The next day, A wu was startled awake early.
Rousing from sleep, she blinked her bleary eyes and peeked outside, only to see palace maids holding a purple-gold basin, attending to Emperor Jingxi as he washed up for the morning.
The emperor glanced over and asked, “Did I wake you?”
A wu froze for a moment before moving to rise from the bed.
Seeing her drowsy state, Emperor Jingxi knew she hadn’t slept enough.
“No need,” he said.
She stopped mid-motion.
Truthfully, she didn’t want to get up either.
After last night’s exertions, her body ached, and she was still exhausted.
Propping herself on the edge of the bed, she rested her chin on her interlaced hands and watched the maids serve the emperor.
She realized that an emperor’s morning routine was nothing ordinary.
Just the basins alone numbered six-some for washing hands, others for rinsing the mouth-each used separately and inlaid with auspicious eight treasures, dazzling in gold and splendor.
Such extravagance!
As she stared, her vision blurred, and drowsiness crept back in.
Her head began to nod.
Once finished, Emperor Jingxi turned to look at her.
He had noticed her watching him the entire time.
Now, seeing her swaying slightly, her head drooping like a wilted flower, he couldn’t help but chuckle.
Time was short-he had to leave.
Yet, reluctant to go, he approached the bed, bent down, and murmured by her ear, “Sleep a little longer, A wu. No need to rise early. I’ve already given the order.”
His deep voice brimmed with indulgence and affection.
A wu let out a soft, unconscious hum in response.
The sound made the emperor’s ears burn, reminding him of her cries the night before-unrestrained at first, then muffled pitifully against a handkerchief as he pressed it to her lips.
Like a tender, sweet spring kitten, fragile and heart-melting.
Even the mightiest hero would crumble under such sounds.
He traced the delicate curve of her pale, soft neck, his gaze darkening.
At moments like these, darker thoughts surfaced.
If he were a beast, he’d want to sink his teeth into her throat, devouring her whole.
Fortunately, as the sovereign, he had the power to keep her in his arms.
His thoughts drifted to the crown prince.
Perhaps he should be grateful his son was still too green to challenge him.
A wu was now a titled consort, her status unshakable—even if the late emperor returned from the grave, nothing could undo it.
Meanwhile, his son remained stationed in the north, oblivious, still dreaming of finding her.
A wu slept soundly until breakfast.
As she savored the meal, she suddenly grasped the meaning behind the emperor’s words the previous night.
He disliked her focusing on the crown princess because the princess was his son’s wife.
If A wu clashed with her, it would seem like she was still competing for the prince’s favor-like a jealous concubine.
She wrinkled her nose in displeasure.
This old man-after tormenting her all night, all he could offer was a half-hearted promise of support.
That woman was his daughter-in-law!
Why couldn’t he rein her in?
It wasn’t as if A wu had sought out the crown princess.
The princess was the one provoking her!
But she kept these thoughts to herself.
After all, she didn’t cross paths with the princess often.
Revenge could wait-a nobleman’s patience spanned ten years!
Soon, a grand procession of eunuchs arrived bearing gifts-customary after an imperial visit.
There were silks, satins, gold ingots, and nourishing tonics.
After the Office of Palace Affairs left, the Director of the Music and Ceremonial Department arrived.
The inner court had four departments handling various miscellaneous affairs, including the Firewood Department, the Bell and Drum Department, the Treasury Department, and the Bathhouse Department.
The Bell and Drum Department was responsible for courtly music, ceremonial drums, and palace entertainments.
Now that the Emperor had issued his decree, the Bell and Drum Department dared not slack off.
The Director himself came in person.
Though the Director held a fifth-rank position-higher than A wu’s sixth-rank status-the distinction between inner and outer court officials meant little in the face of the Emperor’s favor.
Thus, the Director was exceedingly cautious in A wu’s presence.
He mentioned that a female musician, a disciple of a renowned master, had been invited to teach A wu at Langhua Palace.
To think it was actually a famous instructor!
A wu couldn’t afford to be too lax, so she agreed on the schedule for the music lessons before the matter was settled.
Reflecting on how she had somehow taken on another responsibility, A wu sighed helplessly.
However, when Consort Hui arrived, she congratulated her, praising the instructor’s prestige.
Consort Hui added that the Emperor himself had arranged this a clear sign of his favor.
Other consorts who wished to learn something could never receive such direct imperial attention.
A wu supposed that made sense.
As the two chatted, they proceeded to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager.
Just as they were about to leave after the formalities, a palace attendant stopped A wu, saying the Empress Dowager wished to speak with her.
A wu was surprised.
The Empress Dowager had barely spared her a glance before, as if she didn’t exist.
What has changed today?
She glanced at Consort Hui for help, who signaled her to stay calm and proceed.
Reluctantly, A wu followed the attendant into the inner chambers.
The Empress Dowager’s residence was divided into outer and inner halls.
Daily greetings were usually paid in the outer hall, while the inner hall served as her living quarters.
Compared to the outer hall’s imposing grandeur, the inner hall carried a more homely atmosphere.
Behind a folding screen stood a heated canopy bed, while against the wall was a small table holding an antique Boshan bronze incense burner and a large bronze vase adorned with peacock feathers and coral branches.
Amid the curling incense smoke, the Empress Dowager sat on a gilded, flower-inlaid lacquered rattan chair, her feet resting on two carved wooden footstools.
The floor was covered with a thick carpet embroidered with lions playing with balls, while several maids knelt or crouched, massaging her legs and feet.
A wu approached and knelt, kowtowing three times in respectful greeting.
The Empress Dowager observed her her raven-black hair coiled into twin buns, adorned with small red-lacquer hairpins, her delicate features like carved jade—and sighed.
“You truly are a beauty, no wonder the Emperor… Now that you’ve entered the palace, conduct yourself properly and serve His Majesty well.”
A wu lowered her head and replied, “Yes, this humble consort will heed Her Majesty’s teachings.”
The Empress Dowager continued, “However, you must understand that the Emperor is no ordinary man. He is burdened with endless state affairs memorials to review, court matters to oversee. His concerns lie with the realm, striving to be a wise ruler. Such duties demand his utmost diligence.”
A wu was bewildered.
What did this have to do with her?
Enjoying the maids’ ministrations, the Empress Dowager half-closed her eyes and added, “Women of the inner court must be considerate of their lord. Tend to the Emperor’s well-being with utmost care, ensuring no mishaps occur. Always know your place.”
A wu flushed.
So this was a warning-not to cling to the Emperor too much?
The Empress Dowager said, “Being young, you lack understanding and restraint. You must be more mindful in the future.”
A wu felt wronged but dared not speak up, only replying respectfully, “Yes, Your Majesty, this concubine understands.”
The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow.
“Oh? Do you still resent my words? Are you harboring grievances?”
A wu was startled-how could the Empress Dowager be so perceptive?
She hesitated, unsure how to respond.
The Empress Dowager was not someone easily deceived…
The Empress Dowager continued sternly, “If you have something to say, speak plainly. If I detect even a hint of falsehood, you will not be spared!”
Having ruled the inner palace for years, her imposing tone instantly subdued A wu.
Daring no further defiance, A wu answered meekly, “This concubine merely thought… it isn’t entirely my fault. If the Emperor insists, how could I refuse without displeasing him?”
Last night-the first time had been pleasant, the second not bad either, but by the third, she had been utterly exhausted, nearly collapsing!
The Empress Dowager fell silent for a long moment.
The bedchamber grew still.
Finally, she sighed.
“In the future, you must learn to advise restraint.”
A wu bowed and replied, “Yes.”
The Empress Dowager beckoned.
“Come closer. Let me have a proper look at you.”
A wu approached and knelt before her, head slightly bowed, eyes lowered.
The Empress Dowager studied her closely, growing increasingly exasperated.
The girl was undeniably beautiful-her delicate brows, refined nose, and soft lips were flawless.
With her demure posture, she looked every bit the sheltered noble maiden from some aristocratic household, innocent and obedient.
The Empress Dowager’s emotions churned.
This delicate, youthful girl-her own son, the Emperor, usually so composed and dignified in his imperial robes, had spent the entire night…
She couldn’t entirely blame A wu.
The fault lay with her son-how could he take advantage of someone so young?
And to think this girl had once belonged to her own grandson’s household!
As she scrutinized A wu, conflicting thoughts swirled within her.
Yet, in the end, maternal affection prevailed.
Her son had shown little interest in the harem for years-how long had it been since he last visited any concubine?
She had urged him before to select new consorts, to bring life to the palace, but he had refused.
Now that he had finally taken a liking to someone, she could only accept it.
Resigned, she found herself softening toward A wu.
Secretly, she harbored another thought-the imperial harem had borne no children for years, leaving only the Crown Prince and Princess Dening.
The lineage was thin.
Perhaps this new favorite, blessed with fortune and diligence, might soon bring joyous news.
Of course, such hopes remained unspoken.
She then questioned A wu in detail about her origins, her past.
A wu answered truthfully, omitting only Lu Yunjian and downplaying matters concerning the Crown Prince.
The Empress Dowager listened and remarked, “Our Great Hui dynasty has never placed undue importance on lineage in the inner palace, selecting only virtuous common maidens. Your background is acceptable enough. As for…”
After this, she should behave properly and serve the emperor diligently.
If she had free time, she could also come visit me.
“I often recite scriptures, and you can listen by my side.”
A wu faintly sensed that the Empress Dowager seemed to view her more favorably now, so of course she eagerly agreed.
The Empress Dowager then mentioned her young age and lack of understanding of palace rules, urging her to study etiquette properly.
She brought up the matter of palace matrons giving lectures to the imperial concubines:
“Read the ‘Classic of Filial Piety’ and ‘Admonitions for Women,’ and also study the scriptures. Didn’t you read the scriptures at Yan Yang Temple before? From now on, go listen to the matrons’ lectures every day.”
A wu: “……”
She was very reluctant in her heart.
She had originally planned to find an opportunity to ask Emperor Jingxi to exempt her from these studies.
Never did she expect the Empress Dowager to say the same thing.
It seemed there was no way to refuse, so she could only accept.
The Empress Dowager naturally noticed her forced agreement but pretended not to see it.
In her heart, she thought: This young girl seems quite simple-minded, like a child.
She’ll need to be taught slowly.
This emperor, instead of finding someone gentle and meticulous, chose someone like this who knows nothing.
The days ahead will be long, and he’ll have quite the headache.
She then asked in detail and was surprised to learn that A wu was learning the qin.
With a smile, she said, “Since he excels in this art, he wants you to learn it too—”
Tsk tsk, the Empress Dowager sighed inwardly.
He’s probably going to arrange for this little noble to learn all the arts-qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting and even personally teach her worldly affairs.
So much trouble!
He might not even put this much effort into his own daughter!
A wu felt there was something meaningful in the Empress Dowager’s smile at this moment, though she couldn’t quite place it, making her somewhat bashful.
The Empress Dowager chuckled and said, “You’re still young after all, so you must take good care of your health. Don’t overexert yourself.”
She then ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare bird’s nest soup for A wu in the mornings and add an extra dish in the evenings.
The Empress Dowager said, “The soft-shelled turtle soup with osmanthus I had yesterday was excellent. Remember to prepare it for Noble Consort Ning today.”
At the mention of food, A wu perked up, and her distress over the forced lectures lessened.
This time, she sincerely kowtowed in thanks.
Seeing her like this, the Empress Dowager guessed the girl had a hearty appetite and added, “Don’t be greedy. You’re young, so remember to only taste lightly. Overeating will harm your digestion and be bad for your health.”
A wu nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Before leaving, the Empress Dowager reminded her to pay respects to the empress:
“Now that the emperor holds you in his heart, you must not forget your duties because of this. The empress is the mistress of the inner palace, so remember to pay your respects.”
When it was finally time to take her leave, A wu’s steps were especially light.
She felt her future days would surely be delightful.
The Empress Dowager naturally didn’t like her, but what’s done was done.
As the emperor’s mother, she ultimately sided with her son, and by extension, she now viewed A wu more favorably.
Listening to her long lecture, it almost felt like being doted on by a grandmother!
A wu actually grew somewhat fond of the Empress Dowager, thinking that since she was kind to her, she would come to pay respects more often in the future!
As she left the bedchamber and was about to walk out, she unexpectedly encountered a charming young lady entering.
This young lady was lively and radiant, dressed in a pearl-adorned gown.