Zheng Xiangyi obtained the roster from His Majesty and sat shoulder-to-shoulder with him, flipping through it together.
It had to be said that His Majesty had truly put considerable thought into her marriage. Upon casually opening a page, a handsome face leapt out—gentle and refined, roguish and unrestrained, cool and aloof, domineering… From civil officials to military generals, from humble origins to nobility, every style imaginable was present.
Zheng Xiangyi was dazzled, feeling as if all the young men in the spring dreams of women across the nation were probably gathered in this book. If she weren’t set on marrying His Majesty, she might have also felt a bit tempted.
Of course, marrying them was absolutely impossible. But raising a few like Feng Yue to keep around for amusement wouldn’t be bad.
Thinking about those stuffy old ministers who usually pointed fingers at her, their sons and grandsons having to bow and scrape before her, carefully flattering her, she nearly laughed aloud.
Hmph, those lousy men were only good for that. Wanting to climb into her bed? Not a chance.
Feng Jue quietly observed her but didn’t see the slightest hint of aversion on her face.
Sure enough, Xiangyi’s earlier behavior toward him was just childish playfulness. So he thought, yet a small thorn seemed to prickle faintly in his chest—not painful or itchy, but not exactly comfortable either.
He asked in a flat tone, “Has Xiangyi spotted any you like?”
Zheng Xiangyi was flipping through the pages when she suddenly saw a familiar name—Liu Ningxuan, the one who had spoken up for her at the literary gathering. She casually pointed and said:
“This one is somewhat agreeable.”
Compared to those unknown strangers, she still held some goodwill toward Liu Ningxuan, who had once spoken in her defense. However, among this crowd of princes and nobles, Liu Ningxuan’s family background was truly somewhat lacking.
But as far as she was concerned, apart from becoming His Majesty’s Empress, marrying anyone else would be marrying beneath her. Family background and social status weren’t necessary considerations anyway.
Feng Jue glanced at it, his gaze pausing slightly. Liu Ningxuan was the last one he had added to the roster. Unexpectedly, Xiangyi had specifically picked this one.
“The others… won’t Xiangyi take a closer look?” His tone gave away no particular emotion.
But Zheng Xiangyi shook her head, her tone firm. “I’ve chosen this one. I won’t change.”
Anyway, she wasn’t sincerely choosing a husband, just temporarily placating His Majesty. As for Liu Ningxuan, she would find an opportunity to explain the situation to him. If he was willing to be this shield, she would naturally compensate him in other ways. If he wasn’t willing, changing to someone else would be fine too.
“Now, will Your Majesty finally feel at ease?” Zheng Xiangyi let out a light huff, her gaze toward him carrying a hint of resentment.
If His Majesty hadn’t been so determined to avoid impropriety with her, why would she need to go through such roundabout ways to dispel his suspicions, wronging herself to deal with others?
If, even like this, His Majesty still wanted to avoid her… then she might as well break the pot completely, directly get him drunk and force herself on him. Let’s see how he could still refuse to take responsibility for her then.
Huh? That idea didn’t sound bad either. Note it down for later.
Zheng Xiangyi’s eyes rolled as a few more “bad ideas” popped into her mind. She planned to try them out on His Majesty one by another day. She refused to believe he could truly remain unmoved.
Anyway, she was used to being willful and reckless. This temperament was personally indulged by His Majesty; naturally, the bitter consequences had to be tasted by him himself.
Feng Jue’s heart was a tumult of mixed feelings. Since Xiangyi held favorable feelings toward Liu Ningxuan, her earlier closeness to him must have been just playful antics.
He had overthought it. Since Xiangyi regarded him as her own father, how could she harbor romantic feelings for him? That brief, peck-like kiss was merely a little girl acting coy toward her father.
How could he impose those sordid thoughts upon Xiangyi?
“This Liu Ningxuan… his qualifications are still somewhat lacking.” Having rectified his “fatherly mindset,” looking at Liu Ningxuan again, he found everything about him displeasing.
His appearance wasn’t top-tier; his family background was also lacking. Yet Xiangyi had specifically chosen him.
Zheng Xiangyi said indifferently, “Anyway, there weren’t many in this roster who were worthy of me to begin with. Liu Ningxuan is just somewhat more agreeable.”
“Besides…” she cooed, wrapping her arms around his, her voice soft, “Liu Ningxuan is just lacking in family background. If I truly marry him in the future, wouldn’t Your Majesty promote him generously for my sake?”
This time, Feng Jue didn’t avoid her closeness. Xiangyi was like his own daughter. A daughter being close to her father—wasn’t that only natural?
Just treat her as a daughter. Treat her as a father would. Don’t think about those improper thoughts.
He gently patted her shoulder, his gaze indulgent. “Naturally. Whatever Xiangyi wants, I will agree.”
Zheng Xiangyi suddenly felt she was like those seductive imperial consorts from the storybooks, having the virtuous, wise, and sagacious ruler His Majesty utterly infatuated and dizzy. It was truly a great sense of accomplishment!
Her face full of emotion, she cooed and snuggled into his embrace, “Your Majesty treats Xiangyi so well. Xiangyi likes Your Majesty the most.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist, her fingertips “accidentally” lightly grazing his back as she did.
Wow, didn’t expect His Majesty to look slender but have such firm, powerful back muscles. If it weren’t for this layer of clothing in the way, touching them would definitely feel even more…
Feng Jue’s body stiffened slightly, then he told himself again: Xiangyi is your daughter. She’s just a bit coquettish. What ill intentions could she possibly have?
So he didn’t push her away again, only helplessly let her hold him, saying softly, “You’re always so good with sweet words. In the future, when you have a husband and children, will you still like me the most?”
“How could they compare to you?” Zheng Xiangyi lifted her head without hesitation, her eyes full of adoration. “You are the most important person in the world to me, even closer than my own father. No matter who stands by your side, the one I’ll always like the most is you. My heart will never change.”
Feng Jue had intended to maintain his elder’s dignity, but hearing her say this, his earlobes unconsciously grew warm.
Xiangyi said she liked him the most, that no one could compare to him. Indeed, it was the child he had raised with his own hands, perfectly suiting his heart in every way.
He gently smoothed the stray strands of hair by her ear, his gentle voice tinged with a faint smile. “Smooth talker.”
“How is this smooth talk?” Zheng Xiangyi pouted discontentedly. “Every word is sincere! I just like Your Majesty the most. Isn’t Your Majesty’s favorite also me?”
After saying this, her gaze locked tightly onto him, as if daring him to say “no,” she would immediately cry and make a scene.
Truly spoiled rotten by me, Feng Jue thought, yet still answered gently, “My favorite, naturally, is also Xiangyi.”
He had been emotionally indifferent since childhood. His imperial mother was perpetually melancholic, only hoping the late Emperor would change his mind, paying little attention to him as a son. The late Emperor was wholeheartedly devoted to Consort Zhuang and her son, never giving him a proper glance.
Only Xiangyi, raised with his own hands, was an attachment he could not sever in this lifetime.
He was immensely grateful to the late Empress Dowager for bringing Xiangyi into the palace back then, and even more grateful that on her deathbed, she entrusted Xiangyi to him, allowing him to legitimately nurture and cherish this flower that belonged solely to him.
“I knew Your Majesty liked me the most!” Zheng Xiangyi smiled sweetly.
Though the “like” in her words might not carry the same meaning as His Majesty’s, she was still filled with joy. From a certain perspective, she and His Majesty could also be considered… hearts connected, right?
…
When Liu Ningxuan received the message that the Junzhu wished to meet, he was momentarily dazed, suspecting he was dreaming.
That was the Princess Deyi, His Majesty’s most beloved. Also the most radiant, lively woman he had ever seen in his life, an existence he didn’t even dare recall lightly in his dreams.
Long before seeing her with his own eyes, Liu Ningxuan had already heard countless rumors about the Junzhu from numerous people.
They said she was spoiled, domineering, willful beyond measure. They said she relied on the Emperor’s favor, her extravagance surpassing even princes and princesses. They criticized her, denounced her, as if doing so could make them self-righteous, honest officials who dared to speak out for the nation and its people.
But Liu Ningxuan didn’t think that way. Among all the women in the world, it was precisely the Junzhu who received such partial affection from His Majesty. She must have her own unknown virtues.
Moreover, though the Junzhu enjoyed immense favor, she had never bullied the common people using her power. On the contrary, it was those princes and nobles who often suffered setbacks before her.
He was filled with curiosity about such a different woman. Until that day, when the Junzhu descended before him like a blazing red cloud.
She was lofty yet fearless, spirited and brilliant, as if a goddess, yet she actually spoke up and recommended an unknown nobody like him before His Majesty.
At that moment, he thought, I finally understand why His Majesty loves the Junzhu so much.
Because he too was utterly captivated by such a proud, radiant Junzhu.
He had thought he would never have another chance to meet the Junzhu, but the Junzhu took the initiative to send him a letter inviting him.
Liu Ningxuan stopped before the bamboo curtain, his hands so awkward he didn’t know where to place them, fine beads of sweat moistening his palms.
Until a beautiful maid lifted the curtain and emerged, saying to him gently, “Young Master, please follow me.”
Liu Ningxuan took a deep breath, nodded to her, doing his utmost to maintain composure on his face. He followed her into the inner chamber.
As soon as he entered, he saw the Junzhu, dressed in red, sitting at the table toying with a wine cup. Hearing the movement, she turned her head and gave him a radiant smile.
“You’re here!”
For a moment, dazzling brilliance filled his vision. Liu Ningxuan’s steps grew unsteady as he approached. Just as he was about to bow with clasped hands, he heard her softly go “Shh.”
“No need for formalities. Sit down quickly.”
Only then did Liu Ningxuan take a seat opposite her, keeping his eyes lowered, not daring to look up at her.
Zheng Xiangyi first motioned for Muqin to withdraw before looking at the dull, wooden man across from her, feeling somewhat puzzled: Wasn’t he quite eloquent and sharp-tongued the last time we met? Why has he turned into such a mute goose now?
But since she wasn’t really interested in others anyway, she got straight to the point. “I asked you here today because there’s something I’d like your help with. I wonder if you’re willing.”
The Junzhu… actually wanted to ask for his help?
Liu Ningxuan slowly lifted his head, trying hard to suppress the heat in his earlobes, saying gently, “Please go ahead, Junzhu. This humble one will certainly do his utmost to help.”
Faced with such a good-natured person, Zheng Xiangyi felt embarrassed to continue putting on airs. She said frankly, “You probably know that I just had my coming-of-age ceremony some days ago. His Majesty has been wanting to find me a husband lately. After much thought… I chose you.”
Liu Ningxuan’s mind instantly buzzed, going completely blank.
The Junzhu chose him as her husband? How could he, of such little virtue and ability, be worthy!
“Of course, I don’t actually intend to marry you…” Zheng Xiangyi explained. “I just don’t want to get married and don’t wish for His Majesty to keep urging me, so I arbitrarily used you as a shield. If you’re unwilling, I’ll go explain it to His Majesty right now.”
Liu Ningxuan’s thoughts gradually returned. The previously burning excitement in his body instantly cooled down.
Right. Someone as noble as the Junzhu, how could she possibly take a fancy to the son of a minor sixth-rank official? But with so many princes and nobles around the Junzhu, she specifically sought my help. The Junzhu shouldn’t dislike me, right?
Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Liu Ningxuan said, “If it can be of any help to the Junzhu, this humble one is naturally willing.”
Zheng Xiangyi didn’t expect him to agree so readily. She looked at him with considerable surprise, then smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t take advantage of you for nothing. In the future, if you need any help, just let me know!”
Liu Ningxuan responded with a low “Mm,” then asked, “I wonder what the Junzhu needs this humble one to do?”
Zheng Xiangyi rested her chin in her hand and thought for a moment. Actually, she didn’t have anything specific for him to do. Although His Majesty was intent on finding her a husband, he wasn’t actually forcing her. It was just that her mind was now set on becoming His Majesty’s Empress, unwilling to deal with others. Liu Ningxuan was merely an excuse for her to avoid this matter.
“I haven’t thought it through yet. We’ll talk about it later,” Zheng Xiangyi decided to take things one step at a time for now.
Liu Ningxuan fell silent for a moment before finally couldn’t help but ask, “Junzhu doesn’t want to marry. Could it be… you already have someone you love in your heart?”
Zheng Xiangyi blinked and smiled. “Indeed I do.”
Liu Ningxuan’s heart ached slightly, but seeing her smile as bright as spring sunshine, he couldn’t help but feel happy for her. To win the Junzhu’s affection—that person must have cultivated blessings for three lifetimes.
He lowered his gaze, his expression serious. “Then, Ningxuan wishes the Junzhu that her heart’s desire is fulfilled, her wishes come true.”
Zheng Xiangyi was slightly taken aback, then her brows and eyes curved. “You really are quite a good person. From now on, I’ll look out for you. If anyone dares bully you, I’ll definitely avenge you.”
Liu Ningxuan suddenly felt that though he had no chance to become the Junzhu’s husband, just being able to meet her like this was already enough to satisfy his heart.
Imperial Palace, Zichen Hall.
The atmosphere in the hall was unusually tense. Eunuch Gui stood bowed before the desk, his entire body taut as if treading on thin ice, not daring to make the slightest move.
Until he heard His Majesty ask in a deep voice, “Xiangyi today… truly went to see him?”