Zheng Xiangyi was determined to succeed in seducing His Majesty. For this, she even instructed Muqin to bring out the “Moonlit Sea Radiance” cedar zither from the storeroom, which had been gathering dust for many years.
This zither had an extraordinary origin. It was made by the late Emperor for Consort Zhuang. The story goes that the late Emperor attended a banquet at a minister’s home and happened to hear Zhuang playing the zither in the rear courtyard. He fell in love at first sight and, disregarding his reputation, forcibly took another man’s wife, welcoming Zhuang into the palace as his consort.
After Consort Zhuang entered the palace, she enjoyed unwavering imperial favor. The late Emperor specially sought master craftsmen to create this zither for her and personally inscribed the name “Moonlit Sea Radiance.” Unfortunately, after entering the palace, Consort Zhuang never played the zither again, and “Moonlit Sea Radiance” never sounded once under her fingers.
It wasn’t until Zheng Xiangyi was seven years old, pestering His Majesty to let her learn the zither, that His Majesty gifted this zither to her.
Having not touched the strings for many years, Zheng Xiangyi was a bit rusty when she first started. She gently plucked the strings a few times to test the sound, then dug out the zither scores she had seen from her memory and began practicing bit by bit.
Muqin listened quietly beside her for a moment, her expression gradually becoming somewhat subtle.
The tune the Junzhu was playing… wasn’t it “A Phoenix Seeking Its Mate”?
“Phoenix, oh phoenix, returns to its homeland, soars across the four seas seeking its mate.” Did the Junzhu have a beloved young nobleman? She concentrated on listening and indeed discerned a lingering, sentimental flavor in the zither music.
Muqin was puzzled. She was with the Junzhu almost every single day and had never seen her interact privately with any young nobleman. Who exactly could it be, worthy of the Junzhu personally playing this tune “A Phoenix Seeking Its Mate” for him?
Half an hour later, the zither sounds gradually ceased. Zheng Xiangyi lightly placed both hands on the strings, turned her head with a melancholy expression, and asked her, “How do you think I played just now?”
She had been out of practice for too long. She felt her zither skills were terribly rusty. If she went and played before His Majesty just like that, she was afraid she wouldn’t even succeed in stirring his heart before feeling too ashamed to continue.
Muqin saw the corners of her eyes drooping, her previously bright eyes dimmed, her entire demeanor dejected. Her heart instantly ached, and she hurriedly comforted her:
“Junzhu hasn’t touched the zither for many years. You’ve only practiced for a little while now and already played very well.”
Zheng Xiangyi was half-convinced, half-doubting. “Really?”
Muqin nodded emphatically, her tone certain. “Really. Junzhu played especially beautifully.”
Only then did Zheng Xiangyi lower her head to look at the zither under her hands. She tried plucking a couple of notes again. It seemed indeed smoother than before. The corners of her mouth couldn’t help but lift slightly.
To have made such progress after just practicing a little while—Zheng Xiangyi truly was the most intelligent young lady under heaven. At this rate, wasn’t His Majesty as good as caught?
She couldn’t help but begin to anticipate His Majesty’s reaction when he heard this tune “A Phoenix Seeking Its Mate.”
Perhaps he would be slightly startled, his jade-white face gradually tinged with a light blush. Then, using those gentle eyes, he would look at her helplessly yet indulgently, his thin lips parting as he slowly uttered one word: “Good.”
If it really were like that, she could die without regrets.
Muqin saw her brows and eyes curved, smiling sweetly, and couldn’t help but tentatively ask, “Why did Junzhu suddenly think of playing this ‘A Phoenix Seeking Its Mate’? Could it be… you’ve taken a liking to a young nobleman?”
Zheng Xiangyi blinked, giving her a playful smile. “You’ll know in the future. I can’t say now.”
Muqin understood and smiled. “This person must be exceptionally outstanding to have caught Junzhu’s eye.”
“Of course. No one in this world is more impressive than him,” Zheng Xiangyi nodded seriously.
That was His Majesty, after all. Not to mention the supreme power in his hands, just his overall bearing and appearance were already unmatched. Although His Majesty always said he was getting old, Zheng Xiangyi felt that a man of his age was like a pot of mellow, fine wine—the more you savored it, the more intoxicating it became.
The path she would walk in the future, he had already walked before her. Therefore, when she stumbled forward, he could always guide and teach her with his past experience, helping her avoid repeating mistakes.
Zheng Xiangyi had loved, since childhood, the feeling of being led forward step by step by him. As long as His Majesty was by her side, she felt fearless, unafraid of anything.
Muqin saw the admiration in her eyes and grew even more curious about that person. “I wonder if that young nobleman has passed His Majesty’s inspection?”
She was somewhat worried. Given His Majesty’s doting affection for the Junzhu, the Junzhu’s marriage would inevitably be meticulously chosen, with no room for carelessness. She didn’t know if that young nobleman could pass His Majesty’s scrutiny.
Zheng Xiangyi nodded affirmatively to her. “Don’t worry. His Majesty will definitely agree.”
Muqin had no choice but to temporarily set aside her doubts, only hoping the Junzhu could marry a perfect husband soon and have someone to rely on in the future.
However, though Zheng Xiangyi appeared full of confidence before Muqin, secretly, her heart began to beat with apprehension. Especially when she vaguely sensed that His Majesty seemed to be deliberately avoiding her lately, that bit of unease spread more and more.
Could it be… His Majesty actually wasn’t asleep that day? Did he know she secretly kissed him? Other than this reason, Zheng Xiangyi really couldn’t think of anything else.
Actually, to be precise, His Majesty’s avoidance wasn’t very obvious. It was just that the two had been too close in the past. Now that he distanced himself slightly, she keenly noticed it.
For example, at this moment, Zheng Xiangyi, using the pretext of adding incense, sat down beside him. Before her head could lean over, he unobtrusively shifted slightly to the side.
“There are people attending to things here. Xiangyi should sit and rest first. Don’t tire yourself,” he said, still with a gentle smile on his face, no different from usual. Even his words remained full of that same affection and indulgence.
If Zheng Xiangyi still regarded him only as a respected elder in her heart, perhaps she would have been smugly pleased, feeling His Majesty truly doted on her, unwilling to let her suffer the slightest grievance.
But now, harboring ulterior motives, she was no longer satisfied with being looked at like this, as if in his eyes, she would forever be the child needing to hide under his wing for protection.
Zheng Xiangyi felt dissatisfied. She had clearly grown up long ago, able to emerge from under his arm and walk side by side with him.
She pouted, her tone full of grievance. “Does Your Majesty feel Xiangyi is disturbing you by being here?”
Feng Jue chuckled softly, his voice gentle. “Why would Xiangyi think that? With you by my side, my heart is very much at ease.”
“Then why are you keeping me so far away?” Zheng Xiangyi stared fixedly at the less-than-an-inch distance between them, dwelling on it. His Majesty no longer sat as close to her as before.
She was both angry and hurt.
It was just a kiss… At most, she could close her eyes and let His Majesty kiss her back, for as long as he wanted.
But she ultimately didn’t dare actually say this out loud. For now, it was still just speculation. She could continue acting naïve and oblivious, approaching him as if nothing was wrong. If she really confronted him directly, perhaps His Majesty would sternly refuse and never allow her near again.
Although she knew early on that His Majesty wouldn’t easily accept her feelings, if she truly received his disappointed, reproachful gaze, she would be utterly heartbroken. Afraid even the bit of courage she had painstakingly gathered would vanish instantly.
She would rather maintain this “loving father and devoted daughter” façade for now. At least she could still use the identity of his daughter to wantonly act coy and get close to him.
Feng Jue let out a soft sigh, his tone gentle yet firm. “It was my oversight before. Xiangyi is now of marriageable age. We can no longer be as casually close as when you were little.”
“I don’t want to marry anyone.” Zheng Xiangyi ignored his resistance, grabbed his arm, and stubbornly pressed against him. Anyway, His Majesty had never been able to bring himself to push her away with his own hands. What did it matter if her skin was a bit thicker?
She had already done something even more treasonous. Being able to kiss him, however you looked at it, she had gained.
Besides, looking at His Majesty’s aloof, ascetic demeanor, perhaps he had never been intimate with anyone before.
She was the first one brave enough to kiss him!
Zheng Xiangyi recalled again the warm, soft sensation on his lips that day, her peripheral gaze secretly drifting toward his pale pink, thin lips. Their shape was exquisite, soft and graceful, without a hint of sharpness.
She really wanted to bite them, bite until he bled slightly, then imprint her own tooth marks.
By then, she could declare to everyone: His Majesty was hers.
Hers alone. Hmph.
This time, however, Feng Jue did not indulge her further. Instead, he said, “Some days ago, I ordered someone to compile a roster of young noblemen from prominent families in the capital, all outstanding in talent and appearance. Another day, I’ll have it brought for you to see if any catch your eye.”
Zheng Xiangyi’s smile faded a bit as she slowly lifted her head from his shoulder.
Was His Majesty in such a hurry to marry her off?
Feng Jue looked into her eyes, his voice low. “Xiangyi, have you ever considered that I am much older than you? While I live, I can protect you for one more day. But if I were gone, what would you do?”
Zheng Xiangyi hung her head, remaining silent.
Feng Jue gently stroked her head, speaking earnestly. “I am not the one who can accompany you for a lifetime. Only your husband, your children—they are the ones you can rely on for your whole life.”
“Your Majesty, aren’t you afraid I might entrust myself to the wrong person, marry a hypocritical, cunning villain?” Zheng Xiangyi lifted her face, her cheeks puffed out roundly. “What if he pretends to treat me very well while you’re here, but shows his true colors as soon as you’re gone?”
In her previous life, she had already stumbled over this. While His Majesty was around, how well Feng Yu treated her—showering her with all sorts of doting and flattery, even swearing he would only want her in the future. But it wasn’t even a few years after His Majesty passed that Noble Consort entered the palace.
How could she still believe in eternal, unchanging vows in this world? Only His Majesty—the only one in this world she trusted was His Majesty.
Therefore, even knowing this path would be one of accumulated slander melting bones, public opinion melting metal, she had to keep walking it.
Feng Jue fell silent for a moment, his brow furrowing.
Zheng Xiangyi argued confidently, “How can you guarantee the person you choose will definitely treat me well? Will become my support?”
Her eyes were brighter than ever, blazing like the newly risen red sun, the light shimmering within them too dazzling to look at directly.
Feng Jue suddenly recalled that abrupt kiss.
That day, he had already heard Xiangyi’s footsteps when she entered. He was just curious why she stood before him without saying a word. Even with his eyes closed, he could still feel her intense gaze.
That gaze made his mood vaguely restless, as if something was about to slip beyond his control. Just as he was about to open his eyes, he sensed Xiangyi leaning closer toward him.
He hesitated for a moment, indulging her closeness.
In the darkness, he could feel Xiangyi’s warm breath falling by his lips. That rich fragrance permeated the air, everywhere, penetrating everything.
His hand under the desk tightened slightly. For the first time, he experienced the feeling of restless unease.
What is Xiangyi doing?
What does Xiangyi want to do?
Xiangyi, Xiangyi…
His heart and mind were filled entirely with Xiangyi.
In the darkness, he couldn’t distinguish heaven from earth, sun from moon. Nor did he know how much time had passed. Though sitting on his most familiar dragon throne, it felt as if invisible shackles imprisoned his body, not allowing him to move an inch.
Until a soft sensation landed on his lips.
Like a petal—soft, moist, sweet—an unprecedented sensation.
What was that?
His breath caught, his mind completely blank, as if struck by lightning from the sky.
The next moment, he became more awake than ever, realizing:
That was Xiangyi.
It seemed like only an instant, yet also like an eternity. Something wet and smooth lightly licked over his lips. That familiar, unsettling warmth finally slowly withdrew.
Only then did his consciousness finally return to his body.
But Xiangyi was still gazing at him intensely. That gaze felt as if it were holding his entire person over a fire to roast. The blood under his skin boiled and scalded, clamoring to break through the barriers and gush forth.
And he used the utmost willpower to suppress that impulse.
Afterwards, he began to ponder: why did Xiangyi do that?
Obviously, that was not a kiss that should occur between relatives. On one hand, he thought clearly and rationally; on the other, he tried to convince himself.
Xiangyi had always been close to him. Just a kiss, merely a child’s playful antics. He shouldn’t take it to heart.
Xiangyi had waited long enough. He couldn’t keep her waiting any longer.
So he opened his eyes and spoke to her as if nothing had happened.
Feng Jue withdrew from his memories and looked at this child before him, who had grown radiant and beautiful. Every part of her face was familiar to him, yet also greatly different from his memories.
Xiangyi had grown up. She was no longer the little girl who curled in his arms, acting coy, begging him to hold her.
Seizing his moment of silent contemplation, Zheng Xiangyi said with a smiling, bright face, “Shouldn’t Your Majesty trust yourself the most? Who in this world could treat me better than you?”
Even after marrying Feng Yu in her previous life, she never felt Feng Yu loved her more than His Majesty did.
Feng Jue sighed softly. “I will grow old.”
“But who doesn’t grow old?” Zheng Xiangyi said. “Thirty years from now, you’ll also think I’ve grown old.”
Feng Jue frowned. “No matter how old Xiangyi gets, in my heart, you will always be my child.”
Zheng Xiangyi knew she couldn’t persuade him immediately. After all, in the eyes of ordinary people, there indeed existed a seemingly insurmountable chasm between her and His Majesty.
But was she someone who would hesitate and hold back due to fear of others’ opinions? The Zheng Xiangyi of her previous life was not, and the Zheng Xiangyi of this life would not be either.
She would always be proud, always audacious, always unrestrained.
This was the confidence His Majesty gave her. As long as he was here for one more day, she would forever be the willful, radiant Junzhu Deyi.
“Then, does Your Majesty want to make a bet with me?” Zheng Xiangyi knew His Majesty was accustomed to considering things for her. He would never stop weighing gains and losses on her behalf. Even in her previous life, when forced to agree to her marriage with Feng Yu under her pressure, he still left behind an edict to protect her.
She shouldn’t blame His Majesty for wanting her to marry. Precisely because he cared for her, he would scheme and plan for her in every possible way.
That was his way of loving her.
But Zheng Xiangyi also had her own way of loving: burning herself without regard for anything, wanting to follow her heart and live passionately in every moment of life.
Moreover, she was a child. She didn’t need to hesitate and consider everything; being willful and reckless was enough.
After hearing her out, Feng Jue raised his eyes with interest. “What does Xiangyi want to bet?”
Zheng Xiangyi lightly lifted her chin, her voice clear and bright. “Let’s bet on those men in your roster. I’ll give them a chance. Let’s bet on whether they can truly meet your requirements.”
His Majesty wanted her to marry. Then she would let him see with his own eyes whether those people were worthy of his trust.