Memories of the PalaceCh15 - It’s a Date

From the desk of Assistant Su Ao

His Majesty’s Harem Records Y34dhp

Year 3 of His Majesty’s Reign

9th day of the 8th month

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Wu shi Hour – His Majesty visited First Concubine Qian Jing, played weiqi.

Sen shi Hour – Visited Second Concubine Wu Shanjin with a physician. Confirmed no pregnancy, then had intimate relations for one hour. Expected heat: 5 days from now; adjusted His Majesty’s schedule accordingly. jb8dY2

On the way back, caught Empress in the outer garden near West Hall. The Empress claimed they were “meditating” – was naked and in the pond located in the garden. Offered His Majesty to join. Scolded and punished with writing “I will not be naked in public” one hundred times.

You shi Hour – Eighth Concubine Song Rushen presented His Majesty with a handmade pouch full of his favorite incense to wear on Zhen’s waist. His Majesty had intimate relations with Eighth Concubine Song Rushen.

Year 3 of His Majesty’s Reign

12th day of the 8th month

ZcimUy

Si shi Hour – His Majesty visited His Family’s Empress with Physician Li. Reported a rash along the lower abdomen that began two days prior. Physician Li explains that it is possible reaction and dryness due to skin preparing for stretching; prescribed topical ointment.

After Physician Li was dismissed, the Empress asked His Majesty to engage in intimate relations. His Majesty refused, and His Highness proceeded to argue. His Majesty explained he is scheduled to see Second Consort Chen Ziwei. His Highness suggested that both serve His Majesty at the same time. Scolded and punished with confinement for two days, and to kneel for a half an hour at the ancestral temple and pray.

His Highness commented that he could be doing something better on his knees. Punishment extended to four days confinement.

Year 3 of His Majesty’s Reign JSj2Wa

15th day of the 8th month

Mao shi Hour – His Majesty received reports from the Shadow Guard that the Empress still practices martial arts. Plans to visit them tomorrow.

——

Tomorrow GFZdIA

16th day of the 8th month

“Are you sure you do not need to greet His Highness the Empress Dowager?”

Li Changyu glanced at Zhao Lanhu when he asked his question, “Are you sure you don’t need to?”

Zhao Lanhu chuckled and shook his head, and Li Changyu joined him. They walked side by side towards the Phoenix Palace. They had finished their morning greetings with Grand Empress Dowager, and of course, Li Changyu skipped going to his Mother-in-law. No one other than Song Rushen and Zhao Lanhu greeted him in the morning, but it was not a surprise. Since he’d been in the Palace, the Harem was rude; now that he was pregnant, it was even more of a cold shoulder. Zhao Lanhu had agreed to join him for tea, which was a nice way to break up his normally monotonous days. 192TiC

“Are you certain it is not too hot for you?” Zhao Lanhu made a frown look pretty, “I can have my servant fetch some iced plum soup for you.”

Though it was a muggy day in late summer, Li Changyu stuck out his tongue at the offer. “Blergh. No, I am to avoid overly cold foods, but I think the baby wants an osthmanthus cake.”

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Li Changyu hadn’t yet properly sat down to talk with Zhao Lanhu one on one, and though years separated them, it felt like Li Changyu never stopped being the First Prince’s guard. Yes, he was taller than most omegas, Zhao Lanhu now included, which felt very funny given that he was a small child when he knew the First Prince. Once he had to look up, and he now had to look down at Zhao Lanhu.

Zhao Lanhu clucked his tongue in a manner much like Royal Grandmother and smiled. He waved a hand and one of his servants that trailed behind them approached, “Go fetch some for His Highness.” sBLnVY

Shen Pei and Meimei were the ones in his posse, which he purposefully kept small. There were numerous servants in and out of the Phoenix Palace, but his main attendants were Bowen and Meimei. When they stepped through the moon gate, he nodded over his shoulder and spoke to Meimei.

“Please prepare some tea for First Prince and have Bowen fetch some water for me.”

“Yes, Li Cha—” Meimei stopped abruptly, hovering mid-step as she cut herself off and stared at Zhao Lanhu.

Li Changyu shook his head, “It’s alright, Meimei. Go on.” 17RbYq

“Still overly familiar with the servants?” Zhao Lanhu track Meimei’s retreat then his eyes turned into two crescents with a sly smile. He wasn’t exactly chiding Li Changyu, but it felt like a light poke.

“Ha, we are in my home now.” Li Changyu spread his arms open, indicating to his garden that led to the main building. “Palace rules be damned here.”

“Let us sit outside then, since it is much too hot to be cooped up indoors,” suggested Zhao Lanhu while they walked step by step up the small set of stairs to the deck in front of Li Changyu’s chambers.

“You take care of Xiao Yu very well.” Li Changyu led Zhao Lanhu to the set of rocking chairs and seats to the right. The servants fluttered about, some setting up the small table with one of his tea sets that the Grand Empress Dowager gifted him, another pair grabbing fans to help keep them cool. ey5Bln

Zhao Lanhu let out a laugh – an elegant one, which wasn’t too much and wasn’t too little. Even when relaxed, he was still the picture of proper etiquette. “You still remember my name for you?”

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.

“Of course I do. It’d be hard to forget since you always said it when I was being naughty.” Li Changyu leaned back in his chair and rocked lightly. He appreciated the slight wind from the fan – in truth, he did feel very hot and a tad bit miserable. Li Changyu wasn’t even two months pregnant, but he’d been faced with one symptom after the next. The heat made his rash itch, and itching made it spread, and thus the itch grew even more. It became a vicious cycle.

“Ah, and you were naughty very often.” Zhao Lanhu relaxed into his own chair, head turned to watch Li Changyu.

“Naughty is subjective,” Li Changyu smirked. “I would say I was overly vigilant in defending you.” rB2c1u

“I doubt my late Husband would call it defending.” Zhao Lanhu’s eyes slid down to his lap. His expression was neutral, in that sort of royal practiced way, but his words were light. “You often kept Wang Shenqiao on his toes.”

Wang Shenqiao was the Prime Minister who worked on relations with the Ming Kingdom, which was situated between Sui and Wu Kingdoms. When they first were arranged to be married, Wang Shenqiao was just a scholar in the Court. After he was appointed to the position, Zhao Lanhu and his Family moved south to be closer to the foreign kingdom.

Li Changyu didn’t want to pry, since Zhao Lanhu did not offer the details around his Husband’s death, so he kept to more neutral things. “I am happy that I had the opportunity to serve your Family.”

“Thank you,” Zhao Lanhu sat up a little when Meimei brought the kettle. Li Changyu reached to prepare the tea for him but Zhao Lanhu brushed his hand gently aside. “You do not need to adhere to etiquette. You’re pregnant and don’t look too happy.” eQ850Z

“Well…” Li Changyu huffed and sat back. “I wouldn’t say I’m unhappy…”

Bored. Antsy. Horny. Nauseous. Itchy. Short of breath sometimes. Horny. Frustrated. Those were words he’d describe his feelings. Unhappy? Li Changyu sat with that thought for a moment.

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“I never thought I’d be in this sort of position…” Li Changyu patted his lower stomach and hip, where the rash was, trying to subtly satisfy the itch by doing that. “This is quite different than how I imagined my life would be.”

“Li’s die on the battlefield or not at all, hm?” Zhao Lanhu lightly teased Li Changyu with his Family’s unofficial motto. f5I 4p

“Exactly!” Li Changyu grinned. “I would never in a million years imagine myself not in a battle or waiting for a battle. It’s different, but…”

A smile curled the corners of his lips up. I get to be with him.

It was harder and harder to suppress the light, fluttery feeling overwhelmed him whenever he saw Jin Xiyan. Every time he did, he was transported back in time to being the young omega who craved the moments they could steal-away in order to spend time together. It was not perfect, of course.

As much as Jin Xiyan reminded him of the boy he once knew, Li Changyu was frustrated because of the things that had changed. He was far more serious, and at times more distant, and he refused to communicate. Well, he refuses to listen. 78lnx2

But there were fleeting moments where Li Changyu was almost a hundred percent sure that somewhere deep in that idiotic skull Jin Xiyan remembered who he was.

Zhao Lanhu’s smile was fond, “After all these years, you still love him?”

“Was it that obvious when I was young?” Li Changyu scrunched his nose. He sincerely hoped no one else knew it. At least, no one pointed out that they knew.

“Mmm…perhaps not at first, but I pay attention to detail.” Zhao Lanhu said. P fZhd

“Your H-h-highness?” Bowen stepped up with a small bit of paper in his hand and a pitcher of water in the other. His cheeks flushed. His stutter had lessened since he grew more comfortable serving him at the Phoenix Palace, but he must have been nervous speaking in front of Zhao Lanhu.

“Yes?”

“This came for you.” Bowen bowed forward and held the paper to him. Li Changyu took the slip and unfolded it – it was in Ping-Shixiong’s handwriting. Bowen poured him a cup of water while he read.

Trouble brewing. There are claims in the court that the Shiwei attacked our caravans heading northeast. Two were captured and had hawk tattoos. This is not your band of people, is it? Investigation being held by Ministry of War for the time being. Keep an eye out. W1RmQG

Li Changyu paused and re-read the note before folding it back up. He handed it back to Bowen, “Burn this. Please send the reply: A bear follows the tigers’ tracks in the forests. There are no birds among them, not even with their neighbors.”

Bowen was a smart boy and memorized lines well, so he did not have to repeat himself. Bowen sped off to do his task, leaving Li Changyu to worry about the contents of the note. His Shixiong, like Shen Pei, would understand his meaning. There were no Hawk clans amongst the Shiwei, nor any other smaller ethnic group in the surrounding area. He had never heard of any in the Turkic Khaganate either. Perhaps–

A fluttering of his stomach and a fresh wave of nausea interrupted his thoughts. A fresh scent of jasmine tickled his nose, which had become sensitive since his pregnancy. It felt like he smelled it everywhere, even when it wasn’t present. It brought on a headache, and he shut his eyes and touched his forehead where a cold sweat broke out.

“Are you alright?” Zhao Lanhu leaned forward and two servants stepped towards Li Changyu. SV9AH1

At his Brother-in-law’s concern, he pushed his lips into a small smile and opened his eyes once more. “I’m–”

“His Majesty has arrived!” Called out Shorty’s shrill cry.

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Both of them looked towards the main walkway. Jin Xiyan glided down the marble path accompanied by Shorty, several servants, and three guards. It was a bit of a dramatic entrance just for a visit. Li Changyu took a deep breath to collect himself and he leaned forward to rise. Zhao Lanhu stood up first and took hold of Li Changyu’s arm to assist him up. He didn’t want Jin Xiyan to see him being fussed over, and he quickly shrugged Zhao Lanhu off.

“I’m okay,” he tried to sound as reassuring as possible. I’m not even that far into my pregnancy and they are acting like I’m crippled! c4BnHM

They walked down the small set of stairs from the deck to meet Jin Xiyan and each of them bowed accordingly. Jin Xiyan rushed forward before Li Changyu could bend his waist, grabbing him by the shoulders.

“You are pregnant, you do not need to stand on ceremony.”

Li Changyu straightened himself and looked up at the Emperor. Jin Xiyan’s worried brow was, quite frankly, cute. His eyes were full of concern, making their lilac color darken, and the twist in his mouth made his dimple peek through. This pushed Li Changyu to put on even more of an act of being alright, though his stomach cramped.

That excited to see your Father? He mentally spoke to the baby, hoping to pacify it somehow. He wasn’t sure if babies could somehow hear thoughts, but it seemed to do the trick because his stomach finally settled. N8fhXJ

“Well,” Li Changyu quipped in his usual teasing tone. “If that will get me out of having to mind my manners, I’ll be pregnant more often.”

Jin Xiyan’s lip twitched and a little something passed over his face before he fixed it back to the prim and proper air he carried himself in.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness,” Zhao Lanhu addressed them both with a small nod after standing upright, “I will take my leave first.”

“Do plan on staying longer tomorrow, Your Highness,” Li Changyu gave a parting nod since he was worried that should he try to bow again, he’d have four hands trying to stop him. Zhao Lanhu bowed in farewell and left with his servants. wx31lW

Li Changyu at least waited until Zhao Lanhu had gone through the moon gate before smirking up at Jin Xiyan, “And what do I owe the pleasure of having my Husband visit my palace?”

“Zhen needs to speak to you.” Those words coupled by the serious expression clued Li Changyu to the fact he was in for a lecture.

He rolled his eyes and slipped an arm through Jin Xiyan’s and held him by the crook of the elbow. Jin Xiyan’s body stiffened beside him, his eyebrows turned up in surprise. Li Changyu chuckled.

“If you’re going to talk my ear off, we might as well do so in my garden.” bG5sOt

Li Changyu tugged Jin Xiyan forward and was pleased that he went along. He guided Jin Xiyan towards his very pitiful, narrow pond that was much too shallow to even wade in, but still had a small arch bridge. He often stood on it to toss food at the few carp that lived in the pond. Being outside, the fresh air helped ease his headache considerably, and he no longer smelled jasmine. Jin Xiyan stopped at the foot of the bridge and so did Li Changyu.

“Zhen must ask, why do you insist on wearing these…” Jin Xiyan gestured to Li Changyu’s body as the latter moved to stand in front of him. “…things?”

“Things?” Li Changyu looked down at himself. He had one of the robes given to him altered to be a rounded collar tunic that ended at his thighs. It was a bright crimson, and he liked the white peony designs on it so he asked the tailor to keep them as best as he could and the man made a white band sash to tie it off. His matching red pants were from the remaining fabric of the robe, and were tied into his boots.

Blinking, Li Changyu lifted his head back up. “What things?” xOPEot

“These things do not suit Zhen’s Empress. Should you not be wearing regular robes, ones that would perhaps…” Jin Xiyan rolled his hand around, looking like he was picking the right words. “Hide your belly more?”

“Hide my…” Li Changyu’s face heated up when he realized Jin Xiyan’s meaning, “Jin Xiyan! Are you calling me fat?!”

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

He was barely to the two month mark and as far as Li Changyu was concerned, one would have to squint really hard and look at him from the side to see any sort of evidence of him being pregnant. Li Changyu ran his hands up and down the front of his torso, demonstrating how flat it kind of was.

“That is not what Zhen meant!” Jin Xiyan took a step forward with a hand outstretched, but Li Changyu walked backwards higher up onto the bridge. uGcOd2

“Hmph!” Li Changyu crossed his arms, “I’ll have you know these robes are perfect for me! I’m not so hot, they are perfect for moving around, and–”

“And they are for martial arts.” Jin Xiyan followed him onto the bridge, both standing at the top of the arch.

Here it comes. Li Changyu turned towards the railing and huffed again. “So?”

“Zhen forbade you from doing those types of things.” Jin Xiyan reminded him needlessly. Li Changyu hadn’t forgotten that shitty day when his own sword was taken from him. UYOkD6

“I’m not doing anything with weapons,” Li Changyu dropped his hands to rest on the railing and peered down at the water. The carp swarmed below, expecting treats once they saw Li Changyu. Open gaping mouths bobbed to the surface, but would receive nothing.

“Then you admit you are doing something,” said Jin Xiyan. It wasn’t a question, so Li Changyu didn’t answer. A heavy sigh was behind him, and Li Changyu felt Jin Xiyan’s presence there. “Zhen orders you not to do anything related to martial arts.”

“Practicing formations with no weapons and qigong are not demanding activities, and can be beneficial for one’s health.” He stated matter-of-factly, “Perhaps if I keep doing them, I won’t be so fat and unattractive to Zhen.”

Two strong arms wrapped around his shoulders and pulled him against the wall of Jin Xiyan’s chest. They cradled him close in a show of intimacy that Li Changyu was not used to. Jin Xiyan’s palms rested over Li Changyu’s heart, where he was sure to feel it pounding. Li Changyu’s face warmed again, but for a different reason now, and for once he was stunned silent. Bn0x3O

The beads jingled and Li Changyu felt Jin Xiyan’s breath against his ear, “That is not what Zhen meant. You would not be fat – you would be pregnant with Zhen’s child. That is very different.”

The momentary stupor over being held faded and Li Changyu’s normal sarcasm sprang back up, “You say that, but you refuse to lay in bed with me.”

“Is that what this mood is about?” Jin Xiyan dared to sound amused, which annoyed him, but he placed his hands over Jin Xiyan’s to show he was unwilling to part just yet.

“What, you put a baby in me and suddenly you had your fill?” Li Changyu didn’t care if he sounded crass, “You eat in other’s beds but have no appetite left over for me. What is a Wife to do but assume it’s because I am now unattractive.” 5K26zi

“Zhen has never slept with a pregnant Wife because it is risky and can be a strain.” Jin Xiyan’s voice pitched low and he dropped his formal speech, “and our times together can be particularly strenuous.”

Jin Xiyan’s hold tightened just a fraction, but to Li Changyu it felt like he was coiled up by a smooth talking snake. An even tinier – but not really tiny – snake pressed against the small of Li Changyu’s back, startling him.

Jin Xiyan continued, “Besides, the servants have informed Su Ao that you are sometimes unwell. It would be inconsiderate of Zhen to not take this into account.”

Damnit, those snitches. He knew Meimei and Bowen wouldn’t divulge that sort of information, but it was probably the servants that do the regular maintenance and care that noticed and blabbed to Shorty. JI dc2

“Pardon Your Majesty,” a soft voice called to them from the path to the bridge. Jin Xiyan’s warmth was pulled away, leaving Li Changyu cold and wanting. Pouting, he turned to the voice.

It was one of Zhao Lanhu’s servants, and she bowed with a covered plate in her hands. She addressed Li Changyu next, “Your Highness, this is the osmanthus cake you requested.”

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

“Oh!” All his previous pining and funny emotions around Jin Xiyan disappeared at the promise of the sweets. He quickly left the bridge to meet the woman at the base and took the plate from her.

Li Changyu uncovered the plate and smiled at the three neatly placed cakes in the center. He hummed appreciatively and tossed back the dome for the plate to the servant. He helped himself to a large bite after picking one up. r8vN2T

“You asked for sweets?” Jin Xiyan tilted his head to the side and peered down at him.

“Nuh-uh,” Li Changyu stuck his nose in the air, took another bite, and spoke around it. “Da babuh did.”

“Do not talk with your mouth full,” Jin Xiyan chastised him. Li Changyu shrugged and finished the first cake off. Jin Xiyan looked at Shorty and said, “Have a servant tell the kitchen to make some more and deliver them to the Empress.”

“What’s this?” Li Changyu narrowed his eyes, “Why are you getting me more?” Qs9zv2

“What the baby wants, Zhen will provide,” he said simply. Li Changyu couldn’t help but think that technically the kitchen staff was providing, but he wasn’t going to point that out.

“Well! If that’s the case,” Li Changyu smirked, “Then the baby would like three horses, a sword, a cooked lamb, and a new pillow for the bed. That one has been making this poor, poor Mother’s neck stiff.”

“No, no, yes, and yes,” he answered. Though Jin Xiyan frowned, there was a little light in his eyes that made them dazzle.

“Spoilsport.” Li Changyu chuckled, then an idea popped in his head. “Hey, do you think skipping rocks is too much for my sad, pathetic pregnant body?” AOD8KU

Now Jin Xiyan’s frown turned a little genuine and his eyebrows furrowed, “Why do you want to skip rocks?”

“No,” Li Changyu shook his head. “I want us to skip rocks. You know the pond where I was taking a dip?”

Jin Xiyan’s lips twitched but he kept his expression steely. Li Changyu resisted a snicker.

“Meet me there tomorrow at midday. We can skip rocks together.” 0bSu9H

The innocent looking oaf came closer and whispered, “Li Changyu, is that some euphemism you picked up from that distasteful book?”

He threw his head back and laughed. Oh, this man! The force of the laughter made his stomach roil, so his teasing was cut short and he placed a hand over his belly to settle it. Before Jin Xiyan could pick up on his discomfort, Li Changyu was quick to explain.

“No, it just means skipping rocks. I think it would be something nice.” And maybe jog your memory about me, he thought.

“Zhen will agree if you promise no more martial arts.” dKYnxt

“Sure, sure!” Li Changyu held up three fingers on his left hand. “I promise.”

Jin Xiyan’s looked reluctant, but eventually he offered a gentle smile that softened his features. “…Alright. Zhen will meet you tomorrow at the pond.”

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“At midday.” Li Changyu’s heart swelled, his joy suppressing a bit of the nausea.

Jin Xiyan nodded, “At midday.” J5fPpH

鵲橋仙 Immortals at the Magpie Bridge1

秦觀 By Qin Guan

Translated by foxghost (https://foxghost.tumblr.com/)

纖雲弄巧,飛星傳恨,銀漢迢迢暗度。 sPvzEc

Delicate clouds form a delicate tale,

shooting stars speak their regrets,

the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid cross the Silver River in silence.

金風玉露一相逢,便勝卻人間無數。 6Hmd A

In golden autumn breeze and jade-like dew, their chance encounter

is more remarkable than countless meetings in the mortal world.

柔情似水,佳期如夢,忍顧鵲橋歸路。

Their love flows as gently as water, 7aAVPD

their time together as wondrous as a dream,

it breaks one’s heart to look back on the Magpie Bridge.

兩情若是久長時,又豈在朝朝暮暮。

If love between two is everlasting, f9Wxda

it is hardly dependent on closeness from dawn to dusk.

The magpie bridge is where the cowherd and the weaving maid are allowed to meet once a year on the silver river / the milky way.

Chrysanthemum Garden.

Thanks to foxghost’s translation of the poem. I was very inspired by the poem found in a book, but I like foxghost’s variation better.

This should be enough of a warning for folks to buckle the fuck up for the remaining chapters of this arc. They will primarily be in Li Changyu’s POV for the next few ones. 4LrgQ2

Leave a Comment

21 comments

  1. Ah JX can be sweet too.. And shouldn’t they respect the empress? They are really rude to him.. Can’t wait for next week

  2. Pobre Li Changyu! Lleva una vida tan aburrida en palacio, y no puede hacer lo que le gusta. Es un precio alto por estar enamorado de un esposo que se acuesta con tantas mujeres!😢 Thanks for the chapter!

  3. Ahhhh estoy tan angustiado y la angustia aún no ha comenzado, no sé si mi corazón puede soportarlo jajaja no confío en nadie en ese palacio😩

  4. I have just start this one and have been reading all day and this is where it stops for now??? I have such bad timing!

    I need to know it will all be okay because these people are all stressing me out. LC seems to be surrounded by danger and his husband is worried about him getting hurt from exercise?? Never mind the evil harem? And why hasn’t the Grandmother Dowager told LC to take over the harem already? He needs to shut down that little party, not ignore it!

    • I am so happy to hear that the story was that interesting you read it straight through! Do not worry – the next release will drop 4 chapters that…well…it’s an angst sandwich. Meaning I punch you in the teeth but I give some good things in between???

          • I care about him, too, but he is so obtuse! Like, he has known LC long enough by know to be able to fully grasp that he doesn’t want to dress like the other omegas, yet he still seems puzzled about why LC keeps altering his clothing. I know some of it is just because he hasn’t ever thought about it before, but he seems to have pretty low EQ. And truthfully I want to throw a shoe at him for not telling off his mother and the Guifei, but that is because I hate them and want to scratch out their eyes. It is hard to remember he doesn’t know what we do and has no real reason to suspect them, especially since they both profit from his position. But ugh.
  5. × Su Ao is so diligent.. recording his majesty fu– cough cough

    × hmm hmm no respect for the empress hmmmm☺️🔪

    × GAH!! SMTH HAPPENED OUTSIDE!? (゜o゜;

    × no comment for jin xiyan ತ_ತ