He sighed softly, finally stepping back, leaving her.
He said to her, “If one day you wish to leave Nan Qiongzi, tell me. Or if you face any other difficulties, tell me as well.”
A’Wu knew this was his promise.
In truth, she should be happy, for this outcome was the best for her a few days of pleasure in exchange for a lifetime of wealth.
He would not mistreat a woman, even one with whom he had only a fleeting affair.
At this very moment, she recalled many things, such as ships sailing into the depths of the sea, ships that had gone far away and would never return.
As if inspired by a sudden clarity, she felt the urge to do something.
She knelt up, her eyes now level with his as he stood on the ground.
Tilting her face upward, she pleaded, “Since you’re leaving, won’t you kiss me? A-Wu wants a kiss.”
She had noticed long ago that he never kissed her lips, only her forehead, and even then, his movements were somewhat awkward.
Emperor Jingxi’s pale eyes gazed at her as he asked in a hoarse voice, “Why?”
A-Wu replied softly, “I just want you to kiss me.”
Emperor Jingxi tilted his head slightly, as if pondering something.
After a while, he said, “You’ve kissed others like this before, haven’t you?”
A-Wu fell silent.
The man’s tea-colored eyes were so earnest that she couldn’t bring herself to lie or conceal anything under his gaze.
Emperor Jingxi understood from her reaction.
This wasn’t anything special to her.
She was like a puppy, instinctively seeking warmth from whoever could provide it.
But he couldn’t.
He smiled faintly, as if it didn’t matter, “You don’t have to tell me. I don’t want to know.”
With that, he turned and walked away.
He walked slowly, perhaps harboring some expectation in his heart.
When he reached the door and his fingertips touched the doorframe, he paused and glanced back.
She was sitting there, hugging her knees, her face buried in her arms, a strand of disheveled hair resting on the hem of her loose white silk trousers.
She looked like a child who had been abandoned.
Emperor Jingxi watched her silently.
Outside, Futai, who had been waiting attentively, held his breath, standing respectfully and cautiously.
Having served the emperor for so long, he knew that the emperor’s thoughts were inscrutable and unpredictable.
A single thought of his could determine the fate of the world, and his mood could shift in an instant.
He dared not disturb.
After a long while, a breeze blew in, causing the glass lamp by the window to sway gently.
Emperor Jingxi withdrew his gaze and stepped out.
Futai cautiously glanced back at the woman on the bed before quickly following with small, hurried steps.
After Emperor Jingxi left, A-Wu was taken away from the Villa and settled in a quiet courtyard.
This courtyard didn’t seem to belong to the emperor; it was just an ordinary, modest residence.
The courtyard wasn’t very large, but it was tastefully arranged, and there were maids to attend to her needs.
A-Wu lived comfortably there.
The residence was guarded by soldiers, and at first, A-Wu didn’t dare to wander around freely, only strolling within the courtyard.
Her backyard was adorned with a few banana plants by the window, and in the western corner, there was a crabapple tree.
When she had nothing to do, she would admire the flowers and the scenery, living a leisurely life.
It was pleasant.
Sometimes, as she watched the sun rise and set, she felt that time was both fleeting and endless.
She thought that living a life of luxury like this wasn’t so bad, but at times, she also found it dull.
During these moments, she inevitably recalled many things from the past-her father, mother, brother, the neighbor’s son, and the fleeting faces that had briefly appeared in her life.
In truth, thinking about it was pointless.
She had long since realized that life was vast and unpredictable, and she was just a delicate woman with an alluring appearance.
Being able to protect herself was already a blessing.
How could she afford to think about so much?
For now, living each day peacefully was what mattered.
In her leisure time, she would pick flowers, crush them into juice, and attempt to make her own ointments.
She didn’t aim for perfection; it was merely a way to pass the time.
To gather flowers, she occasionally ventured out of the courtyard.
Perhaps as time went on, the guards became more lenient, allowing her to step outside.
There wasn’t much to guard against, after all.
This was the Royal Southern Qiong Garden, a royal retreat, heavily guarded by imperial soldiers.
No ordinary intruder could enter.
Over the past few days, Awu noticed a nearby flower garden that cultivated various autumn peonies, including some rare varieties.
Some were even labeled as “Little Yao Huang” or “Little Wei Zi,” names borrowed from famous breeds, which could fetch a high price.
This piqued her interest, and she began visiting the garden from time to time.
The garden was tended by Qiong households appointed by the court.
They cultivated the plants, paid a portion of their earnings to the court, and offered some flowers as tribute.
Beyond that, they were free to sell the flowers themselves.
Since the nobility favored “Little Yao Huang,” the garden refused to sell it, offering only “Little Wei Zi” and a few other varieties.
A single stem cost a thousand coins quite expensive but Awu didn’t mind.
After all, it wasn’t her money being spent.
The emperor, who had endless wealth, was footing the bill.
Since the old emperor was keeping her here for free, she might as well make the most of it.
One morning, a light rain began to fall, bringing a chill to the air.
Outside, a carriage arrived, delivering several chests.
When Awu opened them, she found a sable-lined fur cloak, sable earmuffs, a sable coat, and various silks and satins from the southern regions.
In addition, there were other daily necessities, everything one could possibly need.
This surprised Awu.
She knew that after Emperor Jingxi left, he would never return.
His departure that day had been final, a farewell for eternity.
Yet, she hadn’t expected him to make such thoughtful arrangements for her.
As she was moved by this gesture, a maid presented her with a detailed list of the items delivered.
At the bottom was the seal of the Southern Qiong Garden’s administrative office.
Upon further inquiry, she learned that her name had been added to the Southern Qiong Garden’s registry.
These supplies were part of the garden’s unified distribution.
Not only had they been sent to her, but also to the Taoist temples, Buddhist shrines, and other establishments within the garden’s jurisdiction.
However, Awu’s share was far more generous than the usual allotment.
She saw her name on the registry, listed as a “widow receiving special care.”
Awu guessed that they had assigned her some title that would allow her to be supported for life.
Clearly, Emperor Jingxi’s people had handled this meticulously.
The staff at Southern Qiong Garden had no idea she had once served the emperor.
This meant she could leave if she wished.
As she pondered this, a mix of emotions washed over her.
It was true-even when relying on one’s looks, it was crucial to choose the right person.
Aligning with Lu Yunjian had left her in constant fear.
Following the crown prince had led to humiliation and expulsion.
But with the emperor, her future was secure.
Even if she were to spend her life in a cold palace, never to see him again, he had ensured her livelihood for the rest of her days.
Now, she was being supported by the state, living comfortably without having to share the bed with an old man.
Rich, powerful, and generous old men were truly a blessing.
She thought to herself, “Bring on a dozen of such men!”
One day, after tidying up a bit and draping herself in a cloak, Awu decided to visit the neighboring flower garden to buy some branches.
Not wanting to make a fuss, she only brought along three or four servants, including a couple of maids.
However, upon arriving, she found that not only were the beautiful “Little Yao Huang” and “Little Wei Zi” varieties unavailable, but other fine species were also not for sale.
The reason given was that the imperial court needed flowers and they couldn’t sell them casually for the time being.
Awu was puzzled: “With so many flowers cultivated, are they all to be sent to the imperial court?”
The flower-selling woman, while trimming weeds, casually replied,
“We can’t say how much the imperial court will need. But if they do need them and we’re not prepared, we can’t bear the blame from above. So, we’d rather not sell them now, even if it means earning fewer coins. It’s better than inviting trouble.”
Feeling disappointed, Awu casually inquired further and learned that it was because Princess Dening was about to celebrate her fifteenth birthday, her coming-of-age ceremony.
The emperor, who doted on his only daughter, was naturally planning a grand and elaborate celebration for Princess Dening’s fifteenth birthday.
Awu gazed at the swaying peonies on the branches, feeling a bit disheartened.
She lingered for a while before reluctantly purchasing some other flowers and had her maids take them back.
She herself decided to stroll around the area to relax.
However, as she reached a flower pavilion and was enjoying the scenery, she noticed someone sneaking around in the distance, seemingly peering in her direction.
Feeling suspicious and uneasy, she thought something was amiss.
The people she usually saw here were either flower growers or hunters, all registered by Nan Qiongzi, who had lived here for generations and were quite simple and honest.
She had never seen anyone like this before.
Feeling a sense of foreboding, she lifted her skirt and wanted to return, quickly calling for her maids and servants.
But just then, someone suddenly rushed up from behind, covered her mouth, and without a word, restrained her and stuffed her into some kind of sack.
No matter how much she kicked and struggled, it was to no avail.
Awu was furious!
She was registered by Nan Qiongzi, a public servant, and in broad daylight, what were they trying to do!
Ahhh!
She was even the emperor’s Concubine!
The emperor’s Concubine!
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