After the rebellion was successful, I realized that this place was the Red Mansion

Chapter 209: Big belly
About fifteen minutes later, Yu Chuan whispered to them, "His Majesty is favoring Miss Xing. Should we go in and see if there's anything we can do to serve her?"

These days, they have become accustomed to serving as maids in the inner chambers, waiting outside the curtain when Chu Yan visits his concubines.

Xiangling had only been favored two days ago, and after resting all day yesterday, she was feeling better. Upon hearing this, she smiled and said, "I'll go and keep watch over her."

As he spoke, he got up and went to the curtain of the east side room. He quietly lifted the curtain and peeked inside. He saw that His Majesty was still on the bed, holding Miss Xing in his arms. He did not undress Miss Xing, but simply held her waist and teased her intimately.

Miss Xing blushed deeply and whispered, "Your Majesty, Sister Bao and the others are still in another room. It's not good to leave them waiting for too long."

Chu Yan laughed and said, "They often come to my place. Let them chat in the west room. Come, let me have a private chat with them again."

Xiangling saw that His Majesty pulled Miss Xing into his arms while speaking, and this time he made a move, making Miss Xing tremble with shame.

Xiangling quietly lowered the curtain and waited for a while before she heard His Majesty call from inside, "Someone, pour me some tea."

"Come here!"

Xiangling hurried to get the teapot. After lifting the curtain and going in, she immediately saw that Miss Xing's white cross-collar jacket had been unbuttoned, revealing her disheveled inner garment. She was lying on His Majesty's chest, breathing softly, her beautiful and delicate face flushed with emotion.

Xiangling blushed and quickly served tea.

Chu Yan took a sip, then handed the teacup to Xiuyan's lips, letting her moisten her lips, which were dry from being kissed.

Just as she was about to continue, Xiuyan urgently pleaded in a low voice, "Your Majesty..."

She couldn't bear such favor. First, it was broad daylight, and second, there were people coming and going, with Xiangling watching from the side. How could she possibly accept such favor again?

"Alright, you go and chat with them. I'll read a book for a while, and you can come over after dinner."

Chu Yan smiled, put his arm around her and comforted her for a few words before letting go. Xiuyan turned her back to Xiangling to tidy her clothes, sat for a while with a flushed face, and then went out to the west room to chat with Baoqin and the others.

After being stared at by Xiangyun and the others for a while, the girls whispered to her, but Daiyu pretended not to hear.

As the sun began to set, the palace maids started preparing a banquet. Chu Yan asked Xiangling to call them over, and after all the food and wine were served, they all took their seats.

After Xiangyun and the others bowed, they took their seats. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Baoqin and Xiuyan sat next to Chu Yan, learning how to pour him wine.

Chu Yan slowly took a sip. Perhaps it was because he had just pampered Xiuyan that the girls were somewhat speechless, or perhaps Daiyu and Baoqin were not in high spirits and were only keeping him company reluctantly.

He didn't expect every banquet to be joyful and fun. If they weren't interested, he would simply have a meal and then find a nice day to drink with them again.

Baochai looked around and quickly said with a smile, "Drinking wine alone is too easy to get drunk, and it's too boring. We need to play drinking games."

Daiyu remained indifferent, only glancing up once.

Xiangyun hurriedly asked, "What kind of game should we play?"

As Baochai was thinking, Chu Yan smiled and said, "Seeing that you all don't seem very interested, why don't we play a game of 'Flying Flowers'? It's simpler and more fun."

Baochai smiled and said, "The Flying Flower Game is a refined pastime of the Tang Dynasty, which is quite suitable for Your Majesty's temperament."

Daiyu suddenly laughed, and Chu Yan looked at her: "What are you laughing at, Sister Lin?"

Daiyu turned her head and smiled, "'The whole city is adorned with golden armor'—that's more fitting for His Majesty's grandeur when he enters the city!"

Xiangyun chuckled, and Baoqin giggled too.

Chu Yan nodded: "Huang Chao slaughtered all the powerful families in Chang'an, which can be described as domineering. Perhaps there is a precedent, but the nobles of Chang'an today are quite pleased with themselves."

The topic abruptly shifted from the game of "Flying Flowers" to matters of national importance, concerning the life, death, rise and fall of their families, causing the atmosphere in the room to drop instantly.

Daiyu looked at him and asked, "Does His Majesty admire General Chongtian?"

Xiangyun and the others also came to look.

Chu Yan smiled and said, "History books record many of Huang Chao's atrocities, such as crushing people to make military rations and killing thousands every day. But these are mostly fabrications by scholars. No history book praises that it was because of Huang Chao that the wealthy and powerful families of the Han and Tang dynasties were wiped out, which led to the emergence of poor scholars in the Song dynasty."

Seeing that they were all frightened, Chu Yan laughed and said, "Let's not talk about that. Let's play a drinking game. The theme is 'wind, flowers, snow, and moon,' and the poem can contain two characters."

Seeing that none of them objected, Chu Yan said, "I'll start with a line: The wind rustles the leaves on both banks, the moon shines on a lone boat."

Daiyu was still thinking about what he had just said when she heard him immediately say, "Next is Lin Daiyu, you have three breaths to finish!"

Daiyu was momentarily flustered, but when she saw him smile, her mind raced, and she immediately took over, reciting: "The moon sets, crows cry, frost fills the sky; River maples and fishing lights reflect my sorrowful sleep!"

Everyone laughed and said, "It's impressive that she thought of that so quickly."

Xiangyun hurriedly said, "Since the order doesn't matter, I'll continue the next line: The reeds rustle in the small pond, and the lotus blossoms fill the courtyard with fragrance after the rain!"

Baochai smiled and said, "I'll add a line: A gentle chill in the air, a light breeze, plum blossoms falling like snow, apricot blossoms red."

Baoqin added a line, followed by Xiuyan. All the girls present were skilled at writing poetry, and after several rounds, they all recited their lines fluently.

Chu Yan, using the excuse that he couldn't think of anything, punished himself with a cup of wine, thus stopping their contest of talent.

When it was Baoqin's turn again, she recited: "Snow and moon reflect each other as dawn approaches, wind and flowers stretch to the sky, making one feel lost in the distance."

Xiangyun hurriedly asked, "Whose poem is this?"

Daiyu laughed and said, "No wonder you don't know. Neither Baochai nor I know whose poem it is. I'm afraid it was written by a foreign beauty."

Everyone laughed, and just as they were talking, they suddenly heard Tan Chun's laughter from outside: "Your Majesty, it's so lively here, I've come to see who's here."

As she spoke, she walked in, followed by Sister Feng. This was the first time she had seen Sister Feng since Chu Yan had slept with her.

Sister Feng acted as if nothing had happened, still smiling and saying, "We've come at an inopportune time, having stumbled upon the ladies dining with His Majesty. We apologize to His Majesty first."

Chu Yan said, "Since you know, then come over and punish yourself with three cups."

Sister Feng's smile faltered, and she vaguely sensed that he wanted her to go over and drink with him.

Tan Chun hurriedly smiled and said, "I came to see His Majesty, so I should be the one punished." As she spoke, she stepped forward, poured herself a cup of wine, and drank it.

Xiangyun and the others clapped and cheered, urging her to continue drinking. Chu Yan smiled and waved his hand, "Just kidding. What brings you here?"

He then pointed to the soft couch and said, "Let's go sit there and talk."

Daiyu glanced at him; this emperor did indeed know how to care for people.

Sister Feng smiled and asked, "Is there a seat for me?"

Chu Yan asked with a smile, "You want to drink too? Then come and sit next to me!"

Fengjie's question was meant as a joke, but she took the opportunity to sit on the soft couch where the emperor often sat, letting the maids and servants see her. Even though she wasn't a young lady, she still had face in front of the emperor.

But to everyone's surprise, the emperor actually made her drink with him...

"How can I do that? I won't disturb His Majesty's drinking game with the ladies. I'll leave after I finish talking to Third Sister!" Fengjie had no choice but to decline, her eyes darting around, afraid that he might suddenly bring up what happened behind the thatched hut that night.

Baochai glanced at her suspiciously before looking away.

After Tan Chun sat down, she said, "The Empress just told me that His Majesty will confer the title of Consort on the Princess tomorrow, and the Daguan Palace will be decorated to celebrate. I came here to inform His Majesty and inquire about it."

Chu Yan said, "Since it was the Empress who said so, why not call her here?"

Tan Chun hurriedly replied, "Her Majesty the Empress is in the side hall having a few words with the Princess. I will send someone to summon Her Majesty right away."

So he ordered his attendant to go to the side hall, and soon Empress Zhang was brought there.

While eating and drinking with the girls, Chu Yan listened to Tan Chun and the Empress's report. After listening for a while, he nodded and said, "Instruct everyone from Daguan Palace to come to the main hall to watch the ceremony tomorrow. The rewards will be the same as last time. Also, prepare a separate gift for the Duke of Anle and the Duke of Chongle, as well as that brother from Qinghe."

They were talking about Prince Zhongshun, but he couldn't remember what he had done to him.

Empress Zhang agreed, then asked with a smile, "I am also Qinghe's sister-in-law. I wonder if Your Majesty has any reward for me?"

Chu Yan smiled and said, "I'll reward you again tomorrow night."

Empress Zhang was startled and quickly covered it up with a smile, but her heart was pounding.

Wang Xifeng, standing to the side, saw it all clearly. The once incomparably honored Empress was now reduced to being summoned and dismissed at the Emperor's beck and call. She had initially felt a bit more awe towards him, but then she remembered how he had held her and bumped into her by the pond last time, and she was overcome with shame. She cursed him in her heart several times before bidding farewell to Tan Chun and the Empress and leaving.

She still had to manage everything inside and outside the garden. Logically speaking, she should be the one to sit in the position of Grand Palace Maid Minister!

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Chu Yan had the palace maids remove the tables and chairs, and sat on the couch again, saying to them, "You may do as you please, you can stay and talk to me for a while, or you can go back."

Baoqin and Xiuyan got up to say goodbye and left, while Baochai and Xiangyun stayed behind. To Chu Yan's surprise, Daiyu did not leave immediately either.

"Is there something you need, Lin Daiyu?" he asked with a smile.

Daiyu sat down on the chair and said, "I just finished eating. I'll rest for a while before going back."

Chu Yan nodded and chatted with them for a while. Xiangyun looked out the window, then turned and smiled, "Isn't Emperor Brother going for a walk today?"

Ok?
Chu Yan thought for a moment, recalling the incident two days ago when he and Xiang Ling went for a walk and were spotted by her, and said with a smile, "Yun'er will accompany me today."

Xiangyun blushed and was too embarrassed to speak further.

She did see Chu Yan and Xiang Ling go out together the day before yesterday, taking a walk in the garden as the sun went down, and that's why she asked him.

Daiyu stood up and said with a smile, "I won't disturb you."

Baochai also got up to leave, but Xiangyun quickly grabbed Daiyu's hand: "Sister Lin, please wait, I have something to tell you later."

Baochai smiled at the two of them and went out by herself.

Daiyu had no choice but to sit down again and whisper to Xiangyun for a while. Xiangyun then quickly pulled Chu Yan along, and the three of them went out together.

Behind them, Qingwen was still leading seven or eight palace maids and eunuchs.

The sun had set behind the treetops, and without the direct sunlight, the Grand View Garden was much cooler. Chu Yan walked with the two women on Qinfang Bridge and asked with a smile, "Yun'er, what did you want to say by keeping your sister Lin here?"

Xiangyun smiled sweetly and asked, "Has Emperor Brother read Sister Lin's letter?"

Chu Yan said, "You're asking a pointless question."

Xiangyun chuckled again: "I've already seen it."

Chu Yan glanced at Daiyu and saw that she remained silent.

Xiangyun continued, "In the letter, Sister Lin told Brother Bao to focus on his corvée labor, and also briefly mentioned Xiren and Sheyue from Yihong Courtyard, as well as Qingwen and Yuchuan serving in His Majesty's room."

Chu Yan nodded: "That's good. Is there anything else? For example, sharing our innermost feelings and expressing our longing for each other?"

Daiyu glanced over, but remained silent.

Xiangyun laughed and said, "Your Majesty's words have made Sister Lin angry."

Why is she angry?

"Sister Lin is annoyed that you made fun of her."

The two started chatting as if no one was around, but Daiyu remained silent.

Xiangyun sighed, "In this world, only one or two things out of ten are as you wish. Right now, we are favored by the Emperor and can live a life of luxury, but there are still some things that are not as we wish." She turned to Chu Yan and said, "It's not that I blame the Emperor, but I just lament the impermanence of life."

Chu Yan said, "Could it be that Yun girl wants me to pardon your Second Brother Bao?"

The two of them must have talked a lot because of this letter. The young lady was secretly saddened by the passing of autumn, which is why Xiangyun came to plead for her.

Daiyu finally spoke: "If you say this, it means you still refuse to pardon Baoyu. Yun'er, you don't need to say anything more."

Xiangyun laughed: "I also think it's difficult. Although the Emperor is not heartless, he still likes Sister Lin's talent and beauty and will not give up until Sister Lin enters the palace as a concubine!"

Daiyu blushed and turned her head away to avoid Chu Yan's gaze. Her crystal-clear ears turned slightly red, her body was as slender as a spring willow, and her cheeks were as red as rouge on snow, white with a hint of pink.

Chu Yan couldn't help but recall the last time he kissed her lips, when he said, "Your sister Lin's talent and beauty are admired by everyone, and I am no exception."

Daiyu blushed, but then smiled at Xiangyun and said, "Yun'er, you should remember this: when your emperor brother calls himself '朕' (Zhen, the imperial "I"), he is always domineering and unreasonable, never telling the truth, and only good at flattering people!"

Xiangyun laughed so hard she bent over.

Chu Yan also smiled and said, "I mean it very sincerely."

Daiyu sneered, "Although he has a sincere heart, it is nothing but lust."

Chu Yan reached out and took her slender hand in his. Daiyu didn't flinch, and simply said, "I'm returning the favor."

Xiangyun chuckled again; she too knew about what had happened between the two.

After a while, Xiangyun smiled at Chu Yan and said, "In that case, I am relieved! Sister Lin will still stay with us in the back garden of Daming Palace, and Brother Emperor will also keep his promise to Sister Lin and will not issue an edict to summon her to serve him in bed."

Daiyu spat at her, "That's a bit too blunt." She then glanced at Chu Yan, who was holding her hand, "Even if an imperial decree were issued, I would not serve the emperor in bed!"

Xiangyun quickly looked around. Chu Yan was puzzled, so she whispered, "My brother the emperor dotes on me and Sister Lin, so he won't take these disrespectful words to heart. But if word gets out, people will definitely gossip behind our backs and talk badly about Sister Lin."

She sighed again, "Throughout history, only Sister Lin has ever dared to disobey the emperor's decree in front of him." Then she smiled at Chu Yan and said, "And only Brother Emperor has ever spoiled us like this."

Chu Yan nodded: "Incredible! Who said Yun girl is straightforward? Look how good she is at flattering people."

Daiyu covered her mouth with her other hand and laughed. With a charming smile, she said, "It's so kind of her to go to such lengths for me. If she has offended anyone, I am the only one to blame."

Chu Yan laughed and said, "You just said you would disobey the imperial decree, so do you think I would get angry? If I were to issue a decree directly ordering you to serve me in bed, you would probably all be heavily pregnant by now."

"what!"

Such explicit words startled both of them, and their faces immediately turned red with embarrassment.

Daiyu quickly shook off his hand and sneered, "His Majesty will probably only get a skeleton!"

Chu Yan softened his tone and said with a smile, "I know that Sister Lin is unwilling to submit, but don't take it to heart. It's been so long, you must know my temperament."

"Indeed!" Xiangyun nodded, took Chu Yan's hand, and whispered shyly, "If Sister Lin won't, I... I'd rather serve the Emperor in bed."

Chu Yan looked down at her, but Xiangyun let go of his hand and quickly took Daiyu's hand and left.

Chu Yan walked behind, enjoying both the scenery of the Grand View Garden and the graceful figures of the two women.

Daiyu suddenly turned around and looked at him, then turned her head away again.

The three of them arrived at Xiaoxiang Pavilion together and sat in Daiyu's study. Perhaps sensing something, Xiangyun went out to chat with Zijuan, leaving the two of them in the study.

Daiyu lowered her head and said, "You don't need to be nice to me for a while and then intimidate me for a while."

Chu Yan laughed and said, "Is Lin Meimei angry? Or was she frightened?"

Daiyu looked up and stared at him for a long time. Chu Yan guessed her feelings and could only say, "Sister Lin is heartless. I can only say this."

Daiyu remained silent, but Chu Yan seemed to have guessed her thoughts and sighed, "Sister Lin is indeed as delicate as a hair."

Daiyu then said, "If you say those things again, I won't believe you anymore."

In other words, she now trusts him to some extent.

Chu Yan laughed and said, "If your belly gets big?"

"Get out, I won't stop you!"

Daiyu, annoyed, pointed to the door. As expected of a refined lady, even her anger and irritation possessed a unique and captivating charm.

Chu Yan laughed and said, "I won't say anything more."

He talked to her for a while longer before going out to find Xiangyun.

As Daiyu's emotions gradually calmed down, she suddenly realized that she had fallen into his trap again:
He would always give people a stern beating, then offer some kind words of comfort, making them lower their guard and even feel grateful for the emperor's favor.

Is this what is meant by the art of managing subordinates?
(End of this chapter)