After the Substitute Male Bride Fled, the Emperor Turned Dark - Chapter 10

Fang Zhiyan sensed that gaze and looked up, meeting Xiao Huan’s eyes head-on.

The moment their eyes met, he felt inexplicably guilty. He hurriedly sat up straight on the soft couch, assuming the dignified air of Concubine Zhuang. “What is Your Majesty looking at?”

Xiao Huan withdrew his gaze, his tone flat. “Seeing if you have a brain at all.”

Fang Zhiyan: “…”

It was so blunt.

He humbly asked for guidance: “Did this concubine do something wrong?”

“When the late Emperor was on the throne, Xue Wanbai’s grandfather served as the Senior Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet for over twenty years. Even now, the Xue family’s influence in the court is deeply entrenched. Even if she lacked my favor, she would not simply fall ill and die in this palace.”

Fang Zhiyan finally grasped the meaning, and his expression became complicated. He had actually believed her.

It was not entirely his fault since he was not the real Fang Zhiwei. He was completely in the dark regarding the political situation in the capital, so being deceived was only logical.

After absolving himself, he became puzzled again. Why did Lady of Bright Deportment Xue put on that performance in front of him? Was it merely to establish a connection with him?

That made sense. He had been in the palace for some time now, yet he never proactively left the gates of Jingyang Palace. He never accepted invitations, and he never invited others over.

Seeing that he seemed to have figured it out, Xiao Huan’s tone softened. “Why don’t you tell me how you speculated about me after you returned to Jingyang Palace that day?”

Naturally, he was thinking about how this deep palace devours people and how the Emperor is heartless. Of course, he could not say that.

Fang Zhiyan played dumb. “At the time, this concubine was truly startled. My mind went blank; I did not have time to think about anything.”

Xiao Huan gave a half-smile. “Is that so?”

Fang Zhiyan nearly raised his hand to swear an oath. “Indeed.”

“Go back then.” Xiao Huan did not indicate whether he believed him or not, already turning back toward his desk. “No need to come tomorrow.”

Fang Zhiyan was delighted. “Ah?”

Had the Emperor finally grown tired of him after spending some time together?

“I am going to inspect the capital military camps tomorrow and will return in a few days,” Xiao Huan said without looking up. “Stay properly in Jingyang Palace. Do not go around causing trouble.”

Fang Zhiyan felt a surge of indignation. What did he mean by “going around causing trouble”? On the surface, however, he put on a reluctant expression. “This concubine obeys your decree. Please be careful on your journey, Your Majesty.”

Xiao Huan ignored him.

Leaving Qianqing Palace, Fang Zhiyan breathed a long sigh of relief.

That night, Fang Zhiyan finally had a rare good night’s sleep, and the next day, he slept in. Without the Emperor’s summons or the Empress Dowager’s call, he spent a day living like a deity in Jingyang Palace.

“Lan Ruo, wouldn’t it be wonderful if I could live like this for a whole year?”

Lan Ruo, who was tidying the bed, glanced at him. “You are a Consort now. You were always meant to live like this.”

“It is different.” Fang Zhiyan leaned back against the chair. “Right now, I am living with my head on the line. When have I ever truly been at ease?”

Lan Ruo remained as she always was; when faced with a difficult question, she stayed silent.

The peaceful life lasted only a day. Early the next morning, a young eunuch ran over in a hurry. “Sister Lan Ruo, someone has come from Consort Shu’s side.”

Lan Ruo, who was pruning branches, stopped her movements and walked quickly to Fang Zhiyan’s side, lowering her voice. “Your Ladyship, Consort Shu has sent someone.”

The one who arrived was Qing He, Consort Shu’s head maid. She was in her early twenties and possessed quite an air of authority.

“This servant pays her respects to Lady Concubine Zhuang.” Qing He performed a respectful salute.

“Rise,” Fang Zhiyan said, maintaining his posture. “What business does Consort Shu have?”

“In reply to Your Ladyship: My mistress says she received some fine tea today and wishes to invite Concubine Zhuang to come and taste it. If Your Ladyship is free, please pay a visit.”

Fang Zhiyan’s mind raced through several possibilities. Consort Shu was taking the initiative to invite him? This was a first.

This Consort Shu was rumored to be the Emperor’s childhood sweetheart, having grown up with him. Their relationship was said to be extremely close. Although the Emperor was somewhat cold-natured, he always held Consort Shu in high esteem and left most of the harem’s affairs to her management.

Fang Zhiyan’s impression of her was that she was low-profile, indifferent, and not someone to be trifled with. Their only prior interaction was when she had grounded him for a few days.

“Very well. Thank you for making the trip, girl.”

Qing He acknowledged him and withdrew.

Fang Zhiyan called Lan Ruo to help him dress. “Why do you think Consort Shu wants to see me?”

Lan Ruo thought for a moment. “I cannot guess.”

“Should I bring something? It is not good to go empty-handed.” Fang Zhiyan considered it. “Then bring that painting.”

Lan Ruo nodded and asked, “Is it the Hundred Flowers by the famous master of the previous dynasty, or the White Lotus by the contemporary master?”

Rumors that Concubine Zhuang was favored were not unfounded. The Emperor had sent many rare treasures, and these two famous paintings were recent rewards.

“Neither. It is the one of osmanthus flowers I painted two days ago.”

The faint smile on Lan Ruo’s face cracked. “Is that perhaps not valuable enough?” She refrained from commenting on whether the painting was actually good.

Fang Zhiyan waved his hand. “How could I bear to part with the valuable ones?”

Lan Ruo: “…”

When the master and servant arrived at the gates of Yanxi Palace, Qing He was already waiting.

“Concubine Zhuang has arrived. Her Ladyship Consort Shu is waiting inside. Please follow me.”

Fang Zhiyan followed Qing He inside. Yanxi Palace was truly much better than Jingyang Palace; it was more elegant and spacious. A grove of emerald bamboo grew in the courtyard, making one feel cool and refreshed in the summer heat.

In the main hall, Consort Shu sat at a desk holding a book. She looked up upon hearing footsteps. She wore a moon-white robe and only a single silver hairpin in her hair, looking as pure and simple as a lotus flower.

“You have come? Sit.”

Fang Zhiyan bowed. “This concubine pays respects to Consort Shu.”

“No need for such ceremony.” Consort Shu pointed to an embroidered stool nearby, her gaze falling on the scroll in his hand. “What are you holding?”

“You will know once you see it, Your Ladyship,” he said with a hint of mystery. He signaled Lan Ruo to present the scroll to Consort Shu.

Consort Shu knew that Concubine Zhuang had received many fine things lately and assumed he had come to show off. She took it and slowly unfurled it, saying nonchalantly, “I heard that younger sister recently received several masterpieces. You are quite generous to be willing to give such a fine thing.”

The scroll opened to reveal a leafy, ordinary osmanthus tree. Consort Shu closed her eyes, then opened them again. The osmanthus tree had not turned into a white lotus.

“The craftsmanship of this imperial scroll is exquisite, and the osmanthus tree is very realistic.”

Fang Zhiyan gave a sheepish smile. Fortunately, Consort Shu had a substantial fortune of her own and did not care for the trifles of others, so the matter was brushed aside.

“I heard that a few days ago at Qiuxiang Palace, you played the Leaf Game and won quite a bit.”

Fang Zhiyan replied, “Sister Xue invited me, and I could not refuse. We played a few rounds. My luck was quite good.”

“Luck?” Consort Shu laughed softly. “I heard you did not lose a single match. That cannot be explained by luck alone.”

Fang Zhiyan did not know how to respond, so he could only offer a hollow, perfunctory laugh. Seeing him remain silent, Consort Shu shifted the topic. “The Emperor is away from the palace these two days. Do you feel bored staying in Jingyang Palace by yourself?”

“It is alright,” Fang Zhiyan answered honestly. “This concubine originally preferred peace and quiet.”

“Peace and quiet?” Consort Shu glanced at him. “How is it that I heard you were having a grand time on the swing in Jingyang Palace?”

Fang Zhiyan: “…”

“I mean nothing else by it.” Consort Shu picked up her teacup, her tone indifferent. “I simply feel that you are a very unique person. You are quite interesting, too.”

Although his reputation was average, and everyone said he was arrogant, aloof, and difficult to get along with, aside from that one overbearing display at the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility, he had not caused any more trouble. On the contrary, Concubine Zhuang was very well-behaved. He did not stir up drama or go out, preferring to live his life behind closed doors.

She had always thought herself the most relaxed person in the palace, but she had not expected to find another expert. In contrast, alarm bells were ringing in Fang Zhiyan’s head.

“Your Ladyship overpraises me. This concubine is but an ordinary person.”

“Sister is too modest.” Consort Shu looked at him. “The Emperor likes you; there must be a reason for it.”

Fang Zhiyan felt unnerved by her gaze. He picked up his tea and pretended to drink to hide his unease. Consort Shu said nothing more, and the two drank tea in silence for a while.

Fang Zhiyan stole a glance at her, wondering what kind of person this Consort Shu was exactly.

“Is there something on my face?” Consort Shu suddenly spoke.

Fang Zhiyan quickly looked away. “No, no. This concubine was impolite.”

Consort Shu gave a light chuckle. “You need not be so nervous. I do not eat people.”

“This concubine is not nervous.”

Consort Shu suddenly said something seemingly out of nowhere: “You need not fear me. I bear you no ill will. I simply wanted to meet you in person.”

By the time he left Yanxi Palace, the sky had already darkened. Walking along the palace path, Fang Zhiyan repeatedly replayed Consort Shu’s words in his mind.

“Lan Ruo,” Fang Zhiyan spoke up. “What do you think of Consort Shu?”

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