Intertwined Fates: Love and Hatred

Back at her residence, Murong started packing her things. There weren't many clothes or accessories, but the roomful of health tonics was quite a hassle. Murong piled them up, sorting them and packing while trying to gather her thoughts. Just then, Xiaoyu finished her duties for the day and came back to see her, lending a hand.

"There's so much!" Xiaoyu remarked. "How will you ever find the time to take all this? Why go through the trouble? If you need anything, isn't the Imperial Medical Academy right there?"

Murong gave a demure, girlish smile. "These are all good for one's complexion; it's fine to keep them. But if I really had the time, maybe I could open a shop, make them into pills or powdered drinks to sell. I might just strike it rich." As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her slip of the tongue – she'd been daydreaming about the modern era again.

Unexpectedly, Xiaoyu didn't notice the unfamiliar terms. She just said, "I didn't realize you had so many little schemes brewing! So, you're planning on marrying into a merchant family when you're older, huh? I've heard people saying lately that the Ninth Prince's businesses are booming. He seems like a good prospect, you know."

Murong deliberately feigned helplessness, playfully pleading, "Miss, spare this servant, please. I'm still young, you know." She finished by pouting her lips, and soon the room was filled with laughter.

Murong remembered Xiaoyu had been serving Consort Liang for some time now, so she asked how it was going.

Xiaoyu answered guilelessly, "Consort Liang is very gentle with everyone. She never hits or scolds the staff; she's a kind mistress. But… I've never seen her truly happy. The only time she smiles is occasionally when the Eighth Prince tells her something amusing. Otherwise, she's always rather reserved. I always feel like she has some deep-seated sorrow."

"Perhaps Consort Liang simply prefers quiet," Murong suggested.

"No, it's not just that," Xiaoyu insisted. "She often looks burdened with troubles. I remember one day while I was grinding ink for her, she repeatedly wrote just a few lines of a poem:

One lifetime, one generation, one pair; Why must longing consume two separate souls? Yearning, gazing, yet never drawing near; For whom does Heaven bid the spring appear?

As she wrote, tears suddenly started falling."

Consort Liang, Eighth Prince, Rong… Ruoxi? The names flashed through Murong's mind, startling her. She quickly warned Xiaoyu, "Xiaoyu, you must never repeat these words to anyone else. Otherwise, you could bring disaster upon yourself and upon the Consort!"

Xiaoyu nodded. "I know. I worry about her too, but I don't dare speak of it to others."

The two fell silent, lost in their own thoughts. Just then, the Fourteenth Prince arrived.

Murong suddenly felt that the persistence and determination of such an innocent young man shouldn't be underestimated. She made frantic gestures—miming slitting her throat, widening her eyes—signaling Xiaoyu to stay, but Xiaoyu disloyally slipped away.

The Fourteenth Prince fidgeted, shifting from foot to foot, looking distinctly uncomfortable. After a while, he finally asked, "Rong'er, Imperial Father… he didn't say anything… difficult to you, did he?"

Seeing his anxious expression, Murong was mildly surprised at how quickly news traveled in this relatively backward era, while also feeling a headache coming on thanks to his obvious infatuation. She lowered her head and replied, "It was nothing much. He just asked a few questions and assigned this servant to become an imperial lady-in-waiting at the Qianqing Palace."

After a moment of silence, the Fourteenth Prince moved behind Murong, hesitantly reaching out a hand…

That evening, under the arrangements of Li Dequan, Murong met the staff of the Qianqing Palace (Palace of Heavenly Purity). There were already three ladies-in-waiting serving the Emperor: the gentle and approachable Lingyue; the somewhat fiery and outspoken Yaqing; and the sharp, capable, but reserved and unsmiling Sifu. All were quite beautiful, carrying themselves with an air distinct from ordinary palace maids. They were relatively older among palace women, came from families with some standing, and all had prior experience. Murong was a rookie, young and green, so she naturally adopted an attitude of humble readiness to learn.

The other eunuchs and palace maids all went about their tasks cautiously. They were the ones who bore the brunt of frustrations, served as outlets for anger, and were ordered about; their greatest aspiration was simply to survive.

Li Dequan was the Emperor's favored attendant, addressed respectfully by everyone as Li Anda (a term of respect). A few other eunuchs were important enough for the Emperor to know their names, placing them above the rest. Eunuch Hai Zi was one of them. Murong followed others in calling him "Hai Gonggong" (Eunuch Hai). Although technically an errand runner, he was clever and a smooth-talker, well-liked by the masters.

Unlike her indifference during the selection process, Murong knew she needed to cultivate good relationships with these 'middle-class' and 'lower-class' palace inhabitants (as she mentally categorized them). She was polite and respectful to everyone, quickly memorizing all their names.

Although Yaqing had some reservations about someone so young becoming an imperial lady-in-waiting, seeing Murong's appearance and bearing, she realized this newcomer was no ordinary person and accepted her readily enough.

From Murong's perspective, Emperor Kangxi's life seemed quite monotonous. After holding court, he would return to Qianqing Palace to handle affairs. Besides managing state matters daily, he also persisted in reading, reviewing ancestral laws, paying respects to the Empress Dowager, and exercising, leaving very little time for leisure.

Kangxi's favorite form of entertainment was watching Chinese opera, which was rather a headache for Murong. It wasn't that she disliked this traditional art form, but she simply didn't know how to appreciate it, having had almost no exposure in modern times. In the three years since crossing over, her family estate had set up an opera stage several times, and each time she'd sat in the audience completely lost in her own thoughts.

It seemed almost as if Kangxi was deliberately testing her; just days after starting her position, Murong received the special honor of accompanying him to Changchun Garden (Garden of Joyful Spring) to watch an opera.

At Changchun Garden, Murong saw the Crown Prince for the first time. In Kangxi's presence, the Crown Prince appeared proper and restrained. But the moment Kangxi turned away, his eyes latched onto Murong, full of self-assurance and the unmistakable look of someone determined to possess what he desired.

Murong felt a surge of disgust. Frowning slightly, she turned her face and noticed the shifting expressions on several faces – it turned out nearly all the princes were present today. Murong didn't try to decipher each person's thoughts, simply walking silently behind Kangxi.

Kangxi sat down and said to Murong, "No need to be so formal. There are servants here. Go find a seat down below and enjoy the opera." His words held an authority that brooked no refusal, so Murong swallowed the "This servant wouldn't dare" she was about to say.

She looked down at the seating area. Annoyingly, the princes were scattered, each occupying a corner, making it impossible to sit without being near someone. Murong quickly scanned the scene. The Fourteenth Prince's hopeful expression was plain on his face, and he subtly waved to her from below. The others remained impassive, but their eyes were all on her, waiting for her choice. Only the Fourth Prince stared intently at the stage, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings. Murong recalled she had no scandalous rumors involving him, so she walked over to his side and asked, "Your Highness [Beile], might this servant be granted a seat?"

The Fourth Prince gestured to the empty seat beside him. "Sit."

Murong could feel the Fourteenth Prince's murderous glare sweeping over her but didn't dare turn to look. She gave a slight curtsy to the Fourth Prince and the Thirteenth Prince seated nearby, then sat down.

The opera being performed was The Empty Fort Strategy. Murong greatly admired Zhuge Liang, but her image of him differed significantly from the laosheng (old male character type) on stage with the long beard and flowing sleeves. She felt a certain internal resistance. Though she forced herself to pay attention, she eventually couldn't stand the drawn-out, whining 'yi-yi-ya-ya' singing style and let her mind wander off into the void.

She recalled rehearsing operas in school – La Traviata and Romeo and Juliet were performed most often. Once, during a school showcase, she met the German Crown Prince and was fiercely pursued by him for a time. The national security agency had even considered sending her to Germany, but central command worried she wouldn't return and denied approval. Thinking of this, the corners of Murong's mouth turned up unconsciously. Suddenly, the Fourth Prince beside her nudged her elbow. "Miss?"

Murong turned her head, thinking the Fourth Prince wanted to say something, but instead heard him rise and address Kangxi, "Imperial Father, Miss Murong is utterly captivated by the opera."

Everyone laughed. Murong was completely baffled. The Fourth Prince sat back down and whispered very quietly, "Imperial Father was asking you a question."

Murong hastily stood up, took a few steps forward, and knelt. "This servant deserves death! Please forgive me, Your Majesty. This servant was too engrossed in the opera."

Kangxi looked at her with amusement. "Oh? You like this opera?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, this servant likes it."

"Do you know what it's about?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, it depicts Marquis Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms era cleverly repelling Cao Cao's army."

"Do you like Zhuge Liang?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, Zhuge Liang was a sage of wisdom and a loyal minister. This servant deeply admires him."

"Well said," Kangxi replied. "We also admire him greatly. Sit down." He waved for the opera troupe to pause. "Today, We want everyone to discuss this: since the Later Lord [Liu Shan] was incompetent, why didn't Zhuge Liang simply replace him? Yinreng, you speak first."

The Crown Prince, Yinreng, responded, "Replying to Imperial Father, Your son believes Zhuge Liang was not of the Han imperial clan and thus lacked the legitimacy to become emperor. Liu Shan was Liu Bei's eldest son; it was natural and right for the son to inherit the father's position."

Kangxi gave a cold smile. "According to your logic, then all those who established new dynasties throughout history were illegitimate." Without waiting for the Crown Prince to respond, he glanced at the First Prince. "Your turn."

"Imperial Father is right," the First Prince said. "Zhuge Liang could potentially have become emperor, but the officials and people of the Shu kingdom were loyal to Liu Bei and dedicated to assisting Liu Shan. Even if Zhuge Liang harbored such ambitions, he likely would have lacked supporters."

Kangxi looked impassively towards the Third Prince. The Third Prince quickly stood. "Since ancient times, a ruler is a ruler, and a minister is a minister. Zhuge Liang was loyal to the Han dynasty. His tireless service was also to repay Liu Bei's kindness in visiting his thatched hut three times. He certainly wouldn't commit the crime of regicide and usurpation."

Kangxi's expression softened slightly as he looked at the Fourth Prince. "Yinzhen, what do you say?"

"Replying to Imperial Father," Yinzhen began, "Third Brother is absolutely right. Zhuge Liang's utmost sincerity can be seen in his famous Chu Shi Biao memorials. When Liu Bei recruited Zhuge Liang, it showed his ability to judge and appoint capable men, predicting Zhuge Liang's inherent righteousness. Later, entrusting his son on his deathbed was also a form of test. Liu Bei must have known Liu Shan's character; if he hadn't trusted Zhuge Liang completely, he wouldn't have passed away peacefully."

Murong admired the Fourth Prince's ability to consider both sides of the issue. Most people thought only from Zhuge Liang's perspective, but he uniquely considered Liu Bei's viewpoint. Truly a man destined for great things! Thinking this, Murong couldn't help but be curious about the Eighth Prince's opinion. Unexpectedly, Kangxi merely said, "Yinzhen spoke well. Does anyone else have a different perspective?"

The Eighth Prince sat calmly, betraying no emotion. The Ninth Prince lowered his head in thought. The Tenth Prince looked quite unconvinced but couldn't seem to articulate anything. The others all wore expressions of agreement.

Suddenly, the Fourteenth Prince spoke up, "Your son doesn't think so! As the saying goes, 'You can know a person's face, but not their heart.' Zhuge Liang was so intelligent, how difficult would it have been for him to feign righteousness?"

Murong saw the Fourteenth Prince's resentful look and knew he was deliberately contradicting the Fourth Prince.

Kangxi chuckled a few times. "A good point about not knowing a person's heart. Then tell Us, why didn't he become emperor?"

Young and impetuous, the Fourteenth Prince had only focused on refuting his brother, not yet formulating a solid reason. Questioned directly by Kangxi, he was momentarily speechless. After a moment's thought, he stammered, "Perhaps… perhaps he didn't yet have the power to do so."

Murong inwardly smiled at the Fourteenth Prince's childishness, but then heard Kangxi say, "Murong, you share your thoughts too."

Murong was taken aback. What was this? How had the spotlight suddenly turned to her? Many important figures hadn't even spoken; what qualification did she possibly have? She discreetly glanced at the others' expressions; sure enough, there was surprise and clear dissatisfaction on some faces. Only the Third Prince offered her an encouraging smile, while the Fourth Prince remained impassive.

Murong could only say, "Replying to Your Majesty, the Princes have spoken exceptionally well. This servant feels enlightened, as if suddenly seeing clearly. I have benefited greatly."

"Enough," Kangxi waved dismissively, a touch impatient. "Give your own opinion."

Murong thought for a moment, then said seriously, "Replying to Your Majesty, this servant thought of the phrase 'each fulfilling their proper role.' Zhuge Liang possessed world-ordering talent, the abilities of both a great general and a brilliant prime minister, but these are fundamentally supporting talents, not necessarily the talents required of an emperor. Training troops, devising formations, and leading armies in battle were part of his duties as Prime Minister of Shu, but not tasks an emperor should personally undertake day-to-day. If he had committed regicide, usurped the throne, and focused solely on the strategies of ruling, perhaps his unique military and administrative talents would not have flourished as they did."

(Actually, Murong's private view was that someone like Zhuge Liang simply disdained the idea of becoming emperor himself, but how could she dare voice such a thought? So her answer remained quite reserved.)

Silence fell after she spoke. Murong kept her head lowered calmly. After a moment, Kangxi spoke, a note of approval in his voice. "Excellent! This girl has insight. 'Each fulfilling their proper role' – well said. It's just a pity that people in this world often fail to grasp this point, foolishly thinking it's easy to be an emperor."

"This servant spoke presumptuously. Please forgive me, Your Majesty," Murong murmured.

"We appreciate people with their own ideas," Kangxi stated. "Remember this in the future: don't just parrot what others say or drift along aimlessly with the current."

Murong knew these words weren't solely directed at her, but perhaps at some of the princes as well. Nevertheless, she could only reply obediently, "This servant will remember."