Chapter 1

Chapter 1

“I wonder what business Your Majesty has with me at this hour. If it isn’t anything urgent, I’d like to head back. It’s my wedding night, and my husband is still waiting for me.”

On the dragon couch not far away, Qi Yu leaned lazily on his arm. He opened his mouth to take a grape offered by the beauty at his side and scoffed.

“Wedding night? With a eunuch?

“Why don’t you tell me, how do the two of you plan on spending the night?”

As Qi Yu finished, he broke into an undisguised chuckle. The beauty beside him was quick-witted; seeing the Emperor laugh, she covered her mouth and giggled along to join the fun.

I rolled my eyes, reached up to tear away the red silk veil covering my face, and met his mocking gaze without flinching.

“We will share the ceremonial wine, trim the candle wicks, lift the veil, and pledge our lives to one another.

“If he isn’t ready for sleep yet, we’ll go watch the moon and finish that jar of Peach Blossom Wine my mother buried for me over a decade ago. If he’s tired, we’ll lie side by side in bed. I’ll hold his hand, stroke his face, and kiss his lips…”

Watching Qi Yu’s face gradually darken, I curled my lips into a slight smile.

“If Your Majesty is so keen on hearing about these bedroom matters, there are specialized matrons in the palace who can teach you. Shall I summon them to have an audience with you?”

A glass cup-a tribute from the Western Regions-shattered at my feet. I pulled my foot back, unbothered. Qi Yu was always like this; the moment he lost an argument, he resorted to violence. He really was a sore loser.

He chased the beauty out. Only the two of us remained in the brightly lit bedchamber. Qi Yu grabbed me by the throat and pinned me against the desk, sending crystal-clear grapes rolling all over the floor.

“He Huai’an, guess what that eunuch will think of you if you don’t go back tonight? Will he think you’re a slut, a lowlife, or will he feel his own impotence and fly into a rage?”

Qi Yu’s grip was incredibly strong. I struggled to breathe, yet I forced my voice to remain steady.

“He will be heartbroken!”

Yes, he would be heartbroken. Changying was the only person in this world who would truly feel for me.

“Qi Yu,” I instinctively clawed at the fingers he had clamped around my neck, my face flushing from the lack of air. “Since the marriage has already been decreed, then consider this my plea: let me live as an ordinary couple with him.”

“An ordinary couple?”

Qi Yu lowered his face to my neck, his laughter sounding somewhat chilling.

“He Huai’an, Sister Zhaozhao’s body has yet to be found. How can a wicked person like you even dream of living with a clear conscience, happy and fulfilled? I will never let you have your way.”

I closed my eyes. Qi Yu wouldn’t let me off easily. Sister Zhaozhao died a tragic death, so I deserved to live a life of misery to pay for her soul.

Qi Yu’s grip loosened slightly.

“Don’t you want to be an ordinary couple with him? Fine. I’ll let everyone see exactly how you play husband and wife with him.”