Chapter 38
November 1st was Consort Ming’s memorial day, and the household had invited a master to perform rituals.
In the afternoon, Yin Jiuyi entered the palace to pay his respects to the Emperor.
As he was about to leave, he suddenly poked his head out of the carriage and said, “Zhuzhu, come with me. Xiaotao, go fetch a cloak for your mistress.”
The imperial palace was never a good place for me. The first time I entered, Zhang Jincan inexplicably schemed against me; the second time, I lost my child forever.
The memories it brought me were painful, helpless, and unbearable to recall.
Seeing me silent, Yin Jiuyi stepped down from the carriage and stood before me: “There will be many occasions to go to the palace in the future. You’ll have to face it eventually. You are now Prince An’s Side Consort, not Zhang Qiuhe. Besides, with me accompanying you, what is there to fear?”
He took the cloak from the breathless Xiaotao and draped it over me, his fair, slender fingers tying a beautiful knot at the front.
Then Yin Jiuyi looked straight ahead, his hand naturally falling to grasp mine: “Let’s go.”
His hand was large and warm, unlike mine, which was always cold no matter the season.
My heart thudded uncontrollably, my gaze falling on our joined hands.
Since he prefers men, we’re like sisters-holding hands shouldn’t matter.
But if he likes men, why is he holding my hand? How odd.
If I let go, would he think I dislike him?
I don’t want to be misunderstood; my feelings for him are entirely platonic.
But if I don’t let go, isn’t that strange too?
He’s truly peculiar, really treating me as a sister.
Confused, I let him lead me by the hand. Once in the carriage, I hastily let go, flustered and annoyed.
“Are you shy?” He looked at me in disbelief, his eyes bright as if he’d discovered something new. After a moment, he assumed a knowing air: “Little girls are all like this. No matter how tough they seem, inside they’re just children.”
“I am not!” My cheeks flushed, and I blurted out, “I really am not. I’ve always thought of you as a sister!”
“…”
Yin Jiuyi’s brows knitted into a frown, his lips pursed in displeasure as he corrected me: “Brother and sister!”
The carriage slowly made its way to the palace. The Emperor, seated before a pile of memorials, raised his head, his sharp gaze shifting between Yin Jiuyi and me.
After a moment, his expression darkened, and the overwhelming majesty of an emperor crashed down upon me: “Truly extraordinary in appearance, enough to captivate both of my sons.”
His stern, solemn face was like a demon’s, frightening me into shrinking back, my vision going white for a moment as my body grew weak.
I forced myself to respond, trembling as I clutched my skirt, my voice shaking: “Your Majesty, this subject’s daughter-in-law would not dare.”
Kneeling below, I braced myself for the Emperor’s harsh words and thunderous anger.
“Imperial Father, your son kindly brought his new wife to see you. What do you mean by this?” Yin Jiuyi gently stroked my back and added, “She’s just turned seventeen. Why frighten her so?”
The Emperor snorted coldly: “I am warning her. Since she is married, she must behave herself and not cause trouble. The past is not worth mentioning.”
I glanced up timidly, and the Emperor, stroking his beard, met my gaze. I quickly lowered my head.
“Beauty is a gift from heaven, and others can only envy it. Attracting attention is not your fault. What’s done is done; I will not pursue the past. Harmony between husband and wife is what matters.”
The Emperor was extremely mercurial; the stormy look on his face cleared, and he smiled at the attendant beside him: “Fang Suian, look at these two-their looks are truly well-matched. The imperial grandson they produce will surely be handsome.”
“Your Majesty is absolutely right,” the eunuch replied with a low chuckle, clutching his duster.
“Enough, go visit your mother’s palace. Come back for dinner tonight,” the Emperor waved his hand. “I am not as idle as you, I still have memorials to review.”
Following Yin Jiuyi out of Qianyuan Hall, I could hardly believe that the kindly old man just now was the same decisive, ruthless emperor spoken of by the world.