Soon, the sounds of the prince’s heavy breathing and the woman’s low moans filled the chamber.
After a long while, Qin Zhi opened her eyes, put on her outer garment, and walked to the mirror to examine the marks on her face. The two slaps had been very forceful, leaving clear fingerprints on her delicate skin. She picked up the powder puff to apply makeup, when suddenly another man’s figure flashed before her eyes.
Years ago, in a relative’s garden, she had seen him sparring with a group of young men. Among all the men, he was the most heroic, and every gesture was etched into her heart. Compared to him, what was Wei Shu? If he weren’t the crown prince, she would not have given him a second glance.
Wei Shu breathed steadily in bed, already fast asleep. Qin Zhi covered the marks and slowly left, closing the door.
The medicine she used was in small quantities, with a slow-acting effect. It would take about ten days before the Emperor would breathe his last. During the national mourning period, she and Wei Shu could not share a bed, so she needed to take advantage of these ten days to be intimate with him and try to conceive, securing her position as empress.
However, her peace was short-lived. Shortly after lunch, the Fifth Prince Wei Ying accidentally discovered an imperial decree in the Emperor’s study, stating that Ruan Ning would be made empress.
“Your Highness!
Qin Zhi woke the still-sleeping Wei Shu, recounting the unexpected event.
Wei Shu, stunned, realized that if the Emperor wanted to make the Imperial Consort empress, his chances of winning her over would drastically increase.
Noticing his distraction, Qin Zhi reminded him, “Your Highness, with your prolonged presence in Qingqing Palace, any issues should have been discovered by now. Why is this decree only surfacing now?”
Wei Shu frowned, “Are you implying there’s something suspicious?”
“I find it strange,” Qin Zhi said. “Who would benefit most if the Imperial Consort became empress?”
Wei Shu considered this and concluded that only Ruan Ning would gain. As the original empress’s firstborn son, even if Ruan Ning had a son, he would not overshadow Wei Shu. Moreover, given the Emperor’s condition, Ruan Ning could not bear a child. The Prince of Jin’s position as the son of an Imperial Concubine would also weaken significantly with an empress.
Qin Zhi furrowed her eyebrows, “While it seems straightforward, I feel there’s more to this matter.”
The white bubble snail was small and cute. Gu Lianchang took it from Ruan Ning’s lips and threw it to Zhang Jing: “Check what’s inside.”
Ruan Ning was startled, fearing it might be poisoned. The concubines exchanged glances, reluctant to speak; news of her ascension had spread, and now someone had tried to poison her.
Verification results revealed a colorless, tasteless poison in the snail. Consuming it wouldn’t cause immediate death, but victims would gradually lose their sanity, ultimately leading to madness—resulting in death for any woman in the harem.
The concubines gasped. While some envied Yu Fei, the lower-ranking concubines feared for their lives if they accidentally consumed the snail.
“Disperse,” Gu Lianchang commanded. “Do not spread today’s events.”
They scattered, already gossiping as they left the palace. Gu Lianchang didn’t mind; secrets were hard to keep in the harem, and he had wanted to make a show of it.
As he walked out with a stern expression, memories of Ruan Ning’s boldness lingered. Though he was attracted to her, he still held unresolved anger.
Ruan Ning wasn’t going to let him leave.
She needed to ask directly who had poisoned her to prevent him from finding an excuse for late-night dealings.
She quickly blocked his path, saying, “Supervisor, please stop. Can you tell me who is behind this? I need to be prepared.”
Gu Lianchang saw through her intentions, raising his eyebrows. Not wanting to mess with him, he would thwart her wishes.
“This matter is complex. The mastermind will be difficult to determine for now,” he said calmly. “But Yu Fei has reminded me. The poisoner is premeditated. Since they failed this time, there will surely be another attempt. I will station guards at Yikun Palace to ensure Yu Fei’s safety.”
Ruan Ning thought, Who wants your protection? You eunuch are best at guarding and stealing!
She cried out in pain, trying to squeeze out tears. Xiao Huang was right in her writing—eunuchs who died seemed to have a perverted tendency to abuse women. Last time he wanted to prick her with a needle; now he was biting her. Did he think he was Rong Mama? She felt she needed to show that she was greatly hurt, lest he become addicted.
Gu Lianchang switched fingers and bit again. Her skin was too delicate; even a light bite left a mark.
But he was clear that with the force he was using, it was not enough to make her cry out. She was already becoming spoiled.
Gu Lianchang ignored her cries of pain and bit his fingers, saying leisurely, “This one is the best.”
Ruan Ning remembered how he had teased her by inserting his finger into her mouth. She blushed and mumbled, “Supervisor, don’t do this. I’m trying to talk to you about serious matters.”
“What serious matters?” Gu Lianchang switched hands, his voice hinting at desire. “Your position as empress should be settled before the Emperor’s grand funeral. If planned well, the Crown Prince might support your ascension. Only the concubine De and her son would oppose you, but they are too weak and won’t last long. I thought they could fight the Crown Prince, but they’re just useless.”
Ruan Ning listened half-understanding, grateful she didn’t need to worry about any of this. She just needed to placate Gu Lianchang. Such work that didn’t require intelligence was perfect for her—an intelligence black hole wrapped in the skin of a peerless beauty.
While organizing his thoughts, Gu Lianchang tried his other five fingers, feeling a strange itch spread throughout his body. He kissed her palm passionately before leading her to the dressing table.
Ruan Ning looked at him questioningly as he opened a mother-of-pearl box and selected a box of crimson rouge. He dabbed some with his pinky, drawing a half-blooming sea crabapple flower on her left hand.
Gu Lianchang examined her hand in the light and smiled coolly, “This rouge color is too fiery. Imperial Consort, do you know what color is most suitable for painting on skin?”
“What color?” Ruan Ning asked.
“A beautiful woman’s blood,” Gu Lianchang said, satisfied with her sudden trembling. “First use the finest lamb’s hair brush to outline the lines, then trace the contours with a silver needle. When pricked, fine blood droplets will seep out, extremely delicate…”
Ruan Ning withdrew her hand, feeling as if the needle had already pierced her, her scalp going numb.
Gu Lianchang laughed, “With skin as beautiful and white as yours, blood color would look even more beautiful, like a red plum blossoming on white snow.”
Later, I’ll slowly seep cinnabar along the needle marks. When finished, the fusion of blood color and cinnabar will create a unique scene.”
“Stop talking, please, stop!” Ruan Ning interrupted him, feeling that he was trying to scare her.
“Imperial Consort, with such beautiful skin, this supervisor can’t wait to draw one or two paintings,” Gu Lianchang continued.
Not a single painting! Ruan Ning trembled and hugged his neck, speaking softly: “Supervisor is the best, please don’t pierce me. I’m timid and afraid of pain. I’ll be in too much pain to sleep.”
She rolled her eyes charmingly: “Supervisor, please.”
Gu Lianchang found her attempt at seduction awkward, yet he blurted out: “Can’t sleep? I’ll sleep with you.”
Both were stunned. Ruan Ning never expected Gu Lianchang to tease her. Although he had seen her body, their interactions felt more transactional. This playful banter was unprecedented.
