Chapter 6, Shang Yi

Your Majesty, both you and I are well aware that on that night in the abandoned palace, I caught a glimpse of the secret between you and Commander Qu, and you would not allow me to leave.

What a clever and articulate woman, what if I were to pardon you alone?

A person who uses concubines as mere chess pieces would hardly consider their feelings

Do you not plead for mercy for yourself

Yuan Qi found it interesting: "Is that woman truly someone you are familiar with?"

Yuan Qi's smile was irresistible, warm and rich, like the gentle sun in the shadows of the grand hall, causing the palace attendants beside her to blush.

Neither the ministers nor the soldiers can fully reassure you. The bloodied head is ample evidence of this. Moreover, you do not even stay in your own Qianqing Palace, yet you wish to conspire in the Forbidden City—if there were no constraints, how could it have come to this

He gazed at the morning dew, his eyes filled with pain

He sneered coldly and continued, "Heaven has eyes; I haven't even had the chance to act, and one has already died early. As for this demon woman, she has enjoyed all the worldly honors and wealth; it would be too easy for her to die by a single knife! I will help her son oppose her, and she must die at the hands of her own flesh and blood; that would be satisfying!"

You are so audacious and reckless, infiltrating the palace by impersonation; do you not realize you have committed a grave offense

You are so brazen... Very well, for the sake of Qu Qing, let me first see your abilities—follow me for now, and then we shall discuss your position.

What is your name

Yuan Qi looked at his troubled expression and chuckled lightly, while gesturing to those around to grant him a seat, and said: "Are you a person from the Jianghu? How did you manage to intrude into my palace?"

Why stay in the palace? It appears peaceful and joyful here, but in reality, it is fraught with danger and treachery. Once an incident occurs, you will have no ability to protect yourself

Just quietly watching, it feels as if one is about to be drawn in

Her name is Chenlu ... ... Alas, I truly do not know how my old friend has raised her, for she possesses such a peculiar and reckless disposition

She raised her head as instructed, and with a glance from Yuan Qi, she was momentarily taken aback

Your Majesty... do you not know that women in this world both fear and love the so-called ghost stories

In the deep hall, the voice of the young girl echoed in the air, clear and filled with a strange allure

The darkness, dark as it is, flows with a divine light; in a moment of glance, it feels like the cold gleam of ice and snow. Upon a second look, it resembles the melancholy of autumn waters stretching to the sky.

He sighed lightly, looking disapprovingly at the morning dew

The morning dew is very cooperative in expressing gratitude.

In order to spare my life, I must make you feel that I am of use to you, and indeed, I possess this value

His hearty laughter echoed outside the grand hall, causing the eunuchs and palace maids to exchange glances with one another

Yuan Qi remained silent, though secretly shaken, he did not reveal the slightest hint on his face

Yuan Qi was taken aback, recalling his childhood when the maid who accompanied him would always talk about headless ghosts, and he couldn't help but nod and chuckle.

Should we allow that witch to be so pleased? Twenty-six years ago, she caused your death... I will remember for all eternity the triumphant expression on her face when she was granted the title of Empress!

On the morning of the second day after the ceremony, Yuan Qi summoned Qu Yun and pointed to a plate of pastries to bestow upon him. However, he noticed that Qu Yun's expression was peculiar, likely indicating that he was either angry or worried.

Qu Yun sighed, appearing deeply pained: "I have a close friend whom I have not seen for a long time. A few years ago, I heard that he took a little girl as his apprentice. I just saw the token and realized that it is this audacious girl!"

Qu Yun said with a bitter smile: "I have served this individual for over ten years; without undergoing numerous trials, he would not easily trust a stranger."

At that time, I was severely injured, and my martial arts were almost completely incapacitated. With no other choice, I had to hide in the palace. Moreover, she quietly looked at the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, you cannot be unaware that selecting women from the common folk to serve in the palace is a common practice. Wealthy families may refuse, but since ancient times, countless poor women have been bought to take their place. Therefore... at that time, I thought that the law does not punish the masses."

Shangyi, also known as Shangyi Yushi, belongs to the sixth rank of female officials. It is generally conferred upon the emperor's trusted confidants by his side. Although the rank is not high, it is a position of considerable importance.

Miss Qu Qing, this young lady is truly interesting—may I ask for your name?

Yuan Qi's mind became steady, and he immediately regained his clarity. He reined in his smile, waved away those on either side, and did not call her up, allowing her to remain kneeling.

Qu Yun's brows furrowed even deeper, and he said resentfully: "This girl is indeed unfortunate, to have fallen for such a heartless scoundrel. He swore eternal love on ordinary days, but when it came to betraying his conscience, he turned his back without a second thought—he plotted against her from behind, causing her serious injuries, and then relentlessly pursued her. She had to disguise herself as one of the selected palace maids to blend in—just listen to what she said: 'The most dangerous place is the safest.' It's simply absurd!

Oh? What are your skills? Martial arts or military strategy?" The emperor couldn't help but sneer.

Qu Yun looked at her with annoyance: "The Emperor actually wants to keep you by his side, in such a sensitive position..."

Morning dew

... ...

I have a general understanding, Your Majesty

... ...

"Having no particular skills, even martial arts would not be much better than being useless." Chen Lu smiled, her brows sharp and bright: "However, I can become a sharp blade in your hand"

Xiaoyun, being by the Emperor's side alone is truly perilous! Do you think I am unaware of your intentions?" Chenlu's eyes shone with clarity and brilliance, her anger tinged with concern: "That night, as soon as I heard you conspiring with the Emperor, I knew your plans! Why must you provoke 'her'?"

He summoned the eunuch in charge of the imperial edicts: "Convey my decree, the palace attendants in the Imperial Garden, loyal to the royal affairs, are to be respectful and diligent, and shall be recorded as ceremonial officials."

She has been hidden in the palace for half a year without leaving a trace... This young lady indeed possesses extraordinary qualities; summon her to me, for I too wish to meet her

As for the incident, he is likely to be overly concerned about it

... ...

Upon hearing this, Qu Yun gritted his teeth and remained silent for a while, before finally raising his eyebrows and angrily speaking out

The emperor recalled just moments ago, when a group of palace maids were waiting for identification. In a moment of surprise, he realized that he had only focused on her "peach blossom-like face" and had not taken a closer look at what she truly looked like.

Ah? Yuan Qi did not expect her to respond in such a manner

She is not particularly beautiful; her youthful face is merely delicate, but her pair of eyes is truly distinctive

"By placing the pieces in a conspicuous position, one can clearly see their functions and how the opponent will respond." Chen Lu nonchalantly remarked, "This move by the Emperor is merely a test of my true strength, as well as the influence of other factions. I am certain that he has not dismissed his suspicions about me at all."

I have ministers in the court for matters of literature, and generals from all directions for matters of military; what need do I have for you

Turning to gaze at the serene morning dew, the Emperor quietly inquired, "I have yet to ask you, what exactly were you doing in that desolate palace?"

Chen Lu listened to Qu Yun's remarks, a subtle irony reflected in her smile

In this regard, the court unanimously believes that the young emperor fears placing young women by his side, as the harem is inevitably prone to jealousy, which may lead to incidents

Morning Dew got up, wearing a bitter smile: "I want to see if there are ghosts in this world"

Qu Yun, after performing the grand ceremony, repeatedly said to the slightly surprised Emperor: "I am in great fear, and I humbly request Your Majesty to show mercy and spare this transgression!"

Master, there are only you and me as disciples. With your departure, I have no more attachments. I thought to myself that I would risk everything to ensure that those two scoundrels meet their end. After several attempts, all of which nearly succeeded, I finally infiltrated the palace. It took me several years of effort to reach my current position

Yuan Qi has always been gentle and affectionate, treating the women of the harem with equal kindness. However, he has never had a personal female official by his side, relying instead on a few capable and clever eunuchs like Qin Xi and Tian Wang. The Empress Dowager feels pity for him, and every time she wishes to bestow something upon him, he politely declines.

She has changed into a plain garment, her figure is quite slender, and she gracefully bows down at the steps, remaining silent thereafter

Lift your head

Just after half a cup of tea, a woman arrived in response to the summons

The morning dew slightly raised her head, gazing towards the throne. She knelt in the sunlight, her skin so pale it was almost translucent, leaving one to wonder whether she was injured or otherwise.