You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

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Up to the capital, at the imperial palace.

Wanyan Dan led the imperial carriage back to the temporary stable on the west side of the palace, his steps uneven.

These strong black horses from Hexi seemed restless, snorting and pawing the ground with their hooves, resisting his lead.

It took him a great deal of effort to tie the horses to their mangers and add fodder, all under the slightly mocking gazes of several Song army grooms.

After doing all this, he still felt a dull ache in the places where his back had been trampled, as if all the bones in his body had fallen apart, and he felt a deep-seated exhaustion and numbness.

He brushed the grass clippings and dust off his clothes, lowered his head, and hunched his neck, like a dim shadow, silently walking along a secluded path with few people towards the low hut where he was placed, near the servants' quarters.

The path meanders along the sides, flanked by withered winter flowers and trees and artificial rocks covered with a thin layer of snow.

The cold wind pierced through his thin uniform, making his teeth chatter.

Just as he turned a corner past a delicate rockery made of Taihu stones, two slender figures came into view not far ahead.

Two young women dressed in lake-blue and pale yellow brocade palace gowns, with fur-trimmed cloaks over them, were walking side by side along a gravel path covered with a thin layer of ice, talking in hushed tones.

Even from behind, Wanyan Dan recognized them instantly.

Those were two of his former concubines, Tu Danyunxiu, who was given the title of "Consort Hui," and Kuo Wantang, who was given the title of "Consort Li."

Both women were known for their good looks and gentle nature, and left a tender impression on him in his few memories of having been with them.

At that moment, their voices drifted intermittently on the cold wind, but their content struck Wanyan Dan like a thunderbolt, leaving him frozen in place.

"...Sister Yunxiu, did you see everything clearly on the training ground just now?"

"Your Majesty's heroic bearing and demeanor were truly... like a god." This was Tang Kuo Wantang's voice, carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement and admiration.

Tu Danyunxiu's voice sounded even calmer, yet it also revealed a clear-headedness and calculation born of resignation: "Of course I see it clearly."

"This is what a true Son of Heaven should look like."

"With a laugh, the powerful enemy was annihilated; with a wave of the hand, the entire army fought to the death."

"It doesn't look like..."

She paused, lowered her voice, and said with undisguised disdain, "Unlike our former master?"

"They're all bossy and arrogant in the palace these days, but when it comes to life and death, what can they do besides kneel down and beg for mercy?"

"You saw it today too, how smoothly you lay down as someone's stirrup..."

"It's worse than a good dog."

Tang Kuo Wantang: "Now, inside and outside the palace, who still recognizes him?"

"Even the lowest-ranking eunuchs and palace maids probably look down on him."

"Our future as sisters cannot be tied to this piece of rotten mud."

"That's exactly right." Tudan Yunxiu's tone became firm. "The Jin Kingdom is gone, and we are just rootless duckweed."

"That person is now in charge of our life and death, and of our wealth and honor."

"Aren't Princess Xue Ni and Sister Ming Ke perfect examples?"

"Although we are serving our enemies, in this world, the real thing is to survive and live well."

"Look at them now, though they have no official status, they can serve you closely, and in terms of clothing and daily necessities, they are not lacking in anything."

"His eyes and complexion are brighter than when he was in the old palace."

"It is clear that His Majesty is not a purely tyrannical person."

Tang Kuo Wantang's voice was filled with worry and anticipation: "Sister is right."

"only……"

"His Majesty already has Princess Xue Ni and Sister Ming Ke by his side. I wonder if we can catch His Majesty's eye?"

"I only ask for a place to settle down and make a living, even if it's just being a palace maid serving tea and water to His Majesty, it would be better than living in constant fear in this cold palace, not knowing when I might be banished, or..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear: she feared being treated as an ordinary palace servant, or even being given as a reward to a military officer, in which case her fate would be even more unpredictable.

"Therefore, we have to find our own opportunities."

Tu Danyunxiu's voice was even lower, yet resolute, "Even if..."

"Even if it's just one night of favor, leaving some lingering affection will make life in this palace much easier in the future."

"Aaaaaah—!!!"

A wild, beast-like roar, filled with endless humiliation, anger, and sorrow, suddenly exploded behind the two of them!

Tu Danyunxiu and Tangkuo Wantang trembled with fright, their faces paling, and they turned around abruptly.

Suddenly, Wanyan Dan burst out from behind the artificial hill. His eyes were bloodshot, veins bulged on his forehead, and his face was covered in mud, tear stains, and extreme ferocity.

His previously timid and hunched body trembled violently with rage. Pointing at the two men, his voice was hoarse and cracked, like sandpaper being rubbed together.

"You shameless sluts! You two despicable sluts!"

"I've wronged you all in the past!"

"You...you dare to speak ill of me like this!"

"Such humiliation of me!"

"She...she was even thinking of seducing Zhao Gou!"

"Have you no shame?! Don't you have any sense of decency?!"

"The ancestors of the Jin dynasty are watching over you from heaven!"

"you……"

He was incoherent, all the pent-up frustration, anger, and resentment that had been building up for days, even since the fall of his country, were now completely ignited by the betrayal of his closest woman.

He waved his arms, as if he wanted to pounce on the two women who had utterly destroyed his last shred of dignity.

After their initial shock, Tu Danyunxiu and Tangkuo Wantang quickly calmed down.

Looking at the former monarch before them, who appeared to be insane, dressed in rags, and with a distorted face, the last trace of complex emotion in their eyes vanished, leaving only utter indifference and undisguised disgust.

Tu Danyunxiu even patted his chest lightly, as if brushing away something dirty, and a mocking smile appeared on his lips as he was about to speak.

"Who goes there? Making such a racket!"

"How dare you! You've disturbed the palace!"

Several sharp shouts rang out, accompanied by hurried footsteps. Several eunuchs dressed in the robes of Song Dynasty palace attendants, but clearly strong and powerful, rushed over from their patrol nearby and instantly surrounded Wanyan Dan.

The leading eunuch, pale and beardless with sharp eyes, sized up Wanyan Dan's filthy uniform and frenzied state. He frowned and demanded, "Who are you?"

"What are you yelling about? You've offended two distinguished guests; what is your punishment?"

"Him? He is His Majesty's newly appointed 'Imperial Carriage,' Wanyan Dan." Tudan Yunxiu spoke coldly before Wanyan Dan could answer, his tone as indifferent as if he were introducing an object.

"I don't know what's gotten into him, spouting nonsense and hurling insults at me and my sister, disturbing the palace."

Upon hearing this, the eunuch's eyes showed even greater contempt.

A captive of a fallen kingdom, a mere coachman, dared to disrespect the women of the palace.

Wanyan Dan, however, remained oblivious, his eyes bloodshot as he screamed at the eunuch, "Them!"

"Those two bitches!"

"They insulted me...they insulted me!"

"They even plotted...plotted to seduce His Majesty!"

"His intentions are despicable!"

"Take them down quickly!"

Snapped!

Before he could finish speaking, the head eunuch delivered a resounding slap to his face. The force was so great that Wanyan Dan staggered several steps, half of his cheek instantly swelling and blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.

"You bastard!"

The eunuch shrieked, his face full of malice.

"What kind of lowly wretch are you to dare address him as 'Your Majesty'?"

"Does he even have the right to criticize someone of importance?"

"You've offended the imperial family, uttered arrogant words, and disturbed His Majesty's peace. I think you're tired of living! Come on!"

At his command, two burly eunuchs immediately stepped forward, one on each side, and twisted Wanyan Dan's arms tightly, forcing him to kneel on the cold, hard gravel ground.

"According to palace rules, offending a noble person or speaking disrespectfully is punishable by twenty strokes of the cane!"

The eunuch coldly pronounced the sentence, "Right here, beat him! Let him learn a lesson and know what kind of person he is!"

"You...you dare! I..." Wanyan Dan struggled in vain and roared.

"Bang! Smack! Bang! Smack!"

The heavy, copper-clad wooden staff struck his buttocks and legs mercilessly, producing a dull and cruel sound. Wanyan Dan initially resisted, but after a few blows, he couldn't help but let out a piercing scream.

The wooden staff had clearly been soaked in water; it was heavy and tough, and each blow landed squarely, causing excruciating pain.

The twenty strokes were quickly finished, and Wanyan Dan was already on the ground, his clothes torn at the buttocks and legs, with dark red blood seeping out. His whole body was trembling violently from the pain and cold, and he didn't even have the strength to scream. All that was left was suppressed, broken sobs.

Tu Danyunxiu and Tangkuo Wantang remained indifferent throughout.

Only after the execution was completed did Tudan Yunxiu take out a silk handkerchief and gently cover her nose, as if she found the stench of blood and the filth on Wanyan Dan's body to be dirty.

"Your Excellency has been frightened. Such filthy and foolish creatures need not be bothered with," the eunuch said, bowing.

Tang Kuo Wantang glanced one last time at Wanyan Dan, who lay on the ground like a rag doll, and whispered to Tu Dan Yunxiu, "Sister, let's go, this place is filthy."

The disgust in his tone was completely different from the anticipation he had when discussing how to "accidentally" meet His Majesty.

The two of them glanced away from the person on the ground, turned side by side, and gracefully walked away along the path. Their pale yellow and lake blue robes swayed gently in the twilight wind as they gradually disappeared into the shadows of the palace.

The executioner kicked Wanyan Dan, who was lying motionless on the ground, and sneered, "Pah, what a piece of trash!"

"Does he really think he's the master?"

"Drag it to the porch over there and throw it there, don't let it get in the way here!"

Having said that, he left with his men.

The cold wind howled, sweeping across the empty imperial garden, stirring up the snow on the ground, and pelting Wanyan Dan's bloodstained, cold, and stiff body.

His face was pressed against the cold, dirty ground, tears mingling with blood, flowing silently. The excruciating physical pain was nothing compared to the utterly crushed, hopeless coldness and desolation in his heart.

……

East Warm Pavilion of Zhenbei Hall.

This place was arranged as Lu Zuo's daily living quarters and where he reviewed memorials. It was less imposing than the main hall, but more comfortable.

The earthen floor was burning warmly, and the incense burner with a mythical beast in the corner emitted wisps of ambergris, the aroma calm and mellow.

On the huge bronze interlocking lamp, the candlelight burned quietly, illuminating the room with a bright and warm glow.

Wanyan Xue knelt on a brocade cushion beside a large rosewood couch, holding a warm jade wheel in her hand, and gently massaged Lu Zuo's calves as he leaned against the couch reading a book.

Her movements were delicate and even, her eyes lowered, and her long, thick eyelashes cast a faint shadow on her cheeks.

This tranquility was in stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart at that moment.

What's wrong with me?

She felt completely lost, even somewhat fearful.

She massaged him and attended to his daily needs so naturally, even...

There wasn't much resistance in my heart anymore.

She recalled how, not long ago, she had felt deeply humiliated by being specifically chosen to serve others, and had cried silently into her blanket at night.

But I don't know when it started, that sharp, heart-wrenching sense of humiliation seems to be slowly fading away.

Is it because of numbness?

No, it's not numbness.

She secretly raised her eyelids and quickly glanced at the calm profile of the man on the bed.

He was focused on the book in his hands, his eyebrows relaxed, his nose straight, and the candlelight cast a soft glow on his well-defined face.

Setting aside his suffocating imperial majesty and unfathomable martial prowess, his appearance and demeanor alone make him exceptionally outstanding.

more importantly……

Wanyan Xue's ears felt slightly warm.

I... I actually found myself craving... the pleasure brought by my enemy?

This realization filled her with immense shame and panic.

Wanyan Xue, you are the princess of the Great Jin!

Your country was destroyed by him, your brother was so humiliated by him, how could you...

How could I...?

Did they even secretly look forward to the arrival of night?

The jade wheel in her hand stopped unconsciously, and her fingertips felt slightly cold.

What have I become?

To survive, for that ridiculous little bit of peace, even for that little bit of pleasure...

Did I just throw away all my national and personal grievances, and all my pride as a princess?

How am I any different from those concubines who are eager to curry favor with the new master in my current state?

A deep sorrow and self-loathing gripped her heart.

"Hmm?" Lu Zuo seemed to notice her pause, and looked up from the book, glancing at her.

Wanyan Xue was startled and hurriedly composed herself, pushing the jade wheel again, and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, I was distracted just now."

Lu Zuo remained noncommittal and was about to look at the book again.

Just then, a soft voice from a palace attendant came from outside the warm pavilion, and then the palace door was gently pushed open.

Two women, dressed in elaborate palace attire and each carrying a carved rosewood food platter, entered with bowed heads and light, respectful steps. They were Tu Dan Yunxiu and Tang Kuo Wantang.

The two approached the bed and knelt down gracefully, raising the food tray high above their heads. The tray contained several delicate side dishes and a bowl of steaming green rice porridge, its aroma filling the warm air.

"Your Majesty, it is time for dinner. Please have some porridge." Tu Danyunxiu's voice was soft and melodious, with just the right amount of respect.

Lu Zuo put down his book and looked at the two of them.

The two women were beautiful, slender, and well-mannered. Although they kept their heads down, their courtly demeanor was undeniable.

More importantly, they possess a vibrant energy that has not been completely extinguished by the deep palace, unlike Wanyan Xue's aloofness and stubbornness or Wulinda Mingke's gentleness and forbearance.

"Raise your head," Lu Zuo said calmly.

Tu Dan Yunxiu and Tang Kuo Wantang slowly raised their heads as instructed, revealing their beautiful faces.

Their faces were lightly made up, their eyebrows and eyes were exquisitely drawn, and their eyes held awe, expectation, and a hint of nervousness that they tried to hide as they looked up at Lu Zuo.

Lu Zuo observed them for a moment, then slowly spoke, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger: "Judging from your bearing and appearance, your manners and demeanor are unlike those of ordinary palace maids. Who are you?"

Tu Danyunxiu felt a tightness in his chest, knowing that the crucial moment had arrived.

She took a deep breath, calmed her wildly beating heart, and tried to keep her voice steady and gentle, yet with just the right amount of sorrow and expectation: "Your Majesty, this servant is Tu Dan Yunxiu (Tang Kuo Wantang), originally..."

"She was originally a concubine in the former palace of the Jin Dynasty."

"By the Emperor's boundless grace, no punishment has been imposed, and I am allowed to reside temporarily in the palace."

"today……"

"I have dared to come and serve Your Majesty your meal today, truly out of gratitude for Your Majesty's mercy in sparing my life, and also because I see that Your Majesty works so hard for the affairs of the state, and that there may be a lack of servants around you..."

She paused, secretly glancing up. Seeing that Lu Zuo's expression was calm and showed no displeasure, she mustered her courage and continued, her voice growing softer and softer, almost pleading:

"We servants know our lowly status and that we are people of a fallen nation; we should not have such delusions."

"but……"

"We beg Your Majesty's mercy. If you would allow us to stay by Your Majesty's side, to do small things like serving tea and water, making the bed, and serving you morning and night, in order to repay Your Majesty in any event..."

"Even if we are shattered to pieces, we are willing, we only ask..."

"I only ask for a stable place to live, so I won't be adrift and homeless..."

After saying this, the two bowed deeply again, their foreheads touching the ground, their posture extremely humble, yet they also displayed the most pitiful and vulnerable posture that could evoke the most pity from men.

Their hearts pounded in their chests as they awaited their fate.

The warm chamber was completely silent, with only the faint crackling of the candlelight.

Wanyan Xue stopped what she was doing, lowered her eyes, rested her jade wheel on her lap, and seemed to be lost in thought.

Lu Zuo's gaze swept over the two women lying on the ground again, noticing their meticulously groomed necks, slightly trembling shoulders, and the cautious flattery and desperate reliance in their words.

After a moment, he withdrew his gaze, picked up the book from the small table beside the couch again, and spoke in a calm and even tone:

"Put the porridge down."

"You," he paused, his gaze still fixed on the pages of the book, "will remain in the outer room to serve for now."

There was no explicit promise, but the words "stay outside to serve" were like heavenly music to Tu Dan Yunxiu and Tang Kuo Wantang!

This means that one foot has already stepped into this warm chamber that symbolizes power and protection!

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty! Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"

Overjoyed, their voices trembled with excitement. They kowtowed deeply again before carefully rising and gently placing the food plate on the rosewood round table beside them.

Then, with hands at his sides and eyes lowered, he respectfully retreated to the outside of the beaded curtain separating the warm chamber from the outer room, standing with his head bowed.

They exchanged a hopeful and relieved look.

Inside the warm pavilion, the aroma of porridge wafted through the air.

Lu Zuo seemed to have forgotten the little incident from earlier and continued to peruse his books.

Wanyan Xue picked up the jade wheel again, but her movements were lighter and slower than before, her long eyelashes concealing all the complex emotions in her eyes.

Outside the palace, the cold wind continued to howl, and the night completely enveloped the capital city, the palace that had changed owners, and the people inside, each with their own thoughts and struggling to survive.

Don't get lost while following the book; bookmark it and read it anytime: "Wandering Among the Heavens as a Tyrant, You Don't Understand My Happiness".