TSNCWEM Chapter 82

“After dinner, I thought about coming outside to watch the stars—Your Majesty arrived just in time to join me.”

Song Yunzhao rested her head on the Emperor’s shoulder, her toe lightly kicking at her skirt, like a mischievous child unable to sit still.

Feng Yi’s heart seemed to lighten, carried along by her playful gestures, and a smile slowly formed on his face.

Song Yunzhao didn’t speak further and simply watched the stars alongside him.

His mood was clearly troubled—she knew better than to chatter too much.

The Emperor was temperamental and held grudges—she couldn’t afford to make a misstep.

Keeping him happy was all that mattered.

Xiang Xue led the attendants away, leaving only the two of them in the courtyard.

The tranquility suited Feng Yi well.

He held Song Yunzhao’s hand in silence, and she accompanied him in quiet contemplation.

He had always walked alone, burdened by his own struggles.

But now, there was someone beside him—this newfound presence felt unexpectedly comforting.

Meanwhile, Song Yunzhao’s thoughts wandered—had she successfully cheered him up?

When someone doesn’t want to speak, the best companionship is shared silence.

Surely, she had done the right thing.

Just as she thought this, she felt his gaze.

She lifted her head slightly, meeting his dark, intense eyes, where a faint light flickered within them.

Song Yunzhao blinked, stunned.

Before she could make sense of it, she saw his face drawing closer.

Their breaths intertwined beneath the moonlight.

Her heart pounded wildly—wasn’t he supposed to be in a bad mood?

Wasn’t this supposed to be a solemn moment of reflection?

Wasn’t she helping him cleanse his mind under the stars?

And yet—this was the result?

She didn’t understand the Emperor’s thinking, but with such a handsome man before her, she certainly wasn’t going to push him away.

Song Yunzhao wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning into him.

Feng Yi gazed at her flushed face, the warmth spreading across her pale skin.

Her water-clear eyes rippled like waves in his heart, sinking deeper and deeper into him.

Suddenly, Feng Yi stood, lifting her into his arms.

With long, steady strides, he headed for the bedchamber.

Song Yunzhao was caught off guard, instinctively holding onto his neck, letting out a small cry of surprise.

Before she could recover, she had already been laid upon the soft silk bedding.

The embroidered curtains fell, blocking out the room’s glow, enclosing them in shadowed intimacy.

Her heartbeat raced—the dimming candlelight cast sharp angles over Feng Yi’s features, his gaze burning like fire, ready to consume her whole.

This wasn’t her imagination.

Tonight, the Emperor was relentless, undeterred, and endlessly enduring.

For once, this supporting character had finally stepped into the heroine’s shoes—experiencing the true fate of a romance novel lead.

By the time Song Yunzhao woke, the Emperor was long gone.

She steadied herself, recalling the events of last night—only to feel a surge of frustration, prompting her to punch the bed lightly.

“Your Highness, are you alright?”

Hearing Xiang Xue’s voice, Song Yunzhao quickly replied, “Nothing, go about your duties. I’ll rest a little longer.”

With a soft acknowledgment, Xiang Xue stepped out, allowing Song Yunzhao to breathe in relief.

Then, a thought struck her.

She reached for the small booklet tucked away in her bedside compartment, crumpling it into a tight ball.

Just remembering last night made her wish this thing had never existed.

Without an Empress in the palace, there was no need to report for morning greetings—so Song Yunzhao simply slept in again.

When she finally woke, she heard voices outside.

Throwing on a robe, she sat up, lifting the bed curtain.

She heard the Emperor’s voice.

Her movement did not go unnoticed—the voices outside halted, and soon footsteps approached.

She looked up—and locked eyes with Feng Yi.

Right now, Song Yunzhao had no desire to see him.

But could she send him away?

No, no—definitely not.

“Your Majesty, why have you come?” Song Yunzhao forced a polite smile.

Feng Yi cleared his throat awkwardly, then said, “I came to check on you and join you for lunch.”

Seeing his discomfort, Song Yunzhao felt unexpected satisfaction.

Lunch?

She quickly turned to check the time—sure enough, midday had already arrived.

She hadn’t realized she had slept so long.

This was embarrassing.

Making up an excuse to change clothes, she slipped away, leaving the Emperor chuckling at her retreating figure.

After tidying herself, Song Yunzhao felt more composed.

Now, looking at Feng Yi, she saw nothing more than a shameless scoundrel.

Seeing her expression, Feng Yi’s smile widened, pulling her to sit and eat.

Song Yunzhao was genuinely hungry.

Although she had to mind her table manners, she did not hold back on speed, quickly filling her stomach.

Observing her, Feng Yi picked up some dishes, placing them in her bowl.

Now that he thought about it, perhaps last night he had been a bit too relentless.

After the meal, they moved into the inner chambers to talk.

Judging by Feng Yi’s good mood, Song Yunzhao guessed something must have shifted regarding the self-reproach edict—but she couldn’t ask directly.

She had no idea how the Minister of Judicial Review had handled the situation.

Indeed, Feng Yi’s mood had improved greatly.

He even pulled Song Yunzhao into a light afternoon rest, this time without mischief, simply leaning together and talking.

“Your Majesty seems particularly cheerful today. Did something good happen?” Song Yunzhao gently probed, though she suspected he wouldn’t reveal much.

Feng Yi turned his head, glanced at Song Yunzhao, then pinched her cheek lightly before chuckling.

“The imperial envoy for the disaster relief has been decided. Naturally, I am pleased.”

Song Yunzhao immediately realized what had happened—but before she could think of a response, the Emperor spoke again.

“The Minister of Judicial Review will serve as Imperial Commissioner, and your father will assist him as deputy envoy.”

Song Yunzhao almost jumped up, her eyes wide with shock.

“My father? Your Majesty, you must be joking! How can this possibly work? If Your Majesty only appointed him for my sake, I beg you to reconsider.”

She had never expected the Emperor to place her father as the deputy envoy.

Given his rank, this was a major promotion—but one without a solid foundation, leaving him in an unstable position, as if suspended in midair.

Had he just been pushed into the center of the storm?

Feng Yi hadn’t anticipated such an intense reaction.

He sat up, gently patting her shoulder.

“What are you afraid of?” he asked.

“Your father has experience in water management—keeping him in the Ministry of War is a waste of his talent. The Minister of Judicial Review may be the appointed envoy, but he has no direct expertise in flood control. With your father assisting him, this mission will surely bring out his abilities.

“Yunzhao, you are only a Jieyu now. If you wish to rise further, your position must be strengthened. To secure a lasting foothold, both your father and uncle must achieve political success. Do you understand?”

 

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