Chapter 30: All Taxes Paid

Dai Dai awoke to the ceaseless chorus of cicadas. Wrapped in a thin quilt, she sat on the couch for a while, her sleepy eyes slowly opening. Even before she was fully awake, her lips curled into a smile, her eyes crescent-shaped—crystal-bright, filled with dazzling light.

“My lady, shall we attend to your washing and dressing?” Autumn Melody, who had been waiting by her side since Ji Ye left for court, asked softly.

“Yes, everything is fine,” Dai Dai replied, her face aglow with delight and warmth.

Autumn Melody could not help but smile as well, thinking that her mistress’s smile was the most sincere in the world.

She knew Dai Dai had developed a new habit lately—she liked to sleep naked. Thus, her body beneath the covers was surely bare, and Autumn Melody had already prepared a flowing robe of moon-white silk adorned with plum blossoms. As Dai Dai rose, she unfurled the robe to shield her and expertly helped her dress.

The front court was a place of solemnity and order, where it was unfitting to plant willows, dig lakes, or create fanciful shady retreats. For this reason, every summer, when the sun scorched the earth, the officials conducting government affairs in those austere offices suffered unbearable heat. Ji Ye, considerate of his ministers, decreed from the first year of his reign that all officials would relocate to the Grand Celebration Palace during the summer months to handle state matters.

The Grand Celebration Palace lay north of the Palace of Bright Rectitude, nestled within the crescent-shaped ridge formed by Dragonhead Mountain. There was a natural body of water there, called the Lotus Pond, around which the palace complex was built. Willows lined the shores, flowers bloomed in profusion, and lotus blossoms floated on the water. There were more than a dozen pavilions, terraces, and towers on the lake, making summer affairs there as cool and pleasant as could be.

Because it was an ideal retreat from the heat, and the imperial guards were ever vigilant, the foothills and slopes around the palace were dotted with exquisitely crafted villas, mostly owned by the imperial family, high officials, and great merchants.

As the sun climbed to its zenith, the cicadas’ song grew more fevered. Dressed in his heavy dragon robe, Ji Ye sweated and grew restless, unable to sit still.

When he finally heard the dismissal drum atop the Gate of Heavenly Response, he exhaled deeply, his tension easing, and a smile appeared on his lips. “Enough. I’m hungry. Prepare the carriage. I’ll dine at Qianyuan Hall.”

Li Fuquan was momentarily taken aback. Before he could respond, his master had already left the hall with hands clasped behind his back, strolling at a leisurely pace. Li hurried after him, feeling unsettled. He glanced back at the copper water clock in the corner—it was only just past the hour of the snake. Normally, the emperor would not dine until much later. This was unusual.

“Summon Her Majesty to Qianyuan Hall.” As Ji Ye walked the corridor, everything seemed to him a scene of spring and autumn, cool and green—yet the fierce sun was already shining into the walkway.

Li Fuquan, dressed in the ornate robes of the chief eunuch, was stifled by the heat. Whether it was the weather or his own nerves, he kept dabbing at his brow, finally mustering the courage to say, “Your Majesty, a maid came to report a quarter of an hour ago—Her Majesty has not yet risen.”

Ji Ye’s expression did not change, but the tips of his ears flushed crimson. He replied blandly, “She must be tired.”

As for the cause of her fatigue, Li Fuquan understood perfectly well.

Sensing the ambiguity in those words, Ji Ye cleared his throat, composed himself, and quickened his pace.

By now, Dai Dai was already dressed, her phoenix crown and red gown setting off her fresh beauty, making her a vision to behold.

“My lady, please ascend the palanquin.”

Outside Qianyuan Hall, Dai Dai, heeding Autumn Melody’s advice, was just about to depart when she caught sight of him from afar. Instantly, her face lit up with joy. Lifting her trailing skirts, she darted toward him like a butterfly.

Ji Ye smiled indulgently, forgetting entirely to rebuke her for her lack of regal composure.

Under the clear blue sky, amidst the splendor of court, he stood unmoving, a gentle smile playing on his lips. She ran to him, cheeks flushed and breathless, but this time, instead of throwing herself into his arms, she stopped just short, gazing at him in a daze. Then, delighted, she exclaimed, “Your Majesty, I feel as though I’ve met you somewhere before.”

He could not say why, but something caught in his chest; his smile deepened, his eyes full of tenderness. He took her hand, and they walked side by side. The eunuchs and maids sensibly withdrew a few steps, leaving only two eunuchs holding yellow parasols in diligent attendance.

“Are you suggesting that we are fated from a past life?”

“Huh?” Dai Dai blinked in confusion, then hopped along at his side, unconcerned with the details. “Your Majesty, I really do feel I’ve seen you somewhere. Truly, I wouldn’t lie.”

She shook her head, puzzled. “I really have met you. Every time I think of you, my heart is both happy and sore. Am I ill, Your Majesty?”

No sooner had he returned to Qianyuan Hall than the eunuch in charge of meals heard the news and hastened to order the dishes brought in.

Dai Dai was already ravenous. As they entered the hall, the aroma of food assailed her, and she immediately spotted several fish dishes. With a cheer, she rushed to the table, eager to dig in.

Autumn Melody, quick as ever, slipped a pair of silver chopsticks into Dai Dai’s hand, picking up another pair herself. She smiled awkwardly, “Please, my lady, take your time. Let me remove the bones for you first.”

“Good! I have no patience for picking out fish bones,” Dai Dai readily agreed.

A woman who holds a man’s heart is precious indeed; all her faults become endearing, her every quirk lovable and forgivable.

That was how Dai Dai now appeared in Ji Ye’s heart.

He washed his hands in a golden basin, dried them on fine brocade, and took his seat opposite Dai Dai. The table was long, ten paces between them, laden with dozens of exquisite dishes.

“Move this dish of fish ball soup to Her Majesty’s place.”

With cheeks puffed like a frog and her mouth full of spicy fish, Dai Dai was initially joyful, but when she saw him sit at the far end of the table instead of beside her, her delight faded.

If the mountain won’t come to me, I’ll go to the mountain. Dragging her sandalwood chair, she scampered over. “Your Majesty, let’s dine together.”

Li Fuquan, the serving eunuchs, and all the palace maids stared in astonishment.

Ji Ye only smiled, indulging her.

Silence at table was Ji Ye’s habit, but Dai Dai dreaded quiet. Even with her mouth full, she chattered away. At first, Ji Ye frowned in displeasure, but soon found himself smiling.

Dai Dai’s stories were never ordinary. She spoke of crickets quarreling like married couples, chirping away, with the young cricket running away from home; a butterfly gathering nectar getting into a fight with a gang of bees and coming away with a swollen nose; all manner of insects and beasts became spirited, squabbling, living out their days.

The meal left Ji Ye feeling relaxed and content.

After another round of washing up, finding it still early and not at all sleepy, he took Dai Dai by the hand and strolled to Ganquan Palace. The weather was hot, and the nearest waterside pavilion was in the rear garden.

A cool breeze drifted over the lake, carrying the faint scent of lotuses. Inside the waterside pavilion, screens and couches had already been arranged, along with a table and zither.

“Your Majesty, please don’t frown. When you frown, it makes my heart ache.”

Her eyes were full of trust, her heart laid bare, love shining pure and unselfish. He gazed at her, and though he would deny it, he was deeply moved. But women—if you admit you love them, they will only ask for more. The lessons of the past were not forgotten.

He avoided her ardent gaze, instead toying with her lips—soft, moist, and tempting. He bent down to kiss her, becoming addicted; the kiss deepened, lingering and tender.

Dai Dai was easily coaxed. She believed only those who loved her would kiss her, so she lowered her eyes, offered her pale neck, and melted into his gentle affection.

Their bodies fit together flawlessly, lost in each other, their sweetness surpassing even the early days of their marriage.

Li Fuquan, seeing things getting out of hand, quickly dismissed the maids, quietly closed the pavilion windows himself. Through a crack, he glimpsed Her Majesty’s robe slipping from her shoulders, creamy skin exposed, her allure unmistakable. He hurriedly shut his eyes and withdrew, marveling at such a woman—so pure off the bed, yet once there, wild and untamed. Fortunately, His Majesty was strong; had he been weaker, the balance of power in bed would have been awkward indeed.

After satisfying her three times the night before, rising early, and a morning of state affairs without rest, he knew he had little energy left. He lay atop Dai Dai, caressing her briefly before stopping.

Dai Dai’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling with innocent seduction. He groaned, holding her waist so their bodies pressed tightly together, occasionally simulating the motions.

Dai Dai whimpered, her legs entwining his, casting him a look of disdain.

He rubbed his forehead; under her naked, scornful gaze, he almost felt incompetent.

He almost wanted to throttle her, but alas, he had memorials to read that afternoon. With 350 prefectures and 1,168 counties in the empire, the daily pile of reports could form a small mountain on his desk even after the chancellors had sorted them and marked the key points in red.

For every day he shirked his duties, the next would bring double the workload, and he was a man who believed in finishing today’s business today.

He swore never again to indulge as he had that last time.

Holding Dai Dai’s limbs to keep her from wriggling, he distracted her by stroking her hair. “Dai Dai, I have retrieved the Phoenix Seal from the Noble Consort. You are the empress, the mistress of the harem—it is time you assumed your responsibilities.”

Dai Dai, nearly smothered in his embrace, her face red, stretched her tongue to reach his chin, inching upward. He laughed, teasing her, lowering then raising his chin, making her huff in frustration.

Was it his imagination, or was he playing with a kitten? He found it rather amusing.

“Behave,” he chided gently. “Did you hear what I said? I know your health is fine—better than a farmwife’s. The harem cannot go a day without order. Starting tomorrow, you must rise early to receive the morning greetings from the consorts. Also, the Empress Dowager has left her palace. Choose a day to lead them in greeting her. Whether she receives you or not is of no consequence.”

At the mention of official matters, his passion cooled, and guilt rose in his heart. “I have punished the Noble Consort and the Pure Consort. For the next month, I will see only you. How about that?”

“Why only a month?” Dai Dai’s response was swift as lightning—her nightly warmth was at stake.

Ji Ye smiled knowingly, unsurprised by her reaction. Even as You Dai Dai grew more adept at pleasing him, she could not shake her possessive habits.

“If I favor only you, you will become the target of all. Besides, ancestral law forbids it. The harem is to be treated equally. As empress, you must be magnanimous and help share my burdens.”

“That’s not right! I refuse. You’re mine. Don’t you like me? You really don’t like me?” Dai Dai kissed his chin, then his lips, confused and aggrieved.

“You just…” she protested, “you just wanted me. You do like me.” She glared at him stubbornly.

If he spoke any plainer, it would only hurt her feelings. Not wishing to see Dai Dai sad, he could only comfort her in silence, patting her back.

Since the emperor had spoken, and the Phoenix Seal had been respectfully returned by Li Fuquan, Dai Dai took it all in stride. She relished her freedom, but Autumn Melody and the other four ladies-in-waiting were delighted.

Since accompanying Dai Dai into the palace and passing the old palace matrons’ assessment, the four had been promoted directly to fifth-rank Supervising Palace Ladies—the highest positions, other than the female courtier, at the empress’s side, tasked with assisting her in managing the harem.

There were six such positions, each overseeing one of the six bureaus, each with its own regular palace ladies of equal rank. When the empress was in power, these supervisors could overrule and discipline the regular officers. Without the empress’s favor and the Phoenix Seal, their authority was hollow.

Thus, their real power depended entirely on the empress’s status.

Now, with Dai Dai unexpectedly regaining the Phoenix Seal, it was time for these supervisors to resume their authority. Autumn Melody was especially pleased, no longer fearing saboteurs in Ganquan Palace. She personally inspected every item that entered.

Deep summer, dense shade, long days—verandas reflected in the pond, crystal curtains stirred by a breeze, arbors heavy with roses, filling the courtyard with fragrance.

Dai Dai was supremely lazy, finding even standing a chore, let alone managing the vast harem. She left all matters to the supervisors, only stamping official documents for Autumn Melody’s amusement. Their abilities were thus evident.

Lady You knew her daughter’s indolence well and had carefully cultivated Autumn Melody and her companions. The other two, Yu Mo and Scarlet Lotus, were like shadows in Ganquan Palace; Autumn Melody suspected they were from the Eunuch Department, directly under the emperor’s command.

The wind in the harem shifted; those who once relied on the Noble Consort’s favor now behaved with utmost humility.

The Noble Consort, brooding in her own palace, smashed dishes in frustration, but heeding her mother’s advice, restrained herself. She spent her days supposedly studying the “Records of the Historian,” though not a word sank in, much to the Lady of Kang’s disappointment.

The Pure Consort had once enjoyed supreme favor but became quiet and humble upon her promotion, though her pride remained. With the Noble Consort feigning illness and being rude, she too claimed a cold and avoided appearing.

With the two leaders absent, morning greetings became routine, the remaining consorts meek as dogs, even barking on cue when prompted. The sycophants were many.

Dai Dai ignored these minor figures, reveling in stamping documents. Autumn Melody had told her that with one stamp, the consorts would be relocated.

The Grand General of Cavalry, having achieved new military glory in his prime, was at the height of his power; the women of the harem were not fools and knew better than to seek trouble. They lay low, waiting for an opportunity.

With the Noble and Pure Consorts subdued, the relocations went smoothly.

The Empress, Noble Consort, and Pure Consort always accompanied the emperor on summer retreats, per tradition. The remaining spots were filled at will; this year, a new concubine, Lady Xiu, was added, as a favor to the Pure Consort.

The Empress Dowager had not joined the summer retreat for two years, but Ji Ye still paid her a special visit.

From dawn to dusk, the days passed swiftly in busyness.

The Grand Celebration Palace was prepared. On a day of gentle breezes, Dai Dai led the chosen consorts in grand procession into the palace.

The Noble Consort was assigned to Long Wind Pavilion, the Pure Consort to Orchid Shore, while Dai Dai did not stay in the Phoenix Roost as in past years, but moved to Ji Ye’s own Harmonious Waves. The emperor and empress resided together, the union of yin and yang, music and harmony—a blessing for the Yan dynasty, the ministers all said.

Yet in truth, Dai Dai had coaxed her way into this arrangement.

Serpent spirits are the most adept at entwining themselves; when affectionate, her boneless suppleness, seductive gaze, and wandering hands left him dazed.

So long as state business was not involved, Ji Ye was easily swayed in bed. He was, after all, a man. How could he resist such charms, especially when she whispered sweet nothings in his ear? Her lips wandered over his skin, pleasure abounded, and the matter of cohabitation became a heavenly gift. Holding her each night, enjoying moderate passion, he found it a fine way to exercise. He had not visited the training grounds in some time; exerting himself in the bedchamber was a suitable substitute for strengthening body and spirit.

Everything in moderation—the previous night had been particularly passionate, but this morning he felt well enough, only his waist was a bit sore. Gazing at his sleeping empress, he almost wanted to crawl back into bed.

But outside, golden sunlight spilled everywhere, birds chirped, blossoms perfumed the emerald boughs—he resisted the urge. The morning is the most important time of day; he could not laze about like Dai Dai.

“Attend me—help me wash and dress.” He sat at the bedside, rolling his neck, flexing his fingers with martial grace.

“Your Majesty, it’s cool this morning—sleep a while longer.” Dai Dai slid over, her pale arms encircling his waist, still drowsy.

Harmonious Waves was a palace built on the water, its bamboo and wood structure surrounded by carved windows that opened in all directions. The night had been hot, so he’d ordered a window left open. Now, looking out, he saw misty willows, painted bridges, and green curtains fluttering in a cool breeze—a relief compared to the stuffy room.

Yet even the loveliest view could not compare to the little creature behind him.

When clingy, she was like glue. Fortunately, she was naturally cool to the touch; in summer, holding her truly brought relief. When the heat was overwhelming, he allowed her to nestle in his arms while he read memorials.

After days of sultry weather, clouds finally gathered—rain was coming.

Harmonious Waves had a front and rear hall. The front faced inward, busy with ministers, the rear was the bedchamber, opening onto the water, with a staircase descending to the lake where a painted barge waited to carry Dai Dai without encountering officials.

Ji Ye was not a ruler who sought endless pleasure with different women. In this, he was even lazy; unless desire pressed hard, he could go without. He seldom summoned anyone.

To others, the moonlit screens, fragrant sleeves, and paired mandarin ducks were the stuff of dreams, but to him, it was no more than a faint pleasure.

Of all the women, only the Pure Consort had he actively pursued, but she was too reserved, and he too indifferent—making for dull intimacy.

It was the same with the Noble Consort; imagining Ji Ye preferred gentle, refined women like the Pure Consort, she became overly reserved in bed.

No one was as shameless, as fox-like, as greedy as Dai Dai.

She naturally believed that affection meant frequent kisses, hugs, cheek rubs, and caresses—nothing could be more normal.

She clung to him, beautiful and soft, and living together, she entwined herself around him at night, pouring out all her scant affection. In the morning, he woke refreshed, and even when passing the scantily clad beauties parading before him, his heart remained utterly unruffled.