In the Hall of Eternal Life.
The emperor raised his hand and removed the sandalwood hairpin. Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, her clear eyes shimmering with a faint mist.
So gentle, yet unable to speak.
So sorrowful—what was there to like about someone as despicable as Shen Jueming?
I am the ruler of Great Qian, he thought. Revered by all nations, handsome, brilliant, young, and powerful.
It is you, woman, who has gained the advantage.
With that thought, he clenched his fist. A trace of youthful competitiveness surfaced as he leaned forward, leaving no room for refusal, and pressed his lips against hers.
A faint orchid fragrance filled the air—soft and sweet.
Sweeter than candied fruit.
Irresistible.
Are women’s lips always this soft and sweet?
The emperor found himself curious.
Though his harem was vast, he rarely visited it. He was not a stallion in a stable, mating endlessly.
As emperor, he had to take history as a guide, govern diligently, and keep the people of Great Qian in mind at all times.
Every day, memorials piled endlessly on his desk—he had no time or energy for the harem.
Even visiting three times a month was forced upon him by those pedantic scholars.
Thus, to him, intimacy was merely a duty—something to be done quickly and without thought.
He had never kissed their lips.
Even though everything was part of Jing Miaoyi’s calculations, she had been raised as a noble lady of a prestigious family. The upbringing ingrained in her bones made her body tremble uncontrollably.
She had disgraced the Jing family of Qingzhou.
She had failed her father’s teachings.
But she had no choice.
Heaven had given her another life so she could take revenge.
Thinking of this, her resolve only hardened.
The emperor sensed her trembling and smirked. His tongue brushed against his canine tooth, carrying a hint of youthful mischief.
The Jing family of Qingzhou—strict, rigid, unyielding.
“Does it feel exciting? Sneaking around behind your husband’s back?”
The emperor enjoyed watching such upright people commit secret, shameful acts—seeing them torn between guilt and helpless obedience.
But when he saw her brows furrow, her eyes brimming with tears, lips trembling in restraint—something in him abruptly stilled.
“Your Majesty, please grant this servant death.”
Her voice was soft and mournful, her beauty striking.
“I have wronged my husband and disgraced Your Majesty. I have shamed the Jing family.”
A tear fell onto the emperor’s hand, burning hot.
“I said I would kill you?” he replied.
“I am Shen Jueming’s lawful wife. What happened at Wanfo Temple cannot be undone. I am willing to die to prove my integrity.”
The emperor laughed softly, almost mockingly.
“Earlier you begged me to keep your secret, wanting to live. And now, in just two days, you seek death?”
“Jing Miaoyi, have you suddenly found your sense of shame? Or are you playing games with me?”
He grew irritated.
“Enough.” He cut her off. “You want to die? Dream on.”
“I have never executed nine clans before,” he continued coldly. “But your Jing family—renowned, influential… perhaps ten clans would be more fitting.”
“Your Majesty—”
The lives of over a hundred people from the Jing family were now in his hands.
“Let me see what you’ve learned these past three years.”
His cold hand brushed her cheek.
“Relax. Otherwise, you’ll only suffer more.”
He was emperor. There was nothing he could not take.
Outside, Li Dequan quietly withdrew.
The emperor truly knew how to handle her.
And yet—
“Your Majesty—”
“Princess, what brings you here?” Li Dequan hurried to intercept.
“Is His Majesty inside?”
“No—no, he’s not!”
“Don’t lie. Wherever you are, the emperor is there.”
Inside, the emperor paused mid-motion. Before he could react, the door was pushed open.
“Princess—!”
Too late.
Zhao Jia entered, frowning. “Miaoyi? Why are you here?”
The emperor immediately stepped forward, blocking her view.
“What are you doing here?”
Zhao Jia ignored him and moved closer. “Qingzhi came to pick me up. I’m no longer angry, so I came to say goodbye.”
“Stay away from me,” the emperor snapped. “I’m afraid of women.”
“Afraid of women? Then how will you produce heirs?” she teased.
Before he could stop her, she pushed him aside and helped Miaoyi to her feet.
“Miaoyi, let’s go. The palace gates will close soon.”
“Did I say she could leave?” the emperor demanded.
Zhao Jia frowned. “Keeping a married woman in the palace at this hour? Do you want the officials to drown you in criticism?”
He fell silent.
Miaoyi turned away, shoulders trembling—she was crying.
He hadn’t even had the chance to finish what he started, and she was already crying.
What was this?
Ridiculous.
Fine. Let her go.
If she wanted to remain loyal to her husband, then he would see how long that lasted—especially when she was sent to the Duke.
Li Dequan watched them leave and cautiously glanced at the emperor.
He didn’t seem furious.
After all, she was just a beautiful woman. The emperor had countless beauties in his harem.
Surely he wouldn’t be obsessed with one married woman.
The emperor was a diligent ruler—focused on the people, rising early and resting late.
Of course he wouldn’t care.
“Zhao Jia, you ruin everything every time!” the emperor suddenly burst out.
“If I weren’t a wise ruler, I’d have you torn apart by horses!”
He kicked the table in frustration and winced in pain.
“Your Majesty!” Li Dequan rushed forward in panic.
The emperor grabbed his ear. “Why are you crying? I’m not dead.”
Li Dequan trembled. “Your Majesty, please don’t say such things…”
The emperor pushed him away.
“If I’m unhappy, no one gets to be happy.”
If I didn’t get what I wanted, no one will.
“Pass down my decree,” he ordered coldly.
“All officials must focus on the people. No indulgence in lust.”
“From today onward, abstain from desire.”
“Anyone who disobeys will be punished by castration.”
Li Dequan froze in shock.
Was the emperor serious?
This decree would cause chaos in court.
“Your Majesty… is there a time limit?” he asked carefully.
“Why do you ask? It doesn’t concern you,” the emperor scoffed.
Li Dequan flushed with embarrassment.
The emperor leaned back on his throne.
“They want me to work tirelessly? Fine.”
“I’ll make them suffer too.”
“I will be pure and desireless.”
“And so will they.”
“Jing Miaoyi… don’t think your beauty means anything to me.”
“I’ll wait.”
“I’ll wait for the day you come begging me.”