Emperor Shengwu attended morning court from 5:00 to 7:00, had breakfast afterward, then exercised and practised martial arts. After that, he would call on court officials or handle memorials.
However, unless there was a significant issue, he generally would not summon officials easily. He might even return to the palace to take a nap until he reviewed memorials around 9:00 to 11:00.
Moreover, the court meetings in the Qi Kingdom were not held daily but followed a schedule of small meetings every three days and grand meetings every ten days.
Today was a small court meeting day. Last night, Liang An had heard the noises and was quite worried about the Emperor’s morning court, and sure enough, the Emperor did not wake up!
He nervously entered the hall, whispering, “Your Majesty, it’s time for the court.”
Emperor Shengwu furrowed his brow and opened his eyes, feeling a bit sore in his left shoulder. He had never experienced such an unsettled sleep with a woman, especially with her foot tangled around his.
After their bath last night, they had continued for a long time in bed, and by the end, they had fallen asleep in each other’s arms.
Unexpectedly, this woman had pressed down on him throughout the night.
Emperor Shengwu gently placed her head on a soft pillow and swiftly got out of bed. Yun Mengqing did not wake up during this process.
Liang An, noticing that Emperor Shengwu did not wake Yun Mengqing, discreetly signalled the maids to be quieter and also served quietly.
Despite their efforts to be quiet, the sounds of washing and the clinking of court hats eventually roused Yun Mengqing.
She frowned slightly, and the pain in her body made her grit her teeth. Last night, she cried in bed, but he was sweating and happy.
Despite her clear refusals and promises, he had gone back on his word!
My whole body hurts, why is the Dog Emperor so annoying!
Emperor Shengwu, who had put on his court uniform, opened the bed curtain, and his tall body blocked the delicate grace of the woman on the bed.
He asked: “Are you awake?”
“Mm,” Yun Mengqing answered weakly, her voice soft and tired. She hadn’t slept well and was still very sleepy.
She was lying on the bed, with only her head exposed, blinking her still confused eyes, looking at him, who was upright and even more majestic in his court uniform, and said coquettishly: “Your Majesty, please forgive me, I can’t get up.”
Emperor Shengwu said calmly, “No need to rise, rest well. You don’t need to visit the Empress today to pay your respects. After the morning court session, I’ll have breakfast with you.”
Hearing the greetings, Yun Mengqing’s mind instantly sobered up, followed by panic.
She bit her lower lip and said softly: “Your Majesty, I broke the rules and stayed at Qianqing Palace last night. If I don’t go to pay my respects to the Empress today… I’m afraid it won’t be appropriate.”
Her eyes reflected a mix of anxiety and helplessness.
“It’s fine. The Empress is gentle and virtuous; she won’t hold this against you. Besides, this is my order—just follow it.”
This statement was full of authority, and indeed, Emperor Shengwu, who now held absolute power, had the capability to back it up.
During the fifteen years from when he became the prince to when he ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, he devoted most of his energy to national affairs.
During the reign of the late emperor, as the prince, he organised and compiled the “Qi State Sacred Code” in terms of culture, which is the most comprehensive encyclopaedia today; in terms of economy, he reformed taxation and encouraged business, laying a solid foundation for the economic development of Qi Kingdom.
After ascending the throne, he expanded the territory, concentrated imperial power, and implemented a series of reforms and policies.
Now that the people love him, the emperor’s power is supreme, the seas and rivers are clear, and thousands of dynasties come to congratulate him [1], what is there that he dares not do?
[1] The Chinese idiom: 海晏河清 (hǎi yàn hé qīng): Literally translates to “the sea is calm, and the river is clear,” which is a metaphor for a peaceful and prosperous era.
万朝来贺 (wàn cháo lái hè): Literally translates to “ten thousand dynasties come to pay tribute,” signifying that other nations or states recognize the ruler’s power and come to offer their respects.
As for the harem, Emperor Shengwu always regarded it as a place where he could relax and relax and unwind.
He didn’t care about the fights between the women in the harem, as long as these fights didn’t come to the forefront and didn’t come to him.
It was rare for someone in the harem to capture his favour—not only with a perfect figure that enchanted him but also with a beautiful face, rare in the world.
She was both gentle and bold by nature, with a witty way of speaking and a fondness for acting spoiled, all of which seemed to be just right, deeply endearing her to him.
Naturally, Yun Mengqing had no desire to drag her tired body to pay respects, so she followed his authoritative words, her eyes filled with admiration and reverence.
She softly said, “Your Majesty is so good to me. Then I’ll wait here in the hall to have breakfast with you.”
As for the jealousy of the other women in the harem, she didn’t care at all.
Not being envied means you’re ordinary. If you’re going to be a favoured concubine, whether you keep a low or high profile, you can’t avoid both open and covert attacks.
When the soldiers come, the general will block them. When water comes, the earth will cover it. [2]
[2] The idiom “兵来将挡，水来土掩” (bīng lái jiàng dǎng, shuǐ lái tǔ yǎn) is a Chinese saying.
兵来将挡 (bīng lái jiàng dǎng): “When the soldiers come, the general will block them.”
水来土掩 (shuǐ lái tǔ yǎn): “When water comes, earth will cover it.”
This idiom metaphorically expresses a calm and confident approach to challenges. It means that for every problem or threat that arises, there is an appropriate countermeasure or solution. It means that one has to be resourceful and ready to respond effectively to whatever difficulties come your way.
In the context of the story, Yun Mengqing uses this idiom to convey her attitude towards the jealousy and scheming of other women in the harem. She’s confident that she can handle any challenges they might pose, whether they’re direct (like soldiers attacking) or subtle (like water seeping in).
She propped herself up slightly, pulling her hands out from under the blanket, wrapped them around his neck, and snuggled up to him affectionately, and then kissed the corner of his mouth like a dragonfly.
With a bright smile on her face, she said, “That was a good morning kiss. Your Majesty should go to court now.”
The sensation of the kiss was fleeting, her soft lips something he had tasted many times last night, but each time it was he who took the lead.
Now, this initiative from the woman pleased him, but on the surface, he remained the dignified emperor. “Mm, I’m off to court. You continue to sleep.”
Then, Emperor Shengwu let the bed curtains fall and strode out of the bedchamber.
He instructed Liang An, who was following behind him, “Yun Changzai has exceptional beauty and is deeply favoured by me. I am elevating her to the rank of Meiren. Yun Meiren was exhausted yesterday, so do not disturb her.”
“Your servant obeys the decree,” Liang An replied as he followed Emperor Shengwu.
This Yun Meiren, with her unparalleled beauty in the harem, was promoted directly to the rank of Meiren after a single night of attending to the emperor, bypassing the rank of Guiren. It seems the harem is about to become lively once again.
After Emperor Shengwu left, Yun Mengqing went back to sleep. The world is vast, but sleep is most important. She woke up from a faint last night. She felt dizzy when she woke up. She didn’t sleep well at all.This must be considered an occupational injury.
Emperor Shengwu has so many women and can be so fierce. He is worthy of being the son of luck in this world.
Now it seems that Emperor Shengwu is not a rule-bound person, so in the future, she could be bolder in her interactions with him.
Moreover, from what 001 had previously told her about Emperor Shengwu, he is a man of great talent.
As for the other concubines in the harem, the Empress is dignified and gentle, particularly skilled in poetry.
The Guifei is stunningly beautiful, excelling in music and painting.
The Shufei is both beautiful and kind, with expertise in chess. The other favoured concubines, including the Zhaorong, Zhaoyuan, Meiren, and Cairen, each have their own special talents, whether it be in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, or song.
Emperor Shengwu should like smart and talented women, and even love romantic women, but all his interests are hidden under the majesty of the emperor.
Unbeknownst to her, it was already the hour of Chen (between 7 and 9 AM), and Emperor Shengwu had finished the morning court session.
“Where is Yun Meiren?” Emperor Shengwu asked.
“Meiren is still sleeping. This servant will go and help her get up and wash.”
Qing Yuan, who had been waiting outside the bedchamber for her mistress, hurriedly prepared to enter and wake her upon hearing that Emperor Shengwu had finished court.
“No need, I’ll go in alone,” he said.
The woman on the bed was wearing only a red dudou [3], lying on her side.
[3] A 肚兜 (dùdōu) is a traditional Chinese undergarment worn primarily by women. It’s a type of sleeveless, backless garment that covers the chest and abdomen, typically made from a single piece of cloth.
When Emperor Shengwu entered, his eyes were immediately drawn to her beautiful back—smooth, fair, and delicate. Her shoulder blades were exquisitely alluring, and the faint red marks across her skin only added to the scene’s charm. The silk quilt barely covered her soft, snowy skin.
Her small face was flushed with sleep, her lashes thick and curled, a small and straight nose, a slightly open red mouth, and a beautiful face that always exudes a seductive aura.
His eyes darkened, and he took off his court clothes and lay down beside her. After lifting the quilt, the woman’s smooth and delicate body, which was bare, was completely surrounded by him from behind.
When Emperor Shengwu got into bed, Yun Mengqing woke up but was still half-asleep, vaguely aware that it was Emperor Shengwu returning.
She groggily turned over, facing him, and nestled into his chest.
In a soft, drowsy voice, she murmured, “Your Majesty is back from court, but I’m still so sleepy.” Her freshly awakened voice was lazy and dazed.
“Mm, go back to sleep. I’ll rest a bit too.” He had indeed had a restless night and slept even less.
He tightened his embrace around her soft, fragrant body, burying his head in her neck and taking a deep breath. She smelled so good and felt so soft. How could someone be so perfect in every way, making him wish he could savour her completely.
When Yun Mengqing woke up again, she found herself tightly held in his arms and raised her eyebrows in surprise.
Emperor Shengwu was only wearing a pale yellow night robe. She reached out to loosen it, revealing the red marks underneath.
Yun Mengqing’s eyes lit up; she really liked this man’s physique, even better than any male models she had seen in modern times.
Her little hand gently traced his strong chest muscles—both firm and soft—and she couldn’t help but place a kiss on him.
“What are you doing?” Emperor Shengwu’s voice was hoarse and deep, as if he had just woken up.
Caught in the act, Yun Mengqing thought, Ah, what was I just doing!
Her face turned crimson as she silently shook her head, burying her face deeper and muttering, “I didn’t do anything.”
Emperor Shengwu had woken up when her hand touched him and wanted to see just how bold she was.
He hadn’t expected her to dare kiss him. The area she kissed tingled all the way to his lower abdomen. He suppressed his irritation and said in a deep voice, “You certainly have a lot of courage!”
Yun Mengqing, knowing she was in the wrong, admitted that she was tempted by his looks and tried to appease him, “Your Majesty, be magnanimous and don’t hold it against me. I’m so hungry. You promised to have breakfast with me.”
She hoped to deflect the situation with humour.
“Alright, get up.”
When she got out of his embrace, the sticky feeling was uncomfortable, making her face turn even redder. She bit her lower lip, not knowing what to do, especially since she was completely unclothed!
Seeing her face flush even more, Emperor Shengwu asked, “What’s wrong?”
Yun Mengqing found it hard to speak, stammering, “It’s all Your Majesty’s fault. I… I… Your Majesty’s…”
After listening to her stutter for a while, and not understanding what she was trying to say, Emperor Shengwu said in a deep voice, “Can’t you even speak clearly?”
Yun Mengqing was frustrated and thought, How am I supposed to say this? This is driving me crazy.
Gathering her resolve, she glared at him and said in a barely audible voice, “Your Majesty, please go out for a moment. I haven’t cleaned up since yesterday.”
Emperor Shengwu was taken aback and then immediately understood.
Realising the situation, he remembered that normally, he would prepare for a bath before sleeping. Last night was rather chaotic, and he had gone straight to sleep in his exhaustion without bathing.
Even though he was seasoned in many battles, experiencing this sudden situation made him feel somewhat embarrassed.
“I’ll have a maid come to assist you.”
“Mm,” Yun Mengqing responded, feeling a bit awkward herself. Even he felt embarrassed?
After Emperor Shengwu left the bedchamber, Qing Yuan came in to help her bathe, wash up, and change clothes.
By the time she finished washing and dressing, Emperor Shengwu was already seated at a table laden with an array of small, exquisite pastries and dishes.
Yun Mengqing didn’t want to keep him waiting too long, so she skipped makeup and, after washing up, simply put on her clothes and came out, with Qing Yuan arranging her hair into a simple bun.
Emperor Shengwu rarely saw his concubines without makeup in front of him. Seeing her today, she truly embodied the saying: “The lotus emerges from the clear water, naturally unadorned.” [4]
[4] The idiom “清水出芙蓉，天然去雕饰” (qīng shuǐ chū fú róng, tiān rán qù diāo shì) “The lotus emerges from the clear water, naturally unadorned.”
This idiom is used to describe someone or something that is naturally beautiful and elegant without needing any artificial enhancement. It’s a kind of innate, pure beauty that doesn’t require decoration or adornment to be appreciated.
With a slender waist and graceful demeanour, she moved with a swaying elegance, the hem of her skirt gently fluttering.
She was extremely beautiful.
Yun Mengqing looked at the rows of delicious food in front of her, her fingers itching to dig in, her eyes sparkling. “The breakfast prepared by Your Majesty is indeed sumptuous. May I start eating now?”
“Go ahead,” he said, as if to say, did she really go hungry in the harem?
“Thank you, Your Majesty~”
Yun Mengqing disliked having someone serve her while she ate; she preferred to serve herself. While Emperor Shengwu was attended to by Liang An, she enjoyed a rare moment of peace but she didn’t want to have to wait on others while eating.
Emperor Shengwu remained silent while eating, and kept quiet during rest periods. Having skipped dinner the night before due to serving him. Now she was very hungry and wanted to be a rice cook. [5]
[5] The phrase “干饭人” (gàn fàn rén) literally translates to “rice cook” but is actually an idiom in modern Chinese slang that means someone who is very focused on eating, or simply loves to eat. It can also convey a sense of being a dedicated eater, often with a humorous or self-deprecating tone.
Although she ate a lot, she still couldn’t change the eating habits she had developed over the years as the eldest daughter of a wealthy family. She chewed her food slowly and behaved gracefully.
After Emperor Shengwu finished his meal, he silently began to watch her eat.
Yun Mengqing was enjoying her meal comfortably. In the past, regardless of which palace he visited, the concubines were always concerned about whether he was eating and drinking well.
She maintained her graceful demeanour and ate very elegantly, unlike her, who was still eating even after he had finished.
However, seeing a beautiful woman dining was pleasing to the eye. Her relaxed and content manner made him feel even more at ease.
Yun Mengqing ate until she was about seventy percent full and then gently set down her chopsticks. She intended to focus on savouring her food but noticed that Emperor Shengwu’s gaze was fixed on her.
Although she maintained her composure and was not afraid of his stare, she didn’t want to waste the precious time with the emperor and was always ready to flirt with him.
She turned her head, with a smile in her beautiful eyes, and asked in a sweet voice: “Your Majesty, does this concubine look good when she is eating?”
“You’re getting more and more narcissistic. How many times have I praised you for how good-looking you are since yesterday? Huh?” Emperor Shengwu raised the corner of his mouth slightly.
Yun Mengqing pouted and said with a slight dissatisfaction: “Who asked Your Majesty to keep staring at this concubine? I am almost embarrassed to eat, hmph.” There is nothing shameful in pouting and being cute, after all, she is young. Fifteen is the time of youth.
“Am I not allowed to look?” Emperor Shengwu raised an eyebrow.
“Since I am already yours, Your Majesty, you may look as you wish,” she replied with a charming smile, and then continued to enjoy her breakfast.
After finishing her meal, she set down her chopsticks and said, “Your Majesty, I have stayed in the Qianqing Palace for quite a while. I plan to return to Luohua pavilion later.”
Emperor Shengwu paused for a moment and said, “Today, you should stay in my quarters to rest. The Luohua pavilion is too far. I intend to have Liang An prepare a new residence for you. Do you have any preferred locations?”
Liang An was startled by the news. The lady had already been promoted unusually, and now she would even have a new palace and the privilege to choose a residence. The other concubines in the harem would surely be envious.
“Your Majesty, I have always lived in Luohua Pavilion and am not familiar with the palace. Please choose a place for me. I only wish to be closer to you,” Yun Mengqing replied softly.
Emperor Shengwu pondered briefly and instructed Liang An, “In that case, let Yun Meiren stay in the side hall of the Lingxi Palace. She will stay in the Qianqing Palace today and move to Lingxi Palace tomorrow.”
Luohua Pavilion was too far; even with the dragon carriage, it would take nearly half an hour to visit her.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Liang An responded and then left to make arrangements.
Walking outside the hall, Xiao Lizi stepped forward with great discernment.
“Take people to Lingxi Palace, clean up the side hall for Yun Meiren, and do it properly. If you mess it up, be careful with your head.”
“Foster father, I will handle it well. But I am not very clever, and this Yun Meiren…”
“Of course, she has great fortune. Just serve her well from now on.”
Others don’t know, but Eunuch Liang An, who had served Emperor Shengwu since childhood, knew that Lingxi Palace was built by the late emperor for his beloved concubine. It was a luxurious palace with pavilions, bridges, flowing water. It is resplendent with gold and jade, beautiful bricks and jade, and is extremely extravagant. Unfortunately, no one has lived in it yet. Once inside, the fragrance disappears and the jade disappears. [6]
[6] the phrase “香消玉殒” (xiāng xiāo yù yǔn) is an idiom. It literally translates to “the fragrance disappears and the jade disappears.”
“香消” (xiāng xiāo): The fragrance disappears, indicating that something once pleasant or beautiful has vanished.
“玉殒” (yù yǔn): The jade is gone, suggesting that something precious or valuable is lost.
Together, the idiom means that something once promising or precious has ended in disappointment or loss.
When Lin Guifei wanted to move into the Lingxi Palace, His Majesty refused.
Now it is given to Yun Meiren.
I just hope that Lin Guifei will not be too angry, alas.
___________________________________________________
Here are the updated rankings so you don’t have to go to chapter 2. Also, starting from now, at the end of each chapter, the rankings will appear here:
1.Empress (皇后; huánghòu): Empress Wang
2.Noble consort (贵妃; guìfēi): Lin Guifei
3.Pure Consort (淑妃; shūfēi): Shu Shufei
4.Consort (妃; fēi): De Fei, Rong Fei
5.Noble Concubine (貴嬪; guìpín): Li Guipin
6.Concubine (嫔; pín):, Liang Pin
7.Lady of Handsome Fairness (婕妤; jiéyú): Hu Jieyu, Zhu Jieyu
8.Lady of Beauty (美人; měirén): Ding Meiren, Gao Meiren, An Meiren, Yun Mengqing (Yun Meiren)
9.Noble Lady (貴人; guìrén): Use to be An Meiren
10.Lady of Treasure (寶林; bǎolín): 3 positions
11.Lady of Talent (才人; cáirén): Ren Cairen
12.First Class Attendant (常在; chángzài): Use to be Yun Mengqing, 1 other position
13.Second Class Attendant (答應; dāyìng): Ji Daying
14.Lady of His Majesty (御女; yùnǚ):
15.Selected Lady (采女; cǎinǚ):
Oh my gosh, I am so sorry for not translating the other novels within a week period….. I am just feeling overwhelmed because my finals are coming up 😣😭😭
If you guys have exams coming up too, I hope for success for all of you! Let’s conquer the exams together! 😄
Thank you for reading! If you found any typos please let me know in the comment section!
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Have a lovely day~~
(づ˶•༝•˶)づ𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒
