Chapter 1230 - 1140: The Female Chancellor 78
Early this morning, Yin Shuangshuang noticed that fluffy snowflakes had begun to fall outside, swirling and soon rendering the surroundings into a snowy expanse.
A good harvest is signaled by the snow, akin to covering the land with a blanket, and when it melts, the land is nourished—a promising omen.
Watching the snowfall scene, Yin Shuangshuang found beauty in it despite the biting cold.
Yin Shuangshuang was sensitive to cold, so Yan Yi lit many silver frost charcoals in the room, warming the whole space.
One batch of silver frost coal had a warm fragrance, specially sent by General An, which Yin Shuangshuang had developed.
Yin Shuangshuang leaned against the window, enjoying the snow view, while medicinal tea prescribed by the Imperial Physician was simmering on a small red clay stove.
After watching the snow for a while, Yin Shuangshuang, on a whim, arranged for a lot of lamb, beef, and venison, and with Yan Yi and Luo Linlang, grilled meat while enjoying the snowfall.
Luo Linlang had been responsible for looking after Yin Shuangshuang during this time; once a sheltered individual now exhibited great diligence in caretaking.
Lately, Yin Shuangshuang had been training Luo Linlang in business skills, preparing to set up a shop for her to practice upon returning.
She believed Luo Linlang possessed significant business talent and could become a Store Manager under her, aiding in business operations.
Luo Linlang was eager to learn, recognizing it as an opportunity to change her fate, diligently studying everything Yin Shuangshuang taught without uttering a complaint.
Caring for Yin Shuangshuang wholeheartedly, Luo Linlang did it with gratitude, aware that it was because of Yin Shuangshuang she managed to escape a fate of serving countless men.
As everyone was grilling meat, Luo Linlang was busy helping Yin Shuangshuang cook, neglecting to eat herself, prompting Yan Yi to place his grilled meat before her.
Yin Shuangshuang glanced at Yan Yi, who appeared calm externally yet somewhat distant in gaze.
She had long noticed Yan Yi seemed to harbor feelings for Luo Linlang, quietly assisting and caring for her frequently.
Unfortunately, Luo Linlang appeared uninterested in marrying a man, having seen through societal illusions and determined to rely solely on herself indefinitely.
No one knew when Yan Yi developed feelings, but Yin Shuangshuang’s stance on their relationship was to let it naturally evolve.
If it flourished, that’d be great, but Yin Shuangshuang would never compel Luo Linlang to marry Yan Yi.
Luo Linlang, though a prostitute, was a clear courtesan; the brothel where she was trained valued Oirans, drawing on years of instruction, allowing them to sell talent but not themselves.
Such brothel practices arose not from morality but acknowledging scarcity value, withholding Oirans from patrons until their peak, merely teasing them along.
Once new Oirans were groomed and original ones waned, their first night would be auctioned off.
Upon servicing patrons, Oirans ceased to be such, and brothels introduced new Oirans.
When bought by Yin Shuangshuang, Luo Linlang was at her height as an Oiran and indeed did not sell her body.
Initially, Yan Yi viewed Luo Linlang with disdain; despite being an Oiran, she was but a prostitute even at her finest.
Novels often depict prostitutes turning respectable, yet the reality was few of consequence ever allowed prostitutes to enter their homes, except those with fleeting wealth or crude capitalists.
Even those elevated to status remained as lowly concubines, cherished yet never achieving the status of a man’s first wife.
Court law clear prohibits accepting prostitutes as concubines, let alone wives.
Yan Yi’s disregard for Luo Linlang also stemmed from viewing successful Oirans as pampered, manipulative women.
This wasn’t unfounded, as Yan Yi had a friend bankrupt by affection for a small flower house’s Oiran, hoping to buy her freedom.
The prostitute ultimately left with a wealthy, unattractive man, confessing that she couldn’t bear hardship.
This event shaped Yan Yi’s negative view on prostitutes, yet Luo Linlang challenged it.
Returning to Capital City alone and on foot, enduring the grueling journey herself.
Blisters rose and fell, with blood seeping through her shoes, till her feet callused.
Despite such hardship, Yan Yi never heard Luo Linlang complain once, inspiring admiration for her resilience.
Over time, Yan Yi discovered Luo Linlang’s remarkable qualities, causing his heart to settle on her.
...
The heavy snow persisted unabated for four days and nights, accumulating deeper each day, requiring regular clearing to unearth entrances.
The earth enveloped in snowy whiteness, blanketed in incessant flurries—a captivating sight for nobles who ventured to Hot Springs Villa to soak and escape the cold.
Soaking in hot springs amidst falling snow, undoubtedly a romantic experience; for the elite, times like these were novel.
Yin Shuangshuang wrapped in a thick fur cloak, stood by the window, eyes settling on the swirling snowfall, her brow furrowed.
Such substantial snow meant hard times for the common people, potentially freezing deaths this year.
On the fifth day, though diminished, snowfall continued, and the frigid air could chill water into ice.
Due to the extreme cold, Yin Shuangshuang’s initially improved cough reemerged.
Standing by the window, she coughed repeatedly into her hand, tugging at her warm cloak, then instructed Yan Yi: "Gather everyone—bring snow-clearing tools to the courtyard."
Yan Yi hesitated, puzzled by the earlier snow clearance, questioning what purpose venturing into the cold served. Play in the snow? Yet, adhering to Yin Shuangshuang’s order, he promptly summoned the others.
Holding a large heating stove, Yin Shuangshuang, swaddled in multiple layers, exaggeratedly bundled to resemble a white bear, stepped out the door.
After two days, unrelenting snow intensified, and the Emperor arrived at Yin Shuangshuang’s Hot Spring Villa, reflecting on his sorrows amidst the flurries.