.
The trip was worthwhile. Shi Mi was very happy, walking with his hands behind his back on the water cliff, feeling the fragrance in the wind.
Having escaped, Lu Min stood in the waterside pavilion and saw her smiling as she walked towards him, stepping on the flowing water and falling flowers. Her face, illuminated by the lamplight, seemed to possess a captivating allure.
Beautiful as she was, her mind was too preoccupied, and a cloud of suspicion crept onto his brow. "What is it that makes my wife so happy?"
Shi Mi glanced at him and said, “Her Majesty the Empress is very kind, has made many friends among the ladies, and the scenery in Dragon City is very pleasant. Aren’t these enough to make me happy?”
"Is it really that simple?" His gaze sharpened, trying to detect even the slightest hint of cunning.
Shi Mi scoffed, "Happiness is simple, it doesn't cost money. Unlike you, always looking so bitter and resentful." As she spoke, she looked around, "Why aren't you accompanying His Majesty? Why are you here?"
Lu Min said, "I am very worried about letting you socialize with others."
She glanced at him. "You're worrying too much. Worry about the aftereffects of the alcohol first. The wine in the palace is easy to drink, but it's quite potent. Even with my high tolerance, my calves are feeling a bit weak. Are you sure you can handle it?"
He gave an irrelevant answer, saying, "Don't worry, I'll sleep in the study when we get back."
Sleeping in the study is indeed a good suggestion. Unless absolutely necessary, it's best for everyone to sleep separately, so as to avoid seeing each other.
The birthday banquet in the palace continued for a while, not ending until nearly 9 PM. When Lu Min left the palace and boarded his carriage, he was completely silent.
It was eerily quiet. Shi Mi observed him by the light from outside the car and saw that he was sitting upright with his eyes closed.
She leaned closer and could smell the alcohol on his collar. She poked him with her finger. "Are you drunk, or are you just incapacitated?"
He remained motionless, yet his brow furrowed precisely. Shi Mi smiled knowingly; indeed, people don't need to be flawless. A touch of incompetence adds to their charm.
She patted her shoulder. "Feeling dizzy? Come on, lean on me, I'll let you use my strength."
He remained unmoved, preferring to turn his body and lean against the car body.
She was met with indifference, which was quite frustrating. She didn't mind, however, and turned to look out the window. The whole city was celebrating the Emperor's birthday, with fireworks going off for a long time; even now, the air still smelled strongly of sulfur.
She began to ponder. Shanhefang was very close to Longcheng, and the closer it was, the closer its connection with He Baolin. She believed that a woman who had entered the palace would not be willing to spend her remaining days in the cold palace. She would definitely try her best to get close to Emperor Shengyuan, but because she was not favored, basically no one would pay attention to her.
Some might say that portraits of emperors aren't hard to come by, so just copy one. But where in this world is there a master painter who can create a portrait that is exactly the same? Back then, in order to make a copy of Lu Min, she never missed a single public appearance of his, her infatuation surpassing even that of the women who admired him. She looked at him more than ten times, repeatedly confirming his height and appearance, before finally creating a backup copy of Xiao Wu.
Sigh, let's not talk about it. It brings back so many bitter memories. I don't even dare to think back to how I stared at him for half a year.
Now there was an even more troublesome problem: the carriage had stopped, but the Grand Tutor refused to get out. Shi Mi had no choice but to call out to Bai Heliang: "Counselor Bai, the lord seems to be in trouble. You are strong, please carry him inside."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
