Like Strangers
The hazy morning cast a serene atmosphere within the palace.
Yan Ge walked up to the entrance of Luoxue Palace and saw Huangfu Yuchen, dressed in imperial robes, stepping out from the door. His upright figure appeared even more aloof than before, with the palace attendants following closely behind him, breathing carefully as they moved.
The two groups inevitably crossed paths at the palace gate.
Yan Ge approached and bowed, “Greetings to Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be blessed.”
“Rise,” came the curt reply, followed by a gentle breeze passing by Yan Ge. When he looked up, Huangfu Yuchen had already walked a considerable distance away.
Deng Mande followed closely, speaking in a hushed tone, “Your Majesty, you slept late last night. Would you like to rest for a moment on the dragon carriage?”
“No need.”
Inside the Tenglong Hall, the court officials had already assembled. Civil and military officials were dressed in respective red and black official robes, standing on either side of the grand hall, engaged in quiet conversations regarding state affairs or trivial matters.
“His Majesty has arrived—” With the eunuch’s chant, all the officials knelt down obediently. After Huangfu Yuchen took his seat on the dragon throne, they called out in unison, “Long live His Majesty, long live, long live—”
“Rise, my ministers.”
The officials sensed the Emperor’s lack of enthusiasm and reminded themselves to be cautious, and avoid any missteps. They replied, “Thank you, Your Majesty—”
Prince Huangfu Yuhu, dressed in a black prince’s robe, stood at the forefront of the civil officials, casting a puzzled and concerned look towards Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen didn’t notice, and he raised his hand to Deng Mande.
Deng Mande raised his voice and announced, “If there is no urgent matter, you may leave—”
Luo Wei, the Minister of the Ministry of War, stepped forward holding a document, “I have a matter to report, Your Majesty.”
“Speak,” Huangfu Yuchen said indifferently.
Luo Wei wore a delighted expression and proclaimed, “Your Majesty, I have good news and I congratulate you in advance. Since the implementation of the new iron smelting method, the Ministry of War has produced over thirty thousand pieces of new weaponry. The new iron is more durable than the old, which is cause for celebration!”
At the mention of the new iron, Huangfu Yuchen thought of Yan Ge and his heart ached. He cast a cold glance at Luo Wei and said, “Enough with the empty talk. Should the new iron prove unsatisfactory, would I have the Ministry of War use it to refine the old iron?”
A tense atmosphere filled the hall.
The other officials dared not make a sound, but secretly mocked Luo Wei for his failed attempt to change the Emperor’s mood. His intention to share good news had backfired.
Luo Wei’s face displayed fear, “I apologize, Your Majesty.”
“Is there anything else?” Huangfu Yuchen scanned the officials.
Yan Xiaojing stepped forward with a resolute expression, “Report to Your Majesty, in one month’s time, it will be the Longevity Festival. This is the first Longevity festival since Your Majesty’s ascension to the throne, and neighboring countries will surely send envoys to offer their congratulations. It is only fitting to hold grand celebrations, wishing Your Majesty an eternal reign. May I ask if Your Majesty has any special requests?”
Huangfu Yuchen remained silent for a long time.
Yan Xiaojing dared not raise his head to look at the Emperor’s expression, but he could feel Huangfu Yuchen’s gaze fixed on him and a shiver ran down his spine. Could it be that the unfilial son had caused some trouble in the harem?
Huangfu Yuchen spoke in a calm tone, “Keep everything simple, except for the necessary procedures.”
“Yes,” Yan Xiaojing, drenched in sweat, replied and returned to his position.
“Dismissed.” Huangfu Yuchen left with a brief command, leaving the hall.
“Dismissed—” Deng Mande called out, quickly following after him.
“Farewell, Your Majesty—”
After Huangfu Yuchen left, the officials stood up, exchanging glances. What could have happened to the Emperor today? Then they saw Prince Huangfu Yuhu leaving through a side door.
“Brother!”
Huangfu Yuchen walked slowly, and Huangfu Yuhu quickly caught up with him.
“Why didn’t you leave?” Huangfu Yuchen casually asked.
“I stayed to accompany you. Are you feeling unwell?” Huangfu Yuhu inquired, observing him closely.
“I slept late last night and didn’t sleep well, that’s all,” Huangfu Yuchen said. “Go back now, I want to be alone for a while.”
“Alright, I’ll go back,” Huangfu Yuhu knew that no matter how much he persuaded, the Emperor wouldn’t say anything. He had no choice but to leave and cast a glance at Deng Mande, signaling him to take good care of the Emperor.
Deng Mande bowed deeply.
Huangfu Yuchen commanded, “Drive away all the messy people in the Imperial Garden.”
Deng Mande’s face was almost filled with tears: Your Majesty, those are your consorts. When did they become messy people?
–“The scent of powder here is even stronger than the fragrance of flowers. What are they still doing here?”
A phrase he had inadvertently heard a long time ago flashed through Huangfu Yuchen’s mind. His expression grew even colder, and he randomly chose a narrow path and continued walking.
The people In the Imperial Garden were quickly dispersed, leaving only butterflies and bees dancing around the flowers, creating the only movement and sound.
Deng Mande was afraid of causing any disturbance that might displease Huangfu Yuchen, so he tiptoed behind him. The other palace attendants stayed even farther away.
Huangfu Yuchen exuded a sense of loneliness stronger than before he knew Yan Ge, which made him sigh deeply in his heart. “Your Majesty, why not go and sit with Consort Rou? This slave remembers that Your Majesty used to enjoy listening to Consort Rou play the piano.”
Huangfu Yuchen walked absentmindedly. “Deng Mande, in history, has there ever been an emperor who favored only one person?”
Deng Mande carefully thought and replied, “Replying to Your Majesty, there seems to have been one. That was in a previous dynasty. Emperor Fang of the Fang Dynasty was very fond of a consort. When Emperor Fang first met her, he was smitten and elevated her rank several times, eventually making her the Imperial Noble Consort. He even bestowed her the title ‘Xin,’ indicating that she was the treasure of his heart. However, Imperial Noble Consort Xin passed away less than a month after being elevated to that position. Historical records state that she died from an epidemic, but legends say that Imperial Noble Consort Heart died from…”
Deng Mande didn’t dare to continue.
Huangfu Yuchen calmly took over, “It was due to the scheming of the Empress at that time.”
Deng Mande was taken aback. Why was the Emperor asking yet he knew?
When they reached the shore of the tranquil lake, Huangfu Yuchen stopped and his expression grew colder.
Deng Mande followed his gaze. Song Ruhao was standing by the lake, holding a bamboo rod in his hand and stirring something in the water. Palace maid Yunsi and eunuch Xiao Nianzi were anxiously trying to dissuade him.
Deng Mande was shocked. Didn’t he order the people below to send everyone in the Imperial Garden away? Even Consort Li had been asked to leave. Why was Song Guiren still here?
Huangfu Yuchen’s displeasure was evident. Deng Mande quickly walked over and said, “Song Guiren, didn’t we already ask for you to temporarily retreat? Why are you still here?”
As a servant, he represented the Emperor at this moment. Although Song Ruhao was a consort and the son of the Grand Tutor, he didn’t need to consider him.
The palace maids and eunuchs kneeled upon seeing Huangfu Yuchen in his bright yellow imperial robe.
Only then did Song Ruhao notice Huangfu Yuchen and his expression turned startled. He hurriedly tried to approach, but stumbled and fell into the lake amidst the gasps of the palace attendants.
“Young Master!”
Deng Mande was greatly alarmed. “Quick, save him!”
Fortunately, Song Ruhao held onto the bamboo rod, and the eunuchs grabbed the rod to pull him up.
Song Ruhao was drenched from head to toe, his thin robe soaked through and almost transparent. With an embarrassed expression, he lowered his head and quickly walked to Huangfu Yuchen, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty, your humble servant pays respects to you. May you be blessed and prosperous. Your humble servant was reading ‘Amusing Tales of Huangfu’s First Dynasty’ here earlier, and a gust of wind blew the book into the lake. Your humble servant cherished the book and couldn’t bear to part with it, so I stayed behind. Please forgive your humble servant, Your Majesty.”
“’Amusing Tales of Huangfu’s First Dynasty’?” Huangfu Yuchen found it somewhat familiar.
Song Ruhao smiled faintly, lost in memories. “This book was bestowed upon me by Your Majesty a long time ago, and I… your humble servant has treasured it.”
Huangfu Yuchen remained silent, glancing at Deng Mande.
Deng Mande quickly signaled for the palace attendants carrying the imperial sedan to approach.
A flicker of joy crossed Song Ruhao’s face.
Huangfu Yuchen got on the sedan. “Return to the Tenglong Palace.”
Deng Mande was momentarily stunned but quickly reacted. “Yes! Your Majesty, let us proceed—”
Song Ruhao remained kneeling in place, staring in the direction the sedan was heading, his face pale as snow.
“Young Master, be careful not to catch a chill. Please forgive this servant.” Xiao Nianzi knelt closer, draping an outer robe over Song Ruhao.
Yan Ge, who had already left the palace, was in a bad mood.
Bai Jushen looked at his face in surprise. “Boss, what happened to your face?”
“I stumbled and fell by accident.” Yan Ge remained expressionless.
Gao Feng and Gao Yun fell into silence. When they saw the wound on Yan Ge’s face, they also asked and received the same answer. But both of them knew it couldn’t be that simple.
Bai Jushen refrained from asking further and said, “I have visited most of the jewelry stores in the capital. I will continue today. If Boss has no other instructions, I will go out now.”
Yan Ge nodded and sat in his office. Although there were many things to attend to, he felt idle. He had the Xiao Chuanzi call Lu Yaozu. Wan Xiang continued her work at the tailoring workshop.
“Boss,” Lu Yaozu called out.
Yan Ge: “How much income has the company received recently?”
Lu Yaozu opened the account book in his hand, “There are more than 100,000 taels in total. Among them-“
Yan Ge wasn’t in the mood to hear the details. He waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it, you may leave.”
The office was now empty, with only Yan Ge remaining.
Yan Ge opened the silver box in his backpack, finding another rare material. He threw it back into the backpack with interest.
–Yan Jin remarked, “Master, you seem to be in a bad mood today. You still care about the Emperor, after all.”
Yan Ge sighed and walked slowly to the window, surveying the scenery in the courtyard. Under the scorching sun, the green leaves and red flowers wilted, presenting an unappealing sight.
“After all, he is the only… friend I can connect with in the palace. Now I truly feel a sense of isolation and estrangement.”
After wasting a day at the company, he returned to the palace at the hour of You. Entering the Tenglong Palace, he stood outside the dining hall for a while, only allowing someone to deliver the gift he bought for Huangfu Yuchen, but in the end, he didn’t go in.
Like Strangers
The hazy morning cast a serene atmosphere within the palace.
Yan Ge walked up to the entrance of Luoxue Palace and saw Huangfu Yuchen, dressed in imperial robes, stepping out from the door. His upright figure appeared even more aloof than before, with the palace attendants following closely behind him, breathing carefully as they moved.
The two groups inevitably crossed paths at the palace gate.
Yan Ge approached and bowed, “Greetings to Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be blessed.”
“Rise,” came the curt reply, followed by a gentle breeze passing by Yan Ge. When he looked up, Huangfu Yuchen had already walked a considerable distance away.
Deng Mande followed closely, speaking in a hushed tone, “Your Majesty, you slept late last night. Would you like to rest for a moment on the dragon carriage?”
“No need.”
Inside the Tenglong Hall, the court officials had already assembled. Civil and military officials were dressed in respective red and black official robes, standing on either side of the grand hall, engaged in quiet conversations regarding state affairs or trivial matters.
“His Majesty has arrived—” With the eunuch’s chant, all the officials knelt down obediently. After Huangfu Yuchen took his seat on the dragon throne, they called out in unison, “Long live His Majesty, long live, long live—”
“Rise, my ministers.”
The officials sensed the Emperor’s lack of enthusiasm and reminded themselves to be cautious, and avoid any missteps. They replied, “Thank you, Your Majesty—”
Prince Huangfu Yuhu, dressed in a black prince’s robe, stood at the forefront of the civil officials, casting a puzzled and concerned look towards Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen didn’t notice, and he raised his hand to Deng Mande.
Deng Mande raised his voice and announced, “If there is no urgent matter, you may leave—”
Luo Wei, the Minister of the Ministry of War, stepped forward holding a document, “I have a matter to report, Your Majesty.”
“Speak,” Huangfu Yuchen said indifferently.
Luo Wei wore a delighted expression and proclaimed, “Your Majesty, I have good news and I congratulate you in advance. Since the implementation of the new iron smelting method, the Ministry of War has produced over thirty thousand pieces of new weaponry. The new iron is more durable than the old, which is cause for celebration!”
At the mention of the new iron, Huangfu Yuchen thought of Yan Ge and his heart ached. He cast a cold glance at Luo Wei and said, “Enough with the empty talk. Should the new iron prove unsatisfactory, would I have the Ministry of War use it to refine the old iron?”
A tense atmosphere filled the hall.
The other officials dared not make a sound, but secretly mocked Luo Wei for his failed attempt to change the Emperor’s mood. His intention to share good news had backfired.
Luo Wei’s face displayed fear, “I apologize, Your Majesty.”
“Is there anything else?” Huangfu Yuchen scanned the officials.
Yan Xiaojing stepped forward with a resolute expression, “Report to Your Majesty, in one month’s time, it will be the Longevity Festival. This is the first Longevity festival since Your Majesty’s ascension to the throne, and neighboring countries will surely send envoys to offer their congratulations. It is only fitting to hold grand celebrations, wishing Your Majesty an eternal reign. May I ask if Your Majesty has any special requests?”
Huangfu Yuchen remained silent for a long time.
Yan Xiaojing dared not raise his head to look at the Emperor’s expression, but he could feel Huangfu Yuchen’s gaze fixed on him and a shiver ran down his spine. Could it be that the unfilial son had caused some trouble in the harem?
Huangfu Yuchen spoke in a calm tone, “Keep everything simple, except for the necessary procedures.”
“Yes,” Yan Xiaojing, drenched in sweat, replied and returned to his position.
“Dismissed.” Huangfu Yuchen left with a brief command, leaving the hall.
“Dismissed—” Deng Mande called out, quickly following after him.
“Farewell, Your Majesty—”
After Huangfu Yuchen left, the officials stood up, exchanging glances. What could have happened to the Emperor today? Then they saw Prince Huangfu Yuhu leaving through a side door.
“Brother!”
Huangfu Yuchen walked slowly, and Huangfu Yuhu quickly caught up with him.
“Why didn’t you leave?” Huangfu Yuchen casually asked.
“I stayed to accompany you. Are you feeling unwell?” Huangfu Yuhu inquired, observing him closely.
“I slept late last night and didn’t sleep well, that’s all,” Huangfu Yuchen said. “Go back now, I want to be alone for a while.”
“Alright, I’ll go back,” Huangfu Yuhu knew that no matter how much he persuaded, the Emperor wouldn’t say anything. He had no choice but to leave and cast a glance at Deng Mande, signaling him to take good care of the Emperor.
Deng Mande bowed deeply.
Huangfu Yuchen commanded, “Drive away all the messy people in the Imperial Garden.”
Deng Mande’s face was almost filled with tears: Your Majesty, those are your consorts. When did they become messy people?
–“The scent of powder here is even stronger than the fragrance of flowers. What are they still doing here?”
A phrase he had inadvertently heard a long time ago flashed through Huangfu Yuchen’s mind. His expression grew even colder, and he randomly chose a narrow path and continued walking.
The people In the Imperial Garden were quickly dispersed, leaving only butterflies and bees dancing around the flowers, creating the only movement and sound.
Deng Mande was afraid of causing any disturbance that might displease Huangfu Yuchen, so he tiptoed behind him. The other palace attendants stayed even farther away.
Huangfu Yuchen exuded a sense of loneliness stronger than before he knew Yan Ge, which made him sigh deeply in his heart. “Your Majesty, why not go and sit with Consort Rou? This slave remembers that Your Majesty used to enjoy listening to Consort Rou play the piano.”
Huangfu Yuchen walked absentmindedly. “Deng Mande, in history, has there ever been an emperor who favored only one person?”
Deng Mande carefully thought and replied, “Replying to Your Majesty, there seems to have been one. That was in a previous dynasty. Emperor Fang of the Fang Dynasty was very fond of a consort. When Emperor Fang first met her, he was smitten and elevated her rank several times, eventually making her the Imperial Noble Consort. He even bestowed her the title ‘Xin,’ indicating that she was the treasure of his heart. However, Imperial Noble Consort Xin passed away less than a month after being elevated to that position. Historical records state that she died from an epidemic, but legends say that Imperial Noble Consort Heart died from…”
Deng Mande didn’t dare to continue.
Huangfu Yuchen calmly took over, “It was due to the scheming of the Empress at that time.”
Deng Mande was taken aback. Why was the Emperor asking yet he knew?
When they reached the shore of the tranquil lake, Huangfu Yuchen stopped and his expression grew colder.
Deng Mande followed his gaze. Song Ruhao was standing by the lake, holding a bamboo rod in his hand and stirring something in the water. Palace maid Yunsi and eunuch Xiao Nianzi were anxiously trying to dissuade him.
Deng Mande was shocked. Didn’t he order the people below to send everyone in the Imperial Garden away? Even Consort Li had been asked to leave. Why was Song Guiren still here?
Huangfu Yuchen’s displeasure was evident. Deng Mande quickly walked over and said, “Song Guiren, didn’t we already ask for you to temporarily retreat? Why are you still here?”
As a servant, he represented the Emperor at this moment. Although Song Ruhao was a consort and the son of the Grand Tutor, he didn’t need to consider him.
The palace maids and eunuchs kneeled upon seeing Huangfu Yuchen in his bright yellow imperial robe.
Only then did Song Ruhao notice Huangfu Yuchen and his expression turned startled. He hurriedly tried to approach, but stumbled and fell into the lake amidst the gasps of the palace attendants.
“Young Master!”
Deng Mande was greatly alarmed. “Quick, save him!”
Fortunately, Song Ruhao held onto the bamboo rod, and the eunuchs grabbed the rod to pull him up.
Song Ruhao was drenched from head to toe, his thin robe soaked through and almost transparent. With an embarrassed expression, he lowered his head and quickly walked to Huangfu Yuchen, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty, your humble servant pays respects to you. May you be blessed and prosperous. Your humble servant was reading ‘Amusing Tales of Huangfu’s First Dynasty’ here earlier, and a gust of wind blew the book into the lake. Your humble servant cherished the book and couldn’t bear to part with it, so I stayed behind. Please forgive your humble servant, Your Majesty.”
“’Amusing Tales of Huangfu’s First Dynasty’?” Huangfu Yuchen found it somewhat familiar.
Song Ruhao smiled faintly, lost in memories. “This book was bestowed upon me by Your Majesty a long time ago, and I… your humble servant has treasured it.”
Huangfu Yuchen remained silent, glancing at Deng Mande.
Deng Mande quickly signaled for the palace attendants carrying the imperial sedan to approach.
A flicker of joy crossed Song Ruhao’s face.
Huangfu Yuchen got on the sedan. “Return to the Tenglong Palace.”
Deng Mande was momentarily stunned but quickly reacted. “Yes! Your Majesty, let us proceed—”
Song Ruhao remained kneeling in place, staring in the direction the sedan was heading, his face pale as snow.
“Young Master, be careful not to catch a chill. Please forgive this servant.” Xiao Nianzi knelt closer, draping an outer robe over Song Ruhao.
Yan Ge, who had already left the palace, was in a bad mood.
Bai Jushen looked at his face in surprise. “Boss, what happened to your face?”
“I stumbled and fell by accident.” Yan Ge remained expressionless.
Gao Feng and Gao Yun fell into silence. When they saw the wound on Yan Ge’s face, they also asked and received the same answer. But both of them knew it couldn’t be that simple.
Bai Jushen refrained from asking further and said, “I have visited most of the jewelry stores in the capital. I will continue today. If Boss has no other instructions, I will go out now.”
Yan Ge nodded and sat in his office. Although there were many things to attend to, he felt idle. He had the Xiao Chuanzi call Lu Yaozu. Wan Xiang continued her work at the tailoring workshop.
“Boss,” Lu Yaozu called out.
Yan Ge: “How much income has the company received recently?”
Lu Yaozu opened the account book in his hand, “There are more than 100,000 taels in total. Among them-“
Yan Ge wasn’t in the mood to hear the details. He waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it, you may leave.”
The office was now empty, with only Yan Ge remaining.
Yan Ge opened the silver box in his backpack, finding another rare material. He threw it back into the backpack with interest.
–Yan Jin remarked, “Master, you seem to be in a bad mood today. You still care about the Emperor, after all.”
Yan Ge sighed and walked slowly to the window, surveying the scenery in the courtyard. Under the scorching sun, the green leaves and red flowers wilted, presenting an unappealing sight.
“After all, he is the only… friend I can connect with in the palace. Now I truly feel a sense of isolation and estrangement.”
After wasting a day at the company, he returned to the palace at the hour of You. Entering the Tenglong Palace, he stood outside the dining hall for a while, only allowing someone to deliver the gift he bought for Huangfu Yuchen, but in the end, he didn’t go in.
