Chapter 0042: Fond of His Majesty

Chapter 0042: Fond of His Majesty

He Jinli...

This woman, despite her deceit, had such clear eyes. Her frankness left him at a loss for words. He wouldn't believe her if she claimed to be always honest.

But her outright admission that she wouldn't always be transparent left him with nothing to say.

Yes, even with the closest of relationships, it's normal not to share everything. This woman is truly intriguing.

"Will Your Majesty forgive me this time?" Yunli asked.

"For me to forgive you... that depends on you..."

The rest of his words were silenced by Yunli's hand, "Your Majesty! This matter can't be settled like this. After all, I did something wrong. You must not confuse this with matters in bed. If you're angry, punish me again; if not, please forgive me, I beg you."

She released her hand, and He Jinli's smile faded.

He Jinli looked at the woman in his arms, finding her... quite intriguing. Exceptionally so.

"Why must I expressly say 'I forgive you'?" He Jinli asked.

Yunli nodded, then leaned in to gently kiss his lips.

Her soft, red lips gently pressed against his and then withdrew.

"I like Your Majesty, so I won't deceive you. I dare not ask for Your Majesty to feel the same, but I definitely seek your forgiveness. It's very important."

He Jinli felt an unfamiliar sensation, like a feather lightly brushing against his heart.

Unaccustomed, yet not unpleasant.

"Is it really that important?" He held her waist with one hand and lifted her chin with the other.

Yunli nodded, "Yes."

"Alright, I forgive you. But, let there not be a next time," He Jinli said.

"Yes," Yunli smiled, a beautiful smile, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Why are you reluctant to get involved with the Imperial Consort?" He Jinli asked, then added, "Tell the truth."

"Well, firstly, no matter how happy I was to meet Your Majesty after entering the palace, I can't forgive their initial coercion. Secondly, my being with Your Majesty isn't because of her. There's no need for her interference. Even if sisters should help each other, I don't like her; she's insincere."

He Jinli chuckled, believing her words.

However, he thought Qi Yunli might be withholding something.

This woman was clever, knowing that aligning herself with the Imperial Consort would lead nowhere.

"What my consort says is true, but have you misunderstood something? When you interrupted me earlier, I hadn't finished speaking. My intention was, to forgive you, I will see your future behavior. Why did you automatically assume it was about bedroom matters? Hm?" He Jinli's lips curled, his hand pulling open her gown.

"Ah!" Yunli blushed, "It's not like that, Your Majesty is talking nonsense, you are just... just..."

"Just what?" He Jinli, maintaining the pose, picked her up, one hand supporting her behind as he carried her into the inner chamber, "What dirty thoughts are you harboring, Yun'er?"

"No, wanting to be good with Your Majesty isn't dirty, it's because Your Majesty is irresistibly charming," Yunli clung tightly to his neck.

"Irresistibly charming?" He Jinli gritted his teeth, "I think you're playing with fire."

"Ow, Your Majesty, ah... be gentle... um, Your Majesty..."

The attendants outside retreated far away.

Meng Chang stood in the outer corridor, looking up at the sky filled with stars.

He thought about the day's events. By now, everyone had probably come to their senses.

In the harem, apart from the Empress, no one else's position could compare to being the Emperor's favorite.

The Emperor's word could mean life or death.

The Emperor could see that Qi Xiaoyi was behind this, yet he pretended not to notice.

If the Emperor 'didn't notice,' then who would dare to say they noticed?

Even if the Noble Consort had a thousand grievances, she could only swallow them.

Her close attendant had to be sent away. From now on, she would have to keep her distance from Qi Xiaoyi.

At least openly, the Noble Consort couldn't do anything more.

As for Qi Xiaoyi, this incident severed her ties with the Noble Consort, clearly marking her as not part of the Noble Consort's faction.

The Noble Consort's efforts to win favor, making everyone in the harem see her sisterly bond with Qi Xiaoyi, were all undone by Qi Xiaoyi's single act.

It was a precise strike at the most vulnerable spot.

Well done, Qi Xiaoyi!

Heh, Qi Xiaoyi's move was not just aimed at the Noble Consort.

Afterwards, the concubines of lower rank, upon reflection, all understood.

If she dared to confront the Noble Consort, who else could stand against her?

The Emperor promoted three Baolins to Xiaoyi rank. Jing Xiaoyi was promoted for her family background, and Yun Xiaoyi for her pregnancy. Qi Xiaoyi wasn’t given a title to avoid overshadowing others.

But then Qi Xiaoyi made such a move.

Standing alongside Jing Xiaoyi, she wouldn't be seen as a follower but as an equal.

Meng Chang wondered whether it was her calculation or just a coincidence.

Regardless, it was a masterful move!

The Emperor wasn't strictly black and white in his judgments. Over the years, having witnessed much hypocrisy within and outside the court, he had become more tolerant and aware of the duplicity of many.

Meng Chang, having served the Emperor since a young age, could rightfully claim to understand him the best.

A bold and audacious woman, once she catches the Emperor's fancy, need not fear anything.

Look how skillfully she handles matters.

By day, she framed others, and by night, she came to admit her deeds to the Emperor.

Compared to the recent deeds of Consort Jinde, in Meng Chang's view, Qi Xiaoyi was indeed superior.

After all, Qi Xiaoyi's scandal was significant, yet in the Emperor's eyes, it was merely a harmless drama.

It even amused the Emperor.

Consort Jinde, though she also quickly admitted her mistakes, had a bloody death on her hands. The difference was clear.

Meng Chang's mind wandered.

In the room, after some time, Yunli lay on one side, "It hurts..."

He Jinli chuckled, "Shall I apply some medicine?"

"Your Majesty is too harsh..."

"Then this time, I'll be gentler," He Jinli said, pulling her close, "Don't worry, Yun'er, I will certainly take care of you."

Before Yunli could utter a word, her lips were captured in a kiss...

She wondered if the Emperor had consumed some kind of stimulant to be so spirited?

In any case, Yunli was thoroughly exhausted that night.

In the morning, as the Emperor attended the morning court session, Yunli got up still complaining, "Your Majesty is truly terrible."

He Jinli chuckled and pinched her cheek, "If you're truly tired, sleep a bit longer and take the day off."

"No, I'll go. Your Majesty should hurry to the court; I don't believe you're not tired," Yunli huffed.

He Jinli smiled and left without a word, stepping out ahead of her.

After seeing off the Emperor, Yunli changed into a light purple dress and went to pay her respects.

By the time she arrived at the Phoenix Splendor Palace, she felt overwhelmingly sleepy as she sat down.

Today, she was the center of attention.

After the commotion yesterday and still having served the Emperor at night, how could she not be the talk of the palace?

Yet no one asked anything; after all, nobody wanted to be the first to speak.

Soon, the Imperial Consort arrived.

Everyone hurriedly stood up to greet her. As the weather had turned cold, they no longer waited in the courtyard.

Everyone sat down once they were inside.

With the Imperial Consort's arrival, the gathering was complete. Consort Jinde was still absent.

After a night's rest, the Imperial Consort seemed composed and did not look at Yunli, casually waving her hand, "Dispense with the formalities."