The man had a strong grip, as if he were afraid of losing something. Lying against the pillow on
his side, this face showed a contented smile. His knitted brows had long smoothed out making
him appear somewhat childish and vulnerable. This was definitely not the Emperor she once
knew in the past!
Meng Sangyu controlled her breathing and carefully examined the mans handsome features.
Her eyes followed the line of his jaw to behind his ears, trying to find traces of a disguise.
Although his wolfish actions told her that this man was the real McCoy, she couldnt help but
doubt the other partys authenticity because of his asional irrational behaviour.
Little by little, she carefully stretched out a hand and felt under the mans chin. The newly grown
stubble felt prickly and the coarse hairs tickled her delicate palm. It gave off a pleasing feeling.
There were no traces of makeup and he wouldnt be able to grow a beard if he was wearing a
mask. She breathed a sigh of relief and moved to retract her hand.
Coincidentally, the man awoke just at this time. A pair of pitch-ck eyes stared fixedly at her.
They did not contain any of the drowsiness or confusion from just waking up. He was extremely
vignt by nature and it was easy for him to be startled awake, but Sangyu was a special
existence to him. His body automatically rxed in her presence. Nevertheless, no matter how
sleepy one was, they would have no choice but to wake up after having their face touched
nonstop.
Noticing that the womans pretty face was so close within reach, it was almost as if the two of
them had returned to the time where they were together from morning until night, inseparable as
two peas in a pod. His eyes instantly sparkled with a terrifying brilliance. Just like he had done
every morning in the past, he held her face and licked and kissed her cheeks from her tender
lips to her snow-white teeth. [His tongue] pushed between her pearly white teeth to impatiently
hook her savoury, slippery tongue. Emperor Zhouwu gave a satisfied sigh. This was
undoubtedly his most splendid morning since his soul returned to his body.
Your Majesty, your honoured selfs shoulder is still wounded and this concubines body still has
not fully recovered! After extricating herself from his feverish kisses, Meng Sangyu gasped for
breath as she called out a reminder. She could feel the mans thick erection growing harder
against her leg.
1
Since her body remained unsullied, she could infer that she would monopolize Imperial favour in
theing days. She didnt feel any humiliation and instead slightly rejoiced. If something
happened to her father, the favour bestowed to her would let her mother and elder brother live
better and prevent the Meng family from falling into decline. It was an equal exchange, that was
all.
Zhens injury is fine. When will your body recover? Reluctantly pecking the womans alluring
scarlet lips once more, Emperor Zhouwu asked with a husky voice.
Imperial Physician Du said that it will improve after drinking a few more doses of herbal
medicine. Meng Sangyu turned her head to evade and the mans kisses fell on her delicate
pale earlobes. The man recognized the opportunity and used his teeth to gently nibble her
earlobe with an indulgent expression.
How long is drinking a few more doses of medicine? Seizing her chin and making her face
him, Emperor Zhouwu persisted in his questioning.
About seven or eight days. Meng Sangyu had no choice but to meet his eyes. Facing the
deep, enigmatic emotion in his eyes, she suddenly felt somewhat apprehensive.
In seven or eight days, Zhens shoulder will have fully recovered too. Just at the right time.
Emperor Zhouwu sighed deeply and tightly embraced the fragrant, bewitching, delicate body in
his arms. It was a while before he reluctantly let go.
Your Majesty, its time to get out of bed. This concubine will help you change. Seeing that he
finally stopped, Meng Sangyu imperceptibly let out a sigh. She sprang off the Imperial bed at
lighting speed.
Mm. The man gave a low reply. His voice sounded extremely happy. Noticing that herpel
was slightly wrinkled, his body moved on its own to smooth it out and he conveniently nted a
kiss on her cheek. This scene so resembled how a couple would behave around each other in
modern times, affectionate with mutual respect, that Meng Sangyu was momentarily lost for
words.
In the short time she was absent-minded, Emperor Zhouwu had already taken the clothes from
her hands and changed into them himself with a light smile. Meng Sangyu blinked and hastily
wrung a handkerchief for him to wash his face and hands.
Your Majesty, would your honoured self still like this concubine to feed you? asked Meng
Sangyu as she walked over to the [table] where a piping hot breakfast was prepared.
Sit down and eat together with Zhen. Emperor Zhouwu smiled and pulled her to sit beside
him. Their seats were so close that they could feel each others body heat. This brightened his
2
This cat bows in thanks.
They are all dishes that you love, eat more. Youve lost a lot of weight thesest few days. He
served Sangyu while expressing concern over her slightly thinner cheeks after close
examination.
We havent seen each other for five months. How do you know that Ive gotten thinner recently?
As expected, sweet and honeyed words are a scumbags God-given skill! Meng Sangyu
criticized him in her mind, but her face disyed a shy expression as she thanked the man and
focused on eating. Taking another look, she discovered that every dish on the table was, in fact,
food she normally loved to eat.
Eat up, it wont taste as good once its cold. Emperor Zhouwu smiled and added another piece
of pastry [to her te] while he himself had only eaten a few bites. His pair of deeply serene
eyes were practically glued to the womans body with no sign of looking away. He missed these
Meng Sangyu already found a way to deal with the irrational Emperor, which was Let him
thrash, the cool breeze brushes the hill. Let him go crazy, the bright moon illuminates the Great
River.1 She only needed to be concerned with her own matters and he would return to normal
after a while.
Sure enough, after finishing breakfast Emperor Zhouwu began to review memorials. The man
sat behind the Imperial desk with knitted brows and lookedpletely focused. [He was] the
picture of an awe-inspiring, hard-working, and conscientious monarch who showed promise.
There were no signs of the lovesick fool from just a moment ago. He had returned for no more
than three days but [the news of] several important matters had already broken out in the
Imperial Court.
The first was news that Gansus Provincial Commander, Xie Zhenghao, had been
assassinated. Just before Great Zhous troops were heading into battle, they had switched
Generals and directly assaulted the Barbarians Imperial seat.
The second piece of news was that themander(s) of the Imperial guards and the Forbidden
Dragon guards and the Provincial Commander of the Nine Gates were sessively demoted
and were reced by newly-appointed lesser-known officials.
1 This is a y on words on a line of poem from Jin Yongs [Heavenly Sword and Dragon
ying Sabre]. The original text is:
Both mean to ignore the enemy - treat them like air - and only worry about your own matters. No
matter how strong or fierce an enemy is, their actions cant affect you. Mans greatest enemy is
worry, unease, weakness, ignorance etc. which alle from within.
3
Third, the Imperial Court will establish a new government office who will be known as the
Embroidered Uniform guards. Its authority would be leaps and bounds higher than the Six
Ministries and the Emperor would be the one to appoint a Commander. This would greatly
centralize Imperial power.
Fourth, a scandal broke out that Imperial Preceptor Shen who was in charge of the autumn
examinations2 had leaked the questions in advance. The results of this years autumn
examinations will be invalidated. Next year, the New Year and spring examinations will
be held at the same time.
Several major changes were decreed in session and the negative effects of the previous
Fake Emperors ipetence and indulgence in women were thoroughly eliminated. The
imperial courtiers could see the wise, mighty andmanding monarch from the past. The
ministers who were loyal to the imperial family rejoiced; those who sought to benefit from the
confusion anxiously ran about like headless chickens; and the brown-nosing ministers who
simply followed the crowd began to worry.
Meng Sangyu sat erect in the seat to the right of the Emperor.3 She pondered over Emperor
Zhouwus recent actions and couldnt help but acknowledge that if Great Zhou didnt have this
man at the helm, the country would surely fall into chaos.
Seeing that the man was wholly focused on governmental affairs, she stood up and curtsied to
excuse herself, Your Majesty is busy with governmental affairs. This concubine will take her
leave first. Please remember to care for your health, Your Majesty, and take a break every other
hour.
Sangyu, dont leave. Stay and keep Zhenpany. Having been ustomed to being in the
same room with Sangyu, Emperor Zhouwu only just realized that this was Qianqing Pce. If
he was busy with governmental affairs, Sangyu would appear very awkward with nothing to do.
Help Zhen organize the memorials. Seeing Sangyu clearly look over with questioning eyes, he
patted the stack of memorials beside him and spoke.
How can memorials be something that this concubine can be allowed to see? This concubine
doesnt dare. Meng Sanyu hastily refused. A woman had almost robbed him of political power
and she didnt believe for a minute that it hadnt left a shadow in this mans heart. If she so
2 (qiwi) One of the three annual imperial examinations at the provincial level in
the Ming and Qing dynasties.
3 In ancient times, the left side was considered higher or more important than the right. This
applied to seated positions as well as governmental posts e.g. Left Chancellor > Right
Chancellor.
4
much as touched those memorials, in the future when this person is in a bad mood and brings
this free at Nyanovels. This cat bows in thanks.
Emperor Zhouwu nked out for a moment before immediately understanding her misgivings.
He held his forehead and couldnt help but give a low chuckle. His Sangyu has always been on
guard like this, constantly looking a hundred steps ahead. It was true that he felt it was taboo for
women to meddle in state affairs, but this did not extend to Sangyu. He trusted Sangyu as much
as he trusted himself.
Nevermind. In that case, help Zhen trim this bonsai then. Not wanting to make things difficult
for Sangyu, he pointed at several small bonsai that were sitting on the desk.
Yes. Meng Sangyu agreed and picked up the bonsai and gave it an evaluating look. Suddenly,
she remembered a scene from when she was together with ABao. One pruned while the other
tidied, cooperating smoothly inplete tacit understanding. Those were her most fulfilling and
joyful days since she entered the pce.
Emperor Zhouwu narrowed his eyes, clearly lost in some memory as well. He promptly took
away the bonsai and said in a low voice, Once Zhen has some free time, Zhen will trim this
bonsai together with you. You He paused and his eyes brightened, You sew a perfume
sachet for Zhen, you promisedst time.
But this concubine does not have any tools or materials. Meng Sangyu loosened her hands.
She was already immune to the mans irrational behaviour.
Changxi, head to Bixiao Pce and fetch Her Ladyships needlework box. Emperor Zhouwu
looked towards Changxi who had been standing quietly in the corner for a long time.
The needlework box was delivered to Meng Sangyus hands with the fastest speed. The man
rummaged around in the needlework box. He didnt find a piece of cloth that suited his taste and
called Changxi over again to fetch a bolt of bright yellow brocade from his personal storage.
Use this material and make two identical sachets. One for you and one for Zhen. The man
gestured with his hands to show the size and shape as he enthusiastically made suggestions.
Your Majesty~ Meng Sangyu grumbled flirtatiously. Her raised phoenix eyes made ones heart
skip a beat, This satin is bright yellow. Is Your Majesty trying to harm this concubine [by having
5
this concubine use material that exceeds her rank]?4 Here this man goes again, wanting to push
her into the heart of danger.
How could that be? Emperor Zhouwus voice was hoarse and he had a bitter taste in his
mouth. The Empress of a nation was also entitled to use bright yellow, but if he said it outright,
would Sangyu believe him? She was too clever and precisely because of this, everything would
be moreplicated. His attitude suddenly changed. Perhaps it could be seen as
harbouring ill intentions from her perspective! He truly did not know how he could make things
better and could only slowly wear down [her guard] bit by bit and gradually make Sangyu aware
of his feelings.
It was Zhens mistake. Use this deep purple cloth instead and make the two of them exactly the
same. Tossing the bright yellow brocade to one side, Emperor Zhouwus smile faintly revealed
his bitterness.
Alright, should the scents be the same as well? Meng Sangyu was satisfied and asked with a
grin.
Yes, and not ambergris but your favourite floral scent that you normally use. Forcibly rousing
himself, Emperor Zhouwu caressed her beaming face. Forget it, its fine so long as youre by
Zhens side. Zhen has a lifetime to tear down your heart''s defenses.
Sit closer to Zhen. Its warmer this way. He pulled the woman to the vacant space beside him.
In the past, he was always directly nestled in Sangyus bosom and had gotten used to there
being zero distance between them. He wasnt used to seeing Sangyu sit so far away. If it wasnt
inconvenient for him to write with a person in his embrace, he wished he could hug Sangyu all
the time.
Will [this concubine] disturb Your Majesty reviewing memorials? Her buttocks were pressed up
against the side of the mans strong thighs. Scorching hot bodily warmth could be felt through
their clothes. Meng Sangyu shifted ufortably. She discovered that the crazy Emperor really
liked to stick to her, as if he was starving for touch.5
It wont. The man smiled and bent down to lick her soft lips. Only then did he start to read over
memorials.
4 There were restrictions for what everyone could wear in the Pce. Yellow or gold was
reserved solely for the Emperor and red was reserved for the Empress. The Empress might be
permitted to wear yellow as well in some cases. Anyone else could be punished for just having
that colour material in their residence, let alone working with it.
5 I learned that (pf jk zhng) is a real condition and maybe something were all
feeling to some extent right now. Sending everyone a big virtual hug!!
6
Meng Sangyu was already quiteposed in the face of the mans surprise attack. She
gracefully wiped the wetness from her lips and lowered her head to concentrate on making the
perfume sachet. For a moment, the hall was so silent that one could hear a needle drop. A
strong sweet atmosphere lingered about the two of them.
Standing in the corner, Changxi stole a measuring nce at the two people who were wholly
absorbed [in their work]. He inwardly pondered: His Majesty and Virtuous Consort really have a
good rtionship. Like this, they seem just like an ordinary old married couple.