Chapter 13: His Tenderness? I Dare Not Believe

Chapter 13: His Tenderness? I Dare Not Believe (Part 1)

His words stunned me. I stared, wide-eyed, convinced I was experiencing both visual and auditory hallucinations. Shangguan Mochen met my incredulous gaze, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes. "The Empress doubts my word?"

Since he asked directly, I saw no point in hiding it. "Correct. I do not trust you!" I declared. "This has to be part of some scheme! But fine, even if it is, I'm no match for your schemes. Best to avoid you altogether! Nanny Shen, let's go!"

Ignoring whatever reaction my words might provoke, I turned and strode towards the door. Behind me, I barely caught the sound of a soft sigh – heavy with sorrow and a strange, underlying disappointment.

I hadn't taken more than a few steps when Baihe's voice rang out from behind me. "Your Majesty! This lowly servant begs permission to serve the Empress! Grant me this wish, let me attend Her Majesty in Yongning Palace!"

"Very well. I grant your request," Shangguan Mochen sighed, his voice weary. He then turned his attention back to my retreating figure. "Empress, do not forget tonight's banquet. And remember… my earlier reminder!"

"I know!" I snapped, exasperated. Always harping on about 'proper attire'! A sudden question surfaced. "Speaking of which, why summon me to a private affair between you, Prince Ye, and Prince Duanmu?"

A faint, suspicious blush tinged Shangguan Mochen's cheeks. He cleared his throat. "I thought the Empress was leaving. Why the delay?"

"Right." My main objective was to escape, not decipher his odd behavior. I kept walking. Baihe hurried after me. Her sudden defection puzzled me. "Why follow me?" I asked bluntly.

"Because Your Majesty is the kindest person this servant has ever known!" Baihe's eyes shone with fervent admiration. "Consort Liu punished harshly, never sparing the rod. No one ever pleaded for mercy… except you! When I spilled that tea—deliberately—you didn't punish me. You spoke gently! From that moment, I vowed loyalty! I would give my life to serve you!"

Beside me, Shen Tianxiang chimed in fervently. "Indeed! Her Majesty's benevolence is renowned! The kindest soul in the entire palace! Anyone failing in loyalty is blind! How could anyone bear to harm such a merciful lady?!"

Their effusive praise was almost physically jarring. While seemingly sincere, its intensity bordered on the ridiculous. I quickly changed the subject, addressing Shen Tianxiang. "Speaking of which… You fetched Shangguan Mochen?"

"Yes! I saw your signal and rushed to Dragon Rest Palace immediately! But I never imagined—" Her voice dropped. "Forgive me, Your Majesty! I didn't anticipate His Majesty arriving just then! But please believe me, the Emperor is deeply concerned for you! He ignored Consort Liu's slander entirely and upheld your innocence!"

That was the puzzle. Why would he help me, given his obvious dislike? "Shangguan Mochen came because you told him?" I pressed.

"Exactly!" Shen Tianxiang gushed. "Your Majesty, his care is genuine! You should have seen his panic when he heard Consort Liu had summoned you! He insisted I accompany him immediately! And why did he help you? Because he listened outside for a long time! He heard everything Consort Liu said! He knew your 'confession' was just anger speaking! Seeing His Majesty favor you so… it brings this servant the greatest joy!"

He… favors me? The notion was ludicrous. Shangguan Mochen's favoring me was the world's greatest joke. Yet… Shen Tianxiang wouldn't lie. Did he truly rush here in a panic?

Chapter 13: His Tenderness? I Dare Not Believe (Part 2)

And why lurk outside? Why intervene only when I held the upper hand, not when I was being attacked? It screamed of protecting Liu Rumai. Had I not threatened her, would he have stepped in at all? Would he have let them beat me senseless?

Exactly. A scheme. That frantic arrival? Likely to catch me in the act, find an excuse to expel me! Summoning me to the private banquet? Another ploy to humiliate me publicly, paving the way for my removal!

Hah! Joke's on him! Does he think I want to stay in this gilded cage? If he wants me gone, I'll gladly oblige!

I'll leave! I'll use every advantage I possess! I'll catch handsome admirers! I'll find my own forest!

Even if you're the mightiest tree in the land, I refuse to hang myself from your branch!

Since you're so eager to be rid of me… consider it done.

I stopped dwelling on it. "Nanny Shen, Baihe," I commanded. "Back to Yongning Palace!"

They exchanged a glance, wisely refraining from comment, and followed swiftly. Upon arrival, I briefly introduced them to the household, then immediately grabbed Ninglu and pulled her towards my chambers.

"Your Majesty?" she stammered, bewildered. "Is something wrong?"

"Absolutely!" I declared, releasing a breath. "Fetch that gown! I need to make… adjustments."

"B-but Your Majesty…" Ninglu stammered. "I altered it exactly as you instructed. What further changes?"

"Never mind that. I know precisely what it needs now." A demonic sparkle ignited in my eyes as I spoke. Ninglu stared, transfixed. "Your Majesty… you are… so beautiful… truly… so beautiful… like this…"

Her repetitive murmurs puzzled me. "What are you on about?"

"I mean… You are always beautiful, but with this expression… it's devastating! World-toppling!" The words tumbled out before she caught herself. She dropped to her knees in panic. "Forgive me, Your Majesty! This servant spoke out of turn!"

"Rise." I helped her up, my focus elsewhere. "Just bring me the gown and leave."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Ninglu scrambled up, retrieved the garment, and fled.

Alone, her words echoed. Curious, I walked to the bronze mirror. I deliberately summoned that same sly, defiant spark into my eyes… and gasped.

Ninglu hadn't lied. This version of me possessed a terrifying, magnetic allure. Not the elegant beauty, the delicate charm, the serene grace, or the sultry enchantress others embodied. This was… sweet yet wicked. Innocent yet utterly seductive. Like a fallen angel – stripped of pure white wings, devoid of an unblemished soul, radiating a decadent, captivating decay that demanded attention.

I'd known Xiao Chenyi was beautiful, but never grasped she could be this. Staying here, languishing as a neglected Empress? It would be a criminal waste of such potent capital.

I will leave. I will escape this palace.

My fingers tightened on the silk gown. A sinister smile curved my lips.

Shangguan Mochen, you want me gone? Consider your wish granted.