Chapter 14: The Empress Dowager and Her Substitute Paramour

Two hours later.

Explosive news rippled through the imperial harem.

— Consort Xiao has brought a favored companion back to the palace!

And they were even living together.

This, this...

The Emperor had not yet passed away, and Consort Xiao was already restless within her chambers. This was nothing short of disrupting the court’s order—in other words, high treason.

For a moment, the long-quiet harem erupted in whispers and curiosity, all flocking to Jin Hua Palace to see for themselves.

Outside the palace gates, Qing Li stood with the air of a senior palace maid.

“The Empress has decreed: His Majesty is gravely ill today. The Empress is deeply troubled and can no longer bear the suffering, having fallen ill herself. For three days, she will refuse all visitors.”

Among those who arrived, led by Consort Lü, all eyes turned to Qing Li.

Consort Lü smiled faintly, as she always did, appearing unruffled and calm.

“In that case, we shall take our leave,” she said.

Her gaze lingered on Qing Li, the smile on her lips not quite reaching her eyes—a look so insincere it made Qing Li’s skin crawl.

Her eyes were sharp; she had clearly seen through Consort Lü’s smug expression.

How could she not be smug?

The sooner she dies, the sooner she finds peace.

Qing Li swiveled on her heels and gave a casual bow. “We bid farewell to all ladies.”

After seeing off the departing crowd, Qing Li let out a deep breath and hurried back into the palace.

“Your Highness! Oh my!”

“Servant saw nothing, absolutely nothing.”

Seeing the scene before her clearly, Qing Li stumbled and turned to leave.

“Come back.”

Qing Li: “...”

Her lady.

Before her, a pair as beautiful as a jade couple nestled closely together.

The man was dashing and flamboyant in red robes, while Hua Yue reclined lazily against him, her black hair cascading freely as she silently accepted his attention.

If one did not know better, one might think it a wedding night.

Qing Li was unaware of Wei Yan’s true identity. On one hand, she was glad her lady no longer obsessed over the Seventh Prince; on the other, this man had no sense of propriety.

Demanding her lady bring him back to the palace was one thing, but this blatant public display...

How disgraceful.

She shot Wei Yan a glare.

Wei Yan: “...”

Tsk.

This maidservant.

He would surely find a way to drive her out one day!

Hua Yue swallowed a grape and lifted her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Your Highness, Consort Lü and her party came to visit just now. I have refused them as per your instructions.”

Hua Yue nodded nonchalantly. “Mm, understood. You may rest now.”

These days...

Being a servant was no easy task.

Qing Li cast a hesitant glance at Wei Yan.

He frowned, clutching Hua Yue’s hand a little tighter. “Why does this maid keep staring at me? Sister, she harbors ill intent.”

Qing Li’s eyes widened. That sly fox of a man!

She hurriedly explained, “Your Highness, I swear I have no such thoughts. Please judge for yourself.”

She was about to kneel.

Hua Yue: “...”

She rose and shot Wei Yan a sharp look.

What a person...

She stepped beside Qing Li, gently helped her up, and affectionately ruffled her hair, smiling warmly. “Don’t worry. Go back and rest; I have a plan.”

“But...” Qing Li still looked somewhat resentful.

“Go back,” Hua Yue shook her head soothingly.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

As Qing Li’s figure disappeared, Hua Yue turned and glanced back. Wei Yan had somehow moved to her side again—a persistent shadow.

“Sister, sister, you’re really a consort now.”

“So impressive.”

“Does this mean I’ve unwittingly cuckolded the Emperor?”

“I’m amazing.”

“Of course, not as amazing as you.”

Wei Yan was lively, chattering nonstop.

Hua Yue: “...”

Did he even remember who the Emperor was?

Her imperial grandfather, no less.

This alone showed that Wei Yan was a villain.

Bold and reckless.

But... did he truly love her?

Was he willing to be the third party for love?

Or, like her, did he have ulterior motives?

Hua Yue believed the latter.

Wei Yan’s villainy only appeared in the chronicles after Wei He ascended the throne.

Like many heroes, Wei He bore childhood scars. His ascension was marred by accusations of patricide and fratricide.

Many ministers remained defiant; he was an undisputed tyrant.

Coupled with rumors involving the original lady, his claim to the throne was unstable.

If not for Wei He having eliminated rival princes, the ministers would have no reason to submit.

Until the scandal of the deposed crown prince resurfaced.

Rumors said the prince’s downfall was framed by another royal sibling.

The disabled Fifth Prince, injured when the crown prince was deposed, came forward with testimony, stirring debate both in court and among the people.

The crown prince had been virtuous, loving his people and country—far superior to the tyrant Wei He.

The people’s hearts leaned that way.

Moreover, whispers spread that Wei He’s rule was illegitimate.

Thus, when Wei Yan led troops to reclaim the throne, he garnered considerable support.

Their strength was roughly equal—forty to sixty.

Wei He held sixty, as the current ruler, later tempering his temper with Hua Yue’s help.

The conflict lasted a year.

During that year, the original lady died, Hua Yue’s identity was exposed, and the male lead was gravely wounded, winning Hua Yue’s heart.

The novel’s first half concludes here; what follows is the tragic, passionate love between the leads.

“Sister, why are you ignoring me?”

Hua Yue snapped back to reality.

Wei Yan bent before her. After she brought him into the palace, he claimed this day as their “bonding day” and took the opportunity to freshen up.

He had even changed into such flamboyant attire.

Hua Yue was shamefully... jealous.

The refined garden was only half an hour from the palace.

Yet it had taken two hours to arrive.

One and a half hours of which Wei Yan spent packing.

If not for lugging around that massive amount of luggage, it wouldn’t have caused such a stir.

Ten entire trunks.

Hua Yue: “...”

She didn’t even have that many clothes.

Seeing Hua Yue staring so intently, unmoving, her expression shifting constantly over her beautiful face, Wei Yan found it adorable.

His gaze flickered with confusion, following her eyes downward to his chest.

His ears flushed, and the corners of his mouth curled almost uncontrollably.

So she liked this?

Ahem.

“Sister, shall I take it off so you can see properly? It’s hard to tell through the clothes,” he teased in a deliberately husky tone.

Hua Yue snapped out of her daze.

She did not resist his closeness; after all, he was good-looking and had what she needed.

Her gaze involuntarily fell to his lips.

His beautiful mouth curled slightly but halted abruptly, tugging at a wound.

Seeing Hua Yue silent, Wei Yan swiftly pulled his robe aside—too fast to stop.

This flamboyant man wore only a single layer beneath.

As he pulled it open, his skin shone pure and pale as jade.

Hua Yue’s eyes fixed on his chest.

A scar lay there, right over his heart.

She frowned. “This wound?”

“Does it pain sister’s heart?”