Chapter 7
I moved into Zhongcui Palace, just as I had in my previous life.
My rank and title were the same.
My sister was delighted. She sent countless tonics and treasures, then took my hand with apparent sincerity.
“I was impulsive that day in the street. Now that you have entered the palace, we sisters must rely on each other and bring honor to our family.”
I murmured my agreement.
After chatting about palace affairs, she changed the subject and said sadly, “Noble Consort Liu is arrogant and domineering. She is difficult to deal with. When you encounter her, you must give way.”
She took out a handkerchief and dabbed at her tears.
In my previous life, I could not bear to see her aggrieved. I had questioned her anxiously, then plotted my revenge on Noble Consort Liu. The woman lost Qin Zheng’s favor, her rank, and her freedom.
This time, I merely smiled. “Thank you for the warning, Your Majesty.”
A complicated look crossed my sister’s face. She hesitated before saying awkwardly, “You seem different from before.”
I answered with a faint smile and no words.
At Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager felt that she had wronged me. She, too, sent me many rare treasures.
“The Emperor has never cared much for women,” she said sorrowfully. “I never imagined he would alter my decree. I separated you from Wei Zhe when the two of you loved each other. I have truly failed you.”
Qin Zheng entered the hall just in time to hear her.
His face darkened. “What lovers? Mother, she deceived you.”
That night, Qin Zheng took me several times.
Biting my earlobe, he mocked me coldly. “Shen Wanning, you have become rather resourceful. To escape Us, you even found yourself a supposed fiancé. How disgusting.”
“Do you truly believe your petty tricks could fool Wei Zhe? A man like him cares only for power. He has no interest in romance.”
In my previous life, Wei Zhe had risen until he stood above every man but one. The authority in his hands eventually threatened the throne itself, forcing Qin Zheng to eliminate him personally.
Yet Wei Zhe had been an able minister who did much for the country and its people. That was why Qin Zheng still employed him in this life.
Qin Zheng gave a derisive laugh. “Wei Zhe confessed everything to Us long ago. He had met you only a handful of times. You were the shameless one who clung to him.”
I retorted coldly, “And yet Your Majesty rushed to summon me into the palace. It seems someone else is truly shameless.”
Qin Zheng did not grow angry.
To a man above everyone, the rage of one beneath him was often little more than an aphrodisiac.
He kissed my cheek, his expression infinitely tender.
“We will give you one more chance. Stay obediently at Our side.”
“But if you dare repeat the crimes of your last life—if you harm the women of the harem again—We will show you no mercy.”