Chapter 7: Bearing the Thorny Branch and Begging Forgiveness

"Your Majesty, I beg you to treat my sister well!"

In the cool pavilion, Qin Xiao sat alone, gazing at the leaping carp in the lake, his mind echoing with Hua Yuntian’s words.

He mused to himself: Hua Yuntian, I am no longer the foolish ruler I once was. I will not let down Consort Hua. I hope you will not let me down either! I do not ask you to die a hero’s death, only that you repay the imperial grace until your hair turns white.

Outside the pavilion, Hua Yuntian walked with Consort Hua.

"Sister, His Majesty’s temperament has changed greatly lately, but who knows how long it will last? If he ever disappoints you, your brother will storm the palace with blade in hand!" Hua Yuntian spoke with cool composure.

He was not blinded by passion; serving the emperor was as dangerous as serving a tiger.

Consort Hua looked around to ensure no one was near, finally letting out a breath and reproaching him, "Brother, you’re still so careless with your words. If someone with ill intentions overhears, our Hua family could be ruined."

Hua Yuntian lifted his chin, saying nothing more. A true man stands tall in the world and speaks his mind.

"Elder brother, last night His Majesty permitted me to bear his heir!" Consort Hua lowered her voice.

"What!" Hua Yuntian was astonished. He knew all too well that the emperor had always treated his sister as nothing more than a plaything.

"Are you saying you can finally bear the imperial heir?"

Consort Hua recalled the guidance His Majesty had given her earlier, her cheeks flushing crimson.

"Yes, His Majesty has already instructed the imperial physicians to tend to my health."

Hearing this, Hua Yuntian’s heart wavered. Could the emperor truly have changed for the better? Then he remembered that His Majesty had no heirs yet; if this continued, his little sister could rise by virtue of her child.

The throne of empress and crown prince would be assured.

"Then take care of yourself. Be cautious. The inner palace is rife with intrigue; never eat or take medicine carelessly. Always have someone test for poison. If Xiaotaohong cannot handle it alone, I will select trusted female soldiers from the army to send into the palace." Hua Yuntian finished, still feeling uneasy.

He was about to speak further, but Consort Hua interrupted.

"Oh, brother, I know. I’m not a child anymore."

"Your Majesty, Consort Li requests an audience!"

In the imperial study, Qin Xiao set aside the memorial before him.

Consort Li!

To Qin Xiao, this woman was both familiar and strange. In the memories of his former self, she appeared most frequently, yet to this day he had never met her.

She was rumored to be a beauty who could bring calamity to the realm.

But when he thought of her arrogant, domineering ways, and her father Tang Sicheng’s manipulations of power, a chill ran through him.

He replied calmly, "Let her in."

The little eunuch delivering the message sensed trouble.

Soon, a veil of red silk approached, long legs dazzling the eye.

It was as if he’d been transported back to the earthly paradise of his previous life—an absolute enchantress, truly a temptress!

Consort Hua was seductive; Consort Li was alluring.

Below her waist, it was all legs, her hips pressed tightly against the sheer fabric, each step tugging at Qin Xiao's soul.

She truly knew how to captivate!

If such a woman existed, who in the world could resist?

The image of another woman, Medusa, overlapped in Qin Xiao's mind.

His gaze was utterly captivated, every step she took seemed to tread upon his heart.

"Your Majesty, your eyes are so predatory. Are you planning to devour me?" As she spoke, the tip of her tongue flickered, and her red lips glistened with a hint of moisture, as translucent as crystal grapes.

Qin Xiao remembered her name was Tang Li, and her father was Tang Sicheng. Instantly, he reined in his thoughts.

"If I were to devour you, wouldn’t the Minister of Revenue skin me alive?" Qin Xiao replied blandly.

Tang Li’s radiant smile froze. The emperor truly had changed. He was so cold to her now, even saying such things.

Had he been bewitched by that foxy Consort Hua?

In a flash, she bent her long legs and knelt down.

"Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. I have come to confess and beg forgiveness. Please do not treat me so coldly—I am utterly distraught…" Tang Li sobbed, her expression so pitiful that anyone would feel compelled to comfort her.

"Confess? Where is your willow branch?"

"The willow branch is here—if Your Majesty will spare to strike me~"

As she spoke, she moved sinuously like a snake, rising and drawing near.

"Good heavens!" Qin Xiao exclaimed inwardly as the alluring Tang Li wrapped herself tightly around him.

He felt heat surge, his limbs stiffen, his body losing control.

Absolutely not! He was no longer the foolish ruler he once was. He must revive the Great Qian dynasty, become a sovereign for the ages.

Her whole family was treacherous. He had to stand firm, not let her exploit any weakness.

"Forget the willow branch. I am short of funds lately; bring me gold bars instead," Qin Xiao shifted the topic, redirecting his attention to calm his turbulent blood.

"Gold bars?"

Tang Li paused, her embrace loosening. Her father was right—the emperor truly had changed.

Before, she wouldn’t even need to make the first move; he would already be conquered.

"Your Majesty, I am your pampered canary. Where would I find gold bars? You’re so naughty," Tang Li switched tactics, acting coquettishly.

She turned and sat atop the desk before Qin Xiao, her long legs neatly encircling his waist, her movements smooth and flawless.

Qin Xiao meant to push her away, but her touch was soft and silky, cool with a hint of warmth, his limbs stiffening again.

Tang Li, with seductive eyes, noticed the emperor’s reaction, her lips curving in triumph. Even if he had changed, he still couldn’t resist her body.

She was confident: as long as the emperor still lusted after her, she had countless ways to win his favor and command his obedience.

But she miscalculated.

"I do not wish to force you, but things have happened, and I must insist on fairness. Today you sent someone to attack Consort Hua; tomorrow, who will you target, or who will target you? If I cannot manage my own inner palace, how can I govern the realm?"

"I have already cut down the three who acted, and as the mastermind, I only ask you for gold bars in penalty. That is already merciful, wouldn’t you agree, Consort Li?" Qin Xiao’s final words were spoken with deliberate clarity.