Chapter Nineteen: Your Majesty, Are You Feeling Shy?

Very well, the old father was right!

“Then I won’t stand on ceremony,” Shen Fuyu declared with a mischievous smile. “You’d better seize the opportunity and give it your all!” Having enjoyed a restful sleep in Rong Xuan’s chambers, she rose, stretched languidly, and added, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“Your Highness, allow me to see you off.” Rong Xuan stood and bowed respectfully.

In high spirits, Shen Fuyu practically floated as she made her way to the door. But as she swung it open, she was greeted by the sight of Qin Zhiyi crouched by the threshold, eavesdropping. She burst out laughing. “Your Majesty, what’s this? Even the Emperor himself stoops to listening at doors?”

Qin Zhiyi’s face darkened immediately, only making Shen Fuyu more delighted. Ever since she and the Emperor had become allies, sparring with him had become a source of endless amusement.

But then she remembered, soon she was to become his favored consort. In that case...

“Your Majesty, I was just teasing. Surely you’re not angry?” Shen Fuyu boldly reached out, resting her hand on Qin Zhiyi’s arm and pressing herself close, pouting with feigned innocence. “I was only joking with you!”

“Let go of me,” Qin Zhiyi commanded.

“I won’t!” Shen Fuyu pouted all the more, wrapping her arms around his neck with a mock seriousness. “Just now, the old fa—Grand Preceptor said that I am a bringer of prosperity, and as your consort, it’s my duty to fulfill my role. I think he’s absolutely right. From now on, I’ll be the most virtuous and devoted consort you could wish for!”

“Love you! Tonight I’ll be waiting for you at Crescent Moon Palace!” Shen Fuyu raised her arms above her head, forming a heart, her dark eyes sparkling impishly. “Feel free to come as often as you like! I can handle it!”

“You—get out!” Qin Zhiyi took a step back, repulsed, staring at Shen Fuyu in disbelief. What on earth was she saying? For a woman to speak so shamelessly in broad daylight, and in public no less!

“Your Majesty, are you embarrassed?” Shen Fuyu retreated a little, grinning as though she saw right through him. “I am your consort. There’s nothing improper about you doting on me! You can love me as much as you want—it’s all within the law!”

At that moment, Shen Fuyu felt like some greasy, overconfident middle-aged man.

“Out!” This time, Qin Zhiyi could not be bothered with further words. “Get out!”

“Alrighty!” Shen Fuyu knew when to stop. After all, now that they were working together, she had agreed to restrain herself somewhat. Besides, she had already harvested enough irritation to satisfy her. There was no need to strip Qin Zhiyi of all dignity. Cheerfully, like a sparrow set free, she dashed downstairs, calling back over her shoulder, “Your Majesty! Don’t forget to choose my name tonight!”

“If I have to castrate myself tonight, I’ll still never choose you! Get out!” Qin Zhiyi all but shouted, gripping the rail in frustration. In those few moments of clarity during his illness, he should have insisted on another girl from the Shen family for the ceremonial marriage.

There were so many eligible women in the Shen family—why did it have to be this one?

“Your Majesty, calm yourself,” Rong Xuan reappeared, unruffled, and patted the emperor’s shoulder in reassurance. “Patience, Your Majesty, patience. Though her temperament is abrasive, Her Highness is only capable of minor mischief. Rather than quibble over trifles with her, it would be wiser to ponder who was truly behind your poisoning.”

Qin Zhiyi watched Shen Fuyu’s departing figure, frustration lingering. He shook his hand, and after a long silence, finally composed himself. “I understand your meaning, Preceptor, but still…”

“In truth, Your Majesty knows already,” Rong Xuan replied, stepping up beside him and gazing into the distance after the shrinking silhouette. “In times like these, a true ally is a precious thing. Forgive my presumption, but I suspect Her Highness carries a wound in her heart. Medical texts record that a child’s disposition is shaped by their parents and surroundings. If treated harshly, their behavior may deviate from the norm as adults—incurable by medicine, but perhaps not by the heart.”

To put it plainly, childhood trauma leaves deep marks. Even here, there were physicians who specialized in such ailments, healing with empathy and patience—though more often, their skills were reserved for interrogating murderers.

“Let her be, then.” Qin Zhiyi banished the image of that little troublemaker from his mind. “At the very least, for her willingness to help me, I’ll protect her—and indulge her.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. You are ever resourceful. Even with just this brief visit, the matter is settled.” Rong Xuan folded his hands and bowed. “Whatever Your Majesty wishes, I shall do my utmost.”

“Come in and sit, Preceptor.” Qin Zhiyi helped him inside. Once the doors had closed behind them, the emperor spoke in a low voice. “I already have an idea who poisoned me. But for now... I cannot act.”

“Could it be… that one?” Rong Xuan gestured to the east.

“I fear so,” Qin Zhiyi replied grimly. “There are too many who covet this throne. For someone to poison me in the palace without a trace—who else could it be but that person?”

His voice grew heavy, and he said no more about the poisoning.

“I intend to make use of the Shen family’s hand in the coming days,” Qin Zhiyi continued, steering the conversation away from his illness. “There are too many restless elements at court. I must set them against each other—let them devour themselves before I make my move.”

“Your Majesty is wise,” Rong Xuan replied with a smile. “In matters of state, you have already seen the path ahead. There’s no need to discuss every detail with me.”

“You’re the only one I can truly trust, Preceptor.” Qin Zhiyi shook his head. Growing up in the palace, he had always been surrounded by enemies—servants, childhood companions, fawning women, even blood relatives. None could be trusted completely. Only Rong Xuan—and perhaps now that infuriating Shen Fuyu—could he truly rely on. “I feel secure only after speaking my mind.”

“I have faith in Your Majesty.”

…

Night fell upon the Golden Throne Hall.

“Your Majesty, it is time to select tonight’s companion.”

Qin Zhiyi set his vermilion brush on the rack, pinched the bridge of his nose, and glanced over the selection cards the young eunuch presented. Suddenly, he noticed something amiss. “Where is the card for the Virtuous Consort?”

“Your Majesty, this afternoon you said you’d sooner… well, that you would not visit Virtuous Consort’s chambers tonight…” Chang Fu replied, sounding a little aggrieved. Wasn’t that what you instructed? Or had he misunderstood?