Chapter One Dedication

The laughter from all around is still echoing

At that moment, she heard the intimate and teasing voice of the new emperor, "My beauty, why must you feel shy? Raise your head and look at me."

Miyagi is getting closer

Unknowingly, Zhang Qi's head lowered even further, and her delicate nails dug deeply into her own palm.

Her innate beauty captivates, and being the center of attention is indeed a common occurrence. Were it not for the inappropriate setting, she might not even feel it.

For a long time, the echo still lingers, mingling with the buzzing voices of the crowd, it is deafening

This is innate

Thinking of this, Zhang Qi grasped his hand, her fingers brushing over his damp palm. With her cherry lips and delicate teeth, she softly and gently said, "No matter what my husband is like, I am willing to share life and death with you." Although these words were quite powerful, when spoken from her naturally soft voice, they sounded more like a playful complaint.

As she barely knelt down, she felt that the surroundings seemed to quiet down a bit, as if many pairs of eyes were all fixed upon her

He opened his eyes and gazed at the beauty in his arms, her skin as smooth as jade. Despite the sweltering summer heat, she felt cool to the touch, bringing a delightful sensation to the heart. Holding her on his lap, he poured a mouthful of wine for her to drink, then lowered his head to look at the minister who had presented the beauty. The new emperor said with satisfaction: "I will remember your merit in offering your wife"

In the midst of her enchanting gaze, Zhang Qiqiao turned towards the new emperor with a charming smile

Zhang Qiyan smiled gently, shook her head, and withdrew her gaze, continuing to look at the majestic and splendid palace city. She simply felt that today he was different from before, seemingly particularly tense and uneasy, especially the way he looked at her, which always carried an indescribable meaning

Zhang Qisu clenched her fist, rigidly placing it by her side. When her husband knelt down, she followed suit and knelt down as well

After carefully scrutinizing her from her face to her neck and then to her bosom, from her hair to the exposed skin, the new emperor smiled with satisfaction

At that moment, Zhang Qi heard the sound of a knee moving, as her husband knelt down and inched closer, coming to kneel beside her

Indeed, it is Zhang's exquisite beauty

It seems that since she blossomed into adulthood, her face and body have unfolded like flowers, and with every glance and every gesture, she effortlessly exudes an enchanting grace. However, she hails from a distinguished family and is a virtuous woman, so in her daily conduct, she is always mindful of her words and actions. It is only when she playfully engages with her husband in the intimacy of their bed that these captivating charms can no longer be restrained.

Clearly feeling dazed, with her heart racing as if it might burst from her chest, and the metallic sweetness threatening to spill forth at any moment. Yet, Zhang Qi could still see her husband looking at her with a pleading gaze. If her feelings could still be trusted, she even sensed that his gaze towards her remained affectionate. He seemed to be saying that she need not rush, for one day he would surely take her back again

From the imperial throne, the new emperor's satisfied laughter echoed. He gazed at his consort and lazily inquired, "I have heard that you and your spouse share a deep affection, without any doubt. Is it truly so?"

Recalling her homeland, Zhang Qi turned to look at her husband once more. She had known her husband since their youth; he had offended the powerful for her sake and betrayed his family. After arriving here, through several years of hard work by the couple, his career had progressed smoothly, and he had risen steadily. Just recently, with the new emperor ascending the throne, her husband had received the opportunity to bring his family to the imperial city.

Zhang Qi's gait is slow and graceful. She slightly lowers her head, and in that moment, countless things that are usually overlooked surge to her mind, along with numerous rumors about the new emperor echoing in her thoughts

He turned his head to look at Zhang Qi, and due to his pride, his dark eyes narrowed slightly. Observing Zhang Qi, the new emperor smiled and said, "Zhang Shi Qi Shu, come here!" He waved his hand at her, patting his thigh, his voice carrying a husky softness tinged with desire, "My beauty, come to my side."

Gazing at the magnificent and grand palace ahead, Zhang Qisu, with her jade-like white hands, tightly twisted her dress. Taking a deep breath, she turned her head to look at her husband

Her husband did not speak, and Zhang Qi felt it was inappropriate to press for answers, yet involuntarily, she too became tense.

With a bewitching smile, Zhang Qi's slender waist, barely fitting in a single grasp, swayed in an alluring rhythm that seemed effortless, captivating the heart and soul.

Suddenly, Zhang Qi's body swayed! Her complexion was as pale as snow!

Zhang Qiguo indeed raised her head

The great hall suddenly fell silent, laughter ceased, and in its place was the sound of heavy breathing.

Slowly, Zhang Qi raised her head

Seeing her gaze fixed upon him, her husband turned his head, the corners of his lips lifting in a gentle smile. His deep, melodious voice flowed like water within the carriage, "Qiniang, why are you looking at me?"

Meeting his gaze, Zhang Qi smiled sweetly once more, and she said softly, "It's nothing, just calling for you." This man, oh, he treasures her like a precious gem; to be able to become his wife in this lifetime, she truly feels it is worth it

At this moment, they suddenly realized that the elegant lady, who had just appeared so composed, had transformed in the blink of an eye into a figure exuding seductive charm. Her swaying hips as she walked, her ample backside, her delicate white hands, and every contour of her exquisite body reflected a captivating allure under the radiant sunlight

She faced a young face that was pale and swollen due to excessive indulgence

Embracing her slender waist, the new emperor took a deep breath in front of her chest, then closed his eyes, intoxicated and joyfully exclaiming: "Indeed, she is a peerless beauty"

Under the dazed gaze of Zhang Qi, her husband bowed deeply to the new emperor and replied in a loud voice: "I am willing!"

The husband opened his eyes and looked at her

The owner of this face is lewdly gazing at her with a pair of lascivious eyes, scrutinizing her up and down.

Zhang Qi only felt a buzzing in her head, as if she could hear everything, yet also as if she heard nothing at all

Indeed, it is a habit. Such occurrences are not uncommon in this era. Moreover, the new emperor's notorious debauchery and lechery are well-known; he has summoned concubines to engage in naked frolics with guards and ministers, intertwining with one another. He has even instructed painters to capture these scenes, subsequently selling the artworks at high prices to the powerful and wealthy for a laugh. What does taking another man's wife count for in comparison?

At that moment, a young and frivolous voice sounded, "Are you Zhang's Qishu? Raise your head." Qishu, a stunningly beautiful woman, was a name that men privately referred to her by; how could such a name be uttered in the Purple Gold Hall

Zhang Qi slowly walked towards the new emperor

Several years have passed, yet her husband remains as handsome as when they first met. His well-defined eyebrows, slightly narrowed, give off a somewhat gloomy and cold aura, while his deep-set eyes are full of spirit, complemented by his high nose bridge. In the glaring summer sunlight, she can even see the faint dark mark on the tip of his nose.

The husband curled the corner of his mouth, which could be considered a smile. He did not respond, but instead looked up and said: "We have arrived at the palace city"

She did not see her husband's eyes; he was still respectfully looking at His Majesty, a radiant smile on his face, every line on his face conveying to His Majesty that he was very willing, he was very eager

She slowly, gradually approached the new emperor

As soon as her face was revealed, a buzzing sound echoed throughout the grand hall, and the gazes from all directions became even more fervent.

He gazed intently at Zhang Qi, his face filled with pride and an air of unassailable authority

The palace city here, while not as magnificent as that of the homeland, is nonetheless extremely tall, with its walls surpassing those of the homeland by a full ten feet. Indeed, the homeland has the Yangtze River as a natural barrier, and the entire nation believes that one cannot cross the Yangtze from the north; thus, when constructing the palace city, it appeared to be done with a lack of care.

Miyagi has arrived

As soon as this command was issued, Zhang Qi's cherry lips trembled slightly. Her right hand made a small, feeble grasp, and after a while, she finally mustered the courage to raise her fair, jade-like chin and look towards the sovereign seated on the imperial throne.

Otherwise, how could he say that her skin is "luminous and her inner charm is captivating"

Zhang Qi slowly stood up

Laughter continued to echo all around. The ministers were all looking at her, as well as at her husband

I am willing, these three words, exceptionally resounding, the echo it provokes, directly shaking Zhang Qi's throat with a sweet and fishy sensation

She barely approached, and before she could even gather herself, he eagerly reached out his hand, grabbing her arm and pulling her into his embrace

His deliberately raised voice resonated in the echoes of this grand hall, ringing out with a clanging sound

When she was by her husband's side, her smile was bright, happy, and also charming. Now, facing the new emperor, her smile is nothing but boundless allure

She slightly lowered her head, allowing a strand of her hair, blown loose from the side of her forehead, to fall over her eyes

Then, she heard her husband, with his familiar deep voice, flattering and full of passion, say: "My wife's skin is smooth and moist, soft as cotton in winter, cool as jade in summer, suitable for embracing and resting upon, with an inner charm that is captivating; she is truly a beauty unparalleled in the world. Such a beauty, I, a humble servant, do not dare to enjoy alone, and wish to present her to Your Majesty!"

Zhang Qi trembled, and a thought involuntarily surfaced in her chaotic mind: no wonder people nowadays say that the new emperor is extravagant; it is indeed the case

She thought that her husband was acting strangely today, surely because he was afraid that the new emperor would punish him

On the throne, that young and frivolous voice sounded again, "Lift your head and look directly at me."

The new emperor burst into laughter

She slowly turned her head to look at her husband

As Zhang Qi approached, the new emperor's breathing became increasingly rapid, and his pupils dilated further.

The new empress carefully examined her surroundings and suddenly laughed heartily, saying: "Indeed, you are someone who is endearing; having parted with your old husband, you shed not a single tear. You must be extremely delighted to follow me, right?"

Thinking of her husband's deep affection for her, Zhang Qi smiled gently, her gaze soft enough to draw water. She turned her head and looked at her husband with love, noticing his slightly damp nose. Unable to resist, she took out a handkerchief and gently wiped it. As the warm fragrance brushed by and the soft jade shifted, the man tightly closed his eyes.

How could he have thought to deliberately bring her here and then present her to the new emperor, in order to curry favor with him

Zhang Qi kept her head lowered, no longer looking up, merely following behind her husband, counting her own steps. She stopped when her husband stopped, and walked when he walked. It seemed as if a year had passed, when a sharp whistle sounded, and her husband stepped into the resplendent and imposing purple-gold palace.

Her fingers tenderly brushed against her husband's tightly pressed lips, and Zhang Qi's voice, unique to the Jiangnan region, soft, sweet, and exceedingly gentle, resonated in the carriage, "Husband"

The two individuals dismounted from the carriage and walked in unison towards the palace

Zhang Qi looked at him, looked at him, and suddenly, she smiled sweetly

In these gazes, there is no contempt, only habit