Chapter 118 Mandarin Ducks Intertwined Necks, Harmonious Melody
Nighttime, Kunning Palace.
The Empress, dressed in a bright yellow satin nightgown, was sitting in front of her dressing table, having her maid comb her hair.
She was frail for many years, and her hair was dull and dry. She always carefully maintained it with osmanthus hair oil, which is how she grew her hair to be as smooth as silk.
Granny Sun approached slowly and reported in a low voice, "Tonight, Consort Jin went to Qianqing Palace and rested there."
The Empress closed her eyes to rest, feeling the smoothness of the jade comb as it brushed through her hair.
She showed no surprise whatsoever, simply saying, "I understand."
This morning at the provincial capital, she announced the grand conferment of titles upon the imperial harem.
The favor originally intended for the investiture ceremony of the Imperial Concubine was divided up. Although Imperial Concubine Jin outwardly agreed, she must have been resentful in her heart.
All of this was something the Empress had anticipated.
She said softly, "Granny, tomorrow at noon, send the list of names I have drafted for the grand conferment of titles upon the six palaces to the Emperor."
A knowing glint flashed in Granny Sun's eyes. "Yes."
The Empress has always been a shrewd strategist and a man of great understanding.
Born into the Ruan family, the former Consort Li was easily manipulated by the Empress, let alone this Consort Jin who came from a lowly background.
Everyone knows this.
Of all the flowers, only the peony is truly a national beauty.
——
The night was deep, and all was quiet.
The candles in the Qianqing Palace remained lit. The Emperor called for water twice tonight, which was only because of Consort Jin's pregnancy.
The light, soft silk skirt had been torn apart and was no longer wearable. The magnolia blossoms by her temples had been rubbed raw and left on the floor beside the bed.
It was only after Tinglu went to Yongle Palace to retrieve her nightgown and then helped her apply powder again after her bath that she was able to lie comfortably in Emperor Zhaoheng's arms and read the Book of Rites with him.
Emperor Zhaoheng held a book in one hand and wrapped the other arm around Shuixian's still slender waist, gently placing it on her lower abdomen.
Whenever he turned a page in the book, he would lightly tap her warm, jade-like skin with his index finger, and Narcissus, nestled in his arms, would proactively raise her hand to turn the page for him.
Reading in this way is naturally slower, but having a beautiful woman by your side adds a unique charm.
"emperor......"
Narcissus turned another page, but instead of withdrawing her hand, she stroked his jawline, gently caressing it.
"What's wrong?"
Emperor Zhaoheng looked down at her, and what met his eyes was her charming and alluring demeanor.
The man's heart softened instantly; his satiation of many days was satisfied, and now it seemed that Emperor Zhaoheng would agree to anything she asked for.
Narcissus's eyes were like a pool of spring water, as if she was shy from his burning gaze.
Her fair cheeks gradually took on a rosy hue, making her even more alluring.
Narcissus didn't make any demands of him; she simply hugged him tightly, saying, "I don't ask for a lifetime of monogamy; I only wish to hold your hand and grow old with you..."
She spoke shyly, embarrassed, "Your Majesty, I only wish to stay by your side forever."
Emperor Zhaoheng put down his book, held her hand firmly, and his eyes were filled with tenderness.
"I grant your permission."
Emperor Zhaoheng had never seen such a sensible woman.
He leaned down and kissed her flushed cheeks, then pulled away and kissed her soft, delicate lips.
The flickering light from the candlestick cast the intertwined shadows of the two figures on the couch.
Mandarin ducks intertwined their necks, their zithers and lutes playing in harmony.
That's all...
......
The following day, Emperor Zhaoheng had lunch alone in the Qianqing Palace after court.
After lunch, Granny Sun, who served the Empress, brought the roster.
Upon entering the hall, Granny Sun first bowed to the Emperor and then presented him with the roster.
Granny Sun said respectfully, "Your Majesty, may you be well... This is the list of names proposed by Her Majesty the Empress for the grand conferment of titles upon the six palaces. Her Majesty the Empress has drafted the list, and we would like Your Majesty to make the final decision."
Emperor Zhaoheng took the register and glanced at the names on it.
He had never heard of the grand investiture of the six palaces, and raised an eyebrow in surprise, asking, "Isn't the ceremony for Consort Jin's investiture as a Noble Consort being prepared now? When will the grand investiture of the six palaces take place?"
Granny Sun's eyes darkened slightly.
She thought to herself: Something's not right... Last night, Consort Jin came to Qianqing Palace to spend the night. Wasn't it because Her Majesty the Empress was going to bestow titles upon the six palaces?
Consort Jin must have felt that her investiture ceremony, which was originally meant to be hers alone, was now being shared with others, which is why she came to the Qianqing Palace last night to complain to the Emperor.
After all, although Consort Jin has been promoted to Imperial Noble Consort, if the other concubines were promoted at the same time, it would seem that Consort Jin is not so important.
After much deliberation, Granny Sun said, "Yesterday, Her Majesty the Empress mentioned that it is currently the investiture ceremony for the Imperial Consort. Why not let all the concubines in the harem share in her favor..."
She replied flawlessly, "Her Majesty the Empress consulted Consort Jin, and the Consort agreed."
Yesterday......
Emperor Zhaoheng recalled that Shui Xian had come to Qianqing Palace to see him last night. If it were anyone else, she would have definitely tried to charm him and bring up the fact that his investiture ceremony had turned into a grand investiture of the six palaces.
But Narcissus didn't mention it at all last night...
"...Your Majesty, I only wish to hold your hand and grow old with you..."
Her soft voice echoed in his mind, and the image of her alluring figure from last night seemed to float before his eyes...
Emperor Zhaoheng's fingertips lightly traced the edge of the register, and he thought to himself:
Perhaps, as she portrayed herself, Narcissus was indeed an extremely simple person.
She was so naive that she didn't even realize that if her own imperial concubine ceremony were held together with the other concubines, it would be a case of the guests overshadowing the host.
Xian'er is so naive; he needs to devise plans for her...
Emperor Zhaoheng opened the register, glanced at it, and then handed it back to Granny Sun.
His expression was unreadable, and he said in a deep voice, "The Empress is very considerate; let's do as she says."
As Granny Sun carried the register toward Kunning Palace, a faint unease rose in her heart.
Did Consort Jin really not mention it at all last night?
How is that possible?
When Her Majesty the Empress heard last night that Consort Jin was staying at Qianqing Palace, she smiled knowingly, knowing that Narcissus would become arrogant because of the Emperor's favor, and would complain to the Emperor about the diminished favor, and even ask the Emperor to rescind his decree.
Even if the emperor agrees to Narcissus's request, he will still harbor some resentment in his heart.
If she does not respond, Narcissus will surely harbor resentment, and a rift will inevitably develop between her and the Emperor.
The Empress was pleased with either outcome.
But now... Granny Sun gripped the edge of the roster tightly, her face showing worry.
The narcissus was able to remain calm and not utter a single word?
Is he truly uninterested in power and favor, or is he simply using cunning tactics to advance by retreating?
Granny Sun exhaled a deep breath, and the white mist condensed in the cold air before dissipating in a moment.
She composed herself and quickened her pace.
Whatever the reason, this matter must be reported to Her Majesty immediately.
——
Not long after, at Yongle Palace.
The sour thorn pastries that Consort Tuoba brought were something never seen in the Central Plains before. Shui Xian specially asked Ting Lu to brew tea to accompany the pastries.
The fruit called sour thorn makes extremely sour pastries, which have a unique flavor when tasted carefully.
Narcissus had been experiencing nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy sickness for several days, but this dessert made her feel much better.
Seeing that Narcissus was being used frequently, Tuoba Guiren's heroic eyebrows relaxed, and his smile curved into a cheerful one.
"I'm glad my sister likes it!"
"These sour thorns are a winter treasure. When I was little, I often went with my mother to pick them. I didn't care if my fingers were frozen red, just because I loved that sweet and sour taste."
Her eyes sparkled, as if she were seeing a scene from the grasslands.
"The berries of the sour thorn are small and golden, hanging on the white, snow-covered branches. When the sun shines on them, they look like agate beads, and they are extremely beautiful!"
Narcissus imagined the scene and couldn't help but smile: "Hearing you say that makes me yearn for it."
As they were chatting and laughing, Tinglu tiptoed in, looking somewhat hesitant, and her gaze unconsciously swept over Tuoba Guiren.
Shuixian picked up the third piece of sour thorn cake and said casually, "Sister Tuoba is not an outsider, so please speak freely."
Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Tuoba Guiren's face.
She stood up and said with a smile, "You guys chat. I was worried that my sister wouldn't like the sour thorn cake, so I brought less of it."
"Now that I see my sister likes it, I'll go back and get some more."
Narcissus smiled and said, "Go ahead, the roads are slippery in the snow, be careful on the way."
This is why she trusted Consort Tuoba.
She promoted Tuoba Guiren in order to counterbalance Yi Shuyao.
The two then became friends.
However, this friendship was like that of gentlemen, light as water. Apart from daily interactions, Tuoba Guiren appeared rough, but in reality, he was meticulous and never overstepped the bounds.
This is also one of the reasons why Shui Xian admires Tuoba; she feels that Tuoba is someone she can get to know deeply.
After Consort Tuoba left the main hall, Tinglu whispered her report.
“Your Majesty, our people just saw that Granny Sun, who serves the Empress, came out of the Qianqing Palace. She had just delivered the roster there.”
Upon hearing this, Narcissus did not pause in her movements at all.
She picked up another piece of sour thorn cake from the plate and ate it, savoring it carefully before slowly wiping her fingertips with a silk handkerchief.
Just as I expected.
The Empress's move was ostensibly a gesture of favor to the six palaces, showcasing her virtue as Empress, but secretly, it served two purposes: to diminish her prestige and to test her character.
If she had truly gone to cry and complain last night, it would have played right into the Empress's hands and put her in a bad light in the Emperor's eyes.
Fortunately, she was no longer the sincere Narcissus she was in her previous life.
The heart of an emperor is as deep as the sea; how can it be squandered recklessly based on mere momentary favor?
What she wanted was never just that bit of glamour.
The Empress's methods were exactly what she had expected, but they also made her realize that this Empress was not as indifferent to worldly affairs as she appeared.
Everything is just beginning...
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