Ming Yanchu didn’t know what Lian Yu intended, wondering why he was still lying in bed when he usually acted decisively and swiftly. He naturally didn’t dare ask more, quickly finding scissors.

Lian Yu took them, cut a slit in his sleeve, and with a slight effort from his right hand, tore off half the sleeve.

The process of tearing the silk left Ming Yanchu dumbstruck. After a long while, he stammered: “Your Majesty, you’re doing this…”

Lian Yu turned and instructed: “I know you’re talkative, but everything else aside, no one can know about this matter. If word reaches the Empress Dowager, I’ll have your life.”

“Yes, yes, yes.”

Ming Yanchu nodded like a pecking chicken, extremely alarmed – not only for his life’s safety, but the scene just now was truly shocking.

The Son of Heaven destroying his dragon robe was inauspicious, yet Lian Yu seemed not to care at all!

“However,” Lian Yu looked deeply at Suzhen once, drew the bed curtains properly, went to the wardrobe for new clothes, dressed himself, then added: “You might tell Seventh Brother and Qinglong and the others that I value this woman greatly. Understand?”

Ming Yanchu nodded. The Emperor had previously instructed everyone that regardless of what happened between him and her, none should be disrespectful to her. But everyone prioritized him first, so seeing his distress, they naturally showed her no good face. If not for Lian Yu’s previous words, with Lian Qin’s temperament, ten Li Huaisus wouldn’t be enough to die.

Lian Yu was indirectly reminding them through him. Yes, his indirect reminder would make everyone understand better than direct imperial orders.

But this was perhaps spoiling her too much…

He frowned while attending to Lian Yu’s washing.

Who knew that when leaving, Lian Yu suddenly paused and said lightly: “Have the imperial kitchen prepare some breakfast, to be delivered in about half an hour. Also, find me a red cord.”

He then carefully instructed about the breakfast styles and pastry types.

Ming Yanchu was confused – Lian Yu usually didn’t eat before morning court, and why need a red cord? He stood dazed for a long while until Lian Yu glared at him fiercely, then he scrambled away.

In court, many people glanced occasionally at Li Huaisu’s empty seat. Lian Yu watched coldly but smiled without speaking. When court adjourned, he said: “Premier Quan, wait a moment. I have a few words for you.”

Quan Feitong calmly replied “Yes” without haste.

The ministers looked back in surprise, seeing the Son of Heaven walk to Quan Feitong’s side, speaking quietly.

“Thank you for requesting marriage yesterday, Premier Quan. But sometimes being cornered leads to breakthrough – Huaisu and I last night… were very good. You’d better keep your thoughts on court affairs.” Lian Yu’s lips curved slightly.

Quan Feitong’s expression changed slightly, but Lian Yu had already left.

Li Zhaoting approached, asking casually: “Senior Brother, what did His Majesty say?”

Quan Feitong smiled: “Nothing much.”

The two walked and talked.

Quan Feitong: “Would you blame me for requesting marriage last night?”

Li Zhaoting: “Lian Yu already had designs on Shuangcheng. Even without Senior Brother’s proposal, his taking Shuangcheng as consort was only a matter of time. Senior Brother’s public marriage request last night, which Lian Yu refused, perfectly establishes Lian Yu’s reputation for seizing ministers’ wives. When we rise up later, we’ll have justification before both court and people. As Zhaoting said, my feelings for Shuangcheng needn’t be rushed.”

Quan Feitong: “Your thinking is excellent.”

Li Zhaoting smiled coldly inwardly, hearing Quan Feitong continue: “However, in my view, Li Huaisu might replace Gu Shuangcheng, which would be good for you.”

Li Zhaoting paused, then laughed: “Senior Brother must be joking. How could His Majesty fancy Li Huaisu?”

Quan Feitong looked at him: “Didn’t you see last night? Probably no minister didn’t find it strange. Of course, very few know Li Huaisu is female, otherwise they wouldn’t be so shocked.”

Li Zhaoting: “Last night Senior Brother arrived with her on one horse – probably Lian Yu was deliberately competing with Senior Brother, so he showed favor to her again.”

But Quan Feitong suddenly smiled with a strange look. However, he said no more, only asking him to invite Lian Jie to the residence.

Li Zhaoting took the command and left. Chao Huang asked curiously: “What are you laughing at, Big Brother?”

Quan Feitong habitually touched his nose: “I’m laughing because Zhaoting probably knew this Miss Xia from childhood and never thought of romantic matters, so he believes it’s not romantic love. Such a clever person, yet he can’t see clearly when I withdraw from marriage and Lian Yu gets anxious.”

This revelation shocked Chao Huang too. Big Brother meant he had feelings for Li Huaisu…

On the road from the palace, Lian Jie was intercepted. He looked coolly at the uninvited guest: “What instruction does Chamberlain Li have?”

Li Zhaoting: “Premier Quan invites Your Highness to gather at his residence tonight.”

Lian Jie curved his lips mockingly: “As they say, rivers don’t interfere with wells. This prince and Premier Quan aren’t acquainted – is this gathering necessary?”

Li Zhaoting had anticipated his reaction and smiled slightly: “Your Highness, His Majesty can now publicly rebuke you for a minister’s sake. Who knows what else he might do later? Do you think Li Huaisu won’t tell His Majesty the secrets Premier Quan shared with you? If this is true – he could even kill his father – the Empress Dowager already hates your mother Consort Ai to the bone. The mother and son used to refrain from moving against your family for your sake, but now harboring grudges, if they defeat Premier Quan someday, Your Highness is a smart man – who do you think they’ll target next?”

Blue veins appeared on Lian Jie’s forehead as he stared coldly without speaking, his face slightly pale. Finally he flicked his sleeves and left.

Li Zhaoting understood the words had taken effect.

After some consideration, he returned home and wrote another letter to Si Lanfeng.

Lanfeng, greetings,

Pretend to ask Lian Yu if he has tasks for Lian Jie, making him get close to Quan Feitong, then reveal to him that Lian Jie approached Quan Feitong after court and they spoke privately. This way, Lian Yu won’t suspect you, and the two will inevitably develop new rifts.

After writing, he considered writing to Wei Chenghui – Wei had people in the palace who could deliver a letter to Gu Shuangcheng. But the thought barely formed before he dismissed it.

He must be patient.

Someday he would obtain everything.

This person’s body, this person’s heart.

He reached into his robes to take out his flute for a tune, but found emptiness. Right, he’d already discarded it. Thinking of that person, he frowned slightly. He’d warned repeatedly, yet she insisted on approaching Lian Yu. Did she really think Lian Yu loved her? Lian Yu’s changed attitude last night was ultimately just competition with Quan Feitong. When Quan brought her on horseback, Lian Yu had to compete.

She was just a chess piece – why such obstinate delusion!

Remembering her attitude that day, he sneered coldly. Even if something happened, she deserved it!

Shuangcheng had been sleepless all night but still rose early to pay respects at Empress Dowager Xiao’an’s palace, only to be told by a maid that the Empress Dowager and Consort Ai had gone walking in the garden.

Finding them, as expected, Murong Ai looked furious – no doubt complaining about last night’s consort selection and Li Huaisu’s collapse. Seeing Shuangcheng approach, Murong Ai’s expression soured further: “What, coming to show off?”

Shuangcheng greeted Xiao’an, then smiled bitterly: “Shuangcheng doesn’t dare. It’s only the Empress Dowager’s mercy and His Majesty’s grace, considering my sister – how could I compare to Miss Li?”

Her maid Mei’er said indignantly: “Last night when Miss went to express gratitude, she was actually still at His Majesty’s place—”

“Mei’er, such a chatterbox!”

Shuangcheng scolded, but Xiao’an’s expression had already changed.

Watching them leave, Shuangcheng’s lips curved. She hadn’t wanted to use such petty tricks, and Xiao’an understood perfectly. But if others don’t provoke me, I won’t provoke them – if they do, I certainly will.

Wuyan happened to come over, seeing this and calling out with reproach: “What are you doing?”

Shuangcheng smiled faintly: “You understand palace games better than I do.”

Wuyan said coldly: “Aren’t you afraid His Majesty will find out?”

“Oh, are you planning to inform on me?”

“If you can do it, you shouldn’t fear others informing.”

“Wuyan,” Shuangcheng smiled with curved lips, “if I didn’t want to be caught, I wouldn’t do this openly. Everyone understands – whether it comes from me or my maid makes no difference. I’m not afraid of him knowing. I’d welcome him confronting me. Killing two birds with one stone – why not?”

Wuyan was momentarily stunned, her voice growing colder: “Why torment yourself so? The Gu Shuangcheng I knew before wasn’t like this.”

Shuangcheng remained smiling without anger, even showing pity: “Wuyan, dare you say you’re not jealous? You can’t have Lian Yu, and Huo Chang’an isn’t yours either. You have nothing, you are nothing. What right do you have to manage others’ affairs? Your fate is thinner than paper, your ambitions higher than heaven – mind your own business.”

Wuyan stood stunned for a long while, feeling dizzy and ringing in her ears. She quickly grabbed a garden pillar to steady herself.

At this moment, Suzhen was waking in the palace. She rubbed her eyes, her hungover head still somewhat muddled, but the bright surroundings were truly dazzling.

Her gaze fell on the golden tassels by the bed, and she suddenly remembered.

She felt as if she’d had a dream, beautiful but unreal.

She couldn’t help laughing out loud.

But then remembering A Luo and Li Zhaoting’s matter, her heart sank slightly.

Sank?! An unusual weight came from her foot. She quickly looked down to see a small stone tied to her right ankle.

The stone had a small hole in the middle, threaded with red cord and tied tightly around her ankle.

Wait, this looked familiar.

Her heart suddenly raced – this was the stone Lian Yu had used as collateral when she paid his bill that day they met again!

This stone was actually a piece of finest jade rough.

She had even told Leng Xue: stones from other mountains can be used to polish jade.

She suddenly understood something, her heart feeling warm as if melting.

Though uncarved and plain, she loved it so much!

She swayed her snow-white ankle, watching the stone move, her face full of smiles. Thinking of him tying this to her bare foot made her feel parched.

She suddenly couldn’t wait to see him. Not noticing the half-sleeve on her pillow, she got up excitedly.

Getting off the bed, she was surprised again, covering her mouth and laughing endlessly, sweet as if she’d drunk honey.

On the round dining table ahead sat exquisite small dishes, the food fragrance unusually enticing.

On a nearby table were two sets of washing utensils, one old and one new. A set of blue robes lay there with a small note: Two washing sets available – you may take the new one. However, if you insist on using my old things, I’m also pleased. The clothes are what I usually wear – there’s no choice there.

She could imagine his teasing tone.

She quickly washed and dressed, folded her torn official robes neatly, and was about to sit down for a feast when a cold rebuke outside startled her.

“What? You’re guarding here for what purpose? Can’t I enter His Majesty’s chambers? Is there something here I’m not allowed to see?”

Xiao’an’s voice pierced her ears.

“No, it’s just that His Majesty hasn’t returned from court. Your Majesty entering would be waiting in vain – better to rest in your chambers. When His Majesty returns, we’ll immediately tell His Majesty to come to Your Majesty’s palace—”

The responding eunuch seemed to have been slapped. Murong Ai sneered: “Bold slave, where do you get so many excuses!”

Suzhen was shocked, immediately understanding what was happening outside. Murong Ai had brought the Empress Dowager here. Had the Empress Dowager caught wind of something, knowing she hadn’t left the palace yet? Why hadn’t Lian Yu called for her? This was trouble! By this posture, a few eunuchs couldn’t stop them!

She was about to hide the extra washing set when she heard a voice laugh: “Oh my, the Empress Dowager graces us with her presence! You slaves, what are you standing around for? Why not invite Her Majesty in? Can you bear the crime of negligence? Your Majesty, please enter and rest briefly – His Majesty went to the imperial study after court to review memorials.”

This was Ming Yanchu’s voice—

She paused, hearing Xiao’an ask: “Why are you here?”

Ming Yanchu smiled back: “This servant came to fetch a seal for His Majesty. Your Majesty, please enter.”

He seemed about to push the door when Xiao’an said sternly: “No need. We’ll go to the imperial study to find His Majesty.”

“Yes, this servant will escort Your Majesty.”

Footsteps faded away. Suzhen wiped her forehead, already sweating. Ming Yanchu pushed in, seeing Suzhen and quickly paying respects.

Suzhen gave a thumbs up: “Excellently calm, Eunuch.”

Ming Yanchu was also just recovering: “His Majesty feared complications, instructing this servant to wait here. If uninvited guests came, sing the empty fort strategy. Just now this servant left for a moment of urgency, not expecting the Empress Dowager at just that moment. Fortunately appearing in time, otherwise…”

Suzhen was somewhat puzzled: “When he got up, he should have woken me to leave the palace. Why go to such trouble?”

Ming Yanchu cried out: “Wasn’t it to let you sleep more?”

Suzhen was stunned, hearing Ming Yanchu respectfully say: “His Majesty said he probably can’t see you for several hours. Your current status is awkward – if he becomes obsessed with bedroom affairs, the Empress Dowager will certainly have words. When he restores your identity later, longer intimacy won’t matter. He also asked this servant to tell you he’ll come find you tonight.”

Hearing “longer intimacy,” Suzhen’s face nearly exploded with heat.

Returning to the Criminal Investigation Bureau, everyone was shocked and delighted. Xiao Zhou was especially happy, and Zhuiming, being talkative, kept asking if His Majesty valued her again and what exactly happened.

It turned out that last night Lian Yu had sent a letter saying Chief Li was resting in the palace overnight.

Wuqing’s eyes swept across Xiao Zhou’s face, his lips showing the same faint smile as everyone else. Only Leng Xue remained cold as ice, standing distant without approaching. Suzhen felt uneasy and went to tease him, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a room.

He nearly cornered her against the wall, arms locked around her, his gaze frightening and fierce.

“Leng Xue, what are you doing? Let me go! You’re scaring everyone.”

Suzhen shook his arms, feeling terrible inside. She and Leng Xue had grown up together – in all these years, Leng Xue had never been angry with her.

Leng Xue looked at her mockingly, asking word by word: “Feng Suzhen, what exactly is your relationship with Lian Yu now?”

Suzhen didn’t know how to answer this question, but it was something she’d have to face eventually. After slight hesitation, she answered calmly: “He’s fallen in love with me, and I also…”

Before finishing, Leng Xue leaned down and kissed her fiercely.