The Prime Minister's White Moonlight - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Past Events

Ning Changxue was not visiting the Taiji Palace for the first time. She arrived in a soft sedan chair and, upon reaching the palace entrance, first stepped out with one foot. Taozhi noticed the exquisitely embroidered shoe, recognizing the fine Shu silk brocade that had been presented as tribute.

Ning Changxue was dressed in a moon-white outfit today. Her accessories were subtle, yet could not hide her beauty. Taozhi personally helped Ning Changxue inside, “The Empress is delighted to hear that the Second Miss has arrived.”

Ning Changxue smiled faintly at this, “It has been a long time since I last saw my elder sister, and I miss her very much.” The Empress, seated on her phoenix-adorned throne, also gave a slight laugh.

Ning Changxue was someone she had watched grow up. The Empress said, “Then you must stay and keep me company for a long time. Look at you, you’ve gotten thin.” Ning Changxue nodded. The events of the past few days had left her quite exhausted. As the Empress had summoned her, she knew that Ning Changyi was concerned for her.

Ning Changxue took the Empress’s hand, “Only my elder sister truly cares for me. Changxue only wishes to spend more time with you in the future.” Seeing her like this, Ning Changyi was naturally very heartbroken. She stroked Ning Changxue’s hair and said, “It’s all over now. Stay well in the Ning family from now on, and you will lack for nothing.”

Having received this promise, Ning Changxue simply said, “Good.” Ning Changyi patted her hand again, “Alright, go pick a residence you like in the palace.” With that, Ning Changxue excused herself.

Hanbi had nearly finished copying the Buddhist scriptures. She sat by the window reading Records of the Grand Historian. At this moment, the pomegranate blossoms were close to falling.

She quickly flipped through a few pages, thinking that the Autumn Hunt was in a few days. She had already begun to plan how to meet Shen Zhuo. She heard that the Emperor had entrusted him with presiding over the autumn exercises, which suggested he was highly regarded.

Fortunately, she and Shen Zhuo had known each other before, which was better than trying to seduce a complete stranger. Hanbi now only considered her beauty as a bargaining chip; as long as she was valuable, she was willing to use herself as leverage.

Thinking of this, Hanbi gave a bitter smile. She was gambling, betting on whether Shen Zhuo, that morally impeccable gentleman, still harbored any feelings for her from the past.

Huawu, however, brought in medicine. It was served in a white porcelain bowl and looked dark. This was a prescription specially prepared for her by the Imperial Physician, at Zhao Yan’s request, to regulate her body. “Mistress, it’s time for your medicine,” Huawu said. Though Huawu was loyal to her, she did not dare disobey Zhao Yan’s orders. Hanbi put down her book and drank the medicine in one go.

Huawu was about to fetch some preserved fruit, but Hanbi stopped her, “No need.”

Zhao Yan currently had no heirs, and he was naturally very anxious. Since neither the Empress nor the Consort Shu could conceive, he placed his hopes on Hanbi.

After drinking the medicine, Hanbi looked at the bowl and sneered inwardly. She had already taken contraceptives when she entered the Imperial Music Bureau, which had damaged her body. It was likely difficult for her to conceive now.

Moreover, she did not want a child at this time. With Consort Shu and the Empress watching, who would dare to draw attention to themselves right now?

Hanbi pondered that she would have to speak to Zhao Yan about attending the Autumn Hunt. The Empress was certainly going, and Consort Shu probably as well, so she needed to secure Zhao Yan’s permission.

Zhao Yan visited again in the evening. Except for the day he went to comfort Consort Shu, he still came to see Hanbi every day, sometimes sitting for a while before leaving, and sometimes spending the night there.

During dinner tonight, Hanbi was particularly attentive, personally serving him a bowl of Wensi Tofu. After dinner, Zhao Yan knew Hanbi had something she wanted to say.

“Your Majesty, your concubine has never been to the Shanglin Garden. Could you please take me along for the Autumn Hunt? I also wish to witness Your Majesty’s valor while hunting.” Hanbi chose to be direct, as this was a minor matter, so Zhao Yan naturally agreed.

He even smiled at Hanbi and said, “You rarely ask anything of me. This, of course, must be granted.” Hanbi then assumed a shy demeanor and remained silent.

She understood Zhao Yan too well: as long as it did not threaten his position, he could spoil her all he wanted. But if it did threaten his position, he would want to eliminate the threat as soon as possible.

Before long, the day of the Autumn Hunt arrived. The Emperor’s procession was, of course, magnificent. The most luxurious carriage was topped with a golden dragon and adorned with kingfisher feathers. Inside sat Zhao Yan and the Empress. Even if their feelings were strained, they had to give the Empress her due respect in such a public display.

On the Empress Ning Changyi’s other side sat Ning Changxue, who had come along. Having been married, she did not need to be as reserved. However, seeing the poor atmosphere between the Emperor and Empress inside the carriage, she wisely kept silent.

As for Hanbi, she also had a carriage. Although its furnishings were not as grand as Zhao Yan’s, it was spacious and comfortable. She even specifically allowed Huawu and Ningzhi to sit inside, so they wouldn’t have to follow on foot.

Hanbi lifted the curtain and saw Shen Zhuo, who was riding a white horse at the front of the entourage, with only his handsome and tall back visible. She quietly pondered how to approach him and became somewhat lost in thought.

“Zhaoyi,” Huawu called her, and Hanbi immediately returned to her senses, dropping the curtain and smiling, “What is it?”

“What tea would Zhaoyi like to drink today?” asked the usually taciturn Ningzhi. Hanbi paused and casually said, “Just Mingqian Longjing will do.”

Someone was already sent to fetch the prepared hot water. Ningzhi’s tea-making skills were superb, which was one reason Hanbi kept her close.

Taking the tea Ningzhi brewed, Hanbi slowly sipped from the vine-and-grape-patterned teacup. The journey to Shanglin Garden was boring, and the three of them passed the time by talking.

Upon reaching Shanglin Garden, Huawu and Ningzhi directed the accompanying palace servants to pitch the felt tents. Hanbi chose a spot under a shady tree, where a brocade mat was spread on the ground. She sat there, sipping tea and eating pastries.

After the tents were set up and dinner was served, since the hunt would not begin until tomorrow, everyone was free to wander around the hunting grounds. Hanbi knew the Empress was with Zhao Yan and did not want to impose, so she just strolled around. She did, however, discover a cluster of hollyhocks.

Sensing someone approaching, Hanbi did not act shyly. She performed a graceful salute to Shen Zhuo, “Lord Shen.” Shen Zhuo was dressed in a white silk robe today and wore a neutral expression. He merely nodded slightly, but his gaze remained fixed on Hanbi.

Huawu came to find her and paused when she saw Shen Zhuo nearby, “Zhaoyi made this servant search for you.” It was as if he only then realized that it was inappropriate for a subject to stare at an imperial concubine, and he withdrew his gaze.

Hanbi gave a brief salute and walked away with Huawu. Shen Zhuo, however, stared intently at her receding figure until she disappeared into the last rays of the setting sun.

That night, Shen Zhuo lay in his tent, unable to sleep. Memories flooded his mind: Hanbi standing in front of a pomegranate tree, wearing a bright red qixiong ruqun, a large red sapphire pendant on her snow-white neck, looking charming and calling him, “Brother Shen.” In his ears, he heard her cool, formal address of “Lord Shen” today, mixed with the memory of her laughing intimately with the Emperor at the palace banquet.

“I’m sorry, Liuniang,” he muttered, as if the current Hanbi had killed that innocent girl.

Shen Zhuo dreamt. The charming girl nestled against his chest, the tassels of her hair ornament swaying, and her red lips slightly parted, “Can I call you Brother Shen?”

He could smell the scent of pomegranate blossoms. He also knew that although her name meant ‘jade-green,’ she loved to wear brightly colored clothes, such as red or rouge.

At the Cui Manor, when Hanbi climbed the biggest pomegranate tree in the estate yet again, the maid Qiudong had no choice but to specially invite Shen Zhuo, who was a guest at the manor, to intervene.

Shen Zhuo looked at the girl in the tree. She had a face as beautiful as peach and plum blossoms, even more delicate than the pomegranate flowers. With a playful pinch, she squeezed a pomegranate flower, leaving its color on her hand. “Brother Shen,” she called him obediently when she saw him. Her eyes were pure and flawless, reminding Shen Zhuo of the snow falling from the eaves in winter.

Though obedient, Hanbi had no intention of climbing down. Because her birth mother had died young, Minister Cui doted on her immensely, which had led to her somewhat spoiled and fearless personality.

“Come down now, I have your favorite fruits,” Shen Zhuo said, feeling somewhat helpless. They were already betrothed, so there was no fear of gossip. So, Hanbi docilely jumped down, landing in his arms. He could smell a faint scent of pomegranate blossoms.

The girl’s snowy-white wrist wrapped around his neck. He heard her breath, hot as orchids, on his ear, “Since we’re already engaged, when will you marry me?”

The heat of her breath on his earlobe was palpable, but Shen Zhuo was calm, “Liuniang, it probably won’t be soon. I’m leaving for Liuzhou in a few days.”

Hanbi quickly let go and scoffed, “Fine.” But her expression was not good. She went aside, looking moody, to eat the chilled melon and watermelon, no longer speaking.

Shen Zhuo knew she was angry, so he gently smiled and placated her, “There’s no need to rush. Minister Cui probably also hopes you’ll stay by his side a little longer.”

Hanbi seemed persuaded, but she still avoided looking at Shen Zhuo. She had never been denied anything since she was a child, and Shen Zhuo was no exception. But a voice in her heart whispered: perhaps only he was different, unlike all those mundane things.

“Then stay with me more these few days,” Hanbi looked up at the flourishing pomegranate tree. Madam Cui had planted it when she was pregnant with her. Now it was full of branches and leaves. She always felt a connection between the tree and herself. However, seeing it so lush now, she could imagine the life that awaited her after marrying into the Shen family.

“Alright,” Shen Zhuo promised, gazing at Hanbi, who was clutching his sleeve. He always indulged her, especially since these were only minor, harmless matters.

Hanbi cheered up again. She asked, “On the day you leave, do you want me to see you off?”

Shen Zhuo hesitated for a moment but nodded slightly. Hanbi smiled again. Shen Zhuo touched the tear mole near her eye and whispered to her, “Wait for me to return.”

However, on the day Shen Zhuo left the city, she did not arrive. Shen Zhuo waited a long time at the pavilion outside the city. Finally, urged by his companions, he left the capital.

Shen Zhuo did not realize then that this would be their last meeting. He did not see Hanbi again for several years. When they met again, her family was ruined, and she was no longer the innocent, vibrant girl she once was.

As for the pomegranate tree in the courtyard, it was cut down when the Cui family was stripped of their property. When Shen Zhuo found the spot, he stood outside the gates of the Cui Manor all night.