The Noble Woman's Guide On How to Tease One's Husband

Chapter 32 - Strangled

The Emperor arrived at the Cold Palace four hours ago. 

[T/N: Cold Palace (冷宫 – Lěnggōng) – place where disfavored imperial harem was banished] 

Accompanied by the cool moon, the bucket arches of the upturned eaves were no different under the illumination of the lanterns lit in the wee hours of the morning. But there was a gloomy coldness even in this midsummer season. Holding a candle, the little eunuch walked ahead where he felt everything looked ghostly. His whole body felt cold from sweat once he entered the courtyard and even his limbs felt somewhat numb. 

It was said that many imperial concubines of the late emperor died here, including the greatly favored Imperial Concubine Chen. 

Now that Bai Zhixuan is also residing here, the little eunuch couldn't help but think that perhaps this palace was truly cursed with something; that any concubine who monopolized the favor of the emperor could not escape the miserable and tragic end. Imperial Concubine Chen could not even survive a full moon before she died at that time; hence, this Noble Lady Bai may not last long either. It is rare for the Emperor to personally come over, it would depend on her luck for a possible favorable turnaround. 

Silently he pushed open the palace door where a bright yellow robe flashed by before his eyes. He firmly closed the palace door after the figure walked several steps away. 

The light from the candle is faint and the enclosed blue walls of the room are cloaked with mustiness. The Emperor knitted his brows once he entered the room. Looking around, Bai Zhixuan shrunk on the small bed in the corner. Her appearance was disheveled, the quilt could not even cover her whole body. A slight stretch of her legs would reach the bare nails of the bed, which was badly battered. 

Like a phantom, the Emperor silently took a seat at the edge of the bed. Most of his face was cast within the shadow and his expression could not be seen. His profound gaze didn't leave Bai Zhixuan's body, which gradually tightened. It is so oppressive that one could hardly breathe. 

Bai Zhixuan woke up. 

As soon as she opened her eyes, she was startled to see a man sitting in front of the bed. Instinctively, she wanted to scream when she realized it was the Emperor. The panic in her heart immediately turned to fear yet she dared not speak nor act. The surged up breath choked her heart and almost suffocated her. 

The Emperor stroked the side of her face with an extremely gentle gesture, "Xuan'er." 

Bai Zhixuan trembled slightly before she finally regained her voice. She hurriedly got up to curtsy but was held down by the Emperor, so she could only arch her body slightly and speak, "Chenqie pays respect to the Emperor. Requesting pardon from Your Majesty for failing to greet and receive Your Majesty." 

"It's alright. Just lie down with ease." 

Hearing that, Bai Zhixuan respectfully and submissively lowered her head but the slender hands within her sleeves were gripped tightly. 

Ease? How could she be at ease? This was the first time the Emperor came to see her since the succession of events of falling in the lake and poisoning. Even though she was merely imprisoned in the Cold Palace without any other punishment, she felt even more strung like this, especially when all evidence pointed to her and the Emperor still treated her with such tenderness that it caused her more agitation. 

At the moment, she dare not arbitrarily speculate the Emperor's mind and could only counter whatever move he makes. She would throw out all doubts that were in her favor if the Emperor asked for convincing proof of her innocence. If the Emperor punished her, she would use the royal offspring in her belly as her shield. She couldn't believe that based on the many years of their mutual affections, she still couldn't defeat that damn girl, Ye Lisa?