Chapter 78: I Never Expected You to Be So Unable to Take a Joke

"Indeed, they do look alike," Qin Zhiyi uncharacteristically agreed with a nod, before gently taking Shen Fuyu's hand and leading her toward the inner hall. "Come inside, the sun is harsh outside. You and the child shouldn't be out here."

"Of course!" Shen Fuyu replied with a delighted smile, not forgetting to cast a triumphant glance at Shen Tangyu, then she nestled up to Qin Zhiyi as they walked in. "Your Majesty, you truly dote on me and the child!"

Shen Tangyu was so enraged she nearly stamped her foot, but before the Son of Heaven in the palace, she could do nothing but watch as Shen Fuyu paraded her triumph.

Without a word, Shen Tangyu followed them in as well, only to be stopped before the main hall.

"First Miss, Eighth Miss," Silver Bell greeted them with a cheerful curtsy. "His Majesty and Her Highness are inside. I was ordered to show you both to your quarters and see if anything needs to be arranged."

"Woof!" No one knew when Qin Shihuang, the dog, had appeared at Silver Bell's side, but it bared its teeth at Shen Tangyu as if to scare her on purpose.

Shen Tangyu was afraid of dogs, and the sudden appearance startled her.

Silver Bell called out to Qin Shihuang with a laugh. "This is Her Highness's beloved dog. It doesn't bite, just likes to tease people."

"Please follow me, ladies."

Inside, Shen Fuyu sprawled contentedly on the bed without a care for decorum. "Ah, this is bliss."

Qin Zhiyi gave her a sidelong glance, his expression full of disdain.

"Your Majesty, are you displeased with me?"

"Not at all."

"Liar."

"I am displeased with you."

"You actually admit to disliking me!"

Tsk!

Qin Zhiyi’s brows knitted in exasperation. She was driving him mad.

"My heart is broken! I worked so hard at the Shen family these past days, helping you with their psychological counseling, and now that I’ve finally returned, you treat me with disdain. Oh, my life is so bitter!"

Qin Zhiyi: ...

What nonsense!

He’d already heard the palace rumors—she even burned spirit money for the living! What kind of counseling was that?

"I haven't even questioned you yet—why did you bring Shen Tangyu, the eldest Miss of the Shen family, into the palace? Didn't we agree you wouldn't bring her?"

"That was a surprise I prepared for you!" Shen Fuyu blinked. "Aren’t you surprised? Wasn’t it unexpected?"

"Thank you ever so much!"

"You're welcome," Shen Fuyu replied with a pleased smile, pretending not to notice the sarcasm. "If you wish to favor her tonight, that works too."

"Don't even think about it!" Qin Zhiyi glared. He was hardly so desperate as to let his own woman present him with another woman.

Besides, the eldest Miss of the Shen family was not at all his type.

In short, Shen Fuyu was simply too idle!

While others feared trouble, she seemed afraid of peace.

"I haven’t forced you to do anything," Shen Fuyu blinked. "Besides, there’s always medicine!"

"Even with medicine, it’s impossible. I don’t care what scheme you’re plotting—regardless of who else, I will never touch a second daughter of the Shen family." Qin Zhiyi’s tone was resolute. He knew the Shen family’s situation well; if he favored the eldest daughter, her rank would have to surpass Shen Fuyu’s, which would inevitably lead the Shen family to abandon Shen Fuyu. He didn’t yet have the power to take such a risk.

Moreover, no matter what, Shen Fuyu had aided him. At the very least, he owed her dignity in the eyes of the world; if someone easily surpassed her, Qin Zhiyi would feel guilty.

"You haven’t even touched the first, and you’re talking about a second," Shen Fuyu scoffed, casting him a look of disdain. "I have my own purposes for bringing her into the palace. Why are you so agitated? Am I going to force you to take her?"

Wouldn’t you? You absolutely would!

Where did she get such unshakable confidence?

Shen Fuyu paid no heed to Qin Zhiyi’s vexed glare and grew even bolder. "Since I’ve convinced the Shen family for you, shouldn’t you reward me?"

You dare ask for a reward!

Qin Zhiyi glared, momentarily speechless. Convinced? She was lucky she hadn't cursed the Shen family to their faces.

"If it's not too much, I'll agree," he finally replied. Some things were better left unsaid.

"I was just joking. I lack nothing. Your Majesty, you’re far too serious! Why do you always believe everything I say?"

Tsk!

He should have known!

"I’ll visit you again tonight." Even a moment longer here was pure torment.

"Take your time, Your Majesty. Don’t forget to come tonight!" Shen Fuyu waved her handkerchief. Qin Zhiyi was the sort to strictly restrain himself; he must loathe brothels and pleasure districts.

Sure enough, his anger was palpable!

But he had promised to come tonight, and he never broke his word. By now, Shen Tangyu and the others must be settled—time to stir things up!

"Are you all settled in? I’ve come to have a look." Shen Fuyu strode in with her usual air of half-innocent, half-mocking charm, only to catch sight of a head wrapped in bandages and nearly jump out of her skin. "Heavens, who put a mummy here?"

But when she saw the resentful eyes beneath the gauze, she patted her chest in relief. "Oh, it’s you, Eldest Sister. You nearly scared me to death! If you’re going to walk around looking like that, you really shouldn’t frighten people. What if I was truly frightened—how would you make it up to me?"

Shen Tangyu’s sunburn was quite severe. On Shen Fuyu’s account, Silver Bell had summoned an imperial physician, who had just finished treating her face.

With her face swathed in bandages, even speaking was difficult for Shen Tangyu. "Fourth Sister... how could you say such things to me..."

"Oh? I can’t?" Shen Fuyu took a step back. "Well, I’m truly sorry then—I didn’t know you couldn’t take a joke. My apologies!"

Her apology was utterly insincere, her words still blaming the other for lacking a sense of humor.

Furious, Shen Tangyu leapt to her feet, intent on confronting Shen Fuyu, but before she could reach her, a palace maid blocked her path.

"The imperial physician said the eldest Miss needs to rest," Silver Bell said with a smile, extending her arm to bar Shen Tangyu. "You shouldn’t be moving about. Let me help you to your room."

With that, Silver Bell promptly led Shen Tangyu away. Truth be told, she was puzzled—how could the eldest Miss still act so haughtily when their mistress was already the consort?

It was simply absurd!

"Fourth Sister, everything here is quite nice," Shen Liyu remained where she was, nervously twisting her hands. "I’m just worried I might make a mistake."

"No need to worry," Shen Fuyu waved it off. "In Crescent Moon Palace, I make the rules. Is Eldest Sister’s injury really that bad?"

"The physician said it was treated in time, and a few days of ointment will set it right," Shen Liyu replied honestly. "But… Fourth Sister, do you think Eldest Sister will do anything out of line?"