If she agreed to this matter, regardless of whether she succeeded in persuading Shen Zhili or not, Di Nian would owe her a significant favor. With Di Nian's rising prominence in the Imperial Army, there would undoubtedly be occasions in the future where she could rely on his assistance.
Whether for public or private reasons, she could not refuse his request.
Yet she was also well aware of Shen Zhili's feelings. Throughout the entire court, Shen Zhili was her only close friend—someone who trusted her deeply and always confided in her wholeheartedly. How could she disregard Shen Zhili's feelings for her own benefit?
Meng Tinghui hesitated.
Three years ago, she would likely have rejected the matter without a second thought, but now she had to consider her future path. If she could gain Di Nian's trust, she would have another ally in the court, and the Privy Council would likely show her favor out of regard for Di Nian.
After pondering for a long time, she finally spoke but did not immediately agree. Instead, she said, "This matter cannot be rushed. I must not ruin Colonel Di's plans. Allow me to consider how best to approach Lord Shen. I will give you a reply before Prefect Shen returns to the capital."
Di Nian, however, took her words as consent and immediately became overjoyed, repeatedly expressing his gratitude: "If Lord Meng is willing to help, the matter is half accomplished!"
Seeing how much he trusted her, Meng Tinghui felt a twinge of regret—what if she ended up displeasing both sides in this situation?
Just then, someone from the direction of the Great Celebration Hall came to report that the court banquet was ready and requested the Emperor and all officials to proceed to the hall.
Unable to remain alone with Di Nian any longer, she stood up, bid him a brief farewell, and walked toward Shen Zhili.
She had not taken more than a few steps when a soft female voice called from behind, "Lord Meng."
Meng Tinghui stopped and turned around. A delicate and refined face met her eyes—it was Zuo Qiurong, who had recently entered the Imperial Academy. An uneasy feeling stirred within her, but a faint smile appeared on her face. "Lord Zuo."
Seeing her respond, Zuo Qiurong's expression brightened slightly with delight. She stepped forward and said, "This humble official... has long admired Lord Meng..." As she spoke, her face even flushed slightly, and she lowered her eyes, as if too timid to look directly at Meng Tinghui.
Meng Tinghui was both curious and surprised.
She had assumed Zuo Qiurong must be a rather shrewd person, otherwise the senior officials of the Secretariat would not have selected her. Yet now, she appeared so inexperienced and youthful, not even matching a third of Meng Tinghui's own demeanor in her early days. Moreover, she had not expected Zuo Qiurong to stop her just to say such words.
Seeing that Meng Tinghui remained silent, Zuo Qiurong's face showed a hint of embarrassment. She said softly, "Has this humble official been too forward with Lord Meng?" Still receiving no reply from Meng Tinghui, she grew somewhat flustered. Gathering her courage, she continued, "When this humble official was still in Fengqing Circuit, I often discussed Lord Meng with my friends at the women's school... Every deed Lord Meng has accomplished in the court over these years has filled me with admiration. When it comes to true women in this world, they should be like Lord Meng!"
Meng Tinghui had never expected to hear such words and was even more at a loss for how to respond. However, she noted that Zuo Qiurong was from Fengqing Circuit and replied with a smile, "My reputation in the capital is so tarnished, yet I am praised in Fengqing Circuit?"
Thinking that Meng Tinghui did not believe her, Zuo Qiurong anxiously insisted, "This humble official truly admires Lord Meng! Today, when I heard from the Secretariat that Lord Meng would be here, I disregarded my lowly position and came despite overstepping propriety, all for the chance to speak a few words with Lord Meng!"Meng Tinghui quickly stopped her words, glancing around to ensure no one was nearby before smiling faintly. "How can you speak so recklessly before His Majesty’s sacred presence? If others overhear, they’ll accuse me of currying favor." As she spoke, she subtly observed Zuo Qiurong more closely, finding herself growing fond of this woman. Pressing her lips together, she added, "Since that’s the case, you may accompany me to the hall."
Zuo Qiurong was slightly startled. "How could that be appropriate…"
Ignoring her hesitation, Meng Tinghui strode forward, catching sight of several elder ministers in the distance who wore expressions of disbelief. A flicker of amusement stirred within her.
They schemed meticulously, yet never imagined Zuo Qiurong would disregard their "kind intentions" and wholeheartedly align herself with me instead.
The elder ministers must be regretting their miscalculation, while she herself was pleasantly surprised. Had she tried to persuade the Imperial Academy to admit female scholars this year, no amount of effort would have sufficed. Yet the Chancellors of the Secretariat, with a single remark, had paved the way for her—how could she not be elated?
Thus, her mood soared.
Shen Zhili, spotting Meng Tinghui approaching with Zuo Qiurong in tow, furrowed her willow-leaf brows from afar and called out, "What are you…!"
Zuo Qiurong naturally recognized Shen Zhili and grew hesitant again, feeling too humble and insignificant to step forward.
Meng Tinghui, however, guided her forward and smiled at Shen Zhili. "The blue sky may have intentions, but the drifting waves remain oblivious." Turning to Zuo Qiurong, she said, "This is Lord Shen of the Bureau of Operations. Countless officials from the Privy Council, Ministry of War, and Court of the Imperial Guard have fallen under her sway…"
Shen Zhili understood the implication but flushed at the teasing. She clicked her tongue lightly and said to Zuo Qiurong, "Don’t listen to her nonsense! How could I compare to the highly favored Lord Meng?" With that, she tugged Zuo Qiurong’s sleeve and led her toward the hall, leaving Meng Tinghui behind.
Zuo Qiurong glanced back anxiously, catching the brightness in Meng Tinghui’s eyes. Biting her lip with a smile, she lifted her skirts and hurried up the steps after Shen Zhili.
Just as Meng Tinghui prepared to follow, a stern voice called from her left rear: "Meng Tinghui."
Frowning—wondering who among the court officials would dare address her so directly—she turned to see Gu Qin standing half a step away, his face gaunt and eyes piercing.
Startled, she bowed hastily. "I did not realize it was Chancellor Gu."
Most officials had already entered the hall, leaving the two of them unnoticed in a corner below the vermilion steps.
Among the elder statesmen in the Hall of State Affairs—the Grand Chancellor, Left and Right Vice Directors, and nearly ten Deputy Chief Administrators—Gu Qin alone commanded her reverence. She had never dared act presumptuously toward him. Aware of the debt she owed him and the Emperor’s protective regard for him, she had avoided direct confrontation with Gu Qin even when frequently clashing with the Secretariat over policies.
Why would he stop her now, of all times?
Gu Qin studied her for a moment before stating abruptly, "His Majesty has been on the throne for a full year. It is time to take consorts and establish an empress."
Such bluntness left her momentarily speechless.
Meng Tinghui stood frozen for a long moment before finally pressing her lips together and replying, "This humble official believes Chancellor Gu speaks wisely." Yet her mind raced: Why would he choose today, of all days, to raise this matter with me?Gu Qin saw her compliant response, yet his brows furrowed even deeper. He continued, "You are to temporarily hold the positions of Supervising Secretary and Co-administrator of the Privy Council. In six months, you will be appointed as Deputy Chief Administrator with the rank of Vice Minister of Works and enter the Hall of State Affairs—so long as you agree not to interfere in the Emperor’s inner court affairs. What say you?"
Ha!
So he had come to strike a deal with her.
So the rumors circulating recently that the Emperor intended to appoint civil officials to the Privy Council were actually true. Gu Qin likely assumed that, given her favored status, she must have known about this long ago—perhaps even thought she had long coveted the position. Little did he know she had not heard the slightest whisper of it from the Emperor.
Offering her the role of Co-administrator of the Privy Council was likely an attempt to keep her away from the Hall of State Affairs for a time, allowing the turmoil over Xu Ting’s dismissal as chancellor and the removal of officials from the two bureaus of Chaoan North Circuit to settle. It would also prevent the senior officials of the Secretariat from being repeatedly caught off guard by her maneuvers. But regardless of Gu Qin’s intentions, the prospect of a civil official entering the Privy Council was enough to inspire envy among all court officials.
Moreover, he had even promised that in just six months she would be appointed Deputy Chief Administrator and enter the Hall of State Affairs to deliberate on critical state matters!
Never mind female officials—since the founding of the dynasty, who had ever risen to the position of Deputy Chief Administrator in just three years?
It was truly tempting.
Meng Tinghui pondered for a long moment before letting out a soft laugh. "The Chancellor is willing to part with such important positions?"
Gu Qin, hearing her evade the question and sensing veiled sarcasm in her words, grew slightly irritated and said coldly, "Is it not precisely such prominent, high positions that you desire? What more could you possibly be dissatisfied with?"
Yes, she did desire prominence and high positions.
But she only wanted to be closer to that person—closer still.
Beyond that, she could find no other path to remain by his side, to watch him secure the realm, nurture the people, and bring about peace and prosperity.
She replied, "How could this humble official dare express dissatisfaction when the Chancellor has made such a promise in person? However, the Emperor’s selection of an empress and consorts is a matter of great importance to the people. As a minor official, how could I interfere in inner court affairs? The Chancellor overestimates me."
Gu Qin’s gaze was complex. "Do not speak such empty, meaningless words in front of me. Whether I overestimate you or not, you know well in your heart." He paused, his lips parting as if struggling to speak. "...I know the Emperor holds deep affection for you, but the position of empress can never be yours, nor will public criticism ever permit it. If you agree not to make things difficult for the Secretariat in this matter, the other chief ministers and I will not interfere in your private relationship with the Emperor."
For these words to come from the stubborn and unyielding Gu Qin, it was the furthest concession he could make—the lowest boundary of his "understanding of the Emperor’s heart."
She knew Gu Qin was a truly loyal minister.
For the sake of the Emperor and the state, he had ample reason.
But in this lifetime, all Meng Tinghui truly wanted was that one person, and what she cared least about was her reputation. If she did not make things difficult for Gu Qin, she would only be making things difficult for herself.
With a calm expression, Meng Tinghui asked, "Might I ask, Chancellor, who has been chosen as the empress candidate?"
Gu Qin hesitated briefly, as if deciding there was no need to hide it from her, and said, "...Several senior ministers and I consider Grand Tutor Shen’s eldest daughter to be suitable."
Almost the instant she understood his words, the hesitation she had felt earlier over Di Nian’s request vanished without a trace.
She even regretted having hesitated at all.In the court, personal feelings pale in comparison to interests. Gu Qin could not be unaware of Shen Zhili's affection for him, yet he still disregarded her deep devotion, proceeding without even informing her as he joined other ministers in jointly petitioning the emperor to appoint Shen Zhili as empress.
Gu Qin was unworthy of Shen Zhili's fervent and passionate heart.
Meng Tinghui's expression darkened slightly, yet she offered him a light smile, saying, "This humble official also believes that Lord Shen, the eldest daughter of Grand Tutor Shen, is the most suitable choice."
Gu Qin had not expected her to remain so composed after hearing these words and could not help but feel somewhat moved. "If you can think this way, that would be for the best."
She continued smiling, "I will not make things difficult for Minister Gu, and I hope Minister Gu will remember what you promised me today." With that, she paid no further heed to Gu Qin, hastily turned, gathered her skirts, and ascended the steps into the hall.
Gu Qin watched her retreating figure for a long time before lifting his robe and slowly climbing the steps.
In the Great Celebration Hall, music already echoed off the walls, and the emperor's toast had nearly completed one round.
Meng Tinghui entered late and did not venture forward, merely taking a random seat in a corner. She had no mind to look for Shen Zhili or Zuo Qiurong.
The court banquet was, after all, just an occasion for the emperor to allow officials and military officers to socialize and feast. Laughter and conversation filled the air, and no one cared where she was.
Sitting alone in a daze, it was some time before she pulled her spirit back from earlier events. Subconsciously, she began to calculate, her hand involuntarily reaching for the crystal wine pitcher on the table.
Suddenly, a Junior Palace Attendant beside her bowed and said, "Lord Meng." Seeing her look up, he added in a low voice, "His Majesty says that drinking harms the body, and it would be best for Lord Meng to drink less."
She abruptly turned her gaze toward the imperial throne in the hall, but it was too far away for her to make out his features.
Her drunkenness that night must have left a deep impression on him, hence his indirect reminder not to drink at the court banquet. But she had not expected him to be so considerate, even sending someone to watch over her from the start.
So she merely lightly touched the thin, colorful crystal and withdrew her hand.
The Junior Palace Attendant continued, "His Majesty also said that if Lord Meng is unwell, there is no need to linger at the Great Celebration Hall banquet."
She knew her complexion had been poor since her arrival, and now, with her mind in turmoil, she truly had no desire to stay long. Rising immediately, she said, "Thank His Majesty for me." With that, she quietly slipped out of the hall along the heavy drapes, sighing softly only after avoiding everyone's gaze.
Unexpectedly, the Junior Palace Attendant followed her out, casually flicking his horsetail whisk toward the west as he said beside her, "His Majesty lastly said that today is the Son of Heaven's birthday, a rare fine night. Since Lord Meng is unwell, you may rest in the West China Palace."
Though the sky had not yet darkened, the bright star in her heart had already begun to shimmer.
She could not help but smile slightly. It was his birthday today, and indeed, it should not be wasted... Thus, she followed the Junior Palace Attendant to the West China Palace.
Everything in the West China Palace remained exactly as it had been during her last visit, unchanged.
She walked into the inner chamber, parted the layers of light gauze curtains, and sat down beside the soft cushions of the imperial bed.
Six red palace candles wept gently on the table, their wicks infused with an intoxicating fragrance. Every corner of this hall bore traces of him, and merely looking around was enough to make her cheeks flush.
·
Not long after nightfall, in her drowsiness, she heard someone push the door open from outside.She lay on the couch waiting for him, sleeping lightly, and the moment she sensed someone approaching, her eyes abruptly opened. But before she could react, her red lips were captured by his descending figure, leaving her unable to speak.
His breath washed over her.
Carrying the scent of wine and the unique, majestic aura of the Son of Heaven.
Struggling, she turned over and threw herself into his embrace, holding him tightly, so very tightly.
"Your Majesty."
Her grand court robes lay scattered beneath her like a large flower blooming in the night, accompanied by her soft, husky voice just roused from sleep, revealing the deep, suppressed emotions she had held for so long, finally able to surface.
Naturally, it was a tumultuous and passionate entanglement.
In the end, her bones felt as soft as water, without a trace of strength left, yet she still clung to him tightly, unwilling to let go.
Drenched in sweat, he brushed aside her long hair, his fingers tracing the contours of her brows and eyes, calling her name softly: "Meng Tinghui."
She opened her eyes, and the candlelight suddenly brightened, illuminating his handsome, chiseled features, so striking it made her heart flutter.
There were so many things she wanted to say to him, but she didn't know where to begin.
He seemed to feel the same.
After so many days without a private moment together, the long-suppressed desires were now laid bare and unguarded. The mere utterance of her name carried a thousand sharp edges of intense emotion.
Though it was dark outside, she noticed the red candle on the table had not burned down much, deducing that he must have left the banquet early. She imagined the court officials and generals at the Great Celebration Hall had not yet dispersed, and a warmth spread in her heart.
She wanted to ask who His Majesty intended to appoint to fill the vacant position of Right Vice Director, but she feared crossing his boundaries and appearing overly presumptuous, so she held her tongue.
He turned over and pulled her into his arms from behind.
This position made it easier for his large hands to roam over her body, his warm fingertips igniting fires everywhere they touched, soon causing her to softly moan and pant again.
"Your Majesty," she raised her hand to press down on his arm, attempting to halt his movements. It wasn't that she didn't desire it, but she wanted to talk to him more. "A year ago, on Your Majesty's birthday, was the beginning of Your Majesty's reign. I hadn't realized it, but a year has already passed."
He reached out and pulled the bed curtain, dimming the light slightly. "Among all the court's Important Officials, you alone did not present a gift."
She smiled. "The gifts from the various regions of the country and the capital's ministers were so rare and precious, yet I never saw Your Majesty show even a hint of a smile. Why are you now demanding a gift from me?"
He was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "What if I insisted on demanding a gift from you today?"
She had never seen him act so unreasonably, yet found it somewhat amusing. "My life was saved by Your Majesty, my entire livelihood depends on Your Majesty's generosity, and my heart has long been given to Your Majesty. I don't know what else Your Majesty could demand from me."
He held her tighter, lowered his head to kiss her cheek, and said hoarsely, "I haven't decided yet. Consider it a debt you owe me. One day in the future, when I come to collect, no matter what, you must fulfill my wish."
"Your Majesty is truly domineering." She hadn't expected him to be serious and curved her lips into a playful smile. "Your Majesty can use your birthday to demand a gift from me, but I have no way to demand a birthday gift from Your Majesty..."
Since childhood, when had she ever known her own birthday, or when had she ever received gifts from others?
But for a long while, she heard no response from him.
Wondering if she had said something wrong, she quietly turned her head to look at him.Backlit, shadows gathered between his brows.
She froze for a moment.
Her status as an orphan was common knowledge, and she hadn’t meant to evoke self-pity with her earlier words. Why, then, did he wear such an expression?
His hand cupped her face again, his gaze tinged with hesitation, as if he had something to say but ultimately held back. Instead, he pulled her back into his embrace.
Since he remained silent, she didn’t press him, simply nestling quietly against him, listening to his suddenly rapid heartbeat. She slowly pressed her palm against his chest, as if to reassure him that she wasn’t the least bit troubled.
Only when she wasn’t looking at him did he allow his eyes to shut heavily, letting the unspeakable words flood through his limbs and dissolve into his blood.
He had missed that night, and now he was missing this one, too.
When would he ever be able to say it to her?
Suddenly, she spoke up, asking him, "How many years has Your Majesty known Colonel Di?"
Snapping out of his thoughts, he raised an eyebrow, puzzled by her sudden mention of Di Nian, and replied, "Since our first meeting in the Western Garden of the Western Capital in the spring of the eighteenth year of Qiande—it has been eight years now."
She let out a soft "Mm" and fell silent again.
It wasn’t that she didn’t know how long the two had known each other; she merely wanted to test the waters, to confirm the nature of their relationship beyond that of ruler and subject.
And his swift answer was exactly what she had hoped for.
In truth, her question was unnecessary. She had known since the mutiny in Chao'an’s Imperial Army that, among the capital’s Imperial Army officers, Di Nian was undoubtedly the emperor’s most trusted confidant.
He had always been exceptionally close to military officers since childhood, something evident from the attitude the senior Privy Council officials had shown her during the archery drills at the training grounds. It stood to reason that, compared to the civil officials at court, he inherently placed greater trust in the military leaders of the Privy Council.
With that, her resolve grew even firmer.
He lifted her chin, his eyebrows arching higher. "What is it?"
Now it was her turn to struggle for words.
The things Di Nian and Gu Qin had discussed with her today were not something she could share with him now, and the thought currently forming in her mind was one she herself felt ashamed to voice.
If Gu Qin hadn’t pressured her, she would never have entertained such an idea.
She wasn’t that noble or selfless, nor could she completely detach herself from these two matters.
He was not someone who could be easily manipulated. If he saw the Secretariat’s petition to appoint an empress, he would undoubtedly reject it. And even if she had nothing to do with his decision, the senior officials would surely assume she had interfered. Wouldn’t that mean she had broken her agreement with Gu Qin for nothing?
Moreover, if Di Nian were to later submit a memorial requesting permission to marry, and he approved it, the court would assume it had been done under his instruction, humiliating the senior officials and inevitably leading Shen Zhili to defy the imperial decree. If he rejected the request, it would create a rift between him and Di Nian, damaging their harmonious relationship as ruler and subject.
No person or matter in this world mattered more to her than he did.
Thus, she would rather keep it from him for now and try to turn the situation around on her own.
Gu Qin’s intentions were not wrong, but his mistake lay in being too forthright—so forthright that he never imagined anyone would use Shen Zhili as a pawn.
…And he certainly never expected that Meng Tinghui would entertain such a thought.
Seeing her silence, he knew she must be hiding something. But since she wasn’t willing to tell him, he wouldn’t force her—
After all, who didn’t have secrets of their own?She nestled against him for a long while before shifting slightly and murmuring softly, "I feel as though I’ve become less and less like my former self."
In the past, she hadn’t been this wicked.
He stroked her hair and sighed with a gentle laugh, "In this lifetime, who remains unchanged forever?"
She lifted her gaze to him and asked, "Has Your Majesty changed?"
Burdened by hidden thoughts, his words were no longer as carefree as before, his eyes growing increasingly somber. He replied, "Do you think I have changed?"
"Perhaps you have," she leaned in, cupping his face with both hands, studying him intently. "But I cannot discern it."
He pressed her down abruptly, his heartbeat racing uncontrollably.
A sudden regret washed over him for not allowing her to drink tonight. Her mind was sharp and clever, her words quick-witted. She remained unguarded against him only because she loved him deeply.
Her hair, like tangled seaweed, spilled across his chest, making his breathing even heavier.
Her emotions had always been bright and straightforward. What she wanted and how to obtain it—she knew clearly and pursued it fearlessly.
Yet the more she was like this, the harder it became for him to maintain his usual composure.
That night, both of them held back something from each other.
But what they withheld, was it not also for the sake of the other?
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