On the day of the empress enthronement ceremony, the capital was blessed with a rare winter day of clear skies and brilliant sunshine. Golden rays cascaded over the palace grounds, making the icicles hanging from the eaves sparkle exceptionally bright.
Early in the morning, urgent reports arrived from the northern frontier, announcing that Di Nian had led his troops across the river and captured several cities in succession, taking Xiang Deqian and his royal descendants captive. The remaining forces of the Northern Frontier army were thrown into panic, with many surrendering their weapons. Of the northern prefectures and commanderies yet to be subdued, fewer than ten remained. The Great Ping's complete victory seemed imminent.
As soon as Shen Zhili entered the palace gates, she encountered a palace attendant reporting the news. The messenger added that Di Nian was personally leading the escort of Xiang Deqian and his royal descendants back to the capital. The Emperor, recognizing Di Nian's extraordinary achievements, had appointed him General of the Left Golden Guard and acting Commander of the Palace Guard. An imperial edict conferring honors upon her was also being drafted by the outer court and would be announced shortly.
She stood frozen at the palace gates for a moment, then broke into a faint smile.
The thought of him galloping across the icy plains a thousand miles away made her heart tighten. She hadn't expected him to capture Xiang Deqian so quickly, nor to return to the capital this soon!
Her heart blossomed with joy as she walked forward, asking the attendant, "Has the Empress risen yet?"
The attendant nodded. "She woke up right after the fourth watch. His Majesty is currently in the West China Palace, and no one dares disturb them. They say attendants will only be summoned to serve the Empress half an hour before the ceremony."
Shen Zhili paused mid-step, contemplated for a moment, then smiled again. "That's just as well. Would you please lead me to a side hall or chamber where I can wait?"
·
In the West China Palace, the curtains remained undrawn, filling the room with warmth and the rich scent of incense.
She lay nestled in brocade quilts on the bed, held tightly in his embrace. Her long hair cascaded over both their shoulders, and her cheeks were faintly flushed.
Since returning from the northern frontier, affairs of state had descended upon the capital like an avalanche. He had spent several consecutive nights in the Hall of Profound Thought and hadn't visited the West China Palace.
Now that she legitimately resided in the West China Palace, it seemed he no longer felt the urgent need to seize every opportunity for intimacy, as if certain she would never leave him again. Moreover, influenced by Liu Dezhong's earlier advice, he insisted she rest properly in the palace, forbidding her from staying up late to keep him company while he handled state affairs. To avoid disturbing her sleep, he would remain in the Hall of Profound Thought after reviewing memorials. Unable to sway him, she acquiesced, especially since the preparations for the enthronement ceremony had left her utterly exhausted.
Having retired early the previous night, she didn't know when he had arrived in the later hours. Waking this morning, she was startled to find herself pillowed on his arm. The slightest movement roused him, and he immediately pulled her closer.
This was the anxiety that came after regaining what was lost—a feeling she knew all too well.
Though certain they would never be parted again in this lifetime, she couldn't help fearing the day he might no longer be by her side.
"Meng Tinghui," he murmured, his voice drowsy, "do you know how much I love you?"
The words vibrated through her, and she initially thought he was talking in his sleep. Turning to look, she found his eyes clear and focused on her. Burying her face, she whispered, "Mm."
He chuckled, holding her even tighter. He kissed her forehead, then her cheek, while his hand at her waist began wandering upward.
She quickly stopped him, blushing. "Wait, there's something I haven't had the chance to tell you these past few days."
He raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.She composed herself and said calmly, "A few days ago, Liu Dezhong came to check my pulse and said I'm with child."
He remained silent for a long moment, his expression unchanged, though the hand resting at her waist stiffened slightly.
Pressing her lips into a gentle smile, she guided his hand lower, placing it over her abdomen. "During these first few months, for the child's sake, you must temper your reckless nature. Don't always act so impulsively..."
He gently covered her belly with his palm, caressing it as if it were the world's most precious treasure. After a long while, he propped himself up and leaned down to softly kiss her crimson lips, murmuring, "I'm truly happy."
She lifted her gaze to meet his openly affectionate eyes, knowing full well the excitement and emotion concealed beneath his seemingly calm tone. Hearing him personally utter the words "I'm happy" was the most candid and emotionally revealing statement she had ever heard from him.
His joy didn't stem from the Imperial Family finally having an heir, but rather that this was their child—one she willingly carried out of love for him.
He wanted to hold her tightly, yet feared hurting her with his strength, so he simply encircled her in his embrace, planting soft kisses on her cheeks. "Are you feeling unwell?"
She shook her head. "Not yet. If I feel uncomfortable, I'll naturally summon someone to examine me. You needn't worry."
He paid no heed to her words—she was his wife; how could he not be concerned for her wellbeing?
After a moment, she chuckled softly in his arms. "I wonder if it's a boy or a girl." She widened her eyes to look at him. "I want a son, one who'll be as handsome, intelligent, and accomplished in both civil and military arts as you."
He smiled in return. "I'd prefer a daughter who resembles you."
She immediately frowned in displeasure. "Whether it's a boy or a girl, they absolutely must not take after me."
He gently pinched her chin. "Why not?"
Meeting his deep, abyssal gaze, she pressed her lips together. "I'm not as good-looking as you. If the child resembles me, wouldn't that be a pity?"
He chuckled helplessly. "Only you would say such things!"
She immediately burrowed into his embrace, nestling against him like a willful child, and fell silent.
His eyes fell upon a small stack of memorials on the desk, and he frowned. Holding her close, he admonished, "Why are northern affairs still being sent to you? From now on, don't bother with such trivial matters—focus on taking care of your health!"
Due to the enfeoffment arrangements, many important matters concerning northern officials and civilians required her decisions. Previously, she had garnered followings among many talented young courtiers. With the newly surrendered northern territories severely lacking capable ministers, she had exceptionally promoted numerous promising young civil officials to important positions, leaving the senior court officials with no grounds for objection. Moreover, since the Rebel Army had surrendered, matters such as reorganizing troops and constructing camps within the fief required careful consideration. Recently, she had drafted some proposals with several Privy Council members, waiting for him to finish his current tasks before reviewing them together. Who could have anticipated she would suddenly become pregnant?
Nevertheless, with the kingdom's turmoil now pacified and their hearts united as one, what future challenges could they possibly fail to overcome? After all, this realm belonged to him and her, and would eventually pass to the child in her womb. From now on, nothing and no one could ever separate them.
She acquiesced to his wishes with vague agreement, then added, "It's already fully daylight. Shouldn't you summon attendants to help me into the Empress's Robe and other attire? If we delay the morning court session, what shall we do?"He then rose to dress and summoned attendants to help the Empress change and apply her makeup. Without leaving the hall, he stayed by her side, watching as they draped the heavy Empress's Robe over her, styled her hair into the high Updo Hairstyle, and adorned her delicate face with powder and crimson lips.
Following his instructions, the palace servants brought some food from the imperial kitchen and fetched his Imperial Robes, assisting him to dress properly within the West China Palace.
Seeing him grow increasingly improper, she blushed and murmured, "On the day of the coronation ceremony, can't you show a little restraint?"
When her attendants had nearly finished preparing her, he brought over a bowl of fragrant congee, carefully scooping it up to feed her, saying, "The court assembly will last quite a while; you can't go without food and drink like you used to."
Her cheeks flushed as she swallowed a mouthful, whispering again, "And in front of the servants too, you..."
He knew her quirk of being bold in private but overly concerned with propriety in public, so he teased her, "I want everyone to see."
The surrounding maids all lowered their heads, suppressing silent smiles, not daring to utter a word out of turn.
As the court assembly time approached, an official came to request his presence, announcing that the ministers and officials had already taken their places in the Great Celebration Hall, respectfully awaiting the Emperor's arrival.
Following protocol, he left the palace first to enter the Great Celebration Hall, while Shen Zhili, who had been waiting in the side hall, came to the West China Palace to accompany her. Later, when the Envoy of the Imperial Seal arrived to summon her, Shen Zhili would accompany her as she ascended the phoenix carriage to enter the hall.
The hall was extremely quiet. As she sat, she began to feel increasingly nervous and turned to look at Shen Zhili, only to see a warm smile on her face, which immediately put her at ease.
Before long, the faint sound of "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" music drifted from the distant palaces, followed by the arrival of the ritual official serving as the Envoy of the Imperial Seal, who knelt before the hall and announced, requesting the Empress's sacred presence.
Shen Zhili then helped Meng Tinghui to her feet, and they slowly walked out of the West China Palace, descended the steps, and boarded the carriage, heading toward the base of the Great Celebration Hall's vermilion steps.
After alighting from the carriage at the eastern gate of the Great Celebration Hall and ascending the steps, they saw the Yellow Standard and Canopy standing to the side, with palace servants and eunuchs bowing in respect. The music inside grew clearer and more melodious.
He was waiting for her there, watching her climb step by step, then smiled and extended his hand toward her.
Slowly, she released Shen Zhili's hand, as if in that instant, all her tension melted away. Calm and assured, she placed her hand in his large palm, her red lips curving into a lovely smile as she gave him a gentle look, following his steps inside.
The man beside her was handsome and tall, his magnificent robes and layered Imperial Robe Embroidery exuding an aura of authority and dignity. The intricate black patterns on his attire complemented perfectly the heavy, complex deep blue of her Empress's Robe.
A perfect match.
This was the man she had adored her entire life, the lover with whom she would never part, the husband with whom she would share both joys and hardships, supporting each other and staying together forever.
For him, she had journeyed from the Chongzhou Women's School to the imperial court in the capital, climbed from being a favored minister to high positions in the dual administration, dismissed incompetent officials, controlled personnel appointments, reformed the imperial examinations, established a new faction, and handled military affairs... In court, she schemed tirelessly to pave his way forward; in the northern frontiers, she risked her life to bring peace to the people; for the sake of his legacy, she willingly shouldered all blame and condemnation, never regretting a thing.
And now, she could finally hold his hand, stand by his side, receive the homage of all officials and the reverence of the people, and be his Empress for all her life.The inner east gate slowly closed behind them. The moment he and she entered the hall, the vast chamber's civil and military officials all knelt and kowtowed, their triple cry of "Long live the Emperor!" resounding throughout the palace grounds.
Against golden pillars adorned with soaring phoenixes and coiling dragons, he turned sideways to gaze at her, his profound eyes filled with deep affection, his low voice tinged with solitary coldness: "Have you ever feared how future historians would write of you?"
Only then did she shift her gaze from him, lowering her head with a faint smile: "My only fear is failing to earn eternal glory—why should your servant dread leaving infamy for ten thousand years... My sole wish remains—long live Your Majesty, long live, eternally long live."
[End of Main Text]
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