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Red Apricot Out of the Wall
墨書 Inktalez
In the flourishing and prosperous era of the Dynasty Da Feng, a new chapter began with the Selection Ceremony for Consorts of the new ruler, Emperor Murong Cang.
Speaking of Murong Cang, I must admit he is not exactly a good… uh, son.
After all, what kind of good son would suspect his own mother of having an affair with a minister?
I really want to tell him that his mother is not involved with the minister but rather with some man outside the palace.
While Murong Cang was busy placing spies around the Empress Dowager, his mother had already left the palace in search of true love.
Experience always prevails!
How do I know about these palace secrets?
Because when the Empress Dowager decided to step out of line, she hired me with a handsome sum to impersonate her in Shou Kang Palace.
That’s right, I am the renowned Lady of a Thousand Faces, Zou Xiaoyue—an apprentice to the Empress Dowager's lover.
At just eighteen, I find myself pretending to be a woman nearing fifty. It’s already frustrating enough, and on top of that, I have to endure Murong Cang's various suspicions about his “mother.”
In truth, I stand by the Empress Dowager. After all, Wu Zetian kept countless handsome men; what’s wrong with her finding one for herself?
“Mother.”
As I was awkwardly speculating about who might be Emperor Murong Cang's spy in Shou Kang Palace, his unmistakable figure appeared before me.
I suddenly remembered that he had mentioned coming today to discuss the Selection Ceremony for Consorts with me.
However, he was not alone; a man in his late twenties followed closely behind him.
My eyes widened in surprise, and I couldn't help but think: so handsome, truly handsome. Those peach blossom eyes, that cherry-like mouth, that slender waist—he was a complete enchantment.
I felt a rush of blood to my head, pondering whether Murong Cang had brought this attractive companion to ease his conscience about having me on one side and him on the other.
Lost in various delightful fantasies, I heard the enchanting man say, “Minister of Military Affairs Chai Xu greets the Empress Dowager. Long live the Empress Dowager!”
I snapped out of my reverie, stealing a furtive glance at Murong Cang, only to find him looking at me with a dark expression that seemed to say, “I knew there was something going on.”
Emperor Zou was known for his ruthless nature and suspicion; a chill ran down my spine as I realized he had brought Chai Xu to test me.
I quickly straightened up and asked, “What urgent matters does the Chai family have?”
Murong Cang took his time settling into his seat, sipped his tea leisurely, and replied, “Mother just saw Chai Xu and seemed quite surprised.”
Oh dear, she was utterly taken aback!
I pretended to nonchalantly toss my hair back while actually wiping the cold sweat from my forehead and said, “It’s been a while since we last met; the Chai family seems to have blossomed even more beautifully.”
No, that wasn’t what I meant… Chai Xu remained unfazed, but Murong Cang’s expression had already darkened.
I immediately added, "If the consorts of Imperial Son had the looks of Chai Qing's family, Imperial Son wouldn't be known for his lack of appreciation for beauty."
This statement was quite ambiguous; only those with lower intelligence might fail to grasp its meaning.
Clearly, both Chai Xu and Murong Cang were highly intelligent individuals. Chai Xu appeared somewhat flustered, while Murong Cang exuded a fierce aura, brimming with authority.
"Mother has been quite eloquent lately. I wonder which master has trained her so well? It seems she is not very pleased with me!"
As Murong Cang stood up, Chai Xu felt compelled to rise as well.
I took the opportunity to stand up too, patting my "son" on the shoulder, and said earnestly, " Imperial Son, you are not a child anymore. Your mother hasn't even held a grandchild yet. How will you face the Ancestral Spirits after a hundred years?"
"Rest assured, Mother." The emperor was an excellent actor; since I had adopted such a tender tone, he felt embarrassed to maintain his stern expression.
Murong Cang slightly raised the corners of his mouth and said, "Isn't Imperial Son here to discuss the Selection Ceremony for Consorts? I see that Chai Xu is not too young either; I thought it would be good for him to come and look at the portraits of the Selected Maiden so he can find a suitable girl."
Chai Xu immediately responded politely, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
How eager he was! He thanked us before we even pointed anyone out...
Thus, various portraits of beautiful women were brought forth in a steady stream. Murong Cang, Chai Xu, and I appeared to be enjoying ourselves as we commented on these young ladies.
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