237

09 Feng Xia Qi Ascends the Throne

When summer passed, Feng Xia Qi ascended the imperial throne rightfully by Feng Xuan’s personal decree and Yue Bai Lian became the Empress. When Lan You Nian received this news, she was still slightly shocked. She didn’t expect Feng Xuan to abdicate so soon. After all, with Feng Xuan’s age, he could still sit on the throne for many years.

When Feng Yi Xuan arrived in You Nian Pavilion after leaving court, Lan You Nian had just received the news. As usual, Feng Yi Xuan pulled Lan You Nian into his arms, even though they just separated at sunrise.

“Imperial brother ascended the throne!” Feng Xuan sighed with feeling. Actually, he was surprised too when this imperial decree was issued to the morning court suddenly without giving anyone a chance to prepare, thus giving everyone a shock. Feng Xia Qi was the Crown Prince in the first place and having a favorable impression, naturally no one objected to the imperial decree.

“Xuan, Brother Xia Qi has now ascended the throne, are you happy?” Lan You Nian watched as Feng Yi Xuan changed out of his black court uniform, taking the initiative to pull Feng Yi Xuan’s hand as she asked. She could tell Feng Yi Xuan didn’t have much feelings for the Feng Empire. Feng Yi Xuan was the type of person to do as he wished. He was willing to do so much for Feng Empire, it’s most likely because of Feng Xia Qi this imperial brother.

Feng Yi Xuan didn’t conceal anything as he nodded. Since they were young, he and imperial brother have been bullied and humiliated. From that moment, they started to covet that spot, not because of greed for that power, only because that power allowed them to protect the people they wanted to protect. Later, as they gradually grew up, Feng Yi Xuan grew even more powerful. Even without the imperial throne, Feng Yi Xuan could still protect the people he wanted to protect. But this throne was still theirs. To say they weren’t happy would be false, but Feng Yi Xuan still felt a sense of melancholy.

“Then for the dinner party I’ll be holding at Zhen Wei Pavilion, will Brother Xia Qi and Bai Lian be coming?” Lan You Nian asked, uncertain. Now that Feng Xia Qi has ascended the throne, he must have many things to take care of. Feng Xia Qi was no longer a prince nor the Crown Prince but the Emperor. As the Emperor, he had too much helplessness and things he couldn’t control. Lan You Nian feared Feng Xia Qi would be bound by the throne and put on the mask of an Emperor and be beyond recognition.

“They will go. We only need to wait at Zhen Wei Pavilion!” Feng Yi Xuan said with certainty. Though he was indifferent, he understood his imperial brother very ewell. Though imperial brother liked authoritarian power, he definitely won’t become a captive to power, nor would he be greedy for this power.

“Alright!” Lan You Nian beamed. She believed in Feng Yi Xuan’s words more and more, as if everything Feng Yi Xuan said was right. Feng Yi Xuan, in her heart, has become the greatest man, becoming the god of her heart.

Meanwhile, in the palace, eunuchs and palace maids were taking the measurements for Feng Xia Qi and Yue Bai Lian. Because the Supreme Emperor’s imperial decree was too hasty, the new Emperor’s imperial robes and Empress’s robes haven’t been made, the entire imperial palace was busy at work to make preparations for the imperial coronation of the Emperor. Yue Bai Lian has become the mistress of the entire imperial palace. Unfortunately, the phoenix seal that controlled the harem was in the hands of the Grand Empress Dowager. Yue Bai Lian, though, didn’t care for it.

Waving her hand to have the eunuchs and palace maids withdraw, Yue Bai Lian asked, “Your Majesty, will we be going to Zhen Wei Pavilion tonight?”

Feng Xia Qi took Yue Bai Lian’s hand in his, saying, “Bai Lian, you and I are husband and wife. There’s no need to be so decorous. I’m still am Feng Xia Qi, not the Emperor. You don’t need to doubt. My persistence hasn’t changed. I still wish to protect A’Xuan and Nian’er. I merely had the addition of duty to Feng empire and you!”

Yue Bai Lian felt her heart rest when she heard these words. Ever since the imperial decree was announced, she has been thinking. She knew Feng Xia was bound to ascend the throne but didn’t expect that day to come so quickly. Yue Bai Lian felt gratified, but at the same time, she couldn’t help worry. How many Emperors after ascending the throne didn’t have a jealous and suspicious heart. If Feng Xia Qi really became like that, Yue Bai Lian felt she could not accept it. From the start, she married Feng Xia Qi not only to find a home for herself but also wished to give Nian’er a sturdy backstage. Hearing Feng Xia Qi’s words, Yue Bai Lian felt she really worried nonsensically. If Feng Xia Qi was really that kind of person, would Nian’er become good friends with such a person?

“I was too oversensitive!” Yue Bai Lian smiled apologetically, “I only feared you would be bewitched by the throne, becoming the typical Emperor. We’ve been married for a while. Though we don’t have love, I truly consider you a confidante and family. I wish we can walk hand in hand through this lifetime!” It was the first time Yue Bai Lian took the initiative to embrace Feng Xia Qi, without any romantic love but sincere feelings.

When Feng Xia Qi and Yue Bai Lian snuck into Zhen Wei Pavilion, everyone else had arrived. Even Gui San was seated in the parlor. When they saw Feng Xia Qi and Yue Bai Lian enter, Lan Mo Xian and He Chu Yang prepared to greet them with ceremony, for the two’s thought process was a lot more rigid, and thoroughly accepting of etiquette.

Feng Xia Qi saw their postures and hastily stopped them, “What are you doing? Now that I am Emperor, do you not consider me a friend? It’s fine at court. In private, I am still Feng Xia Qi. Please don’t stand on ceremony!”

When they saw Feng Xia Qi react like that, they all sighed in relief. Though they were certain Feng Xia Qi wouldn’t even even if he ascended the throne, they still held a sliver of worry. Now they saw Feng Xia Qi like this, they were overjoyed. None of them wished to lose a dear friend.

Feng Yi Xuan was the first to pick up a wine cup, declaring, “Congratulate imperial brother for ascending the throne!” Everyone else raised their wine cups as well. It was best to hand Feng Empire into Feng Xia Qi’s hands. Feng Xia Qi was a good Emperor; this was without a doubt.

“Since this is such a happy occasion, and Feng Xia Qi has ascended the throne, shouldn’t little sister Nian’er make a statement?” Yu Liu Li exclaimed. It was simply that ever since Lan You Nian’s identity was exposed, she very rarely performed on stage. Not only did those literati wished to hear Lan You Nian’s songs, even Yu Liu Li longed to hear more.

Though the others didn’t express their opinions on the matter, their meaning was obvious. Most of them have seen Lan You Nian dance in the palace, so their eyes were practically glowing. Feng Yi Xuan looked in pleasure at everyone else, but understood they didn’t have malicious intentions; hence he didn’t become enraged, yet he still frowned which allowed others to know he wasn’t in a good mood.

Lan You Nian could easily tell what everyone was thinking as she smiled like a hundred flowers blooming and nodded as she soothed Feng Yi Xuan beside her, afraid Feng Yi Xuan will become upset.

Though Feng Yi Xuan didn’t like others even taking a glance at Nian Nian, he knew his possessiveness would be very oppressive for Nian Nian. Nian Nian had her own thoughts and life. Feng Yi Xuan kissed Lan You Nian’s forehead and reluctantly released his hold on Nian Nian, allowing Nian Nian to go down to play a song, but his gaze was glued to Lan You Nian. Even knowing she’s only going to be gone for a while, he didn’t allow her to leave his line of sight. Feng Yi Xuan’s eyeballs were stick onto Lan You Nian.

When entered the high stage behind the beaded curtains, the entire lobby exploded. They didn’t expect they would encounter Miss Miao Yin’s performance on stage today. Meanwhile, Gui San was wailing in the parlor, continuously whimpering, “Money, my money ah!”

If Gui San knew his little junior sister was going to perform on stange, he would have others announce it. By then, Zhen Wei Pavilion would be packed and his earnings would become even higher.

“Today’s song is called 《Wishing We Last Forever》” a crisp and soft voice drifted out from the curtains. Though Feng Yi Xuan couldn’t see Lan You Nian’s face clearly, he can still imagine how Lan You Nian’s white fingers would caress the zither strings and that the face with red lips slightly opened. But now, it’s such a huge loss!

Song “Wishing We Last Forever” by Wang Fei

“When did the bright moon first appear? One raises a cup and asks the blue sky.

One does not know, in the celestial palaces, what year it is this evening.

I wish to ride the wind and return there, yet fear the jade towers; in a high dwelling one cannot bear the cold.

Starting to dance with one’s clear shadow -what else resembles the mortal world?

Revolving around the red pavilion, lowering to a silk-work door, it shines upon the sleepless.

It should not have resentment; why is it always full at times of separation?

People have sorrows, joys, parting and reunions, the moon is dark, bright, waxes or wanes.

These problems have been this way since ancient times, yet one hopes for longevity; a thousand miles apart, together under the moon’s beauty.”

Lan You Nian left the beaded stage as soon as she finished her song. Those who stretched out their necks to catch a glimpse at her only caught a glimpse of her cold silhouette, but this increasingly made Lan You Nian into a celestial-like character.

As soon as Lan You Nian entered the parlor, she was dragged into Feng Yi Xuan’s arms. The others gave an enthusiastic round of applause. They truly liked Lan You Nian’s songs, not only because the lyrics were beautiful but because Lan You Nian’s voice was beautiful, always giving people a fresh feeling.

The party ate and drank into the night. It was already starting to grow dark outside but Zhen Wei Pavilion was alit with lanterns.

Just as everyone put down their bowls and chopsicks, Jing Wu An opened his mouth, “Xia Qi, at your coronation, the other three empires will definitely be coming to give their congratulations. We already received news that Yue empire sent a princess for a peace marriage and the department of rites is preparing for the consort candidacy selection!”

Jing Wu An had his own motive for saying this. The friends within their circle all had the idea of one pair for a lifetime. But now Feng Xia Qi has risen onto the throne, it meant to have a harem. They’ve already accepted Yue Bai Lian as a friend, so he couldn’t help asking the question.

Yue Bai Lian smiled wordlessly. As for whether or not Feng Xia Qi will have a lot of woman, Yue Bai Lian didn’t mind that much. Perhaps because there was no love, she was at ease. But Yue Bai Lian hoped that their life wasn’t filled with so many women. Any place with women will always tend to have inner conflicts, and as the Empress, she will be at the center of the conflicts.

But before Yue Bai Lian could speak, Lan You Nian spoke. She sat on Feng Yi Xuan’s lap, very unhappily as she stared at Feng Xia Qi as she demanded, “You want to marry a lot of women? Hug left and right? Enjoy a harem of women?” For Lan You Nian, Yue Bai Lian was one of her very few friends. Lan You Nian quite admired Yue Bai Lian; thus, she cared about her a great deal. Now she saw her good friend being bullied, Lan You Nian had to show her support for Yue Bai Lian.

Feng Xia Qi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry with Lan You Nian’s three questions and the disdainful look. Did he say he would marry those women? Why does each and every one of them look at him like he was a heartbreaker while Yue Bai Lian as the person in question doesn’t show any ounce of anger?

“I say, did I say I would marry those women? You can’t force a label on me so casually!” Feng Xia Qi cried pitifully and grievously. Then, he grabbed Bai Lian’s hand that wa son her knees, “Since I married Bai Lian, I won’t fail her!”

Bai Lian was moved by Feng Xia Qi’s words. She smiled gently at Feng Xia Qi, her smile filled with warmth, “Thank you!”

“This is for the best!” Lan You Nian nodded in satisfaction, and then looked threateningly at Feng Xia Qi, “If you bully Bai Lian…”

“If I bully Bai Lian, what will Nian’er do?” Feng Xia Qi smirked in response.

“You will suffer the consequences! Xuan will stand on my side, right Xuan?” Lan You Nian joked and even dragged Feng Yi Xuan in.

But Feng Yi Xuan who loved Nian to madness nodded without any objection, “I will stand on your side…” Completely ignoring his imperial brother’s hurt expression as well as the exasperation of the others. Showing publics displays of affection really made people exasperated.

09 Feng Xia Qi Ascends the Throne

When summer passed, Feng Xia Qi ascended the imperial throne rightfully by Feng Xuan’s personal decree and Yue Bai Lian became the Empress. When Lan You Nian received this news, she was still slightly shocked. She didn’t expect Feng Xuan to abdicate so soon. After all, with Feng Xuan’s age, he could still sit on the throne for many years.

When Feng Yi Xuan arrived in You Nian Pavilion after leaving court, Lan You Nian had just received the news. As usual, Feng Yi Xuan pulled Lan You Nian into his arms, even though they just separated at sunrise.

“Imperial brother ascended the throne!” Feng Xuan sighed with feeling. Actually, he was surprised too when this imperial decree was issued to the morning court suddenly without giving anyone a chance to prepare, thus giving everyone a shock. Feng Xia Qi was the Crown Prince in the first place and having a favorable impression, naturally no one objected to the imperial decree.

“Xuan, Brother Xia Qi has now ascended the throne, are you happy?” Lan You Nian watched as Feng Yi Xuan changed out of his black court uniform, taking the initiative to pull Feng Yi Xuan’s hand as she asked. She could tell Feng Yi Xuan didn’t have much feelings for the Feng Empire. Feng Yi Xuan was the type of person to do as he wished. He was willing to do so much for Feng Empire, it’s most likely because of Feng Xia Qi this imperial brother.

Feng Yi Xuan didn’t conceal anything as he nodded. Since they were young, he and imperial brother have been bullied and humiliated. From that moment, they started to covet that spot, not because of greed for that power, only because that power allowed them to protect the people they wanted to protect. Later, as they gradually grew up, Feng Yi Xuan grew even more powerful. Even without the imperial throne, Feng Yi Xuan could still protect the people he wanted to protect. But this throne was still theirs. To say they weren’t happy would be false, but Feng Yi Xuan still felt a sense of melancholy.

“Then for the dinner party I’ll be holding at Zhen Wei Pavilion, will Brother Xia Qi and Bai Lian be coming?” Lan You Nian asked, uncertain. Now that Feng Xia Qi has ascended the throne, he must have many things to take care of. Feng Xia Qi was no longer a prince nor the Crown Prince but the Emperor. As the Emperor, he had too much helplessness and things he couldn’t control. Lan You Nian feared Feng Xia Qi would be bound by the throne and put on the mask of an Emperor and be beyond recognition.

“They will go. We only need to wait at Zhen Wei Pavilion!” Feng Yi Xuan said with certainty. Though he was indifferent, he understood his imperial brother very ewell. Though imperial brother liked authoritarian power, he definitely won’t become a captive to power, nor would he be greedy for this power.

“Alright!” Lan You Nian beamed. She believed in Feng Yi Xuan’s words more and more, as if everything Feng Yi Xuan said was right. Feng Yi Xuan, in her heart, has become the greatest man, becoming the god of her heart.

Meanwhile, in the palace, eunuchs and palace maids were taking the measurements for Feng Xia Qi and Yue Bai Lian. Because the Supreme Emperor’s imperial decree was too hasty, the new Emperor’s imperial robes and Empress’s robes haven’t been made, the entire imperial palace was busy at work to make preparations for the imperial coronation of the Emperor. Yue Bai Lian has become the mistress of the entire imperial palace. Unfortunately, the phoenix seal that controlled the harem was in the hands of the Grand Empress Dowager. Yue Bai Lian, though, didn’t care for it.

Waving her hand to have the eunuchs and palace maids withdraw, Yue Bai Lian asked, “Your Majesty, will we be going to Zhen Wei Pavilion tonight?”

Feng Xia Qi took Yue Bai Lian’s hand in his, saying, “Bai Lian, you and I are husband and wife. There’s no need to be so decorous. I’m still am Feng Xia Qi, not the Emperor. You don’t need to doubt. My persistence hasn’t changed. I still wish to protect A’Xuan and Nian’er. I merely had the addition of duty to Feng empire and you!”

Yue Bai Lian felt her heart rest when she heard these words. Ever since the imperial decree was announced, she has been thinking. She knew Feng Xia was bound to ascend the throne but didn’t expect that day to come so quickly. Yue Bai Lian felt gratified, but at the same time, she couldn’t help worry. How many Emperors after ascending the throne didn’t have a jealous and suspicious heart. If Feng Xia Qi really became like that, Yue Bai Lian felt she could not accept it. From the start, she married Feng Xia Qi not only to find a home for herself but also wished to give Nian’er a sturdy backstage. Hearing Feng Xia Qi’s words, Yue Bai Lian felt she really worried nonsensically. If Feng Xia Qi was really that kind of person, would Nian’er become good friends with such a person?

“I was too oversensitive!” Yue Bai Lian smiled apologetically, “I only feared you would be bewitched by the throne, becoming the typical Emperor. We’ve been married for a while. Though we don’t have love, I truly consider you a confidante and family. I wish we can walk hand in hand through this lifetime!” It was the first time Yue Bai Lian took the initiative to embrace Feng Xia Qi, without any romantic love but sincere feelings.

When Feng Xia Qi and Yue Bai Lian snuck into Zhen Wei Pavilion, everyone else had arrived. Even Gui San was seated in the parlor. When they saw Feng Xia Qi and Yue Bai Lian enter, Lan Mo Xian and He Chu Yang prepared to greet them with ceremony, for the two’s thought process was a lot more rigid, and thoroughly accepting of etiquette.

Feng Xia Qi saw their postures and hastily stopped them, “What are you doing? Now that I am Emperor, do you not consider me a friend? It’s fine at court. In private, I am still Feng Xia Qi. Please don’t stand on ceremony!”

When they saw Feng Xia Qi react like that, they all sighed in relief. Though they were certain Feng Xia Qi wouldn’t even even if he ascended the throne, they still held a sliver of worry. Now they saw Feng Xia Qi like this, they were overjoyed. None of them wished to lose a dear friend.

Feng Yi Xuan was the first to pick up a wine cup, declaring, “Congratulate imperial brother for ascending the throne!” Everyone else raised their wine cups as well. It was best to hand Feng Empire into Feng Xia Qi’s hands. Feng Xia Qi was a good Emperor; this was without a doubt.

“Since this is such a happy occasion, and Feng Xia Qi has ascended the throne, shouldn’t little sister Nian’er make a statement?” Yu Liu Li exclaimed. It was simply that ever since Lan You Nian’s identity was exposed, she very rarely performed on stage. Not only did those literati wished to hear Lan You Nian’s songs, even Yu Liu Li longed to hear more.

Though the others didn’t express their opinions on the matter, their meaning was obvious. Most of them have seen Lan You Nian dance in the palace, so their eyes were practically glowing. Feng Yi Xuan looked in pleasure at everyone else, but understood they didn’t have malicious intentions; hence he didn’t become enraged, yet he still frowned which allowed others to know he wasn’t in a good mood.

Lan You Nian could easily tell what everyone was thinking as she smiled like a hundred flowers blooming and nodded as she soothed Feng Yi Xuan beside her, afraid Feng Yi Xuan will become upset.

Though Feng Yi Xuan didn’t like others even taking a glance at Nian Nian, he knew his possessiveness would be very oppressive for Nian Nian. Nian Nian had her own thoughts and life. Feng Yi Xuan kissed Lan You Nian’s forehead and reluctantly released his hold on Nian Nian, allowing Nian Nian to go down to play a song, but his gaze was glued to Lan You Nian. Even knowing she’s only going to be gone for a while, he didn’t allow her to leave his line of sight. Feng Yi Xuan’s eyeballs were stick onto Lan You Nian.

When entered the high stage behind the beaded curtains, the entire lobby exploded. They didn’t expect they would encounter Miss Miao Yin’s performance on stage today. Meanwhile, Gui San was wailing in the parlor, continuously whimpering, “Money, my money ah!”

If Gui San knew his little junior sister was going to perform on stange, he would have others announce it. By then, Zhen Wei Pavilion would be packed and his earnings would become even higher.

“Today’s song is called 《Wishing We Last Forever》” a crisp and soft voice drifted out from the curtains. Though Feng Yi Xuan couldn’t see Lan You Nian’s face clearly, he can still imagine how Lan You Nian’s white fingers would caress the zither strings and that the face with red lips slightly opened. But now, it’s such a huge loss!

Song “Wishing We Last Forever” by Wang Fei

“When did the bright moon first appear? One raises a cup and asks the blue sky.

One does not know, in the celestial palaces, what year it is this evening.

I wish to ride the wind and return there, yet fear the jade towers; in a high dwelling one cannot bear the cold.

Starting to dance with one’s clear shadow -what else resembles the mortal world?

Revolving around the red pavilion, lowering to a silk-work door, it shines upon the sleepless.

It should not have resentment; why is it always full at times of separation?

People have sorrows, joys, parting and reunions, the moon is dark, bright, waxes or wanes.

These problems have been this way since ancient times, yet one hopes for longevity; a thousand miles apart, together under the moon’s beauty.”

Lan You Nian left the beaded stage as soon as she finished her song. Those who stretched out their necks to catch a glimpse at her only caught a glimpse of her cold silhouette, but this increasingly made Lan You Nian into a celestial-like character.

As soon as Lan You Nian entered the parlor, she was dragged into Feng Yi Xuan’s arms. The others gave an enthusiastic round of applause. They truly liked Lan You Nian’s songs, not only because the lyrics were beautiful but because Lan You Nian’s voice was beautiful, always giving people a fresh feeling.

The party ate and drank into the night. It was already starting to grow dark outside but Zhen Wei Pavilion was alit with lanterns.

Just as everyone put down their bowls and chopsicks, Jing Wu An opened his mouth, “Xia Qi, at your coronation, the other three empires will definitely be coming to give their congratulations. We already received news that Yue empire sent a princess for a peace marriage and the department of rites is preparing for the consort candidacy selection!”

Jing Wu An had his own motive for saying this. The friends within their circle all had the idea of one pair for a lifetime. But now Feng Xia Qi has risen onto the throne, it meant to have a harem. They’ve already accepted Yue Bai Lian as a friend, so he couldn’t help asking the question.

Yue Bai Lian smiled wordlessly. As for whether or not Feng Xia Qi will have a lot of woman, Yue Bai Lian didn’t mind that much. Perhaps because there was no love, she was at ease. But Yue Bai Lian hoped that their life wasn’t filled with so many women. Any place with women will always tend to have inner conflicts, and as the Empress, she will be at the center of the conflicts.

But before Yue Bai Lian could speak, Lan You Nian spoke. She sat on Feng Yi Xuan’s lap, very unhappily as she stared at Feng Xia Qi as she demanded, “You want to marry a lot of women? Hug left and right? Enjoy a harem of women?” For Lan You Nian, Yue Bai Lian was one of her very few friends. Lan You Nian quite admired Yue Bai Lian; thus, she cared about her a great deal. Now she saw her good friend being bullied, Lan You Nian had to show her support for Yue Bai Lian.

Feng Xia Qi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry with Lan You Nian’s three questions and the disdainful look. Did he say he would marry those women? Why does each and every one of them look at him like he was a heartbreaker while Yue Bai Lian as the person in question doesn’t show any ounce of anger?

“I say, did I say I would marry those women? You can’t force a label on me so casually!” Feng Xia Qi cried pitifully and grievously. Then, he grabbed Bai Lian’s hand that wa son her knees, “Since I married Bai Lian, I won’t fail her!”

Bai Lian was moved by Feng Xia Qi’s words. She smiled gently at Feng Xia Qi, her smile filled with warmth, “Thank you!”

“This is for the best!” Lan You Nian nodded in satisfaction, and then looked threateningly at Feng Xia Qi, “If you bully Bai Lian…”

“If I bully Bai Lian, what will Nian’er do?” Feng Xia Qi smirked in response.

“You will suffer the consequences! Xuan will stand on my side, right Xuan?” Lan You Nian joked and even dragged Feng Yi Xuan in.

But Feng Yi Xuan who loved Nian to madness nodded without any objection, “I will stand on your side…” Completely ignoring his imperial brother’s hurt expression as well as the exasperation of the others. Showing publics displays of affection really made people exasperated.