Chapter 03 His Majesty Can't Wait

After receiving the order from His Majesty, we were in great pain. The boat was already moving fast enough, and His Majesty wanted to speed it up even faster. Who would be able to take responsibility if the wind and waves got stronger and something went wrong?

Commander Fang Wen asked him with a bitter face: "Eunuch, why don't you go and persuade His Majesty again?"

Guo Kai waved his hand. "If we can persuade His Majesty, why would you say anything? Just do as His Majesty says and send more people who are good at swimming to strengthen the patrol."

"Alas." Fang Wen rubbed the back of his head. He and Guo Kai had worked together for many years and had a good relationship. He was always open about things. "You've been with His Majesty the longest. I don't know what's wrong with His Majesty lately. His mind changes so quickly."

Guo Kai glared at him and said, "Your Majesty's thoughts are beyond our comprehension. Go and keep an eye on the people below and make sure we don't catch those who are secretly disobeying your orders."

Fang Wen was not annoyed. Instead, he leaned over and asked him quietly, "It is said that there are many beauties in Jiangnan. Do you think His Majesty came here for those Jiangnan beauties? On this southern tour, he didn't even bring a concubine with him. It's a rare thing."

He had heard that His Majesty had not summoned his concubines for more than a month before leaving the palace. Moreover, His Majesty had been traveling back and forth on the southern tour, so he must have been without sex for several months.

Guo Kai looked at the servants around him, all busy with their own affairs, not daring to look over. He lowered his voice and said, "I was wondering too. Before we set off, Concubine Yang went to ask His Majesty several times, but His Majesty refused. The beauties and talented people below were also eagerly waiting, but seeing that a new favorite like Concubine Yang was rejected, they gave up the idea."

He was originally worried that the emperor might be ill, but he happened to hear the emperor's voice from outside the bed curtains a few times at night, and the emperor sounded very angry. After thinking about it, he guessed that the emperor was tired of the old people in the palace and wanted to go outside to find some fresh air.

"Hey." Fang Wen touched his chin. "This Concubine Yang has been in favor for two or three years now, and it's almost time for her to fall out of favor."

His Majesty was not extravagant with women; he devoted most of his energy to court, with concubines in the harem serving as a leisurely pastime. Having ascended the throne for nearly twenty years, he had seen many concubines, both large and small, favored. With the exception of the three concubines and several who had given birth to heirs, whose positions were relatively secure, the others were quickly forgotten. As a close minister, he was naturally pleased to see His Majesty diligently focusing on state affairs and not lingering in the harem. After all, His Majesty now had many sons, so there was no need to worry about a successor.

"Whether Concubine Yang is favored or not has nothing to do with us. It will only be our turn to worry when all three concubines fall."

The three grown-up princes were locked in a fierce feud in the imperial court, while the three concubines in the harem also disliked each other and frequently tried to trip each other up. His Majesty turned a blind eye, letting them do as long as they didn't cause any major chaos. This emperor was truly cruel. Anyone who crossed his line would be chopped off without mercy, regardless of their status. However, as long as they didn't go too far, he would give them some leeway.

"Alas, no, I have to go out and investigate in person. If His Majesty has any other instructions, please come to me." After chatting for a while, Fang Wen waved his hand and strode out of the cabin.

…

Fortunately, the water level in Jiangnan was stable and there were no problems along the way. The imperial ship finally arrived in Jiangnan Road within two days.

Ye Wenyuan, the governor of Jiangnan, had already made preparations to welcome the emperor and had his men waiting on the shore. When he saw the imperial ship approaching, he immediately knelt down with everyone to welcome him.

"Your Majesty, your Majesty, long live your Majesty!"

Chen Dingyao stepped out of the boat and saw Ye Wenyuan kneeling before him. A complex feeling welled up in his heart. It was this fellow who had offered Chan Zhen to the King of Jin in his previous life. Thinking of Chan Zhen's reliance on the King of Jin, he hated him so much that he wanted to chop off the culprit's head. If nothing unexpected happened in this life, he would repeat the same trick, only targeting him instead of the King of Jin. But then he decided to let it go. Chan Zhen was already afraid of him, and if he attacked someone the moment he landed, Chan Zhen would probably be even less willing to approach him.

"Stand up." He said lightly.

He will be meeting Zenzhen soon, and this time he has to leave a good impression on her, at least to make her not so scared anymore.

Ye Wenyuan stood up tremblingly. He didn't know if it was an illusion, but for a moment he seemed to feel that His Majesty had a hint of murderous intent towards him. But now, seeing His Majesty's calm expression, even a hint of joy between his eyebrows, he didn't seem to be dissatisfied.

The emperor's heart is truly unfathomable.

He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said respectfully, "I have already prepared a residence for Your Majesty. Please stay in my house for the time being."

Chen Dingyao was in a good mood at the moment, so he nodded cheerfully: "Lead the way ahead."

"I obey your command."

Ye Wenyuan led the emperor to the palace and personally took him to the courtyard he had prepared. Along the way, he constantly observed the emperor's expression, fearing that he might be dissatisfied with his arrangements. Fortunately, the emperor seemed in a good mood today and did not raise any objections, which made him feel a little relieved.

After settling the emperor and his entourage, the sky gradually darkened. The palace steward came to report that the evening banquet was ready. Ye Wenyuan avoided the emperor and whispered, "Have the beauties in the backyard prepared their singing and dancing?"

The steward looked troubled. "It seems there's been some trouble with Miss Song. Qiuyue just said someone cut Miss Song's original dance costume."

Ye Wenyuan's face suddenly turned cold. "It's just those women scheming against each other. Didn't I tell Miss Song to be more careful before? After the banquet tonight, you will receive twenty lashes of the cane yourself."

"Yes, I admit my mistake." The steward nodded and bowed, not daring to complain. "Then will Miss Song still appear tonight?"

Ye Wenyuan pondered for a moment. Miss Song was the beauty he had carefully selected, and she must be presented to His Majesty, but the timing had to be chosen. It would only be meaningful if His Majesty fell in love with her at first sight and brought her back to the palace.

"Let's make the arrangements. Let the others come out tonight." He waved his hand and called out to the steward before he could turn around, "Go and comfort Miss Song yourself and tell her not to think too much."

He has been the governor of Jiangnan for too long. If he wants to take the next step forward, it depends on whether this reception can satisfy the emperor.

"Yes, I obey your command." The steward did not dare to delay and immediately rushed to Miss Song's courtyard. Inside, Qiuyue was holding her torn dance costume with a look of resentment on her face, while Miss Song herself had a calm expression, and it was hard to tell how disappointed she was.

He made it clear to Miss Song that she didn't need to attend the banquet tonight, and saw Qiuyue's eyes immediately turn red, as she stood up for her own girl.

"Did the girl miss out on this opportunity for nothing? It was obvious that they were jealous of her and deliberately messed up her hair. How come they were able to attend the banquet while my girl was left sitting on the bench?"

Qiuyue was furious. It was one thing for these people to reject her normally, but at this critical moment, they resorted to treacherous tactics. She knew she came from a humble background, and if she missed this opportunity, she didn't know where she would be sent. She was clearly a kind person, so why did these people insist on making things difficult for her?

"Oh, Miss Qiuyue, please don't say that." The steward was afraid that Miss Song would misunderstand and get stuck on something, so he quickly explained, "The governor meant to choose a suitable time for Miss Song to appear alone. With Miss Song's looks, as long as she shows up, no one else will have a chance."

Qiuyue still wanted to argue, what if His Majesty took a fancy to one of the girls serving at the banquet tonight, then even if her girl showed up later, it would be too late.

Zen Zhen gently pulled her to calm her down, then said softly to the steward, "Zen Zhen understands. Please tell the governor. Zen Zhen will follow his orders in everything."

Miss Song is so easy to talk to. The steward bowed to her and said, "Thank you for your understanding, Miss Song. I will report this to you immediately. If you have any needs, please feel free to tell me."

After he left, Qiuyue couldn't help but complain to Zenzhen.

"Miss, you are too soft-hearted. If they do this kind of thing once, they will do it again. Who knows what kind of trouble they will make next time."

Zenzhen smiled at her, "Okay, I don't care why you are so angry."

Honestly, their actions actually suited her. She had never liked dancing in public and hadn't been ready yet. Furthermore, she'd heard that His Majesty was volatile and moody, and she was afraid she'd show her fear and displease Him. Now she wished the day would be as late as possible. If the prefect alone could be so imposing and intimidating, how much more terrifying would His Majesty, the most powerful man in the world, be?

"Girl!" Qiuyue was still dissatisfied.

Zen Zhen hugged her hand and acted coquettishly, "Qiuyue, you know I'm the most timid person. I'm really afraid of meeting His Majesty. Can you let me make more preparations?"

She was used to taking advantage of her looks. She frowned slightly and looked at her pleadingly. Being looked at by those autumn-water eyes, Qiuyue subconsciously took half a step back, a slight blush crossed her face. Finally, she turned her face away and followed Chanzhen.

…

Ye Wenyuan had already arranged singing and dancing to liven up the banquet in the front yard.

Over a dozen Jiangnan beauties, dressed in light gauze dance costumes, performed a rehearsed song and dance. Jiangnan women are mostly delicate and lithe, and those who took the stage were carefully selected from the very best. Even Ye Wenyuan himself was moved by the sight. If it weren't for the need to serve His Majesty, he would have certainly taken all of these beauties himself.

Seeing the group of women draped in veils, Chen Dingyao's face turned cold. Did Chan Zhen also ask her to dance dressed like this in her previous life? Damn it, his Chan Zhen, he had never seen her dance in veil. He endured it again and again, but he still wanted to go back to his previous life and dig out the eyes of those who had seen Chan Zhen dance.

Fortunately, when he looked carefully again, he found that Zen Zhen was not among the group of women, and finally he swallowed his anger.

Ye Wenyuan watched His Majesty glance at the beauties several times, but couldn't tell which one he had chosen. So he decided to ask, "I have taken the liberty of sending these beauties to dance with Your Majesty. What do you think? Do you want to start now?"

Chen Dingyao hadn't been able to see the girl he'd been dreaming of. After a glass of wine, he recalled some past events, and now he was feeling irritated. He slammed his glass down on the table and said impatiently, "No need. They're just a bunch of vulgar people."

Ye Wenyuan hadn't expected that his thoughtful preparation of a beautiful dancer would actually displease His Majesty. His expression froze, and he didn't know how to respond. After a long pause, he could only awkwardly apologize, "It's my fault for not arranging it properly. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Chen Dingyao was feeling slightly tipsy, propping himself up on the table with one hand, a trace of fatigue in his eyes. Since his rebirth, he had dreamed of his past life almost every night. In his dreams, Zen Zhen either looked at him with tears in his eyes, or looked at him coldly with hatred, leaving him heartbroken and uneasy, and he had rarely gotten a good night's sleep.

He raised his hand and rubbed his forehead, suddenly remembering that in his previous life, Chan Zhen was good at playing the pipa, so he asked, "Is there anyone in the mansion who can play the pipa? Ask her to come and accompany me."

Ye Wenyuan immediately thought of the unparalleled beauty Miss Song. Since His Majesty looked down upon these women, it would be a good idea to let Miss Song come out. As long as Miss Song could serve His Majesty happily, His Majesty would surely not take the previous incident to heart.

He replied, "There is a Miss Song in your palace who is very good at playing the pipa. I will immediately arrange for her to come and serve Your Majesty."

Chen Dingyao opened his eyes, and his Zen truth was finally coming.

However, he was unwilling to have his Zen seen by so many people in public.

"Later, after the banquet is over, send her directly to my bedroom."