Suppressing the rising chill in his heart, Emperor Jingxuan smiled warmly and asked, "Why would you say such things, my lady? Has someone been whispering nonsense in your ear?"
Who could it be? Names flashed through his mind as his emotions surged violently, a cold glint flickering in his eyes.
Leaning against his chest, Yun Wan hesitated for a fleeting moment before shaking her head. "No, no one has been gossiping."
"I don’t believe you," Emperor Jingxuan declared firmly, not missing her momentary hesitation. "If no one had said anything to sway you, why would you suddenly speak like this?"
His eyes narrowed dangerously as he continued, "Or is it that you yourself still long to leave the palace? To abandon me?"
"Tell me, have I displeased you in some way? Or is there something in the palace you dislike? Speak freely."
His heart grew cold. He had gone to great lengths to keep her in the palace, yet so soon, she was already thinking of leaving again.
Someone must have deliberately poisoned her mind—someone with ill intentions!
Though his expression remained tender, Yun Wan’s heart trembled, unsure where his thoughts had wandered. She quickly denied, "No, it’s not that."
"...Who said it doesn’t matter. I only beg for Your Majesty’s mercy—if that day ever comes, I don’t want to become a resentful woman, unrecognizable in your eyes."
Her lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, her expression desolate.
Emperor Jingxuan couldn’t bear to see her like this. He took a deep breath to suppress the turmoil in his heart and softened his voice. "You have always been the best in my eyes. What you fear will never happen."
A glimmer of light flickered in Yun Wan’s eyes before fading again. She shook her head lightly and murmured, "But the world is unpredictable. Who can say for sure?"
"Your Majesty..." She tugged at his sleeve, her gaze shimmering like water.
Her eyes were filled with unease, confusion, and a faint hope—but no joy.
The sight softened Emperor Jingxuan’s heart. "Very well, I promise you. But on one condition—you must tell me who spoke to you."
He would see who dared to undermine his happiness.
Yun Wan’s delicate brows furrowed slightly as she hesitated.
Emperor Jingxuan smirked, his tone leaving no room for refusal. "If you won’t say, I’ll find out myself."
A sinister smile played on his lips.
After a moment of silence, Yun Wan whispered, "It was Consort Shu..."
Emperor Jingxuan’s thick brows knitted together. "Her again?"
Yun Wan continued, "But it’s not her fault. I insisted on visiting her today to ask about how to handle some banknotes. Unexpectedly, Consort Shu said that I..."
She paused, reluctant to continue.
Emperor Jingxuan had a bad feeling. "What did she say?"
Yun Wan lowered her eyes. "She believes I rely on my looks to please you, and that such favor cannot last. One day, Your Majesty will grow tired of me."
"After thinking it over, I realized there was some truth to her words." She kept her gaze down, fingers twisting her handkerchief as she forced a light tone.
"Beauty fades with time. Rather than cling until the day you grow weary of me, wouldn’t it be better for me to leave on my own? At least then I’d spare you the trouble. Don’t you agree?"
Her serene smile was painfully bright.
Agree? Hell no!
Emperor Jingxuan nearly roared. If she feared growing old and losing his favor, what about him—eight years her senior? Wouldn’t he age even faster?
By the time she turned thirty, he’d be nearing forty. When she reached forty, he’d be fifty. When she was fifty, he’d be sixty... The gap between them would never close.
Glancing at her snow-white skin and youthful radiance, as dazzling as a girl of sixteen, Emperor Jingxuan felt an overwhelming sense of crisis.
His voice deepened. "You disregard my words, yet take others’ nonsense to heart. Shouldn’t you be punished for that?"
Yun Wan peeked up at him and muttered, "I don’t believe everything I hear. Only what makes sense."
Emperor Jingxuan heard her clearly. He pulled her closer and scoffed. "So in the end, it’s that you don’t trust me."
Yun Wan fell silent, unable to refute him.
Emperor Jingxuan’s gaze darkened.
Her lack of trust stemmed from insecurity.
And her insecurity came from having no solid footing.
Everyone knew she was a widow remarrying into the palace. Everyone knew she had no one to rely on but him. That was why they dared to belittle her, to mock her as they pleased.
But she was the treasure he had fought to claim—someone he cherished beyond measure. How dare these people insult her?
Were they even worthy?
His expression turned stormy, his grip around her waist tightening.
"I’m sorry. I’ve upset you," Yun Wan murmured, nestling against his chest as she studied his tense jawline.
His anger wasn’t directed at her. Emperor Jingxuan exhaled and softened his tone. "You’re mistaken. I’m not upset."
"Now, what were you saying about banknotes earlier?"
Yun Wan explained, "This morning, Duke Lu sent someone with some banknotes—"
"Who?"
"Duke Lu." She glanced at him cautiously before adding, "Don’t misunderstand. It was the Lu family’s idea. They said they wished to make amends with silver."
"I hadn’t decided how to handle it and thought to ask Consort Shu for advice."
"If it displeases you, I’ll have them returned."
Better than letting him hold a grudge for later.
"No need." Emperor Jingxuan waved a hand dismissively. "If the Lu family wishes to offer tribute, let them. It shows they know their place."
"But remember the palace’s rules. Don’t accept anything of unclear origin in the future."
Who knew what ulterior motives people might have? Some warnings were necessary.
Ignoring his jealousy, Yun Wan leaned up to press a gentle kiss to his lower lip. "Your Majesty is so good to me."
Emperor Jingxuan feigned indifference with a haughty hum.
A mere hundred thousand taels meant nothing.
The next day, amid the clamor of gongs and drums, a lavish procession of gifts streamed from the imperial quarters to Qiyun Palace.
Under the watchful eyes of the court, dozens of palace attendants carried or held an array of treasures—silks, jade cups, porcelain vases, sandalwood screens, hairpins adorned with pearls, ginseng, fox fur cloaks...
The list of rewards was recited for a full half-hour until the announcer’s voice grew hoarse.
The courtyard of Qiyun Palace was soon overflowing with luxuries—everything from daily necessities to rare curiosities.
Onlookers gasped. Was His Majesty planning to empty the imperial treasury for Consort Yun?
Among the gifts were trays covered with cloth.
Jiang Fusheng grinned. "Your Ladyship, these are specially ordered by His Majesty for your enjoyment."
Curious, Yun Wan lifted the cloth—and the room instantly gleamed with golden light.
Row upon row of gold ingots lay neatly arranged, each perfectly shaped and weighted, gleaming brilliantly.
Not just one tray, but ten—all filled to the brim.
The sight was dazzling.
Yun Wan’s breath hitched. It was impossible not to be tempted.
Nothing speaks to the heart quite like the unadorned gleam of gold.
At the same time, the Changchun Palace received a substantial chest of imperial rewards.
