I've Decided To Be This Tyrant's Dark Moonlight - Chapter 50

Wei Ying sighed and caught the bow and arrow handed to her by Pei Jian.

The ministers were all astonished. It was not surprising that the Imperial Noble Consort was skilled in horseback archery, but this Lady Ying? She looked delicate and fragile, barely able to lift a bow.

Pei Jian turned to look at his sister. The Noble Consort’s eyes remained fixed on Wei Ying, a slight smile on her lips, as if she were confident of victory.

Pei Jian felt at ease. As he withdrew his gaze, he inadvertently noticed the Emperor.

The Emperor sat on his horse, gripping the reins tightly. The veins on his pale hands stood out, his body tense—tenser than the bowstring in the hands of the beauty. Pei Jian had rarely seen the Emperor lose his composure. This young ruler, ascending the throne at such a tender age, usually bore his heavy responsibilities quietly.

Back when the previous Emperor listened to the Empress Dowager’s advice, he wanted to depose the young ruler and leave the throne to Prince Luling. At the time, Pei Jian’s father was not a committed supporter of the Crown Prince; he merely followed the late Emperor’s orders and did not want to involve himself in the succession struggle.

Unexpectedly, one day the Crown Prince personally visited his father and spoke with him in a private chamber for the entire afternoon. When he emerged, Pei Jian’s father had become a steadfast supporter of the Emperor.

Pei Jian did not know what his father and the Crown Prince had discussed. He only suddenly remembered that the Crown Prince was not alone that day.

Accompanying the young Emperor was a woman holding an umbrella, her plain dress and simple hairpin unable to conceal her beauty. Graceful and poised, she walked past a tree in full bloom. She was said to be the Imperial Teacher, from the South Sea, always by the young Emperor’s side.

Back then, the Emperor was far less gloomy and pale, often laughing, full of youthful pride and audacity.

When Pei Jian went to serve tea in the private chamber, he glanced at them.

The young Emperor sat on the ground, slightly tilting his head, smiling at his teacher with a smile full of warmth and attachment.

Later, when the Crown Prince traveled, the temporary palace caught fire. After that incident… the Emperor rarely smiled again.

Lost in thought over past events, Pei Jian suddenly heard a shout. Only then did he realize that, in a short moment, four of the five arrows had already struck the bullseye, the white feathers trembling slightly.

Wei Ying, riding her horse, drew the final arrow, bent the bow, released it, and it hit the target—smoothly and flawlessly.

Even Pei Jian could not help but admire her skill.

She guided her horse back to the Noble Consort, looking at her somewhat helplessly.

Noble Consort: “I knew you could do it!” She draped a hand over Wei Ying’s shoulder. “Truly the woman I’ve trained!”

The surrounding ministers, originally marveling at the hidden talents of the harem, were stunned by this remark. They glanced at the stoic Emperor beside them, silently pitying His Majesty.

He truly suffered, sobbing silently.

Pei Jian took out five more arrows and asked Peng Liguo, “Your Excellency, would you like to try?”

Sweat beaded on Peng Liguo’s forehead. Remembering the composed beauty from earlier, he hesitated before finally saying, “M-my hand hurts.”

Pei Jian laughed heartily, expressing concern for the envoy’s body, and then asked the other officials, “Anyone else wish to try?”

They all shook their heads, embarrassed, “Our hands hurt too, ha ha, hands hurt.”

Thus, the hunt ended with everyone claiming “hand pain.” The Emperor summoned the court physicians to apply ointments for all, demonstrating his care for his ministers.

The day of Peng Liguo’s departure from Shengjing arrived.

Wei Ying waited along the palace road. Soon, a young eunuch approached, eyes lighting up, running over: “My Lady, I found what you asked for!”

Little Liuzi took several rolled maps from his sleeve, saying, “That blonde foreigner is truly scheming—he drew out all our border maps!”

Wei Ying took the maps and looked over them, intending to reward him with a box of Eastern Pearls.

Little Liuzi quickly waved, “We serve the country, no reward needed,” rubbing his hands expectantly. “If you do want to reward me, could you give me a talisman?”

As a professional ghost-hunter, Little Liuzi had no interest in gold or jewels. He sighed, “Even this female ghost doesn’t spare the eunuchs.”

Wei Ying smiled faintly and drew a talisman with cinnabar. Little Liuzi accepted it with endless gratitude and left.

She followed the original story, presenting the maps to the Emperor and explaining Beiyue’s intentions.

After speaking at length, she noticed the Emperor reclining on the couch, propping his head with one hand, smiling at her.

Wei Ying: “Your Majesty?”

The Emperor made a faint nasal sound.

Wei Ying: “…Were you even listening?”

Yun Shao tilted her head, vaguely saying, “I heard… Beiyue? Uh, not Beiyue?”

Wei Ying stepped forward, “Would Your Majesty repeat what I just said?”

Originally lounging lazily, Yun Shao straightened at her request, placing her hands on her knees, fingers pointing at her clothing like a child who had done something wrong. Her gaze fell to Wei Ying’s shoes, lips pressing together—a guilty expression.

Wei Ying, unsure what to say, handed over the maps: “Even if we confiscate these maps, Peng Liguo could redraw them from memory. The maps record the terrain of Dàsheng. If Beiyue knows…”

Yun Shao focused, smiling: “Ying Ying, do not worry. Maps like these, if he wants, can be bought at a bookstore in Shengjing for three copper coins, even more detailed than his. The real border fortresses, the dangerous passes, of course, will not be revealed to him.”

Wei Ying felt her predictions had been anticipated. She paused: “Your Majesty foresaw this already?”

Yun Shao smiled: “Teacher taught me, remember?”

Wei Ying: …

Yun Shao continued: “I remember every word of my teacher.” She leaned forward slightly, exposing a partially revealed collarbone, and whispered: “Teacher said: ‘In warfare, deception is key; set traps, take unexpected paths, strike unprepared, surprise the enemy.’”

Wei Ying scratched her head—she truly had taught the Emperor well back then.

Yun Shao continued, her ears slightly red, softening her voice: “But you are still too young now. When older, I’ll teach you things only adults understand.”

Wei Ying felt a cold sweat run down her back and stepped back.

This dog Emperor! She would never have said such things back then.

Dog Emperor was definitely just after her body!

Yun Shao’s smile deepened as he watched her leave. Sunlight highlighted her long legs and slender silhouette.

He whispered: “Ying Ying always treats me well.”

No matter the time or place.

After Wei Ying left, Yun Shao summoned Pei Jian and Gong Hongbo to discuss the matter. After a short discussion, they decided to return the trivial maps to avoid alarming anyone.

Now, Dàsheng was rich and powerful, the people united, and General Pei still stationed at the frontier. With favorable timing, terrain, and unity, Dàsheng was no longer a weak country.

If the enemy wants war, then so be it.

As the ministers prepared to leave, the Emperor suddenly called out to Pei Jian: “Minister, I heard you spilled wine on the envoy at the banquet?”

Pei Jian was startled and bowed immediately: “It was my fault, Your Majesty. Please punish me.”

Gong Hongbo observed silently nearby.

The Emperor waved a hand, smiling: “I heard the envoy insulted the Noble Consort first, and you just reacted? That’s good. You are a good man, Pei Qing.”

Pei Jian left the Hall of Mental Cultivation confused, having inexplicably received a “good person” card.

He turned to discuss Beiyue with Gong Hongbo but noticed the Imperial Uncle standing in the white jade hall, expression dark.

“Your Excellency?”

Gong Hongbo said gloomily: “Pei Qing, you are a good man.”

Pei Jian: ???

Gong Hongbo fell silent, then remarked: “You and the Noble Consort are close.”

Pei Jian finally understood a little, thinking perhaps the Imperial Uncle and Empress Dowager were not on good terms. He only smiled: “After all, blood is thicker than water. Even if bones break, tendons hold. How could we not be close?”

Gong Hongbo shook his head: “Not all blood relatives are like that. When power is involved, no matter the affection, in the end… sigh…”

After the envoy left Dàsheng, Wei Ying and Xiao Qianxue were both granted the title of “Beauty,” returning to their normal lives, happily roaming the palace.

The Emperor issued new policies, creating conflicts with the Imperial Uncle, and noisy disputes often arose outside the Taihe Gate, but it did not concern Wei Ying. She continued visiting the Virtuous Consort for meals and soaking in the Noble Consort’s bath—living a carefree life.

Spring was ending, the weather growing hotter, the winds carrying heat.

Wei Ying started avoiding going out, staying in the palace cooled with ice, reading stories with Xiao Qianxue.

By tradition, a month later, the Emperor would bring consorts and ministers to the Summer Resort for a vacation and to handle state affairs. Four consorts could accompany him, and everyone usually competed eagerly for this privilege. However, due to the recent reforms, last year’s Autumn Hunt was canceled, and this year, it was uncertain.

Xiao Qianxue, holding a cup of chilled yogurt, said: “I still want to go.”

Wei Ying: “Don’t worry, you’ll go.”

Xiao Qianxue blinked: “You already know? Did you secretly divine it?”

Wei Ying, known as a semi-immortal, smiled: “Yes.”

In the original story, the heroine and Emperor had already established their romantic bond in the Star-Picking Tower, sweetly entwined, eventually achieving great harmony at the Summer Resort.

Wei Ying shivered slightly, wondering how a female Emperor and the female protagonist achieved such harmony. Could this be a fantasy world?

She summoned the system: “System, if I don’t intervene, would the heroine not get pregnant?”

She touched her neck: “Could this be an ABO world? Check if I have any glands here.”

Court Intrigue Assistant: “…You may be misunderstanding yourself. This is a normal world. Nothing weird like that exists.”

Wei Ying frowned: “Then why did the heroine get pregnant?”

Though the child was eventually lost, an early trope had the miscarriage being essential for the heroine’s descent into darkness.

Wei Ying’s eyes widened: “Did the heroine cheat on the Emperor?”

Court Intrigue Assistant: “No.”

Wei Ying: “Then why?”

Court Intrigue Assistant: “…Consider it a bug. This world has many bugs.”

Wei Ying considered it reasonable. The Emperor being a cross-dressing male wasn’t in the book.

If the Emperor was normally male, the heroine’s pregnancy, miscarriage, and dark turn were just classic tropes. Perhaps even the author didn’t know the Emperor was female.

Suddenly, Xiao Qianxue asked: “Ying Ying, does your neck hurt?”

Wei Ying: “No, I’m looking for a hidden mechanism.”

Xiao Qianxue became curious, lifting her cup: “Hidden mechanism? Do I have one too?!”

Wei Ying examined the back of the young girl’s neck but found nothing.

Xiao Qianxue: “I don’t have one either!”

Wei Ying: “Nope, sigh.”

Xiao Qianxue, confused but catching Wei Ying’s mood, sighed too: “Sigh—Ying Ying, why are you sighing?”

Wei Ying: “You wouldn’t understand.”

Xiao Qianxue insisted: “Turn around, let me see your hidden mechanism!” and reached for her neck. The hand, cold from touching yogurt, sent goosebumps across Wei Ying’s neck.

Xiao Qianxue carefully looked: “Where?”

Wei Ying quickly dodged and grabbed the yogurt: “Only the clever can see it.” She glanced at Xiao Qianxue’s flat belly: “I just want to protect your stomach.”

At the Summer Resort, the four consorts accompanying the Emperor were traditionally chosen by the Empress.

Wei Ying approached Changchun Palace. The Empress and Virtuous Consort were discussing the matter.

Yue Qinghui pondered: “Last time, the Noble Consort accompanied His Majesty. This time, the Empress Dowager has decreed, so Palace Matrons and Virtuous Consort must go, leaving two…”

Cui Wu suggested: “Why not let Lady Ying and Lady Xiao go?”

The Empress smiled lightly: “They are close, and with Palace Matron, it’s suitable for accompanying the Emperor to the Summer Resort.”

Yue Qinghui hesitated.

The Virtuous Consort said: “His Majesty will like it. Empress, let them go.”

Encouraged by her, the Empress agreed.

The Summer Resort, near Shengjing, east by a lake, west by mountains, offered cool summer breezes. Emperors historically came here to escape the sun.

Wei Ying and Xiao Qianxue rode in a large carriage, leaving soon. The carriage had ice storage, keeping it cool. They began eating chilled watermelon.

The carriage door opened. Virtuous Consort arrived with Palace Servants. The atmosphere turned silent.

Palace Servant: “Hmph, how did you get chosen to go with the Emperor?”

Wei Ying and Xiao Qianxue silently chewed.

The servant scoffed: “Must be due to favors to the Empress, huh? I don’t get why newly entered consorts are chosen.”

They kept eating silently.

The Emperor arrived at the carriage, heard the chewing sounds, frowned, checked, and finally chose another carriage, sighing quietly.

The Summer Resort was picturesque, with lotus ponds and an enclosed hunting ground.

Wei Ying and Xiao Qianxue stayed in Yanbo Hall, near the hunting ground and lotus ponds.

They spent mornings hunting on horseback, then returned to enjoy lotus flowers and fish. Life was peaceful, away from the Emperor’s wandering presence.

The Virtuous Consort deliberately had them stay remote, making it easier for Wei Ying to protect Xiao Qianxue’s belly.

Wei Ying also developed skills in fishing and cooking. She lounged by the lotus pond, fishing lazily under a sunshade.

Xiao Qianxue squatted nearby: “Ying Ying, I think something’s biting!”

Wei Ying: “Shh.”

Xiao Qianxue covered her mouth, not speaking. She realized Ying Ying was a treasure—she could do everything.

Wei Ying fell asleep, waking in the afternoon. Xiao Qianxue had fallen asleep leaning on her.

Stretching, Wei Ying woke her to return to Yanbo Hall for meals.

Xiao Qianxue, drowsy: “Ah, so sleepy. This weather is perfect for napping.”

Wei Ying agreed. She stopped suddenly, noticing someone ahead sleeping on a narrow armrest.

Yun Shao lay sideways, head propped, golden-embroidered white robe draped to the ground. Sunlight illuminated half her face, making her skin glow honey-gold.

Wei Ying thought of milk and honey—it smelled sweet.

She quickly regained composure, taking Xiao Qianxue away.

Xiao Qianxue: “Your Majesty is sleeping there, won’t it be uncomfortable? Could it be that He came looking for us?”

Wei Ying stayed silent.

Hearing movement behind, the light-sleeping Emperor awoke, eyes hazy, but upon seeing them, a gentle smile appeared: “Beloved.”

Xiao Qianxue forced Wei Ying to greet, asking why He slept there.

Yun Shao, uncomfortable on the hard armrest, leaned back, legs extended, resting against the sunlight, lotus flowers behind.

A breeze stirred stray hair, and she smiled: “I was waiting for you. Waiting, and then I fell asleep.”

She rose, legs numb, supporting herself with the railing, walking toward them slowly.

Wei Ying felt anxious, steadied herself, and used a “Contrary to Wish” charm.

The Emperor, walking forward, suddenly halted, stepping backward.

Wei Ying frowned, stepping back herself.

Xiao Qianxue: “Ying Ying, is the Emperor trying another strange exercise?”

Wei Ying: “Maybe.”

The Emperor realized something was off, recalling the strange incident before. She closed her eyes, imagining moving backward to actually move forward.

Opening her eyes, she imagined stepping back and naturally took a step forward.

Seeing Wei Ying, a confident smile appeared.

Wei Ying: !!!

She had become clever!

Court Intrigue Assistant: “…Your teaching worked well.”

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