Her Majesty The Empress Has Made Her Debut In The Center Position [Ancient to Modern] - Chapter 48.1

After an indeterminate amount of time—long enough for the butler’s hurried footsteps to echo through the living room downstairs, his commands ringing out one after another, and the clear, melodious Cantonese of the maids to break the silence—Ji Zhao finally raised her head slowly.

She tilted her head back and turned it slightly. “Good afternoon.”

Her Cantonese pronunciation was flawless, its soft, southern cadence making the words sound even more pleasing to the ear, brightening the atmosphere.

Zhou Yuting was surprised. “Zhaozhao, you know Cantonese too?”

Qiao Yue’s eyes sparkled. “It sounds so pretty!”

Shen Xin couldn’t help but grumble. “No matter how pretty it sounds, doesn’t it seem weird to suddenly say something in Cantonese while you’re in that position?”

Song Jiangjiang chimed in. “What did she even say? How did you understand her?”

Pei Jia: “Boss Ji, if our company opens a branch in Hong Kong, I’m demanding to be transferred there!”

Ji Zhao smiled but didn’t get up. She explained gently, “Good afternoon means… well, it’s just a polite greeting for the afternoon. There’s nothing much to see in the study, so just close the door when you leave.”

All eyes turned to Yu Cheng.

Yu Cheng! You’re being overshadowed! Don’t you have anything to say?!

Yu Cheng pressed herself tightly against the safe door, afraid it might open if she let up for a moment. She wrapped her arms around Ji Zhao’s waist to keep her still. Faced with her friends’ puzzled and questioning gazes, she felt a little bewildered. “Just lock it and leave.”

Her friends stared in shock.

What does that mean? They wondered. Won’t Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng start… you know… as soon as we’re gone? This is like dry wood and blazing fire—how can we not be curious?!

Shen Yican numbly texted Chen Xingzi: You’ve got the wrong couple.

Ji Zhao was growing impatient with their dawdling and clicked her tongue. “If you don’t want to try the rooftop pool, I’ll have the butler drain it.”

The group froze, then exclaimed in unison, “Goodbye!”

Song Jiangjiang closed the door. “Be careful about hygiene. It’s still cleaner to stay in bed.”

Yu Cheng: “……”

Ji Zhao: “……Hurry up and get lost.”

Song Jiangjiang quickly scurried away. The door locked automatically after closing, ensuring no one could open it from the outside. Ji Zhao sighed in relief, lowered her head, and rested her forehead against Yu Cheng’s shoulder. “That was close.”

Yu Cheng stiffly said, “Your Majesty, please get up first.”

Ji Zhao paused, then looked up, narrowing her eyes. “What? Am I that heavy?”

Yu Cheng shook her head firmly.

Undeterred, Ji Zhao pressed, “Then why are you in such a hurry to make me get up?”

Yu Cheng stared at her silently, her eyes filled with reproach. Ji Zhao cleared her throat. “Alright, I know this position is awkward when you’re with someone you like. I’ll reward you.”

Yu Cheng asked, “…What kind of reward?”

Is it a kiss?

She didn’t voice the thought. As a subject, one shouldn’t be too greedy. Whatever reward Your Majesty grants, she would accept.

Unaware of her wild thoughts, Ji Zhao grasped Yu Cheng’s wrist and guided her hand to a certain spot. Yu Cheng’s fingertips trembled, while Ji Zhao buried her face in Yu Cheng’s neck, muffled voice vibrating against her skin: “Do you like it?”

Yu Cheng couldn’t help but gently rub the spot, her voice honeyed with emotion, stirring the depths of Ji Zhao’s soul: “Yes.”

Like cotton candy.

She thought of that time they’d shared cotton candy outside the music festival.

Soft pink, sticky-sweet, melting between their lips and teeth as their tongues licked it, the sugary taste sliding down their throats, filling their chests and igniting into a fiery passion.

Ji Zhao wrapped her arm around Yu Cheng’s shoulders, her voice low: “Gently.”

She wanted to be gentle too.

She tried to lighten her touch, but her hunger grew, greedier than cotton candy, desperate to devour Ji Zhao whole, to consume her very bones. The thread of reason snapped and reconnected, then finally shattered completely.

Ji Zhao’s breath quickened, her body grinding against Yu Cheng’s in a desperate, painful rhythm. “It hurts, Yu Cheng,” she murmured, her name carrying a hint of plaintive complaint as it brushed against Yu Cheng’s ear, pulsing through her veins. Yu Cheng swallowed hard, finally letting reason triumph over madness, and softened her touch.

Yu Cheng turned her face, warm lips pressing against Ji Zhao’s neck as she whispered soothingly: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Ji Zhao snorted softly, thinking about how she wanted to scold Yu Cheng in an emperor’s tone, looking down on her. But she felt too tired. She just snorted again, then whispered, “If we don’t get out soon, they’ll start to suspect something.”

Yu Cheng was startled.

Remembering what Song Jiangjiang and the others were suspicious about, her face flushed slightly. “…Then let’s get out quickly.”

Ji Zhao hummed in acknowledgment, but still didn’t move.

“Your Majesty…?” Yu Cheng asked.

Regaining some energy, Ji Zhao’s tone turned icy. “Now you remember I’m Your Majesty?”

Yu Cheng fell silent.

After sitting together for a while longer, Ji Zhao finally stood up. The two of them reviewed the assets left to Ji Zhaozhao by the Ji family parents. They discovered there was still plenty of usable property. Ji Zhao held a local land title deed. “I know this plot,” she said. “It’s just outside the capital. Mother bought it at a very low price, secretly, without the Ji family’s knowledge, and put it directly in Zhaozhao’s name. Whether we develop it or sell it now, the profits would be substantial.”

Yu Cheng asked, “What does Your Majesty plan to do?”

“First, we’ll have the Market Department assess it. If we proceed, we’ll need to assemble a team.” Ji Zhao closed the safe door, her voice turning wistful. “If this were the Great Qi Dynasty, I’d simply confiscate the entire Ji family’s assets.”

Yu Cheng: “… And why?”

Ji Zhao glared. “Male chauvinism. That’s a capital offense!”

Yu Cheng: “Makes sense.”

Ji Zhao acted immediately, but didn’t reveal to the Market Department that the land was hers. She simply said she wanted to assess it—since it had been abandoned for so long—to see if they could acquire it. The Market Department immediately contacted their counterparts in the capital, and before long, preliminary information was sent over.

“Boss Ji, this land is extremely valuable. Securing it would more than triple our profits. But we can’t contact the owner, and even if we could, I doubt we’d get the chance.”

Ji Zhao lay on a beach chair, sipping juice while reading the documents on her tablet.

Nearby, Song Jiangjiang and the others, dissatisfied with the pool upstairs, had grabbed their life jackets and swum out to sea. They were now splashing about in the ocean, while the villa’s lifeguard watched them from the shore.

Yu Cheng sat across a small table from her, also on a beach chair, reading her phone.

Ji Zhao casually asked, “What are you reading?”

Yu Cheng guiltily tucked her phone under her arm. “Nothing.”

Ji Zhao, who had only asked casually, was surprised by Yu Cheng’s guilt. Her suspicion piqued, she reached out. “Let me see.”

Yu Cheng refused. “Your Majesty already has a tablet, doesn’t she?”

“I want to see it,” Ji Zhao insisted.

Yu Cheng hesitated, then reluctantly replied, “I was just browsing casually online.”

Ji Zhao narrowed her eyes. “If you don’t give it to me now, I’ll toss you into the ocean to surf.”

The threat was no real danger to Grand General Yu, but she obediently handed over her phone. Just as Ji Zhao was about to take it, Yu Cheng pulled it back. “Your Majesty, don’t get angry after you see it.”

Ji Zhao yanked the phone from her grasp. “We’ll talk about it after I see it.”

It was nearly dusk, the sun slowly sinking over the ocean, bathing the sea in an orange glow. In the background, the laughter of Song Jiangjiang and the others merged into a joyful cacophony. Without hesitation, Ji Zhao unlocked Yu Cheng’s phone using facial recognition.

What greeted her was a painting.

A meticulously crafted, detailed, and beautiful double portrait—

In the painting, a girl with long purple hair reclined on a chair, her pink blazer slipping off her shoulders. Several buttons on her white blouse had come undone, revealing the curve of her waist and the delicate beauty of her slender collarbones.

The other girl, dressed identically, stood fully clothed with her back to the scene, leaning over the purple-haired girl’s pleated skirt… adding a hint of suggestive allure to the composition.

The girl with the pink-purple hair looked exactly like Ji Zhao.

Ji Zhao: “!!!”

Her face burned. She didn’t know where she’d clicked, but the large image had shrunk to a small one, revealing that it had been posted in the Yuzhao CP super thread. The caption read: “I didn’t draw anything scandalous! Stop censoring me!”

Ji Zhao: “……”

This was practically as explicit as those drawings from that certain museum. And they still claimed it wasn’t scandalous?

Ji Zhao glanced at Yu Cheng.

Yu Cheng avoided her gaze, mumbling defensively, “I… I accidentally…”

“You clicked on our CP super thread and casually browsed a scandalous double portrait, didn’t you?” Ji Zhao’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Wasn’t it the same Grand General who swore just days ago that his feelings for me were purely those of lord and subject?”

Yu Cheng’s face flushed. “Your Majesty…”

“But this pose is quite good,” Ji Zhao said, abruptly changing the subject. “Isn’t that the sofa in Dorm 311? You, bent over in that short skirt, look awfully squishable.”

Ji Zhao reached out. “Let me give it a squeeze.”

Yu Cheng sprang to her feet with a thud, her bare feet sinking into the sand as she bolted. “Something’s happening by the beach! I’m going to check it out!”

Without looking back, she dashed away.

Ji Zhao shook her head with a smile. Her Esteemed Minister Yu is so easily flustered. Does she really let loose in bed?

The thought sent a sudden pang through her. Scenes from earlier at the safe replayed in her mind. She licked her lips, banishing those worries to the farthest reaches of her mind.

By the beach, Song Jiangjiang had caught some seafood, and a group had gathered in a fuss, insisting on taking it to the kitchen.

Unfazed, Ji Zhao scrolled through Yu Cheng’s browsing history.

– Hah, I knew it. Whatever I do, I can’t escape an argument. Huangquan Road says I’m tearing my CP sister’s hairpiece, but what do they know? This is just a divorce cooling-off period.

– If you’re gonna fight, I suggest you do it in bed. No one should be a Pillow Princess!

– What’s wrong with being a Pillow Princess?! Our Zhaozhao is so delicate and adorable. How could you bear to make her the dominant one? She’s meant to be pampered by Yu Cheng while biting her pillow—Yu Cheng would agree too!

Yu Cheng deserves praise.

Sweetie1 is top-notch. You know what I mean.

We’re all girls here—can’t we just help each other out? If you really need it, I have a reference pose. I saw it last time I was in Europe. That guy wore me down until I was about to explode.

I have a friend who wants to see it.

OP, I’m that friend. You can send it directly to me.

Ji Zhao: “……”

What kind of nonsense is this?!

The Butler’s sense of crisis intensified after Ji Zhao’s reprimand. The dinner was lavish and exquisite, with a pianist performing live to add elegance and atmosphere.

Ji Zhao wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Well done. I’ll write a glowing recommendation for you.”

The Butler bowed politely. “Thank you, Boss Ji.”

“You’ve done your part here,” Ji Zhao continued. “You can start drafting your resignation letter.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Once the Butler had left, Song Jiangjiang eagerly asked, “But his skills are quite good, aren’t they? Why are you firing him? And why make him write the resignation letter? Are you afraid of paying severance?”

Ji Zhao took a sip of her lime water and glanced around the table. Seeing everyone looking at her with puzzled expressions, she asked, “You don’t know?”

The group shook their heads in unison.

Ji Zhao glanced at Yu Cheng. “Do you know?”

“Yes,” Yu Cheng replied.

“Then you explain it,” Ji Zhao said.

“Alright.” Yu Cheng put down her knife and fork. “The butler’s skills are indeed impressive, but he’s been disloyal to his duties, allowing outsiders in for years. That alone should have ruined his career in this industry.”

“Moreover, Zhaozhao immediately reprimanded him upon arrival. He appeared to accept it, but resentment must have simmered beneath the surface. A household needs loyal servants, and someone like him can’t be kept. But since we arrived unexpectedly today, we wouldn’t have had such a lavish dinner without him. So, he’s using this meal to atone for his mistakes and secure a sliver of a future in this industry.”

Zhou Yuting said, “I think I understand.”

Song Jiangjiang added, “But then again, I don’t really understand.”

Pei Jia shrugged. “Whatever. I can just be the new butler.”

Shen Yican raised her glass. “Enough talk. Let’s drink!”

Shen Xin protested, “Just drink? We need a proper toast!”

Shen Yican declared, “To the days without Chen Xingzi!”

“Cheers!” Song Jiangjiang stood up, holding her glass. “Zhaozhao, as the mistress of the house, you should say something.”

Ji Zhao, who had been intently battling her lobster, suddenly noticed all eyes on her. She sighed softly, overwhelmed by the expectant gazes.

Back at the palace, she thought, I had to make speeches at every banquet the Emperor attended. All those words… how many mouthfuls of food did I miss out on?

Despite her silent grumbling, Ji Zhao stood and raised her glass.

The others followed suit, standing up one by one.

“To national prosperity and peace,” Ji Zhao began. “May the coming year bring favorable winds and timely rains. Cheers!”

The group echoed in unison, “Cheers!”

Then, almost simultaneously, they all thought: Isn’t that toast a bit too grand? If this were a black text, it would surely make everyone blush more and more the more they read it!

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively. The pianist switched to a cheerful tune, its lively melody filling the air and lifting everyone’s spirits. Song Jiangjiang and Qiao Yue danced wildly in the center of the floor, snapping selfies and pulling others into the dance.

“Play ‘Good Times on Vacation’!” Song Jiangjiang shouted.

The fast-paced jazz rhythm encouraged everyone to switch partners, ensuring no one was left out. After a sweaty one-and-a-half minutes, the crowd was in high spirits.

The piano melody softened into a slow, gentle tune.

Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng were also dancing in the center. Ji Zhao, slightly tipsy from the alcohol, leaned against Yu Cheng, who held her and swayed slowly. Ji Zhao lowered her head against Yu Cheng’s shoulder and murmured, “Yu Cheng must have attended plenty of these parties, right?”

Yu Cheng came from a wealthy family, and her father, Yu Wangmeng, loved showing off his beautiful daughter. He would naturally take her to such events.

Yu Cheng hummed in agreement.

Ji Zhao whispered, “Yu Wangmeng is such a jerk.”

Yu Cheng’s expression shifted slightly. She asked, “Should we… take care of him?”

Ji Zhao laughed out loud, wrapping her arm around Yu Cheng’s shoulders and tilting her head back to look up at her. Her eyes, slightly glazed from alcohol, sparkled with amusement. “Yu Cheng, you’re so loyal. If I ever killed someone, you’d definitely help me clean up the crime scene, right?”

Yu Cheng gently patted her back. “No,” she replied.

“How could I let your hands be stained with blood?” Yu Cheng continued. “If you wanted to kill someone, I’d be the knife in your hand.”

Ji Zhao snorted softly. “Flattery won’t get you anywhere.”

Yu Cheng’s tone turned serious. “I’m serious.”

Ji Zhao knew that. She leaned back against Yu Cheng’s shoulder, pondering Yu Cheng’s suggestion. “Yu Wangmeng has so much dirt on him. He’s powerful in the industry, and he’s squashed every scandal the paparazzi tried to expose him with money.”

Yu Cheng said, “That’s because no one’s come forward to expose him.”

Ji Zhao hummed in agreement. “He’s smart. He only sleeps around and avoids long-term relationships. Those poor women he meets briefly wouldn’t dare expose him. As for rumors about his bad acting, that’s too subjective. Yu Wangmeng has such a good public image that few would believe it, unless—”

Yu Cheng continued, “Unless someone very close to him comes forward to expose him.”

Ji Zhao said, “Su Jing won’t do.”

In this era, any woman who brings a complaint against a man is inevitably labeled as involved in a romantic dispute. Once that label sticks, Yu Wangmeng’s public relations team will have too much room to manipulate the narrative. Moreover, people will focus on the relationship between the man and woman, ignoring the real issue.

Yu Cheng twirled Ji Zhao around in her arms, her skirt billowing. As she spun, Ji Zhao saw her smile. “I’m Yu Wangmeng’s daughter now, the most suitable person for this.”

What could be more convincing than a daughter exposing her father for prostitution—a selfless act of familial loyalty?

Ji Zhao said, “This will affect you.”

Even if Yu Cheng exposes Yu Wangmeng as his daughter, her father could play the victim and issue a statement about how well he treated her, framing her as ungrateful. People would inevitably say, “Even if your father was involved in prostitution, he was good to you! You’re just being ungrateful!”

Yu Cheng replied, “But that would prove Yu Wangmeng is truly despicable. Why else would his own daughter expose him?”

If this had happened in the past, Ji Zhao might have agreed to the proposal. But now… she pursed her lips. When the music stopped, she leaned close to Yu Cheng’s ear and whispered softly, “I’m a little reluctant to let you get chewed out.”

While Yu Cheng stood stunned, she took two steps back. “Let’s discuss it again later.”

Yu Wangmeng had to be eliminated. This kind of person, who had deceived the world and enjoyed popularity in the entertainment industry for years, could only cause trouble once Yu Cheng debuted. He couldn’t be allowed to remain!

There must be a better way.

*******

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