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

Chu Nianci and Shen Lanbing remained silent until they reached a pavilion deep within the Shanglin Garden, where they finally stopped.

The four of them went into the pavilion and sat down.

Chu Nianci noticed that Shen Lanbing's forehead was covered in cold sweat. Hongying took out a silk handkerchief to wipe it for her, and the handkerchief was quickly soaked.

Tuanyuan, her round face puffed out, said in a trembling voice, "That was terrifying... How could Consort Bai be so cruel? If His Majesty didn't still believe in you, we would be in big trouble. But Consort Shu is so domineering, what will we do in the future?"

"Thankfully, we escaped unharmed today," Chu Nianci gently comforted the group. "Don't be afraid. We're staying with His Majesty, so they won't do anything to us for the time being. Just be careful, Bing'er."

Hongying wiped her sweat, paused, and said, "I've long heard that the palace is a den of iniquity, and it truly lives up to its reputation. It's a pity we haven't been able to find out who's behind Chunyu."

"Is there even a need to investigate?" Shen Lanbing said in a trembling voice, "If it weren't for my sister today, I would be the one in the inner palace. It's obvious that Consort Bai wanted to frame me, but who knew Yan Rong would betray her... I've already yielded step by step, yet they are still so aggressive..."

"Sister, if you have time, try to visit Consort Jia more often. Her family is very powerful, and for now, the only option is to temporarily join forces with her."

Shen Lanbing lowered her eyes. She and Jiafei were only acquaintances, not close friends. She could only take things one step at a time.

Chu Nianci looked at Shen Lanbing and instructed her, "Being out of favor is a sin. If His Majesty visits you, tell him more about the interesting sights and places in Jiangnan and encourage him to come and visit often. Gradually, he will develop feelings for you and gain your favor, then they will not dare to touch you easily."

As she said this, she thought of that exceptionally handsome young emperor…

Chu Nianci remained completely unmoved.

Although she was once captivated by his looks, she didn't feel any romantic feelings for him.

What she sought was never wholehearted devotion, but simply the pleasure of the moment.

Besides, he still sees me as a pawn.

Since that's the case, why not share him with my good sister to help her survive in the palace?

She thought of the Illusion Flower; this emperor was definitely a ruthless character.

He has plenty of ways to deal with people he doesn't like.

So she had to remind her devoted younger sister.

She held Shen Lanbing's hand tightly and said, "Bing'er, His Majesty is not our husband. He is an emperor, and he is extremely intelligent. He also cares about the balance between the court and the harem. You must not try to win the emperor's heart. Just ask for his favor. I only ask that you and I live freely and happily in the palace and not be bullied by others."

Shen Lanbing gripped her hand tightly and nodded gently with a shy expression.

On the way back, Chu Nianci kept thinking about what had happened during the day.

Despite Bing'er's deep concern for Duanmu Qingyu, he only gave her a perfunctory response when she presented her with the purse.

That's how men are; the more you care, the less they care.

In this imperial harem, vying for favor is acceptable, but falling in love is foolish.

Those concubines are idle all day long, but they love to fight for favors and frame others, all for the sake of climbing the ranks.

Even if a person has no intention of harming a tiger, a tiger may have the intention to harm a person. If you do not fight or struggle, you will only be devoured.

Since she couldn't avoid it, she wouldn't hold back.

When they returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, it was already 7 PM.

The setting sun casts a warm yellow glow on the snow.

She learned from Manbao that the events of the afternoon had spread like wildfire throughout every palace.

All the concubines were guessing that Yongfu Palace was finished, and in the days to come, besides the Empress, who would be favored?

But excessive adornment and extravagant displays will inevitably make one a target of public criticism.

Fortunately, she was always there, so no one noticed her.

Otherwise, how could she expect to get away with it?

The situation in the imperial harem is always constantly changing.

Based on one's own status, if one is favored, who knows if another concubine will turn her attention to her?

When it was time to serve tea, Chu Nianci tidied her slightly loose hair and carried a box of ointments to the main hall.

From afar, I saw Jingxi standing outside the door with his head bowed, not daring to breathe.

As soon as she stepped onto the steps, she vaguely saw the Empress kneeling inside the hall.

Jingxi turned to the side and whispered a reminder: "The Empress released Consort Bai, and His Majesty is currently questioning her about it."

So that's how it is. It seems Duanmu Qingyu's anger hasn't subsided, and he's taken it out on the Empress.

Bai Pin violated his taboo, so the Empress became the scapegoat.

As Chu Nianci was pondering this, she reached the palace gate and heard Duanmu Qingyu's voice: "I am troubled by state affairs every day. Since the Empress cannot govern the six palaces, she should not add to the chaos. Go back and reflect on your mistakes in seclusion."

Empress Lin seemed to want to explain further.

"Step back." Duanmu Qingyu's tone became indifferent. "I am fine now, and there is no need for me to attend to you again in the coming days."

After a rustling sound of clothes, Empress Lin stepped out with her head down and bumped into Chu Nianci.

Chu Nianci quickly curtsied.

The Empress's face turned ashen. Without even glancing at her, she boarded her sedan chair and hurriedly departed.

Chu Nianci gazed at that retreating figure. Lacking the Emperor's favor, he was merely a puppet of the Empress Dowager. He had finally had the opportunity to attend to the ailing Emperor, but he had been implicated because of the Illusion Flower incident.

If she had kept to her proper place and hadn't coveted what she didn't deserve, perhaps things wouldn't have turned out this way. Perhaps he would have been soft-hearted and given her a title. But, is it really possible to expect Duanmu Qingyu to be soft-hearted?

He has never been a soft-hearted person.

With just a few words, the Empress's power to attend to the sick was stripped away, which both reprimanded the Empress Dowager and established the Emperor's authority.

Chu Nianci took a deep breath and walked into the inner hall. Only a few palace lanterns were left to illuminate the room dimly, and dinner had not yet been served.

Duanmu Qingyu appeared to have just taken a bath; her long hair was unbound and draped over her plain white nightgown.

The room is bathed in moonlight, and the person is as beautiful as a jade disc.

The night breeze swept in through the long window, causing the candlelight to flicker and also ruffling his robes and hair, revealing his cool profile.

Chu Nianci looked closely and saw that his jade-like face was calm and expressionless.

Fortunately, the tyrannical monarch's second mask hasn't fallen off yet.

It's safe tonight. Chu Nianci shivered from the wind, quickly put down what she was holding, went forward to close the window, and then took an outer robe and gently draped it over his shoulders.

Meeting his slightly surprised gaze, she smiled and said, "It's getting cold, Your Majesty, please take care of your health."

She knew in her heart that Duanmu Qingyu was a powerful figure worth clinging to, and she absolutely could not let him die young like in her previous life.

Since they are now by his side, protecting him is also protecting our own future.

Although her actions were bold, she did not easily get angry over trivial matters as long as she was not involved in collusion with the court.

As expected, Duanmu Qingyu did not reprimand him, but only said to the palace servants beside him, "Go down, there is no need to serve here."

There were only two people left in the hall, along with a table of dinner.

Chu Nianci suddenly noticed that his gaze was cold and brooding, as if he was displeased with what happened that afternoon.

So she moved back to his side and asked softly, "Is Your Majesty angry with me?"

Duanmu Qingyu didn't even raise his eyes, only asking, "I gave you a meaningful look earlier, telling you to take the opportunity to vent your anger, why didn't you use it?"

Chu Nianci was taken aback, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I do not understand."

He glanced at me sideways, his eyes slightly upturned, his gaze clear and bright like the moon, leaving no room for anyone to hide.

Her shoulders relaxed, and she muttered softly, "Your Majesty is wise... Your Majesty truly dares not."

"Don't dare what?" He looked away and tapped the table lightly with his fingertips.

Chu Nianci was speechless for a moment.

If you feel wronged and want someone to stand up for you, then someone has to be willing to stand up for you first.

In her past life in the Lin family, no one had ever stood up for her, and she had long since gotten used to silently remembering this, plotting revenge in the future.

Now that she's with him, she still doesn't consider him someone she can rely on, and deep down she still lacks a sense of security.

As she pondered how to answer, she noticed his long, jade-like hand resting on the table. A desire to touch it stirred within her, yet she dared not presume. She simply leaned closer and smiled softly, saying, "Your Majesty, with you present, I felt very at ease. I knew you would uncover the truth and clear my name. At that moment… I looked up at you, and nothing else came to mind. My eyes were only on you, nothing but you. I had long forgotten everything else…"

Her gaze was clear and pure, without any impurities, yet her eyes held an undisguised trust and admiration for him.

Although Duanmu Qingyu knew these were sweet words, she couldn't help but show a pleased expression.

I felt as if something had touched my heart.

My heart skipped a few beats.

He quickly regained his composure.

He was secretly surprised. He considered himself to have strong self-control, so how could he be moved by a woman's sweet words?

However, I am a normal man, and how could I not be happy when a woman I admire says sweet words to me?

With that thought, he felt relieved.

"From now on, be bolder in the palace," Duanmu Qingyu said gently. "If I can't even protect you, wouldn't people laugh at my incompetence?"

Chu Nianci's eyes lit up with a smile, her voice trembling with emotion as she leaned closer to him: "Thank you, Your Majesty, I will remember..."

Duanmu Qingyu inhaled the delicate fragrance emanating from her, a hint of curiosity and inquiry flashing in her dark, bright eyes.

He likes intelligent and talented women, but that's all he likes.

As an emperor, he knew that if he took a woman into his heart, he would be on the verge of becoming a tyrannical ruler and bringing ruin to his country.

The previous emperor Ai was a case in point. He fell in love with Consort Wan and abandoned his country and family. A monarch can dote on her, but falling in love with her is extremely dangerous... He believed in his own self-control.

Duanmu Qingyu clapped his hands, and a tall palace maid came in carrying a copper basin. As usual, he had to wash his hands before dinner.

Seeing this, she said softly, "Your Majesty, I have seen you often writing and reviewing memorials, so I brought some hand-moisturizing balm to offer you."

After saying this, she offered him the perfume and was about to step back when she heard him say, "You come and wash my hands."

"Your Majesty, I have never served you with washing before..." Chu Nianci said honestly.

"It's alright, just wash it clean." Duanmu Qingyu had already signaled the palace maid to put down the copper basin and leave.

You're such a clean freak, you're probably just used to it. If you want something, just say so.

Chu Nianci had no choice but to kneel down, but the posture was really awkward and her hands couldn't reach very far.

"No need for formalities," Duanmu Qingyu said calmly without extending his hand, "There are no outsiders here."

Only then did he extend his hand.

Those hands were exceptionally beautiful, fair and slender, with a faint pink tinge at the fingertips, like jade dipped in snow.

Chu Nianci was somewhat lost in thought. When she scooped water and poured it on the back of his hand, she clicked her tongue inwardly and casually touched his hand: So smooth.

Then she suddenly remembered that the palace was secretly betting on his first time.

Unable to resist, the corners of her rosy lips curled up, revealing a bright smile.

Duanmu Qingyu had seen her with her eyes down, focused on washing herself, when suddenly she saw a smile bloom on her face.

In the candlelight, her long, thick eyelashes drooped, casting a long shadow on her jade-like face, making the red mole between her eyebrows particularly bright.

He was momentarily stunned by her vibrant beauty, his Adam's apple bobbing a few times. His gaze towards Chu Nianci deepened, and he unconsciously pursed his lips, slowly leaning forward to approach her delicate, cherry-like lips...