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墨書 Inktalez
Empress Dowager Mingxi seemed to have anticipated Xiao Luo's question. She set down the Silk Handkerchief in her hand and began to turn the Buddhist beads, her expression shifting slightly. "Luo Er, the Empress Dowager promised you that if you were to ascend the throne, Xi Ruo would be your consort. But have you ever asked Xi Ruo if she is willing to enter the palace? You are a ruler, and between a monarch and his subjects, there lies a distinction. If Xi Ruo enters the palace, knowing your temperament, you would only favor her. The harem is filled with many concubines, and the whispers of the people can be daunting. Can you bear to let her carry the label of 'favored'? With her gentle nature, how long do you think she could survive in the palace?"
Xiao Luo was taken aback, his expression gradually changing.
Seeing the shift in her son's demeanor, Empress Dowager Mingxi revealed a bittersweet smile. "You may protect her for a time, but not for a lifetime. I understand your affection for her, which is why I have already made plans for you. I see clearly that Xi Ruo is not suited for palace life; keeping her out is truly for her own good. Luo Er, on the battlefield, you are unmatched, but when it comes to matters of the harem, I have sharper eyes than you."
Xiao Luo lowered his gaze and ceased to argue.
"All these years you've been fighting at the borders, unaware that after the General's Residence fell into decline, Chu Xiruo has not had an easy life. Fortunately, this child is wise; fearing it might distract you, she has always reported good news and concealed her troubles. She worries that if you learn of her hardships, it might lead to your downfall. Moreover, there are many who would seek to use her against you. If it weren't for me watching over her, she would have long become a wandering soul."
Xiao Luo suddenly looked up, about to speak, but was silenced by Empress Dowager Mingxi's calm words. "I know what you want to say. I have only given birth to a prince in this life and no princess to honor me. Shuang'er often comes to the palace to keep me company; it brings me great comfort..."
"Does the Empress Dowager know how she feels about Xi Ruo?" Seeing Empress Dowager still defending Mei Shuang, Xiao Luo's fingertips turned pale.
"Luo Er," Empress Dowager Mingxi waved her hand with some exasperation. "Though Shuang'er may have more thoughts typical of young girls because she likes you, I intended to guide her slowly once she entered the palace. With her intelligence, she would not go astray. Some of her actions may not be appropriate, but I do not stop them; it's merely to show your enemies that I do not care about Xi Ruo—this too is a means of protecting her... Alas, today’s events feel suspicious; let me inquire about your uncle before providing you with an explanation..."
Xiao Luo clearly did not wish to hear any more of this. "Empress Dowager, where is Xi Ruo now?"
Empress Dowager Mingxi appeared weary and took a moment before responding. "If you cannot let go of her, it will only bring harm to her—Xi Ruo has already taken vows months ago. She will spend this life accompanying the Azure Lamp and Ancient Buddha, praying for your well-being and that of the nation... In matters of beauty and power, weigh them yourself!"
...
As he was leaving, Aunt Yu presented him with a tightly wrapped bundle and softly said, "These are letters from His Majesty written to Xi Ruo while at the borders; the Empress Dowager kept them out of concern that His Majesty's actions might harm the girl... Now that Xi Ruo has sworn before Buddha never to see His Majesty again... please take care of yourself."
When Xiao Luo stumbled out of Cining Palace, he felt as if he were walking on clouds—each step uncertain and surreal.
Behind him, Eunuch Li Gonggong looked at the emperor's drastically changed complexion with concern and cautiously said, "Your Majesty, Weiyang Palace is in this direction..."
"Weiyang Palace?" Xiao Luo's eyes turned bloodshot.
Weiyang Palace—the Empress's quarters—should have been where his Xi Ruo resided; now that she was gone, what purpose did he have in going there?!
That night, in Weiyang Palace.
The thick, red dragon and phoenix candles illuminated the opulent chamber as brightly as day.
In the center of the rosewood bed, Queen Meiru of the Great Qin Empire sat before the table, still dressed in her bright red ceremonial robe embroidered with golden and silver threads depicting phoenixes. She stared blankly at the wine jug adorned with dragon and phoenix motifs and the two silver cups with intertwined patterns, both empty.
Since returning from the Heavenly Prison, Mei Ru had been sitting there for over an hour, while her husband, who should have been with her on their wedding night, had gone to the Empress Dowager's quarters and had not returned all night.
She remained seated on the bed, showing no signs of her inner turmoil or bitterness, maintaining the composure and patience expected of an Empress.
Beside her, her attentive maid Lianxin wore a worried expression, glancing out the window from time to time and occasionally checking the door.
When she returned from yet another disappointing look outside, she saw that the Empress still maintained a calm demeanor.
With a sigh, she approached and bowed slightly, whispering, "Empress, it has been nearly a day without you eating anything. Would you like to have something to eat?"
Mei Ru replied lightly, "No need. I am not hungry."
Lianxin could only retreat. Looking outside, she noted that it was already past four; the Emperor should be attending morning court by now. She glanced at the Heqin Wine on the table that had been warmed several times and couldn't help but feel indignant for Mei Ru. "Empress, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but it must be that His Majesty is blaming Miss Mei Shuang and is now venting his anger on you."
A ripple of emotion stirred within Mei Ru as her gaze finally shifted from the Heqin Wine to Lianxin's face.
The coldness in her eyes startled Lianxin.
The frustration and humiliation of the night coalesced in Mei Ru's brow as she finally erupted, "You insolent fool! Is His Majesty someone you lowly servant can criticize?! Come here! Drag this ungrateful maid out and beat her to death!"
Seeing the usually gentle Empress suddenly explode in anger sent shockwaves through the eunuchs and maids in Weiyang Palace; they felt as if drums were pounding in their hearts. They could only listen to Lianxin's desperate pleas for mercy fade away outside.
Suddenly, a deep and displeased voice came from outside the door. "I have heard that the Empress is known for her kind nature; why then do you take offense with your servants? Do you resent me for coming late?"
Mei Ru froze, instantly feeling embarrassed. Before she could kneel down, a cold wind swept through as Xiao Luo entered wearing a bright yellow robe.
Behind him was Lianxin, who had been dragged out only to return trembling and kneeling at the back.
Mei Ru quickly understood, a proper smile appearing on her face as she gracefully bowed, "I did not know the Emperor had arrived, and I failed to welcome you properly. Please forgive me, Your Majesty. It is only because of my inadequate teaching that I had to impose punishment."
Xiao Luo glanced around Weiyang Palace. During the day, the palace had been in disarray, but now it was tidy as if nothing had happened. Everything was adorned in festive red, with only the silver wine vessel on the table, intricately carved with dragons and phoenixes symbolizing good fortune, standing out prominently.
He walked over, took the jug himself, and filled two cups. Casting a sidelong glance at Mei Ru, his voice remained cold, "Empress, after drinking this wine, we shall be husband and wife..."
His words sounded as if recited from a book, lacking the passionate affection one might expect. Mei Ru felt quite wronged but could only comfort herself; first, the Emperor was in a bad mood tonight, and second, she knew he had been stationed at the border for many years of warfare and was likely unaccustomed to formalities. Thus, she walked over slowly and just as she lifted her cup, she saw Xiao Luo already tilting his head back to drink it all.
Her smile froze at the corners of her lips.
Heqin Wine should be shared between husband and wife; how could he drink it all by himself?
However, given the current situation, Mei Ru had no time to think further. She quickly covered her sleeve and drank it all down, fearing that if she hesitated for even a moment, her husband would leave without caring for her.
Just as she expected, as soon as her cup left her lips, her husband coldly stated, "I still have to attend morning court. Empress, you should rest."
Watching his back disappear through the palace gates—colder than his words—Mei Ru's hand relaxed, causing her cup to fall to the ground...
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