6.

I came up with a great plan to conquer my social anxiety.

I might be scared of those talkative ministers, but I’m not necessarily afraid of eunuchs and palace maids, right?

So, on the day the Regent returned to his estate, I gathered a group of palace maids and eunuchs in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

They lined up, exchanging confused glances, unsure of what was happening.

But as I stood there, staring at the densely packed heads, my fear began creeping back in.

“I, I, I want you all to… accompany me tonight…”

The next words I had carefully rehearsed refused to come out.

Damn it! The lines I had prepared in my head suddenly vanished the moment I needed them.

But I am the Emperor—I can’t let them see me falter.

I stepped forward, gritting my teeth, and mimicked how my older brothers would treat their concubines, lifting the chin of one of the maids.

“Ahem, let me have a good look at you.”

As soon as my fingers touched the maid’s face, it was like I was electrocuted, and I was just about to pull back when suddenly, the door to the Hall of Mental Cultivation flew open.

Standing there, with a dark expression, was Huo Liang.

“Your Majesty, it seems your hunger knows no bounds.”

Seeing the Regent, the palace maids and eunuchs scattered, leaving only the two of us in the hall.

His tone was icy, sending shivers down my spine:

“Does His Majesty have an explanation?”

I kept my head down, feeling that I had done nothing wrong.

“I’m doing this for your sake, dear minister. Can’t you see how hard I’m trying?”

But his face didn’t soften.

“Your Majesty, which one have you taken a liking to?”

Each word was like a reprimand.

As if I couldn’t hear the sarcasm in his tone.

But I didn’t argue.

“I haven’t taken a liking to anyone.”

Huo Liang gritted his teeth. “So His Majesty really has been paying attention to the looks of the palace maids?”

“I…” I had no defense!

---

7.

Since that incident, the relationship between the Regent and me has grown cold.

Lately, he hasn’t stayed overnight in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, instead retreating to his estate after court.

I am the Emperor; I should have a broad heart.

So I waited on the path he takes when leaving the palace, hoping to see him.

But every time, he ignored me.

It infuriates me!

Somehow, this news reached the ears of the ministers.

Many of the senior officials, who had served the late Emperor, had long been displeased with the power the Regent wielded. They began submitting memorials urging me to choose a bride.

The Minister of Rites’ younger daughter, the Minister of Revenue’s eldest daughter… They wanted to fill my entire harem overnight.

It gave me a massive headache.

These daughters of high-ranking officials are all beautiful and talented, perfectly fit to be Empress.

I wanted to consult with the Regent, but when I sent a eunuch to notify him, the message returned: “The Regent is unwell and cannot enter the palace.”

Good, Huo Liang, you’ve grown bold, even refusing to see me.

---

8.

The next day at court.

The Regent was absent, on leave.

I was once again left to face the ministers alone.

I wished I could call in sick too!

Am I some sort of lowly servant? They expect me, someone with social anxiety, to attend court alone.

And with no one by my side to understand my feelings!

As I looked at all the eyes fixed on me, the familiar wave of dread washed over me.

“Let’s… let’s begin the court session!”

“Long live His Majesty!”

I tactically avoided meeting anyone’s gaze.

“Your Majesty, I must speak. The harem is empty, and there is no heir. Shouldn’t Your Majesty select consorts and ensure the royal lineage is continued?”

I knew it! I couldn’t avoid this topic.

Back when I was a carefree prince, my brothers all had wives and concubines, but no one in the noble families ever looked my way.

I wanted to cry.

But I am the Emperor.

I glanced back at the empty space next to me, tears welling in my eyes.

Regent, I can’t do this without you.

“Your Majesty is in the prime of life, and this matter concerns the stability of the royal family. Please make a decision soon.”

“This… this… let’s wait for the Regent to return before discussing it.”

“Your Majesty, it’s you who must choose a bride, not the Regent!”

These old fools keep pressuring me! They were the ones who pushed me to the throne, and now they want to push me into selecting a bride.

I’m like a little mouse, moved around at their whim, waiting to be devoured by the fiercest snake.

Just as I was reaching my limit, the Regent finally appeared.

Today, Huo Liang was dressed differently. He wore a striking red robe, standing tall and dignified, as elegant as jade.

But… was that… dragon embroidery on his clothes?

What should I do? My beloved minister is going to attract all their attention!

I quickly grabbed him, using my wide sleeves to cover the dragon pattern on his robe.

“Your Majesty, I have a proposal.”

I was oblivious to anything unusual about the Regent today and eagerly replied, “Yes, yes, everyone, listen to the Regent!”

Suddenly, all the ministers fell to their knees. “This cannot be, Your Majesty!”

I was confused as the Regent bowed slightly and said:

“Your Majesty, I wish to marry you.”

“Then we shall follow the Regent’s—what?!”

My eyes widened in shock.

What did I just hear?

Before I could comprehend, a large crowd stormed into the throne room, surrounding the entire hall.

As the ministers exchanged nervous glances, Huo Liang’s dark eyes glinted dangerously as he looked at me playfully:

“Your Majesty, I have long plotted for this throne, but now, I desire more than just the throne—I want you.”

“Your Majesty, were you planning to agree to the consort selection? I refuse. You’ve been rather disobedient today. How should I punish you?”

Huo Liang suddenly leaned down, and I held my breath in fear.

He let out a soft chuckle, exuding a chilling, bloodthirsty aura.

“Tonight, in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, I’ll punish you until you’re completely exhausted.”

---

9.

“Help! Help the Emperor!”

I cried out, but the ministers only whispered among themselves, looking everywhere but at me.

Huo Liang lifted my chin with the hilt of his sword.

“Your Majesty, are you afraid?”

I swallowed hard. “Huo Liang, w-why did you bring so many people here?!”

My social anxiety is acting up…