Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Work still had to go on.

“This year, your rank and stipend remain unchanged from last year. In fact, this situation has persisted for three years now.”

The Emperor paused, looking surprised. “Weren’t all the ladies from that batch of candidates three years ago promoted?”

He finally noticed the problem. I was the only one who had slipped through the cracks.

The Noble Consort spoke up. “Frist Attendant Lan’s father was caught in a corruption scandal. She didn’t pass the general review for promotions.”

The Emperor nodded, and just like that, he moved on.

He just moved on?

What does my father’s corruption have to do with me?

Was all the love and time spent over these years given in vain?

Sensing my burning gaze of vengeance, the Emperor coughed and said, “Be grateful I didn’t demote you.”

Good heavens, I’m already ranked dead last. Demoting me wouldn’t make a bit of difference.

The Noble Consort added, “We’ll consider it this year.”

She was dangling that carrot again.

If I had known, I should have sent the Noble Consort some gifts back when my father’s corruption came to light. Maybe I’d be a Consort by now.

I let out a deep sigh.

“Your keyword for this year is ‘Rotten.’ Please keep working hard next year.”

I finished reading.

Everyone fell silent.

Consort Yue was the first to start clapping.

I didn’t see it as applause; I saw it as my way out of an awkward situation.

The Emperor said, “That was a decent report. Next, bring forth Frist Attendant Lan’s New Year’s wish.”

I was just walking back to my seat when my legs suddenly went weak.

My wish? Is he going to make me the Empress?

I looked back; the Emperor already had it in his hand.

No-!

Beaming with smiles, the Emperor slowly opened the paper, only for the grin to freeze on his face.

He remained silent for a long while before looking at me. “Frist Attendant Lan, it’s normal for a person to have dreams, but there is a difference between a dream and a delusion.”

The heart that had been hanging in suspense finally died.

So, he really never considered making me the Empress.

Even though I knew it was unlikely, there was a one-in-forty-three chance-why couldn’t it hit me?

Besides, plenty of storybooks say that Emperors distance themselves from their true loves just to protect them in the depths of the palace. I’m ranked dead last; I’m the furthest away from him there is.

I was heartbroken. I was furious.

This was likely the closest I would ever get to being Empress.

“Your Majesty, do not look down on a youth for being poor. Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west-fortunes shift! Today you ignore me, but tomorrow I’ll be someone you can’t even hope to reach!”

The Emperor said in shock, “Wait, are you planning a rebellion?”

I tossed my head back haughtily. “I wouldn’t rule out the possibility.”

The Emperor replied, “You don’t need to wait thirty years to cross a river. Just go to the Cold Palace.”

I countered, “About that… I have a ‘cold womb’ condition. I can’t go to the Cold Palace.”

The Emperor rolled up his sleeves and put his hands on his hips. “It’s the Cold Palace, not a cold storage locker!”