His gaze darkened as he captured her lips with precision. His hands slid downward, grasping her soft, smooth buttocks to lift her up, allowing her to wrap her legs around his waist.
Her eyes narrowed, a bewitching smile blooming on her flushed cheeks. She adored his raw strength, and with a slight pressure of her teeth, she nibbled his thin lips, murmuring vaguely, "...Last time, I was so rough with Your Majesty, yet you did not reprimand me..."
Her biting sent a surge of tension through his entire body, his voice turning hoarse. "I allow you to be recklessly bold before me time and again..." With a gentle yet firm press of his palm against her lower back, he pulled her hips down abruptly against him.
She gasped sharply, her eyes welling up like rising tides, tears nearly spilling over. Though not her first time experiencing this, tonight’s passion ran bone-deep—his tenderness and his dominance filled her with overwhelming emotion. Her body ached from his fullness, yet she felt that only now had she truly possessed him.
After entering her, he stilled, looking down at her with a stern expression before drawing her tightly into his embrace. He released a deep, heavy sigh.
...Utter satisfaction.
She would never know that after she fled in panic from the Eastern Palace that night, he had lain awake until dawn, finally understanding the depths of her heart. And it wasn’t just that one night—every night he couldn’t hold her, sleep eluded him, his body restless and wild, his thoughts consumed by her softness and tightness. Even on days when she was out of sight, during those long waits for news from a thousand miles away at Liuqi, he had suffered no less.
She was like a sharp dagger plunging straight into his heart, prying open the shell of emotion untouched for over twenty years, pouring her fearless, unwavering love into the chambers of his heart, leaving him profoundly moved.
Yet the more she asked for nothing, the more he wanted to give her.
Her arms clung tightly to his neck. The position made her somewhat fearful, yet it also felt intensely thrilling. Her body tensed, acutely aware of his heat and hardness, and her mind grew even more hazy. It took her a long moment to form words: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty will grow tired like this..."
The corners of his lips curved upward as he teasingly lifted his arm, watching her bite her lip, gasp, and tremble all over. Only then did he begin to move his hips slowly, whispering, "I can draw a hundred-pound longbow with one hand without effort—how could someone as light as a drifting wisp tire me?"
Her face was already crimson. With each of his thrusts, she tilted her head back slightly, her damp hair cascading down, tangling around his arm. Half her body exposed to the air, the chill made her shiver, yet the waves of heat surging within made her curl uncontrollably, her fingers instinctively tugging at his hair.
He bent his head, kissing her neck, his lips and tongue lingering on her skin. As her moans grew louder and more desperate, his movements intensified in response.
Lost in ecstasy, she repeatedly cried out "Your Majesty," sobbing and panting, her body trembling and tensing before going limp. Her arms slackened, and had he not caught her, she would have fallen backward into the water, too spent to move.
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he leaned down to kiss her face. "...Meng Tinghui."
It took her a long while to recover. When she opened her eyes, she met his burning, naked gaze, and her face instantly flushed scarlet. A mix of shame and annoyance washed over her—how could she have forgotten to consider his pleasure? She murmured softly, "Your Majesty has not yet found satisfaction. I..."The timely drip of icy water from the pool's edge onto her sweat-beaded arm sent a shiver through her. She instinctively curled inward, sensing the shift in his gaze, and buried her face in thought. After a moment, a faint glimmer lit her eyes.
"Your Majesty."
Hearing her soft call, he snapped back to attention and responded, captivated by her delicate demeanor. Unable to resist, he thrust deeper.
She quickly raised her hands to press against his shoulders, halting his movement, then slowly lowered her hips. Seeing his brow tighten, she smiled faintly and leaned close to his ear, whispering, "This subject suddenly recalls a term from an intimate manual I once read... one that suits our current situation perfectly." Her tongue lightly traced his earlobe as she breathed, "...Would Your Majesty care to try it?"
Her words ignited a fire within him. Who in the court would dare speak such indecent words to him? Yet she made them sound irresistibly alluring, leaving him powerless to refuse.
"What term?" he gritted out, voice strained with restraint.
She pursed her lips, her cheeks flushing deeper, before leaning in again and murmuring against his skin, "...The carp drinks from the spring."
Beneath them, the warm spring water shimmered, gently rippling.
Hearing her words, he felt tiny flames kindle in his chest, burning through his veins until desire consumed every limb and sinew. He could wait no longer.
Reading the intensity in his expression, she wrapped her legs tighter around his waist, bit her lip shyly, and began to move slowly.
Like a fish drinking—lips parting and closing, drawing in the clear spring before releasing it in a rhythmic flow. The motion grew increasingly skilled, then faster.
His arms around her began to tremble, knuckles whitening, veins bulging along his forearms. His breathing grew ragged and hoarse, eyes blazing with fire.
A fine sweat glistened on her rosy cheeks, exhaustion evident as her eyes fluttered shut. Her soft, weary voice was utterly seductive: "...Does it please Your Majesty?"
Just as he strove to bring her pleasure, she desperately longed to satisfy him in return...
He fixed his gaze on her, suddenly gripping her waist and withdrawing before flipping her against the pool wall. Driving into her from behind with fierce, relentless thrusts.
How could he endure such temptation?
A gasp escaped her as fire seemed to race through her limbs. Boneless and weak, she braced her hands against the pool's edge, surrendering to his wild rhythm. Her fingers dug into the half-melted snow, seeking relief from the scorching heat in its icy chill.
Endless snow, boundless sky, bottomless passion.
Distant light faintly illuminated the scene by the pool, erasing all winter night's chill.
…………
When he carried her back to the palace, she was limp as a ragdoll, without even the strength to lift a finger.
Only after lying nestled in the warm, soft bedding, dried by his hands and held in his embrace, did she gradually regain some semblance of awareness.
Attempting to move, she found her bones felt utterly unstrung, aching and feeble.
Their union had been so soul-devouring, leaving her heart full and body sated, as if bathed in spring sunlight. Even her breath carried the rich scent of passion.
Most candles in the chamber had been extinguished, leaving the bedside dim. She could no longer see his face.She wanted to ask him whether the palace would notice tomorrow and what to do since her official robe and skirt had been torn by him, but then his low, mesmerizing voice reached her ears: "Sleep if you're tired."
These simple words instantly put her at ease, as if no matter how many difficult decisions lay ahead, with him by her side, she had nothing to worry about.
Thinking this, she unconsciously nestled closer into his embrace, let out a silent sigh between her lips, and closed her eyes.
In her dream, his embrace remained as warm and solid as ever, shielding her within, protecting her from sorrow and hardship, and bestowing upon her boundless love.
It made her smile involuntarily, her eyes growing moist at the corners.
·
At dawn the next day, birds chirped as they flew past the windowsill, and a ray of morning light streamed in, illuminating the soft brocade pillows.
She woke slowly, frowning as she opened her eyes, and it took her a moment to recall everything from the previous night. She immediately turned to look beside her, only to find the bed empty.
He was gone.
Puzzled, she pushed back the covers and, enduring the soreness throughout her body, sat up. As she reached to adjust her hair, she noticed a stack of clothing placed at the head of the bed and froze in surprise.
After a moment, she reached out to examine them and found a clean, neatly folded set of women's official robes.
The robe was purple—a familiar hue, both restrained and intense, stinging her eyes like needles. Her hand trembled slightly.
Beneath it, twelve white jade ornaments on a golden belt gleamed brightly, and a Gold Fish Pouch lay beside it.
Taking in these items, she gasped, her entire body stiffening on the bed, unsure of what to do.
She sat there for a long while before coming to her senses. Frowning, she picked up the intricately crafted pleated skirt and shook it out.
Sure enough, a gilded imperial edict fell out from beneath it.
Her gaze fixed on it, she reached for the edict and unfolded it—
"...In recognition of Meng Tinghui's merits in quelling the rebellion in Chao'an to the north, she is hereby appointed as Acting Drafting Official, concurrently assigned to oversee the Ministry of Personnel's evaluations and the Examination Bureau, and bestowed with the golden and purple honors."
The few lines, as always, were written with bold, commanding strokes. Below were the signatures and seals of the Chancellors of the Secretariat, the layers of ink and vermilion staining the thin paper, striking to the eye. This imperial edict, written in the Emperor's own hand, had clearly been reviewed and annotated by the Secretariat and the Chancellery, awaiting only the drafting of the formal decree.
The Drafter of Imperial Edicts was an official of the Secretariat, a position typically requiring a special examination for appointment. Though this decree temporarily conferred upon her the title of Acting Drafting Official, she had been appointed to this dual role without undergoing the examination—an exceptional promotion. Moreover, entrusting her with the oversight of personnel evaluations in the Ministry of Personnel was an immense favor, further highlighting the Emperor's deep trust in her!
She had only returned to the capital for a day and a night, unaware of when this decision had been made. Even more surprising was that the ministers of the Secretariat and Chancellery had raised no objections.
To be specially honored with the golden and purple regalia for her merits in quelling the rebellion—what an extraordinary favor this was! Gazing at the purple robe, jade ornaments, and Gold Fish Pouch, her heart raced.
She recalled that cold winter night years ago when she had stepped out of the Imperial Academy, her long skirt stiff with frozen snow, and looked up to see the Important Officials in their purple robes emerging from the council hall. The faint glow of palace lanterns had illuminated her envious eyes.
And now, she too could hold this prestigious attire and enjoy such unparalleled honor.
Lost in thought, a tall figure appeared in the doorway.
She looked up to see him leaning against the doorframe, watching her with calm composure.
His attire was neat and impeccable, the Emperor's Robe he wore exuding an austere authority. His expression was as warm as the rising sun as he asked softly, "Do you not know how to wear these garments?"She pursed her lips into a faint smile and said, "Your Majesty's thoughts are becoming increasingly difficult to fathom." Unclothed beneath his gaze, she felt a sudden self-consciousness and hurriedly released the official skirt in her hand, pulling up the quilt to cover herself.
He slowly approached, sat on the edge of the bed, and without a word pulled the quilt away. Lifting her onto his lap, he began dressing her, his expression remaining detached and authoritative from start to finish.
She did not resist, allowing him to clothe her piece by piece. Only when he reached for the Gold Fish Pouch to fasten it did she press down on his hand and murmur softly, "Your Majesty."
He raised an eyebrow, his voice cool. "Do not think to defy my decree."
She smiled again. "How could I, who am so greedy for fame and merit, dare to defy it? It is only that Your Majesty's orders leave me utterly bewildered."
His gaze shifted to the paper beside her. "Meng Tinghui, bearing the imperial edict, traveled north to Chao'an and entered the city alone to persuade the rebellious troops. When the city gates opened for disarmament and the rebels turned violent, she decisively ordered a feigned siege and coordinated with the Imperial Army from Qing Province to quell the rebellion. She risked her life for her sovereign, strategized with precision, and greatly enhanced the court's prestige. Upon receiving this report, We were immensely pleased and hereby appoint Meng Tinghui as Acting Drafting Official, concurrent judge of the Personnel Evaluation Bureau, and director of the Performance Review Office, with bestowal of gold and purple." He looked back at her. "What remains unclear to you?"
Her eyes brightened. "By ordering the execution of a thousand rebel soldiers, I will surely be labeled in court as one who falsifies decrees and acts with cruelty. How could there be no opposition to Your Majesty's edict?"
He studied her for a long moment before replying, "After returning to Qing Province, Meng Tinghui submitted a memorial to the capital, praising Dong Yicheng of Chaoan North Circuit for his outstanding governance and precise handling of the rebellion, and petitioned to retain him as Pacification Commissioner. Though We did not grant it, all officials below the Secretariat are aware of this. Thus, no one opposes your promotion."
She was greatly astonished.
She had never expected him to "win over hearts" on her behalf in this manner, finally understanding why he had not responded to her impeachment memorial against Dong Yicheng while she was in Qing Province. He had claimed her impeachment never circulated beyond the Secretariat, but she never imagined he would fabricate her petition to the ministers!
Having just quelled the rebellion, she was at the peak of her influence. Had Dong Yicheng been further demoted due solely to her accusation, those in court with deep ties to him would have grown apprehensive, and how could the important officials among them allow her continued promotion? Now, however, she had "protected" Dong Yicheng once. To others, this appeared as an "olive branch" to the veteran ministers of the Eastern Faction. Even if the old ministers doubted her sincerity, they would not outright oppose her rise. Otherwise, given her notorious reputation for "flattering superiors and acting ruthlessly," who could say she might not change her stance and add insult to injury?
It was merely an exchange: her promotion for the peace of Dong Yicheng and his allies.
He spoke lightly, but she clearly saw the calculations behind it. Though she knew he intended to smooth her path at court, she felt uneasy.
Lowering her eyes, she said, "Yet I remain unwilling."
He raised an eyebrow slightly. "Knowing you would be unwilling, I therefore placed you in charge of personnel evaluations."
At his words, she immediately looked up, her expression shifting.
The Personnel Evaluation Bureau managed the performance reviews and appointments of capital officials of the seventh rank and below, while the Performance Review Office oversaw the promotions and assessments of local officials such as pacification and transport commissioners. Appointing her concurrent judge of the Evaluation Bureau and director of the Review Office—the implications...
Her heart trembled faintly.He said quietly, "To remove Dong Yicheng from his influential position in Chongzhou, we need not further demote him. Simply transfer or reassign his subordinate officials and the military commissioner's personal clerks, replacing them with upright individuals."
She nodded gently.
Only then did she realize how much more thorough and far-sighted his considerations were compared to hers. "Killing without a trace" perfectly described his methods.
Having just "protected" Dong Yicheng, court officials would never expect her to turn around and target Chongzhou, let alone imagine these maneuvers were all directed by him. When the Eastern Faction elders realized their mistake, it would be too late—they would at most condemn her as a duplicitous villain who deceived the sovereign and further tarnish her reputation.
Once the official administration in Chaoan North Circuit was revitalized, other circuits and prefectures would take warning. Future reforms would then face less difficulty.
She glanced up at him, corners of her lips lifting. "In that case, I thank Your Majesty for this great honor..." Suddenly, she leaned in and kissed him.
"Audacious," he chided impassively, yet his eyes brightened. He gently fastened the Gold Fish Pouch to her official skirt, long fingers smoothing its purple cords.
She giggled and shrank back, whispering, "Your Majesty grants me such power—aren't you afraid I might appoint unsuitable people, abuse authority for personal gain, and betray your trust?"
He paused, looking up to stare at her. "You're not that kind of person."
She blinked. "How does Your Majesty know?"
He smiled faintly. "‘If my life can benefit the people, I would not begrudge it’—how many years have you held these words in your heart?"
She flushed instantly, murmuring after a long pause, "I'm glad Your Majesty still remembers me."
He set her down, responding casually, "Before the Minor Proclamation Ceremony, I specifically ordered the Bureau of Military Appointments to investigate your background. Otherwise, I could never have connected you to that child from back then."
She grew quiet, expression turning uneasy. Hugging her knees before him, she said softly, "Your Majesty... I have a request, though I don't know if it oversteps bounds."
He took her hand. "Speak freely."
She lowered her gaze, thinking for a moment before cautiously asking, "Since Your Majesty had my family investigated, do you know who my parents are?"
His grip on her hand tightened slightly. "It was too long ago. The investigators only traced your childhood to a nunnery—they didn't ascertain the identities of your birth parents."
After a silent moment, she nodded. "Your Majesty is right. It happened twenty years ago. In this vast kingdom, finding my parents would be no easy task. I've been improper to ask Your Majesty about this."
He merely watched her, saying nothing.
Though silent, he could see profound disappointment in her eyes. From nunnery to girls' school, from school to court—in twenty years, she had never known a day of parental love. Had he not coincidentally saved her during his northern inspection in Chaoan twelve years ago, she would have long been reduced to bones. How could she be nestled before him like this now? He understood the deep insecurities beneath her boldness and knew how utterly alone she was in this dazzling capital.
She suddenly looked up and smiled at him. "Why has Your Majesty fallen silent?"
He drew her into his embrace. "One day, I will ensure you learn your parents' names."She shook her head, "There are countless parentless souls under heaven, and I am but one among them. Why should the court officials trouble themselves unduly? I only wish to assist Your Majesty in governing this peaceful realm, so that one day no child shall suffer abandonment or abuse. That would suffice."
The morning sunlight slanted into the chamber, carrying the distinct clarity and warmth of winter, illuminating his profoundly cold eyes. Their heterochromatic blue and brown hues shone with amber-like translucence, extraordinarily brilliant.
After a long silence, she saw him lower his gaze with a faint smile and heard him murmur softly to her, "Accompany me to offer blessings."
With a new emperor and a new era, the western suburban rites were indispensable. Yet she had assumed they would await the court officials' deliberation on ceremonial protocols after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, followed by a grand procession to Auspicious Cloud Temple accompanied by civil and military officials for the western sacrificial rites to heaven.
Rising, he perceived the confusion in her eyes and added, "When I visited Golden Bright Terrace yesterday, I already instructed the relevant offices. Today we shall go to Auspicious Cloud Temple at Western Mountain to offer blessings for the Grand Emperor and Prince Ping."
Hearing this, she hurriedly descended from the bed, straightened her garments and bound her long hair. "Will any officials accompany us to Western Mountain today?"
He remained silent, his gaze lingering on her pale fingers entwined in her hair, his expression deepening with unspoken meaning.
Suddenly she understood.
How could there be others?
His claim of offering blessings for the Grand Emperor and Prince Ping—issuing orders to the offices merely a day prior, departing the city alone under cover of night for Western Mountain's Auspicious Cloud Temple—was solely because she had returned to the capital just yesterday. Knowing of her return yet not summoning her to the palace, he had arranged all these matters within a single day. Using the western mountain blessings as pretext, he had openly left the palace and city while concealing one fact from the outer court officials: he had brought her along.
Amid Western Mountain's snow-clad beauty and heightened emotions, this genuine devotion from the emperor left her hesitant to presume acceptance, yet equally hesitant to refuse.
Though deeply moved, she maintained propriety, understanding he could never neglect the Grand Emperor and Prince Ping for her sake. Since he spoke of offering blessings, it must truly reflect his sincere desire to pray for his parents' welfare.
This realization stirred her emotions profoundly.
Never had she heard how he interacted with his parents. It was often said the imperial family knew no tenderness—under the weight of imperial power and state affairs, how could familial bonds compare to those of common households? Bearing the legacy of both parents, his duty to the throne ultimately outweighed filial piety as their son.
Occupying the highest position of the nine heavens, yet unable to spend even a day with his parents, he could only resort to this method of pleading with heaven for their wellbeing—how difficult this must be for his heart.
"Come here," he murmured before her, extending his hand.
Snapping from her reverie, she hesitated briefly before meeting his resolute expression. Slowly, she placed her hand in his palm, allowing him to lead her out toward the temple.
His steps were measured and heavy along the path as he told her, "My father endured years of military campaigns in his youth, with old injuries never fully healed. His recent withdrawal from governance was meant to avoid strain, yet veteran ministers misinterpret it as creating opportunities for my sole rule. My mother's health has declined over the years. Their retirement to the western capital after abdication fulfills their long-held wish—even my dissuasion proved futile. [...]"
She heard the profound affection in his words about his parents, trembling that he would share such matters with her. Instinctively tightening her grip on his hand, she whispered, "Your Majesty may rest assured, the Grand Emperor and Prince Ping will surely enjoy peace and health in the western capital."
Bathed in sunlight, he turned to face her, the depth in his eyes intensifying. The corner of his mouth quivered slightly as he nodded. "Indeed, those two have feared nothing their entire lives. Now, of all times, no harm shall befall them."
At Auspicious Cloud Temple, the attending officials had prepared everything, awaiting only his arrival.He had dismissed all civil and military officials from his retinue to avoid cumbersome formalities. Upon the high altar, sacrificial offerings lay blanketed in snow, radiating a raw, penetrating chill. Distant mountains stretched in unbroken peaks of pristine white beneath the brilliant sun in the flawless azure sky.
Releasing her hand, he stepped forward, flipped open the knee covering of his Emperor's Robe, and knelt heavily before the altar. Tilting his chin upward, he gently closed his eyes.
“At the beginning of this year, following the Great Abdication of the Supreme Emperor. I humbly reflect that since the Supreme Emperor and Prince Ping entrusted me with the throne, I have devoted myself day and night to state affairs, fearing to betray their mandate. The sovereign regards Heaven as father and Earth as mother—I now worship Heaven and Earth at the suburban altar, prostrating myself to seek divine witness. May the Great Peace reign endure unshaken; may the common people dwell in comfort without want; may the Supreme Emperor and Prince Ping enjoy health and safety without peril..."His voice drifted from ahead, deep and powerful, ready to shake the heavens. The mountains stood silent, with distant cliffs echoing the resonance endlessly."
She too lifted her skirts and knelt, hands clasping her knees, bowing her head.
If Heaven held consciousness, it would hear the prayers in her heart.
...May the Great Peace reign endure unshaken; may the common people dwell in comfort without want; may the Supreme Emperor and Prince Ping enjoy health and safety without peril.
...May your servant forever stand by the sovereign’s side, witnessing Your Majesty consolidate the realm, nurture the people, and achieve lasting peace.
...Your servant fears not whether her virtue be deemed loyal or treacherous, but only wishes—
Long live Your Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years.
·
On the second day after returning to the capital, the Inner Court issued an official decree appointing Meng Tinghui as Acting Drafting Official, concurrent judge of the Personnel Evaluation Bureau in the Ministry of Personnel, and supervisor of the Examination Academy, with bestowal of golden insignia and purple robes.
Unlike previous occasions, this time no one in the court openly criticized the Emperor’s special decree promoting Meng Tinghui. Even the Imperial Academy officials, who usually viewed her as the academy’s disgrace, remained silent upon hearing her appointment to draft external decrees.
Everyone at court knew that when the Imperial Army in Chaoan North Circuit mutinied, the Emperor had summoned chief ministers overnight for emergency counsel, intending to send senior drafting officials as envoys to pacify the rebels. Yet not a single Chief Administrator at court would recommend any drafting official to leave the capital and quell the rebellion—instead pushing this heavy responsibility onto the young, newly-appointed, female official Meng Tinghui.
Now that Meng Tinghui had returned with accomplished merit—despite suspicions of forging harsh edicts—since she hadn’t held drafting authority but willingly undertook the mission on behalf of senior drafting officials, how could the Emperor’s appointment of her to an external drafting post be considered exceptional? Moreover, with even senior Eastern Faction ministers remaining silent, what grounds did others have for objection?
They could only watch enviously as Meng Tinghui stepped into the ranks of drafting officials—now the highest-ranking female official at court, unmatched in her rapid promotion. Many whispered that the distance from drafting official to central authority was mere steps; should she achieve another merit, she might even become a participating minister next year.
Furthermore, she now controlled personnel evaluations—
Court ministers were no fools. Those well-versed in officialdom understood the implications. Knowing how Cao Jing had been promoted two grades through her recommendation, more and more young officials began to attach themselves to her, even Western Faction officials who previously avoided her now sought invitations to the Meng residence, ensuring her presence at every banquet.
The long-standing division between Eastern and Western Factions began subtly shifting. Younger officials aligning with Meng Tinghui were openly denounced by veterans as “the Meng Faction”—determined to pin the label of “treacherous faction-building” upon her.
In early March, when the court should have been preparing for the first Metropolitan Examination since the Emperor’s accession, Meng Tinghui’s “Memorial on Imperial Examination Selection” ignited uproar throughout the court—
The memorial argued that to honor the Supreme Emperor’s original vision, female officials demonstrating outstanding governance should be appointed to local prefectures and counties for major responsibilities; it further petitioned the Emperor to abolish next year’s Female Scholar Examination, requiring women seeking official rank to take the same Metropolitan Examination as men this year!Rumors say that when the Chancellors of the Secretariat were reviewing this proposal by imperial decree, Right Minister Xu Ting secretly remarked to Deputy Chief Administrator Ye Wen: "If women participate in governance and attain prominence, it will inevitably lead to great chaos!"
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