TFSRITA Chapter 25

“I came over today because I was honestly bored. I heard a report about the situation here, and on a whim, I decided to come by.”

He was the emperor, but he didn’t handle any court affairs. He had handed over all power to his ministers and spent his days indulging in food, drink, and leisure—completely embodying the image of a foolish ruler.

“Nothing to do today?” Ji Yecheng sat down and, seeing Yan Qing sitting quietly on the couch, asked, knowing full well the answer.

Yan Qing glanced at him and pointed to Nanny Jiang. “She won’t let me.”

Even practicing martial arts had been criticized to death. On days when she tried to enjoy herself just a bit, Nanny Jiang could talk for hours without taking a breath.

It was truly exasperating.

Nanny Jiang, with a serious face, said, “I’m doing it for your good.”

“Tch,” Yan Qing scoffed. “Well, for your good, you’d better talk less. You might end up getting thrown in a sack!”

“Your Grace!” Nanny Jiang’s voice deepened, “As a concubine—”

“Shut up!” Ji Yecheng, who had been holding back laughter, was suddenly irritated by her nagging. Her voice wasn’t pleasant either. After scolding her, he noticed how frightened Nanny Jiang looked, falling silent at once. He then turned to Jiang Wende and said, “Serve the meal.”

It was already noon and time for lunch. He had come intending to eat with her.

Jiang Wende left, and the room was left with only Nanny Jiang, Ji Yecheng, and Yan Qing. Nanny Jiang stared at the two of them intently, determined to act as a bright “third wheel.” This was what the Empress Dowager had instructed—to not only torment Yan Qing but also try to disrupt their relationship. Even though Nanny Jiang didn’t fully understand the reason, she followed orders to the letter.

After an entire day, this emperor, known for his disinterest in women, had finally come over.

Watching this scene, Nanny Jiang found it odd. The concubine didn’t seem to know how to appreciate the emperor’s visit. Instead of trying to win his favor, she sat there, fiddling with her fingers. Ordinarily, a ruler like this wouldn’t visit twice.

But Ji Yecheng was far from ordinary.

He didn’t enjoy noise, so the quietness here suited him. He reclined comfortably against the pillows, his eyes half-closed, clearly at ease.

Nanny Jiang, who had been waiting for the right moment to speak, couldn’t find a single chance. Her expression grew increasingly strange.

What in the world? Is this how a concubine and emperor interact?

…

Lunch was served quickly, with delicate dishes of modest portions that, even in the summer heat, looked appetizing.

It was early summer, and Yan Qing signaled to Zhu Yin. Soon, several basins of ice were placed around them, with palace maids gently fanning cool air toward the dining area, making it comfortable even while seated at the table.

Yesterday, when she tried this, she was scolded, and despite the ice, Yan Qing had eaten her meal drenched in sweat—more from anger than the heat.

Now, as the ice was brought over, Yan Qing smiled brightly. “Your Majesty, isn’t it a bit cooler this way?”

The cold air from the ice drifted downward. Yan Qing had the ice basins specially modified, making them hollowed out. The cool air and melted water were directed separately—the former fanned toward them, and the latter collected in basins to prevent the floor from getting wet.

It was quite clever, and Ji Yecheng thought it was a good idea. He had already been using it. Now, seeing Yan Qing’s rare attempt at currying favor, Ji Yecheng glanced at her, noticing her pretty face that clearly said, “Praise me.”

Her lively expression softened his mood. He hadn’t intended to respond, but now he couldn’t help but nod in cooperation. “Mm, well done. You’re quite clever. What reward would you like?”

“More ice,” Yan Qing said quickly, then gave Nanny Jiang a smug look, raising her arched eyebrows in triumph.

Nanny Jiang’s face tensed. Instinctively, she warned, “Your Majesty, that’s too wasteful. If others follow suit, Your Grace is the imperial concubine and should be a model for the harem—”

Before she could finish, something flew toward her. Her eyes widened in shock as she barely made out the shape of a bowl before it struck her head.

…

With a sharp crack, the bowl shattered on Nanny Jiang’s head, pieces clattering to the ground. Frozen with fear, she didn’t even scream. She just stared blankly at the emperor, whose face was now chilling, eyes gleaming with bloodlust.

A drop of blood fell from her forehead, passing before her eyes. Snapping back to her senses, Nanny Jiang’s legs buckled, and she dropped to her knees. Her old knees landed on the shattered porcelain, causing her face to twitch in pain. She gasped out ragged breaths before collapsing to the side.

Already elderly, the shock and the fall were too much for her. She fainted on the spot.

Yan Qing watched the scene unfold in stunned silence, her eyes settling on Ji Yecheng’s long, elegant hand. It was a beautiful hand, but… terrifying.

The owner of the hand calmly picked up a new bowl and resumed eating.

Seeing Yan Qing frozen in place, he raised an eyebrow and asked in a low voice, “Not hungry?”

Yan Qing pressed her racing heart, slowly shook her head, and picked up her chopsticks. Her hands, however, were still a little unsteady.

The mess Nanny Jiang caused was quickly cleaned up by Jiang Wende and his team in less than a minute.

Yan Qing had hoped Ji Yecheng would deal with the nanny, but she hadn’t expected it to happen so swiftly.

Remembering the memories and the original plot, she wasn’t surprised. This man was a madman—a royal madman. He was accustomed to death, and, killing was as natural as eating or drinking, especially when someone angered him.

The dining table was quiet as they each focused on their meal.

After they finished, Ji Yecheng spoke lazily, “I helped you. Now it’s your turn to repay me.”

Yan Qing was puzzled. “Huh?”

Ji Yecheng didn’t explain, but not long after he left, an imperial decree shocked the whole of Chang’an and the entire kingdom: “The Imperial Concubine is unwell. In His Majesty’s mercy, she is excused from paying respects or performing any formalities for anyone.”