The clopping of hooves sounded on the cobblestone street.
The white horse neighed and halted before a grand estate with wooden doors in cinnabar red. The sun was setting as Dong Xian stepped into the Grand Marshal’s Estate. The glow of the setting sun was shattered apart as he entered Wang Mang’s residence.
Seeing Dong Xian arrive, the servant standing by the doorway tied his horse to a wooden post for him, opened the door and led the way in. The residence of an imperial in-law was a place filled with elegance and extravagance as far as the eye could see. Even though it was autumn, the gardens were full of spring scenery.
Winding corridors connected large courtyards to ornate stone pavilions; the farther Dong Xian walked into the extensive estate the lonelier he felt. His usual smile was replaced by a rare frown, as he followed after the servant in a hurry.
After walking along the twisting and turning corridor through courtyard after courtyard, the servant finally stopped outside the refined chambers of a female resident. He gestured to enter, then turned and left. Dong Xian wanted to politely knock on the door, but on second thought he put down his hand and slowly pushed the door open.
The chamber’s interior layout looked orderly, the atmosphere calm and comfortable. In the center, a gentle and elegant married woman reclined on a chaise. Her looks were no longer youthful, the wrinkles on her forehead seemed to have increased since the last time they met. One could tell from her pair of rough hands that she had done a lot of physical work in the past.
Seeing Dong Xian, the maid at the woman’s side nudged her and said, “Lady Dong, Lord Dong is here to see you.”
“Sister-in-law.” Dong Xian walked over and knelt beside the woman, he softly stated, “I’ve been completing a task outside of the capital for the past few months, so I didn’t have time to visit you.”
Hearing Dong Xian’s voice, Dong Yulan opened her slightly closed eyes, sat up straight and said “Xian’er, you must complete the tasks given to you by Lord Wang, he treats us with great care. Xian’er, you must strive to repay him.”
Dong Xian nodded quietly then asked, “Sister-in-law, are you feeling better recently?”
“I’m still the same as ever, neither good nor bad. Lord Wang is troubling me recently, that’s all. He’s given me several maids to serve me, but I like to take care of my own matters. I’m unused to letting others do everything for me.”
The moment Dong Yulan finished speaking, the maid beside her added, “Lord Wang takes good care of Lady Dong.” She bent down and reminded, “Lady Dong, it’s time to drink your medical tonic. I’ll go get it right away.”
The maid hurried out of the room to fetch the medicine. Dong Yulan smiled bitterly “You see, that’s why I said being served is too troublesome, they’re too attentive.”
Dong Xian smiled and patted her hand “Sister-in-law, you’ve suffered so much hardship in the past, you deserve to live a life of leisure.”
To Dong Xian his hometown was a place ridden with disaster and disease. Not long after he was born, his parents passed away one after the other. His elder brother and his brother’s wife took on the role of his parents and raised him. As the old saying goes, misfortune never comes singly. Plague devastated Yunyang once more and his elder brother succumbed to the disease. His brother and sister-in-law had no children of their own. Instead of leaving him behind, his sister-in-law regarded him as her own and raised him singlehandedly.
Dong Xian couldn’t remember how his biological mother had looked like, since he was sensible, he only regarded one woman as his mother: His elder sister-in-law, Dong Yulan.
Dong Yulan was dressed in splendid brocade clothes, but did not appear as arrogant and affectate as a lady of the gentry. She reached out and stroked Dong Xian’s cheek, like a loving mother caressing her child.
A shallow scar cut across the woman’s raised fingers. Seeing this scar Dong Xian couldn’t help feeling downhearted. If Sister-in-law hadn’t saved me, she wouldn’t have been bitten by the Green Bamboo Leaf. In the Central Plains, the Five-Paced Viper, the Tortoise Shell Flower and the Green Bamboo Leaf were the most venomous. Among them, the Green Bamboo Leaf’s venom spread the fastest.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Back then, he’d been standing beside a mountain stream and hadn’t seen the snake watching its prey. Dong Yulan noticed the danger and dashed on bravely with no thought of personal safety and threw herself on Dong Xian’s body to block the fatal bite for him. After eating the rare herbs given by Wang Mang, his sister-in-law’s life could be saved in time, but the toxin that had spread through her body couldn’t be removed entirely.
Five years passed in the blink of an eye. In this troubled world there weren’t many who could obtain a treatment for the vicious venom of the Green Bamboo Leaf. Only the treasured collection of Lingzhi from the Wuyi Mountains kept in the Grand Marshal Wang Mang’s Estate could control its spread and even alleviate its symptoms. However there was no guarantee that the poisoned person wouldn’t die a sudden death.
Gbcu Wljc ygfjatfv j tfiqifrr rlut.
Dong Yulan noticed his depressed mood, The child hasn’t let go of the past for five years now. Softly squeezing his hands, she said, “Xian’er, don’t be sad. I’m feeling fine, let alone one’s time on earth is limited from the start.”
If she hadn’t sacrificed herself for me, my sister-in-law would have lived a long and healthy life. Dong Xian nodded and stayed silent.
Ktf kbwjc mjwf jmgbrr atf rkbgv rmjg bc Gbcu Wljc’r gluta kglra jr rtf ragbxfv tlr tjcv. Vevvfcis, rtf qeiifv tlw abkjgvr tfgrfio ab ajxf j mibrfg ibbx. “Wljc’fg, kts’r atfgf j rmjg bc sbeg gluta kglra? Ktfrf afcvbcr jgf fdeji ab j wjgalji jgalra’r ilofujaf! Po sbe kfgf lcpegfv tfgf, kbeivc’a sbe…”
“This child is unfilial, he didn’t protect himself and now he’s lost all his martial arts…”
Hearing this the woman chocked with sobs and sighed, “I live in the Grand Marshal’s Estate, eating this treasured Linzhi. If it weren’t for my sake, you wouldn’t have taken such risks.”
“Sister-in-law there’s no need to worry, though I can’t charge and break through enemy lines like before, I can still assist Lord Wang with civil affairs.”
“I’m relieved, after all, the kindness of a drop of water should be repaid with a spring. Xian’er, don’t ever forget Lord Wang’s kindness towards us.”
Dong Xian sounded a response. The maid had already placed the medicinal tonic on the table. He handed it to his sister-in-law with both hands, who drank the tonic in one gulp, and didn’t step away till she fell asleep again.
Walking out of Dong Yulan’s chambers, Dong Xian returned to the winding corridor that connected the estate’s courtyards to each other. Black chrysanthemums, blooming in a beautiful dark red, lined the long corridor in ornate pots; their proud appearance pleasing to the eye. Dong Xian was about to come closer to take a look, when he noticed Wang Mang abruptly approaching him from the opposite end. Wang Mang wore a white long gown and was adorned with white jade jewelry; his black hair he tended to tie up with a headpiece, was draped over his shoulders and freely fell down his back. Wang Mang looked more refined and elegant than ever.
Dong Xian thought, On first glance he looks a lot like me. He walked over and slowly said, “Why’re you pretending to be me?”
Wang Mang smiled gracefully and grabbed hold of his hands, Dong Xian’s center of gravity was suddenly unstable and he fell forward into Wang Mang’s arms. Wang Mang then reached out, caressed Dong Xian’s cheek and complimented him, “This face of yours is truly mesmerizing and magnificent, unmatched in its generation! Regrettably, what I hate most in life are people better than myself.”
The jealousy in his words was obvious to the listener; hearing him speak, Dong Xian laughed out loud, “Lord Wang, you don’t intend to ruin my appearance for this reason, do you?”
Wang Mang looked at him for a moment then laughed loudly, “How could I be willing? In fact, there’s still an important matter you need to take care of for me.”
At present, Dong Xian was powerless to resist and had easily been pulled into the embrace of the one before him. Wang Mang let go of him and asked, “I think that the sword strike struck just right. It didn’t hurt your veins, only severed your tendons. There exist exceptions to everything. Shengqing, were your martial arts really ruined?”
Dong Xian curved up the corners of his lips into a slight smile and thought, From the cradle to the grave I practiced my martial arts for Wang Mang. In the end, he personally abolished my martial arts and blamed it on the Prince of Xianyang. All of this, to achieve that grand aim of his. I’m manipulated like a helpless marionette and the strings are pulled by Wang Mang.
What can I do?
Dong Xian sighed, I owe my sister-in-law a dept of gratitude, which weighs on me like a mountain.
“Lord Wang, if you don’t believe me, feel free to test my lack of martial arts in the future.”
When is ‘in the future?’
Dong Xian had faced ceaseless dangers and difficulties since returning from the Pince of Xianyang’s fief. At one time, a giant towering tree abruptly toppled, nearly crushing him to death, and at another time, an out-of-control horse carriage driven at flying speed nearly ran him over. Thanks to his quick response, he had avoided all these artificial accidents in time and turned peril into safety.
“Shengqing, I’ve always treated your sister-in-law very well. I hope you won’t let me down in the future.” Wang Mang spoke in a refined yet flirtatious tone, patted Dong Xian’s face and said, “The world knows that Yunyang’s Dong Xian is so beautiful, he has no equal in the entire realm. But as I said, I’m only interested in the best of the best. Shengqing, your devastating beauty could cause the downfall of a country, yet to me you aren’t the person I desire most.”
“Oh?” Dong Xian blinked his eyes and asked, “Then, who’re you referring to?”
Wang Mang smiled a strange smile. The two eminent figures in white stood in the front courtyard, one sacred, one enchanting.
“May I ask, in this world, which woman can only be watched from afar, but not be teased?”
“You’ve taken a fancy to Zhao Feiyan?”
Zhao Feiyan was the current Empress and the woman Liu Ao loved the most; she was skilled in song and dance, and as unique as a rainbow beneath the moon. Wang Mang’s sudden desire to play with fire, didn’t take Dong Xian by surprise. He only asked to confirm his assumption.
“No, no, your words aren’t entirely true.” Wang Mang waved his hand dismissively and added, “What I want is the Emperor’s favorite. It’s not up to me, to decide who that is.”
“How interesting… In that case, Lord Wang, I sincerely wish you a speedy success.”
“Heh… However, I still require your assistance for this task. Rest assured, I’ll take good care of your sister-in-law for you.”
Dong Xian thanked Wang Mang with a slight smile, then said his goodbyes. Outside the Grand Marshal’s Estate, Dong Xian saddled his horse and sat up. Riding away on horseback, he said to himself, a bitter and regretful smile on his lips, “The imperial family vying over all land under heaven, had nothing to do with me originally, yet I’m unable to stay out of the dispute…”
The imperial capital’s Weiyang Palace began construction in the seventh year of Emperor Gaozu’s reign. The palace complex could be regarded as the most extravagant and extensive treasure Liu Bang, Founder of the Han Dynasty, passed down to his many descendants. Weiyang Palace was the reigning emperor’s central imperial palace, but it appeared like a large mountain retreat that was surrounded by breathtaking scenery on all sides. Rocks and lakes as far as the eye could see. The golden railings, rosewood furniture, and stone tiles as shining as a mirror made the imperial family’s residence look mesmerizing and magnificent.
At this time, Liu Ao was pacing back and forth outside a bed- chamber, he didn’t have the heart to admire the palace’s stunning scenery. In the early morning an attendant had informed him that Consort Xi’s amniotic fluid had broken and she would soon give birth.
Liu Ao was still in the prime of his life, not needing to choose a crown prince, but he didn’t have any children despite his robust age. It’s an embarrassment to have neither a son nor a daughter under my knees. Turning back, Liu Ao noticed Liu Xin who was always accompanying him. Reticent and calm, if given time he’d certainly be a worthy ruler. Liu Ao sighed silently, If I had a son like him, my workload would be reduced by half.
In a loud voice, an attendant at the garden’s entrance abruptly announced a revered woman’s arrival “Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has arrived!”
Liu Ao smiled and said, “Empress Mother, We didn’t expect that you’d receive the news so soon. If Consort Xi gives birth to a prince, We’ll reward her greatly!”
Liu Xin was called into the palace early in the morning, so he felt a little out of spirits. He sounded a response, straightened his robes and readied himself to pay respects to Wang Zhengjun.
Wang Zhengjun walked into the palace gardens with several maids following her every step; she wore a phoenix crown inlaid with gold on her head, her ears and wrists were covered in costly rare treasures; the empress dowager’s lavishness looked awfully dazzling to the eye.
“Xin’er greets the Empress Dowager.” Liu Xin saluted her in a respectful manner.
When Wang Zhengjun noticed Liu Xin she creased her brows and ordered in a low voice, “Rise.” She sat down on a seat beside an artificial lake and said to Liu Ao, “Xin’er should be occupied with his studies. Your Majesty, why do you always order him to accompany you?”
Liu Ao laughed out loud, “We’re really fond of this child, so I let him enter the palace often. Empress Mother, you’re unaware of Xin’er’s outstanding talent. He learns lessons, that others take three years to learn, in just a single year…”
Wang Zhengjun couldn’t stand the sound of Liu Ao’s sincere praise and interrupted, “It’s essential to be humble and focus on one’s studies. Your Majesty, if you spoil my grandson rotten like this too, I will intervene!”
Though the empress dowager was no longer young, her noble temperament didn’t diminish. When talking about her grandson, Wang Zhengjun couldn’t hide her excitement. “Your Majesty, I hope Consort Xi adds a prince to our court, so you need not look at other people’s sons all day.”
The underlying insult in her words was clear to Liu Xin, yet he stayed calm and quietly stood aside.
At this time, the attendant at the garden’s entrance announced another arrival “Lord Wang and Lord Dong have arrived.” Wang Mang and Dong Xian walked toward them together. Dong Xian was still dressed in plain and simple robes Standing beside Wang Mang, though the two of them were of handsome appearance, he exuded a stronger aura.
Seeing Liu Xin, Dong Xian smiled slightly, his smile as light as ripples on a clear lake. Liu Xin nodded in response.
Wang Mang noticed that the Empress Dowager was present, he humbly knelt down to greet her. “Greetings, Aunt!”
Wang Zhengjun smiled and stated, “Who knows when you’d have returned to visit me; you wouldn’t even remember me, your own aunt, if His Majesty weren’t receiving an heir today.”
“Apologies, Aunt. I’ll certainly come to see you more often.” Wang Mang teased, “During this task, this nephew requested the best seamstresses to the south of the Yangzi River to sew several sets of silk clothes, which are warm and light. Even in the capital they might be second to none.”
Hearing this, Wang Zhengjun was all smiles. However, when her line of sight shifted to Dong Xian, her expression darkened. “Lord Dong, I heard you were wounded; have you recovered?”
“Apologies for worrying you, Your Majesty. This official is feeling fine.” Dong Xian glanced at Wang Zhengjun, although it wasn’t obvious, his lofty and aloof look let him appear superior to others, including the Empress Dowager.
Wang Zhengjun was upset, Dong Xian! Why did the Heavens give him such an unfathomable heart and peerless appearance? From the first time she saw him, Wang Zhengjun feared him and secretly made up her mind that she’d never let him approach Liu Ao or Wang Mang. Seeing Liu Xin standing to the side, she had an idea. “Lord Dong, you should have a good rest. I heard you’re very knowledgeable, why don’t you become Xin’er’s teacher, he ought to learn more.”
I will not let Dong Xian get too close to my son or my nephew. As the saying goes, the tranquil lake may hide a perilous depth. However, Wang Zhengjun didn’t care for the descendants of the previous emperor’s concubines. Remembering the endless strife and schemes in her youth, she thought, The Central Plains really is a realm full of maidens, there were three thousand of them in Weiyang Palace alone.
Wang Zhaojun, who’d been outstanding in every way, whose name differed from hers in only one character haunted her to this day. Fortunately, she was just a court lady… Fortunately, she’d manipulated her portrait… Fortunately, the previous emperor hadn’t noticed her beauty in time… Fortunately, she was sent to the North to marry into the Xiongnu…
Wang Zhaojun left the palace, but thousands of beauties took her place. Wang Zhengjun still felt scared at the thought and the more she feared, the more she schemed to maintain her position. Wang Zhengjun couldn’t recall which of the numerous consorts and concubines Liu Xin’s grandmother was. In the inner palace, except for myself, everyone else is an enemy.
