Memories of the PalaceCh24 - Peace and Quiet

“Emperor Father, why do I have to study from this book?”

His youngest, Jin Haoran, looked up at him from his spot around the table inside his quarters.At least twice a month, he would gather all of his children together for a short period of time for a snack. Typically, Jin Xiyan would host it outdoors, but as the weather cooled he had to bring it inside. Jin Haoran’s kind, round face dimpled with the curious furrow of his brows. In his hands was a book about the Virtues and Obediences expected of omegas, which he held up too with his question. FAnr0D

“It’s ‘cause you are an omega,” scoffed Jin Xieren, a son who was just a year older than Jin Haoran.

“Speak properly,” he reprimanded, and Jin Xieren gave a soft yes, Emperor Father in response. He then looked to his other son, and explained, “You are at an age where you can study your reading from this book. It will teach you the lessons of being a good omega.”

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Jin Haoran glared at his half-Brother before setting the book back down, open on the table. Servants and nannies bustled around, taking away and adding new trays. Jin Haoran caught sight of the stack of osmanthus cakes and quickly grabbed one. He held it between his small hands and looked back at Jin Xiyan.

“What makes me an omega?” he asked innocently. 0kED2t

Jin Xiyan coughed on his sip of tea and Su Ao rushed to his side, but he waved him off and cleared his throat. A few of the other children snickered, but under a nanny’s glare they quieted. Jin Haoran’s nanny shushed him.

“Mind your manners,” she hissed as she scolded him. She took the cake from his hands and placed it back on the tray. His son’s eyes widened and his lips turned down and stuck out in a pout.

“It is alright.” He strived to be a little bit more personable than his own Father. Though the former Emperor was patient and willing to give lessons, he wasn’t that approachable nor did Jin Xiyan or any of his siblings feel comfortable asking direct questions. Jin Xiyan glanced at his other children before answering Jin Haoran directly.

“When you were born, you had a mark on your lower belly–”

“Yes!” Jin Haoran interrupted. He looked down to poke at his own stomach and exclaimed, “It’s next to my belly button!”

“Yes,” Jin Xiyan suppressed a small grin. This is a serious topic, he reminded himself. “Omegas are the only ones that have this mark, both boys and girls.”

“Is it magic?” Jin Xieren asked, now showing some interest in the conversation as well. He leaned over to Jin Haoran and poked him too, but Jin Haoran smacked his hand.

“No,” Chen Yuxi rolled her eyes, “It means he can have babies.” XLIvsj

Her twin Brother, Chen Guojing, bobbed his head in agreement. He always followed his sister’s lead. Their older biological Brother, Chen Jingyi, reached across to push the book closer to Jin Haoran.

“You will get married and have lots of babies. That is why you and our sisters study this.” Chen Jingyi slumped back onto his chair. “You don’t want to end up being a bad omega like the Empress.”

That made Jin Xiyan snap, “He is still your Royal Mother, and you will show respect.”

All of his children, except for Jin Haoran, sat up in attention from his biting tone. Jin Haoran blinked and looked completely oblivious at the sudden tension in the room. Hd2zjN

“Is His Highness a bad omega?” his sweet, innocent boy asked.

Jin Xiyan took a deep breath. While he did not have a positive opinion on Li Changyu’s behavior, it would be disrespectful to sway his children away from their Royal Mother. He respected his own growing up, and he wanted to instill that with his children.

He reached out and patted Jin Haoran’s head. “Instead of concerning yourself over who is a good or bad omega, you should focus on and reflect on your own actions. Gossiping is not a virtuous trait, and everyone, omega or not, should strive to be virtuous and filial.”

Jin Xiyan looked pointedly at Chen Jingyi, who lowered his head. One of his eldest daughters spoke up next, “Will…will His Highness be at the twins’ birthday tonight?” fWC415

Jin Haoran became animated again, “Is he, Emperor Father?! We haven’t seen him for ages!”

“We used to see Royal Mother for morning greetings, but that was forever ago. He used to play with us,” Jin Xieren sounded a bit disappointed. “It’s like he’s playing the longest game of hide and seek…”

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Chen Yuxi leaned towards her Brothers and whispered, “They would go give morning greetings to him?” The two boys shrugged in bewilderment.

“Ah…” Jin Xiyan wasn’t sure how to answer. It had been two weeks since the incident with Qin Yuze, and his time in confinement was officially over. He had not seen hide or hair of Li Changyu, or any word about him. He had no way of knowing what his Empress’ intentions were. “Zhen is not sure. His Highness is sure to be invited.” xUh zl

Another thought came to him, and he quickly added, “No one should not disturb His Highness. He is unwell, and recovering, so it is best to not go near. You want him to get better, yes?”

Several heads bobbed up and down. Jin Xiyan wanted to be sensitive to the fact that Li Changyu lost their child. If it had been him, Jin Xiyan guessed that he would not want to see any child right away after such an ordeal. The loss had also hurt him for a time, and during that time he did avoid his own children. He mourned over the fact that he would not have the opportunity to see another small baby. His children were growing up extremely fast, and there was nothing greater than seeing a tiny, innocent bundle. It was not a stretch to say that it was one of the greatest joys in Jin Xiyan’s life to have a child, regardless of their designation. He didn’t want to rub his children in Li Changyu’s face.

“Your Majesty,” Su Ao came up to his side and bowed low, “It is time to attend State matters.”

“Ah, yes.” He stood up, as did his children. They cupped their hands to him and bowed, with the servants alongside them. Jin Xiyan dipped his head and left for his Imperial Study. DobEIM

——

Later that evening

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.

With the help of some calming tea, Jin Xiyan felt less nervous about the party. So far it was a simple affair, his twin daughter and son had a special seat near the head of the Hall where visitors brought their gifts. Some liked to show off more than others by loudly sharing to everyone what their gift was for the young Prince and Princess. Others were far more courteous and subtle, like his Eldest Brother.

“I do hope my Third Niece will like the Mingian pearls,” Prince Lanhu smiled tenderly down at Chen Yuxi. Her eyes sparkled as she looked in the small treasure box that contained two sets of pearl necklaces. She seemed too stunned for words. roZTzJ

Chen Guojing was in a similar state. He stared slack jawed at the elegant black lacquered qin that was decorated with intricate plum blossom designs along the side. At one end was a small phrase wishing him success.

“What do you say?” Qin Yuze, who was at his side, gently reminded his children.

“A-ah!” Chen Guojing’s head jerked up. “Thank you, Prince Uncle! We cannot repay your generosity!”

“Yes!” echoed Chen Yuxi. “This is so beautiful, I can’t wait to wear it!” D39uzq

His Eldest Brother’s smile was fond and he shook his head, “There is no need to thank. Your happiness is payment enough for this Uncle.”

A eunuch’s announcement came with a sharp cry, “The Empress has arrived!”

All heads turned to the main doors, some more eager than others. Qin Yuze stiffened beside him and he felt his Wife’s hand reach out to touch his knee. Jin Xiyan rested his own over Qin Yuze’s. Then, like a gently rolling cloud, Li Changyu breezed in.

Li Changyu’s frame was covered in a long, elegant blue velvet cloak that dragged along the floor. Silver patterns wove around the sleeves, looking like threaded metal that glinted in the light. At his shoulders were a mass of sleek black feathers which appeared freshly plucked off ravens. The color was as pitch as Li Changyu’s hair, which was done back in a ponytail with an intricately crafted silver crown. His expression was calm, but his cat-like eyes were sharp and slowly examined the room as he made his way down the aisle. bc9yui

His posture was tall, his movements graceful, and he… Jin Xiyan shook his head and his eyes widened. I…I forgot how breathtaking he is.

Behind Li Changyu was his guard Shen Pei and she carried a large box. His Empress stopped in front of the platform and cupped his hands.

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“Long live His Majesty,” Li Changyu said in greeting. His voice was clear, but he sounded a bit distant – like it was a practiced line. His eyes looked at Jin Xiyan’s table rather than him, but they drifted to the side where Qin Yuze sat in the seat next to him. Unlike the first time this happened, Li Changyu made no acknowledgement of it, and bowed to Chen Ziyin, his Mother, and his Grandmother who were also seated at the head.

He nodded to Li Changyu, and Qin Yuze, his twins, and Prince Lanhu bowed towards Li Changyu with an echoed response, “Greetings, Your Highness.” iGuA60

“It is good to see you, Empress.” Prince Lanhu looked relieved, but his smile did not quite reach his eyes. “If you are well, we should spend some time together.”

Li Changyu nodded, “I will join you at your table then, since there is much to catch up on.”

Prince Lanhu returned to his seat amongst the guests and when everyone sat down, Li Changyu pivoted to face the twins. He had a slight smile and a bit more warmth in his eyes now. “It is your eighth birthday, which is something special. You will have to forgive me, but I fear I do not have a grand gift that both of you deserve. Instead, what I can offer is for you to spend some time playing with a different set of twins.”

Li Changyu turned and stretched his arms towards the box Shen Pei held. His twins craned their necks, but not even Jin Xiyan could tell what was in there. Li Changyu reached inside and pulled out a ball that was a mix of white, black, and orange. A high-pitched cry came from it, and Li Changyu turned to reveal two tiger cubs in his arms. bBpUhd

One white and one orange, they hung off Li Changyu’s limbs like they were on a clothesline. They were of a decent size, about as big as a medium sized dog, and lively. Well, one was lively. The orange one complained with wawu’s and pawing at the air, his sharp teeth brandished. The other was limp and listless, it’s grey eyes blinking like a toddler fighting to stay awake. Chen Guojing and Yuxi gasped and a broad smile spread over their faces.

“A-ah!” Chen Ziyin, the twins’ birth Mother, stammered. “Your-your Majesty! I protest this! These…these wild beasts could harm them!”

“But I wanna pet the tigers!” Chen Yuxi protested, his eyes darting from the different adults in the room. “I accept this gift!”

Li Changyu said nothing, and Jin Xiyan noticed him hold the tigers a little closer to his chest. His expression didn’t waver, but he was silent. It felt…eerie. qu0Uds

“Mama, why can’t we accept this gift from Royal Mother?” Chen Guojing joined his sister in complaining. His Noble Consort looked to him, her eyes desperate and red lip caught between her teeth.

Understanding his Wife’s fear, Jin Xiyan interrupted. “This may not be an acceptable gift. Send the beasts away.”

Li Changyu closed his eyes and leaned forward in an awkward bow, “This subject humbly apologizes for the disturbance, Your Majesty.”

He turned back to Shen Pei and gingerly placed each cub back in its box. The top of the orange one’s head peeked over the edge, his ears flicking and another wawu came from it. Shen Pei stepped away to give them a wide berth and held the box away from them. Li Changyu faced the dejected twins once more. k5tx6n

“Please accept my apologies. It may take me a while to find a suitable gift, but I will try to search for one as best as I can.”

In unison, the twins responded, “Thank you Royal Mother…”

Li Changyu reached to his neck, undid the clasp of his cloak, and shrugged out of it. For once, he was not in martial clothing. He was dressed in a very crisp, scholarly set of jade robes that, while plain, were expertly made. There were no feminine or elegant details of the robe itself, but a jade tiger hung from his sash. Li Changyu handed his cloak to one of the servants that had their hands outstretched.

“Ahem…” Qin Yuze cleared his throat and looked to him. Jin Xiyan arched a brow at his Wife. Smiling, Qin Yuze continued. “Your Majesty, we previously discussed a proper redress for His Highness’…” Qin Yuze paused and glanced at Li Changyu out of the corner of his eye. “Outburst.” LJ7daX

Li Changyu’s right hand balled up into a fist, but again his face showed no change in emotion. A worrying knot formed in the pit of Jin Xiyan’s stomach. Qin Yuze was very gracious and begged Jin Xiyan to not punish Li Changyu severely. He explained to Jin Xiyan that he would come up with a small punishment that would best serve justice for him. Jin Xiyan had granted this, but he was worried about causing a stir on his children’s birthday.

“Perhaps this is not the best time to discuss such a thing on such a joyous day as this,” he explained, hoping that rationality would keep tempers cool.

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

“If it is Huang Guifei’s wish, then this one would allow it,” Li Changyu nodded to them both. “How may I make amends?”

Jin Xiyan pressed his lips together, unsure of the exchange going on. They weren’t necessarily fighting, but the atmosphere felt off. Li Changyu didn’t appear agreeable because he wanted to compromise, but rather, it looked like he did not care about whatever direction things went. It was abnormal behavior, one that Jin Xiyan should have found refreshing, but instead it filled him with unease. G3fXd

“If it should please His Majesty, this Wife would humbly ask that from this day forward, His Highness will no longer be allowed to wear any jade. Color or stone.” Qin Yuze bowed towards Jin Xiyan.

When the request registered in his mind, it was then Jin Xiyan noticed again that Qin Yuze was also wearing a jade colored robe. His was flowy and delicate, but it was a shade that paired well with his snowy hair. Jin Xiyan looked to Li Changyu, anticipating a response – there was none to be had.

It was, of course, a petty request. He did not think Qin Yuze was jealous of Li Changyu wearing the same color, but it seemed to be more a personal, humiliating dig at Li Changyu’s expense. His name was jade, and being denied to wear it was…

He sighed. Jin Xiyan was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Li Changyu deserved punishment for hurting Qin Yuze. It was a benign punishment, one that was significantly less than what typical Family law would dictate. On the other hand, it was a bit of an underhanded method, one that he was surprised Qin Yuze would pull. IDf7l2

He waited another beat to give Li Changyu an opportunity to counter, but instead his Empress surprised him further by nodding then bowing towards Jin Xiyan.

With cupped hands, Li Changyu lowered his head. “If that is my punishment, may His Majesty excuse this one to change?”

Jin Xiyan blinked once, then twice. Momentarily too stunned to speak, Li Changyu did not move from his position as Jin Xiyan struggled to find words. He felt eyes on him, and a quick glance confirmed that his Mother and Grandmother were watching him with a critical gaze. His children had long since ignored the adults and were comparing their gifts to one another. A dull throb built up in his temple, momentarily distracting him.

Unable to come up with anything else, Jin Xiyan relented. 6BWULi

“Yes. Huang Guifei, you are generous with your mercy and Zhen will grant this request. Zhen hereby decrees that His Highness will no longer be allowed to wear jade.” To Li Changyu, he added, “His Highness may refresh himself.”

“This subject thanks His Majesty,” Li Changyu straightened, and for the quickest of seconds, their eyes locked with one another. A flicker of something crossed them, but they looked away from Jin Xiyan.

“Aha-ahem!”

A loud cough drew their attention to the left. The Grand Empress Dowager coughed into a handkerchief with audible, gasping breaths. Jin Xiyan’s Mother backed away from his Grandmother and shielded himself with his fan. Jin Xiyan sat up straighter and was prepared to rise but his Grandmother did so first. Her servant beside her held her elbow and stood close to support her. hyRCFl

“This Grandmother feels unwell. I would ask if His Highness would be kind enough to escort me to my Palace as it is along the way?”

“Of course, Royal Grandmother. Erchen is honored.” Concern flashed across Li Changyu’s face and he stepped towards the Grand Empress Dowager. Another servant approached to help his Grandmother into her cloak, and Li Changyu held out his arm to take the place of the first servant.

Jin Xiyan spoke up before they could leave, “Erchen will send a physician.”

“There is no need, Your Majesty.” His Grandmother dismissed it with a shake of her head and she tucked her handkerchief away. “It is simply these old bones. Do not worry.” AthEBl

The twins said their goodbyes first, then Jin Xiyan and the rest. The guests bowed respectfully as Li Changyu guided the Grand Empress Dowager out. He was not wearing his cloak, and Jin Xiyan had the urge to tell him to wear his so he would not fall ill, but he was too far away when he finally worked up the nerve.

The pair, followed by their servants, disappeared through the doors. Chen Ziyin slid a bit closer to him and whispered, “Thank you so much, Your Majesty. This Wife cannot express enough gratitude for handling the situation.”

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Qin Yuze gave the gentlest of smiles as he praised Jin Xiyan too, “You are very wise, my Dear.”

Their compliments, while appreciated, felt odd. There was a strange, unexplainable anxiety that constricted his chest and stole his breath. It aggravated his headache even more. Stiffly, he smiled and nodded to his Wives. N9giL4

“Zhen will leave first,” he said to them, and Qin Yuze touched his shoulder.

“Should this Wife…help His Majesty?”

Qin Yuze’s soft voice was laced with innuendo and a pretty, demure pink colored his cheeks. Shaking his head risked more pain, so Jin Xiyan declined with a single sentence.

“No, Zhen wishes for some peace and quiet.” o4hUOJ

—–

Meanwhile…

The Grand Empress Dowager righted herself and pulled away from Li Changyu’s grasp once they reached the expanse of marble outside of the Palace that split into several paths. She ran a palm over her coif to reign in any flyaways. Li Changyu blinked, confused.

“Royal Grandmother, are you alright?” ISMDku

“Bah, yes! I needed an excuse to leave, and I did not want you to leave alone.”

He smiled despite himself. Leave it to Zhang Yunqing to come up with a ploy. He had to give her praise, as she even fooled him. Li Changyu dropped his arms and walked alongside the Grand Empress Dowager.

“I appreciate your concern.” He glanced back to Shen Pei to make sure the cubs weren’t scrambling out of the box. They were the size of toddlers now, and Jianxian was growing bolder by the day. He never attacked, but his favorite game was definitely ‘hunting’ followed by ‘pouncing’.

“What sort of Grandmother would I be if I wasn’t?” She sniffed and turned up her nose. “Put your cloak back on, it is chilly.” N3ndjR

“I find this weather welcoming. It is so much colder in the North.”

Silence fell between them until the Grand Empress Dowager pointed out the elephant in the room.

“Are you alright, A-Chang?”

Li Changyu paused in his step. Everyone else around him halted, and he felt like he was on stage to give a confession. He shook his head and resumed his pace. QCkjhe

“I am as fine as I can be,” he admitted as vaguely as possible.

“Of course, of course,” she nodded, then her expression turned murderous. “That Qin Yuze. What a low trick, all just because he was jealous!” Looking to him, she frowned. “You’re not going to really change, are you?”

Chrysanthemum Garden.

“No, I don’t plan on going back to the party.” He didn’t want to dwell on what happened just moments ago, and he was reminded of something he had wanted to ask the former Empress. “Royal Grandmother, is it still true that I am in charge of the concubine selection in the Spring?”

“As far as I know, yes. I will make some inquiries, but if you are not in charge, I will intervene and take control of the selection.” Her tone shifted with her curiosity, “I would choose those that you want, of course. Why are you interested in this so soon?” alWSeI

He answered her question by asking one of his own. “Do you know of any omegas from noble families that have strong alpha backgrounds?”

It was the Grand Empress Dowager’s turn to stop. He turned his head to her when he stopped, and she looked him up and down. Her calculating gaze wasn’t scrutinizing him, but it was obvious she was putting together his line of thought.

“You want to find a replacement for yourself?” After she asked, Li Changyu glimpsed at the servants nearby. The Grand Empress Dowager waved her hand. “Speak freely in front of them. They are my personal aides.”

At that reassurance, he answered honestly. “Yes. My intention is to find someone suitable and ask for a divorce.” j8FfwH

Li Changyu was in fact looking for an alternative Empress. He had already compiled a list of possible men and women with the thanks of Li Wangshu, who had some particular beauties. They were commoners, and were perhaps not possible candidates to become Empress themselves, but they could give birth to an heir. With the required alpha son, Li Changyu could phase his existence out and request a divorce, since he would not be the one required to have it any longer.

Four sets of eyebrows rose at his words, but the Grand Empress Dowager’s shrewd look was unchanged. “A divorce? A divorce would ruin you. A-Chang…”

She crossed the short distance between them and she lifted her warm, soft hands to cup his cheeks. The gesture felt infantilizing, but he couldn’t deny that he enjoyed the touch. It reminded him of his Mother, and never before had he yearned for her as much as he did during his time in the Palace.

“A-Chang, if you at least get downgraded to a concubine, I could have you live and work within my palace.” She frowned, tugging at the wrinkles at the corners of her lips. Her thumbs brushed over the apples of his cheeks. “If you divorce His Majesty, you will have to leave. I have no way of protecting you out there.” cQUWAb

“Your kindness overwhelms me,” he said as he tilted his chin down and slowly pulled back from her touch. “But, quite frankly…it hurts too much to be here.”

In the dimming light, Li Changyu could see the tears along the rim of her eyes. She let him go, but she remained close.

“If that is what you wish, then…then I can try to find you a suitable Husband. It would take some time, but with your background, I am sure–”

“Your Highness,” he stopped her with a raised hand. Visibly deflated, the proud alpha shrank back slightly. Li Changyu sighed and went on to explain, “I…don’t want to be married.” DG0wzY

Still, she pressed him, “Then what will you do? After a divorce you won’t find many prospects, and you will not be able to re-join the army…”

Li Changyu tried to smile in order to appease her obvious worry, “I do not have any concrete plans, but I figured I could set off and travel. Wander around a bit…who knows, maybe I’ll see how far East I can go.”

Of course, this answer would not please the Grand Empress Dowager. Her frown deepened like the crease in her brow and she reached out for him once more. He didn’t side step from her, but he took one of her hands and tugged it.

“Come on, I said I would escort you.” 8q9XQ0

They fell back in step with one another in complete silence save for the light shuffle of their feet against the ground. When they reached the Palace of the Clear Mind, the Grand Empress Dowager turned to him again.

“I will think of the best candidates and make sure to send them an invitation to the pageant.” She dropped her other hand over their clasped ones and squeezed. “Li Changyu…”

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

The Grand Empress Dowager stepped even closer and lifted her hand back up to stroke his hair away from his face. Her eyes, so much like Jin Xiyan’s, were filled with apprehension. She examined Li Changyu’s face before letting out a soft sigh.

“Forgive this Grandmother for saying so, but…my Grandson does not deserve a gem like you.” mV4yX

Her words made Li Changyu’s chest tighten, and he laughed it off, “Hm, I don’t think you would want His Majesty hearing that. He might throw a tantrum.”

He gave her a wry smile, and she offered one in return. She continued to pat his hair for a little bit before bending forward to kiss his forehead. After smoothing out the shoulders and fold of his robes, she stepped back.

“Thank you for escorting me. I will say goodnight now, but please do visit me tomorrow.”

“Of course,” he bowed to her, then waited until she was well into her courtyard before turning around. He tilted his head back to look at the pinks, reds, and purples stretched across the sky. Again Li Changyu was reminded of Jin Xiyan’s eyes and he shut his eyes to try and help block out the image. 9XQLlB

You are over this, he repeated his new mantra to himself. Now, it’s all about finding some peace and quiet…