Chapter 89: The Bargain Between Emperor and Empress

"Smashed it?"

Shen Fuyu arched her brows slightly, smiled, and said, "So it’s smashed. Let it be. There’s no second meal for her anyway. Don’t bother. If she wants to throw things or curse, let her."

She quite enjoyed people like Shen Tangyu, who failed to recognize their own position—so proud and arrogant. Humbling such people always generated abundant anger, for most could never understand why she would be upset. Self-awareness was a precious thing, but Shen Tangyu lacked it. Yet Shen Fuyu preferred those without it.

She was just one step away from level forty-two. Who knew if Shen Tangyu might push her over the edge?

With nothing better to do, Shen Fuyu picked up a little storybook to pass the time. Nights without Qin Zhiyi were peaceful. She had no particular hobbies. Now, Shen Tangyu and Bai Lian Lvcha were openly avoiding her, likely plotting something. She pretended not to notice.

…

After several years, Qin Zhiyi set foot in Phoenix Luan Palace for the first time.

The humiliation of their wedding night still lingered in his memory. All the way to the palace, Qin Zhiyi remained calm. At the time of their marriage, he had yet to firmly grasp the throne—an unstable emperor, desperate for support. The union was suggested by Yun Jing, and seemed the best way to strengthen Daxun.

He had married the legitimate younger sister of Crown Prince Yun Jing, expecting a respectful, courteous partnership. But when he lifted her veil, all he found was a face filled with utter contempt.

"I only agreed to marry you at my brother’s request. Don’t think you can touch me—even for an instant. You are not worthy to be my husband!"

"Your Majesty, we have arrived at Phoenix Luan Palace."

Qin Zhiyi lifted his gaze. The once ferocious Princess Yun Jing now stood calmly, respectfully at the door.

"Your consort welcomes Your Majesty." Not a hint of joy or sorrow showed on Jing Lanxi’s face as she bowed.

Qin Zhiyi was no longer the man he once was. Stepping from the sedan, he replied coolly, "No need for formality, Empress."

The palace’s arrangements had all been changed to suit Jing Lanxi’s tastes after the wedding. Everything felt foreign to Qin Zhiyi. Not long after the wedding, Jing Lanxi had shut herself within the palace. With pressure from Yun Jing outside, Qin Zhiyi and his Grand Master conspired to spread rumors that he carried a fate doomed to bring misfortune to his wives, and thus was not fit to consummate the marriage with the empress for the time being.

Next, he ascended the throne. The Empress Dowager selected many noblewomen for the palace, conferring titles on them. Soon after, his health began to decline day by day. Only when Shen Fuyu entered the palace did he learn he had been poisoned.

The Emperor and Empress sat together in the main hall, silent. Only a few trusted attendants remained. After Dong Ling served the tea, Jing Lanxi calmly lifted a cup and took a sip.

"I never expected Your Majesty to visit me today. Your favorite concubine suffered greatly—do you not intend to see her?"

"Don’t speak of such matters before me," Qin Zhiyi replied. "If you have something to say, say it plainly."

"Heh..." Jing Lanxi smiled and turned to him. "Today, the Empress Dowager stripped me of all power. Your precious favorite played the fool and set a trap for me. Qin Zhiyi, have you forgotten what you promised my brother?"

"I would like to keep my word," Qin Zhiyi’s gaze grew cold. "But don’t forget what you’ve done all these years. I have tolerated much—more than enough!"

Jing Lanxi smiled indifferently. "I want a son."

"You want him to be crown prince."

"Jing Lanxi, don’t be too greedy," Qin Zhiyi’s brows furrowed. "I allow you to remain Empress, but I won’t let you push your luck."

"And if I insist?" Jing Lanxi laughed. "Without the marriage alliance between Yun Jing and Daxun, do you really think you could defend your kingdom?"

Qin Zhiyi clenched his fists. "If you’re so sure of Yun Jing’s strength, why do you need a crown prince? This is my stance—send it back to Yun Jing if you wish."

"Are you not afraid Yun Jing’s armies will crush Daxun?" Jing Lanxi’s eyes flashed.

"What do I have to fear?" Qin Zhiyi retorted. "But let me ask you—having always looked down on me, why do you suddenly seek a child? What is your motive?"

Qin Zhiyi was gambling—counting on some change in Yun Jing these years, that now the kingdom lacked the power to conquer Daxun.

They stood in deadlock. Jing Lanxi’s beautiful eyes glared at Qin Zhiyi before she finally relented.

"My brother is about to ascend the throne. You may not fear Yun Jing, but you still worry about your ministers. One by one, they defy you—you are afraid!"

"As you struggle to solve everything, do you know what I’ve done?" Jing Lanxi’s emotions surged as she laughed. "I easily obtained what you could not. You issue commands, but they don’t obey. When I speak, they always comply!"

"Dirty, isn’t it?"

Tears and laughter mingled on Jing Lanxi’s face as she stood before Qin Zhiyi, letting loose emotions suppressed for so long. "But so what? Qin Zhiyi, do you want your ministers to obey you again? I can help you now."

"Your condition is a crown prince?" Qin Zhiyi looked at the nearly hysterical woman before him and asked coolly.

"Yes!" Jing Lanxi smiled. "My flesh and blood must be Daxun’s next ruler. Will you agree?"

"I have a condition as well," Qin Zhiyi said.

Jing Lanxi gradually calmed, wiping away her tears, returning to her usual composure as Empress. "Speak, Your Majesty. I am listening."

"I want ‘that’ in exchange," Qin Zhiyi looked at Jing Lanxi. "If you agree, I will give you a child."

"Your Majesty, you are truly greedy." Jing Lanxi’s eyes narrowed. "Tomorrow, I will bring it to you."

Qin Zhiyi said nothing more and left Phoenix Luan Palace.

Jing Lanxi watched him leave, then suddenly collapsed to the floor, crying aloud.

"Your Highness!" Dong Ling was startled, dropping everything in her hands.

"I have nothing left—no more cards to play…" Jing Lanxi clutched Dong Ling’s hand. "But my brother said I must give birth to Daxun’s crown prince…"

"Your Highness, the crown prince will always be your support," Dong Ling comforted her. "How could you have nothing? The Emperor has agreed—you will become the mother of Daxun’s ruler, the future Empress Dowager."

Jing Lanxi quieted, saying little more. "Let us hope so."

"Your Highness…"

"I simply have no choice… If I don’t do this, my brother will abandon me. If I don’t do this, even a lowly concubine could trample me. I have no other options…"