Unparalleled Beauty

Chapter C138

The Grand Empress Dowager was already very old.

At least in the eyes of Commandery Princess Minghui, who had only returned to the capital twice in all her years of marriage, she was far, far older than before.

Seeing her maternal grandmother with her white hair, still making plans for her, still patiently teaching her, Commandery Princess Minghui couldn't help but feel her eyes fill with tears.

"Grandmother, I will listen to you in everything."

"Good child, your grandmother can teach you for a time, but not for a lifetime. You must understand for yourself, for after all, you are the one who will live your days."

She nodded repeatedly, wiping away her tears, "I will certainly learn more from Her Majesty the Empress."

These words were far more sincere than before.

The Grand Empress Dowager nodded in gratification and said, "Don't leave him waiting too long. Tomorrow, bring him in, along with the two children."

"Yes, Grandmother."

***

The next day, Commandery Princess Minghui took her two daughters to the Huitong Inn.

Upon seeing her husband, she was filled with both longing and deep resentment. Inevitably, her spoiled nature revealed itself again. Although Sulan, sent by the Grand Empress Dowager, tried to smooth things over, in the end, both sides were unhappy.

After meeting the Grand Empress Dowager, Kong Fan did not move into the West Garden, but returned to the Huitong Inn.

According to him, he had already arranged with a friend to stay at their mansion for a few days. Furthermore, he needed to visit his close friends and the families of his ancestral friends one by one. Living in the West Garden was not convenient, so it was better to stay outside.

As the Grand Empress Dowager saw it, this grandson-in-law still harbored resentment, but he was simply unwilling to show it to her face. After questioning Sulan about the situation after she left, she did not blame him, but she inevitably felt somewhat disappointed in Commandery Princess Minghui.

Commandery Princess Minghui also knew that she had failed to suppress her resentment at the time. She regretted it now, but she couldn't bring herself to show weakness to her husband.

The Grand Empress Dowager knew her character—that she understood things in her heart but simply couldn't do them well—and there was really no good solution. Fortunately, the two would be staying in the capital for some time, and she was not afraid of not finding an opportunity to reconcile them.

***

On the other side, if Wushuang knew that the Empress Dowager thought so highly of her, she would probably be quite startled.

Others only saw that she was living smoothly and happily, and was deeply in love with the Emperor, enjoying exclusive favor in the harem. Little did they know that she was also in a sea of troubles.

Recently, those two had been competing fiercely, using all sorts of methods on her, tormenting her to the point of crying out in misery.

If she appeased this one, that one would be unhappy; if she appeased that one, this one would be unwilling.

Fortunately, she had lived two lives, and slowly became much more astute than she had been, able to discern his mood in time. In truth, it was mainly Emperor Qianwu; Ji Yang was a bit more straightforward, saying what he didn't like, but this one—

If Wushuang hadn't followed him that one time and relived her past life, she would never have imagined that he had been scheming to win her over so early on. Although her own slowness was partly to blame, he was simply too cunning, subtly deceiving her into his grasp.

The key was that she couldn't even bring herself to be angry with him; in fact, because of Ji Yang's willfulness, she felt more and more sorry for him.

Moreover, Wushuang now increasingly suspected that her growing affection for him was also something he had deliberately orchestrated.

Every time she thought of these things, Wushuang felt that she shouldn't be thinking of him this way at all.

He was indeed very hardworking, doing all the tiring work, while she and Ji Yang were always hiding under his protection, leisurely living their own little lives. It was really wrong of her to think of him like that!

Enough of that.

After some time, Wushuang really couldn't handle these two ancestors, so she had to invite Female Physician Chu over to give her a perfunctory examination, saying some ambiguous words.

The gist was that Her Majesty's pulse was not very good, somewhat depleted, and she needed to recuperate for a while and should not overexert herself. Of course, there were no major problems; she just needed to rest.

In order not to worry them, Wushuang specifically instructed Female Physician Chu to emphasize that there was nothing seriously wrong.

But those two didn't listen to that at all. One had Song You and Female Physician Chu prepare prescriptions, and then found someone to specially make medicinal cuisine for her, watching her eat it every day.

Ji Yang, on the other hand, felt that her body was a bit weak, and that to be healthy and live a long life, she still had to practice martial arts.

Yes, they seemed particularly afraid that something would happen to her; the events of her previous life had truly frightened them. Because of this matter, Emperor Qianwu had recently been researching methods for longevity, while Ji Yang was determined to teach Wushuang martial arts.

Ji Yang had always had the habit of practicing martial arts. When he was in the Northwest, he never missed his morning practice. Later, when he returned to the capital, due to his busy schedule and his marriage, getting up early was not so appealing to a man who wanted to embrace soft jade and fragrant warmth, so he had to find another time.

Now, he was fixed on practicing martial arts for a while in the afternoon. Martial arts, if not practiced for a long time, would become rusty, and Ji Yang would naturally not allow that.

So Wushuang had to have someone find her riding clothes that she hadn't worn in a long time, and go with him to the martial arts field in the West Garden.

***

The martial arts field in the West Garden was very large.

Not only was there a racecourse for practicing riding and archery, but there were also several places set up with plum blossom poles.

This was the first time Wushuang had seen plum blossom poles.

A row of wooden stakes were planted on the ground, each stake spaced a certain distance apart. The plum blossom poles were divided into several areas, the lowest being only about a foot high, with closer spacing, followed by those that were about two feet high and more than three feet high, and the highest being more than two meters high.

The higher the plum blossom pole is, the wider the spacing, and the greater the difficulty.

In fact, there are also martial arts training grounds in the palace, but that place is only suitable for experts like Ji Yang to use. When it comes to honing the basics, the martial arts training ground in the West Garden is more comprehensive.

It was Wushuang's first time here, and she encountered the children of the West Garden study standing on the poles.

The older children were standing on the plum blossom poles, while the younger ones were practicing the horse stance below.

Like Ji Zuo, who clearly didn't like martial arts very much, but according to the royal family's habit of educating princes and grandsons, he had to at least be proficient in riding and archery, and not be someone who couldn't even truss a chicken.

Therefore, these basic skills must be practiced.

He should probably be past the time for practicing the horse stance. He, along with Ji Yan from the Prince Han's mansion, and Ji Qi and Ji Yue from the Prince Zhao's mansion, who were about the same age, were standing on the plum blossom poles that were about a foot tall, holding various poses to 'stand the pole', in order to strengthen their lower body.

The smaller ones like Ji Reng were standing below, their little faces flushed red, practicing the horse stance.

There were also a few who were older than Ji Zuo, around eleven or twelve years old. Although the Prince Zhao and the Prince Han were younger than Emperor Qianwu, they married early, so not only did they have more children, but they were also relatively older than Ji Zuo and Ji Reng.

They were the oldest imperial grandsons in the West Garden study, and naturally had been practicing martial arts for longer than these younger ones. Some could even stand on plum blossom poles that were three feet tall.

Some could even practice boxing and swordsmanship on top, making the younger cousins below envious and jealous.

***

The two of them had come in plain clothes and deliberately didn't alert anyone, so they hid to the side to watch.

Wushuang saw that Ji Reng's little face was flushed red, and his legs were trembling slightly. Ji Heng from the Prince Han's mansion next to him, not only had a flushed face, but was also crying while standing, and the martial arts instructor wouldn't let him rest, which made her feel a little sorry for him.

"They're still so young, yet they're practicing so hard. Won't it damage their bodies?"

Ji Yang didn't think so: "When they are young, it is easier to temper their muscles and bones. The instructors have been teaching princes and grandsons martial arts for many years, and they all have discretion. After practicing, they will either soak them in medicinal soup, or use medicinal wine to relax their muscles and promote blood circulation, and there are also specially made plasters, so there is no need to worry about damaging their muscles and bones."

"Did His Majesty also train like this when he was young?"

He nodded and said, "They all trained like this. Why do you think the princes all have remarkable martial arts skills? It doesn't come for free, they all have to practice hard. Only the Eighth Prince's body was damaged when he was young, so he couldn't practice. Even Ji Yi, you see him as weak, but in fact his riding and archery skills are first-rate, he just likes to pretend to be weak, so that he can get along with the civil officials."

Ji Yi was Prince Jin. Wushuang didn't expect that the refined and courteous him actually had remarkable martial arts skills. But on second thought, since he could participate in the winter hunt, even with the help of guards, his martial arts skills must not be too bad.

Wushuang also knew some of Prince Jin's recent situation. Originally, Prince Jin and his wife had been confined in the mansion. Although the two had been demoted to commoners, they could still live their lives, and they didn't have to worry about food and drink. It was just that Wushuang had heard before that Prince Jin's hair had turned completely white after being confined for two years.

This time, she and Emperor Qianwu experienced that fantastic journey. The next day, Emperor Qianwu ordered the reduction of expenses there. It was expected that life would be even more difficult in the future, but as long as Wushuang thought of how he became after her death in her previous life, she would not sympathize with him.

For every wrong committed, a price must be paid. Had she not foreseen Consort Dowager Hu's true nature, those two venomous snakes would have surely bitten her. Fortunately, everything had changed.

"Did Your Majesty ever cry while practicing the horse stance as a child?" Wushuang asked, struck by a sudden whim.

Ji Yang glanced at her. "How could this Emperor possibly cry? This Emperor is a prodigy." Saying so, he added, "Even if I was made to cry, it wasn't me."

Does Emperor Qianwu know you're speaking ill of him behind his back like this?

Wushuang was utterly speechless.

"No pain, no gain," Ji Yang patted her shoulder and said. "Let's go, this Emperor will take you to another secluded place."

As Wushuang was leaving, she turned back to look at her two sons.

He was right. These imperial princes and grandsons were born to enjoy superior wealth and status, and they should bear the corresponding responsibilities. Some hardships were inevitable.

But soon Wushuang understood just how heavy this 'responsibility' was.

She saw her younger son practicing the horse stance, his little face flushed red, undoubtedly in great pain. But only when she truly tried it herself did she realize how agonizing it was.

Each time, she could only persevere for a dozen breaths, and then she couldn't hold on any longer.

Her legs ached, her back ached, everywhere ached.

She was only practicing the horse stance on the ground; imagining her eldest son on the plum blossom poles, the difficulty increased severalfold.

Ji Yang returned after practicing a set of boxing, and seeing her crestfallen face, he couldn't help but say, "Forget it, forget it. How about you learn boxing with this Emperor?"

So the two went to practice boxing. He demonstrated a move, and she followed, imitating the posture. Before she could imitate a few moves, she fell to the ground due to her unstable lower body.

He mocked her, "You're not even as good as Reng'er."

Wushuang was angered, got up and continued, and soon fell again.

This fall was a bit severe, and tears immediately welled up.

Ji Yang quickly carried her into the room, took off her shoes and socks, and rolled up her trousers. Seeing a large patch of skin scraped off her knee, with faint traces of blood, he couldn't help but furrow his brow.

"Your skin is far too delicate."

Wushuang was furious.

That damned man! He's a different person before and after getting into bed. On the bed, he says her skin is like ice and her flesh like jade, fragrant to the touch, never enough kisses. Now, he's complaining that she's too delicate.

Ji Yang also realized that he couldn't be two-faced. Besides, he truly felt sorry for her. Usually, a simple kiss felt like his stubble could break her skin, and now she had fallen like this.

Seeing her small face flushed red and on the verge of tears, he quickly found medicine to apply to her scrapes, and even wrapped it with a layer of white cloth.

After finishing, he sighed and said, "They all say a great teacher produces excellent students. It seems this great teacher of mine is incapable of teaching a good disciple."

Again, he was finding fault with himself!

Wushuang was quite bold now. She threw herself into his arms and rained down a flurry of small fists upon him, but to Ji Yang, it was no different than being tickled. Instead, he was struck by a fit of laughter.

He coaxed, "Very well, once your injury is a little better, when this Emperor practices martial arts, you can run laps. Running more will strengthen your physique."

***

And so, Ji Yang's martial arts training plan came to an uneventful end.

That wasn't the end of it. After Emperor Qianwu learned of this matter, he didn't get angry. He merely mocked Ji Yang for not being cautious enough in his actions, for not considering the actual situation, and so on.

Ji Yang was already annoyed, so how could he bear his sarcastic remarks? The two started arguing, and in the end, it was Wushuang who came to mediate.

[Why are you two acting like children? Not even as old as Zuo'er.]

Emperor Qianwu was embarrassed and muttered, [You injured your knee. Wounds in this area don't heal easily and can only be nursed while lying flat. If your leg bends even slightly, the scab will crack, and you'll have to start all over again. Have you forgotten the time you were injured? Other injuries healed after some rest, but the wound on your leg took many days to heal.]

Mentioning this matter, Ji Yang also recalled the time Meifang died in his previous life, and she was injured.

But he also had his pride, and with a stiff face, he said, [If she can't walk, I'll just carry her every day. No need for you to worry!]

Stop arguing, you two!

Knowing that these words would be useless, Mei Wushuang had a flash of inspiration and said, "My leg hurts so much."

Immediately, the two couldn't bother arguing anymore. One said, "I already applied medicine for her!" and the other went to fetch the medicine to apply it again.

Later, after things finally calmed down, Ji Yang's expression was not good.

Wushuang felt sorry for him and hugged him, saying, "It was this concubine who injured herself, it's not Your Majesty's fault. Besides, it doesn't hurt, it will be fine after a few days of rest."

Ji Yang's expression softened.

Suddenly, his face changed, becoming somewhat resentful.

"So, you're blaming this Emperor for reprimanding him?"

Mei Wushuang quickly added, "How could this concubine blame Your Majesty? This concubine knows that Your Majesty is only acting this way out of concern for this concubine."

Abruptly, his expression changed again.

"You think he's right, and resent that I made you practice martial arts, causing you to fall and get hurt?"

At this point, Wushuang was already confused and truly exhausted. She turned over and said, "I'm tired and sleepy. Let me sleep for a while." As she spoke, she added, "You all stay away from me, lest I still hear what you're saying."

He immediately rose and went to the outer hall.

[Talk?]

[Talk!]

***

After Ji Zuo and Ji Reng returned from their studies, they heard that their Empress Mother had injured her leg and rushed to see her.

"Empress Mother, how did you injure your leg?"

Wushuang couldn't lie in front of her sons, so she could only truthfully say that she had tried to practice martial arts but instead injured herself.

She then called Ji Zuo over, hugged him, and said, "If Mother hadn't gone to see you today, I wouldn't have known that your martial arts practice is so arduous. Why didn't you say anything when you came back before? Are you tired from practicing? Have you ever been injured?"

Of course he was tired, and he had been injured.

Ji Zuo had asked the people around him to keep it a secret, also because he didn't want his Empress Mother to worry.

"Father Emperor said that I am the eldest son and must protect Empress Mother and my younger siblings in the future. A man must stand tall and endure hardship to rise above others. Father Emperor has such excellent martial arts because he endured much hardship in his youth, allowing him to lead troops into battle, traversing the battlefield and being invincible. Although this son is not as good as Father Emperor, I must set an example for my younger siblings."

"Don't listen to your father's nonsense," Wushuang scolded, then, realizing it wasn't good to say that about him, she quickly added, "Even if Father Emperor is right, you're still young. Don't carry everything on your own shoulders. If you're hurt or tired, tell Mother."

Ji Zuo revealed a conflicted expression: "But telling you will only make Mother worry."

"Telling me will also allow Mother to feel sorry for you."

Speaking of which, it did seem like excessive womanly benevolence, for heartache was a useless emotion, unable to aid in anything.

Yet Wushuang always felt that Emperor Qianwu/Ji Yang had suffered in his childhood. Outsiders, even she herself, always saw him as all-powerful, but being all-powerful came at a price. Who knew what he had experienced in his youth?

Hence, she naturally wanted to cherish her son more.

Ji Zuo'er did not yet understand such emotions. He only felt that his mother's embrace was so warm, and he was very happy that his mother cherished him, but the man standing outside understood why she was like this.

Heartache, ah?

Now, there was someone who felt heartache for him.

She, she and his children, a family!

The two had originally been in a tense discussion, but suddenly, there was a sense of harmony between them. They both fell silent, simply watching the scene quietly.

At this moment, Emperor Qianwu inappropriately said in his heart.

[Therefore, you must also be more steady and mature.]

[Don't push your luck!]

Over there, there was also a little brat ruining the atmosphere, and it was none other than Ji Reng.

He pulled on Wushuang excitedly, saying, "Mother, I'm not tired at all! I made Ji Heng cry today, but I didn't cry. Mother, aren't I amazing!"

Wushuang and Ji Zuo'er lowered their heads to look at this silly boy, and the father also stood outside, watching this silly boy.

"Do you think he looks like you?"

Ji Yang spat, "If you keep pushing your luck, I'll get angry!"

He glanced at that silly boy again. How did he look like him? Was he that silly?! He clearly didn't look like him!