Host! I told you to do a task! I didn't tell you to bbb.

Inside the Qianqing Palace, Emperor Kangxi was raging at the kneeling officials.

"Are you all trying to force me?!" Kangxi glared at the ministers below, led by Songgotu, his imperial face contorted with rage.

"For some vague and uncertain divine will, you expect me to do this absurd thing—stealing my subject's wife?!"

Songgotu kowtowed to the ground, but his voice was unusually firm: "Your Majesty, we are not forcing Your Majesty, but only for the sake of the Qing Dynasty and its millions of people! If Your Majesty insists on not obeying, disaster will spread, the foundation of the country will be shaken, and by then it will be too late even if Your Majesty wants to make amends!"

"Your Majesty!" The Minister of Revenue looked up abruptly, his white beard trembling. "Shandong has been suffering from water shortages for many days. If this continues, we fear a popular uprising!"

Kangxi clenched his fists tightly, leaving deep finger marks on the armrests of the dragon throne. His eyes churned with struggle, as if a thousand-pound burden was pressing down on his shoulders.

After a long silence, he finally spoke in a hoarse voice: "You... really want to force me to this point?"

"Your Majesty, we humbly beseech you to obey the will of Heaven and the people!" All the officials kowtowed in unison, their voices echoing throughout the Golden Palace.

Just then, a royal guard rushed in, urgently saying, "Your Majesty, a large number of people have gathered at the palace gate!"

"Are the people gathered at the palace gate?" Kangxi suddenly stood up, the hem of his dragon robe sweeping across the imperial desk, causing several memorials on the desk to slip off.

He strode out of the hall, and the officials hurriedly followed behind.

Outside the palace walls, a vast crowd of people knelt on the ground. Upon seeing Emperor Kangxi appear, they all kowtowed, pleading, "Your Majesty, we humbly beseech you to obey Heaven's will and the people's will, welcome the phoenix into the palace, and relieve the suffering of the people from the drought!"

The shouts rose and fell, making the palace walls seem to tremble.

Emperor Kangxi stood atop the city wall, gazing at the dense crowd below, his brow furrowed, as if facing a myriad of difficulties.

He remained silent for a long while, then finally raised his voice and said, "Enough! Enough!"

Kangxi gazed at the kneeling people below the city walls, then turned to look at the officials bowing and waiting behind him. His voice was filled with a weary sigh, "This is the will of Heaven, and the will of the people. How can I... defy it again?"

"I have obeyed the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people!" Kangxi's voice echoed on the palace walls, carrying a sense of determination, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

Upon hearing this, the people below the city erupted in thunderous cheers: "Your Majesty is wise! Long live the Emperor!" The shouts surged like waves, crashing against the vermilion palace walls and bouncing back, echoing between heaven and earth for a long time.

The officials breathed a sigh of relief and bowed in unison: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Longkodo stood at the back of the crowd, swaying slightly. He knew that the matter was settled and could not be changed; he was destined to wear the green hat.

On the city wall, Kangxi gazed at the magnificent scene below, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

He raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet, and announced in a loud voice: "By imperial decree, Hesheli, a phoenix descended to earth, bearing the destiny of the nation, is hereby dissolved from marriage with Longkodo, to reside in Kunning Palace, and to be conferred the title of Empress! A phoenix descended to earth, destined to be matched with heaven and earth."

Kangxi's voice carried through the palace walls, each word clear as the clash of metal: "Three days from now, the investiture ceremony for the Empress will be held, and the whole world will be informed, in accordance with the will of Heaven!"

Cheers erupted again from below the city walls, with the people shouting "Long live the Emperor!" The roar almost shook half of the capital.

The officials bowed their heads in congratulations, and the shadows in the Golden Palace seemed to be dispelled by the sunlight, leaving only the conclusion of "following the will of Heaven and responding to the people".

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Three days later, the coronation ceremony was held as scheduled.

Liu Yunshu was brought into the palace from Yuquan Villa.

Unlike the usual processions of imperial concubines entering the palace, her procession was led by imperial guards and followed by the families of civil and military officials.

Furthermore, Master Xuan Kong personally led the way with scriptures, scattering flower petals of blessing along the way.

The streets were packed with people, all holding incense and candles. When they saw her imperial carriage pass by, they all knelt down and shouted, "Long live the Empress!"

Inside the imperial carriage, Liu Yunshu wore a bright yellow empress's court dress, with a nine-phoenix crown on her head, and her fingertips gently stroked the phoenix pattern embroidered on her clothes.

When the imperial carriage arrived at the Meridian Gate, Emperor Kangxi, dressed in his dragon robe, was already waiting there.

He stepped forward, personally lifted the curtain of the imperial carriage, his eyes filled with undisguised smiles and solemnity, and extended his hand to Liu Yunshu: "Yunshu, I've come to fetch you."

Liu Yunshu took his hand and slowly stepped down from the phoenix carriage.

Sunlight fell upon the two figures, their bright yellow dragon robes and phoenix robes shimmering together, prompting the surrounding imperial guards and officials to bow in unison: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"

Kangxi held her hand, his fingertips warm and firm, and whispered in her ear, "From now on, I will protect this Qing Dynasty with you."

She lowered her eyes and softly hummed in agreement.

He watched as her eyelashes trembled slightly as she lowered her gaze, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes.

His fingertips unconsciously caressed her wrist for a moment before he turned and led her into the hall: "Let's go, it's time to receive the homage of the officials."

An incense table had already been set up inside the hall, and bright yellow curtains hung from the beams, making the gold brick floor shine even brighter.

Emperor Kangxi took her hand and stepped onto the imperial steps.

As the master of ceremonies began to announce the emperor's arrival, all the officials knelt in order and shouted, "Long live the emperor! Long live the empress!" The sound waves crashed against the palace beams, making a buzzing noise.

Emperor Kangxi raised his hand to signal everyone to rise. His gaze swept across the steps below, and when it finally landed on her, it softened slightly.

"From this day forward, Empress Hesheli will reside in Kunning Palace and assist in managing the affairs of the six palaces. All important matters in the palace must first be reported to the Empress and then to me."

There was a moment of silence in the hall after these words were spoken, which was then drowned out by a roar of shouts of "Long live the Emperor!"

Liu Yunshu could feel countless gazes falling on her, some filled with admiration, some with wariness, and others with resentment hidden in the shadows.

Those women in the harem must be clutching their handkerchiefs tightly right now.

Following the pre-rehearsed ritual, she received the imperial seal and edict together with Emperor Kangxi.

The heavy golden seal and golden book were handed to her.

"The ceremony is complete—"

As the master of ceremonies finished speaking, a phoenix cry suddenly came from outside the hall.

A five-colored phoenix, accompanied by auspicious seven-colored clouds, fluttered its wings from the sky, circled Liu Yun a few times, and then disappeared into her body.

Immediately afterward, a eunuch rushed in to report, his voice trembling with excitement: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, an urgent report has arrived from Shandong! Three days ago, abundant rain fell, and the drought has been relieved!"

The hall fell silent instantly, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The officials were first taken aback, then their faces lit up with unbelievable elation.

Before the phantom image of the phoenix circling in the sky had even dissipated, news of abundant rain in Shandong arrived like a gentle spring breeze, instantly extinguishing the last trace of doubt in everyone's hearts.

"The phoenix and luan have manifested their power! Heaven blesses the Great Qing!" Someone shouted first, and then all the civil and military officials in the hall knelt down again in unison. This time, their kowtows were even more devout than before. "Your Majesty is wise! Long live the Empress!"

Kangxi tightened his grip on Liu Yunshu's hand slightly. "It's fate! Yunshu, it's fate that you should be by my side."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Kunning Palace.

Biyu helped Liu Yunshu remove her heavy court hat, and the pearl tassels fell onto the dressing case, making a crisp clinking sound.

She reached out and gently rubbed the back of Liu Yunshu's neck, saying softly, "Your Highness must be exhausted from your journey. Shall I help you remove your makeup and rest for a while?"

Looking at herself in the bronze mirror after removing her hairpins and jewelry, Liu Yunshu could vaguely see the red marks left by the three strands of court beads around her neck.

She ran her fingertips across the slightly cool skin and said calmly, "No rush, let's take a look at the furnishings of Kunning Palace first."

At this moment, Bixi walked over and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, my name is Bixi. His Majesty has long since renovated Kunning Palace."

She gave a soft "hmm" and turned her gaze to the inside of the hall.

The rosewood tables and chairs are carved with lotus scroll patterns, and the wall is adorned with an imperial plaque inscribed with the words "Peace and Prosperity for the Nation and the People".

The celadon vases and white jade ruyi scepters displayed on the antique shelf are all precious items, clearly showing that the arrangement was carefully considered.

"Your Majesty has gone to great lengths."

Bixi glanced furtively at the rumored Empress, then said, "There is a bath prepared especially for you by His Majesty in the inner chamber. Would Your Majesty like to take a soak and relax?"

Liu Yunshu lightly tapped the edge of the rosewood table with her fingertip, her eyes brightening slightly: "Oh? His Majesty even prepared a bathtub?"

Bixi quickly replied, "Yes, the bath is made of fine white marble, with green jade inlaid on the sides and non-slip warm jade bricks on the bottom. I heard that hot spring water can be drawn into the water. The Emperor said that the Empress must be very tired after wearing court clothes for so long today. A soak in the bath can relieve her fatigue."

Liu Yunshu smiled faintly. "Let's go then."

She turned and walked into the inner room, her skirt brushing against the gleaming gold bricks, leaving a soft, rustling sound.

Just as Bixi had described, the bath in the inner room had white marble walls that gleamed with a warm light under the palace lanterns.

The jade trim made the pool water appear even clearer, and a censer was placed beside the pool, with the rising steam carrying the calming scent of sandalwood.

"You can go now," Liu Yunshu waved her hand.

Biyu and Bixi exchanged a glance, bowed, and left, thoughtfully closing the door behind them.

She was the only one left in the hall. Liu Yunshu walked to the edge of the pool, dipped her fingertips into the water, and felt the cool touch on her fingertips.

Since he's so considerate, I'll reward him with a nice meal tonight.

Thinking this, Liu Yunshu was looking forward to dinner tonight. Now she would take a bath to relax.

Liu Yunshu took off her nightgown, and moonlight streamed through the window, casting a glow on her shoulders that made her skin appear as smooth as jade.

She slowly stepped into the bath, the hot spring water flowing over her ankles and knees, finally enveloping her entire body. The warmth seeped into her pores, dispelling the fatigue of the entire day.

The sandalwood incense and water vapor in the incense burner by the pool intertwine, weaving a languid net in the air.

She lay on the white marble pool wall, the bright red rose petals gently rippling with the water, clinging to her back like rouge fallen on snow.

Warm water flowed gently over her body, and Liu Yun closed her eyes comfortably, slowly enjoying this rare tranquility.

Just as Liu Yunshu closed her eyes to rest, Emperor Kangxi walked in.

He gazed at her hazy reflection in the pool, the moonlight and the glow of the palace lanterns swirling around her, the vibrant colors of roses adorning her jade-like skin, like a delicate ink painting, beautiful yet refined.

He slowed his pace, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the jade pendant at his waist, a suppressed heat surging in his eyes.

He quietly removed his robes and silently entered the white jade pool.

Liu Yunshu seemed to sense something, her eyelashes fluttering as she opened her eyes. "Is it jade?"

Before she could finish speaking, a warm hand gently covered her shoulder.

Liu Yunshu froze, turned her head sharply, and met Kangxi's deep, dark eyes.

The steam from the pool blurred his features, making his usually imposing aura appear exceptionally gentle in the mist.

His bright yellow pajamas, soaked in the water, made his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and upright posture appear even more striking.

"Not jade." His voice, tinged with laughter, rang in her ear, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe, causing a faint blush to rise on her neck. "I've come to keep you company."

Liu Yunshu subconsciously shrank back against the pool wall. Ripples spread out, and water droplets landed on her collarbone, sliding down her skin and disappearing into the water.