One Chapter at a Time
Chapter 213: Physical Examination <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> The trickle of daylight from the window gradually dimmed, leaving only the candles embedded in the wall outside. The lamps didn’t burn good-quality oil; the scent mixed with the dry straw on the floor, caused an unsettling urge to churn in one’s stomach. Someone couldn’t resist … Read more
Chapter 214: Siyuan <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> “Take the clothes to be dried.” Liu Zhongming walked into the room ahead, not requiring any assistance. He unfastened his belt, tossing the outer robe that had been dampened by tea onto a chair. Three Blessings stood there, head bowed and fidgety. He was berated again, “You … Read more
Chapter 215 – Catching Cold <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> Not knowing whether it was due to heightened awareness after the reminder or not, Consort Yu, despite her reluctance to think too much, couldn’t help but become suspicious. She felt a chill creeping in, even though she had just experienced a slightly stuffy nose. Was … Read more
Chapter 210: Remaining Years <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> In the Star Gazing Pavillion, Qu Chenzhou woke up amidst the familiar scent of aged agarwood. He wasn’t disoriented at all and remembered clearly what had happened last night. Not long after Liu Qingru left, he didn’t intend to endure further mistreatment. He simply closed his … Read more
Chapter 211: Bone Marrow Cleansing <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> A shiny copper hairpin disappeared into her hair, leaving only the bead flowers at its end. The dangling jade beads swayed gently as they were inserted with a subtle force. Consort Yu carefully examined herself in the bronze mirror, even her makeup was immaculate, not … Read more
Chapter 212: The Yellow Register <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> The tree that had once been stained with blood was uprooted, its roots completely removed from the earth. In its place, several peach trees were planted in the courtyard. Peach blossoms in March, they bloomed early but withered quickly. After being confined to the palace … Read more
Chapter 207: Recognizing Family <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> Qu Chenzhou thought he should have fled. When he heard the first sentence, his feet were already poised for escape. But that voice pursued him, as if unwilling to let him go, a shadow following his every move. “Chenzhou, we are your parents. Don’t you remember? … Read more
Chapter 208: In charge of Food <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> The daytime wind had already grown as chilling as tiny knives slicing through the air. As night fell, the cold became even more pervasive, impossible to withstand. Qu Chenzhou removed his official robe, leaving only a thin undershirt. He knelt on the stone steps … Read more
Chapter 209: The Note <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> The path to his dwelling was so dark he couldn’t see his own feet, and only a few scattered lamps swayed, fighting to dispel the darkness. Three Blessings had long grown accustomed to these kinds of days; after all, no one would bother leaving a lamp … Read more
Chapter 204 – New Year <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> On the day with the heaviest snowfall, the New Year arrived. The routine palace banquet at the Taiji Palace went on as usual, with singing, dancing, toasts, and a lively atmosphere. However, the attendees were not the same as before. The position of the Chief … Read more
Chapter 205: Journey Home <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> After the first month passed, the snowfall lessened, but the air remained just as cold, and the accumulated snow on the streets lingered without melting. Dong Chengyu had been away from the capital for several years and was no longer accustomed to its harsh cold climate. … Read more
Chapter 206 – Well <Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter> Although the winter of that year was bitterly cold, spring arrived unexpectedly early. It was already mid-February, yet the midday sun was warm enough to hint at the scent of spring. Liu Zhongming removed his padded cotton coat, tied his hair high, and played with a … Read more