Chapter 54

Chapter 54

On the way back to the Yuanming Garden, Su Peisheng didn’t get into the carriage.

He didn’t even need to look at the lady’s powdered and glamorous face. Just seeing his master, Yinzhen, subtly smiling as he tried to contain himself was enough to know what his master wanted to do.

Taking out a handkerchief and covering his face with it, Su Peisheng went to sit on the carriage shaft with Lin Fu.

As expected, as soon as the carriage left the inner city, they heard Geng Shuning’s soft exclamation from inside.

The two exchanged a glance, one with eyes bent in amusement, the other with a grin stretching to the back of his head.

These two have been at it for almost a year, but at least things were starting to look harmonious. As serving servants, it was hard for them not to feel relieved.

Inside the carriage, Geng Shuning was trapped on Yinzhen’s lap, her arm draped over his neck, and her slender waist was forced forward by his burning hot palm.

The two were almost perfectly aligned, allowing Geng Shuning to clearly hear his heartbeat—slightly faster but steady, unlike her own, which was all over the place.

Geng Shuning felt a warmth under her chin as it was gently lifted up.

Her heart became even more flustered, and she hurriedly lowered her hand from Yinzhen’s neck to push him away.

"Master, you’re breaking your promise again!"

Yinzhen didn’t loosen his grip at all, his voice lazy, "How have I broken my promise?"

Geng Shuning refused to lift her head, fiddling with her fingers against his chest, "You said that as long as I can atone for my sins within a year, you would grant me a life of seclusion and devotion."

Yinzhen leisurely stroked her slender waist, casually responding, "If you can go without meat and alcohol for your entire life, I’ll grant you a life of seclusion and devotion, and won’t let you be troubled by worldly desires."

Geng Shuning choked on her words, her head involuntarily perking up, "Then you also promised that if I prove my worth, you would grant me what I desire and let me leave the palace!"

"Do you still want to leave the palace?" Yinzhen interrupted her, his tone gentle, "I thought after seeing the outside world today, your mind would have become clearer."

In the summer, clothes were too thin. His touch made her back tingle with an odd sensation, and she pushed more forcefully, even reaching out to scratch him.

"You also promised me today that if I didn’t want to, you wouldn’t touch me!"

Yinzhen grabbed her unruly hand, twisting both her arms behind her back, one hand holding them, the other pinching her neck, forcing her to lift her head.

His nose lightly brushed against hers, "This doesn’t count as touching you, right?"

Geng Shuning’s body became increasingly limp, her apricot eyes wide and watery, "Then what is this?"

"Is this what you call 'not touching me'? Like a dog licking its paws? Ugh!"

Yinzhen’s thin lips gently neared her rosy lips but didn’t touch them. His minty breath brushed her nose, making her even more flustered.

Inside the carriage, it was slightly dim, but his deep gaze was unmistakable, filled with sincerity and tenderness, free of any lust.

"I remember what transpired in the Qingyu Pavilion. I promised you, and I will never go back on my word."

Yinzhen almost pressed his burning cheek against hers, his breath near her lips, lingering by her ear, his voice becoming even gentler.

"I also know what you said to the Empress Dowager. In the future, when you go out on duties, you’ll be interacting with more men than ordinary women. You can’t remain uneasy forever, can you?"

"Since you don’t see me as a man, why not start by getting used to my closeness?" Yinzhen’s breath finally settled on her brow, gently leaving a kiss.

"Ning’er, you need to grow accustomed to this. You must learn to accept it. Don’t let the mistakes of others become your shackles. You can rely on me and rise above it all."

Geng Shuning was stunned. The kiss on her forehead seemed to be there and yet not, as light as a feather, but it landed heavily on her heart, making her heart skip a beat.

Her freed hand instinctively pressed against his chest, right over his heart.

It was beating fast, just like her own heartbeat.

No wonder the idol she had admired for so long became the male lead in so many dramas and novels—he really knew what he was doing.

Without his usual coldness and harshness, Yinzhen was truly irresistible.

She didn’t think she was falling for him, but the fangirl heart she had harbored for over a decade in her past life was hard to control.

She secretly raised her head to search Yinzhen's gaze, her watery eyes seemingly falling into a sea of amber.

At the moment of sinking, his thin lips pressed onto hers.

A not-so-gentle tongue pushed in, entangling hers with a crazed desire to devour her.

"Mmm..." Geng Shuning had never been kissed like this before. Unable to support her own body, she tightly grabbed his arm.

She wanted to retreat but ended up getting closer to him.

Yinzhen looked at Geng Shuning, her face flushed red and her eyes closed, her fan-like lashes fluttering slightly. She looked much more pleasing than her usual stubborn self.

Even though this little fox was stubborn and fierce, once she submitted, she revealed a softer side, so endearing that one would want to hold her close and never let go.

Yinzhen’s eyes darkened with desire and restraint, a deep smile playing on his lips.

He didn’t believe in so-called everlasting love, but he wasn’t deceiving Geng Shuning.

Having such a little fox that fit his heart was enough. When they got used to each other, spending a lifetime together would be nice too. He just needed to wait, for her to get used to him, to become unable to leave him, and then he could savor her fully.

For now, he could only take a little from her. He rubbed Geng Shuning's delicate neck repeatedly, not willing to let go of her lips.

By the time the carriage stopped, Geng Shuning was nearly dazed from the kisses, her body limp and weak.

Even her eyes, which usually held a fierce gaze, were now red and glistening with tears.

This man was relentless; she remembered spending an entire night with her boyfriend in her past life, and it hadn’t been nearly as intense.

What was most embarrassing was the warmth she felt between her legs... and all he had done was kiss her, making her feel particularly vulnerable.

When it was time to get off the carriage, seeing that no master emerged, Su Peisheng understood and quickly arranged the footstool.

Yinzhen smiled handsomely, holding Geng Shuning. "Shall I carry you back?"

Geng Shuning quickly avoided his hand and, due to her weak legs, almost fell back into the carriage.

In a hoarse voice, she refused, "No, please have Su An bring the veil. I can walk back on my own."

There was still more than half an hour before the gates would be locked, enough time for her to return to Yingfei Pavilion.

In her current state, she couldn’t possibly serve in the imperial quarters; anyone would see that something had happened between her and Yinzhen.

Yinzhen chuckled softly, "Silly girl, you don’t need the veil to go back."

The carriage had stopped near the reed marsh by Fuhai Lake, next to the palace walls. There was a small door there that led to the Fuhai watchtower.

The secret passage was inside the Guanlan Hall, a resting place by the watchtower used for fishing breaks.

Without pausing, Yinzhen continued forward, still holding Geng Shuning in his arms.

Su Peisheng stifled his laughter, pretending not to notice, and hurried ahead to open the small door.

Passing through the elevated platform of the watchtower, they entered the back hall of the Guanlan Hall and made their way into the small Buddhist shrine dedicated to the Sea Goddess.

The secret passage was behind the statue of the Sea Goddess, who protected the coastal areas and blessed them with safety. Geng Shuning was still disoriented when she suddenly felt a cold draft, causing her heart to skip a beat.

She grabbed Yinzhen's collar and asked uneasily in a low voice, "Your Majesty, is it really okay for me to know about this secret passage?"

The moment she stepped into the dark passage, everything went black before her eyes.

Before she could fully process what was happening, Yinzhen kissed her forehead. "I didn’t intend to hide it from you."

It wasn’t just about his affection for her; it was also a sign of his trust in his people.

He had personally visited those shops. If they could indeed become the intelligence department Geng Shuning spoke of, they would not be limited to the capital in the future.

He would give her opportunities to go out, and sometimes when it couldn’t be done openly, she needed to know the location of the secret passage.

But he didn’t explain this.

Seeing her puffed-up cheeks, Yinzhen felt a stir in his heart and teased, "We came out in a hurry earlier, and there wasn’t time to prepare the lamps and candles. I’ve had torches prepared, so there’s no need to blindfold you."

Geng Shuning was taken aback and recalled what he said the day she made him bleed at the Qingyu Pavilion.

"You don’t like the dark, so wherever you are, there will be lamps and candles."

Turning her head, she saw Zhao Song standing not far away at the corner, holding a torch.

Yinzhen continued walking forward with her in his arms. "My promise is not false. Ask yourself, when have you ever really been unwilling? Isn’t it you who..." tempted me.

He blocked the last three words by pressing them between their lips.

The coolness of the secret passage helped Geng Shuning calm down a little. She felt somewhat speechless; this was just a case of the guilty projecting their own desires.

She had only tempted him once… or perhaps two or three times, yet he kept kissing her and had the nerve to say she was the one tempting him.

She patted Yinzhen's arm. "Your body is still weak; put me down. I can walk on my own."

Yinzhen pressed the girl into his arms a little harder, causing her to let out a small cry before he loosened his grip.

He gritted his teeth and whispered in her ear, "If you keep tempting me, I’ll show you just how much strength I still have!"

Geng Shuning: "..."

With the torches illuminating the area, she caught the amused grins on Su Peisheng and Zhao Song’s faces out of the corner of her eye, which made her embarrassed. She buried her head in his chest and fell silent.

*

It wasn’t that she was uncomfortable with being close to a man, but… because of their similar personalities, they had always been like two sharp needles clashing against each other. She was used to it.

Because of the shock from this trip, she felt like this time, he had managed to gain the upper hand, and she always felt… like she had lost.

On second thought, there was an undeniable thrill, but something in her heart still felt uneasy.

This left her too embarrassed to retort, especially since she hadn’t even realized when Yinzhen carried her to the rear corridor of the Nine Continents Clear View.

“Your Majesty, Consort Xi has come with the third prince to see you,” someone suddenly spoke up, jolting her back to awareness.

Geng Shuning quickly wriggled free from Yinzhen’s embrace and hopped down, then lowered her head and hurried toward the back hall.

“I’ll go change clothes first.”

Yinzhen was quick to grab her. “Make sure you’re presentable and come to the front. I have important matters to discuss with you.”

Geng Shuning nodded slightly, acknowledging him without turning around, and hurried back to the Yingfei Pavilion.

She didn’t rush to serve in the front. The arrival of Consort Xi and the third prince had dampened her earlier excitement.

After freshening up, she sat by the soft daybed, poured herself a cup of cold tea, and slowly sipped it while carefully recalling everything she had seen that day.

The people’s lives were hard, mainly because the era was still in the period of a small-scale peasant economy.

The policy of emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce meant that neither the common folk nor the landlords and nobles above them focused on commercial development.

Relying on herself to develop commerce and boost the economy was nothing more than a fantasy.

Even if the emperor supported her, he wouldn’t allow her to undermine the foundation of the country.

She would have to find another way to maneuver… Geng Shuning finished the cold tea and poured herself another cup, her fingers lightly tapping her cheeks as she thought.

Unconsciously, the flush and warmth on her cheeks slowly faded away.

If commerce could be tied to political objectives, merchants might contribute to the people and the country through certain laws and policies, earning themselves status and power, and the economy could gradually improve.

Although she didn’t fully grasp politics, the societal environment of her past life gave her insights into everyday matters.

The people’s lives revolved around food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. How could merchants ensure the people’s interests in these areas?

“Miss, Miss?” Xiao Chengzi called softly from outside the door. “His Majesty is asking for you in the front hall.”

Geng Shuning snapped out of her thoughts, a hint of annoyance returning to her otherwise calm face.

She calmly said, “I understand. I’ll go check the menu for His Majesty’s meals tomorrow first, and I’ll be there to serve him after half an hour.”

Due to what had happened between them today, she was somewhat reluctant to see Niuheru Jingyi and her son.

*

But after half an hour, when she arrived at the Nine Continents Clear View, Consort Xi and the third prince were still there.

Lanterns had been lit inside and outside the hall, and Geng Shuning felt a slight sinking in her heart. Was Niuheru Jingyi going to stay in the imperial presence overnight?

She paused for a moment, then stood calmly at the door and first spoke to Su Peisheng.

“Su Archen, I’ve reviewed the menu for the meals in the kitchen tomorrow. The head steward of the kitchen, Mr. Qiao, asks if His Majesty would like to have dinner now?”

Su Peisheng’s face stiffened when he saw Geng Shuning, clearly taken aback.

“Why are you here now?” He subtly frowned but still wore a smile. “I had someone pass a message earlier, asking you to come after dinner. Maybe you missed each other in the kitchen?”

Consort Xi had come with the little prince, who had fallen asleep in His Majesty’s arms. As soon as he was taken away, he cried, so they had to carry him and walk around the hall while waiting for him to wake up before leaving.

Geng Shuning raised an eyebrow slightly. “Xiao Chengzi said His Majesty asked me to come to the front.”

Su Peisheng's expression changed drastically. "Is Xiao Chengzi asking for trouble?"

Just as he was about to speak, Consort Xi heard the commotion and came out from the side hall, smiling as she explained on Su Peisheng's behalf.

"Miss Geng, please don't blame him. I asked Xiao Chengzi to help me pass on a message. I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me, so I used His Majesty's decree to invite you. I will personally apologize to the Emperor later."

Su Peisheng's face turned cold. If it weren't for the fact that Consort Xi was currently the only consort with a royal prince, he would have ordered her to be escorted out.

Unknown to others, he knew very well that in the Emperor's heart, Consort Xi was no match for Geng Shuning and never had been.

Considering the third prince was still inside, Su Peisheng thought better of it.

Geng Shuning beat him to it, respectfully bowing to Consort Xi. "Shu Ning offers greetings to Consort Xi."

Consort Xi, swaying gracefully in her embroidered flowerpot shoes, approached and smiled as she helped Geng Shuning to her feet.

"Miss Geng, there's no need to be so formal with me. I owe my position today to your meticulous care. I wanted to thank you for your previous support."

She waved to the palace maid behind her. "I heard that when you served the Empress Dowager, you liked gold and silver. I wasn't sure what would be appropriate to offer the senior palace maid in the Emperor's presence, so..."

"These were awarded to me by the Emperor during the third prince's full month celebration. I'm offering them as a gift in return for your kindness. I hope Miss Geng won't reject them."

Su Peisheng detected the hidden message. Consort Xi was clearly mocking Geng Shuning, reminding her that even as a female official in the emperor's presence, she was still just a palace maid.

By the rules, as a consort, Consort Xi was not someone Geng Shuning could openly challenge.

He discreetly stepped back and waved to the servants at the door, signaling them to report inside.

As soon as Consort Xi finished speaking, her maid, chin raised, presented a red lacquered tray.

On the tray were three pairs of earrings, with pearls embedded at both ends and agate in the middle, connected by gold filigree. Under the sheep horn palace lanterns, they shone brilliantly, looking extremely precious.

The maid only had one pair of ear piercings. In the imperial court, only those with titles or who became imperial concubines could have three pairs, which symbolized higher status.

Geng Shuning felt a sting in her heart, but oddly, she felt like laughing in the next moment.

From the moment she heard that Consort Xi had come to the imperial presence, a sense of frustration and annoyance had been lingering in her mind, which was why she was contemplating serious matters indoors to distract herself.

She knew it was possessiveness at play.

In the glimmer of the pearls, her frustration melted away, and the turmoil in her eyes subsided into coldness.

How wonderful.

Compared to the false pretenses last time Consort Xi pointed out, this genuine display actually helped Geng Shuning regain her balance.

Almost tricked by that despicable person, she almost fell into a sweet trap.

When she liked someone, she always found it hard to resist their persistent advances. Several of her ex-boyfriends from her previous life had risen this way.

It was quite something that the cold-faced Fourth Master, known as "Cold-faced Yama," was also learning from her former playboys.

She had been careless.

Grateful to Consort Xi.

With a clearer mind, she smiled faintly, glanced at Consort Xi, and curtsied again.

"Consort Xi, there's no need for such formality with this humble servant. Previously, I was merely helping to ease the Empress Dowager's worries."

"Eastern pearls can only be used by those of consort rank or higher. If they are privately kept, it would be a violation of palace rules. I don’t expect your gratitude, but I hope you won’t repay kindness with hostility."

Niuheru Jingyi’s expression froze for a moment.

She had forgotten about this rule and didn’t expect that Geng Shuning would speak so boldly in front of Su Peisheng.

But soon, a bitter smile appeared on her face. "What is Geng Shuning saying? I merely wanted to offer my best items but momentarily forgot about her status..."

"Since you forgot, you dared to falsely issue an imperial edict? You should study the palace rules more thoroughly!" Yinzhen’s cold voice echoed from the doorway.

Niuheru Jingyi’s heart tightened, and she quickly knelt, attempting to explain softly, "Your Majesty..."

"Go back and copy the palace rules ten times, then submit them to the Empress," Yinzhen interrupted her plea.

"The third prince will stay with me for now and will be sent to the Empress Dowager tomorrow for her care. You may fetch him after you finish copying the rules."

Niuheru Jingyi’s expression changed drastically, and she lifted her head sorrowfully. "Your Majesty, the prince is still young! He seeks his concubine mother every day, and not seeing her might frighten him!"

"This concubine will finish copying the palace rules as soon as possible and deliver them to Rugu Hanjin. I will be mindful of the rules in the future, so please allow the third prince to stay by my side!"

"Su Peisheng, escort Consort Xi back!" Yinzhen ignored Niuheru Jingyi’s words and reached out to lead Geng Shuning into the hall.

Geng Shuning deftly stepped back to avoid his gesture and crouched down to plead for Niuheru Jingyi.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. This servant and Consort Xi share a deep past friendship. I trust that she means no harm. Please forgive her for this oversight and allow her to be cautious in the future."

Yinzhen’s arm stiffened for a moment, and a chill rose within him as he looked down at Geng Shuning. "Do you know what you’re saying?"

He stood up for her, but this troublemaker was now pleading for Consort Xi?

She wasn’t soft-hearted when she bullied him, but now she was defending someone else?

Geng Shuning’s calm and gentle voice reached Yinzhen’s ears. "The Empress Dowager is most concerned about the young prince. If the young prince becomes frightened by being separated from his mother, wouldn’t that distress you, Your Majesty?"

"For the sake of the young prince and to ease the concerns of both the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

Niuheru Jingyi, unable to plead for herself, was overshadowed by Geng Shuning, whom she wanted to suppress. Unlike Tong Siya, she wouldn’t stubbornly resist for momentary satisfaction.

After all, there was no deep enmity between her and Geng Shuning, and knowing when to stop was still possible.

She quickly knelt and bowed deeply. "I beg Your Majesty to show mercy for the sake of the third prince’s young age!"

"This concubine truly harbors no ill intentions towards Geng Shuning. I will not act rashly again in the future."

Yinzhen’s heart, which had been content for half a day, flared up again. He turned away with a cold expression.

"Escort Consort Xi and the third prince back!"

Niuheru Jingyi looked up at Geng Shuning with a complex expression.

Geng Shuning smiled gently at her and entered the hall, where there was still much to smooth over inside.

Inside the hall, only Zhao Song was serving, head bowed. Geng Shuning made a gesture to him, and Zhao Song quickly scurried out.

Geng Shuning stepped forward to pour tea for Yinzhen and pushed the cup towards the expressionless man reading the documents.

"Is Your Majesty still angry with me?"

"If you make it difficult for me to handle Consort Xi and the Third Prince, what would Empress Dowager and the other consorts think?" Geng Shuning calmly reasoned, giving Yinzhen a pointed look and pouting slightly.

"Moreover, even if Consort Xi were to throw her weight around, I handled her once, and I can handle her again. You don’t need to rush in and stir up trouble."

Yinzhen: “……”

His anger flared even more, and he pulled Geng Shuning by the hand into his embrace. "In your heart, am I really so powerless that anyone can push you around, and I’m just a pushover?"

He punished Niuhuru because she brought the Third Prince to the imperial court to compete for his favor, and even used the opportunity to humiliate Geng Shuning.

If he let this slide, anyone would feel emboldened to act out in the imperial court. He wouldn’t need to do anything else.

If Empress Dowager and the other consorts had something to say, he might as well settle things once and for all, teaching them a lesson so they wouldn’t dare cause trouble again.

If he wanted to dote on this heartless woman, he would first need to make the imperial court peaceful. But this stubborn woman didn’t trust him at all.

Geng Shuning carefully leaned against him, hesitated, and gently soothed his anger. "Shu Ning feels heartache for you, Your Majesty, being overwhelmed with state affairs. I don’t want to cause you more worry, is that alright?"

What she wanted to say was, problems that women could solve, men interfering would only slow her down. Why create extra trouble?

Yinzhen was slightly calmed by her gentle, attentive gesture, but he snorted coldly, pinching her neck. "You’re only good at talking."

Looking at her slightly swollen lips, his anger took on a different flavor, and he somewhat wanted to taste how sweet her talkative mouth was.

Geng Shuning quickly covered her mouth and muttered in a low voice, "My skin is about to break; you can’t kiss it!"

Yinzhen’s eyes grew even darker, his anger intensifying, thinking that if he couldn’t kiss her mouth, he could kiss somewhere else...

"I also want to ask a favor for Xiao Chengzi. Could you also ask Su An to forgive him?" Geng Shuning quickly stepped back a few paces to avoid his rising anger.

"He usually handles his duties quite adeptly, and after this incident, he certainly won't dare to be careless again."

Xiao Chengzi falsely relayed the imperial edict; if punished for his crime, he would likely be beaten to death and dumped in the mass grave.

Regardless of whose man he is, she wants him to be loyal to her.

To survive in the palace, she needs her own allies; relying only on this man won't be enough.

Yinzhen's temper, which had cooled, flared up once more, but though the anger was great, it didn’t show on his face—only his handsome face was now as cold as ice.

"Geng Shuning, do you not want me to protect you, or do you not believe I can protect you?"

Geng Shuning lowered her gaze, masking the calm in her eyes. "I just..."

Yinzhen abruptly cut her off. "Get out," he said, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. "You don’t need to come to the imperial court for a few days."

To avoid being driven mad by this heartless fool.

He thought they had grown closer, his passion growing stronger, but her eyes had returned to their usual calm.

He needed a moment to gather himself before hearing any more of her nonsense.