【Chapter Six: Literature on… Male-Female Interactions?】
"Congratulations to Your Majesty on gaining a fine lady."
Director Zhou, who had left earlier, reappeared in the study, speaking cheerfully.
Xiao Yanzhou lifted his eyelids: "Stop wasting words."
Director Zhou straightened his expression: "Reporting to Your Majesty, although I have not yet fully understood it, I can confirm that Madam Xie's fragrance has a soothing effect on Your Majesty's head ailment."
"Is there any other influence?"
"Has Your Majesty felt chest tightness or palpitations?"
Seeing Xiao Yanzhou remain silent, Director Zhou continued: "Then there is none. Madam Xie's fragrance coincidentally does not trigger Your Majesty's breathing ailment. Perhaps this is… fate."
Fate?
If fate had intentions, how could it have allowed him to sit in this position.
Xiao Yanzhou thought indifferently. Since Madam Xie was useful, he would keep her temporarily. Once Zhou Qi prepared the medicine, he would consider how to deal with her.
"Your Majesty, I have more to say."
Xiao Yanzhou impatiently: "Don't be verbose."
Director Zhou bowed respectfully: "Madam Xie's fragrance originates from her person. I implore Your Majesty to treat Madam Xie kindly. If she is in a joyful mood, perhaps Your Majesty's ailment will heal sooner."
Xiao Yanzhou narrowed his eyes: "You want me to flatter her?"
"No, no," Director Zhou nearly broke out in sweat, "Your Majesty need not flatter anyone. Simply being amiable to Madam Xie will suffice."
Xiao Yanzhou remained silent for a while, then irritably said: "Get out."
Director Zhou hurriedly retreated. Moments later, Huo Heng limped into the Imperial Study, seemingly having just returned from receiving punishment.
"Your Majesty, I have investigated. The assassin likely has ties to Prince Qin."
Huo Heng's voice still carried some weakness: "As it concerns a prince, I dared not be careless."
Prince Qin was the second son of the previous emperor, and during discussions of succession, he was also highly prominent.
Xiao Yanzhou lowered his eyes impassively, feeling somewhat expected yet unavoidably disappointed.
Why wasn't it the Cui Clan…
If the Cui Clan had done it, he could legitimately eliminate them.
"…No need to investigate further. I have an idea." Xiao Yanzhou slowly said, "How was the assassin handled?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, he committed suicide in prison. The body has not yet been disposed of."
"Oh?" Xiao Yanzhou's dark eyes finally showed interest, "I think carefully, I have not contacted my elder brother for quite some time. Since my elder brother cares so much for me, I should also show concern for him, don't you think?"
Huo Heng understood and solemnly agreed.
"Your Majesty, I have another matter to report."
"Speak."
"Empress Dowager Cui… will return to the palace five days later."
"Your Majesty has been meditating for a long time. Is it inappropriate to suddenly return to the palace now?"
The matron, while adjusting Empress Dowager Cui's cloak, whispered.
Outside the State Temple, carriage horses had long been waiting. The Empress Dowager's procession extended from the mountain gate downward, endless to the eye.
Empress Dowager Cui pressed down her lips, then curved a cold smile upon hearing this.
"I am the Empress Dowager. Can I not even return to the palace?"
The matron hurriedly said it was not so, then couldn't help adding: "I worry that someone might use this to criticize Your Majesty and trouble Duke Cui."
"No matter. They dare not."
Empress Dowager Cui slightly lifted her chin, examined herself briefly in the bronze mirror held by a serving maid nearby, then took the matron's hand and walked out.
The abbot led the monks waiting outside, respectfully escorting Empress Dowager Cui onto the carriage.
When the Empress Dowager returns to the palace, the roads should be cleared.
But Xiao Yanzhou clearly did not want to give Empress Dowager Cui this courtesy.
The Empress Dowager's procession was delayed for a full hour on the road, and it was only because the Governor of the Capital hurriedly cleared the way that it did not drag on longer.
Inside the carriage, Empress Dowager Cui's face was ashen.
It was already unacceptable that Xiao Yanzhou did not come to the palace gates to welcome her, but he had also so blatantly disregarded her dignity, clearly unwilling to heed her words.
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm her anger.
Although Xiao Yanzhou had emerged from her womb, mother and son had never been truly connected.
She thought that once he ascended to the throne, he would have recognized the situation somewhat, but who knew he would first turn his blade against the Cui Clan.
Truly an ungrateful creature.
Empress Dowager Cui seethed with hatred, and recalling Prince Qin's tearful complaint a few days ago about Xiao Yanzhou sending him a human-skin lantern, her resentment deepened further.
With a bit of power in his hands, Xiao Yanzhou was increasingly slipping from control; but what Beijiang needed was only an obedient emperor.
She lowered her gaze, slowly turning the prayer beads in her hand.
The Empress must be from the Cui Clan, but as for the emperor… who said he couldn't be replaced?
In the afternoon, Xie Hengwu was summoned by Xiao Yanzhou to Zichen Palace once again.
Xiao Yanzhou had recently grown fond of keeping her by his side, calling her over at irregular times every day.
For massage.
He reclined on the sitting couch, and Xie Hengwu stood behind him, gently kneading and pressing.
She was somewhat distracted.
Though her hands continued moving, Xie Hengwu's thoughts had already drifted far away.
Nanliang wanted her to assassinate the emperor.
They spoke sweetly, promising that if she succeeded, they would help her fake her death to escape and grant her freedom.
But Xie Hengwu did not believe it. After committing such a grave act, not only Nanliang, but Beijiang would not spare her first.
She would become the first sacrificial pawn between the two nations.
Yet if she did not do it, she would die immediately.
Thinking of this, Xie Hengwu inwardly laughed bitterly.
There were so many Nanliang people around her, yet she could not trust any of them.
She did not know who among these people would be the one to end her life.
In short, whether she assassinated the emperor or not, it was merely a difference between dying sooner or later.
Xie Hengwu did not love Nanliang so much; she loved herself more and did not wish to die.
She wondered if telling Xiao Yanzhou about this matter would make him willing to spare her life…
As Xie Hengwu lost focus, she did not notice Xiao Yanzhou turning his head, and her nails, which extended a few inches, scratched his forehead.
Realizing belatedly what she had done, Xie Hengwu withdrew her hand awkwardly under Xiao Yanzhou's cold gaze.
Xiao Yanzhou was about to erupt in anger but suddenly recalled Director Zhou's words, ultimately pursing his lips and suppressing his rage.
"What were you thinking?"
Although Xiao Yanzhou's expression was displeased, his tone was relatively gentle. Looking into his dark eyes, Xie Hengwu hesitated repeatedly but still did not divulge the matter.
"It was because I did not rest well and became somewhat distracted."
Xiao Yanzhou neither affirmed nor denied it, and ultimately did not blame her.
"Come here."
Xie Hengwu obediently walked to his side. Xiao Yanzhou tugged her arm, pulling her down to sit beside him.
"There will be a banquet for the Empress Dowager tonight. Does A Heng know what to do?"
Xie Hengwu looked up in surprise. Though she did not understand Xiao Yanzhou's exact intentions, she sensed it was not something good.
"Your Majesty, I…"
"A Heng is so clever; you won't disappoint me, right?"
Xiao Yanzhou's voice was deep and elegant, almost seductive. But Xie Hengwu clearly remembered that the last time he called her "A Heng," he wanted to gouge out her eyes.
"I will follow Your Majesty's instructions."
She lowered her head and spoke softly, her bent neck resembling a swan's.
Xiao Yanzhou was satisfied and patted her cheek.
"Go back now. Later, I will have Zhao Quan escort you there."
"Yes." Xie Hengwu rose and curtsied, then withdrew.
Watching her retreating figure, Xiao Yanzhou felt somewhat irritable.
These past few days, he had kept her by his side constantly, believing he had been quite amiable, yet Xie Hengwu still acted as if she wanted to avoid him at all costs.
The esteemed Emperor Xiao Yanzhou had never known what it meant to be amiable.
Annoyed, he tapped the table, then summoned Zhao Quan.
"Go find some texts for me."
Zhao Quan promptly complied and asked, "What kind of texts does Your Majesty desire?"
After much deliberation, Xiao Yanzhou hesitantly replied, "…On how to interact with women."
Zhao Quan was first surprised, then understanding dawned in his heart.
Who would have thought His Majesty would care so much about Meiren Xie?
He smiled and said, "Your Majesty need not worry, leave it to this servant."
Xiao Yanzhou nodded with dignified grace, completely unaware that Zhao Quan had entirely misunderstood his meaning.
Shortly after Xie Hengwu's Sedan Chair departed, another sedan arrived outside Zichen Palace.
Empress Dowager Cui stepped out of the sedan and, seeing the sedan not yet far away, frowned and asked, "Who is that?"
The guard outside Zichen Palace promptly replied, "Reporting to Your Highness, that is the newly entered palace consort, Madam Xie, a Meiren."
Empress Dowager Cui thought for a moment and understood.
"Where is the Emperor? I wish to see him."
"Your Highness, this…"
The guard looked troubled, but fortunately, Zhao Quan emerged just in time to smooth things over.
"Your Highness, His Majesty is still handling Memorials and is currently unavailable. If Your Highness does not mind, this servant can take you to wait for a while." He bowed, his round face beaming with a smile.
As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face. Empress Dowager Cui knew Xiao Yanzhou did not want to see her, but she could not easily lose her temper with Zhao Quan.
"Never mind. Since the Emperor is busy, I shall not disturb him."
Empress Dowager Cui turned away with a flick of her sleeve, her demeanor imposing yet unavoidably awkward. Zhao Quan hurriedly followed a few steps to respectfully see her off, only relaxing when Empress Dowager Cui's sedan had moved far away.
The discord between His Majesty and the Empress Dowager kept servants like them on edge.
As night fell, Huayi Hall was lit with lanterns, and palace attendants entered in an orderly manner, presenting dish after dish.
After all, this was a palace banquet to welcome the Empress Dowager. Though modest in scale, it could not be too perfunctory. Xiao Yanzhou had also invited all the princes.
Including Prince Qin.
The late emperor had seven sons. Two princesses had already left the palace to establish their own residences. The eldest son, born of the empress, died young. The fourth son, Prince Jin, was frail. The fifth son, Prince Cheng, was wholly devoted to studying calligraphy and painting. As for the seventh son… that was Xiao Yanzhou, a complete madman.
Among the four living princes, only the second son, the current Prince Qin, was the most normal.
Yet, in the end, it was the youngest son, Xiao Yanzhou, who ascended the throne. How could Prince Qin be content with that?
The three princes arrived one after another and exchanged pleasantries.
Prince Cheng looked at Prince Qin with a smile. "Second Brother, I heard His Majesty sent you a lantern a few days ago."
Prince Qin snorted coldly, then cupped his hands toward the still-empty main seat. "His Majesty's great favor, this subject is unworthy to receive."
Prince Qin mocked him, "Indeed, only Second Brother is so cherished by His Majesty. We others do not receive such treatment. Fourth Brother, don't you agree?"
Prince Jin, his face pale, coughed a few times. Prince Qin was furious but, constrained by being in the palace, could only angrily flick his sleeve.
Seeing this, Prince Cheng's smile deepened.
At the hall entrance, the music of bells and drums changed, and a eunuch announced loudly, "His Majesty arrives—"
As Xiao Yanzhou entered, the princes all rose to greet him.
Sumptuous robes swept over the cool marble tiles, leaving a faint trail of killing intent in their wake. Unlike usual, Xiao Yanzhou was accompanied by another person.
In any setting, a Meiren could easily draw attention, especially one appearing beside Xiao Yanzhou.
Xie Hengwu possessed a captivating beauty, and today, with meticulous adornment, she resembled a peony in full bloom, petals still adorned with dewdrops, radiant and delicate.
Prince Qin’s eyes flickered with admiration, quickly followed by resentment.
If he had ascended the throne, such a beauty would have been his—how could it fall to a madman like Xiao Yanzhou!
Xiao Yanzhou led Xie Hengwu to the main seat and sat down, casting a cold, arrogant glance downward. "Elders need not stand on ceremony."
Prince Cheng offered a faint smile and spoke first. "Your Majesty, this must be the princess of Nanliang?"
Xie Hengwu obediently rose and curtsied, her voice soft. "This humble consort, Xie, pays her respects to all Your Highnesses."
Xiao Yanzhou replied indifferently, "Since you already know, why ask?"
Prince Cheng smiled, unperturbed, and raised his cup to him. "Congratulations to Your Majesty on gaining such a beauty."
Xie Hengwu timely assumed a bashful demeanor, like a lotus trembling in the evening breeze.
Although Xiao Yanzhou showed no intention of acknowledging Prince Cheng’s toast, the latter drained his cup before taking his seat.
Prince Qin inwardly cursed him as a sycophant.
At that moment, the bells and drums changed rhythm, and a eunuch announced, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has arrived—"
The palace attendants knelt in reverence. Xie Hengwu rose and curtsied with the others, but her gaze subtly drifted toward the entrance.
A lavishly dressed woman entered, surrounded by a retinue of matrons and palace maids. Her face appeared no older than thirty, and the deep-colored phoenix robe with wide sleeves lent her an air of solemn dignity. Her phoenix eyes were sharp, commanding respect without a word.
Could this be… Empress Dowager Cui, Xiao Yanzhou’s birth mother?
Empress Dowager Cui swept her gaze imperceptibly over the assembly, lingering briefly on Xie Hengwu’s face before finally settling on Xiao Yanzhou.
Instead of taking her seat immediately, she stood in the hall and inquired, "Has the Emperor been well lately?"
Xiao Yanzhou replied coolly, "I am perfectly fine. Rather, it is the Empress Dowager who has grown much thinner after all these years."
"This old one is aging; it is natural to grow thin. The Emperor need not worry."
Only then did Empress Dowager Cui smile gracefully and ascend to the main seat, taking her place to Xiao Yanzhou’s left.
Xie Hengwu sat to his right, observing this display of maternal affection and filial piety. Recalling the morning’s farce of the Empress Dowager’s procession being blocked in the city, she found it all rather absurd.
"Let the banquet begin."
Xiao Yanzhou raised his cup, declaring the feast open.