Chapter 39

Chapter 39

The days in the twelfth lunar month always passed quickly. Geng Shuning felt that the days flew by so quickly that, before she knew it, it was already the twenty-sixth of the twelfth lunar month.

On this day, it was not yet dawn when Nanny Chen came over to help Geng Shuning get up.

Since Geng Shuning was just a female official, Nanny Chen and the young palace maid by her side usually kept their distance. They didn’t treat her like they would a master.

But today was different.

Geng Shuning opened the door for Nanny Chen, who slipped inside and helped the still groggy Geng Shuning sit back on the kang, wrapping her in a quilt.

"I gave some silver to Little Liu in the kitchen and asked the Imperial Storage Department to send more firewood today. After dinner, they’ll quietly bring hot water and a bathtub to your room, Miss."

Geng Shuning stiffened, and the grogginess, like a cold wind, quickly faded from her body.

Once she was fully awake, her scalp started to tingle.

It wasn’t fear, but the thought of the trouble she would have to go through in the evening… Geng Shuning couldn’t quite describe her feelings.

It was like going back to the mountains to pay respects at Grandma’s grave; the longer she didn’t go back, the more she felt a bit of apprehension about returning.

But she didn’t want Nanny Chen to notice, so she just nodded dryly, her voice a bit hoarse and not as soft as usual.

"Thank you, Nanny. I’ll… wash myself clean tonight."

Nanny Chen, being experienced, could tell that Geng Shuning was nervous, but she didn’t show it. She kept a serious expression.

"Miss should know that this is the emperor’s order. There are many eyes in the Cining Palace watching for the master’s sake."

"If I don’t come, I won’t be able to wait for the day when you can call me to retire."

Geng Shuning: ‘…’ Fine.

In the palace, it wasn’t easy for servants to bathe in winter. Unlike the masters who could set up an entire arrangement, those who were particularly clean would only use a basin of hot water to wash.

They didn’t dare scrub too hard, afraid they’d use up the water if they rubbed off any dirt.

Geng Shuning took a deep breath and got up from the kang (a traditional heated brick bed). She took out a money pouch from the cabinet containing one hundred taels of silver notes and stuffed it into Nanny Chen’s hand.

That dog of a man only knew how to give orders without considering the silver that had to be spent by those beneath him. This money couldn’t come from Nanny Chen.

Although there were only a few days left until the New Year, the Cining Palace was quite quiet because the Empress Dowager was not in the palace.

*

After all, it was the biggest festival of the year, and the Grand Empress Dowager and the Retired Emperor could not stay hidden.

Since the Retired Emperor got his wheelchair and tracks installed, he’s been more willing to come out and meet people during important festivals, though he hadn’t decided whether to spend the New Year in the palace or at Changchun Garden.

The Grand Empress Dowager accompanied the Retired Emperor as well.

As a daughter-in-law and wife, the Empress had to put in some face work at the end of the year.

After the Little New Year (a traditional festival marking the start of New Year preparations), she moved into the Rui Jing Xuan behind the Qingyuan Study, waiting to serve the Grand Empress Dowager and the Retired Emperor when they entered the palace.

Knowing that Geng Shuning hadn’t fully recovered and that it was still cold at Changchun Garden, the Empress Dowager decided not to bring her along.

Geng Shuning had some plans in mind and took on the task of supervising the cleaning of Cining Palace.

During the day, she would sit for a while in the pavilion of the front hall, making decisions for the palace maids who couldn’t decide, but for the rest of the time, she busied herself by the stove behind the kitchen.

By the time of the evening meal, fearing she might accidentally break something belonging to the master, the cleaning was mostly done, and the nannies quickly instructed the servants to tidy up.

Both the front and back halls quieted down.

When Geng Xue, accompanied by a young palace maid, arrived at the back of the kitchen carrying a red lacquer tray, Geng Shuning was squatting on the ground playing with mud.

It looked like she wasn’t doing well with the mud, and holding a long chopstick, Geng Shuning vented her frustration by poking at it non-stop.

Geng Xue: “……” Sometimes she really wanted to ask her cousin if she was sick.

When she was frightening, she truly was scary, but sometimes she was more mischievous than a child, making it hard to predict her behavior, which only made people more wary of her.

Still a few meters away from the stove, Geng Xue spoke softly, “Cousin, Uncle sent New Year gifts from Henan, and Aunt picked out a few suitable things, asking Father to bring them in through the West Flower Gate for you.”

This was the extra dignity female officials had over ordinary palace servants. As long as it wasn’t something smuggled in privately, having the family send in a few New Year gifts was acceptable in terms of face and rules.

Geng Shuning didn’t think her stepmother would give her anything good.

Throwing away the chopstick in her hand, she slowly stood up, covered in mud splatters, and approached.

Without speaking to Geng Xue, she lazily lifted the red cloth on the tray held by Geng Xue and the young palace maid. As expected by Geng Shuning.

One hundred taels of silver, a set of gilded filigree head ornaments inlaid with agate, totaling less than five hundred taels of silver.

It was just half a year’s income from the estate of her mother’s dowry. The other half probably went to her brother in a similarly disgusting manner.

On the surface, her stepmother wouldn’t let anyone say anything, but if you calculated carefully, you’d know where the income from Qi’s dowry shops and farmland went.

She turned back indifferently to continue playing with the mud, “Send it to the storeroom, let Nanny Chen keep it for me for now.”

Geng Xue hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering, and couldn’t help but ask, “Aunt asked Father to inquire, what are your plans after the New Year?”

“Should the family help you look for a marriage prospect in advance?”

Geng Shuning squatted there, idly poking at the black mud, and glanced at Geng Xue.

“Which family did she have in mind?”

Geng Xue pressed her lips together, “Aunt said… said that you had a deep connection with your uncle’s wife’s family before. Their eldest son lost his wife to a difficult birth two years ago and hasn’t found a suitable match yet.”

Geng Xue found it a bit hard to say this.

Ordinary palace maids leave the palace at twenty-five, so becoming a secondary wife isn’t a big deal. But female officials who have served in the imperial court or before the Empress Dowager often marry more prestigiously.

Not to mention, the fact that Geng Jia De Jin and his wife suddenly showed concern for Geng Shuning’s marriage prospects was because they knew she had become a favorite of the Empress Dowager.

Now, to propose such a marriage, just thinking about that pair in Shengjing was enough to make one feel disgusted.

After saying this, Geng Xue felt that perhaps she shouldn’t have relayed the message and became somewhat uneasy.

But Father had said that since the Emperor had delayed the selection of ladies-in-waiting, Geng Jia Fu Jin’s own daughter was still young and could afford to wait.

Given Geng Jia De Jin’s current position, he wouldn’t have his legitimate daughter become a female official with a low initial rank, even if she received imperial favor.

If Geng Xue proved capable, the Geng family would definitely support her rise.

She was curious about what her elder cousin was thinking.

She had a hunch that if Geng Shuning stayed in the palace, she wouldn’t have a chance to rise, no matter where she was.

Thinking of this, Geng Xue carefully avoided the clay and crouched in front of Geng Shuning, her voice unusually soft.

"I know this is something my aunt did to upset you, but I think you should be prepared for it, just in case. Whether or not you leave the palace, you won’t be caught off guard."

Geng Shuning tilted her head to look at her, and only after Geng Xue didn’t dare to raise her head did she laugh softly and respond with a casual "Mhm."

"Alright, I understand. Thanks for making this trip."

Geng Xue hesitantly looked up. "Then, cousin… do you still want to leave the palace now?"

She quickly added, "I’m not prying into your thoughts, but my father told me to make it clear that if there’s anything our family can do for you, please just give the order."

"In the future, I wouldn’t dare do anything that goes against you again. We… should still support each other since we’re all part of the same family."

Geng Shuning understood what Geng Xue’s father meant.

They knew she was valued by the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, and even if she left the palace to marry, she would still carry some weight and could lend a hand in the future.

But Geng Shuning wasn’t interested in playing along, even though she knew they expected something in return.

So she still lazily responded, "I don’t have the final say on this matter; it depends on what the master thinks. If there’s a need, I’ll speak up."

Unable to get any useful information, Geng Xue felt frustrated. What she really wanted to know was whether Geng Shuning wanted to leave the palace.

From what she knew, as long as Geng Shuning wanted to stay, she would be able to stay in the palace, and then… there would be no room for her.

Noticing Geng Shuning’s lazy tone but aggressive movements with the clay, Geng Xue hurriedly stood up and didn’t dare to ask further.

*

Not long after Geng Xue left, Nanny Chen arrived.

"Oh my Miss, it’s time for dinner, why are you still playing… I mean, busy?"

Geng Shuning casually stuffed the messed-up coal lumps into a corner of the oven to air dry and stood up with a smile.

"I received news from home today, and I’m not in the best mood. Please forgive me, Nanny Chen. I’ll probably have to trouble the kitchen to heat up more water so I can clean up thoroughly."

Nanny Chen sighed. The Miss really didn’t want to leave any room for gossip.

But this was good too. It was much more convenient to take a bath openly after getting dirty from venting anger caused by the family.

Nanny Chen had someone set up a bathtub and hot water behind the screen in Geng Shuning’s duty room, likely due to a bribe. She returned with a glass bottle.

"This is the formula you previously gave to the master. I specially had someone request a bottle of the best rose oil from the Imperial Household Department for you to have a good soak."

Geng Shuning was speechless. Was cleaning herself not enough? Did she need to smell good to be placed on display… or on the bed?

She wasn’t crazy.

"No need," Geng Shuning’s fair face showed caution and sternness.

"If someone smells it, they might misunderstand, and it would harm the master’s reputation."

Nanny Chen wanted to persuade her further, but Geng Shuning gently pushed her towards the back of the screen, saying, "Just trust me on this, Nanny. It’s better to be thorough."

Nanny Chen helplessly served Geng Shuning in washing with a hot bath that had no fragrance, though she was somewhat reluctant.

Secretly, she dabbed a bit of rose oil on her fingertips and, while fumigating Geng Shuning's hair, gently massaged it into the back of her neck.

Geng Shuning, full and satisfied, further relaxed by the hot steam, felt as if she had lost several pounds and became drowsy, failing to notice.

She was only dressed in her undergarments, wrapped in a felt blanket, lying on the kang for an hour. When the first watch struck, she was gently woken up.

"It's about time. Zhao Song is waiting for you by the side door."

Geng Shuning yawned, groggily getting up to put on a half-new lake-green palace dress, covered by a dark blue cloak over her two buns, and had a young palace maid quietly lead her out.

The gatekeepers were still the silent eunuchs with indistinct faces, and outside was Zhao Song's flattering smile, while the palanquin was carried by the same four skilled guards suspected to be secret guards.

Perhaps afraid of being discovered, the palanquin was more tucked away in a corner, and Zhao Song did not carry a palace lantern.

The moonlight tonight was as weak as a bean sprout, and a few steps away from the palace lantern's glow, the night became especially dark.

But Geng Shuning was somewhat used to it, giving Zhao Song a small smile before lifting the curtain to sit inside and leaning back comfortably.

The next moment, she sensed something was wrong.

The palanquin's cushion was unusually springy tonight, even the backrest, and hot breath brushed against the back of her neck, sending a shiver of fear through her.

Covering her mouth, she almost cried out, "Who's there!"

"Who do you think?" came a deep, familiar voice, with even hotter breath drawing nearer.

Geng Shuning instinctively wanted to rise, but felt a slight dizziness as the palanquin lifted.

Her waist was controlled by someone else, pulling her tightly against the elastic cushion and backrest.

The breath was so close it seemed to brush her ear, and Yinzhen's voice sounded rather pleased.

"With such little courage, do you still dare to scheme against me?"

Geng Shuning froze. She had come to pay respects to her grandmother, but she certainly hadn’t expected to see her grandmother crawling out of the grave.

Lost in her thoughts, her ear suddenly hurt, and Geng Shuning's hand failed to stifle a whimper.

"Wu... Your Majesty, this servant dares not scheme against you... Please don't ouw~"

"Bang!"

Zhao Song, bowing beside the palanquin, heard the muffled sobs inside and the sound of the palanquin being bumped, which did nothing to cool the heat in his chest.

The four secret guards quickened their pace, each wondering if their master couldn’t wait until they reached their destination.

In reality, it wasn't as scandalous as they imagined; it was just a bite, a grip on her waist lifting her, a spin, and a change from sitting to straddling.

Geng Shuning, one hand covering her ear and the other her head, felt her waist ache as if it were about to break, her almond-shaped eyes filling with tears.

Well, she now knew this ruthless man didn’t need proof, and he was definitely angry—that much was clear.

Being pragmatic had always been Geng Shuning's forte, and she sniffled, "It hurts so much, Your Majesty, please spare me this once, and I'll make amends, alright?"

In the darkness, Yinzhen could vaguely see Geng Shuning's expression.

He had her turn around because the faint scent on her stirred some restlessness within him.

Since she had used the fragrant dew, he no longer needed to force himself to hold back.

Yinzhen's sharp gaze was fixed on his prey, and he truly couldn't wait until they reached Qingyu Pavilion to settle the score with her.

The faint fragrance on her body put him in a good mood, and his fingers leisurely brushed over her just-softened lips.

"Now you know how to make amends?"

"If I hadn't ordered Shu Ning to appear before me, until when did you plan to hide? Until right before you left the palace?"

Geng Shuning had no choice but to kiss the thumb that carried a faint sandalwood scent, her voice growing increasingly tender.

"Your Majesty misunderstands Shu Ning. Shu Ning never said she wanted to leave the palace..."

Because of her sitting posture, Geng Shuning lowered her head, making it convenient for Yinzhen to use his fingers to support her chin and pull her head forward.

"Hmm? Not leaving the palace anymore?"

Geng Shuning allowed him to tease her, not in any hurry to speak up.

Nanny Chen and Geng Xue, as the day of her leaving the palace drew near, both had tested her.

She still hadn't figured it out.

If leaving the palace was purely for freedom, she now realized that true freedom in this world required power, and she wouldn't naively chase after it without understanding the stakes.

But if she stayed in the palace, she would be unwilling, as she had her own ambitions.

This man, whose lips were nearly touching hers, sent shivers down her spine—she feared he might bite, and that only added to the danger she felt.

He wasn't just an idol in dramas and unofficial histories; he was the true emperor who controlled the life and death of everyone under the heavens.

He wouldn’t stop for any woman, wouldn’t be swayed by anyone’s thoughts, and wouldn’t tolerate her ambitions.

After traveling through time, she ought to change something, right?

If she were willing to enjoy wealth and honor as a person of high status, there were plenty of opportunities in both her past life and this one; all she needed to do was sit back and enjoy them.

Yinzhen didn't force her, a light chuckle brushed against her nose. "Don't want to talk?"

Then don't talk.

The thumb with the thumb ring moved away, and something softer pressed against her lips, carrying his unique color, turning softness into a sharp sword, unceremoniously parting her hesitant lips.

A searing breath surged into her mouth, tangling with hers and demanding her to respond.

"Mm... No..." Geng Shuning, with her head lowered, found it a bit hard to breathe.

Everything he did carried a fierce intensity.

If he had been as gentle as the puppy from her previous life, she wouldn’t have hesitated so much and would have more confidence in influencing his thoughts.

Now it was Yinzhen’s turn to remain silent, and his response was an even more forceful hold, as her soft, delicate curves were pressed harshly against the wall, causing pain.

What hurt even more was the pressure on her tongue; how could anyone kiss with such ferocity, as if trying to devour her?

She didn’t understand why he was so aggressive, and the pain only fueled her stubbornness. She wasn’t going to wait until they reached the pavilion to stand up to him.

Why should she answer him just because he demanded it?

If you can't handle losing, don't even start!

She just wants to leave the palace and refuses to back down. So what?

Only weak men rely on brute strength to get what they want!

Think you can keep her with just force? Dream on!

Geng Shuning let out a soft cry as Yinzhen pressed her against him, her eyes squeezed shut as she pushed against his shoulders, trying to pull away.

When she realized her efforts were futile, she whimpered and shook her head, then 'accidentally' bit down hard. The next moment, both of them groaned in pain.

Yinzhen groaned in pain, while Geng Shuning was startled.

Disregarding the fact that the sedan was still moving, she panicked and tried to move back, almost falling backward with her head about to hit the ground.

Yinzhen's heart tightened, and with a cold expression, he quickly reached out to grab her arm, pulling her back onto his lap.

"Wuu... Your Majesty, please spare me, this servant just made a mistake... wuu~" Tears fell from Geng Shuning's eyes.

Yinzhen, who had been kissing her as if he was on fire, felt the flames in his heart grow even stronger.

Not a desire-fueled fire, but one of anger.

As he opened his mouth, the sharp pain from the bite made the veins in his temples throb, and the sedan came to a stop.

Yinzhen decided to stop talking, holding her arm and pulling her out of the sedan.

"Master——" Su Peisheng was waiting at the door and nearly jumped back when he saw them.

Good heavens, where did the blood on their lips come from? Was it from a bite or...?

Yinzhen ignored him and, with Geng Shuning in tow, entered the room with a coldness more biting than the chilly wind.

Su Peisheng looked at Zhao Song, who was holding the wooden box Geng Shuning had brought out. He shook his head with a pale face, wondering how things had escalated so quickly.

The two didn't dare to delay and hurriedly followed to attend to their duties.

But as soon as they stepped inside, Yinzhen's cold and angry voice hit them like a slap in the face.

"Get out!"

Su Peisheng didn't even dare to respond, quickly turning on his heels, pulling Zhao Song back, and closing the door.

Geng Shuning's lips were swollen and tinged with blood, her clothes slightly disheveled. Her tear-filled eyes, moist and wide, looked up at him with a mixture of fear and innocence.

Before Yinzhen could speak, Geng Shuning timidly lowered her head, not daring to struggle too forcefully, only wincing in pain.

"This servant knows her mistake, Your Majesty. Please forgive me this time... I didn't mean to..."

Yinzhen coldly smiled and let her go. "Now you know how to lower your head, do you?"

"When I couldn't see your eyes, why didn't you show me respect by lowering your head?"

"I'm not blind. I can see whether you're truly afraid or just trying to get back at me!"

Geng Shuning remained obedient, staying tactful. "Your Majesty may decide what it is. Please punish this servant, but don't let it affect your health."

Yinzhen nodded and sat on the tidied bed with a stern expression. "Alright, since you're worried I'll harm my health from anger, come here and wipe the blood clean for me."

Geng Shuning didn't want to approach the bed. The bed was too dangerous a place.

Even though she couldn't see, she could feel the bone-chilling gaze that seemed capable of slicing through her.

Biting her lip, she shuffled her feet backward, trying to change the subject. "It snowed during the day today, and the room's brazier hasn't been lit. Are you cold, Your Majesty?"

"This servant has prepared a New Year's gift for you, guaranteed to satisfy you. Would you like to take a look first, Your Majesty?"

The pain in his tongue helped him regain his composure. Arguing with this stubborn woman, as long as he didn't behead her, always ended up with him getting angry for no useful reason. He didn't need such futile emotions.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression softening a little, as did his voice.

"Geng Shuning, put away your useless stubbornness. Don't you understand the things you said to your cousin? When it comes to yourself, you can't figure it out?" He stared intently at the pale skin of her forehead, now visible as she bowed her head.

"Whatever you do, there's a price to pay. If you want to act recklessly in front of me, relying on those novelties isn't enough. You need to win My favor if you wish to continue your antics."

Geng Shuning remained bowed without moving.

Yinzhen suddenly wanted to see those eyes that couldn't hide her emotions. Besides the watery gleam, was there fire in them now?

She couldn't let him be the only one burning with frustration.

"The evidence of your insubordination is right here." His voice turned cold again.

"Either you come over now and wipe the blood clean for me, or you go to the Bureau of Works and receive thirty strokes of the cane."

As soon as he said this, Yinzhen prepared himself for her defiance.

The flogging at the Bureau of Works... there really wasn't a need for it for the sake of his imperial dignity. Truthfully, he had enough strength for it himself.

He had wanted to hold her down and give her a beating for a long time. "If you're worried about causing misunderstandings..."

"Your Majesty is right." Geng Shuning suddenly lifted her head, cutting him off, and walked toward him.

To Yinzhen's surprise, she showed no anger. She even casually wiped away the moisture in her eyes, her eyes now reflecting genuine remorse.

"Nothing escapes Your Majesty's notice. Shu Ning was just too hurt to control her temper. Whatever punishment you deem fit, it is well-deserved."

Geng Shuning gently took out a handkerchief, a smile even appearing on her face. "This servant has learned how to tend to such matters. Let me serve you."

Yinzhen: "..." Had he scared this troublemaker into madness?

Geng Shuning paused for a moment after reaching out, then turned to the table and poured a cup of hot water.

She moistened the handkerchief before swaying back to Yinzhen's side in her emerald green attire.

Her touch on his lips was exceptionally gentle, starting from the corner of his mouth and lightly gliding across his thin lips, causing an unbearable itch.

Geng Shuning blinked her eyes, her voice sweet and soft, yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

"If the pain is unbearable, you may bite Shu Ning again. But don't be angry with this servant, alright?"

After all, it is still early in the night for such matters.