TFSRITA Chapter 59

Ji Yecheng cast a cold glance at Jiang Wende.

Jiang Wende forced a smile and said, “Your Majesty, let’s go inside. Just by getting close, you can smell the fragrance of the chrysanthemums…”

Ji Yecheng replied in a cold voice, “You’ll receive twenty lashes later!”

Jiang Wende’s expression stiffened, and he nodded with a pained face, “Yes, thank you, Your Majesty.”

Ah, he should have kept his thoughts to himself.

He had noticed that His Majesty repeatedly encountered difficulties with the favored concubine, and since today was the day the new concubines entered the palace with the Xian Concubine, perhaps His Majesty would take a liking to these fresh faces.

Thus, he suggested this idea.

The Lingyun Palace was quite far from the Imperial Garden, and it took them about fifteen minutes to walk there, although they were indeed walking slowly.

But Ji Yecheng didn’t want to make the trip for nothing. After pondering for a moment, he decided to continue on.

As they walked, they passed numerous kneeling palace maids and eunuchs, as well as concubines bowing respectfully.

Under normal circumstances, concubines did not need to kneel directly before their superiors to pay their respects.

Without Ji Yecheng’s permission, no one dared to stand up, but while bowing, their eyes darted around.

Zhou He was among them.

Due to her position, she happened to be standing at the side. As soon as she heard that the Emperor had arrived, she immediately adopted an elegant posture. With her head bowed, she glanced forward and saw a tall figure come into view.

The dragon robes of the Da Qian Dynasty were primarily a deep black, exuding a mystical and noble aura. Just seeing half of his figure made her heart race wildly.

Zhou He’s father was a county governor, holding a high position, so she was quite bold. Despite only getting a glimpse, she couldn’t help but look up.

Just as she raised her gaze, she saw the man walking past her. His tall and slender yet fit frame gave her a different understanding of masculinity. When she was selected, Ji Yecheng hadn’t attended due to a quarrel with Song Yu, so this was her first time seeing His Majesty.

Though she couldn’t see his face, Zhou He felt as if her heart had skipped a beat.

As Ji Yecheng passed by, many women stole glances, yet no one dared to act.

Noticing that so many graceful ladies had gone unnoticed, Jiang Wende felt exhausted. Once His Majesty entered the Imperial Garden, he quickly waved his whisk and said, “Your Highness, the Emperor dislikes noise, as you know.”

The Xian Concubine nodded quickly, “Rest assured, I will keep them in line.”

Jiang Wende felt satisfied and followed Ji Yecheng.

Within the Imperial Garden, no one dared to make noise, and conversations were conducted only in whispers.

However, the girls, who had previously been captivated by the blooming chrysanthemums, now seemed distracted.

The Xian Concubine noticed this and, with a glimmer in her eyes, softly said, “It’s a pity that you’ve been in the palace for so long and haven’t seen His Majesty. Thankfully, I organized this chrysanthemum banquet today.”

“We should thank the concubine,” Zhou He said with a smile. “Speaking of which, it seems His Majesty doesn’t visit the harem often.”

The Xian Concubine nodded but did not elaborate. Beside her, Shuang’er chimed in, “You may not know, but in this harem, it’s a matter of one person’s favor. The Emperor hardly goes anywhere except to see the favored concubine. After all, she is the daughter of the Prime Minister, which is only natural.”

Zhou He furrowed her brows, feeling a bit displeased, and lightly bit her lip as her thoughts began to stir.

The other women chimed in, discussing the Emperor, but being the Emperor, no one dared to speak freely. If the conversation went too far, the Xian Concubine would reprimand them. Yet, they quietly divulged many matters.

…

The sight of chrysanthemums blooming beautifully was indeed lovely. In October, the weather was slightly chilly in the Imperial Garden, and the cool breeze helped calm Ji Yecheng’s agitated mood. He said, “Ten lashes will suffice.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Jiang Wende exclaimed, joyfully kneeling.

At least he had been spared one lash.

If it had been twenty, he would probably need several days to recover, and then he would risk having his duties taken over by other eunuchs.

Jiang Wende had indeed put some thought into it, as he had arranged for wine to be brought here in advance. The wine was not strong, merely slightly warming, just right to combat the autumn chill.

Ji Yecheng reclined in a rocking chair, looking relaxed, his brows unfurrowing.

At that moment, a delicate voice rang out, “Your Majesty, with the chrysanthemums in full bloom, I wish to invite you to enjoy them together.”

Ji Yecheng immediately frowned, and Jiang Wende’s expression changed dramatically as he glared at the woman before him, wondering how she could be so oblivious to the situation.

He urged, “Hurry up and leave; you must not disturb His Majesty!”

“You’re just a eunuch; the Emperor hasn’t spoken yet!” Zhou He shot back, her tone raised as she glared at him. No one dared to speak to her this way; even in the palace, due to her father’s position, the Xian Concubine and the De Concubine treated her with respect.

“Hey, you…” Jiang Wende stammered, momentarily at a loss for words as he turned to Ji Yecheng.

Fine, let the principal figure take charge.

He turned to see Ji Yecheng slowly sitting up from the rocking chair.

His handsome face was undeniable, enhanced by the slightly tipsy look in his peach-blossom eyes. Zhou He’s face turned bright red, and she shyly called out, “Your Majesty~~~”

Ji Yecheng’s frown deepened as he coldly said, “Thirty lashes!”

Jiang Wende thought to himself, as expected. He mocked her internally for not listening to him. Well, she got what she deserved.

He waved his hand.

The eunuchs stationed nearby immediately moved.

Zhou He was restrained, her face filled with confusion as she struggled, “What are you doing? Let go!”

“Cover her mouth!” Jiang Wende reminded.

“You… mmm!”

With that, her voice vanished. Zhou He was dragged away, and just as Jiang Wende let out a sigh of relief, he heard Ji Yecheng say, “The one in charge, ten lashes!”

“… Yes.” Jiang Wende was momentarily stunned at seeing Ji Yecheng impose a punishment, but he quickly snapped back to reality and resolutely directed the eunuchs to carry out their tasks.