I've Decided To Be This Tyrant's Dark Moonlight - Chapter 57

The Matron smiled and said, “The Empress said to also invite Consort Xian and Lady Xiao to the Imperial Garden for a small drink.”

Consort Xian’s face lit up with a gentle smile. She said softly, “Did the Empress really call for us too?”

The Matron replied, “Yes. The Empress also said that Consort Xian must have prepared a table of pastries that surpasses even the Imperial Kitchen. We only need to prepare some wine.”

Consort Xian’s eyes sparkled like a praised child. She asked, “The Empress really said that? Then we must put all the pastries into boxes, and don’t spill this pot of soup,” she said, getting up to instruct the palace attendants to pack the food. She couldn’t help but glance at the Matron again and ask, “The Empress really said this?”

The Matron laughed: “Yes, yes. The Empress always praises Your Highness’s cooking skills.”

Consort Xian lowered her head, slightly curling her lips, gave the plate of pastries to the Matron, and then busied herself with packing alongside Wei Ying and the others.

After a cup of tea, a banquet was set up in the Imperial Garden pavilion.

The Empress smiled slightly at them, helping place the bowls and dishes from the boxes on the table. Consort Xian, pleased by the Empress’s praise, flitted among the palace maids, her skirts fluttering, directing them on arranging all the pastries and delicacies.

Yue Qinghui poured a cup of fruit wine for Wei Ying. “Did you enjoy your time at the Summer Resort?” she asked.

Wei Ying smiled, “It was fine.”

Consort Xian said, “Someone still wanted to punish Ying Ying and Qianxue with the whip.”

Hearing this, Yue Qinghui frowned slightly, a faint cold glint flashing in her eyes, her voice rising: “Punish?”

Wei Ying shrugged and recounted the incident again, how they came waving the whips angrily, only to get hit themselves, which made the Empress snicker.

Consort Xian also snickered, covering her lips with her hand.

At that moment, Lady Li came over, curious, and after greetings asked, “Ying Ying, how have you been? No trouble, I hope?”

Wei Ying replied, “No, see, I’m fine.”

Lady Li glanced, bowed slightly, and asked, “What were the sisters laughing at just now?”

Wei Ying sighed helplessly and repeated the story.

Lady Li nodded, tilting her head to listen intently. When she heard Ying Ying was unharmed, she finally relaxed and, during the subsequent development, couldn’t help but snicker as well.

Wei Ying drank some water in a daze, thinking that their reactions were so similar.

Finally, with that matter settled, it was time to eat. Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind:

“What interesting thing are you talking about?”

Consort Gui was dressed magnificently in red and gold embroidery, holding a round fan as she approached. “Tell me about it?”

Wei Ying: …

Consort Gui noticed her hesitation, showing some displeasure. “Why, don’t want to?”

Xiao Qianxue hurriedly said, “Ying Ying has repeated it several times already. Let me tell her instead.”

Consort Gui continued to gaze at Wei Ying, gripping her fan tightly. “You’ve told everyone else, but not me?”

Wei Ying touched her mouth, guided her to sit next to Xiao Qianxue: “It’s not that, I just feel sorry for the palace concubine.”

Every time Palace Lady Bei Nu got beaten, someone would intervene—poor girl, she’s already been whipped four times!

Pei Que softly hummed and patiently sat beside her, then snickered, and quickly put on a serious face: “They abused private punishment, just picking on your gentle and harmless nature.”

Wei Ying nodded, sighing: “Sigh, I’m really helpless.”

Pei Que said, “This autumn hunt, you’ll come with me. Let’s see who dares to bully you!”

Wei Ying: “Okay, okay!”

Xiao Qianxue nodded along: “Okay, okay!”

Pei Que glanced at Xiao Qianxue, hesitated, but ultimately said nothing.

Xiao Qianxue: Yay, she didn’t refuse me!

Everyone drank and enjoyed themselves in the Imperial Garden. As the wine deepened, Pei Que pulled Wei Ying close, inspecting her. Frowning, she said, “You’ve lost weight.”

Xiao Qianxue hurried over, “Consort, what about me, what about me?”

Pei Que tilted her head, looked at her, and assessed: “You’re tanned.”

Xiao Qianxue: q^q.

After drinking, night fell, lanterns lit, and the concubines left.

Xiao Qianxue rubbed her round belly, saw Consort Gui leave, and followed. Only Wei Ying and the Empress remained in the pavilion.

Yue Qinghui leaned against the railing, tilting her head: “Ying Ying, you’ve met the Dowager Empress once, right?”

Wei Ying nodded: “She looks quite like His Majesty.”

Though not as refined and beautiful as the Emperor.

Yue Qinghui: “I’ve had little interaction with the Dowager Empress. She was once a palace maid, humble and devoted to Buddhism, so she should be easy to get along with.”

Wei Ying recalled the plot. In the original story, this Dowager Empress was similarly described. Born lowly, she became Empress Dowager as the Emperor’s mother, far less proud than the Eastern Dowager. Gentle and approachable, she later became friendly with the heroine, helping her succeed.

Although… the woman seen in the Hall of Mental Cultivation wasn’t as gentle, perhaps because the Emperor insisted on not rebuilding the Buddhist hall. “My son’s rebellion broke my heart, a mother’s heart truly hurts!”

After a brief exchange, the Dowager Empress returned to Yulu Palace, and Xiao Qianxue hadn’t arrived yet.

When Wei Ying prepared for bed, Xiao Qianxue returned stealthily, slipping into her room.

Wei Ying frowned. Even after a stroll with Consort Gui, it shouldn’t be this late.

Xiao Qianxue looked around, saw Green Candle absent, and finally whispered: “Ying Ying, I met a Matron I’ve never seen before.”

Wei Ying raised an eyebrow: “In the palace so large, meeting unknown attendants isn’t unusual.”

Xiao Qianxue scratched her cheek: “But almost everyone comes for fortune-telling, and I know most of them! This Matron twisted her ankle on the way, and I helped her.” Then, impatiently, she asked: “Ying Ying, why didn’t you praise me?”

Wei Ying smiled, rubbing her face: “Praise you, praise you. Qianxue, you’re helpful, simply perfect!”

Xiao Qianxue, stunned, lowered her head shyly.

Wei Ying thought she was turning the heroine into more of a silly girl, but… it was still cute.

Hearing the door open, Green Candle pouted, staring at them.

“Xiao Master, it’s so late. Why are you still chatting with your mistress?” the little palace maid babbled. “Your Highness should rest early, you’re unwell.”

Wei Ying smiled at Green Candle: “Qianxue is just talking a bit and will return soon. Go to sleep.”

Green Candle reluctantly obeyed, but not long after dragged Red Pearl in.

Red Pearl burst in, exclaiming: “Mistress, why didn’t you even go home and came straight here?”

Xiao Qianxue and Wei Ying exchanged a glance, realizing the futility, and were each led back to their sleeping quarters.

Wei Ying lay on the bed. Green Candle tucked her in and left after a few reminders.

“Sigh, forced to fix my schedule,” she sighed helplessly.

Palace Battle System agreed: “Early to bed, early to rise isn’t bad.”

Wei Ying: “Tong, you’ve changed! Why are you caring about things outside palace politics?”

The system was silent for a few minutes, then said: “I used to… be a household robot. Later modified into a system, but I retained household directives, like reminding my master to sleep and wake early.”

Wei Ying teased: “Who knew you were a homey type system.”

In the modern world, every household had domestic robots with AI intelligence, capable of chores and companionship, almost like childhood playmates. People can form attachments even to outdated models.

She clenched her fist: “I must deal with the dog Emperor quickly!”

Return to the modern, carefree life of a cultivator.

System: “Do it, do it, do it!”

Wei Ying: “Do it, do it, do it!”

But recently, she had little chance to deal with the dog Emperor.

The plot hadn’t progressed; she had to wait for Prince Luling to arrive in the capital to unlock the next storyline.

She could only idle, helping the palace crowd with small problems, living a full and meaningful life.

Unexpectedly, her fame reached someone she hadn’t anticipated.

One morning, Wei Ying was summoned to visit Ciyou Palace, the Dowager Empress’s residence. She had visited twice when paying morning respects with the Empress, and now followed the Matron to the inner hall.

The Dowager Empress was already waiting.

She was dressed plainly, a simple dress that didn’t fit the palace, appearing as if in mourning. Seeing Wei Ying, she rose with great courtesy.

Wei Ying was flattered but unsure why she had been summoned. In the original story, the Dowager Empress favored Xiao Qianxue, not her. Could the heroine’s aura have transferred favor?

She soon realized she had overthought it.

The Dowager Empress raised a tea cup, blew on it, and looked at her. Softly she asked: “I heard Ying Beauty is called a half-immortal in the palace?”

Wei Ying instantly understood: her culinary skills had earned the Dowager Empress’s favor.

She met the Dowager Empress’s warm gaze and replied carefully, “It’s just palace gossip. There’s no such thing as supernatural powers.”

The Dowager Empress’s hand trembled slightly, the tea swayed and splashed onto her hand, unnoticed. She said, “I need your help.”

Wei Ying pursed her lips. Though she liked helping, this request didn’t seem easy.

The Dowager Empress leaned slightly forward, dark eyes on her: “Hold a summoning ritual.”

Wei Ying: “Dowager, I cannot.”

The Dowager Empress snorted, setting down the cup. “I think you can.”

Wei Ying felt a headache coming. Helping find cats or lost hairpins is one thing, but a summoning ritual is another. She’s an atheist, not a medium.

But the Dowager Empress clearly wouldn’t relent.

Wei Ying tried to explain: “Dowager, I don’t know how to summon spirits. This requires a professional.”

Dowager: staring

Wei Ying: “Moreover, this so-called half-immortal is just gossip, not to be taken seriously.”

Dowager: staring

Wei Ying: …

Dowager: staring

Wei Ying felt unusually silent, facing a worthy opponent.

The Dowager stared for a long time, then said: “Everything is ready. Ying Beauty may begin.”

Wei Ying thought: the Dowager, always burning incense, may not worship the Buddha sincerely, but was longing for someone long dead, placing hope in deities.

Who could it be? The late Emperor?

Upon reflection, it didn’t feel right.

So she asked directly: “Mother, do you want to summon someone?”

The Dowager trembled, lips quivering, unable to speak.

Wei Ying handed her a cup: “Take a moment.”

The Dowager sipped, then said: “Yes—”

“Mother!” The Emperor burst in, without bowing, grabbing Wei Ying’s hand. Seeing her unhurt, he relaxed slightly, expression clearing. “Mother, why summon Ying Ying?”

The Dowager’s gaze was icy: “I’m speaking to a consort, does His Majesty have to interfere?”

The Emperor pressed his lips, silent, pulling Wei Ying out. At the door, a loud crash—ceramic cup shattered, warm tea soaked her yellow shoes.

Yun Shao looked down silently.

The Dowager, glaring, cursed: “Why haven’t you died yet?”

Wei Ying: “WTF!”

This is some melodrama!

Yun Shao remained silent, dragging Wei Ying away from Ciyou Palace. Wei Ying dared not speak, afraid to pierce the Emperor’s sorrow. Usually spoiled, she now feared his wrath might directly harm her.

Until they reached the Golden House, the Emperor still didn’t speak, eyes heavy like stormy seas.

Wei Ying felt a dangerous aura, quietly shrinking toward the door to escape. She realized the dog Emperor could indeed be very… intense, just that he always pretended to be obedient before her.

Noticing her movement, Yun Shao tilted her head, smiled gently, lips parted, saying: “Hold me.”

Wei Ying: !!!

Even the request is this simple and direct!

Yun Shao softly: “Once you hold me, I’ll make you a Jieyu.”

Wei Ying complained to Palace Battle System: “He’s humiliating me!”

System cooed: “Better run? Avoid attracting the Emperor’s attention!”

The more the Emperor desires something, the less it goes his way. This is how to remain a pure palace lotus.

Finally, she opened her arms, naturally embracing the Emperor.

System: …

Wei Ying: Just one hug and I become Jieyu? Oh wow, where is this kind of luck!

Yun Shao rested her chin on Wei Ying’s shoulder, half-closed eyes, long lashes trembling, hands holding onto her.

Wei Ying tried to pull away, but was clung to.

The Emperor relaxed, standing quietly, soft breaths tickling her neck.

Out of respect for becoming Jieyu, she obediently let him hold her. After a while, she couldn’t help asking: “Your Majesty, are you upset about Mother? Conflicts like this are common, you know, blah blah blah…”

She rambled some motivational words, hoping to get promoted further.

But the Emperor just held her, silent.

The atmosphere fell silent. Dusk turned to night.

Wei Ying’s legs went numb. She tugged at his sleeve: “Can we change places? Go lie on the bed?”

Punishment standing?

Yun Shao silently looked at her, reluctantly agreed. This time, she buried herself in Wei Ying’s chest.

Wei Ying flopped down.

Through the night, rain fell softly outside, pattering on carved windows.

Finally, satisfied, the Emperor rose, removed his golden crown, took out the Eastern Pearl, and handed it to Wei Ying. “Soon, I’ll find a chance to make you Jieyu.”

Wei Ying jumped and stretched.

Yun Shao insisted she take the pearl. Wei Ying waved it off: “Your promise is enough, no need for extra gifts. Consider it free!”

She winked: “Welcome, Your Majesty, to continue visiting~”

One hug and promotion levels skyrocket. Soon, she’d be Consort or Empress!

Excited, she smiled at the Emperor.

Yun Shao lifted her eyes, dark and moist, softened, looking like a loyal puppy.

She softly: “You helped me, I can’t accept a gift without return. This is called ‘repaying kindness,’ something you once taught me.”

Wei Ying: … I didn’t teach you, stop making things up!

Finally, she accepted the priceless Eastern Pearl under the Emperor’s gaze.

Yun Shao sat at the bed’s head, raising her eyes, looking like a puppy.

Wei Ying’s heart stirred: “Your Majesty, don’t be sad.”

Yun Shao muttered: “I’m not sad.”

Wei Ying: “Aren’t you going back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation?”

Yun Shao shook her head.

Wei Ying went to the door. Outside, rain fell. After thinking, she returned: “It’s raining outside.”

Yun Shao widened her eyes: “I’ll get an umbrella.”

Wei Ying grabbed her: “No need.”

Yun Shao looked confused. Wei Ying couldn’t help laughing. She thought: this proud, changeable Emperor is actually a silly girl.

“I’ll stay with you.”

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