Hall of Eternal Life.
The Linhui Emperor looked at the stack of memorials filled with routine greetings and threw them to the ground. “This bunch of idle fools—do I rise at dawn and rest at night just to read this nonsense?”
Li Dequan hurried forward to pick them up. Glancing at the documents, he saw several bold lines written across them:
Aside from offering greetings, you possess no other talents. Petty and stubborn. Your nonsense tires me.
“Do they think I spend my days indulging in pleasure with nothing better to do? No wonder my grandfather and father both died young—if you ask me, they were worked to death reading this garbage every day.”
Li Dequan wiped his sweat in panic.
Oh heavens, Your Majesty… are you trying to scare this old servant to death at random?
Despite years on the throne, His Majesty still spoke his mind like a child.
As for those frontier generals sending daily greetings—wasn’t it just because they feared being forgotten by the Emperor?
“Your Majesty, please calm your anger. It is late—perhaps you should rest?”
The Linhui Emperor glanced at Li Dequan, a hint of cunning flashing in his eyes. “Did he understand my meaning?”
“Lord Shen said he would never fail Your Majesty’s trust and would surely serve the Great Qian—”
“He understands nothing.” The Emperor laughed, sitting back casually. “That man is quite interesting. During the day, he humbles himself, calling a man barely older than him—Duke Zhen—‘father,’ even offering up his own wife for the sake of it.”
“At night, he serves on the bed of the Eldest Princess, who is over a decade older than him. That’s why I say he’s a Ninja Turtle.”
Li Dequan wiped nonexistent sweat from his forehead. Only the Emperor would dare mock someone so bluntly.
Though Lord Shen’s actions were despised by the scholar-officials, they were undeniably effective.
“And her?”
“Your Majesty… who do you mean?”
The Emperor ran his tongue along his cheek and beckoned Li Dequan closer.
Li Dequan stepped forward. The Emperor gestured for him to turn around—
Then kicked him squarely in the backside. “Do you know who I’m asking about now?”
Rubbing his rear, Li Dequan scrambled up. His young Emperor’s moods changed by the moment.
“Your Majesty has helped Madam Shen. Surely she is deeply grateful.”
“Grateful? Then why hasn’t she come to the palace to give thanks?”
At dusk, a married woman entering the palace to personally thank the Emperor—did that sound reasonable at all?
If word got out, it would stir chaos throughout both court and harem.
Those stubborn censors would certainly raise a storm of criticism.
By then, even the gossip in the capital would be enough to drown Madam Shen.
“Perhaps Madam Shen wishes to prepare herself properly before entering the palace to express her gratitude.”
Having served the Emperor for years, Li Dequan knew better than anyone how to soothe him.
“In that case, I shall wait and see.”
Shen Residence.
Shen Jueming’s gaze darkened as he pulled her into his arms. His cold hand slid up her neck like a snake. “Miaoyi, what did that eunuch mean?”
“Madam Shen, are you feeling better? You left something behind. His Majesty has ordered me to return it to you.”
“Oh, and Lord Shen—His Majesty places great importance on harmony within the household. Madam Shen is pure and sincere; do not fail her.”
Jing Miaoyi tightened her grip on the box in her hands.
She knew the Emperor was unpredictable—but he was still the Son of Heaven. His word should not be treated lightly.
He had clearly promised that no third person would ever know.
“Miaoyi, His Majesty said you left something behind. What is it?”
“Miaoyi, did you really go to fulfill a vow for me… or to meet a lover in secret?”
Shen Jueming’s gaze grew colder, a storm brewing in his eyes.
She was merely a woman of the inner household—how would the Emperor even know of her?
Miaoyi was beautiful—what man could resist her?
He might be willing to send her to Duke Zhen, but he would never allow her to betray him of her own accord.
Not even for the Emperor.
He reached out, about to open the box.
Jing Miaoyi’s heart skipped. Instinctively, she pulled it back.
She had left in a hurry. Only after returning and changing did she realize her crimson embroidered undergarment was missing.
How could she have known the Emperor would be so mischievous, deliberately toying with her?
This item must never be seen by Shen Jueming.
Otherwise, he would never let her off. And the Emperor would hardly protect a married woman like her.
She could not afford to fail now.
Tears welled in her eyes. “Shen-lang, what do you mean by this?”
“You were the one who allowed me to go to Wanfo Temple to fulfill the vow.”
“In my efforts to pray for you, I accidentally twisted my ankle. By chance, His Majesty passed by.”
“Knowing I was your wife, His Majesty ordered the eunuch to help me seek a physician. That is why he asked whether I had recovered.”
She looked at him, her voice trembling. “Why do you question me so?”
Like a flower battered by wind and rain, she wept.
She lightly struck his chest with her fists. “If you doubt me, then I might as well die here to prove my innocence!”
Shen Jueming panicked, quickly pulling her back into his embrace. “It’s my fault. It’s only because Miaoyi is too captivating. Back in Qingzhou, those who wished to marry you nearly wore down the threshold of your home.”
Jing Miaoyi’s gaze drifted to the turtles bestowed by the Emperor, her eyes darkening.
No wonder he could endure so much.
Back then, among so many suitors, he alone had endured her father’s sharp words without changing expression, smiling as he flattered him.
He was truly skilled at enduring, at pretending—so much so that even her father believed him, entrusting her to his care before his death.
Shen Jueming lifted her into his arms. “Miaoyi, it’s late. Let me make it up to you.”
“Shen-lang, I’m unwell today. I’m afraid I cannot serve you.” She tried to push him away.
“It’s fine. I’ll just hold you.”
Deep into the night, Jing Miaoyi slowly opened her eyes, looking at Shen Jueming fast asleep. The hatred in her gaze was undisguised.
Silently, she drew a hairpin from beneath her pillow.
Shen Jueming… you deserve to die.
The tip of the hairpin hovered at his throat—but just before it pierced, she stopped.
No. He couldn’t die like this.
The next day.
Jing Miaoyi sat before her dressing table, looking at the brocade box sent by the Emperor.
“My lady, does what the eunuch said yesterday mean the master can no longer send you away?” Baozhu asked, worry evident in her eyes.
“Shen Jueming is ambitious. How could he give up such a perfect opportunity?”
As long as the Emperor had not made it explicit, Shen Jueming could pretend ignorance.
He had already risen to Vice Minister before even sending her to Duke Zhen. After doing so, he would gain even more.
A man as selfish as him would never let such an opportunity slip.
“Then… my lady, what should we do? Should we beg the Emperor?” Baozhu clenched her hands.
The Emperor was not someone a mere woman could meet at will.
Jing Miaoyi’s gaze fell on the brocade box. “Destroy whatever is inside.”
“Baozhu, find out the whereabouts of Lady Yan, wife of Magistrate Yan of Qizhou.”
Yan Qingzhi had once been her father’s student—praised as perceptive, worldly yet not corrupted.
She could not clear her father’s name alone. She needed allies.
Bookshop.
“This copy of Records of the Netherworld is our last. That lady over there has it,” the shop assistant said.
Following his gesture, Madam Yan saw a woman in pale moon-white robes, elegant and serene.
“Madam, do you also like Records of the Netherworld?”
“Jing Miaoyi!”
Jing Miaoyi was surprised. She had grown up in Qingzhou, and since arriving in the capital, Shen Jueming had rarely allowed her out.
Seeing her confusion, Madam Yan explained, “My husband is Yan Qingzhi of Qizhou. We met five years ago thanks to your father.”
She paused, as if remembering something. “By the way, Miss Jing, when did you come to the capital?”
“Three years ago, with my husband. He is Shen Jueming, Vice Minister of Personnel.”
Jing Miaoyi smoothly changed the subject. “So you are Senior Brother Yan’s wife. I was unable to attend your wedding back then due to illness.”
She handed over the book. “A gentleman does not take what another loves. Please accept it.”
“Don’t call me Madam Yan. I’m a few years older than you—just call me Sister Zhao.” Madam Yan laughed, patting her shoulder.
The force nearly made Jing Miaoyi stumble.
Truly the daughter of a military family.
“Sister Zhao… my husband rarely allows me out, so I have few friends in the capital.”
“Then let me show you around.”
Zhao Jia’s father was Prince Yong’an, the Emperor’s uncle.
With her help, perhaps Jing Miaoyi would have another chance to see the Emperor.
Hall of Eternal Life.
This was the seventh time the Emperor had complained about the temperature of his tea.
Sitting on the dragon throne, irritation flickered in his handsome eyes.
What time was it already? Was she really going to make him wait for her gratitude?
He frowned again, just about to complain—
Li Dequan could no longer endure it. Better to die quickly than slowly.
“Your Majesty… I heard Madam Shen is currently touring the capital with Princess Zhao Jia.”
The Emperor beckoned him over, grabbing his ear with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. “Did I ask about her?”
“This servant spoke out of turn!” Li Dequan slapped his own mouth.
“Get out.”
The Emperor’s face darkened.
What an ungrateful woman. Instead of coming to thank him, she was out strolling with others.
A mere married woman—past her prime, four years older than him.
If he fussed over her, wouldn’t that seem disrespectful to an elder?
With that thought, he opened a memorial.
Governor of Fuzhou: Your Majesty, how are you?
Weaving Bureau of Jizhou: Your Majesty, how are you?
Commander of Liangxi: Your Majesty, how are you?
The Emperor’s face turned as dark as ink. His grip tightened until—
Crack.
The brush snapped in his hand.
“What kind of nonsense is this? If I weren’t well, wouldn’t the mourning bells of the capital be ringing?”
“These people are far too idle. Li Dequan.”
“This servant is here.” Li Dequan dropped to his knees, sweat pooling in his palms.
The Emperor wrote several bold lines on a blank sheet.
“Deliver my decree: summon the Governor of Fuzhou, the Weaving Bureau of Jizhou, and the Commander of Liangxi to the capital. Once all have arrived, we will review matters together.”
“Ah?” Even the nearest would take half a month. The farthest—over a month.
“Hmm?”
Li Dequan immediately fell silent, glancing at the paper.
Written across it were the words—
What exactly are your duties? Blind, deaf, and worse than beasts.
Such crude scolding…
Oh, His Majesty.
These officials were truly unlucky.
If you want to see Madam Shen, why not just go? Why be so stubborn?
You are the Emperor—what is there you cannot have?
Chapter 4: Don’t Cry Yet—You’ll Have Plenty of Time to Cry Later
For two consecutive days, the young emperor had been irritable and short-tempered, nearly wearing down Li Dequan’s old bones.
“Shen Jueming, this is the memorial you submitted? What kind of nonsense is this? Are you out of your mind?”
Emperor Linhui grabbed the memorial and hurled it fiercely at Shen Jueming, frightening him so much that he didn’t even dare lift his head.
“Get out of here—get out of my sight!” As he spoke, he picked up another stack of documents and threw them over.
“Your Majesty, calm your anger. I am at fault. I will leave at once,” Shen Jueming said. Though he had once been a fifth-rank official, he had never left much of an impression before the emperor.
Finally summoned to the palace, only to be met with a barrage of scolding.
Cold sweat soaked his back.
“Eunuch Li, why is His Majesty so furious? Where have I fallen short?” Shen Jueming took out a small box from his sleeve and slipped it to Li Dequan.
“I’ve only just taken office and don’t understand many things. I hope Eunuch Li can offer some guidance.”
Li Dequan opened it to find a jade pendant of fine emerald green—clearly very valuable.
A generous gesture.
But he couldn’t accept it. “Lord Shen, you’re too kind,” he said, pushing it back.
After all, his little emperor had already slept with Lord Shen’s wife—this situation was largely his fault.
And judging by things, the emperor probably intended to do it again. That jade pendant would be better kept by Lord Shen himself.
“Lord Shen has come at an unfortunate time. Princess Zhao Jia entered the palace today.
“His Majesty grew up with the princess; they are as close as siblings. Lord Yan angered the princess, and since she couldn’t vent her anger on him, she directed it all at His Majesty.
“I’ve heard that Lady Shen is friends with the princess. If Lady Shen were to enter the palace and comfort her, persuading her to return to the Yan residence, His Majesty would surely remember Lord Shen’s efforts.”
When did Miaoyi become so close to Princess Zhao Jia?
Three years ago, after arriving in the capital, he had deliberately kept Miaoyi from contacting outsiders—to prevent any of Jing’s former disciples from interfering and driving a wedge between them.
“Do you understand, Lord Shen?”
Shen Jueming hid the confusion in his eyes and responded with a smile.
He returned home with a dark expression.
Yet upon arriving, he saw a beauty preparing food for him. Her elegant orchid-embroidered sleeves were rolled up, revealing arms as smooth as jade.
“Shen-lang, you’re back?” she said with a smile. Her eyes were clear and bright, slightly curved at the corners, carrying a natural charm.
The sight instantly extinguished the anger in his heart.
Seven years ago, when he was assigned to Qingzhou, he had fallen for Miaoyi at first sight.
The Jing family of Qingzhou might not have powerful officials in court, but they had produced twenty-three chancellors and one hundred twenty-one successful scholars.
A true scholarly family—anyone from Qingzhou would share connections with at least a third of officials in court.
He wanted to marry Miaoyi both for his career and because he truly loved her.
But that old man Jing Ji looked down on him and humiliated him repeatedly.
Otherwise, he would never have harbored the intent to kill—after all, that man was Miaoyi’s father.
“Shen-lang, today is your birthday. I specially prepared your favorites. Look…”
Before she could finish, Shen Jueming wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
“Miaoyi, there’s no need for you to do this yourself.” He lifted her and placed her on a soft couch.
As he leaned closer, Jing Miaoyi pressed her fingertips lightly against his chest, lowering her gaze. The tear mole beneath her eye carried a faint trace of sorrow.
“Shen-lang, you mustn’t. My father-in-law has sent word—I must go to the Duke Zhenguo’s residence at the hour of Xu.”
As she spoke, tears welled up. Her shoulders trembled like an abandoned little animal, stirring pity.
Shen Jueming’s grip tightened, his expression complicated, before he slowly loosened his hold.
Miaoyi was his wife—yet sending one’s wife away was utterly disgraceful.
But the thought of attaining the coveted purple robe and golden fish pouch…
He could not give it up.
Miaoyi was the love of his life. Three years—it didn’t matter to him.
Jing Miaoyi could barely hide the mockery in her eyes.
Shen Jueming—selling your wife for status. Can someone like you even be called a man?
“Oh right, Miaoyi—when did you become friends with Princess Zhao Jia?”
“You mean Sister Zhao? She is Senior Brother Yan’s wife. We met at the study yesterday and got along well.”
Shen Jueming’s gaze darkened. “You saw Yan Qingzhi?”
Jing Miaoyi sensed the change in his tone. “No, Senior Brother Yan was busy with official duties.”
His clenched hand loosened slightly.
“Miaoyi, I know you share ties of fellowship with them, but don’t forget—when your father was framed, all his former students avoided him.
“You sent letter after letter to the capital. Besides me, did anyone come to help?”
He spoke gently, repeatedly emphasizing their coldness, making her see the harshness of the world.
In her past life, she might have believed these words completely.
Now, she could only doubt them.
“You’re right, Shen-lang.” She appeared obedient and devoted, her eyes filled only with him, convincing Shen Jueming that she had no one else to rely on in the capital.
“Miaoyi, I’ve just been promoted to Vice Minister of Personnel. There are many who envy me.
“Princess Zhao Jia is close to His Majesty. Why not enter the palace and persuade her to return home? That way, His Majesty will remember my efforts.”
Using the gentlest words to do the cruelest things.
When he needed her, he sweet-talked her. When she had no value, he cast her aside without hesitation.
But that was fine.
She needed the emperor as her backing. Entering the palace was an opportunity.
Changsheng Hall.
Jing Miaoyi had never entered the palace before, but she knew this was the emperor’s residence.
Her steps paused slightly.
“Lady Shen, why stop?” Xiao An urged.
“Aren’t we going to see Princess Zhao Jia?”
Outside the hall, Li Dequan heard the emperor’s furious curses again and felt his head throb.
He only hoped Lord Shen was clever enough.
In his view, since the emperor liked Lady Shen so much, he might as well take her into the palace directly.
After all, which emperor of Great Qian didn’t have his quirks?
Officials might protest, but eventually everything would settle.
By then, once the emperor grew tired of her, he could simply reward Lord Shen as compensation.
After all, Lord Shen intended to sell his wife for gain anyway.
Better to sell directly to the emperor than through others.
He hurried forward when he saw her. “Lady Shen, you’ve finally arrived. His Majesty is waiting for you to offer thanks. Do you understand what he means?”
“Huh?” Before Jing Miaoyi could respond, she was pushed inside.
“What kind of trash memorial dares be presented before me!” A document was thrown at her feet.
She bent to pick it up, but the emperor barked, “Water!”
Startled, she poured a cup and carefully offered it.
“It’s too hot! Are you trying to burn me? Useless servant!”
As he looked up, he met her frightened, helpless eyes.
“I am at fault. Please forgive me, Your Majesty,” Jing Miaoyi said, kneeling sincerely.
The emperor’s irritation vanished, replaced by a playful smile.
“Fault? You do have a fault.”
Looking at her clear eyes, he recalled the day at Wanfo Temple when she had cried beneath him.
“Tell me—did you like the gift I sent?”
At that, Jing Miaoyi blushed deeply, biting her lip as tears shimmered in her eyes, though she knelt upright.
Like an orchid—bent by wind and rain, yet unbroken.
“Your Majesty, a ruler’s word is no joke. Why toy with me like this?”
“Toy with you? I was giving you a reward. How is that toying?”
“I…” She clenched her hands. “Why did Your Majesty send my undergarment publicly?”
The emperor raised his arm, revealing a crimson embroidered undergarment wrapped around it.
“Are you referring to this?”
“Your—Your Majesty…” She could hardly believe the emperor would act so shamelessly.
He lifted her chin, his fingers cool.
“In your eyes, am I so despicable? If I say I won’t let others know, then no one will know.
“So—you never even opened the brocade box I sent. Such disregard for imperial favor—how should I punish you?”
His tone was playful, yet she knew better than to take it lightly.
His touch sent a strange heat through her body.
She trembled instinctively.
“I’ve heard Shen Jueming intends to send you to Ruan Xi.”
She bit her lip but nodded under the pressure.
“He’s quite generous—sending away even his wife.”
His fingers brushed her reddened eyes. “Do you want to serve that general, Ruan Xi?”
“I told you—we are both kind people. If you don’t speak, how will I know your thoughts?”
His smile was unreadable.
She remained silent.
What she needed was not fleeting favor—but the emperor’s heart.
He must willingly become the blade in her hand.
“Have you cried already?” he asked.
She nodded.
He said nothing, only pressed harder against the corner of her eyes.
“Don’t cry yet—there will be time for that later.”