Chapter 103: The Human Stool (Explosive Update)

Today the skies were perfectly clear, the spring breeze gentle and warm—a rare and beautiful day. From early morning, Bai Li Xian had followed Liu Ling’er to wait outside the Empress Dowager’s chambers, longing for this moment as one waits for the stars and the moon. At last, the day had arrived when they could openly and honorably escort the Empress Dowager back to the imperial palace.

Liu Ling’er felt as if she might weep with relief. She finally understood what it meant to invite a deity but struggle to send them away; the troublesome stone she had set rolling was finally going to be returned, no longer crushing her own foot.

After a while, the Empress Dowager, Chu Meier, emerged. Today, she was clad in a bright red imperial birthday robe, radiant and festive—the very image of celebration and unmistakably the central figure of the day. On her head was the phoenix coronet reserved for the Empress Dowager, her hair adorned with a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin, and she wore a phoenix-embroidered robe, exuding majesty and dignity. Liu Ling’er had taken great care with her own attire, yet beside Chu Meier, she still appeared somewhat overshadowed.

With a glance, Bai Li Xian stepped forward and bowed deeply. Liu Ling’er followed closely behind. “Your children pay their respects to Mother. May you enjoy health and longevity, blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea, a life as enduring as the Southern Mountain!”

Chu Meier was evidently pleased. “Xian’er, Ling’er, rise. An old woman like me doesn’t care for all that talk of long life. If you truly wish to show your devotion, then hurry and give me a grandson to hold. That would make all my affection for you worthwhile.”

There it was again! The subject she never failed to mention! Liu Ling’er’s head throbbed as she exchanged a look with Bai Li Xian; both their mouths twitched involuntarily.

Heaven knew the Empress Dowager was obsessed with having a grandson. Every day she made her drink fertility soup, personally supervising to ensure she finished every drop. Now, Liu Ling’er felt queasy at the mere sight or scent of soup. Judging by Bai Li Xian’s expression, he too must be suffering in silence.

But today, since they could finally send the Empress Dowager back to the palace, Liu Ling’er didn’t mind putting on another act. She clung to Chu Meier’s arm and shook it playfully. “Mother, the Prince and I will do our utmost every day. But look at all these people around us—surely you know how shy I am!”

Bai Li Xian could only smile wryly. “Do our utmost every day,” she says—as if he were a breeding boar! And she still claimed to be shy.

The crowd escorted the Empress Dowager out to the front of the prince’s residence, where the carriage was already prepared. The tall carriage and its handsome horses made for a grand display. Liu Ling’er recalled the first time she rode in that carriage—Bai Li Xian hadn’t even provided a stool for her. She wondered how he would handle the Empress Dowager today.

As they approached, a servant hurried forward and bent at the waist, forming a perfect ninety-degree angle—a living stepping stool. Liu Ling’er was nearly beside herself with indignation. Ancient customs were one thing, but she hadn’t expected to witness such a blatant disregard for human dignity.

Sensing her disapproval, Chu Meier waved a hand. “Let him stand down. I can manage myself.”

Before she had finished speaking, the servant went limp and dropped to his knees with a thud. “Mercy, Your Majesty! I am unworthy—please forgive me!” He kowtowed repeatedly, his forehead quickly turning purple.

Unexpectedly, Chu Meier moved forward and helped him up. “Look at you—I’m not blaming you. It was my own failure to make things clear that frightened you.” Whether or not this was Chu Meier currying favor, Liu Ling’er found herself warming to her.

Even after Chu Meier had climbed into the carriage, the servant stood rooted to the spot, overwhelmed. As Liu Ling’er passed him, she slipped a handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it to him. “Go and wipe your forehead.”

The servant nearly broke down in tears. For the first time in his life, he felt respected and valued—especially by someone as powerful as Liu Ling’er. Little did she know that this small act of kindness would one day save her life.

Tie Wula drove the carriage steadily towards the palace. Yin Wula and Tong Wula cleared the way ahead, palace guards surrounded them, and Jin Wula and a retinue of attendants followed behind. Bai Li Xian’s arrangements were impeccable; anyone who dared attempt to assassinate the Empress Dowager today would be courting death.

At the palace gates, the Emperor, Bai Li Hai, was already waiting with the Empress, Chu Yue’er, Wu Rong’er, and the other favored consorts. When Tie Wula reined in the carriage, Liu Ling’er helped Chu Meier alight, and the gathered concubines dropped to their knees to pay their respects.

The true ruler of the inner palace had returned; all lesser spirits and schemers would have to stand aside. Without the Empress Dowager’s oversight, Bai Li Hai had enjoyed a measure of freedom in recent days, so he was the last person who wanted her back—her presence was an obstacle to his plans.

It was the Empress Dowager’s birthday, and he had conspired with the Prime Minister for days, setting in motion a “grand surprise” for her a week ago—hoping perhaps to finally rid himself of this hindrance in one bold stroke.

Glancing at the sea of kneeling beauties, then at Bai Li Hai’s calm demeanor, Liu Ling’er couldn’t help but think: With so many concubines, how do you even manage, Your Majesty? How are you not already exhausted beyond recovery?

She was suddenly reminded of the time the Emperor had visited Prince Xian’s manor and taken a liking to Su Yun Yun, who had been disguised as a woman. She had been tempted to prostrate herself before the Emperor for his vigor.

A true stallion—no, a king among stallions! Was this the legendary champion of all stallions?

Liu Ling’er’s odd gaze was apparently too intense, for Bai Li Hai actually looked her way. She quickly tilted her head skyward, feigning fascination with the cloudless heavens, though there was nothing to see.