Chapter 42

Eunuch Ruan, standing at the side of the hall, carefully noted the reactions of these young men and reported them to the Grand Tutor.

Upon hearing the report, the Grand Tutor tapped his fingers on the table and dismissed Eunuch Ruan.

The results of the imperial examination caused quite a stir in the capital.

The Grand Tutor’s move was undoubtedly a fatal blow to the hereditary privileges of the noble families.

Forget about sons inheriting their fathers’ positions—even maintaining their family’s prosperity had become an uncertain struggle.

The panic among those noble families went without saying.

What truly concerned the Grand Tutor the most, however, was the change of power in the Southern Frontier.

His spies had only uncovered the truth behind the Southern Frontier’s affairs three days after the princess was captured, relaying the news back to the capital.

The Grand Tutor didn’t know how the princess had managed to send her message, but her methods were evidently highly efficient.

Moreover, the spy’s report confirmed that the princess’s words that day had not been false.

Wei Lenghou mused that Princess Qi Ke could indeed be a useful pawn, but this woman was far too unruly—something he detested, as unpredictability was a liability.

Thus, ever since capturing the Southern Frontier princess, the Grand Tutor had confined her to the Beishan retreat.

Though deprived of her freedom, she was still treated with courtesy.

After leaving Princess Qi Ke in limbo for several days, the Grand Tutor finally seemed to remember her and summoned her for an audience.

In the main hall of the Beishan retreat, Princess Qi Ke was brought forward.

Fearing that this enchantress might conceal poison, her clothes had been changed to Wei dynasty attire, and all her bracelets and jewelry had been removed.

Princess Qi Ke, having fallen to such circumstances, had adapted with surprising ease, accepting her situation calmly.

As she entered the hall, she smiled and bowed gracefully.

“Qi Ke pays her respects to the Grand Tutor.”

The Grand Tutor, seated in the host’s position, was arranging a chessboard.

His slender fingers held a white jade piece, slowly placing it on the board.

Today, he was dressed unusually in a loose white robe, paired with a headpiece adorned with pearls, a ribbon cascading diagonally from his crown. With his sword-like brows and phoenix eyes, he truly resembled a refined, scholarly gentleman—elegant and composed.

Unfortunately, his robust physique, impossible to conceal beneath those flowing robes, betrayed the formidable power hidden beneath that scholarly facade.

When she had first met the Grand Tutor, though she had smiled at him with alluring charm, inwardly, she had still harbored some disdain for this Central Plains man.

With his refined appearance, she had assumed he was merely a cunning schemer—a weakling who could be toppled with a single dose of knockout powder!

But now, the faint ache on her neck served as a reminder of just how terrifying this seemingly immortal and elegant man could become.

And yet… it was precisely such a man, both cultured and martial, who was worthy of the proudest daughter of the Southern Frontier’s king!

During her idle days, Qi Ke had repeatedly imagined her reunion with Wei Lenghou.

Yet, upon seeing him again, she realized he was even more handsome than she remembered.

When the Grand Tutor lifted his gaze and saw the fervent look in Princess Qi Ke’s eyes, he was unperturbed—such gazes were all too familiar to him.

“Princess, you are too courteous,” he said indifferently.

“But since your loyal attendants are absent, and it may be inconvenient for you to sit in a Wei-style chair, if you do not mind, you may sit on the floor.”

Qi Ke, however, laughed freely.

“In the past, Qi Ke was too affected. Now that I am in the Wei dynasty, it is only natural to follow Wei customs.”

With that, she gracefully took a seat on a nearby round-backed chair.

“The Southern Frontier has undergone a drastic change. It requires Your Highness’s return to turn the tide. Calculating the time, your stay in the Wei dynasty has not been short. As a host, it is improper for me to detain a distinguished guest any longer. May I ask where the princess intends to go? Once you have made your decision clear, I shall arrange for carriages and horses to escort you on your way.”

The Grand Tutor continued arranging the chessboard, but his words were an unmistakable dismissal.

Having now grasped the Grand Tutor’s temperament, Qi Ke knew he responded better to softness than force.

Without hesitation, she said, “Qi Ke is now effectively homeless. I lack the strength to turn the tide and save my father. From the bottom of my heart, I admire you, Grand Tutor. I am willing to follow your commands. If you are unwilling to wade into the Southern Frontier’s muddy waters, then Qi Ke wishes to stay by your side, serving you with the loyalty of a hound or horse!”

“The Wei dynasty’s resources are strained, and we practice frugality. I do not keep idle hands—even hounds and horses must prove their worth. May I ask what remarkable skills the princess possesses to move my heart?”

The man’s arrogant words did not anger Qi Ke.

Slowly, she rose and walked to Wei Lenghou’s side, then knelt gracefully beside him.

Her hands lightly caressed his knees as she said, “My skills… require the Grand Tutor’s personal inspection to appreciate…”

The implication in her words was unmistakable.

The bold women of the Southern Frontier lacked the coyness and subtlety of Central Plains women—her passionate words, laden with desire, were laid bare without restraint.

Unfortunately, the Grand Tutor had never been one to cherish beauty with tenderness.

In the past, a woman like Qi Ke—long-legged, slender-waisted, and radiantly beautiful—would have been exactly to his taste.

A willing woman who offered herself up would have been effortlessly conquered in bed, body and soul.

But the Marquis of Dingguo had recently taken to asceticism.

Though he had once lived a life of indulgence, after restraining himself for a time, he had begun to feel like an enlightened monk, inching closer to perfection—only a breath of immortal qi away from achieving transcendence.

Since he was on the path to immortality, a woman as vulgar and garish as Qi Ke was naturally beneath his notice.

Allowing the princess to stroke his knee, the Grand Tutor only smirked coldly.

“So the princess intends to offer herself through charm. It seems I overestimated you. Unfortunately, my household lacks neither concubines nor women who throw themselves at me. I would not dare impose such indignity upon Your Highness.”

Qi Ke’s smile froze.

Slowly, she knelt again, pressing her palms to the floor.

“The Grand Tutor is a hero—naturally, you would not favor a woman who relies solely on beauty. Qi Ke is willing to aid you in conquering the Southern Frontier, eliminating your worries once and for all.”

Wei Lenghou remained silent for a long moment, his cold gaze fixed on the prostrate princess.

At last, he spoke slowly.

“I am willing to give the princess one chance to prove herself. As you said, I have little interest in the Southern Frontier. If we can achieve peace along the borders, that would be ideal. But remember—this opportunity comes only once. If the princess harbors ulterior motives… the Southern Frontier will become a blazing hell.”

Hearing his words, Qi Ke shuddered involuntarily.

She knew this arrogant man meant every word—and was fully capable of delivering on his threat.

—

The Wei dynasty’s investiture ceremony proceeded as scheduled.

A new generation of court officials—the pillars of the nation—donned fresh court robes and ceremonial caps to kneel before the emperor and express their gratitude.

Eunuch Ruan held a name register, calling out each newly minted official to step forward, kowtow, and offer thanks.

Nie Qinglin lazily reclined on the dragon throne, her mind wandering.

She wondered whether Ge Qingyuan had deciphered the subtle clues she had intentionally left in the study.

Truthfully, it had been a momentary whim, a flicker of pity for this childhood companion.

But even if Ge Qingyuan had understood her hints, composing an essay on canal governance within the span of half an incense stick’s time was no easy feat.

Only a truly insightful and well-read scholar could have produced a piece capable of impressing the Grand Tutor.

Just then, Eunuch Ruan called out: “Left Vice Minister of Works—Ge Qingyuan, step forward!”

Nie Qinglin’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

Glancing down, she saw a tall, stalwart young man step out from the ranks.

Following protocol, he performed the ceremonial kowtow, his magnetic voice ringing out: “This subject, Ge Qingyuan, receives the emperor’s boundless grace. I thank Your Majesty—long live the emperor! I thank the Grand Tutor—a thousand years to the Grand Tutor!”

When he rose, Nie Qinglin recognized him as the man who had repeatedly glanced at her during the birthday banquet.

Unlike the Grand Tutor’s breathtaking, almost inhuman beauty that kept others at a distance, Ge Qingyuan was ruggedly handsome—thick-browed, bright-eyed, and exuding masculine vigor.

It had been years since that one summer of their childhood.

Who would have thought that mischievous, unruly boy would have grown into such a mature and steady man?

Truly, one should never judge a person based on past encounters!

Before she could ponder further, a low cough sounded in front of her.

Nie Qinglin snapped back to attention and saw the Grand Tutor seated sideways on his chair, his phoenix eyes glaring coldly at her.

Qinglin quickly straightened her slightly leaning posture, tucking her neck back into her large collar, and resumed her role as the indifferent, virtuous emperor.

The investiture ceremony was tediously long.

Aside from the newly appointed pillars of the Wei dynasty, there was also a Southern Frontier princess.

No one knew what this princess had experienced in the Wei court these past days, but she had completely shed her former arrogance.

Her tone when addressing the Grand Tutor was now humble and measured.

The Grand Tutor, seemingly pleased, personally conferred upon Princess Qi Ke the title of “Pacifying South Sacred Envoy,” presenting her with a golden seal authorizing her to accept the surrender of the Southern Frontier’s various tribes on behalf of the Wei emperor.

Nie Qinglin, hidden within her collar, pondered what schemes the Grand Tutor was brewing.

One thing was certain—the Southern Frontier was in for turbulent times.

After court adjourned, the Grand Tutor, who had been walking ahead of the emperor, suddenly halted and stepped beside him.

His cold eyes slanted toward her.

“Your Majesty’s eyes must be exhausted today—so many talented young men, it must have been quite the spectacle!”

The young emperor immediately widened her eyes.

“What nonsense is the Grand Tutor speaking? We merely wished to familiarize with their faces—how could I possibly address my ministers incorrectly in the future? As for good looks, the Grand Tutor is peerless. Having grown accustomed to beloved minister Wei’s beauty, how could We possibly find anyone else appealing?”

Alas, her flattery seemed to have lost its potency.

The Grand Tutor’s expression remained frosty as he said lightly, “If this subject has truly won Your Majesty’s favor, why have you never taken the initiative to be affectionate?”

This thought had struck the Grand Tutor after Princess Qi Ke’s failed seduction.

A man as self-assured as he would never consider the possibility that a woman might not desire him.

That night, upon returning to his residence, he had grown increasingly unsettled.

Initially, when he had mistaken the little dragon pearl for a boy, he had assumed the child had fallen for him first.

So why did it now seem like he was the only one invested?

Her escape could be excused as self-preservation—he had magnanimously forgiven her for that.

But since her return to the palace, though her words were deferential, she had never once initiated intimacy.

This was an unforgivable crime.

Having stewed in silent frustration all night, he was further incensed when the heartless little thing—who had been listlessly slumped on the throne—suddenly perked up at the sight of that so-called Ge Qingyuan.

The way she had leaned forward, as if eager to throw herself at him! What was so special about that Ge Qingyuan? A mere eighteen-year-old brat, his youthful looks unsuited for responsibility.

Yet the sheltered emperor had been utterly captivated.

Nie Qinglin found the Grand Tutor’s sudden, oblique anger baffling.

Unable to pinpoint its source, she fretfully twisted the hem of her robe and trailed behind him back to the bedchamber.

Once inside, the Grand Tutor swept his robes aside and sat imposingly on the daybed.

Glaring at the emperor, who stood forlornly by the door, he commanded coldly, “Come here at once!”

Nie Qinglin dawdled over.

The Grand Tutor’s thin lips parted as he said, “This subject wishes for Your Majesty to take the initiative today—bestow your imperial favor and grace this humble official with your affection.”

The fourth-generation descendant of the Wei dynasty’s founder was dumbstruck.

Even if she combined all the treacherous ministers and power-hungry chancellors of previous dynasties, Wei Lenghou would still rank as the most insufferable, shameless scoundrel of all time!

But though her mind seethed with colorful curses, not a hint showed on her face.

Softly, she said, “We fears another nosebleed…”

The Grand Tutor nearly choked on his fury.

His sword-like brows knitted as he retorted, “Nanny Shan has excellent hemostatic powder. Even if Your Majesty’s nose bleeds rivers, a sprinkle will stop it. Are you saying you are unwilling to be affectionate with this subject?”

Seeing that the Grand Tutor would not let the matter rest today, Nie Qinglin removed her ceremonial crown and slowly settled into Wei Lenghou’s lap.

Normally, the man would have immediately pulled her close, showering her with kisses.

But today, he sat as still as a meditating monk.

Biting her lip, she leaned in and gently pressed a kiss to the Grand Tutor’s cold, stern cheek.

The Grand Tutor, clearly dissatisfied, narrowed his phoenix eyes.

“That’s it? This subject feels not the slightest hint of imperial grace!”

He snorted.

Nie Qinglin steeled herself.

Drawing a deep breath, she kissed his thin lips.

Yet the Marquis of Dingguo remained unappeased.

Watching the emperor’s flushed face, he said leisurely, “Your Majesty, please part your lips and grant this subject a taste of your sweet nectar.”

Ancestors of the Wei dynasty! Strike down this treasonous villain with lightning!

Nie Qinglin felt blood rush to her head, her face turning as red as a ripe fruit.

“Grand Tutor… are you bullying this emperor?”

Nie Qing Lin asked tearfully.

Alas, the Grand Tutor’s heart was ironclad today.

Coldly, he said, “So Your Majesty believes this subject has been bullying you all along? What shall we do, then? Summon all the court officials and let them hear of my crimes?”

The little dragon pearl, seeing no alternative, resolved to satisfy this difficult man once and for all.

Leaning in again, she parted her cherry lips and captured his, then tentatively slipped her tongue past his teeth.

This was her first time actively initiating intimacy with a man.

That shy, soft tongue, once inside his warm mouth, floundered uncertainly… Yet this very innocence was like a spark igniting a wildfire, dragging the ascetic straight into the depths of desire.

Wei Lenghou tightened his embrace, entwining his tongue with hers, hungrily devouring her sweetness with practiced skill.

When the kiss ended, the Grand Tutor gazed at her dazed, panting face and impulsively asked, “Your Majesty, do you love this subject?”

The dragon pearl froze.

Though her mouth was usually quick with sweet lies, now, not a single falsehood would come.

“We has never loved anyone… We do not know what love is…”

The Grand Tutor’s softened expression stiffened.

He could not vent his anger on the one in his arms—he knew Nie Qinglin spoke the truth.

Yet the truth was the most painful of all.

For the first time, Wei Lenghou had immersed himself wholeheartedly, only to receive naught but bewildered ignorance in return.

But… it didn’t matter.

From now on, this little one would remain in his embrace.

Every fiery passion between man and woman, he would teach her without reserve.

By then, those clear, bright eyes would reflect only Wei Lenghou’s image…

Even so, the knot in his chest refused to dissolve.

He could only punish this troublemaker with another searing kiss.

—

As the weather warmed, staying indoors became unbearable.

The imperial gardens had been renovated for the emperor’s birthday, newly planted with rare and precious flowers.

Now firmly rooted, they bloomed splendidly.

With endless idle hours to fill, Nie Qinglin strolled through the gardens with her beloved cat, Fluffball.

Before she had traversed half the garden, she spotted Consort Yun approaching from the opposite path.

Whether due to a change in temperament or some other reason, the once-vibrant woman had rapidly withered and aged.

With the reduction in palace provisions, the dress she wore was visibly faded from repeated washing, as dull as the poorly applied powder on her face.

Upon seeing the emperor, she curtsied from a distance.

Nie Qinglin, having never been close to her, simply greeted her and walked past, oblivious to the venomous glare Consort Yun directed at her retreating figure.

“Shameless slut!”

Consort Yun hissed under her breath once the emperor was out of earshot.

After the incident with the palace lanterns, when the emperor’s face had been scratched, the Grand Tutor’s wrath had been fearsome.

Disregarding their past intimacy, he had punished her severely.

At the time, she had been too consumed by jealousy toward her sister and resentment toward her fickle lover to consider the deeper implications.

It wasn’t until the Lantern Festival that the truth dawned on her.

Depressed, she had wandered the gardens at night with only a eunuch for company.

When the eunuch left to fetch a lantern, she had remained seated on a stone bench—only to witness the Grand Tutor leading the young emperor into the gardens.

They had been in the light, while she lurked in the shadows.

Under the lantern glow, she had seen clearly how intimately the Grand Tutor held the emperor’s hand.

Puzzled, she had watched as the Grand Tutor guided the emperor into the warm pavilion built by the late emperor.

In that instant, her mind had cracked open.

The revelation had struck like lightning—the Grand Tutor and the emperor were… involved.

Suddenly, the fifty strokes she and her sister had received made sense.

The Grand Tutor had indeed discarded his old loves for a new one—except this time, the vixen who had ensnared him was male!

Wei Lenghou’s depravity rivaled even the late emperor’s.

To think he had taken his debauchery to the dragon bed! That shameless little fox had clearly been servicing him for some time.

Later, when the Grand Tutor had stormed out in a rage and the emperor had emerged disheveled, supported by palace maids, her suspicions had been confirmed.

Fortunately, she had fled before being noticed.

From then on, she had observed the Grand Tutor and the emperor closely.

Though the two maintained a facade of propriety in public, a woman’s intuition was sharp.

She didn’t know what transpired in the bedchamber, but what loyal minister would visit the emperor’s inner quarters daily? And during the emperor’s birthday celebration—the sight had nearly driven her mad with envy.

Others might think the Grand Tutor had ulterior motives, but Shang Yunchu knew the truth: this was the treatment of a favored lover.

The thought that she, with her talents and beauty, should have been the one receiving such favor, only to be usurped by a backdoor-climbing wretch, filled her with seething hatred.

Just now, though she had only glimpsed the emperor, his complexion seemed even more radiant—just like his short-lived mother, a born seductress.

Having drunk his fill of a man’s essence, he had grown even more wanton…

Unaware of how twisted her expression had become, Shang Yunchu startled her maidservant, Chun Xiang, who timidly called out, “My lady?”

Shang Yunchu’s thoughts burned with malice: I am not my weak-willed mother, who failed to win favor in the Shang household. Those who betray me, those who wrong me—I will make them pay.

—

Night deepened the palace’s desolation.

These days, only the emperor’s bedchamber remained brightly lit after dark.

Gone were the days when the merry jingling of horse bells announced the arrival of concubines borne on pleasure carriages to the emperor’s quarters.

Now, every palace was as silent as a tomb.

The maidservant Chun Xiang, after cautiously scanning her surroundings, stealthily ushered a man into Consort Yun’s quarters.

The woman who had seemed like a withered flower by day now sat on her bed, dressed in alluring finery—a thin outer robe over her bellyband.

“This lowly one, Wu Kui, pays his respects to Consort Yun.”

Shang Yun Chu smiled at the sturdy man kneeling before her.

“Wu Lang, this is not your first visit to my chambers. Why stand on ceremony? Come here at once.”

The guardsman, with a lewd grin, hastily unfastened his trousers and pounced on the late emperor’s consort.

Outside the bed curtains, Chun Xiang listened to the sounds of unrestrained passion within—Consort Yun seemed even more exhilarated than when serving the late emperor.

So she blushed and retreated.