After breakfast, Emperor Shengwu got up to handle the memorials. He turned to Yun Mengqing and said, “I’m going to deal with state affairs now. You can rest in the palace or read some books.”
Yun Mengqing has not yet recovered from the energy she spent last night. At this moment, she only misses the big and soft dragon bed.
She said softly: “I want to go to the palace to rest first, and then read a book when I feel refreshed, is that okay?”
Emperor Shengwu nodded slightly, his tone calm, “Well, it’s up to you.”
Afterward, Yun Mengqing, accompanied by Qingyuan, headed towards the dragon bed in the palace.
After lying on the bed, she ordered: “Qingyuan, His Majesty gave me some moisturising cream last night. Please help me apply it.”
The Dog Emperor was too fierce. Though it felt good at the time, he had no sense of moderation, and her skin was delicate. In addition, her skin was already delicate. The whole body was bruised and purple after a night of tossing. When she woke up, she felt sore and weak.
“Yes, Miss”
Qingyuan slowly undressed her. She had seen her bathe once, and yet she was still startled upon seeing her skin again.
Her originally fair and delicate skin was now covered with bruises, especially the finger marks on her waist and abdomen. The red marks on her chest and collarbone were slow to fade.
Why is His Majesty so unsympathetic to women? Her poor young lady has to suffer for the first time.
Qingyuan took the moisturising cream from the bedside and gently applied it to Yun Mengqing’s skin, massaging as she went.
The soothing sensation made Yun Mengqing close her eyes, and before long, she fell asleep.
When she woke up again, it was lunch time. She finally recovered and felt much better.
The Emperor Shengwu’s ointment was indeed valuable; the marks on her body would likely fade by tomorrow.
After lunch, Emperor Shengwu took a short rest before continuing to handle state affairs.
Yun Mengqing, on the other hand, went to the bookshelf, picked out a travelogue, and sat down at a nearby table, quietly starting to read.
Liang An had thoughtfully arranged comfortable chairs and tables for her in the imperial study. The table was also adorned with exquisite pastries and fruit.
Yun Mengqing read the book contentedly while enjoying the food, and took a sip of tea from time to time. She looked very comfortable.
At the desk, Emperor Shengwu focused on reviewing the memorials, time slipping away unnoticed. Nearly two hours passed in the blink of an eye.
The important memorials had all been carefully reviewed, and the rest are just routine reports of greetings and a bunch of empty flattery.
Feeling a bit uninterested, he put down his pen and looked up at the little woman.
He saw her leaning on a chair, without the dignity of a noble lady.
One hand held the book, while the other was constantly moving—sometimes eating, sometimes drinking tea, sometimes turning the pages. She looked utterly at ease, more comfortable than he, the emperor.
Then, seeing her suddenly smile with crescent-shaped eyes, he became curious about what she was reading.
Emperor Shengwu couldn’t help but ask: “What book are you reading that is so funny?”
Yun Mengqing raised her head when she heard the voice, with a look of confusion on her face. She asked softly: “Your Majesty, did this concubine disturb you from reviewing the memorials?”
Emperor Shengwu smiled and shook his head gently, speaking softly, “Not at all. I’ve nearly finished reviewing the memorials. I’m taking a break—come over here, Qingqing.”
Only then did Yunmeng Qing breathe a sigh of relief. She stood up, holding her book, and slowly walked toward Emperor Shengwu, her steps light as a fairy’s.
Walking up to Emperor Shengwu, she was about to salute, but was unexpectedly pulled into his arms.
Yun Mengqing’s delicate body trembled, her hands subconsciously wrapped around his neck, and she whispered softly: “Your Majesty, you scared this concubine.”
Emperor Shengwu raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a doting smile, and said softly: “So delicate.” As he said that, he stretched out his hand and lightly tapped her forehead with his index finger.
“What are you reading?” Emperor Shengwu looked down at her, his eyes full of tenderness.
Yun Mengqing smiled slightly and replied softly: “It’s just a collection of travel notes.” She raised her slender hand and pointed to the chapter she was reading.
This travelogue had been sitting on the bookshelf in Qianqing Palace, and Emperor Shengwu was already quite familiar with its contents.
He has read all the books in the bookcase of Qianqing Palace since he was a child, including many books related to politics and military affairs, some of which he has even read several times.
However, he really didn’t think there was anything funny about the travelogue Yun Mengqing was referring to.
I’ve read it too. The author was demoted and found amusement in his suffering. What’s so funny about that, hmm?” Emperor Shengwu’s voice was low and magnetic.
He hugged Yun Mengqing tightly, keeping her body close to him. One hand wrapped around her waist, and the other hand gently caressed her delicate collar bone, as if playing with a precious work of art.
Yun Mengqing’s body trembled slightly, and a strange feeling surged in her heart, but she tried hard to restrain it, forcing herself to ignore the big burning hand.
Her voice was as soft as a dream, “Your Majesty, please read this sentence: I lifted up my robes and climbed up, walking on the rocks, covered with velvet, perched on the tiger and leopard, climbed on the horned dragon, climbed on the dangerous nest of the falcon, and looked down on the secluded palace of Feng Yi.”[1]
[1] This text is like those classical Chinese literary styles, especially those found in travelogues or historical texts where the writer often uses exaggerated or poetic descriptions to represent hardship or challenge. Here, the author might be describing their personal struggles through metaphors, painting a dramatic scene of resilience in the face of danger.
The phrase “披蒙茸” (pī méng róng) literally means “covered with velvet,” where “蒙茸” refers to something soft and lush, like velvet or dense, fluffy plant growth. In this context, it doesn’t literally mean that the rocks are covered in velvet fabric, but it’s a metaphor for something soft, likely describing moss, thick grass, or other vegetation covering the jagged rocks.
This metaphor adds a layer of contrast to the harshness of “巉岩” (jagged rocks), showing the ruggedness of the landscape softened by nature’s touch. The author is painting a poetic picture of walking through a harsh but strangely beautiful environment, where danger and softness coexist.
She raised her head in the arms of Emperor Shengwu, her beautiful eyes sparkling with lively light, and she met his eyes, with a trace of curiosity and mischief in her eyes, like a cute elf.
“Isn’t it strange?” She opened her red lips lightly and said this sentence with a faint smile in her tone.
“What is strange about it?” Emperor Shengwu followed her finger to the line and asked softly.
“This person was demoted, yet he was quite bold, drinking alcohol and then walking on mountain rocks, crouching on boulders, and climbing cliffs, even comparing these things to various birds of prey. It’s truly exaggerated. Though it’s written vividly, who knows whether it’s true or not.”There was a hint of ridicule in Yun Mengqing’s voice.
After hearing this, Emperor Shengwu raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and a smile flashed in his eyes.
He reached out and gently pinched Yun Mengqing’s soft, tender cheek, speaking softly: “You take a travelogue so seriously, it makes me find you quite adorable.”
Yun Mengqing’s little face instantly scrunched up, her lips pouting as she playfully complained, “Your Majesty, I grew up secluded in the inner chambers, and then entered the palace. I’ve never seen the world described in the travelogue, so of course, I’m very curious.”
“In that case, when there’s an opportunity, I’ll take you out of the palace,” Emperor Shengwu said, a note of promise in his voice.
“Really? When can I leave the palace?” The mention of leaving the palace immediately made Yun Mengqing’s eyes light up with excitement.
After all, ever since she came to this world, she had been confined within the palace, and she longed to see the customs and scenery beyond its walls.
Emperor Shengwu found her excitement amusing. “Every summer, if there are no major affairs, I take part of the imperial concubines and some officials from the court to the summer palace to escape the heat. Additionally, spring and autumn hunts are often held in the palace.”
“Your Majesty is graceful, dignified, and true to your word—a real gentleman! I’ll be waiting for the day Your Majesty takes me out of the palace to enjoy a trip.”
When she wanted to flatter someone, compliments just poured out of her.
“You little flatterer.”
“What I said came from the bottom of my heart. How could I dare to say anything untrue to Your Majesty?”
She pouted in grievance and complained, “I’m truly wronged. Your Majesty doubts my admiration for you, which makes me very sad.”
Seeing her distressed look, Emperor Shengwu felt a pang of sympathy and chuckled softly, “I was only joking with you. Are you so serious that you might even cry?”
His thumb gently traced the edge of her eye, applying slight pressure to leave a red mark on her fair skin, making her appear even more pitiful.
“Your Majesty, everything I said to you comes from the heart,” Yun Mengqing said with a hint of firmness in her voice.
“How could the Minister of Rites raise such a naive and delicate daughter?” Emperor Shengwu chuckled lightly. “The Minister of Rites is responsible for royal etiquette, diplomacy, and sacrifices, and values rules and propriety above all. How could he raise someone with such a lively disposition?”
“Your Majesty is so mean, finding ways to say that I don’t understand propriety,” she pouted.
Then, with a playful tone, she added, “Since entering the palace, I have always adhered to the rules, only relaxing a bit in front of Your Majesty. If you dislike it, I will certainly follow the rules strictly in front of you from now on.”
The man secretly laughed to himself and decided not to tease her further to avoid truly upsetting her.
He leaned closer to her ear and spoke softly, “The way you are now is very good, it warms my heart.”
She felt a warm breath by her ear and instinctively shrank her neck, her cheeks flushing slightly. She gently nuzzled his neck and responded softly, “I also like Your Majesty.”
Then Yun Mengqing lifted her head and cautiously asked, “Your Majesty, may I request a favour from you?”
Emperor Shengwu remained silent. In his view, he had always been the one to bestow favours, and no one had ever dared to directly request one from him.
He gently stroked the hair of the woman in his arms and nonchalantly asked, “What kind of favour do you want?”
“Your Majesty, I have been recuperating in Luohua Pavilion since I entered the palace last year. I have indeed forgotten some of the palace etiquette taught by the selection matrons.
Since his Majesty just mentioned the rules, this concubine remembered that she had not paid her respects to the Empress today, and felt frightened.
For tomorrow’s audience, I don’t want to make a mistake, so I wish to request a matron from Your Majesty to assist me.”
Emperor Shengwu thought to himself that this little lady was indeed well-behaved and sensible. However, since this was a favour she was requesting, it could not be granted too easily.
“If I agree, how will you thank me?” Emperor Shengwu’s lips curled into a slight smile as he looked at her with interest.
Upon hearing this, Yun Mengqing’s face showed signs of contemplation, her eyes filled with seriousness. After a while, she still couldn’t think of something that would satisfy him.
“Since entering the palace, everything I have is given by Your Majesty. I cannot think of anything to thank you with.”
“Not entirely. Think carefully.”
Yun Mengqing looked at his teasing smile and knew that his kind of thanks were not serious.
Her lively eyes darted around, and then her delicate hand slowly caressed the man’s Adam’s apple, sliding it a few times, then slowly moved up, sometimes looking at him, sometimes falling on his Adam’s apple.
Yun Mengqing then cupped half of the man’s face with one hand and gently kissed him.
Her kiss was as light as a dragonfly touching the water, starting from his chin, moving along his jawline, and finally landing on his lips.
Emperor Shengwu stared at her, his eyes burning with an intense heat.
Being touched like this by her, his body couldn’t help but tremble slightly. How could the emperor’s weakness be easily touched by others?
Emperor Shengwu’s eyes became darker and darker. Seeing her shy yet bold kiss, the desire in his heart was instantly ignited.
He grabbed the back of her head and deepened the kiss. The sound of the two kissing could be heard in the empty hall.
For a long time, the woman in his arms was blushing and charming, and she could hardly breathe after being bullied by him.
Emperor Shengwu slowly released her. Her body felt weak and nearly exhausted, but she still kept her thoughts on the favour she sought.
Yun Mengqing then asked, “Will Your Majesty agree?”
“Tomorrow, I will have Liang An select a matron from the Internal Affairs Office for you. After you move to your new residence, the additional maids and servants corresponding to your elevated status will be sent to Lingxi Palace as well,” Emperor Shengwu’s voice carried a faintly husky tone.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. You are truly kind,” Yun Mengqing said, her face lighting up with joy.
Seeing her happy, Emperor Shengwu’s mood also lifted.
“Qingqing, prepare ink for me. I still need to review some documents.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Fortunately, she had the memory of the original owner; otherwise, she would not know how to prepare ink. Though she considered herself well-educated in modern high society, preparing ink was not a skill she possessed due to the barriers of the times.
Yun Mengqing stood up, adjusted her appearance, and moved to the side of the desk to begin grinding the ink.
Emperor Shengwu worked with great concentration. Even when reviewing ordinary petition documents, he would carefully make notes at the end.
Watching him, Yun Mengqing realised that men were indeed more attractive when they were serious.
No wonder An Meiren, after spending the night with Emperor Shengwu, had moved quickly to eliminate the original owner to avoid being seen by him.
The power, appearance and demeanour of this man all exuded a charming charm, which was an irresistible temptation for women of this era.
If he were to become a star in modern times, fans would probably be scrambling to give birth to monkeys. [2]
[2] The real message is that if Emperor Shengwu were a modern celebrity, his fans would be so enthusiastic and eager to support him that they’d do anything, even something ridiculous, to express their admiration.
So, “giving birth to monkeys” is just an exaggerated way of saying fans would go to great lengths for him, even if it means doing something as silly or impossible as giving birth to monkeys.
At this moment, her mind was running wild, and the corners of her mouth could not help but curve upward.
“Are you daydreaming while preparing the ink, smiling so happily?” Emperor Shengwu’s voice suddenly interrupted, as he gently tapped the desk with a memorial.
Yun Mengqing came back to her senses but was not flustered. She replied calmly, “I was not daydreaming, only thinking about Your Majesty.”
“Oh? What about me were you thinking of?” Emperor Shengwu asked with interest.
“Your Majesty is so serious and focused while reviewing documents, which has captivated my heart,” she replied with a clever and delicate response.
“Flattering words. I don’t have many documents left. The ink is sufficient. Go and rest. When I finish, it will be time for dinner. Join me then.”
“Your Majesty is thoughtful, knowing that preparing ink for so long must have tried my hand. You are truly kind.”
Men often seek affirmation, and sometimes emotional satisfaction is more fulfilling than physical pleasure.
After she finished speaking, she slightly bent her legs and then withdrew.
At this time, Kunning Palace, the Empress’s quarters.
The maid Hongxiu said: “Your Majesty, Yun Chang Zai actually stayed in Qianqing Palace for a whole day. Oh no, she is Yun Meiren now. Today, not only did the Emperor exempt her from the morning greeting, but he also promoted her to Meiren and moved her to Lingxi Palace.”
Empress: “Oh, that’s just his Majesty. Which concubine in the palace who is favoured by his Majesty has never had this kind of preference? It’s just that Yun Meiren’s favour is even greater.”
Hongxiu: “Your Majesty, as the Empress, you are the model for all women. You truly do not need to be concerned with the schemes of other women vying for favour.”
Empress: “My biggest concern is still the person in Changning Palace. She has given birth to the eldest Prince, has his majesty’s favour, and comes from a prominent family. If his majesty promotes her to Guifei, what will become of my position as Empress?” [3]
[3] To avoid further confusion when you read down; Here, the Empress is mentioning Lin Guifei, but the author probably made a mistake since Lin Guifei is already a Guifei. It’s possible that the author meant a position higher than Guifei, like 皇贵妃 (huángguìfēi / Imperial Noble Consort), which is a rank above Guifei and holds even more power and influence, almost comparable to the Empress. The Empress might be worried that Lin Guifei could be elevated to that prestigious rank, further threatening her position as the Empress.
Hongxiu: “Your Majesty, his Majesty must have you in his heart. You have been with him for twelve years. With deep love as husband and wife, and share the same heart as husband and wife. You will always be His Majesty’s Empress.”
Empress: “Indeed, I am the Empress. As long as I have a legitimate son, no one can shake my position.”
If my son were still alive, how could there be such arrogance from a Guifei?
The Empress looked at herself in the mirror. She could no longer find any trace of the kind and innocent young lady she once was. However, she did not regret marrying the emperor, even if she did not gain the love of her husband.
Changning Palace, Lin Guifei’s quarters.
Lin Guifei, who was dining alone, found no flavour in her food. She looked in the direction of the palace entrance. Even though she knew that His Majesty would not come today, she still looked forward to it.
“Yun Meiren has quite the skill; she managed to keep the Emperor company in Qianqing Palace for an entire day. I’m afraid tonight she might even serve him in bed.”
Maid Zhuqing: “Don’t be sad, Your Majesty, this is just a temporary thing. In the past ten years, no concubine in the harem has surpassed you.”
Lin Guifei : “Yes, it has been ten years since I gave birth to the eldest prince, and my favour is everlasting. My family is powerful, and even the Empress is not a concern.”
Lin Guifei : “But Lingxi Palace! I once specifically requested it from the Emperor, and he never granted it. Now he has given it to a mere Meiren.”
Zhuqing: “Your Majesty, a Meiren residing there would only occupy a side hall. The main hall is yet to be assigned. There’s no need to be upset.”
Zhuqing: “Moreover, Lingxi Palace was originally for the previous Emperor’s favored concubine. Unfortunately, a beautiful face has a short life [4], indicating the palace’s misfortune. It’s no match for the auspiciousness of your Changning Palace. You bore the Crown Prince, so it is only natural that you and your son should be in peace and prosperity.”
[4] The phrase “红颜薄命” (hóng yán bó mìng) is an idiom that literally translates to “a beautiful face has a short life.” In this context, it means that someone who is exceptionally beautiful often has a life marked by misfortune or a short lifespan.
Zhuqing, having served Lin Guifei for many years, managed to lift her spirits with just a few words.
Lin Guifei : “Hmph, do I truly care about having another palace? It’s just the name that sounds pleasing. I wish to be the one the Emperor cherishes, to have a connection as profound as the name ‘Lingxi’ [4] suggests—how beautiful that would be.”
[4] 灵 (Líng): This character means “spirit” or “intelligence.” It can also refer to something that is spiritual, perceptive, or sensitive.
犀 (Xī): This character means “rhinoceros,” but it is also used in the idiom “灵犀一点通” (líng xī yī diǎn tōng), which means “a touch of understanding” or “a deep, intuitive connection.”
“灵犀” (Lingxi) combines two characters that suggest a special kind of deep connection or understanding. In simpler terms, it means having a strong, almost instinctive bond with someone, as if you can understand each other without words.
So what Lin Guifei means is she wishes to have a deep, meaningful relationship with the Emperor, one that goes beyond just physical presence.
Lin Guifei: “But after ten years in the harem, I’ve come to see clearly. The Emperor’s heart is not devoted to any woman.”
Since no one can win the Emperor’s heart, she must firmly hold onto his favour. She and her son must be the ones most favoured by the Emperor.
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