Chapter 4
Helian Jue's hold on Qingyu didn't loosen as his voice dropped low. "Speak clearly and don't go beating around the bush."
The prisoner swallowed, his eyes darting between the emperor and Qingyu. "I have no idea who they are, Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, this sounds like desperate lies from a condemned man. We should focus on the military response instead." Eunuch Liu chirped in almost immediately.
Helian Jue's eyes narrowed on him. Without releasing Qingyu's hand, he raised his free hand. "Liu, you speak of military response as if the Yun family is already guilty. Why is that?"
Eunuch Liu shifted uncomfortably, darting his eyes away to avoid the sudden question.
Helian Jue looked at Eunuch Liu one more time before glancing back at the prisoner. "You'll be questioned further in the dungeons. But you live until dawn. If your words prove true, you may yet keep your tongue."
He signaled at the guards, and the man was dragged out. Eunuch Liu remained a little longer before walking away.
The emperor finally realized Qingyu's wrist but he did not step back. Up close, his beauty was almost unfair–a well defined jaw, the faint scar above his eyebrow that made him look more dangerous.
"Stay the night," he said, the command almost gentle. "The Cold Palace wing is no place for rumors and your pavilion is too far. My chambers are prepared."
Qingyu's stomach churned. He couldn't believe his ears. The emperor was asking him to stay for the night without dismissing him?
In the old life, such an invitation would make his heart leap but now, he just lifted his eyes to the emperor's, letting a faint tired smile curve his lips.
"Your Majesty honors this consort beyond words," he answered, voice melodic. "But the journey from the sedan today has left me weary, and my thoughts are heavy with worry for my sister Qinglan. I would be a poor company tonight, distracted and of little comfort."
Helian Jue blinked, and if Qingyu hadn't known better, he would've thought he was caught off guard.
No consort had ever refused the emperor. Especially not with a perfectly reasonable excuse that still left him wanting.
"You refuse me on your first night. Bold, Qingyu." He let out a dry chuckle.
Qingyu lowered his head immediately. "This consort does not refuse Your Majesty's favor. Only asks for one night to compose himself. Tomorrow, if you still desire my presence, I'll come willingly."
He stepped back one measured pace, then another. The emperor's hand fell to his side as he bit his lower lip.
Qingyu turned toward the door, heading for it. He has played the move perfectly, leaving the emperor hungry and off-balance.
As soon as he reached his pavilion, Qingyu's mind turned over the prisoner's words from earlier. Was there someone inside the palace?
His mother's murder had never been solved and they'd called it bandits. Now to Qingyu, it felt like the first real cue. He would uncover the truth himself. He would have to speak to the prisoner.
"A message came while you were gone. Your sister Qinglan writes that the Duke is preparing defenses, but she's frightened. She asks if you're doing okay." Xiao He appeared from behind.
Qingyu took the stroll and flipped it open, reading through. A pang hit him at the remembrance of Qinglan's round face and smile. He tucked the thought almost as quickly as it came.
"Send word back tonight. Tell her to stay close to Father. And move the first chest of silver as we planned."
Xiao He nodded, then hesitated. "Young Master, consort Lian sent her maid earlier, asking if you needed advice on pleasing His Majesty."
Qingyu's lips curled at that as he unknowingly clenched his fist. "Tell her maid I'm resting. Alone."
It wouldn't be surprising if Consort Lian would take his place at the emperor's chamber tonight. But Qingyu didn't care.
He dismissed Xiao He with a gentle wave and moved to the dressing table. The jade plaque at his chest felt heavy as he pulled it off. He loosened his outer robe, letting them slide down his shoulders.
A soft knock sounded at the pavilion door.
Xiao He's voice came through, hushed. "Young Master, it's Eunuch Liu again. He brings a gift from His Majesty and says it can't wait till morning."
His Majesty?
Qingyu pulled his robes closed and told Eunuch Liu to come in. He entered, carrying a small lacquered box wrapped in gold cloth.
"Jade Consort Shen, His Majesty sends this with his own hand. He said you would understand its meaning."
Qingyu accepted the box and watched back as Eunuch Liu exited the place before he placed it on the table.
Inside lay a single item:a delicate jade hairpin shaped like a lotus in a bloom, the same pale green as the one his mother had worn the day she died. A tiny slip of paper rested beneath it.
Wear this tomorrow. I will see you at the morning audience. Do not make me wait again.
Qingyu stared at the hairpin again, the emperor was changing the rule faster than he could predict. And somewhere in the palace, someone who had ordered his mother's death was still breathing.
The thought alone stirred anger inside him.
Outside, in the main room leading back to the Imperial chambers, Helian Jue stood alone for the first time that night.
Suddenly, Consort Lian arrived, already taking off her robe and ready to please the emperor.
Helian Jue was in deep thought when he felt her presence and looked in her direction, his gaze narrowed. "What are you doing, Consort Lian?"
Consort Lian smiled and continued untying her robes and just as they were about to fall off her body, the emperor turned his back at once, a sudden huge disinterest filling him.
Never for once had he turned down Consort Lian whenever she wanted to please him, but tonight…it felt wrong.
"Your Majesty–"
"Leave, Consort Lian. I'm not in the mood."
Consort Lian's jaw dropped at the emperor's words. What had gotten over him?
"But–"
"I don't want to repeat myself again, Consort Lian." The emperor's voice cut her off, his tone disapproving.
Slowly, Consort Lian pulled up her robes and tied it back around her waist before leaving.
He stared at the empty path Consort Lian had walked away, his fingers still tingling from the feel of Qingyu's wrist. A rare, frustrated smile tugged at his lips.
"No one has ever left me standing like that," he muttered to himself. "Qingyu…what are you hiding behind that perfect smile?"