After Transmigrating Into A Eunuch, I Became Famous In The Harem - Chapter 22

The Imperial Study was warm from the coal fire. The Emperor sat on a low couch in his casual robes, while Liang Fujun sat beside him, offering him a berry. Her smile was exceptionally beautiful. “Your Majesty, with so many beauties in the Imperial Harem, why are you so obsessed with Eunuch Shao?”

“Today, the Empress went to the Empress Dowager’s Palace…”

“And what?” The Emperor sneered. “The condition for approving the Commercial Tax Reform was to bring Shao Yin back to my side.”

He glanced sidelong at Liang Fujun. “Why are you bringing up Shao Yin now? Don’t forget that the tax revenue is meant for your father and brothers on the border. If you persist in pestering me, I’ll revoke the Imperial Edict.”

The usually arrogant and domineering Noble Consort was now exceptionally gentle and charming before the Emperor. She feigned annoyance. “Your Majesty, how can you accuse me so unjustly? I came today to thank you for issuing the Imperial Edict.”

“I’ve heard that Eunuch Shao has served in the Imperial Study for three months without ever allowing the Emperor to get close to him,” Liang Fujun said. “Your Majesty, there are some things we harem ladies are better at. If Eunuch Shao comes to my palace, I’ll definitely give you someone who truly understands you.”

The Emperor glanced sideways at the Noble Consort, his eyes was cold. “Hmph, what we love about Yin’er is his fiery temper. If you grind that out of him, what’s the point of keeping him around?”

“Besides, do you think we don’t know how tyrannical you are in the Imperial Harem? If we entrust someone to you and you end up humiliating them, we’ll have to soothe them afterward.”

Liang Fujun smiled. “Your Majesty, you don’t understand. Sometimes people can’t see the sincerity right in front of them. It’s only when they’re in danger and rescued by someone that they realize how that person cares for them.”

“Besides, even if I’m tyrannical in the Imperial Harem, I’ve never thrown a tantrum in front of Your Majesty. After all these years together, don’t you know me?”

The snowstorm raged outside the window, dark clouds pressing down heavily over the palace.

The Empress braved the blizzard to reach the Imperial Study, her aura colder than the ice and snow.
Eunuch Qian stood outside the study, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of the Empress. He had never witnessed such formidable presence from her before. He lowered his head and murmured, “Imperial Consort, this humble servant will announce your arrival at once.”

But the Emperor refused to see her. He even redirected his fury onto Eunuch Qian. “You can’t even keep one person out? What use are you to us? Tell her that if she can’t keep her promises, we’ll change our mind too.”

Before Eunuch Qian could withdraw, Guan Zhixian had already stormed into the Imperial Study.

The Emperor’s eyes widened as he swept the berries from the low table onto the floor. The plate shattered into pieces.

Instead of apologizing and leaving, the Empress knelt and looked up at him. “Your Majesty.”

“Silence!” The Emperor’s chest heaved with uncontrollable rage. He pointed at her. “What do you think you’re doing? You’re trying to force my hand, Guan Zhixian! Who do you think you are? If you don’t want this Empress position, there are plenty who do!”

Guan Zhixian knew she wasn’t in a position to plead with the Emperor today. She even wondered if she had lost her senses, daring to confront the Emperor over a mere servant. This was something she had never done in over a decade in the palace.

Even when she had arranged for Shao Yin to leave, she had done so methodically, to appease the Empress Dowager and encourage the Emperor to spread his favor throughout the harem.

Liang Fujun, who sat beside the Emperor, also rose from the couch and knelt beside it when the Emperor’s anger flared. Though her head remained bowed, a faint smile played on her lips.

Once the Emperor had vented his fury, Liang Fujun straightened her posture, placing her hands on his knees. She looked up with a solicitous expression. “Your Majesty, you mustn’t quarrel with the Empress over such trivial matters.”

Her smile, though subtle, was dazzling. “Your Majesty, why not simply grant this humble consort’s request? Wouldn’t it be far more convenient for you to come here? I am, after all, Your Majesty’s most attentive Noble Consort.”

The curve of her eyes held a beauty unmatched by any other in the harem. Her loveliness was sharp and bold, yet she reserved her warmth and tenderness exclusively for the Emperor, showing no kindness to others.

In his earlier years, the Emperor had been utterly bewitched by the Noble Consort’s unique attentions, granting her daily favors.

Even now, the Noble Consort understood him best, always arranging for the more youthful Junior Attendants to attend to his needs.

The Emperor was deeply satisfied with Liang Fujun, his affection for her far surpassing his feelings for the Empress.

After speaking, Liang Fujun offered the Emperor a faint smile.

Guan Zhixian suddenly looked up at Liang Fujun.

Su Zhongjie’s information proved true: Liang Fujun actually intended to transfer Shao Yin to her palace.

Why would she do this?

Countless thoughts flashed through Guan Zhixian’s mind as she glared at Liang Fujun, her gaze sharp as a blade scraping against the other woman’s skin.

How could Liang Fujun possibly fear her?

Both had navigated the Imperial Harem’s treacherous waters for over a decade. Guan Zhixian had her family connections, but so did Liang Fujun.

Moreover, Liang Fujun was clearly helping her. Did Guan Zhixian truly wish for Shao Yin to return to the Imperial Study?

If that were her desire, she wouldn’t have been so tirelessly working to prevent it today.

The Emperor also noticed Guan Zhixian’s glare.

In that instant, the Emperor’s anger faltered slightly.

Realizing his momentary weakness, the Emperor’s fury intensified, fueled by humiliation.

How could the Emperor of the realm possibly fear a woman? Even if she was his Empress and the mistress of the Imperial Harem, the Empress could never stand above the Emperor in status.

He glared at the Empress, only to find her meeting his gaze without yielding an inch.

At that moment, the Noble Consort gently pinched his thigh. He glanced down at her, noticing her coquettish wink.

The Emperor’s thoughts shifted, and he suddenly realized this might be an excellent course of action.

The proposed Commercial Tax reform had been jointly put forward by the Empress’s family and the Noble Consort. Despite his trusted ministers’ vigorous opposition and attempts to block it, they had worked tirelessly to advance their cause.

If he could sow discord between the Empress and the Noble Consort, their families would find it difficult to maintain their alliance.

Without their united support, his own position would become far more secure.

Moreover, the Noble Consort was right: Shao Yin was strikingly beautiful. Despite spending three whole months in the Imperial Study, he had yet to claim her as his own.

Continuing as usual now would lack the necessary spice. Entrusting Shao Yin’s “education” to the Noble Consort seemed like an excellent solution.

Previously, he had suspected the Noble Consort and the Empress were conspiring to lure away his trusted servants.

It now seemed clear that the Noble Consort was truly on Guan Zhixian’s side.

In that instant, the Emperor chose the option most favorable to him, the Noble Consort’s proposal.

He looked at the Empress with deliberate provocation. “As the Noble Consort suggests, Shao Yin will be placed under her tutelage. I hope to see my wish fulfilled soon.”

Guan Zhixian watched impassively as events unfolded in a direction she deeply opposed, feeling utterly powerless. It was like trying to persuade the Emperor to support the Commercial Tax Reform—utterly hopeless.

Her expression betrayed no trace of panic, as if this decision hadn’t touched her emotions at all.

Yet her calm demeanor failed to bring the Emperor the satisfaction he’d anticipated; instead, it seemed to tighten the constriction in his chest.

Little did the Emperor know that Guan Zhixian’s heart was already aching deeply.

At that moment, the Emperor had no desire to see these “aging and faded” women. The newly selected concubines were far more tender and pliant, and they lacked the cunning schemes that vexed him.
With a flick of his leg, he brushed aside the Noble Consort’s hand resting on his knee and waved dismissively at both women with impatience. “Since the matter is settled, you may both withdraw. We wish to rest.”

It wasn’t yet time for lunch, and he hadn’t specified how he intended to rest.

Liang Fujun stood up first, bowed, and smiled brightly at the Emperor. “This subject takes her leave. If Your Majesty has time, please visit my palace. My two Junior Attendants often speak of how much they miss you.”

The Emperor’s interest was piqued, but he didn’t want to go to the Noble Consort’s palace just then. He simply nodded. “We understand. Tell them we will visit them another day.”

After the Noble Consort left, the Empress didn’t linger either. She stood up and bowed. “This subject also takes her leave.”

The Emperor waved dismissively at her, his gesture ungracious. Watching her cold expression as she turned and left, he felt even more bored.

In his youth, he had once been infatuated with the Empress. Now, looking back, he found it hard to believe he had ever been attracted to this icy mountain of a woman.

Guan Zhixian left so abruptly because she wanted to catch up with Liang Fujun.

Liang Fujun, anticipating the Empress would follow, hadn’t walked too quickly.

As soon as they left Qianqing Palace and returned to the palace path, the Empress immediately grabbed the Noble Consort’s arm and pulled her to the wall.

The palace attendants accompanying them didn’t dare intervene. This was the Empress and the Noble Consort, the two most venerated mistresses of the Imperial Harem. They all turned their backs, too afraid to even glance at the two women.

Other eunuchs and palace maids approaching on the palace path saw the Empress and Noble Consort standing there, apparently in conflict. They halted and faced the palace wall. Whatever these two mistresses chose to do was not a sight for their eyes.

Beside the palace wall, Guan Zhixian gripped Liang Fujun’s wrist, trapping her against the stone. Her eyes were cold and severe. “What are you doing? How dare you try to steal someone from me!”

Liang Fujun wasn’t intimidated by the Empress. Instead, she let out a soft, deranged chuckle, a hint of madness flickering in her eyes. “Sister, you misunderstand. Everything I’ve done has been for your sake. Without me, you would have had to return Eunuch Shao to the Emperor today—a fate I know you wouldn’t want.”

“Now that Sister trusts Eunuch Shao so completely, isn’t he safer with me than in the Imperial Study?”

“My visit to the Imperial Study today was only possible because of our relationship. Sister, please trust me.”

Guan Zhixian wouldn’t be swayed. Her gaze was fierce as she hissed through gritted teeth, “If you truly care about me, you should beg His Majesty to keep her in my palace.”

Liang Fujun laughed. “Aiya, how did you see through me, Senior Sister? I do have my own little scheme. I simply want to know what makes this eunuch so special. He spent only three months in the Imperial Study and bewitched His Majesty completely. He’s been in Kunning Palace for less than a month, yet he’s already become the Imperial Consort’s favored attendant.”

“I’m just curious. If I brought him to my palace, would he become my favored attendant too? If he truly has this kind of influence, I’d have to look at him with new eyes.”

“Your Majesty the Empress, now that the matter is settled, I assure you I won’t harm him. I’ll simply summon him to my palace for my own use. I pledge on our past affection that he will suffer no mistreatment under my care. I’ll protect him well for Your Majesty and prevent His Majesty from laying a hand on him.”

“You should know, Your Majesty, that when it comes to dealing with His Majesty, our hearts are aligned.”

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