Drunken Beauty

  In the autumn of the 24th year of Shengwu, a decree was issued from Yanxi Palace, and Feng Jia's second daughter, Feng Qingchen, was appointed as the Princess of Qingping County to serve as a palace maid in attendance on the Empress Dowager. From then on, two daughters of the Feng family held important positions in the inner court of Dazheng Palace, enjoying the imperial favor and grace of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. Even though Empress Xiaozhen had passed away many years ago, the Feng clan still maintained a solid foundation in the imperial court and the palace, and no one could shake it.

  From that day on, Qing Chen rarely spoke to Ye Tian Ling again, although he came to Yan Xi Palace every day, but always in a hurry. Both of them never mentioned what had happened before, sometimes even making people wonder if such a thing had ever existed. One was calm and transparent, the other was cold-faced and deep-hearted, only occasionally thinking, looking at each other, and ordinary words and smiles, everything was like the calm and peaceful autumn lake water, clear but with endless depth, making it impossible for anyone to understand.

  These days, Qingdun actually saw the person she had been curious about for a long time, Ye Tianling's mother, Lotus Concubine.

  The Heavenly Emperor had not appointed a new empress since the death of Empress Xiaozhen, and in the harem, Concubine Yin, the mother of Prince Zhan, held the highest position. Concubine Yin's beauty was as noble as that of most aristocratic women, with an innate haughtiness that inspired awe, and her almost perfect demeanor and appearance sometimes made people feel a sense of reverence. When Qingchen first met her, she made a mistake by unintentionally wearing the ice-blue crystal on her hand. Concubine Yin glanced at it and immediately cast a nearly severe gaze, but in an instant, the questioning look that seemed to be looking down on everyone transformed into a noble and elegant demeanor.

  Unlike Yin Guifei's stunning beauty that shone brightly in the six palaces, Lotus Consort existed with a quiet demeanor in people's sight. This woman, who was under an ordinary title but was so beautiful that she eclipsed the sun and moon, and made the stars lose their color, seemed to be a strange taboo in the entire Dairen Palace, and very few people mentioned her.

  You would occasionally see Lotus Consort by the Taiye Pool. The Taiye Pool in late autumn often had a lingering mist, with a shallow frost-like coolness and an impenetrable lofty sky, and she would stand still in such deep autumn, quietly gazing at the Taiye Pool.

  Her ethereal figure stands by the water, as if a celestial being. No one dares to disturb that realm, and all sounds seem like sacrilegious intrusions to her. Her distant demeanor is like a faint moonlit night, cold and detached from the resplendent palace. She stands quietly beside the Taiye Pool, opposite the Jade Pavilion, amidst the luxuriant beauty of the imperial gardens. The silent, unspoken sorrow in her eyes has submerged everything around her, yet she remains aloof and disconnected from all things, including herself.

  A woman who can almost make women infatuated, as the emperor's heavenly empress, should be extremely pampered by Emperor Tian. However, in reality, Emperor Tian never flipped Lian Fei's signboard, never gave her extra favors, and visited Lian Fei Palace no more than once a month. Not only the emperor, but even his own son, Ye Tian Ling, grew up in Yan Xi Palace from a young age and rarely went to see his mother. When Empress Dowager saw Lian Fei, she always had a particularly different attitude, at least, Qing Chen felt it was different from her attitude towards other concubines, but she didn't know where the difference lay.

  Compared to these, what made you even more surprised was that she actually met the two sisters Biyu and Danqiu in the Yanxi Palace. Not having seen each other for nearly a year, her younger sister Danqiu had grown up a lot, with clear and beautiful eyebrows and eyes, gentle and lovely, while her older sister Biyu had become even more elegant and refined.

  Originally, when **Tian** rescued the other women from Zhang's hands, after the case was settled, he asked about their family background and arranged for them to be properly settled. Since Bi Yao sisters had no home to return to, and coincidentally, the palace was selecting new palace maids, so they were sent into the palace, it has been some days now.

  Jade palace autumn dense, turned an eye already brought deep cold. Forbidden palace halls in the solemn autumn and winter more show high and steep, flying eaves curled up glazed tiles on top of covering wind passed initial frost clear and cold, dragon wall jade steps dazzling and chilly.

  The world was already bleak and desolate, and the palace had long since added braziers to warm it up. The Empress Dowager had a chronic leg ailment that worsened every autumn and winter due to the cold weather, making it almost impossible for her to walk. Qīng Chén was well-versed in medicine and treated her daily with acupuncture, gradually alleviating her condition, supplemented by medicinal poultices. Within half a month, the Empress Dowager felt her pain subside and her body became much lighter.

  The Heavenly Emperor was overjoyed when he heard of this matter, and Qingchen took the opportunity to request that the Heavenly Emperor allow her to enter the Imperial Hospital to read the books in the hospital. Although this matter had no precedent, it was not considered excessive either. Moreover, with the Empress Dowager speaking on her behalf, the Heavenly Emperor unexpectedly made an exception and approved her request.

  That day, after noon, Qingchen went to the Imperial Hospital as usual to read books. The Imperial Hospital has a rich collection of books and medicinal herbs that are unmatched in the folk, she is like entering a treasure trove, every day she has to look at it for one or two hours before returning, if she is lucky enough to meet the old imperial doctor Song Defang, she will humbly ask him for advice. Song Defang, on the one hand, knows that she is deeply favored by the Empress Dowager and cannot refuse her, on the other hand, he is often attracted by some of her unique insights, plus she is clever and eager to learn, infatuated with medical skills, an old and young pair talking about it in a very harmonious way, gradually becoming a friendship that transcends age.

  But Song De Fang was not there today, and Qing Chen took the scroll "Gu Mai Fa Chao Ben" himself and was deeply absorbed in reading it. Suddenly, he heard someone behind him calling out in a low voice: "Master Feng."

  It must be someone from Mingyi Building who is worthy of being called "Phoenix Master". You turn around in surprise, and unexpectedly say: "Mr. Mo?"

  Behind her, Mo Bu Ping, who had once been the head of the Imperial Observatory and was known as the number one astrologer in the heavenly dynasty, was stroking his chin with a smile, looking at her with a surprised expression.

  At noon, the entire Imperial Hospital was quiet and still. Qing Chen closed his book and looked at Mo Bu Ping, puzzled and speechless.

  He turned over a purple jade token from his palm and said, "I have seen the Phoenix Master."

  When he saw the Tianyu token that day, Qingfeng finally believed that the Mo Bu Ping in front of him was indeed the Mo Xuan of Mingyi Building. The doubts that had been lingering in his heart were finally resolved, and he said in a low voice: "It's actually you, Mr. Mo! You've been deceiving me for so long!"

  Everyone burst out laughing, and an old face bloomed like a chrysanthemum; "The host had never asked before."

  "This remark is reasonable, and Qīn Chén raised an eyebrow and asked: 'How did you come here?'"

  Mo Bu Ping replied: "As a subordinate, Zeng had previously served as the Zhengqing of the Qintian Temple, and had obtained special permission from the Heavenly Emperor to enter and exit the imperial palace at will. Moreover, having been friends with Song Defang for many years, it was only natural that he would come to the Imperial Hospital."

  "You are the Imperial Censor-in-Chief, how could you possibly be connected to Ming Yi Lou?"

  Qingchen got up and left with him to a deeper part of the Imperial Hospital to avoid being seen or heard.

  Mo Bu Ping Dao said: "Although Ming Yi Building originated from the rivers and lakes, after the Emperor's ascension to the throne, it has been loyal only to the Tian Chao imperial family, listening to no one else but the Ye royal clan."

  "Huh? This is the first time I've heard of it. So, you're saying that the master of Mingyi Building is now the Heavenly Emperor?"

  Everyone's expression turned solemn: "No, the current Mingyi Building still remains loyal to the previous emperor."

  "Emperor Mu?"; You dust couldn't help but slightly raise an eyebrow, "I'd like to hear more about it."

  It's not surprising that she didn't understand Mingyi Building, and after resolving the matter at Yue Ma Bridge, it seemed even less interesting. So he explained: "The Phoenix Master doesn't know, in fact, Mingyi Building has been a secret organization supervising imperial power since the founding of Tianchao, always loyal only to the emperor and empress. Once an abnormality appears in the royal family, it is the time for Mingyi Building to fulfill its duty."

  You didn't expect the background of Mingyi Building to be like this, did you? After a slight silence, he asked straightforwardly: "To put it simply, what does Mingyi Building want from me?"

  Phoenix Master is indeed a delightful person. Mo Bu didn't fail to appreciate her cleverness and agility, saying: "It wasn't the Mingyi Building that found Phoenix Master, but rather Phoenix Master who found the Mingyi Building. Or perhaps, I believe it was Emperor Mu who entrusted Phoenix Master."

  Qingchu found his wording strange and couldn't help but remind him, "The Emperor Mu has been deceased for many years."

  Twenty-four years.

  Mo said with a calm tone,

  Today, the emperor's brother succeeded his brother and ascended to the throne for exactly twenty-four years.

  "What then?" asked Qing Chen.

  Mo took out a small package from her bosom and handed it over to her.

  She took a closer look, and to her surprise, it was a piece of human bone. "This is..."; she didn't finish speaking, but instead let out a low hum, her eyes revealing a serious expression as she leaned in for a closer inspection. Unlike ordinary bones, this one emitted a faint greyish-blue color. She reached into her bosom and pulled out a packet of silver needles, selecting one and carefully inserting it into the bone with a slight amount of force. When she pulled it back out, the needle had turned a faint black color.

  "These are the mortal remains of Mu Emperor." Mo said calmly.

  What a big nerve! Qing Chen's expression turned solemn as he raised his head and said: "You snuck into the Mu Tomb and stole this out?"

  Although it is a great disrespect, it is also an unavoidable act.

  Everyone's eyes flashed with a hint of sharpness,

  What does the host think about this?

  You took over the remains, examined them carefully, and pondered for a moment; "If I'm not mistaken, this is a chronic poison. You mean Mu Emperor..."

  Mo Bu Ping nodded: "Not bad, so can you tell me who is behind this?"

  You gazed at Mo Bu Ping for a long time, sighed and said: "Ask me? Want me to guess, the greatest suspect is...". After finishing speaking, he raised his head and looked at the Zhì Yuǎn Diàn, where the Heavenly Emperor handled state affairs.

  Everyone's gaze fell on the Zhiyuan Hall, "If he were to ascend normally, he would know how to control the Mingyi Building, but over the years, no one has ever seen anyone holding the imperial clan token come to take over. Instead, they have been repeatedly slaughtered, and the previous owner of the building is still missing. So what the Mingyi Building needs to do is assist the orthodox imperial family in ascending to the throne, rather than being loyal to the current master."

  You pondered for a moment, then asked: "Could it be that Emperor Mu still has descendants in the world? As far as I know, his children were few and thin. Although he had two sons, they both passed away in the tenth and fifteenth years of the Shengwu era. If Tian Emperor usurped the throne by killing his brother, then who are you referring to as the orthodox imperial clan?"

  Mo Bu Ping didn't answer her immediately, but instead asked: "Is Master Feng very familiar with King Ling?"

  You looked at him, wondering why he asked this. Ling Ye Tian and the eleventh were her first acquaintances when she came to this strange world, and they had also shared life and death together, their lives intertwined in a way that couldn't be put into words, and there was even a bit of dependence on each other like family members, which was different from anyone else.

  "It's not entirely impossible to say that I'm familiar with him, as he has saved me before and is somewhat special compared to others. But if I really had to say who I'm more familiar with, it would be the King of Zhen - I've stayed in his palace for a long time, you know this."

  Mo nodded silently; "Does the Phoenix Master favor Ling Wang or Zhan Wang?" Such a sensitive and taboo topic, yet it came out of his mouth naturally, without any surprise.

  The shadow under your eyelashes moved slightly, as if a smile had flashed by. "I remember you once said that the dignity of King Zhan is not just this."

  Everyone was calm and quiet, not thinking that she would bring up this matter. With a glance from her clear and bright eyes, he couldn't help but cough softly and say, "Master Feng, please don't tease me."

  "Isn't Mr. Mo the number one physiognomist of our dynasty? Can't he see where the heavenly fate lies?"

  A faint smile played on her lips,

  "But if you want to hear my opinion, I think the Crown Prince is a good choice."

  Everyone stopped in their tracks, and she also came to a halt. "Crown Prince Ye Tian Hao, with his literary and military talents, is capable of governing the country and bringing peace to the world. In terms of position, political achievements, relationships, temperament, strength, and the Emperor's favor, no other prince can replace him, so I have high hopes for the Crown Prince."

  Alas, they all sighed and said: "What a pity that the dragon's sons and grandsons are not ordinary kinds, but the princes may not be willing to be under them."

  Your sleeves fluttering in the wind, you calmly say: "What does this have to do with me?"

  Mo Bu Ping Dao: "Feng is the master of Ming Yi Building."

  A gentle breeze caressed her face, and she raised her eyes, with a clear sparkle in the depths of her pupils, as if a ray of sunlight had been reflected in the miniature iris. In an instant, it was absorbed by the quiet darkness. She smiled and said: "So your meaning is, let me lead the Mingyi Building to help the deposed Emperor and the current Crown Prince, and let the orthodox imperial family ascend to the throne and rule the world?"; The words of great rebellion and heresy that should be punished with nine clans were spoken from her mouth as if they were eating and drinking, even Mo Bu Ping couldn't bear her frankness, and he coughed dryly: "Cough, Feng Zhu."

  Isn't it?

  A faint light flashed in her phoenix eyes.

  You know, I don't like to beat around the bush.

  Mo Bu Ping He stood still in front of the imperial pharmacy, acknowledging: "This is the responsibility of Ming Yi Building, and Feng Zhu is the recognized master of the entire Ming Yi Building."

  She stood quietly, the clouds were clear and the wind was cold. The sky seemed endless when she looked up. The noon sun seemed too dazzling, revealing countless secrets one after another, exposing them in the dry and cold winter air, silently listing them out, covering enough to shock the waves. She didn't want to make any decisions at this time, so she changed the subject and asked: "How's the handling of Ming Xie's case going?"

  Mo Bu Ping Dao said: "The most important thing for this trip to the palace is this matter."

  Speak then.

  The Dusty Dao said.

  Mo Bu Ping Dao said: "The Tianji Palace has always been in charge of the finances of Mingyi Building, but Ming Xie betrayed and embezzled the funds. In secret, he squandered more than half of the building's assets. The accounts we see are mostly forged by him, and the actual remaining amount is less than 20%. He knew that one day he would be exposed, so he took a desperate risk."

  "You said: 'He's probably still unwilling to submit to you and Xie Jing.'"

  Twenty-four years ago, the imperial throne of Tianchao changed hands. The former master of the tower sensed something was amiss and secretly investigated the matter. However, the tower was suddenly attacked by an unknown force, suffering heavy losses. More than ten years ago, the former master also disappeared mysteriously, causing chaos in the tower. As a subordinate who had received great kindness from the former emperor and the former master, I spent all my efforts to clean up the mess, searching for the former master's whereabouts and investigating the reason behind the former emperor's sudden death. However, due to my negligence and lax management, Mingye took advantage of the situation and caused a great disaster. I am truly ashamed to face the trust placed in me by the former emperor and the former master.

  Suddenly, a thought stirred in her mind, like a fleeting memory flashing across the sea of thoughts, as if a feather touched the water and disappeared instantly. In that instant, she felt vaguely recalling a scene where someone sat cross-legged, a young girl kneeling in front of the bed, looking up with a smile, the dim lamp and the girl's pure gaze flowing like water in the picture, stirring ripples in the deepest part of her memory.

  She couldn't help but stop in her tracks, gently stroking her forehead; "Shi... Shi seemed to have mentioned..."

  "Subconsciously muttering to himself, yet making Mo Bu Ping's eyes widen in shock; 'Feng Zhu?'"

  Qing dust slightly raised her eyes, and her expression instantly regained its clarity. But she had already intermittently remembered some things, which were experiences that once belonged to the real "Feng Qing Dust", and were injected into her mind in a strange way when souls switched, faintly visible, looking at herself now.

  That melancholic white-clad man, the girl's inexplicable reverence and dependence on him, those faint words of guidance, teaching her the best medical skills, mysterious astrology, and even the strange military tactics. Although he was cold in nature, he had once been a genius who looked down on the world with disdain. Later she called him Master, and before his death, he repeatedly entrusted her, but never mentioned her origins...

  Memories from further back are like floating ice melting into water, becoming fainter and fainter, gradually losing clarity. Except for a few scattered lights and shadows, the vague outline of a mansion with carved beams and painted rafters can be seen, as well as the grass and trees in the courtyard; everything else is a blank slate.

  Whether it was Feng Qingchen or Ning Wencheng, neither of them could recall the bloody storm that had occurred in Tiandu many years ago. The once unstable imperial court, the new emperor who wore the yellow robe, the intricate plots within the prime minister's residence, the mysterious black-clad woman who snuck around at night, and the non-existent master of Mingyi Building. The trap set by the powerful ministers, the unexpected ambush, the rescue by the white-robed man, the bloody battle to break through the siege, and that young girl who was taken away as a hostage in the chaos, while she slept, rewriting her fate.

  When the fluttering black clothes withered in the blood light, the white-clothed person's eyes, full of sorrow and madness, were reflected in the dark pupils of the girl in the depths of the night rain, like a fallen mandala flower...

  All the past is no longer related to Feng Qinger, and the memories of childhood have been erased. Even if we move forward along the same trajectory, all the stories are completely different.

  You faced Mo Bu Ping's astonishment, gazing intently, and ultimately, just smiled faintly. "Nothing, I just remembered some things. In this position, I should have two more things to do. If the case of Meng Xuan cannot be solved, then I am not qualified to be the master of Mingyi Tower."

  Mo Bu Ping glanced at her, knowing that there were some things she didn't want to say, and even if he asked, it would be useless. He slightly furrowed his brow and said: "The cost of this move has almost emptied our financial resources. The situation inside and outside the Meng Yi Building is dire, and the Phoenix Master bears a great responsibility at this time. No matter what, I will follow you to the death."

  "Put aside those scattered memories, everything in the past is already gone and can't be changed. She has to face a not-so-optimistic reality. In her mind, she roughly calculated that an organization like Ming Yi Building requires a large sum of money to operate. She slowly walked towards the front yard.

  You go tell Xie Jing that from now on, all profits from Si Mian Lou and other song and dance houses will be merged into Ming Yi Building's general account. Mu Yuan Tang's charity house is also temporarily suspended. If my estimate is correct, it should be able to sustain for at least three months. During this time, I'll find a way to turn things around.

  From today on, the duties of Tian Ji Palace will be temporarily taken over by Tian Shu Palace, with Xie Jing and Su Niang assisting from the side. Don't make any more mistakes."

  Her calm words had a hint of composure, and she was decisive, as if the difficulties in front of her would be easily resolved with just a nod. Mo Nu Ping said respectfully: "I will follow your orders. There is also another matter I'd like to discuss with Master Feng."

  Your delicate eyebrows rise slightly, "Speak."

  Mo Bu Ping Dao: "I wonder if Feng Zhu has heard of the rumors about the imperial treasure vault?"

  "Rumors have been circulating among some old palace staff, but it seems to be just hearsay and no one knows the truth."

  It's not just a legend, the imperial treasure house really exists. This secret has been guarded by the Ming Yi Building for generations, passed down through the ages, in preparation for any unexpected event.

  You suddenly thought of something and immediately said: "In that case, since we have the treasure in hand, isn't the current predicament of Mingyi Building not a problem at all?"

  Mo Bu Ping Dao said: "That's right, I was thinking of this matter precisely because of the predicament in front of me, but opening the treasure trove requires a string of purple crystal beads carved into shape. However, this string of beads is not in the hands of Ming Yi Lou."

  Amethyst rosary? A faint glimmer flashed across your dusty eyes as you asked: "Where is it?"

  Mo Bu Ping lowered his voice slightly, "Lianchi Palace, after a thorough investigation, Emperor Mu did not give it to Empress Jinghui at that time, but instead bestowed it upon Consort Lian, who was still a noblewoman back then."

  Your delicate eyebrows are furrowed in puzzlement; "How could it be that the Emperor Mu bestowed this upon Concubine Lotus?"

  Mo Bu Ping Dao: "Lotus Consort was once a favorite consort of Emperor Mu, but after the current emperor ascended to the throne, all of Emperor Mu's consorts were demoted and sent to Qian Miao Temple to pray, except for her. She remained in the palace, was promoted to imperial consort, and gave birth to an imperial son in the first year of Shengwu."

  You walked silently across a side door, and after walking for a while, you suddenly stretched out your hand in front of Mo Bu, wrote the word "four" on your palm with your finger, and then looked up to ask.

  Mo Bu Ping looked at her, with a smile on his lips; "Feng Zhuzi is clever, but this is just speculation and has not been confirmed yet."

  You tread softly on the bluestone, gazing at the blue sky revealed by the red-tiled palace walls. A string of purple crystals she desired, a mystery surrounding an emperor's demise, and a royal lineage's tangled bloodline - from the rivers and lakes to the imperial court, this pool of water has grown increasingly deep.