Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Geng Shuning wanted to ask if she could skip this.

Anyway, the emperor wouldn’t dare let anyone know that he frequently goes to the Qingyu Pavilion to act like he’s upset.

Seeing Geng Shuning lost in thought, radiating reluctance, Nanny Chen reminded her in a low voice—

"Miss, Eunuch Zhao Song from the Hall of Mental Cultivation is waiting at the side door. If you have any inconvenience, he said he can come in to fetch you."

Geng Shuning: "..." Is this a threat?

The summer breeze, though not cold, made her heart skip a beat, snapping her back to reality.

Compared to the emperor, she even more couldn’t let anyone know that she had been to the Qingyu Pavilion and had private contact with him.

Otherwise, this palace would be her tomb.

She was the egg, and the emperor was the rock—she couldn’t risk a collision.

Geng Shuning took a deep breath, pulled her clothes together, and said, "Nanny, please wait a moment, I need to change."

Nanny Chen knew that she had figured it out.

Eunuch Zhao Song had ordered that no sound reach Cining Palace, so Nanny Chen stood silently at the door, guarding it for Geng Shuning.

*

After leaving Cining Palace, Su Peisheng's foster son, Zhao Song, immediately stepped forward with a smile, flipping his sleeves and bowing deeply to Geng Shuning.

He whispered, "I trouble Miss for making the trip. The sedan chair is ready; please step in."

Geng Shuning sidestepped to avoid Zhao Song’s bow, remaining more silent than Nanny Chen.

The calm she had gained from copying the scriptures earlier was still with her. Gritting her teeth, she boarded the sedan chair.

Last time, she had to sneak past the guards at the palace gates and carefully find her way, which took nearly half an hour to arrive.

This time, the four secret guards who had blocked her at the Qingyu Pavilion were the ones carrying the sedan chair.

The small green sedan chair barely swayed. Before Geng Shuning could even feel drowsy, the ride ended in less time than it takes to sip a cup of tea.

When she stepped out of the sedan chair, she was at the entrance of the Qingyu Pavilion. Su Peisheng was standing at the door.

The moon was full tonight, hanging in the sky like a plump orb that had been nibbled, casting half light and half shadow on Su Peisheng, giving his tone a somewhat yin-yang quality.

"Miss has finally arrived."

"The emperor returned from Changchun Garden today in a bad mood. I trouble Miss to serve the emperor a few cups of wine."

As he spoke, Su Peisheng came forward, leaning closer to Geng Shuning.

In an even lower and more hurried voice, he said, "The emperor encountered some unreliable people at Changchun Garden and didn’t have his evening meal."

As soon as he finished speaking, Geng Shuning was led to the staircase on the second floor.

As someone who had served the emperor for twenty years, Su Peisheng was meticulous in his service. Without any noticeable action, he steadied Geng Shuning's arm.

Geng Shuning, who wasn’t wearing platform shoes, didn’t want to accept this courtesy, but her arm couldn’t be pulled out. Su Peisheng, with a respectful yet firm force, dragged her inside.

His voice became even lower, filled with a soft yet firm tone.

"This servant understands that you are thoughtful. If you can persuade His Majesty to eat something, this servant would be immensely grateful."

Geng Shuning sensed something was amiss in his tone and turned to look at Su Peisheng, "Chief Su, my visit this time wasn't at the Emperor's own recollection, was it?"

Last time, Geng Shuning had clearly felt the Fourth Prince's murderous intent. He obviously disliked her.

If the Emperor still thought about a girl he had murderous intentions toward, the harem wouldn't be so barren.

If it wasn't the Emperor's idea... let it not be this scoundrel mentioning her in front of the Fourth Prince.

If that was the case, she would owe Su Peisheng a debt of gratitude for generations.

Seeing Geng Shuning's unfriendly expression, Su Peisheng smiled but remained silent, using a clever force to push her through the door.

After all, as just a female official, it would be her honor to help the Emperor vent his anger.

Since returning from Changchun Garden, His Majesty had been so angry that he vomited blood inside the imperial carriage.

But he couldn't consult the Imperial Physician. Even after drinking half a jar of wine in Qingyu Pavilion, it didn't settle down.

Fearing harm to the Emperor's holy body, Su Peisheng was frantic with worry.

Suddenly, Su Peisheng remembered how Geng Shuning had once calmed the Emperor with just a few words. Without waiting for a proper time, he immediately advised that she be summoned.

Seeing Su Peisheng's silence, Geng Shuning understood and felt her anger rise.

As she was pushed through the door, she cursed Su Peisheng under her breath but knelt down and paid respects properly.

"This servant greets His Majesty and wishes you peace."

Yinzhen stood with his back to Geng Shuning, not turning around. He took a mouthful of wine without expression. After a while, he spoke coldly.

"Come here!"

Geng Shuning carefully stood up, head respectfully lowered, and walked to the cold and irritable figure by her side.

Yinzhen didn't speak, and Geng Shuning also remained silent with her eyes lowered.

After he downed another two bowls of wine and Geng Shuning still hadn't spoken, Yinzhen lifted his gaze, a knife-like look landing on Geng Shuning's face.

"Can't you even speak?"

Geng Shuning felt troubled. What was there to say to this lord?

But not speaking? Dead people don't talk.

She desperately racked her brain. Her eyes fell on the dishes on the table—cold sliced pig ears, braised meatballs, excellent dishes to go with wine.

She secretly swallowed saliva, and slowly, in a small voice, said, "Please forgive this servant, Your Majesty. I... am hungry and afraid that if I open my mouth, I'll ruin your mood for drinking."

Yinzhen sneered, "Then sit down, eat and drink as you please. You dared to think of a wanton woman, so what's the harm in adding a reputation as a drunkard?"

Geng Shuning: “...” Could this bastard be any more bitingly sarcastic?

She was willing to explain to the Empress Dowager, but she had no desire to explain to this lord.

Not to mention, letting him misunderstand wasn't a bad thing. He had already decided what he heard, and any explanation would just be seen as sophistry.

When men are drunk, they’re even less likely to listen to explanations.

The more she talked, the more she’d mess up, so Geng Shuning sat quietly, took a deep breath, and bravely picked up the communal chopsticks to serve herself a meatball and started eating.

After a few bites, she grabbed the wine jar, filled the emperor's cup first, then poured half a bowl for herself. She ate and drank freely and without hesitation.

When you wake up in the middle of the night, you’ve gotta have a midnight snack.

If you’re gonna be a ghost, might as well be a well-fed one. She loved eating everything—except for anything that cost her.

Su Peisheng, standing by the door, nearly fell over in shock. He had brought her here to persuade the emperor to eat, but now she was helping herself.

Surprisingly, Geng Shuning’s quick actions actually pleased Yinzhen, easing the anger that had been burning inside him since he left Changchun Garden.

At least someone was willing to listen to him, unlike those blind fools.

On his way back from Changchun Garden, the Ninth Prince (Yin Ji) was also present.

Maybe the earthquake had addled his brain, but this guy had become increasingly reckless.

He had the nerve to call Yinzhen a hypocrite in front of the Retired Emperor, accusing him of refusing a grand funeral for the Eighth Prince out of personal spite.

Was Yin Shi really so important that he deserved a grand funeral for a prince born to a low-ranking concubine?

Even the Crown Prince’s funeral had been kept simple.

The Retired Emperor, being soft-hearted, remembered his three lost sons and, after a bout of tears, actually agreed to Old Nine’s request.

Prince Dun Yin E also joined in the fun, hearing from the Retired Emperor about Hong Xi's adoption and opened his mouth wide, asking to handle the Crown Prince ceremony.

Although the Retired Emperor didn’t agree, he hinted at a grand event, giving Old Nine and Old Ten more room to run wild.

The treasury was so empty that even rats wouldn’t go in. Where was the money supposed to come from?

The more Yinzhen thought about it, the angrier he became. He was already the most exalted king under heaven, but his anger had to be bottled up inside, not a word could be said.

To say he didn’t want to grant a grand funeral for the Lian Prince would be seen as not fraternal.

To say he didn’t want a grand Crown Prince ceremony would make the late emperor doubt his sincerity about the adoption.

It was as if everyone had forgotten that he was now the emperor, and the world belonged to Aisin Gioro Yinzhen!

Even if Yin Shi were given the title of emperor, without an heir, could he rise from the underworld to control the empire?

As for Hong Xi... Yinzhen's eyes darkened, and his anger burned his phoenix eyes red.

Hong Xi was present today, and hearing Lao Shi’s words, he remained silent, clearly wanting a grand ceremony too.

Did this child not think that the Retired Emperor could stay with him forever?

Not standing with his future imperial father in frugality, showing no filial piety, and yet he wanted to take over the empire?

He wasn’t even half as good as his second brother; if the empire were handed to Hong Xi, the Qing Dynasty might not last as long as the previous Ming.

His anger flared again, and Yinzhen couldn’t stand watching Geng Shuning enjoy her meal so much. With a loud bang, he slammed his wine bowl down.

He coldly looked at Geng Shuning, "How is the task I assigned you coming along?"

Geng Shuning shivered in fear, rising slowly. She used a handkerchief to wipe her mouth and, trying to soften her voice as much as possible, praised the competence of the six divisions of female officials.

"Empress has always been virtuous and thoughtful, most concerned about the emperor's health, and takes care of every detail meticulously."

"Each of the sisters from the Six Bureaus is also efficient. I believe that in the next few days, they will assist Empress in presenting the formal report to Your Majesty."

Yinzhen snapped at her upon hearing this, "You know how to shirk the duties I assigned to you."

Geng Shuning instinctively muttered in a low voice, "It is because the Empress Dowager values Empress and the several sisters. This servant lacks talent and has self-awareness, so I naturally dare not hold back the Empress."

This response pleased Yinzhen.

If the ninth and tenth princes knew their place and didn’t cause trouble, it wouldn’t annoy him so much.

However, he wouldn’t let Geng Shuning off the hook so easily. He sneered coldly.

"Obviously, you are not taking my imperial edict seriously, defying orders. Do you know what crime that is!"

Geng Shuning knelt down, "This servant dares not."

She secretly glanced up, her black and white eyes filled with grievance.

"This servant merely understands that one should only take on what one can handle. If I were to force myself to do something beyond my ability and mess up the Thousand Autumns Festival, it would be a small matter for me to die, but it would also lose face for the Empress."

Yinzhen paused upon hearing this, his heart slightly stirred.

He had always been meticulous and able to connect the dots.

Although Geng Shuning didn’t fully understand, her words gave him an insight.

The reason the ninth and tenth princes were so arrogant was, firstly, because the Retired Emperor was still alive, and secondly, he, the emperor, was at odds with them, so they wanted to cause trouble.

Moreover, if they could get assignments from the Retired Emperor, it would show that the Retired Emperor had more authority than the current emperor, leading to instability in the imperial power. Once they stabilized their position, even after the Retired Emperor passed away, he, the emperor, wouldn’t be able to easily deal with his powerful and influential brothers.

Since these two lacked self-awareness... he might as well give them important and difficult tasks. When they mess up, whoever gave the task can clean up the mess.

For example, recovering the overdue silver from the imperial treasury.

If they want to handle official duties, they can’t possibly manage them with an empty imperial treasury.

Yinzhen sneered in his heart. They should keep crying to the Retired Emperor. The imperial treasury might be empty, but the Retired Emperor’s private coffers are full.

"Stand up," Yinzhen said with a half-smile, glancing at Geng Shuning before continuing to drink.

He couldn’t stand to see Geng Shuning’s aggrieved look, not out of pity, but because he knew this girl had boldness and was tired of her pretending.

Despite his inner disdain, Yinzhen didn’t notice that his inner fire seemed to have fallen into those clear, bright eyes, and was unknowingly extinguished by the shimmering light.

After a moment of silence, Yinzhen finally turned his head and looked Geng Shuning up and down with a raised eyebrow.

Though not particularly likable, she was still a clear-headed person.

In this palace, there were many who considered themselves smart, but few who were clear-headed.

Geng Shuning had just had a few sips of wine. The Jade Spring Wine was strong, and her chubby little face was flushed, her lips bright red.

Her small mouth was vivid and sharp when she spoke, like the sound of raindrops falling on bluestone slabs after a long, hot day.

The breeze cleared all the irritation from the air.

The alcohol he had on an empty stomach started to take effect, making his head spin.

Geng Shuning’s lips, still glistening with oil, caught his eye and made him feel lightheaded.

For those he favored, Yinzhen wasn’t so particular about rules and was willing to show a bit of affection.

So, without any warning, Yinzhen forgot that Geng Shuning was just a young girl. He swayed and reached out with his long, slender fingers, wanting to wipe her clean.

Geng Shuning was startled, her eyes widened, and she stepped back to avoid him.

Moments ago, he was berating her harshly—why the sudden change?

Late at night, even if nothing improper happened, if he touched her, she’d never get out of the palace alive.

Seeing something was off, Su Peisheng immediately wanted to retreat.

Even if nothing improper happened, being alone together could still cause trouble.

But before he could leave, Yinzhen shouted in a deep, stern voice—

"Why are you dodging!"

Su Peisheng, frightened, knelt down. Who was he talking about?

With a helpless heart, Geng Shuning also knelt, regretting that she had gotten up in the first place.

In his dazed state, Yinzhen's words were particularly harsh.

"You’re such a mess while eating, and now you dare to avoid me when I try to clean you? Are you trying to disgust me, or do you think you’re too good for me?"

Su Peisheng felt relieved that it wasn’t about him.

Geng Shuning's face burned with embarrassment, turning red and pale alternately. Even in her hardest times, she had never been scolded like this.

Noticing Su Peisheng’s smug expression, her anger flared even more.

Calm? Sorry, not even a scroll of the "Qingxin Scripture" could calm these two barking dogs!

After drinking alcohol, Geng Shuning’s mind was particularly sharp. She gritted her teeth, holding back the urge to retort, and tried to soften her tone, whispering back.

"This servant only dares not to profane the dragon's claw."

"When eating meat, how can one not get oily? If you don’t believe me, let Chief Su try. If he doesn’t get oily, you can punish me for disrespect, and I’ll have no complaints."

A drunk man isn’t in the mood for explanations or challenges.

With a haughty nod, Yinzhen said, "Alright, you wait for me!"

Su Peisheng had a sinking feeling. Just moments ago, he didn’t care about Geng Shuning’s life, but now he regretted it.

But his master wouldn’t care about his life either.

Yinzhen’s voice was low and cold. "Su Peisheng, come here and eat meat in front of her. If you get any oily sheen, I’ll chop your mouth off!"

Su Peisheng: "..."