【5】

"That man really does think so highly of himself, hmph."

The imperial ladies were all walking back to the palace, each going to their designated residence when Feng Xiao Mian decided to expressed her dissatisfaction towards the Prince Consort of Yun, of course, there is others that agreed with her. One of them was Nie Huang Lei who held her head up high, as if boasting her significant existence while agreeing with the other.

"He's nothing more but an insignificant figure in the palace, he can't even bear an heir." She said, "I bet it's just a rumour that he's the most favoured by the Emperor."

It was just then that the Emperor suddenly entered the corner at the moment she finished speaking. At first she didn't know who it was but when the court ladies greeted him, "Emperor." Only then did she panicked but she tried to maintain calm as she and the other concubines greeted him.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

The Emperor seemed to only have acknowledged them upon hearing their voices, his expression however, remained indifferent just as it was before. Only giving them what seemed to be an effortless and cold sideway glance as he continued on his way. It was only after the Emperor have walked further away that the imperial ladies finally lifted their head. One of the court ladies turned to Nie Huang Lei, her head still bowed as she advised, "It would be best if Imperial Lady Nie would refrain herself of speaking badly of the Prince Consort."

She was proud to even have the chance to look down upon the Prince Consort but to have been warned by a mere court lady was pulling on the strings of her ego and crushing it. Huanglei only scoffed, trying to play it off as she coolly said, "It's not as if His Majesty have heard me."

A pathetic lie to convince herself and some other being of stupidity that calls themselves human.

"Just a fair warning beforehand, Imperial Lady Nie. The Emperor does not take lightly of those who speak ill of the Prince Consort." The eunuch added before he and the other servants turned away from the imperial women, leading them to their designated palace.

[❄️❄️❄️]

"Ah-Hai, is something the matter?"

"Why would you ask?"

"You're in such a daze to the point where you don't realised you've already finished drinking your tea."

Both royals were having a small break from the paperwork, taking their rest at the garden where they were having tea at the gazebo. Meng Yue have been observing the Emperor for quite some time before deciding to inquire what was on his mind. Upon the Prince Consort's statement, Wang Hai only then realised he's been drinking from an empty cup and hastily put it down on the table. He let out what seemed to be a stressful yet ignorant sigh as Meng Yue refilled his cup.

"Is it about the court again?"

"No, it's the imperial women that came in."

Meng Yue looked up in surprise, gently setting the teapot down. "Oh? You've met them already?"

"Just a pure coincidence."

Meng Yue, "Were they not to your liking? The Empress chose those whose family would be beneficial to the court."

Wang Hai, "But you would choose those whose heart are pure."

Meng Yue nodded, "Indeed... did one of them perhaps offended you?" He asked, a worrisome look setting upon his face as he wondered if he had made a wrong judgement. Wang Hai took a sip of his tea, "I'm sure it's not the one which you have chosen, rather, it's the Empress's."

"And she didn't offend me." The Emperor further added and this made the Prince Consort confused for a moment before realisation dawned upon him. He only smiled, looking towards the blooming flowers that held their heads up high for those to see its beauty at its finest.

Meng Yue, "This is bound to happen, is it not? Surely I wouldn't have expected to be respected as a man nor as a higher authority in the palace."

Wang Hai, "But they still have no right to insult you."

Meng Yue, "That's women for you, especially imperial women. What could possibly stop them from their jealousy and obsession for power despite knowing what a dangerous place the Forbidden City is?"

Meng Yue placed his hand over Wang Hai's, gently rubbing the knuckles. "I will be fine, it's not as if they could do anything to me at the moment. And it will do the Emperor of Yun no good if he were to stress over the matter of the harem."

Wang Hai, "But—"

Meng Yue, "Focus on the court. You only love me right?"

Wang Hai, "Yes..."

Meng Yue, "Then I'll be fine." He smiled before he quickly leaned in to place a quick peck on the Emperor's lips, taking the ruler by surprise but nevertheless, a comforted smile soon graced his face at the strong reassurance he had received.

Just then, Eunuch Lee made his presence known, holding a tray with name plates on it as he called out to the Emperor. "Your Majesty."

"What is it?"

"These are the name plates of the concubines..." He trailed off, even without needing to look up, Eunuch Lee knew the Emperor's face have darken.

Wang Hai, "Must I choose today?"

Eunuch Lee, "It'll be best to do so."

Suddenly, Wang Hai looked towards Meng Yue. Meng Yue who was drinking his tea in peace, suddenly looked up upon feeling the gaze that fell upon him. He blinked softly at the Emperor's expression before letting out a light chuckle.

"Don't tell me it's what I think it is."

"...."

Meng Yue sighed, "Wang Hai, I can't choose who will be the one to accompany you tonight." He bluntly said, giving a rather stern yet apologetic look towards the Emperor. "But I'll advice you to choose someone from a higher ranking to prevent the lower ranking from being bullied."

His words blunt and straightforward. Even if he was the husband of the Emperor, he must know what lines there are that he can't cross. Tearing his gaze away from the Emperor, the Prince Consort swiftly picked up his cup and proceeded to drink his tea, no longer paying mind to His Majesty with the hope of being able to urge him to choose a name plate. His eyes shifted to the corner when he heard the ruler sighed and from what he could see, the Emperor have chosen the name Concubine Zhan Yuning.