Chapter 4 (Fine Adjustment)

Su Peisheng never imagined a woman would dare to venture into such a secluded area in the dead of night.

Leaving aside the fear of ghosts, after the palace gates are locked, it is a rule known to everyone in the palace that no one is allowed to go out except for the duty eunuchs and those close to the emperor. Being caught wandering after curfew could be seen as spying on the emperor or even plotting against him, a crime punishable by the extermination of nine familial lines.

Neither Su Peisheng nor the emperor's secret guards expected anyone to be so brazen.

Before the master could say anything, Su Peisheng quickly bowed.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger, this servant will go and deal with the person immediately!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Geng Shuning, who had not yet sensed the danger outside, drank two pots of plum wine, feeling a bit tipsy. She clutched her plump cheeks and mumbled to herself—

"Dignified... we can set up the hall with some subtle hints, is that discreet enough?"

"Seductive... hmm, a dance on a black drum, with red and gold, the contrast is striking enough..."

Su Peisheng nearly fell to his knees in despair.

At first, he thought the voice sounded somewhat familiar, and upon careful recollection, he remembered who it was. It was Geng Shuning from Empress Dowager's palace.

Now seeing her, it seemed that her wish to be a flirtatious young widow would have to wait until the next life to come true.

Seeing the emperor's face darkening, Su Peisheng dared not speak again and gently waved his hand toward the door, intending to have someone gag and deal with her quickly.

But before the guards at the door could act, Yinzhen spoke, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"Bring the person here."

Su Peisheng bowed even lower and tiptoed out, not daring to delay for a moment.

He did not misunderstand that the emperor was interested in Geng Shuning; as Su Peisheng, the head servant who knew his master well, he was very clear that this was amusement born out of anger.

Tsk... She was one of the few lively women in the palace, but it seemed she wouldn't even get a proper send-off.

Su Peisheng briefly mourned in his heart for Geng Shuning for a moment, then led the guards to the back of Yanchun Pavilion with silent but swift determination.

Geng Shuning had not sensed the danger.

The place was told to her by Niuheru Jingyi.

She didn't fully trust Niuheru Jingyi's words, but through the memories of the original owner and discreetly gathering information from the young eunuchs, she knew that this place was indeed deserted.

*

First, Yanchun Pavilion was the cold palace, where disgraced concubines lived, and no one dared to approach for fear of being implicated.

At night, eerie sounds often came from this area, sometimes from the disgraced concubines making a fuss, and sometimes the sounds continued even when no one was there.

At the time, people were deeply religious, believing in both Buddhism and Taoism, and considered the place too spiritually tainted to approach.

Niuheru Jingyi, who had been forced by her family to abandon the imperial selection and enter the palace as a lowly palace maid, was ridiculed by her sisters and had once come here to cry in despair.

After finding out what this place was, she never dared to come back.

Geng Shuning had obtained two pots of plum wine with relatively low alcohol content from the kitchen, and bribed the young eunuch guarding the palace gate to sneak out through the side door.

After arriving, she didn’t immediately resort to dramatics but spent an hour quietly sipping her wine.

The occasional sobbing sounds were just the wind whistling through the cracks between the rocks and walls.

She wasn’t afraid of ghosts. She hadn’t been afraid even when she went to school in her previous life, crossing mountains under the stars and moon.

Even if someone jumped out, the self-defense techniques she had diligently learned weren’t for nothing. Silver needles and gold hairpins were in her sleeves, ready to strike unexpectedly.

After an hour, nothing unexpected happened. The surrounding silence was exceptionally comfortable. As the alcohol took effect, Geng Shuning began to relax.

Brainstorming couldn’t be written down. Being seen would be courting death.

She could only mutter a few more words to herself and later consult Garudai and the others to confirm the feasibility before writing it down and submitting it to the Empress in Yongshou Palace.

Just as Su Peisheng hadn’t anticipated her presence, Geng Shuning, whose ideas became richer the more she muttered, hadn’t expected to run into Chief Su here at all.

“Geng Shuning, the emperor requests your presence,” Su Peisheng’s relatively calm voice, in the night lit only by a single dim oil lamp, sounded exceptionally soft.

Geng Shuning was startled. Remembering this was the Forbidden City, she covered her mouth to prevent herself from screaming, her face turning pale.

Then she noticed that, besides Su Peisheng, there were four sturdy black figures surrounding the pavilion, blocking all exits.

Including Su Peisheng, all of them were clearly skilled in internal martial arts.

Geng Shuning’s heart, light from the alcohol, sank heavily, and a layer of cold sweat broke out on her back.

She had thought she was being careful, but drinking alcohol made her mistakenly believe she was still in her previous life.

“Miss, the emperor doesn’t like to be kept waiting,” Su Peisheng reminded her gently as Geng Shuning didn’t move.

This girl didn’t scream even when startled, showing some courage. Pity.

Geng Shuning couldn’t concern herself with the pity in Su Peisheng’s eyes. Her heart felt heavy as she was half led, half escorted into Qingyu Pavilion.

As she ascended to the second floor, she noticed a room at the corner that stood out from the rest. Geng Shuning became even more nervous.

The Fourth Master also found this place to his liking. They had collided in their hobbies!

Upon entering the room and smelling the strong aroma of wine, Geng Shuning, with her head lowered, had none of the pride of someone raised under the red flag. With a plop, she knelt on the ground, her palms properly touching the floor, and bowed her head in a formal kowtow.

“This servant greets the emperor!”

Yinzhen didn’t speak. The room was so quiet that even the sound of a needle dropping could be heard, apart from their breathing.

The silence only intensified the suffocating pressure that weighed down on her.

Sweat trickled from her temples down to her hands, and her body began to sweat little by little, like ants crawling on her, making her uncomfortable to the point of wanting to cry.

In these few days after her transmigration, Geng Shuning, relying on the original body’s memories, hadn’t revealed any flaws and had subtly stood up to those who bullied her, which made her feel much more relaxed.

She believed that as long as she dealt with whatever came her way, after a little more than a year, she could leave this prison-like palace. Whether or not she could return to her previous world, she was confident she could live freely with her skills.

She was too eager to escape and overly confident in the skills she had from her past life.

Geng Shuning had lost her reverence for the feudal dynasty.

At this moment, Geng Shuning’s mind raced faster than ever, and a fear she had never experienced began to rise in her heart.

She was afraid of death, so she couldn’t sit still and wait.

Geng Shuning forced herself to rise, trembling, and bowed her head to the ground again.

"This humble servant dared to leave the palace at night without permission, violating palace rules and committing a crime worthy of ten thousand deaths, in hopes of easing the Empress Dowager's burdens. I only ask that Your Majesty give this humble servant a chance to complete the task."

Su Peisheng, noticing his master's expression gradually calming, spoke in a hushed tone, "Your Majesty, this is Geng Jia, Geng Shuning, the head female official of Cining Palace, responsible for the storeroom."

"Earlier today, the Empress Dowager tasked her with organizing this year's Thousand Autumns Banquet."

This matter had been thoroughly investigated by the Imperial Guard when they went to Changchun Garden in the afternoon, and Su Peisheng was informed on the way back to the palace.

If the emperor hadn't been so furious during the return journey, Su Peisheng would have reported it sooner, but he knew His Majesty wasn't in any state to hear it.

Yinzhen inwardly sneered; even without Su Peisheng's explanation, he recognized this woman who seemed to aspire to be a frivolous widow.

She bore a striking resemblance to her father, Geng Jiade.

Geng Jiade had used his good looks and martial prowess to secure a position in the imperial guards under the Retired Emperor's orders.

Later, Emperor Kangxi took him into his personal service, and this fellow earned merit by saving the emperor's life during the campaign against the Dzungars, which led to him being promoted and freed from the status of a bondservant.

With a cold tone, Yinzhen said, "Lift your head."

Geng Shuning, her face pale, straightened her body, her eyes downcast, focusing on the dark golden hem of his robe, not daring to make any mistakes, striving to present herself properly before the Fourth Master.

Not to use her appearance for any advantage, but because this man had a strong need for control, and she felt that he would not appreciate anyone defying his commands.

Sure enough, Geng Shuning had guessed correctly.

Her prompt and proper actions caused some of the killing intent in Yinzhen's eyes to dissipate, though the lingering anger he had brought back from Changchun Garden remained.

Like his mother, Uya, he had to suppress his anger, but he was not one to harm himself by holding it in, often speaking harshly and sarcastically.

At this moment, his cold, low voice, filled with the weight of snow and ice, hit Geng Shuning's face directly.

"Geng Jiade knows how to scheme, only busying himself with court intrigues. From the upbringing of his offspring, it's clear what a fine example you set!

Those who know say you are of bondservant origin, yet you don't remember the imperial family's grace that washed the mud from your legs. How dare you disregard the rules, making people think that my servant came from a brothel!

And yet, you have the face to prepare a Thousand Autumns Banquet for the Empress Dowager? If I were you, I would never allow such a thing to sully my master's reputation. I would have long ago hanged myself with a white silk cord!"

...

Geng Shuning: "..." So, the historical accounts of the Fourth Brother being a harsh and ungrateful chatterbox were true.

If it were the original owner of this body hearing these words, she would be so ashamed that even if she could leave, she would probably find a well to end her life.

Trembling in fear of death and still shaken from the scolding, Geng Shuning secretly pinched her thigh, the pain reddening her eyes in shame.

In reality, her mind wandered, thinking that if any planner were as concerned about face as this, they wouldn't even make it through their internship without developing breast hyperplasia.

Clients could be far more cutting in their insults; this was nothing.

With a loud 'smash,' Yinzhen, in his fury, threw a wine bowl to the ground.

The shattered porcelain startled Geng Shuning back to attention, and she stole a glance at the powerful master who could decide her life or death in an instant.

At that moment, she saw the new emperor narrow his sharp phoenix eyes, his anger dissipating, his deeply handsome face becoming as indifferent as a jade carving.

Geng Shuning quickly lowered her head like a frightened rabbit, doing her best to show her sense of remorse.

Yinzhen had always been meticulous since childhood, and after years of maneuvering with his brothers, he had cultivated a deep and calculating nature.

After the scolding, he had released the anger that had built up from Changchun Garden and had long since noticed Geng Shuning's distraction and secret glances.

Though disgusted, he was genuinely curious out of sheer disbelief—how could there be such a woman who feared no death?

"Did a dog chew your mouth?" he said lightly, leaning against the table, his voice even becoming gentle, and the overwhelming aura he had been projecting disappeared.

"Or did you not hear what I said?"

He was no longer angry; there was no point in being upset with someone who was as good as dead.

And because of today's incident, with just one bowl of wine, his uncontrollable destructive urges and violent impulses vanished completely.

If this were the case, Geng Shuning’s death would have been worthwhile.

There was no harm in giving her a kind look before she died.

Geng Shuning slightly shrank her neck, finding the current gentleness even more frightening than the earlier storm.

Her fingernails dug into her palms as she bowed her head again.

Her voice trembled uncontrollably, "In response to Your Majesty, this servant heard your words and feels deep shame for having failed the imperial grace. I will never again defy the rules and bring disgrace to my family."

Yinzhen: "..."

If not for fear of the emperor’s wrath, Su Peisheng would have burst out laughing.

The emperor had told her to find a white silk and hang herself, but now she resolved to follow the palace rules and avoid self-harm.

Before Yinzhen could continue speaking, Geng Shuning quickly explained in a low voice, "I came here today following someone’s advice. I was momentarily misled and will never again defy the palace rules."

"If I can calm Your Majesty's anger, this servant is willing to die ten thousand times, but I dare not disturb Your Majesty's peace with my worthless life."

Su Peisheng bit his tongue, really trying hard not to laugh.

She was implying that if he insisted on her death, the new emperor’s humiliation and subsequent retreat to Qingyu Pavilion would become public knowledge.

With Your Majesty's current control over the palace, whether she was sent to the Cining Palace, the Imperial Punishment Bureau, or ordered to commit suicide, nothing could be hidden.

It would be known that it was the emperor’s will.

Then the existence of Qingyu Pavilion would no longer be a secret.

Su Peisheng couldn't understand—if this lady was so clever, how could she treat the palace rules so lightly and defy the emperor’s authority?

"Heh..."

Su Peisheng almost thought he had laughed out loud, biting his tongue and glancing sideways, only to realize that his emperor had been amused to anger again.

Good grief, twice in one night—Geng Jiade’s daughter is something else.

Yinzhen was once again roused to anger by Geng Shuning’s words, but this time it was different from the smoldering frustration he had felt in Changchun Garden. This time, he was somewhat intrigued.

Not in a man-to-woman kind of way, but in finding a new method to suppress his violent impulses.

Suppressing it was less effective than letting it out; troubling oneself was certainly not as satisfying as troubling others.

He rose with a faint smile, stretched the hem of his robe, and condescended to squat in front of Geng Shuning. His long, strong hand pinched Geng Shuning's chin, forcing her to lift her head.

Geng Shuning's heart tightened. The previous words were the most humble threat she could muster after racking her brains. Uh-oh...

Would Fourth Master really strangle her on the spot?

Seeing the panic in Geng Shuning's reddened almond eyes, Yinzhen hummed lightly in his heart.

Good, she still knows fear.

With scrutiny in his eyes, he asked leisurely, "Since you are so loyal and grateful for the imperial favor, you must be eager to organize the Thousand Autumns Feast for the Empress Dowager, right?"

Geng Shuning's dense eyelashes fluttered slightly. With her chin held, she couldn't even nod or shake her head.

She could only force herself to look down, barely managing to suppress the tremor in her voice as she nodded.

Yinzhen nodded. Despite their closeness, there was no trace of intimacy between them.

He naturally let go of Geng Shuning's chin and stood up, looking down at the audacious woman, tapping her shoulder with his toe.

"I'll leave it to you to handle."

"This is the first Thousand Autumns Feast I'm organizing for the Empress Dowager since my ascension. It must be flawless."

"The lunch banquet should be full of creativity while maintaining dignity and decorum. I want all the ministers and noble ladies to know of my filial piety."

"It must not exceed the regulations set by the previous Empress Dowager, but everyone should feel that this feast is better than what my royal father did."

Geng Shuning felt dizzy. Maybe she should just end it all now?

But it wasn't over yet.

As Yinzhen spoke, his expression softened, and his mood lifted. His deep voice carried a smile.

"As for the evening banquet, I don't like solemnity, nor do I like flamboyance or subtlety. Drum dances are too noisy. This is a grand banquet, and no inappropriate actions can be allowed."

"However, I understand the Empress Dowager's concerns, and I am willing to be filial. You still need to come up with a way to stir my passions."

Geng Shuning: "..."

This was like asking for something impossible—like a black that shines as bright as day.

In short, he was just setting her up to fail.

"If you handle the task well, I'll forgive you for tonight's transgressions." After saying this, Yinzhen squatted down again, forcing Geng Shuning to meet his gaze.

"If you fail, I will give you what you asked for tonight—your execution."

"After the Thousand Autumns Feast, I will have you and the Geng family executed by burning."

Geng Shuning: "..."