Chapter 050: The Choice of the Main Hall
Morning mist enveloped the world, water vapor heavy in the air, the sky pale, the water blue, the mountains gray, the trees ink-dark. Verdant greens spread in sweeping strokes, lushness dotted throughout, and the early morning scenery was as pure as an ink painting.
Liu Li watched He Yu depart until her figure disappeared into the thick fog, but what surfaced in his heart once more was the image of Xue Ze.
“How ridiculous, in such circumstances, I am still thinking of other matters!” Liu Li tapped his head and returned to the carriage to tend to Liu Qing.
He Yu walked with a joyful stride, exuberant and confident, heading toward the main palace’s sleeping quarters, reciting to herself again and again: I must help him! I must help him save the heir!
At this moment, He Yu was willing to help Liu Li with anything.
Once, his casual act of rescue left a lasting imprint in He Yu’s heart, gradually becoming a piece of flesh, a steady memory.
The actions of that young man, now replaced by the deeds and words of this adult, remained equally wonderful, the same warmth accumulating in He Yu’s heart, inseparable and irreplaceable.
The main palace was not far, the path traveled thousands of times, but never with such urgency, excitement, and joy; He Yu felt as though she might float away.
He was the one she thought of day and night, the one she encountered by chance upon entering the palace, the one who lingered in her thoughts and appeared suddenly upon awakening. Now, she could help him, share his burdens, bring him happiness and comfort; all this filled her with immeasurable joy and happiness.
Daylight had broken, the fog had thinned, and morning rays gradually touched the ground. He Yu finally persuaded the maid at the door to announce her arrival.
The maid knocked several times, but no one responded, so she pushed the door open to take a look.
“Main Palace, please come out! I’ve kept His Majesty waiting so long; are you trying to embarrass me?” He Yu muttered inwardly, unable to control her restless steps or the anxious glances of her eyes.
Just as anxiety peaked, the maid closed the door and returned, reporting to He Yu, “The Main Palace is not here. Please return.”
“What? How can she not be here?” He Yu was deeply shocked and dissatisfied, glancing sternly at the maid, saying, “Don’t deceive me. I have important business with the Main Palace!”
“Please don’t trouble me. The Main Palace truly isn’t in her room!”
“I really need to see her, it’s urgent!”
He Yu grew increasingly anxious, refusing to believe it, so angry she wanted to rush in herself.
“What is it you seek?”
A cool, clear female voice came from behind; it was the Main Palace herself. He Yu turned in delight, and, along with the maids, bowed to the Main Palace, the Lady of Music. “Your disciple greets you, Main Palace!”
“He Yu, come here.” The Main Palace glanced at He Yu with indifference, calmly brushing dew from her hair.
He Yu approached, ready to speak, but was stopped.
“Do you still remember the rules of Xihai Manor?”
“Of course I do,” He Yu replied, lowering her head, afraid to say more, suddenly sensing something strange about the Main Palace—she was covered in dew, her feet muddy.
The Main Palace gave a cold laugh, “Yet you know your mistake, do not correct it, and now wish to do what?”
He Yu was stunned, uncertain why the Main Palace questioned her so. She wondered: What did the Main Palace do so early? Did she notice the carriage at the mountain’s base? Then I need not hide it!
After much thought, He Yu decided to confess everything, believing the Main Palace would grant her request.
“What?” The Main Palace glared at He Yu in fury. “It’s bad enough you break the rules, but to plead for another! What is Xihai Manor, that outsiders may enter? You dare think to befriend them! Have you forgotten we are people of the martial world? The martial world and the court are neither friend nor foe, and do not interfere with one another. Speak no more!”
“Main Palace, consider carefully!” He Yu frowned, anxiety filling her heart, still trying to persuade, “This matter involves many, and the martial world cannot escape entanglement. If we aid the present emperor, Xihai Manor’s position might be strengthened, perhaps even benefitting the struggles of the martial world. Should conflict arise with Kunlun in future, or interests clash, the emperor could assist us—this could be a fine move!”
“A fine move?” The Main Palace smiled faintly, thinking: Perhaps, but the Beihua court already has someone ahead of us. Xihai Manor has always kept away from court affairs; I have already made an exception, I cannot further wade into political factions. Having helped another, this emperor must now be refused!
Seeing the Main Palace deep in thought, He Yu seized the moment, “The emperor is a grateful and compassionate man, a worthy ally! If you wish not to involve the manor with the court, you could still grant him a favor. He would not interfere with Xihai Manor, yet could aid us in many ways!”
The Main Palace smiled coldly, casting He Yu a deep, unfathomable look.
He Yu could not read that gaze. “Main Palace?”
“No need to say more, my mind is set.” Without hesitation, the Main Palace turned away, leaving He Yu in cold isolation.
“Open the door!” With those words, she entered her room, decisively closing it behind her.
He Yu chased to the door, blocked by the maid, forced to call out from outside. “Main Palace, Main Palace! Please reconsider!”
No matter how He Yu pleaded and advised outside, the Main Palace paid no heed, not even frowning. She knew she had no choice in this matter, and could not turn back—her decision had already become a prison.
At last, the troublesome voice faded.
Once He Yu left, peace settled in, and the Main Palace let her countless thoughts unfold:
Last night was cold and silent, the moon as chill as water. The night sky was oppressive, a strange eeriness settling over the land.
No insects sang, no breeze carried the scent of flowers, the nightingale’s mournful song came and went. That night, cold invaded the skin, chilling to the bone.
In an ancient temple outside Xihai Manor, the Empress Dowager had summoned her to meet, deliberately making her wait two extra hours.
She could not refuse, though her heart was filled with reluctance. Before, she lacked the power to struggle or strive; even now, she had no ability to claim freedom or ease.
The Empress Dowager was in Beihua, revered and feared by all. She did not fear the Dowager’s position, but her cruelty.
When one has those they care about, how can they not be bound?
The Empress Dowager’s gaze and tone remained as arrogant and insufferable as ever, dismissive of all.
From the moment the Empress Dowager entered the ancient temple, she knew this would be a difficult battle. She needed to struggle—struggle in spirit, how to choose; struggle in mind, how to respond.
“Xihai Manor is said to nurture talented beauties, and the Lady of Music is both gifted and lovely. Seeing you today, it is indeed so!” The Empress Dowager smiled with a hint of mockery, deliberately focusing on her face.
She smiled lightly, showing no fear of the Dowager’s gaze. “My disciples are indeed beautiful and talented, but I am old, unlike the Dowager who maintains her beauty so well. You still have charm; I am but faded, unable to compare.”
“But I recall you are two years younger than me! Xihai Manor has so many precious herbs and devoted disciples—do none care for your beauty? Or perhaps, you are unable to let go of past events, neglecting your appearance?”
Her smile could not rise again, her heart’s scars cruelly exposed by the Dowager, the pain clear and harsh, but she could only endure it. “What are you here for? Surely not to oppress me.”
“Well, I had hoped to reminisce. Since you are so cold, I won’t trouble myself!” The Dowager dropped her mocking tone, coldly declaring, “We are both direct, so let’s speak plainly. I am here to form an alliance with you.”
“Alliance?” She laughed softly, her expression darkening, her mind whispering: Alliance with me? Never! Have you forgotten how you humiliated me? Old witch, how could you think I would ally with one so ruthless?
“If you dislike the word, call it a transaction.” The Dowager was blunt. “You must know why I came. Just as you suspect, I want you to cooperate with me—mutually beneficial, nothing to fear.”
“Mutually beneficial?” She could not help but mock. “What can you give me? The benefits you bring are harm.”
“Think as you wish!” The Dowager’s tone became stern, not a hint of falsehood. “You know my methods; do you wish to try them again? I am neither threatening nor begging you—do not destroy my patience!”
She laughed twice, carelessly asking, “Then tell me, what must I do? What can you give me?”
“I want you to obey at critical moments! For instance, should the emperor come to Xihai Manor, you must refuse him entry!” The Dowager paused, then asked, “And what will I give you? Tell me—what do you want?”
“What I want, you cannot give.”
“There is nothing I cannot give!” The Dowager snorted, speaking each word with force. “Nor is there anyone who can refuse me!”
She glanced at the Dowager, her eyes full of scorn. “Yes, even if you have nothing to offer, what others wish to protect becomes your leverage. Unfortunately, all I have left is my life; take it if you wish!”
“I know you are stubborn. But do you not wish to contend with Kunlun Mountain? Do you not wish to kill Yu Qianye?”
She replied calmly, “Those are matters of the martial world; you cannot help me.”
“Though court and martial world are separate, they are not entirely unconnected. Besides, Yu Qianye is my own enemy—would it not be better to eliminate him together?”
She smiled, “No, it would not.”
The Dowager was stunned, her expression turning fierce, brows knitting tightly—her patience was gone.
“Well, then you do not care about your son? I hear he often wanders in the pleasure districts and mingles with nobility. I could easily find a charge to punish him!”
“You?” She was speechless with rage, unable to easily respond.
“Hmph, for the sake of our past, I may spare him.” The Dowager saw her finally react, and smiled in satisfaction. “Your son is about the same age as the Third Prince, is he not? He should marry and have children. If I confer a marriage, you cannot refuse, can you?”
“You dare!”
“Watch me dare!”
The two glared at each other, neither yielding, yet their strength unequal.
“When one has something they value more than life, it becomes another’s best leverage. With this, no matter how strong you are, you can only be led by me!”
“Treating me thus, do you not fear retribution?” She gave a bitter laugh. “I care only for my son—aren’t you the same? If, one day, you are similarly threatened, how will you preserve your pride and dignity?”
The Dowager looked at her coldly, a wicked smile on her lips. “I would never wait for such a day. Before it comes, I will eliminate every threat. Do you think me as foolish as you?”
“You have always been skilled in schemes and tactics, but have you ever felt true affection? Are you happy? After obtaining all you desire, will you be content?”
The Dowager could not answer, her arrogance infuriating. A slap landed on her face. “I warn you, this Beihua is my domain! If you dare overstep again, you will pay dearly!”