Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Yinzhen and Geng Shuning spoke simultaneously, causing a momentary silence in the hall.

The Grand Empress Dowager and her maid Wuyunna were so engrossed they wished they had brought melon seeds to enjoy the show.

Kangxi, simmering with displeasure, did not show his emotions on his face. He merely narrowed his amber phoenix eyes, identical to Yinzhen's, and watched the two with a faint smile as they locked eyes in a tense standoff.

Having been emperor for several years, Yinzhen could be quite intimidating when he truly lost his temper, though he had rarely been truly angry with Geng Shuning before.

But this time, Geng Shuning's ingratitude had thoroughly angered him, and he let loose a freezing glare that hit Geng Shuning like a blizzard.

On the way, he had repeatedly warned her that this trip to the hot spring palace was not simple and that she must follow his arrangements. He would ensure the little fox—a term often used to describe someone clever or cunning—returned safely to the palace.

The Retired Emperor would never allow a consort to monopolize favor in the palace, let alone Yinzhen's desire to make Geng Shuning the empress.

The most difficult hurdle on this path was the old man. If they were not careful, the old man would surely take Geng Shuning's life at a moment when Yinzhen could not react immediately.

She knew all this and usually acted afraid of pain and death, yet she still chose to defy him at the worst possible moment.

Yinzhen gritted his teeth, trying to remain calm as he spoke, "Sui Ning, the Empress Dowager is frail. You promised to manage the palace affairs on her behalf so she could recuperate properly. Have you forgotten?"

"If you wish to accompany the Grand Empress Dowager, why not wait until after the New Year when the Retired Emperor escorts her back to the Changchun Garden? By then, the Empress Dowager's health should have improved."

These words warned Geng Shuning and sent a message to the elders.

Kangxi snorted inwardly. This wretched girl had humiliated Yinzhen in front of the elders, yet he still managed to suppress his anger and immediately found a reason for her to return to the palace.

The more this happened, the more displeased Kangxi felt, and a faint killing intent arose in his heart.

No matter what, the imperial family could not afford another emperor who was overly devoted to love.

He coldly watched Geng Shuning, waiting to see how she would explain herself.

Today, at the hot spring palace, if he did not permit it, even if Yinzhen had a hundred plans, this girl would not be able to leave.

*

Geng Shuning had no intention of leaving.

She had always felt that, whether it was the deposed empress or the death of the empress, staying in the palace in her current status would bring endless trouble.

The intricate schemes of the women in the harem were hard to guard against, and she had never liked them nor intended to become part of them.

On the contrary, staying here would be more advantageous for her to become empress. Once she was in charge of the harem, it would be much easier to act.

In front of the Grand Empress Dowager and Kangxi, Geng Shuning could not act as coquettishly as usual. She could only soften her voice and explain respectfully.

"Your Majesty, the connection between Sui Ning and the imperial family is also felt in the presence of the Grand Empress Dowager and the Retired Emperor. I will surely recall many things that benefit the nation and its people."

"The harem is filled with trivial matters. Since the Empress Dowager is not in good spirits, wouldn't it be more appropriate to have Consort Qi, Consort Mao, and Consort Xi manage the palace affairs, just as it was during the Retired Emperor's reign? Don't you agree?"

She gave Yinzhen a subtle wink: "Before the New Year, you must be busy with imperial court affairs. The deposition of the empress is no small matter and will surely cause turmoil."

"Though I lack talent, I don’t want to burden Your Majesty in the palace. I only want to contribute to Your Majesty's efforts and help stabilize both the court and the harem as soon as possible."

A flicker of emotion crossed Yinzhen's eyes. He understood the little fox's meaning.

Originally, he had wanted Geng Shuning to manage the palace affairs to help her adapt to the harem sooner. With his protection, stabilizing the harem would not be difficult.

He was waiting for Geng Jia De Jin to return to the capital to report on his duties. With his merits, he could be promoted to a high-ranking official, making Geng Shuning's ascension to empress more legitimate.

The issue with the Emperor's father is indeed difficult to resolve. Yinzhen plans to let the facts speak for themselves. As long as the imperial harem remains peaceful and he insists on keeping Geng Shuning by his side, the retired Emperor cannot openly oppose it.

But now, Geng Shuning wants to use the good methods she recalled from Zhuang Zhou's dream, presenting them in the name of the Grand Empress Dowager and the retired Emperor, which would count as meritorious service.

Once the empress is deposed, there will be significant unrest in both the court and the imperial harem. A tripartite balance could indeed stabilize the imperial harem the fastest.

As for the court, he has his own arrangements.

But the anger in his heart—or rather, the frustration—has not diminished at all.

He realizes even more that this little fox doesn't want to rely on him at all; she wants to establish herself by his side using her own abilities.

Putting aside the issue of trust, doesn't she realize that the more capable she is, the more the Emperor's father will fear her?

The Grand Empress Dowager is someone who stays out of everything, always deferring to the retired Emperor.

If he's not around and the Emperor's father decides to act ruthlessly... Yinzhen dares not think about the outcome.

In front of Emperor Kangxi, Yinzhen opened his mouth but couldn't voice his fears. The ring on his thumb was clenched so tightly it cracked.

He remained silent, Geng Shuning lowered her eyes, pretending to be submissive, while the Grand Empress Dowager and Emperor Kangxi smiled without speaking, creating a tense atmosphere.

*

After a long silence, Emperor Kangxi finally let out a light snort.

"Girl, Fourth Prince is worried that if you stay, you won't have another chance to enter the palace. He's concerned for you," he said with a half-smile, pointing at Geng Shuning.

"Ever since you've been with Fourth Prince, he hasn't favored any other imperial consorts. Aren't you afraid I might punish you?"

Geng Shuning instinctively shrunk her neck and replied softly, "If you were to order my death, even if I entered the palace, would a son dare to disobey his father?"

"Pfft—" The Grand Empress Dowager couldn't help but laugh again. Seeing Emperor Kangxi and Yinzhen look over, she quickly picked up a piece of pastry and turned her head away.

"You talk, you talk. I didn't hear anything."

Emperor Kangxi: "...In front of me, you don't need to be so honest."

It was irritating, making him want to call for a cup of poisoned wine to set the mood.

Geng Shuning grinned obediently and continued to explain.

"Your Highness, my father once told me that trying to be clever in front of one's master is the height of foolishness. Speaking the truth and being loyal is the right path."

Emperor Kangxi: "..." That sounds like Geng Jia De Jin's character.

Geng Shuning spoke more straightforwardly than her adoptive father, raising her head as if to shine the light of justice on Emperor Kangxi's face.

"I wish to stay so that Your Highness can see for yourself whether I am worthy to serve by the Emperor's side."

"What star of ill omen, what seductress—it's just that women are too weak and men too useless."

"I don't consider myself a seductress who only whispers in the Emperor's ear. I trust the Emperor, and I trust Your Highness. Both of you are wise rulers who will surely see the truth."

Her words made the two elders laugh.

Especially Emperor Kangxi, whose murderous intent lessened somewhat.

Indeed, after so many years as emperor, he had seen all kinds of people, but never someone who spoke so amusingly and yet so cuttingly.

Hearing the elders laugh, Geng Shuning stole a glance at Yinzhen.

He also twitched the corner of his mouth, his expression softening slightly.

Geng Shuning secretly breathed a sigh of relief; her future seemed secure for the time being.

Actually, she wasn't very afraid of Emperor Kangxi going mad.

It was easy to offer poisoned wine, but her living could provide more benefits to the Qing Dynasty... The old man was far more cunning than his son.

She had to wait for the easy-to-handle dog to leave before using her big moves to coax the old man; otherwise, she was afraid her boyfriend would cry.

*

After everything was laid out, Yinzhen also calmed down.

He knew it was indeed better for Geng Shuning to stay.

He trusted the little fox's mouth; she could turn black into white, so keeping her life safe with the old man shouldn't be too difficult.

Even so, after lunch, Geng Shuning, following Emperor Kangxi's order to watch the excitement, went out to see Yinzhen off. At the corner of the corridor, he grabbed her and fiercely kissed her.

Since returning to the palace, the two had not been close.

This time, as they got close, it was unclear whether it was punishment or affection, but neither wanted to part, and they clung to each other for a while.

They kissed until Geng Shuning's whole body went limp, out of breath, and Yinzhen's eyes were as if he wanted to devour her.

Geng Shuning had no choice; if they continued kissing, both would suffer, so she could only coax him with her legs feeling weak.

"It's already November, in a little over a month, the Grand Empress Dowager and the Emperor will have to return to the palace or go to the Changchun Garden for the New Year, and we'll see each other at the palace banquet~"

Yinzhen's handsome face remained cold, "You don't like me making decisions on my own, but now you don't think to discuss with me, you don't care about me—"

He bit Geng Shuning's lip again, hiding his frustration between his lips and teeth, "I worry... about your safety, you heartless wretch..."

Geng Shuning was kissed until her eyes were blurred, her whole body burning fiercely in the winter.

After hearing Yinzhen's words clearly, her heart softened momentarily.

Their feelings had always been good; she believed Yinzhen would worry about her, but she couldn't put all her eggs in one basket.

But she would also reflect, leaning against Yinzhen's chest, breathing heavily, admitting her mistake.

"Master, forgive me this time, I promise not to make decisions on my own next time."

"I originally wanted to listen to you, but Master should have seen, the Grand Empress Dowager quite likes me, and the Empress Dowager... you know."

"With the merit of serving the Grand Empress Dowager, I can return to accompany you sooner~"

Yinzhen knew that his mother still had a knot in her heart because of the fourteenth.

Especially knowing there was going to be a war, and not calling Yun Ti back for the New Year, and the ninth and the Fourteenth Princess Consort were easy to stir up, her knot wouldn't go away anytime soon.

He pressed Geng Shuning tightly in his arms, sighed slightly, and in a place Geng Shuning couldn't see, his eyes were sharp as knives.

After returning to the palace, the ninth, the tenth, and Yun Ti's mansions would also need to be dealt with.

He suppressed his emotions and pinched Geng Shuning's face, "Promise me, no matter what you do, protect yourself first, try to stay by the Grand Empress Dowager's side, don't wander around..."

Historically, the Fourth Master was known to be endlessly nagging.

Her young version of the boyfriend fully verified the reliability of the official history, nagging for a full cup of tea's time, making Geng Shuning sleepy.

She dared not call for a stop, only trying her best to widen her misty apricot eyes, nodding her head like a chicken pecking at grain, each nod hitting Yinzhen's heart.

This made Yinzhen even more reluctant to leave, wishing he could keep her by his side at all times.

But there were ministers waiting in the palace, and he really couldn't delay any longer.

He firmly grasped Geng Shuning's hand, "If you don't behave, when we return to the palace, I will definitely hold you accountable, remember?"

Geng Shuning continued to nod, "Remembered, remembered, take care on your way, and remember to have your meal when you get back!"

Yinzhen snorted lightly, "Now you’re showing concern for me?"

Geng Shuning wished she could wave goodbye, trying hard to be patient, "I’ve always cared about you!"

"I know you are busy during the day, but you must sleep early at night, so you can think of me in your dreams, remember?"

Yinzhen somewhat uncomfortably let go of Geng Shuning, "In broad daylight, you’re spouting such nonsense! This is not the palace or the Yuanmingyuan, you must remember..."

Well, Geng Shuning's patience was completely exhausted.

She looked around, saw no one, immediately dropped her soft expression, and pushed Yinzhen to turn around with an expressionless face, her embroidered shoes lightly tapping the back of his boots.

"If you don't leave now, the city gates will be closed! Hurry up!"

"Stop nagging, or I won’t write to you anymore!"

Yinzhen’s heart softened a bit; he hadn't remembered the matter of writing letters, instantly soothed by Geng Shuning's impatient sweet words, and patted her hat contentedly.

"Alright, no need to see me off, I can go out by myself, you don't need to go to the front hall."

To avoid being caught by the old man for being unruly.

Thinking of Geng Shuning's antics, Yinzhen felt there was still much to advise.

But the time was indeed getting late, Su Peisheng was looking anxious beside him, almost about to urge.

Yinzhen also didn't want the old man to know he was so reluctant to part, took a deep breath, turned and strode out.

*

Geng Shuning turned back, hesitating whether to report to the Empress Dowager or first ask Qiao He to find out where she would stay and settle down.

Liang Jiugong came up with a smile, "The master has instructed, you are to stay in the side hall to serve the Empress Dowager."

"If you need anything, just tell Li Dequan, but one thing, every day at Chen hour, the Empress Dowager will worship Buddha, please, County Lady, go to the front and explain the scriptures to the master."

Geng Shuning: "..." She, a fake lay nun, explaining scriptures to Emperor Kangxi?

She was somewhat puzzled, "Since I am here to serve the Empress Dowager, shouldn't I accompany her in worshiping Buddha?"

Liang Jiugong smiled subtly, "County Lady is joking, the master means, after the Empress Dowager rests at noon, you can come forward to serve."

He turned slightly, "The master has instructed, you can rest today, no need to serve in the main hall."

"Knowing you came in a hurry, without bringing a change of clothes, I have already instructed Li Dequan to send you suitable clothes later."

Geng Shuning understood, the old man saw she was a fake lay nun, told her not to disturb the Empress Dowager's true worship of Buddha, nor to wear the lay nun's robe to offend his eyes.

Play the part you’re given.

Geng Shuning complied gracefully, brushed herself off, and went to settle in the side hall first.

*

Li Dequan was waiting outside the side hall.

Geng Shuning then realized that she wasn't just assigned to a side room in the side hall; the entire west side hall was given to her.

Qiao He was a bit uncertain and asked Li Dequan, "Eunuch Li Dequan, isn't this... against the rules?"

As Yinzhen had mentioned, this place belonged to the imperial couple.

Only the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and Duanhe Empress were eligible to stay at the hot spring palace.

The east side hall was reserved for the Empress Dowager, so naturally, the west side hall was for the Empress.

However, since Duanhe Empress had been accompanying the Empress Dowager for a while, the Empress had never come.

Li Dequan, who seemed more amiable than Liang Jiugong, smiled faintly and said, "The Empress Dowager prefers tranquility. No one else will come to this side hall in the future. We wouldn't dare to wrong the County Lady. Please feel free to stay here."

Qiao He looked at Geng Shuning.

Geng Shuning nodded slightly. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Since she was already staying, she could handle whatever came her way, whether it's a sugar-coated pill or a bitter one.

Qiao He stopped asking further and instructed Qingfang to serve Geng Shuning while she took some people to help Li Dequan sort out and deliver the items.

The items from the grand chapel at the Cining Palace would be packed by Qiao Jing later, and the urgently needed ones would be brought over.

*

The west side hall was originally prepared for the Empress, so the low-ranking palace maids and nannies were all there, and everything was complete.

Since Geng Shuning was not a member of the inner palace, Li Dequan ordered the removal of items that did not conform to the regulations and replaced them with appropriate decorations.

Everything was ready, and the hall was cleaned thoroughly, so it was ready to move in right away, and Geng Shuning could have her dinner without delay.

Until Qiao He returned with the meal.

She carefully approached Geng Shuning and said, "In a few days, it will be the death anniversary of Empress Xiaozhuang's passing. The Empress Dowager has been devoutly practicing Buddhism these days, so the kitchen only serves vegetarian food..."

Geng Shuning had eaten plenty of vegetables but wasn't a fan of vegetarian meals, so she had never considered becoming a true lay nun.

Earlier in the morning, the retired emperor had been both harsh and intimidating, but Geng Shuning had not felt wronged. However, now her delicate features showed real surprise.

Especially after tasting the bland dishes, she had no appetite and listlessly put down her chopsticks.

"After the death anniversary, we won't have to eat vegetarian food anymore, right?"

Qiao He and Qingfang exchanged glances, neither daring to speak. If asked... no one really knew how devout the Empress Dowager was in her Buddhist practices, right?

Geng Shuning also understood this and sighed, lying on the table, suddenly feeling a bit regretful about staying.

*

The next day, Geng Shuning was dragged out of bed early by Qiao He and Qingfang.

After a groggy wash, Qingfang styled her hair into a small double bun, and Qiao He helped her change into the newly delivered agate-colored satin court dress.

Then, Qingfang brought out a pair of three-inch-high flowerpot shoes.

Geng Shuning was shocked, "Why do I have to wear these?"

Qiao He chuckled, "Whether you're a Lady of Grace or a County Lady, according to the rules, you must wear flowerpot shoes when meeting the emperor. Plain embroidered shoes just won't cut it."

In the eyes of the masters, embroidered shoes were for the servants, convenient for moving around and serving the masters.

When staying in, no one minded, and one could dress as comfortably as they liked, but outside, it was not acceptable.

The current masters place great emphasis on appearances.

Originally, Geng Shuning always dressed as a lay nun, wearing embroidered shoes, and no one batted an eye. Besides her identity as a lay nun, she naturally had to be more particular.

Geng Shuning was almost in tears: "...Is it too late for me to become a nun now?"

As a planner, she often had to be on-site, mostly wearing sneakers.

For high-end occasions where she needed to impress, she’d wear chunky low heels.

Since arriving, she’d been wearing embroidered shoes, which didn’t slow her down. But now, switching to platform shoes... it was pure torture.

She had thought that facing Kang Shifu at the hot spring palace would be stressful, definitely a perilous situation... ahem, she’d have to rack her brains to outwit her father-in-law.

She never expected the old man to start giving her a hard time right off the bat!

She took two careful steps; platform shoes were trickier than high heels, almost like roller skates. If her balance was even a little off, she’d wobble like a drunk.

Helpless, she called Qiao He and Qingfang for support, and only then did she make it out of the bedroom.

When she sat down and saw the lavish but tasteless breakfast, Geng Shuning’s eyes welled up.

The first day without her boyfriend, she was already missing him like crazy, wu~