The crescent moon had half-retreated, and the first glimmers of dawn light appeared at the horizon. Outside the Imperial Academy, all was serene and quiet.
Before long, the Chief Eunuch arrived to unlock the academy gates. The Academician Drafters inside emerged sporadically, all wearing weary expressions.
Fang Huai was the last to exit. He whispered a few words to the Chief Eunuch, who was holding an imperial edict and preparing to return to the Forbidden Palace, before closing the gate and heading toward the street.
In the shadows of a street corner, a four-wheeled carriage stood waiting. As he passed by, the front curtain of the carriage suddenly stirred, and a soft call came from within: "Lord Fang."
Fang Huai turned his head and, recognizing the person behind the curtain, stiffened visibly. Frowning, he remained silent and continued walking forward. But before he had taken two steps, he was stopped.
Huang Bo smiled and said, "Lord Meng could not stop Academician Fang, but surely Academician Fang would not refuse even the Crown Prince's face?"
Recognizing him as the Crown Prince's close attendant, Fang Huai was taken aback. He turned and asked, "Why is Guard Huang now by her side?"
Huang Bo gestured toward the carriage as he invited him over, replying, "By the Crown Prince's order."
At these words, Fang Huai's expression darkened further. He hesitated for a moment before boarding the carriage but did not lower the curtain, asking directly, "Lord Meng must have waited a long time. State your business plainly."
Meng Tinghui could hear the cold mockery in his address of "Lord Meng." She lowered her eyelids slightly, smiled faintly, and said with a tone of resignation, "I know Lord Fang has heard many rumors and now looks down on me." She drew an object from her sleeve and said bluntly, "But I came today to discuss an important matter with Lord Fang."
Fang Huai's expression remained indifferent and unmoved. He took the item, slowly unfolded it, and read it. Only then did he startle abruptly. "Is this true?"
She nodded without speaking, merely observing his expression.
Fang Huai frowned in thought for a moment, then suddenly looked up and fixed his gaze on her. "Wei Mingxian concealed his mother's death and failed to report it to the court. Since you already know of this, you should have gone directly to inform the Crown Prince. Why seek me out specifically?"
Meng Tinghui said softly, "Reporting directly to the Crown Prince would indeed result in Wei Mingxian's dismissal, but it would not prevent him from being recommended and reinstated in the future—there have been such precedents in previous reigns. However, if the Imperial Academy first raises the voice of Public Criticism to condemn him, followed by a joint impeachment from the Censorate officials for his unfilial and deceitful actions, it would completely ruin his reputation both inside and outside the court. It would also make the world aware of his character, so that even if someone wished to exonerate or recommend him again, they would hesitate to step forward due to the court's Public Criticism."
Fang Huai clenched the paper tightly, his frown deepening.
She paused, then smiled slightly again. "Moreover, if I were to report directly and cause the Crown Prince to dismiss him, I fear the upright officials of the Imperial Academy would say the Crown Prince is distancing himself from virtuous ministers and favoring sycophants. How could I bear to let the Crown Prince's good name be tarnished because of this?"
Fang Huai glanced at her and said indifferently, "With a minister like you in the Imperial Academy, what reputation for Public Criticism can we still claim?"
Meng Tinghui showed no anger and replied, "May I ask Lord Fang, aside from receiving the Crown Prince's favor and trust, have I truly committed any immoral deeds?"Fang Huai's gaze was sharp and clear, his tone growing increasingly disdainful: "Just considering how the Crown Prince exceptionally granted you carriages, residences, and permitted you, a Remonstrance Official from two departments, to participate in the trial of Wang Qi's case, is already sufficient to be called an act that disregards court regulations. Although I don't know what methods you used to enter the Censorate Prison and directly interrogate Wang Qi, it must have been through privately colluding with appointed officials and currying favor with the Crown Prince that you obtained such an opportunity. Even your earlier statement about wanting to ruin Wei Mingxian's official reputation for life is enough to show how lacking in virtue you are—since ancient times, virtuous ministers have always treated others with magnanimity; how could there be someone like you, who schemes meticulously to suppress dissidents? Furthermore, before the former Prime Minister was impeached by Cao Jing for forming factions and disloyalty, leading to his claiming illness and staying at home for many days without attending to government affairs, dare you say this matter has nothing to do with you?! If you weren't engaging in treacherous acts, why would people behind your back discuss all sorts of things about you?"
She raised her head, her eyes bright and clear, still smiling as she said: "Since Lord Fang has spoken to this extent, then don't blame me for acting like a petty person again—today, since Lord Fang already knows about Wei Mingxian concealing his mourning, if Lord Fang turns a blind eye to this matter due to personal prejudice against me, I will directly report to the Crown Prince that Lord Fang is also forming factions and disloyal, intentionally shielding unfilial officials who deceive the monarch. Even if this doesn't damage Wei Mingxian's reputation, it doesn't matter. Lord Fang previously said that the Crown Prince shows me exceptional favor and disregards court regulations—presumably the Crown Prince wouldn't disbelieve my report. By then, Wei Mingxian's dismissal from office would be inevitable, and as for Lord Fang..."
Fang Huai's expression showed both shock and anger, as if he couldn't believe she would say such things.
Her smile grew even brighter, her voice softening slightly: "By the way, Lord Fang hasn't forgotten that in less than three months, the Emperor will abdicate and the Crown Prince will ascend the throne, has he?"
Fang Huai stared at her for a long moment, his anger intensifying, "Are you threatening me? I've served in the court for over twenty years—even the Emperor and Prince Ping wouldn't speak to me like this!"
Meng Tinghui shook her head, her tone extremely gentle: "Lord Fang, please calm your anger. How could I be threatening you? I know Lord Fang has always been able to distinguish right from wrong. Your exceptional recommendation for me to serve in the Chancellery was an act of valuing talent and loyalty to the monarch. Today, you certainly won't turn a blind eye to Wei Mingxian's matter—otherwise, I wouldn't have specifically come to find Lord Fang."
Fang Huai's face remained stiff, his gaze toward her quite complex. Finally, he snorted low, flicked his sleeve, and got off the carriage, striding away without looking back.
Her gaze followed his figure until he turned out of the Imperial Street before she withdrew it, her expression suddenly showing fatigue. She said softly to Huang Bo standing in front of the carriage: "Let's return."
Huang Bo nimbly jumped up, took the reins to drive the carriage, then turned and reached out to lower the curtain for her.
But Meng Tinghui held the curtain, gently relaxed her brows, and asked him with a smile: "Guard Huang, since you just heard Academician Fang call me a treacherous villain, why are you still so good to me?"
Huang Bo raised his eyebrows, "This official only has the Crown Prince in mind. This official can also see that Lord Meng is genuinely good to the Crown Prince. Why should this official stop being good to Lord Meng because of others' words?"
Her eyes suddenly moistened. She responded with a smile and said nothing more.
·
At the end of the fourth month of the twenty-fifth year of Qiande, the Joint Trial by the Three Judicial Offices of Wang Qi's case was finally concluded. Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice Liu Ruofei refused to find him guilty, while Minister of the Court of Judicial Review Pan Congyun and Vice Censor-in-Chief Xue Pan determined several charges including disrespect toward superiors, deceiving the monarch, disregarding court regulations, and allowing subordinates to harm the people, based on Meng Tinghui's interrogation and confession in prison. They petitioned to have Wang Qi demoted and exiled to Cangzhou, and the Crown Prince granted their request.Wang Qi left the capital upon imperial decree, yet after his release from prison, he submitted a memorial requesting an investigation into Meng Tinghui's abuse of private punishment. Whispers suddenly arose in the court, claiming that Meng Tinghui, the Left Remonstrating Official of the Chancellery, had not only overstepped his authority in conducting interrogations but also disregarded the Censorate Prison system by applying private punishment to an appointed official. Petitions were submitted to the Crown Prince requesting Meng Tinghui's demotion and salary reduction, but the Crown Prince dismissed these appeals due to Wang Qi's lack of evidence.
In early May, Imperial Academician Fang Huai submitted a memorial accusing Wei Mingxian, Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud, of concealing his mother's death and failing to report it to the court—an act of filial impiety and deception against the sovereign. A wave of condemnation surged from the Imperial Academy, drawing widespread public attention. Subsequently, Censorate Attendant Censor Cao Jing impeached Wei Mingxian for grave disrespect as a subject and refusing to return to his hometown for Mourning Leave, petitioning for his dismissal and imprisonment for trial. Censorate officials collectively submitted a joint memorial in support. The Crown Prince promptly convened a court deliberation with Important Officials from the two key departments, resulting in Wei Mingxian's dismissal from all official posts and his expulsion to his hometown for Mourning Leave observance.
Ten days later, the Crown Prince promoted Meng Tinghui to Right Advisory Official and Hall of Scholarly Profundity Academician-in-Waiting, granting him the salary and privileges of a fourth-rank official, citing his timely memorial submission and meritorious handling of Wang Qi's case. The court and public were astounded, and while some submitted memorials urging the Crown Prince to revoke the hastily issued decree, all such petitions were rejected.
·
Since May, rumors had spread rapidly throughout the capital, with every street and alley discussing Meng Tinghui's promotion to Right Advisory Official and Hall of Scholarly Profundity Academician-in-Waiting. His reputation for flattery and harshness quickly permeated the capital, and his rapid rise to the fourth-rank position in less than two years of official service left people astonished.
Even the typically quiet and imposing gates of the Meng residence gradually became lively.
As the Crown Prince's foremost favored official, what newly appointed young scholar aspiring to a smooth official career would dare not curry favor with Meng Tinghui?
With the Emperor's Abdication ceremony merely two months away, nearly everyone inside and outside the court speculated that Meng Tinghui's influence would grow substantially once the Crown Prince ascended the throne. Though merely a fourth-rank advisory official, his current stature already surpassed that of any Deputy Chief Administrator. Regardless of the Crown Prince's degree of favoritism, the fact that Gu Qin, Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, had claimed illness and remained absent from court since the Joint Trial by the Three Judicial Offices of Wang Qi's case indicated that the Eastern Faction had suffered significant blows from the Wang Qi and Wei Mingxian affairs. Even Gu Qin, who habitually offered candid advice to the Crown Prince, had not uttered a single word of criticism against Meng Tinghui.
·
Fallen blossoms covered the paths in the southern city, while the Gu residence brimmed with floral fragrance.
Another year of peach blossoms blooming.
The hall door was lightly knocked twice. "Minister, Lord Shen has arrived."
Before anyone inside could respond, the door was pushed open. Shen Zhili slowly entered, placed the vermilion food box she carried on a low table by the entrance, and addressed the person seated at the desk inside: "Minister, with no illness to speak of, how long do you intend to remain sequestered at home?"
Gu Qin looked up, discarded the scroll in his hand, and gazed at her with a stern expression. "How can you say I'm not ill?"
Shen Zhili closed the door, frowning. "Whatever calculations you're making, Minister, why not share them with Leyan?"
He also frowned, his tone reproachful. "More foolishness."
Her long lashes suddenly lowered. "Unless you speak plainly, Minister, Leyan will not leave today."Gu Qin watched her stubborn demeanor and couldn't help but rise, intending to reprimand her sternly and drive her away. Yet in the end, he couldn't bring himself to utter the harsh words. He stood motionless for a long while before finally furrowing his brows and murmuring softly, "If you possessed even half of your father's talent and insight in political matters, you wouldn't have come to ask me such a question!"
Shen Zhili responded with a cold smile, saying, "Your Excellency clearly holds unwavering loyalty toward the Crown Prince, so why do others describe you as a stubborn man who forms cliques and shields his followers? I, Yueyan, am indeed naturally foolish, but I dare to ask Your Excellency for guidance."
Gu Qin remained silent, his expression cold as he sat down with his legs bent. After a long while, he glanced at her again, frowned, and sighed softly, "You still have the heart of a child."
She remained standing, unwilling to retreat even an inch.
He then set aside the scroll and asked her, "Have you ever heard about the grand weddings of the Emperor and Prince Ping in the twelfth year of the Dali era during the previous dynasty?"
Shen Zhili looked up, puzzled as to why he would suddenly bring this up, and instinctively replied, "I heard my parents mention it when I was young, and I also read about it in the unofficial history my father wrote for amusement."
Back then, Prince Ping was not yet Prince Ping, and the Emperor was not the Emperor as we know him today.
Prince Ping was then the renowned Emperor Dongxi, who shook the iron walls of five nations with his spear and steed, reserving all his tender courage for the Emperor alone. Yet in the twelfth year of Dali, he sent an envoy to seek the hand of a woman from the Emperor's clan to be his empress, and Gu Qin was the state envoy dispatched by Prince Ping at that time. Less than half a year later, the Emperor also held a grand wedding ceremony in the kingdom, taking Ning Mo, then a Hanlin medical official and Palace Attendant, as his imperial consort.
Though she had not personally witnessed the grand ceremonies of that time, she could imagine how the successive weddings of the two emperors must have shaken the world.
Gu Qin took in her hesitant expression and continued, "Do you know that although the Emperor and Prince Ping married in the same year, Prince Ping personally issued an edict and sent an envoy to seek the hand of a woman from the Emperor's clan, while the Emperor was forced into it by the pressure of his court officials? Do you know that among those who led the court officials in submitting memorials urging the Emperor to marry for the sake of the state was Liao Jun, known throughout the court as the virtuous chancellor of the previous dynasty, the Duke of Wenzhong?"
As Shen Zhili listened to him recount these old tales without mentioning the current court situation, she grew increasingly puzzled. She frowned and pondered for a long time before a sudden clarity dawned in her mind, as if she had faintly grasped a thread of understanding.
He no longer looked at her, instead turning his gaze to the distant view outside the window. "Prince Ping ascended the throne at fifteen and took personal control of governance at sixteen. All decisions of life and death were made by him alone. For over a decade in power, no one in the court dared to oppose his wishes. The Emperor, however, has been assisted by Important Officials since ascending the throne at fourteen. Although veteran ministers like Lord Liao, leading the two departments, helped her quell factional struggles and govern state affairs, in the years before your father rose to prominence in court, wasn't she constantly constrained by those old loyal ministers?"
She stared intently at him. "Your Excellency..." Though she didn't speak, she already understood his meaning in her heart.
Gu Qin curled his lips slightly, his voice dropping lower. "What kind of person is the Crown Prince? How could he not know about the affairs of the two emperors? When it comes to the art of ruling and the struggles of court factions, I'm afraid he sees them more clearly than these veteran ministers in court today!"He paused, then continued: "Throughout my life, I, Gu Qin, have remained loyal to my sovereign. Even when Prince Ping chose to entrust the entire empire to His Majesty alone, I dared not harbor resentment. How could I possibly commit disloyal acts against the Crown Prince now? Though I possess the capability to suppress the Eastern Faction's rebellious actions for the Crown Prince, how could I dare to do so? If I were to curb the Eastern Faction's transgressions on the Crown Prince's behalf, the world would only recognize the virtue of Chancellor Gu while remaining ignorant of His Highness' strategic brilliance. How could I repeat the mistake Lord Liao Wenzhong made with His Majesty?"
Shen Zhili pursed her lips and said softly: "So Your Excellency would rather abandon the reputation of a virtuous chancellor to create an opportunity for the Crown Prince to consolidate power? But you are not Lord Liao Wenzhong. Even if you were to assist the Crown Prince in governing state affairs now, you would never obstruct His Highness in political and military matters like Lord Liao did to His Majesty after his accession. Why must Your Excellency subject yourself to such hardship?"
Gu Qin glanced at her. "Naive!" He tapped the edge of the desk with his finger. "Let me ask you this: why is the Crown Prince so close to your father?"
She raised her eyebrows slightly, thought for a moment, and replied: "Because my father serves as Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, and His Highness has lived and studied with him since childhood."
But Gu Qin shook his head and said calmly: "It is because your father has refrained from interfering in court politics since assuming the title of Grand Tutor. Had your father continued exercising authority as Deputy Chief Administrator, the Crown Prince would never have grown so close to him!"
Shen Zhili looked at him with astonishment on her face.
Gu Qin continued: "What do rulers throughout history fear most, and what are they most skilled at? You see how harsh the Crown Prince is toward Eastern Faction officials now - that's because the Eastern Faction has grown too powerful in recent years, while I have earned widespread praise in court discussions. Were the Western Faction to become dominant, the Crown Prince would certainly seize upon Fang Kai's misconduct as an official. The art of balance among rulers - the Crown Prince understands this perfectly. Do you think my current sick leave and withdrawal from politics are merely to establish the Crown Prince's authority and reputation? I too have my own considerations! If I were to suppress factional strife and govern state affairs for the Crown Prince, gaining renown as a virtuous chancellor while reconciling the Eastern and Western Factions, what means would the Crown Prince have left to check my power? How could he continue to trust me? The balance of imperial power and the rise and fall of factions are never determined by single events - consider the Monk and Nun Case that shook the empire eleven years ago. How rampant the Western Faction was then, with so many implicated officials being Fang Kai's allies! Did the Crown Prince show any mercy? And now look how closely he works with Fang Kai - who could have predicted this back then?"
Shen Zhili's complexion changed several times, leaving her speechless.
Gu Qin looked at her, his gaze carrying the stern affection of an elder admonishing a junior. "If you believe the Crown Prince wishes to end the factional strife in court, you are gravely mistaken. If there is anyone in this court who most desires the endless contention between the two factions, it is undoubtedly the Crown Prince!"
Her throat tightened. She never expected Gu Qin to speak so frankly about such matters with her, nor did she anticipate hearing such revelations. Suddenly feeling her audacity in visiting his residence to question his sick leave, she bit her lip for a long moment before changing the subject: "Your Excellency, are you aware that Meng Tinghui has been promoted to Right Advisory Official and Hall of Scholarly Profundity Academician-in-Waiting?"
Gu Qin nodded slowly.
Seeing his lack of reaction, Shen Zhili felt somewhat puzzled and asked further: "Many at court say the Crown Prince's decision is improper. Does Your Excellency not wish to submit a memorial advising His Highness to reconsider? After all, this appointment has completely ruined Meng Tinghui's reputation in the capital..."Gu Qin stared at her and interrupted, "Although the Crown Prince sometimes acts recklessly and unrestrained, his nature is cautious and thoughtful. He would never disregard court regulations to such an extent merely because of a woman."
She lowered her gaze slightly in thought. "Then why?"
Gu Qin's expression darkened. After a long pause, he murmured, "How could I possibly know what lies in the Crown Prince's heart?"
Shen Zhili said no more, turning to fetch the vermilion meal box. She placed it before his desk, opened it, and offered a slight smile. "Yue Yan, concerned that the Minister has not left his residence for some time, specially prepared some dishes. I'm afraid they may have cooled by now."
His eyes lingered on the contents of the box. Finally, he gathered his sleeves, picked up the chopsticks, and tasted a bite in silence. "Not cold."
Her heart stirred faintly. She lowered her brows and bowed her head.
Outside the courtyard, peach blossom petals brushed against the window—a spring heart, half an inch of restraint, filling the room with a dense, fragrant tenderness that none could comprehend.
·
As dusk fell, the chirping of birds in the palace grew sparse. A few strands of crimson clouds entwined the corners of the halls, soft and translucent.
Before the Eastern Palace, a Junior Palace Attendant hurried down the steps, his face beaming with smiles. "The officials from the Inner Palace Departments just came to inquire about the arrangements for the Abdication ceremony. Then, the Bureau of Imperial Attire came to take the Crown Prince's measurements for the Imperial Robes. They have only just left, so we've kept Minister Meng waiting for a long time."
Meng Tinghui turned at the sound, her eyes smiling as she raised her hand to present two memorials. "I'll trouble you to deliver these to the Crown Prince. I won't disturb him by entering the hall."
The Junior Palace Attendant, however, stepped aside to make way. "The Crown Prince has decreed that Meng Tinghui is to have an audience."
She couldn't help but freeze slightly.
She had drafted a detailed memorial on the Wang Qi case at his command. Though there was no need to deliver it in person, she had come to the Eastern Palace specifically in hopes of seeing him. Upon hearing he was occupied with preparations for the ceremony, she truly did not wish to intrude on his already scarce rest. Yet, just as she was about to withdraw, she had not expected him to summon her for an audience.
With no other choice, she tucked away the memorials and followed the Junior Palace Attendant up the steps into the hall.
As soon as she entered, her eyes fell upon a red wooden clothing table, neatly spread with a Blue Dragon Robe, Knee Covering, Inner Garment, Waist Sash, Forehead Band, Jade Sword, Dragon Belt, Red Shoes... Each piece intricately patterned and adorned with gold and pearls, enough to dazzle the eyes.
Only then did she truly feel it—he was really about to ascend the throne as emperor.
"Meng Tinghui."
A calm call came from the seat.
She collected herself and looked up to see him gazing steadily at her. Hurriedly, she stepped forward. "Your Highness."
Though her tone was equally steady, her heart was already stirring with gentle waves. Her mind recalled that night in the dark corner of the street, when he had called her name three times in succession—each word piercing to the bone, enough to drive her to madness.
This was the first time since that night that the two of them were alone together.
Her cheeks slowly flushed.
Hearing no response from him, she took a few more steps forward, drew out the memorial, and presented it. "This is the memorial Your Highness commanded me to draft." Then she produced another. "And this is my memorial to decline the official promotion in gratitude for Your Highness's favor."
Ying Gua leaned on the table, his gaze dark and profound. "Do you find my promotions insufficient, that you would decline the appointment?"
She bit her lip but couldn't suppress a soft laugh. "Your Highness jests." Meeting his gaze, her heart trembled slightly again, and she murmured, "Has Your Highness not heard the rumors in the capital? I have achieved only modest merits—how could I accept such a promotion?"
He did not take the memorials, only said, "What I have bestowed upon you—how dare you refuse?"She was momentarily speechless, unable to refute his slightly imperious words. Yet hearing them stirred profound admiration in her heart, followed by a hint of awkwardness. Shifting her gaze to the Emperor's Robe on the wooden table, she changed the subject: "Have all protocols for His Majesty's Abdication and Your Highness's enthronement ceremony been finalized?"
He nodded, rose from his seat, and walked to the table. Picking up the Jade Sword casually, he raised a brow and remarked, "Merely tedious formalities."
She followed him and inquired with a gentle smile, "Might I ask who has been ultimately chosen to serve as the Leading Official for Your Highness's enthronement ceremony?"
Since the dynasty's founding, there had been no precedent for Abdication. The concurrent ceremonies of the Emperor's relinquishment of the throne and the Crown Prince's ascension had compelled the Ministry of Rites to exercise extreme caution. In recent days, officials had exhausted themselves deliberating every ceremonial detail, fearing any misstep.
The protocols for the Inner Palace Attendant Ranks, Palace Guard Ranks, Chief Administrators, and Civil and Military Officials had been successively settled. Yet the position of Leading Official for the Crown Prince's enthronement remained unresolved.
By convention, this role should be filled by the Crown Prince's trusted inner attendant. However, the Crown Prince had always maintained distance from eunuch officials, rejecting the Ministry of Rites' proposal and insisting on personal appointment. Even so, any designee would necessarily be a confidant with close ties to the Crown Prince. Throughout the court, aside from Shen Zhishu, no one could truly be considered the Crown Prince's trusted subordinate. Yet currently, Shen Zhishu remained in Qing Province, unable to assume the role of Leading Official for the ceremony.
The golden beads on the table shimmered brightly. He lifted the Dragon Belt with his fingers and said calmly, "You."
Thinking she had misheard, she asked softly, "What did Your Highness just say?"
But he did not repeat himself. Instead, he lowered his gaze to look at her, then leaned forward and swept aside the Blue Dragon Robe on the table. Beneath it lay a crimson and purple ceremonial garment with a red gauze skirt.
The robe was embroidered with tigers and lizards, the skirt adorned with intricate patterns, the sleeves decorated with flaming algae, and at the waist, a square-buckled golden belt fastened it all together.
The white floral gauze Inner Garment was delicately traced with fine silver threads, with a misty brocade sachet cord looped in front. A crimson and white silk sash was placed below the knees.
She was stunned.
As her eyes fell upon this lavish and intricate sacrificial attire, her mind went completely blank.
She had once glimpsed from afar the high-ranking Important Officials at the grand suburban sacrificial rites, clad in feathered crowns and ceremonial robes, and had envied them deeply. Yet she never knew how many more years it would take for her to earn the right to wear such magnificent attire.
He stood beside her for a long while, observing her silent and motionless, her expression still dazed, before he spoke again, "The palace has never made sacrificial robes for female officials before, so no Knee Covering was prepared this time. As for the beaded crown, forehead ornaments, and rhinoceros hairpins, they will be sent to your residence later."
She gradually regained her composure, stepped closer, but remained silent, merely raising a hand to press against the purple robe and red skirt. Her fingertips traced the dense, intricate embroidery and the blue-and-white patterns. The cool, soft fabric brushed against her palm, while the flaming algae on the sleeves seemed to burn, making her increasingly unsettled.
After a long pause, she finally asked, "What does Your Highness truly mean?"
That night, their lips and tongues had tangled in the dimly lit streets, the intense passion clouding her judgment, making her forget to question why he was treating her so kindly.
What did it matter if he gave her that plum-red wooden box? What did it matter if he held her tightly when she was fearful and trembling? What did it matter if he personally took her to stroll through the night market? How could she dare to believe that all his kindness stemmed from sharing the same feelings as her?
She did not believe it, nor did she hope for it.
To be able to touch him, to claim even a fraction of his tenderness, was already enough.
He was destined to rule the world. He would take empresses and consorts. His schemes had always been inscrutable. How could he, for the sake of a woman like her, defy conventions so recklessly?
She truly did not understand. Rather than clinging to hope, she preferred to seek clarity.
But he did not answer her question.
She tilted her head, met his gaze, and continued, "I am not an official of the Ministry of Rites and am unfamiliar with the regulations of ceremonial attire. However," she reached out and picked up the square-buckled golden belt, saying softly, "my rank is only Associate Fourth Grade. How could I be permitted to wear this golden belt? The intricate patterns on sacrificial robes are reserved for Important Officials of Third Grade and above. How dare I don such lavish attire? As for the rhinoceros hairpins and other items, they are also beyond my rank. I beg Your Highness to reconsider."
He raised an eyebrow, took the gleaming golden belt from her hands, and gently curved it between his palms. Glancing down at her figure, he slowly wrapped it around her waist, examining it from side to side before remarking, "It fits perfectly."
Startled by his sudden touch, her face flushed instantly. His long fingers lightly held the ends of the golden belt, not fastening it, but using it to encircle her waist, preventing her from moving.
A faint heat kindled in his eyes. "Don't you think it looks beautiful?"
Her heart was thrown into disarray. Under his gaze, she could no longer maintain her composure. She tried to step back, but he abruptly tightened the golden belt around her waist, nearly pulling her against him. Struggling to steady herself, she looked up at him, a trace of anger in her expression. "What does Your Highness intend to do?"He ignored the look in her eyes, speaking sternly, "I asked you a question—how dare you not answer?"
Suppressing her anger, she lifted her face and replied, "It looks beautiful."
His grip loosened slightly. "If I bestow it upon you, how dare you refuse?"
She shook her head. "I dare not."
Her gaze drifted sideways, falling upon the several sets of robes and gowns on the table. The Blue Dragon Robe emanated a stern chill, while the purple garments felt soft and supple. Their wide sleeves and delicate ribbons intertwined, reflecting each other's brilliance.
Yet, a knot seemed to form in her heart. Unable to discern his true intentions, she felt as though she stood at the edge of a precipice, the boiling blood in her chest chilled to ice by the abyss's frigid winds. She could neither advance nor retreat, uncertain of how to proceed in the days to come.
Originally, she had only wished to gaze upon him a little longer, to draw a little closer to him. But now, having received a sliver of his tenderness, she yearned for more.
Every action she took was driven solely by her devotion to him.
Even if misunderstood, misjudged, or attacked by others, she could face it with calm detachment.
Yet, his unrestrained promotions and bestowals left her feeling unsteady.
While carriages and residences could be justified as protection for her safety, and his exceptional appointment of her as Right Advisory Official and Hall of Scholarly Profundity Academician-in-Waiting could be attributed to her merits in the Wang Qi case—now, he even intended for her to serve as the Leading Official for his enthronement ceremony. What exactly was his motive?
Did he see her fearlessness in court, her ruthless handling of even the old Eastern Faction ministers, and thus sought to elevate her further, leveraging her reputation as a cunning sycophant to clear obstacles from his path?
She withdrew her gaze and sighed softly. "Your Highness knows my feelings well, yet you employ such tactics to make me believe you care for me. Is it so that, even if I were to die in the future, I would bear no resentment toward you?"
His body visibly trembled, his expression darkening abruptly.
She continued, "I have said it before—my only wish is Your Highness's wish. Since you know my heart, you should not treat me so kindly, lest it foster hopes and desires I should not harbor. Whatever Your Highness asks of me, I will do. But the one thing I cannot bear is for you to deceive me."
The golden belt at her waist slipped as he released his grip.
Without waiting for him to speak, she retreated backward, bowing her head. "If Your Highness wishes me to serve as the Leading Official for the ceremony, I will accept the position. If Your Highness commands me to wear these elaborate Imperial Robes, I will wear them. If, in the future, Your Highness requires me to bear the infamy of generations, I would willingly face death."
The man before her stood in silence.
She bowed and withdrew, turning only when she reached the palace door. As she raised her hand to push it open, his deep voice called out, "Meng Tinghui.""
Her fingers trembled abruptly. Pretending not to hear, she pushed the door firmly, intent on leaving.
But he suddenly roared in fury, "You are insolent!"
Her eardrums vibrated faintly, her heart startled. She recognized the immense anger in his tone and dared not proceed further, frowning as she withdrew her hand. Before she could turn around, a sharp pain shot through her shoulder—he had seized her and spun her around.
His movements were so swift she could only stare in stunned silence.
Raising her eyes, she met his stone-cold face, his gaze filled with rage.
After a long moment, she lowered her eyes and whispered, "I have been insolent. I await Your Highness's punishment." Just as she began to bow her head, a sharp pain seized her chin—his three fingers clamped down fiercely, immobilizing her.
His gaze sharp as a blade, he pierced deep into her eyes. "Meng Tinghui, is your life so worthless?"
She felt even her eyes begin to ache, unable to endure his harsh tone.
His fingers tightened further. "Since I saved you back then, why would I want to harm you now? In your eyes, have I truly sunk to such unscrupulous depths?"She knew her earlier words had angered him and couldn't help saying, "My words were too harsh just now, they didn't truly reflect my heart..."
Before she could finish speaking, he leaned in and bit her lips with fierce intensity, his arms tightening abruptly to lock her firmly against his chest.
The pain became unbearable, a muffled sob escaping her throat as her body trembled slightly.
Yet he showed no mercy, moving his hand to grip her jaw, forcing her mouth open to continue biting the delicate skin inside her lips. Between the clashing of teeth, his tongue invaded, completely claiming her.
She tilted her head back, her tongue and teeth unable to withstand his violent assault. The pain in her lips intensified, yet her heart felt as if he had set it ablaze—tiny sparks igniting into flames that burned her entire body crimson. Even her nipples, pressed tightly against his chest, trembled faintly.
Her hands instinctively moved to embrace his waist, fumbling to hook his robe sash.
The hard fingers gripping her face suddenly loosened. Just as she was about to catch her breath, she felt a damp heat behind her ear—his lips, teeth, and scorching tongue invading again, kissing and biting her earlobe.
A tingling sensation shot down her spine, rushing straight to her lower abdomen.
She couldn't suppress a soft moan, the sound like a springtime kitten's cry, making even her own cheeks flush with shame. Yet the fire in her heart burned fiercer. Feeling his tongue and teeth grow even more audacious, she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck.
His body stiffened, his thin lips brushing past her cheek, chin, and throat. With his teeth, he tugged open the collar of her official robe, then precisely captured her slender throat. The hand at her waist slid downward, grasping her soft buttocks, and with one forceful motion, he lifted her up.
Panting heavily, she cooperated fully, spreading her legs to hook around his waist. With her own hands, she pulled open the crimson collar of her official robe, then reached for him, her fingers slipping inside his robe collar from behind his neck, scratching him gently and softly. Soon, she felt the part of him trapped between her legs growing increasingly hot and hard.
His eyes burned with intense desire, fixed intently on her.
She lowered her head slightly, her blood-red lips approaching his ear, and whispered breathlessly, "Your Highness..." She gave a slight twist of her waist, deliberately pressing against that part of him. Seeing him clench his jaw and furrow his brows, she added in a soft voice, "Your Highness."
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