A middle-aged emperor, childless, was blessed with a beautiful and pregnant concubine who entered th

"And... Mother Consort." Princess Chaoyang's voice softened, carrying a hint of reassurance.

"I was not idle while I was outside the palace."

"Princess Chaoyang's residence is more free than the palace."

"Everyone knows that Father Emperor only has one son, me. Even if I do nothing, some people will still rush to me."

Princess Chaoyang gave a soft snort.

Consort Chen's heart tightened. "My child, your father... detests forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices the most. You..."

Princess Chaoyang laughed, a laugh that was unrestrained and exuberant.

"I, the princess, have not formed any cliques or engaged in any favoritism; they are the ones who have taken the initiative to curry favor with me."

"And what about that Editor Zhou? Doesn't he ever leave the palace to return home?"

Consort Chen was shocked and finally understood her daughter's plan.

This is not merely a strategic retreat to preserve the emperor's favor, but a complete adjustment of strategy.

"My Chaoyang... has really grown up." Her voice was hoarse.

"You're right. It was Mother Consort who was short-sighted, only knowing how to insist and forgetting His Majesty's temperament... So be it, return to the Princess's residence."

"But you must promise your mother that you will come back often, and you must... be careful in everything you do."

Princess Chaoyang slowly smiled.

"Don't worry, Mother," she said softly.

In any case, the mother and daughter are of one mind, so there's nothing to be afraid of.

……

Upon hearing that Princess Chaoyang had left the palace, Mingyi simply responded with a soft "yes".

"She's quite perceptive; she realized it sooner than I thought."

Shiliu dared not reply.

She knows her weaknesses: she's impulsive and prone to saying the wrong thing.

To avoid causing trouble for her mistress, Shiliu is now learning from Lianwu, speaking less and thinking more.

After a moment's thought, Lianwu asked, "Your Majesty, the artificial hill you ordered to be built in our palace the other day has been completed by the people below."

Nowadays, who in the entire palace doesn't know that Consort Zhen is His Majesty's most favored concubine?

Even Princess Chaoyang had to temporarily avoid the limelight.

Mingyi knew that this was simply because the emperor didn't want his daughter interfering in his private affairs.

And coincidentally, the dog emperor has recently enjoyed quite a bit of favors from her.

Therefore, from an outsider's perspective, it would seem that he had repeatedly offended Princess Chaoyang for the sake of her, the Consort Zhen.

But no matter what, the outcome is good.

She nodded.

"Let's go take a look."

The group then went outside the hall.

Weiyang Palace has a large courtyard, and there was originally a pavilion in the courtyard. Mingyi had a small pond dug next to the pavilion.

Running water was drawn into the pond, and a pond full of small fish were raised there.

The pavilion was also converted into a waterside pavilion.

When she had nothing to do, Mingyi liked to sit in the waterside pavilion and feed the fish.

However, as the weather gets cooler, most of the fish hide under the rocks and are unwilling to come out.

Mingyi gradually found it boring.

"Your Majesty, look, this artificial mountain is so lifelike."

Mingyi looked closely and nodded, "The people from the Imperial Household Department have put in a lot of effort, reward them."

Lianwu immediately smiled, "The people of the Imperial Household Department must be happy to receive the Empress's reward."

After the wax apple left, pomegranate couldn't help but say worriedly, "Miss, we don't have much silver left from home..."

After entering the palace, Zhou Mingyi brought all the savings she had accumulated from making embroidery over the years with her.

She originally planned to save money for her brother's wedding.

But after being reborn, Mingyi changed her mind.

She entered the palace to avenge her past self and her brother.

In this life, my elder brother is still alive and well. He now holds an official position and receives a salary. He is also frugal and can support himself without any problem.

Then she wouldn't need to leave all the money to him and thus wrong herself.

A man should strive to achieve great things, but if he can't even support himself, how can he talk about achieving great things?

If her brother is unable to support himself, his sister-in-law, nephews, and nieces in the future, she will surely be disappointed.

She also firmly believed that her brother had the ability.

After entering the palace, you have to spend money to get anything you want.

Including the effort and thought put into Emperor Qianwu.

Of course, she also received many benefits from Emperor Qianwu.

However, some of the good things made in the palace cannot be directly exchanged for silver.

Zhou Mingyi had already entered the artificial mountain, which was very uniquely designed and even had a small cave built into it.

The cave can only accommodate two people and provides shelter from the rain.

There are also vines and trees on the artificial hill.

The vines hung down, completely blocking the entrance to the hole.

If we can't get some more good stuff from Emperor Qianwu, wouldn't that be a waste?

……

After a long day, Emperor Qianwu immediately ordered, "Prepare the carriage for Weiyang Palace."

Fuquan immediately replied, "Yes."

"Prepare the carriage for Weiyang Palace!"

He's gotten used to it by now.

His Majesty visits Weiyang Palace every day; it must be because Weiyang Palace is simply too alluring.

Consort Zhen was young, beautiful, and knew how to have fun...

Thinking back to that day when he led people to clean up that painted boat, Fuquan... truly didn't know how to describe his feelings at that time.

Originally, the fact that the Empress and His Majesty were behind the Buddhist hall last time was already enough to shock him.

This time, it happened on a pleasure boat...

For some people who are seasick, even standing on a boat or on the water is unsteady.

But Consort Zhen has the ability to get on the ship with His Majesty...

Whoops!

You can't argue with that.

……

Upon arriving at Weiyang Palace, all the palace servants were nowhere to be found.

Fuquan found it strange and hurriedly summoned a young palace maid, asking, "Where is the Empress?"

The young palace maid turned pale with fright when she saw Emperor Qianwu.

Fuquan frowned.

"His Majesty has arrived! Why hasn't the Empress come to greet him yet?"

Emperor Qianwu waved his hand and looked at the palace maid.

"Where is your empress?"

Emperor Qianwu was dignified; he merely lowered his brows and did not speak in a stern tone, yet the palace maid fainted.

It's truly useless.

Fuquan immediately began to think of many things. "Your Majesty, could it be that the Empress is ill?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qianwu immediately frowned.

"Let's go in and take a look."

Before entering the main hall, Fuquan was wondering when Weiyang Palace had acquired such a scenic spot. This artificial hill was quite unique.

Emperor Qianwu did not find Zhou Mingyi in the inner palace, but only saw a few undergarments hanging on the screen.

There were moon white, light blue, and scarlet colors—all colors she usually liked to wear.

Where exactly did Consort Zhen go?

Not only was Emperor Qianwu full of doubt, but even Fuquan was puzzled.

Could the ladies in the palace simply vanish into thin air?

Just then, a silvery laugh was heard.

Fuquan listened to the sound, and it seemed to be coming from outside the palace.

He walked quickly to the window and saw a dark blue figure flash by in the artificial hill.

Before he could speak, Emperor Qianwu strode out with a dark face and headed straight for the artificial hill.

Fuquan's heart was in turmoil.

Oh dear Your Majesty, please don't do anything reckless!

That navy blue color... it's clearly men's clothing!

If Consort Zhen were to commit any treasonous act, then all would be lost!

He quickly followed.

As you approach the artificial hill, you can indeed hear the sounds of men and women playing.

Emperor Qianwu's face grew increasingly gloomy, and his eyes were already overflowing with murderous intent.

He was inherently suspicious, and as a man, especially the most noble man in the world, he couldn't tolerate being cuckolded.

A profound sense of absurdity and rage enveloped Emperor Qianwu.

Of course, seeing is believing.

If he were to catch Consort Zhen having an affair with someone else, he would absolutely not tolerate it!

However, just as Emperor Qianwu approached the artificial hill, he was suddenly embraced.

"Haha, a pomegranate? Huh?"

"When did your waist, chest, and butt become like this...?"

"Let me have a good feel for you!"

"Wait, pomegranates aren't this tall. Could it be a wax apple?"

"That's not right either..."

Pomegranate and wax apple cooperated with Zhou Mingyi in their acting, but when they looked at Emperor Qianwu and Eunuch Fuquan, they had to pretend not to dare to say a word.

The vast Weiyang Palace was completely silent.

Zhou Mingyi seemed to realize something was wrong.

"wax apple?"

"You two little ladies, I've been looking everywhere for you! Just wait till I get my hands on you..."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Emperor Qianwu firmly grasped the mischievous little hand that had been wandering around.

The scalding palms and the warm breath on her neck caused Zhou Mingyi's cheeks to flush instantly.

She was about to reach out and remove the cloth covering her eyes when someone stopped her.

Emperor Qianwu lifted her up in his arms, his warm breath brushing against her ear.

"What a handsome young man! Let me take a good look. Hmm?"

His voice was low and hoarse, as if he was trying his best to suppress something.

Zhou Mingyi was naturally shocked.

She hurriedly removed the silk cloth covering her eyes and broke free from Emperor Qianwu's embrace.

"His Majesty!"

She wore a light blue robe, like the sky after rain, with a matching vest over it, the most fashionable attire among the young men of the capital at the time.

Her black hair was all gathered up and tucked under a square-topped handkerchief, revealing her smooth, full forehead and her entire face, which was completely exposed.

This outfit accentuated the best features of her face.

Her eyebrows, though unpainted, were naturally dark, and the weight of the towel made them appear even more sparse and distant, like mountains.

Her eyes, though filled with tears, were deliberately widened at this moment.

It exudes a youthful and clever charm.

There was a very light application of a masking balm on her lips.

But the naturally full curves cannot be concealed; when pursed, it resembles a newly ripened cherry, trying to hide its sweetness, leaving only its refined elegance.

The clothes were custom-made to her measurements, but they were still a little too big.

The sash around her waist accentuated her remarkably slender figure, making her appear even more graceful and elegant.

She held a book in her hand as if to be pretentious, but her fingertips unconsciously picked at the spine, revealing a little girlish gesture.

The most wonderful thing was those feet wearing soap-colored boots with foundation.

She secretly moved slightly under the hem of her robe.

The boots felt loose and didn't fit well.

Emperor Qianwu stood a few steps away with his hands behind his back, his eyes filled with an intense, amused smile.

How could he not see that there was no man's hair bun under that turban?

Her waist, bound by a sash, was so supple it could be grasped in one hand.

Not to mention the delicate piercings, the kind only women have, that are faintly visible on those overly refined earlobes.

"Your subject... this humble student greets Your Majesty," the natural charm and deliberate clumsiness intertwined to create an irresistible allure.

"Oh?" Emperor Qianwu stepped forward slowly, reached out, and his fingertips seemed to casually brush against her tightly buttoned collar, feeling the skin beneath his hand tremble slightly.

His voice was deep and tinged with a hint of mockery, "Whose young master is this, so... handsome and extraordinary? He looks rather familiar to me."

She looked up, her eyes darting around in a flustered manner, then she forced herself to remain calm, deliberately using a rough voice, yet speaking softly: "Your Majesty, this humble student... this is my first time entering the palace, perhaps Your Majesty has mistaken me for someone else."

Sunlight fell on her long eyelashes, casting delicate shadows.

Beneath that feigned nonchalance lay a barely concealed, shimmering smile.

There was also a hint of... nervous anticipation of being found out.

Emperor Qianwu finally chuckled softly, reaching out to snatch the book she was clutching tightly, his fingertips brushing against her slightly cool palm.

"In that case, young master, please accompany me for a walk."

"The scenery in this garden deserves such a refined and intelligent person to complement it."

He deliberately emphasized the words "young master," and saw the tips of her ears instantly turn a light red, like rouge peeking through the snow, and her forced composure almost crumbled.

As the wind blew, her wide sleeves fluttered, vaguely outlining the delicate curves unique to a young girl, which she hurriedly pressed down with her hands.

This series of actions, which only served to cover up the truth, did not escape the emperor's notice.

His joy grew stronger.

His Zhenfei was truly extraordinary; her deference was a thousand times more vivid and interesting than any obedience hidden beneath elaborate attire.

Zhou Mingyi stomped her foot and followed angrily.

"Your Majesty, please return my book to me!"