T/N: Rankings would be mentioned at the end.
After the first time, she was a little tired. Thinking about what the Empress said in the morning, she didn’t want to continue, but Emperor Shengwu didn’t care. Women usually say one thing and mean another, especially when this woman is in bed.
But when he turned the woman’s face over, he found that her tears could not stop, and he was shocked for a moment.
Did I hurt her?
“But where does it hurt? Why are you crying?”
She shook her head and didn’t say anything.
Emperor Shengwu was already full of irritability. Seeing that she didn’t speak, his face changed: “Speak, what’s wrong?”
His words were oppressive, and she didn’t dare not speak.
Careful and uneasy: “No, it’s just that, it’s just that I think that Your Majesty has been with me these days, shouldn’t Your Majesty treat me equally?”
After saying that, he raised the corner of his mouth and smiled reluctantly.
“Are you chasing me away?” His face immediately darkened.
“I dare not, but I think of the beautiful and charming Lin Guifei, the beautiful Shu Shufei, and Li Guipin and Hu Jieyu…”
“Enough, I have spoiled you for a few days, and you are so bold?”
She was frightened, her body trembled, and her eyes were misty with tears. Although the two of them were doing the most intimate thing, there was a tense atmosphere.
The man frowned, suppressed his anger, and did not move.
“Your Majesty, I dare not, but when I pay my respects every day, they… they…” She cried, not knowing how to start, not wanting to be a villain in front of His Majesty.
Emperor Shengwu was stunned. Pay respects?
Then he thought of something.
These women are getting more and more unruly, and they have to take care of his bed affairs.
He calmed down, his anger subsided, his expression returned to his usual indifference, hugged the woman and sat her in his arms. He leaned against the head of the bed and began to continue the unfinished business.
He asked with a cold expression: “Did the other concubines make things difficult for you?”
“Well, no, it’s just that Your Majesty should treat everyone equally, and not favor me alone.” She bit her lip and snorted, and replied pitifully.
“Hmm, I see.”
See? See what? She looked at him with innocent eyes, confused.
“Do you want me to go to other concubines?” The man lowered his eyelids, with an imposing manner.
She didn’t know how to answer this question. She bit her lower lip, looked at him with tears in her eyes, and shook her head.
“Speak.”
“Woo, I don’t know.”
“Didn’t you ask me to treat everyone equally? Now you don’t know?” His expression was still indifferent, but only she knew how fierce he was. She bit her lips and didn’t want to make a sound.
“Woo, I love Your Majesty, but, it’s just that the Empress is in charge of the harem and said that Your Majesty should not favor only one person, so she asked me to advise you.”
“So obedient? Aren’t you quite bold in front of me?”
“I’m just afraid.” She cried with tears in her eyes. On one side was the Empress, and on the other side was the emperor. How could a little Meiren like her bear it?
The man’s heart softened a little, and he no longer had a cold face: “Okay, I will take care of it, why are you crying?”
She hummed in his arms, and then he was very gentle.
When Yun Mengqing woke up the next day, Emperor Shengwu had already left.
————————————
Last night, she deliberately made him angry, just to tell him that the concubines were very dissatisfied with his favor for her.
And all these dissatisfactions were vented on her. The Empress asked her to persuade him, and she did.
After being favored for five days, it was time to push away the man who was as fierce as a wolf. He couldn’t be the only one enjoying himself while she suffered, right?
She didn’t want to bear the fire of the concubines alone. It was obviously him who caused her trouble, so naturally, he had to solve it.
According to Aunt Gui, in the past, concubines without any family background, even when favored, were suppressed by those of higher rank. Once they fell out of favor, they would simply disappear from the harem, as if they had never existed.
Emperor Shengwu cared too little and let go of too much. The slight favor received when being favored should be wielded as a sharp weapon. Last night was her art of complaining.
In the Qianqing Palace, Emperor Shengwu exuded a terrifying aura. After morning court, he summoned several ministers in succession, reprimanding them one by one.
Liang An, who was serving beside him, had beads of sweat on his forehead, fearing that he would be in trouble.
Yesterday, Yun Meiren was fine with His Majesty, but this morning, His Majesty left Lingxi Palace with a gloomy expression. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that it was someone from Lingxi Palace who made His Majesty angry.
After scolding, Emperor Shengwu asked everyone to leave, leaving only Liang An to serve.
If Yun Meiren hadn’t mentioned it yesterday, he wouldn’t have noticed that he had been pampering her for five consecutive days. This had never happened before.
Even if he liked a woman at first sight, he wouldn’t miss her after one or two times. It’s been five days, and he doesn’t seem to have lost interest in her. On the contrary…
As an emperor, he doesn’t allow anything beyond his control to happen. Since she dared to ask for equal treatment last night, she must have the courage to bear the emperor’s anger. He had been pampering her too much these days.
“Tonight, Shu Shufei will sleep with the Emperor.”
Liang An, who was trembling with fear, heard the order and came back to his senses: “Yes, Your Majesty.”
There are so many concubines in the harem, and he doesn’t have to have her. Before he met Yun Mengqing, he still liked Shu Shufei more. She was gentle and quiet, and her chess skills were also good. Hehuan Palace was a place where he could relax.
When the Empress heard the news, the corner of her mouth twitched. No matter how beautiful a woman is, there is a shelf life with His Majesty, but it’s just a matter of length. Only the Empress will always be with His Majesty.
T/N The Empress means that the Emperor’s interest in a woman doesn’t last forever. Eventually, his attention will fade, just like a product that expires.
It seems that this Lady Yun is obedient now. She really did it when I asked her to stay here to advise Emperor Shengwu yesterday.
She has beauty but no brains, haha.
Even as the empress, she did not dare criticize the emperor’s behavior. Haven’t you seen that the censors in the court never discuss the emperor’s private affairs?
Even if that woman was so favored before, didn’t the censors submit a memorial?
T/N: The “censors” were officials in the court whose job was to review and report on the emperor’s actions, including his private affairs.
So, the Empress means that, although the emperor had once highly favored a particular woman, no one ever dared to report or criticize this, even though the censors had the power to do so.
I know it should have been: Even if that woman was so favored before, didn’t the censors not submit a memorial?
But, in the original Chinese, the phrase “didn’t the censors submit a memorial?” still works, because it’s asking rhetorically whether the censors ever raised an issue, suggesting that they did not.
Because Yun Mengqing, the imperial concubine, was punished by being made to copy the clothes of the imperial concubine, she secretly rejoiced when she heard that His Majesty had come out of Lingxi Palace with a displeased expression.
Now, she had also received the news that His Majesty had summoned Shu Shufei to sleep with him tonight. Even though she and Shu Shufei didn’t get along, she was happy today. A mere Meiren had been punished by His Majesty.
But she only kneeled for less than half an hour; how hypocritical. Without the emperor’s favor, she’s just a Meiren. How things went depended entirely on His Majesty’s mood.
The imperial concubine’s eyes were filled with calculation and revenge, and her cruel expression was terrifying.
When night came, Emperor Shengwu didn’t have dinner and went straight to Shu Shufei’s palace.
Upon entering Hehuan Palace, Shu Shufei was already waiting outside.
She was dressed in a green floor-length gown. The silk fabric was soft and smooth, like rippling water, and it was embroidered with intricate flowers and patterns, the delicate lines outlined with gold and silver threads. The floor-length part of her gown was made of layers of pleats, which made her look elegant as she walked.
She wore a golden crown with a jeweled hairpin, and her face was graceful and beautiful. Overall, she appeared both gentle and dignified.
“Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. May Your Majesty be well.” Shu Shufei raised her characteristic smile.
“Mm, get up. My beloved concubine looks beautiful today, and the green color suits your skin tone.” Emperor Shengwu said, walking over to her and complimenting her, before walking straight into the palace.
After Shu Shufei got up, she followed him into the palace. Since Emperor Shengwu didn’t eat, she accompanied him for dinner. Knowing he had the habit of not speaking while eating or sleeping, she quietly sat beside him, occasionally picking up some food but not eating much.
Emperor Shengwu had always enjoyed a quiet atmosphere during meals. Today, he and Shu Shufei dined as usual, but he felt irritated. Seeing Shu Shufei put down her chopsticks after eating only a few bites, he also put down his chopsticks, having lost his appetite.
“Your Majesty, are you busy with government affairs today? If you’re tired, I can give you a massage. If not, would you like to play chess with me?”
“My beloved concubine is always so thoughtful. Please bring the chessboard.”
Shu Shufei is one of the few in the harem who can play chess with the Emperor.
“Si Hua, bring His Majesty’s exquisite jade chessboard.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I’ll get it right away.” The maid, Si Hua, bowed and left.
“Your Majesty, I heard that you weren’t very happy when you left Lingxi Palace this morning. Did Sister Yun upset you?” Shu Shufei asked gently, handing over the Longjing tea she had brewed herself.
The Emperor took the tea and drank it, his expression indifferent. “She’s just a Meiren.. How could she affect my mood?”
“Yes, I’ve met Sister Yun a few times recently. She seems to be gentle and obedient.”
The Emperor’s expression didn’t change, and he took another sip of tea, his eyes lowering. Obedient and sensible? She is obedient, but she doesn’t even know who she should listen to. Hmph.
Noticing the Emperor didn’t respond, Shu Shufei wisely dropped the subject. At that moment, Si Hua brought in the chess set.
The Emperor and Shu Shufei played for nearly an hour, and in the end, Emperor Shengwu won. Shu Shufei lost, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and shyness. “Your Majesty, your skills are extraordinary. I feel so foolish. I practice chess and read chess books every day in the palace, but I still can’t beat you.”
“My beloved concubine is already an excellent chess player. It’s impressive that you managed to capture so many of my pieces.”
Hearing his praise, Shu Shufei smiled shyly.
“It’s getting late. Let’s rest now.”
The Emperor Shengwu entered the inner room first, and then Shu Shufei came in to undress him, followed by herself. Everything proceeded smoothly. Afterward, Emperor Shengwu asked for water to go to the bathroom, and Shu Shufei went to another bathroom to wash up. Finally, both the Emperor and Concubine lay on the bed in their undergarments.
At this time, Emperor Shengwu was not sleepy. The man who usually had an expressionless face in the dark now furrowed his brows. His face was serious, and his deep eyes made it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
Meanwhile, in Lingxi Palace, Qingyuan stayed with Yun Mengqing, worried that her mistress might be sad.
“Madam, although His Majesty went to Hehuan Palace today, he must still care for you.”
At this moment, Yun Mengqing, who was sitting on the bed, stretching and occasionally doing yoga movements, was momentarily stunned upon hearing Qingyuan’s comforting words.
Am I acting too sad? Or have I been acting too much in love with His Majesty, making Qingyuan think that I’m really caught up in my feelings?
But that’s fine. As long as I don’t explain this misunderstanding, it becomes the truth.
“Qingyuan, I’m fine. I know His Majesty doesn’t have only me as a woman. He is the Emperor, and there are three thousand beauties in the harem. Yesterday, I was the one who angered His Majesty.”
Seeing her Madam acting so relaxed, Qingyuan felt distressed. She wasn’t surprised by her Madam’s strange behavior, as she had seen it many times over the past few months. But did the Madam really make His Majesty angry yesterday?
“Madam, what did you do? His Majesty really didn’t seem happy when he left Lingxi Palace this morning. Was it because of you?”
“Yes, but it’s alright. You don’t need to worry, Qingyuan.”
Qingyuan frowned with worry. How could she not be concerned? She feared that her Madam was just pretending to be strong.
Yun Mengqing found her concern amusing. She didn’t know what this little girl was thinking, but there were some things she didn’t need to know.
She reached out and pinched Qingyuan’s cheek, smiling as she said, “Really, it’s fine. Don’t you trust your Madam?”
“My Madam is so beautiful. His Majesty would never want to lose you.”
“Yes, I know my limits.”
She wouldn’t let Emperor Shengwu ignore her for too long, but she was afraid she would have to endure some hardship in the meantime. She wondered who would be the first to challenge her during this period.
_______________________________________
Rankings:
1.Empress (皇后; huánghòu): Empress Wang
The four Consorts (妃; fēi):
2.Noble consort (贵妃; guìfēi): Lin Guifei
3.Pure Consort (淑妃; shūfēi): Shu Shufei
4.Virtuous Consort (德妃; défēi):
5.Worthy Consort (賢妃; xiánfēi):
*Also, it doesn’t mention what type of Consort “Rong Fei” is so let’s just say Rong Fei.
6.Noble Concubine (貴嬪; guìpín): Li Guipin
7.Concubine (嫔; pín):, Liang Pin
8.Lady of Bright Beauty (昭媛; zhāoyuàn): Zhang Zhaoyuan
9.Lady of Handsome Fairness (婕妤; jiéyú): Hu Jieyu, Zhu Jieyu
10.Lady of Beauty (美人; měirén): Ding Meiren, Gao Meiren, An Meiren, Yun Mengqing (Yun Meiren)
11.Noble Lady (貴人; guìrén): Use to be An Meiren
12.Lady of Treasure (寶林; bǎolín): 3 positions
13.Lady of Talent (才人; cáirén): Ren Cairen
14.First Class Attendant (常在; chángzài): Use to be Yun Mengqing, 1 other position
15.Second Class Attendant (答應; dāyìng): Ji Daying
16.Lady of His Majesty (御女; yùnǚ):
17.Selected Lady (采女; cǎinǚ):
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(づ˶•༝•˶)づ𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒
Is there a continuation for this novel? It was really good..where can I continue reading it?