Chapter 13: All Pretence

A Morning Reflection

Morning arrived.
Qing Fang, styling Xie Jiu’s hair, chattered gleefully about the capital’s gossip.
Chun Rong couldn’t help but laugh.
Yet Xie Jiu’s face showed no joy.
The more Wu Que proved useless, the more she saw her father Xie Mingchen’s so-called love as false.
Back in her maiden days, he’d praised the Wu family as descendants of founding generals.
Wu Que, the sole heir, was upright with a bright future.
Marrying him, she’d be a lady, later a marchioness, destined for wealth and ease.
Trusting this, she’d married happily.
Though Wu Que disappointed her, she accepted a respectful marriage.
But when he surrendered spinelessly after repeated defeats, her respect crumbled.
Young and sheltered, she might not have known his true character.
But how could Xie Mingchen not?

A Father’s Deception

Despite knowing, he’d coaxed her into the marriage.
It was a political alliance, her happiness ignored.
Initially, Xie Jiu thought her father once cared, swayed later by court politics to scheme with Wu Que, forcing her to the palace.
Now, she doubted his love ever existed.
If so, she owed him no filial duty.
“Did you send the message to the Xie family?” she asked, eyes lowered.
Chun Rong sobered, nodding.
“Rest assured, Madam, I handled it myself yesterday.”
Relieved, Xie Jiu picked up an earring, putting it on before the mirror.
“My father’s cautious now, with corruption probes ongoing.”
“He’ll act in court today to avoid suspicion.”
Pausing, her eyes turned mocking.
“I wonder who he’ll sacrifice this time.”

A Familiar Tactic

Xie Jiu knew her father well.
To prove loyalty, he’d denounce corrupt officials.
He’d done it before.
When Zhao Xingjin seized the capital, the late emperor took his own life.
As Prime Minister, Xie Mingchen arrested those who’d urged the emperor to curb vassals or plotted against Zhao Xingjin.
He presented them to the new emperor, decrying the old regime’s tyranny.
Swift and ruthless, he left no leverage against himself.
A rebel-turned-emperor, Zhao Xingjin needed stability.
Killing a revered minister like Xie Mingchen would alienate scholars.
So, he kept him as Prime Minister.
Xie Mingchen knew he’d outmaneuvered Zhao Xingjin once, living in fear of retaliation.
Seizing this, Xie Jiu set her plan.

A Courtroom Cull

As expected, Xie Mingchen acted in court.
He submitted several memorials accusing corrupt officials.
Zhao Xingjin, delighted, ordered their arrest.
The treasury would gain handsomely.
Better yet, Xie Mingchen played the villain, leaving Zhao Xingjin to reap the rewards.
Back at Chengming Palace, he summoned Xie Jiu.
“Among them was a man loyal to your father for twenty years,” he said.
“He’s ruthless.”
Xie Jiu offered him tea.
“How else to prove his righteousness and clean hands?”
Her sharp tone amused Zhao Xingjin.
Noticing her bare wrist, he spoke.
“Such a lovely hand shouldn’t be empty.”
“Yang Zhi’an!”
“Here, Your Majesty!” Yang Zhi’an stepped forward.
“Fetch the carved ice-jade bracelets from my stores,” Zhao Xingjin ordered, smiling.

A Playful Reward

Yang Zhi’an hurried off.
Xie Jiu smiled softly.
“My thanks for Your Majesty’s generosity.”
“Just words for thanks?” Zhao Xingjin raised a brow.
His bold gaze swept over her.
At first, Xie Jiu might’ve mistaken this for a demand.
But after days together, she knew his ways.
He enjoyed teasing, perhaps a touch of closeness, but rarely acted further.
So, she played along, stepping closer.
Her waist swayed softly as she spoke.
“Shall I massage your shoulders and legs later?”
Her shy glance and hesitant charm stirred him.
The words were innocent, yet suggestive.
The ambiguity was tantalizing.
As a man, Zhao Xingjin relished the flirtation.

An Awkward Interruption

Before he could respond, Yang Zhi’an returned.
The door opened, breaking the moment.
“Tch,” Zhao Xingjin muttered, annoyed.
Yang Zhi’an froze, sweating.
Had he returned at the wrong time?
Seeing Xie Jiu close to the Emperor, he understood.
But he was here now, so he pressed on.
“Your Majesty, the bracelets,” he said cautiously.
“Also, the Empress’s aide came.”
“She requests you visit Weiyang Palace to discuss the Mid-Autumn Festival.”
“It’s your first as Emperor, and she wishes to plan a grand banquet.”
Zhao Xingjin frowned but nodded.
“I see,” he said, waving a hand.
He took the bracelets and slipped them onto Xie Jiu’s wrists himself.
“They suit you,” he said, then added softly, “You earned another merit today.”
Xie Jiu looked puzzled.
“What merit, Your Majesty?”