Fifteen, Huan Huan

  The sky had not yet darkened, and Xu Jinliang, the chief eunuch of the Imperial Household Department, came to deliver an edict ordering me to prepare for my nocturnal duties. The Phoenix Carriage was already waiting outside, and it took me into the eastern chamber of the Yiyuan Palace. The sound of the carriage wheels rolling on the stone pavement of the Yong Lane suddenly reminded me of that snowy winter night, when I had heard the enchanting voice of Miao Yin, the imperial concubine who had been favored by the emperor but lost her position because of me. For some reason, I suddenly thought of this woman who had once been so proud and arrogant, and wondered what kind of difficult life she was living now that she had been discarded by the emperor. Despite her haughty and insolent behavior, I couldn't help feeling a twinge of sympathy for her. This carriage, too, was the same one in which she had ridden with joy, expectation, and pride just a few days ago. But now, it was me who sat in it, summoned by imperial edict. I took a deep breath, feeling a chill run down my spine. She was a warning to me, a reminder that no matter how favored I might become in the future, caution and self-restraint would always be essential for survival.

  Fang Ruo came to greet me outside the palace, saw me busy and hurried over to support me, saying softly: "The emperor is still in the western chamber reviewing memorials, it will be ready soon. Please ask the young master to wait for a moment in the eastern chamber."

  Fang Ruo led me into the east room and then retreated. Alone, I waited for a moment, but Xuan Ling had not yet arrived. A person walked out, the west room was brightly lit with lanterns, because it was the imperial study, the concubines could not enter casually. I did not dare to be presumptuous, so I walked alone to the outside of the Yi Yuan Hall and stopped at the foot of the vermilion dragon pillar that reached the sky.

  The moon is a shallow hook, but the moonlight is extremely bright, like mercury pouring down, and the entire Ziyao City is as if it were in a faint mist. In the palace, there are two buildings, Xianglin and Wenxing, which are opposite each other, and they are the highest places in the palace. Apart from this, there is also the Yuyuan Hall where the emperor lives. Standing in front of the hall and looking far away, the continuous palaces, pavilions, and towers are like overlapping mountains, undulating without end. Under the moonlight, all the glazed tiles on the palaces and halls are shining like ripples on a green lake under starlight.

  The jade orchid in front of the palace was half-open and half-closed, its shape was elegant and refined. The night wind was strong, and her long hair was blown into her eyes by the wind, blinding her. So she lightly called out to Xing Xi: "Go pick a branch of jade orchid for me."

  A sprig of purple orchid, with a sturdy and long flower stem, the flower bud just unfolding, like a small lotus, casually using the orchid to tie up her hair, and there is a faint fragrance in her hair. The wind blows stronger, the pale blue long dress flies silently, the clothes are blown tightly against her body, and she can't help but raise her wide sleeves to cover herself.

  Xuan Ling walked up to his side, "It's still a bit chilly on spring nights, don't stand in the draft. Follow me inside." He smiled again, "I've prepared something for you."

  I felt a little curious, and entered the east room. On the table, I saw a steaming hot bowl of dumplings. Xuan Ling sat down with me and said, "Are you hungry? I had someone prepare some refreshments for you."

  It looked like it tasted good, but there was only one bowl. Looking at Xuan Ling, she said: "I'm not hungry, Your Majesty can eat first."

  "I have already used it in the western room, you try it and see if it suits your taste."

  He took a bite, couldn't help but frown and spat it out, pushing the bowl away: "Raw."

  Xuan Ling heard this and smiled slyly: "This is what you said yourself."

  I just realized I was deceived by him, and in my haste, I lightly spat at him. In a huff, I turned around. Xuan Ling got up and walked to me, but I turned away again without looking at him. This happened several times, and even I felt it wasn't right, so I lowered my head. He leaned down to look at me, smiling gently: "My Guan Ying gets angry and looks even more lovely and pitiful."

  I said in a low voice: "Your Majesty is teasing me."

  "Alright, alright." He patted my back lightly. "I didn't intentionally tease you. This bowl of dumplings should have been served to you last night, I've heard that it's indispensable for weddings among the common people. The palace has its rules and restrictions, although I couldn't do everything for you, what could be done was naturally all taken care of."

  Recalling the "breakup" this morning, I was moved in my heart. My body leaned towards him gently and said: "Your Majesty treats me like this..." The deepest part of my heart suddenly softened, and I couldn't say anything more, so I just quietly leaned against him.

  His voice gradually lost its playful tone, with a hint of solemnity, "I saw you for the first time in the Shanglin Garden that day, standing alone under the apricot blossoms, your demeanor was so calm and serene, as if all the hustle and bustle of the palace had nothing to do with you, only you stood aloof from the world."

  I humbly said: "Your servant is not that good. The palace is not lacking in beautiful and talented people, your servant is far from comparable."

  "Why must you compare with others, Zhen Huan is just Zhen Huan, that's the best." The tall and slender man in front of her, wearing a bright yellow imperial robe, had clear and handsome eyebrows and eyes, with a resolute look in his eyes. However, his words were sincere and deep, leaving one helpless to resist.

  I looked up at him, and he was also looking at me. His gaze was both absent-minded and focused, with a mesmerizing glow that made one want to dive in headfirst. I don't know how long we stared at each other like this, but his hand gently stroked my hairline, slowly sliding down to touch the purple orchid, smiling and saying "so elegant". As he spoke, he had already plucked the orchid from my hair and placed it on the table, and my long hair cascaded down. The warmth of his breath was getting closer and closer... For seven nights in a row, the Phoenix Carriage stopped in front of the Tongli Palace gate, taking me to the East Chamber of the Yiyuan Hall. Xuan Ling treated me with extreme tenderness, looking at me with such gentle eyes that seemed to have condensed a pool of spring water from the Taiyi Lake, clearly reflecting my shadow. The fragrance of dragon's saliva was subtle, as if it wanted to penetrate into my bones and muscles.

  It was unprecedented for the emperor to summon her seven days in a row, even the favored Consort Hua had never been summoned for more than three consecutive days. As such, everyone in the palace knew that the newly promoted Consort Yun was exceptionally favored and was already someone who could get close to the emperor. Therefore, people tried to curry favor with her even more, even the palace maids by my side were treated differently by others, but they had long been warned by me not to show any pride or arrogance.

  On the seventh day, as usual, I went to pay my respects to the Empress. That day, the consorts all arrived neatly dressed, although not late, but when they arrived, most of the consorts were already there, and it was still a bit embarrassing. After greeting them according to etiquette, I sat down in my own seat and chatted with the other consorts for a few sentences, just for a moment, and then dispersed.

  Meizhuang and I walked hand in hand back. As soon as we left the Fengyi Palace, we saw Huafei and Liguifei walking slowly in front of us, so we greeted them. Huafei instructed, "Ligui, say to Guifei: 'Sister Guifei usually greets the Empress early, but today she is late, it's really rare.'"

  She smiled and said: "Everyone is diligent, it's just that I'm lazy."

  Li Gui Bin coldly smiled: "I wouldn't dare say that you, Consort Xian's sister, are lazy - after all, serving the Emperor for many days is exhausting, unlike us who don't have to attend to him and can be idle."

  Her face turned purple with rage. This Li Gui Pin spoke so bluntly, without a shred of reserve. If she continued to tolerate her, it would only embolden her further. So, in a slow and measured tone, she said: "Sister Gui Pin has served the imperial family for a long time, surely you know the four characters 'do not speak out of turn'."

  Li Gui Fei's face sank, about to flare up, I smiled and said: "Sister has just entered the palace, everything is not quite understood. If words are lost, I hope that Li Gui Fei will be magnanimous and not take offense." Li Gui Fei glanced at Empress Hua, after all, she did not dare to speak out of turn in front of her, so she could only force a smile and hold back her temper.

  The Empress Hua listened to this and pretended not to hear, turning to Zhen Fei she said: "Consort Hui has been quite free lately, I wonder if she has the time to copy out a volume of 'Analects for Women' (1) for me? It would be good to remind all the women in the palace to strictly follow the rules of propriety and be careful with their words and actions."

  Meizhuang Shuncong said: "As you ordered, sister, how could I not obey? Only I don't know when you want it."

  The Empress stroked her cheek with her hand, seemingly deep in thought. After a while, she said, "There's no hurry, you can take your time copying it down. If I need it, I'll send someone to fetch it." She glanced at Mei Zhuang and added, "It seems that Concubine Hui has lost some weight. Is it because the Emperor hasn't summoned you recently?"

  Meizhuang's face turned red with embarrassment, but she maintained her composure and said: "The Empress Dowager must be joking. It's just that I've gained a bit of weight during the winter months, and now that I'm wearing fewer clothes, I look thinner."

  The Empress smiled lightly, and her beauty was suddenly born. She said slowly: "So that's how it is. Consort Hui and Consort Juan have always been on good terms. I thought that this side of Consort Juan had received the emperor's favor and Consort Hui was uncomfortable in her heart." As she spoke, she turned to me and said: "Consort Juan is intelligent and beautiful, and it is reasonable for her to receive the emperor's favor." Her words took a turn, "Others can be ignored, but since Consort Juan is like a sister to Consort Hui, how could she forget that after receiving special favor, she should also give some of the leftovers to her own sister? If not, wouldn't even Madame Guan and Zhao Zijun be better than her?"

  The Empress's words were already sharp and intimidating. I don't know if Mei Zhuang was also dissatisfied because of my favor, but I couldn't help looking up at her. Coincidentally, Mei Zhuang was also looking at me, and the two of us exchanged a glance, both knowing that the Empress had intentionally provoked us. Our hearts suddenly understood each other, and we smiled warmly at each other.

  Meizhuang smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty had me copy the 'Nü Lun Yu' to instruct the women of the six palaces. How could I not know that jealousy and resentment are a great fault in a woman's virtues? Although Meizhuang is untalented and foolish, my virtues would never dare to be at fault."

  The Empress said: "Although you are blameless in your behavior, it's hard to guarantee that others will be the same. This palace has been here for many years, and I've seen many cases of people's hearts being cold and thin, changing back and forth repeatedly."

  Every sentence in her words has a pointed meaning, and before I could react, I also smiled and said: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your guidance. Since Your Majesty had my sister copy the 'Female Analects' to instruct the people in the harem, it was to prevent the harem from competing for favor and causing trouble. Your Majesty's kindness is profound, and we sisters are not yet able to obey, how dare we go against Your Majesty's intentions? Moreover...” I looked at the golden phoenix hairpin on Empress Hua's temple, which was lightly trembling, "Empress Lü was cruel, Consort Qi was favored, and both Concubine Guan and Zhao Ziyu had miserable ends. Now that the Empress and Empress Hua are virtuous, how can the harem of our ancestors be compared to ours?"

  The Empress's smile on her lips condensed slightly, and the Imperial Concubine Li immediately stepped forward to retort. The Empress's eyes slanted upwards: "Concubine Li has said a lot today, be careful not to slip your tongue." Upon hearing this, Concubine Li could only hold back her anger and retreat quietly. The Empress suddenly smiled cunningly: "Sister's words are truly comforting to hear." As she spoke, her gaze pierced through the Crown Princess, "Concubine Hui and Concubine Guan have been together for a long time, their eloquence has also become more skilled by the day, truly not to be underestimated."

  Her eyebrows moved slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately didn't say a word, and remained silent.

  The Empress Dowager rubbed her temples and said, "I got up early to pay my respects to the Queen Mother and talked for so long. I'm really tired. Let's go back." As she spoke, she leaned on the shoulder of a palace maid, and the group of people went away in a grand procession, passing through the flowers and willows.

  Meizhuang saw Huafei leave from afar, her face lifted, and the palace people all retreated far away to follow. Meizhuang gazed in the direction of Huafei's departure and let out a soft sigh, "She finally couldn't bear it either." Holding my hand, "Let's take a walk together."

  Meizhuang's palm was cool and damp, I took out a handkerchief and put it in her palm. Meizhuang said softly: "You've also experienced it."

  The spring breeze is warm, but in my heart it's cool and moist like Miao Zhuang's palm. I gently sighed: "It's fine if it's just Hua Fei. Sister," I gazed at Miao Zhuang: "Can you blame me?"

  Meizhuang was also looking at me, and her face indeed had a few more marks of fatigue. Before me, she was also favored by Xuanling. Originally, there was the oppression of the Empress, and others were also eyeing her covetously; if not for the Emperor's favor, Meizhuang would have to rely on what means to stand firm in this palace. Meizhuang, if she were to become estranged from me because of Xuanling... I dared not think further, my hand involuntarily tightening its grip on Meizhuang's hand.

  Meizhuang patted my hand lightly, "It's not you, there will be others. If it were someone else, I'd rather it be you." Her voice trembled slightly: "Don't blame me for speaking a selfish word. Others who gain favor might one day come to harm me. Xuan'er, you won't."

  My heart felt a surge of warmth, "Mei sister, I won't, absolutely won't."

  "I believe you won't." Mei Zhuang's voice wafted through the warm spring air, filled with a soft and weak sense of sadness and helplessness, yet her words were sincere. "Xuan Er, in this palace, among so many people, I can only trust you. Ling Rong may be friendly with us, but after all, she didn't grow up with us. If we can't support each other, how are we going to get through the long and lonely years in this deep palace?"

  "Mei sister..." I was moved in my heart, fortunately there is Mei Zhuang, at least there is Mei Zhuang. "Some things are not as expected by Huan'er, nor can they be avoided by Huan'er's efforts alone. But whether or not I am favored, my intentions towards my sister remain the same as before. Even if the Emperor favors me, sister must not distance herself from me."

  Looking at the vast and majestic Taiye Pool, she grasped a willow branch in her hand, "With your and my natural talents, it's expected that we'll be favored. We absolutely can't let them go to waste. Even if we can't maintain our noble status, we must preserve our lives and not implicate our clansmen..."

  I forced a smile and said gloomily, "Moreover, the Empress has already regarded us as her greatest enemies. Our fates are now tied together, we rise and fall as one."

  Meizhuang nodded slightly, "It's not just you and me, I'm afraid that in the eyes of others, even Lingrong and Chun'er can't escape being implicated." As Meizhuang spoke, the willow branch in her hand twisted and turned, until suddenly it snapped in two with a loud "crack".

  The sound of the willow branch breaking was like a drumstick hitting my heart, suddenly startling me. I reached out and took the broken willow from Mei Zhuang's hand. With a gentle touch, I said, "Thank you, sister." As I looked up at the shore of Taiye Pool, a red sun was rising, and I continued, "If it's subjected to too much force, even this resilient willow branch would break."

  Mei Zhuang was still puzzled: "Thank me for what?"

  They walked slowly and quietly along the Taiye Pool, their footsteps echoing in the stillness. The pool stretched out endlessly before them, and I suddenly felt that this road was so long, so long, as if it would never end.

  At night, I still attend to the emperor's bed. In the middle of the night, a light drizzle started falling, and because there were things on my mind, my sleep was shallow. Once I woke up, I couldn't fall asleep again. The imperial favor has been too excessive, and my sharp edges have been exposed, so I've already incurred the dissatisfaction of Empress Hua. At first, the momentum was too strong, but now I'm afraid that there won't be enough follow-up. It's just like how a bowstring that is pulled too tight will easily break - it's the same principle.

  With a gentle turn of her body, the pillow with flower petals rustled softly, and unexpectedly woke up Xuan Ling. He was half asleep and half awake, saying: "How did I wake up?"

  "I hear it's raining outside." The patter of raindrops on the leaves and flowers outside the palace was crisp and clear.

  "Is something on your mind?"

  I slightly shook my head, "Not at all." In the dim orange candlelight, his long hair was like a thick black mist scattered on his arm and pillow.

  "Do not deceive me."

  Turning around to lean against his chest, the yellow silk nightgown's knot came undone, revealing a patch of cool skin on his chest. I raised my hand and slowly tied it back up for him, "Your Majesty, I'm scared."

  "With me here, what is there for you to fear?"

  "The Emperor treats me so well... I... " The voice gradually became lower and almost inaudible, "The Emperor has also heard that one person can receive all the favors, but also bear all the blame."

  Xuan Ling's voice was slightly stern: "What? Someone is giving you a hard time?"

  "No one is making it difficult for me." Although I feel bitter in my heart, this sentence must be said, and finally, I spit it out word by word: "When the rain and dew are evenly distributed, the six palaces are harmonious, and the royal family's descendants and blessings can continue. I do not dare to monopolize imperial favor."

  The hands embracing my body loosened a little, with a gentle gaze, yet staring at me intensely, "What if I refuse?"

  I knew he would agree, the six palaces and concubines had many intricate relationships with the previous dynasty, pulling one hair would move the whole body, he wouldn't disagree. A gloomy feeling in my heart, like the gentle rain outside the palace, slowly I spoke softly: "Your Majesty is a wise ruler."

  "What a bright lord?" He let out a light hum, with a hint of coolness in his throat, like the peppermint oil he often used to refresh himself, that kind of cool and bitter smell.

  "It's been eight days already. The Emperor is busy with state affairs in the previous dynasty, and if the six palaces become a place of resentment, it would be like a fire breaking out in the backyard, only to trouble the Emperor." He listened quietly, his expression silent and calm, I continued: "If the Emperor favors me alone and neglects other consorts, others will inevitably discuss how the Emperor is heartless and forgetful of old loves for new ones." My hands grasped his robes, my voice already choked with sobs, "I, your concubine, cannot let the Emperor be troubled because of me, I am unwilling." By the last sentence, my words were filled with sorrow.

  Perhaps it was windy, the heavy velvet soft curtains were extremely light, the wind was like an invisible big hand, silently passing through the curtains, the curtain shadow moved slightly, and the red candle also swayed slightly, illuminating the changing expression on Xuan Ling's face. His feet were outside the quilt, but he didn't intend to pull them back, a coolness crept up little by little.

  Xuan Ling's hand gradually increased in strength, his cheek tightly pressed against his collarbone, a bit of pain. His legs wrapped around mine, bringing warmth. He closed his eyes, and after a long time, he said: "I understand."

  I too closed my eyes and said no more.

  That night, Xuan Ling indeed did not flip my sign again. Xiao Yanzu had inquired early on and found out that the Emperor went to visit Empress Yan, who had been without favor for a long time, and would likely stay overnight with her. Although unexpected, as long as it wasn't me, I could breathe a sigh of relief.

  It's been seven or eight days since I spent the night in Tongli Palace, and it feels like I've become somewhat estranged. After changing into my sleeping clothes, I still can't fall asleep. My heart feels as though something is missing, and nothing seems to be going right. Empress De, who hasn't seen the Emperor's face for a long time, will surely be overjoyed. How will she tactfully accept his favor?

  Heaved a sigh, casually plucked the strings of the phoenix-tail zither on the jade table, the strings were like silk, his fingertips slid, the long melody flowed slowly like a stream, and what came out was a tune of "Lamentation" (3).

  At fifteen, she entered the Han palace, with a smile like spring's red peach blossoms. The king chose her for her jade-like complexion, and she attended him behind the golden screen. She recommended the pillow on a gentle evening moon, and rolled up her clothes to savor the spring breeze. Who would have known that Zhao Feiyan would steal his favor, with endless resentment? Deep anxiety can hurt people, and green hair turns white like a dandelion. One day, if things don't go as planned, worldly affairs are all for naught. The pheasant exchanges beautiful wine, the dance dress is laid aside, the carved dragon forgotten. Bitter hardships cannot be spoken of, for you, I play the silk strings. My intestines are broken, the strings also snapped, my sorrowful heart restless through the night.

  The melody is not yet complete, but the emotions are already there. Just a few broken sentences, and I sense that something is amiss. The words seem to foretell a general doom, a fate that has befallen many a palace beauty in ancient times. It's as if some hidden terror deep within me has been pierced by a sharp needle, causing my fingers to tremble ever so slightly, and the melody to become discordant.

  The Song of Resentment, The Song of Resentment. In the palace, a woman's love and hatred must never leave any marks, let alone resentment, which is a great taboo for women. What is there to resent? It was I who wanted him to go. Cannot be otherwise... Calming my mind slightly, I changed to a new tune "The Mountain is High" (4): The mountain is high, the moon comes out small. The moon is small, how bright it shines! I have something on my mind in distant lands. One day without seeing you, my heart is secretly sorrowful.

  After playing it several times, Liuzhu couldn't help but ask curiously: "Miss, why do you only play the first half of this tune and repeat it over and over?"

  "My mind is focused on the sound of the zither, my eyebrows and eyes are still, I said lightly: 'I only like the first half of this piece.'"

  Li Zhu didn't dare ask more, so she simply held a lantern on the table and stood quietly beside it. After playing for a long time, her wide sleeves slipped down to her elbows, and the moonlight shone through the window screen onto her arm, as if countless white pear flowers had bloomed on her skin, with a faintly bright luster. The tips of her fingers were slightly painful, and when she turned them over, they had already become red.

  She pushed the zither and walked out. The white moonlight-patterned nightgown trailed on the ground, softly sweeping across the floor in silence. Quietly raising her head to look at the sky, the moon was above the willow trees, today was already the 14th, the full moon was like a silver plate, the jade light spilled over, making the stars in the sky lose their usual color. In fact, it's not perfect, just looking like it is. Tomorrow is the real Mid-Autumn Festival night, the emperor will stay overnight at the empress's Chao Yang Palace according to tradition. Cold eyes watched for half a year, Xuan Ling treated the empress as if they were strangers - indeed, they respected each other like guests. It was just too much like being guests, flowing into mutual politeness and respect. The 15th of every month should be the day the empress looked forward to the most, right? Thinking this way, she couldn't help but feel a little sympathy and pity for the empress.

  At this time, the wind and dew are clear and refreshing. In front of the hall, two sea buckthorn trees are in full bloom, their branches stretching out leisurely from the dust, with delicate green leaves clustering together, and flowers of a tender red color, like a young bride, as if they were the dawn clouds at daybreak, spread out like snow or mist. The moonlight is pale and cold, like white frost, only leaving behind a vague and hazy outline.

  The wind suddenly rises, and the flowers fall like rain, each one sticking to my clothes and sleeves, like tiny drops of rouge. The gentle breeze lifts my long hair, like willow branches flying among the flowers, full of feeling. I stand quietly, unmoving, letting the wind blow my thin sleeves against my wrist bones, with a subtle, almost imperceptible touch. Occasionally, a nightingale's melancholy cry breaks through this clear, watery night color.

  I knew he had arrived, the familiar scent of Longjing tea wafted faintly amidst the floral fragrance, nothing could mask his presence. He didn't make a sound, and I just stood there as if in a state of emptiness.

  He finally spoke, "How long do you plan to stand like that?" but didn't turn around. He heard him approaching, his boots making a soft crunching sound on the fallen flowers. A faint smile rose to the corner of his mouth, and indeed he had come. Suddenly, the smile was suppressed. Slowly turning around, as if suddenly seeing him, hesitated and called out: "Your Majesty."

  He was still half a zhang away, but he had already opened his arms and pounced into his embrace. The golden crown on his head had a thin layer of dew, which reflected the moonlight and shone with a bright light. His hand gently stroked my shoulder, "This makes me heartache, how can I bear to let you go?"

  It seemed like he remembered something, and struggled out of his arms, softly asking: "Didn't the Emperor go to see Concubine Yan? How did you come to Tongli?"

  He smiled: "I've seen her. I came over to see what you're doing since the moon is so beautiful today." His lips lightly touched my forehead, "If I hadn't come, wouldn't it be a waste of your 'Mountain High'? Luckily, I didn't miss such wonderful music."

  She turned her head and smiled, "Hehe", her cheek was hot like she had drunk wine: "The Emperor said so, I have no place to hide." She used her finger to tease his face, "A dignified king, actually learning from others 'listening to the wall'?"

  He grasped my fingers, feigning slight anger, "You're getting more and more daring! Punish you to play another one to atone for your sin."

  Hand in hand, we entered the Yingxin Hall, where Xie Yu and others had already brewed a pot of new tea, arranged some fresh fruit and melons to welcome us, and also had the imperial attendants help Xuan Ling change his clothes. Seeing everyone retreat and close the door, I slightly furrowed my brow and said: "The Emperor's departure this time will likely make Empress De difficult to get over."

  He raised his index finger and lifted my chin, with a hint of a smile in his eyes: "Can you bear to push me to someone else?"

  She pushed him away and took two steps back, saying with great effort and a serious expression: "I've said it, Your Majesty is a wise and enlightened ruler."

  Xuan Ling smiled silently and whispered in my ear: "The foolish monarch has his own advantages - I'll just pretend to be the wise monarch again tomorrow."

  "I'll be the virtuous concubine again tomorrow and go apologize to Empress Dowager with a humble heart." She tilted her head, "Fourth Brother, what piece do you want me to play?"

  He was taken aback for a moment, as if he hadn't heard me clearly, and after a while, he said: "What did you just call me?"

  As soon as she realized her mistake, a chill ran down her spine like ice and snow splashing on her, and she knelt down with a bow, "Your servant has lost etiquette..."

  His hand had already blocked my kneeling posture, and he bent down to pick me up in his arms, with a flash of extraordinary brilliance in his eyes that I had never seen before. "Very good. I like it when you call me that." He sat me on his lap, his tone warm and gentle as the spring sun in April: "Your maiden name is Zhen Huan, what's your courtesy name?"

  "My servants and maids all call me 'Xiang Er'."

  "Hmm. Can I call you 'Xuan Xuan'?"

  Lowering my head, I caught a glimpse of the candlelight flickering on the wall, casting a warm glow over the shadows of myself and Xuan Ling. My heart was as red as a camellia flower, and I softly murmured an "en".

  Lazily leaning on Xuan Ling's body, his voice was as if he had drunk wine, and his kisses fell gently on her neck. "I've been looking at you for a long time just now. Huanhuan, standing under that sea hawthorn tree, you seemed like an immortal banished to the mortal world. Huanhuan, play a tune of 'Tian Xian Zi' for me."

  She stood up, tried the tuning of the zither, and smiled at him with a hint of mischief: "Actually, Huanhuan's playing is not that exquisite, Mei Zhuang's piano skills are far superior to mine, and she still needs to guide me from time to time."

  He smiled and said: "Hui Bin? Let's hear her play a good tune another day."

  The sound of the zither is murmuring, and I feel that the lamp is fragrant and the moon is bright, with a full room of beautiful scenery.

  Just as he was about to fall asleep, there were two knocks on the door. The eunuch's sharp voice called out from outside the door: "Your Majesty."

  Xuan Ling was somewhat impatient: "What's so urgent? Come back tomorrow."

  The eunuch hesitated and replied "yes", but did not hear him retreat.

  I advised: "Your Majesty might as well listen, perhaps it's something important."

  Xuan Ling threw off his clothes and stood up, saying to me: "You don't have to get up." Fang Chao's voice was calm as he called out: "Come in."

  As there were consorts inside, the one who came to respond was Fang Ruo. As a palace maid, she had always been cautious in her tone and expression when speaking before the Emperor, so Fang Ruo simply said calmly: "I report to Your Majesty, Consort Hui's young master has drowned."

  I was startled and lifted the curtain, exclaiming: "Fourth Brother, Mei is not familiar with water!"

  Annotation: (1) "Nü Lun Yu" : also known as "Song Ruo Zhao Nü Lun Yu", written by Song Ruoshen of the Tang Dynasty, with commentary by Song Ruo Zhao. It is one of the "Four Books for Women". Based on the ideas and system of the ancient "Lun Yu", it puts forward strict requirements and basic etiquette that ancient women should follow in terms of thought and behavior. At that time, it was considered a behavioral norm and standard for virtuous women and good wives.

  (2) Empress Guan and Zhao Zhi'er: Concubines of Emperor Gaozu of Han, who were once favored. The two were on good terms with Consort Bo, and the three had previously agreed: "Whoever becomes noble first will not forget the others." Later, both Empresses Guan and Zhao became imperial consorts, while Consort Bo was neglected. Remembering their old agreement, they helped Consort Bo gain Emperor Gaozu's favor, giving birth to Liu Heng, later known as Emperor Wen of Han, and also becoming empress dowager.

  (3) Li Bai wrote this poem, which describes the tragic fate of a palace maid from being favored to losing favor, closely related to the word "resentment" in the title.

  (4) "The Height of the Mountain": Selected from "Lanxue Collection". Written by Song Dynasty female poet Zhang Yuniang. The full text is as follows:

  "The mountain is high, the moon comes out small.

  The moon is small, how bright it is!

  I have something on my mind in a distant place.

  One day without seeing you, my heart is secretly worried.

  Picking and picking, at the south of the mountain.

  My anxious heart, what can I bear?

  Your heart is as firm as gold and stone,

  I am as pure as ice and snow.

  We planned to make a hundred-year-old alliance,

  But suddenly became a one-day farewell.

  The clouds in the morning and the rain in the evening, my heart comes and goes,

  A thousand miles of longing, sharing the bright moon."

  The first half expresses the feeling of missing each other, with unwavering emotions. The second half describes the changes and misfortunes of parting, the difficulty of meeting again, and the anxiety that cannot be resolved.