Chapter 5: Honoring Worthy Talents

Boom! He turned and kicked the three women in succession, sending them flying, without the slightest hint of mercy.

“Answer me—who gave you the nerve? The Consort of Virtue strikes the Noble Consort, and you take me for air?” Qin Xiao’s fury could no longer be contained as he roared.

In that instant, the eyes of the Noble Consort Hua brimmed with tears. His Majesty’s words had come true—she felt that, even if she were to die now, it would have been worth it. After years of bitter perseverance, at last, the clouds parted and the moon shone through.

“Your Majesty, Consort Li heard you had fallen ill and asked us sisters to come and see to the situation,” said Consort Shu, terrified by the emperor’s overwhelming aura, hastily naming Tang Li, the Noble Consort Li.

Tang Li! The Noble Consort Li! The Tang family! Again, it was the Tang family!

Qin Xiao felt a deep aversion to Tang Li before even meeting her—how was her conduct any different from her father’s?

“Guards, beat these three to death as a warning to others!”

“Your Majesty, I know I was wrong! I dare not ever again!”

Their shrill, trembling screams echoed through the harem. Qin Xiao had taken up arms on behalf of Noble Consort Hua.

A man’s wrath for his beloved—such fury could slay three at once!

“Beloved, does it hurt?” Qin Xiao caressed Noble Consort Hua’s delicate face with tender care; even the execution of the three women could not ease the fire in his heart.

“It doesn’t hurt,” she replied, the burning pain on her cheeks suddenly forgotten. She smiled radiantly, tears streaming down her face, uttering words of happiness. “Your Majesty, the moment you appeared, I became the happiest woman in the world. Even if I were to be cut to pieces, I would feel no pain.”

Qin Xiao stroked her silky hair and spoke softly, “Silly girl, you are my woman. It is only right that I protect you. I promise, I will never let anyone harm you again.”

Moved to tears, Noble Consort Hua threw herself upon Qin Xiao. Their eyes met, brimming with passion and love.

The spring breeze lingered over Hua Pool Palace, stirring hearts and desires.

The palace maids and eunuchs tacitly withdrew to the corridor. The eunuch, Little Gao, pressed his ear against the door.

“Humph! You wretched eunuch, trying to eavesdrop—do you think it’ll do you any good?” the maid Little Taohong chided, tugging his ear as she dragged him away.

“Ow, gentle, please! There’s no end to the knowledge Their Majesties share inside. Even picking up a little would be helpful for us pairings!” Little Gao replied with a longing look, full of self-satisfaction.

“Beloved, when will you sit upon my dragon throne?” On the imperial bed, Qin Xiao gazed at Noble Consort Hua, who was draped in his dragon robe, radiating both allure and regal strength. He could not help but ask.

She was like a queen, yet equally like an enchantress.

“Your Majesty, may I try what you spoke of last night?” Her red lips parted slightly.

Qin Xiao’s breathing grew rapid, his chest heaving, excitement rising.

Tonight, his beloved was exceptionally beautiful, so eager and passionate that he found it impossible to resist.

In the midst of surging tides and gentle streams, they reached perfect harmony.

Noble Consort Hua’s earlobes were like crystal grapes, impossible to let go.

Before long, the sheer curtain was awash with the glow of spring.

In the capital, at the Ministry of Revenue’s residence.

Tang Sicheng and his son, Tang Shanhui, sat across from each other in the study, alone.

“Father, isn’t it strange? His Majesty seems like a different person—not only does he disregard your favor, he even supports Hua Yuntian!” Tang Shanhui’s resolute face was marked by confusion.

Tang Sicheng, expressionless, spoke calmly, “What of it? Lier sent word—the Hua girl is deeply favored.”

“So that’s it! I knew there was something!” Tang Shanhui’s eyes flashed with malice as he struck the table. “Father, the Marshal’s post must go to our Tang family. We cannot let the prize slip away. Hua Yuntian is not one of us.”

Tang Sicheng pondered a moment, a hint of displeasure in his eyes, his tone stern: “Hui, how will you accomplish anything if you let your emotions show? A true man keeps his feelings hidden.”

At once, Tang Shanhui composed himself.

“But you are right. Such unusual changes are always a sign of trouble. The emperor’s transformation cannot be solely due to the Hua girl. Why is that? How could a man become another overnight?” Tang Sicheng mused suspiciously.

“Exactly—His Majesty seems a completely different person. Could he be possessed?” Tang Shanhui ventured.

“Enough, don’t speculate. Let’s wait for Lier’s news. Once we get to the bottom of this, that Hua girl cannot be allowed to remain!” As he spoke, a cold gleam flashed in Tang Sicheng’s eyes.

Back in the harem, within Hua Pool Palace.

On the gilded dragon bed, Qin Xiao inhaled the fragrance of Noble Consort Hua’s hair, utterly enchanted.

“Your Majesty, may I bear you a child?” Her cheeks still flushed, her breath unsteady, she gazed at him with hope shining in her eyes.

As a woman, she wished to bear a child for the man she loved—how much more so as a favored consort, to give the emperor a prince.

Yet, after years in the palace, each time after their union, she had been ordered to drink a potion to prevent conception.

“Beloved, do you know that once you are with child, you must rest and take care of yourself?” Qin Xiao teased.

“Well… if I’m not able, perhaps my maid Little Taohong can stand in for me. She’s been with me many years and is quite delicate herself~” Her bright eyes sparkled, a hint of mischief in her charm.

“Oh? Is that so? Of course, you may bear me a child, but you mustn’t shirk your duties then,” Qin Xiao replied with a playful smile.

As she pondered his words, Noble Consort Hua’s cheeks reddened instantly—it was impossible to say such things aloud.

Yet Qin Xiao’s gaze was burning with desire.

“Mmm~” she murmured shyly, lowering her head, her voice as soft as a whisper.

“My beloved~” Qin Xiao’s eyes blazed as he swept her into his arms. What a bashful, lovely lady she was.

Time flowed gently; spring warmth filled the room.

“Your Majesty, General Hua and Lord Bu request an audience!” Little Taohua’s clear voice sounded from outside, as soft as a mountain brook.

On the dragon bed, Qin Xiao had been playing with Noble Consort Hua’s graceful feet, but now he leapt up at once.

“Beloved, dress yourself! Come outside and greet your brother.”

Noble Consort Hua was overwhelmed with shame—her brother was outside, while she lay in bed with the emperor in utter abandon. How absurd!

She quickly called Little Taohong to help attend to the emperor.

As Little Taohong entered, Qin Xiao’s eyes lit up. How had he not noticed this girl before? Even Song Huijiao could not compare.

The young maid’s beauty was fresh and delicate, quite different from the allure of Noble Consort Hua—like the contrast between a young girl and a mature woman.