Ten, Osmanthus Fragrance in an Empty Courtyard

  Xiao Lianzi and Xiao Yuzi were puzzled by my lenient treatment of Huanbi, and even Liang Yuqi was suspicious. However, Huanbi became more diligent and attentive in her service, so they couldn't say much about it.

  One day, when no one was by my side, Yu Tong asked, "Young Master seems to have no intention of taking action against Huan Bi." She hesitated slightly and said, "I'm afraid she will always be a thorn in Young Master's side."

  At that time, the autumn light was just right, and the courtyard was full of fallen flowers. The dark green leaves had all been blown by the wind to reveal a light yellow mist, which also dyed the thick green moss on the mountain rocks with a layer of shallow golden smoke. The osmanthus tree planted by the empress last year to celebrate my entry into the palace was blooming with fragrance like clouds, and the entire Tongli Palace was filled with this intoxicating sweet scent. I was reclining on the horizontal couch in front of the bedroom corridor, covered with a soft, crimson-red woolen cloak, watching from afar as Flowing Jade and the palace maid were making honeyed fruit with newly picked hawthorn fruits in the courtyard.

  I lowered my head and drank the osmanthus wine, saying slowly: "If I wanted to get rid of her, I could have used Empress Hua's hands. But after all, she is someone by my side, and we grew up together since childhood, so there is still some emotional connection." Seeing that Xi Qi was silent, I continued: "She knows too much about me, if I were to completely eliminate her, it would only push her to desperation. Now that I've cut off her retreat and granted her the thing she wants most, I think it should be enough to control her."

  "Since you're confident, I can rest assured too."

  I smiled slightly, "Indeed, I'm not entirely at ease with her either. She thinks that the events of that day were exposed because of Mei He Xiang's involvement, but she doesn't know that I had already instructed someone to keep an eye on her movements. Now, Xiao Lian Zi is also secretly keeping an eye on her under my orders, if she has any more treacherous intentions, then don't blame me for being ruthless."

  The silent smile of the servant girl: "I've always thought that Master is too kind and will bring endless troubles in the future, but now it seems I was overthinking."

  I smiled at her: "Xīn Yuè. If I had to choose, you'd be the first person by my side. But what's been on my mind is that we've only been together for a little over a year, so why are you so devoted to me?"

  Yue Xi also smiled, her eyes calm and serene: "Does the young master believe in fate between people? I do."

  I couldn't help but laugh. "That's a good reason." I turned to her, "Everyone has their own reasons for doing things, as long as your heart is loyal, that's all that matters."

  I stifled a yawn, ever since the Empress was reprimanded by Emperor Xuan, Feng Shuyi had been getting along with me, and with the support of the Empress Dowager behind her back, my position as well as that of Ling Rong's gradually became more stable. However, the Empress had been in the palace for many years, and her power was also deeply entrenched, not to be underestimated. For a time, the palace gradually became a situation where two opposing forces were at odds with each other. Under the balance of power, the harem maintained its surface calmness and stability.

  It's just that Mei Zhuang's case is bitter and lacks evidence, Liu Quan has searched for a long time but can't find it, Mei Zhuang also cannot regain her freedom. Fortunately, I and Feng Shuyi have made great efforts to protect her, and Fang Ruo has also secretly helped, so the situation is not too bad.

  The autumn breeze is cool, and although a single layer of thin clothing can't stop the chill from seeping in, it's still lovely. The cool sensation isn't a shrinking cold, but rather a refreshing lightness and comfort that comes after the heat has dissipated, making even breathing feel delightful. Taking deep breaths fills my chest with warmth, tempered by a hint of coolness.

  The osmanthus flowers are blooming profusely in the courtyard, their sweet fragrance wafting down like rain, gently caressing my temples and cheeks like a lover's tender touch, making me reluctant to wake up.

  I lie comfortably under the west window, my hair spread out like soft silk, as countless tiny sweet-scented osmanthus flowers alight on my locks like butterflies.

  After a short nap, Jiang Zhongmin, the new manager of the Imperial Household Department, came over to pay his respects. After Huang Guiquan was punished, Jiang Zhongmin took over and managed the Imperial Household Department with an iron fist. He naturally knew who had benefited from this and was extremely courteous and careful towards me, as if he wanted to repay my favor in promoting him by giving up his heart.

  This time he came, even more excited than before, carefully presenting a tray with something covered in large red satin. I couldn't help but laugh: "What's so extraordinary about this thing that you're being so careful?"

  He smiled with a pleased expression: "The emperor specially bestowed upon you, young master. You will understand once you take a look."

  On the bottom of the golden tray was a pair of dazzling embroidered palace shoes, shining brightly before his eyes. Even Rong Zhi, who had seen much and knew widely, couldn't help but be stunned.

  The sole of the shoe is made of a rare species of jade, with a bright green color and a smooth texture. The inside is lined with various precious fragrances, and on the toe is sewn a thumb-sized pearl from Hepu, which is round and large, dazzling to the eye. On either side are embroidered patterns of mandarin ducks and lotus flowers made of silk threads and colored gemstones. Moreover, the surface of the shoe is made of golden brocade Shu silk, which has always been praised as "the beauty of the brocade is like the ripples on the river". It takes a hundred women three years to weave one piece of this kind of silk, so precious that an inch of it can be exchanged for a dou of gold. Even in the palace, women rarely get to see such luxury, let alone use it to make shoes.

  I smiled and accepted, but couldn't help smiling: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the gift. However, where did this Shu brocade come from? I remember that the tribute of Shu silk arrived in February, and it was only sent to the palaces of the Empress and the Dowager Empress. The new batch won't arrive until next February."

  Jiang Zhongmin knocked his head and said, "This is the emperor's special favor to the young master. The King of Qinghe left the palace for a trip to Shu, saw some newly woven flower-patterned Shu brocade, and had someone send it from thousands of miles away, just this one piece, and the emperor ordered the Needlework Bureau to rush out in succession."

  I let out an "oh" and only then remembered that Qinghe Wang had left the palace to travel after meeting at Taiye Pond, and it had been over a month. It was for the better, otherwise he would often come in and out of the palace, constantly reminding me of that token, reminding me of those feelings I should avoid, even though he never mentioned it.

  It's just that I'm afraid, afraid that such an unknown and awkward feeling will happen.

  So I would rather not see them. Not only "The Mountain Spirit", but also Qu Yuan's "Li Sao", "Jiu Ge" and "Xiang Jun" are all shelved.

  I wish everything would be buried in dust and ashes, don't let me know more.

  However, I couldn't help but think of the endless night rain in Shu's Bashan Mountains. What a scene it must be! But all I can do is gaze at the limited four-sided sky from a corner of the palace, holding Li Yishan's poetry book and silently pondering.

  In an instant, she smiled and stood up, because she saw Xuan Ling stepping in behind Jiang Zhongmin. His complexion was excellent, and he looked at me holding the jade shoes to admire them, and said with a smile: "You wear it and let me take a look."

  I walked back to the rear hall and changed into jade shoes after taking off my silk socks. Xuan Ling smiled: "Although a woman's feet should not be shown to anyone other than her husband, why are you being so careful?"

  I lowered my head and smiled: "Does it look good?"

  He nodded in approval, "It fits your foot perfectly, it seems I didn't instruct wrongly."

  "What?"

  He drew me into his bosom and said, "I ordered the people of the Needlework Bureau to make shoes that are four inches two tenths in size, and indeed they were not wrong."

  I tilted my head and thought for a moment, then asked: "It seems that I have never told Your Majesty the size of my feet."

  He burst out laughing, "I have slept with you for many days, how could I not know this?" He paused, "I specifically instructed the needlework girls in the embroidery workshop to embroider mandarin ducks..." He stopped and didn't continue.

  I turned my head, and the wind came in from under the window, a coolness like clear frost had already penetrated into the autumn chill, my body trembled slightly, and I understood his intentions towards me.

  It's not that I'm not moved. After returning from the Tiantai Mountain, intentionally or unintentionally, he has been more distant than before. He must have noticed it.

  He lightly kissed my earlobe and sighed: "Xuan Xuan, where did I make you unhappy?"

  Outside the window, a few maple leaves with feather-like shapes gradually gathered into a thick red color like intoxication. Further away, it was a high and distant blue sky that couldn't be seen through. I said in a low voice: "No, Your Majesty didn't make me unhappy."

  A flash of fear and urgency flickered in his eyes, he grasped my hand: "Xuan Xuan, I've told you before that when we're alone together, you can call me 'Fourth Brother', have you forgotten?"

  I shook my head, "Xuanxuan misspoke. Xuanxuan is just afraid."

  He no longer spoke, only tightly embracing me. His body heat dispelled some of the autumn chill. He said softly: "Don't be afraid. What I have promised you will certainly be given to you. Xuanxuan, I will protect you."

  The apricot blossoms of that day, the soft words by my pillow, the promise in the imperial study, my heart was warmed by the gentle spring breeze, and I almost shed tears.

  Finally didn't shed tears, reached out and grasped his slender warm neck.

  Perhaps I am someone who can be an exception in his eyes. If there is a little love among these many favors, it is also worth it.

  When the long night frost is heavy and foggy, I get up and put on my clothes. The bright light of the starry sky is even more distinct in the quiet night, as if the whole sky was filled with sparkling diamonds. The brilliance of that light almost makes one gasp in wonder. Xuan Ling gently holds me in his arms, and together we gaze out at the pair of bright candles under the western window. He says unintentionally: "The Kyoto sky is clear and starry, but Sixth Brother's letter said it was rainy in Shu, fortunately the night rain scenery on Mount Ba where he stayed is very beautiful, which also comforts his travel difficulties."

  I smiled silently, relying only on Xuan Ling's embrace. When we shared a candle in the western window, talking about the rain at night in Bashan, it was a beautiful sentence from poetry. Xuan Ling was silent and still, quietly embracing me, casting a soft shadow that merged with my own, as if we were one person. In an instant, I felt warmth in my heart, not wanting to think of Xiao Su's figure, which might be surrounded by the scent of Tuberose flowers in the rain at Bashan, but instead, I was content to think: perhaps Xuan Ling really likes me.

  This winter arrived particularly late, and it wasn't until December that several heavy snowfalls brought a sense of cold. The snow fell continuously for several days, like flying willow catkins or goose down. Standing at the window to admire the snowy scene for a long time, my eyes felt slightly dizzy, and I turned to Xuan Ling and said: "Fourth Brother had good intentions when he planted white plum blossoms in Tongli Palace, but unfortunately, after the snowfall, they blended in with the snowy scenery and can't be seen anymore."

  He casually said, "What's difficult about that? If you like red plum blossoms, I'll have someone move some of the jade-hearted Yulan magnolias from the Mei Garden to your palace." He stopped writing and looked up, saying, "Hey! Didn't you tell me to focus on copying without any distractions? Why are you talking and disturbing my mind?"

  I couldn't help but laugh and said: "Where is there such a naughty person? If you're not focused on yourself, that's fine, but instead you come to rely on others."

  He smiled upon hearing this, "If I hadn't lost three games of chess to you last night, I wouldn't have had to suffer punishment here today."

  I said softly: "Fourth brother, how can you break your promise in front of me, a young girl?" I sat down again and smiled warmly: "Alright, didn't I also make clothes for you as a gift for the Winter Solstice?"

  He gently stroked my temples, "Breaking a promise is nothing, but the thought of you personally making clothes for me, I would rewrite it three times without complaint."

  I smiled and said with a sidelong glance at him: "You said it yourself, don't regret it."

  For a whole day, he copied out for me all the poems and verses about plum blossoms from past dynasties. I sat quietly beside him, sewing a winter nightgown for him.

  Outside the hall, cotton seeds are flying silently. The servants had all been dismissed early, and the two sat together in silence. In the golden cauldron on the ground, a hundred harmonious incense was burning, its fragrance wafting gently like a thread, quietly spreading into the depths of the warm pavilion. The hundred harmonious incense is made from over twenty kinds of fragrant spices, including sunken water fragrance and dianthus fragrance, mixed with wine and honey to create a scent that intoxicates people. When smelled carefully, it has a warm and intoxicating aroma. Adding to this, the heat from the heated floor and stove makes the pavilion even more warmly scented, like being in the midst of a sea of flowers in the upper forest garden on a spring day.

  The use of Baihe Xiang began in the Three Kingdoms era, and after several transmissions, the method was lost, and it was rarely seen even in the palace. The ones used in Tongli Palace were all from Ling Rong's place. Ling Rong's father, An Bi Huai, had been engaged in the fragrance business before he became an official, and he got many secret recipes for making incense. Ling Rong knew that I loved fragrances, so she often came to my palace to study and discuss together, and they were very happy. After several experiments, they finally recreated a recipe for making Baihe Xiang.

  In the warm pavilion, all the windows facing south are large, pasted with transparent paper to let in the pale blue snow light outside, making the whole hall bright. I sit quietly opposite him, so quiet that I can hear the faint crackling of the high-quality charcoal in the brazier, occasionally making a slight "crack" sound, emitting hot air, and even the sound of snowflakes flying outside the window is clear to my ears.

  The kang in the pavilion was too warm, making people slightly sweaty. Holding the needle and thread for a long time, her fingers felt slightly numb. Afraid of getting the bright yellow satin dirty with sweat, she called Jingqing to bring water to wash her hands.

  She turned to Xuan Ling and smiled, "The night clothes can be handed over to Huan Huan for tailoring, but the dragon flower pattern on top is something I'd like to veto. Huan Huan's embroidery skills are really not as good as An Mei Ren, why don't we let her do the embroidery instead?"

  Xuan Ling Dao said: "This hypocritical thing, since you've already agreed to do it yourself, why are you still trying to push half of it onto others? I don't want anyone else to intervene."

  "I'd better say it upfront, if the stitching is too coarse and uncomfortable to wear, don't blame me for having clumsy hands."

  I took a clean handkerchief and wiped it again, then handed it to Xuan Ling to wipe his face. He didn't take it, but just smiled: "You come."

  I had no choice but to walk over and smile: "Alright, today I'll be the emperor's little palace maid and serve the emperor, how about that?"

  He couldn't help but laugh: "So naughty."

  He wrote for a long time, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. I carefully wiped them away for him and said, "Why don't you change into another set of clothes? This robe seems to be too thick."

  He grasped my hand and smiled with pursed lips: "I was so busy copying for you that I didn't even notice the heat."

  I couldn't help but feel a flush rise to my cheeks as I glanced at Jingqing and said, "There's someone here, don't be embarrassed."

  Jing Qing suppressed the smile on his face and turned his head to pretend he didn't see. He just chuckled and followed Xiao Yuanshu to change clothes in the inner hall.

  I walked to the case, and instead of Xu Ling, I put the finished copy aside. Just as I was lowering my head to browse, I suddenly heard a burst of clear laughter, like silver bells, already at the door.

  Just as I was about to go out and take a look, the heavy brocade curtain was lifted, and a cold wind accompanied by a tinkling laugh turned in front of me. Chun'er held a bunch of red plum blossoms in her hand, standing prettily in front of me, unable to conceal the joy and pride on her face, shouting: "Zhen sister, Chun'er picked some new red plum blossoms from the Mei Garden, sister take a look and see if you're happy or not?"

  She burst in like a gust of wind, and the pale face of the servant girl who followed her in was white with anxiety. She still didn't realize it, stomping her feet and rubbing her hands together as she said, "Sister, it's so warm here, outside is freezing!"

  I didn't even have time to signal her to be quiet, when Xuan Ling had already walked over from the inner hall. Chun'er was startled at first, but she wasn't afraid either. Her eyes, as big as apricot kernels, shone like two black pearls in a silver setting, and with a quick turn, she smiled brightly and curtsied: "Your Majesty, look at the plum blossoms I picked for my sister, aren't they nice?"

  Because she often came to my palace, Chun'er was extremely innocent and cheerful. Xuan Ling saw her and didn't think it was strange, smiling: "You're really thoughtful. Your sister was just thinking about wanting to see the red plum blossoms, and you've come." Smiling, he said: "Chun'er seems to have grown a lot taller."

  Chun'er tilted her head to one side, "Your Majesty has forgotten, I will be fifteen years old after the New Year."

  Xuan Ling Dao said: "That's right, your sister Zhen entered the palace at the age of 15 too."

  "I said, 'Don't just talk, Xun'er should also shake off the snow on her body, don't catch a cold when she turns back, and don't cry when taking medicine.' As I spoke, Rong Yu had already taken the large red velvet cloak with fur trim that Xun'er had removed. All I saw was that her small stature had grown quite a bit, the crimson-red warm sleeve lining suited her figure perfectly, and the auspicious flower patterns on her clothes were embroidered with golden, bright green, and sapphire threads, making me feel that she exuded an aura of joy, set off by her round little face, looking extremely lovely."

  She wasn't afraid of Xuan Ling, just teasing him playfully, and Xuan Ling also liked her innocent and lively nature. Although she hadn't promised anything to Xuan Ling, they had become familiar with each other.

  Chun'er smiled, the jade pendant on her earlobe sparkling like a water droplet as she said, "Sister, isn't there a white porcelain ice-patterned vase? It would be perfect for arranging plum blossoms." As she spoke, she giggled and went to fetch the vase to arrange the flowers.

  The plum blossoms were either in tight buds or had opened two or three petals, their branches strong and slender as a pen, the flowers blooming with a delicate pink color, fragrant as orchids. After admiring them for a while, Chun'er sat down on a small stool by the brazier, with various delicate pastries placed before her, her face filled with joy, slowly picking out her favorites to eat.

  I stood beside Xuan Ling, helping him grind the ink and moisten his brush. The warm sunlight in the pavilion made his casual attire of blue and gold brocade with a dragon pattern seem even more elegant, making him look like a young master from a wealthy family. Only the bright yellow silk belt with white jade buckle at his waist revealed his true identity as a member of the imperial family. I was also dressed casually in a pale pink velvet jacket with embroidered flowers, my hair styled in a loose, slightly messy bun, and a single gold pin holding it in place. I stood beside him, helping him dip his brush into the ink until it was full and round. Xuan Ling took the brush from me and wrote two or three characters before looking up to see that a drop of ink had splattered onto my hand. He naturally picked up a piece of white silk from the table and wiped it away for me, as if he had done this many times before.

  I just smiled and lowered my head, without saying a word.

  Chun'er had half a piece of sugar in her mouth, and the other half was held in her hand, but she forgot to eat it. She stared blankly at me and Xuan Ling's expression for a long time before bursting out laughing and clapping her hands: "I originally couldn't understand why I always felt like I'd seen the Emperor and sister together before...it turns out that when I was at home, my sister and brother-in-law were just like this too! One grinding ink, one writing, half a day would pass in complete silence, only staring...it made me feel so stifled..."

  Listening to her unbridled words, I felt embarrassed and hastily interrupted: "So you're bored out of your mind, blaming me and the Emperor for ignoring you. Alright, I'll come to keep you company after I finish grinding the ink."

  Jun'er nodded, but I couldn't stop her from talking, she still wanted to continue, so I hurried over and poured tea for her: "You've eaten so many dim sum, drink some water to moisten your mouth."

  On the other side, Xuan Ling suddenly spoke up, "Huan Huan, you too, why not let Chun Er finish speaking?" With a smile in his eyes, he looked at Chun Er and said, "Just go on."

  I stomped my foot and turned away, too embarrassed to pay attention to them. Chun'er, encouraged by Xuan Ling, became even more enthusiastic and said: "My sister and brother-in-law may not speak, but they get along very well and never blush. My mother said this is...this is..." She thought hard, her face flushing red, until she finally remembered and exclaimed excitedly: "Yes! My mother said it's called 'the joy of the boudoir'."

  I blushed and hastily turned my head, saying: "Xun'er is still young and doesn't know where she heard such nonsense, just talking randomly." I scolded, "Your Majesty, you're still spoiling her like this, it's only making her more unruly."

  Chun'er couldn't help but feel wronged, pouting and saying: "Where did I lie? It was clearly my mother who said it. Are you saying that I, your subject, lied?"

  Xuan Ling laughed so hard he almost fell over the table, repeatedly saying: "Of course not. How could you be talking nonsense, it's a wonderful thing to say." As he spoke, he came to pull my hand, "I and Consort Wei are just like that."

  His hands were extremely warm, hot and stuffy holding my fingers. I smiled slightly, feeling calm and happy inside.