Balala the Magic Fairy

The next day, inside the palace of the Shang Dynasty, bells and drums rang, and ritual music played in harmony.

Under the imperial decree of the Holy and Wise Empress Ruyi, the ceremony of selecting concubines was held grandly.

Civil and military officials, palace maids and eunuchs all gathered outside the Golden Palace, waiting for good news.

Yan Lili, under the order of Holy Emperor Yihui, presided over the ceremony of selecting concubines.

She was dressed in a gown woven of gold thread and had a phoenix crown on her head. She had a graceful demeanor and extraordinary temperament.

Standing in front of the Golden Throne Hall, he announced the decree in a loud voice: "In compliance with the order of the Holy and Wise Emperor, today we will hold a ceremony to select virtuous and virtuous people to serve as concubines in the harem."

At this time, a young minister named Ai Xinjue Luo Hongli, dressed in a blue shirt, with a handsome face and a dignified bearing, walked into the hall.

His steps are steady, his manners are calm, and he exudes a refined demeanor.

Seeing this, Yan Lili nodded slightly and asked, "Who are you? What talents do you have that make you dare to take part in the selection?"

Hongli bowed and said in a voice like a bell: "I am Ai Xinjueluo Hongli. I have been well-read since childhood and have a good understanding of ancient and modern times. I am willing to serve the Holy Emperor and fulfill my duty as a subject."

Upon hearing this, Yan Lili nodded in approval and ordered him to show his talent.

Hongli was not in a hurry. He took out his writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone, and wrote "The Memorial to the Emperor on Leaving the Capital" in one go.

His handwriting is neat and his strokes are vigorous, so precise and precise that it is truly amazing.

Yan Lili looked at his calligraphy, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and she asked him to recite a poem.

Hongli pondered for a moment and then improvised a poem: "I sleep in spring and do not wake up until dawn. I hear birds singing everywhere. There were sounds of wind and rain at night, and I wonder how many flowers have fallen." The poem has profound artistic conception and endless charm.

Yan Lili was overjoyed, so she ordered him to enter the palace to serve as a tutor to Emperor Yihuisheng.

Hongli thanked him and followed the palace maid into the palace. From then on, he became a talented minister in the palace of the Shang Dynasty.

/

The next day, Assistant Minister Ai Xinjueluo Hongli was summoned by Ruyi, and the order to sleep with her was passed on to his residence.

Hongli straightened his clothes and followed the palace maid to the Huaqing Pool with a nervous heart.

Huaqing Pool is a scenic spot in the imperial garden of the Shang Dynasty. The water in the pool is clear and the waves are rippling. It is surrounded by rugged rocks and towering ancient trees.

The lotus flowers in the pond are in full bloom, the fragrance is overwhelming, and the water mist is lingering, just like a fairyland on earth.

Ruyi had arrived first, wearing a light veil, standing by the pool, appearing and disappearing, like a fairy in the water.

Seeing this, Hongli became even more nervous, and knelt on the ground, saying: "Your servant Ai Xinjue Luo Hongli pays homage to the Holy Emperor, and wishes the Holy Emperor long-lasting peace."

Ruyi turned around, smiled and said, "Stand up." Her voice was as clear and pleasant as the sound of a yellow oriole singing in a valley.

Hongli stood up, and Ruyi said again: "Minister, there is no need to be so polite. I summoned you today because I want to bathe with you in Huaqing to relieve the fatigue of the day."

Upon hearing this, Hongli felt relieved and said, "I obey your command." Then he slowly stepped into the pool, and the rippling water gently caressed his body.

Ruyi also entered the water, and the two stood facing each other. Ruyi asked, "Minister, do you know the origin of Huaqing Pool?"

Hongli replied: "I know a thing or two. Huaqing Pool was built by the ancestors of the Shang Dynasty for the king to bathe and cleanse his mind."

Ruyi nodded and said, "Yes. The water in this pool is the snow water from Tianshan Mountain. It is very clear and has the effect of nourishing the skin and keeping fit."

After that, Ruyi took flower petals from the pond and sprinkled them on the water. The petals followed the current and floated to Hongli's side. Ruyi then took some soap and rubbed it on her hands. The foam was fine and fragrant.

Ruyi reached out her hand, gently stroked Hongli's shoulder, and said, "Minister, are you willing to bathe with me?"

Hongli was shocked and said, "I am willing to serve the Holy Emperor." He then took the soap and rubbed it gently on his hands. The foam flowed with the water, and their skin touched each other, blending perfectly.

Ruyi chuckled and said, "Minister, your skin is as delicate as jade. You are truly a dragon among men."

Hongli blushed and said, "Your Majesty, your praise is too great. I am ashamed to accept it."

The two bathed together for a long time, until the moon was above the willow branches, and then they came out of the water.

The palace maid wiped the two of them with a brocade towel, wrapped them in gauze, and led them to the bedroom.

That night, by the Huaqing Pool, the sound of water gurgling, the fragrance of flowers intoxicating, Ruyi and Hongli spent a wonderful night together, full of joy.