Chapter 3: The False Emperor

The Jing Shifang is subordinate to the Si Li Jian, specifically responsible for the emperor's private affairs. However, it is not like during the Qing Dynasty, where there were designated individuals to listen in on the emperor's private matters.

Upon seeing Zhang Lingyang's appearance, Wang Qin gently tugged at Zhang Lingyang's sleeve

Wang Qingan chuckled, "Isn't it true that the Emperor, who is busy with state affairs day in and day out, must be feeling fatigued by now?"

Wang Qin replied: "Without Your Majesty's nod, this servant does not dare to inform!"

Moreover, regarding the Emperor's visits to the brothel, Empress Wang had also heard some rumors; how could she be easily dismissed by Wang Qin's few words?

Zhang Lingyang replied: "Your Majesty, the commoner does not know!"

There is no one else in the room now, why are you not getting up quickly

"Your Majesty, what is the matter?" Seeing Zhang Lingyang's forehead beaded with sweat and his gaze unfocused, Queen Wang asked with concern

Did you not tell him?" Seeing that Zhang Lingyang was actually unaware, Emperor Tai'an looked at Wang Qin in surprise

The young eunuch at the door, upon seeing Empress Wang's arrival, hurried inside to report.

Wang Qin hurriedly exited the Yangxin Hall and, upon seeing Empress Wang, bowed deeply: "This servant has seen Her Majesty the Empress. The Emperor is already resting. Would it be better for Her Majesty to come again tomorrow?"

As Queen Wang raised her hand, Zhang Lingyang felt a fragrant breeze wafting in, exceedingly pleasant, and he couldn't help but swallow instinctively.

The palace maids and eunuchs serving nearby, upon seeing the Emperor's excellent appetite, could not help but cast sidelong glances in surprise

Having already eaten to a moderate extent, Zhang Lingyang felt quite uncomfortable at this moment as he noticed a crowd of people surrounding him, watching him eat

Looking so much like Emperor Tai'an, there is only one outcome: to disguise oneself as Emperor Tai'an

Upon hearing the Queen's words, Wang Qin had no choice but to take his leave

At the moment of Zhang Lingyang's confusion, Emperor Tai'an spoke: "From now on, you will attend the morning court in my stead. On ordinary days, you are to remain in the Yangxin Palace, and without my command, you are not to step outside the Yangxin Palace even a single step. Do you understand?"

Wang Qin, please be more mindful!" With that, Emperor Tai'an rose and walked into the inner chamber of the Yangxin Palace

A quarter of an hour later, Zhang Lingyang finally finished putting on his clothes

It is said that the world is full of wonders. In the past, Emperor Tai'an was skeptical of this notion, but upon meeting Zhang Lingyang, he became firmly convinced of its truth.

Zhang Lingyang still has some confusion and uncertainty

Oh? Your Majesty has retired so early?" The Empress Wang did not believe Wang Qin's words

Upon seeing Wang Qin's gaze, Zhang Lingyang realized that he was merely a false emperor, and his demeanor immediately became proper.

I fear that once he has made full use of me, Emperor Tai'an will proceed to destroy my physical form

Suddenly, Wang Qin realized that at this moment, Zhang Lingyang was still wearing the attire of a young eunuch

Inside the palace, Zhang Lingyang had long heard the conversations outside. Seeing Empress Wang about to barge in, he was so anxious that sweat was pouring down his face

Rising and sitting on the bed, Zhang Lingyang, while patting his numb legs, said to Wang Qin: "Master Wang, I have been in the palace for more than half a day, and I have not had a single grain to eat. Could you possibly provide me with some food?"

After a moment of daze, Zhang Lingyang looked at the green plaque, where names such as Noble Consort Gao, Virtuous Consort Xian, Pure Concubine Chun, Golden Jieyu, and Song Zhaoyi were inscribed. To say that Zhang Lingyang was not moved would be a falsehood.

Moreover, Queen Wang also took a handkerchief to wipe the fine sweat from Zhang Lingyang's forehead

"Why are you still unhappy?" Seeing Zhang Lingyang's face so grim, Wang Qin said, "If it weren't for our family, you would still be a beggar, and where would you find such good fortune? Sleeping on a dragon bed, sitting on a dragon chair, you would be worth dying for!"

In order to survive, Zhang Lingyang had no choice but to agree.

However, if one does not agree, it is feared that in no time at all, one will become a lifeless corpse

After speaking, he consciously slowed down his eating pace

Otherwise, how could there be such similar individuals in this world

Yes, the servant takes their leave

Upon hearing Wang Qin's words, Zhang Lingyang finally felt his legs go numb.

He looked at Wang Qin speechlessly, implying: I am merely pretending to be the emperor; there is no need to take it seriously, right

Moreover, the power dynamics within the imperial harem are intricate and complex. Even though Wang Qin holds the position of the Chief Eunuch of the Palace, if he were to dare to speak out against it now, there are plenty of ways for the concubines of the harem to deal with him

In fact, the moment Zhang Lingyang laid eyes on Emperor Tai'an, he already knew the purpose of his visit

At this moment, Zhang Lingyang's heart is bleeding

After Wu Sanbao exited the Yangxin Hall, he went directly to the Changchun Palace to see Empress Wang.

"The Queen is exempt from formalities!" Since the Queen has already entered, Zhang Lingyang had no choice but to muster his spirits and respond with caution

The little person understood clearly! At this moment, Zhang Lingyang's face was ashen.

At your command

Half an hour later, Empress Wang arrived at the entrance of the Yangxin Hall in a soft sedan chair.

Following the sound, Zhang Lingyang indeed saw two rows of green signs on the tray

Why would Emperor Zhao Chenxi, who is doing well, want to disguise himself?

Moreover, it is unknown how many eunuchs below are eagerly wishing for Wang Qin to go down, so that they can take the opportunity to rise to power

Queen Wang burst in and saw the Emperor sitting on the bed, his gaze darting around. He turned his head and shot a fierce glare at Wang Qin.

Regaining his composure, Emperor Tai'an fixed his piercing gaze on Zhang Lingyang and asked, "Do you know why I summoned you here?"

Especially the way she called "Your Majesty" made Zhang Lingyang feel weak to his core

Not long after getting up, the eunuch Wu Sanbao from the respect office entered with a silver tray, knelt beside Zhang Lingyang, and said: "Your Majesty, it is time to issue the placards"

Zhang Lingyang could not guess what Wang Qin was thinking at that moment, but he could not keep Wu Sanbao waiting for too long, lest he reveal any flaws. Therefore, he spoke up and said: "Let it go!"

Upon hearing Wang Qin's words, Zhang Lingyang finally felt at ease.

Seeing Wang Qin like this, Zhang Lingyang couldn't help but feel a bit sour: "Wang Qin's ability to become the chief eunuch of the Imperial Sacrificial Office is indeed quite impressive. It's hard to comment on other aspects, but just this skill of changing faces can truly be described as superb!"

Zhang Lingyang suddenly realized that he was no longer an ordinary commoner from his past life, but rather the Emperor of Tai'an in the Great Zhou Dynasty

What is the outcome of pretending to be an emperor

Your Majesty! Seeing Zhang Lingyang gazing at her so infatuatedly, Queen Wang's face involuntarily flushed with a hint of redness, making her appear even more enchanting.

Upon hearing that the Empress had arrived, Zhang Lingyang immediately panicked and asked Wang Qin, "Master Wang, what should we do now?"

What else can Zhang Lingyang say

Upon hearing Wang Qin's response, Emperor Tai'an nodded in satisfaction

Then, Empress Wang approached Zhang Lingyang and performed a bow, saying: "This humble servant greets Your Majesty!"

After taking a few more bites, he put down his chopsticks

Wang Qin was also in a state of great confusion, but fortunately, having spent a long time in the palace, he had some small calculations in mind. He said to Zhang Lingyang: "I will go out and inform the Empress, saying that His Majesty has already rested, and that the Empress may come again tomorrow!"

Speaking, he completely disregarded Wang Qin's advice and walked straight in

At mealtime, there were other palace maids and eunuchs serving, which made Wang Qin exceptionally submissive, completely displaying the demeanor of a servant, with none of the arrogance he had just shown before

It must be said that wearing the clothing of ancient people is indeed cumbersome

Cough cough! Clearing his embarrassment with a cough, Zhang Lingyang then spoke: "The meal tonight is quite well prepared, very much to my taste!"

It is important to note that the emperor has not entered the inner palace for over a month

Zhang Lingyang was indeed hungry, and given that the food in the palace consisted of various delicacies, many of which he had never even heard of, how could he be polite? He picked up his chopsticks and began to devour the food ravenously

Queen Wang did not notice the change in Zhang Lingyang's attitude, but turned to the eunuchs and palace maids beside her and said: "I have some words to discuss with His Majesty, you may all leave!"

Returning once again to the Hall of Nourishing the Heart, Wang Qin observed Zhang Lingyang and felt that something was amiss.

"Wang Qin, why aren't you going down?" Seeing Wang Qin still standing there, Empress Wang shot him a fierce glance

Bowing slightly, Wang Qin approached Zhang Lingyang and warned, "Did you clearly hear the Emperor's words just now"

It is important to understand that the concubines in the imperial harem mostly come from official and noble families, and the power behind them is deeply intertwined, far beyond what Wang Qin, who has just assumed the position of the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, can contend with

However, Wang Qin seemed to have his eyelids drooping, as if he had not seen anything at all

Hurriedly exiting the Yangxin Hall, Wang Qin shouted, "His Majesty has issued a decree, serve the meal!"

The common people know! Although Zhang Lingyang responded in this manner, his heart was filled with desolation.

The eunuchs and palace maids performed a bow and then withdrew one after another

Upon seeing the beautiful visage of Queen Wang once again, Zhang Lingyang was momentarily entranced.

You should quickly change your clothes, and be sure not to let anyone find out!" Saying this, Wang Qin hurriedly began to search for clothes.

Your Majesty has indeed been quite busy these past few days!" Queen Wang said with a cold smile, "I will go in and take a look; I will not disturb Your Majesty's rest!

The servant understands

Meanwhile, Wang Qin cast a warning glance at Zhang Lingyang.

Oh dear, look at my head?" Wang Qin suddenly realized that it was time for dinner.

Cough cough