Chapter 16: Empress Ning

“I share the same intention. The illicit salt case involves far-reaching implications. The owner behind that pawnshop today is none other than Fu Jun, the legitimate son of Lord Fu, the Minister of the Department of State Affairs.”

The Fu family, as the foremost of the four great noble houses in the Great Qi dynasty, was led by Fu Chengyu, who held the prestigious post of Minister of the Department of State Affairs. Originally, this office was only responsible for managing internal court affairs. However, as Chancellor Xie Huaishu’s power gradually grew, the emperor devised a balancing strategy by elevating the authority of the Department of State Affairs.

Because of this, it was well known throughout the court that the Fu family and the Xie family were at odds.

Yesterday, the disgraced official Zhao Yuanliang sent a message to Fu Jun through an agent at the pawnshop, seeking protection from the Fu family.

Pei Shiqin had read the letter; at best, it only showed that the two were closely acquainted. It did not directly prove the Fu family’s involvement in the illicit salt case.

Yet Pei Shiqin understood what Emperor Yongxi desired, and he knew his own objective as well.

So when the emperor inquired about his next move, Pei Shiqin bowed slightly, his expression growing ever more respectful. “I have heard that the beloved son of Inspector Zong shares a close relationship with Fu Jun. The two often frequent that pawnshop. Coincidentally, that pawnshop falls within Inspector Zong’s jurisdiction.”

The emperor’s expression shifted slightly. “Are you certain that Inspector Zong would be aware of such a secret?”

Pei Shiqin shook his head. “I dare not be certain, Your Majesty. I humbly request three more days. If those two are indeed implicated in wrongdoing, I will come before Your Majesty with a full report.”

The emperor nodded calmly.

He had ascended the throne at eleven and had spent sixteen years unable to topple the centuries-old power of the Fu family. Now that Pei Shiqin was about to take office, the emperor naturally would not rush matters.

“Go then. If you require any assistance, inform Grand Eunuch Cao.”

Pei Shiqin clasped his sleeves in acknowledgment. Just then, a palace attendant entered to announce that Empress Ning had arrived.

Upon hearing this, the young emperor’s lips curved, his peach blossom eyes shimmering with deep affection.

No one in Great Qi doubted the profound love between the emperor and empress.

The emperor lost all interest in state matters and waved his sleeve. “Quickly, bring the empress in.”

Pei Shiqin remained composed, bowing and saying, “I shall take my leave then.”

The emperor nodded and turned his head to instruct, “It grows late. Grand Eunuch Cao, escort Lord Pei out.”

Cao Yuanchun readily complied, descending the steps to Pei Shiqin’s side and bowing slightly. “Please, Lord.”

Pei Shiqin responded solemnly, “Thank you, Eunuch.”

In the brief moment they exchanged these words, Empress Ning stepped inside. Seeing the palace-clad beauty stride in briskly, Pei and Cao promptly performed the grand salute due the empress.

Ning Ruoxuan waved her hand casually, signaling them to rise. She took a few steps, lifted her skirt, and stood beside Emperor Yongxi, then bowed slightly. “Your Majesty, the empress pays her respects.”

This was a privilege granted by the emperor, allowing her to stand shoulder to shoulder with him rather than opposite him, so long as no one else was present.

In her haste upon entering, Ning Ruoxuan had neglected Pei Shiqin, but Cao Yuanchun was not an outsider.

Before the emperor could respond, she raised her face and continued, “Has Your Majesty heard about the confusion involving the chancellor’s daughter? Today, Junjun left the chancellor’s residence. I do not know the details of what transpired, but last year at the palace banquet, Junjun helped me out of a difficult situation. I am grateful to her and humbly request Your Majesty’s permission to summon Junjun to the palace tomorrow.”

Pei Shiqin, who was just about to leave, paused mid-step.

Cao Yuanchun glanced sideways, sensing something, but Pei Shiqin calmly stepped out of the Hall of Supreme Rule.

Inside the hall, Emperor Yongxi raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. His daily concerns were many, and he naturally paid little heed to the affairs of officials’ families.

He did not take offense at Ning Ruoxuan’s slight breach of etiquette and merely nodded. “This is a minor matter. Tomorrow, I will send someone to summon her to the Hall of Phoenix Rides to accompany you.”

Ning Ruoxuan smiled, her lips like fresh peaches curling upward, the floral ornament on her forehead shining even brighter than the palace lanterns or the stars outside.

The emperor took her hand and gently touched her slender fingers. “I thought you came specially to see me, not for an outsider.”

With no one else present in the hall, Ning Ruoxuan gave a coquettish smile. “Of course I came to see Your Majesty. You labor so diligently each day. I brought you some ginseng soup to help.”

Emperor Yongxi glanced sideways at her, finding her playful manner utterly charming. He squeezed her fingertips. “You do have a conscience after all. Come, I will visit your palace.”

Ning Ruoxuan obediently rose and coaxed him to drink the ginseng soup. Arm in arm, they walked toward the Hall of Phoenix Rides.

Above the vast imperial palace hung a crescent moon like a hook, casting its glow on their silhouettes strolling along the palace path. The palace attendants bowed respectfully as they passed, though a few bolder ones dared to glance up at the couple’s backs and silently sighed how perfectly matched they were.

This young emperor of Great Qi, reigning for sixteen years, had governed with tireless dedication and treated the noble houses with great respect. The only time he went against the will of all the court officials was when he elevated a merchant’s daughter to the status of empress.

He refused the daughters of the four great houses and chose instead the orphan girl of a merchant family—a scandal whispered throughout the imperial family.

Yet, who among women would not envy her?

Still, an emperor remains an emperor. Even though the throne of empress was given to his beloved, to placate the noble houses, he took women from the Xu and Wei families into the palace as consorts.

Thus, the royal family ultimately bore little true affection.