Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Zhao Heng had never realized how eloquent Song Qingying could be, and her words left him speechless. Was she right? It seemed so. If everyone in the harem understood their place and knew when to step back, there wouldn't be jealousy or harm to the imperial heirs. But why did he feel so uneasy? Zhao Heng looked at Song Qingying, still the charming and lovely figure she always was.

Song Qingying smiled, "Let's not talk about this. Are you hungry, Your Majesty? Shall I get you dinner?"

Zhao Heng, slightly dazed, shook his head, "No, help me change my clothes."

"It's so late, are you still planning to leave?" Song Qingying asked as she helped Zhao Heng with his clothes.

Zhao Heng looked at her, "Are you trying to keep me here?"

Song Qingying smiled, "Of course. But if Your Majesty has other matters, or wishes to visit another consort, I won't stop you."

Zhao Heng looked at her and nodded, saying coldly, "You're very good, indeed very good!"

After saying this, Zhao Heng left without looking back. Watching his departing figure, Song Qingying suddenly felt a sense of emptiness. Had she gone too far? She sighed, knowing this was not the time for soft-heartedness.

Lu Deli had already replaced Eunuch Qiu and was waiting outside. Seeing Zhao Heng emerge with a cold expression, Lu Deli cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, Minister Meng has been waiting for you in the imperial study for a long time. Will you see him?"

Zhao Heng hummed in acknowledgment and returned to the imperial study with Lu Deli. All the way, he pondered over the meaning of Song Qingying's words. Did she really care about him? After all the kindness he had shown her. What did she mean by not being upset because she wasn't the only one? Zhao Heng suddenly felt he didn't understand Song Qingying at all.

"Lu Deli, should the Talent Song have been angry about last night's incident?" Zhao Heng asked offhandedly.

Lu Deli, not knowing the intricacies of their relationship and assuming Talent Song was upset with the Emperor over the previous day's events, causing the Emperor's displeasure, presumptuously replied, "She shouldn't."

"Why?" Zhao Heng's temper flared, his voice rising.

"Er... Your Majesty didn't intentionally break the promise... The consorts shouldn't be angry with Your Majesty..." Lu Deli realized he might have misunderstood, thinking the Emperor wished for Talent Song to be angry.

"Hmph!" Zhao Heng no longer paid attention to Lu Deli, feeling increasingly upset.

Upon arriving at the imperial study, Meng Changhuai was already craning his neck in anticipation, having waited for two hours.

"Your Majesty," Meng Changhuai greeted, sensing Emperor Zhao Heng's foul mood and feeling somewhat apprehensive.

"Today, I summon you to investigate a person named Yang Ningyu, sent into the palace by the Zhou family. Look into her background and find out why the Zhou family sent her here," ordered Emperor Zhao Heng.

With the command received, Meng Changhuai departed, while Lu Deli stood by, breathing so cautiously as if fearing the emperor might erupt at any moment.

"Lu Deli, didn't I mention finding you a wife last time? Have you taken a liking to anyone?" Emperor Zhao Heng suddenly asked.

Hearing this, Lu Deli felt a chill, wishing the emperor had rather been angry than remember such a matter.

"Your Majesty, I, a mere eunuch, truly do not need a wife," Lu Deli expressed, feeling it wrong to commit such an act.

"Are you afraid of wronging someone?" Emperor Zhao Heng asked.

Lu Deli nodded, to which Emperor Zhao Heng said, "There's no need. With your status as Chief Steward Lu, plenty of families would wish to marry their daughter to you."

Lu Deli responded, "Your Majesty, what kind of family would marry their daughter to a eunuch? If I may be so bold, it's only because I serve close to you, aiming to curry favor. I dare not accept such daughters. Even if some girls are outwardly willing, it's either out of fear of me or greed for my modest wealth, not genuine affection. What ordinary woman would fancy a eunuch? I know Your Majesty cares for me, but I truly do not need it."

Emperor Zhao Heng was touched by Lu Deli's words, realizing it was the same with the Song family sending Song Qingying into the palace. She was merely outwardly willing, her heart not truly with him. It was all because he was the emperor; she feared him, and the Song family had requests of him. This thought depressed Emperor Zhao Heng, realizing she was the greatest deceiver, having fooled him into caring deeply for her, while she remained indifferent.

When Emperor Zhao Heng was eighteen, his father, the Emperor, had arranged his marriage to the crown princess, who became the empress upon his ascension. He had also chosen concubines in the same manner he selected his ministers, never before considering whether he liked them or not.

"Lu Deli, do you think the ladies of the harem truly love me, or are they just afraid of me, or covet the wealth and honor I provide?" Emperor Zhao Heng pondered.

Having served Emperor Zhao Heng for twenty years, Lu Deli now understood the root of the emperor's unhappiness. The emperor was experiencing the stirrings of love, albeit belatedly. Previously, the emperor had never cared whether his concubines loved him.

Lu Deli smiled, "Your Majesty, are you asking if Lady Song truly loves you?"

Emperor Zhao Heng gave Lu Deli a look, "Always the clever one!"

"Your Majesty, I'm hardly versed in matters of love and affection, having only heard of such things in plays: 'For a gentleman, a graceful lady makes the perfect match.' Whether Lady Song holds affection for you ultimately depends on Your Majesty," Li De Li stated.

"A perfect match for a gentleman, yet what more should I seek to win her favor! Have I not treated her well?" Emperor Zhao Heng said, frustrated.

Li De Li chuckled, "I've also come across a saying, 'cater to one's preferences.' Your Majesty, believing you treat the Lady well isn't enough; it matters more that she feels treasured by you. For instance, if she loves lychees and you present her with cherries, you might think it a generous gift, but she might not see it the same way."

After Li De Li finished, Zhao Heng stared at him for a long while before nodding, "Li De Li, you know more than I expected. Perhaps it's time I found you a few wives to not waste your talents."

Li De Li: "..." How did it come back to this?

After Emperor Zhao Heng left Yi Ran Ju, Shen Bi and Qing Hong hurried in to attend to her. Shen Bi, ever the outspoken one, asked, "Lady, why did the Emperor seem unhappy?"

Lady Song Qingying managed a wry smile, "I've offended His Majesty; we might be in for some hard times."

Exchanging glances, Qing Hong bit her lip and ventured, "Forgive my presumption, but His Majesty truly cares for you, my Lady. Perhaps next time, you could placate him."

Lady Song Qingying, not wishing to elaborate, sighed, "You wouldn't understand; I have my plans."

The attendants dared not say more, quietly helping Lady Song Qingying to rest.

The next morning, an unexpected imperial edict arrived at Yi Ran Ju.

Li De Li personally announced the decree: "By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Lady Song Qingying, with her understanding of the bigger picture and knowing when to advance or retreat, truly sets a model for the harem and leads by example among the concubines. To my great pleasure, she is hereby promoted to Jieyu. This is to be respected. Thank you."

Song Qingying was baffled by the edict. What was Zhao Heng thinking, not playing by the rules? What was this about, especially the part written in the edict, which was just what she said to him last night? Was this… mocking her?

"Lady Jieyu, please accept the decree," Li De Li, seeing Song Qingying frozen in place, whispered a reminder.

Left with no choice, Song Qingying accepted and expressed her gratitude, puzzled over Zhao Heng's intentions. After all, she had both scolded and hit him yesterday, and now she was granted a promotion. Could Zhao Heng be a masochist?

"Eunuch Li, what does the Emperor mean? Why suddenly promote me?" Song Qingying whispered.

Li De Li replied, "It's because the Emperor favors you, values you. You must not disappoint His Majesty..."

Caught off-guard by Zhao Heng's move, Song Qingying found herself busier than usual, selecting new palace maids and eunuchs, and accepting rewards from Zhao Heng and other palaces. Despite the busyness, she felt unsettled, unsure of Zhao Heng's intentions.

As a Jieyu, a third-rank position, she was entitled to sixteen palace maids and six eunuchs. Suddenly having so many attendants, Yi Ran Ju could hardly accommodate them all. Song Qingying suspected Zhao Heng intended to trouble her. She was just one person; why would she need so many servants?

Seeing them all looking eagerly at her, Song Qingying felt overwhelmed and sent Shang Lin to find Li De Li.

However, Shang Lin returned with a message from the Emperor, inquiring why Lady Jieyu had not yet expressed her thanks.

Song Qingying puzzled, "Thank for the grace? To Phoenix Pavilion? Isn't that supposed to be tomorrow?"

"No, Eunuch Li said you should go thank the Emperor personally," Shang Lin said.

Song Qingying, who had memorized the palace regulations thoroughly, knew there was no such rule. Zhao Heng was up to something again! But this would be a good opportunity to ask him directly what he was thinking.

"Alright, I'll go now. As for those people in the courtyard, I'll arrange them when I return. If it really doesn't work out, they can go back to where they came from," Song Qingying decided.

"Where is the Emperor now?" Song Qingying inquired further.

"The Emperor is in the Imperial Study," Shang Lin informed.

Nodding, Song Qingying took Shang Lin and went to find Zhao Heng.

It had been days since Song Qingying left Yi Ran Ju. Actually, she hadn't left since she moved in. Now, the palace scenery was especially pleasant as she leisurely made her way to the Imperial Study.

Just past the Jin Ou Pavilion, Song Qingying was walking peacefully when suddenly a little girl sprang out from behind a tree and clung to her leg. Song Qingying was startled and looked down to find a porcelain-like little girl staring up at her curiously.

"Who are you?" the little girl asked in a babyish voice.

"I am Lady Jieyu Song," Song Qingying recognized her at once as the daughter of the Noble Consort, Princess Changning.

"Who? I don't know you," Princess Changning clung to Song Qingying's leg, insisting, "Come play with me, Princess."

Song Qingying surmised that Princess Changning wouldn't have come here to block her path without reason, nor would she be unaccompanied. Even she had many maids and eunuchs at her service. How could a princess, especially one so young, have no one by her side?

Song Qingying called out loudly, "Where are those serving the princess? Come out this instant! Should the princess suffer a scrape or bruise, you'll have yourselves to blame!"

Song Qingying glanced around; there was a rustle in the bushes, indicating someone was there, yet no one emerged.

Princess Changning declared proudly, "I came out here by myself."

Song Qingying raised her voice further, "Come out now! Or do you wish for me to report your negligence to the Emperor personally?"

Hearing Song Qingying's stern words, two little palace maids timidly emerged from the bushes, crouching low.

Princess Changning glared at them fiercely but did not let go of Song Qingying.

Song Qingying looked down and smiled at Princess Changning, "Princess, I have matters to attend to and cannot play with you now. It's getting late; you should return quickly, lest the Noble Consort worries."

Princess Changning pouted, "Are you going to see Father Emperor?"

Song Qingying nodded, "Yes, I am."

"Then tell Father Emperor that Changning misses him! It has been several days since Changning last saw him," Princess Changning blinked, her eyes brimming with tears.

If it weren't for Song Qingying's knowledge from books that Princess Changning was a little mischief-maker, she might have been deceived. Song Qingying smiled and nodded, "Alright, I will surely convey your message to the Emperor."

Song Qingying then addressed the maids accompanying Princess Changning, "Take the princess back now!"

Reluctantly releasing Song Qingying, Changning added, "Then where do you live? I'll come to play with you next time."

Song Qingying felt overwhelmed, wondering how she had caught the attention of this little troublemaker. She could only reply, "I reside in Yiran Residence. You're welcome to visit, Princess, but you must inform the Noble Consort and have her permission before you come."

"Let's go together then," Changning said, taking Song Qingying's hand and starting to walk forward.

Song Qingying had no choice but to walk along with Changning.

Princess Changning was cunning, continuously probing Song Qingying with questions along the way—

"Is Yiran Residence fun? I heard the Emperor often visits. What do you all play?"

"It's not fun."

"What does the Emperor seek you out for?"

"I don't know."

"Does the Emperor like you a lot?"

"He does not."

"Liar."

"Now it's my turn to ask, Princess. If a chicken has two legs and a rabbit has four legs, and there are thirty heads and eighty-eight legs in a cage, how many rabbits and how many chickens are there?"

"Huh?"

"With the Princess's brilliance, I'm sure you can figure it out," Song Qingying said. Upon hearing this, Princess Changning released Song Qingying's hand and began to count on her fingers, turning them this way and that.

Song Qingying quickly left Princess Changning behind.

Zhao Heng had been anxiously waiting in the imperial study, unable to focus on the memorials before him. Disturbed by Song Qingying, he felt that he couldn't accomplish anything until he had dealt with her.

Finally, Song Qingying arrived, and Zhao Heng quickly adopted an indifferent facade, showing no signs of urgency.

"Your servant greets Your Majesty, may you live for ten thousand years, ten thousand times over," Song Qingying, having offended someone just the day before, was much more cautious today. She stole a glance at Zhao Heng, and seeing his calm demeanor, she felt somewhat uneasy.

"Rise," Zhao Heng said, pretending to review a document, sparing little words for Song Qingying.

After standing for a long time, with Zhao Heng showing no intention of speaking, Song Qingying wondered if she was expected to express her gratitude. So, she performed another courtesy, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your magnanimous grace."

Zhao Heng uttered a noncommittal "hm," remaining silent thereafter.

Frustrated, Song Qingying wondered what he intended by summoning her if not to speak. After a while, seeing that Zhao Heng remained silent, she said, "Your servant encountered Princess Changning on the way here. She said she misses you and wishes for you to visit her."

Zhao Heng merely responded with an "oh," leaving it at that.

"By the way, Your Majesty, Yiran Residence is too cramped to accommodate so many people. Perhaps you could reassign them elsewhere?" Song Qingying hadn't forgotten about the crowd at the residence.

"There's always Qiu Hua Court," Zhao Heng replied succinctly, not wasting a word.

"Does Your Majesty have any other commands? If not, your servant will take her leave," Song Qingying said.

"Wait," Zhao Heng suddenly said, not letting Song Qingying go.

Song Qingying had no choice but to stand still. Was Zhao Heng seeking revenge?

Oddly, Zhao Heng initially pretended to review memorials to leave Song Qingying waiting, but her presence somehow calmed him, and he found himself earnestly reviewing one stack after another.

Song Qingying had tried to signal Lu Deyi several times for a chair as her legs grew sore, but he could only shake his head discreetly, unable to act without the emperor's command.

Finally, after finishing the memorials, Zhao Heng looked up, saw Song Qingying pouting, and felt inexplicably pleased. Dropping his pen, he walked over, took her hand, and led her away.

Song Qingying hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty, where are we going?"

"You'll see," Zhao Heng replied.