Quick Wear: Domineering System on Your Own

Chapter 124 The Emperor's White Moonlight 6

After lunch, Ji Heng stayed with Lingjiu for a while, but because of his busy government affairs, he had to leave reluctantly despite being very reluctant.

At noon, Lingjiu was taking a nap on the noble couch when a palace maid came to announce, "Your Highness, Concubine Liu and others have come to pay their respects."

Lingjiu raised her eyes slightly and said lazily, "Lead them to the main hall. I will be there soon."

The maid took the order and withdrew, replying respectfully, "Yes."

Lingjiu sighed inwardly, these people were really impatient, it had just begun and they couldn't wait to come to the door. Then, with the support of Shi Wu, Lingjiu walked slowly towards the main hall.

In the main hall, Concubine Liu, Concubine Zheng, and Concubine Xu took their seats one after another. Concubine Liu had already heard about what happened last night and had already labeled Lingjiu a seductress.

The three of them waited in silence for about half a minute before Lingjiu finally appeared. The moment Concubine Liu saw Lingjiu's appearance, she was even more certain that she had seduced His Majesty. Though filled with jealousy, she then realized that the Empress probably hated Lingjiu as much as she did. Wouldn't it be wonderful if she could provoke a quarrel between the Empress and Lingjiu, allowing herself to reap the benefits? Concubine Liu stood up and bowed to Lingjiu, "May Your Majesty be blessed with good health."

Lingjiu sat high up in the seat of honor, her gaze cold and composed as she gazed at the three kneeling below. She didn't speak, but instead tilted her head slightly, extending her delicate, fair hand. She elegantly lifted the delicate teacup beside her and took a sip. When Liu Fei showed signs of impatience, Lingjiu finally put the cup down with a soft thud. Then, she slowly said, "Stand up!"

After taking her seat, Concubine Liu picked up her handkerchief, gently placed it against her lips, and said with a faint smile, "Your Highness, what a grand ceremony! Yesterday, His Majesty even left the palace specially to welcome you to Guangling Palace. You really stole the show."

Lingjiu raised his eyebrows slightly and said calmly: "Oh? So what?"

Concubine Liu covered her mouth and laughed, "Your Majesty is so high-profile, I'm afraid the Empress is quite dissatisfied. Your Majesty, you don't know that the Empress was very upset when you didn't go to pay your respects this morning."

Lingjiu replied nonchalantly, "Really? What does that have to do with me?"

Concubine Zheng took the opportunity to continue the conversation: "Your Highness, in this harem, the Empress holds the highest position after all. I'm afraid that your actions are inappropriate."

Lingjiu chuckled softly, "What's wrong with that? Since His Majesty has said that I don't need to pay my respects, then I will obey your orders."

Concubine Liu continued, "Your Highness, I'm afraid your arrogance due to your favor won't last long."

Lingjiu glanced at Concubine Liu and said, "Concubine Liu, you are wrong. Your Majesty and I have known each other since childhood. Your Majesty treats me differently from others."

Concubine Liu dug her nails into her palms. Although she was furious, her face remained calm as she said, "So, Your Majesty and the Empress have such a connection."

Xupin said at this time: "Your Highness, you are so favored by His Majesty, it is really enviable."

Lingjiu's lips curled up slightly: "Envy? This is what I deserve."

Concubine Liu's eyes rolled, and she continued, "Your Highness, do you know that in this harem, favor is very fickle? His Majesty may favor you today, but tomorrow he may..."

Lingjiu interrupted Concubine Liu: "Concubine Liu, are you cursing me?"

Concubine Liu quickly said, "I dare not. I am only reminding Your Majesty to be prepared for danger in times of peace."

Lingjiu smiled lightly: "Don't worry, Concubine Liu. I will handle the situation properly. Instead of worrying about me, you should think about yourself."

She continued, "It's been two months since Concubine Liu entered the palace, yet you haven't even had a chance to sleep with him. Could it be that you've done something inappropriate that has displeased His Majesty?"

Upon hearing this, Concubine Liu's face flushed crimson, a mixture of shame and irritation. Biting her lip, she forced herself to suppress the humiliation in her heart and stood up. "Your Highness, you are right. I am not feeling well, so I will take my leave first." With that, Concubine Liu hurried away.

Lingjiu was in a good mood as he watched Liu Fei's embarrassed back. "You have such little tricks, and you still have the nerve to show them off. You really don't know your own limitations."

After those people left, Lingjiu fell into deep thought, carefully planning his next steps. The current situation was clear: the court was divided into two camps. One, led by the Prime Minister, sought to control Ji Heng. This faction had numerous followers and a complex network of influence. The other, led by Imperial Tutor Liu, firmly supported Ji Heng. The two forces were in conflict, creating a delicate situation.

Within the harem, the Empress currently commands her own faction. Concubine Zheng, always following Concubine Liu's lead, naturally sides with her. This leaves only the female protagonist, Concubine Xu. Before entering the palace, Concubine Xu had already been engaged to the male protagonist, Xiao He, but was forcibly sent into the harem by her father. In her previous life, she had no desire to compete for favor, but unfortunately became a stepping stone in Concubine Liu's pursuit of favor, ultimately leading to her tragic death. In this life, it's best to send her out of the palace.

Concubine Liu was the daughter of Imperial Tutor Liu. Imperial Tutor Liu was a staunch supporter of Ji Heng. In this complex situation, the imperial court and the imperial harem were closely connected, practically one. If they wanted to completely overthrow Concubine Liu, the key was to start with Imperial Tutor Liu.

However, given the current situation, Lingjiu knew she couldn't act hastily. She had to deal with the Queen first. After all, if Grand Tutor Liu fell, Prime Minister Zhang's faction would undoubtedly be energized, which was definitely not what Lingjiu had hoped for.

In the evening, after finishing his official duties, Ji Heng once again entered Guangling Palace. The two enjoyed dinner together in a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

Ji Heng asked, "Did Concubine Liu and her companions come to see you today?"

Lingjiu nodded slightly and said, "Yes, they came to warn me, saying that favor is fickle and that one day His Majesty might no longer favor me."

Ji Heng frowned slightly: "Nonsense! My heart is clear, the sun and the moon can testify to it, how can Jiuer believe what others say."

"Taifu Liu appears to be of the same mind as us, but in fact he is the same kind of person as Prime Minister Zhang, both of them want to become the one in power above everyone else." Ji Heng's expression was tinged with sadness.

"These people will do anything to gain power. How can I let them control me?"

Lingjiu stood up, walked to the bed, took out a letter from under the pillow, and handed it to Ji Heng.

"Everyone on this list is talented. Most of them come from humble backgrounds and have worked diligently for decades without any chance of advancement. If you trust me, you can recruit them."

Ji Heng took the letter and said seriously: "Jiu'er, you and I are one. Under the whole sky, I only trust you. Even if you want the throne, I will offer it to you with both hands."

Lingjiu shook his head and said, "If I want the throne, my father will give it to me. I only hope that Ziyan can become a true wise ruler and let the people live and work in peace and contentment."

Ji Heng looked up at the starry sky, his eyes filled with sadness: "Jiu'er, do you know? This throne is nothing but shackles to me, and now it's more like a cage, trapping me in this world, where everything I do is controlled."

Ji Heng lowered his head and turned to look at Lingjiu: "Now that you are willing to accompany me, I am very happy. I finally don't have to face all this alone anymore, and I can finally sleep through the night."

Lingjiu walked forward, took his hand, and said softly, "Zi Yan, I will help you resolve the obstacles and make you a true king."