Chapter 15: Old Dreams
Ming Wei returned to her own courtyard with a calm expression, while the maid Tangli Yuelin beside her was beaming with joy.
Their young mistress’s birthday gift was the most clever and praised among the young ladies. And having shown her face in front of all the noblewomen, there was naturally a good chance at a promising future. Neither of them knew what the Second Madam had said earlier, so they continued to happily assist Ming Wei in changing out of her formal clothes.
Yuelin had just removed the jewelry from Ming Wei’s hair and helped loosen it before changing her into casual home attire, when they heard more noise outside. The younger maids’ voices rose with greetings. “Hello, Sister Manao!”
Tangli, used to this routine, went into the inner room and brought out two brocade boxes. She quickly packed up today’s set of gold and pearl hair ornaments and placed them beside the coral set.
“Greetings, Seventh Miss,” Manao said, her tone no longer as casual and dismissive as before. While not exactly respectful, she now showed some deference. “The Madam sent me to collect the jewelry.”
Second Madam really is... Ming Wei silently clicked her tongue in amusement and nodded with a smile. “Tangli, hand it to Sister Manao.”
Manao personally checked the contents of the brocade boxes to ensure nothing was damaged, then passed them to the little maid following behind. “Seventh Miss, the Madam asks you to come see her tomorrow morning.”
Ming Wei raised her eyebrows slightly; she had already guessed the reason. It was actually impressive that Second Madam managed to hold off asking until tomorrow.
After Manao left, the sky gradually darkened. Ming Wei quickly finished dinner. Still preoccupied, she flipped absentmindedly through a few pages of a book by lamplight before going to bed early.
Only after dealing with Second Madam’s questions tomorrow would she be able to get through this safely.
The apricot-colored canopy was drawn down. Night-duty maid Yuelin quietly brought out the lamp, took off her outer robe, laid a mattress on the folding couch in the room, and extinguished the light.
Ming Wei, still thinking about today’s imperial decree, Cheng Yue who already had a granddaughter, and that little maid… her thoughts were chaotic, and before long, she drifted off to sleep.
First Year of Zhaoping, Second Month.
Grand Councilor’s Residence. Jiaoyuan.
“Wan, don’t be angry,” Rong Duo, now the exalted Son of Heaven, still tried to appease Tang Wan with caution. “I had no choice but to name you Imperial Noble Consort.”
Tang Wan’s beautiful face held a thin layer of resentment and unwillingness. She turned her head, her large eyes filled with grievance. “You said before, I was the only one. Only I was worthy of being your Empress!”
Rong Duo gently said, “Wan, I have my reasons. Please don’t be upset with me. Come to the palace soon.”
“You’re the emperor now. You’re the most powerful man under heaven. How could I dare be upset with you?” Tang Wan turned her head further away, full of defiance. “You’ve got three thousand beauties waiting for your favor. Why trouble yourself to come see me?”
“Wan, look at me.” Rong Duo sighed helplessly and reached out to pull her close, only to find her pale cheeks already streaked with tears.
“Wan, when you cry like this, it breaks my heart.” He dotingly wiped the tears from her face and coaxed her, “It’s my fault. Please don’t be mad anymore.”
Tang Wan kept sobbing and ignored him.
“You know my situation. The princess consort’s family helped me greatly. And she herself was known for her virtue. Though she’s been gone two years now, I didn’t love her, but I did respect her. I couldn’t make you Empress so soon.” Rong Duo’s handsome face showed no impatience as he patiently explained, “Don’t worry. After this year passes, I will definitely make you Empress.”
“I’m not some mistress!” Tang Wan mumbled tearfully, “When I met you, she was already gone!”
Though she didn’t speak kindly, the fact that she responded meant her anger was already easing. Rong Duo quickly comforted her, “I know. It’s my fault you’ve suffered.”
“How would I dare say I’ve suffered?” Tang Wan finally lifted her face from Rong Duo’s broad shoulder. Her light makeup was already smeared. “But you said I was the only one! Using the late princess consort as an excuse—it’s someone else you really care about, isn’t it?”
Of course Rong Duo heard the softening in her tone. Taking the opportunity, he continued, “My Wan is always so understanding. Since the founding of the dynasty, only when there’s no Empress is an Imperial Noble Consort appointed. Though the title is lower, the status is just as noble. I would never wrong you.”
Seeing Tang Wan was starting to yield, Rong Duo pressed on. “At the latest, next year, I’ll make you Empress!”
“I don’t have to be Empress.” Tang Wan pouted. “Even if you weren’t Emperor, I’d still like you.”
Rong Duo didn’t reply. He simply looked into her eyes and smiled.
That smile seemed to warm even the chilly spring breeze.
With his striking looks—star-like eyes, sword-like brows, chiseled features—and the mature charm of a man in his thirties, soothing Tang Wan’s temper was almost effortless.
“The sixteenth of next month is an auspicious day.” Rong Duo patted her gently and coaxed, “My inner palace can’t be without a mistress. You should move in soon. I’ve already prepared Qionghua Palace for you. You’ll definitely like it.”
“I’m not going to manage your flock of women!” Tang Wan pouted, though her eyes sparkled. She couldn’t help asking, “How did you decorate Qionghua Palace?”
Rong Duo had already made three or four trips to coax her. Seeing her finally agree, he felt greatly relieved and smiled. “You’ll see for yourself when you get there.”
Tang Wan insisted on knowing, so Rong Duo had no choice but to describe it in detail.
Don’t go!
Don’t agree! Don’t agree!
As Tang Wan smiled through her tears and nodded, Ming Wei, trapped in the dream, shook her head desperately, her face covered in tears. If only she hadn’t entered the palace—she would rather have become a nun than bring disaster to her family, or end up taking poison!
Ming Wei knew she was dreaming. She wanted to wake, to escape the absurd dream—but her eyes wouldn’t open.
In the end, Tang Wan happily agreed. Her dazzling smile lit up her stunning face, brightening the whole room.
Don’t agree...
Ming Wei screamed in vain—only to fall into another dream.
First Year of Zhaoping, Twelfth Month.
Qionghua Palace.
“Get out! All of you, get out!” Tang Wan swept all the porcelain from the table onto the floor, shouting hoarsely. “How dare you stop me! I want to see the Emperor!”
Among the shattered pieces were rare and valuable imperial porcelains. Just that pair of plum vases was worth a fortune. Eunuch Laifu, assigned to watch her, frowned slightly but kept his tone calm. “Your Highness, this servant is just following orders. Please try to understand.”
This was the fourth day Rong Duo had confined her in Qionghua Palace. Tang Wan could no longer wait. Rumors of Grand Councilor Tang’s treason were swirling through the palace, and the looks from the other consorts were no longer respectful.
“Tell Rong Duo to see me!” she roared, unable to wait any longer. She couldn’t bear to receive news that her parents and brother had been executed!
“Your Highness, if the Emperor wishes to see you, he will send for you.” Laifu was growing impatient. “Please be patient and wait for his decree.”
Tang Wan ignored him and rushed for the door. Several strong palace maids blocked her, refusing to let her leave the hall.
“So noisy and unruly! What is this disgraceful behavior?” came a deep, cold voice from outside, filled with anger. There was no need to guess who had arrived.
“Greetings to the Emperor!”
The guards, maids, and eunuchs all knelt. Only Tang Wan stood, glaring at Rong Duo with defiance.
She stared at him, her eyes blazing with fury. “On what grounds do you confine me? What have you done to my father?”
“You are the Imperial Noble Consort and you’ve forgotten basic decorum? You dare shout at me?” Rong Duo snapped. “Do you still have any respect for me at all?”
“Ha!” Tang Wan sneered coldly. “When I pleased Your Majesty, my little tantrums were ‘cuteness.’ Now that I’m in your way, the same words are suddenly disrespectful!”
Rong Duo’s eyes grew dark. He dismissed the servants until only the two of them remained.
“Tang Wan, I always thought you were a bit temperamental but sensible.” His voice now held a trace of restraint. The words he intended to say twisted on his tongue before he swallowed them. “If you stop meddling in Grand Councilor Tang’s matter, you’ll still be my consort.”
Any hope Tang Wan held vanished completely at that sentence.
“When the nest is overturned, how can any eggs remain whole?” Her voice turned icy. “If Your Majesty plans to punish my father and destroy the Tang household, I may be in the palace, but I am still my father’s daughter!”
But Rong Duo’s patience had run out.
“Tang Wan, don’t think I’ll indulge you forever!” His handsome face darkened with menace. “Have you forgotten how I’ve treated you?”
“Of course not!” Tang Wan now showed strength instead of weakness, her faint smile concealing bitterness. “You promised to make me Empress. I suppose you’ve changed your mind and plan to send me to the Cold Palace!”
“You remember the favor owed to the former princess consort’s family—but not the one owed to my father?” she cried, her voice breaking. “It was my father who helped you ascend the throne!”
Rong Duo had no response.
Tang Wan tried to maintain a cold, composed front, but a trace of vulnerability leaked through her eyes. Rong Duo wavered for a moment—until she said her next line, and his heart hardened.
“I vow to live and die with the Tang family!”
Rong Duo gave her a cold glance, turned, and swept out.
“There have been new cases of curse charms in the palace. As Imperial Noble Consort, you must set an example and prove your innocence.”
Tang Wan collapsed to the floor.
Even when the curse objects were discovered in her quarters, she only gave them a blank look, saying nothing more.
Was this the ending she had devoted her heart to?
She hated!
How could she not hate?
She hated how she’d believed Rong Duo’s sweet lies. Hated how she’d thrown her whole heart into loving him without any defense. Hated how he tormented her family!
Ming Wei felt hatred surge through her chest in the dream. She would not let it end like this!
Their young mistress’s birthday gift was the most clever and praised among the young ladies. And having shown her face in front of all the noblewomen, there was naturally a good chance at a promising future. Neither of them knew what the Second Madam had said earlier, so they continued to happily assist Ming Wei in changing out of her formal clothes.
Yuelin had just removed the jewelry from Ming Wei’s hair and helped loosen it before changing her into casual home attire, when they heard more noise outside. The younger maids’ voices rose with greetings. “Hello, Sister Manao!”
Tangli, used to this routine, went into the inner room and brought out two brocade boxes. She quickly packed up today’s set of gold and pearl hair ornaments and placed them beside the coral set.
“Greetings, Seventh Miss,” Manao said, her tone no longer as casual and dismissive as before. While not exactly respectful, she now showed some deference. “The Madam sent me to collect the jewelry.”
Second Madam really is... Ming Wei silently clicked her tongue in amusement and nodded with a smile. “Tangli, hand it to Sister Manao.”
Manao personally checked the contents of the brocade boxes to ensure nothing was damaged, then passed them to the little maid following behind. “Seventh Miss, the Madam asks you to come see her tomorrow morning.”
Ming Wei raised her eyebrows slightly; she had already guessed the reason. It was actually impressive that Second Madam managed to hold off asking until tomorrow.
After Manao left, the sky gradually darkened. Ming Wei quickly finished dinner. Still preoccupied, she flipped absentmindedly through a few pages of a book by lamplight before going to bed early.
Only after dealing with Second Madam’s questions tomorrow would she be able to get through this safely.
The apricot-colored canopy was drawn down. Night-duty maid Yuelin quietly brought out the lamp, took off her outer robe, laid a mattress on the folding couch in the room, and extinguished the light.
Ming Wei, still thinking about today’s imperial decree, Cheng Yue who already had a granddaughter, and that little maid… her thoughts were chaotic, and before long, she drifted off to sleep.
First Year of Zhaoping, Second Month.
Grand Councilor’s Residence. Jiaoyuan.
“Wan, don’t be angry,” Rong Duo, now the exalted Son of Heaven, still tried to appease Tang Wan with caution. “I had no choice but to name you Imperial Noble Consort.”
Tang Wan’s beautiful face held a thin layer of resentment and unwillingness. She turned her head, her large eyes filled with grievance. “You said before, I was the only one. Only I was worthy of being your Empress!”
Rong Duo gently said, “Wan, I have my reasons. Please don’t be upset with me. Come to the palace soon.”
“You’re the emperor now. You’re the most powerful man under heaven. How could I dare be upset with you?” Tang Wan turned her head further away, full of defiance. “You’ve got three thousand beauties waiting for your favor. Why trouble yourself to come see me?”
“Wan, look at me.” Rong Duo sighed helplessly and reached out to pull her close, only to find her pale cheeks already streaked with tears.
“Wan, when you cry like this, it breaks my heart.” He dotingly wiped the tears from her face and coaxed her, “It’s my fault. Please don’t be mad anymore.”
Tang Wan kept sobbing and ignored him.
“You know my situation. The princess consort’s family helped me greatly. And she herself was known for her virtue. Though she’s been gone two years now, I didn’t love her, but I did respect her. I couldn’t make you Empress so soon.” Rong Duo’s handsome face showed no impatience as he patiently explained, “Don’t worry. After this year passes, I will definitely make you Empress.”
“I’m not some mistress!” Tang Wan mumbled tearfully, “When I met you, she was already gone!”
Though she didn’t speak kindly, the fact that she responded meant her anger was already easing. Rong Duo quickly comforted her, “I know. It’s my fault you’ve suffered.”
“How would I dare say I’ve suffered?” Tang Wan finally lifted her face from Rong Duo’s broad shoulder. Her light makeup was already smeared. “But you said I was the only one! Using the late princess consort as an excuse—it’s someone else you really care about, isn’t it?”
Of course Rong Duo heard the softening in her tone. Taking the opportunity, he continued, “My Wan is always so understanding. Since the founding of the dynasty, only when there’s no Empress is an Imperial Noble Consort appointed. Though the title is lower, the status is just as noble. I would never wrong you.”
Seeing Tang Wan was starting to yield, Rong Duo pressed on. “At the latest, next year, I’ll make you Empress!”
“I don’t have to be Empress.” Tang Wan pouted. “Even if you weren’t Emperor, I’d still like you.”
Rong Duo didn’t reply. He simply looked into her eyes and smiled.
That smile seemed to warm even the chilly spring breeze.
With his striking looks—star-like eyes, sword-like brows, chiseled features—and the mature charm of a man in his thirties, soothing Tang Wan’s temper was almost effortless.
“The sixteenth of next month is an auspicious day.” Rong Duo patted her gently and coaxed, “My inner palace can’t be without a mistress. You should move in soon. I’ve already prepared Qionghua Palace for you. You’ll definitely like it.”
“I’m not going to manage your flock of women!” Tang Wan pouted, though her eyes sparkled. She couldn’t help asking, “How did you decorate Qionghua Palace?”
Rong Duo had already made three or four trips to coax her. Seeing her finally agree, he felt greatly relieved and smiled. “You’ll see for yourself when you get there.”
Tang Wan insisted on knowing, so Rong Duo had no choice but to describe it in detail.
Don’t go!
Don’t agree! Don’t agree!
As Tang Wan smiled through her tears and nodded, Ming Wei, trapped in the dream, shook her head desperately, her face covered in tears. If only she hadn’t entered the palace—she would rather have become a nun than bring disaster to her family, or end up taking poison!
Ming Wei knew she was dreaming. She wanted to wake, to escape the absurd dream—but her eyes wouldn’t open.
In the end, Tang Wan happily agreed. Her dazzling smile lit up her stunning face, brightening the whole room.
Don’t agree...
Ming Wei screamed in vain—only to fall into another dream.
First Year of Zhaoping, Twelfth Month.
Qionghua Palace.
“Get out! All of you, get out!” Tang Wan swept all the porcelain from the table onto the floor, shouting hoarsely. “How dare you stop me! I want to see the Emperor!”
Among the shattered pieces were rare and valuable imperial porcelains. Just that pair of plum vases was worth a fortune. Eunuch Laifu, assigned to watch her, frowned slightly but kept his tone calm. “Your Highness, this servant is just following orders. Please try to understand.”
This was the fourth day Rong Duo had confined her in Qionghua Palace. Tang Wan could no longer wait. Rumors of Grand Councilor Tang’s treason were swirling through the palace, and the looks from the other consorts were no longer respectful.
“Tell Rong Duo to see me!” she roared, unable to wait any longer. She couldn’t bear to receive news that her parents and brother had been executed!
“Your Highness, if the Emperor wishes to see you, he will send for you.” Laifu was growing impatient. “Please be patient and wait for his decree.”
Tang Wan ignored him and rushed for the door. Several strong palace maids blocked her, refusing to let her leave the hall.
“So noisy and unruly! What is this disgraceful behavior?” came a deep, cold voice from outside, filled with anger. There was no need to guess who had arrived.
“Greetings to the Emperor!”
The guards, maids, and eunuchs all knelt. Only Tang Wan stood, glaring at Rong Duo with defiance.
She stared at him, her eyes blazing with fury. “On what grounds do you confine me? What have you done to my father?”
“You are the Imperial Noble Consort and you’ve forgotten basic decorum? You dare shout at me?” Rong Duo snapped. “Do you still have any respect for me at all?”
“Ha!” Tang Wan sneered coldly. “When I pleased Your Majesty, my little tantrums were ‘cuteness.’ Now that I’m in your way, the same words are suddenly disrespectful!”
Rong Duo’s eyes grew dark. He dismissed the servants until only the two of them remained.
“Tang Wan, I always thought you were a bit temperamental but sensible.” His voice now held a trace of restraint. The words he intended to say twisted on his tongue before he swallowed them. “If you stop meddling in Grand Councilor Tang’s matter, you’ll still be my consort.”
Any hope Tang Wan held vanished completely at that sentence.
“When the nest is overturned, how can any eggs remain whole?” Her voice turned icy. “If Your Majesty plans to punish my father and destroy the Tang household, I may be in the palace, but I am still my father’s daughter!”
But Rong Duo’s patience had run out.
“Tang Wan, don’t think I’ll indulge you forever!” His handsome face darkened with menace. “Have you forgotten how I’ve treated you?”
“Of course not!” Tang Wan now showed strength instead of weakness, her faint smile concealing bitterness. “You promised to make me Empress. I suppose you’ve changed your mind and plan to send me to the Cold Palace!”
“You remember the favor owed to the former princess consort’s family—but not the one owed to my father?” she cried, her voice breaking. “It was my father who helped you ascend the throne!”
Rong Duo had no response.
Tang Wan tried to maintain a cold, composed front, but a trace of vulnerability leaked through her eyes. Rong Duo wavered for a moment—until she said her next line, and his heart hardened.
“I vow to live and die with the Tang family!”
Rong Duo gave her a cold glance, turned, and swept out.
“There have been new cases of curse charms in the palace. As Imperial Noble Consort, you must set an example and prove your innocence.”
Tang Wan collapsed to the floor.
Even when the curse objects were discovered in her quarters, she only gave them a blank look, saying nothing more.
Was this the ending she had devoted her heart to?
She hated!
How could she not hate?
She hated how she’d believed Rong Duo’s sweet lies. Hated how she’d thrown her whole heart into loving him without any defense. Hated how he tormented her family!
Ming Wei felt hatred surge through her chest in the dream. She would not let it end like this!
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