Although ZiLi was anxious about being listed as a prime suspect, his naturally cheerful nature quickly restored him to his usual carefree self. He continued to eat and sleep well, spent his free time fussing over little things, wandered around the palace when bored, and eavesdropped on the attendants’ gossip. Moreover, ZiLi found a good spot in the Imperial Garden, a hollow in the rockery beside the stone pavilion, just large enough for one person to squeeze into. The stone walls were smooth and even, as if they had been worn down over many years. Reclining halfway inside, basking in the warm sunlight and breathing in the faint, drifting fragrance of flowers, one could not help but grow drowsy.
While ZiLi was lying in the hollow, taking a short rest, in a hazy daze, he suddenly heard the sounds of playful laughter coming from nearby.
“Big brother Yan, come catch me! If you catch me, I’ll give your book back!”
“Qiang’er, stop playing around. That’s the homework Grand Tutor left for your big brother. If it gets damaged, I’ll get hit with a ruler!”
“No, no, big brother Yan, you’ve been at the academy all day long and haven’t played with me for a long time! Catch me and I’ll give it to you, or I’ll tear the book up right away!”
“Qiang’er, give it back now!”
“Heehee, no!”
ZiLi frowned. So noisy! They had disturbed his sleep! Annoyed, he opened his eyes and got up, only to see two little figures chasing each other among the flowers. The same two brats from last time? Hmph, it truly turns out rivals inevitably cross paths!
It was just that little demon who always liked to act seriously was chasing after his younger brother with a face full of helplessness and a hint of urgency.
“Qiang’er! How can you be so thoughtless? Hurry and return the book to your big brother!” Suddenly, a stern yet indulgent voice called out. ZiLi followed the sound and saw a beautiful woman in a plain silk dress, with only a few simple ornaments in her hair, leading a palace maid towards them. She was a genuine beauty, yet her beauty was unlike the other Imperial concubines of the harem, who exuded elegance, luxury, and seductive charm. She was like a pristine white orchid, growing on a cliff, proud and aloof, trembling lightly in the wind, while still giving off an air of fragility and helplessness. A woman like that could most easily stir a man’s instinct to protect! Even ZiLi could not help but feel moved when their eyes met.
True to her name, she was Imperial Consort Lan!
“Mother, Mother Consort!” Hong Qiang called, pouting as he felt aggrieved.
“Your son greets Mother Consort!” Hong Yan said, giving her a proper, respectful bow.
“Yan’er, you may rise! What are you doing here?” Imperial Consort Lan looked at her son with some excitement. Ever since he entered the Imperial Academy at the age of four, her son could return to her side only during New Year and festivals.
“The Grand Tutor gave us half a day off, and this son wanted to find some books in the library, so I came out!”
“Come here and let your Mother Consort have a look at you!” Hong Yan stepped forward as he was told. Imperial Consort Lan took his hand and led him into the pavilion to sit down, her eyes suddenly reddening as she cupped his cheeks and said, “Yan’er, you have grown thinner. Are you eating well at the Imperial Academy?”
“Yes, very well. Mother Consort, you do not need to worry!”
“What books have you been reading lately?”
“I have been reading ‘The Nation’ by Mo Lao!”
“Do you understand all the principles inside?”
“Some I understand, some I don’t. For those I do not understand, this son asks the Grand Tutor for guidance!”
“Good, very good!” Imperial Consort Lan said, holding his hand with relief. After hesitating for a moment, she asked, “Yan’er, has your Imperial father ever visited the Imperial Academy?”
“Yes, he has visited three times! Father Emperor checked our homework and even praised this son!”
“Really?” Imperial Consort Lan’s eyes lit up, and she unexpectedly began to cry.
Please read His Majesty's Hostage Chapter 103 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
Hong Yan panicked, “Mother Consort……”“Did I scare you? Your Mother Consort is fine, I am just too happy!” Imperial Consort Lan quickly wiped away her tears from her face and then pulled Hong Yan along, chatting with him for quite a while.
Left off to the side, Hong Qiang was naturally unwilling to be ignored. Pouting, he squeezed into Imperial Consort Lan’s arms and began to act spoiled.
ZiLi watched the family with a bit of discomfort in his chest.
“Your Highness, it looks like the Empress is coming from over there. Ah, and Imperial Consort Qing and Imperial Consort De as well. Your Highness, should we avoid them?” the palace maid at the side asked, her voice suddenly anxious.
Imperial Consort Lan looked up and indeed saw the Empress, dressed in splendid robes, walking gracefully towards them, surrounded by a group of Imperial Consorts and maids.
“There is no time to avoid them!” Imperial Consort Lan’s expression stiffened, but she spoke calmly.
“Oh, isn’t this little sister
妹妹
mèimei
Literally younger sister, often used as an affectionate or respectful term for a junior female, not necessarily a literal sibling.
1 Lan? I heard you were ill. How come you have time to stroll in the Imperial Garden today? Are you feeling better?” The Empress, wearing a
Phoenix Coronet
mèimei
Literally younger sister, often used as an affectionate or respectful term for a junior female, not necessarily a literal sibling.
凤冠
Fèng Guān
A traditional phoenix-shaped crown worn by empresses, symbolizing imperial authority, dignity, and elegance.
For example, the Phoenix Coronet of Empress Xiaoduan:
2 and exuding dignified elegance, spoke as if in surprise.
Fèng Guān
A traditional phoenix-shaped crown worn by empresses, symbolizing imperial authority, dignity, and elegance.
For example, the Phoenix Coronet of Empress Xiaoduan:
“Imperial Consort Lan greets Her Majesty the Empress!” Imperial Consort Lan bowed and replied, “It was not a serious illness. I am feeling a bit better today, so I came here for a walk!”
The Empress, supported by her close attendants, sat down on a stone bench. There were only three stone benches, so the Empress, Imperial Consort Qing, and Imperial Consort De took their seats, while the other concubines and noblewomen spread out along the stone railings on either side. Only the servants along with Imperial Consort Lan, Hong Yan, and Hong Qiang remained standing in the pavilion. The surrounding formation felt like a scene from an interrogation. Though young, Hong Yan could immediately sense their malicious intentions. Hong Qiang, frightened, hid behind Imperial Consort Lan, tugging at her robe as he glanced at the Empress in front of him, who was smiling in a cryptic manner!
“Even if it is not a serious illness, you must not be careless. Little sister, you are supposed to take care of your health, since you need to serve His Majesty!”
“Oh, big sister
姐姐
jiějie
Literally older sister, often used as an affectionate or respectful term for a senior female, not necessarily a literal sibling.
3 , don’t tell me you have not heard yet? His Majesty has not visited Lan Xin Palace for several months! Little sister’s illness must be due to not receiving the Emperor’s favor for too long!” Imperial Consort Qing suddenly spoke with a mocking smile. Her words were truly malicious, not only ridiculing Imperial Consort Lan’s fall from favor but also insinuating that she was a fox spirit whose health declined without absorbing essence.
jiějie
Literally older sister, often used as an affectionate or respectful term for a senior female, not necessarily a literal sibling.
Please read His Majesty's Hostage Chapter 103 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
Unable to bear such ridicule, Imperial Consort Lan’s face turned pale, making her look even more like a white orchid on a high cliff, about to be uprooted by the wind. ZiLi felt even more uncomfortable in his heart.The Empress chuckled lightly without responding, while the palace maids set out tea and fruits.
“Why is Hong Yan here too? Should he not be at the Imperial Academy?” The Empress lifted her cup and took a light sip of tea, then suddenly spoke, as she frowned at Hong Yan.
“The Grand Tutor gave us half a day off today……” Hong Yan stepped forward and respectfully replied.
The Empress set down her teacup and interrupted, "The third rule of the Imperial Academy, Hong Yan, recite it!”
Hong Yan gritted his teeth and answered, “During their studies, unless it is a festival or New Year, even if the Grand Tutor grants leave, the Princes are not allowed to go out without permission!”
“In that case, why did you knowingly break the rule?”
“This son knows his mistake!”
“The Palace has its own rules. If breaking the rules could be forgiven with a mere ‘this son knows his mistake’, would the Palace not fall into chaos? You cannot behave willfully, be unruly, and neglect your studies simply because your Mother Consort is unwell and lacks the energy to discipline you. Moreover, as a Prince, you ought to lead by example and set a standard for the servants below you. Since you broke the rule today, if this Empress does not punish you, you will not learn from your mistake! Someone, take the Sixth Prince back to the Imperial Academy and hand him over to the Head Instructor for punishment, so as to serve as a warning to others!”
“As you wish!” A nearby palace eunuch stepped forward to take Hong Yan away.
“Little sister, you will not blame your big sister for meddling, right? Your big sister only spoke some disciplining words, seeing how both mentally and physically and exhausted you are.”
“How could I blame you, big sister?” Imperial Consort Lan said, forcing a smile as she tightly clasped Hong Qiang’s small hand.
“That is good to hear! Ah, how old is Qiang’er? It must be about time for him to enter the Imperial Academy, right?”
“He is three years old. Still one more year before he goes to the Imperial Academy!”
“He looks just like his Mother Consort, both are as beautiful as flowers. Come, let this Empress have a look!”
Seeing the Empress reach out her hand towards him, Hong Qiang suddenly slapped it away and started crying loudly, “Waaa――a witch, I don’t want to go, Mother Consort, save me!”
At his cry, both Imperial Consort Lan and the Empress’s expressions changed, though Imperial Consort Lan was frightened, while the Empress was furious!
“Pfft!” ZiLi covered his mouth and burst out laughing. The description is indeed fitting!
Please read His Majesty's Hostage Chapter 103 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
The Empress was already green with anger, and hearing someone laugh, she exploded on the spot, “Well, Imperial Consort Lan, I have always treated you as a sister, but who knew you were so malicious, you go as far as instigating your son to insult this Empress. What punishment do you think you should deserve?”“Your Majesty, quell your anger!” Imperial Consort Lan knelt on the ground, her face pale.
Seeing the situation going south, ZiLi immediately took off running. To be clear, he, Su ZiLi, was not the kind of person to leave someone in trouble. So where did he run to? Straight to Hong Xu’s Imperial study. He knew he could not intervene in the harem’s disputes himself, and besides Hong Xu, he could not think of anyone better suited to handle it.
“Your Highness, peace be upon you,” Lin De hurried forward when he saw ZiLi running over, bowing slightly and forcing a smile as he said, “His Majesty is discussing official business, Your Highness……”
ZiLi spun around in panic. “When will he have time, ah? It’s an absolute emergency, ah!”
“Well, it is hard to say. If it is urgent, Your Highness can tell me, and this servant can pass it on!”
“Passing it on is useless, unless he has time! I need him to come with me, ah! No, I can’t wait any longer!”
“Ah, Your Highness, you still may not go in!” Lin De quickly stepped in to block ZiLi.
“Let go, you lump of fat!”
In the midst of the commotion, they suddenly heard Hong Xu’s displeased voice from inside, “What is going on?”
“Re― reporting to Your Majesty, it is His Highness of Bei Ling……”
“Let him in!”
ZiLi pushed open the door to the Imperial study with a bang and found several officials standing inside, including WanQi DongMing’s father. WanQi PengWei glared at ZiLi with hatred, making ZiLi shrink his neck and slip to Hong Xu’s side.
“That is all for today, everyone. You may all take your leave now!” After dismissing the ministers, Hong Xu turned to look at ZiLi, whose forehead was covered in a thin layer of sweat and cheeks were flushed from running, saying, “Baby, what is so urgent?”
After catching his breath, ZiLi grabbed Hong Xu’s hand as he said, “Come quickly with me and save someone. Your first wife is bullying your concubine. If you don’t go, she will be done for!”
Hong Xu frowned, wiping the sweat from ZiLi’s forehead, “What first wife and what concubine? Baby, are you jealous again?”
“Damn it, Hong Xu, don’t you understand plain words? Who’s jealous! Save the person first, we’ll talk later.”
Translation Notes
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