Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The entire palace radiated a soft white light, with pavilions, water pavilions, artificial hills, fountains, and a grand lake inside, all incredibly magnificent and imposing, exuding a royal aura. From a distance, the round lake shimmered under the sunlight, and a gentle breeze stirred up light ripples on the surface, sending sprays of water into the air, creating a beautiful scene.
The palace was adorned in exquisite splendor, with vibrant colors everywhere—bright reds, deep blacks, rich blues, and lush greens. This was the opulence of royalty, showcasing their wealth and prosperity.
As I walked back, my thoughts were in disarray; my mind felt tangled like a dense bundle of threads ensnaring my nerves. I struggled to think clearly as my thoughts twisted and turned.
I still replayed his words in my mind.
With a smile in his eyes, he casually said, “So from today onward, I grant you that blessing and bestow upon you a lifetime of favor. Do you want it?”
I was stunned, left gazing at him in disbelief, trying to find a hint of jest in his expression but failing. His demeanor was sincere—so sincere that it felt like I was in a dream. Only in dreams could one dare to indulge in such thoughts about how he would treat me. My trembling lips could only form fragmented words: “You... you must be crazy.” I forgot he was the emperor; I forgot the gap between us; I forgot he had many other favored women; I forgot about An Jin; I forgot my own contradictions. For the first time, I began to hope for something I had never dared to wish for. My feelings were already scarce, yet unknowingly, the towering walls I had built around my heart were breached by him, invading even the smallest crack. My emotions began to fill up like sand pouring into an inverted hourglass.
What surprised me even more was that he continued to hold me quietly without any further action and suddenly remarked, “The Court Lady who impresses even Li Jiu is you, right?”
I was speechless; he had already confirmed it himself—why did he need to ask me? Seeing my silence, he took it as an affirmation.
Finally, he sighed softly: “Xie Weiying, what kind of woman are you? How much do you still have hidden from me?”
I could only stand there dumbfounded and motionless as if my mind had frozen—I couldn’t think of anything.
He didn’t insist that I stay in his palace. I didn’t understand why he had been acting unusually; had I done something to raise his suspicions? No—I had stayed in Frostfall Palace without going anywhere else. Moreover, I hadn’t even visited Li Jiu. There were too many matters piling up after my return that needed my attention. My feelings toward Sima Rui were becoming increasingly complicated; I needed to calm down and think things through.
Just as I reached the entrance of Frostfall Palace, a small figure rushed out from inside and directly leaped into my arms.
I staggered slightly and hadn’t steadied myself when the child eagerly exclaimed with a bright voice: “Mom! Where have you been? Every time I come looking for you, Sister Suda says you’re sick and hard to see. Are you feeling better? Shaoshao misses you so much!”
He nuzzled his head affectionately against my chest, and seeing his spoiled expression made me chuckle. "What's wrong? Missing me already after just a few days?"
"Mm, mm," he nodded vigorously while leaning into me.
I ruffled his hair, smiling as I took his hand. "Come on, let's go inside and talk." As we walked, I added, "Honestly, are you missing me or the things I make?"
His face flushed with embarrassment, and when he noticed my expression darkening, he quickly replied, "I miss both."
"Hmph, you little rascal, all you know is sweet talk."
Suddenly, the person beside us cleared his throat softly a few times. I turned to see his smiling face had turned slightly pale, looking rather unwell. I was taken aback and placed my hand on his forehead. Hmm, it feels a bit warm.
"Are you feeling unwell? Why do you have a fever?" I asked with concern.
He smiled faintly, his lips somewhat dry. "It's nothing, Mom. I might have caught a chill last night while sleeping."
"Is that so?" I said worriedly. "Make sure to let the Imperial Physician check on you when we get back. If a small illness isn't treated, it can turn into something serious. Come on, I'll make you something delicious." My heart ached for him.
He leaned closer affectionately. "I knew Mom would be the most caring." Whenever he fell ill, his mother never noticed; he always found out himself and sought the Imperial Physician's help. Or he would just tough it out through minor illnesses. Because in this palace, he didn't trust anyone. He was afraid that those Imperial Physicians might harm him with just one prescription. But ever since he met her, everything seemed different. Looking at her warm smile filled with concern, Sima Shao felt a bit dazed. So beautiful.
Heavenly Revelation Palace.
"How's the investigation going?"
"I'm incompetent; I couldn't find the person behind it all. However, I discovered that the publication of that illustrated book was handled by Jun Jin's organization. They not only published the Swaying in Green Robes book but also works by famous poets and calligraphers like Wang Xizhi and Tao Yuanming. Their writings are circulated throughout the country. It is said that those poets and writers receive generous rewards from Jun Jin to ensure their livelihoods and creative endeavors. They have also uncovered many talented authors," Chen Wen reported with difficulty.
"Publisher? Writer?" Sima Rui raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
Chen Wen replied awkwardly, "I don't really understand what those mean; it's a new saying among the common folk."
Sima Rui fell silent, gesturing for him to continue.
Chen Wen gritted his teeth and said, "I've been tracing the origins of the manuscript 'Swaying in Green Robes,' and I didn't expect—"
"What didn't you expect?" Sima Rui interjected.
"I didn't expect it to come from within the palace."
"From the palace?!" Sima Rui exclaimed, then suddenly recalled that beautiful face. Shaking his head, he wondered who would dare to play such tricks in the highest court of the imperial harem. A woman who toyed with the emperor—such a thing had never happened in history. For some reason, Sima Rui's mind flashed with those elegant characters, and the carefree demeanor that set her apart from other women.
Sima Rui narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "I want you to investigate a person discreetly—every detail, without revealing anything."
"What kind of person deserves such attention from the emperor?" Chen Wen asked. "Who?"
Sima Rui's lips curled into a cold smile. "Fourth Miss Xie, Xie Weiying."
Her?! A vague image flashed in Chen Wen's mind. He had only caught a few glimpses of her and couldn't recall her clearly. Although she was undeniably beautiful, her timid demeanor made it hard to spark any interest. Why was the emperor interested in her? The rumors about Fourth Miss Xie had been swirling around the palace; she had missed the grand selection due to a severe illness shortly after entering the palace and had not been favored since, remaining sickly ever since.
"I understand," he said.
"Good. You may go." With that, Chen Wen vanished into the dark night.
Suddenly, Sima Rui shouted sternly towards the door, "Come in."
Gao Lu entered cautiously, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty, what orders do you have for this old servant?"
"How is the edict I asked you to draft coming along?"
"This old servant has followed your instructions completely."
"Then, have there been any responses?"
Gao Lu replied in a low voice, "None so far."
"Increase the bounty. I want to know the truth," Sima Rui said, his brow furrowing.
"This old servant understands."
"Leave now." Sima Rui waved his hand impatiently. Gao Lu exited silently.
Sima Rui stood by the window, his tall figure cast long shadows under the moonlight outside.
If that person truly was her, if Swaying in Green Robes was indeed her, then he could use this matter to completely tame her. He recalled her stubborn and bright eyes, where her unyielding pride resided; she had never truly submitted to him. No matter the cost, he would make her submit from the depths of her heart, utterly and completely, just like all the other women. No one could be the exception—no one.
What kind of person was she? His mind was filled with so many curiosities.
Jun Jin, again it was Jun Jin! What exactly was her relationship with Little Jin? What secrets did she hide like Little Jin?
He would definitely know. Everything must be investigated thoroughly.
In the palace, grand banquets were never in short supply.
The Emperor kept his word; within a few days, she was reinstated to her former position as Jieyu, and a large number of jewels and treasures were sent into Frostfall Palace with great fanfare. Sima Rui began to visit Frostfall Palace repeatedly without any reservations, dining with me openly. He even arranged for skilled craftsmen to repair Frostfall Palace. However, what others did not know was that he never stayed overnight or requested my company in bed. Perhaps he had seen the terror on my face last time and realized I had been left with deep-seated trauma. He began to carelessly showcase my status in his eyes to everyone in the palace, making sure that his favor towards me was well known.
Frostfall Palace no longer retained its previous coldness; many scheming concubines started visiting me one after another, showering me with flattery. Their eager expressions drained my energy, and after a few days, I began to use the same tactic—claiming illness and avoiding visitors.
Just as I thought I could rest for a few days, he suddenly informed me that a grand banquet would be held in the palace to celebrate the ceremony of his new consort's appointment. Ever since Consort Xie passed away, the position of Xie De Fei had remained vacant. What intrigued everyone was that the Emperor had not disclosed who the latest choice for Xie De Fei would be. Many speculated it would be Consort Huan, who was rumored to be pregnant with the Emperor's child, while others believed that given the Emperor's affections, it should be me. There were various possibilities and speculations circulating in the harem; after all, with the main position vacant, the Consorts were vying for supremacy. One could see this from Consort Wang's arrogant demeanor. Moreover, other concubines like Consort Li and Consort Xian showed little interest in palace affairs—one timid and the other indifferent. If one could become Xie De Fei, it would mean sharing power with Consort Wang in the harem; how fortunate that would be!
Compared to the explosive gossip in the harem regarding the appointment of a new consort, I found myself lacking interest in the matter. After all, it wouldn't be me being appointed; whoever it was didn't concern me. Just as I was about to use my ill health as an excuse to avoid attending.
The Emperor, sitting across from me and enjoying the dish I had cooked, suddenly said lightly, "You must attend this banquet." My small wish was instantly shattered into nothingness.
I awkwardly bit down on my chopsticks, frozen in place.
Comment 0 Comment Count