Two nights in the imperial bed, and the throne of the Empress was already within reach? If she gave birth to a royal heir, would the Emperor just pluck the moon from the sky for her too?
Meng Wenyao's eyes widened in disbelief. So the Emperor was a painter after all—an expert in painting pies in the sky!
The Emperor, however, was clearly delighted by her surprise and asked gently,"Have you decided how you want Wei Quan to die?"
What?!
Meng Wenyao's eyes widened further. The Emperor was serious? He really intended to help her kill Wei Quan?
Forget the pies. If this was part of the deal, she'd take it.
Adjusting her expression, Meng Wenyao put on a pitiful face, as if she were on the verge of tears.
"Though I've been harmed twice by Young Master Wei, each time I was rescued by Your Majesty. Maybe he was sent by the heavens—just to bring us together. I'm no longer angry. Besides, he's Noble Consort Wei's nephew. She's served Your Majesty faithfully for years—how could you punish her family for such a small matter? And I don't believe she acted maliciously today."
The more self-sacrificing and gentle she seemed, the darker the Emperor's gaze became. By the time she finished speaking, his expression had already turned stormy.
"He deserves to die. You needn't worry yourself over such things, Yaoyao."
There was something unfamiliar in the Emperor's tone—a domineering, cold finality, like the embodiment of "those who follow me thrive, those who defy me perish."
Since he clearly meant it, Meng Wenyao wasn't about to stand in the way. If anything, she'd happily fan the flames. Sparing villains was no act of virtue.
Feigning innocent righteousness, she said,"I once heard stories about Young Master Wei—how he abducted women, drove them to death… He should pay with his life for those innocent souls. Why not hang him from the city wall and carve four characters into his face: 'I am a villain,' so the world sees that Heaven's justice spares no one?"
The Emperor gave a low chuckle."Exactly what I had in mind."
Then he swept her into his arms and strode toward the inner chamber of Hanxiang Hall.
He placed her on the bed, leaned in close, and asked softly,"I heard from the maids—you haven't been using the medicine these past two days?"
Medicine? What medicine?
Meng Wenyao blinked in confusion. Was she ill?
The Emperor walked over to a display shelf and retrieved a familiar white porcelain bottle.
Her face flushed red in an instant. Wasn't that the ointment Ruxin had given her after her first night with the Emperor? She'd been too embarrassed to use it and had tucked it away. She never expected the Emperor to know about it—let alone personally fetch it.
As he drew closer with the bottle, her heart practically jumped to her throat.
"You naughty girl. Skipping the medicine already?"
She instinctively shuffled back on the bed.
It was an embarrassing ointment, to say the least.
"Come here. I'll apply it for you."
"N-no!"
"Be good," he coaxed, "You've only just begun experiencing these things. I treasure you. If you don't take care of yourself, how can your body handle it?"
He advanced with the bottle in hand. Meng Wenyao was mortified, flustered beyond reason.
"I can do it myself! Really! No need to trouble Your Majesty!"
The Emperor shot her a look."You're always so mischievous—I don't trust you. I'll feel better if I do it myself."
She shook her head wildly, legs twitching as she inched backward. But the bed was small—she ran out of space in seconds. The Emperor seized her ankle before she could escape.
"If you won't behave and take your medicine, no matter how much you beg later tonight, I won't show mercy."
Utterly overwhelmed, tears sprang to her eyes.
But the Emperor ignored her silent pleas, lifted her skirt, and personally applied the ointment.
"Feeling better?"
It was cold. So cold. Too awkward to respond, Meng Wenyao wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest.
The Emperor chuckled."Oh? Already shy?"
"Your Majesty... you're awful..."
Back in the Pepper Room Hall, the other consorts had long since dispersed. Wei Quan had already left the palace with Meng Wenxian. The Noble Consort Wei sat silently on a cushioned stool, mulling over the day's events.
She'd reigned supreme in the harem for ten years—not because of her brilliance, but because the Emperor had always shown her favor. Even today, he had shielded her. He didn't let the Chen Consort finish her accusations, didn't even investigate the matter thoroughly.
She hadn't realized how risky things had gotten until later—when she remembered that the aphrodisiac incense was still burning in the side hall. Had the Emperor chosen to inspect it, the consequences could've been disastrous.
By all logic, she should be able to breathe easy, basking in continued favor.
But something felt off. A creeping sense of unease gnawed at her.
She called for a maid."Go check what His Majesty is doing now."
Half an hour later, the maid returned."After escorting the Chen Consort back, the Emperor went to the Imperial Study. Nothing unusual. Everything seems quiet."
Just like always. For ten years, she'd bullied and framed her rivals, yet even when the Emperor disciplined her, it never lasted. She always came out on top.
This would be no different. The Emperor would eventually cast aside the Chen Consort. That little upstart only had temporary favor thanks to her family's influence. Once her use ran out...
The Noble Consort spent a few satisfying moments imagining all 108 ways Meng Wenyao could die before moving on. She took a relaxing bath and laid down for a nap—only to be hit by a wave of terrifying nightmares.
She jolted awake, heart racing.
Just a dream. But so real. In it, her entire family was executed. She herself had been granted a silken cord to hang herself with.
That dream shook her.
She'd done plenty—too much—to count. Poisoned rivals. Manipulated ministers. Overstepped countless boundaries. And the Emperor had always let her.
But now, doubt seeped in. She was just a consort. A childless consort.
What would happen when the Emperor died? What would become of her and her clan?
She couldn't just sit and wait for fate to crush her.
She needed a plan.
After the Emperor's death, Prince An would ascend the throne.
She had to form an alliance—forge a bond with him. If she helped him now, he might repay her later.
She summoned a maid."Send word to the young master. Have him visit Prince An tomorrow morning—do whatever it takes to form a brotherly bond."
If Prince An would see Wei Quan as a sworn brother… if he'd take her as an adopted mother… once he became Emperor, she could be Empress Dowager!
The thought nearly made her laugh.
"Go. Quickly."
The maid hesitated, looking up at the sky."Your Grace, it's nearly dusk. The palace gates will close soon. If I leave now, I may not be able to return tonight..."