Chapter 22: The Empress Dowager's Summons

Inside and outside the imperial capital of Beihua, the atmosphere was tense and quiet, heavier and more oppressive than usual. The palace was unusually solemn; morning court had lasted three hours and was still not over, leaving everyone inside and outside anxious.

Within the Mingkun Palace, all civil and military officials bowed their heads in silence, not daring to make a move. The Queen of Daiguo sat behind beaded curtains, frowning without a word, while Emperor Beian appeared somewhat pleased and content. After all, the memorials reported improvements in the epidemic, and in this vast court, perhaps only the Empress Dowager remained discontent and displeased.

The Empress Dowager, though over forty, showed no signs of age, appearing as if just past thirty, her features radiant and stern. Her skin was well cared for, smooth and fair as jade, with few wrinkles—only lacking a trace of natural youth. Her brows were thin and arched, paired with phoenix eyes that were spirited and alluring, exuding a proud aura. Her nose was beautifully shaped, slightly hooked, lending an air of sharpness rather than gentleness. Her lips were full yet narrow, tinted with a vivid red approaching the brilliance of a rose or the glow of sunset. Ordinary people who saw her were naturally stunned and envious, both delighted and fearful, for she was the renowned femme fatale and power-wielding queen of Beihua.

Draped in splendor, adorned with the finest materials and manpower, she seemed determined to present herself as the most noble beauty in the land; surrounded by rare treasures, she favored unique objects, adorning herself to rival the Queen Mother of the West from legend.

The entire court remained silent, only the Empress Dowager moved at her own pace, quietly admiring the brocade of fire fox and butterfly flowers upon her robes.

After a long while, the Emperor spoke softly, "It is now noon, all matters have found their solutions. Empress Dowager and beloved ministers, you have worked hard; let us rise and retire from court now."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" All officials responded with joy, as though liberated, first stiffly standing upright, then slowly stretching their limbs.

Seeing this, the Empress Dowager coughed in displeasure, her tone elongated, "I still have questions!"

The officials straightened at once, not daring to glance aside. All feared the Empress Dowager, only the Emperor dared to offer some resistance and compassion for his subjects.

"Mother, is there something you wish to say? If it’s not urgent, shall we dine first?"

The Empress Dowager snorted, her voice lingering, "Oh, I haven’t said I’m hungry yet—are you? Outside, refugees and the epidemic are still raging. If these affairs aren’t properly handled, who can eat or rest with peace of mind?"

"Most of the victims have recovered, relief has been distributed, and the refugees have returned home. The situation is much calmer now; some heated rumors are merely about a folk healer, what is there to worry about?"

"But it hasn’t been eradicated, has it?" The Empress Dowager swept her gaze across the court in dissatisfaction. "This matter has reached the capital, we should have handled it, yet a wanderer has stolen the spotlight. Shouldn’t we investigate this person?"

"Mother, I’ve already sent people to look into it. That woman just administered medicine out of kindness, she poses no threat to Beihua."

"Is that so? I still must see her myself; one can know a face but not a heart!" She turned to the officials below, "Ministers, do you understand my intention? In your view, should we summon this healer?"

"Empress Dowager, you are wise! I concur!"

Hearing the chorus of officials, the Empress Dowager burst into laughter. "In that case, send someone to invite her!"

Liu Li sat upon the dragon throne, quietly watching as the officials departed and listening to the Empress Dowager delegate tasks. She always delighted in suppressing Liu Li, finding immense satisfaction and joy in it.

Only when all became quiet did Liu Li return to himself.

The grand hall was silent and desolate, no guards at his side, only an elderly eunuch waiting nearby.

This man had gentle brows and kind eyes, his demeanor mild and respectful, gaze seasoned by worldly experience yet untainted by dust or vanity. He was respected throughout the palace, bearing the imperial surname; "Liu" was granted by the late Emperor, marking his high status.

Eunuch Liu served Liu Li some hot tea, reminding him, "Your Majesty, it’s already midday."

"Alright, let me finish this memorial, then I’ll go."

"Your Majesty, don’t be so diligent, what’s the need? The Empress Dowager has already reviewed these, you needn’t bother!"

"It’s fine. Though I hold no power, I must fulfill my duty. Even if I contribute nothing, I must at least understand the affairs inside and out—not live in ignorance!" Liu Li replied, recalling the earlier events and asking worriedly, "What happened after Mother issued her decree? Is someone truly being sent to summon the healer?"

"Indeed, I fear that woman will face suspicion again. But Your Majesty, don’t fret about others; focus on your own health. Since you returned from Apricot Blossom Village with General Gao, your health has been frail. It’s best to rest and recover. If anything happens, I could never face the late Emperor’s trust!"

Eunuch Liu had been the late Emperor’s personal attendant. After his passing, he continued to serve and guide Liu Li, becoming a respected elder of Beihua. He had invoked the late Emperor’s will to support Liu Li’s ascension, costing the eldest prince his claim, thus earning the Empress Dowager’s ire. Once, he and the Empress Dowager had been on friendly terms, but for years, warmth and harmony between them had vanished.

"You’ve troubled yourself, Eunuch. I’ve finished reading—let’s go eat."

Apricot Blossom Village was filled with a delicate floral scent, reminiscent of late spring gardenias. After a gentle drizzle, the fragrance condensed in the misty air, bringing comfort and peace to all.

With their great task accomplished, the four were about to bid farewell to General Fengxing when unexpected news arrived.

The haze lingered, the rain had not entirely ceased, and hearts seemed shrouded in a faint mist.

Fengnuan broke the group’s silence, running to Lianzi and asking, "Sister, where did that golden butterfly go just now? Is it yours? Fengnuan wants one too!"

"Fengnuan, come here!" General Fengxing called her over, apologized to the others, and led her away.

Jilin, seeing Lan Shui and Xueze looking troubled, turned to Lianzi, "The Xue Empress wants to see you. What’s your opinion? Do you want to visit the palace?"

Lianzi shook her head, eyes full of disdain. "I have no desire to go—this Xue Empress is always full of schemes!"

"Hey, Senior Brother, now that we’ve completed our mission, can we use our magic again?" Jilin suddenly asked.

Lan Shui glanced at him calmly. "Yes, what do you plan to do?"

Jilin grinned, "Since the Xue Empress wants to see Lianzi, why not send an illusion of a woman in her place?"

"How do you know there aren’t capable people in the palace who can see through such tricks?"

"Then… let Lianzi change her face! Didn’t she previously appear as the healer from West Sea Hall? She can do so again! It won’t harm us or West Sea Hall."

"I can’t let Lianzi enter the palace alone!" Xueze pulled Lianzi close. "Didn’t you say the mortal world is complex? Lianzi is too reckless; how could she go?"

Lan Shui soothed Xueze, speaking gently, "Don’t worry, I won’t let Lianzi go either. Let’s reply to Miss Qu first."

After Lan Shui dismissed the golden butterfly, she analyzed the situation with the group again. "Now, the epidemic is cured, the disaster relieved. Tianshan’s reputation is restored, and the High Priest of Mufan has regained their position. We should return to the mountain, but this matter remains unresolved—let’s see how West Sea Hall responds. I believe, regardless, they’ll send someone to the palace, and it won’t be our concern."

"Why is that?"

"Though the martial world and the court rarely interact, they don’t dismiss the importance of communication. If West Sea Hall wishes to maintain stability, they’ll send any woman to the palace, not trusting our people. If they seek opportunity, they’ll send their own healer, for this is a rare chance!"

"So we just watch and wait?"

"No, we can depart now and leave it behind."

After Lan Shui spoke, Jilin and Xueze were surprised. "Why so? How will we learn the news?"

"Recently, I met Mufan. He remains diligent and will continue his duties for Tianshan—the news will come from him." Lan Shui patted Jilin’s shoulder. "We have carrier pigeons; you needn’t run around. What’s there to fear?"

As the group laughed, Lianzi seemed somewhat melancholy. Xueze, sensitive as ever, noticed her displeasure and quietly drew her to the doorway.

"You want to say goodbye, don’t you?" Xueze whispered to Lianzi. "Go ahead, and thank General Fengxing for us."

Lianzi nodded happily, "You understand me best!"

With that, Lianzi opened the door and ran out. Xueze calmly walked back to her senior brothers, quietly listening to their conversation.

"Senior Brother, this time I’m the second biggest contributor. When we return, how will Master reward me?"

"What reward do you want? The top contributor hasn’t spoken yet."

Jilin laughed softly, "Hey, isn’t Lianzi going out? She’s a young girl, she doesn’t care about these things. I’ve stayed at Tianshan for so long, yet never received a proper reward. You always take the spotlight; this time I must seize my chance!"

"As you wish, we’ll discuss it when we return."

"Ah! No reasoning with you!" Jilin sighed, complaining to Xueze, who watched and smiled. "Look at our Senior Brother—cold and unfeeling is one thing, but he’s indifferent to fame and fortune. How can his assistant survive? Every time we finish a task, Senior Brother insists on no reward, leaving me empty-handed. I’m truly pitiful!"

Xueze smiled gently, "That’s as it should be. If you want a reward, you could handle the whole task yourself, and then it would be yours by right!"

"I wish I could! But any task I can do alone is trivial, and the big ones need Senior Brother’s leadership… Seems I still have much to learn!"

Xueze smiled kindly, patiently asking, "Then, Senior Brother, what reward do you want? Tianshan possesses all the wonders of the world; whatever you desire should be easily obtained. If there’s something you long for through a reward, it must be truly special."

Jilin nodded with satisfaction, "You understand me, unlike Senior Brother who ignores me!"

Lan Shui shot Jilin a cool glance and took Xueze’s hand. "Let’s not pay him any mind. When we return, we’ll speak well of him and see what reward he wants."

"Certainly! Lianzi will surely be willing to let Second Senior Brother take credit!"

"Come, we still need to make a sacred robe for Lianzi!"

"Yes, we must hurry to the ice pool, or we’ll miss the moon lotus!"

"No need, we can skip that one; I’ll take you to find a thousand-year moon lotus!"

Jilin watched as the two spoke and walked away without calling him, feeling a touch of disappointment: Aren’t you curious—won’t you even ask? The things I long for, do they really mean nothing to you? When will you finally understand what I desire most in my heart?