Becoming the Queen by Serving as Prime Minister | Chapter 62 | A Backfiring Scheme | Novela.app

That night, Shen Tingjiao still went to stay at Zhaohua Palace. This year’s winter was exceptionally cold; the old snow had yet to melt before fresh flakes began to fall. He wore a white fox-fur cloak, and though Chen Zhong held an umbrella for him, his shoulders were still dusted with white. In the snowy courtyard of Zhaohua Palace, the attendants knelt in a row, but Yin Zhuli was already dead to the world in a drunken stupor. Shen Tingjiao gave the servants a light reprimand, though he knew that stubborn woman never listened to advice anyway. Entering the room and seeing her fast asleep, his heart finally eased. It had been some time since she left Wealthy City, and while the Yin family still managed the shops, she lived here in seclusion. Her sources of information were not what they used to be, and she no longer made the decisions on many matters. Life in the palace was idle, and it was difficult for outsiders to enter. She was alone here; he often arrived late, Qu Lingyu avoided her like the plague, and even Empress Dowager He would steer clear if she spotted her from a distance. Even Fu Chaoying, who had confiscated her "Yellow Spring’s Lead" when he imprisoned her, had returned it afterward, fearing she might stir up trouble if he didn't. With nothing to do all day, she inevitably turned to the bottle. Shen Tingjiao stood by the couch for a while, a sense of pity welling up in his heart. After a long moment, he removed his boots and climbed onto the bed. Yin Zhuli opened her eyes and stared at him for a bit, but she was truly quite drunk and not entirely lucid. As Shen Tingjiao turned to pull her into his arms, she took the opportunity to plant a kiss on his lips. She seemed to recognize him, looking quite delighted. "Ninth Lord!" Shen Tingjiao gave a soft hum of affirmation, a trace of sweetness rising in his chest. He couldn't quite describe his feelings for this person. They had been companions for over ten years; initially, he found her crude, aggressive, and petty. But over time, he had grown accustomed to these flaws, eventually feeling that no other woman possessed her unique flavor. Later, he had gradually grown lax, pushing any thorny issues onto her and washing his hands of them. Now, his every joy and anger were tied to her. If she gave him even a hint of a smile, he felt overwhelmed by the favor, almost wanting to wag his tail in delight. He sighed softly, thinking that he was a man of spirit, yet in the span of ten years, she had raised him into this state. Yin Zhuli, however, cared for none of that, clinging to him like an octopus. He pecked her on the forehead. These past few days, she had been remarkably obedient and hadn't caused any trouble. He worried she wouldn't be able to stand the lonely, tedious life of the inner palace, so he doted on her excessively. Whenever he found an interesting trinket, she was the first person he thought of. No matter how tired he was each night, he always made sure to "feed" her first, lest she find some other way to cause a stir. He gently unfastened his complex dragon robes, his hand stroking the smooth skin beneath her clothes. After being idle in the palace for a while, her body had actually filled out a bit. As his hand traveled down, he felt quite satisfied. Tonight, Yin Zhuli was exceptionally passionate, coiling around him like a water snake. He felt a flicker of apprehension—either this woman had an ulterior motive for her advances, or perhaps the only thing on her mind right now was that pile of withered bones in the outskirts of Chang'an? He buried himself in her soft, fragrant warmth, silencing his stray thoughts. After their intimacy, Shen Tingjiao felt a bit weary and fell asleep with his neck entwined with Yin Zhuli’s. Yin Zhuli opened her eyes. The dim candlelight blended with the night, making the light feel thick and viscous. Her eyes shimmered with a brilliant light, devoid of any trace of intoxication. When the watchman’s clapper struck four times, Shen Tingjiao woke up. Seeing Yin Zhuli’s dark eyes staring blankly at him, he couldn't help but smile again. "We sleep together every night; haven't you looked your fill yet?" Yin Zhuli snuggled into his chest, leaning close to speak into his ear. "I want to go hunting tomorrow." Shen Tingjiao hesitated. "Because of my succession, this year’s imperial examinations were delayed. It’s already the end of the twelfth lunar month, and there’s much to prepare. Once this is settled, I’ll accompany you, alright?" Yin Zhuli rolled over to face away from him, her voice tinged with displeasure. "You don't need to go with me. I’ll take my own people. If you’re worried, you can send Zhang Qing to follow me." Seeing her impatience, Shen Tingjiao pondered. There was no precedent for an Empress leaving the palace to hunt. How would those fellows in the court wag their tongues? At this thought, he tried to persuade her gently again. "Be good, Zhuli. It’s snowing heavily now, and the horses won't be steady. When the weather warms up, I’ll take you, okay?" Yin Zhuli couldn't help but look disappointed. Shen Tingjiao pulled her back into his arms and comforted her further. How could he not know she disliked this deep palace? He stroked her face and suddenly laughed. "I was just teasing you. Fine, tomorrow we shall go to the Royal Hunting Grounds." Yin Zhuli turned to look at him. When he smiled, he was breathtakingly beautiful, like the sky clearing after snow. She sighed softly. "Forget it. If you go, those old fogies will inevitably nag you again." She propped herself up and kissed his lips. In the pre-dawn light, his lips looked as vivid as dripping rubies under the candlelight. "Then accompany me to Tianlan Pavilion tonight to admire the plum blossoms." Shen Tingjiao naturally agreed. "I will come over early tonight to accompany you." Yin Zhuli nodded. She had first made a request that would put him in a difficult position, then settled for the next best thing once he had steeled his resolve. Even if he had a temporary engagement, he would remember this appointment first. Outside the door, Chen Zhong was already urging him to rise. Yin Zhuli got out of bed and personally helped him dress. He stood by the couch, watching the hands that were tying his boot laces. Through those hands, at least ten years of the Great Ying’s total annual revenue had flowed. Those hands had once shaken the imperial court, executed high officials, and installed a new monarch, nearly changing the course of a dynasty. But now, those hands were tying his boots, holding a knife only to prune plum branches, and holding a brush only to copy calligraphy. How could she ever like such a place? His heart tightened, but then he thought that every Empress before her had lived this way. Perhaps, slowly, she would get used to it too? Yin Zhuli saw him to the door. He pushed her back into the room. "It’s cold outside, go back to sleep. I will come to accompany my beloved Empress to admire the plums tonight." Chen Zhong bowed respectfully as always. Yin Zhuli gave a slight nod, the corners of her lips curling into a half-smile. By the hour of the Rooster, Shen Tingjiao indeed came to Zhaohua Palace to fetch her, then ordered the procession to Tianlan Pavilion. The two walked side by side as cold plum blossoms and snow drifted around them. There were no extra palace servants; Chen Zhong followed at a distance. Upon entering Tianlan Pavilion, Shen Tingjiao froze. The people welcoming them were clearly from Jiaoshu Palace. He knit his brows slightly; though he didn't want Yin Zhuli to face Empress Dowager He, he didn't want to spoil Yin Zhuli’s mood, so he continued leading her inside. Tianlan Pavilion, as the name suggested, contained a conservatory for various flowers. The Founding Emperor, Shen Wanyan, had a particular fondness for orchids, so orchids were the most prominent among the many flowers in the pavilion. The moment the crystal bead curtains were lifted, the fragrance of flowers rushed out to meet them, refreshing the soul. Empress Dowager He had already prepared wine, fruit, and snacks. Seeing Shen Tingjiao arrive, a look of motherly affection appeared in her eyes. "My son is here. Sit." Shen Tingjiao held Yin Zhuli’s hand as they sat at the head table, and the servants began serving the dishes. The braziers were burning brightly, warming the midwinter breeze. Leaning against the pavilion, one could see flowers blooming in succession, competing in beauty, without feeling the slightest bit of cold. Empress Dowager He’s gaze lingered on Shen Tingjiao. After he offered a formal toast and they exchanged some small talk, she smiled and said, "With flowers and wine, how can there be no song and dance?" She clapped three times, and the music began. A group of dancers in white gauze robes entered the hall, performing a lotus leaf dance. Because they were before the Empress Dowager, their attire and steps were primarily elegant and dignified. Having spent over ten years in the marketplace, Shen Tingjiao and Yin Zhuli had seen all the world’s beauties; they hardly spared this a second glance. However, he didn't want to ruin the mood. Seeing that Empress Dowager He hadn't looked for trouble today and Yin Zhuli was being well-behaved, the atmosphere at the table was rare and harmonious. He held Yin Zhuli’s hand, lightly tapping along to the beat. In terms of music and dance, he was more skilled than Yin Zhuli. She knew a bit of everything and could chat with anyone, but she wasn't necessarily an expert. She was only good with the bronze bells, and even that was something she’d learned just to bluff people. >_< But Shen Tingjiao had misread Yin Zhuli. The reason she was being so well-behaved was that she was smilingly anticipating the appearance of the beauty. Sure enough, before the dance had gone on for long, the zither music gradually lowered, and a beauty in a red dance robe emerged from behind the other dancers. Who was it if not the same Xue Cangshi from yesterday? This red outfit was far too eye-catching, and her dancing skills were quite good; she dominated the floor the moment she appeared. Shen Tingjiao wasn't stupid. If he couldn't see the Empress Dowager’s intention by now, he would be playing the fool. He lowered his head to drink his wine, a look of displeasure on his face, though he couldn't lash out out of respect for his mother. Thus, for the rest of the banquet, he kept his eyes on his nose and his nose toward his heart. No matter how hard Xue Cangshi tried to please him, he never even lifted an eyelid. By the time they left Tianlan Pavilion, Shen Tingjiao’s face was dark, and Yin Zhuli, the accomplice, felt a bit sheepish. He strode forward with large steps, and Yin Zhuli rubbed her nose, consciously following behind him. Shen Tingjiao waited until they entered Zhaohua Palace before finally exploding in anger. "Do you really want to push me onto other women’s beds that badly?" Yin Zhuli figured she could never admit to this even if it killed her, so she put on a look of total innocence. "How was I to know the Empress Dowager was coming to recommend a beauty? Why don't you think about it—why would I, a perfectly comfortable Empress, go and create a rival for myself?!" Shen Tingjiao wanted to find something to hit her with, but looking left and right, he couldn't find anything suitable. He ended up pulling a plum branch from a vase and gave her a sharp flick with it. "Bastard! I only agreed to visit Tianlan Pavilion with you yesterday. If you hadn't said anything, would Mother have prepared so thoroughly?" Yin Zhuli remained silent. He flicked her again, the cold fragrance of the plum blossoms wafting as petals scattered. "Since you don't want me coming here anyway, I won't come in the future!" He threw down the plum branch and stormed out of Zhaohua Palace in a rage. Yin Zhuli rubbed her nose again. Tianxin tugged at her sleeve and whispered, "Your Majesty, you must go persuade the King!" Qingwan was also anxious. "Big Boss!" Yin Zhuli gloomily picked up the branch and said nothing. As a result, before the second watch, a eunuch came to report—saying the King had gone to Xifeng Palace. The servants were all pale with shock, acting as if something catastrophic had happened, each of them crowding around Yin Zhuli. By the time the tenth maid, Zihan, came in, Yin Zhuli was beyond annoyed. She flipped over a small side table on the spot. "I said, are you all finished yet?! He went to sleep with Qu Lingyu, I know, I know!!" Unexpectedly, this burst of irritation quickly reached the ears of others. Rumors began to fly that the Empress was overturning tables and chairs, berating her servants, and taking her anger out on everyone... she was just short of hanging herself with a three-foot silk noose. Yin Zhuli, however, wasn't worried—even if he went to Qu Lingyu’s place, what could he actually do! She set out a Go board by herself. Currently, Fu Chaoying held heavy military power in the court, and Shen Tingjiao was isolated. Though he was called the Son of Heaven, he was actually beset by internal and external troubles. However, if he brought in Marquis Anchang, Xue Chengyi—who was currently guarding the border in place of Qu Tianji—the Dayuezhi tribe wouldn't dare invade in the short term. If Shen Tingjiao won him over, he could use him to balance the Fu family. And winning over Marquis Anchang by marrying Xue Cangshi was undoubtedly the best method. But how could Marquis Anchang be willing to let his beloved daughter kneel and bow to an Empress of merchant origin? If one wanted to show sincerity, one had to show it fully. The best strategy would be to install Xue Cangshi as the Empress. As the Emperor’s father-in-law, Marquis Anchang would surely serve Shen Tingjiao with total devotion. The Yin family was, after all, a family of merchants; they couldn't provide a stable foundation for an Emperor. Yin Zhuli placed a stone to tighten the pressure on the board, wondering what choice she would make if she were sitting on that golden throne. Demote the original Empress to the Cold Palace, install a new Empress, and once the foundation was stable, bring the old Empress back and establish East and West Palaces for the two Empresses to rule together. That would be the relatively compassionate route. If one were heartless, one would secretly execute the old Empress. At this time, the Yin family was held together by the Yin clan; there wouldn't be any major upheaval in the short term. And if the old Empress were killed, the Yin family, fearing for the lives of their clansmen, would surely swallow their anger in silence. Then, by installing a new Empress, one would eliminate all future worries forever. Within two months, imperial power could be firmly within one's grasp. Although it was a bastard move, if one thought carefully, ten thousand bones rot for a single general’s glory, let alone for an Emperor of the ages? She held a white stone and thought back and forth for a long time before realizing she was researching how to plot against herself. She couldn't help but use her right hand to smack her left, then threw the stone back into the box. --- **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 昭华殿 | Zhaohua Palace | Yin Zhuli's residence in the imperial palace. 天兰阁 | Tianlan Pavilion | A pavilion known for its conservatory and orchids. 安昌侯 | Marquis Anchang | A noble title held by Xue Chengyi. 薜承义 | Xue Chengyi | The Marquis of Anchang. 薜藏诗 | Xue Cangshi | Daughter of the Marquis of Anchang, the potential new consort. 栖凤宫 | Xifeng Palace | "Phoenix Nest Palace," where Qu Lingyu resides. 黄泉引 | Yellow Spring’s Lead | Likely a specialized weapon or poison belonging to Yin Zhuli. 大月氏 | Dayuezhi | A nomadic tribe/state on the borders of the empire. 酉时 | Hour of the Rooster | 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.