Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
After a few dull days of being "under observation" in the palace, Mei Shuang finally welcomed her first visitor from the back garden: Aunt Yu, who served beside the Empress Dowager.
Aunt Yu came merely to follow the Empress Dowager's orders and see what Mei Shuang was doing there.
Speaking of the Empress Dowager's recent condition, Aunt Yu mentioned that the weather was hot, which had affected everyone's appetite.
Unintentionally, Aunt Yu's words sparked a thought in Mei Shuang's mind. Why not take this opportunity to ask the Empress Dowager for permission to leave the palace?
After a brief chat, Aunt Yu took her leave.
With a hint of excitement and anticipation, Mei Shuang decided to prepare some refreshing Sour Plum Soup with Lin Tian'er in the Small Kitchen of the palace.
Once the Sour Plum Soup was ready, Mei Shuang poured it into several large bowls for the maids to take to the ice cellar to cool down.
Watching Mei Shuang skillfully go through the process and glancing at the ingredients, Lin Tian'er couldn't help but be curious and wanted to taste it.
To her surprise, Lin Tian'er, who had only intended to sample it, ended up finishing two large bowls and still wanted more. With her eyes narrowed in delight, she exclaimed, "It's so sweet and sour; it's really delicious..."
Mei Shuang laughed and teased her, "You spoiled young lady are used to being waited on, aren't you? If you want more, you should lend a hand."
In the afternoon, around the time when Empress Dowager Mingxi would wake from her nap, Mei Shuang and Lin Tian'er carefully packed the cooled Sour Plum Soup into a food box and headed towards the Empress Dowager’s quarters.
The weather had grown increasingly hot these days. Although there were ice blocks from the ice cellar to cool things down in the palace, after her midday rest, Empress Dowager Mingxi still broke out in a light sweat and complained of thirst upon waking.
Just then, Aunt Yu came in to report that Miss Mei Shuang was waiting outside with refreshments for the Empress Dowager.
Feeling somewhat comforted by this news, a satisfied smile appeared on Empress Dowager Mingxi's face. "This child is still thinking of me... Let her come in."
Mei Shuang instructed Lin Tian'er not to move around outside before entering alone with the food box.
The distance from the back garden to the Empress Dowager's palace was not short. Under the blazing sun at two or three in the afternoon—the hottest time of day—Mei Shuang had already worked up a thin sheen of sweat on her forehead and nose.
After greeting her properly upon entering, Empress Dowager Mingxi said with concern, "You child, you could have come at any time; why choose such a hot moment? Look at you all sweaty; sit down quickly..."
Upon hearing this invitation to sit, Aunt Yu thought to herself that Empress Dowager Mingxi truly regarded Miss Mei Shuang as if she were her own daughter-in-law. After all, how many outsiders were granted such an honor before the Empress Dowager?
Mei Shuang looked at Empress Dowager Mingxi, her eyes filled with affection, and felt an inexplicable sense of emotion in her heart. She quickly replied, "Thank you, Empress Dowager. It's quite hot today, so I specially made some Sour Plum Soup for you to enjoy. It has been chilled in the ice cellar and is perfect for quenching your thirst."
Empress Dowager Mingxi watched with interest as Aunt Yu took out a translucent white jade bottle from the food box. The sunlight illuminated it, revealing the rippling soup inside. When the bottle was opened, a refreshing and sweet aroma wafted out. Perhaps it was just taken out of the ice cellar, as wisps of cool air could still be seen escaping from the bottle's mouth.
Aunt Yu poured two bowls and took a small one for herself to taste first. After savoring it with a smile, she placed the other bowl on a spoon and brought it to Empress Dowager Mingxi. "Empress Dowager, you should try it quickly."
As Empress Dowager Mingxi received the bowl, she immediately felt a cool sensation. Looking at the amber-colored soup, her appetite was whetted even before tasting it. After taking a spoonful, she felt the sweet and sour flavors glide down her throat, refreshing her entire being.
Needless to say, Empress Dowager Mingxi drank two large bowls in succession. When she wanted more, Mei Shuang stopped her. "Empress Dowager, while this Sour Plum Soup is indeed effective against the heat, it shouldn't be consumed in excess at once for fear of catching a chill. You can drink it in smaller portions; perhaps you can have more later..."
With the heat alleviated, Empress Dowager Mingxi was in high spirits. Wiping her mouth with a Silk Handkerchief, she looked at Mei Shuang with increasing fondness. Her skin was as fair as snow, exuding an aura of vitality. Not only was she a standard beauty, but this girl was also filial and knowledgeable about so many clever remedies—far superior to those concubines in the palace who only knew how to please the Emperor with their flirtations.
Mei Shuang only realized that Empress Dowager was pleased because she expressed her intentions clearly; she had no idea that Empress Dowager was already comparing her to those concubines in her heart and had even elevated her status above theirs.
Noticing that there seemed to be something hidden in Mei Shuang's glistening eyes, Empress Dowager Mingxi speculated that perhaps the Emperor had been neglecting her these past few days.
Thinking this way gave Empress Dowager Mingxi some clarity. It was said that Shuang'er had been indifferent towards the Emperor; even during their intimate encounter that many concubines envied greatly, she had managed to leave the palace. What did that mean? It indicated that this girl still held some reverence for the Emperor and would not deliberately seek his favor to create chaos among the harem.
It was certain that the Emperor had feelings for Shuang'er; however, Shuang'er had yet to express herself. Her visit now indicated that she might be inclined to draw closer to him—wasn't that saving herself some effort?
Empress Dowager Mingxi gently asked, "Is there something you wish to tell me?"
Upon hearing this, Mei Shuang sighed inwardly; indeed, Empress Dowager had sharp insight. She quickly composed herself and knelt down solemnly. "Replying to Empress Dowager, Shuang'er has a request..."
After listening to Mei Shuang's request, Empress Dowager Mingxi's expression changed slightly; the warmth on her face gradually faded away. Just moments ago, she had been thinking how their relationship would soon deepen, but unexpectedly this child requested to leave the palace.
It seemed this girl’s thoughts were not simple; while cleverly seeking favor with her, she did not forget to put forth conditions—conditions that caught her off guard.
Mei Shuang kept her head down and did not see Empress Dowager Mingxi's changing expression. She only heard Empress Dowager’s calm voice asking, "Is life in the palace not good?"
This question was too difficult; it could not simply be answered with a "yes" or "no."
The palace was adorned with flowers and luxurious beyond compare—could one really say it was bad? But if it were good enough, then there would be no need for her to come here at all.
Fortunately, she had anticipated all the possible questions the Empress Dowager might ask, so this question did not stump her. She replied according to her own thoughts, "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for all the kindness bestowed upon me in the palace. However, I would like to take advantage of my youth to explore the outside world more, to experience the local public sentiment and broaden my horizons..."
As Mei Shuang spoke, she glanced up at the Empress Dowager, who remained expressionless, simply twisting the prayer beads in her hand while listening quietly. The slightly upturned corners of her phoenix eyes held a look of inquiry.
What an impressive gaze! It was as dark as ink, like a bottomless abyss, yet it seemed capable of seeing straight into one's heart. If one were to lie, they would surely not withstand the scrutiny of the Empress Dowager.
Mei Shuang reassured herself that she was speaking nothing but the truth, which allowed her to maintain a calm demeanor.
Empress Dowager Mingxi nodded thoughtfully, her tone deepening. "Shuang'er, do you know why I had you copy the Sutra?"
The Empress Dowager changed the subject, leaving Mei Shuang puzzled. However, upon reflection, it had indeed been some time since she last copied a Sutra for the Empress Dowager after having done so previously.
She shook her head.
Empress Dowager Mingxi instructed Aunt Yu to bring over a stack of Sutras, dividing them into two portions and placing them before Mei Shuang. "In your left hand is what you copied before; in your right hand is what you copied not long ago. Can you compare and see what differences there are?"
Mei Shuang was taken aback. Was there really a need for comparison? It was obvious that although both were neatly written, the handwriting was vastly different—clearly not from the same person.
Her eyes widened as she looked at the two Sutras in her hands, unsure how to explain.
"Shuang'er," Empress Dowager Mingxi said gently, "I can see that you have changed compared to before; it could be said that your temperament has greatly transformed. Yet I find that you have become more sensible and capable in handling matters. You used to wish to marry the Emperor; now that I am fulfilling your wish, why do you say you want to leave the palace instead?"
Mei Shuang was at a loss for words.
What was true in the past could not be compared with the present! But she couldn't simply respond with "I don't want to marry the Emperor now," as that would be quite disrespectful.
"That's not what I mean, Your Majesty. I've come to realize that I personally feel that perhaps my compatibility with the Emperor isn't quite right."
Mei Shuang thought for a moment and managed to come up with such an appropriate phrase—"not quite right"—which was universally applicable.
Not quite right? Empress Dowager Mingxi furrowed her brows slightly; it sounded intriguing. "How is it not quite right?"
"..."
Mei Shuang suddenly thought that in the context of modern gender equality, this phrase implied a polite refusal. Most people would understand it clearly and not delve deeper. However, when the Empress Dowager asked this, it made her seem somewhat pretentious. Moreover, in this situation, men and women were not equal at all, especially considering the vast differences in their statuses. When she said she was not suitable for the Emperor of the Current Dynasty, it indicated something—other than her unwillingness to be with the Emperor, there was no solid reason.
It was truly perplexing.
After realizing this, Empress Dowager Mingxi felt a bit annoyed. Throughout history, she had never heard of a woman who had been favored by the Emperor being so choosy about him. She coldly smiled and said, "Shuang'er, tell me, is your hasty departure from the palace because you've encountered someone outside?"
Mei Shuang was taken aback at first. Once she understood the Empress Dowager's implication, she broke out in a cold sweat and repeatedly denied it. "No, no! Empress Dowager, please see clearly; I don't know anyone after leaving the palace!"
Empress Dowager Mingxi scrutinized Mei Shuang with her penetrating gaze for a moment before she finally believed her. With a cold snort, she said, "I doubt you would dare. Well then, since you've already been favored by the Emperor, just stay in the palace peacefully. I do not wish for my royal grandson to end up outside one day..."
"Royal grandson?" Mei Shuang was confused for quite some time before she grasped the Empress Dowager's meaning. Suddenly, a rush of heat surged to her head. Goodness! She and the Emperor had only spent one night together; could they really have conceived a child?
!!
Dejectedly, Mei Shuang returned to the back garden. Not only had she failed to leave the palace as she wished, but now she had added new worries.
She wanted to seek help from Lin Tian'er regarding this profound issue but hesitated, thinking that Lin Tian'er was still unmarried and might not understand more than she did. So when Lin Tian'er asked her what was wrong, she merely lay on the couch staring blankly outside. When pressed for an answer and feeling flustered, she finally blushed and asked, "Do you think I might have a baby?"
Comment 0 Comment Count