Zhang Chengyan had heard these same words so many times that his ears were practically calloused. If it weren't for the fact that the Empress Dowager still held the State Protector Manor as her backing, he would have long since ceased to tolerate her.
Since he was the Emperor, the entire world belonged to him—how could he allow a woman to dictate his actions? Even if that woman was his own biological mother, it would not be permitted!
Zhang Chengyan had been brilliant since childhood and was later raised by the Empress under the orders of the late emperor. Had the Empress not suffered from a severe illness and passed away early, the title of Empress Dowager would never have fallen to the woman who was then only a Virtuous Consort.
Zhang Chengyan’s expression was frigid, his tone impatient. "Mother, there is no need to say more. I must handle state affairs during the day and attend to the inner court at night; how could my health possibly withstand that? Starting today, I will not set foot in the inner court for seven days. That is final."
The Empress Dowager was left speechless. Even if she remained dissatisfied, as it involved the health of the Dragon’s body, she could not press the matter too harshly. She softened her tone. "Emperor, I am only doing this for the sake of the imperial heir. With the time predicted by the Imperial Astrolabe Bureau less than a few months away, how can I not be anxious?"
Zhang Chengyan did not wish to dwell on it. "Mother, if that is all, I shall take my leave. There are still many memorials that require my attention. With the Southern Frontier now stirring and war on the horizon, the survival of the Darong State is the top priority. Otherwise, if the nation falls and the home is destroyed, what use would there be for an heir?"
He turned to leave, catching an inadvertent glimpse of Bai Wutong in the corner. She had hidden her petite frame half behind the shadow of a gauze curtain, her head lowered so far it practically touched her chest. Seeing her adorable appearance, Zhang Chengyan’s mood instantly improved.
After he departed, the Empress Dowager summoned a Nanny. Just as she was about to speak, she noticed Bai Wutong was still there and barked sharply, "What are you still doing here? Get out!"
"Yes, this concubine takes her leave."
Bai Wutong hurried out of the hall. Only when she reached the long corridor did she finally let out a breath, patting her small hand against her chest. "That scared me to death. So being the Emperor is that exhausting? I thought he was surrounded by beauties and must have had such a delightful time..."
Suddenly, the scent of dragon incense grew heavy. She felt her body lighten as a pair of large hands swept her up by the waist, and two figures quickly vanished behind the rockery.
"Who is it!"
"It is I."
"Emperor... Your Majesty!"
Zhang Chengyan’s palm pressed against Bai Wutong’s slender waist, turning her around. "How can anyone have such a thin waist? It actually fits entirely within my grasp."
Bai Wutong’s pretty face flushed crimson, even the tips of her ears stained pink. Pressed against the cold, hard stone of the rockery, her voice trembled and her eyelashes fluttered. "Your Majesty, my waist is nothing special; the kind Beauty Gao has is what you would call beautiful."
Zhang Chengyan pinched her chin. "Who says? I certainly don't think so."
His gaze fell upon her lips, his slightly rough fingers brushing over them. "You aren't wearing rouge?"
"I grew up in a Taoist temple since childhood and am not used to such things. Your Majesty, please, let me go."
Zhang Chengyan stared at her features. "Naturally beautiful, with lips like cinnabar."
"Your Majesty!" Bai Wutong was too shy to hide, her tone involuntarily carrying a hint of coquetry. "Please let go; do not tease me."
Watching those small lips part and close, Zhang Chengyan could no longer restrain himself and lowered his head. He was the Emperor; if he wanted something, he took it. A soft sensation washed over him. Bai Wutong froze in place. Zhang Chengyan held her chin, deepening the kiss. Bai Wutong could only clutch his collar tightly, passively enduring.
"Your Majesty?" came the anxious voice of Eunuch Wang. How did he lose track of the Emperor in just a moment of inattention?
"Mm-hmm—" Bai Wutong struggled.
After a long while, Zhang Chengyan finally released her. "Wang Decai, stand there and wait for me."
Wang Decai immediately stood still, looking obedient.
"What are you afraid of? You are my woman." Zhang Chengyan looked at Bai Wutong’s now red and swollen lips, his expression deep and unreadable. "How are you so fragile? We only kissed for a moment, and you’re already swollen like this."
Bai Wutong’s apricot eyes were moist. "Your Majesty, please go, or Eunuch Wang will start to worry."
"You ran away before, and now you’re chasing me off. What, do you not like me?"
She anxiously tried to explain, but her lips parted, and she didn't know what to say. "How could this concubine not like the Emperor? It is just... this concubine is not worthy."
Zhang Chengyan was amused by her demeanor. "How are you not worthy? If I say you are good, then you are good. You heard me just now; I will not step foot in the inner court for these seven days. After seven days, I will flip your name plate. Wait for me."
He was the Son of Heaven; his word was law, or else he would have flipped her name plate tonight. With that, Zhang Chengyan walked out of the rockery.
Wang Decai glanced cautiously toward the rockery, catching only a glimpse of a white skirt hem. The rockery was extremely narrow; no concubine in the inner court could hide inside without being spotted, except for that unique Beauty Bai.
Once the footsteps faded, Bai Wutong stepped out. She took out a handkerchief to wipe the corners of her mouth, straightened her clothes, and turned to look at Chan'er in the grass. The girl kept her head lowered, clearly unable to believe what she had just seen. Her mistress had actually... in broad daylight, with the Emperor...
"Watch your tongue. Come with me to the imperial physician’s office."
...
Tianxiang Courtyard—one of the palaces for the concubines, located right next to Lanxin Pavilion. Wen Chuyun lived in the main hall, while another concubine, Xu Yao, lived in the side hall. They were chatting together.
Wen Chuyun put down some sunflower seeds. "It is best not to eat too many of these, lest you get overheated."
Xu Yao immediately put them down and offered an ingratiating smile. "Sister Wen is right. I won't eat anymore."
A palace maid walked in from outside, went straight to Wen Chuyun, and whispered a few words. Wen Chuyun’s expression remained unchanged, but her tone was gentle as she issued a subtle dismissal. "Sister Xu, the hour is late. You should go back and rest early."
"Yes, Sister Wen. I shall take my leave then." Xu Yao performed a half-bow and departed.
The courtyard fell silent. The maid bowed her head, remaining mute. Wen Chuyun’s delicate face was icy, her eyes devoid of warmth. "I had long suspected that the Emperor would inevitably take an interest in the unconventional Bai Wutong, but I did not expect that they had already met several times at the Empress Dowager’s place."
She stood up, and the maid stepped forward to support her. "My Lady, do not be angry. That Bai Wutong is so gaunt; even if the Emperor looks at her a few more times, she would never conceive an heir."
It was tacitly understood throughout the Darong State that only women with full, healthy figures were capable of conceiving.
Wen Chuyun shook her head. "You don't understand. What this world fears most is difference. If the Emperor truly changes his temperament and likes someone like Bai Wutong, what then? How would that leave me? Therefore, she absolutely cannot remain! Come, bring the embroidered silk and let us go to Lanxin Pavilion."
Lanxin Pavilion was very quiet. Wen Chuyun wore a gentle smile, glanced at the main hall, and headed straight for the side hall. Lianxin was surprised to have a visitor and hurried forward. "Greetings, My Lady."
"No need for formalities. Is Wutong in?"
"My Lady has gone to the imperial physician's office and is temporarily away. She won't return until after sunset. May I ask what business you have?"
"Nothing in particular; I just came to check on Wutong. Since she is not here, I shall wait."
Lianxin looked at the sky; sunset was not far off, so she said nothing further, served tea, and stood guard quietly to the side.
After an unknown amount of time, there was finally movement outside. Wen Chuyun stood up to look. Bai Wutong was dressed in a moon-colored gown, looking ethereal, with the pink sachet she had given her hanging from her waist.
Her expression instantly turned warm, the temperature returning to her eyes. She walked quickly to meet Bai Wutong. "Sister Wutong, I have been tied up with mundane affairs these past few days and haven't been able to come by. You won't blame me, will you?"
"Of course not." Bai Wutong returned the greeting. "Sister Wen, is there something you needed?"
"Can I not visit if there is no business?" Wen Chuyun feigned anger, then immediately broke into a smile. "I specially brought some embroidered silk. It was a gift from the Emperor, and it is most suitable for making intimate garments. I thought of your delicate skin, Sister Wutong, and brought it for you."
Bai Wutong forced a smile. "Since it is a gift from the Emperor, I cannot accept it. Sister, you should take it back."
"Sister Wutong, have you forgotten what I said? Do not belittle yourself. The Emperor will surely have you serve him sooner or later. Perhaps this silk will bring you good fortune."
In the end, Bai Wutong accepted it and smilingly saw Wen Chuyun out of Lanxin Pavilion.
After walking a short distance, Wen Chuyun turned back to look at the closed gates.
"Cuiwei, walk around outside Lanxin Pavilion tomorrow. If you happen to run into Gao Jingwan’s maid, reveal vaguely that Bai Wutong met the Emperor at the Empress Dowager’s place. Do you understand?"
She did not need to handle such trifles herself. Gao Jingwan was arrogant and dim-witted; she was perfect to use.
"Yes, I understand, My Lady."
Wen Chuyun squinted, muttering to herself, "To think that human sentiment is thinner than paper..."