Shaoshang had already been worried about Ling Buyi. Hearing this news now, she felt like sitting on pins and needles. She was so nervous she even stuttered: “Your Majesty, I, I… that, may I…” While speaking, her eyes looked toward the door.

The Empress wasn’t as frantic as Shaoshang, because she felt something was strange. The Emperor doted on Ling Buyi even more than his own sons, not only because loving him didn’t involve matters of inheritance succession and power shifts, but also because it carried some guilt and pity toward the entire Huo family.

Over all these years, never mind beating or scolding—back when the riding and archery master scolded him a few extra times, the Emperor would feel distressed for ages. From suspecting whether the riding master was bullying Buyi for having no father, no mother, no family backing, all the way to lamenting that if Elder Brother Huo Chong were still alive, how could this ignorant riding master’s turn come to put on airs? Everyone in the Huo family was skilled—any of them could teach the only direct nephew.

Yet today he actually wanted to punish his adopted son? Had Cen Anzhi conveyed the message wrong, or had Ling Buyi truly done something seriously wrong?

However, the Empress still said: “Shaoshang, don’t worry… Fine, you can go look first, it’s no harm. Speak properly, don’t contradict His Majesty. I’ll come right after. Granny Zhai, come help me change clothes…”

Having received permission, Shaoshang turned and ran outside. The Empress thought something wasn’t right and quickly called several tall, strong palace maids to follow, lest some other incident occur.

From Changqiu Palace to Xuanzheng Hall, taking shortcuts required only a bit over a quarter hour, though along the way one had to pass through a palace alley used to separate the front court from the rear palace—usually with few people, quite secluded. However, Shaoshang was bold as brass and naturally wouldn’t fear encountering any demons or monsters. Originally she’d worried about being stopped by guards at the palace alley entrance and not permitted through, but unexpectedly this time they very proactively let her pass—she didn’t know if Cen Anzhi had given instructions beforehand.

Running with all her might south along the palace alley, at a corner she nearly collided head-on with someone—Yuan Shen, holding two scrolls of bamboo slips that were nearly knocked loose, stood there as if seeing a ghost in broad daylight. However, being young and quick-witted, he understood in the blink of an eye.

“Did something happen to Ling Buyi? Just now His Majesty was discussing policy with several officials. I was at the side taking notes. Later I don’t know what Eunuch Director Cen said to His Majesty, but His Majesty had us all leave.” Yuan Shen’s face showed alarm and uncertainty.

Shaoshang leaned against the palace wall gasping for breath: “What could happen? Don’t talk nonsense. If word spreads it’ll become that Lord Ling rebelled against superiors and fell from His Majesty’s favor… His Majesty summoned us to discuss the wedding date.”

Yuan Shen helplessly gathered up the heavy bamboo scrolls: “You needn’t avoid words to this extent. I won’t harm you.” Very good—her temperament hadn’t changed at all. When trouble arose, guard first; when seeing people, treat them as thieves first.

“Right, last time you asked me to inquire about Lou Yao’s matter. I’ve found everything out. But you’ve been in the palace all along—I had no way to send you word. What happened to you anyway? Outside everyone’s saying you and Ling Buyi quarreled and you’re confined in the palace not allowed out?”

Shaoshang gripped the palace wall slowly straightening up, exhaling: “I say, Young Master Yuan, can’t you think positively about things first? Couldn’t it be that I’m valued by Her Majesty, so I stayed in the palace to help prepare the birthday banquet? How many official families’ daughters in the capital want to enter the palace, want to serve at the Empress’s side—they’re so envious their eyes have turned red! This is jealousy, pure jealousy!”

Yuan Shen rolled his eyes: “Why don’t you say they’re jealous you can marry Ling Buyi?”

“Oh, thank you for the reminder, Young Master Yuan.” Shaoshang propped her hands on her waist catching her breath, saying earnestly: “A talent like Lord Ling—even if you married him, Young Master Yuan, you’d still be resented!”

Yuan Shen stumbled, nearly dropping bamboo slips all over the ground: “You, you, you… simply absurd!”

Shaoshang caught her breath and didn’t want to delay further. She immediately passed Yuan Shen continuing forward.

Yuan Shen struggled to cradle the bamboo slips with one hand while reaching out with the other to grab Shaoshang’s sleeve, his fair, refined face flushing: “Didn’t you want to know Lou Yao’s recent situation? Why aren’t you asking now?”

Thinking of this matter, Shaoshang wanted to slap herself several times. Everything had started from this. If she’d known it would develop to today’s predicament, she shouldn’t have asked in the first place—what business was it of an outsider when a young couple discussed things behind closed doors? Especially herself, a former fiancée—avoiding suspicion wasn’t fast enough. Yet she’d committed this low-level error from romance novels. Sure enough, she’d lived smooth, agreeable days too long, completely lacking crisis awareness. She deserved being caught in this dilemma now.

She turned back to pull at her sleeve, frowning: “Many thanks to Young Master Yuan for keeping your promise to inquire about the Lou family for me. However, I thought it over afterward—with our current status, it really isn’t appropriate to have further connection. This matter is best left alone. Young Master Yuan, I must go to audience with His Majesty. Let’s part here… Hey, hey, why are you grabbing me? Let go, let go…!”

Yuan Shen pressed his lips together: “My family has already arranged viewings with several young ladies. I, I haven’t decided yet…”

“Then keep viewing! Why are you grabbing me?!” Shaoshang couldn’t pull back her sleeve and was quite annoyed. “If viewing one isn’t enough, view a dozen—you’ll always find one Young Master Yuan likes. The saying goes, where there’s a will there’s a way. Don’t be arrogant or impatient. Where there’s determination, things will succeed. The foolish old man moves mountains… Hurry up and let me go!”

Having an overly sensitive, easily angered fiancé prone to wild imaginings, she’d now formed a conditioned reflex—extremely wary of getting entangled with marriageable unmarried men.

At this moment four tall, strong palace maids caught up from behind, clearly looking for Shaoshang. Yuan Shen’s gaze was obscure as he slowly released his fingers.

Shaoshang immediately pulled back her sleeve, calling those four Changqiu Palace maids to go forward together. Yuan Shen watched the girl’s running back for quite a while from behind, then slowly paced away, seeming to deliberately keep his spine ramrod straight as he walked.

Rushing to Xuanzheng Hall, Cen Anzhi had already been anxiously waiting at the entrance for quite a while. Seeing Shaoshang he quickly came forward, saying in a low voice: “Ai yo yo, Miss Cheng, you’ve finally arrived! Inside, His Majesty is losing his temper at Lord Ling!”

Shaoshang grabbed Cen Anzhi’s arm, painfully swallowing saliva: “…What exactly happened?”

Cen Anzhi didn’t dare delay. While leading Shaoshang inside toward the inner hall, he softly and briefly narrated the cause.

Actually the matter was very simple. In a word: Ling Buyi had given all eight young ladies’ fathers, brothers, and household heads a severe beating. According to his meticulous, rigorous style, he broke one hand and one foot of each person.

“…Just this one afternoon’s work, Lord Ling finished beating them all?” Shaoshang’s direction of being moved was somewhat peculiar. She looked at the sky outside—when Ling Buyi left the palace in anger it was after morning meal. Now evening meal hadn’t been served yet. Subtracting the round-trip travel time, this efficiency directly exceeded agricultural society standards!

Cen Anzhi could only explain.

This matter was originally quite complicated—having to identify each household down to how many people. However, Ling Buyi had plenty of manpower and authority at his disposal. As long as the bootlicking Fifth Prince named the girls’ families, naturally there were local informants who could detail each family’s background and household members clearly.

Ling Buyi didn’t involve third aunts or sixth great-aunts—only severely punishing the girls’ direct fathers and brothers. For several families he sent formal invitation cards. When those fathers and sons, thinking they had opportunity to befriend Ling Buyi, came happily to the Ling manor, he directly opened the gate, released the dogs, and had them beaten. For several families nearby, he went straight to their doors—the first seven families were resolved this way.

“He didn’t kill anyone, just injured one or two. Why must His Majesty lose his temper?” Shaoshang muttered extremely politically incorrect heresies. To favor her fair-skinned, beautiful, bad-tempered fiancé, she was really going all out.

However, Cen Anzhi quite agreed, saying in a low voice: “If it were only this, His Majesty naturally wouldn’t lose his temper. But the problem lies with this last family!”

Only because this last family’s father worked at the Censorate. Though only a minor clerk, today he happened to be on duty. After violently beating that girl’s several brothers, Liang Qiu brothers suggested Ling Buyi finish the job another day. Even the Fifth Prince who loved watching excitement and didn’t fear trouble getting big felt things had blown up too much. But Ling Buyi paid no heed and actually went straight to the Censorate. Right before several officials’ faces, he dragged the man out and as usual broke one hand and one foot.

Then things went bad.

Those eight families didn’t matter, but the Censorate was after all a national governmental institution. Ling Buyi acting as if in a wine shop or eatery, going in to grab someone and beat them—this didn’t give the Censor officials any face.

Fortunately Left Grand Censor old man Chu had ‘stayed over together’ with Ling Buyi last night. Seeing the situation he quickly placated his colleagues, suppressing the matter first, then very low-key entered the palace to report in person. After kicking the ball to the Emperor, he slipped away first.

Having heard the full story, Shaoshang didn’t know where to begin.

Cen Anzhi didn’t care about her complex, tangled state of mind. He grabbed and hauled her into the inner hall. Through gaps in the lacquered wood screen carved with ‘King Mu drives eight steeds ruling the realm,’ Shaoshang saw the Emperor sitting huffily in the seat of honor. When a voice inside rang out with the Emperor saying ‘She’s here, so fast, have her roll in,’ she immediately scurried in with small steps and knelt properly.

Originally Shaoshang wanted to kneel near the Emperor—that way when begging forgiveness she could be more genuine and lifelike. But passing by Ling Buyi kneeling in the center, he quickly pulled her downward. Her feet slipped and she stumbled, falling directly onto him.

The familiar crisp scent from the young man’s body, his clearly defined hard chest that hurt when her forehead hit it, his strong arms slowly pulling her up. Shaoshang was indignant—at a time like this you’re still not behaving properly!

She struggled to pound him once. Ling Buyi’s face showed no reaction, like lifting a cabbage as he settled the girl beside himself.

The Emperor seeing this from above sneered repeatedly: “Good! Tomorrow the Grand Censor will impeach you at court, yet you still don’t know life from death…”

Shaoshang couldn’t care about private grievances. She quickly prostrated herself begging forgiveness: “Your Majesty, please forgive! Though Lord Ling’s actions were somewhat reckless, there are extenuating circumstances!”

Ling Buyi glanced at her sideways, completely ungrateful: “No need for you to plead for me. I avenge my own grievances, accept punishment for my own errors. I don’t need others worrying for me.”

These were exactly the words Shaoshang had said initially. She said in exasperation: “Is this your grievance? It’s clearly my grievance! They pushed me into the water, not you. What are you pretending?!”

—The Fifth Prince kneeling to the side lightly snorted with laughter, his whole body emanating the enchanting flavor of eating melon seeds. Today from early morning when Ling Buyi grabbed him to testify for Cheng Shaoshang until now, he hadn’t had breakfast or lunch, yet he didn’t feel hungry at all—rather, he was full of energy. The saying goes, when one meets happy events, one can even skip meals.

Shaoshang glared fiercely at this gloating fellow, secretly resolving that if Ling Buyi couldn’t extricate himself, she’d drag this guy down too!

Ling Buyi looked at the girl, saying word by word: “If not for your betrothal to me, you fundamentally wouldn’t need to enter the palace. If you’d married an ordinary husband, you fundamentally wouldn’t have suffered this grievance! When it comes down to it, I’m the one who brought this upon you. In your heart you secretly resent it but can’t speak it aloud—you can only keep making trouble with me. Is that right or not?”

Shaoshang panicked: “You, you, you…” How can you say these things before Emperor Uncle?! Though what he said wasn’t wrong.

She glanced warily at the Emperor and steeled herself: “We’re already betrothed. What’s the point of saying these things? Today you deliberately committed such an error—what exactly do you intend?”

She glimpsed the Emperor’s face dark as water. Gritting her teeth, she simply tore through the window paper, shouting loudly—

“Do you want to break our engagement?”

“I want to resign my position and go into seclusion with you to the countryside you’ve yearned for!”

Both sentences came out simultaneously, the latter from Ling Buyi. Once spoken, both froze. Ling Buyi heard clearly what Shaoshang said and sneered repeatedly. Shaoshang heard clearly what Ling Buyi said and was left speechless.

The Emperor heard clearly what both said and cursed loudly: “Nonsense! Resign what position, go into what seclusion—I’m not dead yet!”

Seeing the Emperor震怒, everyone prostrated themselves. Ling Buyi kowtowed: “Your Majesty is in your prime—please speak carefully. For Your Majesty to say this, this subject deserves ten thousand deaths.”

The Emperor couldn’t bear to be angry at his adopted son, so he yelled at Shaoshang: “Did I stop him from avenging you? But was it necessary to be so blatant?! This is looking down on everything, utterly unbridled, treating national law and the court as nothing! Simply arrogant and domineering to the extreme!”

Even when Champion Marquis killed Li Gan, it was when no one was around. Though afterward everyone knew he did it, as long as there were no witnesses or physical evidence, the Emperor could insist Li Gan died carelessly falling from his horse, and the court ministers could only accept it holding their noses.

“Your Majesty, enlighten us!” Shaoshang forcefully pushed away Ling Buyi’s arm, crawling forward on her knees and prostrating before the Emperor, mournfully begging forgiveness: “Lord Ling’s actions are always cautious. This concubine often hears people praise him as modest and courteous, warm toward others, possessing the manner of ancient gentlemen. Yet today he committed this mad, rebellious act—doesn’t Your Majesty find it strange? The Censorate is a vital national institution, an important government location that absolutely cannot be offended. Who doesn’t know this…”

“You knew?” Ling Buyi suddenly said. His eyes were clear, seeming completely unaware his situation was difficult, still having leisure to tease the girl. “You didn’t know, did you? Otherwise, tell me—where is the Censorate?”

The Emperor’s lips curved almost imperceptibly, then flattened.

Shaoshang was furious. She was striving energetically to plead for him, yet he came to make trouble. She wished she could immediately give him three cuts making six holes, then find someone else to marry! Struggling to swallow her anger, she ignored this difficult man and continued pleading to the Emperor: “Though this concubine doesn’t know where the Censorate is, which of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers isn’t an important place! Your Majesty, since even this concubine knows this, why would Lord Ling knowingly violate it, insisting on offending the Censorate?”

The Emperor slowly sat down: “Mm, in your view, why is this?”

Shaoshang propped her arms to kneel upright, saying awkwardly: “This, this is because Lord Ling deliberately wanted to spite this concubine…” She saw Emperor Uncle glaring again. “Uh, this concubine quarreled with Lord Ling again today…”

The Emperor slapped the low table, questioning sternly: “I knew it! Zicheng wouldn’t do wrong for no reason! You this little woman—the saying goes, what one constantly sees and hears, one gradually comes to resemble. Can’t you learn some of the Empress’s gentleness and docility? Why must you quarrel with Zicheng all day long?!”

Shaoshang protested in a tiny voice: “Reporting to Your Majesty, actually each time it’s Lord Ling quarreling with this concubine. How would this concubine dare start it?”

“Fine then, why must you make Zicheng quarrel with you all day long?” The Emperor continued questioning.

Shaoshang choked. Teacher, this question is beyond the syllabus—I can’t answer it.

Just as she was thinking that Emperor Uncle was so protective, he probably wouldn’t punish Ling Buyi, who knew the Emperor turned to Ling Buyi saying: “You quarreled with Shaoshang, so you had to offend the Censorate. If next time you two fight, won’t you have to offend my Mingguang Hall?! You tell me—how should this matter be concluded now?!”

Ling Buyi bowed low, looking completely submissive to beating or scolding: “Subject leaves it entirely to Your Majesty’s decision.”

The Emperor nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood. Decision? Decide your father! If it could be simply decided, why would I be so anxious and angry?! Touching a pair of bronze tallies placed on the low table, the Emperor picked up one and threw it heavily. But his aim was off in all directions, nearly hitting the Fifth Prince cowering to the side.

Fifth Prince: …Father Emperor, Ling Buyi must be your real son.

“Offending the Censorate, beating an official before censors—at minimum should be exile and military service. However…” The Emperor said.

Shaoshang’s ears perked up. Exile? Didn’t sound bad—rounding up that was posting to the provinces!

“Your Majesty, this concubine is willing to accompany Lord Ling in exile together, uh… in being exiled together…” She quickly declared her position.

“I haven’t finished speaking—don’t interrupt!” In his anger the Emperor threw the other bronze tally from the low table, again nearly hitting the Fifth Prince.

The Fifth Prince silently shed tears.

The Emperor let out a breath: “However, considering Zicheng’s past steadiness, loyalty and propriety, forget exile… Mm, change it to, change it to…”

Ling Buyi suddenly raised his head, his gaze clear: “Your Majesty. This subject did wrong and should be punished. This subject was also muddled with anger at the time, causing trouble and adding problems for Your Majesty. This subject humbly begs Your Majesty’s punishment—please show no leniency.”

The Emperor nodded: “Good that you know your error. This matter can be big or small. Later you must submit a memorial of self-reproach.”

Shaoshang relaxed, happily saying: “Your Majesty is wise.”

“However, a memorial of self-reproach alone isn’t enough to stop people’s talk. This way—add fifty strokes of the rod.” The Emperor said.

Ling Buyi respectfully prostrated himself: “This subject accepts the decree.”

“What, what?” Shaoshang said in alarm. “Your Majesty, you’re still going to beat him?” She’d been beaten before. That rod punishment was so intensely unpleasant it couldn’t be put into words. Though it left no scars, the fear lingered in her heart to this day.

At this moment the Third Prince entered from the doorway. The Emperor looked at his son and asked: “Mm, is everything arranged outside?” The Third Prince replied: “Following Father Emperor’s instructions.”

“Good, then you may go.” The Emperor waved his hand.

The Third Prince waved his hand, pointing outside: “Zicheng, the punishment rods and executioners are all arranged outside.”

Ling Buyi didn’t need escorting. He performed a proper bow to the Emperor, slowly rising with his tall, beautiful body, like Penglai Jade Terrace appearing on the sea surface, then followed the Third Prince out with composed expression.

“Hey, hey…” Shaoshang crawled over to pull Ling Buyi but was too late.

Watching this troublesome dead ghost walk out of the inner hall, she turned and cried to the Emperor: “Your Majesty, you have such a cruel heart! Lord Ling has been lonely and suffering since childhood, practically without father or mother, coming and going all alone. In his heart he regards you as his true father! Today he was angered by this concubine, which is why he trespassed at the Censorate. Though the law cannot tolerate it, there are extenuating circumstances. Not only do you not sympathize, you still want to beat him… This, this—how can Lord Ling bear it emotionally…”

The Emperor kept a straight face: “I’m beating him because of you. You must remember—Zicheng is taking this beating for you!”

Shaoshang clutched Emperor Uncle’s robe hem, bitterly pleading, sentence after sentence describing Ling Buyi’s difficulties, her tone sincere, emotion deep and meaningful. Thanks to drama club-trained line delivery, thanks to verbal sparring at the town entrance that honed her vocal projection and intonation, she nearly made the young eunuchs on both sides tear up. The Emperor originally pitied Ling Buyi and was gradually unable to withstand it. Fortunately at this time the Fifth Prince couldn’t help interjecting.

“Miss Cheng, outside it seems they’re about to start beating. Uh… that, how about we go look…?” Actually he wanted to watch, but going out alone seemed somewhat inconvenient.

Shaoshang’s anger rose from her heart, indignantly accusing: “Your Majesty, look! Lord Ling is already so pitiful—his father shows no kindness, his mother is ill, the bride he’s found is ignorant. Yet Fifth Prince still gloats over his misfortune!”

The Emperor nodded: “Mm, correct. Fifth Prince, today you accompanied Zicheng being beaten all the way, must have satisfied your eyes. Someone, drag the Fifth Prince down—also give him five strokes of the rod.”

The Fifth Prince suffered calamity from heaven, shocked as if struck by lightning, crying out mournfully: “Father Emperor…” Why must he always be implicated?!

Shaoshang continued reporting: “Your Majesty, yesterday Fifth Prince even flirted with this concubine! He recited Master Sima’s ‘Phoenix Seeks Phoenix’ at this concubine, praising this concubine as beautiful and graceful. Many people heard!”

The Emperor said: “Mm, then add five more strokes—ten strokes total. Drag him down.”

Fifth Prince collapsed: …

Shaoshang, seeing pleading was hopeless, could only cry and take leave from the Emperor, then followed the strong eunuchs escorting the Fifth Prince, chasing all the way to the execution ground. Arriving at the heavily guarded side hall, she still stood in the courtyard. Through the railings she saw Ling Buyi pressed to the ground, outer robe removed leaving only snow-white inner garments. Two executioners had already begun beating one-two-three-four.

The Third Prince stood idly with hands behind his back.

Shaoshang’s heart shattered all at once.

When she’d been beaten, the punishment rod Director Xiao used wasn’t this thick, and the executioner was also old, weak and withered, without strength. How could it compare to these two punishment rods the Third Prince found—wide, flat and thick, the rod heads almost as wide as her own waist? Those executioners were moreover robust and tall. When striking, they were fierce as tigers—each rod falling carried hidden wind force.

Shaoshang was enraged. She picked up a small stone and threw it hard forward. The Third Prince was unprepared and was actually hit on the left shoulder. His expression immediately darkened: “Insolent!”

Shaoshang rushed up the steps heedlessly, crying out as she threw herself toward Ling Buyi inside the hall, but was firmly held down by two strong matrons who’d been waiting at the side all along.

A distance of two zhang apart, Shaoshang was pressed to the ground, able only to watch helplessly as Ling Buyi was struck on the back by the heavily falling punishment rod. Yet he didn’t cry out once—only stubbornly bit his pale red lips, proud forehead dripping with sweat, face pale as paper.

Those two executioners had faces full of scarred flesh. The thick punishment rods in their hands were like two brutal poisonous snakes, raging across his pure and beautiful slender body. Shaoshang felt the same pain. Crying, she seemed to return to when she was beaten at the beginning of the year—skin and flesh burning as if splitting, the pain like bones and flesh separating inch by inch.

She suddenly felt a strange anger she’d never experienced before. She felt this man was hers—skull, torso, limbs all hers. She herself couldn’t bear to beat or scold him. What right did he have to suffer this punishment?!

She finally couldn’t help crying loudly: “Don’t beat him anymore! Beat me instead! Stop, stop beating! I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’ll never quarrel with you again. When I quarrel with you, you go get beaten—is your brain sick? This needs treatment! Wuwuwu, don’t beat him anymore. Why isn’t it finished yet? Third Highness, you’re so cruel! His Majesty said to beat Lord Ling but didn’t specify severity. Yet you deliberately strike heavily—this is trying to kill him! You have such a cruel heart…”

The Third Prince stroked his left shoulder, standing there expressionlessly, feeling he’d somehow transformed into the villain in opera. Suppressing a belly full of fire with nowhere to vent, his thoughtful subordinates just then brought the Fifth Prince over, giving the Third Prince an outlet.

Before one stroke fell, the Fifth Prince was already crying for his parents, tears and snot streaming.

For a time the side hall was extremely lively—the executioners’ shouts, the sound of rods on flesh, plus the girl’s crying and the Fifth Prince’s loud cries—the usually serious Third Prince’s face went black as a pot bottom.

…

At this time, in the high tower opposite the side hall, the Emperor held a gold-inlaid wine cup, standing by the window smiling as he looked down. The Empress who’d just arrived sat to one side. Out of curiosity, Consort Yue who’d followed the Third Prince sat opposite the Empress.

The Empress said helplessly: “Your Majesty, as elders, how can we do such… behavior?”

The Emperor waved his hand backward: “Shen’an, don’t make noise—I can’t hear clearly… Good, good, Shaoshang is really crying this time. Mm, crying until hoarse. Later Shen’an send her some throat-soothing medicinal soup. She doesn’t have many strengths left—mustn’t truly hurt her voice.”

Consort Yue, hearing the Fifth Prince’s continuous cries of pain, said thoughtfully: “When in the military, I heard this rod punishment had much to say. Some seem unharmed on the surface but tendons and bones are broken inside, limbs completely disabled. Some have skin and flesh completely uninjured yet pain piercing to the heart. And some seem bloody but actually have no great harm… Which kind is Your Majesty using this time?”

The Emperor turned his head smiling: “Nothing can be hidden from A’Heng. Just now hearing old man Chu’s report, I had this thought—can kill two birds with one stone. Third Prince originally suggested hitting twice for show, but I felt there should be blood, heavy bruising. First, to shut the Censorate’s mouths. Second… hehehe, hehehe…”

The Empress covered her forehead sighing: “The children quarrel—we should properly comfort them. How can we add fuel to fire like this?”

The Emperor said seriously: “Shen’an absolutely cannot speak of this.”

Consort Yue sneered: “Zicheng isn’t stupid. Even if he doesn’t understand now, after the execution is complete he’ll notice the injuries are abnormal.”

“Zicheng can’t be fooled.” The Emperor said. “Fooling the other one is enough. Shen’an, you must remember—don’t tell Shaoshang!” Though the Empress was soft-hearted, she was very trustworthy. Having said not to tell Cheng Shaoshang she could go home until after the birthday banquet, the Empress truly endured until after the banquet to say it.

The Empress angrily turned her back.

The Emperor moved to the window edge again. Not knowing what he saw, he said seriously: “Cen Anzhi, have those holding Shaoshang loosen their grip a bit. Let Shaoshang throw herself closer to Zicheng—two or three chi distance is fine. She should be able to see but not touch. Should be able to see Zicheng beaten until blood-spotted and mottled, cold sweat dripping, yet she’s helpless, powerless. This way her heart will hurt doubly more…”

Cen Anzhi smiled bitterly as he acknowledged the order and left.

“Your Majesty!” The Empress could endure no more, her face showing anger.

Only then did the Emperor turn back, sighing with deep satisfaction: “Shen’an don’t be angry. In the future when they have children everywhere, when flowers bloom beautifully under the full moon, they’ll thank us elders.”

Having finished speaking, he turned back again, watching with great relish.

The Empress was speechless, suppressing a belly full of anger. She suddenly said to Consort Yue: “Sister.”

Consort Yue inexplicably shuddered: “…Your Majesty, please speak.”

“I hear sister and His Majesty were childhood sweethearts. May I ask what sister saw in His Majesty back then?”

Consort Yue looked at the Emperor stretching his neck watching the show by the window. After suppressing it a long while, she finally squeezed out one sentence: “Back then, His Majesty was known as the number one beauty of Feng County.”

She now preferred to admit that back then she’d been young and ignorant, bewitched by beauty.