Physician-in-Chief Hu dared not raise his head to look at Concubine Rou’s expression. “This humble official takes his leave.” Carrying his medicine box, he bowed deeply as he retreated to the flower hall, where he quickly wrote a prescription and handed it to Duo Luo, who had followed him out. “This humble official will have the medicine boy deliver the medicine soon.”

Duo Luo took the prescription and hesitantly asked, “Will the Physician-in-Chief go to report to His Majesty now?”

Physician Hu thought to himself that since his promotion to Physician-in-Chief, his official career had been quite bumpy. At the thought of having to face the Emperor at this moment, he truly did not want to go. He took a deep breath but could only nod and say, “This humble official came by imperial decree, so I must go report quickly.” With that, Physician Hu hung his head and walked out of Heluo Palace with heavy steps.

As soon as he stepped out of the hall, a flash of imperial yellow appeared before him. He looked up and saw the Emperor already standing before him, his eyes firmly fixed on him.

“Physician Hu.”

Physician Hu was greatly startled and immediately bowed deeply, “This humble official greets Your Majesty.”

“How is it?”

Physician Hu secretly took a breath, “Concubine Rou’s pulse is calm, but her blood and energy are slightly obstructed. This humble official has already prepared a prescription. She should improve after a few days of treatment.”

The Emperor fell silent, neither speaking nor telling him to rise.

Physician Hu felt very uncomfortable. After waiting for quite some time, he finally heard the Emperor speak: “You may withdraw.”

Physician Hu had no chance to express gratitude. He only felt a breeze by his ears, and when he looked up, the Emperor had already entered Heluo Palace.

*

Gu Yi drank a cup of hot tea that Duo Luo handed her. After calming down for a while, she finally came back to her senses, her mind becoming somewhat clearer.

Ah, never mind.

She rose from the couch and sat before the dressing mirror. She had removed her hairpins and jewelry before her nap, but now she didn’t feel like styling her hair again. She simply took a red ribbon and tied her hair into a ponytail at the back of her head.

Just as she reached the door of the bedchamber, she saw Xiaoyan coming toward her. He was still wearing his court robes, with the strings of beads on his crown swaying with his movements.

He came so quickly.

Gu Yi looked at him for a while before remembering to curtsy. “Greetings to Your Majesty.”

Xiaoyan made an “Mm” sound. “Rise.”

His tone sounded quite normal, without any flaws.

If he hadn’t come so quickly, Gu Yi would have thought he knew nothing.

Gu Yi raised her eyes to look at him, pursed her lips, and unconsciously chuckled, “This concubine has disappointed Your Majesty.”

Xiaoyan saw her avert her gaze and lower her eyes to stare at his dragon robe, which made his brow twitch.

“I am not disappointed. How could I be disappointed?”

Gu Yi looked up at him but was momentarily speechless. Xiaoyan smiled and said, “It’s not a big matter. If not today, there’s still the future.”

Gu Yi frowned and asked, “What if it never happens?”

Xiaoyan’s long eyebrows slightly furrowed. “How do you know it will never happen?” Seeing the concern still on her brow, he said with amusement, “If it never happens, then it never happens.”

Having an heir would naturally make things easier, but if there were no heir, there were other ways. It was just a matter of time.

Gu Yi was surprised by his words and looked at him steadily. “Does Your Majesty not fear having no successor?”

Xiaoyan laughed. “I never thought about matters after my death.” He had never thought about children before.

Gu Yi’s shoulders dropped, and she sat down on a nearby chair.

Xiaoyan moved closer, his lips curving slightly upward, his eyes brightening. “Could it be that Concubine Rou is too disappointed?”

Today, he seemed to finally get a glimpse of Gu Yi’s true feelings.

“This concubine is naturally disappointed, but this concubine knows that disappointment is useless. Perhaps it’s just not the right time yet.”

Xiaoyan saw that she was downcast and wanted to tease her a bit. “Concubine Rou needn’t worry. Tomorrow, I’ll have the Bureau of Imperial Insignia select a Guanyin statue for childbearing to be placed before your palace.”

Gu Yi: “Hehe.”

Xiaoyan grabbed a square chair and sat down in front of her. From a brocade pouch at his waist, he took out a string of multi-treasured beads.

“This was presented to me by a high monk years ago. Now I give it to you.”

Gu Yi looked at the beaded string. The agates were glossy, and each wooden bead was of a deep, rich color. “This is Your Majesty’s valuable possession. This concubine feels unworthy to receive it.”

Xiaoyan simply placed it on her left wrist. “Perhaps with this bead string, Concubine Rou can have her wishes fulfilled.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” She touched the cool bead bracelet.

Xiaoyan, seeing her expression relax, said slowly, “Since the Imperial Physician said you have too many worries, you should ease your mind and focus on taking care of your health. Childbirth is inherently dangerous, and if your body is not well, it becomes even more so.”

Xiaoyan truly seemed unconcerned, which helped disperse some of the depression in Gu Yi’s heart.

“This concubine understands.”

Xiaoyan stood up and said, “The members of the Cabinet are still waiting for me at the Tianlu Pavilion. I’ll come to see you again later tonight.”

Gu Yi hadn’t expected that Xiaoyan had left others to come to her, so she immediately stood up as well. “Your Majesty should go quickly.”

*

The reason the Cabinet was still at the Tianlu Pavilion today was that the Dantat embassy would soon arrive in the capital.

During the New Year’s Court Assembly, the Dantat had not come to the capital to pay tribute. Now it was already past the fifth month, and they were finally coming, dragging their feet.

It wasn’t a good sign.

“According to the letter transmitted first from Diecheng, the Dantat embassy consists of more than sixty people, escorting the adopted daughter of the Dantat Lord, Princess Duozhu. In this official’s opinion, the Dantat have intentions for a marriage alliance,” said a Cabinet minister.

As soon as this was said, someone immediately objected, “If it’s a marriage alliance, why send an adopted daughter? The Dantat Lord has nine sons and six daughters. This is nothing but a provocation, intended to humiliate. The Dantat’s disloyalty is not something new.”

“Your Majesty, please consider carefully. If we can turn hostility into friendship through a marriage alliance, why not do so? If we truly engage in armed conflict with the Dantat, the northern border will surely be covered in blood for thousands of miles.”

“All that my officials have said is correct.” Xiaoyan waved his sleeve to interrupt the disputes in the hall. “Whether the Dantat are loyal or not, we’ll know from this visit.”

Qi Ruotang stepped forward and bowed. “If they are disloyal, will Your Majesty dispatch troops? If troops are dispatched, who will lead them?”

“If they are disloyal, troops must be dispatched, and I will lead them myself.”

The Tianlu Pavilion fell completely silent. The court officials then rushed forward one after another.

“Your Majesty, please reconsider!”

“Your Majesty carries the fate of the nation. How can you take such risks!”

Another round of endless arguments followed, during which someone took the opportunity to suggest that General Qi Chuang lead the troops.

“General Qi has already retired. How could I bear to trouble him?” Xiaoyan’s gaze swept around the room. “If there is indeed such a war, the choice for deputy commander should be Yu Dai.”

Everyone was shocked. “General Yu…” Liu Fang hesitated.

“What does Minister Liu mean? What about General Yu?”

Yu Dai was originally a Dantat person, and his subordinates also included former Dantat tribes.

Liu Fang’s unfinished words were well understood by everyone present.

But Liu Fang dared not answer.

“Is Minister Liu doubting General Yu’s loyalty? If so, does Minister Liu also doubt me?”

Before he finished speaking, the entire Tianlu Pavilion was filled with kneeling officials.

“Your Majesty, forgive us.”

This was a forbidden topic that the current Emperor could not be touched upon.

Xiaoyan, sitting on the throne, gave a light laugh. “What offense have my officials committed? Rise.”

As soon as everyone stood up, they heard him continue, “For the second deputy commander position, there is also Zhou Lang.”

Zhou Lang was a young general who had been stationed in the southern desert camp for years. He was well-versed in northern military affairs and geography. Although he lacked experience in leading troops as a commander due to his junior status, the officials couldn’t find major faults at the moment and dared not say more.

The Emperor’s authority was growing stronger, and he no longer wanted to use the old ministers.

He wanted to entrust his military power to his newly appointed people.

It wasn’t until after the Hour of Xu (7-9 PM), when the moon was bright and the stars sparse in the sky, that the officials finally withdrew from the Tianlu Pavilion.

Eunuch Gao stepped into the hall, offering fresh tea. “Your Majesty should rest. You’ve already had a tiring day.”

The Emperor took a sip of tea but asked, “Before noon, you said you had something to report. What was it?”

Eunuch Gao indeed had a matter at that time, but it was interrupted by the hurried arrival of Physician Hu.

“It’s not a major issue. Consort Jing sent someone to say that having accompanied Noble Consort Duan for many years with deep feelings, she also wishes to leave the palace with her to pray at Mount Xi.”

The Emperor showed no surprise. “Tomorrow, go tell her that I have granted permission.”

*

In Heluo Palace, Duo Luo brewed medicine according to Physician Hu’s prescription and brought it to Gu Yi in the bedchamber.

The medicine wasn’t bitter and had a strong scent of dates.

Gu Yi had already washed up. After drinking the medicine, she rinsed her mouth before lying on the couch, carefully reviewing the plot in her mind.

When Xiaoyan lifted the bed curtain, he saw Gu Yi staring blankly with her eyes open.

After several breaths, Gu Yi finally noticed him. “Your Majesty.”

Xiaoyan took off his outer robe and got into bed. “What were you thinking about just now, with such concentration?”

Gu Yi smiled. “I was thinking about roasted lamb leg.”

Xiaoyan: …

Gu Yi turned to face him and tentatively asked, “Has Your Majesty been very busy today?”

Xiaoyan nodded slightly. “The Dantat envoys will arrive soon.”

Indeed.

Gu Yi carefully examined his face and noticed the slight dark circles under his eyes. “Has Your Majesty not been sleeping well lately? Is it the headache again?”

Xiaoyan shook his head. “No, just having some strange dreams occasionally.”

“Strange dreams? What strange dreams?”

Xiaoyan stared at her wide eyes and suddenly said, “I once dreamed that you died.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Yi’s heart immediately started racing. “How…how did I die?”

Xiaoyan thought she was scared and laughed casually, as if joking, “I don’t know, I just knew you were dead.”

So it wasn’t some plot hole, perhaps just an ordinary, strange dream.

Xiaoyan saw that Gu Yi seemed to sigh in relief. “But in the dream, I was very sad.”

Gu Yi felt a pang in her heart and blinked her eyes. “What else did Your Majesty dream about?”

Xiaoyan hesitantly answered, “I also…dreamed of Zhao Wan.”

Gu Yi was stunned.

How annoying! So it’s this kind of development! I shouldn’t have asked!

She let out a short “Oh” and turned her back to him again.

Xiaoyan looked up to see the back of Gu Yi’s head facing him.

He laughed loudly. “Concubine Rou, are you angry?”

He reached out to touch her shoulder, but she brushed his hand away.

Xiaoyan laughed and moved closer. “Concubine Rou was disappointed today. I’ve been thinking about it, and it’s truly my fault. I absolutely cannot let Concubine Rou be disappointed.”

Before Gu Yi could react, she felt a coolness on her chest.

The ties on her garment had been undone without her noticing.

Gentle kisses fell on her hair, and the familiar cold scent of pine and cypress enveloped her completely.

Outside the window, the full moon hung high, its milky light pouring everywhere. The silk curtains warmed, sinking into the night.

*

At the end of the fifth month, the Dantat embassy finally entered the palace to pay homage to the Emperor.

That night, the Emperor held a banquet in the Imperial Garden to entertain the embassy.

The palace hadn’t been this lively for a long time. In the Imperial Garden, a music pavilion was set up where musicians played. On a black wood platform draped with yellow borders, the imperial throne was placed, with palace attendants standing behind holding yellow canopies and fans. A terrace was set up in the garden for singing and dancing performances. Lanterns hung from the surrounding trees, with candle stands burning inside. The entire garden was filled with brilliant lights, moonlight, and flower glow.

Gu Yi’s position was not far from the imperial throne. Of the original four consorts—Duan, Jing, Shu, and De—some had left the palace, some had been demoted. The only one sitting closer to the imperial throne than Gu Yi was Zhao Wan, who was wearing a light red gauze vest with a pale moon-colored skirt underneath. Though she was thin, she no longer looked sickly.

Zhao Wan turned her head to look at Gu Yi beside her. As it was summer, Gu Yi was wearing a lotus-root colored gauze skirt embroidered with white magnolias, holding a round fan in her hand, gently fanning herself.

Their eyes met briefly before they both looked away.