Chapter 113: Undercurrents

The candle flower gently popped on the gilt lampstand, Wan Tang was massaging Chu Yunzheng's temples, the tips of her fingers tinged with the coolness of mint ointment.

The Fēng xuě outside the window had not ceased, yet the hall inside was warm enough to make one drowsy.

"If it weren't for Tangtang, they'd probably hide this snow disaster until spring."

Chu Yunzheng suddenly seized her wrist and pulled her into his arms.

The scent of dragon's saliva mingled with alcohol lingered in Wan Tang's hair, "Tell me, what have you seen along the way?"

Wan Tang lowered her eyes, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the Emperor's palm, "Those who swap children for food, those who tear down houses and seize seats—these are commonplace."

Her voice lowered further, "And mothers who, to protect their children, froze themselves into ice statues."

"But everything I, the Subject, speak of is speakable." Wan Tang's expression grew heavier, "There are more, all hard to utter."

"No need to mention them, I suppose you, Emperor, can understand."

"Xu Chengyuan." Chu Yunzheng's knuckles turned white, yet his face still bore a smile, "What a loyal minister, devoted to the people."

"And those ministers who constantly speak of benevolence and righteousness, they are all exemplary."

He suddenly bit Wan Tang's earlobe, "Beloved consort, what punishment do you think is fitting?"

"Subject does not dare to speak rashly." Wan Tang knelt on the footstool, "Having seen those tragedies, my heart truly aches."

"Thinking of what the common folk endure, I fear I can no longer sleep peacefully."

She drew the treasury key from her sleeve, "I wish to use everything in the private vault for disaster relief."

Chu Yunzheng's eyes flickered slightly.

Wan Tang's private vault contained many items, all recorded in small booklets, which she gave to the Emperor.

"When others face disaster, it's always deducted from the palace." He thumbed her slightly rounded abdomen, "Only my Tangtang would even spare her own money."

"Cutting expenses only breeds resentment." Wan Tang looked up at him, the candle flame reflected in her eyes.

"Moreover, these were gifts from the sisters of each palace, as well as from the appointed women."

"The Subject merely allocated these funds to the most suitable individuals."

The Emperor suddenly chuckled, and as he leaned down, his crown's tassels brushed her cheek, "As for the disaster‑relief candidates, does Tangtang have any ideas?"

Wan Tang broke into a cold sweat instantly.

The Imperial harem may not meddle in state affairs, yet Chu Yunzheng suddenly raised a question to her—was he doubting something again?

【Tangtang, don't overthink; actually the Emperor knows everything you've prepared. He kept silent before to see how you would plan, whether you intend to make a name for yourself.】

【When you left the palace, the Emperor had already ordered Ouyang Qing: if such a thing truly occurs, you shall die at the City gate.】

【Your conversations and decisions with Xiao Chuan have been fully reported to the Emperor by Ouyang Qing. The Dog Emperor was quite pleased, further trusting your talent and kindness; moreover, he knows you and Xiao Chuan are at odds.】

【Now the Emperor is unaware that you are siblings, yet you protect Xiao Chuan to make him suspicious. At this moment his doubts are dispelled, realizing you only aim to deal with Xu Chengyuan, and that is enough.】

Wan Tang undoubtedly swallowed a Calming Pill.

She looked at the Emperor, fully aware of the Emperor's ruthlessness, and no longer expected to gain sincerity from Chu Yunzheng.

As long as she no longer doubts, that is enough.

"Emperor." Wan Tang's knees touched the ground, her plain white nightclothes spread on the jade tiles like a lotus.

She bowed her head, revealing a slender, fragile neck, "The Subject's knowledge is shallow; how could I dare to comment on state affairs?"

Chu Yunzheng reclined on a soft pillow, the crown's jade beads casting wavering shadows across his brow.

Wan Tang's fingertips trembled slightly, drawing a faint mark before Chu Yunzheng's knee, "General Xu, though young, is most upright. Disaster relief requires keen insight, and also…"

She suddenly bit her lip, as if unwilling to continue.

"What else is needed?" Chu Yunzheng suddenly leaned forward, his hand on her trembling shoulder.

"The might of sword and blade." Wan Tang bowed sharply, the Jīn zān falling, her black hair cascading down her back, "Those merchants who inflate grain prices, those parasites who deduct disaster‑relief grain, those malicious troublemakers…"

The Emperor suddenly chuckled, his slender fingertips twining a strand of her hair.

The ink‑black hair wound across his dark dragon robe like a timid snake.

"Tangtang." He suddenly tightened his grip on her hair, forcing her to lift her face, "Truly you have won my heart."

Chu Yunzheng remained seated there, Wan Tang still knelt.

Only Chu Yunzheng lowered his head and kissed her.

As their lips interlaced, Wan Tang trembled lightly.

Chu Yunzheng paused, his palm resting on her slightly rounded abdomen, where a faint movement was felt.

"The child is moving." Wan Tang's eyes glistened with tears, clutching the Emperor's hand and pressing it to her side, "Feel for yourself."

Chu Yunzheng's gaze softened unusually.

He suddenly swung sideways, lifted Wan Tang, and gently placed her on the bed, "I will protect you and the child."

For a brief moment, Wan Tang nearly lost herself in Chu Yunzheng's tender, watery gaze.

It was only that fleeting instant.

After all, Wan Tang truly did not know what actions would be considered valuable in Chu Yunzheng's heart.

The soft kiss became rapid and intense.

Wan Tang dared not close her eyes.

Only by seeing clearly in this way can she avoid chasing unrealistic dreams.

The golden‑threaded canopy on the dragon throne just lowered.

From outside the hall came Li Defu's thin voice, "Emperor, something's wrong!"

The old eunuch staggered to the screen, "The palace banquet has already erupted into chaos."

"General Xu Chengyuan, the Grand General, is moving in directly, claiming he killed Xu Yanchuan."

"It won't be enough to let him ruin the Xu Family's reputation."

Chu Yunzheng's lips still rested on Wan Tang's neck, but his eyes suddenly cleared.

He slowly rose, his fingertips grazing Wan Tang's chin: "Beloved consort, what should I do?"

Wan Tang's eyelashes fluttered lightly, revealing just the right hint of worry, "Lord Xu dares to brandish weapons at the palace banquet; it truly leaves one no choice but to be outraged."

She suddenly covered her lower abdomen, as if the fetal qi had been startled.

"Father and son ties are natural; I should not interfere too much," Chu Yunzheng said, meaningfully stroking her hair bun.

Wan Tang suddenly knelt on the ground: "Let Xu Yenchuan go immediately to the disaster zone for relief; it will both preserve the father‑son bond and avoid conflict."

She lifted her face, watery light shimmering in her eyes, "Let him atone and earn merit."

"Very well." Chu Yunzheng's robe brushed her cheek, bringing a chill.

When the footsteps faded, Li Defu turned back.

Seeing Li Defu, Wan Tang felt a wave of nausea churn in her stomach, extremely sickened.

"Your Majesty, this move is splendid," he said with a sinister smile, "Unfortunately, Lady of Grace Qi and that one from the Xu Family, their wombs also carry dragon blood."

"Those two, their maternal families are pillars of the nation, indispensable figures."

"I wonder who stands behind Empress Wan?"

"Could it be that you truly wish to back Xu Yenchuan, turning him into your own?"

"Matters of this palace need not trouble you, Lord," Wan Tang said leisurely, adjusting the Jīn zān, "And you?"

She suddenly lifted her gaze, a flash of cold light in her eyes, "How much longer can this rickety Xu Family ship still bear you?"

"Do not, at the end, end up dying from entanglement."

Wan Tang's mouth curved upward, she laughed: "When the time comes, Lord Li, will there be a filial son to give you a proper send‑off?"

Li Defu's aged face twisted instantly.

He trembled with anger, gritting his teeth, saying: "Wan Tang, you are too smug."

"When the child of those two is born, your death will come."