Chapter 110

Chapter 110

In fact, uncovering the truth wasn’t that hard.

Right after the Shangsi Festival, the results of the investigation by the Imperial Punishment Bureau and the Imperial Hunting Bureau were presented on the imperial desk in the royal study.

Geng Shuning was invited by the newly appointed Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Nian Gengyao, to inspect the renovations of the Palace of Gathered Elegance, the Pavilion of Extended Radiance, and the Studio of Exquisite Fragrance.

Normally, this task would have been handed over to Qiao He and Qingfang, who were responsible for the specific execution.

But Geng Shuning had always been curious about Xiao Nian Gao’s brother, who had almost become a local tyrant in Sichuan and was known for his arrogance even in the presence of the Emperor.

Yinzhen seemed to pick up on her subtle interest in the Nian family and had Zhao Song subtly persuade Geng Shuning, leading her to the Palace of Gathered Elegance.

Therefore, Geng Shuning was still unaware of the results submitted by the Imperial Punishment Bureau and the Imperial Hunting Bureau.

Yinzhen remained silent for a long time before instructing Su Peisheng, "Take it and burn it."

After a pause, he added, "If your mistress Sui Ning asks, tell her it was the work of remnants of the anti-Qing and pro-Ming forces lurking in the palace. Do not let her detect any clues."

Su Peisheng bowed, looking troubled. "Yes, this servant will arrange it immediately."

Servants who serve their masters always try to get a good read on their master’s personality.

Su Peisheng and Zhao Song now knew Geng Shuning as well as Qiao He and Qingfang.

They knew this ancestor was bold and daring, ready to do anything.

In some ways, she was pretty careless, such as in the rules for women and her treatment of servants.

But in other areas, she was really sharp and detail-oriented. If she wanted to, she could always find a way to discover the answers she sought.

To fool Geng Shuning, the Imperial Punishment Bureau, the Imperial Hunting Bureau, and even the Imperial Guards had to make sure everything was perfect.

After all, this ancestor also had the Nine Guards at her disposal.

Even though not all of them were in the palace, Qiao He, Qingfang, Qiao Jing, and the others were pretty capable, and there was also Nanny Chen, who had been in the palace for many years.

Su Peisheng left the royal study and quickly sent Zhao Song and Xiao Chengzi to the Imperial Punishment Bureau and the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, respectively, while he personally went to find Lin Fu.

*

Meanwhile, Geng Shuning finally met Nian Gengyao.

In the official records, there were plenty of descriptions of General Nian, with the first commendable aspect being his appearance.

After all, he was the older brother of Xiao Nian Gao, who was a favorite in the harem. Born to the same parents, his looks were naturally not lacking.

When Geng Shuning saw Nian Gengyao, she was a bit surprised and couldn’t help but sneak a few extra looks, causing Qiao He and Qingfang, who had followed her, to also take notice.

This future general, known for his brothel visits and lustful reputation... was actually better-looking than Geng Shuning!

Not that Geng Shuning was insecure; she wasn’t drop-dead gorgeous, but she was still pretty attractive.

But Nian Gengyao’s face was so striking that even someone as stunning as Consort Qi or as flashy as the late Consort Yi would probably feel a bit jealous.

Apart from his slightly masculine sword-like eyebrows, his deer-like eyes, small and high-bridged nose, and naturally rosy lips... cough, thin lips, he even had a lip bead!!

She couldn’t understand why Nian Gengyao, with his own looks, would be so lustful.

He was basically the Qing Dynasty’s Narcissus; wouldn’t staring at himself in the mirror every day be enough?

While silently criticizing, Geng Shuning couldn't help but take another look, which visibly angered the young and vigorous Minister of Rites.

With a dark expression—still quite handsome—he asked, "May I ask, Female Official Suining, if there is anything improper about your humble servant?"

Wow... even his voice is captivating!

Geng Shuning's gaze drifted as she shook her head, "I just noticed that Lord Nian is so... vibrant, and I guess the Ministry of Rites is now full of new faces and a fresh atmosphere. This selection of court ladies will surely go smoothly."

Qiao He and Qingfang exchanged glances, feeling a chill run down their spines. Their mistress probably meant to say that this lord is handsome.

This is truly perilous. If the Emperor finds out that the mistress can't take her eyes off another man, even if the weather gets warmer day by day, the Hall of Mental Cultivation might still be freezing cold.

Nian Gengyao knew he was good-looking and was particularly annoyed by the familiar look in Geng Shuning's eyes.

He turned away with a flick of his sleeve, his voice tinged with anger, "Female Official Suining seems to have forgotten what the 'Admonitions for Women' says, that women should be respectful, cautious, and focused."

"What the female official is doing now is a breach of propriety, and also disloyalty to the Emperor, which contradicts what the female official stated in the Dazheng Guangming Hall. Aren't you worried about being mocked?"

Geng Shuning: "..." Oh, I forgot that the official history also says that Nian Gengyao is particularly arrogant and cares about face, and looks down on women.

As a girl raised under the Communist regime, how could she have read the 'Admonitions for Women', though she has read the synopsis and the original intention of Ban Zhao's writing.

She chuckled, adopting an even more coquettish air, eyeing Nian Gengyao up and down, until his face turned red and his eyes blazed with anger.

Only then did she casually argue, "Does Lord Nian know that Ban Zhao wrote the 'Admonitions for Women' to expose the hardships women face in the world, but not to forget self-protection?"

"You, a scholar from the Hanlin Academy, well-read in poetry and books since childhood, should know the principle that in the grand scheme of things, we are all insignificant."

"The notion of male superiority and female inferiority is merely the arrogance of the powerful. Even the heavens value fairness. As subjects of the Son of Heaven, are we any less than the heavens?"

Nian Gengyao: "..." It was the first time he had heard someone interpret the phrase 'All things between heaven and earth are like straw dogs' in such a way.

But... though the logic is twisted, it's hard to refute.

However, the world is as it is, even if Geng Shuning is favored, she shouldn't so brazenly flout the laws and customs.

Geng Shuning smiled even more brightly at Nian Gengyao's frowning expression.

"After the 'Admonitions for Women' came into the world, how many princesses and princes, as long as they have the ability, can still do as they please. That tiresome and pedantic rhetoric is merely to shackle the powerless. Do you think I'm one of the powerless?"

She stepped forward two steps, stepping closer to Nian Gengyao, until there was only a step between them.

At the moment when Nian Gengyao was about to retreat in shock, Geng Shuning lowered her voice, her tone growing even more playful—

"For example, I have the ability to liberate Lord Nian from the confines of scholarly pursuits, to fully realize your ambitions on the battlefield, to make you the head of the Nian family, to leave a name in history. Would you still reprimand me for disregarding the 'Admonitions for Women'?"

Nian Gengyao was stunned: "...What does the female official mean?"

Although what Geng Shuning said, even her expression was not very serious, Nian Gengyao, who had been sensitive since childhood, could feel that Geng Shuning's eyes and the content of her words were not joking.

His heart pounded fiercely several times, and he barely suppressed the impulse to continue questioning, lowering his eyes and quickly stepping back.

But now he lost his previous arrogance and impatience, bowing respectfully as he replied—

"Female Official Suining, why not first see if the Palace of Gathering Excellence, the Pavilion of Extended Radiance, and the Studio of Purified Fragrance meet the female official's requirements."

"If the female official has any orders thereafter, as an official of the Ministry of Rites, I will follow the Emperor's decree without fail."

Now it was Qiao He and Qingfang's turn to have their hearts racing.

The two women, Qiao He and Qingfang, served Geng Shuning and were closest to her. They overheard her words and naturally understood the deeper meaning behind Nian Gengyao's remarks.

Nian Gengyao wanted Geng Shuning to clearly see his capabilities. If she could obtain the Emperor's approval to elevate him to a high position, he would be willing to follow her commands.

This man was the eldest son of the newly appointed Governor of Huguang!

He was the youngest Vice-Minister among the Six Ministries!

Was Geng Shuning planning to... interfere in politics?!

Geng Shuning glanced lightly at the pale-faced Qiao He and Qingfang, said nothing more, and listened with a smile as Nian Gengyao, now unusually respectful and compliant, explained the inspection of the three locations.

The renovation of the Palace of Gathering Elegance met Geng Shuning's requirements and was suitable as a venue for preliminary selections.

The Pavilion of Extended Radiance, a two-story palace with a hidden middle layer perfect for surveillance, could serve as an examination site.

The Studio of Refreshing Fragrance, a two-story theater surrounded by three-sided buildings with an open central area, was suitable for daily teaching.

Both the Palace of Gathering Elegance and the Pavilion of Extended Radiance were renovated to her satisfaction.

However, there was a problem with the Studio of Refreshing Fragrance.

Both the front and rear buildings of the Studio of Refreshing Fragrance had stages. The front building could serve as a classroom, while the rear building was intended for office use.

The large outdoor stage, connected to the front building by a corridor, was well renovated.

However, the small stage named "Elegance Preserved" had its open sides sealed but left the passage to the rear building open.

During teaching sessions, the office area would be affected, making it easier for people to enter and exit freely, potentially eavesdropping.

Geng Shuning asked Nian Gengyao to bring out the blueprints and examined them carefully.

With the explanations from Qiao He and Qingfang, she realized that "Elegance Preserved" was linked to the main hall of the rear building, named "Golden Radiance and Jade Purity."

"Golden Radiance and Jade Purity" acted as a passageway, linking the small stage to the front building, allowing distinguished guests seated on the second floor of the front building to watch the performance without interruption.

If they wanted to separate the front building, "Golden Radiance and Jade Purity," and the small stage "Elegance Preserved," tearing down and rebuilding would risk damaging the load-bearing parts of "Golden Radiance and Jade Purity," potentially causing a collapse.

Geng Shuning was not well-versed in architecture, and after much discussion among the four, they couldn't come up with a solution.

After understanding Geng Shuning's requirements, Nian Gengyao suggested, "I can send the survey map to the Ministry of Works and ask their officials to devise a way to use external barriers, so as not to delay the use of the site in a month."

"Very well, proceed with that," Geng Shuning said.

"By the way, could you also ask my uncle for me? He has risen from a clerk to a Minister; surely he should show some favoritism toward his niece."

Nian Gengyao raised an eyebrow slightly, understanding that Geng Shuning was demonstrating her influence and seeking his loyalty.

His eyes flickered, and he bowed his head respectfully, saying firmly, "I will remember."

He only looked down on ordinary women. If Geng Shuning truly had the ability... heroes are not judged by their origins, and he wouldn't mind serving another mistress.

*

Before nightfall, Geng Shuning returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation from the Studio of Refreshing Fragrance.

Qiao He led the way with the palace lantern, while Qingfang walked beside Geng Shuning. Seizing the moment when no outsiders were present, she whispered—

"Is Geng Shuning planning to win over Nian Gengyao for her own use?"

"Both sons of Governor Nian are extraordinary talents, but they are arrogant and often act unconventionally, angering Governor Nian to the point of frequently resorting to family discipline. This is widely known in the West City and is no secret."

Although Nian Gengyao seems to have some talent, he is not so easy to control.

Even if the mistress wants to interfere in politics... they have more suitable candidates to recommend.

Geng Shuning smiled faintly and said, "I understand."

She wasn't surprised at all; Nian Gengyao is the kind of person who could be arrogant to a fault!

However, Xiao Nian Gao is just at kindergarten age and doesn't have the opportunity to become an imperial noble consort.

Without a sister's support and with Yun Ti in Qinghai, Nian Gengyao's dream of glory without a suitable backer is just wishful thinking.

If he knows what's good for him, he'll know who to choose.

As for this guy who, according to history, sided with the Fourth Prince but still flirted with the Eighth Prince... well, let's see who's the bigger scumbag.

She's an expert at handling all sorts of scumbags and troublemakers.

Qingfang did not give up on persuading, "Mistress, this Nian Gengyao... is as pretty as a woman and has a reputation for hanging out in brothels. If the Emperor finds out that you are employing him, he might be angry!"

Geng Shuning teased, "A little anger is good. We haven't fought in a while, and we haven't had the chance to make up!"

The battle gear she prepared earlier couldn't be used because the incidents at Changchun Palace, Yonghe Palace, and the imperial heirs are still unclear.

Even though we're both at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, it's harder to get close than when we were apart. Does that make any sense?

Keeping that dog on his toes will make sure he takes care of his health, stays in shape, and puts more effort into her.

As for Nian Gengyao, she has no hidden agenda, just a bit of surprise.

According to history, besides his good looks, he also had a very noticeable beard until his death, which is nothing like the clean, handsome face of the Fourth Master.

*

As Qingfang expected, the events at the Palace of Gathered Elegance and the Studio of Exquisite Fragrance reached Yinzhen's ears before they even got back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Yinzhen wasn't angry, just calmly crushed a string of prayer beads.

He even waited calmly for Geng Shuning to return, pulling her in for a peaceful dinner together.

But after dinner, he didn't go back to the imperial study to discuss the situation in Shanxi and the new policies with the ministers, nor did he take Geng Shuning for a walk.

Without even waiting to bathe, Yinzhen calmly... picked up Geng Shuning, threw her onto the imperial bed, pinned her hands behind her back, and held her tight.

He leaned down from behind and bit Geng Shuning's ear, his voice low and slow, "You need to be taught a lesson again, don't you?"

Geng Shuning lazily hummed, "You're heavy... get off me first, my lord."

Yinzhen replaced the Bureau of Works' punishment with a karmic retribution, giving Geng Shuning a hard slap, "Are you interested in the Nian family because of Nian Gengyao?"

He sneered, "I thought you were interested in Nian Xiyao, after all, he fits your aspirations from when you worked at the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility."

Geng Shuning tilted her head to avoid Yinzhen's bite, laughing, "You reminded me, the eldest son of the Nian family is quite a catch."

"The Nian family is a scholarly family, Nian Xiyao's first wife passed away several years ago, he's clean and self-disciplined, not even having a concubine, it's a good match indeed."

When she was at the hot spring manor, she had the Nine Guards look into it.

Of course, Nian Xiyao's self-discipline is more because of his obsession with medicine and his poor health, needing to conserve his energy to live longer.

Yinzhen knew this too, but his breath still hitched, and he lost the desire to do anything.

He rolled over, positioning Geng Shuning on top, his phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, gaze sharp.

"You were already thinking about it before you left the palace!"

He didn’t phrase it as a question; he stated it as a fact.

Otherwise, with her mischievous nature, she wouldn't have known so much detail.

Geng Shuning rested her chin on his chest and laughed, "I was just thinking in my head, didn’t even run into anyone, mostly thinking about you, Your Majesty. Are you really going to hold this against me?"

Yinzhen's expression was impassive, but his grip on her slender waist tightened.

"If I were in your shoes..."

Geng Shuning stopped laughing, "If you dare, go ahead! I’ll break your leg!"

She even moved suggestively, making it clear which leg she was referring to.

"Behave yourself!" Yinzhen took a light breath, pinching her cheek, his tone neutral, asking—

"So, how should I punish you?"

"More plowing?" Geng Shuning instinctively made a suggestive joke, blinking her clear black and white eyes, her face flushed.

"Ah, women in the inner chambers have nothing but their fantasies. I just made the mistake all women make. Wear me out, and I won’t have the energy to think about anyone else!"

Yinzhen: "...I'm serious, stop messing with me here!"

Geng Shuning caressed his chin, continuing to squirm closer, tilting her head to blow into Yinzhen's ear, stirring up the mischief that had just settled.

But before Yinzhen could flip over and get busy, he felt a sharp pain in his ear, hissing lightly, warningly pinching Geng Shuning's waist.

"If someone sees, they’ll accuse you and your father. Don’t you hate trouble?"

Geng Shuning stopped laughing, her eyes, once bright like spring water, dimmed, looking up clearly into Yinzhen's eyes.

"Since you know what I told Consort Xi, you shouldn’t treat me like a fool."

Yinzhen suddenly stopped moving, a bad feeling giving him a headache.

*

Sure enough, Geng Shuning pushed him away, rolled over, and sat up, leaning against the bed, arms crossed, looking down at the lying lord.

"I haven’t just started paying attention to the Nian family. In the past, Your Majesty didn’t like me asking too much, but today you had Zhao Song take me to see Nian Gengyao. Heh... if I didn’t act a little wild, wouldn’t I be wasting your kindness?"

"Consort Xi is sure I can’t find out who poisoned the consorts and royal heirs because she’s certain, even if I knew, I’d have to pretend not to."

Her eyes and brows carried a light mockery. "People like that are rare in the Qing Dynasty."

"The ancestors love me; the retired emperor wouldn’t be so petty. It’s clear who it is."

"You treat me like a fool, Your Majesty. How can I not make you a bit confused, getting by?"

Yinzhen then realized that Geng Shuning’s earlier wildness was deliberately to provoke him, just to settle accounts with him righteously now.

The jealousy in his heart turned into a mix of laughter and tears, even feeling a bit proud of his little fox’s cunning.

Compared to a Pekingese, this scoundrel is more like those ancestors on the palace walls, always keeping calm, choosing what’s good for herself from a high position, only willing to move when necessary.

Slightly dissatisfied, she would meow and bare her claws.

But the fox he raised, when waving its claws, still remembered to retract the sharp tips, using the soft pads to swipe at someone's face.

It was both fierce and endearing, evoking a tender affection in one's heart.

He sat up and leaned over to embrace Geng Shuning, "I don't want you to share my distress, I will give you an explanation for this matter..."

Geng Shuning leaned back, continuing to push him away: "Whenever it comes to matters concerning you, the Empress Dowager seems to act irrationally, always doing things that are hard to understand."

She spoke frankly, "When I was still at the hot spring manor, she had nanny Wu Ya harass me, trying every way to separate me from you."

"Later, when I went to serve the Empress Dowager, she intensified her efforts, openly and covertly inciting others to frame me as a scourge, deserving of death, afraid I wouldn't die soon enough."

"Now she has even escalated to targeting the consorts and the royal heirs. According to what Consort Xi implied, the Empress Dowager is still targeting me."

"Your Majesty keeps me in the dark about everything, perhaps one day I will be killed by the Empress Dowager, still clueless and wronged... mmm!" Before she could finish, Yinzhen leaned over and swiftly silenced her unfinished words.

Yinzhen engaged Geng Shuning in a passionate kiss, just as she was kissed into a soft, clinging mess, moaning as she held his neck, he suddenly bit her tongue as a punishment.

Breathlessly parting, Yinzhen nuzzled Geng Shuning's nose.

"From now on, don't speak such ominous words, or I will really get angry!"

Geng Shuning glared at him with her watery apricot eyes, what could this jerk do even if he got mad?

Yinzhen said expressionlessly: "Recently, Yunxiang sent me some fresh books, and I suddenly realized that the Imperial Household Bureau's method of disciplining people with beatings is too monotonous."

Geng Shuning: "..." Are you going to do all sorts of things?

She hadn't read the books, but her knowledge and experience... ahem, was quite rich, and she immediately calmed down.

"Will you tell me or not?" She hugged Yinzhen's waist pitifully, changing to a more teasing approach by gently shaking.

"If you keep hiding things from me, I will also lose my temper!"

Afraid that her strength wasn't enough, Geng Shuning gritted her teeth, learning from Consort Xi to take drastic measures—

"I tell you, when I get angry, I scare myself, all the surprises I planned for you are off, I will... mmm~"

Still not letting Geng Shuning finish her harsh words, Yinzhen gently bit her red, swollen lips, his words muffled between their lips—

"I will tell you... I've been abstaining for a while... let's see the surprise first..."