Twenty-Fifth, Startled Goose (Part 2)

  She slightly calmed down, tidied up her clothes and quietly returned to the banquet, involuntarily looking for Empress Hua first. She saw that she was still sitting alone drinking wine. Ling Rong hastily said: "Sister, where did you go? You've been gone for so long and Brow Sister has already sent people to look for you several times."

  I smiled faintly: "I got drunk and slept in a side hall for a while, who knew I overslept."

  Ling Rong let out a soft sigh and smiled: "Sister Xiang is having a sweet dream, while sister Bai is worried sick."

  Just as I was speaking, I saw Xuan Ling walking towards me and said: "Your maid said you went to change your clothes, why did it take so long?"

  "I was drunk and slept for half a day before waking up."

  "I'm also getting a bit drunk, let someone bring up some fruit to sober me up." The palace maid quickly brought up fresh colorful fruits from the well water, the snow-white porcelain plate held the fruits that still had sparkling water droplets on them, extremely tempting.

  The queen smiled and said: "Others are nothing, but this lotus root is newly dug from the lake, it's very tender." Everyone laughed and thanked her for tasting.

  Cao Jieyu walked over with a gentle smile and said, "Today's song and dance are indeed grand, but they can't help feeling a bit too rigid. This is a family banquet, and everyone present is a close relative, why not think of something more relaxing to do?"

  Xuan Ling Dao said: "Today you are the host, what ideas do you have, speak up and let's hear them."

  "I think that the sisters in the palace must have their own strengths when serving Your Majesty, why not write them down on paper and draw lots to see who gets what, then perform it in front of everyone to entertain the guests, what does Your Majesty think?"

  Xuan Ling nodded and said: "This idea is quite novel. Let's do it as you say."

  Cao Jieyu busied herself preparing, but soon brought over a celadon vase with a floral pattern, "Lady Honghua is pregnant and should not be overworked. Let me take on this task of drawing lots instead."

  Xuan Lingdao said: "How about it? You're the one who came up with this idea, why don't you go perform a segment yourself?"

  The Empress Cao said: "I have no special talents, I can only play with pearl necklaces. It's really hard to get on the stage of elegance. I've thought about it, no matter what each of you sisters performs, I'll give a string of pearls as a token of my sincerity. Your Majesty, do you think that's okay?"

  "That barely passes."

  Mei Zhuang said beside him: "What if the paper slip drawn is not a certain sister's long item, what to do?"

  Cao Jieyu smiled and said: "Even if it's not a strong point, the skin and hair will still understand something. Besides, we are sisters who see each other every day, so just do as you please."

  The banquet has been going on for half a day, and the music of silk and bamboo has also become tedious. When Cao Zhenyue proposed this idea, everyone thought it was interesting and eager to try. The imperial concubines have always vied with each other to show off their treasures, competing in wit and beauty. Now that they see this move, which is also a matter of competing for favor in front of the emperor and empress, they all harbor the intention of outdoing each other.

  Cao Jieyu drew the empress's attention with a pair of "shou" characters, one written by each hand. The empress was renowned for her exquisite calligraphy, which was unmatched in the imperial harem, and it was even more remarkable that she could write with both hands simultaneously. As soon as the two "shou" characters were revealed, everyone present burst into applause.

  Duan Fei, being frail, had already returned to rest. Feng Shuyi composed a poem; Tian Guiren and Qin Fangyi jointly performed the song "Feng Qiu Huang"; Liu Liangyuan painted a picture of "Guanyin sending her son". Each showed off their elegance.

  Cao Jieyu raised her hand and drew a paper slip, saying: "This is Zhen Wenyi's." As she unfolded the paper slip, she smiled first: "Please sister to perform 'Surprise Swan Dance'." Turning her head to Xuan Ling, she said with a smile: "Sister's appearance is originally 'like a flying dragon, like a startled swan', and I happened to draw this one, it can be seen that it is destined to be danced by sister, sister must not refuse."

  With hands slightly curled, "Surprise Goose Dance" was originally created by Tang Xuanzong's concubine Mei Fei, but it had been lost for a long time. Empress Yuan loved music and dance, and after searching for the original dance, she revised it with great effort. The dance shook the world, and from then on, whether in the palace or among the people, it was all the rage. Wherever there was a well, there were women performing "Surprise Goose Dance". However, this dance is extremely difficult to master, requiring strict requirements for body shape and figure. It takes at least three to five years of foundation to dance, and seven or eight years of practice to achieve some success. If danced well, it's a wonder of the world, but if not, it becomes a laughingstock, ridiculed by all.

  Xin Gui Fei was a straightforward person, and her face had already shown a few hints of disdain: "Zhen Wei Yi is still so young, how can she perform 'Surprise Swan Dance'? It's really forcing someone to do something difficult."

  Cao Jieyu smiled and said, "Xin sister is underestimating Wen Yi too much. Sister has always been clever, this 'Surprise Swan Dance' is something that all women can dance, how could she not know it? Besides, even if she doesn't dance as well as the former empress, it's understandable. As sisters, they can just follow their hearts and don't need to take it too seriously."

  Xin Gui Fei originally sympathized with me, but instead made Cao Jie Yu so angry that she couldn't say a word, and in a huff, turned her face away and refused to acknowledge her.

  The originally solitary Empress Hua spoke up, "If you can't dance, then don't dance. Why force it? The late Empress once danced and moved the world. I suppose now there's no one who can compare to her." After speaking, she didn't say another word, raised her head and downed a cup.

  This is obviously a provocation. A chill ran through her heart, and she had already thought it through thoroughly. If she didn't dance, she would inevitably be ridiculed for being the emperor's new favorite, Zhen Shi, who was mediocre and untalented, and had gained a reputation in vain, losing face for the imperial family. If she did dance, if she danced poorly, she would definitely be laughed at; if she danced well and won everyone's applause, today would be a great opportunity to gain favor. But if one day she didn't please the emperor, she feared that someone with ulterior motives would accuse her of being disrespectful to the late empress. The current empress was the younger sister of the late empress, and the emperor had been deeply in love with the late empress since they were young, so if she were slandered like this, her future days in the palace would be difficult.

  The queen's face changed slightly as she heard the mention of the former queen for the third time, and she looked at Xuan Ling. Seeing that Xuan Ling seemed to be thinking deeply, she said softly: "The 'Surprise Swan Dance' is easy to learn but difficult to master, let's not do it, how about we change to something else?"

  Meizhuang and Ling Rong both frowned. Meizhuang knew that I had always been infatuated with poetry and books, and did not pay attention to singing and dancing, so she repeatedly made eye contact with me, wanting me to decline this dance from the Emperor. When the Empress spoke up, I hastily agreed, saying: "Yuanyi is also drunk and shouldn't be dancing."

  Xuan Ling gazed at me for a moment, then said slowly: "It's been a long time since the palace performed the 'Surprise Swan Dance'. I'd like to see it again. Yuanyi, just dance casually."

  It was the emperor who spoke, and I could no longer decline. Taking a deep breath, I walked slowly to the center of the grand hall. Everyone was ready to see me make a fool of myself: how would Zhen Shi, who had been fortunate enough to win the emperor's favor with her poetry and elegant speech, manage to dance out a "breathtakingly beautiful" pose? Probably it would be more like a "flustered bird" pose.

  Mei Zhuang suddenly stood up, smiled at the emperor and said: "The usual sound of silk, bamboo, pipes and strings is too common, it's better for me to play the zither and An Xuan to sing a high-pitched song to help Yuanyi get excited."

  I know Mei Zhuang is willing to help me, using the sound of the qin and singing to distract everyone's attention. I take a look at Ling Rong, and Mei Zhuang again hopes that Ling Rong will catch the emperor's eye, so as to lend us a helping hand. This is also an opportunity, but I don't know if Ling Rong will agree?

  The emperor nodded and said, "Go get Consort Shu's 'Longing for Each Other'." A eunuch quickly brought the guqin that I had played in the South Fragrance Hall that day. In the past, Consort Shu had been favored by the previous emperor, but due to her status at the time, they had a long and difficult love affair before they were able to be together. On the day that Consort Shu entered the palace, the emperor specially gave her a guqin named "Longing for Each Other" and a flute named "Longing to Guard" as tokens of their love. After the previous emperor's death, Consort Shu asked to leave the palace to cultivate herself, so the guqin and flute were left in the palace.

  Meizhuang tuned the strings a few times, nodded vigorously at me. Lingrong made a curtsy to the emperor and sat down beside Meizhuang, looking at me with concern. I nodded slightly, and Lingrong began to sing in a soft, melodious voice.

  Joyful, dancing, my people also rise. Except for the elegant sound of Mei Zhuang's zither and Ling Rong's singing voice, the entire Fu Li Palace is silent, as if there was no one around. The wide sleeves dance like scattered clouds, the pearl rings on their heads shake rapidly, making a tinkling sound, their waists are soft like willows, gradually leaning back and forth, the purple flowers in the courtyard are swept away by the dancing sleeves, stirring up a flurry of petals, just like the apricot blossoms that I kicked into flight that day.

  The song's melody is elegant, the eyebrows are solemn and the piano sound is crisp. I focus on dancing with all my heart. In my mind, I secretly think that Cao Zhenyi underestimated me too much. She thought that since I came from a family of poetry and etiquette, I wouldn't be skilled in dance. Although I was fortunate enough to gain favor with the emperor through my poetry and literature, I understand that it's not necessary to show off all the good things at once. Having surprises in unexpected places can capture the attention of the people you want to attract.

  I'm not worried about my dancing skills, as my aunt from Jiangnan taught me dance when I was young. At the age of 7 or 8, I heard that Empress Chun Yuan performed the "Surprise Swan Dance" and stunned everyone who saw it. In my small mind, I had a competitive spirit, so I asked my father to invite a dance teacher who had accompanied Empress Chun Yuan in the palace to teach me. I also studied "The Goddess of Luo" and all the historical materials related to "Surprise Swan Dance" with Consort Mei. After ten years of hard practice, I achieved this level of skill.

  It's just that my "Surging Swan Dance" originated from the creation of Empress Chun Yuan, and all the movements and postures are imitations of hers. How can I make it so that while following in her footsteps, I also have my own style, without being accused of disrespecting the late empress? In this moment, I must dance out a new idea, which is truly a difficult task, making me rack my brains.

  Suddenly, a clear and melodious flute sound rose up, winding and flowing like a green wave rippling, light clouds emerging from the mountains. A whirlwind dance appeared, and Qinghe Wang stood in the courtyard, holding a purple flute to his lips, playing leisurely. Under the scattered purple flowers filling the sky, his snow-white sleeves fluttered like the wind. With just a few notes, the melody had already departed from the ordinary "Surprise Swan Dance", like the tide of a green sea, fallen petals of jade, rising two tones higher, and even more prolonged and leisurely.

  Mei Zhuang's expression changed, and she followed Qinghe Wang after a slight pause. Ling Rong also switched to a new song.

  A weight off my mind, extremely delighted. This Qinghe Wang playing freely has allowed me to break away from the constraints of my usual dance moves, and with a flick of my sleeve, I am carefree and unrestrained. The petals of the Zi Luan flowers are fluttering about, brushing against my temples, falling onto my sleeves, and then drifting along with the melody into an endless fragrant sea of clouds.

  Just as the joyful music was reaching its climax, the elegant sound of the guqin gradually faded away, replaced by a few discordant notes that trailed off weakly. I hastily turned my head to look back and saw Mei Zhuang frowning and covering her mouth as if she were about to vomit. In the brief moment before I could think further, Qinghe Wang tossed the purple flute at me and quickly sat down on the "Longing for Each Other" mat, stroking the strings of the guqin.

  Mei Zhuang was helped down to rest by the busy palace maid. I took over the purple flute, and immediately had a plan in mind. In the past, Mei Fei Jiang Cai Ping was favored by Tang Xuanzong because she was well-versed in poetry and music, and excelled at singing and dancing, which deeply delighted Xuanzong. Mei Fei "blew the white jade flute, performed the 'Surprise Goose Dance', and shone brightly", earning her the nickname "Mei Jing" from Xuanzong. Now that I have a flute in hand, I can start dancing again, and naturally won't be compared to the elegant and empty-handed Pure Yuan Empress, let alone be accused of disrespect or overstepping my bounds. Besides, the 'Surprise Goose Dance' originated from Mei Fei anyway, so it's not off-topic either.

  With the flute already at her lips, her feet spun even faster, spinning so that her skirt flew out like a pomegranate flower blooming radiantly, and her jade pendants fluttered like water. The people around her became a circle of white shadows, yet she was not short of breath or disordered. One melody flowed to the end.

  As the rotation interval heard the sound of Xiao chasing after the flute, it was familiar and knew that Xuan Ling was playing, and his heart was even more joyful. A glance flew over, seeing him looking at her with affection and concentration, his expression just like when they first met. His heart warmed up, no longer resentful about the Water Green South Fragrance Temple incident.

  The flute and zither harmonized, the sound of the guqin floated gently, the singing voice was soft and lingering, gradually slowing down, as if it existed but not. My body was like a willow tree being blown by a strong wind, slowly sinking down, following the tail of the flute's sound, slowly stabilizing. The pure white and light gauze skirt fluttered open with my low bow, spreading out into a snow-white flower, placed on top of a crimson rug. I looked up at Xuan Ling, who was walking towards me, he stretched out his hand to help me up and held me in his arms, whispering softly in my ear: "How many more surprises do you have that I don't know about?"

  She smiled and said: "It's just a trivial skill, only enough to amuse Your Majesty."

  Sidling up, Cao Jieyu's face changed slightly, and in an instant she stood up with a smile to say to Xuan Ling: "Your Majesty thinks that I am right? My younger sister is indeed clever and can perform dances that ordinary people cannot. She is not inferior to the late Empress."

  Before her voice had fallen, the empress gazed at Cao Jieyu with a seemingly smiling yet not quite smiling expression and said: "Why did Cao Jieyu repeatedly bring up the late Empress's 'Surprise Swan Dance' today? This palace remembers that when the late Empress created this dance, even Consort Hua had yet to enter the palace, let alone you, Jieyu. How do you know what the late Empress's dance was like? And how can you compare Zhen Wanyi's dance with hers?"

  Cao Jieyu heard the empress's tone was not good, greatly different from before, and smiled awkwardly: "Your servant was mistaken. Your servant also only heard with her ears, unable to see the late empress's dancing posture is your servant's regret."

  Xuan Ling slightly frowned and didn't respond to Cao Jieyu, but softly asked me, "You've been jumping for so long, aren't you tired?"

  I smiled and said, "I am not tired. I have never seen the late Empress's wonderful performance of 'Surprise Goose Dance', it is indeed my misfortune. The 'Surprise Goose Dance' I performed today is an old tune imitating Consort Mei's style, how can the glow of a firefly be compared to the bright moonlight of the late Empress?"

  Xuan Linglang burst out laughing and let go of my hand, turning to Qinghe Wang and saying: "Sixth brother, you're late! You'll have to be penalized with three cups of wine!"

  Xuan Qing raised his cup and smiled: "My younger brother has already played a tune to help the new sister-in-law's dance, how can you not pursue my younger brother just to see the new sister-in-law's face?" He said, drinking it all in one gulp.

  Xuan Ling Dao said: "The flute sound of 'Chang Xiang Si' must be paired with the piano sound of 'Chang Xiang Shou' to be called unparalleled." He pointed at me and Mei Zhuang separately, saying: "This is Wan Yi Zhen Shi, Rong Hua Shen Shi." Turning his head to see Ling Rong, he asked: "Who is singing this song..."

  Ling Rong saw the emperor and asked about herself, hastily kneeling down and saying: "Your servant is a selected lady-in-waiting of the An clan."

  Xuan Ling said "oh" and ordered her to get up, casually saying: "Reward." Without looking at Ling Rong again, he took my hand and sat down beside the emperor's seat. Ling Rong was stunned for a moment, then bowed silently and retreated.

  I turned around with a faint smile and returned the purple flute to King Qinghe, saying: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your help. Otherwise, I would have become a laughing stock."

  He smiled calmly: "You're being polite." He sat down on his own seat. I saw him with a straight waist and a dignified demeanor, like a jade tree or a Guanyin in the moonlight, no longer with the frivolous and arrogant look from earlier. In my heart, I secretly laughed at how even the most carefree person has to put on a show in front of others. Looking around at the four kings in the courtyard, King Qi of Huiji was just an ordinary man; King Yu of Nanyang had impressive military achievements, but judging by his appearance, he didn't seem like someone you'd want to get close to - and since Huafeng's father, Murong Xuan, was under him, I should be extra cautious. Although King Pingyang was still young and his birth mother was from a humble background, he had an elegant demeanor when interacting with others, making it impossible for people to look down on him. He was indeed the most outstanding among all the kings of the "Xuan" generation. As for Xuanqing, despite his great reputation, he was just relying on his talent and being arrogant, having only a good appearance but nothing more.

  Xuan Ling pulled me down to sit beside him and said to Xuan Qing, "Sixth brother is skilled in poetry, today watching the dance, will there be some excellent work?"

  Xuan Qing said: "Your Majesty is joking, I have made a fool of myself."

  After a brief moment of contemplation, he grasped a brush in his hand and began to write on the rice paper. In an instant, he finished writing and handed it over to Xuan Ling. Xuan Ling took it and looked at it, already beaming with joy, repeatedly exclaiming: "Good! Good!" As he spoke, he recited in a clear voice:

  "In the southern land, there is a beautiful woman,

  Lightly swaying her green waist as she dances.

  At the luxurious banquet on the ninth autumn evening,

  Her flying sleeves brush against the clouds and rain.

  She floats like a green lotus leaf,

  And rises like a playful dragon.

  Beyond the creek, she surpasses the beauty of the past,

  The Wu lady halts by the white sandbank.

  Her slow movements are endless,

  Her intricate postures stretch to the end.

  With a low hum, she breaks through the waves,

  Amidst the snowflakes and wind, her movements are chaotic.

  As she loses her hairpin, it flows with the stream,

  And as she adjusts her skirt, it seems to touch the void.

  Alas, I can only lament that I cannot grasp her,

  For she has flown away, chasing after the startled swan."

  Xuan Ling's enthusiasm grew as he recited, and when he finished, he smiled at me and said: "Sixth Brother's poetry is becoming more refined. This five-character poem is like a dance unfolding before my eyes."

  The emperor said so, and the crowd naturally echoed and applauded. Only King Runan looked disdainful in his eyes, put down the wine glass on the table, and was very disapproving. Queen Runan hurriedly pulled his sleeve to hint that he shouldn't spoil the fun. I pretended not to see, bowed my head and said: "Today, I have the honor of seeing the high talents of the six kings, and also receiving praise from Your Highness, it's a great fortune for me."

  The queen nodded and smiled: "Although the emperor is not good at writing poetry, his evaluation is first-rate. Since the emperor said it's good, it must be good."

  Xuan Ling smiled and said: "Huan Huan has just been crowned as the queen, why don't you compose a poem to harmonize with hers?"

  She smiled slightly, intending to decline and make excuses, but when she looked up, she saw Qinghe Wang standing with his hands behind his back, smiling. He took a sip of wine slowly and said, "I've long heard that the inner chambers are full of poetic talent. In the past, there were Zhuo Wenjun and Ban Jieyu, and more recently, Mei Fei and Yu Xuanji. I wish to receive instruction from you, Lady Wan."

  After some thought, she tapped a pair of ivory chopsticks on the crystal bowl and sang in a soft voice: "Sweat drips from new clothes, painting is not done, silk urges urgent festival, dance clothes are light. Fallen flowers surround the tree, suspiciously without shadow, returning snow from wind secretly has feelings." (7) After finishing her poem, she glanced at Xuan Ling with flowing eyes, and then smiled sweetly: "The concubine's talent is shallow, how can this clumsy work enter the king's eyes, just laugh at it."

  Xuan Qing's eyes lit up, her gaze as gentle as a feather brushing against my face. A hint of a smile played on the corners of her mouth, like a thin ray of winter sunshine floating on the ice and snow. "What a wonderful phrase 'Snow returns from the wind with hidden emotions'! Imperial Brother's Wen Yi is not only clever and talented, but also has a warm and gentle affection for Imperial Brother. Imperial Brother's good fortune is indeed profound." She raised her cup: "I toast to Imperial Brother and Wen Yi!" With one swift motion, she drained the cup.

  Xuan Ling finished the wine in his cup, grasped my arm and said softly: "Drink slowly, it's easy to choke after just dancing and drinking too hastily."

  Huán Xīng smiled and said: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am overwhelmed by the wine."

  Xuan Ling took the wine cup from my hand, smiled and said: "I'll drink it for you." Xuan Ling drank the remaining wine in my cup, then turned to Li Chang and said: "Go and have the poems written by Liu Wang and Zhen Bijun today engraved and well preserved."

  Li Chang and others immediately said: "Congratulations, Prince Wang, congratulations to Concubine Wei."

  The empress smiled and said, "Why haven't you gone to pass on the imperial edict? Zhen Shi has been promoted to third-rank Concubine Wei."

  Everyone stood up and toasted me, "Congratulations on the joy of being promoted to Imperial Concubine." I turned my head and saw Mei Zhuang smiling at me with a smile, and I also smiled back at her.

  Everyone sat down again to drink and enjoy the feast, when suddenly they heard a very faint sound of sobbing coming from under the nearby seat. The sniffling was incessant. He couldn't help but frown slightly: on such a joyful day, who dared to spoil the mood by crying?

  As expected, Xuan Ling followed the sound and looked over to see that Empress Hua was frowning deeply, her eyes shining with unshed tears, and she seemed to be on the verge of collapse. Empress Hua had always been proud of her identity as "the number one consort in the harem" and never showed any weakness in front of others. Now, however, her eyes were bright with tears, like a pear blossom after a spring rain, and her hidden sorrow was palpable, making me feel even more pity for her.

  A cold smile at the bottom of his heart, as expected.

  The empress's expression turned slightly displeased, "Why is Consort Hua crying? Is there something unpleasant?"

  The Empress hastily rose and knelt down, saying: "Your servant is terrified, and for a moment lost her composure, disturbing the pleasant mood of Your Majesty and the Queen. I hope that Your Majesty and the Queen will forgive my fault."

  Xuan Ling calmly said: "Empress Hua, if you have any grievances, just speak up."

  The queen looked at Xuan Ling deeply, silently and wordlessly.

  The Empress Hua forced back her tears and said, "I have no grievances. I just saw Zhen Bijun performing the 'Surprise Swan Dance' earlier, and for a moment, my emotions were stirred up, which is why I lost my composure."

  Xuan Ling Rao smiled with interest: "In the past, when Empress Chun Yuan wrote 'Surprise Swan Dance', you hadn't entered the palace yet, how could you have sentimental feelings about it?"

  The Empress Hua bowed again and said: "I have been quietly waiting in the palace for days, and I came to read books and articles. I saw that there is a piece of Tang Xuanzong's Mei Fei 'Lou Dong Fu' (8). After repeated tasting, I had some enlightenment. 'Surprise Goose Dance' comes from Mei Fei, who was favored at the time; 'Lou Dong Fu' was written when she was closed in the Shangyang Palace. Today, seeing 'Surprise Goose Dance' and thinking of 'Lou Dong Fu', I am deeply saddened by Mei Fei."

  Xuan Ling Rao was delighted, "You've never been interested in poetry and books before, yet now you have such enthusiasm."

  "The Empress Hua gazed at Xuan Ling and said, 'I am foolish and ignorant. I have heard that poetry can soothe the emotions and cultivate one's nature. I know I have no virtue and no talent. If I do not cultivate myself and nurture my nature, I will truly have no face to serve the king again.'"

  "Since you're so moved by 'The East Chamber Ode', would you recite it for me?"

  The imperial concubine responded with a soft "yes", and with tears in her eyes, she slowly recited: "Jade mirror dusty, phoenix bed empty. Lazy cicada's clever combing, idle silk's light exercise. Bitter loneliness in the palace of fragrance, only suspicious thoughts in the orchid pavilion. Believing the fallen plum blossoms, separated by the long gate and unseen... Your feelings are entwined, deeply narrated. Vowing to be constant as the mountains and seas, like the sun and moon without rest... Thinking of past joys that cannot be had, dreaming of them in a daze. Passing through the flower-filled dawn and moonlit evening, shyly facing the spring breeze..." By the time she reached these lines, her voice was already choked with sobs, and it was hard for her to continue. Such a sorrowful demeanor moved everyone who heard her to sigh.

  King Yunan could not help but stand up and say, "The matter of Concubine Hua is the Emperor's family affair, I shouldn't have interfered. However, Concubine Hua has served the Emperor for a long time and hasn't committed any major mistakes that I've heard of. If there's been any neglect in her service, I hope the Emperor will consider her many years of accompanying him and pardon her."

  Xuan Ling couldn't help but whisper to the Empress: "It's really hard for you." After a moment of contemplation, he said: "Get up. The place where you are living now is too remote, move to Shen De Hall to live, it's also closer to me."

  The Empress's face showed joy and she wept with gratitude, hastily knocking her head to thank him.

  I picked a lotus root and put it in my mouth, with a smile on my face. The Queen's rise was expected, but it came so quickly. Seeing the Empress's slightly pale face beside Xuan Ling, the current situation is clear: the Queen has the support of the King of Runan and her father serving in the military, and she may soon regain control over the six palaces, with an even more powerful momentum than before.

  These days are going to be tough again... I recall the scene of serving in the Shuiqingnanxun Palace last night.

  Just as I reached the outer hall, Fang Ruo stopped me, "Several officials from the Imperial Cabinet have arrived, Young Master, please go to the side hall and wait for a moment."

  The night was quiet, and the side hall was near the main hall. The night wind blew, and a few scattered sentences entered my ears: "Now the court is fighting in the southwest, Huafu's father Murong Xuan died under the command of King Runan, hoping that the emperor will think thrice."

  "Empress Hua may have committed a great fault, but at present when the court is in need of people, the matter should be handled with flexibility."

  What's the hurry? I couldn't help but smile wryly. The battle in the southwest was a tough one, and who knows when it will end? Once we win and return, there will naturally be grand rewards and promotions, and I fear that at that time, Empress Hua's arrogance will only grow stronger.

  However... when I entered the palace, all the officials had already dispersed. The Emperor lay alone with his eyes closed, resting his spirit. Upon hearing me enter, he didn't even open his eyes and merely said: "I have a severe headache, come help Me massage it."

  He left as he said. The hall was quiet, with the fragrance of jasmine flowers mixed with a hint of peppermint oil's cool and bitter scent. I knew that when Xuan Ling encountered difficulties in governance and had a headache, he would use peppermint oil.

  His hands moved gently, and he asked softly, "Does Fourth Brother have something on his mind?"

  Xuan Ling said: "Huan Huan, you've always been good at understanding people's intentions. Come, take a guess what's troubling me?"

  "The Emperor's heart is on the world, naturally it is for the troubles of the court."

  "You're right," said Xuan Ling, "the harem is also a part of the world, and I must worry about it too."

  He wanted me to say what I already knew in my heart. Perhaps he was also reluctant to do so, but he hoped it would be me who would persuade him.

  A cool breeze sweeps across the lake's surface, bringing with it waves of frog calls and lifting thin shirts.

  I said softly: "The queen is also very hardworking in taking charge of all the big and small matters in the harem, someone should help her share her worries."

  "What do you think?"

  "Actually, Imperial Consort Hua has been assisting the Empress for many years and can lend a helping hand. Moreover...” I paused for a moment before continuing: “The past incident was actually Lady Li's fault, it may not have anything to do with Imperial Consort Hua. If Your Majesty continues to cold-shoulder her for too long, it might lead to people gossiping. Besides, Your Majesty only minded that Imperial Consort Hua was being somewhat arbitrary, the lesson given this time is already sufficient, I think she will be more restrained from now on."

  Xuan Ling was silent for a moment, then reached out and pulled me into his arms. "The Empress's matter will probably cause you some distress in the future. But don't worry, I'll definitely protect you."

  I too fell silent, leaning on Xuan Ling's shoulder, "For the Emperor, I have no grievances."

  But it's just a play in which everyone has a role... I quietly looked at the queen, perhaps today's affairs are more troublesome for her than for me and Mei Zhuang.

  The banquet ended, and everyone went their separate ways.

  I passed by Cao Jieyu's side and suddenly stopped, whispering in her ear: "Sister wants to ask Sister Jieyu a question, that piece of paper with 'Surprise Swan Dance' written on it has been held in your sleeve all along, right?" With a smile, she said: "So sister's dance today was actually arranged by you for me, how thoughtful of you."

  Cao Jieyu supported the palace maid's hand and said calmly: "What did Zhen sister say? As an elder sister, I couldn't understand."

  I raised my eyes to gaze at the vast, cloudless blue sky. "Sister Min Hui naturally knows that without 'Surprise Swan Dance', there would be no 'Lou Dong Fu'." I said lightly, "Empress Huai has never been fond of books, how did she suddenly develop a love for poetry and songs? Mei Fei's 'Lou Dong Fu', which was written with deep emotions, failed to bring her good fortune again from Emperor Tang Xuanzong, but instead moved our Empress Huai to impress the emperor. It seems that Mei Fei's spirit is aware of sister's painstaking efforts and will smile in the underworld."

  Cao Jieyu smiled lightly: "Whatever you say, sister. I'm not good at arguing anyway. You might have some free time in the next few days, why not take good care of Shen Ronghua's fetus instead? That's what the Emperor really cares about."

  Annotation: (1) Light as a flying dragon, gentle as a startled swan: From Cao Zhi's "Ode to the Goddess of Luo", singing the praises of Empress Zhen, wife of Emperor Cao Pi.

  (2) Water Moon Guanyin: Buddhist scriptures say that Guanyin Bodhisattva has thirty-three different forms of Dharma body, and the painting depicts a shadow in the water as the Water Moon Guanyin. See "Lotus Sutra - Universal Gate Chapter". Later used to describe a man's elegant appearance.

  Yuan Dynasty · Wang Shifu's "The West Chamber" First Volume First Act:

  "The fragrance of orchid and musk remains, the sound of jade pendants fades away.

  The east wind sways the willow branches, the peach blossoms are entwined with silk threads,

  The pearl curtain veils the lotus face.

  You say it's the mansion of the Prime Minister by the river, I say it's the Water Moon Guanyin appearing in the South Sea."

  (3) Originated from Tang Dynasty **Yu Guang Wu's Feelings**. Alas, I am not talented, and have borrowed the poems and writings of past generations for my own use, hoping to be forgiven.

  (4) From the Tang Dynasty, Gu Kuang's "Wang Langzhong Ji Xi Wu Yong · Dance" (5) "Lou Dong Fu": Tang Xuanzong's Mei Fei was defeated by Yang Guifei in a struggle for favor and lost favor with Xuanzong. She lived alone in the Shangyang East Palace for over ten years, never seeing the emperor again. Mei Fei was talented and elegant, writing "Lou Dong Fu" to express her feelings and loneliness in the cold palace, as well as her longing for Xuanzong. After reading it, Xuanzong was deeply moved but, due to Yang Guifei's influence, only rewarded her with a bushel of pearls and did not summon her again.