《Fu Tu Ta》


 CH 1

    In the spring of Long Hua''s eleventh year, it rained for a long time. The capital was drenched in moisture, and the sun was not visible for about forty days.


    The country is in chaos, and everything is in danger. The health of Emperor Yuan Zhen, who was lying on the high dragon bed, was getting worse and worse. At noon it was heard that he had given up eating and drinking and that perhaps the year would soon change.


    Who the emperor was was not important to members of the Fifth Institute. The eyelids of the ladies were shallow, unlike the ministers at court who had the world in their hearts. They only know that they have only entered the palace for more than a month, and the lowly title has just been conferred. What greeted them next was neither the emperor''s fortune nor honor but perhaps it was the ancient blue Buddha lamp in the monastery, the sunset in the imperial mausoleum or the cold and damp walls of the tomb in the underground palace...


    Who knows!


    ¡°I wish that I had never entered the palace in the first place,¡± One of the handpicked maids stood under the eaves and groaned, ¡°The Emperor is currently in his prime, who knows¡­ if he were any minute he would be a lifeless man. "


    "Why isn''t it our turn to decide things for ourselves?" The others covered their mouths and looked around, suppressing their voices, "Keep your voice down so people can''t hear you. I''m afraid we won''t be able to endure to the end, but we must take the first step."


    "What are you afraid of now? Just pray that God will keep your eyes open, protect the emperor with long life and let us live another two years as it is considered a blessing from accumulating virtue and doing good deeds in our previous lives."


    People often say that before when there were Emperors and courtiers, the women in the harem were not like this. After entering the palace, everything depended on the Emperor. When the Emperor was in good health, they said how comfortable they were, at least their lives were safe; if the Emperor died, those with children could retire to the position of Concubine. As for those who have nothing to do with low status, it seems that there is no good way out for those who have no family to rely on."


    This huge enigmatic empire, falling into the hands of anyone is an irreversible stalemate. It has been 264 years since the founding of the Great Ye Kingdom, and in the past 200 years, it has experienced brilliance and has also had an illustrious leader. Back then, the Emperor opened up the territory, moved the capital to the current capital, made the country prosperous in all directions, and no one in the past dynasties could match him. However, the fortune of a dynasty also has reincarnation. The excited young man is now getting old, dragging his bloated body, and his reaction is slow, no one knows what will happen next.


    Yin Lou closed the curtained window and turned to make tea at the table. The tea was poured into a blue and white porcelain cup, and the tall, broken foam rolled up and down in the boiling water.


    ¡°Drinking tea,¡± He pushed forward, ¡°The froth of the sparrow''s tongue is also better than needle snails. My hometown produces tea, and when I entered the palace, I couldn''t even touch the tip of the tea leaves. , now I only have the chance to drink some ingredients. What a misfortune."


    He has always been like this, as if these big things had nothing to do with him. He smiled as he spoke, and even as he drew the flower tattoo on his shoulder, he smiled too.


    Li Mei Ren had no interest in being like him, and she frowned and sighed, ¡°With the current conditions, you still want some tea?!¡±


    Now they are almost dying. Yin Lou was also worried, but what could he do?! He sat down, picked up the lid of his cup and scraped off the foam and said slowly, "We humans are caged birds. After entering the palace, life and death are no longer in our control. But if we live one day, it counts as two and a half days. When the decree is issued, what what happens in the future depends on each of our luck!¡±


    Li Mei Ren was silent, stared blankly at him for a long time, and said, ¡°Blame me for troubling you. Thinking about it now, if you were kicked out by then, you wouldn''t have to worry about today.¡±


    Yin Lou heard it and said with a smile, "Will life be better after being kicked out? Maybe not as good as it is now. There are no brothers waiting to meet each other. If you marry in the future you will not be accepted. Don''t expect to get a good match "Useless stupid girls like us would be better off having a matchmaker who can make us jump to the sky. Actually, you don''t need to worry too much now. The doctors at Taiyuan Hospital have various ways. Maybe they can develop some kind of recipe to cure illness so that Master Longevity will be cured in a flash.¡±


    After saying that, he felt a little relieved. Although the emperor''s illness has not improved for two years, after all, he has not died. Like in the past, he had almost died a few times, but had always been rescued, this time there must be some luck. After overturning the gates of hell, Quan is now south of the Yangtze River.


    As for the friendship between Yin Lou and Li Mei Ren, there is another story. They entered the palace in the same batch. Like the students in the countryside taking the exam, if they are discussed, they can also be called the same year. They entered the palace gate together. At that time their hair, skin and legs were examined in a room. While doing a body check, Yin Lou makes a mess of himself, and Li Mei Ren helps him.


    In order for a good family member to participate in the election, the first thing to do is to make sure that he never makes a mistake. The eunuchs in the palace were unscrupulous, and they had tricked girls before. Later, to ensure safety, the Shang Palace Bureau somehow devised an ingenious plan ¨C scattering flour in a dustpan and placing it on the bed, so that the candidate crouches over it and has you sipping on the pepper powder. If you choke, you will always sneeze, right? This effort is proven.


    It is said that the lower body of a virgin will not move at all, if your body is damaged¡­ it will probably be reduced to ashes. This was a secret he had only learned after entering the palace, and Yin Lou had never heard of it before. He was stupid at the time, Shang Gong told him to go to the bed to aim at the flour, and he aimed at him, but he used his face to look down. As a result, the sneeze immediately shot into the dustpan, spraying Shang Gong all over his body and head. Look at her stupidity, her brain is not flexible enough to be a maid in the palace, even if she is reluctant to stay, she is still an ordinary woman. Thanks to Li Mei Ren''s bravery and kind words for her, she was not deported to where she came from. He doesn''t want to make a mistake and wants to be Cai ren [1] in the palace.


    [1] c¨¢i r¨¦n (²ÅÈË) : female official in an ancient palace; maiden rank


    Of course, Cai ren is still Cai ren even though they were drunk when they were discouraged because they still couldn''t get on stage. However, it is already a great joy in life to not have to work in a laundry, and to have time to enjoy the flowers in spring and the moon in autumn. He had never thought of the grace of the rain and dew, the bed left over from the sick emperor, and the harem that had been useless for a long time. It''s just that the situation is like this, and elections are still held every three years and what kind of calculations are made in them, it''s horrifying to think about it.


    A gust of wind blew, and the window sill somehow opened, and heavy rain fell on the pages of the book, completely drenching the table. Li Mei Ren got up and pushed the wooden peg, and suddenly turned around and asked her, "Do you think we will pretend to be Chaotian [2] women ?"


    [2] Ch¨¢oti¨¡n (³¯Ìì): originally a maid in the Emperor''s harem but if the Emperor died then the Chaotian women would either be buried with the Emperor or guard the Emperor''s mausoleum for the rest of her life.


    Yin Lou shivered, he knew this kind of thing very well, why bother saying it!


    In short, the origin of the Chaotian maiden is to sacrifice living people to be buried with the deceased emperor. In the years since Daye''s founding, this bad habit has never gone away. These people are no better than ants in the eyes of those in power.


    The emperor is a ruler in this vast mainland of China and is a person chosen by heaven for all people. When the Emperor lived, these Chaotian maidens would enjoy glory and wealth but when the Emperor died, he would bring a group of people to serve him. Once the emperor is no longer on the throne, the internal official eunuchs are ready to make a list. This is a good opportunity for general revenge and personal revenge. The ministers began to act one after another. If political opponents could not be removed in court, they tried to account for the daughters of political opponents and killed one of them.


    However, their deaths were not in vain. The bereaved family since then has a special title, which is called the "Chaotian maiden household". This kind of honor was hereditary, and future Emperors would grant preferential treatment to his family in recognition of their "commitment and righteousness."


    Whether he will die or not, no one can say for sure. It depends on luck. Yin Lou put down the teacup and said, "If you are destined to become a monk or guard a tomb, there is still a glimmer of life."


    Li Mei Ren shook her head slowly, "I''m afraid it''s not up to us. When Emperor Taizu died, and there were 120 people buried. When Emperor Chengzong died there were about 40 people. Subsequent emperors ranged from 70 to 80, at least 50 or 60 , and now it has become the norm. Count, how many people are there in the Fifth Institute? Including those who are lucky but have no children, the number is enough.


    Count them enough, don''t try to run away. The number of Chaotian women is not fixed, and generally increases, and there is no reason to reduce it. She stared at the rain outside the roof, her nose hurt slightly, "Only us concubines are lucky not to escape, how pitiful."


    "Do you still have the heart to sympathize with others? Let''s bury our innocent bodies. Come to think of it, who is more pathetic?" Li Mei Ren caressed the flowers on the twigs and walked slowly to the door, "Yin Lou, the only ones who can save us now are the eunuchs of Silijian."


    Talking about Silijian, it is enough to make people feel frightened. At first, Emperor Chengzong used eunuchs to coerce the ministers at court, with the consideration of checking and balancing each other. But eventually it got out of mutual control and balance. Unexpectedly, the emperors of later generations followed the example and carried it into the future. Up to now, they have established police departments, admirals and eunuchs even approved Pihong [3] on behalf of the emperor, and control the government with their hands. This kind of concubine burial is naturally within the jurisdiction of Silijian.


    [3] P¨© h¨®ng (Åúºì) : also known as "Pizhu", referring to the emperor''s suggestion to Ming Dynasty cabinet ministers (i.e., "draft ticket") written in red letters.


    Yin Lou stared at him blankly, "What''s your plan?"


    Li Mei Ren looked a little embarrassed, she turned around and said, ¡°I remember mentioning eunuch Yan Sun Lang to you, do you still remember? Right now the Emperor is seriously ill and and those with knowledge have already made their move. We have no one to rely on in the harem, is there any other way to escape? By the time the edict comes it will be too late.¡±


    Yin Lou was taken aback, "Are you going to negotiate terms with that eunuch? You are going to leave now and fall into his arms?"


    Li Mei Ren smiled sadly, "I''m alone in the palace. So how else? I just want to be his partner and get to know him. Compared to death, whether it''s light or heavy, there''s no need to weigh it."


    His eyes were blank, as if he had made up his mind. Yin Lou was still confused at first, but only now did he truly feel the doomsday panic. When you''re really desperate, there''s no giving up. The so-called ''pair meal'' meant that eunuchs and palace maids lived with each other. Despite no real relationship, they look like husband and wife to each other, and following each other is a matter of a lifetime. There weren''t many choices for women in the inner court. Several powerful eunuchs have bloated to a certain extent. The maids below could no longer satisfy their crippled pride so they stretched out their tentacles towards the palace concubine with the lowly title. As for the Emperor, because he relied too much on that Eunuch,


    Rations for eunuchs, but who wants to be a little arrogant? The concubines really wanted to make peace with each other, but they didn''t know that the higher the position of officials and nobles, the stronger they were than the ordinary men outside. In the early years, there was a case of a eunuch who tortured the eunuch''s spouse and another maid and killed them. When the emperor heard about it, he only punished him with 20 strokes, and he closed the case lightly. If Li Mei Ren threw herself into the trap, wouldn''t she just walk out of the wolf den and into the tiger den?


    He wanted to persuade her to think twice, but why? When it comes to life and death, everyone has their own choice. Li Mei Ren stepped out, and the wind that was swirling in the hall ruffled the corners of her clothes. He walked farther and farther away, and it was hard to see through the misty rain. Yin Lou climbed up the lattice door and watched it blankly, feeling sad in his heart. Everyone went looking for a way, only he knew no one. There is no other way but to wait for death.


    "Miss, what should we do?" as he circled around, his maid Tong Yun followed him step by step, "You said that Li Mei Ren coaxed Eunuch Yan. Will he help us?"


    Yin Lou stared at the roof. "At this time, who is guarding who?"


    Tong Yun stomped his feet in a crying voice, ¡°This is a matter of life and death, so think about it!¡±


    He didn''t want to sit still, but he had nowhere to go. What should she do?


    "Are you asking me to recommend myself to those eunuchs? It seems I can''t do it." He shifted his gaze, ¡°Besides, even if I wanted to, no one would want me! Silijian would definitely be popular these days, so I won''t be joining in on the fun. Or why don''t I try it with the Royal Horse Overseer? could be a sweet cake now¡­ Are you saying that you were so lowly that you were picked on by the eunuch and your heart turned cold.¡±


    Tong Yun felt helpless for a while. "Which is more important, living or facing it? In fact, it is useless to be busy elsewhere. At this time, there is only Silijian, who holds the power of life and death with his pen. If we can climb into the eunuch power, then our heads can be saved."


    The Overseer Eunuch who oversees the silkworm trade, is the top eunuch, and has the most power in the world. When Yin Lou first entered the palace, he had seen Dong Chang*''s people from a distance. Wearing a gold cap with black gauze, a sunflower tulle collar, and a luan sash on her head, she wore a trotter, and embroidered gold pythons left and right. He walked across the white marble platform. He was so imposing and majestic that Yin Lou could never forget him.


    The powerful eunuch is Admiral Dong Chang [4]. He is the top eunuch among eunuchs, with the greatest power in the world. When Yin Lou first entered the palace, he saw people from Dongc Chang from afar. Wearing a gold hat painted with black gauze, wearing a collared shirt with sunflower tassels, wearing a luan belt on his head, wearing a sash, and golden pythons embroidered on the left and right. Walking on the white marble platform, he will never forget the majestic arrogance.


    [4] D¨­ng ch¨£ng (¶«³§) : espionage agent under eunuch leadership in the Ming Dynasty


    But the ** is evil and cunning, how can it be so easy to befriend them! He leaned against the vermilion lacquer treasure chest and sighed Xiao Duo, the eunuch with the palm print, flattered the Emperor, and relied on the emperor and empress'' help to set up Zhao prison and frame Zhongliang. Dealing with him, I am afraid he will die even faster!

 CH 2

    It was getting dark, and the rain seemed to have lessened a bit. As day and night alternated, the twilight outside was a faint blue. Makes people confused, and some don''t know whether it is dawn or evening.


    The eunuch in charge of the lanterns carried the lanterns under the eaves, lifted them up with a long stick, and hung them on the iron hooks one by one. Qianqing Palace broke out of sleep, as if the only light in the silent world, stood there dignified. But only a moment later, the Jiaotai Hall and Kunning Palace behind lit up one after another, forming a line, and it was a vast area of ??brilliance, which was the center of the Forbidden City.


    The tears on Empress Zhao''s face had not yet dried. He had been crying for such a long time that his eyes had become swollen. He passed the dragon and phoenix floor hood outside, and called for the physicians to inquire about the emperor''s condition, "How''s the pulse? When will Your Highness get better?"


    There were many taboos in the palace. Even if it looks bad, you can''t ask when you will die. The imperial physician was unable to reply. He turned around, only bowed and replied, ¡°Your Majesty''s pulse is weak and thin. According to medical theory, if the life essence and blood are insufficient, the pulse will be thin and weak. If it is lacking Yin then it cannot unite Yang. weak. Servant has seen that before. Compared to yesterday, his current condition has slightly improved."


    The Queen sighed slightly, "The Emperor was fine the other day. But I don''t know why I got lost like this."


    When he looked back, the yellow silk satin mosquito net hanging in front of the bed was uncovered, and a blue-gray face emerged from the gap. He quickly shifted his gaze, and quietly led the princes and ministers who were waiting for the edict to a side hall.


    Palace maids helped him sit on the throne. Behind the scenes he calmed down and said to the imperial physician in front of him, ¡°When I asked the cause, your imperial physician always hesitated and lied. Nothing was clear until now. Now the ministers and officials are here. clan relatives, the emperor''s confidants and close ministers. At a critical time like this, there''s no need to cover up too many of them. If you have something to say then it shouldn''t be a problem. Keeping people in the dark isn''t always the way to go. If something''s wrong, I''m afraid the imperial physician can''t handle it."


    Last month, His Highness summoned the imperial physician to ask for his pulse. At that time His Royal Highness experienced symptoms of hot flashes. What is the origin of this disease?"


    He swallowed his saliva, ¡°Hepatic and kidney Yin deficiency is mostly caused by chronic diseases that damage the kidneys, lack of meditation, and excessive sexual intercourse. Physicians give prescriptions to relieve symptoms, to


    warm and dry and increase Yin. Mainly it nourishes the kidneys and nourishes the lungs. That¡­ matter of the imperial harem, I also reported to Your Highness at that time. But now that Your Highness'' illness is getting dangerous. Thinking of this I understand the ministers'' request."


    Everyone present was slightly embarrassed when they heard it. The physician''s words clearly understood that the cause of the emperor being bedridden was because he did not follow the physician''s orders and had excessive sex. The phlegm and blood in the previous cough was forgivable, but it wasn''t as serious as just now. He lifted his neck and spooned the medicine into His Highness'' mouth. But it all gushed out from his mouth and nose, looking very scary.


    The Queen was stunned for a moment, and said bitterly: "Such a big trouble, why didn''t anyone report it to me? You guys hid it well, and see what happened!"


    As she spoke, she cried back, ¡°If you guys report it to me, then every word and sentence I say won''t end up in the same position as today! I''ll reprimand him, saying those things over and over again. in the end. I am the first lady. I shouldn''t say that, but look at the several uncles and ministers of the Chengqian Palace entangled day and night. Now that her body is dying, who can create an elixir that can save her soul?"


    The affairs of the harem were originally the affairs of the emperor''s household. He liked anyone with warm eyes and no room for outsiders to say anything. It was fine because it was a small matter, but now there was a huge mess that shook the foundations. If that was revealed then they should have a good reason.


    Chengqian Palace had been designated as the residence of the imperial concubines since the founding of the Great Ye Kingdom. Now this imperial concubine is surnamed Shao, and has a fairly deep relationship with the emperor. Concubine Shao was originally the fianc¨¦ of a prince in the East Palace. By chance, he met the Yuanzhen Emperor, who was still a prince at the time. But if the prince snatches the prince''s fianc¨¦, doesn''t that sound bad?


    This matter reached Emperor Daizong, and after being reprimanded, he let go. Later, the two princes respectively married and had nothing to do with each other. He thought the past was over. But who knows that after the emperor ascended the throne, his first decision was to order Concubine Shao and her husband to divorce, and he brought Concubine Shao into the palace with integrity. Once lost and now found, true love is not ordinary. The two of them had lived the life of husband and wife, and thrown everyone in the harem into a corner.


    Everyone knows that if one can meet true love in his life, his life will not be wasted. However, what is easy for ordinary people to do is difficult for emperors to do. If the method is not right, all parties can complain and cannot suppress the waves. But they didn''t dare say anything. After several decades, when one grew older, they would become stubborn, and injustice would pass. However, the emperor was too weak, and Concubine Shao was too spoiled and became arrogant.


    What do the ministers say about this contradiction? The officials cursed, the military officers were going to fight, but they couldn''t control the queen''s grievances about the imperial concubine. Talking about the two, everyone knows what to do in the future. It''s just that the emperor hasn''t breathed for a while, and his mouth is uncomfortable to promise anything.


    Everyone was quiet, and the atmosphere was a bit stiff. At this time, a man in a red robe and jade belt came out to ease the tension, and said warmly, ¡°Your Majesty''s illness has made people agitated these past few days so the palace looks quite disorderly. His Imperial Majesty has been ill for a while, but that''s fine. We shouldn''t neglect our work and guard the door for the Emperor, so that we can fulfill the promise to the emperor. In my humble opinion, everyone should take good care of each department. Don''t delay the decision that should be given. We will approve those that the ministers can agree on behalf of Your Majesty and the main matters that cannot be decided will be decided once His Majesty the Emperor returns to health.During this time, the elders of each department should work even harder. Not to ask the emperor for a reward, but so that we all have peace of mind."


    He bowed his hand again to the Empress, "Please rest Empress. May the Emperor live long and be blessed. This time it is only a small obstacle, and it will be fine. The Emperor will definitely pass it well."


    As soon as he said it, everyone hurriedly agreed, "Master Xiao''s words are reasonable. The ministers and the others will definitely do their best to repay His Majesty''s kindness."


    They declared their resolve quickly and left the palace through the side hall.


    The light dimmed a little, and he stood by the chandelier fiddling with his wick. A heavy golden color was reflected on her flawless face like white jade. She had exquisite facial features, often the corners of her lips curved into a cold and thin arc, but her slightly raised eyes had a unique taste. When he looks at you intently, a strange illusion of compassion appears.


    However, illusions are always illusions, and everyone who has dealt with them knows that. He plays a good game of chess. No matter how bad his tactics were, his words would always sound high. Power is a good thing, polish it and it will set you on your feet. The word "young and happy", power is in his hands today. Having a sharp knife by your side can always make people feel at ease.


    ¡°Xiao Duo¡­¡± The Queen called out to him, feeling a surge of anger.


    Xiao Duo came to help him release his frustration. He placed his arm on the Queen''s arm in a familiar gesture, "The Queen has been taking care of the emperor all day, it''s time to rest. You must be tired and I will escort you back to the palace."


    The queen came out with her, and in front of them were two palace maids lighting the lights. In the drizzle, Xiao Duo held an umbrella for him, and the twilight surrounded him, which made people feel at ease. She sighed and leaned lazily on his shoulder.


    "I''m tired." His hands holding the umbrella carefully wrapped around her, "I''ll relax your muscles and bones so you can rest."


    Back at Kunning Palace, everyone standing in the main hall withdrew. This is a custom that has been cultivated for more than three years. As long as Xiao Duo was there, the Empress didn''t need anyone else to serve her.


    The Queen sat down in front of the dressing table and untied her hair bun, and the people behind her came to take the Chaoyang Wufeng hanging pearl hairpin in her hand, and took an ivory comb to comb her hair, from the ends to the bottom of the hair, as if she would never bored. The Emperor owed her tenderness, and obtaining comfort from her, even though it was still not enough, was better than nothing.


    He scanned his face from the brass mirror, and placed it on his shoulder, ¡°The anxiety in the Queen''s heart, is all I know. Don''t worry. Even if something happens to the Emperor, you are still the lord of the 6 palaces. to pieces, I will keep the Queen safe and sound."


    His hand was on the queen''s shoulder, not daring to press her down. The queen placed her hands on her thin white fingers and squeezed them hard, "How long do you think the Emperor can last?"


    She squinted at the dragon and phoenix candlesticks, her long eyelashes intertwined, and she couldn''t see what she was thinking. After a while, he said, ¡°In these two days, the Empress should make plans earlier. The Emperor only has a son, and he is still being brought up in the palace of the imperial concubines. Whether to put the Prince on the throne, or choose a candidate among the uncles, depends on the Queen''s decision."


    The Queen turned to look at him, "If you want to live a comfortable life in the future, it is best to use King Rong as a cover. Sons inheriting his father''s affairs is commonplace. It is a big deal to appoint several ministers and the right is still in your hands."


    Xiao Duo smiled, "The Queen has forgotten my origins, so you are still worried about such a thing. Shouldn''t I be picking up a staff?"


    "What''s your excuse? Aren''t you stubborn!" The Queen giggled and snuggled into her arms, feeling a little embarrassed at the thought, "Concubine Shao has a son. We can''t possibly bury him. How are you going to take care of it?"


    She stroked her hair, twisting the ends of her hair and rubbing it gently on her fingertips, "The Queen doesn''t need to ask. I have my own plans. Since she and the emperor have promised each other, how could there be any reason to take grace and steal life? She accompanied the emperor, it would be a shame to sacrifice his name So let him take the incense.


    After so many years of struggling, the Emperor had been unable to do anything to her while he was alive, and he would not be able to help her when he died. The fog in the Queen''s heart dissipated in an instant, but fortunately there was him. Although he gets what he needs, he is a good helper in the end.


    "Then this palace will be waiting for good news from you." She smiled like a gentle flower, and her Kodan-stained fingers slipped from her face and explored into the white gauze collar. Fingertips move little by little. The fingers wanted to go down, but were held back by him. He smiled, these were the rules. No matter how excited he was, he couldn''t take off his clothes.


    The Queen didn''t take it seriously either, lingering on the white jade neck, "When the time comes, as soon as there is news from the Qianqing Palace, take King Rong out of the Chengqian Palace and send it to me."


    Xiao Duo curled the corners of his lips, "Don''t worry, Empress. I will remember it."


    After the negotiations were over, there were only personal matters left. He breathed in his ear, "You said you want to relax my muscles and bones, what kind of easing is that?"


    The Queen who had been hesitating before had long since disappeared, and under the shadow of the lamp, only the spring brow, this tender and boneless body, and this long and dry heart remained.

 CH 3

    He didn''t say a word, reached out and hugged the most noble woman in the world, turned the aloe screen, and gently placed it on the bed carved with python teeth.


    People have seven emotions and six desires, which cannot be ruled out, but can only be enslaved by them. To some extent, the queen is a pauper. He had not been able to see the Emperor for several months. He was very young and alone in an empty room. He shed tears of bitterness. Since the door is impassable, you can open the window. He also thought about it and teased and laughed with that Overseer Eunuch, and it was very interesting to immerse himself in it.


    "I really have no thoughts these two days, and there are so many complicated things that my whole body hurts." The Queen took off her robe and put on Yuebai''s cross-collared shirt.


    It''s early spring this year, and the sun should be warm, but for some reason it''s cold again. At night, the palace was quiet, and it was always cold. He climbed into bed and leaned against the inner cupboard. Her bed was half covered with aloes and gold all over the place and smiled at her with her eyes, "It''s so cold today, come and give me a warm treat!"


    Xiao Duo sat on the edge of the bed, didn''t really go to sleep, but grabbed the blanket with his hand and placed his feet in his palm.


    Queen Zhao is the daughter of the Han family. His feet had been bound since he was a child. The three-inch golden lotus is a little real. In ancient times, women bound their feet to lure men, and he stroked them back and forth faintly through a cotton gauze sock. The pointed head and rounded back are like clear water zongzi in hand.


    He was always so distant, and the Queen was not happy. He raised his lower jaw and pulled it up, and said angrily, "Aren''t you a good servant of this palace? Don''t you listen to your master''s words?"


    As he spoke, his hand moved to her calf, twisting and turning, leaving her breathless.


    He still had a slight smile on his face, ¡°This overseer is disabled. Otherwise he wouldn''t be able to enter the palace. The Queen''s appearance on this embroidered bed is extremely disrespectful to her master (Emperor). "


    The Queen teased him with her toes, "You are free to come and go in my palace. How have I treated you, you know...many times. I have never seen you take off your clothes, but I will take them off today. Maybe I can help..."


    Her face froze, "The Queen is the most merciful person. Do you have the heart to reveal this Overseer''s scars? If this sorrow is exposed in front of you, this Overseer will be embarrassed, and it will disturb the Queen''s good mood. Suffering one more knife won''t be too much ."


    Everyone has a bottom line. Twisted melon is not sweet (1) . He was very boring and turned his face in a hurry. The Queen also knows this truth. Xiao Duo''s obedience to him was shallow. He was different now and could no longer be manipulated at will.


    (1) Qi¨¢ng ni¨³ de gu¨¡ b¨´ ti¨¢n (ǿŤµÄ¹Ï²»Ìð) : a Chinese idiom which is a metaphor that if conditions are not ripe and you do it reluctantly, you often won''t get satisfactory results.


    "It''s a pity that such a handsome person like you, if you are whole, how many women might be fascinated by you!"


    The queen closed her eyes and sighed softly, "We are all pitiful people. Let''s just be friends like this!"


    The queen suddenly opened her eyes and rushed over. He hooked his neck and dropped him on Xiao Duo''s shoulder. Her face was pink as spring, and she muttered, "I know you don''t want to take off your clothes. So if you won''t take them off, don''t take them off! Lying down for a while and hearing you say some heart-rending words is enough for me."


    There was even more pounding in the bedroom, and along with the constant sound of wind and rain outside the house. The atmosphere is gloomy and dull, weaving a world of hopelessness. Life is always detached, like the greater void generated by lust. One side hates it, and the other side is addicted and can''t escape.


    Xiao Duo stepped out of Kunning Palace at the right time. The wind lamp under the eaves shone overhead. He was still clean and tidy, and his hair wasn''t even messy. He was a big man among eunuchs, and he sat firmly as Chief Eunuch. As soon as he stepped out of the doorway, there was a group of people waiting. Seeing her appear with her umbrella, he stepped forward to serve her, and respectfully greeted her into the east hall.


    He sat in the high chair, as usual, with hot steam in the brass-lined basin in front of him, and two little eunuchs stood beside him, one holding a towel and the other holding soap.


    Brows dry, he submerged his hands in the basin, and rubbed the soap again and again, until his fingers turned red. The people around him knew his habit and stood quietly beside him, waiting for him to wipe his hands, calm, and slowly when he saw him.


    "Foster father please have some tea." Cao Chunang wears a chrysanthemum petal jade tea cup with a shrimp around his waist. Seeing his unkind face, he carefully said, "Foster father has been working hard for many days. I''ll give you a massage."


    The eunuch with a high position and a handsome face nodded in agreement. The adopted son did his best to be filial to his adoptive father. This adoptive father also loved his son. Father is good to his son and son is filial piety. Xiao Duo also has an adopted son. He only recognized her in September last year. He was twelve or thirteen years old, a very smart kid. According to age if starting a family outside, the difference between the two would be around ten years, so it would be impossible to raise a son that old. It is different in the big house, such as noble people keep lap cats and dogs, some adoptive fathers will scream, and the picture looks lively and beautiful.


    He didn''t answer him, and Cao Chunang turned behind him obediently. He was very good at massage and served the Emperor very well. The fists folded vacantly, the shoulders and neck were rounded once, and the palm punches were crisp and fast.


    He closed his eyes and rested his eyes, and eunuch Yan Sun Lang held six copies and whispered, "The cabinet vote has been sent, and the Emperor is seriously ill now, according to the Overseer, regarding Pihong..."


    "Wait." He pinched his temples, "What I said at the beginning was just to stabilize the morale of the soldiers. The ministers who guarded life didn''t move their blades, but their tongues could crush people to death. If the emperor could speak, he would agree. I can''t even say a word at this time, whoever dares to make a fuss, if it is bad, it is only a matter of words. There are rumors in the market outside, calling me ''Emperor Li''. Where did these words come from? People of Dong Chang has been sent to investigate. If this case can''t be suppressed, after the fall, a few lives will not be enough."


    His caution made the hearts of the several people holding the pen and the hall start to tremble. The people exchanged glances and said, "If the Supervisor says that, it really makes the subordinates panic. Could there be a change?"


    Admiral Dong Chang''s palm had always been used only to plot against others. Regardless of the size of the officials at court, who wouldn''t be scared when Dong Chang was mentioned? The supervisor suddenly became very cautious, which made his subordinates feel embarrassed.


    Xiao Duo knows that this group of people are used to dominating, and they can''t see the direction when they suddenly stretch their tendons. Holding the beeswax beads in her hands, she counted slowly, and said as she counted, "It''s better to be vigilant in times of trouble. The Emperor''s illness¡­ No one knows what will happen in the future."


    The state will change people to sit as Emperor. It''s hard to say something, and they all secretly understand each other. Yan Sun Lang sighed and said yes, and stepped aside with the manual.


    "I don''t know if the Supervisor has seen the Ministry of Industry''s proposal?" said the eunuch at the bottom of the hall,


    "Last year, the Yellow River turned its course, broke west of Linzhang, and rushed to the Luochuan old road in the southeast. At that time, the Ministry of Industry was ordered to control the water, and it has been working on it for half a year. However, the reported expenditure has far exceeded the budget. .. "


    Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Duo raised his hand to stop him. He got up and walked to the front door, took the curtain and looked out. The raindrops flew under the roof, the kraft paper on the lantern was wet, and the flickering candlelight inside was faintly revealed. It was cold, like the middle of winter.


    He rubbed the back of his hand and said in a long voice, ¡°If the sun doesn''t come out, the deficit in water control will only be greater. It''s none of our business. We have to worry about the chief minister of the cabinet. sick. So our top priority is still the Emperor. The other eleven overseers were ordered to stay on duty in the last two days, and there might be a decision at some point. I have a headache, so I don''t have much to say, and I should head back to Dong Chang ."


    Sun Lang followed, "I have something to explain."


    He put on a flowing cloud robe and walked out the door. This time he brought no one with him, only Cao Chunang accompanied him with an oil umbrella. Yan Sun Lang followed, only to hear him say, "Let''s put together the Fifth Institute''s name list. Those buried with the emperor will be on the road on the same day, so don''t be in a hurry at that time."


    Yan Sun Lang replied, "Don''t worry, Overseer. This matter is already in preparation today. The late emperor has buried 68 people, and this generation cannot exceed the order. 60 people are tentatively planned, and the list will be presented to you then. Please take a look , what to add or remove. I will listen to your instructions."


    He sighed, raised his hand to fasten the golden collar on his robe and said indifferently, ¡°In the past, there were rules for burials. What class and how many people. You don''t need me to tell you. so as not to be mistaken. I thought about resting before, but now it seems that I can''t rest."


    The criticism was short and guard Dong Chang had to handle it. This time no more than usual. There are lots of people excited to get moving. The scattered foreigners returned with much news. If they don''t use a bit to create rumors, Dong Chang will become a department that is eating dry food in their eyes."


    Dong Chang was ruled directly by the Emperor. Scouts everywhere, monitoring every movement of officials in various places. For example, there was a time when some acquaintances and doctors in Zhan Master gambled how much they won or lost on the stage the night before, and the next day the emperor expressed it in a joke, which made the civil and military officials fearful and silent. The disaster struck head-on, but the panic that was being observed at this time was directly intimidating.


    The emperor is in critical condition, but the work on Dong Chang cannot be stopped. Yan Sun Lang was his confidant, and he knew that Xiao Du was always ruthless in his work. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be able to sit in the top spot when he was young. Since he is in charge of Dong Chang, he will do it for life. This kind of authority cannot be removed from his shoulders. With so many enemies, if you back down, it''s akin to ending your life.


    As for what he said about doing it beautifully, it was naturally referring to the trend of the harem. When the Emperor died, a large group of women would follow his unfortunate fate. Those who are active minded will not sit back and go to the back door looking for someone they can trust. Is it the receipt of money or human assistance transactions. Not to say that they were completely impartial, at least they could explain it point-blank. This end is clean, so there is nowhere to fill those that shouldn''t die. Evenly on both sides, the cover is done, and the job is done.


    Yan Sun Lang answered yes, "The Emperor only has one son, namely King Rong. Does the Overseer want a hardworking king?"


    He walked slowly forward with the lantern in one hand, and glanced at her slightly when he heard her say that. The dim light of the fire illuminated half of his face, and it was as cold as white snow in spring. The oil boots stepped on the puddle, the vermilion rear end raised a series of bows, and the python head embroidered with gold thread on the knee was terrifying, but she smiled sweetly, "Hardworking king? That''s a good idea. Maybe I can take this opportunity to erase my fame. It''s a shame that my reputation is too bad, and I won''t be a good person in this life."


    Yan Sun Lang was confused by his ambiguous words, even to the person he trusted the most. He never shared his thoughts with them. They don''t need to know much, just do what he tells them to do.


    ¡°People from Dong Chang cannot enter the palace. When Longyu (2) is the guest of honor, Silijian will contribute. As soon as the death knell sounds, people will be dispatched to guard the gates of Chengqian Palace, and no one will be allowed in or out. will have reason at that time."


    (2) l¨®ng y¨´ (ÁúÔ¦) : refers to the title of Emperor/Dragon Emperor


    When he got to the door, he stopped, took the oil umbrella from Cao Chunang''s hand and told them to go back, and went to the door of Zhenshun alone.


    The Zhenshun Gate is guarded by the eunuch, crossing the side street, and Jin Yiwei guarding the opposite. Xiao Duo''s status stood out, and the officials who saw him coming from a distance hurriedly handed over the key. Yan Sun Lang saw the figure winding out of the glass door, and turned to look at Cao Chunang, "What did you hear?"


    Cao Chunang sniffed, raised his face and said with a smile, "The Overseer''s intention is to let you stop making money to find a suitable match. In any case, don''t leave anything that others can use to threaten us."


    Yan Sun Lang slapped the back of his head, "Little rascal, did that man say this?"


    Man? A teapot without a mouth calling Xiao Duo a man, isn''t that too reckless?


    Cao Chunang replied without a smile, "Yes, yes, I think it''s bad."


    He squeezed under his umbrella with both hands, "Let''s do what the Overseer tells us to do. We can''t do anything wrong. Why? My father has always had headaches recently, and he hasn''t come back often after he built the mansion. I think everything is in place but still less foster mother. Although our Overseer is clean but we still think of ourselves as men in our hearts. If someone who knows hot and cold to take care of her, perhaps her headache will be cured. I heard that fragrance on a woman''s body can cure all illness¡­ Hee hee, eunuch Yan should know better. Don''t look down on yourself and show the Overseer a bit! Let the Overseer take a look too!¡±


    Yan Sun Lang rolled his eyes at him, kid knows what?! No matter how arrogant a man was, remembering their disability would make them uncomfortable. Being a woman is easier, they can get through it themselves. Piercing the eyes every day, always reminding yourself that there is a part of you that is missing. It''s fine to replace it with someone who has no face and no skin. But for such a sensitive and delicate woman, he wasn''t sure what to think.

 CH 4

    The next day dawn broke, the clouds gradually dissipated at three-quarters of an hour, and the overcast rain that had lasted for more than a month suddenly ended.


    The world was refreshed, and the air had a new scent of mud. It seems to be a good sign, all bad things should go away. Staring at the tall and wide dome, Yin Lou was still surprised that the sky was so blue, and the death knell was ringing on Li¨´ g¨­ng [1].


    [1] Li¨´ g¨­ng (Áù¹¬) : Originally referred to the six palaces where concubines lived.


    Almost at the same time, more than a dozen eunuchs who had changed into mourning clothes entered the Fifth Institute with an edict in their hands. The wind blew their filial belts hanging under their heads, and their stiff horse faces were like the life-threatening impermanence of the Yama Shrine.


    A eunuch stood in the courtyard and shouted in a loud voice, "Everyone get out. Remember your goals."


    What is that goal? They are self-explanatory. They worry about themselves and try to cover it up. He lifted his chin and the maids behind him scattered, shooing everyone out of the room.


    Unlike the high-level concubine who has a separate bed from the lower-class concubine. Lower class concubines usually shared a room with several people. The courtyard with five entrances from east to west is full of people. From the first door to the fifth door. There were about forty or fifty people.


    Yin Lou followed the crowd out of the hall to await the decision, pushing, crawling on the ground, listening to the decree read by the Ceremonial Eunuch Eunuch on the stairs. Its content is very simple. There was no need to explain too much, "The Dragon Emperor has returned to heaven. If he doesn''t have a son from you then you don''t deserve to come out, and will be ordered to die." Just that.


    Even though such a fate was foreseen long ago, if he really wanted to die, he felt like he had fallen into a nightmare and couldn''t wake up no matter what.


    There was loud crying all around, Yin Lou fell to his knees, his legs were sore and weak, and he fell to the ground and couldn''t get up. Two days ago, he was still lucky, always thinking that the emperor was still young and had at least a few more years to live. Who knows how long it has been, but now it is really too late.


    His mind was in a fog, and he had nothing to think about. He only knew that he was only sixteen years old and had left home to contest the elections in Beijing. But really no luck. Before she could experience what it was like to be a goddess. He would die with the emperor he had never met.


    He is a late person. When happiness comes, she doesn''t feel great happiness, nor does she know how to cry when sadness comes. What was whistling in his ears was a sharp throat. He only felt scared, trembling, his hands and feet were stiff, and a chill penetrated and rose from his limbs, straight into his heart.


    "Why are you crying? This is a happy occasion, and it is the culture of the ancestors who have accumulated virtues. Accompanying the former emperor, the court has its own special treatment. In the future, when your family accepts the title, they will think of the kindness of you concubines, and they have not squandered the grace that raised their family name."


    The eunuch''s vague explanations could not quell the panic in the crowd. No one took his words seriously, and he didn''t really care. "Come on, wait for the ladies to change. If a good time is missed no one can bring it back."


    The new white cloth gave off the smell of death, and a group of people from the Shang Palace Bureau walked in, shook their collars and took off the filial clothes they had prepared. Most of the people were terrified by the decree, and they could barely even stand up, let alone change their clothes. The Imperial Bureau person rudely came over to make fun of them, stripped off the red and green robes on their bodies, removed the hairpins that were stacked beautifully on their heads, crossed over the apt robes, and tightened the sashes around their waists. One by one finally ready.


    Yin Lou was pushed around in circles, barely stood still and looked around, everyone was unwilling, every face was full of pain and despair, but no one stood up to fight back. At this miserable age, his struggles were futile, and he must die. If you sacrifice then your family will be protected, but if you don''t, you will sacrifice for nothing in the end, and you will gain nothing.


    So he must die smiling? he shuddered. He had hoped that his brothers and nephews would come to visit him in Beijing, but now it was better. As long as it was a ceremony to worship, it didn''t matter if he looked at the sea across the mountain, he just lifted his foot and passed. But the soul gets suppressed when one dies right? Perhaps his soul would be sealed in a tomb and never see the light of day.


    He had no idea what had happened to Li Mei Ren. He wasn''t in the crowd. Because he didn''t live in the same house, he didn''t appear after he went to Eunuch Yan, and Yin Lou never saw him again. Maybe they had a good conversation, and Li Mei Ren had already moved out of the Fifth Institute Mansion and was living in Eunuch Yan''s house. Under power, he must bow his head. Tragically listened and did what the eunuch said. But in the end he was able to save his life, and Yin Lou was happy for him.


    Dying to become a well-fed ghost is like eating before going to the execution ground. This is the last part of his charity in the world. The palace gates opened wide, and Food Overseer Bro came in and unseated the eunuchs, carrying a small kang table in pairs. The open space outside the palace was covered with a blanket, and the kang table was neatly arranged, and they invited them to a banquet in Ciyang. Who can eat at a time like this?


    Yin Lou looked back, Tong Yun was still beside him, the palace maid didn''t have to die, she could help him on the execution bench and wait for him to put his head on the noose.


    He looked at her, his lips moved, and he couldn''t say a word.


    Tong Yun cried so hard, "Miss...Miss..."


    Only now did he feel like his nose was hurting, and he couldn''t get his last words out. No matter how much he cares about his parents, it''s just nonsense. Luckily, there were six brothers and sisters in his family so if he died after a while then the pain would pass.


    "There are four or five taels of silver and some jewels in the box. I can''t use them. I''ll give them to you." After thinking about it, he still felt that he had to say something, "Am I considered an unfortunate death? Can I reincarnate in the future?"


    Tong Yun comforted him, "You sacrifice yourself, and the Yama God will be polite when he sees you." Then he wiped his eyes and wiped away his tears, "I told you to think, but you didn''t listen. Is it okay for it to end like this now?"


    He didn''t want to die either, and being forced to hang himself was no fun. If you want to be like Li Mei Ren, you have to have a way, at least people can see you. He was born with bad luck and couldn''t reverse his luck. Not even a eunuch seduced her. He thought about his failure.


    So far, nothing to say. She sat down and took a sip of soup, but before she could swallow it, the eunuch said, "It''s time, ladies, put down your chopsticks and go!"


    Yinlou heard a thumping heartbeat, and the sound was deafening. Tong Yun came to help him, he had no strength in his legs. He half leaned on his body, and followed the group crookedly into the Zhongzheng Hall.


    The hall has always been a place where the goddesses dance their way to heaven. There are probably too many people who have died, and as soon as you enter, you will feel a bone-chilling chill. The palace concubine shrank, stood at the door and looked inside. The main hall is long and narrow, and the sun shines through the windows and drawers at the other end, and it is thrown onto the green brick floor. The beams in the temple are much thicker than other places due to their weight. Fifty-eight white sashes hung vertically and horizontally above, all tied into a knot, and together with the fifty-eight wooden beds stamping their feet below, they formed a different kind of eerie image.


    The spring wind was strong, blowing on the corrugations of the roof, and the whimper was like a sad, frightening song. Finally someone grabbed the door frame and shouted, "I don''t want to die! Help me!" Everyone came back to their senses, there was chaos, and there was a new round of mourning and crying.


    Someone came out of the shadows, plain clothes came. Standing three feet from the door, the tall and straight body is lined with an innocent face, and the lower body looks extremely long.


    She had a perfect face, the corners of her lips were tightly pressed together, a little arrogant, but her eyes were surprisingly warm. His eyelashes were long, the corners of his eyes were slightly raised, if it weren''t for the Oversight Eunuch''s badge hanging from his waist, Yin Lou really wanted to think he was a young master. Honored like a skyscraper, giving birth to a pair of icy muscles and jade bones.


    Everyone was crying, there was no pity in the expression, and those warm eyes still looked warm, really out of the ordinary. He glanced at everyone. Yin Lou looked at it as he shifted his gaze, pausing curiously. Wei Cheng, the eunuch with the pen behind him, immediately stepped forward and raised a point on his ear. He raised his eyebrows and nodded slightly.


    "All quiet." He raised his voice.


    His cold voice cut through the clouds and mist in the noise. "Crying or not crying is the same. It hurts your hearts and lungs and Emperor Daxing won''t be happy. Those of the palace who are buried, always receive special treatment. An additional posthumous title is in my hands. I must recommend an emblem, and use Zhangjie Xing. This was planned long ago, all the concubines must grieve!"


    After she finished speaking, she turned around and saluted Concubine Shun, who was sent by the Qixiang Palace, "The auspicious time has come, please proceed, Miss Gao."


    On command, everyone was brought to the front of the bench, with two people standing beside them, one supporting each other and the other waiting to pull up the stool. Yin Lou''s heart was like a piece of wood, but when he was about to die, he calmed down. After a while, the past will disappear.


    What is the use of unyielding people who are still stubbornly resisting? It was nothing more than being pressed hard and sent onto the spring bench, with the buckle of the rope wrapped around its neck, without being given the slightest chance to breathe, just stretching its legs and kicking it a few times with its bare feet. He walked silently the whole way.


    Yin Lou did not dare to look at other people. He passed through the rope loop and saw a censer placed on a high table under the window. The man wearing the veil elegantly blew his brows and lit incense. Her pale fingers were almost transparent in the sun.


    A cloth is placed on his head, and his past has passed. He couldn''t see the green tea garden on the back hill, or the Longquan that his father carefully introduced to the courtyard. He could only hear the Overseer Eunuch''s voice, as if separated from the universe, and he intoned sadly, "The ladies are on their way. Serve the emperor well..."


    When Xiao Duo looked back, the task was almost done. He narrowed his eyes and saw that it was an extraordinary sight. The person who was hoarse just now had no movement now. That person hangs in the air and floats around without attachment, and when it dies, that person will become desolate.


    "You can handle the rest of things. The coffins are all placed outside the hall. You should examine each one carefully, then close the coffins!"


    He tucked his nose. Some people lose bladder control when they die. It doesn''t smell very good in here. He couldn''t stay a minute. He hurriedly instructed Wei Cheng, then glanced at the talent who had laid down earlier, and stepped out of the doorway with his hands tucked in.


    As soon as he got under the terrace, he saw Qiu An rushing over. He was also a member of Silijian and was currently assigned to attend the funeral at Jingshen Hall. He saluted and called him Master.


    Xiao Duo stopped at his feet and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Qiu An said, "Nothing important, His Majesty King Fu sent me to see the Chaotian girls. Since Master is busy, I will go in and ask Eunuch Wei Cheng."


    "What do you want to see? Everything has been put in the coffin." Seeing Qiu An stunned, he frowned and said, "Not going to die. I will do as seen. You go back to His Highness King Fu and tell me that I have my own plans so Your Highness rest assured."

 CH 5

    Slowly to the south, you can see a white flag in the sky from a distance. The funeral was over, and the guards inside and outside the palace were all his people. Now it''s time to do business.


    Strolling in front of Chengqian Palace, outside the palace gate stood Jin Yiwei dressed in flying fish clothes, spring blades embroidered on their waists, standing on both sides like nails. Concubine Shao came to see. Yan Sun Lang who was originally wandering on the steps outside the main hall hurriedly hugged the shaker and came over to greet him.


    She glanced at the hall door, and could faintly hear Concubine Shao''s scolding and crying, "Can''t you stop?"


    Yan Sun Lang replied, "Even if the imperial concubine cries it is very important to wear mourning clothes for His Imperial Majesty''s funeral."


    She twitched the corners of her mouth, "Wearing mourning clothes? This Concubine Her Majesty really has deep affection for the Emperor." As he said that, a shadow passed by one side of the wall.


    Chengqian Palace has a courtyard with two entrances. This was once the palace of an imperial noble concubine, and its architectural specifications were extremely high. Yellow glazed tiles were located at the peak of the roof, there was a dragon seal and an emperor phoenix under the roof. This place is different from other palaces, with pear blossoms being very famous. No second place in the Forbidden City could match him.


    It rained too long this year so the flowering period came too late. Concubine Shao stood under the tree and looked at it for a while. There are some buds on the branches. After three or five days if the air is constantly warm then they will all bloom! It is in full bloom so that the temple that is too austere has a soft decoration that does not look deserted.


    Concubine Shao dragged her onto the platform and as soon as she took two steps, she heard Consort Shao destroying the decorations, and her high-pitched voice, ¡°Call Xiao Duo!¡±


    Yan Sun Lang straightened his face and stepped into the doorway, his feet filled with fragile sounds like broken glass. Looking down, the blue and white porcelain plum bottle shattered, and the porcelain slag splashed from the floor covering onto the front of the temple. A man was standing beside a golden curtain. Concubine Shao didn''t wear makeup, her eyelids reddened from crying.


    Concubine Shao approached in three steps and asked sternly, "Your Highness has passed away. Why don''t you let me see it? At this time, the person in charge of the family has left, and there is no Emperor''s Law. How dare you put me under house arrest !"


    He just wanted to vent, Xiao Duo listened to him quietly and then said, "This supervisor is acting on orders. Please forgive me."


    "Who ordered you? The queen told you to restrain me? Why did she do it? Relying on her as the queen in the past, who is afraid of who now?"


    Concubine Shao straightened her chest and looked at the official in front of her. Overseer Xiao, I have always respected you as an intelligent person. I did not expect that with your intelligence you would be mistaken and unwise. His Highness King Rong is my son, but you stand by the Queen''s side and obviously don''t think highly of me. I urge you to look at the current situation. , help me, and you will benefit from it in the future. If you take advantage of the chaos to bully this orphan and the widowed me, when His Majesty succeeds to the throne, I will definitely make some calculations with you!"


    His half threatening words didn''t work for Xiao Duo at all and he would probably be more at ease if he spoke softly. Concubine Shao''s intelligence was not enough for a court lady as all her thoughts were always on the emperor. He doesn''t know how to win over people at the right time and place.


    Queen Shao''s protective fence was so tight that even stray dogs couldn''t enter. But why is there no one beside him who can help him? Fighting the tiger with one fist and giving him the throne, it would be better if King Rong risked his life.


    He was too lazy to take a look, so he chose a clean place to walk, and sat down on the throne on the ground screen. Stroking the beads on her wrist, drooping her eyelashes, "I dare not accept Your Highness the Concubine''s words. Your Imperial Highness has passed away, and the garrison in the palace is the most important thing. I am in charge of taking care of the salaries of officials in the royal court so naturally only I have to do my own thing. As for His Majesty King Rong''s succession to the throne, I suggest Concubine Shao to say less... Previously Lady Qi once wrote a song called "Spring Song", not only could she not expect her son to save her, but instead, Zhao Wang Ru Yi was killed instead."


    Concubine Shao was shocked when she heard her words, ¡°What do you mean? can he compare with me?


    Watching her while talking, he suddenly smiled. "I was thinking of someone like you, which a little money and strength can buy. It seems I underestimated you. Also, the friendship between you and the Queen is incomparable to anyone else''s. I heard that you walking in the Queen''s bedroom, was like entering an ownerless land. The other eunuchs are looking for a proper meal, apart from choosing among the maids they are also not allowed to have any contact with the concubines. But you are completely different from those eunuchs. You jumped into the embroidered bed of the Empress. Overlord Great Lord!"


    Concubine Shao sneered and she naturally felt relieved, but the people next to her heard in cold sweat. There are some things that can''t be said. Yet he had sting in his words. You can predict what the next outcome will be.


    Xiao Duo''s expression didn''t change much, he stood up and said, "The Emperor has returned to the heavens. Right now the Empress is grieving and this Overseer knows it. It''s just that insulting the Overseer is nothing, but the Queen''s reputation must not be tarnished at will."


    He interrupted her with a cold snort, ¡°A lowly maid, raising her voice with Ben Gong [1]! The Queen wants to rely on you and treat you as an honored guest but I am not taking you seriously here! miscalculate you? If you spill the soup, with a blink of an eye from Ben Gong then you will lie down on the ground like a dog and lick it clean. So now the emperor''s slave came to restrict my actions as soon as the emperor died. You are against the heavens!¡±


    [1] b¨§n g¨­ng (±¾¹¬) : Queens and concubines who had private palaces while claiming to be themselves


    Yan Sun Lang, who was beside him, was almost trembling. Concubine Shao is tired of living. The women living in the palace had never had the chance to see Xiao Duo''s strength. If you''ve ever heard of him, you must be afraid to be so open and honest.


    Looks like he''ll have to prepare another coffin.


    Sure enough, Xiao Duo''s always-friendly face turned gloomy, and before Concubine Shao''s pride faded, she suddenly stretched out her hand and grabbed her neck. Just hearing a click, like breaking a reed, the beautiful sharp mouth finally closed forever. She let go of her hand, and the imperial concubine fell limply to the ground, facing upwards, her eyes wide open, still in extreme fear.


    She threw down her hands in disdain and smiled at Yan Sun Lang, ¡°The number of Chaotian maidens is sufficient now. This kind of heart is amazing! I will send someone to dress the concubine in beautiful clothes and escort the concubine to Jinshen Hall for the funeral tomorrow. Once the imperial concubine''s last wish is fulfilled, then the funeral will be over."


    She glanced at the palace maids and eunuchs who had been terrified in the hall, and sighed incessantly, "Since all of you have seen it, you cannot stay alive. Send them all down and serve Her Highness Consort!"


    He left after saying a few words. Jin Yiwei and the Superintendent Eunuch would take care of the rest. It''s just that his hands were dirty, he was a little displeased, rubbed Xiang Yunsha''s blouse casually, and looked at it. King Rong was standing under a flower tree on the other side of the terrace. The only bloodline of His Imperial Majesty. He is less than six years old this year. He was full of filial piety and had a stupid face.


    Xiao Duo walked over and squatted down to bow to her, "Your Highness, please accompany this Overseer to Kunning Palace. The Empress is waiting for you."


    King Rong suddenly looked at her with big eyes, "I''m looking for my mother."


    Xiao Duo snorted, "Imperial concubine is dressing up, let''s go to Kunning Palace first, then return to Jinshen Hall to guard spirits. Imperial concubine is here."


    King Rong thought for a moment, then nodded. He is afraid of falling and having to be held up wherever he goes. Looking at Xiao Duo''s slender fingers under his pipe sleeve, he felt quite natural holding it. He had a pair of warm hands, which King Rong did not know, who had just broken his mother''s neck. He felt very comfortable, always felt safe in that big house. Because there was his father who was an emperor, and everyone who saw him had to respectfully kneel down and kowtow three times. He stared at the man''s face, "Overseer Xiao, they say my father is the emperor Bin Tian, ??is that Bin Tian?"


    Xiao Duo took her hand and walked out of the Chengqian Gate. The red wall reflects two figures, one tall and one short, an extremely harmonious scene. He said, ¡°Bin Tian means never to be seen again. If Your Majesty has anything to say to the emperor, you must go to the Taimiao Temple [2] and pay your respects to him.¡±


    [2] T¨¤imi¨¤o (Ì«Ãí) : Imperial Ancestral Temple


    "Can father emperor hear me?"


    "It will certainly be heard." He looked at her, the child has no father and mother, and it is actually very sad. He softened his voice, "Your Highness will be living alone in Yang Xin''s Zai Hall in the future, will you be afraid?"


    King Rong bit his lips and thought about it, "I have a great friend and Sun Taiqing will accompany me."


    Sun Taiqing had watched over King Rong since he was a child, and he was probably the only one among the eunuchs loyal to King Rong. But where are those people now? It might have floated in a corner of the Taiye Pond [3].


    [3] T¨¤i y¨¨ (Ì«Òº): area west of the Forbidden City, now divided into Zhongnanhai and Beihai


    "What if your great friend Sun cannot accompany His Highness?" A soft strand of hair fell from under the small crown of hair, and she hooked it with her little finger, "What about Your Highness?"


    "Then I won''t be staying in Yang Xin''s Zai Hall, I''ll go to my mother and stay in her bedroom."


    A gust of wind blew, and the peach tree branches on the palace wall stretched out, and the leaves rustled above. Xiao Duo lost his senses and muttered, "It''s okay... it''s okay."


    He set up a tent in the temple, and the voices of the priests drifted here, and he led King Rong to the Jinghe Gate.


    The Queen is waiting, and when King Rong arrives, she will lead the crowd to mourn. Seeing her enter, he asked in a low voice, "How is she?"


    She gave him a smile, "As the Queen said. Everything was done as the Queen ordered."


    The Queen has always believed that as long as Xiao Du promises, there is nothing that can''t be done. The Queen nodded in satisfaction, and looked at King Rong with complicated eyes, like she was looking at a lost puppy. After all, this kid is still useful. He smiled at her reluctantly, took her hand, and slowly led her forward.


    A country couldn''t live without a ruler for a day, and His Imperial Majesty didn''t leave a will so whoever would become the next emperor had to be cared for by him. Xiao Du is the Overseer of the Interior. He had always handled important state affairs without fail, but right now, the matter of the emperor''s funeral was the most important. Funeral, mourning, bathing, food intake, placing the emperor''s body in the coffin, and lifting the coffin, all had to be arranged by him one by one.


    As for what happened in front of him, he didn''t bother worrying about it, whether it was King Rong or King Fu. King Rong was still young and absolutely not an opponent of King Fu, let alone becoming an emperor. Not bad to be able to save his life.


    King Fu, His Imperial Majesty''s brother, he thought of the emperor day and night. The ambition is not small, but the ability is very limited. King Fu had given him grace at the beginning but nothing helped him to ascend the throne. After all, no matter who they were, their position would not be shaken. Dong Chang''s roots had long since been firmly entrenched in the blood of the Great Ye Country, and that ¡°Seated Emperor¡± could not do without him, ¡°Standing Emperor¡±.


    ¡°Emperor Standing,¡± this is a serious crime! He also admired the person who named him. The official was very eloquent and his intentions weren''t very good, but he spoke very clearly. She took off the Buddha beads on her wrist and walked along the path to Qin''an Hall, thinking as she walked, that when the affairs in the palace were finished, it would be time to punish those who wanted to impeach her. With the new emperor, it is even more important to make a good start, so that the lucky beetle facing up can see that Dong Chang is still as good as ever.


    When he entered the gate of Jin Tian, ??Cao Chunang came to greet him, and said softly, "Foster father, that Bu family girl is awake."


    He hummed, "Did that person wake up before or after the inspection?"


    Cao Chunang smiled and said, "He got up at the right time. The title was just compiled. He got up not long after the book was compiled."


    "This is a blessing and a big life." He turned his head and asked, "What will the current cabinet do?"


    Cao Chunang said, "I was just about to show it to the adoptive father. According to the cabinet, the set number of chests can no longer be changed. Since even the title has been given, I have to ask another Chaotian girl to die."

 CH 6

    Xiao Duo went to the center and sneered, "These sour scholars are about to make official articles, and in terms of ruthlessness, they are not inferior to Dong Chang."


    In the palace, each place has its own function. For example, Qin''an Hall is dedicated to Emperor Zhenwu. At Daoist festivals, Taoist officials in the palace would prepare ritual offerings as usual. The queen and concubine will also come to pay incense and pay their respects, which is similar to a family shrine. Since this was the family''s sacred shrine, seeing coffins was common. There were fifty-eight coffins in order in the wide hall, all coffins fir black lacquered.


    The cabinet seems to have nothing to do with this Chaotian girl who once lived. They all fold hands and watch. When they saw Xiao Du enter the door, they bowed their hands and called him Master Xiao.


    He returned the salute, turned to look at the man in the coffin, turned his face away and asked Wei Cheng, ¡°Why did such a thing happen? I''ve checked it in the Zhongzheng Hall before. What are you going to say now? Don''t understand?"


    Wei Cheng hurriedly said, ¡°As the Overseer said. I had checked it carefully according to your instructions before carrying out the burial and once it was confirmed it was transported to the Qin''an Palace. There were also cases where the hanged were still alive and only suspended animation. At first they were shaking and throbbing and when their throats loosened they were able to breathe again halfway."


    Xiao Duo frowned, "Fortunately, I haven''t sent it to the front yet. If something goes wrong there, I don''t know how many people will be summoned to see my joke!"


    As he spoke, he carefully examined the face in front of him. She wasn''t particularly pretty but seemed a lot more pleasant to look at than when she first saw him. Some people are so weird, they don''t seem extraordinary at first glance, but they can wow you at second sight. Bu Yin Lou is such a person. His face shows affection. After being frightened, he stared in amazement. Her pitiful appearance was extremely charming. No wonder King Fu has thought about it for so long.


    ¡°What should I do¡­¡± He pondered for a moment, ¡°Or just close the coffin and stab the outside. He will die shortly before we leave.¡±


    When he heard those words, the expression on his face collapsed, and he struggled to say, "Master, if we go to the execution grounds again, that too could cause trouble. We have no reason to fix it."


    He didn''t answer, he turned around and asked the people in the cabinet, "What do you think, gentlemen?"


    Dong Chang''s work is indeed inhuman, but it is too outrageous to seal the coffins of the living.


    To die is to die even if the method of death is different. Xiao Duo sneered in his heart, it is the same death, the means are different, the results are not the same! This writer likes to act and looks disgusting.


    "I just heard what the Queen said, and everyone heard it. I think it makes sense. Since she has died once, you shouldn''t let people die a second time. If the heavens don''t accept her, it''s hard to stop her. Isn''t it a shame for her Lord of Hell?" He stroked his chin, "Just erase this girl''s name from the list."


    This time, the cabinet official paused, "It was suggested to have an even number of funerals. But now fifty-eight people have become fifty-seven. What should we do?"


    Xiao Duo said, "It doesn''t matter. I just came from Chengqian Palace. Concubine Shao and His Majesty the Emperor have a deep relationship. I was late and he had committed suicide by hanging himself from the beam. At this time, Concubine Shao had replaced the phoenix crown and Xia Peinya''s dress. After tomorrow''s funeral, Palace Zi will enter the Jinshen Hall again. In this way, the number of people remains the same. Concubine Shao''s death will fulfill that odd number"


    Everyone looked at each other worriedly. When the emperor dies the throne will be vacant. It made sense that the imperial concubine had to fully support King Rong, but she was about to die when Xiao Duo said she had to die. Everyone knows the tricks inside, but it''s inappropriate to expose it. This is also a shock, Dong Chang can''t deny it at will.


    This eunuch had a good-natured face, and what he was doing was definitely not that noble. Even so what he said was the case even if the country replaced someone to sit in his position, as long as the criticism was still in his hands, no one could do anything to him.


    "If that''s the case, write down the name!" Scholar Hanlin was holding a list of names and was about to write, but Xiao Duo raised his hand to stop him.


    ¡°There is no need to record it. This can be considered that she has done her service to His Majesty the Emperor. She will not lie down in the coffin in vain.¡± Concubine Shun Duan, I think that''s pretty good. So let''s go!"


    He transformed himself into the most just and selfless person in the world. The cabinet scholar was stunned for a long time and hesitated, ¡°Master Xiao, there has never been a living person who was given a posthumous title in ancient times. Look¡­¡±


    She was a little impatient, frowned and said, "Elder Ge is too stupid to be flexible. Who can put a posthumous title in his mouth and call it? Together with the members of the Daxing Emperor''s family, she is called a concubine then it is enough to enter the Tailing tomb to guard the tomb."


    Yin Lou had been hanged at the execution ground before. His brain was dull and couldn''t turn around. But when they had to order him to die one more time, the conversation sounded a little clearer. Lying in the coffin listening to them come and go. He knew that the person in front of him was the famous Overseer Eunuch Xiao Duo. What a big surprise.


    He had not been in the palace for a long time. Many of the eunuchs he saw had been hit on their shoulders and dropped their waists. Because they had been beaten before, they were afraid of the pain and couldn''t stretch their legs anymore. Then it would have the effect of bending for the rest of their lives so they could no longer stand straight.


    But this eunuch was different. He was tall and straight, no different from those ministers. If Yin Lou had to tell the difference, he would probably look paler, more handsome, and more robust in manner.


    People outside often said that there was no humanity in the Overseer Eunuch who was in charge of the royal seal and that Dong Chang under his leadership was committed to all crimes. Anyone who fell into their hands, skinned and annihilated, would make you regret coming to this world.


    Yin Lou had always thought that Xiao Duo was a vicious person, but when he first saw her in the Zhongzheng Hall, other than an unfamiliar feeling, he didn''t feel particularly scared. Maybe the real villain has a hypocritical face instead! But if he was evil, when the cabinet intended to execute him, he saved him in the end and gave him the title. Where is the rumored evil demon? She was only Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva who saved him from suffering!


    Not only did he think so, but the people in the cabinet also thought that Superintendent Xiao was a bit strange today. Maybe this Chaotian girl is a distant relative of her family. In this way, there was nothing to worry about, and the Hanlin academics agreed one by one, "Yes, moving the palace and guarding the tomb is according to the regulations, so everything should be done according to Lord Xiao''s wishes."


    ***


    Everything was said and done, but there was no movement from the people in the coffin. Cao Chunang hurriedly stepped forward and said, "L¨£o z¨³z¨­ng [1] get up. The servants are ready to serve lLao zuzong when you come down from the chest."


    Yin Lou was a concubine, and she was automatically given the title Lao zuzong by the eunuchs. What a title!


    [1] l¨£o z¨³z¨­ng (Old ancestor) : Ancestors of the nation / ancestors


    Only when his two feet touched the ground did he dare to confirm that he was still alive. It''s just that he didn''t have the strength in his legs, and trembled slightly when he walked. Looking back at Lin Lie''s coffin in the hall, there are many sisters facing each other day and night. They weren''t as lucky as him, perhaps they had already crossed the Wangchuan River [2] by now.


    He swallowed and sobbed, mourning those who died early, and secretly lucked out for his own survival. At this time, it is already a great fortune. Better to guard the tomb than to die. After feeling the feeling of suffocation, he immediately felt that he was very happy to be alive.


    [2] Wang Chuan River (Íü´¨ºÓ) : River of Oblivion. When the dead pass over the NaiHe bridge over the river, Mrs. Meng Po will serve oblivion soup to everyone who passes by. After drinking the soup, we will forget all things in past lives and be ready to reincarnate.


    He followed Xiao Duo out of the Qin''an Hall and touched his neck. When he was hanging from the beam, the weight of his entire body was concentrated on the square beam. Now, his throat felt like a stuffed cotton ball and hurt like it was blocked. He wanted to thank her, but he couldn''t say anything, so he tugged at the hem of her clothes and reached out to her.


    Xiao Duo glanced at him and wrote lightly, "It''s a bit of effort for me, and I don''t dare to take credit in front of the concubine. But you should really thank that noble man, if you''re not entrusted by him to put you down first, I worry that you will become like the women facing the sky now."


    It turned out that he had not only prevented him from dying a second time, but he had prepared for it since the Zhongzheng Hall. Yin Lou guessed that Li Mei Ren must have interceded for him. Yan Sun Lang was the second-in-command of the Superintendent Eunuch. Since Li Mei Ren was with him, if he sold his face and then seduced Xiao Duo, he would escape death. If that was the case, why did he still send her to the gallows? Is it just to get a posthumous title?


    Xiao Duo looked at her with a clear, slightly strange expression, "Does the Concubine know who it is?"


    Yin Lou nodded and opened his mouth with difficulty, "Is that Eunuch Superintendent Yan?"


    Xiao Duo struggled to see, but he knew, "Yan Sun Lang? He did mention it."


    Yin Lou narrowed his eyes, and it didn''t seem like he meant that, who could it be? He didn''t have any friends in the mansion, and he didn''t have any deep friendships with other people. Who will give him such kindness?


    Cao Chunang took the conversation from the side, "Lao Zuzong guessed wrong. It wasn''t Eunuch Yan. He was just Eunuch Silijian. Our overseer was the first person in the world to pay attention to the rules. Who should live and who should die, and never show favoritism. This time even though the Overseer was entrusted by a noble to save you, the Overseer took a great risk himself. If someone from the cabinet finds out, they will charge him with contempt of law."


    He chuckled, "If Lao zuzhong finds out who this noble person is, you must not forget the merits of our Overseer."


    To ask for credit, the eunuch is the best at doing such business, and he should thank him properly. But he had nothing now, so he couldn''t thank him if he wanted to thank him! He was so embarrassed that he gave his few remaining taels of silver to his maid before "dying". What to do with bare hands! He looked at Xiao Duo and pointed at his heart, declaring that he would never forget his kindness.


    His ten fingers were slender, and seemed like they would break with the slightest force when they touched the white cotton cloth. There was satisfaction in his eyes, but his mouth said, "It''s nothing. The concubine must not remember. Emperor Daxing will be buried in Jinshen Hall for twenty-seven days. Concubine please go back to rest first and wait for mourning after the funeral. Emperor Daxing and Concubine Shao will enter the underground palace. Concubine will accompany the tomb to pray for blessings. Then business is done."


    Yin Lou knew what was going on in the mausoleum. There was a palace in the mausoleum, and there were also eunuchs and maids serving below. The concubines guarding the tomb worshiped the emperor with three sticks of incense a day, and spent the rest of the time reading Buddhist scriptures and copying scriptures, and they would be there for the rest of their lives. In fact, there was no big difference compared to the years in the palace, it was just another place to be imprisoned. The difference was that there was still a chance for them to serve the emperor in the palace. The mausoleum also served the emperor, and the living were very different from the dead. From then on, they suffered such a fate, from a young widow to an old widow with a white head.


    Xiao Duo still brought him to the Fifth Institute, and said as he walked, "It''s said that you have received a posthumous title just now. So you shouldn''t come back here anymore, but because of Emperor Daxing''s mourning, things happened in a hurry, so it''s not so details. When you return to the palace in the future, this Overseer will naturally take care of you."


    Yin Lou did not understand what he meant. He was about to be sent to guard the tomb but why did this Eunuch Overseer say he would return to the palace? Palace concubines who have entered the mausoleum always can''t get out. What is the origin of the person who saved him, who can assign the eunuch in his palm, and can decide his whereabouts or stay at will. Yin Lou thought he must be a big man!


    He was really curious and wanted to know who she was. Xiao Duo is so smart that he doesn''t need to speak at all. She looked at the distant palace roof with her hands behind her back, and said slowly, "Concubine, don''t be impatient. Later that honorable person will naturally come to see you."


    He instructed Cao Chunang, "Go to the Shang Palace Bureau to get back the people serving the concubine''s personal care, and then go to the imperial hospital to find some medicine to relieve the throat swelling. After a long rest, when His Highness comes at night , The concubine can talk to him."