Chapter Thirty-Six: Do You Even Spare the Dogs?

“Fine, let’s put this matter aside for now.”

Green Tea and White Lotus were both born into the Shen household; even as imperial consorts, their families remained servants of the Shens, unable to surpass her no matter what. Bickering with such people was pointless, and the anger she could gain from them was limited. Shen Fuyu realized she had overlooked this fact.

“It’s just that I’m with child now,” she continued, resting her chin on her hands, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes as she looked at Qin Zhiyi. Seeing that he had no intention of acknowledging her, Shen Fuyu immediately sat up straight and spoke earnestly, “Your Majesty, I am being serious! Consider this: your exclusive favor towards me has already influenced court affairs to a degree, but if you continue to dote on me alone, those ministers who have long harbored resentment might begin to rebel.”

“The Shen family is flourishing and has agents in every corner of the court, but Your Majesty, you can’t let them have it so easily. Bestow your favor upon others as well, and distribute some positions accordingly. If the Shen family senses a crisis, they’ll naturally work harder for you. Even if they don’t see it that way, I can persuade them—make them believe that only by more diligently serving Your Majesty can they gain more rewards!” Shen Fuyu spoke with perfect logic. “Besides, I don’t believe the Empress can remain cloistered in her palace for a decade without stirring. Now that everyone is eyeing my pregnancy with envy, you can’t crush all their hopes at the outset. You have to let them see hope—only then will they and their families act. Only when they act will they reveal their true intentions, and once they do, you can eradicate them completely. You’ve been on the defensive for too long; now is a perfect opportunity to strike back. If you let this chance slip by, it’ll be too late!”

“Of course, if Your Majesty does have any… ailments, I’ve prepared for that too.” As she finished speaking, Shen Fuyu smoothly drew a small bottle of medicine from her sleeve, blinked, and handed it to Qin Zhiyi. “Take this, just in case.”

“How is it that I have some hidden illness, yet I know nothing about it?” Qin Zhiyi’s voice was laced with barely restrained fury.

“Then why do you refuse to truly favor me?” Shen Fuyu was bewildered. This was a feudal society, after all—men here took multiple wives and concubines, especially the emperor, who could take as many as he wished. Shen Fuyu’s soul was modern, yes, but she was all too clear that she could not act as she pleased. Polygamy was the norm in this world; monogamy would be outrageous. Men here never spoke of resisting temptation; if they liked someone, they would simply take her as a concubine. It was utterly commonplace. Shen Fuyu had long since abandoned any foolish notions of romantic love; she simply followed the world’s rules. So to her, Qin Zhiyi’s reluctance to get close to his concubines—including herself—must mean he had a physical problem.

Not that it mattered to her—if he had issues, so be it. She wasn’t after a man’s affection; her only passion was gathering anger.

Qin Zhiyi’s expression darkened further.

This woman actually dared to imply he was deficient!

“Why are you so angry? I never said I disliked you.” Shen Fuyu gave him an odd look. Besides, the medicine she offered wasn’t some crude aphrodisiac—that would be boring. If she was giving medicine, it had to be something extraordinary. Ordinary medicine only yielded ordinary results; only the exceptional could bring unexpected outcomes. “This is called Spring Dream Elixir. If you decide to favor someone, find a way to have her take one. Afterward, her consciousness will fade, and she’ll gradually fall asleep. In her dreams, she’ll be with you, and the dream will feel utterly real—as if she truly experienced it. There’s also a particularly interesting side effect which I believe will yield some surprising results.”

As she recalled the side effect, Shen Fuyu chuckled to herself. It was cruel, but incredibly effective. At the right moment, it could dash someone from paradise into the depths of hell.

Shen Fuyu was already anticipating the joy of harvesting more anger.

“I do not have a problem!” Qin Zhiyi ground out. “And you are the last person qualified to reject me!”

“Well… I have tonics too, if you want them?” Shen Fuyu drew a little closer. Qin Zhiyi immediately retreated a step. Seeing this, she couldn’t resist licking her lips. Men hated being told they were inadequate. Maybe… she should suggest it more often?

After all, anger was there for the taking!

“Out!” he snapped.

If there was work to be done, she certainly wasn’t going to do it!

Shen Fuyu gleefully accepted the surge of anger. After eating her fill, there were a few shrimp left on the table. She picked one up and beckoned to Qin Shihuang, who was lying nearby. “Come here, son.”

Qin Shihuang trotted over, eyes shining as he gazed at the shrimp in her hand, tail wagging eagerly. Shen Fuyu grinned as she rubbed his furry head, then gently pinched his mouth between her fingers. The plump shrimp dangled before his nose and mouth, brushing playfully against him.

Qin Shihuang: “…”

I may not be human, but you’re truly a dog!

Qin Zhiyi stared at her in disbelief. “You won’t even spare the dog?”

“Just having a little fun.” Shen Fuyu blinked. Before she transmigrated, there were plenty of people online who did this sort of thing. Besides, it wasn’t as if Qin Shihuang would go hungry.

Qin Zhiyi looked at the bottle of medicine in his hand. He truly didn’t want to know about Shen Fuyu’s bizarre hobbies, but he had to admit this elixir was indeed a valuable asset. He had already considered much of what Shen Fuyu had said, but with this medicine, the plan would be foolproof.

“Go ahead, Your Majesty,” Shen Fuyu smiled. “But remember, no matter whose chambers you visit, you must spend at least half the month with me.”

She had to secure her position as the favored consort first—stake her claim, then let the others fight over the scraps. She really was clever, solidifying all the palace enmity in a single move!

“Agreed.” Qin Zhiyi thought for a moment and found it reasonable.

“Then off you go,” she urged, eager to get him out so she could focus on her own agenda.

With that, she hastened Qin Zhiyi on his way. Tonight would change everything in the harem—the era of Shen Fuyu’s palace intrigue had arrived!

The emperor? Ha! Sorry.

He was nothing more than a tool to ignite the flames of jealousy among women!

As Qin Zhiyi was pushed out, a trace of gratitude lingered in his heart. As much as he disliked Shen Fuyu, at critical moments she was always the one to strategize with him, covering every detail. No matter what the future held, he would never forget all she had done for him.