The Pavilion of Quiet Snow is restless.

  The Empress Zhang sighed, a long, drawn breath escaping her lips.

  “His Imperial Majesty is becoming ever more consumed within the Dragon’s Bed,” she murmured, her voice low. “Hong Cu.”

  “At your service, Your Majesty,” replied the man summoned.

  “Do you recall the mountain retreat near Tuhe, in the province of Shennan?”

  “I do, Your Grace.”

  “Good. See to it that Siu Chen is taken there, at the first opportunity.” Her command was firm, unwavering.

  “As you command, Your Majesty.”

  The Empress Zhang fell into a reverie. She must safeguard Siu Chen, for she held a living witness to the deeds of Li Fuguo, and also to the Emperor himself. The Dragon Throne seemed poised to shatter.

  Elsewhere, the Imperial Physician stood before Eunuch Li Fuguo, Head of the Palace.

  “My Lord,” the physician began, bowing low. “I have secured the Dragon Vitality Elixir from Tibet.”

  “Excellent. The Emperor is a Dragon. A Dragon must ever be mighty. Administer a double dose. He must not be outdone by a woman.” Li Fuguo’s words dripped with veiled malice.

  “But is it not perilous, my Lord? It could keep His Majesty… vigorous… for five days and five nights.” The physician’s concern was thinly veiled.

  “Would he not be content, enduring such vitality for five days and five nights? Is that not what many men desire, what they dream of as a heaven on earth?” Li Fuguo countered, a cruel glint in his eyes.

  The conversation was abruptly cut short by the arrival of Captain Lung Kiam of the Shence Guard. The physician, relieved, hastened away to his duties.

  “My Lord,” Lung Kiam announced, kneeling respectfully.

  “What is it?” Li Fuguo asked, his tone sharp.

  “My report, my Lord, is that calamities are sweeping across the provinces. Great beasts, monstrous in size, are ravaging the countryside, beyond the ability of the common folk to resist. Reports indicate they emerge from swirling crimson vortices. Villages are being annihilated, the beasts hold dominion over the land, and no one can enter.”

  “Hmm,” Li Fuguo grunted, dismissing the news with a wave of his hand. “Instruct the generals to quell these disturbances. Let them handle beasts; my concern is the Dragon's joy.”

  “The generals, my Lord, state that they will not move without the direct command of His Imperial Majesty.”

  “Haehh… Very well. I shall present this to His Highness shortly,” Li Fuguo replied, a flicker of irritation crossing his face.

  He turned back to his private chambers, his gaze falling upon a stack of sealed documents. He seated himself and broke the seal, revealing their contents. The Empress Zhang had already made her move.

  If the Empress Zhang had begun to play her hand, then Li Fuguo, too, must place his pieces on the board, and with careful deliberation.

  Inside the Vermillion Palace, inside the fragrance bathroom.

  “Mistress, the heated bath awaits,” Auntie Peng said, her voice laced with deference.

  Siu Chen nodded, moving towards the steaming pool. The old servant gently released the clinging garments. Beneath lay a form of striking beauty – flawless, strong, and utterly untainted.

  With meticulous care, Auntie Peng applied a fragrant balm across Siu Chen’s skin, smoothing away any imperfection, banishing every hair from her body. The fallen hairs drifted like snow, leaving behind a complexion as smooth as a newborn’s, a blush of pearl upon her skin.

  “Auntie Peng,” Siu Chen murmured, her voice tinged with a weariness that belied her beauty, “is it truly the Emperor’s desire to… entertain him for a week?”

  “I have heard it so, Mistress. His Imperial Majesty wishes to share your company for five days.”

  “Five days… it sounds a wearying prospect,” she sighed, a shadow passing over her features.

  “His Majesty is… eager, they say. He has not found such enduring pleasure in a woman’s company for many years.”

  “Auntie Peng, do not jest with me. You know the burden of my service. To fulfill the Emperor’s whim is not to desire it. Yet, his regard only deepens.”

  “They speak of your unique gifts, Mistress. That you bring unparalleled solace to His Majesty. Surely, the Heavens favor you,” Aunt Peng chuckled softly, continuing her work, gently stroking and kneading the exquisite form before her, from shoulder to heel.

  Silken. Strong. Supple. Warm. What man would not yearn to hold such beauty within his embrace, to cherish it for all eternity? Even an Emperor’s desires are swayed by such perfection.

  When the rubbing was complete, Siu Chen descended into the bath. The water, infused with countless blossoms, filled the chamber with an intoxicating fragrance.

  “In an hour, Your Lordship awaits your presence, Mistress,” Auntie Peng reminded her.

  Siu Chen closed her eyes, surrendering to the warmth, letting the fragrance envelop her. This moment of serenity was a small balm, for it would soon be eclipsed by the less pleasant odor of the aged Emperor.

  In the Crimson Chamber,

  The eunuch, Li Fuguo, prostrated himself before the Emperor Suzhong, who had just consumed a Dragon Vitality Elixir. A warmth suffused the old man’s body, a peculiar rigidity claiming him, heightened by the vision of what he would soon command of Siu Chen.

  "Long life to Your Imperial Majesty," Li Fuguo offered, his voice a practiced deferential murmur.

  "Rise,” the Emperor responded, a curtness in his tone. “What troubles you, Fuguo?”

  “A grave report arrives from the provinces, Your Majesty,” Li Fuguo stated.

  “Grave reports can wait,” the Emperor interrupted, his gaze distant. “The Dragon's desire must be sated first.”

  “As you command,” Li Fuguo replied, retreating with a measured bow.

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  Within a half-hour, Siu Chen was presented within the Emperor’s bedchamber. She stood unclothed, as had been decreed. The fading light of the late afternoon bathed her form in a golden hue, highlighting the lines of her physique.

  The Emperor rose, then cast aside his own garments. His virility stood firm and proud. Siu Chen offered herself into the Emperor’s embrace, and they were lost in the throes of wanton pleasure upon the crimson bed.

  The Emperor demanded satisfaction. Siu Chen yielded to the command.

  Eunuch Li Fuguo, having departed the presence of the Emperor, proceeded to the residence of the Crown Prince Li Yu. He carried a visible burden of unease.

  "Uncle," the Crown Prince Li Yu began, his voice laced with anxiety. “What did Father Emperor say? There are numerous reports of monster attacks.”

  “His Imperial Majesty is preoccupied and will attend to these matters in due time,” Li Fuguo responded, carefully choosing his words. "Perhaps we should consult with General Guo Ziyi."

  Thus, the Crown Prince issued orders for the summoning of General Guo Ziyi. The esteemed general arrived, his tall frame radiating an aura of strength and experience. Li Fuguo detailed the reports of monster incursions plaguing the realm.

  General Guo Ziyi paused, his expression thoughtful. He shook his head slowly.

  "A soldier’s blade is for the safeguarding of the Throne, not the pursuit of beasts," he declared, though a silent calculation ran through his mind. The cost of deploying his troops against such threats was a heavy burden, particularly at a time of dwindling resources.

  The Uyghur general relentlessly pressed him for payment, a constant reminder of the kingdom's weakened state. Its coffers were strained, depleted by years of indulgence and conflict.

  The seasoned general harbored a deep suspicion regarding the Uyghur general. Should the Tang Dynasty falter, would the Uyghurs, once summoned to quell rebellions, then turn upon the empire?

  Therefore, General Guo Ziyi refused to mobilize his forces, insisting on direct orders from the Emperor.

  The Crown Prince’s face clouded with displeasure. Li Fuguo attempted to soothe his anxiety. “Do not fret, Prince. Our Son of Heaven is presently blessed by celestial delights. Prosperity will surely follow. Worry not about these trifling monsters.”

  Three days had passed.

  The night air hung heavy, and Siu Chen lay prone, stretching his aching limbs with a sigh. The Emperor, with a desperate fervor, pressed against her chest, his member thrusting deep within. A relentless rhythm, an agonizing dance.

  It had been three nights and days of relentless union. The Dragon Vitality Elixir, it seemed, had granted him unnatural resilience, for the Emperor showed no sign of weakening. Siu Chen, weary from countless peaks, felt a numbness creeping across her body, a dull ache born from the old man’s relentless demands.

  Suddenly, the Emperor collapsed upon Siu Chen, a shudder wracking her frame. He coughed, spewing black blood that stained Siu Chen's sweat-slicked chest. Black blood – a grim omen, signaling the exhaustion of the Emperor’s vital essence. He had yearned for the vigor of youth, but his strength had long since ebbed away.

  The Dragon Vitality Elixir had wrung the very marrow from his bones.

  “Your Majesty!” Siu Chen cried out, the words tasting like ash in her mouth. The Emperor’s body slumped, a lifeless weight. The engorged member disengaged from Siu Chen's embrace, a cruel parting.

  Within the palace, a flurry of panicked whispers erupted. Auntie Peng, who had faithfully waited outside, recoiled in horror.

  “Summon the palace physicians! Quickly, summon the palace physicians! Your Majesty is ill!” she cried, her voice laced with desperation.

  Panic spread through the silent corridors as eunuchs were roused to action. The commotion swiftly reached the Pavilion of Quiet Snow.

  Empress Zhang moved with the swiftness of a viper. She summoned her retinue – two hundred eunuchs – from the tranquility of the Pavilion. Among them stood Hong Cu, his face a mask of controlled urgency.

  “Hong Cu, your task is to escort Siu Chen from the palace through the secret passages,” Empress Zhang commanded, her voice low and sharp.

  "The rest of you, follow me."

  Empress Zhang strode purposefully toward the palace, a storm of silk and silk slippers in her wake.

  Meanwhile, Li Fuguo engaged in a clandestine conversation with Cheng Yuanzhen, a trusted confidante and messenger. They met in secret to discuss their strategy regarding Empress Zhang.

  “My Lord,” a trembling eunuch announced, “The Emperor has fallen gravely ill in the Crimson Chamber of Vermillion Palace.”

  Li Fuguo’s gaze hardened as he turned to Cheng Yuanzhen. A silent communication passed between them.

  Moments later, a soldier from the Shence Guard arrived with another report.

  “My Lord, Empress Zhang and Prince Li Kuo, accompanied by a legion of eunuchs, are making their way toward the palace's court. The Empress has issued a decree summoning Crown Prince Li Yu.”

  “By the heavens,” Cheng Yuanzhen hissed, his eyes narrowing. “Where is Prince Li Yu?”

  “The Crown Prince is approaching the palace, accompanied by his attendants,” the soldier replied.

  Without preamble, Cheng Yuanzhen launched himself into the air, activating his lightness skill. He soared over the palace gardens, a fleeting shadow, pursuing Prince Li Yu, who ambled along, surrounded by his retinue.

  Li Fuguo, in turn, barked orders to the assembled soldiers, instructing Captain Lung Kiam to rally the Shence Guard to encircle the palace.

  Cheng Yuanzhen intercepted Prince Li Yu before he reached the court gates.

  “Your Highness, I am sent by my lord, Li Fuguo, to advise you against entering the court. A trap awaits within!”

  “A trap? Within the imperial court? By whom?”

  “My lord will explain. Your Highness should return home.”

  Prince Li Yu scowled, his displeasure evident. Yet, recognizing the authority of Li Fuguo, he reluctantly turned back.

  Empress Zhang and Prince Li Kuo arrived at the court gates, their faces alight with ambition. They intended to seize Prince Li Yu, elevate Li Kuo to the throne, and capitalize on the Emperor’s precarious state. Who knew how long the old man would cling to life?

  Within the Crimson Chamber, Siu Chen, having hastily cleansed himself, was startled by the sudden appearance of Hong Cu, his expression grave. As a eunuch, he moved freely within the palace walls.

  “Madam,” Hong Cu said, his voice strained, "We are in dire straits. You should accompany me to leave the Vermillion Palace."

  Siu Chen quickly assessed the situation, her mind racing. She gathered a handful of gold taels and other jewels bestowed upon her by the Emperor, wrapping them carefully within her belongings. She exchanged her silken robes for simpler, more practical garments.

  "Auntie Peng, come!" Siu Chen urged, unwilling to abandon the loyal woman who had stood by her for so long.

  The three of them, Hong Cu, Siu Chen, and Auntie Peng, slipped into the darkness, navigating the labyrinthine secret passages, a clandestine exodus from Chang’an.

  Empress Zhang’s impatience reached its boiling point.

  “Where is Prince Li Yu?”

  BRAAAKKK! The palace gates flew open, revealing a scene of chaos. Empress Zhang saw that the palace courtyard was encircled by the Shence Guard.

  The head eunuch of the Pavilion of Quiet Snow drew his blade, a shimmering arc of steel. His fellow eunuchs followed suit, their own weapons drawn.

  The Shence Guard, armed with spears and swords, advanced, a wall of hardened steel. A clash was unavoidable.

  Li Fuguo charged forward, a whirlwind of lethal grace. He was no mere administrator; he was a formidable martial artist, his qi-infused blows shattering the skull of a hapless eunuch.

  Empress Zhang, witnessing the unfolding disaster, spun on her heel, dragging Prince Li Kuo with her. But a well-aimed spear found its mark, piercing his right leg and sending him crashing to the blood-soaked palace floor.

  "Where do you intend to flee?" Li Fuguo roared, pursuing the fleeing Empress. His palm struck out, impacting her back with shattering force. The internal energy of the blow ravaged her fragile constitution.

  Li Fuguo is poised to strike again, but two eunuchs bravely intercept him, engaging in a fierce, desperate struggle.

  Empress Zhang, wounded and weakened, stumbled onward, supported by the two loyal eunuchs who propelled her forward with their lightness skill.

  "Go to Vermillion Palace! To the Crimson Chamber! We seek His Majesty!" said Empress Zhang. In the darkness, they flew, using the eunuch's lightness.

  The Shence Guard lost track of their quarry, but an eunuch in Li Fuguo’s service spotted them and reported that the Empress was heading towards the Crimson Chamber.

  Hearing this, Li Fuguo ascended into the air, his eunuch retinue following close behind.

  The company of The Empress arrived precisely before the doors of the Crimson Chamber. Empress Zhang pushed through, her attendants straining to keep pace. The Emperor lay upon his bed, his face gaunt and gray, clinging to the precipice of death. The palace physicians stood by, helpless.

  “Your Majesty!” Empress Zhang gasped, her voice barely a whisper. She coughed, spitting up red blood.

  Li Fuguo arrived in a flurry of motion, his blows sending the two eunuchs guarding the Empress flying. They fell, lifeless, unable to withstand the sudden assault.

  “Physicians, your services are no longer required,” Li Fuguo stated coldly. The physicians retreated in terror.

  Li Fuguo seized the Empress, her body limp and frail, and carried her away. The Emperor was left alone in the Crimson Chamber, a fading ember on the verge of extinction. No one tended to him, forbidden by Li Fuguo’s decree.

  Two days later, on the sixteenth day of the fifth month, 762, Emperor Suzhong drew his final breath. Several days later, Li Fuguo eliminated Empress Zhang, the remaining inhabitants of the Pavilion of Quiet Snow, and purged any lingering dissent.

  Crown Prince Li Yu was proclaimed Emperor Daizhong.

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