Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Yinzhen was fully aware of the value of "Linglong Charcoal." It could be said that this was something even more significant than the smallpox vaccine, and it might be the opportunity he needed to firmly secure his throne.

However, the old problem still persisted—he didn’t have many reliable people at his disposal.

Yinzhen thought that even though Geng Shuning was a woman, he still valued her. For the good of the empire, indulging her a little more wouldn’t hurt.

Some court officials and imperial clansmen remained loyal to Emperor Kangxi because the wealth and power he offered them could not be matched by the new emperor.

Another group of court officials and imperial clansmen were in a delicate neutral position, as Yinreng, Yin Shi, and Yun Ti were still around, their forces intact, lying low, ready to exploit any chaos.

Shaking off the shock from Geng Shuning’s revelation, Yinzhen digested his frustration on his own but was momentarily unsure of what to do with her.

He subconsciously suppressed his complicated emotions and first considered the official matters at hand.

The Linglong Charcoal wasn’t difficult to make, but it couldn’t be handed over to the Imperial Household Department.

They would squeeze profits layer by layer, and even the cheapest charcoal would become unaffordable for common people.

It would be best to assign people from the Workshop to set up a production site, led by someone Yinzhen trusted, with Tuoheqi commanding soldiers to guard it, producing enough charcoal to sell directly to the people.

Workshop craftsmen were easy to find, and as long as their contracts were controlled, they couldn’t leak the formula even if they tried.

Even if it was leaked later, after the first round of price control led by the court, no one would dare to sell at a higher price than the court.

The key issue now was that he couldn’t spare anyone trustworthy. Yunxiang had to take care of the Board of Ritual’s duties, and Yinti hadn’t fully consolidated control over the Jingjiao Garrison.

The remaining people were all occupied with their own responsibilities, and he couldn’t free up anyone in a short time.

*

The weather was so cold, and there would still be snow during the late spring chill. There was no time to delay.

Without much hesitation, Yinzhen redrew the design for the Linglong Charcoal and took the blueprint to Changchun Garden.

The name "thousand-hole charcoal" sounded unappealing, and after much thought, Yinzhen renamed it "Linglong Charcoal."

In the Qingyuan Study, Emperor Kangxi looked at the blueprint, deeply shocked, and stood up abruptly despite his physical limitations, staring at Yinzhen.

"Is this real?"

Yinzhen quickly supported the wobbling Emperor Kangxi. "Your son has already had the Workshop people secretly test it. A small piece of charcoal can burn for at least four hours. If placed in a slightly enclosed iron bucket, it can burn for nearly five hours."

In other words, it would only cost two wen to keep a room warm for the entire night.

Even the most frugal households would need at least a dozen baskets of charcoal to get through the winter without freezing to death.

Several hundred copper coins were not something every household could afford.

Every winter, many impoverished families would freeze to death.

If Linglong Charcoal proves effective, and if the Workshop could develop stoves that extended the burning time, perhaps less than one-third of the usual cost would be needed.

Regardless of his other concerns, Emperor Kangxi was a ruler who always put the country first. This was something that could not be changed, and the people were the foundation of the country.

"How did this charcoal come about?" he asked Yinzhen.

"You came to me because you want me to help you manage the Linglong Charcoal business?"

Yinzhen hesitated before answering the second question.

"I want to ask Father Emperor for someone, but I don’t trust the corrupt ministers under your command. It’s better if I handle this matter myself."

This honest statement made Kangxi laugh out of anger.

After sitting down, his good right leg kicked Yinzhen. "If you don’t trust me, then why are you asking me for someone?"

Yinzhen did not brush off the footprint on his robe, and instead knelt down without a word. "Your son wants Dai Mingshi’s grandnephew, Chen Hongfu."

Kangxi's expression darkened and he remained silent.

Dai Mingshi was condemned by Emperor Kangxi for satirizing the Qing dynasty in his *Nanshan Collection*, a work that was widely circulated among the elderly scholars in Jiangnan who referred to the Qing as 'barbarians.' Emperor Kangxi personally sentenced him to have his family and the families of two other clans exterminated.

The Chen Hongfu that Yinzhen spoke of is actually Dai Mingshi’s grandson through his daughter, but he was adopted by a distant relative outside the two clans. Although spared from death, he and his family were exiled to the Zhili stone quarries to do hard labor.

The surviving members of Dai Mingshi’s and Fang Xiaobiao’s families, both mentioned in the *Nanshan Collection*, are now living in difficult circumstances.

Kangxi’s heart was clear; the Dai and Fang families were deeply rooted in two dynasties, and many of their descendants were talented.

What Yinzhen wanted was not just Chen Hongfu, but the descendants of the Dai and Fang families. This was equivalent to overturning Kangxi’s decree and slapping Kangxi in the face.

Kangxi did not rush to answer Yinzhen. He smiled faintly and glanced at the design of the Linglong Charcoal, his eyes full of meaning.

"This is called 'Linglong Charcoal.' Was it made by a woman?"

"Is it the Geng family's daughter? What are your intentions?"

Yinzhen was momentarily lost in thought. This charcoal was indeed a gift from Geng Shuning, a symbol of her deep affection and longing.

He didn’t know how to deal with Geng Shuning, but subconsciously wanted to keep her affection. However, he couldn’t say this to the Emperor. Yinzhen lightly pressed the roof of his mouth with his tongue and lowered his eyes slightly.

"Regarding Geng Shuning, your son would like to assess Geng Jia De Jin’s abilities. For now, she will remain in the palace, and I will have someone keep an eye on her to prevent any issues."

"This charcoal was indeed made by her; it was discovered while she was preparing food for her mother as a joke. But the name was given by your son."

"Your son is willing to be as loyal as Bi Gan, dedicating himself to the empire and bringing peace and prosperity to all under heaven."

Yinzhen looked up. "Father Emperor, I do not regret requesting posthumous honors for my second brother or nominating Hong Xi as Crown Prince. However, I also hope you will show more kindness to me and fulfill my wish for Linglong."

When a father openly slaps his son's face with an imperial decree, the new emperor needs to establish his authority.

If the Dai and Fang families were reinstated, they would be fiercely loyal to me, and it would quickly demonstrate to the court officials that a new emperor brings new alliances.

Kangxi chuckled. "You’ve never been one to hold back, even from a young age. I’m not surprised that you’re challenging me now, especially after you once cut the ninth prince’s whip for a dog."

As one grows old, the heart softens. Kangxi was unsure how many more years his body could hold out to watch over the empire. Although his heart was displeased, he was willing to help the new emperor establish his authority.

He waved his hand. "That’s enough. Don’t stay here and annoy me. Remember one thing: don’t let women control you."

"Useful women can be indulged, but not overly so, or it will lead to unpleasant talk."

Yinzhen respectfully agreed. He knew that the Emperor had consented.

He wasn’t surprised. A son usually understands his father’s mindset better, especially when the father had once been the emperor.

Thinking of Geng Shuning, Yinzhen felt a sense of suffocation, as if his emotions were weighing heavily on him.

The old man only knows that he indulges Geng Shuning, but he doesn’t realize that by doing so, he’s pushing her away from him and toward someone else.

Even if he wanted to, that woman has no feelings for him, so there won’t be any rumors of her bewitching the master.

As he was leaving, Yinzhen couldn’t help but look up at the sky. The sky was vast in the second month of the lunar calendar, and the air was unusually dry, with wind but no snow.

He suddenly asked Su Peisheng, "What sound does the snow make when it falls?"

"Well... this servant hasn't really noticed; it doesn't make much of a sound, does it?" Su Peisheng, who had no clue about Geng Shuning's letters, carefully assisted Yinzhen as he ascended the imperial carriage.

Yinzhen’s lips curled into a mocking smile. There was no action, much like that scoundrel hiding in the Cining Palace.

*

When it came to proper state affairs, Yinzhen was always a decisive and swift emperor.

A secret imperial edict was issued to bring the exiled members of the Dai and Fang families from Shengjing and Zhili to the capital. Yinzhen didn’t rush to spread the news.

Chen Hongfu rode swiftly to the outskirts of the capital. Under the guard of Tuoheqi, he entered a spacious estate surrounded by high walls.

He and ten craftsmen from the Workshop worked tirelessly for several days, eventually designing the Linglong stove.

Tuoheqi ordered his trusted deputy and patrol soldiers to bring laborers from nearby estates into the compound.

In late February, several shops opened outside the city, selling Linglong charcoal and stoves in the name of the court.

A piece of charcoal cost two wen, which could burn for three hours, with each household limited to buying three pieces per day.

An iron charcoal stove cost two hundred wen, which could extend the burning time of the Linglong charcoal by two more hours, with each household limited to purchasing one stove.

At first, the people didn’t dare to approach, as there were soldiers from the infantry yamen stationed around.

It was Chen Hongfu, who was patrolling with Tuoheqi, who saw this. He had spent several years in the quarry with ordinary laborers and knew best what the people were afraid of.

Soon, the soldiers started beating gongs and drums, shouting—

"The emperor, in his kindness, fears the people will suffer through the cold winter, so he has specially ordered the creation of Linglong charcoal!"

"The emperor's grace is vast; a piece of charcoal costs only two wen, and you won’t need to add charcoal for the entire night!"

"Anyone interested in purchasing can come inside to try the Linglong charcoal. If it’s not warm enough, you won’t be charged."

Hearing this, the people wondered if there really was such a good thing.

After all, even with regular charcoal, they would need to burn five wen worth of charcoal for a night. Because it was expensive, only the poorest families would burn charcoal during the coldest times; otherwise, they would just endure the cold.

But now, for just two wen, they could stay warm for an entire night?

That meant they wouldn’t have to endure the cold, reluctant to burn charcoal to save money.

The people wanted to live; it was as simple as being well-fed and warm. When it came to this, no matter how afraid they were of the soldiers, they dared to approach the shops.

When they realized the soldiers weren’t stopping anyone and were only maintaining order, the people began to feel more comfortable. Soon, lines formed in front of the three shops.

In the afternoon, after finishing his review of the memorials and skipping his afternoon rest, Yinzhen went out in disguise to see for himself.

Seeing many people dressed in rags but happily carrying charcoal home, Yinzhen’s tense spirit relaxed a little, and a smile appeared on his face.

When Su Peisheng noticed his master was happy, he quietly reported, "Master, Geng Shuning has sent word that she will arrive in the capital in two days."

Yinzhen responded lightly with a faint "Hmm," "Have Gao Bin go out of the capital to welcome them. Ensure nothing goes wrong."

With the grand ceremony for the establishment of the Crown Prince set for early March, Yinzhen had kept the Tong family at arm's length for some time now.

The elderly emperor had given Yinzhen face by releasing the exiled members of the Dai and Fang families, which had kept the court relatively calm these past few days. Yinzhen also had to give face to the retired emperor and couldn't continue suppressing the Tong family indefinitely.

The Jiangnan cheating case had already seen the execution of several examination supervisors, and the scholars in the southern regions had been pacified. For now, Yinzhen decided not to pursue the matter further since the evidence sent back was insufficient. He would put it aside for the time being.

However, Yinzhen had no intention of tolerating the Henan corruption case.

Once Hongxi became the Crown Prince, the Tong family would certainly not remain quiet.

There were indeed a few useful individuals in the Tong family, but Yinzhen planned to completely suppress Longkodo before the Crown Prince entered the court.

Shortly after the Lantern Festival, Yinzhen issued a secret decree to Geng Jia De Jin, ordering him to send back evidence of Chang Sichen’s collusion with Longkodo.

*

Back in the palace, Yinzhen sat at the imperial desk and reviewed a secret report from Sichuan and Shaanxi.

After Yinzhen’s northern inspection, the Mongols had been quiet for a while.

However, secretly, Tsewang Rabtan had never stopped his activities toward Tibet, which Yue Shenglong had been closely monitoring.

Seeing that his master was about to be busy again, Su Peisheng ordered tea to be served and was about to quietly retreat to the corner.

But before he could move, Yinzhen suddenly spoke.

"Has Geng Jia De Jin not seen Geng Shuning for a long time?"

Su Peisheng: "...Yes, it must have been two or three years."

Ever since the emperor ascended the throne, Governor Geng had been in the Changchun Garden and later went to Henan, so he had no opportunity to see his daughter.

Yinzhen casually instructed, "Early morning the day after tomorrow, go to Cining Palace yourself to bring her over. Tell them that the merit of the exquisite charcoal will not be forgotten and allow the father and daughter to meet."

*

As it happened, when Su Peisheng arrived to request her presence, the consorts in Cining Palace had not yet dispersed after their greetings.

The front hall buzzed with activity.

The recently miscarried Consort Su, along with Noble Consort Ning, had both been diagnosed with a month of pregnancy by the imperial physicians.

With two pieces of good news at once, Geng Shuning watched as the Empress Dowager beamed with joy, her laughter making her eyes nearly disappear.

Upon hearing Su Peisheng's purpose, the Empress Dowager smiled and urged Geng Shuning, "Go to the emperor and share this joyous news."

The empress and others were present, and even Niuheru Jingyi, seven months pregnant, had come.

Among the consorts present, only Consort Qi appeared especially gloomy, while the others, regardless of their thoughts, wore expressions of joy.

Upon learning of the emperor's grace in allowing Geng Shuning to meet her father, unlike the Empress Dowager’s happiness, the empress and the others looked at Geng Shuning with surprise and scrutiny.

The empress, with a smile, echoed the Empress Dowager’s words, testing her response, "It must be that Governor Geng has performed his duties well, which is why the emperor granted him this grace?"

Consort Qi sneered, looking Geng Shuning up and down, "Sister is right; this is indeed good news. With Governor Geng’s flourishing official career, Miss Geng, once out of the palace, will have no trouble finding a good match."

Geng Shuning, unable to muster a blush, bowed her head in feigned shyness and excused herself.

The Empress Dowager, smiling, patted Geng Shuning’s hand, not wanting to entertain these sour remarks. There were few capable individuals, but some had the energy to worry about how to arrange those around her.

With a smile, she gave the consorts a subtle rebuke, "Go and share the good news with the emperor first. I will miss you and wish for you to serve me for a few more years. I’ll take my time arranging your marriage."

Geng Shuning respectfully agreed and followed Su Peisheng to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

As soon as they arrived, Geng Shuning noticed that the atmosphere in the imperial presence was unusually tense, with several servants at the door looking pale.

Zhao Song, upon seeing Su Peisheng, hurried over as if he had seen a bodhisattva.

"F-... Chief Su, His Majesty is furious and sent the servants away. It's been a while since tea was served. Please go inside and take a look!"

Su Peisheng: "..." This is really his good son, almost too filial for words.

Others dared not enter, but was Su Peisheng's job any easier than theirs?

Zhao Song failed to notice Su Peisheng's glare. Instead, he smiled at Geng Shuning, "His Majesty ordered earlier that if Miss Geng arrives, she should wait in the side hall for a while, and then we will call for you."

Su Peisheng's eyes shifted. Ah, I almost forgot about this 'ancestor.'

Geng Shuning wasn’t going to give Su Peisheng another chance to use her as a shield. Since she wasn’t wearing the traditional Manchu platform shoes, she quickly climbed the steps and turned into the side hall.

As she moved away, she threw over her words, "I'm just a palace maid, no need for anyone to serve me. The two of you should focus on your duties."

Su Peisheng: "..." If you hadn’t run off so fast, I might have believed you.

There was no denying it. Su Peisheng understood Geng Shuning’s place in the emperor’s heart better than anyone, even the emperor himself.

She was untouchable, beyond reproach, and irreplaceable—truly a force to be reckoned with.

He didn’t dare to bring her to the emperor as he used to. This ‘ancestor’ had even dared to strike the Emperor.

Su Peisheng could only steel himself and go inside to serve.

*

In the side hall, Geng Shuning vaguely heard the emperor's angry voice. He must have been extremely furious, as his harsh words were particularly merciless.

"... Have they all been eaten by dogs? Dogs are smarter than you!"

Geng Shuning nodded. Dogs were cunning, striking without warning.

"You can't even watch a person! You might as well remove your own heads!"

"Has corruption in Henan been going on for just a day or two? ... What is Gali? Have you forgotten the imperial decree? Why don't you forget to eat!"

"Standing there doing what? Get out!"

...

Geng Shuning was listening when, after a while, Su Peisheng, looking disheveled and defeated, came in with tea.

"Miss Geng, I’m at my wits' end. Please help by bringing His Majesty a cup of tea to soothe his anger!" Su Peisheng didn’t give Geng Shuning a chance to refuse.

"If His Majesty continues to be angry, it will harm his health, and I'm afraid your father will also be implicated."

Geng Shuning's expression darkened slightly. She didn’t know what had happened, but she couldn’t ignore her cheap father's life and death.

In this world, other virtues were important, but filial piety could weigh heavily on a person’s conscience.

She had prepared herself to meet Yinzhen today.

After all her preparations, the moment of truth had finally arrived.

Without a word, she lifted the tea tray and followed Su Peisheng into the hall, her footsteps light but her mind heavy with resolve.

Upon entering, Geng Shuning was immediately met with Yinzhen's overwhelming coldness and killing intent, like a dark cloud pressing down, making it hard for her to breathe.

Only now did she realize how much he had indulged her in the past.

At least, when he had shouted and raged in front of her, he had never displayed such a violent and terrifying aura.

Yinzhen had learned that Chang Sichen was silenced by the servants sent by the Tong family, and both the governor of Shanxi, Ga Li, and the governor of Henan had secretly helped.

Geng Jia De Jin was just a prefect and could do little about many matters.

Knowing that he hadn't handled his duties well, fortunately, he had some small cleverness and obtained some evidence from Chang Sichen's servants. Now, however, the human witness was gone.

Yinzhen was so angry that he wanted to kill.

The evidence was there, even proof of collusion, embezzlement, and bribery among officials in Henan, Shanxi, and Shandong provinces, but the key witness and most of the account books had vanished without a trace.

This meant Yinzhen knew how much was being embezzled below, but could only watch helplessly, unable to even admonish the Tong family.

Both Geng Jia De Jin and Li Guangdi, the Minister of Personnel, and Chen Tingjing, the newly appointed Minister of Justice, were kneeling on the ground, being scolded like chastised servants.

Even though Geng Shuning moved quietly, Yinzhen’s sharp ears picked up the sound of someone entering. He looked up with a murderous glare and shouted.

"I said leave—" His anger stuck in his throat when he saw Geng Shuning's slightly pale face.

Geng Shuning lowered her eyes, not daring to provoke the tiger at this moment. She put down the tea, curtsied, and spoke softly.

"This servant has been ordered by my mistress to come and congratulate His Majesty."

"Both Ning Guiren and Su Shi have been diagnosed with a one-month pregnancy, and the mistress asks that you visit them when you have time."

After speaking, Geng Shuning did not linger. She ignored the gaze of Geng Jia De Jin and quickly exited the hall, waiting outside.

After a short while, Li Guangdi and Chen Tingjing came out, wiping their sweat and supporting each other.

Geng Jia De Jin came out a few steps later and, seeing Geng Shuning at the door, gave a relieved smile and greeted her.

"I'm relieved to know you're handling your duties well by the Empress Dowager's side. Has the Empress Dowager made any plans for you to leave the palace?"

Geng Shuning gave a cold curtsy to Geng Jia De Jin and replied softly, "This servant does not dare to ask about the Empress Dowager's intentions. However, my mother, out of love for me, had already arranged a good marriage within close relatives."

"I came today to ask Father to thank Mother on my behalf. I can only appreciate her kindness in my heart."

"Though the Empress Dowager has not yet decided how to arrange my future, she seems inclined to keep me here for a few more years. If the family rushes to arrange a marriage, it could reflect poorly on the Empress Dowager."

Geng Jia De Jin's expression changed several times, but he couldn't say much in front of the Emperor. He could only curse Nala in his heart for being foolish and restless.

With a daughter who can speak directly to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, why would Nala consider this a hot potato?

He forced a smile and reassured Geng Shuning, "You should focus on serving the mistress and the Emperor. I will remind your mother not to worry too much."

"In the future, if there are any important matters, don't tell your mother. Just have your seventh uncle send word to Henan to inform me."

Only then did Geng Shuning show a faint smile, "Yes, Shuning will remember. Father, take care on your way."

Geng Jia De Jin knew this wasn't a good place for conversation. He needed to hurry home to arrange some things and would have to leave for Henan the next day, so he could only nod.

"Later, I'll ask your seventh uncle to send some money over. You take care of yourself too."

*

After Geng Jia De Jin left, Geng Shuning hadn’t even had time to react before Su Peisheng approached with a smile.

"Miss, feeling cold? The emperor is asking you to come inside. This servant will have someone bring hot tea in."

Geng Shuning took a deep breath, bracing herself. *Here it comes.*

She smiled and thanked Su Peisheng, then promptly re-entered the hall.

Yinzhen was no longer at the imperial desk, and the broken teacup had already been cleaned up.

He was leaning on a daybed by the window, his slender fingers supporting his forehead, his expression hidden.

Geng Shuning paused, then walked over step by step, crouched down, and said, "Shu Ning pays her respects to Your Majesty."

"Rise," Yinzhen lowered his hand, looking at her indifferently, a trace of irritation still lingering on his face.

"Sit and talk."

Geng Shuning obediently moved a round stool and sat down at a distance of three steps from Yinzhen.

"What would the emperor like to discuss with me?"

Yinzhen looked at her. *How could she pour out her heart to him one moment and then think about leaving the palace the next? Isn't that contradictory?*

Geng Shuning lowered her eyes, calmer than she had ever been in front of Yinzhen.

"Hasn't the emperor already arranged a place for Shu Ning?"

The lingering embers of anger in Yinzhen's heart flickered to life again.

He gave a cold laugh, stood up, walked to Geng Shuning, and lifted her chin, slowly bending down.

"You really want to shave your head, live with a Buddha lamp, and not stay by my side?"

Despite his anger, Yinzhen remained composed, his voice as calm as hers.

"Since you've relied on your own abilities to make me repeatedly tolerate your boldness, you should know that with such abilities, I cannot allow you to be used by others."

"Even if you leave the palace or become a nun, you will still be under my control. The life of a widow is not for you."

Geng Shuning, with her chin lifted, could only meet his sharp gaze.

Perhaps because they were too close, she actually saw a hint of grievance and helplessness in his amber phoenix eyes.

*What does he have to be upset or helpless about?*

A sharp pain shot through her chin, and in the moment of her distraction, she was lifted onto the soft daybed again.

She instinctively pulled back, and Yinzhen paused, slowly releasing her. His hands rested on the edge of the daybed, his gaze cold and distant.

"Don't want to talk again?"

Geng Shuning didn't want to prolong the conversation and quickly responded, "I'm just thinking about how to respond to Your Majesty."

"Alright, take your time. I'll wait," Yinzhen kept her pinned to the daybed, not touching her but staying close, with no intention of moving away.

Geng Shuning felt trapped, as if pressed against a wall, though the soft cushions behind her only added to her unease.

She pressed her hands into the cushions behind her, digging her nails into her palms to steady herself.

At least I'm not being held down; there are advantages to being close.

Geng Shuning had already thought through what she needed to say. She took the initiative to lift her head and look at Yinzhen seriously.

“You might not know, but I liked you even before you became the emperor.” With his charming demeanor, Fourth Master was just too adorable for a mom-fan like me.

“I have never, ever liked someone as much as I like you.” She wasn’t a fan of celebrities, only of Fourth Master.

Although she had already lost interest, she had once defended him against his critics on forums countless times.

Yinzhen was taken aback by her blunt confession. "You..."

Geng Shuning said, "You always say my eyes can't hide anything. Now, just by looking at me, you can tell I haven't spoken a single lie."

It was just that some things weren’t fully expressed, so her clear eyes were filled with honesty.

Yinzhen, though shocked, was even more puzzled. "If that's the case, why did you push me toward others?" She even refused to stay by his side.

Geng Shuning gave a slightly sad smile and said, "Do you think I wanted to take the role of the Empress Mother, even going as far as scheming against you, and that my so-called liking was just pretense, right?"

She suddenly pushed Yinzhen forcefully. Before he could get angry, she pulled him back to sit on the couch, standing in front of his knees, reestablishing eye contact at the closest distance.

"Have you ever considered that all of this was because I wanted to give myself a reason to stay?"

Yinzhen: "..." Pushing him away in order to stay?!

From a slightly higher vantage point, she not only enhanced her presence but also allowed the light to show her sorrow to Yinzhen.

"All my calculations didn’t harm you in any way. I couldn’t bear to, nor could I ever hurt you. With just a little patience, you could have rejected them."

"But whether it was Consort Niu or Consort Suo... or even the consorts in the rear palace, have you ever thought about rejecting them? What you call my calculations was actually you taking advantage of the situation."

Yinzhen frowned. "You... I cannot exclusively favor one woman. If people knew, you wouldn’t survive."

"I know," Geng Shuning nodded, her eyes gradually turning red.

"But I also know that the emperor’s favor is fleeting. When my beauty fades, so will your love. On that day, I would have to push the young women around me to secure my position, even facing the situation of servants climbing into your bed."

"Nanny Chen and the others all say that Your Majesty has feelings for me, that you treat me differently from others."

"But to you, I am no different from anyone else. If you want me, you could also want someone else, right?"

Yinzhen seemed stunned by her words and couldn’t speak for a moment.

Geng Shuning took a step back, her eyes still on him. "I wanted to let go of my mother’s final wish, to give up the dream of a lifelong commitment to one person. I know Your Majesty has many concubines. I tried to convince myself to be a concubine for love, but I tried and failed. I really couldn’t do it."

She took another step back. "My mother was driven to death by a woman who climbed into bed with someone. I’ve suffered enough from my stepmother. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life kneeling under someone else, watching myself walk the same path as my mother."

This time, Geng Shuning didn’t cry, but seeing her red eyes, Yinzhen felt a kind of sorrow that was more painful than if she had been in tears. This stirred a familiar ache in his heart.

He couldn’t help but stand up, wanting to pull her back.

He didn’t want her to keep moving away.

"Your Majesty!" Geng Shuning stepped back again, slowly kneeling three steps away, a tear falling straight onto her lake-green robe.

"If you can’t return my feelings, please let me go for my own sake."

Yinzhen felt a sharp sting in his heart, a pain that left him breathless.

He couldn’t resist and stepped forward, pulling her up.

He lowered his head, wanting to say many things to Geng Shuning. Everything she wanted—luxury, love, and happiness—he could give her.

But as he steadily looked at Geng Shuning, he involuntarily wiped away the tear that fell by her cheek. Yinzhen’s voice was hoarse with emotion.

"Except for undivided attention, what... else do you want? I can give you anything..."

Geng Shuning interrupted him, "Every time I hear news of a pregnancy in the imperial harem, it's like a knife stabbing my heart. Don't you understand? Why do you think I schemed against you? I just needed to confirm one thing—"

After the tear was wiped away, Geng Shuning didn’t cry anymore. After all, her palm didn’t hurt much, so there was no real reason to cry.

She met Yinzhen’s gaze and spoke firmly, "I want to be the only one, not just one of many. If I have to watch you favor others in the future, even in my own bed—I’d rather join my mother in the afterlife!"

"How dare you!" Yinzhen glared at her with unspeakable frustration, his expression cold and stern.

"Do I need to remind you that servants aren’t allowed to harm themselves?"

Geng Shuning broke free from his grip and once again knelt respectfully. "Then, please, Your Majesty, out of my loyalty, grant me this request."

This time, her pride did not waver. She lifted her head, against the light, looking up at the towering figure.

"Even if it means living in seclusion, Shu Ning would do so willingly. I swear on the lives of the entire Geng clan, I will never betray you in this life!"

Of course, becoming a nun would work too, but then I’d have to sneak drinks and meat.

Afraid that Yinzhen would notice her distraction, she placed her head on her hand, waiting for his response.

Yinzhen was indeed shaken by her words.

No one had ever expressed their love so passionately, and no one had ever cut off their own path with such determination.

Geng Shuning was right about one thing: he couldn’t reciprocate such intense feelings.

And Geng Shuning knew his nature well; he was a pragmatist at heart.

The novel ideas she brought forth were useful to him. He wouldn’t force her to die.

Yinzhen didn’t help her up but instead sat back down, step by step. After a long while, he finally spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Very well, I agree to your request. You may go."

Geng Shuning secretly sighed in relief. All the effort she put into navigating this complicated path had paid off.

"Shu Ning—thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

She rose calmly, "Shu Ning takes her leave."

Turning around, she slowly made her way to the door.

Su Peisheng had heard the commotion and, not daring to breathe heavily, opened the door.

She would be escorted out the same way she was brought in.

If only for Geng Shuning’s deep affection for the master, Su Peisheng was willing to treat her like an ancestor.

As Geng Shuning stepped out, she suddenly halted, looking up at the sky in a daze.

It was getting late, the sky gray, but little specks of white were falling.

She suddenly turned back, unable to see the figure sitting inside but still wearing a dimpled smile, delivering one last thought—

"Your Majesty, it's snowing."

Yinzhen, who had been watching her leave calmly, suddenly felt a storm brewing in his eyes. His heart felt hollow, as if something irreplaceable had been taken from him.