Translator: 🍓SassyStrawberry | http://www.sassystrawberry.com
Project: Phoenix Totem (凤凰图腾） | Author: Huaishang (淮上) | Rating: Mature
Trigger Warnings: Non-con, rape, underage, grooming, age gap, abuse of authority, problematic gong, harem politics, depression, suicide, murder, death.
Tags: Abusive obsessive love, Imperial Court and aristocracy, Strong x Strong characters, Jianghu grievances
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Chapter 1 Entering the Palace in the middle of the night
FOR THE BEST READING EXPERIENCE, WE RECOMMEND READING THE CHAPTERS IN THE ORIGINAL FORMAT INSTEAD OF THE WORDPRESS READER.
Late one night in Chang’An, the gate of Shangguan-shilang [1]’s residence was suddenly broken into by a group of Imperial guards. The emperor’s confidante who was always by his side, Zhang Kuo, stood in the middle of the Shangguan family hall with the imperial edict in hand. His voice was shrill and his face was emotionless,:” His Majesty has decreed – the Shangguan family’s youngest son Mingde is to enter the palace immediately!“
Shangguan Mingde had only woken up a moment before the Imperial edict was laid down. He was the youngest son born of a concubine [2], but his concubine mother had already passed away. And the official’s first wife had borne several sons. Although he did not mistreat this son of a concubine, he was still viewed and treated differently from the others. This little shaoye [3] came out of the house in the dead of winter, wearing a rather old jacket slung over him.
Shangguan-laoye [4] was somewhat panicked by this, he himself barely remembered the existence of this son. Why would the Emperor formally summon his family’s little son who held neither an official position nor was he responsible for any official duties?
Zhang Kuo watched as the young man walked over expressionlessly, he turned his body to one side, and spoke:” Mingde-gongzi [5], this way please.”
Shangguan-laoye hurriedly stepped forward and quietly stuffed a heavy entire silver ingot in his hands,” Gonggong [6], some tea for you [7]?”
Zhang Kuo smiled insincerely and stuffed the silver back to him,” Your Excellency [8] needs not do this. We all work on behalf of the Emperor, how would I have the nerve to allow your Excellency to go to such expense.”
Shangguan-laoye’s sweat immediately started rolling down. A person with an official position within the Capital can become rich and powerful overnight, and he can also be condemned to everlasting perdition in an instant. The Heavenly powers are unpredictable, who knows what the emperor truly intends by issuing such a decree?
“Gonggong, you [7] can see that my family’s youngest son is green and inexperienced, having never set foot in the world outside. Why would the Emperor……”
Zhang Kuo’s crafty smile still didn’t reach his eyes, and he replied,” Yes, Your Excellency. But, this one is merely a lackey, how would one dare to inquire further on this?”
After speaking these words, disregarding Shangguan-laoye’s ugly pallor, he simply turned and left the room.
Shangguan Mingde currently stood outside the mansion’s main gate. In the dead of winter, he merely wore a set of thin old clothing. The cotton-white colour of his clothes, set against the snowy landscape, the scene seemed so vast and boundless it seemed that he could simply be blown away and scattered by the winds. The luxurious big red lanterns hanging before the gate didn’t manage to reflect their warmth upon him, his young profile was half in shadow – with part of his face exposed and the rest concealed, the very image of tactful indifference.
Zhang Kuo stepped forward and bowed deeply from the waist. He drew back the screen on the small palanquin and spoke in a low voice,” Mingde-gongzi, this way please.”
Shangguan Mingde did not move, speaking in an indifferent tone,” Blatantly conducting unscrupulous activities in the middle of the night, is the intention for my family’s property to be searched and confiscated?”
Zhang Kuo replied,” How would this one dare to do such a thing.”
Shangguan Mingde remained unmoving. After a while, Zhang Kuo sighed and made a hand gesture of invitation,” Should gongzi have any words to say, it would be best to enter the palace and ask the Emperor himself. This one only has one measly life and one head, how many times can I afford to get it cut off?”
Lianyi Palace [9] was built on the edge of the Dongjiao Cotton Rose Hibiscus Garden. It shares a boundary with the Imperial Harem. Although on normal days, the Empress or consorts would not come to this place, however, it is still awkwardly and inconveniently located.
Although it was in the dead of winter, warm bursts of the hibiscus fragrance would intermittently waft over to the palace gate. Shangguan Mingde got out of the sedan chair and was about to enter when he was secretly held back by the old eunuch.
As soon as he turned his head to look back, unexpectedly he saw Zhang Kuo point towards the palace gate, and whisper,”……go along it.”
Shangguan Mingde sneered and shook off Zhang Kuo. He pushed open the doors of the palace.
Chang’an is in itself prosperous. Needless to say the imperial residence itself, and of course, the inner palaces, were even more so. Layer upon layer of azure gauze framed the corridors, one could indistinctly see the warm air rising – providing for the precious and rare flowers which are gorgeous and fragrant. The end of the corridor connects to an exceedingly exquisite and ingenious little study whose floors were inlaid with precious gold and jade. The orchids twined along the beams, and palace maids as beautiful as brocade mutely opened the door to the study. Mingde stepped inside, then heard the door shut quietly behind him.
Mingde was underdressed for the weather, and he had walked all the way here. The cold air from his body forced the warm winds back. He didn’t raise his head, immediately going to his knees upon entering the room. He respectfully said,” This subject, Mingde, respectfully greets your Majesty.”
The Emperor’s voice came from where he was seated, but it was not directed at him.”…Guifei [10], you said that there was an illicit affair between Shangguan Mingde and Zhaoyi [11]. Zhen [12] has summoned him before you, how do you intend to confront him face to face?”
Shangguan Mingde lifted his face slightly, and behind the gauze curtain sat a beautiful woman bedecked in jewels and finery. Even from a fleeting glance, one would be able to feel her air of aristocratic poise and glamorous luxury, all manner of charm and grace. The emperor sat in the seat of honour and looked towards to gauze curtain. His tone was calm and gentle, but there was a faint bitterness in his expression.
The Guifei’’s somewhat feeble voice came from within,” ……This concubine is afraid [13]. This concubine would not dare usurp control over the harem, but I also cannot disregard the ethics of the order of seniority. Since this concubine is in the position of Guifei, it is only right that I……”
The Emperor interrupted her, saying,” If you have anything to ask Shangguan Mingde, ask him directly.”
The Guifei bowed her head and spoke respectfully,” Yes.” Having said this, she then turned towards the young man still kneeling on the ground, and raised her voice in an imperious manner,” Shangguan-gongzi, on the night of last month’s Mid-Autumn Festival, did you, or did you not enter the palace?”
The carpet may have been soft, but Mingde still felt uncomfortable while kneeling. He moved his knee slightly before responding in the affirmative.
The Guifei continued her questions,” As an external subject, you have neither official position nor duties. You may only enter the palace when summoned by imperial edict, so was there an imperial summons?”
Mingde was silent for a moment, before replying,” There was none.”
“According to the reports of the Imperial Bodyguards, when you entered the palace, you directly went to the zhaoyi’s Palace. Was this indeed the case?”
“……It is.”
“ You took the opportunity of the chaotic situation during the Mid-Autumn Festival’s grand ceremony to infiltrate the Imperial harem, only leaving at dawn. What crime are you guilty of!”
“This subject deserves the death penalty.”
“Your Majesty! Shangguan Mingge brought debauchery upon the Imperial harem, and deceived his liege, and fooled his superiors. Shangguan-shilang has not instilled proper discipline in his son, and this is a great crime that warrants the extermination of their nine clans! Xia-zhaoyi is shameless! The evidence is irrefutable and she has brought shame upon the Imperial household, this person cannot be allowed to remain!”
The Emperor did not speak for a moment, and there was a brief and danger-filled silence that permeated the study. After 10 minutes, Shangguan Mingde slowly opened his mouth, and said,:”…… Then may your Majesty please issue an edict to bestow the death sentence upon this subject.”
The Emperor smashed his teacup with a crash. The Guifei immediately knelt on the ground,” Your Majesty!”
The Emperor spoke softly,”…… Guifei”
“This concubine is present.”
“Zhaoyi being favoured, and your jealousy and hatred of her is one thing; What has Shangguan Mingde done to you, that you want to condemn him to death?”
The Guifei‘s face immediately paled, losing its rosiness.
However, she still obstinately clung on,” Your Majesty! Shangguan Mingde’s infiltration of the inner palace is something that has been validated with evidence and witnesses! It is not this concubine fabricating charges out of nothing!”
The Emperor again spoke softly,” What if he had really entered the inner palace, but it had nothing to do with Xia-zhaoyi?”
The Guifei was pale and she shook unsteadily,” How could this be? What witnesses are there, and where is the evidence? Even if he had nothing to do with Xia-zhaoyi, then what was he doing spending the night in Xia-zhaoyi ‘s palace? Your Majesty! You can’t indulge and abet Xia-zhaoyi in doing such scandalous deeds!”
The Emperor wanted to say something, but was then cut off by Shangguan Mingde,” This subject has no evidence,” His voice was extremely placid, “– However, if Niangniang [14] intends to punish this subject, just mete it out as you see fit.”
The Guifei abruptly raised her head at this, but the Emperor smiled instead,” The beloved concubine does not have to heed his nonsense.”
“Your Majesty!……”
”Zhen can testify on his behalf.” The Emperor spoke in a relaxed way, seeming as if the momentary ferocity and brutality that had flashed across his eyes was mere illusion. “–Zhen will inform you, that on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, he truly had nothing to do with Xia-zhaoyi. He didn’t even catch a glimpse of her shadow.”
The Emperor moved forward and personally helped the Guifei up,” So, can you be at ease now?”
The Guifei could only feel the large hands tugging at her arm exerting an almost terrifying strength, at that moment she even heard her bones make a creaking sound. She felt a wave of nausea sweep over her and didn’t even dare glance at the Emperor’s expression. The Emperor may have been smiling, but the intent behind that smile was even more frightening to her than a knife.
She no longer had the courage to speak any further on the matter. The Emperor airily waved his hands at her,” Kneel before taking your leave [15].”
The Guifei stumbled, and made her obeisance, before hurriedly fleeing.
The study had recovered its original tranquillity, and one could only hear the slow dripping of the jade water clock, its clear sound ringing out.
Shangguan Mingde felt that the carpet rubbing against his knees was prickly and uncomfortable. He again slightly adjusted himself, and asked insipidly,” Does Your Majesty have any further instructions?”
Li Ji, the Qianwan Emperor [16] who had just turned thirty [17], was currently expressionlessly sitting on the seat of honour, with one hand resting on the table. If one looked closely, one would be able to see his hands turning white due to his gripping them with excessive force. As if what he grasped was not a table surface, but someone’s neck instead.
The Qianwan Emperor smiled again, and asked,” As a matter of fact, Zhen actually did think of something. Some time ago, Prime Minister Xia seemed to be quite appreciative of you, Zhen heard that he planned to betroth Xia-zhaoyi’s younger sister, his second daughter to you. Is this true?”
Mingde was poker-faced,” It is his favour that is misplaced and undeserved.”
“How is his favour misplaced and undeserved?” The Qianwan Emperor stood up and walked over,” You, Shangguan Mingde, are young and delicately handsome, and are well-versed in both martial arts and literature; your family’s social standing isn’t bad either. You’ve worked hard and done well for yourself, and have taken up the responsibility as an Imperial Palace’s shadow guard for the last two years. Once the former shadow guard starts to work in the open, then your future prospects will be boundless…… Such an outstandingly talented youth, how could you not be worthy of the Prime Minister’s treasured young daughter?”
His lower jaw tightened and was held by a large hand, Shangguan Mingde was forced to raise his head.
The Qianwan Emperor attentively examined Mingde’s face, saying,” The Xia family’s treasured young mistress is very beautiful, isn’t she?”
Mingde smiled suddenly at this, replying:” Your Majesty has already turned thirty, but does not have many male offspring. It is said that the Xia family’s young mistress’s features are very auspicious. Your Majesty can consider taking her as a concubine, perhaps she’ll even be able to add a few dragon sons for you.”
Even before his words had died away, there was a loud ‘pa’ sound, a heavy slap hit his face, immediately turning Mingde’s face to one side.
He slowly turned his face back and wiped off the blood traces from his lips. The Qianwan Emperor watched him and unexpectedly found himself in a good mood. His intonation was extremely relaxed as he asked,:” Mingde, in the past when you were ranked amongst the martial arts experts, you were at least in the top three, right?”
Shangguan Mingde lowered his head at this, responding in a docile and meek manner,” This subject is ashamed.”
“You carry a token of the shadow guard on you, hence there are no restrictions in entering or exiting the palace, are there?”
“This subject offers his thanks to Your Majesty for the trust.”
“Then, when you were ordered by Imperial edict to come to the inner palace. Although it is the Imperial concubine’s residence, it shouldn’t be that your whereabouts would be so easily discovered by others – isn’t that so?”
Shangguan Mingde didn’t speak at this. The Qianwan Emperor pinched his lower jaw and made him lift his face,” –Mingde, the Guifei was merely pregnant. When did I ever say that I would abolish the Empress? Why must you deliberately reveal your whereabouts to the Guifei? You are well aware…… well aware that she would definitely try to plot against you, and complain to me about you, right?”
Shangguan Mingde closed his eyes,:” …… Since Your Majesty is well aware of this in his heart, then why speak of it so openly?”
The Qianwan Emperor slowly nodded, saying,:” You’ve succeeded, Mingde. I truly do find myself fed up and annoyed with the Guifei. Congratulations, this time the Empress can again continue to keep her position!”
Inside the study obviously burned a warm fragrance, but the air inside was even frostier than that of the surroundings outside. Mingde placed his hand upon the Emperor’s which was currently holding his chin, and pried it off slowly, one finger at a time,” ……The Emperor hasn’t found a reason to abolish the Empress, however, if you hold grievances for this within your heart, you can take the opportunity to condemn and punish this subject. This subject is part of the shadow guard, and is a direct subordinate under your Majesty’s jurisdiction – and is at your Majesty’s mercy, whether being beaten or killed, none will be able to question or be able to do anything about it…….. There are many methods to torture people in this world, even the secret torture manuals of the Ministry of Punishment prisons can be retrieved for your reading pleasure. As long as your Majesty does not drive the Empress from her position, whatever hardships or sufferings that you want this subject to suffer in secret, wouldn’t be difficult to carry out?”
He gazed steadily at the Qianwan Emperor, his expression cold and indifferent, but there was a sense of the withering of tender emotions [17] in his eyes. This feeling was very subtle and was not particularly eye-catching or dazzling, merely accidentally triggering one’s state of mind, and he himself is not even aware of it.
The Qianwan Emperor straightaway knelt before him. Mingde had originally already been kneeling, however, he was still young. When the Qianwan Emperor half went on his knees, he was still taller. The Emperor moved close to his ear, and laughed softly,” …… What you say is true, however, I don’t intend to interrogate you via torture. …… On the Mid-Autumn Festival evening, you performed quite well, hence your merits are sufficient to offset your mistakes……”
The originally motionless Mingde, at this time hastily and abruptly tried to get to his feet, but he was firmly restrained by the Qianwan Emperor‘s hand on his shoulder.
It was unknown when the incense was mixed with a tender and sweet fragrance, but its fumes made one’s limbs go weak. He who had wanted to exert himself instead found the world blur before his eyes, after which his consciousness became unclear. Shangguan Mingde silently and unknowingly collapsed into the embrace of the Qianwan Emperor. This young man had not yet undergone the rite of adulthood and received his hair crown. His soft cotton old clothes, and his coldly handsome features. One could only catch a glimpse of traces of his refined beautiful features in his side profile as if he had been thoroughly spent after an enchanting spring night [18].
Shangguan Mingde trembled slightly at this. The Qianwan Emperor slowly tore open his outer robes, pressed him down onto the carpet, and asked in a low voice laced with smiling intent,” You seem to particularly dislike this type of floor, is this right?”
Mingde stretched out his hand and feebly grabbed at the Qianwan Emperor‘s wrist. However, his move was countered and his hand was grabbed instead. After which it was firmly pressed down beside his ear, the skin on his arm was suddenly scraped against the floor, and the surface of his skin had probably been broken. From his arm came a slight itching sensation which gradually turned into pain.
The Qianwan Emperor recklessly and wilfully kneaded his arms. The young man’s delicate and pampered skin was fine and smooth, and the slim musculature that he had developed from his martial arts training was well-defined – flexible and beautiful. Bringing with it a sense of a youth’s unique arrogance and seductive charm.
The Qianwan Emperor felt himself harden perceptibly, the clamour of desires rising up and setting his entire body to boiling. He had already passed the age of thirty and was currently in the prime of his life. Yet no matter how beautiful or exquisite a woman was, unlike this youth beneath him, they are unable to ignite in him such a powerful and vigorous desire to conquer and subjugate.
There was this almost desire to tear him apart whilst alive, and then devour him like a wild beast.
However, at this time, a knock sounded at the door of the study. Zhang Kuo’s voice brought with it a slight alarm,” Your Majesty, the Empress seeks an audience!”
The Qianwan Emperor rose up without warning,” Not granted!”
“The Empress is already on her way!”
“Tell her to get lost!”
Suddenly Mingde smiled and calmly spoke up,” It was I who invited her here……”
The Qianwan Emperor suddenly lowered his head to look at him, Mingde lay soft and collapsed within his embrace. His outer robes were in disorder, barely covering the skin from his shoulders to his chest. A bit of the hair at his nape was exposed, unimaginably exquisite, and graceful.
The Qianwan Emperor was furious, but smiled instead,” You sent word to the Empress before entering the palace?”
Mingde’s expression could be said to be extremely relaxed,” Yes.”
“When?”
“Whilst in the sedan, I left and returned. The palanquin staff didn’t even notice…….”
“Very good! Very good!” The Qianwan Emperor was enraged in the extreme,” It seems that next time I will have to chain you to the palanquin!”
An announcement by the honour guards was heard, indicating that the Empress had already almost reached the entrance. The Qianwan Emperor loosened his grip and forcibly dragged Shangguan Mingde to his feet. He then raised his head, his expression calm and unruffled, and said,:” This subject takes his leave.”
He retreated step by step and cautiously exited the study.
The Qianwan Emperor sat in a large and spacious armchair, the desires of his lower body were still clamouring at him, almost setting him on fire, but that person has already gone.
Li Ji smiled coldly,”……You slipped away very quickly……”
– However, forget it. In any event, he has already fallen into one’s hands, what is the point in pressing him too hard?
In the event that he forces him too much, even in the worst-case scenario, wouldn’t that person still be within his grasp?
The Qianwan Emperor stared in the direction that the man had left in, an inscrutable look in his eyes. But his expression still carried an unmistakable sternness and anger in it.
*goes feral*