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墨書 Inktalez
Mei Shuang retracted her gaze, staring at the three identical slips of paper. She swallowed hard and asked, "What... what is written on them?"
"One says Empress, another says low-ranking consort, and the last one mentions freedom to leave the palace..." the Palace Maid replied respectfully.
Mei Shuang's eyes darted over the three slips, her expression flustered. Suddenly, she looked up at Xiao Luo and asked in confusion, "Uh? Empress? But... didn't you say there was already one?"
Xiao Luo lowered his gaze, his expression unreadable. "Considering you are the mother of the child, I am giving you a chance..."
Mei Shuang's focus returned to the slips of paper. Leaving the palace? Although it meant freedom, it also implied she would have to part with her child. A low-ranking consort? Wouldn't that mean her two children would be considered inferior in such a vast harem? Both options were terrible; she didn't want either. But—Empress? While being Empress seemed like the best choice at the moment, how could she step into a role that was already filled? Was it possible to replace an Empress at will? Moreover, even if she wanted to choose that path, her chances were only thirty percent—not even fifty.
Mei Shuang stared at the three slips, frozen in place.
"It has already been half a stick of incense," Aunt Yu said as she crouched down beside Mei Shuang and whispered urgently, "Miss Mei Shuang, you need to hurry; time is running out."
"Ah, ah, ah..." Mei Shuang snapped back to reality. She promised to act but hesitated to reach out. She knew that this single action would determine her fate for the rest of her life.
Xiao Luo patiently waited, glancing at Mei Shuang's pale face filled with uncertainty. He said lightly, "Did you not always say your fate should be in your own hands? Then try your luck!"
Mei Shuang felt a jolt of realization. Oh! She had indeed said that before—not just once—and he remembered it clearly enough to use it against her now. But right now, wasn't her fate truly in her own hands?! Gritting her teeth, she extended her trembling hand. When her fingertips brushed against one of the slips, it felt as if they were on fire, causing her body to shudder.
"Is this the one?" the Palace Maid asked cautiously as she leaned down.
Sweat had already formed on Mei Shuang's forehead. After a moment's thought and biting her lip, she nodded.
The Palace Maid quickly picked up the slip she had touched and presented it to the Empress Dowager with both hands.
As the Empress Dowager examined the slip, Mei Shuang's heart raced so fast it felt like it might leap from her throat. She dared not ask and could only lower her gaze in silence while waiting. This kind of anticipation was even more nerve-wracking than waiting for college entrance exam results; each second felt interminably long. In that silent moment, Mei Shuang could even hear her heart pounding loudly in her chest, accompanied by beads of sweat forming in her palms.
Finally, after what felt like a century had passed, they heard the Empress Dowager's lazy yet undeniable voice: "Shuang'er, life is like chess; once a move is made, there is no regret! This path is yours to choose; regardless of the outcome, you cannot turn back and must abide by your decision! Do you understand?"
Mei Shuang was stunned by the tone of Empress Dowager Mingxi's words. Could it be that she had drawn a slip—she dared not think further; just imagining being separated from her son made her heart ache with despair. Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly while bowing down to prostrate herself on the ground, she murmured anxiously like a mosquito, "I... I understand..."
Empress Dowager Mingxi gave Mei Shuang a deep look before handing the slip over to Xiao Luo.
Xiao Luo merely glanced at it before instructing someone to take it away.
"Come on now; take her away..." Empress Dowager Mingxi commanded.
Aunt Yu received the order and hurriedly stepped forward to help Mei Shuang up from kneeling for so long. "Miss Mei Shuang, please."
"Ah ah! What... what are we going to do?" Mei Shuang looked at the Empress Dowager in confusion as she kept sipping tea with her eyes half-closed.
Mei Shuang's heart sank immediately—could it be that she was about to be expelled from the palace? Thinking this way combined with her numb legs almost caused her to stumble when standing up; fortunately, Xiao Luo was quick enough to catch her.
Seizing this opportunity, Mei Shuang glanced at Xiao Luo's face in an attempt to find some clue about whether her luck was good or bad from his poker-like expression but found nothing.
Xiao Luo slightly pursed his lips as he watched Mei Shuang leave with an anxious expression and disappointment on her face. However, deep inside him was an uncontainable joy as his gaze lingered on Mei Shuang's figure until she disappeared through the door.
This side of Xiao Luo along with his rare display of affection made Empress Dowager Mingxi feel quite disapproving. She cleared her throat several times before Xiao Luo realized his faux pas and quickly withdrew his gaze while feeling his cheeks warm slightly.
"Is everything ready for the child's hundred-day banquet?" Empress Dowager Mingxi asked.
"Uh... everything is prepared..." Xiao Luo replied. "We are just waiting for an auspicious time for the child to go..."
Empress Dowager Mingxi set down her teacup and fixed a meaningful gaze on Xiao Luo. "Although there are only a few consorts in your harem who come and go frequently, what is most frowned upon in a harem is favoritism. I have heard you haven't visited any of the other consorts for some time; no matter how busy state affairs may be, you must find time to check on them so their quarters do not become like Cold Palace. As an emperor, ensuring that all consorts receive equal attention and maintaining harmony among them is essential..."
Xiao Luo certainly understood what Empress Dowager Mingxi meant; this was merely pointing out that he spent too much time with Mei Shuang while neglecting others. However, he couldn't comprehend why he often found himself distracted even when visiting other consorts occasionally.
Nevertheless, he knew Empress Dowager Mingxi was right; he had indeed gone too far and couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
Suddenly, Empress Dowager Mingxi's expression darkened as she set down her teacup and asked sharply, "Did you tamper with those slips? How did you manage to get that one so conveniently?"
Xiao Luo raised his hand to cover his mouth and coughed lightly. "Empress Dowager... please see clearly..."
Empress Dowager Mingxi shot him an exasperated look and sighed helplessly. "You..."
As Mei Shuang exited Empress Dowager's chambers, she remained oblivious to the piercing gaze following closely behind her. The sunlight outside felt warm yet chilling against her skin; what had been bright sunshine now seemed blindingly harsh as if it were piercing through her very soul—instantly dampening her spirits.
Forcing herself to keep up with Aunt Yu along a familiar path made Mei Shuang increasingly anxious until she couldn't help but ask, "Aunt Yu... where are we going?"
"We're almost there," Aunt Yu replied without elaborating further as she led the way ahead.
Though puzzled inside, Mei Shuang noticed they were heading towards the back garden.
"Auntie... this..." As they approached closer, she saw several golden characters shining brightly above what used to be an empty gate leading into the back garden.
"Weiyang Palace? Isn't this where the back garden used to be?" Mei Shuang squinted up at it before turning back around only to find Aunt Yu smiling at her knowingly.
"Miss Mei Shuang probably doesn't know yet? The slip you drew earlier said 'Empress'..."
"Empress?" Mei Shuang froze instantly.
"The Empress must embody grace throughout the realm; naturally residing in this magnificent Weiyang Palace showcases such nobility..."
"But... wasn't Weiyang Palace over there?"
"Oh no! The emperor deemed that previous Weiyang Palace unlucky and has long since abandoned it. Considering your preference for tranquility and familiarity with this place, he ordered for it to be transformed into Weiyang Palace—Miss Mei Shuang should go inside and see if you're satisfied?"
Aunt Yu urged cheerfully.
Mei Shuang stood still gazing up at those three golden characters until suddenly tears began streaming down like pearls from a broken string.
Aunt Yu watched in shock as Mei Shuang’s emotions became unstable and exclaimed in surprise: “Miss Mei Shuang—ah no! Empress! What’s wrong?”
Mei Shuang lifted her head with tear-filled eyes and smiled faintly through them saying softly “It’s nothing.”
“Nothing?” Aunt Yu scrutinized Mei Shuang closely thinking how could someone cry one moment then smile another?
Although Mei Shuang insisted everything was fine somehow every time she said so more tears flowed until finally she squatted down hugging her knees crying uncontrollably at the doorway.
Seeing Mei Shuang sobbing without dignity made Aunt Yu panic; when had she ever witnessed such behavior? The Empress crying right outside her own palace door was extremely ominous!
Aunt Yu felt helpless thinking perhaps something she'd said earlier upset Mei Shuang causing such sorrow but didn’t dare comfort too much fearing she'd say something wrong again—wondering if mentioning abandoned Weiyang Palace triggered painful memories?
After all back then when Mei Shuang married into royalty as Empress entering Weiyang Palace only shortly after being cast into Heavenly Prison due to accusations of “affair” with Zhao Prince suffering greatly within Cold Palace...
Yet again reflecting upon those past events shouldn’t overshadow recognizing Emperor’s good intentions now! To prevent triggering painful memories he even changed Weiyang Palace entirely!
Aunt Yu observed Mei Shuang’s trembling shoulders suddenly struck by inspiration—could these tears actually signify happiness? Was this weeping out of joy?
Oh dear fate twists around! From being Deposed Empress Mei Shuang soaring high becoming true Empress of Great Qin Empire—that truly deserved honor!
“Miss Mei Shuang! Time’s running out! Hurry inside and freshen up!” Aunt Yu suggested gently sensing emotions were beginning to settle down.
Having cried enough tears already allowed for some composure returning thus wiping away moisture using Silk Handkerchief while speaking hoarsely “Aunt Yu… please thank His Majesty for me…”
“No need…” A deep voice interrupted from behind them.
Recognizing that tone indicated Xiao Luo had been present for quite some time now catching sight of his Bright Yellow robes approaching closer.
Xiao Luo walked over suddenly brushing aside strands of hair covering Mei Shuang’s eyes gazing intently upon tear-streaked face revealing delicate features glistening like rain-soaked petals saying “It’s better you serve me well than thank me…”
“…”
Underneath a swing set where soft sunlight filtered through leaves casting dappled shadows upon ground—Mei Shuang caressed slightly rounded belly while popping grapes into mouth from plate held by maidservant lazily addressing Xiao Luo who approached post court session wearing light purple robe suitable for early autumn weather observing how contently she indulged herself making him feel envious about sweetness shared between them!
This woman just gave birth eighteen months ago yet here she was pregnant again! Her once sharp jawline softened into roundness adding glow enhancing beauty radiating charm indescribably captivating!
Unable resisting temptation he reached out pinching cheek playfully eliciting squeal from startled reaction causing grape spit out which he caught effortlessly!
Watching gleaming fruit resting within palm alongside mischievous glint reflected within eyes made Mei Shuang sigh dramatically “Is there no seriousness left within you? Are you trying tell me I never escaped your grasp all along…”
“…”
Suddenly laughter erupted from Xiao Luo filling air around them like falling blossoms amidst spring rain…
(THE END)
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