Chapter 43 - Leaving the Palace, a Freebie!
The Great Zhen Dynasty, from its founding to the present, is already on its eighth emperor.
By the time of the fourth emperor, the fortunes of the Great Zhen gradually showed signs of decline, no longer possessing its former glory.
At this time, the emperor was engrossed in wine and women, only knowing how to indulge in pleasure. Factional disputes among the ministers were incessant, with most only looking out for their own interests. Coupled with unending external threats and natural disasters that were more rampant than in previous years, the nation's power was a far cry from what it once was.
By the time of the fifth emperor, Emperor Mingde, although the emperor had the heart to make changes, his own abilities were unfortunately mediocre. On the contrary, because his methods were too forceful, he intensified class conflicts.
Disheartened, Emperor Mingde gradually began to slack off, attending court sporadically.
Later, he received a peerless beauty offered as tribute from the Gulan Kingdom, whom he doted on immensely. Within just one year, he enfeoffed her as a Noble Consort, and from then on, he lingered in the land of gentle pleasures.
Emperor Mingde had nine sons in total. After eliminating those who died prematurely from various conspiracies, only three remained. Among these three sons, the second prince, Bai Yao Quan, was the most heroic and martial.
Everyone believed that Bai Yao Quan would become the sixth emperor of Great Zhen.
But who could have known that Emperor Mingde, on his deathbed, afflicted by some unknown illness, would actually change his imperial edict and designate the young prince Bai Yao Jun, born to his most favored Noble Consort, as the next monarch of Great Zhen.
Just like that, the eleven-year-old Bai Yao Jun became the new emperor.
However, before Bai Yao Jun became emperor, his mother, in order to gain internal and external political resources, secretly allied herself with powerful ministers. She also persuaded the emperor to arrange a marriage alliance between the two nations with the Gulan Kingdom.
At that time, the young princess He Lan Xiao Xiao, only four years old, was married off to the Great Zhen Dynasty from afar, designated as the young Imperial Consort-to-be.
After Bai Yao Jun ascended the throne, the six-year-old He Lan Xiao Xiao, through the maneuvering of the Empress Dowager and powerful ministers, naturally became the Empress. She was also the youngest Empress in the history of the Great Zhen Dynasty and all successive dynasties on the entire continent.
But who knew that after a mere twenty-seven days, the eleven-year-old Emperor Bai Yao Jun would die suddenly in the palace.
At the same moment, the second prince Bai Yao Quan, with the help of another powerful minister, launched a palace coup, taking control of the Empress Dowager who was attempting to change the dynasty. In the end, he became the seventh emperor of Great Zhen, Emperor Tianwu.
The death of Bai Yao Jun remains a mystery to this day, with no way to verify it.
His mother also hanged herself in the palace.
But this young princess from the Gulan Kingdom, He Lan Xiao Xiao, after being Empress for less than a month, was confusingly promoted to Empress Dowager.
Now, with Emperor Tianwu having retired to the background and Emperor Yuanfeng on the throne, the thirty-one-year-old He Lan Xiao Xiao's status has changed from Empress Dowager to Grand Empress Dowager. Her life can be described as legendary.
"Grand Empress Dowager, it's so late, why aren't you resting yet?"
Looking at the woman before her, who was fuming but, paired with her doll-like face, looked inexplicably charming and naive, Lin Wei Yang felt quite a headache.
Although this Grand Empress Dowager was over thirty, her temperament was like that of a young girl or child.
To put it simply: the age of a young matron, the face of a young girl, the figure of a maiden, the temperament of a child... and that naturally soft, sweet, and childlike voice.
No matter how one looked at it, her identity didn't seem to fit.
"Little Wei Yang, you're lying to me again!”
He Lan Xiao Xiao huffily rolled up her sleeves, revealing two pale, slender, and smooth lotus-root-like arms, and placed her hands on her hips.
“You said you would take me out of the palace to have fun. You’ve already lied to me several times.”
Although she was the Grand Empress Dowager, He Lan Xiao Xiao rarely referred to herself as 'We,' except when with Bai Yao Quan and on formal occasions.
Lin Wei Yang gave a wry smile.
“Grand Empress Dowager, state affairs have been busy recently. If you could just wait a bit longer—”
“I won’t wait! I’m sneaking out of the palace tonight. If I’m beaten to death by the Imperial Guard as a thief, then that’s just my bad luck.”
He Lan Xiao Xiao puffed out her chest and began to threaten her.
Beside them, Bai Ru Yue bit her lip and said with a smile,
“Grand Empress Dowager, can you even sneak out? If Ru Yue remembers correctly, you’ve tried to sneak out of the palace eighty-nine times this year alone, and not once have you succeeded.”
“None of your business! Anyway, I won’t give up.”
He Lan Xiao Xiao waved her small fists.
Such a childish gesture made Lin Wei Yang feel amused, yet also a bit sympathetic.
Ever since this princess from the Gulan Kingdom was brought to the Great Zhen imperial palace at the age of four, she had been locked in this great cage, never once having gone out.
After the death of Bai Yao Jun, she was even confined within Ripple Orchid Residence, not stepping out of the courtyard for a full five years.
However, such a lonely and boring life did not wear away her lively nature. No matter the time, she always maintained a child's curiosity and optimism towards new things.
The palace maids and eunuchs also took good care of this foreign young princess who was like a porcelain doll.
Later, when Bai Yao Quan permitted her to move about the imperial palace, He Lan Xiao Xiao finally met the Eldest Princess and Lin Wei Yang, and the three became good companions, often pestering each other to play.
But from beginning to end, she was never able to leave this imperial palace.
Last month, she did a favor for Lin Wei Yang, and the latter promised to take her to see the outside of the palace. As a result, it was delayed until now.
That was why she had angrily run over to confront her.
Lin Wei Yang began making empty promises as if placating a child.
“Grand Empress Dowager, although the Retired Emperor doesn't mind you leaving the palace now, you are, after all, of noble status. What if something should happen to you? How about this, in a few more days, I will take you out of the palace. I’ll show you acrobatic performances, buy you some very fun toys, and buy you lots of delicious food…”
However, she had made empty promises too many times, and He Lan Xiao Xiao no longer trusted her, shaking her head like a rattle drum.
“No, you’re definitely trying to trick me again. I won’t fall for it anymore.”
She went forward and hugged Lin Wei Yang, pleading,
“Little Wei Yang, you’re the best to me. Please, please let me leave the palace, okay? Just once?”
He Lan Xiao Xiao very humbly held up one finger, her appearance pitiful.
Paired with that naturally soft, sweet, and childlike voice, the heart of Bai Ru Yue, who was standing to the side, nearly melted.
Seeing Lin Wei Yang remain silent, He Lan Xiao Xiao puffed up her cheeks and said furiously,
“Lin Wei Yang, We are the Grand Empress Dowager! We command you to take Us out of the palace at once.”
However, the pressure of her status still could not make Lin Wei Yang compromise.
Instead, the young woman raised a slender eyebrow and said with a cold smile,
“Grand Empress Dowager, this Empress fears threats the least. Why don’t Your venerable self try forcing this Empress into submission with a knife?”
He Lan Xiao Xiao’s gem-like, sparkling blue eyes glared at her.
Gradually, her eyes reddened.
Disobedient tears, like pearls from a broken string, dripped down her doll-like face.
Seeing this, Lin Wei Yang felt her head ache.
She quickly reined in her authority and compromised.
“Alright, alright, how about I have the guards take you out of the palace tomorrow night?”
But He Lan Xiao Xiao still tilted her small face up and glared at her.
Clearly, she did not believe her.
Bai Ru Yue’s charming almond eyes shifted, and as if she had thought of something, she pulled Lin Wei Yang to a corner and whispered,
“How about I take her to Dongqi County in Yun City?”
“What!?”
Lin Wei Yang’s voice rose.
She glanced at He Lan Xiao Xiao, then lowered her voice again and shook her head.
“No, we can’t go that far.”
“Aiya, just listen to me first.”
Bai Ru Yue wrapped her arms around Lin Wei Yang’s elegant neck, brought her red lips close to the other’s ear, and began to whisper.
The latter’s slender eyebrows would sometimes furrow and sometimes relax, her expression changing.
“Don’t worry, she’ll be fine with me.”
Bai Ru Yue patted her impressive chest.
Lin Wei Yang pondered for a moment, then her beautiful eyes looked towards He Lan Xiao Xiao in the distance. The latter was still shedding tears, but her captivating, intelligent eyes would peek over from time to time, and she was even straining her ears to listen.
“Alright, it’s true that I don’t have time to take her out of the palace.”
Lin Wei Yang sighed, but her expression immediately turned grave.
“Yue Er, you must look after her well. Absolutely do not let any mishap occur.”
“Mm, I know.”
Bai Ru Yue nodded forcefully.
“Also, although the Grand Empress Dowager is an adult, she has been locked inside the palace since she was a child and has never experienced the rivalries between concubines. Her disposition is very simple.”
Lin Wei Yang instructed seriously.
“Plus, her nature is like a child’s. Whether it’s in matters of emotion or interpersonal relationships, she is like a blank sheet of paper. After all, the rules of the palace are different from those of the outside world. So remember not to let her come into contact with those young masters from noble families outside.
Those men are used to sweet-talking. Although the Grand Empress Dowager is clever, it would be difficult for her to distinguish right from wrong. I don't care if she brings a stain upon the imperial family; I just don't want her to taste the bitter sorrows of love between men and women in this world.
The Grand Empress Dowager has already had a very bitter life, wasting the best years of a woman's youth. I hope she can live forever, carefree, and not be stained by the dust of the mortal world.”
These heartfelt words from Lin Wei Yang moved Bai Ru Yue somewhat.
Bai Ru Yue looked at the charming and lovely He Lan Xiao Xiao, her eyes also filled with infinite gloom and pity, and said softly,
“Don’t worry. With me here, the Grand Empress Dowager won’t fall in love with any man. Unless I have to throw myself in as well.”
This final joke made Lin Wei Yang laugh, and she hummed,
“The man who could subdue you, you little demon empress, has probably not been born yet.”
…
Tiger penis is a good thing.
Firstly, it has the effect of nourishing the kidneys, invigorating yang, and replenishing essence and marrow.
Secondly, the calcium phosphate and protein components contained in tiger penis have an anti-aging effect.
Thirdly, it is able to dispel wind and alleviate pain, calm shocks, and strengthen muscles and bones.
Using the medicinal herbs his wife had gathered, Li Nan Ke, without needing any expert guidance, steeped a top-quality tiger penis medicinal wine.
“Wife, this thing is enough. In the future, don’t make me those kidney-nourishing medicinal meals anymore. It’s easy to get internal heat.”
Li Nan Ke offered a small suggestion.
Luo Qian Qiu, while soaking the peeled tiger skin in medicinal water, responded softly.
“Does husband feel he no longer needs a major supplement?”
“In truth, I never needed it!”
Li Nan Ke seemed to want to pour out all the grievances of the past few days, slapping the table and saying in a deep voice,
“My old nickname was Zhao Zilong. I charged in and out of the enemy ranks seven times, slaughtering the enemy until they threw down their helmets and armor, yet I remained incomparably ferocious. For such a formidable man, what is there to supplement? That is an insult to me!”
Seeing the man about to slap the table and complain again, Luo Qian Qiu slightly narrowed her beautiful eyes, in which a dangerous glint seemed to float, like a cat licking its paws.
“Is husband dissatisfied with this wife?”
“Er…”
Li Nan Ke’s raised hand slowly came down, and he looked from side to side.
“Actually, it’s fine to supplement a bit more. After all, the more formidable, the better. I can appreciate my wife’s painstaking efforts. Mm, I can appreciate them.”
The corners of Luo Qian Qiu’s lips turned up slightly, and then she sighed.
“Husband will understand the reason in the future.”
“There’s no need for a reason. Wife is a divine doctor; everything you do is right.”
Li Nan Ke began his daily flattery.
“You even cured Lord Leng of such a serious injury. What reason do I have not to believe that my body is actually very weak?”
“Lord Leng…”
Luo Qian Qiu lowered her eyelids, falling silent for a long time before murmuring gloomily.
“I lied to her. Those treatments only address the symptoms, not the root cause. Her real injury… has no cure.”
“What?”
The young woman’s voice was too soft, and Li Nan Ke, who was holding the medicinal wine, did not hear.
Luo Qian Qiu shook her head and smiled, saying softly, “It’s nothing. Husband, you should rest early.”