Chapter 40: Your Majesty Requests

Liu Zhaoyi was filled with panic.

The Emperor had already consumed the wine she had drugged; she could hardly focus on the banquet, let alone help Liu Jingyi deal with Shen Yuling.

The drug she had added to the wine was quite sinister.

If a woman consumed it, she would feel dizzy and act in various ways that could be deemed inappropriate.

However, for men, this drug acted as an aphrodisiac.

But…

She had dosed it based on the amount suitable for women; perhaps the Emperor wouldn’t feel much, and even if he did, having drunk so much tonight, his consciousness might be unclear, and he wouldn’t notice?

Liu Zhaoyi comforted herself.

Initially, she wanted Shen Yuling to behave recklessly at the banquet.

This way, she would have a reason to take Shen Yuling away from the gathering.

She had prepared a lover for Shen Yuling.

If someone discovered the affair, and everyone recalled Shen Yuling’s lewd behavior at the banquet, no one would deem her innocent.

Naturally, this would cement the charge against the Princess Consort for being indiscreet and consorting with a man outside the palace.

Such matters between women had always been her responsibility.

It wasn’t up to her how to handle it; even if the Emperor didn’t want to escalate things due to Shen Yuling’s status, those who needed to know would be aware, and her scheme would succeed.

Moreover, with such a scandal tarnishing the royal family’s reputation, how could Shen Yuling continue to have a good life?

How could the Prince continue to favor a woman who had already lost her virtue?

Her meticulously thought-out plans were originally flawless and perfect.

Yet unexpectedly, Shen Yuling had handed that cup of wine to the Emperor!

Did Shen Yuling sense something, or was it merely coincidence?

Liu Zhaoyi felt flustered, her face turning ashen.

Before long, she left the banquet, citing feeling unwell.

Seeing her retreating figure, Shen Yuling scoffed lightly.

She was probably hurrying to deal with the aftermath of this situation.

Quan Minghe had been drugged at his own birthday banquet; he would be furious when he found out.

And it was uncertain who would end up being Liu Zhaoyi’s scapegoat.

Unaware of what had transpired, Quan Minghe remained at the banquet, drinking with numerous officials and royal princes.

The atmosphere was lively and harmonious.

However…

Before long, Quan Minghe noticed something was off with his body.

His eyes narrowed sharply.

“Li Ming, I am tired; return to Weiyang Palace.”

The officials, who were preparing to toast the Emperor again, saw his face change suddenly, fearing they had unknowingly offended him, and they felt uneasy.

Some were at a loss, standing frozen in place.

Consort Wang noticed the Emperor rising to leave, a flicker of suspicion flashing in her beautiful eyes.

Had Liu Zhaoyi’s wine contained something unclean?

Was the Emperor simply feeling unwell after drinking too much with the officials, or was it something else?

Consort Wang’s mind was filled with doubts.

After a brief contemplation, she discreetly left Taiji Hall.

She was accompanied by only one close maid as they walked towards the corridor outside Weiyang Palace.

The gates of Weiyang Palace were usually heavily guarded; without the Emperor’s summon, the palace maids could not appear near it.

At that moment, Consort Wang stood precisely on the path leading from the Imperial Medical Department to Weiyang Palace.

She wanted to ascertain whether the Emperor was genuinely unwell or simply going back to rest.

Before long, Imperial Physician Hu, who was responsible for examining the Emperor, hurried towards Weiyang Palace.

Consort Wang, hidden in the shadows, immediately displayed an expression of realization.

If Liu Zhaoyi had indeed administered such a vile drug, then tonight, could the Emperor…

As this thought crossed her mind, Consort Wang couldn’t help but feel excited.

The Emperor had never stayed overnight in the Imperial Consort’s quarters during his previous birthdays, nor had any consort ever entered the Emperor’s Weiyang Palace.

Could it be that tonight, she might have the chance…

The more Consort Wang thought about it, the more hopeful she became.

Hastily, she turned to her close maid and instructed, “Return to the palace; I need to bathe and change.”

Consort Wang rushed back to her quarters, quickly cleaning and changing her attire.

Then, she eagerly awaited the Emperor’s arrival.

However, after waiting for a long time, the Emperor still had not come, and she hadn’t received any summon to Weiyang Palace.

Meanwhile, Shen Yuling, observing Quan Minghe leave, remained calm and collected.

She leisurely savored the exquisite palace cuisine.

About a quarter-hour later, Lan Ying, disguised as an ordinary palace maid, approached Shen Yuling.

Holding a wine jug, she leaned slightly closer, whispering in Shen Yuling’s ear.

“Your Majesty requests you.”

Shen Yuling, about to bring a piece of food to her mouth, paused mid-action.

Was Quan Minghe asking her for an antidote?

Did he think the women of the harem were mere decorations?

What would she do if Feng Moheng came to find her then?

Could it be that she was really expected to act intimate with Quan Minghe in front of Feng Moheng?

When she said that before, she merely wanted Quan Minghe to know that she disliked Feng Moheng; she did not intend to expose her relationship with the Emperor in front of him.

Even if she had to expose their relationship, it absolutely wasn’t now.

Did Quan Minghe really enjoy such stimulation?

But since he had already summoned her, she had no choice but to go.

Lan Ying was probably sent by Li Ming to convey the message; if it had been some unknown maid who came to inform her, she certainly would not have gone.

One must always be on guard.

Every step Shen Yuling took in her revenge had to be steady and well thought out.

After Lan Ying retreated, she resumed her nonchalant demeanor.

She brought the food to her mouth, chewed slowly, swallowed, and then took a sip of wine.

Only then did she slowly turn to Feng Moheng, who was animatedly conversing with the officials at the next table, and said, “Husband, I drank a bit too much earlier and now feel somewhat stifled; I want to go outside for some fresh air.”

Feng Moheng did not think much of it.

He casually replied, “Alright, just don’t wander too far; don’t get lost.”

Shen Yuling nodded and then got up to leave the banquet.

The female shadow guard, already waiting in the shadows for Shen Yuling, led her directly to the back hall of Weiyang Palace.

The vermilion doors of the hall were embedded with gilded copper nails, exuding majesty.

Under Li Ming’s anxious guidance, Shen Yuling stepped inside.

The ground beneath her feet was paved with white marble, emitting a faint cold glow.

Inside the hall, palace lanterns illuminated by silk shades embroidered with exquisite dragon and phoenix patterns.

The light filtered through the lampshades, casting a hazy glow.

Shen Yuling continued deeper, heading straight to the sleeping quarters.

The enormous dragon bed was meticulously crafted from precious rosewood, with lifelike golden dragons carved on the bedposts.

Quan Minghe was reclining against a soft pillow.

Above him, the canopy was interwoven with golden threads, silver wires, pearls, and gemstones.

Under the palace lanterns’ illumination, it sparkled brilliantly, showcasing extreme luxury and royal grandeur.

At that moment, Quan Minghe had his eyes closed, looking agitated, breathing heavily, and his face flushed.