Hunting Deer Terrace.
Chu Xianda finished the final stroke on the painting, tossed the brush onto the inkstone, then beckoned to his beloved consort, who was standing nearby admiring it, and said with a smile, "Consort Ling, come take a look. What do you think of this Distant View of the Empire?"
The refined and lovely Consort Ling moved over with dainty steps and examined it carefully before saying, "The composition is grand and imposing, filled with a myriad of sights. The entire painting gives off a sense of vigorous vitality, with a force almost capable of tearing through the back of the paper and shattering the firmament."
Chu Xianda took the towel brought by the palace attendant and wiped his hands. Pointing at Consort Ling, he said, "You're only picking out the things I like to hear."
"Your Majesty, you know I speak from the bottom of my heart." The more a woman who looked refined and dignified acted coquettishly, the more alluring she became. This was one of the reasons Consort Ling stood above all the women in the harem. "I am Your Majesty's soulmate. I don't merely look at Your Majesty's masterpiece with my eyes—I look at it with my heart as well. See that red sun? It is exceptionally spirited, perfectly matching Your Majesty's desire at this moment to purge away old ailments and entrenched maladies. Moreover, Your Majesty will certainly accomplish great things this time, creating glorious achievements as dazzling as that red sun."
Chu Xianda pulled Consort Ling forcefully into his embrace and sighed softly. "Consort Ling truly is my confidante. I have been on the throne for many years, yet those powerful ministers have seized control of all authority. Whenever I want to pursue some policy of innovation and expansion that would benefit