Chapter 825: A Special Gift

Empress Pei Man quickly adjusted her appearance before speaking softly, “Prince Wei, please come in.”

Zhao Yingluo and Song Qingshu hid together on a beam, their bodies pressed close. Seeing the scene below, she frowned slightly and leaned in to whisper into Song Qingshu’s ear, “The rules are similar in every dynasty—after nightfall, no one may enter or leave the palace without the Emperor’s decree. Yet now, in the dead of night, Prince Wei, a royal heir, has secretly entered the palace. This is a grave violation. I wonder how that woman managed to lure him in.”

The delicate fragrance of the beauty beside him intoxicated Song Qingshu. “It’s actually quite simple,” he replied. “She just used your two younger sisters as bait.”

Zhao Yingluo’s willow-like brows shot up in anger, but Song Qingshu quickly covered her mouth. “Don’t act rashly. Now that we’re here, of course we won’t let your sisters suffer.”

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she slapped his hand away. “Do you really think I’m such a reckless woman?”

Song Qingshu chuckled. “Of course not. You’re a celestial maiden.”

“Enough talking. Focus on the situation below.” Zhao Yingluo turned her head away, then added in a low voice, “And don’t get handsy in the future. I’m not as easy to bully as Hu’er and Yuanyuan.”

Song Qingshu stifled a laugh, shrugged, and turned his attention back to the scene unfolding beneath them.

Once inside, Prince Wei swept his gaze across the room, noting that only Empress Pei Man was present. A flicker of excitement stirred in his heart as he turned to the empty air behind him and said, “You may leave as well.”

“My duty is to protect Your Highness. I cannot leave your side,” came an icy voice from the shadows.

Song Qingshu and Zhao Yingluo exchanged a glance. Though they had witnessed the skills of Prince Wei’s hidden guard before, the man’s aura remained unfathomable. His ability to conceal his presence was especially terrifying—he had hidden himself the moment Prince Wei entered. If not for their prior vigilance, they might not have detected him at all. Neither dared to speak now, fearing they might be discovered.

Unfazed by his subordinate’s refusal, Prince Wei turned back to Empress Pei Man with a smile. “My servant is rather rigid. I hope Her Majesty does not mind.”

“A loyal retainer is commendable. Of course, I don’t mind.” Empress Pei Man’s voice was gentle, but inwardly, she sneered. Prince Wei knew full well his guard wouldn’t leave—his words were merely a warning, reminding her not to attempt any tricks.

“Your Majesty summoned me so late at night. May I ask the reason?” Prince Wei casually took a seat, his expression one of amusement.

It was an ironclad rule that adult princes must reside outside the palace and could not enter without the Emperor’s summons. But as the only son of Emperor Xizong of Jin, Prince Wei was confident that if the Empress tried to use this rule against him, she would only humiliate herself. That was why, despite suspecting her motives, he had still come.

Empress Pei Man glided toward him, her gaze deep and unsettling. Just as Prince Wei grew wary, she suddenly knelt at his feet.

“What are you doing?!” Prince Wei was startled. Though he held little respect for her, she was still the Empress—his elder. Her kneeling before him was shocking.

Not just Prince Wei, but even Song Qingshu and Zhao Yingluo on the beam were stunned. They knew Empress Pei Man was plotting against him, yet she knelt so readily, creating a bizarre and chilling scene.

“I have wronged Your Highness many times over the years. I kneel now to beg your forgiveness. Please be magnanimous and hold no grudge against me in the future,” Empress Pei Man said meekly.

“Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this? I don’t understand.” Though Prince Wei feigned alarm, the sight of his former rival kneeling before him filled him with indescribable satisfaction. Still, he retained enough clarity to recognize that such an abnormal situation must have ulterior motives, so he refrained from committing to anything.

Empress Pei Man sighed softly. “Since that’s the case, I shall speak plainly. I hope Your Highness will not take offense. Over the years, the Emperor’s health has declined day by day, and no one knows when he might… no longer endure. As the Emperor’s only son, Your Highness is destined to ascend the throne. In the past, I was blind to the times and often opposed you. But now, I’ve come to my senses—I realize that in the future, Your Highness will be my sole reliance. So I wish to resolve our misunderstandings early. When Your Highness ascends to the throne, I do not dare compete with Consort Yuan for the title of Empress Dowager. I only ask to be granted the title of Imperial Noble Consort, with a few eunuchs and maids to serve me in my remaining years. That would be enough.”

As Empress Pei Man spoke, Prince Wei’s smile grew wider. Every word struck a chord in his heart. By the end, he was convinced of her sincerity—after all, he could find no flaw in her reasoning. He was the future Emperor, and no scheme could stand against that unshakable truth.

“Your Majesty, please rise.” Prince Wei, educated in royal decorum, knew it would be unseemly to let her kneel for long. He reached out to help her up, and as his hands touched her voluptuous figure, a thrill ran through him.

But he knew better than to act recklessly now. If he wanted her… he could take her after his coronation. By then, he would be the only man in the palace, and everything would be under his control. In the depths of the harem, he could do with her as he pleased.

“If Your Highness does not forgive me, I dare not rise.” At such close proximity, Empress Pei Man noticed the reaction in Prince Wei’s body, and her eyes turned icy.

“Since Your Majesty has seen reason, how could I be so petty? Rest assured—when I ascend the throne, you will be named Empress Dowager, though you may have to share the title with my mother as co-Empresses Dowager of the Eastern and Western Palaces.” Prince Wei knew that fighting Empress Pei Man was pointless. With her support, his path to power would be smoother.

“To stand alongside Consort Yuan is an unexpected honor. How could I feel slighted?” Empress Pei Man suddenly offered a flattering smile. “I know Your Highness took a liking to the two little maids by my side last time. So tonight, I’ve prepared a special gift for you. I hope you will accept it.”

“Oh?” Prince Wei followed her gaze to the shadowy figures on the phoenix bed. The memory of the two stunning young maids’ delicate faces stirred his desire. “Since Your Majesty is so generous, I shall not refuse.”

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