Chapter 66

Chapter 66

When Yinzhen entered, Geng Shuning was by the window of the cabin, resting her chin in her hand as she listlessly admired the river scenery.

Since departing from Yangliuqing, the dragon boat had been sailing smoothly, and they were about to reach Tai Zhuang in just a few days.

Qiao He had told her that the emperor was expected to disembark and meet with the village elders, inquiring about the local agricultural situation.

Tai Zhuang was part of Shandong, a province known for its agriculture both in ancient times and in later eras. During times of disaster in the north and south, tax grains from Shandong were often requisitioned for relief efforts.

The emperor's southern tour was like a modern-day leader visiting rural areas. Formalities had to be observed, but real work needed to be done. However, Geng Shuning wasn't sure just how large a delegation would be required.

She was aware that officials at this time were good at keeping up appearances, but she wanted to go out and see the real lives of the people for herself.

She vaguely remembered hearing that Shandong seemed to be quite suitable for growing corn.

The people she had sent to look for seeds in Guangzhou under Qi Wencheng had not yet returned, but she could go and check out the geography first...

Deep in thought, Geng Shuning was suddenly jolted by a sharp pain on her forehead.

Looking up, she saw Yinzhen and couldn't help but glare at him.

Just as she was about to say something unpleasant, she noticed Xiao Chengzi at the door. She swallowed her words, forcing a smile as she stood up to greet the emperor.

"You didn’t even tell me you were coming. I could have welcomed you properly and avoided any breach of etiquette that might become a laughing stock."

"The entire dragon boat is mine. There's nowhere I can't go," Yinzhen said with a smile as he sat in the spot she had just vacated, aware that she was still angry.

He continued to tease her, "The last time I entered your room, I did inform you, but you reacted as if you had seen a ghost. Whether there's a notification or not, it doesn't stop you from giving me a cold shoulder."

Geng Shuning stepped back a few paces, her expression calm. "I wouldn’t dream of it, Your Majesty."

Before she could finish, Yinzhen pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her to comfort her.

"I know I've been busy these past few days and neglected you. You don't like those hierarchical rules, so there's no need to put on a show in front of me. Just be yourself."

Since he had said so, Geng Shuning fell silent.

If she were being honest, she'd ignore this man who always pushed his boundaries.

Yinzhen pinched the tip of her nose and laughed heartily, "Still so angry? I spanked your bottom last time..."

Geng Shuning panicked and covered his mouth with her hand, "What exactly do you want to do? You always push your luck, must you embarrass me in front of everyone?"

Yinzhen chuckled softly, "No one dares to listen, and even if someone finds out, no one would dare to gossip about this. Don’t worry, your dignity is safe."

When Geng Shuning turned around, she saw that Qiao He and Xiao Chengzi had already left, closing the door without a sound.

With only the two of them left, she became even less formal. She pushed Yinzhen hard and sat coldly across from him.

"What brings you here?"

"Can't I come to see you for no reason?" Yinzhen tapped the low table, "Not even a cup of tea for me?"

Geng Shuning puffed her cheeks and got up to fetch the teapot and cup from the round table, pouring him a cup of warm tea.

In Yinzhen's hand were a few sheets of paper she had placed on the low table, some documenting past work and others outlining plans for the southern provinces.

A warmth spread through him. Despite being busy with the people of the Qing Dynasty, this little one was still angry but hadn't forgotten to stay by his side and help him.

He asked gently, "We'll arrive at Tai Zhuang tomorrow. Do you want to go ashore and take a look?"

Geng Shuning snatched the papers and shoved the tea cup into Yinzhen's hands, her tone even colder.

"You said you wouldn't meddle in my affairs, Your Majesty. Just focus on the results—why all these questions?"

Yinzhen was helpless and put down the tea cup. He wanted to pull her into his arms but feared she would explode. Instead, he stood up, bent down, and trapped her on the soft daybed, bowing his body to meet her gaze.

"When I punished you that day, I was angry, but I didn’t dare use any real force. It was wrong of me. If I’ve embarrassed Sui Ning, I’ll apologize to you, okay?"

"If there’s anything else I’ve done poorly, just tell me. You’ve never been one to follow the rules anyway. Don’t keep your anger bottled up inside. It’s me who will worry if you get upset."

Geng Shuning looked up and caught the pleasant warm scent of dragon's saliva from his body. His breath was against her nose, carrying a faint hint of mint and ginseng. His thin lips exhaled a slightly bitter heat.

She suppressed the urge to swallow, pushing herself backward with her hands on the soft daybed. She looked up at him lazily.

"You’re always accusing me of talking my way out of things, but honestly, you’re the one with the silver tongue."

"How so?" Yinzhen wasn’t angry either and unnoticeably closed the gap as she leaned back.

Geng Shuning continued to lean back. "You still haven’t given me an explanation about my father and brother."

"The matter with the Tong family could have been avoided. You said you wanted to teach me a lesson, but it was also to make me remember the debt of saving my life."

"As the emperor, you present a fierce and intimidating image to the world, but you always act vulnerable in front of me, making others think I’m the one who owes you, that I’m the one being spoiled and arrogant!"

Unable to hold back, she raised her hand and began poking him back, once at a time.

"Who owes who! Who is being unreasonable! Who is being spoiled and arrogant!"

Yinzhen held back his laughter and grabbed her small hand that was poking him. "Hmm, it’s me. Is there anything else?"

Geng Shuning yanked her hand hard, finding it tiring to support herself.

"I’ve remembered so many good things from that dream, and I’ve poured my heart out to stay by your side. If I were a man, I’d be among the top ministers by now, don’t you think?"

Yinzhen’s eyes were deeply gentle as he looked at her and softly agreed. "Being assisted by Sui Ning is my blessing. Isn’t it not too late for me to cherish this blessing now?"

She inwardly scoffed, thinking he only knew how to talk sweetly.

Seeing that Yinzhen wouldn’t let go, her face flushed with annoyance.

"I don’t expect you to cherish this blessing or reward me based on merit. At the very least, don’t mistake your greed for genuine feelings. How can you even think of punishing me?"

Yinzhen suddenly let go of her hand, and Geng Shuning, still exerting force, lost her balance and fell back with an "Ouch."

Yinzhen discreetly supported the back of her head.

Geng Shuning didn’t notice and thought this jerk was more childish than a schoolboy. She fluttered her arms, trying to get up and confront him.

But before she could rise, Yinzhen had already pinned her down.

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow on Geng Shuning’s annoyed apricot eyes and Yinzhen’s gaze, soft with affection.

Unable to resist, he kissed her deeply flushed cheek. "It’s my fault, but it can’t be entirely blamed on me, right?"

He responded to her earlier pokes with gentle kisses.

"I thought you’d already know we’re equally matched."

"You can outsmart me, so it's only natural that I can outsmart you. You shouldn't think so little of me."

Geng Shuning: "..." It's not just a few ounces; it feels like a thousand pounds, and you're acting like a stubborn turtle.

She turned her head away to dodge his attempt to hook her lips and tongue. "Anyway, I've made up my mind. If you want me to keep working for you, stop making moves on me."

The kiss landed just above her collarbone, causing Geng Shuning to shiver slightly, a mix of embarrassment and anger. She pushed him forcefully and even tried to kick him with her legs.

"Otherwise, just randomly grant me the title of Imperial Consort and throw me into the harem! I can live a good life lying flat, eating and drinking every day. I know how to live comfortably; I don't need to make life hard for myself."

They were too close, and with Geng Shuning's large movement, Yinzhen felt a fire rising within him, his body becoming stiff and painful.

He stopped her and rolled over, lying on his side. "You know I was just teasing you..."

"Don't say that. I'm not a parasite in your belly, how would I know what you're thinking!" Geng Shuning broke free from his arm, rolled off the daybed, and sat down to adjust her messy hair.

"If I were to make a real move, you might really end up bedridden for the entire journey south, and you'd have to rest." Yinzhen sat up with great interest, no longer going over to annoy her. He just turned his prayer beads and watched her with a fixed smile.

Geng Shuning felt even more annoyed under his gaze. He had been acting like a jerk from the moment he entered, without a single useful response or guarantee.

She was furious at herself for being so foolish, while he kept acting like a jerk, making it impossible to communicate.

She stormed out. "Since you, the emperor, are willing to rest here, then please do so. I'll change rooms."

Yinzhen quickly grabbed her. "I'll leave, but aren't you still recovering?"

He knew he should calm her down, but he couldn't resist teasing her just to see her react.

He wrapped his arm around her soft waist and meaningfully tapped below her waist. "If you don't want to go out or see me, and just want to rest until we reach Jiangnan, I can help you with that."

Although Geng Shuning didn't notice his gaze, she instinctively covered her backside.

Hearing Yinzhen's stifled laughter, she realized what had happened, and in a fit of anger, tried to kick out again.

Yinzhen, with his training in the martial arts room, was much quicker at dodging her anger. He laughed even louder.

Throwing out a laughing order: "After lunch tomorrow, wait for me. Wear Han attire, and I'll take you out for a look."

Geng Shuning puffed her cheeks and glared at the door for a while.

When Qiao He entered, she saw her master with flushed cheeks and apricot eyes full of spring charm. Recalling the emperor's laughter when he left, she was amazed.

She had never seen the master laugh like that before.

Probably even Chief Su rarely saw it. It was still the master who had the ability to cause such emotional swings in the emperor.

Just as she was about to tease a little, Geng Shuning beat her to it. "Have you finished your training today? Have you organized the information? Are you waiting to starve?"

Qiao He quickly bowed and turned to leave. "I'll go check and report back to you shortly."

It seemed the emperor's happiness came at the expense of the master's unhappiness.

Tsk, this was not the time to stay and risk getting scolded.

*

Once alone, Geng Shuning leaned back on the soft pillow and from under the daybed's Jiang patterned cushion, pulled out a piece of paper.

There were only three lines on it—

"Progress 1: Turn the tables on him."

Stage Two: Baring Her Heart and Setting Boundaries

Stage Three: Losing Something to Truly Appreciate It

She smiled and rested her cheek on her hand, gently tapping the first line of text.

She had already guessed what Yinzhen would say. Neither of them was a good person; it was just a matter of who was more skillful.

The feeling of sparring with him, upon careful reflection, was even more exhilarating than with her little wolf dog from her previous life.

Her eyes held none of the previous anger and frustration. If anything, they sparkled with even more excitement than when she came out after seeing Tong Siya in the Yuanmingyuan.

She had never wasted time on self-doubt. Once she decided to stay and understood the path forward, she would give it her all to obtain the most favorable conditions for herself.

No matter what, even if she wasn't someone's indispensable choice, she would live the best life possible.

One day, when she looked back on her life, she could proudly tell all the people she had loved—

Without you, I am doing just fine.

*

The next day, as soon as Geng Shuning opened her eyes, the sun was streaming through the window, warming her back.

The bed curtains had been drawn back, and the rippling sunlight gently entered the cabin, offering warmth to her half-covered body.

Qiao He, hearing the movement, came over with a smile to serve her. "Chief Su specially sent clothes over for you. After lunch, His Majesty will take you on an incognito outing."

Geng Shuning yawned and sat up, seeing a sky-blue, double-breasted jacket and a traditional horse-faced skirt next to her, embroidered with a pomegranate tree and scattered gourds.

Her movements paused as she got up to wash. This outfit symbolized fertility and good fortune, something only married women wore.

"Your Majesty..." she was about to ask something when she heard the thunderous shouts of "Long live the Emperor" outside the cabin.

Geng Shuning instinctively looked out the window.

About ten meters away on the shore, a crowd knelt on the ground, their heads bowed. Only under a bright yellow parasol stood a tall figure bending down to help someone up.

She quickly dried her face, skipped combing her hair, and grabbed a spyglass to look out.

Yinzhen was helping an old farmer with a scorched face. The farmer's pant legs were rolled up, and he wore straw sandals covered in mud.

But Yinzhen showed no sign of disgust and even brushed the dirt off the farmer's knees, asking something with a gentle smile.

The old farmer opposite him was so moved that tears fell, and Yinzhen reached back without turning, and Su Peisheng immediately handed him a handkerchief.

Yinzhen smilingly stuffed the handkerchief into the farmer's hand, causing even more people to wipe their tears with their sleeves.

Geng Shuning smirked. This bastard could really put on a show, and it was especially convincing.

Watching the yellow parasol move into the crowd, Geng Shuning lazily sat in front of the dressing mirror.

She turned to Qingfang and asked, "Did Chief Su instruct you to style my hair in a married woman's hairstyle?"

Qingfang lowered her head. "Yes, ma'am, but I didn't agree. I only said I would follow your instructions."

The months of grueling training at the manor had accustomed the Nine Guards to speaking openly and prioritizing their lady's needs.

Their current mistress is Geng Shuning, so even if Chief Su or the Emperor gave orders, they wouldn’t dare to comply.

After all, if their mistress loses her temper, even the Emperor can’t handle it, so they won’t risk their necks to find out how tough they are.

Geng Shuning pondered for a moment, then said, "Just follow Chief Su's arrangements, and change my clothes."

*

Once she was ready and had finished lunch, it was Zhao Song who came to escort her off the dragon boat.

The dragon boat didn’t dock by the riverbank but instead sailed to the middle of the river to prevent any assassins from approaching. The boat wouldn’t get too close to the shore the entire way.

The moderately worn black awning boat came to fetch her. Qiao He led Geng Shuning down the ladder.

As soon as she stood firm, Yinzhen hooked his arm around her waist and pulled her into the cabin.

Yinzhen examined Geng Shuning in the afternoon sunlight, raising an eyebrow at her simple linen clothes and the plain hairstyle of a common woman.

"Why are you dressed like this?"

Geng Shuning calmly pushed him away and gave Yinzhen's dark blue satin robe, his jade-inlaid melon-shaped hat, and the purse hanging from his belt—made of cloud-patterned brocade—a quick once-over.

She gave a light sneer, "Your Majesty, do you want everyone to know you're traveling incognito? I don't have the interest to play house with those officials like you do. We should go separately."

Yinzhen tapped her head with his fan. "I'm not stupid. When I was still a prince, I went on more incognito trips than you. Do you think I don’t know what it means to travel incognito?"

Geng Shuning secretly kicked his foot while covering her head. "Then why are you dressed like this?"

"In a place like Tai Zhuang, with your noble appearance and unfamiliar face, even if they can’t guess your exact identity, everyone will know you’re part of the Emperor’s entourage on his southern tour. Do you think you’ll get to see the real Tai Zhuang?"

Yinzhen snorted. "I see you’re not planning to check out your own business. Fine, I won’t worry about it for you."

Geng Shuning was taken aback for a moment—her business...

Her eyes lit up. "Has the Thirteenth Prince already expanded the shops to Shandong?"

If she were to go to Xianluo Pavilion, her current attire would definitely not get her past the entrance. She'd be chased away by the waiters with cotton towels before she even got in.

She bit her lip, struggling a little. She had a 30% stake in the profits of the shop and really wanted to check it out. She was curious if the Thirteenth Prince's performances were still as lackluster as they were a few months ago.

But today, she wanted to explore the surroundings, check out the local geography, and have a good chat with the people.

Yinzhen pulled her to sit down in the cabin and, with a helpless sigh, tapped her head again. "Even if you try to pretend to be an ordinary person, your accent, your well-maintained skin, and the demeanor of you, the lay nun Sui Ning—a Buddhist practitioner who lives in the secular world—do you really think others can’t see through it?"

Geng Shuning thought carefully and felt that what he said made sense.

Even if she tried to disguise herself with yellowed skin and mingled closely with the farm women, without being a professional actress, the aura she had cultivated over two lifetimes would be hard to change.

She felt a little discouraged. "So, is there no way to get a real sense of what’s happening here?"

She didn’t want to see the embellished peace presented by the officials. Only by seeing the real situation could she figure out how far her plans needed to go.

All strategies required real and detailed background research; otherwise, the plans would definitely run into problems.

Seeing that Geng Shuning really had no intention of going to Xianluo Pavilion, Yinzhen smiled and gently touched her bun. "Once we’re on shore, if you follow my lead, I promise you’ll learn everything you need to know, okay?"

Geng Shuning looked at him with some skepticism, but with no better option, she agreed.

*

Once on shore, only Su Peisheng and Qiao He, dressed as a maid, accompanied them.

Zhao Song and Xiao Chengzi, who had been rowing the boat, stayed behind to guard the black awning boat in case anyone tried to tamper with it.

Yinzhen led Geng Shuning into a shop with a sign that read 'Liao' hanging outside. After presenting a jade token, the shopkeeper immediately welcomed them inside.

"Honored guests, please come in. Let me know what you need, and I'll have it taken care of right away."

Yinzhen gave a brief instruction, "Bring over two sets of clothes that local gentry couples would wear. Just something simple and ordinary. Also, bring two sets of slightly worn valet clothes."

Su Peisheng and Qiao He immediately understood their master's intentions.

After the shopkeeper brought the clothes, the two attendants helped their masters dress and quickly changed themselves.

Now dressed as a couple with their servants, they set off to inspect the estate.

As Yinzhen led Geng Shuning out, a slightly old carriage was waiting outside.

Still a bit dazed, Geng Shuning couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "Do you have undisclosed influence in Tai Zhuang as well?"

Is this one of the Imperial Guard's secret bases?

If that were true, why go through the trouble of opening new shops? These shops could serve as intelligence bases.

She felt a bit embarrassed for overestimating her knowledge.

Yinzhen, stroking her newly combed hairstyle, explained with a chuckle, "I'm not as omnipotent as you think. If the Imperial Guard had such capabilities, I wouldn't have been kept in the dark about the chaos caused by the floods in Huguang for so long."

He didn't mind others knowing his shortcomings and helplessness.

"In the thirty-sixth year of Emperor Kangxi's reign, when I was still the Fourth Prince, I was on a mission in Henan and happened to save the young master of the Liao family while being pursued."

"This jade token is his keepsake, given to repay my life-saving favor."

Geng Shuning, quite interested in stories of loyalty and honor, tilted her head and asked, "Does he know who you really are? Did you two swear brotherhood or something?"

Yinzhen nodded seriously, "Though we didn't become sworn brothers, we are considered good friends who have shared life-and-death experiences."

"But I couldn't tell him who I really was."

After a pause, he leaned against the carriage wall, a half-smile playing on his face as he looked at Geng Shuning.

Geng Shuning, eager to please, poured him a cup of tea and asked, "Why not?"

Yinzhen leisurely took the tea, sipped it, and said nonchalantly, "The young master of the Liao family is the leader of a branch of the Tiandihui. I couldn't tell him, as I feared he might face the moral dilemma of repaying kindness with enmity."

Geng Shuning was speechless.

You mean, a royal prince dared to infiltrate the heart of the anti-Qing movement?

And now, you're using a life-saving favor to get their support for your tasks?

She opened her mouth, hesitated, and after a couple of chews, decided to stay silent.

Yinzhen, smiling, brought the teacup to her lips and fed her the tea, "Say what you're thinking. I wouldn't be surprised by anything that comes out of your mouth."

Geng Shuning instinctively took a sip from where he had drunk, then pushed the cup away with a slightly flushed face.

Worried that Su Peisheng and Qiao He might overhear, she whispered softly, "I didn't expect you to be a decent person, nor did I think you could be... this cunning."

Weighing the safety of her own backside, she swallowed the last few words and didn't dare say them out loud.

Yinzhen gave her a sidelong glance, half-smiling, "Your husband has many more sides you don't know about, my lady. No need to rush; take your time to discover them."

Geng Shuning was struck dumb. Can he get any more unreasonable?

She lowered her brows and sat obediently. Outside the palace, there were fewer restrictions than in the imperial court. She didn’t want to give him too much freedom.

*

As soon as the carriage left the city, it began to jolt. The road conditions here were even worse than in the outskirts of the capital.

Geng Shuning felt that her buttocks were more painful than when Yinzhen punished her. After just half an hour, it felt like her buttocks were about to split into eight pieces.

Yet this man, who usually pulled her around, had now become a gentleman. He closed his eyes and ignored her the entire way.

It wasn’t until they reached the countryside estate that he got off the carriage first and came over with a smile to help her down.

Geng Shuning slapped his hand away. “I don’t need your fake kindness, I can do it myself!”

The thick-soled embroidered shoes that the Liao family steward had given her were very suitable for walking, indicating that even local landladies had quite a bit of activity.

Fighting the urge to rub her sore bottom, Geng Shuning walked toward the field with a dark face. Her expression softened slightly when she met someone.

Just as she was about to greet the old farmers busy in the fields, Yinzhen stepped forward, scooped her up, and started putting on a show, speaking just loudly enough for everyone to hear.

“Don’t be angry! Is it because I didn’t plant the flowers for you myself?”

“I have so many account books to go through every day. If the servants can do it, why should I do it myself?”

Noticing that people nearby were looking over, Geng Shuning joined in the act.

She turned her head away and snorted heavily. “Who promised me that after we got married, you would plant a flower field for me so I could have flowers in my hair every day?”

“Men, once they’ve married you, no longer cherish you. Don’t forget, you’re the one who married into my family!”

In the astonished expressions of Su Peisheng and Qiao He, Geng Shuning coldly patted Yinzhen’s cheek.

“All this property came from my father. You’re just a son-in-law who married into the family!”

“If you don’t shape up, I’ll just find someone else!”

Everyone loves a good show, especially one about family drama.

While the two were arguing, the farmers and women busy planting in the fields couldn’t help but stop what they were doing and, under the guise of wiping sweat, drinking water, or munching on dry rations, watched the spectacle.

Yinzhen narrowed his eyes and stared at his proud ‘wife’ in his arms for a long time before lowering his head.

“Considering we grew up together, why do you keep bringing up divorce? Is it my fault, alright?”

Geng Shuning glared and shouted even louder. “What do you mean ‘is it your fault’!”

She had long hated that phrase, and now, seizing the opportunity, she vented her frustration, poking Yinzhen’s chest and berating him thoroughly.

“If you’re wrong, just admit it. Are you saying I’m being unreasonable?” A nearby woman nodded involuntarily and gave her husband a sideways glance.

“Have I given you too much face? How many of the things you promised before marriage have you actually done?” Several other women also looked thoughtfully at their husbands with unfriendly expressions.

“It was clearly you who pursued me. After we got married, I washed your clothes, cooked for you, bore your children, and managed your daily life. What have you done?” Many of the women nodded fiercely, their gazes on their husbands becoming increasingly hostile.

Geng Shuning stepped back with a cold smile. “So, before marriage, I was the master, and after marriage, I have to be the servant?”

“Don’t forget, you’re spending my family’s money. If you don’t learn to plant the flower field today, we’re through!”

Yinzhen, as if provoked to anger, snapped. “I’ll plant it! And you think you can just marry someone else? Get real! You’re dreaming!”

Su Peisheng and Qiao He: “……” Master, can you be any more embarrassed?

Yinzhen wiped his face, avoiding Geng Shuning, and strode angrily towards the farmers who had gathered around. He reached into his pocket and pulled out several silver pieces.

“Come now! Today, I am here to learn how to farm. Whoever can teach me how to plant the flower fields will get these silver pieces!”

The men thought about it. There was no way they could let this master lose face in front of their wives.

Otherwise, they might lose the silver, but this master could very well lose his position as a man who married into his wife’s family!

Moreover, they also wanted to subtly teach Yinzhen that there was no need to be so stubborn in front of their wives.

If you treat them kindly, they’ll be more cooperative. But if you push too hard, it’ll only lead to trouble at home.

Under normal circumstances, if someone like Yinzhen and Geng Shuning, with their unfamiliar and particularly noble appearance and non-local accent, were to come by, they would definitely be viewed with suspicion by the exclusionary villagers.

Some time ago, an official had instructed the village leaders to speak less to strangers, and if possible, to shoo them away.

But as always, watching and joining in on the fun is something people have always found hard to resist.

And Yinzhen’s helpless appearance of being controlled by his wife also evoked sympathy from the men. Most importantly, those silver pieces looked quite heavy, at least two taels!

Even though Yinzhen’s expression was unfriendly and Geng Shuning stood by with her arms crossed, watching coldly, Yinzhen still managed to learn quite a bit through his careful and deliberate inquiries.

For example, when to sow, when to harvest, how many crops a year the fields yielded, the output per acre, the best crops grown locally, the land rent, and the taxes.

Yinzhen squatted by the field, feigning interest in the people’s livelihood rather than just planting flowers, and got a fairly accurate understanding of the local conditions.

In just half an hour, he learned more detailed and truthful information than when the emperor met with the elders that morning.

*

When they sat in the carriage to return, Geng Shuning, huddled in a corner, and Yinzhen, sitting confidently in the middle, exchanged glances and laughed.

Yinzhen appreciated Geng Shuning’s quick wit and lazily waved at her. “Come here and tell me, my dear wife, what did you remember?”

Geng Shuning shook her head like a rattle. “I’m not coming over. I’m afraid you’ll harm your wife to rid yourself of the burden of being a man who married into his wife’s family and then marry a young and beautiful woman to be the new mistress!”

Yinzhen: “……”

He chuckled and gave her a teasing look. She sat on the edge, tense and ready to bolt at any sign of trouble.

Yinzhen slightly closed his eyes and didn’t force her to come over. Letting her enjoy her moment wasn’t worth worrying about.

He tried to recall when he had ever been insincere in his apologies, as she had accused him. After thinking for a while, he couldn’t remember. When they boarded the return boat, Yinzhen gave Su Peisheng a knowing look and gestured behind his back.

Su Peisheng immediately understood his master’s intentions, personally taking to the bow of the boat to steer, while Zhao Song and the others moved to the accompanying boat for protection.

As the light faded, Geng Shuning slipped into the cabin and discreetly rubbed her sore backside, thinking no one was watching. Since the attendants hadn’t made any movements, they didn’t notice that everyone had left the boat.

It wasn’t until Yinzhen entered the cabin with a smile and sat down beside her that she realized Su Peisheng and Qiao He weren’t with him, and a sense of unease settled over her.

She cautiously tried to move out, her voice softer. “Master… it’s been a bumpy ride, my body is unwell, I can’t serve you. Let me call someone in…”

Before she could finish, she tried to flee, but Yinzhen caught her and placed her across his lap again.

Geng Shuning gritted her teeth. “If you hit me again, I swear… What are you doing?”

She didn’t get a chance to finish her threat before feeling her skirt being pulled up, and her pants were next. Panic set in as she clutched at her waistband, too shocked to think of anything else.

With a single, effortless tug, Yinzhen tore the delicate silk undergarments into shreds and tossed them aside.

Geng Shuning’s heart raced, and she thrashed wildly. "I’m done with this! I’m warning you, I’ll lose it if you don’t stop... mmph!"

Her eyes flew open as a chill spread over her, like a soft spring breeze that calmed the turmoil of her body after the rough ride.

Yinzhen’s voice was low and steady. "How exactly will you lose it?"

Geng Shuning stammered, "I’ll be terrified... I can put on the ointment myself, please let me go!"

She wasn’t a child anymore!

Being exposed like this, with him treating her like a child, was even more humiliating than a spanking.

She reached behind to grab his wrist, refusing to let him continue. "I'm fine, no need for medicine, just a few days of rest and I'll be good!"

Yinzhen lifted her into a seated position, straddling her, and pressed down just enough to make her gasp. Her attempts to push him away turned into desperate grabs.

And yet, she insisted she wasn’t in pain, her small mouth as stubborn as ever.

With one hand pinning her flailing arms, Yinzhen used his other hand to gently cradle her neck. "Let me kiss you properly, and I'll forget about you scolding me today."

His lips, brooking no refusal, claimed hers, swallowing her intake of breath as if trying to suck away her very soul.

Geng Shuning felt the weight of their twisted fate pressing down on her, growing more suffocating by the moment.

The cabin rocked, and she realized with a jolt that they were surrounded by water, and every guard was one of his men.

This was a nightmare scenario—no one could hear her cries for help.

If he wanted, she would be trapped like a bird with broken wings, pinned in the cabin, helpless against the storm she had stirred up time and again.

She couldn’t stop her entire body from lightly trembling.

Yinzhen, like a siren, asked seductively, "What are you afraid of?"

Geng Shuning choked slightly. "I... I'm afraid of pain, don't..."

Yinzhen leisurely arranged her skirt, pieces of hibiscus flowers fluttering down to her waist, as if offering themselves to the butterfly for pollination.

Geng Shuning threw her head back, her voice breaking. "Your Majesty, I don’t want this... you promised me!!"

The first navel orange could really kill someone!

She didn’t want to die in the wooden boat, where there wasn’t even a place to lie down!

To save her life, she was willing to say anything, her voice softening impossibly. "I was wrong, I shouldn’t have gone against you, shouldn’t have rejected your kindness, please spare me this time."

"I was angry because even though you got the benefits, you always made me feel indebted, unable to leave you, I don’t want to be with you like this..."

"I don’t want to serve you alongside others, you promised me..."

Yinzhen tentatively plucked the strings, his thin lips suppressing the overly erratic notes, his voice low and tender.

"No one else will come between us. I promised, and I’ll keep my word. Just give me a little time."

The Imperial Physicians have been keeping the Empress’s condition secret. Ulanara’s health... she doesn’t have many years left.

She is his empress, and she has done nothing wrong. Yinzhen wants to ensure she retains her dignity.

Coincidentally, this will also give the little fox a few years to rise in rank.

He murmured softly into Geng Shuning’s ear, "I will pave the way ahead for you, Sui Ning. From now on, it’s just you. Is that okay?"

Geng Shuning clung to his clothes, her mind racing, shaking her head frantically as she tried to protest.

"No! I don’t want to right now, wu~ I’m not ready!"

Yinzhen pondered for a moment, his hands gently but firmly applying pressure, forcing her closer to his thin lips, his voice almost disappearing between their lips.

"Sui Ning, are you lying to yourself? My clothes are wet from your tears."

Geng Shuning’s mind went blank, and a soft, fleeting white light flashed before her eyes. As the first sob escaped her lips, she fainted.