Chapter 101:

Layue was extremely nervous, surprisingly even more nervous than their first time together, though she couldn’t quite explain why herself. When the Emperor gently suggested they rest together, she felt completely out of sorts. Seeing her so tense, the Emperor wasn’t particularly bothered; in truth, he himself felt a bit stirred up inside. It seemed he hadn’t shared a bed with anyone since childhood. At first, it was just a habit, but later on, it became a matter of inability—he could never convince himself to trust anyone. Who knows how much determination it had taken for him to come to Layue now. Initially, he had felt somewhat uncomfortable, but seeing her awkwardness, the Emperor somehow felt it was actually okay. She must be more nervous than him, right?

He dismissed all the maids, and even for the night watch, Lixi was there, so there was no need for anyone else. Actually, Layue didn’t sleep very soundly. That day at the villa, she had sensed the Emperor’s presence the moment he entered, and the subsequent talk about mosquitoes was merely an act to seem cute. But now, with the Emperor wanting to sleep with her, she felt completely unsettled. Seeing her fidgeting with things anxiously, the Emperor spoke, “Why don’t you play the xiao for me? Once you’re tired, you won’t be so nervous.” Though he himself felt awkward inside, perhaps indulging a bit might make things different. Layue shook her head vehemently. With her arm already injured, she absolutely refused to serve him orally. Seeing her reluctance and wary glances, the Emperor steadied himself. “Then just sleep,” he said. They lay together in silence, an experience novel for both. The Emperor, being older and more composed, soon relaxed, but Layue was different—his presence made her particularly uncomfortable. Feeling her constant wriggling, the Emperor softly asked, “Can’t sleep?” Layue softly hummed in response. “Why haven’t you put out the lamp?” The Emperor thought she had noticed his habit of not liking the dark, his tone slightly probing. But Layue had her own reasons for keeping the lamp lit—she recalled the fire from her suicide attempt, and though she knew the Emperor might suspect her, she couldn’t control her inner feelings. They had both mistakenly assumed their bad habits were discovered by the other.

Layue pondered how to explain, but since the habit wasn’t particularly suspicious, she softly said, “I’ve had this habit since before I entered the palace. A year before, I accidentally fell into water at home and took a long time to recover. Since then, I always think of the cold water when I fall asleep. I’m afraid of it, so I’ve always kept the lamp lit.” The Emperor hadn’t known about this incident and asked, “Have you always been like this?” Layue nodded, “Yes! I don’t like total darkness. If it’s too bright for you, I can put it out.” Seeming to recall something, the Emperor smiled slightly, “You’re such a little pitiful one. Forget it, leave it like this. I don’t mind.” It was unclear who he was talking about. Layue shifted slightly, snuggling closer to him. In her previous life, she had never dared to imagine such a big thing. But the Emperor didn’t seem to mind at all. Thinking about his past issues and how he remained the same in this life, she wondered why he suddenly wanted to sleep with her. When the Emperor asked why she didn’t extinguish the lamp, Layue quickly thought—could it be that he also kept the lamp lit when he was alone?

“How did you end up in the water?” Seeing his inquisitive look, Layue sighed slightly and rolled her eyes. “Just a moment of carelessness. You know I’m not the most steady person—fooling around and then splash! Maybe I have some unresolved issue with water, it always seems to happen to me.” Having fallen in twice now, the experience was… let’s just say she’d take the long way around even the smallest puddle these days.

The Emperor gently stroked her long hair. “I thought there might be some dark family secret behind it.”

Layue shook her head, though the motion was awkward from her reclined position. “No, nothing like that. Your Majesty, you grew up in the palace—it’s a world apart from how ordinary families live. Most households don’t deal with life-and-death intrigues.”

What she said was true. Only the wealthiest or most aristocratic families had such dramas. Minor officials like her family didn’t face those extremes. Even if there were minor squabbles, they’d never escalate to murder or drowning.

“None at all?” The Emperor frowned, puzzled. “But I recall Minister Zhu’s first wife was poisoned by a concubine. And one of Minister Yang’s daughters pushed her sister off a cliff in a fit of jealousy.” These were well-documented scandals.

“Your Majesty, those are rare exceptions. Ministers Zhu and Yang come from powerful clans—the grander the family, the sharper the conflicts. Smaller families don’t resort to such extremes. Take my second uncle, for instance. He’s quite the ladies’ man with multiple concubines. Everyone knows my second aunt has a fiery temper and a sharp tongue, but no one’s ever seen her actually harm those women. She just vents. And the concubines? They gossip behind her back. To truly hurt someone takes extraordinary nerve.”

After hearing Layue’s words, the Emperor didn’t say anything. Reflecting inwardly, he realized she was right—only within the deep palace did such things happen. “What you said makes sense.” After chatting for a while, Layue naturally became more relaxed. She mumbled, “Only within this deep palace…” She didn’t finish her sentence, but the Emperor understood her meaning. Changing positions, Layue buried her head in his neck. “I’m going to sleep.” “Mm.” Perhaps from chatting for a while, Layue felt somewhat sleepy. She had originally thought she wouldn’t be able to sleep, but she soon fell asleep soundly. The Emperor, seeing her like that, smiled and closed his eyes. Soon, he also fell asleep… The Emperor had expected to be like usual, but he actually had a peaceful night. He didn’t dream of their fall off the cliff, nor did he dream of the assassination attempt. If it weren’t for Lixi’s call, the Emperor might have missed the morning court session.

After getting up, he sat there blankly for a long time, then looked back at the still-sleeping Layue. He placed his hand on her cheek, and the girl wrinkled her brow, changed her position, and continued sleeping. Thinking for a moment, the Emperor got up quietly, saying, “Lixi, help me bathe and dress.” Then he got out of bed and carefully drew the canopy curtains around the bed. The Emperor didn’t bathe in Tingyu Pavilion but returned to Xuanning Hall instead. He was already accustomed to the comfortable hot spring in his own quarters. After the Emperor left, Layue opened her eyes. Layue was a light sleeper, and how could she not wake up when he touched her? Drowsily sitting up, she thought for a while and felt this might be a good omen, so she lay back down and fell asleep again. As for other matters, she didn’t think much about them, nor did she speculate on the possible shock in the harem. Naturally, the Emperor, who had never slept with anyone before, spent the night in Shen Layue’s Tingyu Pavilion, which was a huge favor. Even the Empress Dowager was greatly shocked. After all, others didn’t know, but she had some vague suspicions—the Emperor’s refusal to sleep with anyone actually stemmed from his deep distrust of others. But now that he could do this, didn’t it mean that the Emperor trusted Shen Layue? She fervently hoped that her son’s emotional knot could finally be untied. Perhaps this unexpected incident was a blessing for both of them.

When several people returned to the palace, the Empress Dowager thoroughly questioned Qi Concubine about the situation at that time. Qi Concubine didn’t know much, only that the two had gone to the back mountain to admire maple leaves when the accident happened. The Emperor had never gone for a stroll after each sacrifice to heaven, but this time he went to the back mountain, implying something obvious without needing to say it directly. Although Shen Layue had saved the Emperor, the Empress Dowager still felt a slight estrangement. However, the words of Lady Gui made her think more deeply. Qi Concubine hadn’t been present at the time, and now Shen Layue was receiving great favor. If she had deliberately distorted some facts to discredit Shen Layue, it would be unpredictable.

Calling for Lixi, the Empress Dowager carefully inquired about the situation at that time. She learned that at the time, Lady Chun was resting, and the Emperor, seeing her boredom, suggested taking her to the back mountain for a walk. As for the accident, the situation was that the Emperor had pulled Lady Chun down, and Lady Chun had grabbed the tree roots, allowing both to be rescued. Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager sighed. She couldn’t help but think again in her heart, fortunately listening to Lady Gui and calling for Lixi. Otherwise, she would have wronged the child. Thinking again about Qi Concubine’s deliberate attempt to discredit and stir up trouble, she felt another wave of disgust. Qi Concubine had always appeared to be honest and not vying for favor, but it turned out she wasn’t unambitious—she just hadn’t had the right opportunity. Reflecting on her past words and deeds, the Empress Dowager now thought that when one suspects someone, everything they do seems suspicious. She began to recall Qi Concubine’s past actions again and felt even more that she was a good actress, which made her genuinely dislike her. She thought she would definitely have to give her a warning in the future.

What Lixi said wasn’t entirely the truth. At that time, only the Emperor and Layue were in the room, so no one else knew who had suggested going to the back mountain. But the Emperor, being a calculating person, had anticipated this situation and had already instructed Lixi beforehand. Naturally, it was Shen Layue who had led him to the back mountain, but the accident that followed was unpredictable. Regardless of others’ thoughts, the Emperor deeply trusted Shen Layue and, because of this, wanted to protect her more. Sure enough, the Empress Dowager indeed summoned Lixi for questioning. As for Lady Gui, it could only be said that Layue’s past humility and frequent concern for the Empress Dowager’s health had paid off. In Lady Gui’s heart, Lady Chun was naturally better than Qi Concubine. It was unexpected that this twist of events had quietly defused a potential disaster.

Layue, busy recovering from her injury, was completely unaware of the ensuing gossip. Her days were quite pleasant. Qiaoning even went out of her way to prepare delicious food to satisfy Layue’s appetite. In fact, regarding the palace’s gossip, Layue was completely indifferent. If someone mentioned it, she treated it as a joke. If no one spoke of it, she didn’t care at all. Her mindset was always very straightforward. In the palace, the Emperor was the most important. The Emperor suddenly coming to sleep with her was something she couldn’t figure out. Later, she could only speculate that it must be because her rescue had earned the Emperor’s trust. Otherwise, why would he act like this? However, several of Layue’s personal maids were overjoyed, which was natural. Xing’er, Tao’er, and others felt this was a great favor, ensuring their mistress’s position in the palace would be even more stable.

But Jin Xin, who thought more deeply, was actually somewhat worried, fearing that her mistress’s excessive favor might bring about unforeseen consequences. Layue, however, didn’t care about this at all. These days, with the Emperor sleeping here every night, Layue had become accustomed to it. Thinking about how the Emperor looked refreshed and energetic, Layue couldn’t help but inwardly speculate whether the Emperor had been unable to sleep well every night and only found peace beside her these past few days. Layue merely thought this to herself and dared not dwell on it, but she never imagined that this was indeed the case. That night, when the Emperor slept with Layue, he had a peaceful sleep until morning, feeling refreshed and invigorated. Indeed, for the past decade, he had been plagued by nightmares, unable to sleep soundly every night. Now, sleeping through the night until morning, he felt indescribable emotions.

It seemed that Layue and he had a special connection. She, too, couldn’t sleep without the lamp, just like him. Although Layue didn’t wake up night after night like him, she had inadvertently helped cure his insomnia. The Emperor sighed slightly. He often heard people say that some people’s fates are deeply intertwined. He had always disbelieved such notions, but now, seeing how Layue seemed to fit him in so many ways, he found himself beginning to believe faintly. Perhaps, there really is such a thing as destiny between people.

“Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager summoned me earlier and asked about the situation before the incident occurred,” Lixi couldn’t help but sigh at his master’s foresight. The Emperor stroked the white jade paperweight and nodded, “My mother’s concern for me surpasses everything else. She will naturally be concerned about what happened that day. You just need to follow what I told you.” Lixi continued, “Perhaps Consort Qi said something.” He hadn’t seen it himself, but nothing in the palace could escape his notice. Lixi worked in the open, while Laifu worked in the shadows, but their missions were the same. The Emperor smiled, “I know she must be someone who can’t keep still. But then again, if she were obedient, I wouldn’t have needed to move her to this position today.” Hearing this, Lixi understood that his master already had everything figured out and quietly stood by the door without disturbing him. The Emperor stood by the window with his hands behind his back, looking at the somewhat desolate scenery outside. Yet his mind was filled with thoughts.

Was that incense, which could have framed Shen Layue and harmed Fu Jinyao, really the unused one from Virtuous Consort? The Emperor knew it wasn’t. The real mastermind behind that incident wasn’t Virtuous Consort, but at that time, it was Qi Concubine. Everyone knew that Virtuous Consort disliked that scent, but no one had thought that she had once believed the Emperor liked it and had already burned it. In fact, it was Virtuous Consort who had no incense at all.

The piece that Shen Layue had was bitten by a rat, and Xianfei had already used hers. The only person left, the only possible suspect, was Qifei, who claimed she had also used hers. Everyone suspected Defei, believing that when Defei confiscated Xianfei’s quarters, she must have taken the spice. Only he knew that this spice had never actually existed.

Since she’s so scheming, he actually didn’t mind elevating her to a higher position.

Without capability, how can one fight?

A faint smile appeared on his face, and the Emperor Jing’s expression changed slightly.

“Let’s go. Accompany me to visit Lady Chun.”

Nowadays, when Emperor Jing came to Tingyu Pavilion, there was generally no need for someone to announce his arrival, because often just as the announcement began, Emperor Jing had already entered the room. This was something the servants had become accustomed to, though they could do nothing about it.

With a wave of his hand, before the young eunuch could even announce his arrival, Emperor Jing had already entered the room.

The announcement was thus stuck in the eunuch’s throat.

Guo’er was in the outer room. Seeing Emperor Jing, she was about to bow in greeting but stopped due to his sudden entrance.

The few people inside the room were chatting idly.

“I saw Lord Xiao Fu from afar yesterday on the roadside near Qinglan Pavilion! Lord Xiao Fu is so handsome!” This was Taor’s voice.

Since both Fu and his son served in the imperial court, Fu Zaiguo was commonly referred to as Fu Xiang, while Fu Jinyu was called Young Master Fu.

Emperor Jing stopped in his tracks.

Normally, he didn’t arrive at this hour. Today, he had come an hour earlier, and indeed, the master and servants were gossiping.

Perhaps because Fu Jinyu was mentioned, Emperor Jing seemed interested in hearing others’ opinions of his minister. He became interested and sat down at the round table, pointing at the teacup with his finger. A nearby eunuch named Laixi carefully poured tea for his master, making not a single sound.

“This palace has strict rules, don’t go around acting recklessly,” said Jinxin’s voice.

Obviously, Taor didn’t care, her tone playful: “Jinxin, why are you so old-fashioned? Lord Xiao Fu is the ideal husband for so many women in the palace! You don’t know how handsome he is.”

“As for me, I think this Lord Fu isn’t as heroic as the Emperor.” Layue wasn’t aware that the Emperor was outside the door—in fact, she truly didn’t know this time. She was simply stating her honest opinion.

Taor argued: “My lady admires the Emperor, so naturally you think the Emperor is the best. But the Emperor is someone we commoners can’t possibly reach.”

The Emperor raised an eyebrow and sipped his tea.

Laixi remained silent, simply lowering his head and listening quietly. But inwardly, he sighed at how Consort Chunzhao always managed to step precisely on the Emperor’s sensitive spots. How fortunate she was.

“I also think the Emperor is more heroic,” Jinxin supported her mistress.

Taor was puzzled: “How can you lie, Jinxin? You haven’t even seen Lord Xiao Fu. You wouldn’t know what he looks like.”

“Who said I haven’t seen him? I saw him before I entered the palace.”

The Emperor raised his eyebrow again.

“Eh?” Both Taor and A’er were surprised.

“When our mistress went to the temple to pray before entering the palace for selection, we saw the Fu family’s son and daughter. They were standing not far from us,” Jinxin explained.

Both A’er and Taor were quite shocked.

“If I ever have the chance to leave the palace, I’ll go to that temple to pray too. You see, both our mistress and Huifei went there and achieved their wishes,” Taor murmured.

Jinxin chuckled and said, “I think you’d better not go then. We also saw the second Miss Bai there.”

The second Miss Bai was none other than Bai Xiaodie. Bai Xiaodie’s status was extremely low, and she didn’t get along with them, so Jinxin was accustomed to calling her the second Miss Bai.

Taor muttered, “Well, I think the Buddha doesn’t protect everyone. Only those with good intentions will be protected. The ones with bad intentions won’t be blessed by the Buddha. That’s exactly why I must go.”

Perhaps finding their conversation meaningless, the Emperor placed his teacup down, preparing to speak, when he heard Layue speak again: “In my opinion, you can just look at Huifei every day.”

The others looked at her in confusion.

Huifei is Xiao Fu-daren’s older sister, and from afar, I could see they do bear some resemblance. Xiao Fu-daren looks quite feminine. So if you admire Xiao Fu-daren, just look at Huifei—isn’t it practically the same? Just picture her as a man.

“Pu Ci!” Someone in the room couldn’t help but laugh.

The Emperor also smiled.

Taor pouted, “My lady always teases us. After what you said, how can we continue to admire Lord Xiao Fu? Waaah, now I can’t even recall Lord Xiao Fu’s appearance. All that comes to mind is the image of Huifei. Ah! My lady, what should I do?”

Seeing Taor’s reaction, laughter erupted in the room.

Then they heard Layue continue her nonsense: “It’s true what I said. I just spoke the truth. A man should look like a man. What’s the point of a man looking like a woman? I guess, despite so many people admiring him, he must secretly feel inferior because he looks like a girl.”

Layue’s words were complete nonsense, of course, just teasing Taor.

Sure enough, Taor cried out in despair.

Everyone already knew Layue was playful, but seeing this, she really was—making jokes about a current high-ranking official.

The Emperor shook his head and coughed, signaling his presence.

Then he entered the room.

Upon hearing the Emperor’s voice, the people inside were momentarily stunned.

These were just casual words between women, and now they felt ashamed.

Seeing them all blushing, the Emperor suppressed a smile and said, “You may all withdraw now. I shall discuss with your mistress whether Fu Qing should feel ashamed or not.”

Their faces turned even redder, and they quickly curtsied before hurrying out.

Layue lowered her head, thinking to herself, why did he come an hour earlier today? It wasn’t even dark yet!

“Yue’er, you actually dared to openly discuss other men within the inner palace. Tell me, how should I punish you?”

Layue looked up at him with a playful smile: “How about punishing me by making me dress as a man and feel ashamed of my appearance?”

The Emperor pinched her cheek: “You mischievous little thing. Because of you, I might burst into laughter every time I see Fu Qing from now on.”

(Note: I made the following adjustments for natural English flow:

1. “playful girl” → “mischievous little thing” (more affectionate/playful tone)

2. Removed the Chinese character “朕” since the Emperor is already the speaker

3. “laugh” → “burst into laughter” for stronger imagery

4. Kept “Fu Qing” as a proper name without translation)

Layue argued: “Perhaps what I guessed is actually the truth. In fact, it’s unreasonable for the Emperor to punish me. I was merely disciplining my maid, reminding them not to have thoughts about inappropriate people. Usually, I wouldn’t even mention him.”

Seeing her stubborn little act, the Emperor chuckled and leaned his mouth toward her.

Layue swiftly evaded: “Your Majesty… I am still injured…”