TSNCWEM Chapter 67

The title “Pansi cave” refers to a place from a Journey to the West. The story goes that a monk and his disciples strumbled across seven spider spirits that were transformed into beautiful women. The women tried to lure the men into the cave.

Can you guess what the chapter will be about? hehe

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Song Yunzhao listened to these words and, for a moment, couldn’t distinguish truth from falsehood. After a long silence, she looked at Han Jinyi and softly said, “The matters of the palace in the past have nothing to do with us, so it’s better not to inquire too much.”

Han Jinyi, noticing the heavy expression on Song Yunzhao’s face, was momentarily startled and said, “Yunzhao, this matter is being privately discussed by many in the palace.”

“Have you heard An Fangyi say anything about it herself?”

Han Jinyi shook her head.

“Those who are alive do not speak, and the deceased cannot prove their innocence. Naturally, whatever others say becomes the truth.”

Han Jinyi’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing Song Yunzhao’s words. Her expression turned uncertain. After a long pause, she finally said, “So you are guessing that someone deliberately passed this information to me to let me know about this matter? But why?”

Song Yunzhao looked directly at Han Jinyi and said word by word, “Because you and I are on good terms.”

Han Jinyi’s face turned pale, and she anxiously said, “Yunzhao, I have no ulterior motives. I genuinely just received the news and wanted to inform you.”

“I know.” Song Yunzhao smiled. “If it weren’t for your kind intentions, I wouldn’t have said those words to remind you earlier.”

Han Jinyi let out a small sigh of relief, but then, slightly angered, said, “I better not find out who it was, or I definitely won’t let them off lightly.”

This wasn’t just using her as a tool but also trying to sow discord between her and Yunzhao.

“In the palace, verbal sparring is the lowest level of tactics. Only Lu Zhixue hasn’t figured this out yet, barking twice every time she sees me. Look at the others—aren’t they all pretending to be harmonious? When we were outside the palace, we heard rumors that Consort Shu had a temper. But after all this time in the palace, have you ever seen her publicly say anything that could be held against her?”

Han Jinyi sighed—no, she hadn’t.

“Life is tough, but I never expected someone to target me first.” Han Jinyi felt her face flush with shame. If it weren’t for Yunzhao’s warning, she probably wouldn’t have realized.

She prided herself on being clever, but in the end…

Seeing Han Jinyi’s unhappy expression, Song Yunzhao chuckled and said, “The housekeeper nanny by my side says that if you live in the palace long enough, you’ll see all kinds of monsters and demons. Jinyi, this is just the beginning. Having this incident as a reminder might not be a bad thing.”

Han Jinyi forced a bitter smile. “You don’t need to comfort me. I understand in my heart.”

After settling herself for a moment, Han Jinyi got up to take her leave. Before leaving, she looked at Song Yunzhao and said, “Take extra care these next two days. Standing in the spotlight may bring glory, but it also doubles the danger.”

Song Yunzhao nodded, personally sending Han Jinyi off. When she returned, she asked Xiang Xue to fetch balsam flowers to dye her nails.

What entertainment could the palace offer? Just those few things. Everyone was focused on the Emperor choosing a concubine to take to bed, and she, too, needed to put on a good show.

Xiang Xue and Shi Zhu used a small bamboo basket to pick bright red balsam flowers, which were then ground into paste using a jade pestle. The juice was filtered through fine cotton cloth, applied to Yunzhao’s nails, and then wrapped with fabric. After several hours, the dye would set.

Looking at her ten tightly wrapped fingertips, Yunzhao felt she’d been foolish. She should have dyed her nails at night and slept through the process.

Now, though, it just looked ridiculous.

“My lady, shall I read to you?” Qing Feng entered the room with a book and asked with a smile.

Song Yunzhao glanced at her. The young palace maid still had a smile lingering in her eyes. Yunzhao sighed softly and nodded. “All right.”

Qing Feng’s voice was very pleasant to listen to. If she had lived in modern times, she would undoubtedly be an excellent voice actress. As Yunzhao closed her eyes and listened to the reading, the sunlight gradually stretched across the soft couch by the window, warming her body. Eventually, she fell asleep.

Yu Lu gently draped a thin blanket over Yunzhao and whispered to Qing Feng, “Yu Momo said not to continue reading, so as not to disturb the master’s rest.”

Qing Feng nodded, put away the book, and said softly to Yu Lu, “Then I’ll stay here and keep watch.”

Yu Lu agreed and quietly left the room.

Meanwhile, Yu Momo was leading the selection of outfits and accessories for the day after tomorrow. Whether the Emperor chose her, preparations had to be made in advance.

The next day, when the fabric wraps were removed, the color had already set on Yunzhao’s nails. She applied a second layer of dye the night before, so the color was deeper and richer. The double-layered dye from the bright red balsam flowers had produced beautifully colored nails. Yunzhao admired her slender fingers, feeling delighted.

Sitting before the bronze mirror, Song Yunzhao stared at her reflection. She was deeply fond of her beauty and took great care of her appearance because a beautiful face was one of her assets in this era.

It might sound a bit bitter, but it was the truth.

Today, she decided to apply her makeup herself. She sketched her look and sent Anshun to one of the departments for a set of makeup brushes. The craftsmen of this era could make exquisitely fine brushes, so creating makeup brushes was no challenge.

The brushes were made of soft rabbit hair, with dozens of sizes. The handles were crafted from fragrant rosewood, edged in pure gold, and engraved with intricate patterns. The expedited production cost her three hundred taels of silver—quite a hefty price, as the bureau was notoriously greedy.

However, when Song Yunzhao saw the actual brushes, she felt the cost was justified. She called Xiang Xue over, applying her makeup while teaching her step-by-step.

Xiang Xue marveled, saying, “Master, you’re amazing! How did you come up with such an excellent tool? We should keep it hidden and use it ourselves.”

Yunzhao certainly understood. The design she provided to the bureau was labeled as painting tools—after all, makeup was a form of painting.

Today’s makeup was a departure from the youthful innocence of previous looks. With soft femininity and seductive charm, it was prepared for a night of intimacy—no room for girlish naïveté.

The Emperor had used false promises of intimacy to deceive Consort Shu and others in her generation. As for Yunzhao, she had no intention of becoming a mere decoration for the Emperor’s court.

With this thought, Song Yunzhao chuckled, and as she laughed, her hand slipped, extending the pink color at the corner of her eye.

Xiang Xue quickly brought a cloth to wipe it off. Yunzhao examined herself in the mirror and found that the extended color looked quite nice. She asked Xiang Xue to put the cloth away and gradually adjusted the makeup, blending the lower eyeliner to deepen it. The tools made the process much easier than using fingers and eyebrow dyes, creating a more polished overall look.

Xiang Xue watched in awe, feeling that she still needed years of practice to reach her master’s level. She carefully cleaned the used brushes, put them away, and stored them deep in the makeup box.

“What time is it?” Song Yunzhao asked.

“Master, it’s Shen hour (3-5pm),” Qingfeng replied from the side.

Song Yunzhao frowned slightly. “Has there been any news?”

“Not yet,” Qing Feng shook her head, feeling anxious. Normally, by this hour, a decree should have arrived in the inner palace, but there was still no movement.

Thinking about this, Qing Feng hesitated and said, “Should I ask Eunuch An to check?”

The purpose of sending someone wasn’t to spy on the movements of Taiji Palace but to see if any other inner palace had received an imperial decree.

Song Yunzhao shook her head. “No need.”

If anyone found out that Anshun went out to gather news, they would mock her. With so many eyes on Wangyou Palace today, every move she made had to be cautious.

She picked up a book to calm her thoughts.

At the same time, outside Taiji Palace, Zhang Maoquan anxiously waited. The Bureau of Attendants was standing by with the plaques for the Emperor’s selection, but there was no word from the Emperor yet. It was nerve-wracking not knowing who he would choose. Although Zhang Maoquan secretly hoped Wangyou Palace would take the lead, he didn’t dare act rashly.

While fretting, the sound of the palace gates opening caught his attention. Shortly after, someone came out to summon the attendants of the Bureau inside.

Zhang Maoquan breathed a small sigh of relief and, with a sharp glance, quickly followed.

Upon entering, he felt Meng Jiuchang’s gaze glaring at him. Pretending not to notice, Zhang Maoquan ignored him and stepped forward to bow. “Your Majesty, it is getting late.”

Feng Yi gave Zhang Maoquan a glance, and the rest of his words instantly died in his throat. He kept silent.

Why had he just overstepped? He had told himself not to meddle, yet he couldn’t control his mouth.

It must have been that sharp look from Meng Jiuchang that irked him and caused the slip.

Feng Yi’s gaze swept over the tray from the Bureau of Attendants, which displayed the plaques of the new concubines. The foremost were Song Yunzhao and Qin Xiyue, both Noble Concubines, so they were naturally placed first.

Qin Xiyue… Feng Yi furrowed his brow slightly, recalling Grand Tutor Qin’s words in court earlier. The old man, relying on his seniority, had dared to rebuke him. The Grand Tutor, usually composed and reserved, had acted unusually impatient this time, undoubtedly related to the recent event of palace concubines meeting their families.

Thinking further about the recent accusations against the Song family brothers, it was fortunate that Song Yunzhao’s father held a minor position. However, her uncle wasn’t as lucky and had been assigned to the Salt Commission—a hotbed of controversy where many schemed to enter.

Feng Yi’s gaze sharpened. Five years into his reign, these old figures still thought they could manipulate him. Hah.

Meng Jiuchang and Zhang Maoquan exchanged glances, both startled to see the Emperor seemingly lost in thought. They quickly looked away.

The overseer of the Bureau of Attendants also grew uneasy, his arms aching as he held up the tray. Gritting his teeth, he endured.

“Your Majesty…” Meng Jiuchang finally spoke softly.

Feng Yi snapped out of his thoughts, his gaze landing on Song Yunzhao’s plaque. He extended his hand and pointed to it.

Zhang Maoquan’s heart leapt with joy, though he dared not show it in Meng Jiuchang’s presence. Maintaining a composed expression, he said, “I will deliver the decree at once.”

Feng Yi nodded slightly.

Meng Jiuchang gave Zhang Maoquan a sharp look before withdrawing his gaze.

When the decree reached Wangyou Palace, the atmosphere immediately became jubilant. Song Yunzhao greeted Zhang Maoquan, expertly displaying a look of surprise and delight, even rewarding him with silver.

Zhang Maoquan spoke a few auspicious words before hurrying back to report.

Xiang Xue ushered her master to the dressing table, adorning her hair with prepared ornaments. Shi Zhu arrived with selected garments, assisting with her attire. Yu Momo led others in tidying the halls inside and out, ensuring everything was spotless. Even the incense in the burner was replaced.

Watching the bustling activity, Song Yunzhao let out a long sigh of relief.

Though she had anticipated a higher chance of being chosen, she couldn’t be entirely certain. However, she was confident that her recent interactions in the imperial garden had earned her points. Sure enough, she was right.

As dusk fell, the eunuch’s resounding announcement finally came from outside: “The Emperor has arrived!”

Song Yunzhao immediately led her attendants to welcome him, kneeling at the entrance. Before she could utter a word of blessing, she looked up—and froze.

Oh dear, her poor heart!

The Emperor arrived, stepping through the moonlight in a smoky blue long robe. The golden dragon embroidered with golden threads shimmered as he moved, his robes lightly billowing in the night wind. His pace was neither hurried nor slow. In such tranquil moonlit silence, each step seemed to press against Yunzhao’s chest, rising and falling with her heartbeat.

Song Yunzhao: …

The dog Emperor must have dressed up on purpose!

Song Yunzhao’s dazed expression clearly pleased Feng Yi, who smiled as he spoke, “Beloved Concubine, there’s no need for excessive formalities. Rise.”

Song Yunzhao: …

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Rarely did Song Yunzhao blush, but now she did—how embarrassing.

Once the Emperor entered the inner hall, the light behind him had kept Song Yunzhao’s face concealed. Now, as they entered, her meticulously prepared appearance was illuminated for him.

She was naturally beautiful, her eyes were bright. After the earlier events, her face had a faint blush, making her even more strikingly lovely. Especially that hint of red at the corners of her eyes—it was irresistible, making anyone want to reach out and touch.

Feng Yi kept his hands behind his back, meeting Song Yunzhao’s clear and radiant gaze. For a moment, he felt a slight discomfort.

Song Yunzhao quickly composed herself. Since she’d already been embarrassed, it couldn’t go to waste. She decided to carry on. With three parts shyness and seven parts nervousness, the blush on her face added perfectly to her allure, emphasizing her actions tonight.

To Feng Yi, Song Yunzhao’s eyes sparkled as though filled with fragments of starlight—they were radiant and dazzling. Combined with her naturally stunning features, she was breathtakingly beautiful. Yet, her gaze also carried the innocence and shyness of a young girl.

This was not the Song Yunzhao Feng Yi was familiar with. She had always been sharp, with thorns that could prick at any moment.

But the Song Yunzhao before him now was soft and pure. Feng Yi felt a tinge of regret—he shouldn’t have come.

Still, if he left now, how could Song Yunzhao establish herself in the palace in the future?

Song Yunzhao noticed Feng Yi’s expression and thought carefully. The Emperor’s gaze felt off. Wasn’t this the germaphobe Emperor from the book? Was he planning to back out?

Could it be that she had performed so well it scared him?

That wouldn’t do!

Now that he’d entered her web, the Emperor shouldn’t hope to leave unscathed.

With a face full of shy innocence, Song Yunzhao stepped closer to the Emperor. Lifting her head slightly, her jade-like face was lightly flushed. Soft, pink, and delicate, her moist eyes shone as she gazed at him.

Instinctively, Feng Yi took a step back.

Song Yunzhao: …

Why are you retreating?

She was furious!

Was she not beautiful? Was she not captivating? Had she not been sincere enough?

And yet he retreated?

Didn’t he realize how hard it was for someone with thick skin like her to act as a bashful young maiden?

Song Yunzhao decided it was time for drastic measures. She looked at the retreating Emperor, her face showing a mix of surprise and hurt. She opened her mouth as if to say something but seemed too lost for words, then took a step back herself.

Feng Yi froze, staring at Song Yunzhao’s slightly pale face. Suddenly, he realized his earlier reaction might have hurt her.

“Song Yunzhao…”

Her eyes reddened, as though holding back tears. Lowering her head slightly, she took a deep breath, her tone tinged with distance as she said, “If Your Majesty dislikes me, you may simply leave.”

For a moment, Feng Yi was at a loss for words. He had seen Song Yunzhao argue, seen her bask in triumph, and even seen her slap a table in anger while reading. But he had never seen her cry.

Feng Yi took a sudden step forward, grabbing Song Yunzhao’s wrist. “I didn’t mean it like that…”

“Then what does Your Majesty mean?”

Although her words sounded accusatory, Song Yunzhao spoke with a hint of vulnerability, and in her embarrassment, she shook off his hand.

Feng Yi was speechless. At that moment, he realized Song Yunzhao wasn’t like Consort Shu and the others. She remained because he had chosen to keep her.

Those dark, shadowy, unspeakable thoughts he harbored about himself—directed at her—rarely left him feeling guilty.

“Tonight, you are breathtakingly beautiful. I couldn’t help but lose focus for a moment,” Feng Yi spoke a blatant lie, determined to placate her first.

Song Yunzhao suddenly raised her head, her initial surprise giving way to a gleam of light in her eyes.

Feng Yi’s heart skipped a beat.

Then she said, “I thought Your Majesty disliked my personality and regretted meeting me.”

Feng Yi did regret it, though not for the reason Yunzhao assumed. He couldn’t bear the purity emanating from her.

A person who is excessively shadowed by darkness instinctively avoids the light. Even as Emperor, he was no exception.

Hearing her mention her “bad personality,” Feng Yi couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

Song Yunzhao: …

The sweet talk was going so well—why did he ruin it with laughter? How was she supposed to salvage the situation now?

One thing was certain: she wasn’t going to let the Emperor run away. With this resolve, she forced a bitter smile and softly said, “I know men prefer gentle and obedient women. I also know my personality can be too headstrong. If Your Majesty dislikes me for this, I will have no complaints.”

Feng Yi frowned slightly.

“But it is my first time serving as a concubine. Tonight is my first wedding night, and I have my own hopes and dreams for it… Time flows on, years fly by, and when I look back years from now, I wish to have a perfect memory of this night.” Song Yunzhao’s voice grew quieter, her head lowering.

She had made her intentions clear—surely, the Emperor understood.

“A woman’s youthful years are fleeting. I only want His Majesty to remember me more deeply, more vividly, more fondly.”

“If His Majesty truly dislikes me, then it must be my fault. I wouldn’t blame you for it. Please, return.”

Choking back tears, Song Yunzhao ran into the sleeping quarters. Resolutely, she kicked off her embroidered shoes, leaving them scattered on the floor, then slipped into the canopy.

She didn’t know how long had passed. Her heartbeat quickened, and soon she heard soft footsteps. She immediately lay against the pillow, contemplating how to cry beautifully—forty-five degrees or thirty? Her makeup couldn’t smudge!

Feng Yi entered and saw the shoes carelessly thrown on the floor—a chaotic mess clearly reflecting the owner’s mood.

Through the pale green sheer drapes, he could see Yunzhao’s trembling form. She cried silently and repressively, the sound somehow leaving a bitter taste in his heart.

Feng Yi sighed inwardly, walked forward, and lifted the canopy, sitting sideways on the edge of the bed.

He had once been an unnoticed prince, ignored by all, living alone in a forgotten corner of the vast imperial palace. There had never been anyone to comfort him, nor did he think he was worth comforting.

Later, he became Emperor, the ruler above all. He still wouldn’t comfort anyone—no one was worthy of his consolation.

Then Song Yunzhao appeared in his life. He recalled her vivid first impression, arguing spiritedly with her hands on her hips. Yet now, even her crying was muted and restrained.

Feng Yi truly didn’t know how to handle this situation—he had never encountered anything like it.

Originally, he had planned to visit perfunctorily. But after hearing Yunzhao’s words, he seriously considered them. She wasn’t wrong.

She wasn’t one of those women who entered the palace with ambitions tied to powerful families. He had investigated and learned that she had joined the palace due to sibling rivalry and her mother’s favoritism. Even during the selection process, he could tell she wished to be disqualified.

It was he who had chosen to keep her.

Song Yunzhao said it was her first time being a wife, and Feng Yi thought to himself—it was also his first time actively being with a woman.

She said she hoped for a perfect wedding night. Feng Yi thought to himself—he couldn’t possibly live like a monk forever just because the women in the harem didn’t suit his taste.

With that thought, he stepped forward.

Feng Yi reached out, scooping her up from the pillow and holding her in his arms. With a hint of helplessness, he said, “I didn’t say anything, but your temper is indeed a bit much.”

Hearing this, Song Yunzhao’s heart finally settled. Regardless of what the Emperor thought, tonight he had to stay for real. This was her first wedding night in both her lives, and it couldn’t go to waste—it had to be fulfilled.

Song Yunzhao wrapped her arms around the Emperor’s waist, feeling his body stiffen slightly. She began to worry—did the Emperor even know what to do on their wedding night?

Although she had no practical experience, she did have theoretical knowledge.

Thinking this, she said aloud, “My temper—didn’t Your Majesty already know about it outside the palace? If my bad temper didn’t stop you from keeping me, then it’s not my problem.”

You chose me, so what’s there to complain about?

Feng Yi thought about it and realized she had a point.

He had chosen her, so it wouldn’t be fair to be overly critical.

Song Yunzhao noticed the Emperor’s heartbeat was as rapid as hers. She had to seize the moment. Her mind raced—how did those tearful, pitiful looks from dramas go again?

She couldn’t remember. Oh well, the angle didn’t matter.

Feng Yi lowered his head, gazing at the person in his arms. She tilted her head slightly, the red agate pendant resting against her fair collarbone. Her large eyes brimmed with unshed tears, yet her lips curved into a radiant, confident smile. As the tear slid down her cheek, her entire being radiated like the blazing summer sun, warming even his cold heart.

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TLs note:

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh