“Hey,” Fang Wen stroked his chin, “This Lady Yang has been favored for two or three years now. It’s about time she fell out of favor.” 

His Majesty wasn’t extravagant in his affections; he devoted most of his energy to court affairs. The palace concubines were largely a pastime for his leisure.

Having reigned for nearly twenty years, countless concubines had enjoyed periods of favor, but aside from the Three Consorts and a few who had borne imperial offspring, whose positions were relatively secure, the rest were quickly forgotten after their brief period of favor.

As a close official, Fang Wen was naturally pleased to see His Majesty diligently attending to state matters and not lingering in the palace. After all, His Majesty had many sons, ensuring the succession wasn’t a concern. 

“Whether Lady Yang is favored or not doesn’t concern us. We only need to worry when the Three Consorts fall from grace.” 

The three grown princes were locked in fierce competition in the court, and the Three Consorts, similarly, were at odds in the palace, constantly undermining each other.

His Majesty turned a blind eye, allowing them to squabble as long as it didn’t escalate into a major disturbance.

Their Emperor was indeed cruel; anyone who crossed his bottom line, regardless of status, would be executed without mercy. However, as long as one didn’t overstep, he would grant a degree of leeway. 

“Sigh, no, I must go and investigate personally. If His Majesty has any further instructions, you can come find me.” After their conversation, Fang Wen waved his hand and strode out of the ship’s cabin. 

… 

Fortunately, the water in the Jiangnan region was calm, and the journey was uneventful. The imperial vessel reached Jiangnan Dao within two days. 

Ye Wenyuan, the governor of Jiangnan, had made thorough preparations for the imperial arrival, waiting with his retinue on the shore. Upon seeing the imperial vessel dock, he immediately knelt with everyone else to welcome the emperor. 

“Your humble servant Ye Wenyuan greets His Majesty! Long live His Majesty! Ten thousand years of life to His Majesty!” 

Chen Dingyao stepped off the ship. Seeing Ye Wenyuan kneeling before him, a complex mix of emotions surged within him.

It was this man who had presented Chan Zhen to Prince Jin in his past life. Recalling Chan Zhen’s former dependence on Prince Jin, he felt a surge of hatred, a desire to sever the head of this culprit. In this life, unless something unexpected happened, Ye Wenyuan would likely repeat his actions, only this time the target would be him instead of Prince Jin.

But he decided against it; Chan Zhen already feared him, and if he executed someone immediately upon arrival, she would likely become even more apprehensive. 

“Rise,” he said calmly. 

He would soon see Chan Zhen again. This time, he needed to make a good impression, at least to alleviate her fear. 

Ye Wenyuan rose shakily. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but for a moment, he sensed a flicker of killing intent from His Majesty. However, His Majesty’s expression was now calm, even with a hint of joy in his eyes, showing no sign of displeasure. 

The emperor’s heart was indeed unfathomable. 

He wiped a cold sweat, respectfully saying, “Your humble servant has prepared a residence for Your Majesty. Please stay at my mansion for the duration of your stay.” 

Chen Dingyao, in a good mood, readily nodded, “Lead the way.” 

“Your humble servant obeys.” 

Ye Wenyuan led the imperial entourage to his mansion and personally guided the emperor to the prepared courtyard. Along the way, he continuously observed His Majesty’s expression, fearing any sign of displeasure with his arrangements. Fortunately, His Majesty seemed in a good mood today and didn’t express any objections, relieving him slightly. 

After settling the imperial party, as dusk approached, the mansion steward came to report that the evening banquet was ready. Ye Wenyuan, avoiding the emperor, quietly inquired, “Are the beauties in the back garden prepared for their performances?” 

The steward looked troubled, “There seems to be a problem with Miss Song. Autumn Moon just said that someone cut Miss Song’s dance costume.” 

Ye Wenyuan’s face immediately turned cold, “It’s just those women scheming against each other. Didn’t I instruct Miss Song to be more careful? After the banquet tonight, you’ll receive twenty lashes.” 

“Yes, this servant knows his mistake,” the steward bowed repeatedly, not daring to complain. “Should Miss Song still appear tonight?” 

Ye Wenyuan pondered for a moment. Miss Song was a carefully chosen beauty, meant to be presented to His Majesty, but the timing needed to be right.

It was crucial for His Majesty to take a liking to her at first sight and bring her back to the palace. 

“Make other arrangements. Let the others perform tonight,” he waved his hand, then stopped the steward before he could turn away, “Go and personally comfort Miss Song and tell her not to worry.” 

He had been governor of Jiangnan for a long time, and his advancement depended on whether this imperial visit would please His Majesty. 

“Yes, this servant obeys.” The steward, not daring to delay, immediately rushed to Miss Song’s courtyard. Inside, Autumn Moon was holding the ruined dance costume, her face filled with resentment, while Miss Song herself remained calm, showing no signs of distress. 

He explained that Miss Song wouldn’t be performing that night, and Autumn Moon immediately became tearful, fighting for her mistress. 

“Miss Song has lost this opportunity for nothing! It’s clearly those jealous women who deliberately cut her costume. How can they perform while Miss Song sits on the sidelines?” 

Autumn Moon was furious. These women had always ostracized Miss Song, and now, at this crucial moment, they resorted to such underhanded tactics.

She knew Miss Song came from a humble background, and if she missed this opportunity, she didn’t know where she would be sent next. Miss Song was kind-hearted, so why did these people have to make things so difficult for her? 

“Oh, Miss Autumn Moon, please don’t say that,” the steward feared Miss Song might misunderstand and become despondent, quickly explaining, “The governor’s intention is to choose a more suitable time for Miss Song to make a solo appearance. With Miss Song’s beauty, once she appears, the others won’t stand a chance.” 

Autumn Moon wanted to argue. What if His Majesty took a liking to one of the performers tonight? Even if Miss Song appeared later, wouldn’t she have lost her chance? 

However, Chan Zhen gently pulled her sleeve, signaling her to calm down, then softly said to the steward, “Chan Zhen understands. Please convey my gratitude to the governor. Chan Zhen will follow his arrangements.” 

Miss Song was so easy to talk to. The steward bowed, “Thank you for your understanding, Miss Song. I’ll report back to the governor immediately. If you have any needs, please feel free to tell me.” 

After he left, Autumn Moon couldn’t help but complain to Chan Zhen. 

“Miss, you’re too kind. They’ll do this again and again. Who knows what tricks they’ll pull next time?”