by La Mi Tu
Originally, it should be a sad thing, but Wanyan Bao Zhu was very happy. Every day, she ran to Xi Qi’s station to see Longze Jing Tian. Longze Jing couldn’t make heads or tails about this Bei Zhou’s princess. However, they were on her territory, so it wouldn’t be right to refuse. He treated her not cold nor warm, but this attitude didn’t make Wanyan Bao Zhu run away. She still appeared every day to enquire solicitously about Longze Jing Tian’s well-being.
Now that Longze Jing Tian wanted to follow them to Yan Capital, Wanyan Bao Zhu was the most happiest person. Before, she was worried about how to persuade Wanyan Lie to promise her to Longze Jing Tian. Now, the opportunity presented itself to her.
Wanyan Bao Zhu was happy but Murong Qing Lian wasn’t. Although the wounds on her body have closed and they also didn’t hurt that much anymore, but at her side appeared Wanyan Bao Zhu, this infatuated flower, making her mood very bad.
Because she had hurt her left foot and needed to rest, she wasn’t able to be at Longze Jing Tian’s side, giving Wanyan Bao Zhu an opportunity to be like an infatuated flower at Longze Jing Tian’s side. This was most unbearable for Murong Qing Lian.
Murong Qing Lian couldn’t afford to offend Wanyan Bao Zhu because she’s Bei Zhou’s princess. However, the fire in her heart couldn’t be extinguished. Occasionally, she would say some words to anger Wanyan Bao Zhu. However, the other party used the princess’s status to oppress her from time to time. Plus, the fact that Longze Jing Tian didn’t protect her so much like before, made Murong Qing Lian lose a lot of tears in secret.
All the way, Murong Qing Lian spent her days sullenly. She wished she could find an opportunity to kill Wanyan Bao Zhu, but it was only limited to her imaginations with no way to carry it out. In contrast to Murong Qing Lian, Bai Yi Yue got the care of Murong Qi Qi. Her originally consumed inner energy had been restored in a short period of time.
When she heard this news, Murong Qing Lian once again greeted all of Murong Qi Qi’s ancestors from eighteen generations back. Obviously, she (MQL) is her (MQQ) little sister, why did she (MQQ) treat outsiders better than her (MQL)? Truly a bitch!
Greeting the ancestors: cursing at someone by cursing her/his family
However, she could only think about those words. After being ‘taken care’ of by Murong Qi Qi at the tournament of the four countries, now whenever Murong Qing Lian sees Murong Qi Qi, she would shiver through her whole body.
Jia Lan already went back to Dong Lu. On this road, there’s no one who’d protect her. If Murong Qi Qi wanted to kill her, then she would die. So, although Murong Qing Lian hated Murong Qi Qi very much and wished that she could take off her (MQQ) head to kick it as a ball, but she was still very careful. She was worried that her actions would provoke Murong Qi Qi and bring fatal disaster to herself.
When they arrived at Yan Capital, the Lantern Festival had already passed.
The Lantern Festival or the Spring Lantern Festival is a Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar (source Wikipedia)
Bei Zhou had gotten the first place in the tournament of the four countries. This news spread throughout all streets of entire Bei Zhou during the new year. For a time, the citizens were very enthusiastic and patriotic. They were very excited and it hadn’t diminished even after the new year ended.
When Feng Cang and Murong Qi Qi returned to the wangfu4 and had just entered, they heard a burst of thunderous applause. Feng Qi and Feng Yu led the people of the wangfu to come welcome their wangye and wangfei.
“Wangye, the emperor is waiting for you to come back!”
Murong Qi Qi gave Feng Cang a gentle smile. Feng Cang nodded and followed the person who came to fetch him to the palace.
After entering the imperial study, Feng Cang was about to bow when he was stopped by Wanyan Lie. He was given a seat. Bei Zhou’s win also let Wanyan Lie, this emperor, smile a lot more. He was very happy. Finally, they got the first place in his hands. This is supreme glory, ah!
Listening to Feng Cang describe the tournament in detail, Wanyan Lie nodded and was full of smiles.
“The way zhen5 sees it, this princess Zhao Yang brings luck to you! Ever since she came, the whole thing went smoothly. It seems that she truly is a lucky star.”
Wanyan Lie praised Feng Cang, and he (FC) only smiled: “It’s all uncle’s great blessing!”
These words made Wanyan Lie extremely happy. He stroked his beard and finally went to the main subject.
“Zhen called you here to tell you that your day has been selected! It’s the twenty-eight of the first month! This is the best day!”
Seeing that Wanyan Lie summoned him for this, Feng Cang immediately stood up and bowed at Wanyan Lie.
“Nephew thanks uncle! Thanks uncle!”
Feng Cang’s facial features clearly revealed his happiness and excitement. Wanyan Lie laughed after seeing that.
“Zhen knew you would like it! That’s why zhen let people find a day earlier to let you be able to hold the beauty sooner! Haha, look at you, it’s not like this is the first time you marry. You are actually happy like this. It seems that princess Zhao Yang is truly to your taste, ah! Hahaha! So good, so good!”
“Come, try the new pastry the palace made. It’s called Crisp Plum. You would certainly like it.”
Wanyan Lie let people serve tea and snacks. While they drank tea and ate snacks, he talked with Feng Cang about the wedding. Feng Cang repeatedly nodded.
Feng Cang stayed for a while longer. Only after he ate a few pieces of the new pastry from the palace and drank some tea, did Wanyan Lie let him go.
After Feng Cang left, the smile of Wanyan Lie’s face slowly faded. In the end, it turned gloomy.
“Jing De, arrange. Zhen wants to go to Long Autumn (Chanqui) palace!”
Long Autumn palace was the place where the empress resided. However, Wanyan Lie’s empress didn’t live there. Instead, this was the place where Wanyan Lie’s favorite consorts lived. After counting, there had been a total of eight imperial noble consorts. However, they had all died young. Now, the one living here was Wanyan Lie’s new favorite. Bei Zhou’s ninth imperial noble consort, Yue Lan Zhi.
The moment she heard that the emperor would come and she should get prepared, Yue Lan Zhi shivered. The comb in her hand fell onto the ground.
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Wang/Wangye: prince of first rank
Gongzi: young master
Wangfei: the main wife/consort of the prince of first rank
Wangfu: residence of the prince of first rank
Zhen: I, used by the emperor
Chapter 106: The Woman In The Underground (2)
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What should she do? He’s coming! The moment she thought of those perverted things, Yue Lan Zhi felt fear. It’s obviously still during the daytime, so why does he want to come now? Could it be that he doesn’t have to deal with state affairs today? What is he coming here for…?
“Niangniang1, what’s the matter?”
Chun Xing, the palace maid approached her. Seeing that Yue Lan Zhi was shivering through her whole body, she wanted to call people here, but was stopped by Yue Lan Zhi.
“Chun Xing, bengong2 is fine.”
“Niangniang, is it that you don’t like the emperor coming here?”
Chun Xing looked around and saw that there was no one else here, but she still whispered that sentence. Although Chun Xin was a new palace maid, but after staying for a few days in Long Autumn palace, she could see that something was strange was going on here.
It seemed that every time the emperor wanted to come, niangniang would become afraid. Besides, whenever Yue Lan Zhi saw Wanyan Lie, she was like a mouse who saw a cat.
Once, Chun Xing saw Wanyan Lie smile at Yue Lan Zhi. Yue Lan Zhi’s face immediately paled from fear. Although she was surprised that this consort who was seen as the favorite consort in the eyes of others, was someone like this, Chun X
ing was no fool. She knew the rule of this palace very well. So, she firmly closed her mouth and didn’t say anything. Now, it appeared that imperial noble consort wasn’t living as brightly as outsiders believed.
Hearing Chun Xing mention Wanyan Lie, Yue Lan Zhi shivered. It was not only that she didn’t want him to come; she doesn’t want to see him ever again! This man was simple not a human. He’s a demon!
“Chun Xing, don’t talk anymore, otherwise, you and bengong won’t be able to continue living.”
Chun Xing was already her sixth maid. Those from the past had all died. Chun Xing was a good person. She saw Chun Xing as her little sister. That’s why she reminded her.
Seeing Yue Lan Zhi’s pale face and her serious expression, Chun Xing nodded: “Niangniang, don’t worry, I won’t say anything.”
“Come, dress bengong up. Then bring out that snow clothes. The emperor likes it when I wear white.”
Although she was afraid, but Yue Lan Zhi knew she couldn’t escape. She could only endure. Only by making him happy, could her day be good. Besides, her family and tribe were in the hands of Wanyan Lie. Even if she didn’t do it for herself, she needed to do it for her father, mother and little brother.
After Yue Lan Zhi dressed up neatly, a ‘the emperor has arrived’ was heard. Yue Lan Zhi took a deep breath and smiled in front of the mirror. She then turned and walked out.
“Chenqie3 welcomes the emperor. Long live the emperor for ten thousand, ten thousand, ten thousand years!”
Yue Lan Zhi bowed full of smiles in front of Wanyan Lie. Wanyan Lie humphed once coldly, waved his sleeves and entered Long Autumn palace.
What’s going on here? The servants of Long Autumn palace were very surprised. Was the emperor in a bad mood today? Yue Lan Zhi’s expression was not one bit good. Wanyan Lie’s mood not being good meant that her day won’t be good either.
“Emperor, what’s the matter with you today? Is it that those old things angered you again at court?”
After taking a deep breath, Yue Lan Zhi followed behind Wanyan Lie, full of smiles. She let Chun Xing bring the white fungus lotus soup.
“Lessen your anger a bit! Don’t lower yourself to their level. Come, try the white fungus lotus soup chenqie personally stewed. Chenqie made it specifically for you!”
From beginning to end, Yue Lan Zhi maintained a beautiful smile, making the expression on Wanyan Lie’s face turn slightly better.
“Come! Chenqie will feed you!”
Yue Lan Zhi carefully blew on a spoonful of white fungus and then brought the spoon to Wanyan Lie’s mouth.
“Your majesty, have a taste!”
“Not bad!”
After tasting one bite, Wanyan Lie grabbed Yue Lan Zhi’s hand and pulled her to him. He gestured with his hand. The other people retreated. In the room, there were only Wanyan Lie and Yue Lan Zhi left.
Yue Lan Zhi’s heart beat very fast. Although the grasp made her feel pain, but she didn’t dare to utter a sound. On her face hung a soft smile. She gently asked Wanyan Lie: “Your majesty, what’s the matter? Is there something on Yue er’s4 face? Or is it that Yue er’s make-up isn’t good today?”
Wanyan Lie didn’t speak. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Yue Lan Zhi’s beautiful face. He didn’t move a bit. He maintained this posture about the time of making tea. Wanyan Lie loosened his hand.
“Zhen5 previously said to be more noble. How come you were taught for so long and still haven’t learned it? In the end, you truly came from a low family. No matter how much silver and gold you wear, it couldn’t change the sour and poor aura of your body!”
Wanyan Lie’s words were very harsh. Yue Lan Zhi felt that it was very difficult to bear, but she could only endure. After bowing respectfully to Wanyan Lie, Yue Lan Zhi smiled gently: “Chenqie will follow your majesty’s teaching! Chenqie will definitely learn it in the shortest time possible!”
“Forget it!”
Wanyan Lie gestured with his hand.
“Wait here. Zhen wants to go down. Reflect well here! If you still can’t learn well, the fates of those previous women will also be your fate!”
Wanyan Lie stood up and walked to the bed. He turned the glowing pearl at the head of the bed.
With a squeak, the bed sank down and revealed a dark gateway.
After Wanyan Lie’s yellow figure disappeared in the gateway, Yue Lan Zhi’s legs went soft. She fell paralyzed onto the ground. Fortunately, everything went well today! Fortunately, everything went well today! She hoped that today could go by safely like this! She hoped that after seeing the underground ‘her’, his mood will get better and that he won’t torture her!
Wanyan Lie stepped on the ladder to go down. It was a tunnel. On both sides of the tunnel hung big and small glowing pearls. At the end of the tunnel was a bright spacious hall. In contrast to the cold of the outside, inside the hall was moderate temperature, as if it were spring.
The whole hall was adorned like a boudoir of a lady from a great family. Bed, wardrobe, table, chair, dressing table, even the rouge powder on the dressing table were readily available. If someone had entered the place by mistake, they would think they’d entered the boudoir of a lady. This lady seemed to love white. No matter if it was the canopy of the bed or the dresses in the wardrobe, everything was white, making people couldn’t help but think how pure the girl who lives here was.
In the middle of the hall was a white heatable jade bed. It brazed of heath. Unexpectedly, on the bed laid a woman in white.
“Yue er, big brother has come to visit you!”
In contrast to the rude and indifferent behavior of before; this time, Wanyan Lie was gentle and passionate. He came to the bed and held the hand of the woman on the bed. He put her hand on his face.
“Yue er, did you miss big brother? Are you happy today? After taking care of the court affairs, big brother came to see you, are you happy?”
Wanyan Lie talked to himself. The person on the bed didn’t speak. Her eyes and mouth were closed like she was sleeping. If Murong Qi Qi was here, she would’ve shouted from surprise. Because this woman and her looked seventy percent alike. And the Yue er from Wanyan Lie’s mouth was Wanyan Ming Yue, whom everyone thought had died fifteen years ago.
“Yue er, today big brother came because big brother has good news to tell you. Cang er is getting married. His bride this time is Xi Qi’s princess. Do you know who? She’s Murong Tai’s daughter, ah! Do you still remember Murong Tai? That year, Feng Xie was defeated at his hands, ah! Now Murong Tai’s daughter has became your daughter in law, how do you feel?”
“Oh, you definitely won’t be happy. You must hate Murong Tai to death! Because the war-god Feng Xie’s only losing battle was at Murong Tai’s hands. How would you be able to love Murong Qi Qi?! It’s just, Cang er likes this princess Zhao Yang very much. Truly destined, ah! Don’t you think so?”
“However, you don’t need to worry. Big brother loves our Yue er the most. Big brother can’t bear to see Yue er sad. So, I promise you, this time, Cang er’s bride would also not be able to live past the wedding night, what do you say? Hehehe, big brother likes our Yue er the most! Big brother will certainly help Yue er reach your wish!”
At this time, Bei Zhou’s emperor Wanyan Lie was not amiable and easy going like usual. His eyes flashed craziness. He grabbed Wanyan Ming Yue’s hand like an insane person. He gently kissed Wanyan Ming Yue’s fingers. His tongue spun on her fingertips. He happily enjoyed this feeling. Only when Wanyan Ming Yue’s tight hand was very wet did he put her hand down.
“Yue er, till when do you plan to sleep, ah?”
Wanyan Lie’s finger touched Wanyan Ming Yue’s smooth-like-jade face.
“Is it because you have a warm jade bed to protect your body, that’s why you can continue to sleep, ah? Yue er, if you continue like this, big brother will get old… What should I do if you wake up and don’t recognize me anymore? What should I do if you don’t like me anymore? Yue er, wake up, alright?! I beg you!”
“I beg you, Yue er, don’t leave big brother alone in this world. Big brother promises you to let you marry Feng Xie. As long as you like it, big brother would support you! Don’t sleep anymore, alright? Big brother loved you for so many years, went along with you for so many years, why don’t you want to open your eyes and look at big brother? Why?”
“I beg you, wake up! Don’t sleep anymore! I beg you…”
Wanyan Lie’s sad voice was particularly lonely in the hall. No one could see this side of this emperor. It seemed that all his pride fell apart before the sleeping woman on the bed. What was left was only whispers and sobbing.
This time, Wanyan Lie was down for a long time. Yue Lan Zhi nearly fell asleep. When her chin became sore, Yue Lan Zhi opened her eyes in panic. She found out Wanyan Lie with a sinister expression stood in front of her.
“What, you became impatient from waiting? You feel asleep? It seems that zhen needs to remind you who your master is!”
Not waiting for Yue Lan Zhi to understand, Wanyan Lie tore her clothes open, revealing the pink undergarment inside. Embroidered on it was a pair of mandarin ducks above water. Seeing this pink color and also that pair of loving mandarin ducks, Wanyan Lie’s eyes turned red. He rudely pulled off the mandarin ducks undergarment. Wanyan Lie tore the mandarin ducks undergarment into pieces.
“Is it that you’re still thinking to live and fly away together with Feng Xie? Is that why you embroidered this pair of mandarin ducks? Mm?”
Wanyan Lie’s hand fiercely grabbed Yue Lan Zhi’s neck.
“Talk! Are you still thinking about that bastard?”
“Emp, emperor, it’s you who told me you liked it last time and let me embroider it, ah!”
Yue Lan Zhi’s tears fell. The confinement on her neck made it difficult for her to breath. Her white face became pink because it became difficult to breathe.