Since the entrance of the gisaengs, Xiu Ying excused himself to the kitchen. It's better to indulge himself in work rather than talking to strangers.
When he's in the kitchen, a female servant suddenly came running and told everyone about Prince Yang Lijun.
Feeling weird with the sudden news, Xiu Ying walked back to the hall. When he reached the hall, he saw the prince was lying on the floor with a physician checking on him.
Then, as he came closer to the scene, he heard the conversation between Li Na and Wu Zhang Wei. From the way she spoke, Xiu Ying knew she's trying to push the blame onto him. "Yes. Looking for me?" said Xiu Ying.
His voice that suddenly came behind them makes Li Na jolt.
Wu Zhang Wei turns to him and calmly asks, "Did you who ordered to prepare all this?"
"Yes, I did, Your Majesty."
"Then... Did you check on every meal prepared?" Wu Zhang Wei asked again.
"As for every bowl that's quite impossible for me to do so but I did check on every pot when the meals had been cooked. As for the process after that, it was done by the eunuch and Chief of the kitchen."
"Then are you trying to say that there is eunuch or maybe the Chief of the kitchen didn't do their work until a poisoned meal could pass their inspection?!" Li Na interrupts.
"When did I say that?" Xiu Ying raises his eyebrows.
"Just now you mentioned they're the one who checked it but at the same time Prince Yang was poisoned. Isn't that what you're trying to say?!" Li Na who acted all-mighty just now quickly shrinks her body when Wu Zhang Wei glares at her.
Xiu Ying sighs. He glances at the silver spoon then says, "Can I take a look at the prince?" He lowers his tone and gently asked permission from Wu Zhang Wei.
"Yes. You may. Go on. He's there."
Li Na grips her fist tightly.
Xiu Ying bows then turn to the unconscious prince.
"May I..?" Xiu Ying said to the physician and the empress dowager.
Wu Jiaying was surprised when Xiu Ying asked permission to check up on Prince Lijun, but she allows it nevertheless.
"He's out of breath before and his stomach was in pain. Then he just fainted." Wu Jiaying told Xiu Ying everything she saw in the hope it could help Xiu Ying to discover something.
Xiu Ying pulls up the prince's sleeves then he checks his face and pulse.
'Damn. What poison. He's just having an allergic reaction! Guess in this time they still didn't discover about this.'
"Let's transfer Prince Yang to a room first." Wu Jiaying quickly asked a few manservants to carry Lijun to a guest room. Then she turns to Xiu Ying.
"Concubine Li, did you know what happened to Prince Lijun?"
With a smile, Xiu Ying nods. "He's just having an allergic reaction. I mean there's something inside the meal that his body is sensitive thus causing this kind of reaction."Everyone in the hall was in awe hearing the explanation from him.
"Jing Yi, help me to prepare a decoction made from fang feng and xin yi hua. And another one, prepare a citrus drink."
[A/N : Fang feng = silver divaricata
Xin yi hua = magnolia flower bud
Both of these are Chinese herbal to help allergies. Source: Google]
For the second time, Xiu Ying shocked the crowd. Ignoring their looks, Xiu Ying bows, "Your Majesty, allow me to tend Prince Yang. I'll try my best to cure it."
"Ye- yes. You may." Wu Jiaying said.
...
Inside the guest room, Xiu Ying stands beside the bed. Wu Zhang Wei, Wu Jiaying, and also Xiao Qing are also present. The others are not allowed to enter, including Li Na. The physician is currently applying acupuncture on several points of Lijun's body. From time to time, Lijun awakes due to shortness of breath.
A few minutes later, Jing Yi came with two bowls. Taking a sniff at the liquid, Xiu Ying passes it to the physician. "Please help him to drink this." The physician obediently did as he told.
In just a few minutes, Lijun's breathing is smoother. The physician quickly checks on his pulse and it surprised him that it is much better! All of them breathe a sigh of relief.
"This one, give him when he's awake. As for the redness and scars on his body, I'll help to prepare some paste or ointment to make it fade faster."
Wu Jiaying walks closer to Xiu Ying and takes a hold of both Xiu Ying's hands. "Thank you Concubine Li. Thank you so much. We didn't know what to do if you're not here."
"It's my responsibility, Your Majesty. It is part of my fault too."
Wu Zhang Wei couldn't contain his smile. 'Seems like your mother is not lying about your medical skills.' Xiu Ying excused himself in reason to prepare the ointment.
Meanwhile, in Yanxi Palace
All the servants didn't dare to move or even make a tiny sound. Teacups have been thrown to the floor, broken into pieces.
"Damn... Damn... Damn you Li Xiu Ying!" Li Na shouts. "So smart aren't you? Ha!" She slams the table.
A female servant crying and trembling while kneeling on the floor. She jolts when Li Na abruptly turns to her.
"You! What did I ask you to do?! I asked you to put the poison inside the prince's bowl! Why didn't you do it?!"
While sniffing, the girl said, "Bu- but My Lady. I- it was impossible to do so. The inspection was too tight. Con- concubine Li ordered eunuch to taste the meal in front of the person himself. I won't have the chance to do it."
"If you didn't put it then how can the silver spoon turn black?!"
"I- I just soaked it into the poison then brought it with me. When I saw the prince collapsed I quickly put it on his table and pretend that he used it."
Li Na slaps the girl hard, making her fall to her side. "What an idiot. If you didn't put it then there's no need for you to mention it at all. Do you intend to make me look like a fool huh?!"
The girl begs, "N- no! My lady! It's not like that! I just- never thought Concubine Li could detect it. As you can see, even the physician didn't know what happened to Prince Yang. So, I'm just.."
Li Na laughs out loud. "Whatever. I don't want to care anymore and I also don't care what will happen to you. If you dare to mention my name, I'll make sure your family will be living hell."
She waves her hand, asking other servants to drag the poor girl out of her room.
...
The next day, Lijun wakes up with a sore body. It was because the allergy caused some damage to his immune system.
The first thing he thought when he opened his eyes is... He's already dead.
Why?
Because he saw an angel is sitting beside him on the bed. The angel is holding his wrist. When the angel puts his wrist down and is about to get off the bed, he quickly grabs the angel's arm. "Wa- wait!"
The angel looks at him and blinks his eyes repeatedly.
"*cough! Cough!* Ehem! Ehem!"
The fake cough makes Lijun realize he's still alive.
"Hmm... Prince Yang... Can you please let go of my arm?" Xiu Ying said.
"But wait- who are... "
"CONCUBINE Li, let the physician check on Prince Yang." Wu Zhang Wei intentionally stressed on 'concubine'.
Lijun looked dejected when he heard it. He released Xiu Ying's arm reluctantly.
Xiu Ying walks away from the bed. Wu Zhang Wei quickly pulls him to stand beside him. "Remember your position. Don't you dare to spread your charm on another guy, a prince especially."
'When did I do that? I was born with charms, can't help it.'
"Yes, Your Majesty." Xiu Ying answered just to satisfy the petty emperor.
"Your Highness, you're getting much better. Thanks to the remedy prepared by Concubine Li. As for the scars, Concubine Li also has prepared an ointment to ease them. Later, a manservant will help you to apply it." The physician said.
"Can't Concubine Li help me to apply it?" With puppy eyes, he looks at Xiu Ying.
Thinking that it's normal for him to do so as he always did to his patients. But before he could say yes, Wu Zhang Wei hid Xiu Ying behind him and say, "Sorry Prince Yang but he's MY CONCUBINE. So it's inappropriate for him to do so. Don't worry, I'll ask a female servant to apply it. I'm sure she'll do it as gently as she can."
Before Lijun can say anything, Wu Zhang Wei said to the physician, "Please take care of him. I don't want anyone to die in my country. For the ointment, I'll send ten female servants so they won't miss any scars."
With that, Wu Zhang Wei grabs on Xiu Ying's hand and drags him to his room... bedroom.
The slams of the door make Xiu Ying flinches but he keeps staying calm. Wu Zhang Wei stands in front of him, looking intimidating. Xiu Ying wants to take a step back but his chin was suddenly grabbed by the emperor. He was forced to look at the tall guy.
"I just said REMEMBER YOUR POSITION but you already forget the next second." Xiu Ying feels shivers in his spine.
"No. I didn't forget."
"Didn't?! Ha! Then why it seems like you're eager to put the ointment on him? Can't stand the temptation to touch his body, huh?"
'...what?! What is this guy talking about?! Does he think I'm a pervert, touching other people, a man on top of that?! If it's your sister or maybe your other concubines then yes! I'll fight you until I could touch them! But for God's sake! That prince is a man! I have what he has. Nothing else to explore!'
Watching Xiu Ying staring at him with frowns, Wu Zhang Wei also lost for words.
Xiu Ying sighs. "Your Majesty. There's no need for you to worry about that. I never have that kind of attention. Be it towards him or even another guy. I'm just happy when the person I tend will be cured under my care. It gives me some kind of satisfaction. That's all."
Xiu Ying glances at Wu Zhang Wei and continues, "No need for you to get jealous." He smirks.
Wu Zhang Wei turns slightly red. "Wh- who said I'm jealous?! I just don't want people to see me as a stupid king, letting my own concubine be with another prince. He's just an immature prince. There's nothing to be jealous of!"
Xiu Ying scoffs, 'Then why are you getting so worked up? I'm just kidding or don't tell me he... '
'Well, whatever. I don't care he wants to be jealous or whatnot. It's not my problem. It didn't give the slightest effect on my life.'
"If Your Majesty doesn't have anything else to say, I'd like to excuse myself. I still need to make some more ointment for Prince Yang."
Hearing the name only already makes him feel annoyed, what's more, the name was mentioned by the tiny pink lips. It makes him wanna kill the name's owner.
Getting no answer, Xiu Ying bows then quickly leaves the room.
'Allow or not?
Permission or forbid?
Yes or no?
F**k all that. I'll do whatever I want..' thought Xiu Ying when he caught a glance of Wu Zhang Wei's solemn expression when he's about to leave.
Two days had passed since the incident at the banquet. Prince Yang Lijun is also getting much better. Even the scars on his face and body are barely visible.
Xiu Ying prepared an ointment made from aloe vera and some paste made from green tea which greatly helped to fade the scars. Every day, Xiu Ying will come and visit Prince Yang to check on his condition, but he's never alone.
When Wu Zhang Wei heard the news that Xiu Ying went to visit Prince Yang, alone, it ticks him off. Xiu Ying was immediately reprimanded by him to not go and visit Prince Yang again, not without his company.
"But you're busy Your Majesty. I won't disturb you just for a short visit," said Xiu nonchalantly.
"No means no! Zhen said never to meet him alone. Is that so hard for you to understand?!"
"Then, what if Your Majesty is in the meeting? Should I call you too?"
"Choose a time when Zhen is not in the meeting."
"But I usually visit him once in the morning and once in the evening. Every day in the morning, Your Majesty must attend the morning court. Then, Your Majesty won't even have time in the evening as that is Your Majesty's consultation time with my father. So..."
Wu Zhang Wei's eyes twitched. 'He's doing it on purpose isn't he?'
"Then go after the morning court and before my consultation time. You got such a long time for a day, just choose other than that two times. End of discussion!" Wu Zhang Wei raises his voice.
'What a grumpy guy!'
Unaffected by the furious emperor, Xiu Ying rolls his eyes. "Fine."
Due to that, Xiu Ying had to drag along the emperor whenever he's going to visit Prince Yang. The latter also beams when he saw his savior. Totally ignoring the emperor's presence, Prince Yang happily talked with Xiu Ying.
Right now, Xiu Ying is visiting Prince Yang for the second time today. He can't do any check-up on Prince Yang as someone forbids him. He can only watch from aside when the physician did it.
"Your Highness, may I ask, did this kind of thing happen to you before?" Xiu Ying asked.
"Yes. Well, I don't know what caused this and even the physician couldn't find the causes. Whenever it happened, I just laid on my bed for days, waiting for the pain to subside." Prince Yang rubs his nape, feeling even the physicians in his country are useless. Can't even be compared to Concubine Li.
"Then, did you remember what did you ate that made you like this? Maybe there are similar ingredients in every meal that you took that causes this."
Prince Yang rubbed his chin, thinking of the meals that he ate before. "Well...usually this happened whenever I ate sour soup. So since that, I avoid eating any sour soup."
Xiu Ying squints his eyes. 'Sour...soup? But at the banquet, there's no sour soup. Mostly dried dish. The only soups are the oxtail soup and shark's fin soup. But both of them are not sour...wait. The shark's fin soup is served with vinegar! If it's vinegar then he must be suffered from vinegar allergy.'
"Concubine Li? Did you know anything?" Prince Yang asked when he saw Xiu Ying's eyes widen.
"Prince Yang...forgive me if I'm wrong but I think Your Highness is sensitive to vinegar. That's my assumption because Your Highness said it occurred whenever Your Highness ate sour soup but at the banquet, there are no sour meals except the shark's fin soup that was served together with vinegar. So, that's what makes me think Your Highness is sensitive towards vinegar."
Wu Zhang Wei, Prince Yang, and the physician look at Xiu Ying with full of admiration. But Wu Zhang Wei immediately frowns when he saw Prince Yang staring at his concubine with not only admiration. It is...more than that.
Ignoring the stares, Xiu Ying continues, "Your Highness, please remember not to take anything that has vinegar in it. Maybe you could ask your cook to change it into citrus fruit juice such as lime. It could give the same taste. In that way, maybe Your Highness can enjoy more meals."
"Concubine Li...yo- you're amazing! Not even one of the physicians in my country knows about this b- but you! Wow!"
Sensing the unwanted danger, Wu Zhang Wei moves closer to Xiu Ying, hiding him from the prince's view.
Prince Yang turns to Wu Zhang Wei and slightly smirks. Xiu Ying feels stuffy when a pole hides his sight, he moves aside. The tiny movement makes Wu Zhang Wei abruptly turn to Xiu Ying and glare.
"I just read a lot, Your Highness. Don't worry. I'll write everything down on what Your Highness can or cannot eat and what to do if this occurs again."
"Can't I just...come here if this happened again? I- I think Concubine Li is far more experienced and I feel safer with Concubine Li." Prince Yang said with a pleading voice that might melt every woman's heart.
Wu Zhang Wei interrupts with laughs and sneers. "Sorry Prince Yang but Concubine Li might be busy from now onwards. My imperial mother wants him to handle the inner palace's matter so he won't have time to tend to your trivial needs. Plus, in the future, he might need to take care of...our kids too."
Xiu Ying almost slumps onto the floor but the hand crawling on his waist prevented it from happening.
The sneer gets wider when the emperor sees the prince grit his teeth.
"Alright MY Ying-er, let's go. The prince needs to rest." Without waiting for the answer, Wu Zhang Wei already drags Xiu Ying out of the room.
Xiu Ying is still lost in thought and didn't realize the emperor leads him around. He blinks repeatedly. He realized he's already out of Prince Yang's room when his butt touched the soft mattress. He was brought to Wu Zhang Wei's room.
Xiu Ying abruptly stands and takes a few steps away from the bed. His act makes the emperor's mood darkened.
Xiu Ying feels the heavy air. He clears his throat, "Your Majesty, pardon this servant but in future please refrain from saying...things like that. It- it's not good."
"What things?" Zhang Wei crossed his arms, staring deathly.
"Th- things about...k- kids... If! If the other consorts heard it they might not like it. Th- they might think Your Majesty is...showing favor towards me." Xiu Ying hangs his head low. He might look like an innocent ger, feeling shy from talking about such a topic but the truth is, inside his head... 'F**k you grumpy old man! Who wants to bear your child! If you want a child, let ME MAKE YOU PREGNANT!'
"It's up to them what they want to think. You're Zhen's concubine. Zhen can do anything Zhen wants to you. And Zhen told you before if you want to say something about other concubines, in case they cause trouble for you, just tell Zhen. Zhen will handle it."
"Pardon Your Majesty. There's a proverb saying prevention is better than cure so I better prevent them from finding an excuse to cause trouble for me rather than finding a solution to handle the problem." Xiu Ying said it in one breath.
"..." 'Is that even the same?!' thought Zhang Wei.
"Concubine Li... why are you being like this?"
Xiu Ying sighs. "Pardon Your Majesty. But let me return this question to Your Majesty. Why is Your Majesty being like this? Why must Your Majesty tell me what to do, what not to do? Who I can or cannot meet. Why is Your Majesty...tried to be kind to me?"
Zhang Wei was surprised by the questions and even he didn't know why he is like that towards Xiu Ying. Plus, he didn't even realize his acts before.
"Wh- what do you mean? You're Zhen's concubine. Zhen has the right to do all that and is it wrong for Zhen to be kind to you? All consorts practically begged Zhen to be kind to them, why are you even questioned it?" Zhang Wei gets off the bed and walks closer towards Xiu Ying.
Xiu Ying raises his head and stares straight into Zhang Wei's eyes. "Be kind to me? After Your Majesty ignored my existence, now Your Majesty wants to be kind to me? When I was dying, in a coma for three days, did Your Majesty ever come and visit me, even for once? Did Your Majesty find out the truth behind the poisoning? Did Your Majesty try to find a cure for me? Did Your Majesty stay up late taking care of me? Did Your Majesty do any of that?"
Wu Zhang Wei fell speechless. He can't retort back because he never did any of it.
"The people in this palace hate me to the core so no servants want to help me and no guards want to protect me. They dare to do that...why? Because Your Majesty didn't even get mad when they treated me like trash. I was insulted almost every day and every time I show myself. Did Your Majesty take any action for what they did to me? No, right? That's because Your Majesty also despised me. That's why I was placed at the furthest palace so I'll be out of Your Majesty's sight."
Xiu Ying scoffs. "Now, Your Majesty, out of nowhere said wants to be kind to me? Gosh! Are you kidding me?!" Xiu Ying is too mad when he remembered what happened to the owner of this body, he even forgets the manner.
Zhang Wei grabs on Xiu Ying's hand, "Xiu Ying...can you give Zhen a chance to make up for all that?"
Xiu Ying quickly yanks his hand, "Why should I do that?"
"Le- let Zhen have a chance to treat you better. Zhen promises not to ignore Xiu Ying again after this." Zhang Wei wants to grab on Xiu Ying's hand again but the latter steps back.
Xiu Ying raises his palm, stopping Zhang Wei from getting closer. "May I know, what makes Your Majesty suddenly has a change of heart? I don't think I did something extraordinary or special that could raise my status in Your Majesty's eyes higher. I'm just annoying and a freak, right?"
Zhang Wei gulps down his saliva. 'Wait did he hear it when I said that about him? Damn this mouth of mine is too careless. Now I have to face these consequences on my own.'
"Xiu Ying...Zhen di- didn't mean to say something like that. Zhen wants to apologize for everything Zhen said before. Zhen knows it was so rude to say something like that b- but honestly...at that time Zhen was kinda an- an- annoyed when Xiu Ying keeps on pestering like that. Zhen doesn't like it when someone easily threw her/himself at other people. Zhen...sorry.." His voice and his expression clearly show how he regrets what he said.
"Then, what makes it different now? I'm still the same Xiu Ying."
"No!" The sudden high voice makes Xiu Ying flinches. "You're not the same. Even if Zhen didn't know the real you, but Zhen knows you're not the same as before. Xiu Ying now is calmer and mannerful. Your words, your actions, even the air around you are completely changed. It feels like there's someone else taking over your body." Xiu Ying turns rigid.
"Xiu Ying... please... Let Zhen treat you better?" Zhang Wei inclined his head.
"Listen here Your Majesty. Your Majesty has another two consorts and one concubine. Just like me, they also never received any kindness from Your Majesty. Shouldn't Your Majesty do the same to them?"
"B- but..."
"If! If Your Majesty treats them better, then I'll let Your Majesty do the same to me. Be fair. If Your Majesty can't be kind to all of them, then don't do it at all. Not to anyone. Not to me."
Zhang Wei grips his fist tightly. He takes a deep breath, "Then, it means whatever I did to them, Xiu Ying will let Zhen do to you?"
The way Zhang Wei said it makes Xiu Ying rethinks his decision.
"Y- yeah."
"Promise?"
"Pr- promise." Xiu Ying hesitates.. He didn't know his own words that caused him the troubles in the future.
In the study room,
"Qiu Li Jie, have you prepared what Zhen asked you to?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." Qiu Li Jie comes forwards and holds out a scroll. Unfolds the scrolls, Wu Zhang Wei frowns, followed by heavy sighs.
"Your Majesty, is there anything wrong? I've arranged the turns based on their ranks. Should I change it?" Receiving no approval from the emperor makes Qiu Li Jie thinks he made a mistake in arranging the bedchamber turns.
"Yu Li Na, first three nights of the week;
Lin Hui Yin next two nights;
Wen Qian next one day;
Li Xiu Ying...the last day." Wu Zhang Wei mumbles.
"No, it's okay. Let's just...proceed. Please inform all of them about this list." Zhang Wei kneads his temple.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Qiu Li Jie bobs his head and leaves the room.
Zhang Wei sighs. "This is all for you..."
The news of bedchamber turns had been made, making all the concubines feel all over the moon, especially Yu Li Na, who got the most nights to spend with Wu Zhang Wei.
When she saw the list, her cockiness leveled up. "Hmph! In the end, His Majesty still chooses me over you," she stares at Xiu Ying's name. "All those smart-like acts, showing off your knowledge about medical is useless if you don't have even half of my beauty and curves. Do you think His Majesty wants to sleep with someone flat and skinny like you? It's better if he sleeps with a log!" She laughs out loud and even her servants join her.
Meanwhile, Xiu Ying only shrugs his shoulders when he saw the roster. Then, he put it aside, acting like he saw nothing important. Jing Yi becomes frustrated on his behalf. He keeps on babbling, "How can His Majesty do this to you, Young Master! It's too unfair! Shouldn't you go and consult about this with His Majesty?"
Xiu Ying raises his eyebrows and frowns. 'Seriously this kid? I'm finally getting the chance to make that guy stay away, now he wants me to ruin my plan?'
"Yo- young master... Why are you looking at me like that? Isn't what I said is right? His Majesty should be fair. He can't treat Young Master like this. This is like His Majesty openly declaring that young master is the least favorite of him!"
"I wished I didn't even enter that favorite list." Xiu Ying mumbles.
"Listen here, Jing Yi. Can you stop worrying? Before this I even decided to leave this place, so now why would I care about those useless rosters?" He scoffs.
"Really..? Young Master didn't take it to the heart?"
Xiu Ying chuckles. "I wish I could delete my name on that list." Hearing this, Jing Yi breathes a sigh of relief.
Jing Yi didn't exactly hate the emperor. He just dislikes the way the emperor treated his young master before. He doesn't want Xiu Ying to suffer again just because of his unrequited love towards the cold man.
...
Tonight is the starting of the bedchamber turns. Wu Zhang Wei will start to spend the night in Li Na's room. The latter has been spending all day, busying herself decorating her room, and making herself look presentable.
She takes a long milk bath that will help her skin look fair and smooth. The water is also mixed with essential oils that could help her to relax her stiff muscles and have a nice body scent.
With such preparation, Li Na hopes the emperor is willing to spend the night with her and let her carry the next crown prince in her womb. Around Xū hours (7-8 pm), the eunuch announced the emperor's arrival. When Wu Zhang Wei entered the room, his eyes twitched.
Why?
Because he was greeted with a shameless woman, wearing a red robe that hugs tight her curvy figures and it almost reveals the upper part of her body. Wu Zhang Wei takes a sniff and scents of aromatic candles filled the room.
For a mere guy, if he inhales this scent for hours, slowly it can make him turn on. This kind of candle is usually used as an aphrodisiac but it works very slowly so it won't be too obvious. However, for the country's monarch that is used to various kinds of poison, this low quality of drugs won't affect him.
Wu Zhang Wei quickly returns to his poker face, hiding the detestation against the other person. He acts normally, taking a seat then directly eating his dinner. Trying to be attentive, Li Na serves Wu Zhang Wei in a graceful manner.
"Is the food to Your Majesty's liking?" She asked.
"Hmn."
No matter how much Li Na tried to engage in a conversation with him, Wu Zhang Wei only hums, and even if he answered it is not more than three words.
When they're done with the meals, Li Na asked her servant to bring out a jar of wine. "Your Majesty, this is a special wine from the Shang Empire. This wine is really good and hardly found anywhere except the Shang Empire. My uncle gave me before as a gift so I'd like to share this special wine with a special person." With a faint flush on her face, she pours the wine and gives it to Wu Zhang Wei.
Wu Zhang Wei stares at the cup for a while then he picks it up, swirls the cup a few times. He sniffs it and then takes a sip. He immediately frowns. 'Damn this girl. What a strong wine! Is she trying to make me drunk so she could take advantage of me? Ha! In your dreams!'
"Concubine Yu...you don't drink?" Wu Zhang Wei glances at the woman beside him.
Li Na keeps on serving Wu Zhang Wei and didn't drink even a drop of the wine. Her eyelids slightly tremble when the emperor asked her the question. "We- well, I've drunk this a lot before this so this one I specially saved for Your Majesty."
Wu Zhang Wei smirks. He takes the empty cup and pours the wine into it. "It's not fun to drink alone. Since Zhen is in Concubine Yu's room, shouldn't Concubine Yu accompany Zhen? If Zhen drinks alone, it's better to drink at Zhen's room, right?"
She smiles stiffly. Wu Zhang Wei stares at her, making sure she gulps down every drop. Once she emptied the cup, Wu Zhang Wei pours another full cup. On the third cup, Li Na already feels tipsy but Wu Zhang Wei keeps pouring more wine.
After seven cups, Li Na fell unconscious. Her head is laid on the table and she keeps on mumbling. "Yo- Majes *hiccup* ty... I...li..ke you...*hiccup* I...wa- want to...carry...yo- your child *hiccup*"
Wu Zhang Wei looks at her in disgust. "You think I'd ever touch you? Not only in this lifetime but in next next lives, I'd never hold you."
"Wei Min," Wu Zhang Wei called, and out of nowhere a figure in black night clothes came out.
He kneels, "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Carry her to the bed and take off her outer clothes and makes her hair looks disheveled." Wu Zhang Wei still sitting at the dining table, enjoying the tea.
In a flash, Wei Min throws Li Na onto his shoulder then puts her on the bed. Trained to have strong wills and perseverance, Wei Min feels nothing when he takes off the outer robe, leaving her with the thin inner clothes that faintly see-through. Then he takes off all the hairpins, letting her hair falls loose.
"Just throw her clothes on the floor." Wu Zhang Wei raises from the stool then approaches the bed. He looks down on the half-naked woman on the bed but he feels nothing.
"Good. Let's go." Together with Wei Min, Wu Zhang Wei leaves the room through the window. It's not a problem for someone like Wu Zhang Wei who possessed strong skills in martial arts.
Wu Zhang Wei returns to his study room without anyone else noticing, except his hidden personal bodyguards. Inside the study room, there's another hidden side that has a bed. It is the usual place Wu Zhang Wei will sleep if he's too busy to return to his own bedroom.
Wu Zhang Wei sleeps inside the study room. On Mǎo hours (0500 - 0600), Wu Zhang Wei wakes up then he returns to Li Na's bedroom.
He feels heavily reluctant but he still needs to do it to make people believe. He takes off his clothes on the upper part then throws them on the floor. Then, he quietly slid under the quilt, lying next to the unconscious concubine. He shuts his eyes, pretending to sleep.
An hour later, Wu Zhang Wei could feel small movements beside him but he continues his act. "Urghhh...my head..." Li Na winces due to extreme dizziness. After a moment, she sits up and slowly opens his eyes. Her eyes bulge when she saw the naked emperor sleeping beside her.
"Oh my,...di- did I...we...did it...last night? It- it can't be..." She mumbles.
"But if we didn't do it...th- then why...His Majesty lying nakedly on my bed? A- and both of us...looking like this..." She cupped her mouth, trying to cover the obvious sneer.
Couldn't bear to hear the girl's imagination anymore, Wu Zhang Wei groans, acting like he's just waking up. He slowly opens his eyes and smiles gently, "Oh? You're up?"
'Damn man! I can't believe I could act this good!'
"Yo- your Majesty..." Her face flushed when she saw the sexy man lying naked with the seductive smile, like a full course being served for her eyes.
"Your Majesty...la- last night...did we..." She asked for a confirmation.
"Hmn. We did. Isn't that what we are supposed to do when we're together?" Zhang Wei said nonchalantly.
"Re- really?! B- but...Your majesty...I...don't..." Her words were cut off.
"Of course you didn't feel anything. Zhen was extra careful when Zhen held you last night. Since it was your first time so Zhen didn't want you to get hurt." He sits up, revealing the finely toned abs.
Seeing the girl still in her dreamland, Zhang Wei rolls his eyes secretly. "Alright. Rest up some more. Zhen needs to attend the morning court." He gets off the bed, wears his robe then quickly leaves the room. The servants who were waiting outside feels shocked and happy at the same time when they saw the emperor coming out of their lady's room plus with their lady's condition when they entered the room.
The servants quickly prepare warm water for their master. They keep teasing and congratulating Li Na. The latter couldn't hide her happiness but at the same time she feels...weird.
'Why I didn't remember anything? It feels like nothing happened. No numbness, no pain. Well, even though I'm not a virgin, it's been so long since I did it. Did we really do it? But His Majesty won't lie to, isn't he? And there's no reason for him to do so..' Li Na can't rid of these thoughts but still, she tried to comfort herself and ignore them.
Meanwhile, as soon as Zhang Wei left the Yanxi Palace ground, he emitted cold and dark air. Staying on the bed with Li Na, even just for a while makes him feel disgusted. He takes a bath and keeps on scrubbing his skin.
It's just a day. He didn't know how long he can keep doing this. But thinking of that certain person, he needs to be patient. He needs to do everything to make that person HIS.
...
News of The Emperor having spent the night with Concubine Yu spreads all over the palace. Concubine Lin Hui Yin feels envy but she can't do anything to get on Li Na's bad side. She tells herself to wait patiently until her turn in a few days. She's confident she can make the emperor sleep with her too.
At Zhongcui Palace, Jing Yi ran at the fastest speed to tell his young master about what he just heard. "Young master, everybody already knows about this and now they even thought that Concubine Yu will be enthroned as the empress!" Jing Yi said between his heavy breath.
"It's still morning and everyone already knew? Wow! You guys here are even faster than my internet connection. No wonder you don't need wifi here." He mumbles the last part.
"Young master? You...really don't care? Don't you know, if Concubine Yu become the empress, she won't let you live quietly? She'll disturb your life until either you're out of this palace or...dead." Jing Yi feels worried on behalf of his relaxed young master.
"Let her be. Let's see how far she could go. I dare her to play with me.." Jing Yi suddenly feels a shiver in his spine when he saw the wicked sneers on Xiu Ying's face.
After the first night, Wu Zhang Wei hides lots of tricks under his sleeves. Tricks to make Yu Li Na believed that they slept together. On the second night, Zhang Wei secretly slid herbal pills into her food that can make her feel sleepy.
On the third night, when Zhang Wei was about to take off Li Na's robe, the concubine had abdominal pain. After three times taking a dump, Zhang Wei pretends to be worried and showed some care. "You should rest tonight. Zhen will ask the physician to come and check on you. Zhen will come again next week."
With that, Wu Zhang Wei left the room. Yu Li Na is about to stop him from leaving but the nature call needs to be answered quickly.
Done with Concubine Yu, Wu Zhang Wei has to face Concubine Lin. Based on Zhang Wei's views on her, she's a bit more hot-tempered than Yu Li Na. If Li Na could hide her feelings, this girl is more expressive and outspoken. She's a bit childish, less pretty than Concubine Yu but with the same rotten heart. When with Concubine Yu, she's preferred to show her worth and value but in reverse, Concubine Lin preferred to badmouth other concubines, especially Xiu Ying.
If the other person didn't intend to hide her intention, so did Wu Zhang Wei. On both nights, he rejected to be with Lin Hui Yin. The first night, he said, "Sorry Concubine Lin. Tonight, Zhen didn't feel well, so Zhen would like to excuse myself."
The young girl wants to retort but thinking of the consequences, she held it. But her maid becomes the place for her to vent her anger.
On the second night, Wu Zhang Wei couldn't bear to hear this slutty girl insulting his loved one. He slightly raised his voice, "Concubine Lin, you keep on speaking-ill of other people. What makes you think you're better than them? Are you that perfect? Saint? I know Concubine Yu also disliked Concubine Li but she never badmouthed him. What makes you think, you, the one who has a lower position, could easily speak like that? Who gave you the right?"
Lin Hui Yin turns rigid. She was a spoiled child. Never his parents mad at her. She always forced her parents to listen to her demands. So, when Wu Zhang Wei mad at her, she forgot whom she faced. "Your Majesty! What I said, is it wrong?! It's true that Concubine Li is such an ugly slut. When he went home, he slept around with many guys. I could bring over someone to be my witness. He could prove to Your Majesty that Concubine Li is a loose guy!"
Bang!
Some teacups and bowls fell onto the floor when Wu Zhang Wei slams the dining table. It makes Hui Yin shrink her body and lower her head.
Wu Zhang Wei abruptly stands. "That's enough. Zhen didn't want to hear anything from your stink mouth." He left, leaving the crying girl.
Zhang Wei grips his fist tightly. "You're lucky I didn't kill you on the spot," he mumbles.
As for Wen Qian, it is too easy to handle. Wen Qian barely speaks any words. She just acts normally. She didn't even try to promote herself. They have a quiet dinner.
When bedtime arrived, she feels reluctant to lay on the bed when Wu Zhang Wei already tucked himself under the quilt. Looking at the fidgeting girl, Wu Zhang Wei sits up, "Wen Qian, sits. Zhen has something to say."
She slowly walks to the bed and sits at the edge of the mattress.
"You...don't wish to be here right?"
The girl tilts her head. "Wh- what Your Majesty means?"
"Zhen knows you were sent here by forced by your stepmother. She hoped that you'll suffer living in this place, am I right?" Wen Qian nods.
"Zhen also doesn't wish to force anyone...so, do you still want to live here or do you want Zhen to send you out of the palace?" Wen Qian raises her head, happiness can be seen on her face.
But then she turns gloomy. "B- but...I don't want to go back to that house again. I don't want to live with them."
Zhang Wei sighs. "Then, choose. You live here but keep on doing what you always do, stay low. Or, Zhen will send you out of the palace and Zhen will find a good family for you to be married into. Zhen will make sure your stepmother won't know about this."
Wen Qian steals a glance at the emperor. The emperor is being too good to her and it is so hard to believe. "Wh- why...Your Majesty wants to do this for me?"
Zhang Wei shrugs his shoulders. "No reason. Zhen knows you're a good person. You never want to live here but you are willing to accept it as it is better than living with your family. Zhen likes how you manage to take care of yourself even though you were surrounded by snakes. Besides, Zhen is not so cruel to let someone live alone during her whole life. You deserve to find your own happiness."
Tears filled her eyes, "Th- thank you... thank you, Your Majesty." She kneels and kowtows.
"Alright alright. That's enough. Raise." Zhang Wei pats on the empty space beside him. "Sit here. Zhen wants to ask something."
Feeling more comfortable with the emperor, Wen Qian did as she was told. She wipes the tears stain and quickly sits on the bed.
He clears his throat, "You...do you know anything about...Concubine Li?" He avoids Wen Qian's eyes.
"Concubine Li?"
"Hmn. Concubine Li...Li Xiu Ying. Do you know anything about him? Zhen means- what do you think about him?" Wu Zhang Wei rubs his nape.
Wen Qian didn't believe her eyes. The cold and feared emperor, acting shy.
"Well...as Your Majesty knows, I rarely involved with other concubines. I've encountered him once, during the tea party. Other than that, I only saw him from afar." Wen Qian thinks for a while, remembering how she met with Xiu Ying.
"What can I say about Concubine Li...he's really beautiful. In this palace, I don't think anyone could compete with his look." Zhang Wei nods, agreeing.
"About his attitude...he's actually very nice. From what I can see, he's not fake. But if someone tried to do him dirty, he'll return it tenfold. He's not the type that easy to be bullied." Wen Qian glances at the emperor.
Seeing the emperor waiting for her next words, she continues. "Your Majesty..pardon for my bluntness but to be honest, I'm quite afraid of...Concubine Yu and Concubine Lin. They're quite intimidating. I didn't dare to do anything to go against them that's why I keep a low profile, but still, they tried to find faults in me. But...when I met Concubine Li, it was the first time I met someone that genuinely worried about me. I can see from his eyes. I wished to befriend him but I know that it will bring harm to both of us if Concubine Yu know it." She sighs.
Once in a while, Wen Qian steals a glance at Zhang Wei. His expressions keep on changing. From smiling like an idiot, then suddenly frowning then now he's clearly mad.
"Yo- your Majesty...please ignore my babbling. It's just..."
"Don't worry. Zhen won't say anything to her. Thanks for being honest." Wen Qian breathes a sigh of relief.
"By the way, just stay here for the meantime while Zhen looking for a suitable family for you. When Zhen has found them, Zhen will let you leave."
"Your Majesty...thank you so much! I don't know how to repay you. You've been so good to me. I know Your Majesty will never harbor any feelings for me, so even if Your Majesty just let me live quietly here, I also don't mind. It's already good enough. But since Your Majesty has decided like this, I can't thank you enough." She keeps kowtow-ing.
Wu Zhang Wei smirks. "Wanna repay Zhen?"
"Yes. Just tell me anything. I'll do anything as long as I can repay Your Majesty's kindness."
"Alright then...befriend with Concubine Li. Zhen wanna know everything about him."
Wen Qian smiles, "Your Majesty...really loves him, right?" Wen Qian never thought the emperor seriously fell in love with Concubine Li. She thought that Wu Zhang Wei is a heartless emperor that never know the meaning of love. But looking at him now, Wen Qian can only shake her head.
"We- well...it's not wrong to love Zhen's concubine." He rubs his nose, feeling shy.
"I'm glad Concubine Li is the one that Your Majesty loves because even though I've met him only once but I know he's a good person. Right now, many servants envy of Jing Yi, Concubine Li's manservant because no other concubines treat their servant as good as Concubine Li treats Jing Yi."
Wu Zhang Wei's smug face is like saying, 'Of course. That's my wife!'
"Alright. Now, just lay down. Zhen will go back to Zhen's room. Starting next week, Zhen will add another night for you." Right after saying this, Wu Zhang Wei exits the room through the window as not to alert other people about his leaving.
...
Today is the last day of the week. Meaning, Wu Zhang Wei will spend the night with Xiu Ying.
Unlike other concubines, Xiu Ying made no preparation. In the morning, he practices his martial arts skills. Since the current body is weaker than his original body, Xiu Ying needs to keep practicing to sharpen his moves. Then, he rests until lunchtime. After lunch, he strolls around the garden until evening. Seeing the messy garden, he starts to tend it. He even cleans the fish pond until his whole body smells fishy.
When it's almost dinner time, Xiu Ying returns to his room to take a bath. He cleans himself normally. No milk bath, no essential. Just warm water and soap. During his bath, Xiu Ying keeps on sneezing.
'Maybe I soaked too long in the fish pond,' thought Xiu Ying.
He dried his hair then quickly eats his dinner, without waiting for the other person that was supposed to come tonight. After dinner, he takes some medication to relieve the flu. Then, he walks to the bed and pulls the blanket over his body, revealing his small head only. In just a few minutes, he was already deep in sleep.
When Wu Zhang Wei came, Jing Yi didn't know what to say.
Looking at the fidgeting servant, Wu Zhang Wei asked, "Concubine Li is inside?"
"Ye- yes Your Majesty b- but Concubine Li already sleep."
"Sleep? This early?" He slightly raises his voice.
"Ye- yes. Th- that's because Concubine Li is a little bit sick. Right after he took his medication, he fell asleep."
Wu Zhang Wei is about to ask whether he's lying or not but the question is held when he heard someone inside keeps on sneezing.
Wu Zhang Wei rushed into the room and he met with a small head moving back and forth due to sneeze. He approaches the figure and tried to peek over the blanket.
Xiu Ying's nose is red. Zhang Wei puts his palm over Xiu Ying's forehead and he's shocked at the high temperature he felt. He quickly goes out again to meet Jing Yi.
"What's wrong with him? Why suddenly he gets sick?"
Bewildered by the sudden questions, Jing Yi blinks his eyes repeatedly. "Ha? Oh...Actually in the evening, Concubine Li...cleaned the fish pond. He soaked too long inside the fish pond. I've clearly said not to do it but...no one can stop once Concubine Li has made his decision."
Zhang Wei huffs. "Go and bring a towel and cold water. Hurry up."
In a flash, Jing Yi ran to the kitchen and bring back a bowl of cold water together with a towel. Zhang Wei takes it from Jing Yi's hand, enters the room the slams the door behind. Leaving the poor servant in a confused state. Zhang Wei soaks the towel into the cold water, squeezes out the water the gently puts the wet towel on Xiu Ying's forehead.
Zhang Wei gently caresses the long soft hair. Looking at the beautiful person sleeping peacefully, his lips curved. He lowers his head until his lips almost meet Xiu Ying's lips. He's just a few inches away but he stops, then moves upward. He pecks on top of Xiu Ying's head.
"I won't do it without your consent. If I want to kiss you, I want you to return it.." Giving the last touch on Xiu Ying's cheek, then he leaves.
Today is the starting of the new week.
Xiu Ying wakes up with a better condition. No more runny nose and his temperature had dropped. Xiu Ying sits up then a towel plops on his thigh.
'Did Jing Yi put this on me...?'
The creaking sounds make Xiu Ying lifts his head. "Young Master, you're awake? How are you feeling now?" asked Jing Yi.
"Much better. Thank you, Jing Yi." With a smile, Xiu Ying waves the towel in front of Jing Yi.
Jing Yi lowers his head and playing with his fingers, 'Should I tell him or not? Tell or not? Tell or not?'
"What's wrong?" Xiu Ying as he received no answer from Jing Yi and the latter fidgets.
"Hmm...Young master...actually...His Majesty came last night.."
'Gosh! I totally forgot about that guy!' Xiu Ying suddenly remembered.
"Young master already fell asleep when His Majesty came. I told His Majesty that young master was sick. His Majesty went inside the room to check on you then His Majesty asked me to bring the towel and cold water. His Majesty was the one who put that on young master. Then, he left. That's all."
Xiu Ying looks at the dried towel and grips it tightly. He sighs. "Well, when I meet him later I'll convey my thanks to him." Xiu Ying puts the towel onto the bowl beside the bed then asked Jing Yi to take it away.
After taking his bath and having his breakfast, a eunuch came to Zhongcui Palace. He kneels on one knee, "Pardon my lady. This servant came to bring a new list for the bedchamber turns." The eunuch holding out a scroll.
"New list? It's just the second week?" Regardless of the hundreds of questions in his mind, Xiu Ying takes the scroll. The eunuch quickly leaves as he had done his task.
Xiu Ying opens the scroll and he immediately frowns.
"Two days for Concubine Yu Li Na;
One day for Concubine Lin Hui Yin;
Three days for Concubine Wen Qian;
One day for Concubine Li Xiu Ying."
Felt relief as he saw no changes made on his name but then he keeps wondering why the emperor suddenly had a change of heart? He thought the emperor favors Li Na the most. After spending a night with each of them, he already knows which body he likes more?
Seeing the quizzical look, Jing Yi clears his throat. "Yo- young master. From what I heard, when His Majesty left Concubine Yu's room, he looks calm and normal even though the servants keep on saying both of them spent steamy nights together. But for Concubine Lin, things seem not going well for her. All servants clearly heard that His Majesty went mad and stormed out of the room on the second night."
Jing Yi stops for a while, hesitates to tell Xiu Ying about Wen Qian.
"Then what about Concubine Wen Qian? Seems like His Majesty started to favor her." Xiu Ying asked out of curiosity. No sign of jealousy.
"She... when His Majesty left her room in the morning, His Majesty clearly looked happy. Even just for a while, they noticed the smile on His Majesty's lips. It shocked them all that His Majesty looking like that. Maybe that's why His Majesty wanted to spend more time with Concubine Wen Qian."
Xiu Ying flawless chin and keeps on nodding. 'Hmmm...maybe he prefers innocent and naive type... what a kink!'
Xiu Ying rolls the scroll backs and put it aside. "Well, as long as he didn't involve me, I don't mind care what he wants to do."
"Yo- young master...there's a new rumor about you..." Xiu Ying squints his eyes.
"People said His Majesty really hates you. His Majesty didn't want to spend even one night with you. They said this because they saw His Majesty left this room last night and only came just to warn or reprimand young master only."
'Wow. These people are worse than toxic netizens. They're talking like they sat in my room and witness everything with their own eyes,' Xiu Ying shakes his head and sighs.
"Jing Yi, after this, no need to care about them anymore. They are jealous of my beauty." Xiu Ying flips his long hair and smirks.
Jing Yi nod vigorously. 'True! If only they knew what His Majesty did last night, I'm sure they'll dig a hole and buried themselves in it!
...
The days going on as usual. Even though Wu Zhang Wei has set the bedchamber turns but he got the final whether he wants to go or not.
Zhang Wei only went to Yu Li Na's room on one of the nights and for Lin Hui Yin, he never comes again. However, the quiet and introvert Wen Qian has become a hot topic in the palace because Wu Zhang Wei never missed going to her room. Even if he is too busy, he's still making time to visit. This makes Li Na extremely furious.
She already forgot about Li Xiu Ying and her attention has turned to Wen Qian.
Xiu Ying who has been ignored, living happily and carefree. He lives in his own world, doing his own stuff. Whenever his turn has arrived, he'll ask permission to go home for two or three days. That way, the emperor never had the chance to go to his room.
The pitiful emperor can only sigh. Thinking back of how he treated Xiu Ying before, he can only be patient and wait until Xiu Ying opens his heart for him.
...
One bright afternoon, Xiu Ying is surprised by the visit from Wen Qian. Nevertheless, he welcomes her with a smile.
"My lady, what's with the sudden visit?" asked Xiu Ying. They're having lunch together in the courtyard.
"No reason. I just want to spend time and make friends. Am I not welcome here?"
Xiu Ying quickly shakes his head. "No. It's not like that. I'm just a little bit surprised. My lady is welcome to come here anytime."
'Is it really just making friends? From what I know, this girl is not like those two dumb and dumber. Or maybe...since now she has THAT guy on her back, she feels safe to do whatever she wants.'
Even though Wen Qian does look harmless but Xiu Ying still needs to be careful. Well, we can't judge a book by its cover.
Finished the meals, Wen Qian asked Xiu Ying to show her the garden. Xiu Ying agreed. While strolling, Wen Qian once in awhile steal a glance at the guy beside her. Slim body, slender and small waist, pink lips, fair skin, long and shiny hair, flawless skin, and...beautiful. He's mesmerizing.
'No wonder the emperor can fall for him. With this kind of look plus his good manner, any single guy that didn't fall for him must be crazy.' Wen Qian didn't realize that she's actually staring and not just glancing.
"-dy? My lady?" Xiu Ying waves his hand in front of Wen Qian's face.
"Ah? Oh.. Sorry... I didn't mean to-" She blushed.
Xiu Ying chuckles. "No. It's okay. I don't really mind. By the way, are you alright?"
"Yes. Yes. I'm alright. It's just...hmm.. My la-" Xiu Ying cuts her words.
"Just call me Xiu Ying. We're the same age, right? So let's treat each other like a friend."
Xiu Ying's words make Wen Qian's eyes watery. This is the first time someone wants to be her friend.
"Xiu Ying... Did you know, when we first met at the tea party and you asked me, am I alright?" Xiu Ying nods.
"The truth is, you're the first person who asked me that sincerely. Before this, no one ever cares about my well-being. After my mom died and my father remarried, he no longer cares about me. He always prioritizes his new wife and his kids with her. He doesn't even care if my stepmother beat me up, starve me, lock me for days."
Wen Qian silence for a moment then takes a deep breath before continues. "She's the one who sent me here to be a concubine because she knew our emperor is kinda cold. She wished that His Majesty will make my life more miserable." Wen Qian's expressions suddenly softened and she smiles.
"But, she's wrong and I feel grateful to her for sending me here. His Majesty is not like what other people said. He's so kind, gentle, and caring. I feel happy living here." Wen Qian looks at Xiu Ying's face but there are no traces of jealousy or fury. He even smiles widely.
"Then, I'm happy for you. Be kind to His Majesty and I'm sure His Majesty will treat you better. I can see His Majesty really cares for you. If not, he won't come and see you most of the time." Xiu Ying teased.
Wen Qian smiles stiffly. 'Yeah right.. He comes only to keep pressuring me to go and meet you.'
"Xiu Ying... You don't want to try and spend time with His Majesty? From what I heard, you always return home when it's your turn, right?"
Xiu Ying rubs his nose. 'Never thought it will be too obvious. Even a girl like her can notice it.'
"It's okay Wen Qian. I don't want to ruin your relationship with His Majesty. I'm sure His Majesty already contented being with you. He doesn't need any other people."
Xiu Ying suddenly turns his body, facing the girl beside him. "But Wen Qian, you need to be extra careful. You know... There's always someone who won't feel happy seeing you and His Majesty getting close. I'm sure they'll do something to hurt you, so please BE CAREFUL." Already comfortable being with Wen Qian, Xiu Ying can't help but feels worry for her.
Again, Wen Qian feels touched. If only Xiu Ying is not a ger and the emperor's concubine, she'll definitely fall for him.
"Hmn. Don't worry."
"One more thing, if you ever feel any discomfort, come and see me quickly. Well, I'm not trying to be paranoid but... better be safe than sorry." Xiu Ying didn't want Wen Qian went through the same thing he did.
Wen Qian taps on his shoulder, "Alright. I know. You're worrying too much. I'm fine. I'm sure they won't do anything for now."
"Well, you don't know. They might already plan something. For sure they don't want to wait until you already carry His Majesty's child. It will be harder." Xiu Ying didn't realize Wen Qian almost choked hearing his words.
'Child?! What child?! The only thing that gets out from the lovesick emperor is your name. Xiu Ying this, Xiu Ying that. You think I can get pregnant through his saliva that falls on my face whenever he nonstop talking about you?'
Her lips curved awkwardly. Now, the emperor looks even more pitiful in her eyes. She inwardly sighs, 'Good luck Your Majesty. You still got a long way to go.'
"Don't worry Xiu Ying-ah... His Majesty will protect me."
"Yes. Of course, he should. If not, I'll castrate him!" Xiu Ying laughs out loud.
Wen Qian gulps down her saliva. She never knows that Xiu Ying is so fearless. He could utter such words without care about his surroundings.
Around an hour or so, Wen Qian excused herself as not to impose for a long time. Unbeknownst to them, when Wen Qian walks out of Zhongcui Palace, someone quickly hides herself behind the wall. After reassure no one else is there, she runs back to her master.
At the same time, in the study room, Wei Min is kneeling on one knee.
"Your Majesty, Concubine Wen has returned to her place. Not sure what happened but she left the Zhongcui Palace...frowning."
Zhang Wei taps on the table. Having some thoughts. "Hmn. Is there anything else?" He brushed it off and will ask Wen Qian directly later on.
"As Your Majesty guessed, someone is keeping her eyes on Concubine Li and Concubine Wen. The female servant didn't even notice my gaze on her. I let her off to see who is her master."
Zhang Wei nods, "Good. Don't do anything for now. Let's see what they'll do. Alright. You can go now."
Wei Min nods and out of sight in a flash.
After the first visit, Wen Qian will come and spend time with Xiu Ying every two or three days. Even if she's not being pressured by the emperor, she'll come on her own. That's because she feels so comfortable around Xiu Ying.
The latter treats her like a sister and Wen Qian treats him like a brother...even though the feelings of love have become slightly deeper than just a brother. But, Wen Qian knows her limits. She knows Xiu Ying is someone that is out of her reach. Therefore, she buried her feelings deep down in her heart. She treasures her friendship with Xiu Ying more than anything and she won't ruin it just because of her useless affection.
Just like Wen Qian, Xiu Ying also feels happier when Wen Qian came and visit him. He does prefer to be alone but a good companion is always better. Jing Yi is a good friend but he's too strict with those protocols and won't dare to act too carefree with his young master and that makes Xiu Ying slightly frustrated. So, Wen Qian's presence filled a part of his boring day.
Wen Qian is now being highly respected. The thought of Wen Qian has the potential of becoming the Imperial Noble Consort or even the empress caused many servants tried to be nice to her. But too bad for them, Wen Qian who has been alerted by Xiu Ying ignored and dismissed them. She doesn't need someone who is loyal to position and money instead of the person herself.
The closeness between Xiu Ying and Wen Qian makes the other two concubines restless, Yu Li Na especially.
Lots of stuff have been smashed onto the floor and shattered into pieces every time her servant reported that Xiu Ying and Wen Qian will always meet up on the day the emperor comes to Wen Qian's room. Little did she know that actually, it was the emperor who eagerly met with Wen Qian just to know the latest information about Xiu Ying.
"Damn you useless bi**h! How dare you take away His Majesty from me... " Her fist trembles from holding her rage.
"I was wrong.. I should have tried to kill you and not the ugly slut. Ha! Pretend to act so naive and innocent but you're the real whore!" Li Na keeps smashing everything her hand could reach.
It's been two weeks since Wu Zhang Wei last came to her room as he said he was busy. But the emperor can make time to go and visit Wen Qian no matter how busy he was. That's what makes her furious!
"You wait! I'll make sure you can never go near His Majesty anymore. His Majesty is mine! I'm the one who will carry the crown prince!"
All the servants didn't dare to go near her. They're starting to despised their master. Before this, no matter how bad Yu Li Na treated them, they hold it in. First, because of Yu Li Na's position which is the highest rank compared to other concubines. Next, they thought the emperor started to like her when they knew the emperor and Yu Li Na spent the night together.
But now, it seems like the emperor clearly avoiding her and she's falling out of favor. The servants want to ask for a transfer to another palace or assigned to another work but it cannot be done unless someone is willing to swap their job. Too bad, no one wants to serve hot-tempered concubine. It is better to work in a stable and clean the shit.
...
More than a month has passed but never once Wu Zhang Wei had the chance to spend time with Xiu Ying, even just a dinner. Therefore, Wu Zhang Wei decided to visit Zhongcui Palace ahead of the scheduled night. Xiu Ying who is about to have his dinner was surprised by the announcement, "His Majesty has arrived." Xiu Ying and Jing Yi look at each other, dumbfounded.
The door was opened, revealing Wu Zhang Wei in a black robe. Xiu Ying quickly raises up from the stool to greet him, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Wu Zhang Wei walks straight towards Xiu Ying. He stops when they're about a meter away. Xiu Ying remains bowing with his hands folded to the front.
"Rise," said Wu Zhang Wei.
Xiu Ying straightens his back but head still looking at the floor. "What's with the sudden visit Your Majesty? Is there anything this servant can do?"
Wu Zhang Wei stares at the shorter guy in front of him, then he glances at Jing Yi who is standing at the corner of the room. He flicks his sleeve, asking Jing Yi to leave them alone. Reluctantly, Jing Yi bows and leaves the room.
"Zhen wants to have dinner with Zhen's concubine. Is that wrong?" He said flatly.
"No. Of course not. It- It's just...the meals tonight is to my liking and very simple so I'm afraid it might not suits Your Majesty's taste."
"No need to worry. Simple or not, it's still food and it is edible. So, let's just eat." In a swift move, Zhang Wei takes a hold on Xiu Ying's hand and drags him to the dining table. Xiu Ying was too shocked to react.
Xiu Ying asked Jing Yi to bring another bowl of rice and a pair of chopsticks. Xiu Ying serves Wu Zhang Wei as how a concubine should do but the way he did out of formality.
Both of them having dinner in silence. Xiu Ying's eyes never remove from the meals and his own bowl. Meanwhile, Wu Zhang Wei keeps on glancing at him.
"Xiu Ying...how have you been doing lately?" Wu Zhang Wei breaks the silence.
"Good, Your Majesty. Thank you for asking." Wu Zhang Wei hums.
"..."
'That's it?! Shouldn't you asked the same thing to me?!'
Feeling the heated gaze, Xiu Ying inwardly sighs. "Th- then... what about Your Majesty? How are you doing lately?"
"Good but a little bit busy. But Zhen thinks your father has it worse. There's a country that wants to pledge for peace with our country and Prime Minister Li was busy handling it. Zhen wants to give him some people to help him out but he said he prefers to do it on his own. That's why he looks thinner lately." Talking about his father, Xiu Ying finally shows some reaction.
Seeing the pout and worried expression of Xiu Ying's face, Wu Zhang Wei's lips curved. "Don't worry. Zhen will make sure he won't push himself too hard. Zhen will ask General Fei Hong to help your father. He's the only person that your father trusted and also my most trusted aid. So, cheer up and stop worrying." Without he realize it, Wu Zhang Wei lifts his hand and gently caresses Xiu Ying's cheek using his thumb.
Xiu Ying turns stiff. 'What is...happening? What is he doing right now? What's with this sudden act of affection? Wait...don't tell me...he came here...to do that?! No...No...No...'
Wu Zhang Wei retracts his hand and continues his dinner. After the servants take away all of the empty bowls and plates, both of them enjoy the tea.
"Tonight, Zhen will stay here."
"Pffttt!" The tea accidentally spits out of Xiu Ying's mouth. In an impulse, Wu Zhang Wei takes out a handkerchief and wipes off the corner of Xiu Ying's lips. For the second time, Xiu Ying froze.
"What's so shocked? Isn't it normal for Zhen to sleep here?" He shamelessly said.
"B- but...Your Majesty, tonight Your Majesty is supposed to spend time with Concubine Wen Qian. So, I think..." His words were cut off.
"It's okay. Concubine Wen won't mind. Zhen never missed visiting her so if Zhen missed a day or two, she won't care. Rest assured." Wu Zhang Wei looks at Xiu Ying with his charming smile.
Xiu Ying bits inside his mouth, 'Is it fine? Won't Wen Qian think I'm trying to steal away this guy from her? Seems like she really likes him. Gosh! The guilty are killing me!'
Wu Zhang Wei raises from the stool and walks towards the opened window. He stands near the window, staring outside. Xiu Ying was just awake from his thoughts found the emperor already out of his sight. He quickly stands up and approaching the emperor but maintain a fair distance between them.
Eyes admiring the crescent moon and hands on the back, Wu Zhang Wei asked, "Usually what Xiu Ying did before going to sleep?"
"Ah? Oh... Usually, I read some books regarding herbs. That's all." Xiu Ying steals a glance at the emperor's broad back.
"You really like anything related to medical, aren't you?" Wu Zhang Wei turns around and leans over the window.
"Well...it's might be a lot of help one day." Xiu Ying shrugs his shoulders.
Wu Zhang Wei tilts his head and stares at Xiu Ying. "You...wanna help out at the imperial pharmacy?"
Xiu Ying abruptly lifts his head, eyes beaming. "Im- imperial pharmacy?"
Wu Zhang Wei nods and he can't help but smiles looking at the beautiful face gleams. "B- but... is it really okay for me to help them out there? Isn't it a bit improper for a concubine like me? What will other people say when they knew?"
Still smiling, Wu Zhang Wei answered, "Don't worry. Imperial pharmacy's matter is under the inner palace care. Zhen will ask Imperial Mother to allow Xiu Ying to help out there. Imperial Mother for sure will allow it as she also impressed with the way Xiu Ying handled Prince Yang's matter."
Xiu Ying's lips curved. It's been so long since he wished to go to the imperial pharmacy. He wants to learn more about ancient and traditional medication. Even though he already read a lot in his past lives but still it is not the same with experience it on his own.
Absorbed in his own thoughts, Xiu Ying didn't realize the other person in the room already took off his outer robe and laid on the bed.
Wu Zhang Wei puts his hand behind his head, closes his eyes, pretending to sleep. Hearing the even breathes brought back Xiu Ying to the real-time. His eyes bulge when he saw the emperor lying on the bed like it was something he used to do.
Slowly approaching the bed, Xiu Ying crooked his neck, peeking on the other guy. In a low voice, he calls, "Your Majesty...? Are you asleep?"
Quietly he climbs onto the bed, one knees already on the mattress. He still peeking over. Xiu Ying waves his hand in front of Zhang Wei's face. "Your...Majesty?"
Xiu Ying gasps when his hand suddenly was grabbed and he was pulled to lie on the bed, next to the emperor. He quickly pushes the emperor on his chest to distance themselves but Zhang Wei holds him firmly, not letting go. Zhang Wei holding Xiu Ying using only one arm but it is strong enough. Zhang Wei lies flat and Xiu Ying's chest facing his arm.
"Yo- your Majesty... Le- let me go...please..." His voice slightly trembles.
Zhang Wei opens his eyes and looks at the guy in his embrace. Fear clearly shown on his face.
"Are you afraid of Zhen?" He sounds...dejected and sad.
"N- not really b- but...I'm n- not used to get close like this to other people besides my family." Xiu Ying blushed.
'He's too innocent...and cute,' Thought Zhang Wei.
"Don't worry. Zhen won't do anything to you. Zhen just wants to sleep beside you. That's all." Zhang Wei lifts his hand and gently caressing the long soft hair. Xiu Ying looks upwards. When he saw that Zhang Wei had close his eyes, Xiu Ying wiggles to remove the hand that wrapping his body.
"Stop moving around. Sleep now or else...Zhen won't let you sleep at all tonight." Xiu Ying automatically stops moving. His body turns rigid.
Xiu Ying's body feels a little bit numb as he's forcing his body to stay still so he can't lie comfortably. He wants to wait until Zhang Wei fell deep into the sleep and will slip out from the strong arm.
However, before Xiu Ying could carry out his escape plan, he gradually drifts off while waiting.
Feeling the body in his arm slowly falls willingly on his arm and head on his shoulder blade, Wu Zhang Wei smiles widely. Wu Zhang Wei half-opened his eyes, glancing at the sleeping beauty. He pecks on top of Xiu Ying's head and whispers, "Night, love."
Both of them sleep really well until the next morning.
The next morning, Xiu Ying woke up and find that the space beside him is empty. He breathes a sigh of relief.
It's better when the emperor leaves first. At least it won't be too awkward. When Jing Yi came in to prepare the bath, he scanned him up and down, left and right. Try to find any traces left by the emperor.
"What are you looking at? Did I lose my nose or what?" Xiu Ying squinted.
"N- nothing. It's just... are you alright, Young Master?" Jing Yi's eyes fall on Xiu Ying's waist.
Xiu Ying blushes when he finally gets what Jing Yi trying to say. "Why would I not okay?! Nothing happened last night. His Majesty just came to have dinner because he has something to tell me. That's all."
"Really? Then, did His Majesty left as soon as both of you were done talking?"
Xiu Ying looks at Jing Yi with a quizzical look, "Don't you know when His Majesty left?"
Jing Yi shakes his head, "No. Me and even the guards didn't see when His Majesty walking out from this room. I thought this morning His Majesty is still with Young Master in this room."
Both of them fell into silence.
'O...kay... This is getting scary. He's not on the bed when I woke up but no one saw him exit this room. Then, how did he get out?! Did he just disappear into the thin air? He had magic?! Wait! Do they even have magic in this era? Or what they usually call...cultivation! Did that guy as some cultivation power?'
Jing Yi watches his young master. Knitted brows then suddenly widened eyes, then frowning again. Jing Yi jolts when Xiu Ying suddenly, "Arghh! Whatever! I don't care. Now I want to bath." He quickly gets off the bed and walks into the separated bathroom.
...
Right after the morning court, Wu Zhang Wei went to Jingren Palace to meet Empress Dowager. When he arrived there, his imperial mother is spending time with Princess Wu Xiao Qing.
"Zhang Wei, what's the important matter that you want to discuss with mother?" asked Wu Jiaying.
"Mother, Zhang Wei needs mother to do some favor for me. Is that alright?"
Wu Jiaying frowns. It is such a rare occasion for the emperor to ask for help from his imperial mother. "Favour? What is it?"
"Hmm... Please gives out an order for Concubine Li to help out in the imperial pharmacy. Since imperial pharmacy's matter is under the mother's care, so Zhang Wei hopes mother can do it." He sounds a bit commanding but still respectful to his mother.
"Imperial pharmacy? Concubine Li? Why so sudden?"
"Well... when Concubine Li treated Prince Yang before, Zhang Wei heard him talked about the diseases that even our imperial physician didn't know. It seems like he has a broad knowledge of medicine, so Zhang Wei wants to let him work together with our imperial physicians. Zhang Wei sure it will be a great help to improve the medication in our country."
Wu Jiaying having some thoughts and Zhang Wei waits in silence.
"Alright. Mother agrees. Mother also impressed with the way he handled the matter. It seems like he has more experiences than our physicians." Zhang Wei nods, agreeing.
"Okay. Right after this mother will send out an order to ask Concubine Li to go to the imperial pharmacy."
"Thank you, mother." Zhang Wei bobs his head.
Wu Jiaying clears her throat. "Since mother had done a favor for Zhang Wei, now Zhang Wei needs to answer mother's question HONESTLY." Zhang Wei gulps down his saliva.
"When can mother expect a grandchild?" Her direct question almost make her son choked.
"Mo- mother... why suddenly asked about gra- grandchild? It's not like any of Zhang Wei's concubine is pregnant." Even the mighty emperor couldn't stand the Empress Dowager's death stares.
"But mother heard that Zhang Wei always spend the night in Concubine Wen's room. Isn't it? Zhang Wei also had slept with all of the concubines except Concubine Li. So, sooner or later there must a result right?"
"Mo- mother... I didn't- " Zhang Wei about to say he's close to Wen Qian only because of Xiu Ying but he quickly changed his words, afraid that his mother's anger.
"Zhang Wei becomes close to Concubine Wen because she's different from others. She didn't really care about position and whatnot. It's like, she treated Zhang Wei as a friend and so do I. As for other concubines... Zhang Wei only spend the night with them but... didn't do the deed." He mumbles the last part but still can be heard by Wu Jiaying who sits beside him.
"What?! Didn't do it?! If you want to sleep then just sleep in your own room. There's no need for you to sleep at their place. Why you didn't do it?! How can you just sleep soundly when you're lying beside your concubine? Are you impotent or what?"
"Mother! How could you say that.." Zhang Wei trying to shush his mother from talking too loud to avoid the servants hearing their conversation. If suddenly a rumor he's impotent spreads out, Zhang Wei thinks he can't show his face anymore.
Wu Jiaying calms herself down and huffs. "Then, what's the matter? Do you not like any of them?"
"If can, Zhang Wei doesn't want them to carry my child. Concubine Yu, we all know that her uncle has some relation with Regent in South Empire. We don't want them to overpower us one day by using the excuse that her son is the crown prince." Wu Jiaying slowly nods.
When the Minister of Revenue proposed his niece, Yu Li Na to be Zhang Wei's concubine, both Zhang Wei and Wu Jiaying can predict what his real aim. That is to slowly strengthen their power in this country. They reluctantly agreed because they don't want any dispute with the minister.
"Then, what about Concubine Lin?"
"She's not worth mentioning. Someone foul-mouthed and childish like her, if she carries my child, Zhang Wei sure my child won't grow up be a good person."
"Hmm...Concubine Li? Mother thinks he's a good man. Even though in the past he looks a little bit weird but now he seems much better in every aspect."
Zhang Wei chuckles. "Mother, don't you know, Concubine Li always asked permission to return home whenever it is his turn? Zhang Wei didn't even have the chance to get to know him."
His face showing no emotion but his heart is actually blooming with happiness when he remembered how last night his beloved slept in his arm. Too bad he has to leave earlier and couldn't stay until morning. He doesn't want anyone to hurt his beloved so he left through the window as not to let those spies saw him left the room.
Wu Jiaying sighs. "Zhang Wei, listen to mother. Why don't you just try to accept Concubine Wen? Mother knows she's a good child. She's someone with less words but mother knows she bears no ill-intention."
Wu Xiao Qing who just watching his mother and brother's conversation from aside suddenly speaks up, "Wei-ge, I talked to her once during the banquet and she's okay. Better than Concubine Yu and Concubine Lin. But she's... so-so. Not that pretty. Let's just hope if you guys have a child, that child will follow Wei-ge's face." She shrugs her shoulders.
"Watch your language, Princess." The Empress Dowager glares at her daughter.
Zhang Wei just smiles and shakes his head. "Then, who do you think is the prettiest and suitable for Wei-ge?"
Xiao Qing rubs his chin, poses like she's thinking. "Qing-er thinks...Concubine Li suits Wei-ge. His face is out of this world. Too ethereal! Can't believe such a face was hidden behind that ugly makeup. Thank God he no longer wears it."
Zhang Wei is having a hard time to control his smile. Feeling happy and relieved when his sister thought so.
Xiao Qing who is used to observe people's acts and expressions noticed the faint smile that plastered on his brother's face for a second. She smirks.
"Wei-ge, do you like Concubine Li?" Xiao Qing's sudden question makes both Zhang Wei and Wu Jiaying immediately turn to her. Zhang Wei's eyes twitched.
Wu Jiaying gently smacks on her daughter's arm, "Why you suddenly say like that?"
"Well... Wei-ge didn't say anything bad about Concubine Li. Then, he suddenly asked mother to place Concubine Li at the imperial pharmacy, which is totally out of his character asking help from mother. Qing-er sure this is Wei-ge's own idea because both of them never spent time together so Concubine Li won't have a chance to ask this matter to be forwarded to mother. In Qing-er's conclusion, Wei-ge is just trying to get close or maybe showing his good side to Concubine Li just to... get his heart." She looks at his own brother that squinted his eyes. Xiao Qing smiles triumphantly.
Wu Jiaying slowly turns to Zhang Wei, "I- is that true, son? Zhang Wei likes Concubine Li?"
Zhang Wei opens and closes his mouth, like a fish breathing in water. Didn't know what to answer.
"Mo- mother...don't listen to this kid. She's just kidding." He laughs awkwardly.
Wu Jiaying looks at Zhang Wei with a face saying, 'YOU BETTER TELL ME THE TRUTH'.
Before Zhang Wei could answer, Xiao Qing cuts him off. "It's not wrong to like him. He's pretty, smart, polite and he's clearly don't like you which is rare. Unlike the other two. Openly trying to show off their body like a prostitute. That's why, I'll support you, Wei-ge! Someone is like Concubine Li is hard to found. So you better get a hold of him."
Wu Jiaying and Zhang Wei look at each other then they look at Xiao Qing.
"Qing-er... did anything happened between you and Concubine Li before? Or maybe between Concubine Yu and Concubine Lin?" asked Zhang Wei.
She tilts her head, "Why Wei-ge asked?"
"Well, it looks like you really hate them and you clearly supporting Concubine Li. You're not the type that takes any sides unless... something happened to you that makes you despised them."
Xiao Qing glances at her mother and brother's face full of anticipation, she sighs.
[Flashback - a few weeks ago]
Xiao Qing strolling around the palace. It's just a few days since she returned to this place but she already feels bored cooped inside the palace. She likes being carefree, travel around. Staying in a place, not doing anything, is not her thing. She walks around the palace, going from one place to another.
Xiao Qing prefers not to be disturbed so she only brings two of her closest female servants with her. Since she's still in the palace ground, there's no need for her to drag along the bodyguards.
When she walked past Yanxi Palace, she stumbled upon Yu Li Na and Lin Hui Yin. With a fake smile, she approached them.
"Greetings, Your Highness." Greet Yu Li Na and Lin Hui Yin.
"Rise." Waiting for them to raise then she asked, "Where are you both heading to?"
"Oh. We're going to the imperial pharmacy," said Li Na.
"Well then, may I join both of you?" Both Li Na and Hui Yin slightly frown when Xiao Qing wants to join them. Hui Yin about to say no but Li Na quickly cuts her off.
"Sure Your Highness. Let's walk together there." She takes a step back then opens her left arm, asking Xiao Qing to take the lead.
Li Na and Hui Yin walk just slightly behind Xiao Qing. It is inappropriate for concubines to walk side-to-side with the royal family unless the royal family ordered them to do so.
"If I can know, what's the purpose of Concubine Yu and Concubine Lin going to the imperial pharmacy? Does anyone of you sick? If yes, you can just call a physician to come to your room. There's no need to trouble yourself walking."
Li Na and Hui Yin look at each other. "Hmm... well, both of us are still in good health so we can just walk. We just want to examine our condition. Are we... fertile or not." said Li Na.
Xiao Qing immediately turns her head, "Fe- fertility? What for?"
Li Na looks at Xiao Qing with a face 'are you kidding me? are you seriously asking me that?'. She lifts her fingers, covering her fake shy smile. "Your Highness, don't you know we're the consort for His Majesty?"
"Yeah...so?"
Both consorts frown. "Your Highness, I know it's been a while since Your Highness return here but at least Your Highness won't forget right, what's the purpose of consorts?" Hui Yin said.
"Just...for fun? Isn't it?" The princess's words are like an arrow stabbed right into both of their hearts.
"H- how could you say that?!" Hui Yin raised her voice. Li Na quickly taps on Hui Yin's back, asking her to stop from saying more.
"Your Highness, I think Your Highness should attend the study again. It would be a shame to His Majesty if one day, a prince from another country came to ask for a hand in marriage but the princess didn't even know the rules and protocols of the palace. It's just the same the prince marrying a commoner." Li Na smirks.
"You! How dare you say that to me! You're just a mere consort and I'm the princess of this country!"
With a sly smile, Li Na retorts, "Your Highness, a consort is not just a mere consort if she could carry the next heir for the throne. After a few nights with His Majesty, in here..." She caresses her flat tummy, "there might a crown prince being created. And Your Highness knows right, if my son becomes the crown prince, I could be entitled as Imperial Noble Consort or even the empress. So..." She wiggles her eyebrows.
Yu Li Na tried to say that one day, her position will be higher than the princess, so Xiao Qing should be careful with what she's trying to say.
Xiao Qing scoffs. "Ha! Do you think my brother will make you the empress?! Dream on!" Her hand trembles. She can't hold her anger.
"Oh really? But last two nights, His Majesty showed that he really cares for me. He caressed my tummy and he even said if I give birth to his son, he'll grant any wishes of mine."
Hui Yin watched the arguments from aside. She feels betrayed by Li Na's words. Even with the princess, Li Na dared to threaten, what's more, a consort like her. She might even be tortured if one day Li Na really became the empress. She only shuts her mouth. Didn't dare to interrupt.
Seeing the princess doesn't have anything to retort, she continues, "Your Highness, it's useless to have a beautiful face but lack in other things. Did you know Your Highness, living so carefree, ignorance of your surroundings, and acting rough like a guy, men won't like it. Please behave like a real princess and don't taint the royal family's image." Li Na said sarcastically.
"Well, it is better than be a woman that easily throws herself into a guy's arm. That's so cheap. Even a prostitute needs to be paid a large sum of money to let the guy touch them." A low and soothing voice interrupts their conversation. All of them turn to where the voice came from. They met with a beautiful guy in a pink robe.
"Isn't that right, princess?" said Xiu Ying with a wide smile. Xiu Ying just stepped out of the imperial pharmacy when he heard familiar voices. He's not the type to meddle in other people's business but he can't let the princess being bullied. Plus, he just wants to annoy Concubine Yu.
"True!" Xiao Qing vigorously nods her head. When Xiu Ying came and stand beside her, she feels kind of relief and safe. Even though Xiu Ying is a guy but his appearance is like a protective sister.
"Wh- what do you mean?! How dare you trying to say that I'm a cheap woman!" Li Na wiggles her forefinger in front of Xiu Ying's face.
"Excuse me, My Lady. When did I mention that you're a cheap woman? I just deny your words that said Princess Xiao Qing needs to behave like a real princess. What I meant is, it is better to behave roughly than acting like a slut, seducing guy here and there. So which part did I mention about you, my lady?" Xiu Ying slowly moves forwards, hiding Xiao Qing behind him.
Concubine Yu huffs. "Well, I might hear it wrong. But... seducing guy here and there... Isn't that what you did before? Trying so hard to get His Majesty's attention. Then, I even heard many guys wanted to marry you when you return home. Aren't you a bit...loose?"
Xiu Ying laughs. Then, he suddenly inclined his head, whispers, "It's all just a rumor, my lady. If you don't believe me, after I spent the night with His Majesty, you can do some confirmation with His Majesty, whether I'm loose or tight." He winks.
Yu Li Na turns red like a tomato. She flicks her sleeves then walks past him.
Xiu Ying shouts, "Make sure you asked the physician checks your pulse carefully. In case, he might miss the second pulse. Well, that's only will happen if Your Majesty REALLY DID THE DEED." Xiu Ying sneers.
Without turning back, Li Na quickly walks into the pharmacy with Hui Yin strutting behind her. Xiao Qing watched Xiu Ying in admiration.
[End of flashback]
"So...that's why... I really hate those two, Concubine Yu especially. Ha! She's so confident to be the next empress. The moment she becomes the empress, I'll leave this country!" Her chest going up and down, breathless from talking too much.
Wu Jiaying speechless while Zhang Wei...smiles. It seems like his love for Xiu Ying is getting deeper.
"Wei-ge!"
Zhang Wei flinches.
"Remember! Never sleep with that woman. I'm okay if Wei-ge likes Concubine Wen but I give full support if Wei-ge chooses Concubine Li."
Zhang Wei chuckles. He raises his hand and gently caresses Xiao Qing's head. "Thank you my lovely meimei."
"Ahem. Ahem." The two siblings turn to their mother. "Zhang Wei still didn't answer mother's question. Is it true that Zhang Wei likes Concubine Li?"
'Guess I can't avoid this question.'
"Mother..." Zhang Wei slowly nods. "Yes, Zhang Wei likes him."
Wu Jiaying stares directly into her son's eyes. "Is it because of his face?"
"To be honest, Zhang Wei did notice his face at first. But later on, when Zhang Wei learned about his attitude, the way he avoided Zhang Wei, the way he never cared about getting my attention or dream about ranks, his straightforwardness, and his wide knowledge. He also treated his servant like a friend. Day by day, Zhang Wei fell more for his manners and etiquette, rather than his face." Zhang Wei hangs his head low.
"Zhang Wei feels so bad for treating him badly in the past. Even though he's a little bit different before, Zhang Wei shouldn't treat him like that and I really regretted it."
Wu Jiaying holds on Zhang Wei's hand. "We can't change anything for things happened in the past but we can always do better for things in the future. If Zhang Wei really loves him, then treasures him. Show him your sincerity. Sooner or later, maybe he'll open up to you."
Zhang Wei grips his mother's hand tighter, "Thank you, mother. Zhang Wei promised to be a better person."
The family of three having a harmonious moment and continue spending time together for a little longer.
...
As promised, right after lunchtime, a eunuch came to Yanxi Palace. He brought the order from Empress Dowager.
"As God's will and the Empress Dowager's command that, Concubine Li Xiu Ying did a great job in assisting and healing Prince Yang Lijun from Empire Yang. So, hereby Concubine Li Xiu Ying was promoted as Noble Consort and is given a title Shenyi (The Divine Doctor). Consort Li is now totally responsible in imperial pharmacy matter. All decisions made must be consulted and permitted by Consort Li. Respect that." The eunuch read the imperial decree.
Xiu Ying who is kneeling said, "Li Xiu Ying thank you, Your Majesty."
As soon as the eunuch left, Xiu Ying and Jing Yi look at each other in disbelief. Xiu Ying thought the emperor will let him do the work as a helper at the imperial pharmacy. Never crossed his mind that he'll be promoted to Noble Consort and was given a title.
"Young master, is this what His Majesty told young master last night? Isn't it too sudden?" asked Jing Yi.
"Yes. TOO SUDDEN and no, this is not what he told me last night. He just said he'll let me work at the imperial pharmacy. He never mentioned about the title or even Noble Consort rank. I- I know nothing about this." Xiu Ying slumps onto the bed.
The news is just too shocking for him. The more he tried to get away from the palace, the harder for him to do so.
Xiu Ying sighs. "I don't know how to face Wen Qian. She must be shocked and sad when she heard this. His Majesty acting so close and nice to her but then suddenly it was me who was promoted." He kneaded his temple.
"It's okay, Young Master. I'm sure Concubine Wen is not a vengeful person. If you try to explain to her, I'm sure she will understand."
"Let's hope so."
...
[In Yanxi Palace]
"Wh- what?! No- noble Consort?! Th- that ugly whore?!" Another set of teacups smashed shattered into pieces.
"H- how could it be?! Impossible... Impossible... No way... why would His Majesty give him that title... Impossible... His Majesty loves me... He loves me..." Yu Li Na pacing back and forth and mumbles.
"M- my Lady, it's not His Majesty that bestowed that title and rank to Concubine Li. It was Her Majesty, Empress Dowager. It said that Her Majesty feels like owe him when he treated Prince Yang...that's why... Her Majesty promoted her." The knelt servant shivers. She shuts her eyes tight, prepares herself of getting hit.
"Her Majesty?!" She scoffs. "That old woman... Can't she stop meddling for once? She's already old why would she involved in such a matter. Imperial harem matter should be handled by His Majesty, not her!"
From frowning, she suddenly sneers. "It's okay. Things that my uncle ordered for me will arrive soon. Until then, all of you enjoy your life since...it won't be that long..." She laughs hysterically.
Today is the first day Xiu Ying started to help out in the imperial pharmacy. Witnessed the excellent skills shown by Xiu Ying, all the physicians welcome him happily. The chief or leader of physicians, showing Xiu Ying around the pharmacy. The imperial pharmacy is also the place where they treated patient just like a hospital or clinic.
Besides the physicians, there are also other helpers in the pharmacy like storekeepers, herb preparers, and some scholars that interested in learning medication. Experienced herbs preparers will chop, grind, fry, and slice dried herbs according to the prescription given by the physicians.
As expected, even though imperial pharmacy is the biggest pharmacy, it still lacks of many types of equipment and medicine compared to hospital in the future. They only got acupuncture needles and various sizes of knives.
No stethoscope, no X-ray, no MRI, no sterilizer. Xiu Ying inwardly sighs. But he didn't give up. If they don't have it, then he just needs to create one!
Xiu Ying is like a primary school kid having a field trip. Looking so excited. He keeps asking on every single thing that falls on his eyes.
"If you want to cut the wounds, you just cut it directly? Without any preparation did on the knife?" Xiu Ying asked.
The physician leader blinks his eyes. "Well... we just passed it through the flame of a candle."
Xiu Ying rubs his chin, 'At least you know how to sterilize it but still what about your surroundings? Operating in this kind of place, you're literally killing the patient rather than saving him.'
"Then, if the patient has wound on the chest or on his back, which might be really hurt, do you have anything that can make him lose consciousness? Or maybe things that will lessen the pain?"
"For that, we combine wine with a herbal concoction called mafeisan, literally a cannabis boil powder. This will make the patient lose consciousness. The duration of how long the patient will sleep depends on the thickness and amount of decoction used." Xiu Ying nods understood.
'Thank God they got anesthesia. I can't imagine being cut open when you're wide awake.'
The leader of the physician continues explaining about the herbs and its function. Mostly, the decoction used will be mixed with licorice (gan cao), astragalus (huang qi), aconite (fu zi), rhubarb root (da huang), cinnabar (zu sha), and ginseng. These six herbs are widely used as it can help to cure many diseases.
It takes half a day to explore the whole pharmacy. Xiu Ying was given his own place in the pharmacy where he can do whatever he wants.
Can't get rid of his love for books and thirst for new knowledge, Xiu Ying started to read books regarding the medicine. Immersed in his reading, Xiu Ying didn't realize someone secretly came just to take a look at him.
...
A few days had passed and the same routine keeps going in a circle. But Xiu Ying feels happy. At least, he got something to do.
Xiu Ying always returns to his room when it is almost dinner time. He takes a quick bath and changed into nightclothes.
However, when he stepped out of the bathroom, he immediately froze.
"Gr- greetings, Your Majesty." Xiu Ying folds his hands to the front and bow. His wet hair flowed down to his side as he lowers his head.
Looking at the glowing fair skin with a slight flush on the face, those wet hair, adding with the nice smell from the fragrance water bath, Zhang Wei having a hard time controlling himself. His Little Zhang Wei almost says hello but he quickly had to think about morning court and Yu Li Na to make Little Zhang Wei calms.
He clears his throat, "Rise." With a flick of his hand, all servants leave the room. Slowly...he approaches the beautiful person in front of him. It was like he was bewitched. Walking unconsciously. His gaze solely focuses on the other guy.
Zhang Wei takes the towel from Xiu Ying's hand then he put it over his head, bring much surprised to Xiu Ying.
"Yo- your Majesty..?"
"Stay still. You need to dry your hair or you're gonna catch a cold." Zhang Wei gently wipes off the remaining water until it becomes damp. Xiu Ying just let Zhang Wei did it.
Done drying the hair, the towel was thrown aside. In a flash, Xiu Ying's hand was grabbed and he was dragged to the dining table. "Come. Let's eat." Zhang Wei did everything smoothly.
In between meals, Zhang Wei asked, "How's your day at the pharmacy? Is everything alright?"
Xiu Ying nods a few times. "Hmn. Everything is fine. Th- thank you, Your Majesty."
Zhang Wei's lips curved. He hums, "Just tell Zhen if you need anything for the pharmacy or... for your own self." Xiu Ying hesitantly nods.
"By the way, did anyone come and harassed you lately?" Zhang Wei feels concerned. News of Xiu Ying being promoted to Noble Consort might cause someone not to sit well.
To be honest, Zhang Wei only asked his mother to place Xiu Ying in the pharmacy. He never thought his mother takes a further step to give Noble Consort title to Xiu Ying. It's not like he hates it but he doesn't want any harm to fall on Xiu Ying.
Xiu Ying tilts his head then slowly shakes it. "No. No one."
"That's good. Zhen will assign personal bodyguards for Xiu Ying."
"No! It's okay, Your Majesty. I'm really fine. There's no need for personal bodyguards. I've always stayed inside the palace ground so there will be royal guard everywhere, so..."
Zhang Wei puts down the chopsticks and turns to Xiu Ying, "Now, Xiu Ying is Noble Consort. More people are aware of you, so you need to have more protection. No more discussion."
Xiu Ying hangs his head low. With a sulking voice, he asked, "Then, can I at least choose my own personal bodyguards?"
The emperor squinted. "Do you someone in mind?"
Xiu Ying nods. "Th- they are Guo Wei and Chang Ming."
"Why them?"
"I've met them before and I can see both of them are men with integrity. No matter how other people looked at me before, they didn't do the same. I'm sure they can be trusted."
Zhang Wei sighs. "Alright. Tomorrow Zhen will inform General Fei Hong about them. But in case, they're not capable enough to protect you, Zhen will replace them."
Xiu Ying scrunched his nose and pouts. Zhang Wei noticed the guy is annoyed with his forceful acts but he doesn't care. Other things, he can tolerate but not things related to Xiu Ying's safety. Zhang Wei didn't mind curse or swearing at him, as long as Xiu Ying is safe and sound.
The next day, before Xiu Ying went to the pharmacy, as usual, Huang Fei Hong came with Guo Wei and Chang Ming.
"Greetings, my lady," said Huang Fei Hong.
"My lady, from now on, Guard Guo Wei and Guard Chang Ming will come with you, wherever you go. Anything happened, just tell them. Don't worry. I've tested them and they're formidable enough to protect My Lady."
"Alright. Thank you, General."
Fei Hong bows and turns to leave, but he managed to steal a glance at the silent guy behind Xiu Ying.
Feeling like being stared deadly, Jing Yi feels shivers in his spines.
Guo Wei and Chang Ming move forwards and bows, "My Lady, from now on, please let us take care of you."
"Hmm... Both of you, didn't mind when I'm making you guys as my personal guard?" Xiu Ying doesn't want them to feel like they're being forced while doing their job.
Guo Wei and Chang Ming look at each other then turn to Xiu Ying, shake their heads. "No, my lady. We're glad to be given this opportunity to serve my lady." Chang Ming said sincerely.
"Thank you. If you guys have any problem, feel free to talk to me. If can, I don't want us to be too formal. Please act more carefree. It's fine to act formally if it's in the crowd but when there are only us, just treat me like a friend or...younger brother."
"B- but My Lady...H- how can we..." Guo Wei's words were stopped when Xiu Ying raised his palm.
"I insist. I don't want us to have a gap. It feels kinda lonely you know, having many people around me but no one really treated like a friend and I have no one to talk to." Xiu Ying faintly smiles.
Guo Wei and Chang Ming lower their head, feel pity towards their new master.
"Since My Lady said so...we can't say anything else. But if it's possible, My Lady please don't act too casual or close with us. We're afraid...His Majesty won't like it if he knew." Chang Ming rubs his nape.
Before they came here, Huang Fei Hong already brought them to meet Wu Zhang Wei. They have been reprimanded to take a good care of Xiu Ying and treat Xiu Ying the best they can. Other than that, Zhang Wei warned them...
"Remember this... Zhen knows Consort Li is a nice guy and he always treated people around him like a friend or family. But! Don't get too comfortable and know your position. Zhen doesn't want both of you to take advantage of his kindness. If Zhen ever catches any one of you, harbor even the slightest unnecessary feelings towards MY CONSORT, you guys have to face my wrath. Do you get it?!"
The cold voice and the dark aura of them emperor sends a shiver down their spines. Guo Wei and Chang Ming didn't dare to think about the consequences if one day, they failed to protect Xiu Ying in any unexpected situation.
"No need to worry about His Majesty. He won't know. Even if he knows, he won't care. So, let's just ignore him and do whatever we want. Okay?" Xiu Ying said with a wide smile, unaware of their complicated feelings.
...
Xiu Ying only went to the pharmacy for five days and the remaining two days, he used it to rest or spending time in his garden. Wen Qian takes this opportunity to visit Xiu Ying. She kinda misses him since Xiu Ying has always been busy at the pharmacy. She didn't want to do and disturb him at the pharmacy, so she waited for Xiu Ying's free time to meet him.
"Xiu Ying, you look happier lately. Is it so fun working there?" asked Wen Qian.
Xiu Ying nods repeatedly. "Hmm. It's really fun as I really like learning about medication. You know, it's kinda giving me some satisfaction feeling to know the causes of certain diseases and how to cure it."
"Well, I'm happy for you too. And it seems like... your relationship with His Majesty also getting better." Wen Qian's question makes Xiu Ying froze.
He automatically lowers his head, "Wen Qian... I- I want to apologize. I know you're close to His Majesty and I feel guilty when His Majesty came to my room when it was supposed to be your turn. I- I'm sorry! Next time, I'll ask His Majesty to go to your room more often. Okay?"
'Good that he always goes to your room. Somewhat it saves me from hearing his babbling about you the whole time.' The smile on her face betrayed what Wen Qian actually felt.
"No need to worry Xiu Ying-ah. I don't mind. It's not like His Majesty totally forgot about me. He still makes time to visit me. So, stop worrying over a tiny matter like this." Wen Qian gently pats on Xiu Ying's hand on the table.
When night turns in and the light has been put off, Guo Wei quickly walks away from Xiu Ying's room, heading to the imperial study room.
Knelt on one knee, Guo Wei said, "Consort Li spent his time whole today in the courtyard. Concubine Wen came to visit him during lunch and they're together until evening. That's all."
The person behind the desk didn't avert his gaze from the book he's holding but his ears pick up everything being informed by Guo Wei.
"Then, did you see anyone stalking around Zhongcui Palace?"
"Hmm...well, when Concubine Wen about to leave the courtyard, I did see a male, not sure whether he's a servant or a guard as he's not wearing any of the uniforms. But in a flash, he disappears from the sight. Forgive this servant, Your Majesty. I failed to see the identity." Guo Wei bows even lower.
Zhang Wei hums. "It's fine. Just keeps your eyes open. Sooner or later, the other party will show himself. Protect your master well. I won't tolerate if anything happened to Consort Li."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Zhang Wei waves his hand and Guo Wei leaves the imperial study room.
[Lord Yu Chenyi - Minister of Revenue Yu Li Na's uncle]
"M- my lady, Lord Yu has sent a package for you." A male servant came with a wooden box in his hands.
Yu Li Na who is knitting a handkerchief abruptly raises from the couch and grabs the box from the servant.
She caressing the box like a precious gem. She slowly unboxing it and when she saw the items inside it, she smiles wickedly.
"Finally... It's here..." She laughs.
She takes out a small glass bottle from the box, observing it thoroughly. Sneers never ceased from her mouth as she imagined what will happen to the person that she'd give.
"Soon... So soon... His Majesty will be mine..."
Li Na puts everything back into the wooden box and keeps it away, safe from anyone else discover. She turns to her most loyal servant, who as wicked as her, "Momo, where is Li Xiu Ying right now?"
"He's at the pharmacy, my lady."
Li Na scoffs. "That slut. How dare he asked for the same rank as mine. Even Her Majesty started to side with him, giving him such title and letting him do as he wished at the pharmacy." She slams the table but Momo who already used to her temper didn't flinch.
"Then, what about Wen Qian? Where is she?"
"She's at her courtyard."
Li Na's fingers keep tapping the table, she mumbles, "Should I meet her alone...or both of them together?"
Momo clears her throat, "Pardon my lady. But, I think shouldn't my lady acts more discreetly? Especially facing Consort Li. Seems like he's been well-protected. There are two guards that always follow him wherever he goes. I'm afraid...one wrong step could lead to our death."
"Scared?" Li Na glares.
"N- no it's not like that. It's just... better if we do it slowly and carefully. For sure we don't want everything we did go in vain, right? Haste makes waste so let's think of the best plan that will guarantee our success."
Convinced by Momo's words, Li Na sighs. "Fine. Let's do so. I'll take my time. No matter what, at the end of the day, His Majesty will be mine and I'll be the mother of this country."
...
On the way back to his room, Xiu Ying feels like he's being watched. He secretly looked around to find any suspicious figure or movement. Out of nowhere, Xiu Ying halts his steps. Jing Yi, Guo Wei, and Chang Ming who walked behind him also stopped moving.
"Young master...what's wrong?" asked Jing Yi.
The air turns gloomy and it didn't miss from Guo Wei and Chang Ming's sense. Guo Wei quickly moves in front of Xiu Ying and Chang Ming stayed behind so they can protect Xiu Ying form both sides.
"My lady?" Guo Wei looked at Xiu Ying who is standing straight and only moves his eyeballs.
"Lately, I feel like I've been stalked." Xiu Ying continues to walk slowly. He speaks in a low voice so only three of them could hear it.
"Do you need more guards? I can ask from His Majesty in case you feel unsafe with just two of us." Chang Ming said.
Xiu Ying shakes his head. "No. It's alright. I'm fine. I trust you guys plus I'm not that weak. It's just I feel uncomfortable being watched every day." He sighs.
"Don't worry, My Lady. We'll try to figure out how to handle it. Rest assured." Xiu Ying hums.
Again, right after the light has been blown out, Guo Wei went to the imperial study room.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Guo Wei knelt.
"Rise. So..?" Zhang Wei asked impatiently.
"Today, Consort Li on his own noticed that someone set their eyes on him. It was like the other party intentionally makes himself noticeable by Consort Li." Guo Wei reported.
"Is he alright?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Consort Li is fine. It surprised me that Consort Li calmly handle it. Not restless, not anxious. He said he just feels a little uncomfortable when someone keeps watching his every move."
Zhang Wei's lips curved. 'As expected of my love.'
"Did you see his/her face?"
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. We didn't see it. The other person hid him/herself in the dark. We can only notice his/her shadows."
"Hmn. It's okay. We'll wait some more. Just be more alert and never leave him alone even when he forces you to."
Guo Wei bows and then he leaves.
When he is alone in the study room, he calls, "Wei Min."
In a flash, a black figure appears in front of him. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Find out who is the one that sends those people to stalk my consort. It can be guessed that it is one of the women but I need to know the EXACT identity. And look after Xiu Ying. Make sure no one notices you."
Wei Min bows then poof! Disappear.
...
Xiu Ying cooped inside the pharmacy from morning until night. He won't leave the pharmacy, not until Jing Yi dragged him. Lately, Xiu Ying was busy with his research. Which is to create...poison. Other physicians almost got a heart attack when Xiu Ying told them that he's trying to create poisons.
"M- my lady...wh- why are you making a poison?! I- if one day something bad occurred, they might accuse you!" Chief of physician said worriedly.
"Chief...don't you know, in order to have a body that can resist a poison, the emperor will consume small amounts of poison? In that way, His Majesty's body will recognize the poison if he accidentally consumes it in the future and his body won't recognize the poison as a foreign thing. Thus, he could be saved."
The chief frown, "Then, what it got to do with the poison you're trying to create? My- my lady! Don't tell me, you want to drink it?!"
Xiu Ying squinted and raised his eyebrows, "Calm down Chief. I'm not that crazy to try all these poisons."
"T- then?"
"To get rid of a strong toxin, we need to have a stronger toxin as having the power of subduing each other, may also have a curative effect. For example, if we have poison from snakes, we should use poison from centipede to counteract the symptoms. When the fatal effect has calmed, we can use herbs to remove remaining toxins and waste inside the body."
All the physicians gaped. 'What a genius!'
Actually, Xiu Ying thought of the concept as a vaccine in the future. Vaccine was made using the viruses itself by weakening or killing it but it was impossible for Xiu Ying to create a vaccine with the lack of equipment and raw materials. That's why he can only think of this.
Besides, he also created a special antidote. Back in his old life, Xiu Ying read a book that talked about a universal antidote that could counter any poison that was created during ancient Rome time. The ingredients were really hard to found but as he's in royal pharmacy, there's nothing his hands couldn't lay on. If they didn't have it, just order.
Taking advantage of Xiu Ying been busy and away at the moment, Li Na went to visit Wen Qian.
Together with Lin Hui Yin, who was forcefully dragged along, Li Na made a sudden visit to Wen Qian's courtyard.
Wen Qian feels a little bit nervous with their presence but she remains calm.
"Please, have a seat, my lady," Wen Qian invited.
Wen Qian turns to her servant and asked her to bring teas and snacks for their guest. Then she stays silent, waiting for the other party to speak up.
"Concubine Wen, how are you doing lately?" asked Li Na.
"Good, My Lady."
"Before this, you're quite close with Concu- Consort Li, isn't it? But too bad, you've been left alone. He's too busy at the pharmacy and already forgot about you." Li Na faked a concerned face.
"Well, I don't really mind. It's not like we have to stick to each other all the time. We are still in good terms."
"Yeah, you're right. But, if Wen Qian-meimei feels like you need a companion, feel free to come to my courtyard. We can hang out with each other."
Wen Qian's mouth twitched. With a stiff smile, she said, "Thank you, Li Na-jiejie. Sure, I'll come to visit you sometimes."
"Hmm. Just come. I know, Wen Qian-meimei must feel a little bit lonely. His Majesty never missed coming to your room but lately, I noticed that His Majesty is too busy. Even if he's not busy, he'll go to...Consort Li's room. Wen Qian-meimei must feel so sad right? A man that cared for you suddenly had a change of heart."
Li Na gently taps on Wen Qian's back of the hand on the table. The way she touched is kinda weird and gives goosebumps but Wen Qian didn't try to yank her hand away. She doesn't want Li Na to know that she's being alerted of her.
"It's fine, Li Na-jiejie. Even though His Majesty's time here has lessened but still His Majesty cares for me. He gave me a lot of presence. Medication, jewelry, silk. But yeah... His Majesty did it secretly. His Majesty doesn't want me to brag it so much so I keep it low. Li Na-jiejie and Hui Yin-meimei are the first two-person know about this."
Wen Qian is not literally lying. Wu Zhang Wei did give her those presents but that's a gift for helping him out regarding Xiu Ying and also as a saving once she already leaves the palace in the future.
Both Li Na and Hui Yin's eyes widen. They can't believe what they just heard. They thought Wen Qian has been abandoned by the emperor. But who knows, even with no position promoted, she actually gets more!
Li Na stiffly laughs. "Ha...ha.. Glad to hear that. Wen Qian-meimei is lucky because His Majesty truly really loves meimei."
'If only you know the real emperor...' Wen Qian inwardly sighs.
Without saying anything, Wen Qian smiles widely making their eyes twitched. Other than trying to dig up information about Wen Qian's relationship with the emperor, Li Na also tried to pry into Xiu Ying's business. She asked whether Xiu Ying really sleeps with Wu Zhang Wei, what Xiu Ying usually did at the pharmacy. She even asked what Xiu Ying likes or hate in the excuse of giving Xiu Ying a present.
Wen Qian only said, "I'm not sure" or "He doesn't have any particular taste in anything."
Feeling unsatisfied with the answer she received, Li Na leaves the courtyard in fume. She knows Wen Qian has no intention of telling her anything but still she tried to ask. Never thought, hearing the half-hearted answer only makes her feel more annoyed.
"Fine...you don't want to tell me. I have many other ways to get what I want," Li Na mumbles along the way to her room.
...
Wen Qian is about to tug herself under the quilt but suddenly she felt extreme pain in her head. She pressed on her both sides of her head using her palm, hoping it will help to stand the pain.
"Xi- Xiao Lu..." She calls for the female servant. In a flash, a young girl in her 19s came into the room.
"Can you get me some painkiller and warm water?" She still pressing on her temple.
Xiao Lu bows and quickly did as she was told. In a minute or two, she returns with a round and brownish pills, warm water, and an incense burner. Wen Qian puts the pill into her mouth and emptied the cup. After a while, she noticed the incense burner beside her bed. She turns to Xiao Lu, "Wh- what is this for?"
Xiao Lu answers, "This is lavender oil comes from the plant's blue-violet flowers. It has a calming effect when its scent is inhaled and it can reduce headache."
Wen Qian feels unconvinced with Xiao Lu's words but when she keeps on inhaling the scent, the pain slowly subsides.. She lays flat on the bed and keeps inhaling it until she dozed off.
