PM - 68

She softly sighed, “What are you doing?” Her tone carried a hint of reproach, but deep inside, her heart was already blossoming with joy.

The chancellor was still fuming. “I must vindicate myself. I’ve commanded the winds and summoned the rains my entire life; I cannot falter in this matter.” His movements were fierce, like a fiery phoenix thrusting forward through his trousers. “How does Your Majesty feel?”

Of course, it felt wonderful. In terms of physical attributes, the chancellor could proudly stand above all others. Being tall, that part of him benefited as well—just as an adult wouldn’t have the hands of a child, the chancellor’s endowment matched his stature perfectly. The most tragic thing would be having no potential left to explore. Now, with ample resources prepared, whether the business could thrive depended on one’s ability.

Fu Wei struggled hard twice. “Has Father Chancellor gone mad? The neighboring rooms are full of Lan Tai officials!”

He gritted his teeth, remaining silent, yet his actions did not diminish in the slightest. Fu Wei began to question the rationality of the waistband design—a single drawstring held it together, and once undone, everything would fall apart.

She was genuinely a bit frightened. Amidst her thundering heartbeat, she could hear the sound of books being transported back and forth, and the dull thuds of the scribes carrying heavy loads next door. She whispered urgently, “If we’re discovered, it’ll be a disaster.”

He pressed a finger to her lips. “Silence. At this moment, the most significant matter for me is for Your Majesty to conceive. As for other things, I can handle them however they come.”

Her legs felt cool, and goosebumps spread across them. When it came to strength, she was no match for him. He maneuvered her this way and that, and just as she was feeling dizzy, the spirited tiger paperweight came into view.

She whimpered, “I can’t stand…”

He lifted her arms, guiding her to wrap them around his neck. Then he drew closer, his warm breath tickling her skin at the nape of her neck. “Hold me tight…” Learning from the failures of the previous two attempts, he specifically reminded her, “No counting allowed.”

He teased her in myriad ways, his technique remarkably proficient. Fu Wei felt her soul about to leave her body as she clung tightly to him. Knowing he had arrived, she hesitated briefly before welcoming him in. Compared to the first two times, this attempt was much better, though still slightly uncomfortable. He paused on the pathway. “Does it hurt?”

She managed to catch her breath. “I can bear it.”

Thus, they moved from the pathway to the terrace. “How about now?”

She stopped speaking, leaning against him as she panted softly. He could tell she wasn’t resisting, so he lifted his robe and stepped over the threshold, brazenly entering the room with an air of triumph.

Fu Wei trembled involuntarily and let out a startled gasp. He gently kissed her lips. “Tell me if it’s uncomfortable.”

In such matters, there seemed to be no real comfort or discomfort! Fu Wei felt as if she were risking her life to please a gentleman. Since he enjoyed it so much, even if she had to sacrifice herself, she should ensure he was satisfied. But her legs trembled, unable to support her weight, and she didn’t want to lean entirely on him, making her feel both exhausted and passive. A subject’s skill lay in reading expressions, and the chancellor, inherently perceptive, didn’t need her to speak. He gently lifted her up, and the protruding edge of the bookshelf provided a perfect perch for her.

He swayed gently, and she became disoriented. Suddenly, she recalled the research she had done after returning to the palace last time. It was said that when a man first displayed his prowess, excessive focus could also increase the likelihood of failure. Six and fourteen—those numbers were truly embarrassing. Surveying the situation, Fu Wei decided to lend him a hand.

“Don’t think too much,” she said, half-closing her eyes. “Let me… tell you a story… okay? Once upon a time, there was a family…” Clearly, he had no interest in hearing her story. A sudden whirlwind assault successfully interrupted her words.

Even in casual attire, the emperor’s robes were meticulously crafted. She still wore her ornate jade pendants and accessories around her waist, which she hadn’t removed earlier, causing them to clink against the bookshelf with each movement. Amidst the chaos, she reached out to stop them but failed after a few attempts. Gradually, she found herself unable to move and resigned herself to letting the jade pieces collide, her only recourse being to breathe heavily.

It seemed quite nice. Fu Wei thought hazily that the chancellor had made great progress. She gradually found pleasure, lying amidst the tangled mess, unwilling to escape, clinging tightly to him. This was what it meant to see light after enduring hardship. She was like a leaf floating on water, allowing him to lead her onward, onward… toward the ends of the earth.

He sought her lips, murmuring between kisses, “Now I’m no longer Sixth Brother, am I…”

She was dazed, unable to speak, every thrust like a heavy hammer striking her heart. So many strange sensations defied description; she wanted to cry out, but with ears nearby, she couldn’t. All she could do was bite his clothing, transmitting her sobs into his heart.

Carried away by passion, they disregarded their surroundings. Though this place, used for editing classics, was bustling with personnel, knowing that the young emperor and chancellor were discussing state affairs here, no one dared to barge in. However, unavoidable interruptions occurred. During the height of their battle, a eunuch reported that the Eastern Cao Assistant, returning from Shuofang, sought an audience with the emperor and chancellor.

The chancellor was a remarkable person. Despite struggling to catch his breath, he responded clearly to the greeting: “I’m busy right now. Please have the Eastern Cao Assistant wait at the office.”

The eunuch acknowledged and departed. As the footsteps faded, he exhaled in relief. “Were you startled?”

She whimpered against his chest, puzzled by how suddenly the chancellor had become so valiant. The intense pleasure was more exhilarating than doubling tax revenue. She tilted her face up for a kiss, tearfully saying, “Father Chancellor, I can’t go on.”

Her plea for mercy was futile—she had mocked him earlier!

The chancellor’s work ethic had always been exceptionally strong. Mastery in whatever he did was the foundation of his existence. If the first two times had disappointed her due to impulsiveness and inexperience, then his subsequent diligent efforts were his best compensation to her.

She almost sobbed, softly calling out, “Ruchun...”

He closed his eyes. Her soft voice became a solace for his long-endured patience. She didn’t know how much he loved her. If their connection had been spiritual before, today marked a complete union without boundaries, becoming one henceforth. His views were old-fashioned—choosing one partner for life. He couldn’t imagine how those with multiple wives and concubines lived.

“Do you know about the red-crowned crane?” he murmured amidst the overwhelming waves. “Some say its name inspired the legend of ‘crane-crest poison,’ yet it has only one mate for life...”

Though the rumor of crane-crest poison was false, the bird’s devotion was universally known. Fu Wei reached out, cupping his face. “You and I are the same.”

Amidst the chaos, they found a glimmer of light to run towards, but midway, another interruption came. A eunuch’s sarcastic voice echoed from afar: “Reporting to Your Majesty, Prince Wei Yuanheng has sent envoys to the capital seeking an audience.”

Fu Wei wished she could kill that eunuch. The chancellor, however, remained calm, appreciating the brief respite. He paused, tenderly kissing her. She extended her slender neck for him to rest upon while calmly responding, “I’m in an important discussion with the chancellor. Have him wait at the Four Directions Hall for my summons.”

The eunuch departed again. She lazily smiled at him, “Father Chancellor, it seems our time is almost up…”

Before she finished, he suddenly lifted her waist. She nearly cried out, quickly bracing herself against the bookshelf. Then came a mountain-shaking, star-scattering climax… She could hardly describe the sensation, feeling as if she had nothing to hold onto, her limbs on the verge of falling apart. Finally, the surging waves overwhelmed her, and she heard his contented sigh before he laid her down on the thick mat. She lay there, taking a long time to focus on his face. Feeling as if she’d suffered a great injustice, she choked up and cried.

He was startled, rolling up his sleeves to wipe her tears. “What’s wrong? Are you this happy?”

She pushed him, even more heartbroken. “Which eye of yours sees me happy!”

“Then why are you crying?” He thought for a moment, lifting her garment to check. “Did I hurt you?”

She hastily pressed down, blushing and refusing to let him see. Actually, it wasn’t true sorrow or grievance—it was fear of the unknown.

But her tears made him panic, and he began to blame himself. Had he been inconsiderate, focusing only on his own pleasure? He couldn’t understand—during the process, he had observed her expression, and she had clearly been enjoying it. Why did it end in tears?

He was at a loss, massaging her belly. “If you’re unhappy, I won’t touch you anymore.”

That wouldn’t do! Girls were like that—one mood after another. Besides, though the experience was intense, the aftertaste was rich and lingering. After shedding a couple of tears, she firmly rejected his suggestion. “I’m not unhappy—I was deeply moved by Father Chancellor. Actually, I did count earlier. When I reached a hundred, I couldn’t continue. I wondered when it would end… Compared to before, Father Chancellor has truly made leaps and bounds.”

Hearing this, the chancellor bashfully lowered his head. “I was afraid you’d despise me. Will Your Majesty still call me Sixth Brother? I think it doesn’t matter. If necessary, I’ll prove myself again and again—I’m willing.”

So don’t doubt a man’s determination to prove himself, especially someone like the chancellor, who was absolutely formidable. Fu Wei waved dismissively. “I’ll never do it again. I regret my earlier disrespect toward Father Chancellor…” On the verge of tears again, she added, “Father Chancellor is a true man.”

The emperor’s surrender brought tears, and the chancellor regained his lost face. Yet seeing her cry so sadly made him feel even guiltier. “Was I too rash? I’ll be gentler next time, okay?” She nodded with a pout, and he gazed at her, unable to describe his feelings.

Hadn’t he been arrogant before? Now, facing reality, he felt defeated. He wanted to mock her a bit but restrained himself, not wanting to upset her further. He simply tried to please her, teasing her relentlessly. “Does Your Majesty like it? Was six thrusts better, or how it was just now?”

Her face was flushed, her eyes unusually bright after being washed by tears. She grabbed his hand and rubbed it against her cheek. “Whatever you do, I like it. Whether it’s six thrusts or thousands, as long as it’s you, I’m satisfied.”

Hearing this, he leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Still planning to break your vows?”

She quickly shook her head. “I’m utterly faithful to Father Chancellor.”

With marital affairs proceeding smoothly, their moods were greatly uplifted. Each tidied their attire; seeing his robe flipped up, she squatted down to carefully arrange it for him.

Straightening a robe hem might seem trivial to others. The chancellor was accustomed to commanding servants for such tasks—someone would always be there to bend over for him. But now, this person was extraordinary. She was the emperor, reigning supreme from her lofty throne, yet willing to crouch at his feet like a humble wife, showing how much she cherished him.

He was deeply moved, helping her up and adjusting her hairpiece. “Regarding the Honorable Marquis’s grandson being appointed as a Middle Colonel, since you’ve agreed, so be it. However, do not relinquish authority—you understand my meaning.”

She nodded. “My trust in the Liang clan does not match the speed of their promotions. Receiving favors without merit is a major taboo in officialdom. I wonder what the Empress Dowager is thinking.”

The chancellor pondered for a moment before replying, “Reflecting back now, it seems I initially misjudged the direction. After Yuan Han arrived in the capital, she indeed had no contact with anyone. I ordered attendants to watch day and night but found nothing. Why? Because I overlooked something. Delivering orders isn’t limited to letters or verbal messages—it can also be through imperial edicts.” He smiled calmly amidst her astonished gaze. “The Empress Dowager issued an edict when Yuan Han first arrived, summoning her into the palace—a ruse, because once inside, her movements would be restricted. Thus, Yuan Han did not comply, and the Empress Dowager did not pursue it. Doesn’t Your Majesty find that too coincidental? Later, you confined her to the inner palace until New Year’s Day when she paid respects to the Empress Dowager. During her time in the capital, the only person Yuan Han came into contact with was the Empress Dowager.”

Fu Wei was stunned. “You suspect the Empress Dowager? She has no children—why would she do this?”

He slowly shook his head, frowning. “I still don’t know her motives. Everything so far is based on conjecture. I merely want to caution you—be careful. Don’t let so-called familial affection cloud your judgment. Your maternal family is the Lou clan, not the Liang clan. Remember that?”

She said she understood. “I’m also considering granting the position of Lieutenant Colonel. After all, she is the Empress Dowager, and I cannot easily defy her wishes. However, regarding the appointments of the Left and Right Commandants of the Imperial Guard, I have my own plans. As you said, the Lou clan is my maternal family. My two uncles are still serving under the Gold Spear General as Deputy Commanders. I feel guilty toward my mother. If you agree, I plan to transfer them into the palace—whether as Commandants of the Imperial Guard or Palace Gate Captains. The Empress Dowager once said having trusted people guarding the inner palace ensures peace of mind.”

He didn’t oppose her decision. She was an emperor with her own convictions. Had she not been mistakenly born female, she could have been a great ruler. Previously, he always had to guard against her concentrating too much power, but now he hoped she had some relatives around—someone who could protect her in critical moments. The paternal family, engrossed in power struggles, had little regard for familial bonds. The lowly Lou clan, elevated solely by her favor, would remain loyal to her without ulterior motives.

He agreed, “All decisions rest with you. I will dispatch aides into the Imperial Guard. Should any disturbances arise, they can weigh options appropriately.”

No matter how fierce the storms, as long as he stood behind her, she wouldn’t feel unsupported. She reached out, hugging him tightly. “I’d rather the whole world betray me than have my husband betray me.”

He kissed her forehead. “We’ve reached this point—what talk of betrayal? Politically and emotionally, we are inseparable. Hurting you is hurting myself, Your Majesty. Isn’t that right?”

She nodded vigorously. “After a year, let’s have a child. Then appoint the chancellor as the Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor—you must teach him well.”

Envisioning the future, having a son—what else could life lack? He chuckled softly. “Teach him the way of rulership, ensure he governs the empire. Then take you away from here—to live elsewhere.”

She leaned on him, smiling sweetly. Even if they couldn’t stay together day and night, as long as he was here, she wouldn’t feel lost. Living elsewhere, like celestial lovers—she was more than willing. But it was time to leave—they’d stayed too long, and a pile of state affairs awaited her. Reluctantly, she pulled his hand, “I must leave first—you wait a bit.” Her knees buckled stepping off the thick mat; without his support, she might have collapsed.

The chancellor clucked, “Your Majesty is overworking—rest properly.”

She playfully hit him, her shy demeanor utterly endearing.

Standing up again, straightening her jade belt, she suddenly turned to ask, “If it really is the Empress Dowager, then the previous Han Yan case must also be related to her, right?”

The chancellor affirmed, “From now on, be extra cautious with food and travel. If anything suspicious arises, send word to me immediately—don’t shoulder burdens alone.”

She pursed her lips in a smile, acknowledging. After one last deep look at him, she passed through rows of bookshelves and exited the library. Along the way, her mind kept replaying earlier events, feeling both shy and unable to resist savoring them. Perhaps even Bu Hai noticed her peculiar smile, staring at her several times. Realizing this, she loudly cleared her throat, walking into the outer chamber while ordering the reception of the envoy from Prince Wei.

Prince Wei’s petition brought laughter and tears. Finishing the bamboo slips, Fu Wei asked the Chief Clerk of Prince Wei: “Is His Royal Uncle joking? If princesses divide land, what happens after marriage? Do they bring it as dowry to their husbands?”

The Chief Clerk appeared quite embarrassed. “Our lord says others have many sons, but he has many daughters. The concubines in the household have been causing trouble, arguing that sons and daughters are equally raised—why should sons inherit while daughters must depend on husbands? Our lord couldn’t resist, hence submitted the request for Your Majesty’s decision. If approved, the enfeoffment in Wei will be gender-neutral.”

Fu Wei stroked her chin. “How many children does Prince Wei have?”

The Chief Clerk replied, “Nine daughters and two sons. This request comes from the most favored concubine, who recently gave birth to the youngest princess—her temperament is fiery…” Accidentally divulging Prince Wei’s household troubles, the Chief Clerk seemed quite exasperated.

Nine daughters and two sons—Prince Wei was indeed prolific. Sons and daughters were equal to her; dividing evenly benefited central control. Sharing a cake between two versus eleven made a world of difference. She naturally preferred fragmentation and was keen to advocate for the princesses’ rights. However, considering post-marriage land ownership issues, potential consolidation could cause complications.

She fell silent, finally saying, “The fief belongs to His Royal Uncle—he may proceed as he wishes. Equal treatment of sons and daughters is commendable, but inform His Royal Uncle: princesses cannot take land into marriage. If marrying nobility, the land reverts to public fields. Please ensure His Royal Uncle understands.”

The Chief Clerk bowed deeply. “Understood. Then may I boldly inquire—if a princess marries a commoner?”

“Then that land becomes her foundation. Daughters of the Yuan clan shall never be anyone’s subordinate—even after marriage, they need not obey their husbands.”

Her words were resolute. The Chief Clerk accepted the decree, departing contentedly. Only after settling down did Fu Wei feel the exhaustion acutely. The midday nap had already passed—retiring to her chambers was impossible. She managed a short nap in the outer chamber. Upon regaining composure, she commanded Jianye to deliver her written order to the Northern Army, transferring her two maternal uncles—one as Left Commandant of the Imperial Guard, the other as Left Captain. With trusted kin in both the Imperial Guard and the Guard Bureau, she indeed felt reassured, just as the Empress Dowager had said.

Being an emperor wasn’t easy—every moment involved weighing pros and cons. Sometimes, even when desiring peace, external forces stirred unrest. Reflecting on the chancellor’s earlier analysis, her heart felt heavy.

Since her mother’s death, she harbored a special attachment to the Empress Dowager, viewing her as a mother due to the lack of maternal affection. Even during the Han Yan assassination case, despite the Empress Dowager’s entanglement, she staunchly defended her. Now everything began to sour. If their suspicions held true—if the mastermind was the Empress Dowager… She wasn’t afraid of conspiracies but felt profoundly disappointed. Human relationships were so fragile—during hardships, they could rely on each other for survival. Why, upon gaining immense power, did they descend into scheming and rivalry?