TFSRITA Chapter 8

“Your Majesty, please reconsider!” Everyone shouted in unison, even Ziyun was so frightened by the sudden turn of events that she knelt on the ground, trembling.

Yan Qing let out a cold snort. “No more reconsideration. Step aside!”

The eunuchs exchanged glances before reluctantly stepping back two paces, their faces grim.

Not trusting them fully, Yan Qing added, “Go wait in that small room over there. Don’t come out unless I command you.”

“…Yes,” the eunuchs finally gave up.

Watching them obediently enter the small room outside the hall and even close the door behind them, Yan Qing let out a sigh of relief.

She had been terrified when she made that bold threat just moments ago. The fear of death still gripped her, and her heart pounded uncontrollably at the thought of facing death.

“Miss!” Ziyun cried out the moment things settled down. She rushed over in a panic, snatching the knife from Yan Qing’s hands and tossing it to the ground.

The knife clanged loudly as it hit the ground, its echo reverberating, making Yan Qing’s head throb. Still, she hugged Ziyun back, comforting her, “It’s all right now.”

Ziyun, still shaking, continued to cry as she held Yan Qing, unable to stop. Yan Qing, sensing her distress, pushed her away gently and called to the other trembling maids who remained kneeling on the ground, “Someone, take Ziyun inside to rest.”

“Miss, I want to stay with you…” Ziyun started to protest but immediately fell silent when she saw the stern look on Yan Qing’s face.

Despite their close relationship, they were still master and servant. Whenever Yan Qing became serious, Ziyun dared not disobey.

“Yes, Miss,” two smart maids scrambled to their feet and quickly helped Ziyun inside.

Now, only a couple of first-rank maids, a few second-rank maids, and several clean-cut eunuchs were left kneeling at the hall’s entrance.

Even the eunuchs in this palace were selected for their pleasant looks. As Yan Qing glanced at them, she found them rather pleasing to the eye, helping her steady her heartbeat. In a calm voice, she ordered, “Let’s go. Show me around the palace.”

“Yes,” they replied, getting up and following her closely.

One older eunuch, gathering his courage, moved forward a bit and softly explained the palace layout. “Your Ladyship, if you continue this way, you will reach the front court. It is very close to the Emperor’s Taiji Palace. Other than your palace, no other is as near to His Majesty’s as this one. On the left side is Consort Xian’s palace, and further in…”

Yan Qing nodded indifferently, not paying attention.

Currently, she was the highest-ranking person in the palace aside from the Emperor. As for the Empress Dowager, she had been the first wife of the late Emperor. Though she seemed to hold significant power, she shared little affection with Ji Yechen and only had one daughter, who spent most of her time in the Empress Dowager’s palace far in the rear court.

With her hands clasped behind her back, Yan Qing walked leisurely, her posture graceful and confident. She was quite different from the typical noblewoman, but with her striking looks and graceful figure, her presence left an even stronger impression.

The eunuch guiding the tour, named Qingshan, secretly glanced at his mistress, awestruck and puzzled.
It was well known that the Prime Minister’s daughter was stunning, but her bold behavior at the hall earlier seemed a bit excessive. Was she overly spoiled by the Prime Minister?

Regardless, with the Prime Minister’s backing, this mistress was not someone who would fall from favor anytime soon. Especially with her beauty—it was no wonder that His Majesty, who had remained distant from women since ascending the throne over a year ago, had made an exception for her.

Qingshan lowered his head and continued to explain the palace with even more detail.

As Yan Qing walked, they passed by a small river that had been diverted from outside the palace. A special filtration system ensured the water remained clean.

Crossing the bridge, Yan Qing’s attention was drawn to a garden ahead, and she headed straight for it.
She missed a hidden pavilion behind some trees.

Inside the Chenxiang Pavilion, a young man lounged lazily on a recliner, his black-and-gold embroidered robes marking his status. Beside him stood Jiang Wende, diligently fanning him. Although summer hadn’t fully arrived yet, the layered ancient clothing made the heat unbearable.

In the young man’s hand was a plate of chilled purple grapes, glistening like amethyst crystals. After eating one, he spit out the skin, and a eunuch swiftly extended his hand to catch it.

The level of luxury and leisure on display would surely outrage the court officials if they saw it.

But Ji Yechen carried himself with such ease that no one around him found it surprising.

In another corner of the pavilion, a young official was diligently reviewing memorials. Suddenly, the official spoke, “Your Majesty, Minister Xu from the Hanlin Academy has submitted a memorial, criticizing Your Majesty for indulging in pleasures and neglecting state affairs…”

“Find an empty position in the provinces and send him there,” Ji Yechen replied casually.

The official hesitated. “Your Majesty, there are already quite a few vacancies among the capital officials.”

Ji Yechen appeared unbothered, gazing leisurely at the pleasant scenery. “Wait. Isn’t the imperial examination happening today? We’ll have more people soon.”

The official sighed in sympathy but continued reviewing as instructed.

Fu Rong had been specifically chosen by Ji Yechen to handle reviewing memorials. Initially, he had been extremely cautious, but over time, he grew more relaxed. As long as he behaved himself, all was well.

It was likely because Fu Rong was a scholar from a humble background, with no entanglements with the major families, that he had been chosen for this role.

And Fu Rong was quite content with it. If he had to be a lone official, so be it. At least he was enjoying it.
…

The pavilion was quiet until the sound of a commotion came from outside. Ji Yechen narrowed his eyes, noticing several figures in the distance. One of them was a woman in a plum-colored palace dress. With his sharp eyesight, Ji Yechen recognized her immediately—Yan Qing.

His brow furrowed. “I thought I had ordered guards to station at Lingyun Palace.”

His low voice struck like a bomb, and Jiang Wende panicked. He quickly raised his head and glanced over, his heart sinking. He suddenly remembered, and without hesitation, knelt to plead, “Your Majesty, forgive me! Eunuch Xiao Lin reported earlier that the Noble Consort threatened to harm herself with a blade and forced the guards to confine themselves. I was afraid to disturb Your Majesty’s peace over this matter.”