Chapter 17: The Empress Dowager and Her Substitute Young Lover
Wei He frowned.
He had certainly heard about Hua Yue bringing that merchant into the palace.
But he paid it no mind.
It wasn’t worth clashing with her over such a trivial matter.
Yet, the woman who once had eyes and heart only for him suddenly had someone else occupying her attention, and that unsettled him somewhat.
Wei He lowered his gaze to the person on the ground, a faint smile curling his lips, his tone cold and stern.
“Guards, the Third Prince and Ninth Prince conspired to rebel. Their mother, Consort Lü, is an accomplice. In my urgency to save the late Emperor, I mistakenly killed the Ninth Prince in the chaos. The Third Prince and Consort Lü are to be imprisoned and dealt with at a later date.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
At the command, the sword was drawn.
With a swift strike, blood sprayed from the Ninth Prince’s neck, mingling with the soldiers’ blood, as he fell to the ground with eyes wide open in death.
“Ninth Prince!”
Consort Lü clutched her son’s lifeless body, wailing in despair.
The Third Prince watched silently nearby, a mocking curl at the corner of his mouth.
...
“You’re back?” Wei Yan fluttered over like a butterfly to Hua Yue.
Hua Yue raised her hand. “Stop, stop!”
Wei Yan came to an abrupt halt, wearing an innocent expression. “What’s wrong?”
Her gaze landed on him, still clad in that red inner garment, slightly disheveled and flushed, as if he had just risen from bed.
Suspicion flickered in her eyes.
Had he really done nothing?
Such a perfect opportunity.
“I’m dirty. You go back to bed and wait for me.”
Before Wei Yan could respond, Hua Yue glanced sideways at Qing Li. “I’m going to bathe.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Wei Yan grinned playfully. “Sister, do you want me to help?”
Hua Yue paused. Just as Wei Yan thought she would refuse, she replied with serene calmness, “Sure.”
Wei Yan’s expression collapsed instantly.
Hua Yue turned away, a faint smile playing at her lips.
...
In the bath chamber,
Qing Li helped Hua Yue remove her palace gown, leaving only a thin inner garment.
“Qing Li, please leave.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Qing Li hesitated, casting a reluctant glance at Wei Yan before retreating.
Only the two remained in the confined space.
Since arriving, Wei Yan had stood stiffly like a lamppost.
Hua Yue glanced sideways, arms outstretched. “A-Zhan? Didn’t you say you’d help me?”
“Ahem, yes.”
Wei Yan stepped forward slowly, standing in front of her, his throat moving slightly as he looked down at the quiet young lady.
His raised hand trembled slightly.
His jade-like fingers covered the pure white fabric, and for a moment, it was hard to tell which was fairer.
“Scared?” Hua Yue looked up at him.
Wei Yan cleared his throat. “Of course not. Just inexperienced.”
“Oh, then hurry up.”
Hurry up?
How could he possibly be quick?
Wei Yan felt he should see a doctor for his trembling hands.
He truly was pathetic.
“First, loosen the belt.”
Hua Yue smiled lightly.
“Oh.”
With a gentle tug, the belt came undone.
“Continue.”
Wei Yan’s eyes reddened as he lifted his hands to help remove her garments.
However—
Just as Hua Yue’s shoulder was revealed, she saw a flush spread across the young man’s face.
He was having a nosebleed.
Hua Yue: “...”
The familiar scent wafted by.
But this was a nosebleed!
Hua Yue admonished herself silently: don’t indulge in such risqué thoughts!
She held her breath and grit her teeth. “Out.”
“Yes, yes, yes.”
Wei Yan stopped joking and dashed out immediately.
Hua Yue sighed, rubbing her forehead.
...
When Hua Yue returned, she found Wei Yan lying stiffly on the bed, eyes tightly shut, hands resting naturally on his abdomen, like a sleeping beauty.
She pulled back the covers and lay beside him.
Warmth spread through her.
She sighed contentedly, then turned to embrace Wei Yan, lifting a leg to rest naturally over him.
The man in her arms was as stiff as wood.
Hua Yue’s voice was cool. “Relax.”
Wei Yan remained motionless.
“...If you can’t do it, just leave. I’ll send you out of the palace tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry.”
Wei Yan quickly admitted fault and immediately turned to hold Hua Yue in his arms. After she adjusted to a comfortable position, he stayed still.
“Is this okay?”
His voice was cautious.
“Mm, shut up and sleep.”
“Oh.”
The breathing of the one in her arms gradually steadied, but Wei Yan kept his eyes open, afraid to move. Only a thin layer of clothing separated them.
They were like a real married couple, sharing the same bed and pillow.
Married couple?
Wei Yan sighed, feeling this was pure torture. Unable to bear it, he shifted slightly backward to avoid touching Hua Yue.
“Smack—”
Hua Yue slapped his back, her voice muffled and hoarse. “Don’t move.”
“...Okay.”
...
Hua Yue slept soundly through the night.
...
Wei Yan did not sleep a wink.
Thus, the morning was eerily quiet.
Even Qing Li was surprised. This man normally never stopped chattering when his eyes were open, incessantly calling out “Sister! Sister!” like a parrot.
“Your Highness, Master Wen seems unwell.”
By the window,
Wei Yan wore a rare, solemn white brocade robe.
He stared out the window, expressionless, looking numb and weary.
Hua Yue seemed to understand but smiled silently. “Ignore him.”
...
On the second day of the second lunar month,
Wei He ascended the throne.
The events of that night in the palace had leaked to the public.
The two princes’ power struggle had driven the late Emperor to his death.
Fortunately, before dying, the Emperor decreed that Wei He be named Crown Prince.
Rumors spread in the streets that Wei He had plotted everything, accusing him of patricide and fratricide solely to seize the throne.
Moreover, Wei He’s ruthless nature was notorious among the common people.
He acted cruelly, caring only for results, not the means.
Stopping violence with more violence.
People said if he became Emperor, he would be a tyrant.
Yet no matter the gossip, it did not prevent Wei He’s enthronement.
On the day of the coronation,
The spring breeze was still chilly. Wei He wore imperial robes embroidered with a dragon pattern that shimmered in the sunlight, exuding authority and mystery.
Step by step, he ascended the throne.
Hua Yue stood beside him in resplendent Empress Dowager attire, expressionless as she awaited the conclusion of the ceremony.
“When will you leave?” she asked.
[...The coronation ceremony concludes.]
“How many days off do we have this time?” Hua Yue asked expectantly.
[Seven days.]
“Ah! Fire!”
A scream shattered the solemn atmosphere.
A fireball shot straight toward Wei He from somewhere.
The fireball glowed like a meteor in broad daylight, fierce and menacing.
Wei He’s expression tightened; he kicked the fireball aside.
It landed nearby, igniting the red carpet, flames spreading rapidly.
“Protect the Emperor! Assassins!”
Someone shouted.
Chaos erupted instantly as guards surrounded Wei He.
Court officials scattered and fled.
It was no longer a coronation but a scene from a bustling marketplace.
Wei He’s eyes nearly bulged with anger.
Fools!
“Clear out! Return to your posts.”
“Extinguish the fire!”