Chapter 110: Molding the Human Heart

The early autumn rain was as fine as gossamer, carrying a distinct chill.

At the hour of the horse, Heyu emerged from the Empress Dowager’s bedchamber. The Empress Dowager had summoned her to exert pressure, while Heyu had gone to probe for an opportunity to strike, only to discover that the Empress Dowager was an impenetrable fortress.

"I underestimated her," Heyu sighed. Her eyes did not dim; instead, a flicker of light crossed them, as if the Empress Dowager had piqued her interest. Such a ruthless and shrewd woman would never leave herself exposed. If she were to play a game of strategy against her, would it not be a fascinating endeavor?

As she pondered, Heyu’s mood gradually lightened. This excursion had provided her with several pieces of intelligence from the periphery—for instance, that the Second Prince would remain indefinitely under the pretext of an investigation, for the truth had already sunk to the bottom of the sea, obscured forever.

The fine drizzle seemed to seep into Heyu’s very heart. She decided to walk back, letting the rain soak her; what a delightful experience it could be. A solitary figure, pitiable to all who saw her—the Empress Dowager would think her spirit broken, while the Emperor would assume the Empress Dowager had been up to her old tricks again.

By the time she had traversed the long path, her hair was thoroughly drenched, just as she had intended. In this state, she could return, steam herself, apply acupuncture, and drink some medicinal wine; it would be a profound comfort to both body and mind.

"The Empress Dowager and the Emperor—I must keep a firm watch on them both. Having more opponents makes things less dull, does it not?" With this thought firmly in mind, her thoughts settled, and her footsteps slowed.

As she neared Jianqiu Pavilion, she caught sight of a procession in the distance, seemingly the entourage of Consort Xian. The Consort remained as elegant and beautiful as ever, though her expression was somewhat somber, as if she had recently encountered some misfortune. Heyu watched her, offered a faint smile, and slowly approached.

Consort Xian dismissed her maids and attendants, holding her umbrella aloft as she walked forward to meet her.

"You have finally returned!"

"Indeed..." Heyu studied the Consort’s demeanor, instantly grasping the reason for her arrival, and lowered her head in a formal salute.

"This commoner pays her respects to Consort Xian!"

Consort Xian helped her up, saying softly, "Between us, there is no need for such formalities."

Heyu smiled and asked in a low voice, "Could it be that you were reprimanded because of these very formalities? Judging by your expression, you have likely been scolded; I presume it concerns the events of that evening?"

Consort Xian was taken aback, then laughed without reservation. "The Noble Lady is truly perceptive. My rash words that night did indeed invite much trouble."

"It was the Empress Dowager, I presume?" Heyu observed the Consort's expression, patted her hand gently, and smiled in a conciliatory manner. "Do not worry, Consort. It was merely a reprimand. I have just seen the Empress Dowager myself, and she seems to despise me even more. Though she holds the reins of the court, not everything can be solved by raw power alone. If one possesses the heart of an orchid or a bamboo, why fear such things?"

Consort Xian’s eyes widened, a flicker of complex emotions crossing her gaze.

"So, the Noble Lady and I are fellow sufferers? It is laughable, really—after we parted, we find ourselves in this predicament. Though I have spent years in the inner palace, I have not gained the insight you have in just a few days. It is no wonder I have failed to win the Emperor’s favor. Your perspective is truly admirable."

Heyu smiled faintly, looking at the Consort with an air of detachment. "Does Consort Xian have no expectations? No goals or ideals? If you did, the suffering before you would not feel so bitter. Conversely, if one simply waits for youth to fade, one becomes easily fixated on every trifle, and naturally, peace of mind remains elusive."

"It is no wonder you were named the Noble Lady of the Western Sea by the Empress Dowager herself. Not only are you well-versed in medicine, but your insights into life and human nature are exquisite. It is no mystery why the Emperor values you and the Empress Dowager takes note of you."

Heyu looked at the Consort, understanding everything. "You seem deeply concerned with human relationships. Is your long residence in the deep palace driven by matters of the heart and the desire for belonging?"

"Since you are both my benefactor and a kindred spirit, I shall speak plainly. As you suspected, I remain in the palace for the Emperor’s sake! Yet, to this day, I have not realized a single one of my wishes."

"How so? Is your standard too high, or is the Emperor too indifferent? Though I have long lived in the world outside, I know you are the most renowned of the Emperor’s consorts, the primary wife of this inner palace. To be honored as Consort Xian after only a few years—is that not enough to satisfy you?"

Consort Xian shook her head, sighed, and said with a heavy heart, "Those are merely hollow titles. The Emperor does not care for me at all. While he is indifferent to all the women in the palace, he seems gentler with the others. I was only granted the title of Consort because the Empress Dowager wished to honor my father; it is all a sham."

Heyu feigned surprise, asking skeptically, "Is it not true that one must have great merit to reach the rank of Consort? Throughout the dynasties, consorts have either birthed heirs or achieved greatness on the battlefield. I assumed the Emperor made an exception out of affection for you!"

Consort Xian smiled bitterly. "Hardly. You jest, Noble Lady. It was all the Empress Dowager’s decree. The Emperor and I have never even shared the intimacy of husband and wife; how could there be an heir? I rely solely on my status, devoid of talent; how could I ever earn such merit?"

Heyu nodded and sighed, though she felt a surge of joy. "Even so, you remain the Emperor’s consort. Since the title is yours, there is still time for affection to bloom. I hope you will regain your confidence, support and assist the Emperor, and you shall surely reap unexpected rewards."

"Thank you for your guidance. I hope that we can stand on the same side. This palace is full of thousands of faces and hearts, and I am willing to gamble my trust on you. I know not what is in your mind, but will you help me this time?"

"What is it you wish for me to do?"

Consort Xian smiled. "Matters of mutual assistance are a two-way street; there is no need to rush. Perhaps you might consider it? I came through the rain today for this very reason—to speak with you, as it may be to our mutual benefit."

"The benefit you seek is the Emperor’s favor? Then how can you ensure it will be of benefit to me?"

"My request is simple: as long as you are willing to help, I will naturally spare no effort in your affairs. There is strength in numbers, and I am willing to help you achieve your heart’s desire. Though I may lack influence and my wits are not as sharp as yours, I can still serve in other ways. What say you, Noble Lady?"

"Since you are so sincere and find yourself in such a predicament, how could I refuse? However, it is best that as few people as possible know of this alliance. Besides, I have a great doubt on my mind; shall we discuss it at Jianqiu Pavilion?"

Consort Xian nodded excitedly. "Please, lead the way."

Heyu smiled and walked alongside her. She already had a plan in mind.

On the desk, there was nothing but a single scroll.

"Separated by mountains and seas, yet the mountains and seas cannot be leveled," Liu Li sighed, holding his brush to paint. Every stroke was heavy with deep affection and solemn thought.

"A single glance spanning ten thousand years—that is how I would describe our meeting."

Liu Li smiled, casting aside all other concerns, focusing only on every stroke and dot beneath his hand. Gao Hai stood outside the door, allowing no one to disturb him. He dared not speak, wishing only for Liu Li to find solace and comfort.

"After all these years, this is the first time the Emperor has felt such things for a woman! With her, he can look past anything. It is truly heartening. Who says that a beautiful woman is a curse? I believe this young lady is the Emperor’s destiny. She is my benefactor as well; I hope we all get what we desire! You, who look like a fairy, you must understand the Emperor’s true heart. If only you could become my mistress..."