Cuddling with the Cold Female Protagonist – Chapter 78
by Little PandaVolume 3: Courtly Winds and Clouds, Each Finds Their Place
The spring chill was biting.
The early morning Imperial Palace was exceptionally solemn. Guards clad in iron armor patrolled past the palace gates, the qiangqiang sound of their armor rubbing together echoing through the entire palace entrance, circle after circle, making the palace maids and eunuchs who walked back and forth even more apprehensive. They hurried past without daring to lift their heads.
In this grim environment, the few people at the palace entrance seemed particularly conspicuous.
There were six people in total: one Imperial Prince, and five Imperial Princesses, each kneeling with a straight back at the palace entrance.
Apart from the Eldest Imperial Prince, the Imperial Princesses each had two thick books balanced on their heads. Among them, the Fifth Imperial Princess and the Ninth Imperial Princess were even balancing ten scrolls of bamboo slips2.
Not to mention that bamboo is heavier than paper, just looking at the height of that stack was enough to make one feel their neck would break.
When the palace maids and eunuchs hurried past, they saw Their Highnesses in this state, and curiosity arose in their hearts. They couldn’t help but frequently look back, then, seeing the approaching guards, they quickly averted their gaze, huddled together in pairs, and whispered, “What mistake did Their Highnesses commit, why are they being punished by Her Majesty to kneel here?”
“I heard Their Highnesses caused trouble at the Eldest Imperial Prince’s residence.”
“Aiya, what kind of trouble?”
“Shh… you still dare to inquire about such matters, don’t you value your life…”
…
Watching the passing palace maids and eunuchs all discussing, coupled with having kneeled for a full two shichen3, his legs had gone numb. The Eldest Imperial Prince felt his lungs were about to explode from anger and couldn’t help but speak, “Several Imperial Younger Sisters are women, so kneeling is one thing, but This Prince is a man, why must I kneel together with you all!”
“Could it be that this matter didn’t happen at Eldest Imperial Brother’s residence?” the Second Imperial Princess answered slowly. “The Eldest Imperial Prince is our elder brother, of course, he has the duty to guide his younger sisters. Why, does Eldest Imperial Brother only want the benefits, and we have to bear all the blame?”
The Seventh Imperial Princess also smiled, “That’s right, who asked Eldest Imperial Brother to host a flower-viewing banquet? Now that the Chancellor’s son has met with misfortune, the Chancellor is surely heartbroken. If Mother Emperor doesn’t punish us, how can she account to the Chancellor?”
The Eldest Imperial Prince was refuted into speechlessness. After a long while, he finally mumbled, “Speaking of which, Mother Emperor punished us because she was angry that Fifth Imperial Sister and Ninth Imperial Sister fought in public, feeling that the imperial family’s dignity was disgraced, right?”
However, these Imperial Princesses might have the chance to become Emperor in the future, so he didn’t want to displease them and could only mutter to himself.
After kneeling for a while longer, the Eldest Imperial Prince felt he could barely hold on. He turned his head slightly and saw his Second Imperial Sister frowning deeply, his Third Imperial Sister swaying precariously, and his Seventh Imperial Sister’s face also covered in fine sweat.
Only the Ninth Imperial Sister and the Fifth Imperial Sister still had their backs perfectly straight, as if nothing was wrong, staring fixedly ahead.
The Eldest Imperial Prince inwardly sighed with emotion; as expected of two people with high martial skills, they were indeed formidable.
Seeing that Mother Emperor still had no intention of exempting them from their punishment, the Eldest Imperial Prince sighed again and could only continue to kneel obediently.
The two people he thought had good physical constitution due to their high martial skills were actually not faring well either.
The bamboo slips were very heavy and unstable; a slight movement would cause them to fall.
If they fell, they would be reprimanded by Mother Emperor, and perhaps even lose their qualification to contend for the position of Crown Princess in the future.
Both of them were holding back a surge of determination, neither willing to admit defeat. If the other doesn’t move, I won’t move. Thus, in the eyes of others, the two seemed completely unaffected.
Slowly, the sun rose higher and higher. The bricks at the palace entrance were made of marble, cold and hard. Although the spring sun wasn’t scorching, being constantly exposed to it was also unbearable.
Gradually, the few of them felt as if they were kneeling in a desert, their bodies both cold and hot, like ascending the fifth heaven of hell.
The Eldest Imperial Prince’s qizhu4 learned that her fulang was being punished and hurriedly entered the palace to plead for mercy. The Attendant Lords of the other Imperial Princesses and the chief administrators5 from their residences also entered the palace to plead for mercy.
Su Yi followed behind this group of people into the palace gates. From afar, she saw the people kneeling together and recognized Ji Qingchi, who was kneeling like a pine tree, at a glance.
“Third Highness.” As she stared blankly, a woman beside her called out “Third Highness” and was about to rush towards the kneeling crowd.
She took a closer look and realized it was Chen Bi from the Third Imperial Princess’s residence. Upon receiving the news that the Third Imperial Princess was being punished by kneeling, she had hurriedly come to the Imperial Palace with the household manager and chief administrator.
The Third Imperial Princess’s household manager quickly pulled her back, “Are you tired of living? That was ordered by Her Majesty! If you go over, Her Majesty will definitely be angrier. I’m afraid Her Highness will be fine, but you will be subjected to the imperial rod6.”
“But Third Highness is weak…” Chen Bi looked at the Third Imperial Princess swaying precariously in the distance and said with heartache, “She looks like she can’t hold on.”
“Let’s go inside first and then talk.”
The manager pulled her, lowered her voice, and the few of them hurriedly followed a palace maid into the palace.
Su Yi took a few more glances at Ji Qingchi and also followed them into the palace.
These people were either of low status or held no official position. Without a summons from the Emperor, they could not meet her. They could only kneel at the second palace gate and ask a palace maid to help announce their presence.
The Emperor was in her bedchamber reviewing memorials. The Eleventh Imperial Princess was sitting beside her with the Little Shizi7.
The Eleventh Imperial Princess had heard the news of her elder brothers and sisters being punished by kneeling early in the morning. She secretly ran to the palace gate to take a look, and indeed it was so. She immediately brought her younger female cousin to find the Emperor.
“Mother Emperor, elder sisters have been kneeling for a long time.” The Eleventh Imperial Princess was young and didn’t beat around the bush when pleading for her sisters. She ran directly to the Emperor and said, “Kneeling for too long will make their legs hurt. I beg Mother Emperor to let them get up.”
The Emperor heard this, put down the vermilion brush in her hand, and looked lovingly at her youngest daughter, “Shi’er8, which elder sister do you like the most?”
“Ah?” The Eleventh Imperial Princess thought for a moment, “I like all my elder sisters.”
“You little imp.” The Emperor smiled and kneaded her face, “Mother Emperor is asking you to choose your most favorite one.”
The Eleventh Imperial Princess said honestly, “My most favorite… then I like Ninth Sister the most.”
The Little Shizi, who was playing, also lifted her small face and said loudly, “I also like Ninth Sister the most!”
The Emperor smiled as she looked at these two little ones, “Oh? Why?”
“Ninth Sister is good to me, she takes me to play, buys me things, and is very capable.” The Eleventh Imperial Princess made an archery gesture, “She can also fight in wars, hunt, she can do anything, she’s so amazing!”
“Yes!” The Little Shizi chimed in, nodding like a chick pecking rice, “Ninth Sister is amazing! She can also make kites! Especially amazing!”
The Emperor smiled faintly and lowered her eyes, “Indeed, your Ninth Sister is truly the most capable…”
Before she could finish speaking, a palace maid announced from outside, “Your Majesty, people from the residences of several Highnesses have arrived, saying they are here to plead for Their Highnesses.”
“Just kneeling for a while, is it worth them pleading? Tell them to go back. Those unfilial daughters and unfilial son caused such a big ruckus this time, if they are not punished, I’m afraid they’ll ascend to the heavens.”
“But Your Majesty, among the crowd is also the young lady from the Marquis of Pingyang’s household, saying she must see you.”
“Marquis of Pingyang’s household?” The Emperor’s mind conjured up the sickly face of Su Yi from the New Year’s palace banquet.
Her thoughts turned, and she nodded, “Send the Eleventh Imperial Princess and the Shizi back. Summon Miss Su in.”
“Yes.”
Su Yi was led into the bedchamber by a palace maid.
The Emperor sat behind the writing desk, appraising her kindly, “Miss Su’s health looks much better, your complexion is better than when Zhen9 last saw you. It seems the evil-warding qilin10 Zhen gifted to Miss Su has been useful.”
“Many thanks for Your Majesty’s favor.”
“Miss Su wishes to see Zhen, is it for an important matter?”
“Yes.”
“Is it about the Yanxue Kingdom, or about Zhen’s Ninth Imperial Daughter?”
“! “
Su Yi’s heart jumped. How could the Emperor know…
Lifting her head, she met the Emperor’s clear eyes. From her eyes, one could see her astuteness that saw through everything.
Seeing her shocked expression, the Emperor smiled slightly and said soothingly, “Don’t be afraid. Zhen’s shadow guards have told Zhen everything about you and Little Nine.”
Su Yi quickly lowered her head, unsure of the Emperor’s attitude.
Logically speaking, upon hearing that her own daughter was into girls11, the Emperor should be furious, just like when Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin12, found out his son Li Chengqian13 was into men14, Li Shimin was so angry he directly killed his male lover.
Su Yi was very worried about her head, but couldn’t think of any words to defend herself. After all, she really was in a relationship with Ji Qingchi. “This commoner…”
“Rest assured, Zhen will not do anything to you.” The Emperor was very gentle, completely different from those parents who, upon hearing their daughter liked someone of the same sex, would make a fuss and try to separate them. “Zhen is not a stubborn person. As long as you are sincere towards Little Nine, Zhen will not obstruct you.”
Wanting her daughters to marry a primary consort was only to win over ministers. Now that most of the ministers had been subdued, and the remaining half could not be kept, there was no need to use her daughters’ marriages for alliances.
So now, whether her daughters married a primary consort or not, whether they liked men or women, she didn’t really care that much.
As long as the Yanxue Kingdom could be passed down smoothly, why bother so much with these matters of personal affection.
“Your Majesty…” Not expecting Ji Qingchi’s mother to be so open-minded, Su Yi felt a mix of emotions.
The Emperor smiled slightly, “Didn’t you have something to say to Zhen?”
“Yes…” Su Yi lowered her head and recounted the strategy she had told the Fifth Imperial Princess and the Ninth Imperial Princess to the Emperor.
“You are asking Zhen to turn their own trick against them?”
“Yes.” Su Yi nodded, “We captured several assassins sent by Xuanji Tower, as well as servants from the Xiao Residence. They confessed that Chancellor Xiao’s goal is to cause discord among Their Highnesses, and then reap the benefits like a fisherman.”
Mere squabbles between the Imperial Princesses probably wouldn’t have much effect. Xiao Quan must have further plans, perhaps even treason by colluding with the enemy.
The Emperor understood immediately. As her thoughts raced, she nodded and smiled at Su Yi, “Miss Su has an exquisite mind15, this plan is not bad. Zhen adopts it.”
“Many thanks, Your Majesty.” Su Yi bowed in gratitude, then glanced towards the palace gate, “Their Highnesses are still kneeling outside…”
“Let them kneel for another two shichen.” The smile on the Emperor’s face slowly faded, carrying a hint of feeling regret that her children didn’t live up to expectations16. “Imperial Princesses, openly fighting in public, and even involving the Xiao Residence’s son, their audacity is truly growing.”
“But they have already kneeled for two shichen…”
Kneeling for too long, blood circulation will be poor, will their legs even be wanted anymore, ah.
Su Yi was somewhat worried. The Emperor saw her expression and smiled, “Is Miss Su worried about Little Nine, ma?”
That’s not really it. Ji Qingchi is tough and skilled in martial arts17, she should be fine. She’s worried about the others, okay?!
“No, this commoner is worried about the other Highnesses.”
“Oh? Then Zhen will let everyone else rise, and leave Little Nine alone to kneel for another two shichen.”
That’s not necessary either.
Su Yi quickly tried to salvage the situation, “No, no, no, it’s better to let Ninth Highness get up as well.”
The smile in the Emperor’s eyes deepened, “Still say you’re not worried about Little Nine?”
Su Yi felt like she was being teased by the Emperor. She hadn’t expected the Emperor, who was usually so busy, to have the leisure to joke with her.
She suddenly didn’t know how to reply and said in self-abandonment, “Alright, whatever Your Majesty says, it is.”
Having seen many people who beat around the bush with her, this was the first time she encountered someone as interesting and intelligent as Su Yi.
The Emperor smiled and summoned a palace maid, instructing, “Let those unfilial daughters get up.”
“Yes.” The palace maid turned to relay the message but was stopped by the Emperor, “Wait, go tell them that Zhen is pardoning them on account of Miss Su. Tell them they don’t need to come and thank Zhen later, they can go directly to thank Miss Su.”
“Yes.”
The palace maid received the order and left. Su Yi’s eyes widened, “…Your Majesty, what are you doing?”
Why, for no reason, do they all have to come and thank her? She didn’t do anything!
“The eldest is a male, the second and fifth have backers, the third and seventh are physically weak. They wouldn’t kneel for long before someone would come to plead with Zhen to pardon them.”
As if seeing through her confusion, the Emperor shook her head and sighed, “At that time, I’m afraid only Little Nine would have to continue kneeling. Zhen deliberately had someone say it was on your account, presumably Little Nine will also understand that she owes you a debt of gratitude. This daughter of Zhen, raised without a father’s guidance since childhood, has developed a domineering and suspicious personality, and is not easy to get along with. For you to be with her, there must not only be affection, but also gratitude. Otherwise, Zhen fears she might abandon you in the end.”
Su Yi was shocked. Why does it feel like the Emperor is helping her prevent Ji Qingchi from having a change of heart? “Your Majesty… Your Majesty, why…”
“When Zhen sees you, it’s as if Zhen sees an old acquaintance. You are frail and sickly. If Zhen’s daughter were to abandon you, your heart would grieve, and I fear it would harm your body, even to the point of… your fragrance fading and jade perishing18.” The Emperor sighed, “Zhen’s… former Imperial Consort was frail like you… Zhen just doesn’t want to add another innocent life.”
The author has something to say:
Emperor: Zhen is also a supporter of the shou19, only the shou abandons the gong20, never the gong abandoning the shou. If that unfilial daughter dares to be a scum, I’ll throw her into the pond to feed the fish.
Footnotes
- 托苏小姐的福 | Tuō Sū xiǎojiě de fú | Lit. “Relying on Miss Su’s good fortune/blessing.” Fig. “Thanks to Miss Su” or “By Miss Su’s grace”.
- 竹简 | zhújiǎn | Bamboo slips, used for writing before paper was widespread.
- 时辰 | shíchén | Traditional Chinese unit of time. 1 shichen = 2 hours. Two shichen = 4 hours.
- 妻主 | qīzhǔ | Lit. “wife master”.
- 长史 | zhǎngshǐ | Chief Administrator; an official in charge of the administrative affairs of a prince’s or noble’s household.
- 廷杖 | tíngzhàng | Imperial rod; a form of corporal punishment at court, often beating with a thick wooden staff.
- 小世子 | xiǎo shìzǐ | Little Heir Apparent/Young Lord. Xiao (小) means small/little. Shizi (世子) is a title for the heir apparent of a noble, often a prince or duke.
- 時儿 | Shí’er | A diminutive or familiar form of a name, likely the Eleventh Princess’s given name or nickname. 时 (shí) means time, season. 儿 (er) is a diminutive suffix.
- 朕 | zhèn | The royal “I,” used exclusively by the Emperor/Emperor.
- 辟邪麒麟 | bìxié qílín | Evil-warding qilin. Bixie (辟邪) means to ward off evil spirits. Qilin (麒麟) is a mythical hooved chimerical creature in Chinese and East Asian mythology, said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler.
- 搞姬 | gǎojī | Slang, lit. “doing Ji (a character often used in female names, or referring to ‘lesbian’ from ‘Ji’ in Lily 百合, which is Yuri/lesbian genre)”.
- 李世民 | Lǐ Shìmín | Emperor Taizong of Tang (598-649 AD).
- 李承乾 | Lǐ Chéngqián | Li Chengqian (619-645 AD), a crown prince during the Tang Dynasty, son of Emperor Taizong, known for various controversies including an alleged homosexual relationship.
- 搞基 | gǎojī | Slang, lit. “doing Ji (a character often used in male names, or referring to ‘gay’ from ‘Ji’ in Jiyou 基友, meaning ‘gay friend’).”
- 玲珑心思 | línglóng xīnsi | Lit. “exquisitely carved thoughts/mind” | Fig. to have a very clever, ingenious, or perceptive mind.
- 恨铁不成钢 | hèntiěbùchéngāng | Lit. “to hate iron for not becoming steel” | Fig. to feel disappointment and frustration when someone fails to meet expectations, especially one’s children or students; to wish for someone to improve.
- 皮糙肉厚 | pícāoròuhòu | Lit. “skin coarse, flesh thick” | Fig. thick-skinned, tough, resilient to hardship or injury.
- 香消玉殒 | xiāngxiāoyùyǔn | Lit. “fragrance disappears, jade perishes/falls” | Fig. a poetic expression for the death of a beautiful young woman.
- 主受党 | zhǔshòudǎng | Lit. “main shou party/faction.” Shou (受) is a term from BL/GL fandom, referring to the “receiver” or more passive partner in a same-sex relationship (equivalent to ‘uke’ in Japanese yaoi/yuri). This means the Emperor supports the ‘shou’ character, Su Yi in this case.
- 攻 | gōng | From BL/GL fandom, referring to the “attacker” or more active partner in a same-sex relationship (equivalent to ‘seme’ in Japanese yaoi/yuri). Ji Qingchi would be the ‘gong’ here.
Thank you for the chapter.