Chapter 140: So Annoying, So Joyful, and It's Coming

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Qin Zhiyi didn’t flip any cards tonight, but he was summoned by the Empress Dowager.

“Has the Emperor still been visiting Noble Consort Xian or Wise Consort Hui these past few days?” The Empress Dowager inquired, her concern clearly about Qin Zhiyi’s harem.

“Since Brother Hui Consort escorted the relief grain, it’s only right that I accompany her more,” Qin Zhiyi replied with a calm, steady expression, his emotions inscrutable. “It’s also to soothe the Sun family’s feelings. Besides, Wise Consort Hui is only one month pregnant; her moods are often unstable, so I must pay her extra attention.”

“And what about Noble Consort Xian?”

“Mother, you know well she’s the most spoiled. This is her first pregnancy. If I spend too much time with Wise Consort Hui, she’ll become anxious and jealous,” Qin Zhiyi said with a hint of fondness. “She cares deeply about me, so I naturally spend more time with her.”

Chang Fu stood quietly nearby, lowering his presence as he watched the Emperor’s composed and measured demeanor. He couldn’t help but admire him. After all, he was his master. If not for seeing the Emperor’s frequent inner turmoil and headaches before going to Crescent Moon Palace, he might have believed otherwise!

The Empress Dowager’s expression darkened. “Jealousy among consorts is the greatest taboo. Noble Consort Xian is truly not prudent. As Emperor, you must spread your favor evenly among the harem. Only then can the previous dynasty’s peace and stability be maintained. Never let personal affections interfere with state affairs.”

Hearing this, Qin Zhiyi suppressed a smile but nodded obediently. “Your teachings are well received, Mother.”

“I speak for your own good. Of course, you may have women you favor, but you must not let them grow arrogant and jeopardize important matters,” the Empress Dowager said earnestly, her words like a mother’s stern counsel. “There are many good ladies in the harem, not only Noble Consort Xian. Why not visit others from time to time?”

“Especially Su’er, that girl has long admired the Emperor.”

“I understand. Today I shall go to Jinghua Palace,” Qin Zhiyi replied, obedient as ever before the Empress Dowager.

Then he realized he shouldn’t have been so compliant.

“Oh! The Emperor is here! Am I disturbing your private time with your sister, Your Majesty?”

He never expected to see Shen Fuyu in Jinghua Palace!

“Why are you here?” Qin Zhiyi looked somewhat displeased. He could never have imagined Shen Fuyu would be here. Didn’t she usually avoid mingling with other consorts?

Shen Fuyu blinked happily. “Consort Cong told me about a new melody and shared it with me! I’ve spent the whole afternoon with Consort Cong! Didn’t you say so, sister?”

Cui Yinsu smiled serenely, nodding. “Yes, sister is witty and engaging. I find our conversations quite delightful.”

Not at all… not at all!

This wasn’t supposed to be like this! Cui Yinsu’s heart was in turmoil and anger. She was utterly uncertain about Shen Fuyu and hated the feeling.

Qin Zhiyi’s expression turned strange as he watched the two women talking so intimately, as if he were the odd one out.

“I apologize for neglecting Your Majesty’s presence, allowing you to stand here so awkwardly,” Cui Yinsu said bashfully, as if just realizing, and invited Qin Zhiyi inside.

Qin Zhiyi was about to leave but was persuaded to stay.

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“Then I shall take my leave,” Shen Fuyu said, reading Qin Zhiyi’s stern expression and knowing she had made the right choice accepting Cui Yinsu’s invitation.

She had imagined this moment all afternoon, wanting to surprise him the moment he appeared.

Surprise! She’s here!

She was nearly bursting with laughter inside.

“Sister, stay too!” Cui Yinsu suddenly became clingy, tugging at Shen Fuyu’s sleeve. “Let’s wait until curfew before going back! Just think of it as us accompanying the Emperor together. Isn’t that nice?”

Qin Zhiyi: …

Why did he feel like he was just an excuse?

Shen Fuyu hesitated. “Isn’t that a bit improper?”

“The Emperor likely wouldn’t mind, right?” Cui Yinsu pleaded, looking toward Qin Zhiyi. “Just let sister stay. Consort and sister can attend to the Emperor together. Isn’t that better?”

Qin Zhiyi: …

Why did the newly appointed consorts seem more concerned about how to handle his favored consorts?

“Very well…” he said reluctantly.

Dealing with one was a bother; dealing with two was no easier.

“Wonderful!” Cui Yinsu was delighted. “I’ve roughly arranged the choreography for the new piece. Today I’ll dance for the Emperor and sister!”

“Sounds great!” Shen Fuyu was pleased too. She had figured out that this little girl was a twisted mind; as long as she did the opposite of what she usually did, she could provoke her anger at will. “I shall accompany you on the suona!”

“?”

“?”

Qin Zhiyi and Cui Yinsu both turned their heads.

“Sister… you can play the suona too?” Cui Yinsu paused, then smiled. “That will certainly make the dance more powerful!”

Qin Zhiyi interrupted them, “Consort, why bring a suona? Will you not play the pipa?”

If he had to suffer through this, he wanted to choose a slightly better option.

“I don’t know either. I just thought the Emperor likes it best when I play the suona, so I brought it!” Shen Fuyu laughed brightly. “What a coincidence! Good luck can’t be stopped!”

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Qin Zhiyi: …

You’re joking!

Who the hell likes the sound of the suona?

“All right, please allow us to prepare now,” Shen Fuyu said, hugging Cui Yinsu in front of Qin Zhiyi. The two women, each with their own secrets, went off to get ready.

Qin Zhiyi took a deep breath, pulled two small cotton balls from his sleeve, rolled them between his fingers, and stuffed them into his ears.

Chang Fu glanced at Qin Zhiyi and thought it best to leave. If the Emperor’s ears were harmed, it would affect his duties.

Shen Fuyu happily accepted the suona from the green tea attendant. Looking at Cui Yinsu, already dressed, the two exchanged a knowing smile.

Cui Yinsu: So annoying, so annoying, so annoying…

Shen Fuyu: So happy, so happy, so happy…

Qin Zhiyi watched as they approached.

Qin Zhiyi: Here it comes, here it comes, here it comes…

Cui Yinsu struck a pose, Shen Fuyu arranged the music score. The three exchanged glances in a peculiarly tense atmosphere.

When Cui Yinsu nodded, signaling readiness, Shen Fuyu immediately entered a trance and blew hard:

“Beeep…!! :“:?”…《@#——…”

Cui Yinsu froze.

Who told her before entering the palace that Noble Consort Xian’s music was excellent? That she was skilled at the pipa and the suona?

Why did the suona emit such strange, bizarre sounds!?

Cui Yinsu’s dance was completely disrupted, faltering and unremarkable. Her body stiffened along with it.

Seeing Shen Fuyu so absorbed, Cui Yinsu clenched her hands in frustration!