Chapter Forty-Five: Enlightening the Dog Son

After all, compared to her backside, she had reached level forty in her space! And after reaching level forty, her rage meter climbed another quarter. As expected, the higher the level, the more rage it required. Shen Fuyu sighed softly—keep at it, Shen Fuyu! Strive to drive everyone away!

With a thought, she entered her space. As expected, it was slightly larger than before, though it hadn’t bestowed any new treasures. Following her usual routine, Shen Fuyu pulled out the space manual for a glance. She hadn’t expected it—level forty had granted her an excellent new skill!

Previously, only she could enter and exit this space, and she could store only inanimate objects. But now, with her approval, she could bring living beings inside! With this in mind, Shen Fuyu exited the space and saw Qin Shihuang eating.

“My darling son, come here.” Shen Fuyu beckoned to Qin Shihuang. Without any warning, she brought him into the space with her. It truly worked!

Qin Shihuang was startled by the sudden change in his surroundings and began barking loudly at the air, then hid behind Shen Fuyu’s feet, emboldened by his mistress, ready to battle the air with all his canine cunning.

Shen Fuyu patted Qin Shihuang’s head and led him to the spirit stream. This stream was said to cleanse and refine the body—she wondered if it would work on a dog.

With this thought, Shen Fuyu bent down and scooped Qin Shihuang into her arms. Now cradled by his mistress, Qin Shihuang wagged his tail furiously. In the next moment, Shen Fuyu mercilessly tossed the dog into the water. Mid-air, Qin Shihuang’s doggy face transformed into a meme-worthy expression.

He wasn’t human, but he was truly a dog!

Soaked in the spiritual stream, Qin Shihuang was drenched. He stood and shook himself, spraying out much black liquid. Seeing this, Shen Fuyu held him in the stream and washed him thoroughly, just as she had once done for herself. She wondered what effects the cleansing would have on a dog.

Once Qin Shihuang was clean, he scrambled ashore and shook himself vigorously, then stomped repeatedly on Shen Fuyu’s shoes with his front paws, his backside presented to her like a person.

“Qin Shihuang,” Shen Fuyu called.

Qin Shihuang turned his head, seeming almost enlightened, his movements more agile: “Woof woof!”

Shen Fuyu was astonished by Qin Shihuang’s behavior and followed him as he trotted off, stopping beneath a peach blossom tree. He barked twice at her, then dug a small hole under the tree.

After luring Shen Fuyu over, he turned and defecated in the pit.

The stench was overwhelming!

Shen Fuyu nearly kicked him across the yard! So this was revenge for the bath?

She realized her expectations had been too high. Though Qin Shihuang seemed proud, at the end of the day, a dog is still a dog, no matter how clever. Pinching her nose, Shen Fuyu said, “Since you’re so naughty, it’s time to get rid of your testicles.”

At this, Qin Shihuang obediently buried his mess and ingratiatingly lay at Shen Fuyu’s feet.

Shen Fuyu felt triumphant. After all, she held the power over Qin Shihuang’s canine fate!

After the early morning commotion, Shen Fuyu took Qin Shihuang outside. Back in familiar surroundings, Qin Shihuang ran off to play, and Shen Fuyu let him be. After washing up, she ordered breakfast. Just then, Qin Zhiyi returned from court and sat down to eat.

“This morning, someone impeached your father,” Qin Zhiyi said casually, then began eating.

“It must be the Lin family?” Shen Fuyu wasn’t concerned.

“Mm,” Qin Zhiyi nodded.

Shen Fuyu licked her lips. “The Consort Shu moves quickly. After being outplayed by me yesterday, today she makes her move.”

“By the way, Your Majesty, in two days is the birthday banquet for the Shen family’s matriarch. I’ll return home for it,” Shen Fuyu smiled. “The Lin family is restless, and the Shen family isn’t to be underestimated. If I go back and say a few words, there are ways to make them wear each other down.”

“And should we include the Cui family?”

The Cui family was the Empress Dowager’s kin; Old Master Cui held the position of chief minister and wielded great power at court, with the Empress Dowager as his backing in the palace. Few dared touch the Cui family.

“For now, there’s no need for drastic action,” Qin Zhiyi replied. “The Shen and Lin families dominate civil affairs, the Sun family holds military power, and the Cui family relies on the Empress Dowager’s support. They’re not easily shaken. Come spring next year, if we can use the Shen, Lin, and Sun families, we might be able to fill some useful positions during the imperial exams.”

“The Sun family aside, letting the Shen and Lin families compete is simple enough,” Shen Fuyu mused. “Once the matriarch’s birthday banquet is over, the matter will be settled.”

“Later, go to the storeroom and choose something good for the matriarch’s birthday gift,” Qin Zhiyi said. “If you need anything else, just tell me.”

“Actually,” Shen Fuyu suddenly pulled out a jade Buddha from beneath her seat and placed it on the table with a thud, “Your Majesty can take this and present it to the matriarch at the banquet.”

This jade Buddha was something Shen Fuyu had selected from her space’s treasure vault. Its jade was exquisitely fine and translucent. Qin Zhiyi was startled at first glance. “Where did you get this?”

“From my master,” Shen Fuyu replied without hesitation. “Your Majesty, not to criticize, but the storeroom’s offerings are rather lacking. So I’ve prepared the birthday gift in advance. Isn’t this much better than anything in the storeroom?”

Qin Zhiyi: “……”

The disdain was sudden.

But actually, the storeroom’s goods were not inferior—it was simply that what Shen Fuyu produced was priceless! Such treasures were rare not just in Dayun, but likely across several nations on this continent!

“By the way, I’ve thought it over—why don’t you accompany me for half a day?” Shen Fuyu blinked. Most of the Shen family’s young ladies were still unmarried—if Qin Zhiyi were placed among them… heh heh…

Qin Zhiyi didn’t think much of it. Shen Fuyu was ‘pregnant’ now, still early in the term. Whether to show his care or to display his affection, accompanying a consort back to her family for a birthday banquet was indeed an honor. “Alright.”

After breakfast, Qin Zhiyi returned to the Throne Hall, visited Princess Zhaoxi, then spent the day reviewing memorials and meeting ministers. Shen Fuyu, for once, didn’t stir up any trouble, quietly staying in her own palace. Yet though she remained in Crescent Moon Palace, her rage meter showed no signs of decreasing.

Last night, Consort Shu had her first night serving the Emperor, but Shen Fuyu, feigning illness, sent him away. By morning, the story had spread. Now Consort Shu was the laughingstock of the entire palace. Everyone was watching her make a fool of herself. Furthermore, it was well known that Consort Shu had entered the palace with deep affection for the Emperor. Now, just as she was about to receive his favor, someone else snatched it away. It was clear: the Emperor had no place in his heart for Consort Shu.