ATPnovel Chapter 254 The Heart of the Bright Moon
Chapter 254 The Heart of the Bright Moon
Lan Fenghuang's arrival and departure were like a pebble thrown into a still lake, creating brief ripples before returning to calm. But that fleeting moment of vividness and directness strangely dispelled the last vestiges of self-pity in Murong Mingyue's heart. Watching that petite figure skip and disappear into the night, a faint smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.
This girl from Miao territory possessed a heart as pure as a mountain spring. Her joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness were written all over her face. She was unaware of the intricacies of the palace, yet she possessed an almost instinctive, heartwarming kindness. Her undisguised affection and protection for "Brother Xing," and her natural closeness to "Sister Mingyue," resonated with Murong Mingyue, revealing a unique sincerity. Perhaps, within this deep palace, not everyone is a potential rival or a relationship requiring constant consideration.
She turned and went back into the inner hall, where the glow of the glass lamps remained gentle. Her state of mind was completely different from before. Her husband's promise and deep affection, and Lan Fenghuang's unintentional "consolation," had made her re-examine her position and state of mind.
Yes, she is Murong Mingyue, Chen Xing's wife, and the Empress of the Xingqi Empire. An Empress is not merely the Emperor's principal wife, but also the Mother of the Nation, a role model for all women, the head of the harem, and a key figure in maintaining harmony within the royal family, educating princes and princesses, and assisting the Emperor in consolidating the foundation of the nation. Her responsibilities are far greater and heavier than simply "monopolizing her husband's favor."
If she were to indulge in petty romantic feelings and jealousy all day long, nitpicking about whose palace her husband visited today or whose talent he praised tomorrow, that would be a true dereliction of duty, an insult to her name Murong Mingyue, and a betrayal of her husband's unconditional trust and entrustment to her.
Having figured this out, Murong Mingyue felt a sudden sense of relief, as if an invisible shackle had been removed. She walked to her dressing table, where a beautiful yet resolute face was reflected in the bronze mirror. She gently stroked her cheek, her eyes gradually becoming clear and determined.
Her husband needed to balance the court and the harem, relying on Su Xiaoxiao's wealth, Lin Wan'er's literary talent, and Lan Fenghuang's special background and medical skills to stabilize the empire. Her role, Murong Mingyue, was to, as Empress, govern the six palaces, harmonize internal and external affairs, and stabilize the home front, allowing her husband to focus wholeheartedly on his grand ambitions. At the same time, she was also the mother of the princes and princesses; their upbringing was crucial to the future of the empire.
This is not a compromise, but a sublimation. It is integrating personal emotions into a broader sense of national responsibility. It is realizing Murong Mingyue's own value on a grander stage.
"Someone come here," she called softly.
The personal female official who was guarding the outer room immediately responded and entered.
"Tomorrow, summon the heads of the Shanggong Bureau and the Sibu Bureau to see me. The expenses of the inner palace, the personnel roster, the allocation of personnel to each palace, and the procedures, supplies, and personnel arrangements for the enthronement ceremony and subsequent investiture ceremonies of the inner palace must be drafted in detail as soon as possible and submitted to me for review."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The female official replied respectfully, secretly surprised by the calmness and unquestionable authority in the Empress's tone, which seemed different from her usual gentleness and added a touch of composure.
"Also," Murong Mingyue thought for a moment, "Regarding the Imperial Physician Lan... if there are any regulations or needs concerning the procurement of medicinal herbs, the selection of physicians, or the prevention and treatment of diseases among palace servants, please have her submit a petition directly to the Lizheng Hall, and I will handle it accordingly. As for the Imperial Household Department, please have Consort Su calculate the budget for the daily expenses of the harem and the rewards for festivals as soon as possible and submit it for discussion."
She began to proactively manage and coordinate palace affairs with the mindset and methods of an empress, rather than passively waiting or worrying in secret. This was her power and responsibility, and also her battlefield.
After the female official withdrew, Murong Mingyue walked to her desk, opened a blank booklet, and wrote down the elegant words "Records of Affairs in the Imperial Harem." She was about to begin systematically sorting out and planning how to ensure that this soon-to-be-formed imperial harem, with its diverse members and backgrounds, could operate as smoothly and orderly as possible.
Considering Su Xiaoxiao's shrewdness and desire for control, she decided to grant her ample space and respect in terms of financial power, but firmly retain control over the core allocation and oversight. Thinking of Lin Wan'er's talent and sensitivity, she decided to have her assist in managing the compilation of palace history and literature, as well as the literary aspects of the princes' and princesses' early education, thus utilizing her strengths and giving her a sense of belonging. As for Lan Fenghuang's naiveté and special skills, she would need to be lenient with the rules while guiding her to use her medical skills to ensure the health of the harem, and perhaps even benefit some of the poor outside the palace, thus accumulating merit and demonstrating the benevolence of the royal family…
Her thinking became clearer, and she wrote down more and more entries. Those "them" who had once troubled her gradually transformed into "resources" and "responsibilities" that needed to be properly managed and for each to make the best of their abilities. This shift in mindset brought about a completely different perspective and approach.
She didn't know how much time had passed, but feeling somewhat tired, she put down her pen and rubbed her wrists. Outside the window, the sky was still dark, but a faint sliver of bluish-gray seemed to be appearing on the eastern horizon. Dawn was approaching.
She walked to the window and pushed it open a crack. A cool, crisp breeze rushed in, carrying the clean scent unique to pre-dawn. In the distance, the outline of the imperial city stood silently in the night, and further still, the faint sounds and lights of construction workers rushing to build a new palace could be heard.
Soon, her husband will formally offer sacrifices to Heaven and ascend the throne, and she will be crowned Empress under the watchful eyes of the people. A brand new era is about to begin in their hands.
Murong Mingyue took a deep breath, her chest filled with a calm yet powerful anticipation. Those personal, subtle anxieties and uneases had been overshadowed and elevated by this grander mission and responsibility. She was still Murong Mingyue who loved Chen Xing, but from this day forward, she was also the Empress of the Xingqi Empire, an indispensable cornerstone and wise assistant in his grand ambitions.
She will be a good empress. For him, for their children, and for this empire that has just risen from the ashes and is looking forward to a golden age.
She gently closed the window and returned to the bedside. This time, she quickly drifted into a peaceful sleep, a calm yet resolute smile playing on her lips.