Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Days of scheming had left her physically and mentally exhausted. Now that she finally had the name of the last person, the tense string in her heart seemed to relax all at once.

Sheng Zhaoning rested her head on the edge of the bathtub and unknowingly fell asleep.

The moonlight was cool and clear, the wind cold and mournful.

When she awoke again, the water in the tub had already turned lukewarm.

Blinking dazedly, her mind not yet fully awake, she saw in the dim candlelight that an upright figure had appeared on the chair across from her at some point. A pair of dark eyes gleamed with a cold light, dangerous and predatory.

Sheng Zhaoning’s heart gave a violent jolt. Instinctively, she opened her mouth to speak, but before she could make a sound, a hand covered her lips, and warm, moist breath brushed against her ear.

She heard that familiar voice. “Go ahead and scream if you want to bring everyone running.”

This voice…

Her heart sank. “Your Majesty.”

Wei Yi did not let go of her. His hand moved from her lips, slowly trailed behind her ear, and caressed the side of her neck, squeezing twice neither too hard nor too soft. “Where did you go today?”

She was soaking in the water, her whole body exposed to his gaze.

This situation was very unsettling.

She knew well that every move she made was being watched. He was asking a question he already knew the answer to, just to make her confess on her own and satisfy his desire for control.

Sheng Zhaoning shrank back into the water, her eyelashes lowered. “The residence of the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.”

Wei Yi let out a cold laugh. “At least you’re honest.”

He tested the water temperature with his hand and found it had cooled, growing displeased. Abruptly, he lifted her out of the bathtub.

Sheng Zhaoning frowned, instinctively trying to cover herself, but Wei Yi saw the gesture, raised an eyebrow, and sneered, “What’s there to hide? What part of you haven’t I seen?”

She paused, her fingers unconsciously tightening.

Wei Yi grabbed a blanket, wrapped her in it, and carried her to the bed. “What did Tao Song say to you?”

The thick blanket was wrapped around her, but he didn’t leave; instead, he stayed extremely close-so close she could clearly feel the scorching heat of his breath on the hollow of her throat.

Sheng Zhaoning knew he was probing her. Forcing herself to resist the urge to pull away, she said softly, “Nothing but harsh words. He wants me dead more than anything-don’t you know that, Your Majesty?”

Wei Yi sneered. “You chose to go and invite humiliation yourself. Who is there to blame?”

He didn’t know that Tao Song had long been investigating Prince Zhenbei’s treason. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have let him live this long, let alone allowed them to meet.

Sheng Zhaoning was held in his arms, their breaths entwining. She could clearly smell the faint sandalwood scent on him.

She was almost surrounded by his presence.

Sheng Zhaoning instinctively resisted.

But Wei Yi pressed closer.

He rubbed the tip of her ear, turned her face toward him, and stared into her eyes, his gaze gradually darkening with a hint of stirring desire.

He lowered his head, pressing toward her lips…

Sheng Zhaoning turned her head away.

“I’m not feeling well.”

Wei Yi’s movement froze.

She felt his breath grow heavier, as if he was forcefully suppressing his anger. After a long while, her face was gripped by a large hand, her chin tilted up forcefully.

“Sheng Zhaoning, have I been too indulgent with you lately?”

He was furious.

In the past, when she wouldn’t let him touch her, he would also get angry.

But out of consideration for her health, he had never forced her.

This time was different.

Wei Yi already resented her for killing Xu Fu, and her refusal to beg for mercy or yield had stoked his anger. This time, he had swallowed his pride to come to her. If she had just taken the way out and apologized, the matter would have been settled.

But she remained as cold and indifferent as ever.

He felt a sense of frustration, like punching a cotton ball-it was infuriating.

Wei Yi grabbed her chin and kissed her without a word.

Sheng Zhaoning frowned and pushed him away, but the strength difference was too great. Even with all her might, she couldn’t budge him. Instead, she quickly ran out of strength and collapsed, limp, in his arms.

Wei Yi’s kiss carried a hint of punishment, crushing and biting her lips until a faint taste of blood spread between their lips.

She only felt her breath being slowly stolen by him, until a slight dizziness came over her vision. Only then did Wei Yi release her.

The corner of her lips was bitten through, oozing a thin layer of blood red.

His fingers rubbed her slightly swollen lips as he spoke in a slightly hoarse voice.

“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. You’d better behave yourself and know your place. If you’re tired of living comfortably, it wouldn’t be impossible for Sheng Zhaoning to die suddenly of illness and a new bedchamber maid to appear in the rear palace.”

Sheng Zhaoning’s heart trembled violently.

She understood that Wei Yi was never one to make idle threats.

Sheng Zhaoning truly believed that if the day ever came when she thoroughly angered him, he would cage her in the palace, lock her up, like keeping a pet bird.

Sheng Zhaoning was still brought to the palace.

Wei Yi was suspicious by nature and never easily believed anyone’s words, let alone hers.

He doubted her real purpose for meeting Tao Song. It couldn’t possibly be as simple as she claimed-just to see her former mentor.

He sent a few men to investigate secretly, but it was all in vain.

Tao Song had been investigating a case of treason, but with no evidence, he’d never made it public. He’d only mentioned it to her once in passing, and she’d remembered it.

This was something Wei Yi would never be able to find out.

…

Imperial physicians began coming in and out of Changhua Hall every day again.

This time, Wei Yi seemed determined to nurse her back to health.

The one most familiar with her condition was the Imperial Physician who had treated her at the Ministry of Justice.

Every time after taking her pulse, his expression could only be described as complex and colorful.

“With proper rest and care, she can still be treated.”

Wei Yi, hearing these words spoken with obvious reluctance, was in a good mood, his expression unusually gentle.

She, however, didn’t care.

What difference was there between living and dying?

And so, Sheng Zhaoning settled into Changhua Hall.

Zhou Wei was placed under the control of Wei Yi’s men to prevent him from causing trouble outside on her orders. Jin He, however, was shown leniency and allowed to stay by her side.

Every day after morning court, Wei Yi would return to have breakfast with her. After the meal, he’d go to review memorials while she sat within his sight, quietly reading.

Neither of them mentioned the Xu Fu incident again, and the days passed so peacefully it was as if nothing had ever happened.

She saw Chi Yu again a month later.

After breakfast, Wei Yi summoned Chi Yu to the study.

He had grown thin all over, his skin a bit darker and rougher. He knelt on the ground and performed a respectful salute. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Sheng Zhaoning stared at his back, her lips unconsciously pressing tight.

Wei Yi shot her a warning glance.

“Rise,” he said.

Chi Yu rose in silence.

“There’s no need for formality between us; it would only make us seem distant.”

Wei Yi’s gaze slanted toward Sheng Zhaoning and saw her staring dazedly at Chi Yu, lost in thought. A sudden anger flared up in his heart.

“Sheng Zhaoning.” He raised his chin, his eyes turning colder. “Do you have nothing to say?”