If only Zhao Wujiang were here; he always does things methodically and with a steady hand...
Hmm?
Zhao Wujiang?
Right, he seemed to be getting along quite well with Dugu Mingyue and Liu Meier, and he really understands women...
A sharp light flickered in Xuanyuan Jing's beautiful eyes. She turned her head slightly and instructed the young eunuch behind her, "Go summon Zhao Wujiang."
Chapter 27: You Leave the Stage, I Step Up
Summon Eunuch Zhao?
The young eunuch behind Xuanyuan Jing nodded quietly.
He hurried anxiously out of the Pingkang Pavilion toward Zhao Wujiang's location.
The display on the stage was still ongoing; some people frowned while others were delighted.
...
In the inner palace of the Imperial City, the sleeping quarters of Imperial Consort Xiao.
At the invitation of Imperial Consort Xiao, Zhao Wujiang was currently in her chambers, teaching her how best to capture the Emperor's heart and win her upcoming first night of imperial favor!
"Did Your Ladyship remember everything this humble servant just said?"
Zhao Wujiang maintained a serious expression as his large hand rested upon Imperial Consort Xiao's waist.
Imperial Consort Xiao's plump frame trembled slightly. Feeling Zhao Wujiang's large hand roaming over her, she felt somewhat uneasy.
"Relax, Your Ladyship, I'm a eunuch. What are you afraid of?"
Zhao Wujiang pulled back his hand, playing hard to get, and sighed with a sigh: "Sigh, just think of Consort Liu, think of Empress Dugu... Forget it, this humble servant will take his leave now."
He put on an act of *human trust is shattered, I am leaving right now*.
"Wait."
Imperial Consort Xiao grew anxious, silently cursing herself for being a fool. Zhao Wujiang was merely a little eunuch; some physical contact during instruction and demonstration was completely normal. What was she worrying about?
Seeing Zhao Wujiang show displeasure, she hurriedly said:
"Little Zhao, it was this palace's improper thoughts..."
Imperial Consort Xiao grabbed Zhao Wujiang's hand and pulled it back around her slender, charming waist: "Please continue, Eunuch."
Zhao Wujiang "reluctantly" massaged Imperial Consort Xiao's waist again, then said seriously:
"Your Ladyship's waist is simply not soft enough!
Since Your Ladyship is not a martial artist, this waist of yours must be soft!
The waist connects the body's center and contributes the lion's share to displaying graceful posture!
A thick waist is robust; robustness brings fierceness, striding with the might of a tiger.
A slim waist is soft; softness brings delicacy, moving with the alluring grace of willow branches in the wind!
His Majesty is the Great Dragon of Heaven and Earth, sweeping across the world with the majestic might of the firmament. How should one go about gaining his favor?"
Imperial Consort Xiao listened in a daze, finding it exceptionally reasonable, and shook her head.
"The *Tao Te Ching* says: What is hard cannot last; softness overcomes hardness!"
Zhao Wujiang massaged Imperial Consort Xiao's waist once more:
"To conquer the Emperor's hardness, Your Ladyship needs to be as supple as spring water and as yielding as a bow."
"But... didn't you just say my waist isn't supple and soft enough?"
Imperial Consort Xiao furrowed her brow.
Today I shall make a decision that defies the ancestors... Zhao Wujiang raised his chin slightly:
"This humble servant is well-versed in medical arts and deeply immersed in this field. I can resolve Your Ladyship's troubles..."
No wonder Liu Meier and Dugu Mingyue constantly seek you out; why didn't I realize this sooner... Imperial Consort Xiao felt moved, her heart pounding. Her pretty face flushed, and she blurted out hurriedly:
"No matter what, I beg you to help me, Eunuch!"
"This matter is simple, as long as..."
"Bang, bang."
At that very moment, the door was knocked upon, and Yuer's voice rang out.
"Your Ladyship, the Emperor has summoned Manager Zhao."
Why did they have to come at a time like this... Xiao Wanjun frowned, sighing with inner regret.
Why did they have to come at a time like this... Zhao Wujiang also sighed inwardly.
The door was pushed open, and a panting young eunuch rushed in, first bowing to Imperial Consort Xiao:
"Greetings, Your Ladyship."
Then he grabbed Zhao Wujiang by the arm:
"Manager Zhao, I've finally found you... The Emperor is looking for you... looking for you... It's urgent... Quick, come with me..."
A look of helplessness crossed Zhao Wujiang's face. "Your Ladyship, I'm terribly sorry."
As he left, Imperial Consort Xiao grabbed Zhao Wujiang's hand and said with solemn sincerity: "Whenever Eunuch Zhao has free time, you may come to my palace at any time to continue what we were doing just now."
Zhao Wujiang smiled.
"Rest assured, Your Ladyship, I always repay favors."
He flicked his sleeves and departed dashingly, leaving behind Imperial Consort Xiao's somewhat melancholy gaze.
...
The Main Hall of Pingkang Pavilion.
The young talents who had taken the stage all retreated in dejection. When the final young talent met with failure, waves of sighs rose and fell throughout the great hall.
The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies slumped down defeatedly, casting a trembling glance toward the Empress.
Xuanyuan Jing's expression was as cold as frost.
"Respected Emperor, since the talented men of your esteemed nation have all failed, it seems you have no choice but to agree to our conditions regarding grain and embroidered silks."
The Baiyue Kingdom delegation smiled triumphantly, feeling quite pleased with themselves.
Xuanyuan Jing's expression turned gloomy, her fists clenched tight inside her sleeves.
Princess Baiyue's jewel-like, brilliant eyes lacked focus. She was somewhat dazed, her mind filled with the images of laughing and playing with Zhao Wujiang in the setting sun.
Can we meet again, my... friend...
She sighed softly, knowing that in a metropolis as vast as Jingdu, running into each other again would be a difficult task, let alone now that she was bound here, making it harder still.
The officials sighed, not knowing what to do. If they had known, it would have been better to just swallow their pride and agree to the Baiyue Kingdom's conditions, sparing their own offspring from making fools of themselves on stage...
The atmosphere grew heavy and stagnant.
Suddenly.
"Make way!"
A gentle, magnetic voice rang out. The crowd parted, and a figure in ink-dark attire strode forward with imposing bearing.
Chapter 28: A Beauty's Smile
...
"Hm? Who is that?"
The officials turned to look, their eyes twitching. Such a handsome young man...
But upon closer inspection—huh? Wearing a eunuch's uniform?
Already depressed, they instantly flared up with anger and began to stir restlessly.
Zhao Wujiang?
The Emperor's confidant—what is he rushing over here to do at a time like this?
It's utterly unwise for him to meddle in this situation... The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies frowned.
The members of the Baiyue Kingdom delegation glanced at the newcomer. Handsome he was, but what good was that?
Could he possibly make our Princess smile with favor?
You've come... The Empress's eyes lit up as she stood from her seat. Zhao Wujiang was resourceful and shameless; perhaps he had some way out of this.
The officials' murmurs grew louder and louder, threatening to vent all their anger onto Zhao Wujiang. Suddenly, another elderly official let out a startled roar:
"Look! The Princess of Baiyue is smiling!"
"What? What's going on?"
"The Princess of Baiyue is running over there! Heavens!"
"..."
The moment Princess Baiyue caught sight of Zhao Wujiang, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief, instantly followed by a surging wave of pleasant surprise.
Gathering her skirts, she sprinted toward Zhao Wujiang.
Seeing Princess Baiyue come running, Zhao Wujiang curved his lips into a smile and hurried forward to meet her.
"Zhao Wujiang, I guessed right! You really are an official of Daxia!"
Princess Baiyue's peerless face was brimming with joy, her bright smile radiant and full of swaying grace.
She grabbed Zhao Wujiang tightly by the wrist. Had she not been in the main hall of the Pingkang Pavilion with the ministers of both nations watching, she would have already thrown herself into his arms and held him tight.
"Did you deliberately lure me out?"
Princess Baiyue stuck out the tip of her tongue in a cute gesture and nodded, making no effort to conceal her intention.
Zhao Wujiang rubbed the crown of Princess Baiyue's head:
"Well? Have your eyes caught anyone?"
"No, I've been waiting for you all along. Why didn't you go up on stage just now?"
Princess Baiyue bit her red lips, shook Zhao Wujiang's arm, and complained playfully.
While they conversed intimately, the officials had completely boiled over.
Shock was plastered across the ministers' faces. They simply could not believe that the Princess of Baiyue, who had been as cold as frost to all the young talents, was actually showing such intimacy toward a mere little eunuch—and that breathtaking smile was entirely genuine.
Even to them, it was obvious that had everyone not been watching, the Princess would likely have taken her physical affection even further.
So the goddess wasn't cold at all; she just wasn't warming up to them...
Behind the officials, the group of young talents felt a sour ache in their hearts. Some forced a bitter smile, while others had their faces twist in jealousy.
Could it be that all their grueling efforts to display their talents for half a day amounted to nothing more than acting like monkeys in a circus show?
So this is the Emperor's confidant... Li Chenxu, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, swallowed hard, his shock quietly transforming into admiration.
Well, well, Zhao Wujiang, I still underestimated you. Just when on earth did you hook... attract the Princess of Baiyue... The gloom on Xuanyuan Jing's face faded away. Aside from shock, she felt a profound sense of exhilaration.
As for the Baiyue Kingdom envoys, they stood frozen in place. *Our good Princess, why did you have to pull this stunt at such a crucial moment...*
"Humph! So this is the Princess of Baiyue?"
A sneer broke the crowd's shock and interrupted the intimate, oblivious conversation between Zhao Wujiang and Princess Baiyue.
The crowd traced the sound and discovered it came from the group of young talents.
"The Princess certainly has exquisite taste—giving all of us scholars the cold shoulder while showing such enthusiasm toward a eunuch..."
"A mere eunuch with neither talent nor strength. I simply fail to understand why she would flash such smiles at him."
"So the Princess prefers little eunuchs after all..."
"..."
"A eunuch..." Mist welled up in Princess Baiyue's beautiful eyes. Hearing that Zhao Wujiang was a eunuch, an inexplicable sense of loss bloomed in her heart.
Yet, hearing the young talents mock Zhao Wujiang stirred even greater anger within her. She gripped Zhao Wujiang's sleeve tightly:
"So what if he is? In this Princess's eyes, you lot are worth less than nothing! Zhao Wujiang is a thousand times, ten thousand times better than any of you!"
Cold chuckles echoed from the crowd.
Zhao Wujiang gently wiped away the tear lingering at the corner of Princess Baiyue's eye, pulled her behind his back, and swept his gaze across the sneering young talents:
"What does this prove?
It only proves that you are all even more worthless than a little eunuch like me!
Actually, it's not that the Princess has excessively high standards—it's simply that you lot are too pathetic!"
"Insolent!" shouted an official sharply. For a mere little eunuch to dare disparage his offspring was utterly audacious.
"I'd say you are the ones being insolent!"
Xuanyuan Jing's face bore a stern expression:
"The Baiyue Kingdom's condition was for the Princess to smile with favor at anyone she chose. Are your reckless remarks meant to sabotage diplomatic relations between our two nations?"
The officials instantly fell silent, dropping to their knees with their heads bowed, not daring to speak.
Xuanyuan Jing's gaze flickered. She turned her head toward the Baiyue Kingdom delegation, her demeanor majestic:
"Since the Princess has bestowed her smiling favor, your nation's requests for grain, embroidered silks, and the rest shall be waived."
This... The Baiyue Kingdom envoys were placed in a difficult position, but now that the Princess had smiled so brightly before such a massive crowd, they had no choice but to accept their defeat.
"Respected Emperor, since the Princess has not taken a fancy to the sons of your esteemed court's officials, our King has yet another demand that you must agree to!"
"What is it now?" Xuanyuan Jing frowned.
The delegation spoke with solemn expressions:
"The King demands that if the Princess takes a fancy to none of the officials' sons, she shall be married to the Emperor!"
What? Married to the Emperor?
The officials broke into an uproar, and Zhao Wujiang's eyes widened as well. Didn't that mean marrying him?
Chapter 29: The Steed and the Grass
...
Upon hearing the demand of the Baiyue Kingdom delegation, everyone present fell briefly into a hush.
The Emperor had neither brothers nor heirs, and the existing princes of Daxia were all from the older generation. Moreover, for the Princess of Baiyue to marry the Emperor of Daxia, while carrying a slight hint of marrying "up," would evidently offer considerable benefits to bilateral diplomatic relations. Reason and logic dictated that there was no real ground to oppose this demand...
Therefore, while some ministers wanted to give their approval, the inner palace was filled with numerous imperial consorts. To this day, the Emperor had only favored Empress Dugu and Consort Liu; the remaining consorts had yet to receive imperial favor. Officials whose interests extended into the inner palace already harbored dissatisfaction and complaints. If other ministers rashly stepped forward to voice their consent, they would likely offend a fair number of colleagues.
Consequently, though the officials were inwardly turbulent, they maintained an eerie silence, offering no opinions on the matter.
Xuanyuan Jing's expression was majestic as she swept her gaze over the ministers, finally letting it rest upon Zhao Wujiang.
With Zhao Wujiang here, it is entirely appropriate for me to consent to this. He will handle things on my behalf. Besides, judging by his relationship with the Princess, it seems quite good. If I agree, Zhao Wujiang can sound out the Baiyue Kingdom for intelligence on the side in the future.
A flurry of thoughts flew through the Empress's mind, and her gaze directed straight at Zhao Wujiang grew increasingly intense.
Good grief, is she really going to crown me with the name of Cao Cao?
Although this exotic maiden has a fiery figure and exquisite facial features, this matter still requires careful consideration... Feeling the Empress's gaze, Zhao Wujiang decided that prudence was paramount and shook his head at the Empress, signaling that haste should be avoided and the matter deliberated at length.
No problem?
What a fine Zhao Wujiang; he truly lives up to my designation as my confidant, knowing how to share my burdens... Seeing Zhao Wujiang shake his head, the Empress felt relieved and nodded.
It seems this Xuanyuan Jing truly shares my mindset... Zhao Wujiang raised his sword-like brows with a warm smile.
That fool Zhao Wujiang, what is he smiling about? Doesn't he know that once the Emperor agrees, once I enter the inner palace, it will become exceedingly difficult for him and me to ever meet again... Princess Baiyue knitted her delicate brows, a hint of grievance and worry rising upon her peerless face.
"I have decided..."
The Empress stood with her hands behind her back, a deep majesty emanating from her handsome brows.
The crowd looked over, their expressions slightly tense.
"To agree to this matter!"
"Agh..." The officials erupted into an uproar, opinions and discussions bursting forth as the scene instantly turned noisy.
The hearts of the Baiyue Kingdom envoys, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled, and smiles bloomed across their faces.
I'm shaking my head over here, what on earth are you agreeing to? Which link in our communication broke down... Zhao Wujiang was slightly taken aback.
Princess Baiyue also let out a soft sigh, staring blankly at Zhao Wujiang with misty eyes. As a princess of a nation, some things were simply beyond her control...
"Select an auspicious day..." The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies began to report on the subsequent procedural matters.
Just moments ago, he had been standing closest to the Emperor and had seen it all crystal clear.
The Emperor had actually exchanged eye signals with Zhao Wujiang over this matter. It seemed Zhao Wujiang—no, Manager Zhao—was no ordinary confidant... He had better find an opportunity to show even more goodwill.
...
Evening stars emerged as the night deepened.
The Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Emperor's bedchamber.
"Zhao Wujiang, your relationship with the Princess of Baiyue is remarkably close—quite beyond my expectations... We truly owe today's success to you..."
The Empress closed her eyes slightly, enjoying Zhao Wujiang's massage.
Always talking in vague abstractions. If you've got the talent, bring out some real gold and silver, okay?
Zhao Wujiang gave a dry cough:
"Doesn't the Emperor plan to reward me with something?"
"I am the Son of Heaven; all of this is merely what you ought to do as a subject." The Empress let out a light snort.
"If you want the horse to run, you have to let the horse eat grass!"
Zhao Wujiang sighed, releasing his grip on her pressure points with a face full of aggrieved resentment.
The comforting sensation of the massage rapidly faded. The Empress opened her eyes, looking at him with righteous indignation:
"When have I ever kept you from eating grass?"
Zhao Wujiang's big eyes rolled wildly over the Empress's voluptuous physique, mixed with utter confusion. "When did you ever give me grass?"
"Bang, bang."
"Your Majesty, Eunuch Li requests an audience." The voice of a young eunuch sounded from outside the door.
Oh no, is little Li here to make me flip the imperial tablets again?
The Empress's expression changed slightly, though she lacked her initial panic; she merely shot Zhao Wujiang a glance.
Outside the bedchamber door, Eunuch Li, who delivered the inner palace tablets, stood trembling and bowing. Originally, he had no wish to come, but multiple ministers had banded together to force him to make the trip.
He had heard the reason: the ministers worried that once the Princess of Baiyue entered the palace, the consorts connected to their own families would face greater pressure or lose favor, so they compelled him to deliver the tablets and strive to have the Emperor bestow favor upon more concubines.
"While I cannot give you grass for the time being, the consorts of the inner palace can serve as your grass for now. It won't be treating you, my steed, unfairly."
Xuanyuan Jing spoke with an innocent yet gaslighting tone.
Zhao Wujiang's face twitched inwardly. The Chinese language was truly profound.
Chapter 30: A Maiden's Youth
An incense stick's time later.
As little Li stepped out the main gates of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, a crowd of palace maids wearing brightly colored, diverse attire swarmed forward and blocked his path.
These were the personal attendants of various consorts, waiting for news. He forced a servile smile:
"Elder sisters."
"Spit it out," someone urged.
"Tonight, the Emperor... has bestowed favor upon Imperial Consort Xiao..." Feeling the fierce glares erupting from the vast majority of the sisters the moment he finished speaking, and not daring to linger as a punching bag, little Li blurted out:
"Elder sisters, little Li still has to go summon her for Consort Xiao... I'll take my leave first."
With that, he greased the soles of his feet and bolted away in a flash.
Yuer, the personal maid of Imperial Consort Xiao Wanjun, lifted her pretty chin and shot the other maids a triumphant glance before hurrying after little Li.
The other maids sighed and scattered like birds and beasts, feeling a sense of injustice for their mistresses while simultaneously dispatching news out of the palace.
...
The Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Emperor's bedchamber.
"Why did you suggest that I select Imperial Consort Xiao this time?"
Xuanyuan Jing sat upright on a huanghuali wood chair.
Because she's impatient and full of arguments, and I already warmed her up last time... Zhao Wujiang sat beside the Empress, speaking earnestly and seriously:
"It was all for your sake!"
"Mine?" The Empress was puzzled.
"Xiao Wanjun is the younger sister of Xiao Feng, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard. By bestowing favor upon her, Your Majesty is simultaneously rewarding Deputy Commander Xiao. This sends a message called *reassurance*!
I am reassured by you, I trust you, and I have high hopes for you!" Zhao Wujiang rubbed his fingers together, every word a gem:
"By the same token, what would happen if General Xiao Yuanshan, who guards the southern frontier, were to receive this news?"
The Empress's beautiful eyes slowly narrowed, and her gaze toward Zhao Wujiang grew increasingly appreciative:
"I must admit, your foresight is indeed broad and deep."
Zhao Wujiang offered a "shy smile":
"Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty. As the saying goes, *he who touches pitch shall be defiled*, though in this case it's *he who stays near the cinnabar turns red*. Since Your Majesty and I dwell under the same roof and share the same bed, I have absorbed Your Majesty's imperial aura, and naturally my mind has become as vast as the heavens!"
Listening to Zhao Wujiang's flattery, the Empress curved her lips into a smile. *You certainly have a sweet mouth, Zhao Wujiang—wait? Share the same bed?*
"Your Majesty, this concubine has come as commanded to attend upon Your Majesty."
Right at that moment, a flirtatious and pampered voice drifted in from outside.
They've arrived so fast!
Why is everyone so terribly impatient... The Empress sighed and shook her head. Dugu Mingyue was like this, Liu Meier was like this, and now Xiao Wanjun was too...