Chapter 1

Chapter One: The New Emperor

The Chronicles of Nanli record:
In the third year of the Jian Yuan era, the Noble Consort Xie Shu passed away in the Palace of Kunning. The Emperor suspended court for seven days and posthumously honored her as Empress, granting her the posthumous title Wan Yi, thus making her the Primary Empress.

At the end of March, the capital bloomed with countless flowers, a riot of purple and crimson hues, rendering even the busiest streets livelier than usual.
This was no coincidence—it marked the first month of the new Emperor’s reign, a time for renewal and revitalization. The current Emperor, even before ascending the throne as Crown Prince, had already earned great prestige and widespread admiration among the people. Upon his enthronement, he immediately reduced taxes and declared a general amnesty across the realm.

In the Plum Blossom Garden of the Loyal and Righteous Marquis’s Mansion, a few sparrows chattered noisily atop the window frame.
Li Mama, a servant attending to Lady Yun, the marquis’s wife, tiptoed in and asked a young maid with twin buns at the door, “Miss Mei’er, has Third Miss not yet awakened?”

Third Miss Xie Shu was the legitimate daughter of the main branch of the Loyal and Righteous Marquis’s family. She possessed unparalleled beauty and grace, the most distinguished noblewoman of the current dynasty.

Above her were two elder brothers. The eldest son, Xie Huaiyu, heir to the marquisate, had studied at the Imperial Academy in his youth and now served as Deputy Minister of the Court of State Ceremonials, simultaneously accompanying the Emperor in his studies. The second son, Xie Huaian, was undergoing military training, preparing for next year’s martial examinations.
The marquis and Lady Yun shared a deeply affectionate marriage, and the marquis had never taken a concubine. As the youngest daughter of the main branch, Third Miss was dearly loved by her elders.

“Lately, our young mistress has been plagued by nightmares each night and has been unable to rest well, so she tends to rise late during the day,” Mei’er explained gently to Li Mama with a respectful bow.

“I see. I will report to madam immediately and summon the court physician to take Third Miss’s pulse,” Li Mama said cautiously, reminding Mei’er to take good care of their young mistress.

“Please take care, Li Mama,” Mei’er whispered in reply.

Only when quiet sounds arose from within did Mei’er hasten to open the door. “Miss, you are awake.”

Xie Shu responded with a hoarse “Mm,” her voice soft and languid from just waking.
She was a vision of flawless beauty—skin smooth like congealed cream, a face shaped like an apricot blossom with rose-tinted cheeks, lips as if painted with vermilion, and eyebrows naturally dark and curved, her countenance radiant as spring blossoms.

Perhaps because of the dream that had just ended, a faint sheen of fragrant sweat still dampened her forehead. Mei’er offered her a cup of tea. “Miss, I have sent for someone to help you with your dressing.”

Xie Shu lowered her gaze and gave a gentle “Mm.”

Since the late Emperor’s passing and the new Emperor’s ascension, Xie Shu had dreamed almost every night of him—dreams that recounted her former life as the Crown Prince’s favored consort, eventually rising to be the most cherished Noble Consort of the Six Palaces. She remembered how she had exhausted every effort to ascend to the position of Empress when the throne of the Empress was left vacant. Yet, just as she was about to be established as Empress, her frail health failed her, and she died, uncertain even if she had been posthumously honored.

Looking back on her past life, filled with scheming and calculation, she had ultimately gained nothing. Upon reincarnation, Xie Shu no longer desired to become Empress. Thus, at the palace banquet a year ago, she had not danced to win fame, nor had she been assigned as a favored consort to the Crown Prince. Now, she wished only to marry an ordinary man and live freely and unrestrained.

“What are you thinking about, Miss?” Mei’er, accompanied by other young maids, entered and noticed her frowning in contemplation.

“Nothing,” Xie Shu returned to herself, shaking her head softly. After all, her life was no longer the same as before—by this time in her previous existence, she was already a Noble Consort, but now she remained merely the third daughter of the Loyal and Righteous Marquis’s household.

---

Meanwhile, Li Mama hurried from the Plum Blossom Garden to report to Lady Yun, “Madam, Third Miss has not yet risen.”

Lady Yun, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, was gentle and virtuous. Hearing this, she paused from reviewing the accounts and reproached lightly with a smile, “That girl has been sleeping late every day. How will she manage when she marries someday?”

Though she said this, her tone betrayed her fondness.

Li Mama smiled and explained, “Miss Mei’er said that Third Miss has been having nightmares every night and has not rested well, which is why she rises late.”

“Why hasn’t Shu’er told me this? Hurry and summon the court physician to examine her pulse. No, I’ll bring the physician myself this evening.” Lady Yun made a move to go to the Plum Blossom Garden but reconsidered when she thought of her daughter still resting and sat back down.

Though she tried to focus on the accounts, her mind lingered on her daughter, causing her brows to knit slightly. Just then, the Loyal and Righteous Marquis returned.

“Madam, the master has returned.”

Li Mama quickly helped Lady Yun to her feet. The marquis was past his fortieth year. Perhaps due to his military background, he was tall and robust, with a steady and solemn countenance.

Clutching her handkerchief, Lady Yun greeted him, “Welcome home, my husband.”

Upon seeing his wife, the marquis’s stern eyes softened with affection. He drew her into his embrace and led her inside. “Where are you off to, my lady?”

With her husband home, Lady Yun shared the recent troubles of their daughter’s nightmares and poor sleep. “Since Shu’er has been restless, I intended to bring the court physician to examine her pulse, but she is still resting now, so I thought to wait until later. Yet, you returned just in time.”

“But she has been at home all this past month without venturing out. There should be no reason for such fright. Why then the frequent nightmares?” the marquis asked, clearly concerned for their youngest daughter.

“I do not know either. I will bring the physician to see her soon,” Lady Yun replied gently.

“Shall we summon the Imperial physician as well?”

“Let the court physician examine her first. If no improvement follows, then I will request the Imperial physician,” Lady Yun answered.

The marquis nodded and kissed her forehead tenderly. “Very well. Hurry along, my lady. When you return, I have something to discuss with you.”

Lady Yun smiled warmly. “I shall go at once.”

At that moment, the servants had already brought the court physician. Lady Yun led him to her daughter’s Plum Blossom Garden. Upon entering, one beheld a picturesque courtyard: a lotus pond connected by a fan-shaped bridge, smooth stones beneath her feet. Two young maids at the gate bowed respectfully, “Greetings, madam.”

Lady Yun, always graceful and dignified before others, lifted her hand and asked with a smile, “Is Third Miss inside?”

“Yes, madam. Miss Mei’er is with her,” the maid replied, kneeling slightly.

Lady Yun lifted the curtain and entered, immediately seeing her daughter reclining on a beauty couch, dressed in a pale pink floral gown, adorned with a begonia-studded pearl hairpin. She appeared delicate and languid, holding a thick book yet seemingly lost in thought.

Lady Yun smiled indulgently and approached. “Shu’er, what are you reading?”

“Mother, why have you come?” Xie Shu lifted her luminous eyes, joy evident between her brows.

Since gaining memories of her past life, where she had been a favored consort in the Eastern Palace and later a Noble Consort upon the Emperor’s ascension—rarely seeing her beloved family—she now wished to spend more time with her parents and brothers.

“Your mother heard you have been having nightmares lately, so I brought the court physician to examine your pulse,” Lady Yun said, sitting on a nearby wooden stool and studying her daughter with care.

Xie Shu maintained the innocent charm of a young lady before her mother and smiled gently, “Mother, I am fine.”

“If you are fine, why the nightmares every night? Or is there something on your mind?” Lady Yun disapproved, sensing that her daughter was either unwell or troubled but unwilling to confide in her parents.

Xie Shu fell silent instantly. She could not tell her mother that her unease stemmed from the new Emperor’s ascension and the haunting memories of her past life.

“Please, have the court physician come in,” Lady Yun said, glancing at Li Mama.

Li Mama lifted the curtain and let the physician in.

The physician entered with a respectful expression and after greeting, took Third Miss’s pulse through a silk cloth. He diagnosed that due to the recent warming weather and her delicate constitution, her qi and blood were insufficient, causing frequent nightmares. He prescribed some calming and spirit-nourishing decoctions, which would improve her condition after a few doses.

“Li Mama, take the court physician to prepare the medicine.”

“Yes, madam.”

“Your father and brothers have been busy outside lately. When your eldest brother has some leisure time, I will have him take you to visit the city markets,” Lady Yun said, holding her daughter’s soft white hand and smiling.

Though her two elder brothers were past the age of marriage, having not yet taken wives, they often took their youngest sister out for outings. Of the two, eldest brother Xie Huaiyu was especially doting.

Xie Shu nodded lightly.

After watching her daughter drink the prescribed medicine, Lady Yun returned to the main hall with Li Mama. The marquis had changed into fresh clothes and was sipping tea. Seeing her approach, he rose and asked, “Is Shu’er all right?”

Lady Yun smiled and hung her deep green apricot blossom cloak on the rack. “The court physician said that the recent warming weather has caused Shu’er’s delicate constitution and insufficient qi and blood, leading to her nightmares. He has already prescribed medicine, and I just stayed to ensure she took it.”

Their daughter had been pampered since childhood and was always reluctant to take medicine, often pouring it into a painted celadon bottle, with Huaiyu usually catching her.

“That is good. Shu’er’s wellbeing requires the utmost care from you, my lady.”

“Where would you have me, my lord? Shu’er is my own flesh and blood; I must care for her well,” Lady Yun teased him with a coquettish look. “By the way, what did you wish to discuss with me?”

“Our Emperor has just ascended, and the harem is still vacant. This morning, an imperial censor and the court officials jointly submitted a petition urging the Emperor to take consorts,” the marquis said with a helpless smile.