Inside the Qianxin Palace—
The cool fragrance of cedar pine wafted through the air, and five-colored tassels hung down.
Ning Wanyin knelt on the ground, bowing respectfully, “Your Majesty has honored me with this summer hunt. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and have come to express my thanks.”
“Let’s get down to business.”
Helian Qi was busy today and didn’t bother with pleasantries, so he got straight to the point.
“I have been timid and afraid of strangers since I was young, and I dare not go out. This time, accompanying you, surrounded by wild beasts in the mountains, I feel even more terrified…”
Ning Wanyin lowered her eyes, and her usually clear voice became soft and weak.
Helian Qi stopped reviewing the memorials and looked at Ning Wanyin, his eyes revealing neither joy nor anger.
“You don’t want to go?”
The decree has already been issued; His Majesty’s word is law, how can it be changed?
Besides, you actually don’t want to accompany the Emperor?
Serving the Emperor is a concubine’s duty; not going is a dereliction of duty.
“Your Majesty, I am delighted to accompany you on the summer hunt. How could I not want to go? But…I am timid. Only Your Majesty’s true dragon spirit can make me feel at ease. Therefore, I humbly request Your Majesty’s permission to share a room with you, to sleep and eat together, and to be inseparable day and night.”
Ning Wanyin’s face flushed slightly.
There might be a chance to attack a concubine, but it is almost impossible to poison or assassinate the Emperor.
If even the Emperor’s guard standards can still be successfully assassinated, she won’t have to worry about it anymore. It is her destiny.
Helian Qi was stunned for a moment before realizing that she had said all this simply because she wanted to live with him?
It was rare to see Ning Wanyin so actively vying for favor.
“There is no such precedent.” Helian Qi said casually.
Ning Wanyin’s eyes welled with tears, her face showing disappointment. She feigned reluctance, saying, “It was this concubine who overstepped my bounds. Your Majesty is busy with state affairs; please take care of yourself. I take my leave.”
Helian Qi’s eyes fell on the aggrieved look of the little girl, and his tone shifted.
“I didn’t say it was forbidden.”
He could roughly guess what Ning Wanyin was thinking.
Last time, the officials impeached her, and this time, she was going to meet with the princes and ministers, so she wanted to throw the words ‘imperial favor’ in their faces to establish her authority, which was not a big deal.
There is no palace rule that states that the emperor cannot live with his concubines when he travels.
Moreover, she is Helian Qi’s favorite concubine in public, and he is happy to let the image of this favorite concubine be deeply rooted in people’s hearts.
“Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!”
Ning Wanyin immediately expressed her gratitude with a look of surprise and joy.
In fact, she had already anticipated this in her heart. If she asked the Emperor for help, he would easily agree to anything.
Of course, it was something insignificant to him, but something that would move her to tears of gratitude.
With a simple gesture, he could gain the gratitude of his useful pawn, so why not do it?
…
On the fifth day of the fourth month, the Emperor went on a summer hunt at Zijin Mountain, residing at the Zijin Palace.
Many princes and ministers in the capital accompanied the Emperor and camped on both sides of the palace.
Xue Zhaoyi privately summoned the newly appointed steward of the imperial kitchen.
Last time, the imperial kitchen had followed Xue Zhaoyi’s orders and served Ning Wanyin rotten food. Now that a new person was in charge, he still didn’t dare to offend the Xue and Cen families.
“After all, the outside of the palace is not as well-preserved as the imperial palace. If there are any problems with the food, it’s not your fault.” Xue Zhaoyi looked at the eunuch and said calmly.
“This place is surrounded by green mountains and clear water. It’s a perfect place for Ning Wanyin to be buried.”
The steward of the imperial kitchen knelt on the ground with a thud, “Xue Zhaoyi, this Ning Meiren lives with His Majesty. This servant would never dare…”
“What? She lives with the Emperor?” Xue Zhaoyi frowned, a hint of disappointment in her eyes.
Naturally, no one dared to tamper with the Emperor’s food.
Forget it. She already had a plan to deal with Ning Wanyin anyway. Today’s plan was just a new idea that she came up with on a whim.
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Meow meow On TPH Chapter 26.1