Chapter 0153: Emperor Jian Who Plans to Cherish His Wives, Emperor Jian Who Seeks a Place to Sleep
“Notify all palaces that I will attend the New Year’s festival in Liaozhou. Have them prepare warm clothing in advance. Additionally…” Emperor Jian tapped the desk, “I will draft a list of court officials to accompany me.”
Eunuch Zhao blinked, “Your Majesty, what about that one…”
Emperor Jian paused, rubbing his temples before saying, “That one… let’s leave it for now.”
“As you wish.”
After Eunuch Zhao departed, Emperor Jian reread the letter several times.
Liaozhou indeed had traditions of cherishing daughters. Grandmaster Murong was a once-in-a-century martial arts master whose teaching philosophy emphasized “purity.”
Take Hua Ning’s second senior brother for example – with “righteousness” as his core, he wielded his axes throughout his life according to his understanding of righteousness. Without sentimentality or hesitation, acting purely from conviction, he mastered the twin tiger-head axes until none could rival him.
Then there were Wuhen and Wuji – with “protection” as their core, they wielded their blades throughout their lives according to their understanding of guardianship. Without concern for right or wrong, they achieved pure martial excellence to protect those they cherished.
But Hua Ning was different.
Grandmaster Murong treated Hua Ning as his own daughter, teaching her with “love” as the core – to love herself, her children, her people, and her country. He taught her to distinguish right from wrong, yet judge by intention rather than action; to be open-minded yet sensitive; to cherish beautiful memories yet value rare kindred spirits.
That was why he had fallen helplessly in love with such a free-spirited Hua Ning.
Emperor Jian couldn’t help reflecting on his past treatment of his other wives and daughters.
Towards the three princesses, he had been reasonably proper: the eldest married her beloved, while the second and third never lacked food or clothing, nor were they sent to the Xiongnu as peace brides.
As for the other consorts…
The Empress had been secluded in Buddhist practice, rarely appearing even after months; Rou Fei was wealthy enough to never shortchange herself; Noble Consort Xi had family backing and never suffered grievances; Da Guiren, being from Liaozhou herself, knew well how to care for her own needs…
Aside from sending numerous rare treasures to Cheng Huan Palace that made others envious, he hadn’t particularly mistreated them, had he?
Oh wait… regarding bedroom matters, perhaps there was some neglect.
He usually resided in the Imperial Study and Dragon Bedchamber, only visiting their palaces for brief stays on scheduled monthly dates. If measured by his past treatment of Hua Ning – sharing a bed with her daily while intentionally sending Chengze away – then he had indeed wronged these consorts.
Very well.
Cherishing wives and daughters, starting today.
Emperor Jian decided to spend the night with Rou Fei.
Unexpectedly, when she saw him, Rou Fei’s face clearly showed displeasure. “Your Majesty, isn’t this ahead of my scheduled night?”
“I’ve chosen your plaque tonight.” With all his sons gone and paperwork headaches plaguing him, the Emperor just wanted to rest early. “Come quickly, let’s make this swift.”
Rou Fei: ?
Is this something that can be rushed?
Indeed, it couldn’t be rushed. Though the Emperor was handsome and skilled, age and years of stress had taken their toll. After finishing, he felt dizzy and eager to sleep.
Only to be kicked off the bed by Rou Fei.
“Your Majesty, you should return to your own chambers to sleep.” Consort Hua was straightforward, immediately turning hostile. “This concubine has always been a light sleeper. You need to rise early for court, and your movements are too loud. You would startle my soul and ruin my entire day’s rest…”
Emperor Jian:…
Taking a deep breath, Emperor Jian tried to console himself: Love your wives, love your wives…
Don’t quarrel with those who call themselves your wives.
And for the sake of money…
Wiping his face, Emperor Jian silently left Yu Fu Palace. The winter wind in the courtyard chilled him slightly, dispelling some of his drowsiness. He then decided to go to Chonghua Palace to share some intimate moments with Consort Xi.
But he was met with a closed door.
“Your Majesty…” the young palace maid guarding the door trembled as she spoke, “Her Ladyship said she’s in her fertility period. Unless you go to Ruyi Hall…”
The so-called fertility period referred to the day when conception was most likely. Consort Xi was already forty years old and had no intention of risking her life to bear another child. Moreover, there was an unwritten rule in the harem.
Want to bear a son? Unless you have a death wish.
Not everyone could be like Xie Chengze, who made that person endure the humiliation without resorting to deadly measures.
Nor could anyone be like Xie Zimiao, with an uncle wealthy enough to overturn Jian’an.
And certainly no one could be like Xie Shoujun, with a mother willing to take her own life just to beg for her son’s survival.
That’s why Consort Xi was so cautious. Besides, she didn’t want to drink contraceptive soup either – that stuff was terribly bitter. As the daughter of Prime Minister Li, why should she suffer such indignity?
If you want pleasure, then go to Ruyi Hall and use the ruyi sheath yourself.
Emperor Jian didn’t want pleasure – he just wanted to sleep.
Being somewhat concerned about his dignity, Emperor Jian dismissed the attendants and knocked on the door, shouting, “Li Xi! Open the door! I won’t touch you! Just let me come in and take a nap!”
“If you’re not going to touch this concubine, then why come looking for me?” Consort Xi’s indifferent voice came from inside. “Could it be you want to have a heart-to-heart talk? This concubine’s words have always been piercing – I’m afraid Your Majesty wouldn’t want to hear them.”
Emperor Jian:…
Indeed piercing.
These words were like the cold wind blowing from behind, cutting straight to the bone…
Shivering, Emperor Jian went to Da Guiren’s place, only to find his third daughter Xie Shu there too. Xie Shu was diligently practicing whip techniques, specifically the Phoenix Dance Whip that Consort Hua had once used to astonish the world.
Emperor Jian watched in a momentary daze.
Seeing Emperor Jian arrive, she exclaimed in surprise, “Father Emperor, what wind brings you here?”
She deliberately closed her eyes to sense the wind direction, “Oh, it’s the northwest wind.”
Emperor Jian:…
“Where’s your mother?” Emperor Jian asked.
Xie Shu said innocently, “The night is lonely, and sleeping alone is truly boring, so Mother went to play with Consort Xi!”
Emperor Jian was shocked:?!
So when he was begging to sleep earlier, Da Guiren inside had heard everything?!
“Then why are you here?” Emperor Jian couldn’t help pointing, “Why aren’t you practicing your whip in your own palace?”
“Mother’s courtyard is bigger here, and her heated kang is larger too, so I called Second Sister to sleep together!” Xie Shu said matter-of-factly. “Second Sister is inside reading storybooks. She’s giggling like a ghost, so the content must be very interesting. Does Father Emperor want to go in and read together?”
“No need.” Emperor Jian sighed deeply, thinking to himself why finding a place to sleep was so difficult.
Who else was left in his harem…
Emperor Jian counted on his fingers, oh, there was still the Empress.
That woman…
Emperor Jian rubbed his temples, truly reluctant to go.
But after all, she was his wife, and nominally the principal consort. Moreover, it had indeed been a long time since he last saw her. This Ice Sculpture Festival…
He should personally go and inform her.
…
Kunning Palace.
Though it was the residence of the mistress of the inner court, Kunning Palace lacked the opulence seen in other palaces. The palace maids and eunuchs coming and going all wore expressionless faces, with prayer beads adorning their wrists, devoid of any worldly atmosphere.
Empress Cao Qingran was the granddaughter of Cao Yun, a renowned general from the founding of Jian’an. Cao Yun now held the title of Grand Marshal of the Military, a high-ranking position with limited actual authority. However, his son, Cao Lingde, served as the Commander of the Imperial Guard, assisting the emperor in controlling the military power within Jingcheng and ensuring the Jian’an throne remained within the bloodlines of the Xie and Cao families.
Thus, despite Cao Qingran’s numerous past transgressions, Emperor Jian chose to turn a blind eye and had not deposed her.