Chapter Seventy-Six: Squandering the Gifts of Heaven

The palace maids were thoroughly frightened by Lu Xiyan’s calm and indifferent tone, bowing their heads even lower, wishing they could bury them into their knees. It is not the master’s fiery temper they fear, but the quiet, hidden depths of her nature, for it is such restraint that can cast a person into hell without warning.

“Good. As long as you understand.” Lu Xiyan nodded in satisfaction, her gaze finally shifting to Lianxiang, who stood to the side.

Lianxiang, who had just lifted her head, immediately lowered it again, panic written across her face. “I understand as well, madam. You may rest assured,” she replied quickly, her heart filled with fear and guilt.

“Lian Yunji, from this day forth, you are no longer my personal maid. You are now the mistress of your own hall and ought to carry yourself accordingly. Though you were born a palace maid, you are fortunate to have won the king’s favor. Such a blessing must be cherished,” Lu Xiyan counseled her maid with sincere gravity.

She noted that Lianxiang was no longer dressed in her maid’s uniform, but had eagerly changed into the attire of a consort: a gown of tender yellow, made of the finest materials, with exquisite craftsmanship and intricate detail. Though the clothes should have flattered her, Lianxiang wore them with little grace.

“This servant—no, this concubine—will heed madam’s teachings and cherish this opportunity, serving the king with all my heart.” Clearly, Lianxiang lacked self-awareness and tact.

“Well said.” Lu Xiyan nodded, a trace of mockery curling at her lips.

In the Imperial Library.

The courtyard was quiet, the rare and precious Caidie flowers swaying in the wind, their green buds and red leaves presenting a refreshing sight.

A faint fragrance of sandalwood drifted through the study. A brazier by her feet radiated warmth.

Hundreds, even thousands of books were set into the walls, separated by black jade stones into neat rows and columns. The variety was dazzling, overwhelming the eyes.

She sat on a carved greenwood chair, surrounded by books. A soft cushion was placed on the seat, a black blanket draped over her lap, atop which lay an open book. Looking up, one would see a face of quiet concentration—delicate, elegant, a pair of limpid eyes seemingly reflecting the words on the page.

She read with complete focus, her thumb gently tracing the lines, absorbing the wisdom within.

At the nearby desk, a man sat quietly, leafing through a stack of memorials and documents, annotating them with a brush.

He, too, wore a look of seriousness, his demeanor nearly identical to Xuexue’s. His handsome face was flawless, his dark eyes as clear as a spring, seemingly transparent yet unfathomable.

He wore a simple black robe adorned with minimalist patterns, like an ink painting—unrestrained, elegant, and leisurely, with a trace of gentle detachment.

An hour passed before Xuexue finished her book. She raised her head, emerging from the world of words, stood up, and replaced the book precisely in the wall’s recess.

With interest, she selected another, preparing to continue reading.

At that moment, the king looked up from his documents, seeing her quietly choosing among the shelves. She picked up one book, flipped through a few pages, set it back, then selected several more, hesitating before settling on one she liked.

“Xue’er, your love for books makes me feel somewhat ashamed,” he remarked leisurely, propping his head on his hand as he watched her, amused.

“It’s merely a way to pass the time. Besides, with so many volumes in your library, surely you’ve read most of them?” she replied, turning another page, the world inside endlessly fascinating.

“Not so, not so. Most of these books are just for display. After reading so many, I’ve lost the taste for them,” he said, not the least bit embarrassed.

“What a waste,” she said with some regret. Many of these books were rare and profound, treasures for any bibliophile. To her, it was a pity, for these were the sort of volumes that impart wisdom, resolve doubts—a scholar’s paradise. Yet to him, they were mere decoration.

“Well, I am that wastrel. But since you are here, it is not in vain.” He walked over to her, seeing how intently she read. “Have a rest. You’ve been at it for so long. Are these books really more interesting than your king?”

“…There’s hardly any comparison,” she replied.

He took her hand, and together they strolled through the Imperial Library, their clasped hands painting the portrait of a long-married couple.

As the sun set, their shadows stretched longer in the lingering glow, inseparable—like two birds sleeping with necks entwined.

She thought to herself, this is good. Perhaps it would not be so bad to live like this in the palace forever, she by his side, or he by hers…

Under the night sky, a group traveled swiftly along the road.

A black carriage, festooned with long crimson tassels, its sides carved with lotus pond motifs beneath the moonlight, cut a graceful figure in the still night.

Inside, a man reclined on the couch, his head on a soft, thick pillow. His elegant phoenix eyes were lowered, and his long dark hair fanned out behind him like a web of night.

At his side was a Go board. His jade-like fingers held a white piece, lost in thought.

He placed the piece on the board with a crisp sound. Five stones in a row, interlaced with black, the pattern clear at a glance. He continued to toy with the pieces, never tiring of the game.

“Xue’er, we will meet soon. I am looking forward to it…” He raised his head, gazing out at the night, his exquisite features carrying a charm surpassing that of any woman, his red lips softly uttering those words.

The capital of the Ji Kingdom, Junxi.

Anxue Palace remained tranquil as ever. Yet there was quiet joy in the air, for since her return from the library, the King sent over a book from the collection each day—rare treasures all.

No wonder the Queen perused a book daily; such favor was unique to Anxue Palace.

That day, Xuexue had placed a small couch in her study, lying down to read in earnest. The room was scented with sandalwood and warmed by a brazier—a scene of quiet leisure.

“Your Majesty, Eunuch Miao Jian from the King’s side has arrived.”

“Eunuch Miao Jian, it has been a while,” she said, setting aside her book and greeting him warmly.

“Your Majesty, peace to you.” Miao Jian, dressed in dark palace robes, entered and bowed respectfully. His stern face was as meticulous as ever, every feature sharp and expressionless. “Your Majesty, I come with a message from His Majesty: As you are still recovering and have caught a chill these past days, you need not attend tomorrow night’s palace banquet. Please rest and recuperate in the palace.”

Xuexue raised her brows at this, surprised yet not entirely so by Ji Wu Qing’s arrangement.

“Is the monarch of Wu Kingdom to attend the banquet?” She had long known the ruler of Wu was soon to arrive in Junxi, awaiting the King’s instructions.

Yet his arrangement puzzled her. Was it to keep her from Zuo Qiu Liye? But surely, Ji Wu Qing would not lack the confidence to face him.

“Yes, Your Majesty, the monarch of Wu Kingdom,” Miao Jian replied, pausing before continuing, “His Majesty has no fear of the Wu king but does not wish to gratify his designs, hence he does not want Your Majesty to appear.”

Does he wish not to fulfill the Wu king’s intentions? She gave a resigned smile, accepting Miao Jian’s explanation. Still, Ji Wu Qing’s childishness was rather questionable. Moreover, Zuo Qiu Liye was not one to give up easily; this solution would likely be of little use.

Thus, news spread again that the Queen was unwell, and soon the entire harem knew. Yet for such a grand occasion, the task of hosting the state banquet fell to Imperial Consort Yu. The entire inner palace watched keenly, wondering if this unexpected opportunity would win her greater favor.

In Huizhai, the Empress Dowager, usually indifferent to worldly affairs, was well aware of the matter. The Wu king’s visit was no small event, and though known for his ambition and dominance, he clearly sought to rule the world.

“Never mind what the Wu king’s true purpose in Ji Kingdom may be, this is an excellent opportunity for you, Xiao’er,” the Empress Dowager said, looking with satisfaction at Yu Xiao, seated below her. “A state banquet is not something to be taken lightly. Last time, when the Regent of Cheng Kingdom visited, the Queen managed it exceptionally well. Now, it is your turn, and you may well surpass her.”

“You are right, Your Majesty. Yet I am somewhat concerned for the Queen,” replied the dignified young woman. Her long dark hair was coiled into an elegant bun adorned with exquisite silver ornaments—grand and graceful.

“Why are you concerned for her?”

“I worry that it is strange the Queen should fall ill so suddenly. Only days ago, she seemed in perfect health. It is too much of a coincidence,” she said. Was it really a coincidence, or something the Queen arranged herself?

“That is not our concern. As long as the timing benefits us, that is all that matters.” Clearly, whatever befell Xuexue, the Empress Dowager cared not, so long as opportunity favored her own side.

“Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will see that the state banquet is properly conducted.”

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