Chapter 22: A Stirred Heart

A Playful Exchange

“Yes, I met Wei Jieyu by the lotus pond a couple of days ago. Why? Is Your Majesty worried I bullied her?”

Xie Jiu’s eyes carried a teasing glint.

“Wei Jieyu didn’t seem to like me much. I hardly dared to speak, yet she still got upset.”

“You knew that, yet you’re not afraid I’d blame you?” Zhao Xingjin toyed with the jade beads in his hand, his expression half-smiling. “Wei Jieyu even sent word to her family, urging her father to persuade me not to keep you in the palace.”

His words carried a probing edge.

Xie Jiu wasn’t fooled. Wei Zhang was Zhao Xingjin’s confidant—she wouldn’t recklessly speak ill of the Wei family.

She tossed the question back.

“So, is Your Majesty planning to drive me out of the palace?”

Zhao Xingjin didn’t play by the rules either, giving her a cryptic smile. “You said it, not me.”

His response was pure deflection.

Xie Jiu cursed the sly fox inwardly but kept her composure, continuing the act.

“This morning, Your Majesty sent a sedan to fetch me, and now you’re talking of driving me out,” she said, feigning grievance.

Her eyes flashed with defiance.

“I’ve shown no disrespect to Wei Jieyu. Just because she dislikes me, must I be cast out? I might as well hang myself and be done with it—no more Xie Jiu to trouble anyone’s eyes!”

She turned away, clutching her handkerchief tightly, facing away from Zhao Xingjin.

“Fine. Be it thunder or rain, it’s all the Emperor’s grace. You’ve shown me great favor, and if you now wish me gone, I’ll go.”

Her delicate yet fiery, stubborn demeanor sent a thrill through Zhao Xingjin.

Having teased her enough, he chuckled and tugged at her sleeve. “Alright, I was only joking. Are you really upset? With such a beauty, how could I bear to let you go?”

Xie Jiu glanced back, pouting as if still miffed, then turned away again, refusing to budge.

“Your Majesty teases me for your own amusement, heedless of scaring me. One day, if I’m truly frightened, you’ll probably complain my courage is lacking.”

“If you’re timid, then none of my consorts could be called bold,” Zhao Xingjin said.

He took her hand, pulling her to sit beside him.

“A beauty’s face, whether joyful or angry, is always captivating.”

He complimented her, and Xie Jiu’s lips curved slightly, though she quickly suppressed it, pursing her lips as if still cross.

“Your Majesty is skilled at sweet-talking.”

“Nonsense. How could I deceive you?” Zhao Xingjin squeezed her hand. “Wei Jieyu has a forthright nature. She’s prejudiced against you, so just avoid her in the future. She won’t seek you out to cause trouble.”

His words signaled the topic’s end, and Xie Jiu, perceptive, didn’t pursue it further.

She nodded. “I understand.”

A Strategic Mind

Zhao Xingjin admired her tact—knowing when to advance and when to retreat, playful yet never overstepping or becoming tiresome.

In a good mood, he continued, “Today, Wu Que accused your father of abusing power and forming factions. I wasn’t inclined to pursue it, as he had no evidence, but Wei Zhang suggested a thorough investigation to clear your father’s name. I found some merit in that, so I’ve assigned the Censorate to handle it.”

As he spoke, Xie Jiu’s mind raced.

She recalled asking how she could ease her father’s troubles, only for Zhao Xingjin to sidestep and mention Wei Jieyu before circling back to Wei Zhang causing trouble for Xie Mingchen.

Piecing it together, she formed a hypothesis.

Zhao Xingjin was guiding her, framing a court power struggle as a vendetta sparked by harem rivalries.

It was simple: make Xie Mingchen believe Wei Zhang was targeting him because Xie Jiu’s favor with the Emperor had provoked Wei Jieyu’s displeasure, prompting Wei Zhang to act on his daughter’s behalf.

This would trouble Xie Mingchen but also reinforce his belief in Xie Jiu’s favor.

Simultaneously, it allowed Zhao Xingjin to openly investigate Xie Mingchen.

Whether anything was found or made public would be entirely in Zhao Xingjin’s control.

Understanding his intent, Xie Jiu followed his lead. “Your Majesty’s decision is for my father’s benefit. When I leave the palace, I’ll inform him, and he’ll surely appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

“Exactly,” Zhao Xingjin said, his phoenix-like eyes smiling. “It’s hot these days. I have a pair of jade pillows in my storehouse—cool and perfect for the season. Take them to your father, and tell him not to worry, so he can sleep soundly.”

Xie Jiu bowed her head. “I’ll convey my father’s gratitude to Your Majesty.”

A Return to Chaos

Zhao Xingjin then brought up the Weiyuan Marquis Estate. “With Wu Que in the Ministry of Justice’s prison, the estate must be in chaos. Are you still returning there? Why not stay in the palace for a few days of peace?”

“No,” Xie Jiu said, her brows arching playfully. “It’s the perfect time to watch the show. I have to go back.”

She leaned closer, her eyes sparkling. “If I hear something amusing, I can share it with Your Majesty to make you laugh too!”

Her playful demeanor, more like a spirited young girl than a married woman, was utterly charming.

Her radiant face, now so close, was flawless in its beauty.

From Zhao Xingjin’s angle, as he glanced down her smooth neck, a hint of allure was faintly visible. Her subtle fragrance enveloped him, as if drawing his soul away.

There was no deliberate seduction, yet her innocent charm was irresistibly enticing.

A Dangerous Moment

Zhao Xingjin’s eyes darkened. Suddenly, he reached out, caressing her cheek, his fingers trailing down her neck to linger at her collarbone.

As his touch glided, Xie Jiu’s body trembled slightly.

The gesture was intimate, yet she felt as if a cold blade—or sharp fangs—had grazed her neck, ready to tear her throat and spill blood at any moment.

Despite her fear, Xie Jiu steadied herself, rallying her courage.

She was beginning to understand Zhao Xingjin’s nature. He disliked rigid, timid people.

The more unconventional and bold she was, the more she surprised and intrigued him.

But she had to tread carefully—Zhao Xingjin also disdained those who challenged his authority.

So, she gently pressed his hand at her collarbone, her other hand resting on the bench as she leaned closer, studying him with an admiring gaze.

“Your Majesty’s eyes are truly striking. Sword-like brows and starry eyes—surely this is what they mean.”

While Xie Jiu gazed at his eyes, Zhao Xingjin’s attention was on her full, cherry-like lips, tempting him to take a fierce bite.

The thought ignited a fire within him.

His eyes narrowed, realizing she’d stirred his heart. He took a deep breath, quelling the restlessness in his chest, and lightly patted her waist.

“Enough mischief. I have state affairs to attend to. Go visit Wenxi.”