Chapter 68: My Eastern Sea

A wu quickly finished dressing, putting on a soft purple sable cloak, wrapping herself tightly.  

Even so, Emperor Jingxi still worried she might catch a cold, so he fetched another sable piece to cover her forehead and placed it on her.  

A wu looked at it curiously—this was a forehead decoration, but made from sable fur, adorned with pearls and five-petal plum blossoms.

It was fluffy and luxurious, and wearing it felt somewhat fuzzy.  

She gazed into the bronze mirror and thought she looked like a little rabbit, unable to help but laugh softly: “Ah, it actually looks quite nice.”  

This time, Emperor Jingxi held her hand and said, “Let’s go.”  

Awu happily replied, “Alright!”  

The emperor felt as if he were holding a lively little rabbit, hopping and bouncing in his grasp.  

They left Langhua Hall and saw the palace ablaze with dazzling lights, breathtaking in every direction.  

This palanquin was a Dragon Palanquin, a carriage fit for an emperor; Awu’s status did not permit her to ride in it.  

But at this late hour, who cared?

Everyone who saw them simply pretended not to notice.  

After all, the imperial carriage was different—spacious and comfortable inside, lined with soft purple sable fur.  

Moreover, the emperor carefully supported her waist with his arm, afraid she might bump or fall.  

Seeing his careful protection, A wu thought to herself, no wonder her temper had grown increasingly strong—being so doted on and cherished by the emperor, who could help but develop a bit of a spoiled streak?  

She lazily leaned against Emperor Jingxi’s chest, contentedly saying, “Your Majesty is finally free tonight, able to accompany A wu.”  

From thrift to luxury is easy; from luxury back to thrift is hard.

She had already grown used to having him by her side—without him, her heart felt empty, like holding a strong man to sleep beside, comforting and reassuring.  

Of course, she also understood deep down that this was a kind of luxury.

The emperor had never belonged to just one person; he belonged to everyone, even to the whole world.  

Emperor Jingxi sensed the yearning in her soft voice.

Their fingers intertwined, and he coaxed tenderly, “Not just tonight—these next few days will be free, and I can come see you every day.”  

Starting from today, the Lantern Festival holiday began.

For eight full days, officials need not attend court or submit reports.

If there are urgent matters, they may send sealed petitions.

The military and civilians can light lanterns and drink to their hearts’ content, and the Imperial Capital lifts its night curfew.  

Only then could he, as emperor, truly find leisure, spending more time with the one he loved.  

A wu’s heart blossomed with joy upon hearing this.  

They admired the palace lanterns at their ease until the carriage stopped beneath a city wall.

Emperor Jingxi personally helped her down.  

Ahead stood rows of Dragon Guards, forming two lines.

Each wore splendid brocade and held glazed torches, standing in precise, solemn formation with identical expressions.  

A wu looked on in awe; the rows stretched seemingly without end, forming a living shield, a wall of people.  

One Dragon Guard holding a torch was nothing; two, still nothing—but two endless rows guarding like this stirred a thrilling and magnificent feeling out of nowhere.  

Perhaps this was power—the emperor’s gaze alone could command the might of twelve Dragon Guards.  

But Emperor Jingxi paid it no mind, evidently accustomed to it, showing no concern.  

He took Awu’s hand calmly and confidently passed through the human wall formed by the Dragon Guards, walking past row after row of torches until they reached a flight of steps.  

Awu looked up—it was a stairway leading to the city wall.  

The emperor smiled, “Let’s go up on the wall to get a better view.”  

Awu’s face lit with expectation: “Alright!”  

Once on the wall, Awu gasped in wonder.  

The wall was high, and standing atop it, she could take in the myriad lights of thousands of homes.

The Imperial Capital’s Lantern Festival was certainly unlike anywhere else.  

Along the Imperial Street’s two sides were colorful silk and satin fabric mounds and lanterns.

The streets bustled with people, showcasing wonders and marvels, music, dances, and various theatrical performances.

Stalls with canopies sold combs, jewelry, scarves, and forehead decorations.  

In the distance, a giant dragon-shaped archway woven from bamboo stood covered with blue curtains, dotted with thousands of lanterns that flickered like fluttering butterflies, the dragon’s body winding grandly—it was a magnificent sight.  

Witnessing this lively scene, Awu felt awestruck.

To see such a moment in one’s lifetime was truly worthwhile.  

Suddenly, a crowd surged ahead, comprised of people with golden hair and blue eyes, curly black hair and dark faces, and many other exotic appearances and strange attire.  

A wu looked surprised: “Who are they?”  

Emperor Jingxi answered, “Foreign envoys. Do they look a bit strange?”  

A wu was delighted, “I know! These are guests from overseas! Back in our fishing village, we once had someone return from a distant voyage and saw the same kind of people.”  

The emperor smiled gently, “So you’ve seen them before.”  

A wu stared at the foreign envoys, her eyes sparkling with excitement and inexplicable emotion, even growing moist.  

She hadn’t expected to see faces from her childhood again!  

Seeing her like this, Emperor Jingxi wrapped an arm around her, letting her study them carefully.

“In a few days, I’ll summon them here, and you can speak with them.”  

Awu shook her head, “No, I wouldn’t understand their language anyway. I just like looking at them for fun.”  

Emperor Jingxi asked, “Your father has gone to Malacca, right?”  

A wu’s expression shifted, “You know about that?”  

The emperor met her hopeful gaze and said, “I do. Malacca is near Suvarnadvipa. It once paid tribute to Siam but now, under Parameswara’s leadership, has broken free from Siam and become independent.”  

Awu’s eyes brightened.

She looked at Emperor Jingxi with quiet anticipation but didn’t voice it.  

However, the emperor didn’t pursue the topic and instead asked, “Want to keep watching?”  

Awu shook her head, “Not really.”  

She felt a bit disappointed.  

She thought the emperor must have sensed her feelings but chose to avoid the subject.  

Actually, she could have asked for a favor, but she felt she’d likely be refused.  

After all, Malacca was a faraway land…  

On the way back, A wu’s spirit dampened to the point she wandered distractedly.

Upon entering the sleeping quarters, she realized this wasn’t Langhua Hall.  

Emperor Jingxi said, “Tonight, we’ll stay at Fengtian Hall.”  

A wu was surprised—she had never been to Fengtian Hall before.  

Though also a rear palace chamber, Fengtian Hall was where the emperor managed state affairs; the Chief Eunuch and the Seal Eunuch stayed on duty here.

Unless there was an important matter, the imperial consorts rarely came here.  

The emperor looked into her eyes softly and said, “Since it’s a festival day, stay here with me.”  

His voice was gentle, and A wu felt her heart gently tapped.  

She nodded, “Alright.”  

She sensed this carried a special meaning—because she carried his child, he was accepting her more deeply…  

Entering Fengtian Hall’s warm pavilion, A wu looked around curiously.

It was simpler than she had imagined.

The furnishings were no different from most concubines’ chambers.

Behind a large huanghuali carved screen was a huanghuali inset bed, topped with a yellow silk cover embroidered with golden dragons.  

A wu asked, “Is this the emperor’s dragon bed?”  

Emperor Jingxi smiled, “I usually rest here.”  

A wu glanced several times, finding it truly plain and unadorned!  

Noticing her look, the emperor said, “Foreign envoys usually only reach the outer hall or study. Few come here, so there’s no need for luxury.”  

A wu wanted to ask a question but hesitated.  

Seeing her hesitation, the emperor raised an eyebrow, “Speak.”  

Awu whispered, “Your Majesty, before when you summoned concubines to your bedchamber, was it here?”  

Emperor Jingxi looked at her for a long moment and finally confirmed that she was asking out of pure curiosity, without any bitterness.  

That was how it should be.

He had once expected this.

Just as he thought the Imperial Son would eventually have concubines, and that the Crown Princess ought to be virtuous and tolerant—if one cannot tolerate others, how could one deserve to be Crown Princess?  

But now, seeing the young woman beside him indifferent to the matter, a heavy feeling settled in his chest.  

He must have hoped for something, but had received nothing.  

A wu quietly glanced at him, “Is this a question I can’t ask?”  

Emperor Jingxi smiled warmly.  

As the elder and the one in power, he subtly suppressed his immature desires.  

He had gradually realized how laughable his former pride and disdain toward her had been.

He couldn’t claim her past, so he would hold on tightly to her future.  

Though jealousy still gnawed at him, bone-deep and bitter, stirring deadly anger in the night at the men who once possessed her—what could he do?

He would suppress it, wearing the emperor’s mantle with grace, calm, and tenderness.  

Such a young lady needed gentle coaxing, like comforting a little bird yet to enter the nest.  

He held her hand and led her outside, pointing to a side hall, “Years ago I stayed in the side hall, but it’s been unused for some years, so it was converted into a tea room. Occasionally I summon ministers there.”  

A wu breathed a soft sigh of relief—she liked that answer.  

Emperor Jingxi glanced sideways with gentle tea-colored eyes, smiling, “Now I have only you.”  

A wu replied softly, “Mmm.”  

Her cheeks flushed warm.  

She lowered her head, mumbling quietly, “Your Majesty is the emperor… but if Your Majesty…”  

The emperor caught the unfinished words, calmly asking, “If so, what?”  

A wu mumbled, “If Your Majesty wishes to visit the harem, A wu wouldn’t say anything…”  

He studied the subtle changes in her expression, “Oh? Would you truly be willing? Without any resentment?”  

A wu recalled the day she mistakenly thought Emperor Jingxi was going to visit Concubine Hui and naturally felt uncomfortable.

Who would not feel that way?  

Emperor Jingxi patiently watched her with lowered eyes, quietly waiting for her to speak.  

After a long pause, A wu softly said, “I suppose I would still feel uncomfortable.”  

The emperor’s heart eased.  

He gazed at the soft glow on her face and promised warmly, “So will I, from now on.”  

A wu blinked in surprise, “What?”  

Emperor Jingxi said, “From now on, I have only A wu, only you. There will be no other women.”  

A wu was somewhat surprised, though not completely.

She had vaguely sensed it.  

The feelings that flow between a man and a woman cannot be fooled.  

Emperor Jingxi asked, “Does A wu feel that I was too restrained in the past? Perhaps neglectful?”  

A wu’s eyes darted nervously.

“Somewhat, yes.”  

Sometimes he was fierce, multiple times in a row, but other times he barely touched her.

More astonishing was that time he could actually stop halfway and withdraw.  

She could not understand his self-restraint.  

Given his ways with her, she did not believe he was truly dispassionate or without desire!  

So why did he restrain himself?

And what was the reason?  

The emperor lowered his eyes, gaze falling lightly on their interlaced fingers.  

Her hands were soft and delicate, almost forced between his fingers, fragile and pitiful.  

He smiled, “You don’t understand?”  

A wu: “I don’t. How could I?”  

Emperor Jingxi: “Then take your time.”  

A wu: “?”  

She was about to ask more when a Junior Eunuch from the Attendant of the Imperial Meals came to report, asking when to serve dinner.  

A wu: “Dinner?”  

Emperor Jingxi: “The palace ladies seldom eat at night. Let’s have some now.”  

These days, A wu’s meals were prepared by the palace kitchen, with dedicated staff and specially delivered dishes.

All her menus passed through Emperor Jingxi’s review, so he knew exactly how much she ate.  

She had no choice but to agree, “Alright.”  

Dinner arrived gradually and was plentiful—winter bamboo shoots, silver fish, pigeon eggs, half a chicken wing, chicken mushrooms, and Tianhua morel mushrooms.

For fruit, there were Miliu oranges and Fengwei tangerines from Jiangnan, all rare delicacies.  

But to A wu, these were mere tastes.  

Emperor Jingxi offered her a walnut and sugar rice cake; they each ate one.  

He smiled sideways at her, “Eating rice cakes means celebrating the festival.”  

The soft, sweet rice cakes left a lingering sweetness in her mouth.

Even after rinsing, the taste remained.  

But looking into the man’s warm, gentle eyes, she felt even sweeter.  

At that moment, she almost hallucinated—they were just an ordinary couple, living an ordinary life.  

Her heart grew warm, her cheeks flushed again.  

Emperor Jingxi said, “It’s still early. If you rest too soon, you might not digest well. Want to visit my study?”  

Awu was surprised, “Study?”  

The emperor’s study—the legendary Imperial Study.

Was she really allowed to enter?  

The Great Hui palace rules were strict—no interference in state affairs by the harem.

The Imperial Study was where the emperor handled state business.  

Emperor Jingxi said, “During holidays, it’s fine.”  

A wu felt nervous but thought, since the emperor invited her, she should accept.  

Upon entering the Imperial Study, she immediately felt the weight of power—not because of lavish decor, but from the atmosphere itself.  

The imperial inkstones and brushes were clearly antiques, exquisitely crafted.

Nearby were desks, probably for eunuchs attending the emperor.  

The study was strictly organized, solemn and dignified yet refined and meticulous.

On the desks lay pen, ink, paper, seals—used by eunuchs.  

On the walls hung calligraphy and paintings—though A wu didn’t understand art, these must be rare treasures worthy of the emperor’s study.  

Emperor Jingxi linked arms with her and pointed to the huanghuali throne, covered with bright yellow southern embroidery, saying, “I usually sit here to review memorials, sometimes sitting by the window for a change.”  

He explained lightly, “Staying in one place all day can be tedious.”  

A wu curiously looked around and saw small items—purple sandalwood ruyi boxes, lotus leaf-shaped water vessels, lacquered jars, and celadon flower vases.  

These were likely the emperor’s daily belongings.

Watching them, she imagined him reading memorials here, with eunuchs serving tea and snacks.  

She eagerly examined everything—after all, it might be her only chance in life to step into the emperor’s Imperial Study.  

She even thought she could tell her father when she returned—he would surely be shocked!  

After a while, she asked, “Your Majesty, do you get tired of reading memorials?”  

Emperor Jingxi nodded, “Of course. Like how you get tired reading books, I get weary reading memorials—especially those written by some ministers.”  

He frowned, displeased, “Those quoting classics to show off knowledge, those deliberately vague and mysterious…”  

A wu sighed sympathetically, “That’s too much—they’re deliberately making things difficult for Your Majesty.”  

Emperor Jingxi said, “Exactly. I send those memorials back and demand they be rewritten.”  

A wu said, “Serves them right!”  

Emperor Jingxi chuckled and coaxed, “So in the future, A wu, you should be considerate—maybe write me a flower note and send it, to relieve my boredom, or instruct the kitchen to prepare some soup and snacks. When I see them, knowing your thoughts, I’ll feel comforted.”  

A wu nodded, “Alright, I’ll remember.”  

All that was needed were flower notes and snacks—she could do that!  

Emperor Jingxi held her hand, “Come, look here.”  

A wu followed curiously and was amazed to see the walls covered with colorful maps.  

“Those are maps!” she exclaimed.  

The maps displayed ridges and valleys, complete with lines—it was cartography!  

She had seen maps before from her father and brothers, but the emperor’s were more vast, complex, and exquisite.  

Emperor Jingxi’s gaze also rested on the wall, “Yes, these are maps—the Great Hui National Map, foreign maps, overseas navigation charts—all are here.”  

A wu was deeply impressed.

She unconsciously released the emperor’s hand and stepped to a large map, tilting her head to look closely.  

Her gaze quickly scanned until it rested on a vast expanse of blue.  

Her heart skipped a beat.  

This was the Eastern Sea!