The first day Murong Qiufeng stayed in the palace, Youxiang spent the whole day rolling her eyes, drinking water, and running to the restroom. She felt like she had turned into Murong Qiufeng’s nanny.
Not long after Lord Shangguan left, the palace was crowded with all kinds of people coming to visit Murong Qiufeng. Youxiang eventually grew tired of refusing them and simply placed a sign at the door, ignoring everyone. Even when the Empress came, she was given the cold shoulder.
It wasn’t until the evening that someone came who couldn’t be refused, and the sign was reluctantly taken down.
The Emperor, busy all day with government affairs, hadn’t had time to visit Murong Qiufeng. Now, after sending off the group of troublesome ministers, he snuck over in the evening, bringing food with him, clearly intending to have dinner together.
Youxiang raised an eyebrow as she heard the Emperor approach, especially as he smiled warmly at Murong Qiufeng, showering him with attention. It was clear to her that the Emperor had ulterior motives—just like a weasel wishing a chicken well.
Rumors about the Emperor’s romantic entanglements had been circulating for a while. Recently, he had taken in a few young, pretty concubines, one of whom was a handsome young man who seemed to have caught the Emperor’s eye. This had made the other concubines jealous, causing trouble for the young man, who was now bedridden.
In the harem, women were far more dangerous than wolves and tigers. Once they set their sights on someone, they could tear them apart, leaving nothing but bones behind. The Emperor’s arrival was sure to bring more trouble.
Youxiang looked up at the sky, thinking she might age prematurely from all the worrying.
“How is Qiufeng adjusting to life in the palace? Do you need me to have anything added to your rooms?” the Emperor asked as he entered, immediately striking up a conversation with Murong Qiufeng.
“Your Majesty, Lord Shangguan has already arranged everything. Qiufeng’s throat is sore, so he can’t speak much. I hope Your Majesty understands,” Youxiang replied with a subtle smile, answering for Murong Qiufeng.
The Emperor glanced at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. He wasn’t unfamiliar with Youxiang. When Shangguan Ye had dealings with him, it was always through her. The Emperor found it strange that Shangguan Ye had entrusted Youxiang to personally serve Murong Qiufeng. What was so special about Murong Qiufeng that made Shangguan Ye treat him with such importance?
“Heh, well, it’s my oversight,” the Emperor said, his face softening. “How’s your injury? If you need any medicine, just let me know, and I’ll have it sent.”
“The injury is no longer serious. It just requires rest and recovery. No need for any major supplements,” Youxiang said, continuing to act as Murong Qiufeng’s spokesperson.
The Emperor narrowed his eyes, a cold gleam flashing in them as he looked at Youxiang. “I don’t like having people standing around while I eat. Please leave.”
Youxiang raised an eyebrow, then directly plopped down under the table. “There’s no one standing now.”
“Did I say you could sit?” the Emperor growled, slamming his hand on the table.
Youxiang raised her chin, clearly prepared for a confrontation, but just as she was about to speak, Murong Qiufeng quickly intervened. “Youxiang, please step outside.”
Grumbling, Youxiang pouted and shot Murong Qiufeng a glare before storming off, muttering under her breath. She wasn’t sure why she felt so irritated by the Emperor today, but it was probably his lecherous attitude that made her so angry. Besides, she had never liked the Emperor much. She couldn’t understand why her master helped him conquer the kingdom.
Murong Qiufeng, though surprised by Youxiang’s behavior, wasn’t entirely unaware of her unusual status. He knew she wasn’t just an ordinary servant, but her disrespect toward the Emperor made him question their relationship. It seemed that Emperor and Shangguan Ye were on terms more complicated than he’d realized.
“Your Majesty, if you have something to say, just say it,” Murong Qiufeng remarked, noticing that the Emperor had deliberately sent Youxiang away to speak privately.
The Emperor’s eyes gleamed with a sharp, calculated light as he smiled. “Qiufeng, you really are observant. This Prime Minister, though… still hiding, I see. I heard that you’ve been under the tutelage of a great teacher. How has that been going?”
Murong Qiufeng hesitated for a moment, then replied modestly, “It wasn’t since childhood. I was sent to the mountain five years ago for treatment and was fortunate enough to be accepted as an apprentice by my master. I only learned some martial arts for health and strength.”
The Emperor chuckled. “Don’t downplay yourself. Now that you’re back, what are your plans? Will you return to the mountain?”
Murong Qiufeng’s eyes flickered. “I go where the wind takes me.”
The Emperor, without missing a beat, raised his cup of wine. “Well, if I wanted you to work with the Prime Minister to help me with my affairs, would you be willing?”
Murong Qiufeng’s heart sank, his suspicion confirmed. The Emperor had been eyeing him for a role in his government. But he had concerns about Shangguan Ye. The Emperor’s wariness toward him was evident, and he knew that serving this Emperor was like walking a tightrope.
“I fear I wouldn’t be of much use, Your Majesty. I have no knowledge of politics, and I haven’t even taken any exams. Offering me an official position would be unfair to others, and it would also make people talk. It wouldn’t reflect well on your wise rule,” Murong Qiufeng explained, trying to be diplomatic.
The Emperor, however, was not surprised. His gaze grew even more intense, and he smiled. “So, you’re worried about me? You’re thinking of what’s best for me?”
Murong Qiufeng felt a flicker of unease. Something in the Emperor’s tone felt too much like a flirtation. He couldn’t quite shake the feeling that the Emperor had more in mind than just an official appointment.
Just then, Youxiang’s voice echoed from outside. “Lord Shangguan, the young master is inside, and the Emperor has arrived.”
Murong Qiufeng sensed a change in the Emperor’s demeanor. For just a moment, he saw a flash of coldness in his eyes as he tightened his grip on his wine cup.
