Why Harem Intrigue When You Can Just Raise a Dog Instead

Two hours later, the Imperial Court adjourned. Many people walked out of the hall like zombies. There were also many people who were so happy that they wanted to dance. In this times court session, the Emperor was bold and decisive, making swift decisions. This was in complete contrast to his prior weak incompetence and addiction to feminine charms. It was clearly something to celebrate. Only this kind of monarch could lead Great Zhou towards a glorious future.

Meng Yanzhou broke away from the ministers who had surrounded him, trying to strike up a conversation, and caught up with Yan Junwei. He asked in a low voice, That guy, Han Hai, is

Ah, he is indeed your brother-in-law.[1]Yan Junwei clapped him on the shoulder and joked, Your brother-in-law already gave you a way out. You should work hard!

Meng Yanzhou was speechless and secretly pondered: This brother-in-law wasnt as bad as Mother and Sister described him!

Having adjourned court, Emperor Zhouwu hadnt had the chance to change out of his formal court attire before he headed towards Cining Palace and entered the main hall of the Buddhist temple. Smoke from the Buddha incense curled in the air. Hearing the muffled monotonous tapping sound of the wooden fish coming from inside the hall, his breathing suddenly became sluggish and he involuntarily parted the beaded curtain to look at the figure tapping the wooden fish from behind.

The woman wore a light blue Buddhist robe and monk cap on her head as she recited sutras. Her voice was dull, but it thoroughly expressed her piety. The scene was exactly the same as his nightmare from last night. With effort, the man suppressed the panic in his heart and walked over to the woman in two or three strides, firmly grabbing the womans shoulder.

Your Majesty? This concubine greets your Majesty. The woman exhaled in pain. She turned around and clearly saw the mans ashen face before promptly greeting him with a bow.

Its you! These two words were stiffly squeezed out from the mans throat, sounding somewhat stunned and relieved.

From today onwards, this concubine will begin to accompany the Empress Dowager to chant sutras. Just now, the Empress Dowager completed her morning service. She is in the inner hall teaching Her Ladyship Virtuous Consort how to manage palace affairs. Zhaoyi Li respectfully replied.

Is that so. Emperor Zhouwu quietly answered. He unobtrusively tucked his trembling hands into his cuffs.

This concubine will send for someone to make tea for your Majesty. Please wait a moment. Noticing that the mans complexion was strange, Zhaoyi Li didnt dare to linger. She quickly found an excuse to leave.

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Waiting until she had walked far away, only then did Emperor Zhouwu slowly sit down on the chair behind him. His taut heartstrings that were stretched to the point of breaking relaxed somewhat. Cining Palaces faintly discernible, ever-present tranquil atmosphere and the lingering fragrance of Buddha incense made him feel tense and bitter. He hated that he couldnt immediately take Sangyu back to Bixiao Palace.

One is a product of their environment.[2]At the time, how could he have agreed to let Sangyu stay beside his mother, who wholeheartedly wanted to leave behind secular affairs? It was truly a blunder on his part!

Just as he was wallowing in regret, the Empress Dowager led Meng Sangyu out into the hall with slow steps.

Your son greets Empress Mother. Emperor Zhouwu stood up and walked forward to support the Empress Dowagers arm. His gaze rested on Sangyus cheek. Seeing her rosy complexion, relaxed eyebrows, and that the dark circles under her eyes had almost vanished, he was quite pleased.

This concubine greets Your Majesty. Meng Sangyu had a truly brilliant smile on her face. No matter what, the other party had rescued her father and clan. She would remember this favour.

No need for formalities. Sit. Emperor Zhouwu patted the seat next to him. His heart rose in inexplicable happiness. Meng Sangyus smile was as bright and beautiful as sunshine as it shined brilliantly. Other than his time as ABao, he finally received it with his identity as the Emperor. As expected, Sangyu was really softhearted. As long as you treated her well, she would pay back your friendship in kind.

Empress Mother, how is Virtuous Consorts studies for managing the palace going? Intimately squeezing Sangyus hand, Emperor Zhouwu turned his head to look at the Empress Dowager. Even though Sangyu had assisted in managing palace affairs in the past, due to his misgivings towards the Meng family, he had never given her any major responsibilities. If she was to manage the Six Palaces,[3]she would still need Empress Mothers supervision for a while.

Virtuous Consort is quick-witted and bright. She has outstanding intelligence. In a few days time, she will be able to wield the phoenix seal on her own.[4]The Empress Dowager wore a calm expression, but her eyes were full of admiration. Having experienced a dire catastrophe, her sons way of thinking finally showed improvement. Without a doubt, Virtuous Consort was the best candidate for Empress. Even if all the palaces imperial concubines hadnt been defiled, she only had her sights set on this person.

Presently, the Empress seat is empty and the Six Palaces of the East and West are in chaos.Your son urgently needs a good wife to help him tidy up affairs. That being the case, Virtuous Consorts abilities are outstanding, enough to permit her to assume the position today. There is Zhaoyi Li to accompany your honoured self in chanting and copying sutras. Empress Mother wouldnt mind letting go of Sangyu, right? Emperor Zhouwu lightly smiled and his words carried a teasing tone.

Well, well! After all, this child was waiting for Aijia! Its only been half a day, but hes going back on his word! Hes too indecisive!

The Empress Dowager pursed her lips and waved a hand, saying, No need to hurry. Virtuous Consorts body is still weak. Let her recover for a few more days. Aijia will help you manage palace affairs for now. Allowing Virtuous Consort to observe by Aijias side will help her learn and save her from making mistakes down the road.

Emperor Zhouwus eyes darkened. He looked like he wanted to say more, but the Empress Dowager beat him to the chase. What do you think, Virtuous Consort?

Ah? Meng Sangyu, who was leisurely drinking tea without a worry, was dragged into the fray by the Empress Dowager. After staring blankly for an instant, she immediately put down her teacup and resolutely said, Naturally, this concubine will accompany the Empress Dowager to learn for a while longer!

When handling matters, one ought to be careful and follow the proper order of doing things. Good child, youre a clever one. Aijia didnt spend effort to teach you in vain. The Empress Dowager counted her prayer beads and smiled. On one hand, she was full of admiration for Virtuous Consort, and on the other hand, she delighted in obstructing her sons plans.[5]

Emperor Zhouwus lips curved as he smiled at his mother. In that case, thank you for your trouble, Empress Mother. He returned his gaze to Sangyu beside him and absentmindedly said, Speaking of which, Zhen saw Our beloved Consorts elder brother in court today.

Meng Sangyu clasped the embroidered handkerchief in her hands tightly. Her phoenix eyes sparkled as she looked towards the man.

Emperor Zhouwu secretly sniggered to himself as his thick brows slightly knitted together. Previously, Zhen heard someone say that Imperial Duke Mengs legitimate son was impulsive and reckless. As expected, these words were not false. Today in court, no one dared to reply to Zhen. Only Deputy Commander Meng stepped forward to boldly speak his mind, causing all the ministers to raise their eyebrows in surprise, one after another.

The light in Meng Sangyus eyes flickered and a flattering smile bloomed on her face. She said coquettishly, Elder Brothers personality is indeed quite frank. He doesnt understand the subtleties of officialdom. Would Your Majesty please watch over Elder Brother? This concubine will definitely study hard and take over palace affairs within five days. Please rest assured, Your Majesty!

Just now, she said that she would learn slowly, and in a blink of an eye, its become within five days what skill in adapting to the situation! The Empress Dowagers hand paused in counting prayer beads.

Mm. Emperor Zhouwu agreed and his eyebrows relaxed. Before, he was smiling inwardly, but now he was smiling brightly, and finally, he laughed heartily as his body rocked back and forth. Previously, he hadnt realized that Sangyu was an opportunist who would always adjust according to the moods of others. It was truly truly unimaginably cute!

Thinking up to this point, Emperor Zhouwu started to laugh again. Even the calm-faced Empress Dowagers eyes crinkled with amusement.

Damndid this great lady say some kind of earth-shattering joke? How bad is his sense of humour?

Meng Sangyu took a sip of tea to hide the twitching corner of her mouth as she inwardly pondered.

After chatting with his mother and wife for a while in Cining Palace, seeing that it was getting late and that he ought to return to manage governmental affairs, Emperor Zhouwu couldnt bear to leave. Turning his head to look towards the curling Buddha incense and hearing the unrelenting sound of chanting sutras and hitting the wooden fish, his eyes darkened slightly. He didnt feel safe leaving Sangyu in this place, even if it was for a short five days.

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The falling snow had stopped and the path had already been swept clean. Emperor Zhouwu waved away the imperial palanquin and slowly made his way towards Qianqing Palace. Has that dogs illness been properly treated yet?

Changxi blanked and it was a while before he reacted, hurriedly replying, Reporting to Your Majesty, it has just about recovered.

When its cured, send it to Qianqing Palace. He commanded solemnly. To prevent Sangyu from truly abandoning the secular world to become a nun, it was still better to find some things for her to form attachments to. He would give her everything she liked. Lets see if she could bear to part with them.

Understood. acknowledged Changxi. He secretly made a note of this matter in his heart.

After the procession travelled about five to six hundred metres, it encountered several groups of imperial concubines. Beside each concubine were either young, pretty palace maids or low-ranked but comely first-class and second class female attendants.[6]

This concubine (This servant) greets Your Majesty. Seeing the handsome man clad in splendour, all of the concubines curtsied in greeting. In a split second, the Imperial Garden was filled with the sound of orioles and sparrows twittering. It was a very charming and gentle scene.

Rise. The mans expression was indifferent as he maintained his dignified attitude. Not making eye contact with any of the women, he ignored them as he walked through the group without any intention of pausing.

The cool wind picked the withered leaves off the ground, causing the leaves to swirl in a circle. The imperial concubines quivered and woodenly straightened themselves as they looked towards Qianqing Palace. The back of the tall, bright yellow figure had already completely disappeared from view. The Emperor who had accompanied them to drink warm wine in the pavilion, to view the flowers by the pond, and who had passionately accompanied them every night seemed like he had changed.

Imperial Consorts expression changed several times before finally morphing into a sinister smile. She waved her hand and said, Lets go to the Cold Palace to see Her Ladyship Gracious Consort. If it wasnt for Gracious Consort, she wouldnt have fallen to her present state.

Many high-ranked concubines heard what was said and their expressions instantly distorted. They dismissed the low-ranked concubines and maids at their sides who were unaware of the situation. The concubines brought along their close confidants and headed towards the Cold Palace.

Having been repeatedly exposed to the ravaging snow, the Cold Palace looked even more dilapidated, but it appeared to be fairly clean. All of the filth was concealed under the vast expanse of snow. The Emperor had still not formally acted against the Shen family. He had merely banished Gracious Consort to the Cold Palace without stripping her of her Consort rank, yet seeing the Emperors decisive actions in court today, it was clear that the Shen family had no hope of making a comeback. The only thing that anyone could do was to vent their rage on others and plan their revenge.

Since the masters would often come by to visit, Gracious Consorts residence had already been swept clean and all the furniture had been wiped until they shone. It was clean and tidy and there were specially appointed servants to help her thoroughly enjoy the Cold Palaces special treatment.

When Imperial Consorts party arrived, Shen Huiru was in the middle of being held down on her bed by a strong elderly maid who was forcing her to drink medicine. She desperately shook her head and struggled. Streams of brown medicinal liquid flowed down her cheeks onto the bed. A large portion of the bedding was soaked. This sort of situation seemed to have occurred often because her bedding and clothes were already deeply stained with various medicines to the point where the original color of the fabric was indiscernible. Drawing closer, ones nose would also be assailed with a pungent odor.

The entire palace was very clean except for Gracious Consort herself and her bed. It made others feel disgusted even if this was not their first time witnessing it. That pure, proud and arrogant white lotus from the past had long since rotted into a lump of mud.

Nianci[7]lent a hand to restrain Gracious Consorts legs. Catching sight of the group of concubines, she promptly walked forward to salute them. Having obtained freedom, Shen Huirus legs ruthlessly kicked out at the elderly maid, but unexpectedly the maid blocked the kicks with a hand. She slammed the lip of the bowl between Shen Huirus teeth so hard that one of her front teeth was pried out, causing blood to flow.

Shen Huiru couldnt endure the pain and covered her mouth with a hand as she curled up on the bed. The elderly maid set down the bowl and greeted the group of imperial concubines.

Stand, youre very dedicated. Bengong is quite satisfied. You must make her drink the medicine on time, but dont let her die. Imperial Consort leaned to one side as she sat on a chair decorated with flower carvings. She languidly tossed the embroidered handkerchief in her hand. Seeing the blood seeping between Shen Huirus fingers and the lone tooth on the floor, she smiled with interest.

Worthy Consort held her nose between her fingers and eyed the red scar on Shen Huirus neck. She coldly said, You want to hang yourself? It wont be so easy! When its time for bed, if you dont feel like keeping watch over her, you can tie her up and stuff cotton in her mouth. Lets see if shell still try to attempt suicide!

The elderly maid and Nianci acknowledged the order and delightedly took the rewards bestowed on them by the concubines.

Worthy Consort originally wanted to properly teach Gracious Consort a lesson, but upon smelling the foul stench from her body and seeing the dull expression in her eyes like that of a dying dogs, she hesitated. A few days prior, she had tortured her too much and nearly killed this sl*t. This time, she would let her properly recover for a while. If she didnt let her stay alive without suffering endless torture, her hatred wouldnt be abated!

The elderly maid received the reward money. Once more, she warmed up a bowl of medicine to force down Shen Huirus throat. Once everyone else had finished amusing themselves over Shen Huirus incomparably miserable situation and confirming that her body could still endure for a long time, only then did they depart, feeling perfectly content.

Once everyone left, Shen Huirus unfocused eyes slowly regained their clarity. She tightly hugged her knees and curled up on the soiled and untidy bed. Two lines of tears slowly trickled down her face and silently fell onto the foul-smelling bedding.