Two, dusk color

  Thus, Ling Rong's song echoed every night in the Shui Qing Nan Xun Hall.

  No matter who attends to her bedtime, Ling Rong's song of breaking through the clouds and illuminating the moon will still echo in the Taiping Imperial Palace.

  Xuan Ling's treatment of her was neither overly indulgent nor not indulgent at all. Following the rules for favored consorts, she was promoted in rank after serving in the bedchamber. Originally a sixth-rank beauty, she was between me and Mei Zhuang, Chun'er, with the lowest rank among us. Now that Mei Zhuang has been demoted to a regular attendant and Chun'er is also a regular attendant, Ling Rong's position is now just below mine.

  I am naturally delighted with the promotion of Ling Rong. However, apart from happiness, there is a thread of inexplicable loss and discomfort, not as wholeheartedly joyful as when Mei Zhuang was favored at that time.

  Perhaps, it was just for that one accidental glimpse of a crow painting - the jade face is not as pale as the crow's color, still carrying the shadow of the morning sun. Such faint self-pity and envy... It made me determined to support Ling Rong, but in my heart, I also left a slight grudge.

  But in such a deep palace, with Ling Rong's status and circumstances, it is reasonable to feel self-pity. She couldn't help but mock herself for not being a magnanimous person, even suspecting Ling Rong, her close friend and sister. Zhen Huan, have you forgotten the days when we lived together in the Zhen manor?

  Slightly relieved.

  Ling Rong's favor in the eyes of the people in the harem seemed more like a second Miao Yin. She was not of high birth, but had a clear and beautiful appearance, and was favored for her singing voice. However, Ling Rong was gentle and quiet, not only obedient to the emperor, but also polite to the other consorts, without any of the arrogance of Miao Yin. Not only did the empress dowager approve of her, but even Xuan Ling praised her for being harmonious and humble.

  Ling Rong is as good to me as ever. Or rather, even better. Every day after paying respects to the empress dowager, she must come to my Yifu Pavilion to sit and chat, with an attitude that is intimate and harmonious.

  Xuan Ling's favor towards Ling Rong seems to be unable to make him feel at ease, instead he always appears timid and cautious in his responses, evoking sympathy from others.

  Ling Rong's eyes were misty as she grasped my sleeve and said: "Sister, are you blaming Ling Rong? I didn't intentionally try to win your favor."

  I stopped trimming the flowers in the vase and smiled at her: "How could I? You have today, I'm still not happy enough. It was my own doing, how could I blame you?"

  Ling Rong's voice trembled with sobs, her eyes pleading: "If sister is even slightly displeased, Ling Rong will never again see the Emperor."

  I didn't want to say anything, but she said that and it made me even more unable to say anything. I just smiled and said: "Don't talk like that, it sounds like a child's tantrum. How can the bride not see the groom because of the matchmaker?"

  Ling Rong's face suddenly broke into a smile, her expression serious: "Sister, why are you teasing me? As long as sister doesn't blame me, it's fine." Her laughter caused her waist to sway gently, and the black silk of her hair shook the jade drop earrings and pearl tassels, which swayed with her movements, emitting a brilliant light like morning dew.

  I just smiled and took her hand to teach her how to use flowers, grass, branches and leaves to create the most beautiful style.

  In her heart, Ling Rong was indeed not bad to Xuan Ling. Her residence naturally moved away from the original place and relocated to the exquisite building "Fengying Pavilion" by the side of Fan Yue Lake. The palace maids and eunuchs were naturally not mentioned, and even the rewards came down one after another, very generous. With Ling Rong's favor and the Empress Dowager's secret help, Consort Hua was gnashing her teeth but could do nothing about it, and she had three more points of fear towards me. Fortunately, I was slightly at ease, with all my heart planning for Mei Zhuang.

  The days maintain a calm surface, going on as usual.

  Since Ling Rong gained favor, her moving singing voice stirred up Xuan Ling's passion for music and dance. As a result, night feasts were often held in the palace, and after the banquet, they would also rest in Ling Rong's Fengying Pavilion.

  Since entering the palace, I have never seen Xuan Ling so infatuated with singing and dancing. I couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. However, after hearing the Empress mention it privately, Xuan Ling had also loved this kind of music and dance party before, but after the death of the Pure Yuan Empress, he rarely indulged in such revelry again.

  The queen's expression seemed to be indifferent to the smile and joy that Ling Rong brought, speaking in a calm and peaceful tone, with her eyes cast down, her long eyelashes like the wings of a crow, casting a blue shadow on the smooth skin under her eyes. She was focused on teasing a five-flower cat named "Songzi". This cat was a rare animal from the State of Guile, with five-colored fur, evenly colored flowers, and oily and smooth hair, like a piece of high-quality satin. The gray and black stripes on its face were like those on a tiger's face, and its green eyes shone brightly. What's more, it had been domesticated to be extremely gentle, which the queen liked very much, saying "Tiger-shaped cat nature, unique in people's hearts". Except for eating and sleeping, she almost always held it in her arms.

  The queen's slender fingers, as white as porcelain, were stained with a bright and beautiful crimson nail polish, like the most delicate rose lip gloss on a young girl's lips. It was particularly eye-catching against the fur of the cat. She looked up at me and said, "Come over and hug Xiangzi, it's very well-behaved." My smile was slightly hesitant, but I didn't dare reach out my hand. The queen smiled immediately, suddenly realizing, "I forgot that you're afraid of cats."

  I smiled and said: "The Empress is concerned about me, a trivial matter like this is also on her mind."

  The queen handed the lynx cat to the palace maid beside her, smiling and saying: "Actually, although I like it, I am also careful all the time. After all, it is a beast. If I accidentally get bitten by it, it will not be good."

  I smiled and said: "Your Majesty is worrying too much. Songzi was raised by you personally, and she's very gentle."

  "Is that so?" The queen stroked the intricate golden embroidery on her sleeve, seemingly smiling yet not quite: "Human hearts are hard to fathom, let alone beasts. The closer and more tame they are, the easier it is to let one's guard down."

  The queen's words were laced with meaning, but I pretended not to understand. The queen didn't say anything more, just smiled: "It seems that the Empress Huai doesn't like An Mei Ren very much."

  It is said that the Empress was very resentful behind her back, scolding Ling Rong as a seductress who caused the Emperor to indulge in sensual pleasures. Xuan Ling heard about the Empress's words and didn't get angry, just saying "women's jealousy" with a smile, and then often took Ling Rong together at banquets, making Ling Rong even more humble, which made the Empress furious but unable to vent her anger.

  It was night, and as usual, a nocturnal banquet was held in the palace. The princes and nobles all brought their families with them, and the cups and dishes were interchanged, while shouts of "Long live the Emperor" resounded through the halls.

  Prosperous and flourishing world, drunk on wealth and blinded by luxury.

  Li Chang lightly clapped his hands, and the sound of silk and bamboo instruments echoed in the hall. Countless beauties with delicate features, long hair flowing down, wearing seven-colored embroidered flowers, fluttered into the hall like butterflies, singing and dancing. Each one had an extremely charming face, an extremely slender figure, flying and dancing in the soft music and the crowd's gaze, flying out of the beautiful and elegant posture, the soft and beautiful arms swaying and swinging, as if smoke waves were surging, fragrance blowing in front of them, making people unable to keep up, dizzy and infatuated.

  The Empress and Imperial Consort Hua sat on either side of Emperor Xianfeng, while I sat opposite to Rong, accompanying them at the lower table.

  The lady opposite, with delicate eyebrows and eyes, wore a crimson hundred-pleated skirt covered in layers of silk gauze, a pale blue sash tied around her slender waist like a willow branch. On her raven-black hairpiece, pearls and jade sparkled, and as she smiled, her lips seemed to conceal a subtle, alluring beauty. One couldn't help but sigh that although the lady's beauty was not naturally stunning, it had an added charm under the elaborate makeup.

  Ling Rong slowly poured wine into a cup and walked forward to present it to Xuan Ling.

  Xuan Ling smiled and took a sip, finishing it in one gulp. Empress Hua coldly smiled and pretended not to see.

  "An Mei Ren is so diligent, we sisters are really neglectful. I'm truly ashamed."

  Ling Rong's face turned red and she fell silent, hastily taking her leave and going down.

  Xuan Ling said to Tian Gui Ren: "Bring me the fruit in front of you."

  The gentle and noble lady smiled happily and softly said: "Yes." Then she smiled again lightly: "Your Majesty also has, why must it be the concubine's?"

  Xuan Ling Xiao sneered: "I see you have fruit but don't bother eating it, instead you love to talk. Why not give your fruit to me, so it won't go to waste."

  The noble lady's face turned red and her ears were burning, not wanting to say a word that would provoke Xuan Ling's ridicule. For a moment she was stunned, and after a while she forced a smile and said: "Your Majesty loves to joke with me." After speaking, she dared not say more.

  The brocade curtain gently sways and flies, the fragrance of wine and the powder of women entwines to produce a sultry and intoxicating meaning.

  She lightly held a round fan scented with sandalwood in front of her nose, covering the faint cold smile at the corner of her mouth.

  The chess move was indeed good, and it won the admiration of Xuan Ling. However... The few trees with red flowers outside the palace were dyed crimson by the last rays of the setting sun, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, and together with the green shadows of the thousand bamboo poles behind them, they were reflected on the beautiful window screens, making people forget what day it was today.

  I suddenly feel that all this splendor and glory is not as moving as a single streak of sunset outside the window.

  Taking advantage of no one's attention, he quietly slipped out under the pretext of changing clothes.

  The sky is shrouded in mist, a hazy crescent moon hangs low, its light wandering through the dense and majestic halls, pure white, like a sheet of ice, as if afraid that the sharp corners of the palace eaves would pierce its serenity. In the imperial garden, the fragrance of flowers overflows, thick lights and faint shadows densely intertwined and overlapping, enveloped in a silver halo.

  It's already late July, and the nights are no longer sweltering hot, with a hint of coolness.

  Embroidered soft-soled shoes with pearls stepped on the stone slab of the nine-turn corridor, connecting the hem of the skirt, making a soft rustling sound.

  Walked far away, alone stepped on the Tung Blossom High Platform.

  The name is Tonghua, for people to climb high and look far, to await the four seasons. Taking the meaning of "Tonghua Wanli Road, Lianchao language does not stop".

  The wutong tree is originally a tree of utmost chastity and conjugal love.

  In the past, Consort Shu gained the favor of the previous emperor, Longqing Emperor, and the two had a deep affection for each other. However, Empress Dowager Xiaojing was dissatisfied with Consort Shu's humble origins and did not allow her to be formally appointed in the Forbidden City. The Longqing Emperor then gathered skilled craftsmen from all over the country to build the Tonghua Pavilion in the Taiping Palace to welcome Consort Shu into the palace for the formal appointment ceremony. It wasn't until Empress Dowager Xiaojing passed away that Consort Shu gave birth to the sixth imperial son, Xianqing, and was formally appointed as a Noble Consort within the Forbidden City.

  Occasionally flipping through the "Zhou Shi", the historical records of this legendary concubine who was born with a questionable background but achieved great things with the emperor, only had a few sentences: "Concubine Ruan, daughter of Ruan Xianyuan, entered the palace at the age of 17 and received special favor from the emperor. She was crowned as the queen and gave birth to Prince Qing in the tenth month of the tenth year. After the emperor's death, she voluntarily moved out to live in a Taoist temple." This brief account is already a summary of a woman's life. However, the late emperor's love for her was still evident on the Tonghua Platform. The Tonghua Platform was 39 feet high and paved with white jade stones, with crystal palaces and pillars shining brightly. The edge of the platform was planted with beautiful trees such as osmanthus and paulownia, their leaves lush and dense. Imagine in the spring and summer, when the flowers bloomed, they were either as white as snow or light purple like mist, fragrant and elegant. Concubine Shu and the late emperor would hold each other and admire the flowers, whispering sweet nothings to each other, what a romantic and beautiful scene it was.

  I sighed secretly, "Tonghua Wanli Road, Lian Chao Yu Bu Xi", what a deep love, what a dense and secret intention.

  The only emperor in the history of China who spent his whole life loving only one empress was Emperor Longqing. However, if an emperor loves only one person, it may also be the root cause of chaos in the harem and the imperial court.

  Perhaps emperors are destined to bestow their favors equally among the six palaces of beauties.

  A faint smile, since I'm already so clear about it, why bother adding more sorrow.

  That person has gone, and the current Empress Dowager thinks that the Peach Blossom Pavilion is too extravagant and not beneficial to the country, so it has been gradually abandoned. Moreover, this pavilion is located in a high and remote place, and there are very few people who come here on ordinary days. Even the palace maids and eunuchs responsible for sweeping and cleaning are lazy, and the handrails and steps are covered with thick fallen leaves and dust. The empty platform is overgrown with weeds, and the once-luxuriant trees have withered, but the wildflowers and weeds on the ground are thriving and full of vitality.

  I am melancholy, no matter how beautiful and good things are, they are just fleeting moments like floating clouds.

  Under the clear and cold moonlight, a small cluster of white flowers is in full bloom on the corner of the pavilion. The vines are lush and green, winding and lovely. The flower stems are as slender as a woman's eyebrows, the flowers quietly hold their beauty, pure white without any fragrance, the thin petals still carrying pure dew drops, delicate to the touch. Unconsciously, I feel a sense of tenderness, carefully stretching out my hand to gently caress them.

  Suddenly a clear voice came from behind: "Don't you know what kind of flower this is?"

  My heart skipped a beat, this place is desolate and remote, how did a man's voice suddenly appear. And when he approached me, I didn't notice at all. Suppressing the fear in my heart, I turned around and shouted loudly: "Who?"

  It was only when I saw him clearly that I felt a little relieved, knowing that I had been rude, and feeling slightly embarrassed. He looked at me with a smile, neither hastily nor slowly: "Why do you always ask who it is every time you see Xiaowang? It seems that Xiaowang's appearance really doesn't leave a deep impression on people."

  "I bowed slightly and said: 'Your Highness always likes to appear suddenly behind people, it's hard not to be startled.'"

  He smiled: "It was Yu'e who walked up to Xiao Wang's front without realizing that Xiao Wang was indeed not hiding behind Yu'e."

  My face felt slightly warm, the trees on Tonghua Platform were lush and dense, perhaps I hadn't noticed that he had already arrived.

  "Why didn't you speak up earlier, Your Highness? The concubine has been too presumptuous."

  His gaze, like moonlight, turned slightly on my face. "Xiao Wang sees that Ji Yu has a great deal of sorrow today, unlike usual, so he didn't dare to disturb her rashly. Unexpectedly, he still startled Ji Yu, which is not what Xuan Qing wishes." His tone was sincere and not as frivolous as last time. The soft moonlight fell on his eyebrows, revealing a hint of worry.

  I secretly wondered, but remained calm and said: "It's just a slight intoxication, thank you for your concern, Your Highness."

  He seemed to see through my secret sorrow, but with a faint smile like mist, he didn't come to expose it. He just said: "Jieyu seems to like the small flowers on the corner of the stage."

  "Indeed. It's just that this flower is rarely seen in the palace, it's quite unique."

  He walked slowly over, picked a flower and sniffed it lightly between his fingers: "This flower is called 'Yu Yan'. Indeed, it shouldn't be in the palace. People in the palace wouldn't plant such a short-lived flower."

  I was slightly surprised: "Flowers also have a short life? I thought only women could be said to have a short life."

  He slightly concentrated his mind, as if he was thinking of something, but soon smiled lightly at me: "People say that this flower is humble and only blooms in the corner of a wall. It blooms in the evening and withers by dawn. Quietly holding its elegance, it also quietly falls without anyone to appreciate it. That's why people say so."

  I also smiled: "Is this considered a thin fate? The concubine thinks that this flower is quite different from the others. Evening face?"

  "It means a beautiful face under the sunset." As soon as the words fell, I heard him say the same thing to me, and couldn't help but smile: "Does the king also think so?"

  Tonight's Xuan Qing was like a different person from the previous time, standing quietly and elegantly in the summer night's moonlight and fragrance of flowers. Her voice was clear and resonant, like the curved moon in the sky. I also gradually relaxed, stretching out my hand to brush away the hair blown up by the wind.

  He stood with his hand on the jade railing, under the moonlight, the tranquil and peaceful palace was like a lake surface filled with countless sparkling starlights. Over ten thousand lanterns, pearl-encrusted lampshades, shining brightly, flowing silk ribbons, and precious belts, all intertwined and dazzling. It's hard to describe the splendor of the vermilion gates, golden pavilions, snowy reflections on crystal windows, and jade-made palaces.

  I feel that wealth and luxury are so far away from me, all that's left in front of me is a small cluster of evening primrose quietly blooming.

  "I heard that the beautiful woman who sang at the banquet a few nights ago, sitting beside the Emperor, was introduced by Consort Yu." He looked at me, only smiling lightly, his lips curling up into a smile, cold and clear to the point of being desolate. "Is Consort Yu's sadness for her?"

  Her heart sank slightly, and she unconsciously took a step back. The golden hairpin with a jade butterfly ornament on her hair quivered incessantly, its icy wings and rounded pearl gently touching her forehead, as a faint, distant smile floated onto her cheeks. "The prince is joking."

  He let out a soft sigh, his gaze drifting elsewhere. "Jieyu has probably heard that gathering favor on one's person is the same as gathering resentment on one's person. When an emperor's favor is too great, it's like being placed on top of hot coals - it's also extremely arduous."

  I lowered my head, a chill rising from the bottom of my heart, and said, "Your Highness seems to be deeply moved today."

  He slowly said: "Actually, having someone to favor is a good thing. If one were to gather three thousand favors and become the object of resentment in the six palaces, then Xuan Qing should cry for Concubine Wei."

  I bowed my head in contemplation, feeling grateful and said to him: "Thank you, Prince Wang."

  "Actually, Jieyu is clever and astute, and Xiaowang's words are also unnecessary. However, with Xiaowang watching coldly from the sidelines, Jieyu seems to have entered a state of confusion."

  She lowered her eyelids, and he actually understood so thoroughly, a faint smile, "The king's words are clear to the concubine."

  His hand stroked the waist-long flute, and a faint light flashed: "Zhe Yu has feelings for the emperor, right?" My face turned slightly red, but before I could speak, he continued: "The emperor is the ruler of a country, and some things are also helpless. Please forgive the emperor." He let out a gentle sigh, and then a bright smile bloomed on his lips, "Actually, Qing is grateful that he is not an emperor, many troubles can be avoided."

  I couldn't help but chuckle: "For instance, you can marry multiple wives and concubines that you like, rather than being influenced by politics." I smiled again, "Your Highness's good name is known throughout the land, I'm afraid you're probably the dream lover of many women in their boudoirs."

  He suddenly lost his smile, the golden crown on his forehead twinkling like ripples on water. Then he became solemn and said: "Qing only hopes to have a person with one heart to accompany him, not seeking a beautiful wife or concubine like clouds." Seeing me cover my smile with my sleeve, he said: "Doesn't Concubine believe what Qing says? Qing thinks that if you marry many wives and concubines, they will only make each other jealous. If you truly care for one person, you must not make them sad."

  I felt a little disheartened and lost in thought upon hearing this, he saw the situation and said: "I don't know why, but I've told you many absurd things that I wouldn't tell anyone else. Don't take it to heart, Consort Wei."

  I said solemnly, "If it is as the king says, then it will be the good fortune of the six queens in the future. The concubines must bless them." After a brief pause, "Today, what the king said to me is indeed beneficial. I will remember it in my heart."

  His handsome face was shrouded in a thin layer of smile, with a faint hint of melancholy between his lips, like the snow on the eaves of a swan's nest at the end of autumn, cold and frosty, yet imbued with a warm and sorrowful air. "No need to thank me, Imperial Brother," he said. "As an outsider, I shouldn't have spoken so much. It's just that...I don't want you to spoil Consort Wei too much, lest she follow in the footsteps of our mother empress one day and spend her days beside the cold lamp and ancient Buddha." His gaze was distant, as if he were looking at a place far away, his back slightly swaying like ripples on water.

  I spoke words of comfort. Suddenly, I was struck by the deep-seated pain he had been hiding, and my body felt a chill - it turned out that there were many twists and turns in this matter. It seemed that Shu Guifei did not leave home voluntarily. Even with the favor of the emperor's three thousand concubines, she could not guarantee her own safety after giving birth.

  The struggle among palace women, no matter how much favor you have had in the past, is still a matter of one day's rise and fall, success or failure.

  But past events are of no use, knowing more than me has no benefit at all.

  I took a step closer and said softly: "Your Highness, if you grieve excessively, Concubine Shu will know and even in front of the Buddha, she won't be able to rest in peace. Please consider Concubine Shu's feelings."

  The moonlight shines on Xuan Qing's fluttering sleeves, casting a translucent glow.

  He is silent and I am silent too. The wind whispers through the leaves of the trees, rustling softly in my ears.

  Suddenly thought of a phrase I had seen before "warm and smooth as jade". Not bad, it's indeed "warm and smooth as jade".

  In that instant, I felt something was off and turned to look elsewhere. The gentle breeze on stage blew his hair into a flutter, also causing the pale blue shirt to rustle softly. As the damp night air soothed my cool skin, I slowly savored the deeper meaning behind his words. After a long while, he spoke in a slow, hazy tone: "Yexie, is it just like a flower that only blooms for one night? Just like an affair that cannot be seen by others and is not accepted by the world?"

  My heart was greatly shocked and secretly uneasy. The silver thread embroidered with lotus flowers on the sleeve edge, cool and warm, brushed against my arm, I couldn't speak.

  The old affairs of the palace, are not something I should know about. However, the affair between Empress Shu and the late Emperor is known to all, their love that defied the world's great unrighteousness must have been a sad yet persistent one.

  Xuan Ling doesn't have a fraction of the feelings for me that the late Emperor had for Consort Shu.

  I looked up and saw that the moon had shifted a few points to the west, so I picked up my skirt and bid farewell. "It's been a while since we came out, and the palace maidens are probably looking for us already, so let's take our leave."

  Take two steps back, and he said: "Last time I suddenly offended Tang Tujue, I especially apologize." His voice gradually lowered: "The day of Wen's birthday was the day when Queen Mother left the palace ten years ago. Qingyi was momentarily indulgent and couldn't hold himself, losing his manners."

  There was a faint warmth in her heart, and she smiled as she looked back: "I don't know when the king said it, but the concubine has already forgotten."

  He heard this and was slightly stunned, a smile spreading across his face under the moonlight, "Alright! Qing has also forgotten."

  Yang Fei's colorful skirt swept across the dusty jade steps like a light cloud. I stepped down from the stage, surrounded by shallow moonlight, and heard his faintly melancholic sighs echoing behind me, wondering if he was sighing for me or thinking of his mother, the queen.

  "Dew moistens the evening face, lovely and elegant. Flowers are enhanced by the water's light, adding a subtle fragrance. I suspect it is someone with deep feelings, gazing at me. The evening face is resplendent, fragrant and delicate. As dusk falls, all becomes hazy and obscure, how can I catch a glimpse of your true appearance?"

  (3) Evening face, that is a kind of beautiful, sorrowful flower. With the loveliness of snowflakes, it has a heartbreaking beauty and is easily withered.

  It was a sorrowful night, and I met someone who had the same sadness in their heart as me.

  I let out a soft sigh, and this sweltering summer is about to pass so quickly, autumn is coming before I know it.

  Note: (1) "Tonghua Wanli Road, Lian Chao Yu Bu Xi": From the poem "Zi Ye Ge". Describes the affection and intimacy between lovers.

  (2) Evening primrose: Actually calabaza flower, often blooms in wall corners and crevices, evening blooming and morning wilting, legend has it as a short-lived flower.

  (3) From "Genji Monogatari Emaki" by Tachibana Seki