Chapter 65 Extra*Emperor & Empress I

Chapter 65 Extra: The Emperor and Empress Part I

When the imperial decree appointing the empress was announced, the Shen residence was filled with celebration, yet no one showed surprise. In the current era, the only one fit to be empress was Shen Qingci, the eldest daughter of the Shen family.

Shen Qingci sat gracefully in her room, gazing at the phoenix crown sent personally by the emperor with perfect composure. A perfectly measured smile graced her lips, every nuance reflecting the demeanor of a noble lady. It was only when a servant hurried in to report, "Eldest Miss, the eldest young master is drunk unconscious. Please go and check on him!" that Shen Qingci finally showed an expression beyond her usual composure.

She sprang to her feet, almost forgetting to have someone secure the phoenix crown, and rushed hurriedly toward the Wangchun Shan Yuan.

The courtyard was brightly lit and eerily silent. As Shen Qingci reached the corridor, a raspy shout pierced the night's tranquility.

"Bring me wine!"

Shen Qingci lifted her skirts and quickened her pace, stepping into the room.

A strong aroma of wine wafted through the air. The room was filled with kneeling maids and servants, all trembling with fear. Their attempts to persuade him were weak and half-hearted. Only Wen Song knelt before the couch, pleading earnestly, "Eldest Young Master, you are still injured. You must not drink any more."

Seeing several empty wine jars on the floor, Shen Qingci frowned deeply. She looked up and saw her only younger brother—the once celebrated, brilliant, and spirited young man of the capital—now with his head hung low. His tied-up black hair fell loosely around his temples, his pale, handsome face shadowed and obscured, disheveled and broken-looking. As Wen Song tried to persuade him again, he overturned the bedside table on the couch with one hand, his eyes red-rimmed as he roared, "Bring me wine!"

The candlestick from the bedside table fell to the floor, splattering wax onto his simple, thin sleeping gown and the back of his hand. He jolted slightly but seemed to feel no pain. All the servants bowed fearfully, begging him to calm his anger.

Shen Qingci could bear it no longer. Her face darkened as she coldly shouted, "All of you, leave!"

Everyone turned to look at her, their eyes lighting up as if granted a reprieve, and they withdrew in orderly fashion. Wen Song cast a pleading glance at her, bowed deeply, and then retreated.

Shen Jichen slowly raised his head to look at her. His once bright and lively eyes now stared blankly at Shen Qingci. He smiled bitterly, "Sister is here. Since returning home this time, I haven't congratulated you yet..." As he spoke, he tried to rise and bow. The plain, thin robe made his tall frame appear somewhat frail. He had grown much thinner. Shen Qingci gave him a light, frustrated push, and he fell back onto the couch, covering his eyes with a low, broken laugh.

His shoulders shook with laughter.

Shen Qingci's heart ached with frustration and pity. "For the sake of a woman, look what you've done to yourself! Do you even remember who you are? You are the Shen family heir!"

These words seemed to provoke Shen Jichen. He sat up abruptly, his face filled with grief and indignation, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at Shen Qingci. His voice was hoarse and furious: "I am not! I am just a useless failure! A failure who can't even keep the woman I love! What Shen family heir?" He laughed bitterly, "No—if I weren't the Shen family heir, I wouldn't have been unable to protect the one I love."

Shen Qingci felt her nose sting with emotion, and her eyes grew hot. She stepped forward to support his trembling shoulders. "Piao Yao, I know you're suffering. But if you abandon yourself like this, what right do you have to win her back? Only when you become strong yourself can you reclaim the one you love. When you hold great power, who would dare question who stands by your side?"

Shen Jichen shuddered violently. He turned to look at his sister, and a wave of grief and self-pity overwhelmed him. He embraced Shen Qingci, and for the first time, the eighteen-year-old young man cried like a child: "Sister... please go find Rong Rong for me..."

Shen Qingci gently patted his back, speaking softly, "My Piao Yao, after you've cried, you must pull yourself together. Whether it's for the sake of the girl you love, for me, or for our parents, you are the future pillar of the Shen family."

After an unknown length of time, the siblings sat silently on the floor, leaning against the couch. Shen Jichen had grown somewhat weary, but a glimmer of clarity returned to his eyes. He looked at Shen Qingci and asked in a low voice, "Sister, do you love the emperor?"

Shen Qingci smiled faintly. "I shall learn to love him."

Shen Jichen frowned. "This matter concerns your lifelong happiness..."

"Happiness depends on oneself. I am a daughter of the Shen family. I enjoy unparalleled glory that others don't have, and I am the most noble young lady in the capital. It is only right that I contribute to the Shen family." She spoke calmly and confidently, without the slightest hint of reluctance or unwillingness. From a young age, she had known that her marriage concerned the glory of the Shen family—it was not a matter of personal affection.

"The Shen family." Shen Jichen smiled mockingly. "I once took pride in the Shen family, but now I feel it is nothing more than a shackle." He laughed again, half-sarcastically. "Others tremble at the mention of the Shen family, thinking we command great influence. Little do they know we cannot even decide our own marriages."

Shen Qingci smiled gently. "Piao Yao, you are still young. One day, when you can command great influence in the imperial court, when others tremble at the name Shen Jichen, and when people address you by your official title rather than 'Young Master Shen' or 'the emperor's brother-in-law,' perhaps then you will be free to do as you wish."

Her gaze regained its former sharpness as she looked at Shen Jichen, smiling with composure. "You need not worry about me."

The two exchanged a deep glance. Shen Jichen naturally understood that Shen Qingci's words were not merely meant to reassure him—they were her confidence. She was the eldest daughter of the Wangjing Shen family, the future empress.

＊＊

On the day of the grand wedding, the new emperor granted amnesty throughout the realm, celebrating with the entire nation. Whether from friendly neighboring states or ambitious rival nations, all came to offer congratulations on such a state occasion.

Shen Jichen held his sister Shen Qingci's hand and, before the assembled civil and military officials and envoys from various lands, escorted her to the esteemed position of empress. As they walked through the long hall, it was the most magnificent scene under heaven.

Shen Qingci sat beside the emperor, dignified and elegant, her beauty stunningly radiant. Yet her phoenix eyes were clear, bright, and inviolable, causing those with ulterior motives among the courtiers to quickly rein in their thoughts.

The emperor noticed the admiration in the eyes of the envoys from neighboring countries and subtly took Shen Qingci's hand.

After the ceremonies of worshiping heaven, hosting the court officials at a feast, and navigating the complex rituals repeatedly, Shen Qingci finally sat on the phoenix couch in Fengqi Palace (Phoenix Roost Palace).

Ruo Hua and Bi Hua stood attentively nearby. Glancing at the palace maids and matrons lined up on either side of the bedchamber, they shifted their positions to shield their young mistress, giving her a moment to massage her sore calves.

"The emperor has arrived."

The young emperor, dressed in his grand wedding attire, entered magnificently. Everyone bowed in unison. Shen Qingci also rose and stepped forward to bow, but the emperor quickly closed the distance and firmly grasped her folded hands. Shen Qingci looked up in surprise, meeting his clear, handsome face and warm, smiling eyes. She paused, about to bow again.

But the emperor held her hands firmly and announced, "All of you, leave."

A matron from the Palace Women's Bureau spoke respectfully, "Your Majesty, according to proper protocol, two palace maids should remain outside to attend on the wedding night..."

"Say no more." The emperor's tone was calm but brooked no argument.

The palace maids did not dare disobey further and withdrew obediently. Ruo Hua glanced at her young lady and, seeing no further instructions, withdrew with Bi Hua.

The doors to the bedchamber closed, leaving only the newlyweds inside.

The emperor led Shen Qingci by the hand toward the bed, but she stopped. When he turned back in puzzlement, she said softly, "Your Majesty, this is not according to etiquette." As she spoke, she tried to withdraw her hand to bow to him again.

"Qingci, do you not see me as your husband?" The emperor stepped closer to her. A flicker of lamplight reflected in his deep, turbulent eyes.

Shen Qingci's heart leaped. Suppressing her instinctive shyness, she replied properly, "Your Majesty is naturally my husband, the one I will rely on for life. But Your Majesty is also the ruler of the country. We are both husband and wife and ruler and subject."

As a daughter of the Shen family, her every word and action represented the family. She did not dare, nor could she afford, to act presumptuously.

A faint flicker of disappointment crossed the emperor's eyes. He pressed his lips into a smile, his gaze growing increasingly gentle. "From now on, in Fengqi Palace, we will be the most intimate of couples. Let us disregard those protocols. Outside Fengqi Palace, we will resume our roles as ruler and subject. Is that acceptable?"

"This..."

"This is an imperial decree." The emperor suddenly spoke with solemnity.

Shen Qingci was momentarily taken aback, then smiled gracefully. "Your servant obeys the decree, Your Majesty."

The emperor was momentarily entranced. Suddenly, he scooped her up into his arms. The phoenix crown on her head jingled, and her heart raced along with the sound. She was gently laid on the bed.

She knew what was to follow. The family matrons had already shown her marital instruction manuals and offered guidance. Though she blushed with embarrassment, she understood it was her duty. Moreover, her husband was no ordinary man—he was the sovereign. Regardless of whether he had once been a neglected collateral relative or how much the Shen family had contributed to his throne, he was now the Son of Heaven. She allowed him to remove her phoenix crown, her black hair cascading down. The emperor's eyes darkened—this version of Shen Qingci was less dignified but more enchantingly delicate.

But what she expected did not happen. Shen Qingci stared in surprise as the emperor took her legs and gently massaged them. She immediately tried to stop him, but he said, "Qingci has toiled all day for me. As your husband, what harm is there in massaging your legs for you?"

This was not according to protocol. If word spread to the court, some might seize the opportunity to cause trouble for the Shen family. Just as Shen Qingci was about to refuse, she saw the emperor take from his chest a handkerchief embroidered with peonies. It looked somewhat aged and strangely familiar.

"Qingci, do you remember? Ten years ago, at the deceased emperor's birthday celebration, I came to the capital with my father to offer congratulations. But because my father had no power or status, they thought I was a nobody. I was teased and bullied by other young nobles, and even my court robes were soiled. The palace servants dared not offend those influential nobles and all avoided me. No one dared speak up for me. Only you..."

Shen Qingci's puzzled gaze turned thoughtful, then gradually shocked as memories resurfaced. She recalled when she was nine years old, following her parents into the palace for the deceased emperor's birthday celebration. Piao Yao was taken by the late emperor to receive the officials, while her parents attended to their own social engagements. She was playing in the garden with the princesses and noble girls when she heard a commotion. Curious, she hurried over and saw a group of eleven- or twelve-year-old young nobles surrounding a young boy, mocking and humiliating him to the extreme.

Her face darkened. She coldly shouted, "What impudence! This is the imperial palace, and everyone here is an honored guest! How dare you behave so improperly in the palace? Do you have no regard for imperial rules? Do you have no regard for the emperor?"

Though only nine years old, she shocked the young nobles into silence with her words. Some were even frightened to the point of tears, and the princesses and noble girls behind her fell silent.

A defiant young noble yelled, "You're just a daughter of the Shen family! I am the legitimate eldest son of Prince Yu, the heir! How dare you act so arrogantly in front of me! Have you grown tired of living?"

Little Qingci smiled coldly. "Oh? I was unaware that Prince Yu now holds the power of life and death. An heir with only an empty title dares to speak of taking someone's life? Whether I am tired of living is not for you or me to decide. Shall we go before the emperor and let him judge?" Her voice was delicate, but her words carried immense authority.

The palace maids and servants who had been standing guard were all intimidated by Shen Qingci's commanding aura and hadn't reacted yet. But upon hearing that they were to go before the Emperor, they immediately snapped to attention, rushing forward to pull their young masters aside and urgently whispering admonishments, "My dear ancestors, who is she? She is the eldest daughter of the Shen family! The Emperor is her biological uncle, while he is merely your uncle by relation—there's no comparison!"

Moreover, it was indeed their young masters who had bullied others first. If the matter were truly escalated, it would likely be the servants who ended up losing their lives. After much persuasion, they finally managed to persuade the young masters to leave.

The young princess behind Little Qingci swallowed hard, her eyes wide with admiration as she gazed at her. "Qingci, you're amazing!"

To her surprise, the previously authoritative Little Qingci turned to her with a playful wink and whispered, "I was just copying my father's strict manner. I didn't expect it to actually intimidate them."

The young princess shrank back slightly. "Your father is indeed quite stern. Every time I see him, I don't dare say much."

Another young lady nearby chimed in, "Not at all! I once saw Duke Shen being very gentle and considerate toward the Princess Consort. He wasn't stern at all."

While they were still debating whether her father was stern or not, Little Qingci had already walked over to the young lord. She reached out to help him up, but he shied away, lowering his head and shrinking back. "No, I... my clothes are dirty..."

His timid demeanor was nothing like the arrogant young nobles of the capital. Little Qingci's heart softened. She took out a handkerchief embroidered with peonies, knelt down, and firmly took his hand, gently wiping it clean. "This is an order. You cannot refuse."

Her tone was commanding, but her actions were incredibly gentle. The young lord looked up at her and was instantly stunned.

Afterward, she even specifically arranged for someone to take him to her younger brother Piao Yao's palace to change into a set of Piao Yao's clothes.

"Back then, I thought to myself that once I became powerful, I would protect you for the rest of your life," he said, holding the handkerchief tightly and clasping Shen Qingci's hand. The warmth of his grip enveloped her, as if pledging his determination and affection.

"Do you know how overjoyed I was when the Grand Marshal presented the portrait of the Empress? Qingci, I have finally made my way to your side." He shifted closer to her, gently caressed her soft cheek, and planted a tender kiss.

Shen Qingci had never imagined such an intimate scene with the Emperor. He was the Emperor, and she was the Empress. She had thought that mutual respect would be enough, but at this moment, entwined with him and seeing him restraining himself to carefully tend to her feelings with gentle care, she felt that this was also quite good.

In the middle of the night, the palace maids were ordered to enter the room to attend to Shen Qingci’s ablutions. Ruo Hua and Bi Hua observed their mistress's expression, and their anxious hearts instantly settled. They exchanged a relieved smile.

As they stepped out, they overheard someone whispering.

"They say the Empress is the model of noble ladies—dignified and elegant. But when it comes to matters of the bedchamber, she too..." The maid left the rest unsaid, but the ensuing giggles from the others made the unspoken meaning obvious.

Bi Hua, who was fiercely protective of her mistress, flared up in anger. She stepped forward and shoved the maid to the ground. "You wretched wench! How dare you spout such nonsense!"

The maids instantly turned pale with fear, trembling uncontrollably, and fell to their knees, kowtowing and pleading for forgiveness.

Ruo Hua stepped forward, her brow furrowed coldly. "They say the palace rules are strict. Is this what they mean?"

Upon hearing this, the maids were terrified out of their wits and continued to plead for forgiveness.

"Since you know you were wrong, go and accept your punishment. Do not let me hear you gossiping again," Ruo Hua said. Though she was merely a maid, she carried an air of authority. The maids immediately scurried away.

Bi Hua was still fuming. "They got off too lightly!"

Ruo Hua replied, "We are not in the mansion anymore. We represent our mistress. We are new here; we mustn’t let others ridicule us. Your outburst today was undignified. When those below us make mistakes, we must remain composed."

Bi Hua nodded. "You're right, sister. But now that our mistress is the Empress, must we still be so cautious?"

Ruo Hua said, "It is precisely because she is the Empress that we must be even more cautious, to avoid giving anyone ammunition against her."

Bi Hua didn't fully understand the implications yet, but she felt that Sister Ruo Hua was right.

The next morning, Shen Qingci was already up and dressing. The Emperor, wearing a golden sleep robe, walked up behind her and held her shoulders. "Why not sleep a little longer?"

She made to rise and bow, but he held her down, leaning close to whisper in her ear, "I told you, here, we are only husband and wife."

Shen Qingci smiled radiantly. "I must go pay respects to the Grand Empress Dowager."

The Grand Empress Dowager was her grandmother on her mother’s side.

Though they could have waited three days after the wedding to go, seeing her insistence, the Emperor did not refuse and accompanied her. He knew that many in the court were watching the Emperor and Empress closely, and he did not want her to give anyone cause for criticism.

From then on, the Emperor accompanied the Empress every day when she paid her respects. If the Empress coughed twice, the Emperor would personally bring her tea. If she felt cold, he would hold her hands to warm them, disregarding the ministers present. Soon, the deep affection between the Emperor and Empress spread throughout the court.

Her younger brother, Shen Jichen, repeatedly distinguished himself with merits and within less than a year was promoted to the fourth rank! During this year, ministers repeatedly urged the Emperor to take more concubines and produce heirs, but the Emperor dismissed all such appeals, further highlighting the Empress's singular status in his heart. Combined with the Shen family's already prominent position, their influence became even more formidable, unequaled by any other.

Apart from attending to state affairs, the Emperor spent his time with the Empress. On several occasions when Shen Qingci went to the imperial study, she happened upon the Emperor discussing matters with his ministers. Just as she was about to withdraw, the Emperor stopped her and had her wait in an adjacent room. On one occasion, the Emperor became enraged and was about to execute a minister who had previously rendered meritorious service. After weighing her words carefully, Shen Qingci stepped out, graceful and composed.

"Minister Zhuo has made a mistake, but his past contributions are significant. His crime does not warrant death. I beg Your Majesty to spare his life."

Her intention was merely to save a capable minister and prevent the Emperor from making a mistake that would disillusion loyal ministers. However, after the Emperor accepted her advice and merely relegated Minister Zhuo, rumors gradually spread in the court that "the Empress is truly the daughter of the Shen family." Some even began sending their wives to the palace to advise the Empress.

Factions that were outwardly friendly but secretly opposed to the Shen family began hinting that the Empress was meddling in state affairs. The Emperor, who adored Shen Qingci, saw no issue with this and quashed the discussion.

But one day, when Shen Qingci went to the imperial study to bring the Emperor some soup, as was customary, she required no announcement. As soon as she entered, she suddenly saw a charming palace maid spilling a cup of tea and carefully wiping the tea stains from the Emperor's hand, her face blushing like a ripe apple ready for picking.

The Emperor was gazing at her, spellbound.

Shen Qingci paused, then turned and left without entering. On her way out, she encountered Chief Eunuch Wu entering. As he was about to bow, she gestured for him to be quiet. "No need to tell the Emperor I was here."

Chief Eunuch Wu was initially puzzled, but upon entering, he understood and wisely said nothing.

Bi Hua was furious, convinced that the temptress had deliberately tempted the Emperor. "Your Majesty! Why didn't you go in? That temptress clearly planned this!"

Shen Qingci smiled faintly. "A palace maid who can serve tea in the imperial study must have pull. The nobles have been restless for a while; new palace consorts are inevitable."

From the day she accepted the edict appointing her Empress, she had been mentally prepared. She was the Empress, not an ordinary wife.

Ruo Hua, afraid Bi Hua would say more, quickly interjected with a smile, "No matter which family's daughter enters the palace, none can surpass our Empress. The Emperor's favor toward Her Majesty is unique."

Shen Qingci smiled but said no more, though a trace of disappointment flickered unmistakably in her eyes.

She thought the Emperor wouldn't come that night and was getting ready to sleep when a stately, tall figure entered. "Not waiting for me?"

Shen Qingci was stunned, her expression uncharacteristically cute and flustered. The Emperor was mesmerized for a moment; he liked seeing her like this.

But in an instant, she regained her usual composure. "Your Majesty, why are you here? I thought..."

The Emperor booped her nose playfully. "Thought I was detained by some temptress?"

Shen Qingci hurriedly said, "That girl Bi Hua speaks without thinking..."

"She is fervently protective; I don't blame her. If you dislike that maid, I've already had her sent away." The Emperor's tone was calm, without any hesitation.

Shen Qingci was surprised, but a sweet feeling welled up in her heart. Even though she was a level-headed woman, receiving her husband's special favor always brought joy.

However, this joy did not last long. Eventually, new consorts entered the palace. This person was not a daughter of a prominent noble family but rather a noble from the Emperor’s former domain: the Liang family's Liang Yaner.