Echoes of My Heart Throughout the Court

“Dearest beloved, no words can fully express my maddening obsession. Whenever I think of you, my heart overflows like spring waters…”

“My cherished delight, my feelings are deep and unwavering. I long for a rendezvous with you by the Luo River, sharing a lifetime of joy and love…”

“My darling muse, I have sent along the portrait you requested. Viewing your elegance and grace, I can almost feel your warmth. Late at night, I sit alone, restless and uneasy. Realizing I cannot suppress my desire to seek beauty, I attribute this turmoil to the temptation of the painting, luring me into a sea of desire. I miss you terribly and have tied the scroll shut with a cord, vowing never to reopen it…”

At the Huang Residence, Huang Yong placed his signature on each letter, set his brush on the brush holder, and carefully sealed all three letters. He summoned a servant and gave explicit instructions to deliver them to the intended recipients without any mistakes.

“Dear husband, are you writing letters to the three sisters again?”

Huang Yong turned his head to see his wife lifting the curtain as she entered. A faint fragrance wafted over him, though he couldn’t identify what kind of perfume it was. It reminded him of the sachet of lotus fragrance he had sent to Ai Ai along with his letter. That scent had been all the rage among the ladies in the capital—any stock would sell out in less than half a day, at a premium price.

His wife was gentle and virtuous, her demeanor warm and full of laughter, without a trace of jealousy—a true model of a good wife. “It’s been three years of correspondence. Why hasn’t my husband brought the sisters home yet? Such delays might cause them harm…”

Huang Yong’s brow furrowed with melancholy. “Do you think I don’t wish for that? It’s just that Zhenzhen, Aiai, and Lianlian refuse to come, and I don’t want to force them.”

His sorrow deepened as he continued, “I’ve asked them to meet several times, but my efforts have been in vain. This time, I’ve invited Aiai again and can only hope she will understand my sincerity.”

Huang Yong frowned. “What???”

Taking the cloth his wife handed him to wipe his hands, he looked puzzled. “Do I know anyone so lacking in manners?”

Who could this be? Who comes straight to someone’s door for a visit? Normally, one would send a visiting card first, schedule a mutually convenient time, and then come, wouldn’t they?

Huang Yong took the card and opened it. Written on it, in bold and flamboyant script, was a single word:

“I!”@@novelbin@@

“…” Huang Yong calmly closed the card and said with a straight face, “This person is truly a hero among men, one who accomplishes great things without fussing over small matters. I greatly admire such characters. Quickly, invite them in!”

When receiving guests, the women of the inner quarters usually did not appear.

After his wife left, several people entered the front hall. Apart from the imperial guards, only two individuals required Huang Yong’s reception. One was the emperor himself, and the other was a figure most officials avoided at all costs.

Huang Yong’s eyelid twitches uncontrollably, but he maintained his composure. After bowing to the emperor, he cupped his hands respectfully toward Xu Yanmiao and greeted, “Sir Xu.”

He didn’t dare ask why they had come here.

Fortunately, Xu Yanmiao wasn’t good at keeping things to himself.

[Wow, so this is the Huang Langzhong the old emperor praised as having perfect harmony and mutual respect with his wife? He does seem to be in excellent spirits.]

Huang Yong’s expression showed a hint of surprise. After glancing at the old emperor and receiving a subtle nod, he immediately understood—

The emperor wanted Xu Yanmiao to witness his skill in managing his household and the blissful life he shared with his wife!

How hard could that be?

Although he couldn’t display intimate marital moments in front of Xu Yanmiao, Huang Yong thought for a moment and decided to showcase how having a competent wife in the inner quarters could make his life incredibly comfortable.

The guests were seated.

Soon, maids gracefully entered, carrying trays of fruits, snacks, wine, and tea.

“Your Maj—” Sensing the emperor’s gaze, Huang Yong paused and corrected himself, “You two must try these. These are grapes and wax berries grown in our own garden. Unfortunately, it’s spring now, so the selection is a bit limited.”

Such modesty was unnecessary.

Xu Yanmiao glanced over the table and took note: in addition to grapes and waxberries, there were dried venison and rabbit, chestnuts, dates, peaches, and apricots, even round fruits on branches. Cakes made from hawthorn, buns crafted from fine white flour, and various delicacies with a touch of exotic flair were all presented. Though lavish, it was clear considerable effort had been put into catering to their tastes.

The old emperor was evidently pleased.

Xu Yanmiao picked up a green grape and bit into it. The sweet juice immediately brightened his eyes.

[So delicious!!!]

Huang Yong stroked his beard with pride.

Xu Yanmiao couldn’t resist and picked up another piece.

[The grapes I’ve had before were always a bit tart. Is this a new variety?]

Huang Yong smiled modestly. “These were peeled and marinated in honey by my wife. Naturally, they’re exceptional. I’ve told her many times that she doesn’t need to go to such trouble, but my wife is stubborn by nature. She insists on taking care of every aspect of my life.”

Xu Yanmiao followed up with a few words of praise for this virtuous wife.

He couldn’t help but think to himself: [This wife… really treats Huang Langzhong quite well.]

[It’s a pity such a delicate flower is planted on a pile of dung.]