The Yanfu Palace was filled with laughter and joy all morning.
The Empress Dowager grew fonder of Ming Hua the more she looked at her—this delicate, lovely young lady with a face like jade and a charm like blooming flowers. She kept the two of them to share lunch with her, chatting for the entire morning.
By the time Ming Hua and Xie Chongyuan emerged from the Yanfu Palace after having lunch with the Empress Dowager, it was already the sun-drenched afternoon.
That morning, the two of them had arrived together in the Imperial Carriage.
As Xie Chongyuan moved to help her into the Imperial Carriage, Ming Hua immediately stopped in her tracks. She curved her lips into a gentle smile and declined, "Your Majesty need not escort me further!"
"It's already late, and I wouldn't want to delay Your Majesty from returning to handle state affairs. I'll simply walk."
She had heard from Li Youfu, who had been eagerly currying favor with her, that this morning Xie Chongyuan had originally planned to summon several ministers for discussion. It was only after she had invited him to share breakfast that he changed his mind and accompanied her to the Yanfu Palace.
She imagined that during breakfast, he had listened to her words and, being considerate of her nervousness about paying her first respects to the Empress Dowager, had decided to accompany her to the Yanfu Palace.
Ming Hua recalled what her father had once said—that Xie Chongyuan was a diligent and virtuous emperor who worked tirelessly from dawn until dusk.
Now she knew that Xie Chongyuan had set aside state affairs just to accompany her to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, and her heart felt as if it had been coated in honey.
Though she could indeed be a spoiled and willful young lady at times, she was still very sensible when it came to important matters. At this moment, she did not wish to delay Xie Chongyuan's political affairs any further.
Seeing how considerate his young lady was, a faint smile tinged Xie Chongyuan's phoenix eyes.
He gently pressed the young lady into the Imperial Carriage to sit properly, then instructed in a warm voice, "No delay. The carriage is for Huahua to ride. The Yanfu Palace is not far from the Zichen Palace—once I pass through the small garden ahead, a few more steps will bring me to the gardens behind the Zichen Palace."
The Imperial Carriage was the emperor's personal conveyance. In the palace, seeing the Imperial Carriage was like seeing the emperor himself; any palace attendants who encountered it were required to perform the ceremonial bow reserved for the sovereign.
Hearing this, Ming Hua immediately grew restless. How could she be so presumptuous as to let the emperor walk while she sat alone in the Imperial Carriage, receiving the grand ceremonial bows meant for the sovereign?
"Your Majesty is the emperor—how could I allow Your Majesty to lower yourself so for my sake? It should be me who shows consideration for Your Majesty. Besides, riding together with Your Majesty this morning was already an overstepping of bounds. If I were to ride the Imperial Carriage alone now, I fear it would be even more improper."
With that, Ming Hua hurriedly rose, her expression tense and flustered as she made an excuse: "I've only entered the palace a few times, and every corner of it is picturesque. I'd like to take a walk and admire the scenery within the palace. The Imperial Carriage should be for Your Majesty to ride!"
The afternoon sun of the fourth month already carried a hint of heat. Xie Chongyuan watched as his young lady's fair, snow-white face turned flushed pink from the sun in just the short time since they'd left the Yanfu Palace, and his brow furrowed slightly.
"The sun is growing stronger. Huahua is delicate and frail—if you wish to admire the palace scenery, riding in the carriage would be more convenient. I've spent years on the battlefield marching and fighting; a few steps of walking mean nothing to me."
"Huahua must remember from now on—we are husband and wife. In my eyes, husband and wife are one; there is no distinction between us. In public or in private, there is no talk of sovereign and subject, nor of overstepping rules."
"If I can ride in this carriage, then Huahua can naturally ride in it as well. From now on, Huahua must not say such things again." With that, he pressed the anxious young lady back into the Imperial Carriage.
Then, with a soothing tone, he said warmly, "Yesterday's enfeoffment ceremony was tedious and exhausting, and last night I was so rash and discourteous—Huahua must not have slept well."
"Today, before dawn had even broken, Huahua rose again to pay respects to Mother, and then spent the whole morning chatting with her. You must be tired by now. If Huahua grows weary from riding around, then hurry back and rest well—don't let the heat get to you."
Whether it was because the emperor kept emphasizing that husband and wife were one, or because he was so gently and considerately concerned for her, Ming Hua's rosy face flushed crimson all the way to the tips of her ears. Unable to decline further, she could only nod.
"Your Majesty as well—after returning to the Zichen Palace, please take a short rest before handling state affairs. Don't work too hard, and take good care of yourself."
"Very well. If anything comes up, Huahua may come to the Zichen Palace to find me at any time." Seeing his young lady so gentle and tender, a faint smile surfaced on Xie Chongyuan's stern features.
Ming Hua sat in the Imperial Carriage, feeling both honored and overwhelmed. She didn't dare to be too ostentatious by actually touring the palace gardens, and simply instructed the attendants to take her directly back to the Yilan Hall.
When palace attendants encountered the Imperial Carriage along the way and performed their ceremonial bows, they stole glances and were astonished to see that the person seated regally within was none other than the Noble Consort.
Hadn't the entire palace been buzzing this morning with rumors that the Noble Consort had fallen out of favor with the emperor and hadn't even served in his chambers last night?
How was it, then, that this morning the Noble Consort had been personally accompanied by His Majesty to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, and was now riding alone in the emperor's Imperial Carriage through the palace?
Even the most favored Consort Yang of the previous emperor's reign had never received such an honor.
This consort was not lacking favor at all—she was clearly showered with boundless imperial grace!
Ming Hua did not know that the rumors in the palace had shifted from this morning's claim that she was not favored by the emperor to now saying she was the recipient of immense favor.
She had a habit of taking a short rest after her midday meal. These past two days, she had been somewhat tired, so upon returning to Yilan Hall, she immediately went to the inner chamber, intending to change clothes and rest.
Who would have thought—she had just settled onto the low couch beneath the west window and taken a sip of the green plum drink that a young palace maid had brought to quench the heat.
Before she could even remove her hair ornaments and change clothes, a young palace maid came in to announce that Empress Dowager Lu from the Northern Garden had sent someone bearing congratulatory gifts for her.
Empress Dowager Lu was the empress of the previous emperor. After Xie Chongyuan ascended the throne, he treated the previous emperor's consorts and princesses with kindness, relocating them all to the Northern Garden to be cared for in their old age.
As a sign of respect, Xie Chongyuan also had everyone in the palace address these consorts and princesses as Empress Dowager, Grand Consort, or Princess.
However, because Xie Chongyuan was of the Taizong bloodline and had long since become distantly related to the previous emperor's branch, after a hundred years, these consorts of the previous emperor would still be buried in their capacity as his consorts, without receiving any new titles during their lifetimes.
Before Ming Hua entered the palace, Zhao Xuelan and Ming Yuan had specifically told her about what a formidable figure this Empress Dowager Lu in the palace was.
Empress Dowager Lu came from the Lu family of Chengguo Duke Manor. Although the Lu family originated from merchants, because their ancestors had once rendered aid to the founding emperor when he was in distress, they were granted the title of Earl at the founding of the dynasty.
Later, although the younger generations of the Lu family were not particularly accomplished and the family line was not flourishing, they relied on having produced five Empresses and seven Noble Consorts in this dynasty, and during Emperor Zhenzong's reign, they were granted the title of Duke.
Empress Dowager Lu had been raised by Chengguo Duke Manor since childhood as a future Empress. From a young age, what she learned was the way of survival in the harem, and her temperament was extremely proud and competitive—unwilling to be second to anyone in anything.
She was deeply calculating, ambitious, and her tactics and schemes were in no way inferior to the men at court.
The previous emperor was mediocre and incompetent, indulging in pleasure. She held the reins of government behind the scenes for many years, gradually becoming consumed by greed and ambition, committing many acts of abusing power for personal gain, forming factions for selfish interests, and harming loyal officials.
After the previous emperor fell critically ill, she colluded with several members of the imperial clan, intending to support someone who would serve her purposes to ascend the throne.
Now that Xie Chongyuan had been on the throne for half a year, everything seemed to have settled, but given her nature, she would certainly not be content to simply wait for death in the Northern Garden. Moreover, there were still many old ministers at court who were loyal to the previous emperor and to her.
The Fuguo Duke Manor and the Chengguo Duke Manor had never had much connection. Now that she had entered the palace, this Empress Dowager Lu immediately sent congratulatory gifts—no doubt trying to use her to win over the Fuguo Duke Manor, or to sow discord between the Fuguo Duke Manor and the emperor.
Before she entered the palace, her father and mother had specifically told her all this, not wanting her to become entangled in these court disputes and inadvertently become someone else's pawn.
Ming Hua slowly took two sips of the green plum drink before speaking to the young palace maid who had come to report, her voice calm and indifferent: "Then you may go and thank Empress Dowager Lu for her kindness on my behalf. I am feeling rather fatigued and will not be receiving anyone today."
To avoid any suspicion, Ming Hua did not even send her close attendants Qingyun or Nuanxue out to receive the guests.
After dismissing the messenger, Ming Hua went to the vanity table, where Qingyun and Nuanxue removed her hair ornaments and styled her hair, changed her into comfortable sleeping clothes, and she went to rest on the couch behind the screen.
At the same time, just as the person sent by Empress Dowager Lu had left, Xie Chongyuan, who was handling court affairs in Zichen Palace, also learned of Empress Dowager Lu sending things to Yilan Hall.
Jing Shan, a Dragon Shadow Guard beside Xie Chongyuan, reported: "The Noble Consort did not receive them. She merely sent a young palace maid to dismiss the person Lu sent."
"Does Your Majesty wish for me to keep an eye on whether the Noble Consort and Lu have any contact in the future?"
The Dragon Shadow Guards were a mysterious force—an elite guard unit that specialized in protecting Xie Chongyuan and gathering intelligence from all quarters. They answered only to Xie Chongyuan and were not subject to court jurisdiction.
Inside the hall, Xie Chongyuan, seated behind the rosewood carved desk with upturned ends, closed a memorial he had finished reviewing and said in a calm voice: "No need. Just continue to keep watch on the movements at the Northern Garden."
For the time being, setting aside the fact that the Fuguo Duke Manor's position at court was already extremely prominent and had no need to participate in any factional disputes at court—
Having spent merely two days with the young lady, he could easily see that she was simply a young woman who had been doted on by her family, pure of heart and innocent of the world's affairs.
The sun slanted westward, and it was already dusk.
Ming Hua's short rest had turned into a deep sleep that lasted until the sun was about to set. By the time she had washed up and dressed, it was already time for the evening meal.
Ming Hua's stomach couldn't help but let out a few hungry growls, and her mind immediately filled with thoughts of her favorite dishes and pastries. She then named several dishes, pastries, and drinks she wanted and sent Nuanxue to the Culinary Bureau to have them prepared.
That afternoon, the Culinary Bureau had already received the emperor's oral decree that from now on, the meals sent to the Noble Consort must be prepared with fine craftsmanship and delicious flavor, with ingredients carefully selected—no cutting corners.
Thus, the evening meal sent by the Imperial Kitchen tonight was even more mouth-watering than last night's.
Ming Hua looked at the exquisite and appetizing dishes laid out on the food table, her appetite greatly whetted. She sampled a bit of everything, savoring each dish, and enjoyed her meal thoroughly.
But Qingyun and Nuanxue wore worried expressions, glancing toward the door from time to time, as if waiting for someone.
Even when Ming Hua called them over to try the lotus blossom pastry and sour plum drink they usually loved, and to taste the newly invented wine-brewed steamed duck, both shook their heads, declining.
After Ming Hua finished eating to her heart's content, she set down her jade chopsticks, took the handkerchief Nuanxue handed her, and wiped her mouth. Then, looking up at the two girls' furrowed brows, she asked in confusion, "What on earth is the matter with you two?"
"It's almost dark now, and there's still no news of His Majesty coming to Yilan Hall. It seems His Majesty won't be coming tonight. Isn't the Noble Consort worried at all?" Qingyun said, glancing toward the door once more, her voice anxious.
Although the emperor seemed quite fond of their mistress, if he were to stop taking the initiative to visit Yilan Hall out of respect for her, how would the two of them ever grow familiar with each other?
As time passed, the little bit of affection they had built over these two days would likely fade away quickly.
If the emperor wasn't one for lasting affection and was burdened with state affairs on top of that, he might soon cast their mistress to the back of his mind.
Nuanxue also wore a worried expression, her voice urgent as she said, "If His Majesty never comes again, what will the Noble Consort do?"
Ming Hua found it amusing and said, "His Majesty is busy with state affairs—how could he possibly come every day? If he came here daily, your Noble Consort would be scolded by those pedantic court officials as a seductive consort who bewitches the ruler!"
Ming Hua looked at the two of them and said with a light laugh, "Alright, that plate of lotus blossom pastry and that pot of sour plum drink are your favorites. I specially ordered them for you—they're both saved for you!"
"Go on and eat, and stop worrying yourselves silly over your Noble Consort!"
She knew they meant well, hoping she and the emperor would come to know and cherish each other soon, living in harmony like a well-tuned lute and zither, blessed with a happy marriage.
But even though the emperor had been considerate of her in every way these past two days, setting aside his imperial dignity to humble himself before her without a trace of royal airs, and his appearance was pleasing to her in every regard—she did hold considerable goodwill toward him, even some fondness—
Still, romantic feelings between a man and a woman could not be born overnight. They had only known each other for two days. For now, the emperor was still just a stranger whose looks happened to please her.
And he was the supreme sovereign of the realm. When she was with him, she still felt somewhat nervous and ill at ease.
His Majesty not coming to Yilan Hall tonight had actually been a great relief to her. Remembering last night's embarrassment, if the emperor had come tonight, she truly wouldn't have known how to interact with him—she would likely have been fidgeting in discomfort.
But who would have thought—Ming Hua had barely enjoyed one easy night when, at noon the next day, the emperor sent Li Shun'an, the sworn son of Li Youfu, to announce that His Majesty would be coming to Yilan Hall shortly to dine with her for lunch.
Although Ming Hua was somewhat nervous about being with Xie Chongyuan, she was quite satisfied with his appearance, and deep down she did want to gradually get to know him better. Upon hearing the messenger's words, her joy outweighed her nervousness.
The sun shone high, and the weather was gradually growing warmer.
In the small pond outside the main hall, lotus leaves floated on the water. Green willows lined the bank, casting shade, and a gentle breeze swept through, bringing waves of coolness.
Ming Hua had the small kitchen prepare several light dishes, paired with a pot of sour plum soup with a bit of crushed ice, and set them out in the double-eaved pavilion by the small pond.
Looking at Xie Chongyuan seated across from her, Ming Hua explained with a light smile, "I thought that after reading memorials all morning, Your Majesty must be feeling quite vexed, so I had the midday meal set up here."
"Seated here, gazing at the courtyard scenery, does Your Majesty find his spirits much improved?"
Xie Chongyuan looked at the lively, charming young woman smiling before him—the irritation from handling tedious state affairs all morning had long since scattered to the heavens.
His thin lips curved slightly as he smiled and said, "Huahua is truly refined and clever. The gentle breeze here is cool and pleasant—indeed far more comfortable and free than being in those grand yet cold palace halls."
"To thank Huahua for her thoughtfulness, I have something to give you as well."
With that, he drew a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Ming Hua. Then, he had Li Youfu behind him present the black sandalwood carved square box to Ming Hua.
Ming Hua took the letter, glanced at it only once, and immediately recognized the handwriting.
Her dark, apricot-shaped eyes instantly lit up, sparkling as she looked at Xie Chongyuan with delighted surprise. "This is a letter from my eldest brother!"
Xie Chongyuan watched the young woman smile with joy, her brows curving like crescent moons, and his heart rejoiced along with her. He said with a gentle laugh, "Your brother in the northwest already knows that Huahua has entered the palace."
"This is a letter he sent back with the battle report for Huahua, asking me to pass it along to her. The items in the box are also gifts he sent from the northwest for Huahua. Go on, open it and take a look."
Ming Hua didn't need to open it to guess what was inside—every time her eldest brother went out, he would send or bring back all sorts of novel little trinkets for her.
She opened the letter first and read it. It was filled with her eldest brother's admonitions and concern for her, and she was suddenly overcome with homesickness.
She had only been in the palace for three days, yet she felt as though she had been away from home for half a lifetime. Tears suddenly fell like pearls from a broken string, large drops sliding down her cheeks.
Xie Chongyuan didn't know why, but seeing the young lady like this made his chest feel strangely tight.
He hurried over, sat down beside her, and used his sleeve to wipe away her tears, coaxing her softly, "Don't cry. Is Huahua feeling homesick? The battle report your brother sent this time is one of victory."
"He and your uncle have already repelled the invading Tatars time and again. At the latest, he should be able to return to the capital to see Huahua by the end of the year. When that time comes, shall I return to the manor with Huahua to pay a visit?"
"Is what Your Majesty says true?" Ming Hua, upon hearing this, indeed stopped her tears. She tilted up her tear-streaked little face to look at Xie Chongyuan, asking between sniffles.
Seeing the young lady so pitiful and endearing, Xie Chongyuan's heart instantly softened into a puddle. His voice was gentle as he coaxed, "An emperor's word is law. Would I deceive a young lady like Huahua?"
"If Huahua truly misses her brother, then write him a letter as well. I'll have someone send it to the northwest along with the memorials."
"Alright! I want to write a letter to tell eldest brother not to worry about me—that everything is well with me in the palace!" Ming Hua lifted her sleeve to wipe her tears and gave Xie Chongyuan a sweet smile, her lips curving. "Thank you, Your Majesty. You're so kind!"
Xie Chongyuan looked at the obedient, soft young lady showing him such a charming smile and inexplicably felt deeply content.
From that moment on, he felt that only if he could keep the young lady smiling so happily forever would he truly be worthy of being her husband.
He couldn't resist reaching out to ruffle her little head, smiling as he said, "Huahua need not thank me. Once you've written it, just have someone bring it to Zichen Palace for me. Now, hurry and eat."
He placed two sweet glutinous rice and red bean soup dumplings into her bowl, asking in a warm voice, "Are the dishes the Imperial Kitchen is sending now more to Huahua's liking?"
"If you still don't care for them, I'll have someone seek out new cooks according to Huahua's tastes."
Ming Hua had also noticed that the dishes and pastries these past two meals were far more refined than those from the day she first entered the palace.
The moment Xie Chongyuan said this, she immediately guessed that it was because he had given special instructions. Her heart grew even sweeter from this thoughtfulness and consideration.
Her apricot eyes sparkled as she looked at Xie Chongyuan and smiled. "No need, this is already wonderful!"
"I like it very much! Your Majesty is busy with state affairs and has many matters weighing on you—you don't need to trouble yourself over such small things for me!"
With that, she picked up the glutinous rice and red bean soup dumpling Xie Chongyuan had placed in her bowl, and gazed at him with a beaming smile as she began to eat.