You take on two husbands, I'll turn around and marry the tyrant and rule the world.

His Majesty is truly stubborn but soft-hearted. Although she is not confident in serving him in bed, she feels that she should still strive in that direction.

With this in mind, Chu Nianci grew bolder.

When I took the ruler back from him, I secretly stroked his wrist.

A light, delicate touch, like a feather, brushed past my fingertips.

This is blatant provocation and a test.

Duanmu Qingyu suddenly reached out and gently grasped her mischievous fingers, his eyes flashing slightly. "Have you ever heard the saying... that people who are too bold are prone to trouble and do not live long?"

"Easily invites trouble!" These words traveled through his skin with a slight pressure from his palm. Chu Nianci's heart trembled slightly, but she did not pull away. Instead, she covered him with her other hand.

"Your Majesty, I am not afraid of any trouble," she said, looking up at him with her eyes shining brightly in the candlelight. "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven. With you by my side, I am immune to all calamities and harms."

"You do know how to talk, hmm..." His low chuckle grew increasingly hoarse.

His gaze, however, remained fixed on her cherry-pink lips.

Such blatant self-promotion is truly rare in the imperial harem.

The reason she was brought into the palace was because her status could restrain the Empress.

As long as she remains in the palace, the Empress will be annoyed every day.

The Empress Dowager installed an empress she didn't like to annoy her, so she reciprocated by installing someone they didn't like to annoy them.

After several encounters, it was discovered that in addition to her medical skills, she also possessed a quick wit and courage that others lacked.

He himself had traveled the world with his father, the emperor.

He has seen all kinds of beauties, but he is exceptionally intelligent and resourceful.

There really aren't many.

This is why she was promoted to the rank of Changzai as soon as she became a tea-serving palace maid.

Now, she dares to provoke him so brazenly; she's incredibly bold. But after all, all the women in his harem long to lie on his bed and truly become his women.

But to become his woman, besides being quick-witted, courageous, and talented, the most important thing is loyalty.

Although she swore to the heavens and spoke with absolute certainty, I ultimately only judge by actions, not words. Otherwise, if she were so easily deceived, her throne would not be so secure. She had only been by my side for a short time, so I had to give her a try.

Thinking this, he said, "My heavenly grace... can you bear it?"

Because Chu Nianci was gently stroking his arm.

Duanmu Qingyu's voice was already a little hoarse. He tilted his head slightly, and the voice came out from his thin lips. It was very soft, like a pebble thrown into a deep pool, without a ripple. But his eyes were like a thin layer of ice, hiding a sharp edge.

Chu Nianci gazed at the dark fire in his eyes, then suddenly curved her eyebrows into a smile: "Whatever Your Majesty gives, I will accept."

Before she finished speaking, she had already cupped his right hand in her palm, and her other hand was intentionally or unintentionally placed on his pulse point.

When I touched his pulse, I was shocked to find it was weak and deep, indicating that he indeed had a chronic illness.

This stubborn disease is somewhat unusual.

But she didn't dare to make her pulse-taking movements too obvious.

Instead of taking his pulse, she gently and quietly cupped his hand in her palm, like a squirrel collecting acorns.

This little movement naturally did not escape his notice.

Duanmu Qingyu didn't move his hand; instead, he used his left hand to lift her chin.

His fingertips were slightly cool, but his grip was strong: "If we are heartless, even if we sleep together, how is that different from the interaction between animals? If you can sleep in my bed, it must be because you are in love with me and your hearts are in harmony."

Hearing him say that...

Chu Nianci almost opened her mouth again, revealing her foolish and out-of-control appearance.

It's quite a surprise; who would have thought that the most heartless person in the world is actually a romantic?

is it possible?

It's truly laughable that a ruler who reigns over all nations and possesses the entire world needs to stabilize the various factions in the court while simultaneously hoping that the women who covet his power will give him their true hearts.

She simply didn't believe it, even though it was what he hoped for.

This is also a kind of luxury. Little do people know that in this treacherous palace, whoever gives their heart is more likely to be hurt. I will not do such a foolish thing. I must guard my heart well.

While I was pondering this.

Then Duanmu Qingyu said, "Besides sincerity, those who can receive the blessings of kindness should have some real skills. Are you confident in your abilities?"

The two were so close that their breaths almost mingled.

Chu Nianci caught a whiff of the faint, fresh scent of herbs and trees emanating from his clothes, and blinked.

Although the two were already extremely ambiguous at this point, Chu Nianci knew clearly what was going on.

Aside from matters of the bedroom, he was more concerned with his medical skills.

Chu Nianci thought this young emperor was truly remarkable; even after being provoked by her, he hadn't forgotten that he was testing her.

Thinking this, she placed her hand next to her face.

Her eyelashes brushed against his fingers: "Your Majesty, I certainly possess genuine skills. Would you like to try them?"

"Skill is secondary; don't forget, don't touch what isn't yours..."

Duanmu Qingyu couldn't continue speaking before she finished...

Chu Nianci's thumb lightly stroked along her arm, climbing up her neck.

Only his low, hoarse breathing remained in the air.

Duanmu Qingyu's bright eyes seemed to contain a hint of confusion, yet also a hint of enjoyment. He slightly opened his eyes, and there seemed to be a sense of emptiness in them, as if he was enjoying himself, yet also as if he was enduring something.

Unconsciously, he leaned slightly towards Chu Ci's cherry-colored lips.

Just then, a loud "thump" sounded...

It turned out that a palace maid was dozing off at the door and bumped her forehead on the door frame.

She knelt down in pain, pleading, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, I didn't sleep well last night..."

The voice trailed off.

Interrupted, Duanmu Qingyu released his grip, leaned back in his chair, and his expression calmed down, though a faint, ambiguous smile remained at the corner of his mouth: "Alright, if you haven't rested well, go back and rest. I'm a little hungry, go and get that plate of osmanthus glutinous rice cake from the table."

The young palace maid quickly got up to fetch it.

Duanmu Qingyu glanced at the unfolded memorial: "That's all for today. Go back now. Remember, keep your skills to yourself and don't be arrogant and unrealistic, or you'll get yourself into trouble."

Chu Nianci got up and walked to the door.

Looking back... in the candlelight, Duanmu Qingyu was picking up a piece of glutinous rice cake, her profile soft and delicate.

She smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, I am not afraid. You are a wise ruler. Even if I make a mistake, you will forgive me. I am always ready for you to test me."

He didn't answer, he just waved his hand.

After the door closed gently, Duanmu Qingyu looked down at her hands... Her fingertips seemed to still retain her warmth, and a faint, sweet scent that was hard to distinguish as either floral or medicinal.

He watched the slender figure walk out of the palace gate, then suddenly chuckled softly and shook his head.

Thinking back on what had just happened, he didn't feel disgusted at all; in fact, he felt a little unsatisfied.

Chu Nianci slowly walked out of the hall, lowered her head to smell the fragrance on her hands, and smiled.

Turning around, she nearly bumped into Li De'an, who had been standing quietly behind her without her noticing, and was quite startled.

"Attendant Li." She quickly bowed.

This Li De'an, with his gray hair and serious expression, was a Zhongchangshi, an old eunuch whose status in the palace was second only to that of the Empress Dowager.

Chu Nianci's memory of him was that of an old eunuch who had served Duanmu Qingyu since childhood. He had been by the emperor's side for longer than the previous emperor and was extremely loyal. When Duanmu Qingyu was alive, he could command the wind and rain. Later, when the young emperor died, he used the excuse of guarding the tomb to calmly and unscathedly withdraw, which shows that his foundation in the palace was very deep.

Such a person would wait outside for so long.

Chu Nianci glanced at him discreetly and saw that he was holding a tray with two memorials on it.

Behind him followed a young eunuch carrying a box containing six green-headed plaques.

Those are the six new concubines who have entered the palace this time; it's time to decide who will serve them tonight.

Seeing her look at him, the serious lines on Li De'an's face softened slightly. After a moment of silence, he said, "Consort Hui, His Majesty looks at you differently. You should cherish this opportunity."

Chu Nianci respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I understand. If it weren't for Your Majesty's protection, I wouldn't have been able to enter the palace."

"Actually, in His Majesty's eyes, ability is not important; loyalty is the most important thing," Li De'an reminded him.

"Your Majesty, I will remain loyal to you without fail," Chu Nianci replied hastily, lowering her brows.

Li De'an frowned almost imperceptibly, remaining noncommittal.

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Please wait a moment. His Majesty has eaten the sweet cakes and may be thirsty. We will serve him another cup of tea later before you leave."

Chu Nianci had no choice but to agree and wait quietly outside the door.

However, after standing there for only a dozen or so breaths, a loud "clang" was heard from inside the hall... a teacup had been smashed.

"The Grand Commandant and the Duke of Zhenguo are truly cunning! One is pressing for border troops' pay, and the other is demanding a change of garrison in the Forty-Nine Cities. Do they really think I am weak and easily bullied?" Duanmu Qingyu's cold and sharp voice rang out.

Chu Nianci's heart stirred.

The Grand Commandant's residence is occupied by Consort Bai.

The Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion is the residence of Consort Jia.

Presumably because Consort Shu was unable to serve the emperor, both families began to make their own plans.

Her memories from her past life told her that the border troops were mostly in the hands of Grand Commandant Bai Zhanling. At this time, the demand for payment was clearly a way to exert pressure and push Bai Qianrou to the top. The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was also unwilling to give in. Relying on the guards of the nine gates of the capital, their request for a change of garrison was also an opportunity to coerce Gu Qingmei into being sent to the capital.

No matter which side the young emperor chooses to sleep with, it will disrupt the current delicate balance.

Therefore, the best solution is to choose someone who can refuse without losing face for both sides.

However, this person must also hold a position of honor.

Empress... Chu Nianci suddenly thought of this candidate.

As she was thinking, another muffled thud came from inside the hall.

It sounded like someone had fallen to the ground.

Chu Nianci felt a chill run down her spine and immediately lifted the curtain to enter.

Duanmu Qingyu, her long hair disheveled, collapsed to the ground like a jade mountain crumbling, her face ashen and motionless. Li De'an frantically bent down to help her up, his voice trembling: "Quick, there's medicine in the cabinet, go get it!"