Clash(1)

‘The Empress isn’t feeling well?’ Hearing Yongfu’s report, Xiahou Yin raised his eyebrows. There was no trace of worry in his expression, but he asked, ‘Has she been attended to by a doctor?’

Yongfu bowed, ‘Xia XI said the Queen only had a cold. She was on the way to look for a doctor to get medicine for the Empress. It’s just that the Empress fears she would transmit it to your royal self. She is afraid she cannot attend to you tonight.’

Although, Yongfu thought to himself, Xia Xi’s manner was a bit suspect. But, he didn’t dwell on it for it was impossible for the Empress to be pretending to be sick. Oh, this was simply not possible; how could she refuse the grace of the Dragon? (Zuben: How could she?!)

Xiahou Yin slumped and sighed, ‘Take some ginseng, ganoderma lucidum and sacred snow lotus to Feng Yi palace, and tell Doctor Tai to go and see the Empress.’

‘Yes,’ Yongfu bowed. He had been with the Emperor since he was a child and he understood the Emperor’s mind; the Emperor must be relieved he did not have to go to Feng Yi palace tonight. Who didn’t know the Empress wasn’t favoured? There are only two palace maids serving Feng Yi palace. If it wasn’t for the backing of the Queen Mother and the Minister, such a modest and docile Empress who hadn’t gotten pregnant would have had a her post taken away a long time ago.

‘Will the Emperor still wish to go to Feng Yi, or shall I inform Qingling Palace that you will visit?’ Yongfu asked. Qingling Palace was the Emperor’s favourite place, he had visited there regularly in the past six months.

Xiahou Yin’s lips hooked up, ‘Yongfu, you really understand our mind.’

Yongfu sneaked a look up at the Emperor and found he was not angry. He immediately rose and preened, ‘Of course, this small servant has been with you since childhood. Important matters, this small one does not understand and is unable to share the troubles. So in the matters of the Emperor’s comfort, I aim to care for you satisfactorily.’

Xiahou Yin laughed at Yongfu’s words, ‘This kid; you can talk with this mouth.’ Such a close servant, he really saved him a lot of trouble, ‘Send my order, I will be dining at Qingling tonight.’ He said and then returned to the documents before him.

‘Yes,’ Yongfu bowed and went to inform Qingling Palace of the Emperor’s visit.

Xiahou Yin returned to his work. He put behind his mind his promise to the Queen Mother. For him, the women in the harem were only there to relieve his boredom. He did not attach great importance to female sexual attractiveness. If he wanted a woman, he could get her. Why should he struggle to gain the favour of a woman in the harem when there was another at his beck and call? As long as they don’t misbehave, he would get along with them.

Of course he understood the difficulties of an Empress managing harem. But what of it? Since Su Xiurong is queen, it was her business to take charge of the harem. If she couldn’t do her job, what does he need her for? (Zuben: I thought she was doing it well)

 For now, the Empress had the Dowager to rely on, but the day the Dowager is gone, he was afraid Su Xiurong would end up being bullied by the harem?

Thinking of Su Xiurong, the writing hand stilled. Xiahou Yin frowned, then immediately continued his work.

If she was having a hard time managing the harem, he would find a concubine to assist her. He would not remove her title. (Zuben: Would that assistant be Qing Fei?) If he did so, there would be trouble. The ministers would oppose it, and his uncle would not be pleased with him. Su Xiurong would be Empress, just one without power.

Give her a comfortable life of riches and honour, calm and steady; so that she was not thin, right?

Xiahou Yin was happy with his decision and continued his work happily, buoyed by the idea that he didn’t have to go to Feng Yi tonight. It was really something to celebrate.

He thought of the gentle and charming Qingling concubine, compared to Xiurong, was much better.

Tonight would not be boring after all.

♛

At dinner time, Xiahou Yin headed to Qing Ling Palace. He held his hands behind his back and walked leisurely to his destination. There were a few eunuchs escorting from the rear, and in front, Yongfu held the lantern leading the group.

‘Your Majesty…’ Yongfu called falteringly. With his gaze he directed Xiahou Yin to the Court Lady kneeling at the doorway. Yongfu’s face stiffened at the sight of the Court Lady.

Xiahou Yin saw that the lady was one of the Dowager’s retinue,

‘Lu Xiu sees the Emperor.’ The court lady bowed respectfully.

Xiahou Yin didn’t reply, he groaned in dismay.

‘My Emperor, the Dowager Empress asked Lu Xiu to wait for you and give you a message.’

‘What is this message?’

‘”I was not joking”’

A good monarch does not joke! (Zuben: how boring)

Xiahou Yin suddenly had a headache; is Esteemed Mother not really letting him escape? He could ignore the warning, but he imagined that it would not long before she came to personally drag him from Qingling Palace. Xiahou Yin knew his mother’s personality very well. (Zuben: I thought she said she wouldn’t interfere too much)

Xiahou Yin closed his eyes and turned reluctantly.

‘Your Majesty?’ Yongfu queried,

‘To Fengyi Palace,’ he said as he began to walk off without waiting for Yongfu, ‘Yongfu will follow, the rest, return to your posts.'

Yongfu quickly followed his master, and he kept quiet knowing that anything could make the Emperor’s mood worse.

When he arrived at the doors of Fengyi Palace, he cautiously asked, ‘Your Majesty, would you like this servant to notify…’

‘No,’ it didn’t matter anyway, it was destined to be boring tonight whether she was prepared or not, ‘Let’s just go…’ he stopped and frowned.

‘What’s the matter, Emperor?’ Yongfu asked in confusion when he stopped mid-sentence. ‘what’s the- what’s that scent?’

He sniffed around, ‘How come the scent…’ seemed like it was coming from Fengyi Palace?

Xiahou Yin did not speak but entered the palace compound, Yongfu hurriedly followed close.

The closer they got to the court the stronger the smell got. Yongfu could not help but drool and lick his lips at the delicious aroma. As they approached the inner court entry, they could hear voices,

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