Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Yinzhen was taken aback by Geng Shuning's question, but the playful smile on his lips remained.

His long fingers gently traced the contours of her almond-shaped eyes, brushing down to the corners, creating a warmth that lingered between them.

"I can't pinpoint exactly what it is about you. At first, you irritated me beyond words, yet somehow, you've wormed your way into my heart."

Geng Shuning: "..." Should I thank your ancestors?

Yinzhen's fingers gradually moved down, gently gripping Geng Shuning's slender neck and lifting her chin, as if asking for a kiss.

His eyes darkened slightly, his voice a bit hoarse. "Maybe you pulled me into your own version of Zhuang Zhou's dream, where I found that you fit every one of my desires, inside and out. No other woman could ever compare."

The last word dissolved into a searing kiss, pressing against the corner of her mouth.

Geng Shuning bit her lip to keep from snapping back, but the fire in her eyes couldn't be hidden. Her 'bad boys' and 'sweet boys' were definitely better behaved than this man.

Yinzhen's dark gaze remained on Geng Shuning, not waiting for her rejection but seeing the light rekindled in her eyes, filling his heart with joy, and his kiss became more passionate.

He unceremoniously parted her lips, leading her delicate tongue in a dance.

Geng Shuning struggled to catch her breath, the anger simmering in her chest, causing a dull ache.

Since middle school, she had been obsessed with Emperor Yongzheng, devouring every novel and TV drama about the Fourth Prince, skipping straight to his scenes. Good or bad, official history or folklore, she collected them all meticulously, more dedicated than a fan chasing stars. As a teenager, she had fantasized about romantic moments with the Fourth Prince, but now, hearing his confession, she could only sneer.

Their clothes entangled, making rustling sounds, Geng Shuning softly pushed him, her hoarse voice asking, "Is there anything more important to you than loving me?"

Yinzhen had already lifted her up, holding her in his arms, lazily leaning on the Luohan bed, absentmindedly stroking her slender waist.

Hearing her, he chuckled softly, stroking her head as if she were a well-behaved little fox.

"Of course, the empire. Ning'er, you've always understood, haven't you?"

"There are things you can do, as long as you don't put me in a difficult position. No one is more important than you."

Geng Shuning softly agreed, lying on his chest, listening to his slightly rapid heartbeat, feeling a sharp pain in her heart.

Since coming to this world, she had been controlling herself, constantly reminding herself that the real emperor was different from her idol, unfollowing him decisively.

She knew that to Emperor Yongzheng, women were nothing more than fleeting distractions.

But... when this man was attentive, whether gentle or cold, he was still so hard to refuse.

Her chin was lifted again, kissed until she couldn't breathe.

But before his kiss descended, her heartbeat had already driven her crazy.

Even though he wasn't the man she once idolized, she had still fallen in love with him. Tsk.

"Your Majesty discussed court affairs with me today. Do you think the things I do count as interfering in politics?" she asked breathlessly.

Yinzhen's kisses gradually lingered downward, her collar already disheveled, his voice also in disarray.

"Aren't you going to be my right-hand man? As long as you don't do anything harmful to the Qing Dynasty, I... will always protect you."

The heat and confusion of the kiss could not stop her from thinking clearly.

She scoffed to herself; even if she did nothing, the Qing Dynasty would fall after two hundred years.

She asked about ‘you,’ but the response was always ‘I am.’

She hooked her arms around Yinzhen’s neck, her watery eyes looking at him quietly.

This man’s love seemed like a kind of reward, his desires evident in the high and mighty gaze that looked down on her, a critical yet confident gaze, as if saying she couldn’t escape the net of this love.

When he reached out to undo her buttons, Geng Shuning grabbed Yinzhen’s hand and slowly got up.

“Did the Emperor design the clothes that Qiao He sent to me?”

Yinzhen knew she had emotional scars from that matter, and from his own experiences, he understood, having no intention to force her into anything.

Though his desires were deep, he suppressed his impatience, but couldn’t help the urge to get closer, pulling her in front of him, not allowing her to retreat, smiling as he looked her up and down from above.

“Hmm, when I have time, I’ll make more clothes for you.”

“When I’m free later, I’ll accompany you outside, Ning’er. There’s no need to disguise yourself as a eunuch. How about being Master Huang’s wife?”

Geng Shuning smiled slightly, avoiding the question, only her sweet dimples showing.

“I’ve heard the Emperor designed clothes for two dogs before? Shu Ning is truly honored.”

When this man liked something, he was indeed gentle and meticulous. Unofficial history even said he could braid hair for dogs.

“What are you comparing yourself to those dogs? They’re long gone.” Yinzhen chuckled, pulling her to sit on his lap, gently kissing her forehead and temple.

As he said, he wanted Geng Shuning to get used to his affection.

When he kissed her chin, Geng Shuning tilted her neck, her eyes squinting like a cat being scratched under the chin.

Should she thank those dogs for leaving early?

To this man, she was probably just a cat or dog he liked more than those two.

Like her, she could also crazily like someone, something, pouring time and effort into it, becoming incredibly gentle and attentive.

But she would always love herself more.

“Your Majesty…” she breathed slowly, her voice as sweet as enchanting honey, making the grip around her waist tighter, her voice warmer.

“Before, you were like the moon in the sky—something I could only admire from afar, so I was very happy with your affection.”

Before she fell in love, she could afford to be ambiguous, confused, wronged, or even suffer, because nothing weighed on her heart.

But—

Once she fell in love, she finally realized she had to stay far away from this man.

She was an extremely selfish person and would never give herself the chance to sink into love and lose herself!

Geng Shuning pushed Yinzhen away abruptly, stepping back, looking at him with a confused frown.

“But now, I realize you’ve come down from your pedestal, into my heart, and become just another man.”

Her face suddenly turned pale as she took a handkerchief to vigorously wipe the places she had been kissed, forcing herself to swallow, as if fighting back a wave of nausea, while Yinzhen’s expression darkened.

She knelt, her eyes red-rimmed from tears, and said, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I could not control my instinctive reaction."

"Please allow me to confine myself to Yingfei Pavilion so that I can draw the loom that improves weaving efficiency as soon as possible."

She looked up but lowered her eyes, smiling formally and distantly.

"I will definitely reflect carefully and never do anything detrimental to the empire. I will also be Your Majesty's reliable assistant. It is enough for me to watch you from afar for a lifetime."

Yinzhen suppressed his confusion and anger, stepping forward with a cold, handsome face. "Stand up and talk."

Geng Shuning quickly rose, retreating a few steps awkwardly, her head gently lowered, more formal than ever before, her soft charm completely restrained.

Despite trying to control it, Yinzhen could not suppress his anger and pointed outside the hall.

"Out—"

Before he could finish, Geng Shuning swiftly squatted down, backed away a few steps, turned around formally, opened the door, slipped out, and closed it silently.

Su Peisheng and Zhao Song were still stunned by Geng Shuning's hasty departure when they heard the sound of porcelain shattering from inside the hall.

The two of them shrank their necks, looking troubled, and appeared puzzled.

What’s happening now?

Everything was fine this morning, wasn’t it?

*

Geng Shuning returned to Yingfei Pavilion and immediately instructed Qiao He, "I have upset the Emperor. I will confine myself to Yingfei Pavilion for now. Do not let anyone in."

Qiao He's face turned pale. She asked in a low voice, "What if it's the Emperor..."

"Apologize on my behalf," Geng Shuning interrupted coolly, "Say that once I have completed my tasks and reflected sufficiently, I will go to the imperial court to apologize. Until then, I have no face to see His Majesty."

Qiao He wanted to say she didn’t dare, but when Geng Shuning gave her a cool glance, her heart froze, and the words caught in her throat, too afraid to speak.

Miss has an aura that’s almost regal, just like His Majesty’s.

*

After being calmly sent out by Geng Shuning, Qiao He came to her senses and started to worry about how to explain if Chief Su came over.

To her surprise, the imperial palace remained eerily quiet.

By the Mid-Autumn Festival, Geng Shuning still couldn’t figure out the working principle of the spinning wheel, but she finally drew the flying shuttle mechanism from the loom her grandmother had used.

Qiao He took the drawings to the imperial court for production, and after trying it herself, she was overwhelmed with excitement.

This loom transforms yarn into warp and weft threads, switching the weaving direction from horizontal to vertical, thus increasing the weaving speed by six times!

If His Majesty managed it properly, the price of cloth outside would definitely decrease, allowing the people to afford even the lowest grade of coarse cloth.

This was the best Mid-Autumn Festival gift Yinzhen had received.

When Su Peisheng reported to him, there was joy on his face. "This servant heard from Qiao He that Miss has been sleeping less lately, working tirelessly day and night to ease Your Majesty's burdens."

"You see, Miss has been confined for half a month, and even the Empress Dowager has sent someone to ask..." He carefully observed his master's expression, tentatively pleading for Geng Shuning.

"Should we allow Miss to return to the imperial court? She can then accompany Your Majesty to pay respects at Changchun Pavilion and also make the Empress Dowager happy."

Yinzhen continued reviewing the memorials expressionlessly, not lifting his head, his voice cold.

"When did I ever order her to be confined?"

Su Peisheng felt bitter in his heart, "This... Qiao He said that Miss Geng Shuning upset Your Majesty and asked for punishment on her own. If she doesn't know whether you've calmed down, how could she dare to come out?"

Yinzhen's voice remained cold and stern, "You useless slave, you're quite good at serving, aren't you? When did your master's dignity become so insignificant? Why don't you go serve your ancestors instead?"

Su Peisheng knelt down in fear, "This servant doesn't dare, this servant just..."

"Enough, I don't want to hear your excuses," Yinzhen finished reviewing a memorial, put down the red brush, and nonchalantly picked up his tea to take a sip before giving him a faint glance.

"You only listen to others—what good are you to me?"

He continued reviewing memorials with a cold face, "Since she left the imperial presence without issue, she can return on her own. It's not as if she's more important than I am."

"I'm busy with state affairs and don't have the time to coddle an ungrateful stubborn mule."

That day, after Geng Shuning ran away, Yinzhen calmed his desires and anger, and upon careful reflection, he discerned her stubbornness.

Though he didn't know why, this troublemaker was angry again because she only called him "Emperor" from start to finish.

She wanted equal affection in return, and he gave it.

She wanted exclusive favor, and for half a year, he didn't let any imperial concubines come near him.

She wanted to leave the palace, and he arranged everything meticulously, even instructing Yunxiang repeatedly regarding the shops outside.

To achieve all this and keep it hidden from the Old Master in the nearby Chunqiu Garden wasn't easy.

He really couldn't understand women's thoughts and was somewhat tired of her unpredictable bad temper.

There were some clues found regarding Manpi, and leads on the private communications between the officials of Zhuozhou and Gaili. The court was changing rapidly, requiring him to expend countless efforts to balance and control.

He really didn't have the time to indulge her ignorance of the world.

Women, he didn't need her in particular, nor did he need to keep such an ungrateful person by his side.

*

Su Peisheng was helpless, knowing that his master was determined to give Geng Shuning the cold shoulder, and didn't dare to say more.

But this ancestor still needed to be managed.

If things really reached an irreconcilable point, Geng Shuning would likely suffer. When the emperor lashed out, the punishment would definitely fall on them.

He called Zhao Song over and sent him to pass a message to Qiao He, asking her to give this lady of the family some advice.

As a servant, going against the emperor was like a longevity god hanging himself; no amount of favor could withstand such defiance.

"Miss, this servant was bought by the Fourth Prince when I was four years old, and even in the Imperial Guard, we were constantly reminded of the master's temperament, to remind us servants to stay in our place," Qiao He carefully advised as she served Geng Shuning her meal.

"Master's temperament is actually better than most other masters. As long as there's no betrayal, following his wishes will give you hope for anything you desire."

"But you must also remember your place. If you cause the emperor to lose trust in you... this servant will share a heartfelt secret with you. Out of the hundreds of us brought in together, only about a hundred are still here."

Geng Shuning calmly finished her lunch and smiled warmly at Qiao He.

"I understand your good intentions. Please tell Chief Su that I understand what needs to be done and won't cause him any difficulties."

Half a month was enough time for her to calm her emotions and plan her future path.

*

The next morning, Geng Shuning went to the imperial kitchen and delivered the dietary plan she had confirmed with the Imperial Physician.

Before court adjourned, she had already reviewed the duties of the other female officials and adjusted the daily schedule.

Afterward, she personally went to the imperial kitchen and used the morning dew collected from the bamboo forest to boil water for the Emperor's favorite pre-rain dragon well tea.

Timing it precisely, as soon as the Emperor entered the imperial kitchen, Geng Shuning was already holding the tea and standing in front of the hall.

Seeing Su Peisheng, Geng Shuning smiled gently and bowed respectfully, "Su An, the tea is ready. Would you please check it?"

Su Peisheng was startled by Geng Shuning's gentle demeanor, his back hair standing on end. He quickly made way.

"Lady Geng, please. You are the senior lady-in-waiting at the imperial court; you don't need to report to a servant like me. Just go right in."

Since she arrived at the imperial court, she had never been stopped from entering the hall.

Geng Shuning smiled, "Proper etiquette must be observed. Su An, please report it."

Pausing for a moment, she asked, "Would you like to take it in?"

Su Peisheng dared not take Geng Shuning's task, "I'll go report it right away."

When Yinzhen heard Su Peisheng's report, he raised his eyes in surprise, "Are you bored?"

Su Peisheng was on the verge of tears, "It's just that Lady Geng knows she upset Your Majesty earlier, and now... she's being extra careful, perhaps scared..."

Yinzhen raised his eyebrows slightly and hummed softly; that rascal was indeed quite sensible after her tantrums.

He lowered his eyes to hide the amusement, "Let her in."

*

Geng Shuning entered, respectfully placed the tea on the imperial desk, and then swiftly retreated to the side of the pillar, neither performing the proper bow nor making a sound.

Kneeling was for those who considered themselves important figures, waiting to be acknowledged and given face.

Servants in the palace had to be silent and unobtrusive, never startling their masters, serving discreetly, and knowing when to become invisible.

These were the rules most emphasized by the Bureau of Rites after teaching palace etiquette.

In the past half-month, she had practiced extensively, picking up the rules she had learned before, but it sent a chill down Yinzhen's spine.

He pinched his nose, expressionless, and walked slowly to stand in front of Geng Shuning, looking at her coldly.

Geng Shuning lowered her eyes and stepped back, just about to kneel when Yinzhen stepped forward again, leaving her no space to kneel.

She silently lamented—it wasn't this jerk's fault, but the consequences of her past actions.

She continued to retreat gently, following Yinzhen's mood, until she was forced to lean against the dragon pillar and had no choice but to plead helplessly.

"Your Majesty..."

Yinzhen's heart suddenly raced; the voice reminded him of Geng Jia Shuning's greeting at Shoukang Palace.

Soft but not coquettish, weak but not seductive, calm, gentle, devoid of any emotion.

He interrupted Geng Shuning instinctively, "What exactly are you angry about?"

Geng Shuning looked up in surprise and quickly lowered her head, "This servant is not angry but, after reflecting, I realize I overstepped and am sincerely repentant..."

"Now you acknowledge that I am the Emperor?" Yinzhen reached out and unceremoniously lifted her chin, his face showing anger.

"When you bit me on the lips and called me 'Master' before, why did you not address me as Emperor?"

He stepped forward again, their feet nearly touching, though their bodies didn't, his imperial robes and her court dress already seeming entangled.

Even though the clothes are slightly thicker now, Geng Shuning can still feel the intense heat radiating from him.

"When you clung to my neck and purred softly, wasn't I still the moon in the sky?"

"When you sat on my lap, wasn't it you who pouted and complained that I was pressing into you uncomfortably?"

Yinzhen almost forced Geng Shuning into his arms, still refusing to touch her, but sneered softly in her ear.

"Geng Shuning, that day when you came back from outside, when your tears soaked my robe, didn't you see me as a man?"

Geng Shuning hadn't expected to hear such bitter words from him. Even though she tried to control herself, her cheeks couldn't help but flush red, and her head instinctively turned to the side.

But Yinzhen didn't want to stop his rare, uncharacteristic meanness; his tone became even more taunting. "Tell me, did you not feel disgusted by men in that carriage?"

"Or is it that you react differently to me during the day and at night?"

Geng Shuning's eyes turned red, but she wasn't surprised in her heart.

If it were her, facing such emotional back-and-forth, she'd lose her temper too. Emotions were truly troublesome things.

She lowered her gaze and tried to answer as calmly as possible, "This servant once said that my reactions to men never included you, Your Majesty."

"This servant has reflected on my actions and will remember my place," she replied.

"So now you remember that I am your Emperor?" Yinzhen asked, unkindly lifting her chin with his hand, a trace of anger on his face.

He took another step forward, their toes touching, their bodies not quite touching, but their Manchu robes and imperial dragon robe already entangled.

"But... if Geng Shuning falls in love with Aisin Gioro Yinzhen, they would all become thorns in my side."

Geng Shuning, in a posture tighter than an embrace, leaned against him, calling him by his name, stunning Yinzhen once again.

He instinctively wanted to step back, but Geng Shuning grabbed his collar, forcing him to bend down, not allowing him to retreat.

She remained calm, "A woman who loves to the point of being unable to control herself, who loves until the world disappears, and only the man remains—because of jealousy, she might do things you wouldn't want to know about."

Yinzhen had never been grabbed by the collar and forced to bend down like this before. He couldn't help but grab Geng Shuning's wrist, "Geng Shuning, you... are too presumptuous!"

She smiled, then raised her neck and used her wrist to guide his hand, pressing it against her throat.

"This servant has reflected on my actions and will remember my place."

"Your Majesty, I can stay by your side forever, but I can only be your servant."

"Whether I live or die, whether I stay or go, it is for the Emperor to decide."

Yinzhen paused, a cold light flashing in his eyes, and he shook off her hand, his inner reluctance and disgust reaching their peak.

"You knew from the start that I have many consorts and children, and even some were sent to my bed by your own hand. Did you make your decision then?"

That you only treated me as a passing amusement, never truly caring for me.

"In the end, Geng Shuning, you wanted power, and you weren't afraid to use your allure to win my favor, but you never thought about serving me, nor did you expect any emotional return from me, did you?"

Geng Shuning remained silent, and the answer was clear.

Yinzhen felt that all his restless nights in Jiangnan, all his secret plans to win over this vexing woman, had been for nothing.

He rubbed his temples, and like Geng Shuning, all his anger subsided, turning him back into the Cold-faced Yan Wang that the court officials were most familiar with.

He didn’t spare another glance at Geng Shuning, nor did he bother to order her out. With a blank expression, he returned to the imperial desk to review and approve official documents.

When one’s heart truly cools, even if the person is right in front of you, they become nothing more than an insignificant presence.

Geng Shuning remained quiet throughout the day, serving tea and water quietly and attentively, and had the female official in charge of the imperial kitchen arrange the meals.

She remained unobtrusive and diligent.

Su Peisheng and Zhao Song were on edge these days more than ever.

Yes, the two ancestors weren’t fighting anymore, and sometimes they even appeared particularly harmonious, but their hearts were still hanging.

This damn harmonious truce was more unsettling than their arguments, truly perplexing.

*

Early on the morning of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Geng Shuning took over Su Peisheng’s duties, carefully serving Yinzhen as he dressed in his dragon robe and court beads, watching him leave for court.

After the emperor finished his court session, she accompanied Yinzhen to the Changchun Xian Guan to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.

Due to the disaster relief efforts, the imperial treasury was not abundant, and the retired emperor had already issued an edict that there would be no midday banquet for the Mid-Autumn Festival, with only a family banquet to be held in the Changchun Garden that evening.

For lunch, Yinzhen served the Empress Dowager at the Dazheng Guangming Hall for a family meal.

As soon as they entered the Changchun Xian Guan hall, the imperial concubines rose to greet the emperor.

Geng Shuning stepped back a few paces to avoid the concubines' formal greetings, which drew the Empress Dowager’s attention to her.

While smiling and asking Yinzhen to rise, the Empress Dowager couldn’t help but smile and wave at Geng Shuning, “Good child, with you serving the emperor, his health has improved significantly. I’ve been preparing rewards for you, but you never come.”

The empress and the other concubines cast more complicated glances at Geng Shuning.

A female official of exceptional beauty serving the Empress Dowager was entirely different from serving the emperor.

Especially since the emperor hadn’t entered the rear palace for half a year; who knew if this seductress had lured him away.

Geng Shuning paid no mind to the imperial concubines' cold stares. To stay in the palace, she would have to endure these slights.

Who wouldn’t want rewards? Geng Shuning immediately put on a skilled smile to flatter the Empress Dowager.

But just as her dimples appeared, Yinzhen shoved her aside and helped the Empress Dowager sit down.

Geng Shuning: “……”

Yinzhen gave Geng Shuning a cold look and explained on her behalf to the Empress Dowager, “She has no conscience. Mother, didn’t you know that long ago?”

Empress Dowager: “……” How should this be explained?

Yinzhen twitched his lips, “This Geng female official has been at the imperial court for two months and has been placed under confinement three times. There aren’t many opportunities for me to see her.”

Imperial concubines: “……” The resentment in the emperor’s voice doesn’t sound like he’s been lured?

Seeing Geng Shuning standing like a statue, Yinzhen added leisurely, “The reason I’ve gained some weight is because I know how to take care of myself. It has nothing to do with the Geng female official.”

“She’ll probably eventually become a nun to pray for Mother’s blessings. Your rewards would only disturb her spiritual peace. It would be better to give them to me, to help the disaster victims.”

The entire Changchun Xian Guan fell silent.

At this point, the imperial concubines stopped giving cold stares. Even the Empress Dowager couldn’t help but wonder inwardly.

How much had Geng Shuning offended the emperor to be so publicly criticized in such an undignified manner?