Chapter 1089: Conquest (3)
"Last year, Qiu Shui and I gathered the first snow together," Empress Xian De tasted a mouthful and smiled, "It was very sweet. This year, when the winter snow falls, I'll gather more. If the emperor likes, you can come and see it together."
Emperor Yongle looked at her, was silent for a moment, and said, "This winter, while I am still here, I will accompany you."
Empress Xian De's hand trembled, and a large drop of tea poured out and fell on the back of her hand, making her hiss in pain.
Seeing this, Emperor Yongle fumbled for a handkerchief, took her hand, wiped it, and scolded her: "Why are you so careless?"
The water was not wiped away, but instead became more and more.
Empress Xian De cried.
Her tears also dripped onto the back of her hand, warm and hot, even hotter than the boiling tea. She said, "Your Majesty, why do you have to say such hurtful words to make me sad?"
Emperor Yongle paused and looked at her: "Qingzhen..."
"Since I entered the palace, I've been very sensible in my position as Empress. I know everything I know and what I don't know. I never complain about anything the Emperor does. But even at this point, does the Emperor still treat me like this?" Her words were all accusations, but her tone was very calm, as if even though she was filled with grievances, she couldn't get angry at Emperor Yongle. She said, "The Emperor disdains to coax me, insisting that I stay awake until the very end. But doesn't the Emperor know how painful it is to stay awake?"
Emperor Yongle paused for a long time.
After a long time, he picked up the handkerchief again and wiped the tears from the back of Empress Xian De's hand. He said, "Qing Zhen, besides my mother, you are the only woman I have let down in my life. You are the only one who can stand by my side."
"I know exactly what it feels like to be sober. I have no choice."
Empress Xian De stared at the scented tea in her cup and asked, "Has the Emperor made up his mind?"
"I've made up my mind. My mother once said that heroes emerge in every land. I can't be a hero, but I'm content to have managed to maintain Daliang to its current state and to have dealt with the Lu and Ye families in my lifetime. The rest of the journey will depend on Xie Yuan. I can't control what happens next, but," he paused before continuing, "I still hope that, as my mother said, Daliang will prosper, its reputation will be clear, and the throne will last for generations."
"Qingzhen," Emperor Yongle sighed, "I don't know when I will fall, nor do I know when I will wake up again. If that day comes, you must do what I tell you to do. After that, you can live the life you want. It doesn't matter if you are sober or confused, as long as you are happy."
Empress Xian De lowered her head, meticulously rubbing the rim of her teacup. After a long while, she looked at Emperor Yong Le, a faint smile on her face as she said, "Your Majesty, do you still remember the first time we met? I brewed scented tea for you?"
At that time, Empress Xiande's mother brought her to the palace to meet Empress Dowager Jingxian, who was already selecting a wife for Emperor Yongle. That day, some young ladies from other ministers' families also came, performing their art of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting in front of Emperor Yongle, all for the privilege of a high position.
She sat alone in the corner, smiling quietly, observing everything with indifference, seemingly unconcerned. Neither the lofty throne of Empress nor the handsome young Emperor caught her eye.
Empress Dowager Jingxian asked her if she had any talents.
What was Empress Xian De's answer at the time? She said, "Your humble servant is dull and has no special skills. I just make tea for my father and brother at home. They think it's very nice."
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