Chapter 244: A Chess Game

At the early hour, the bright yellow bed curtains were lifted by a hand with distinct knuckles.

The Emperor had left; in the Sleeping Hall only Wan Tang remained, lazily leaning against the headboard, her long black hair cascading like a waterfall onto the brocade pillow.

"Madam, it's time to rise. The hot water is ready."

Eunuch Xiao Luzi bowed and stood outside the curtain, his voice pressed down to a whisper, as if fearing to disturb the morning's tranquility.

Wan Tang was helped to rise by a palace maid.

While she changed clothes, Xiao Luzi stepped closer, speaking cautiously, "Madam, there is something."

Since the Emperor arrived last night, Lady Su Guiren has been waiting outside the Gongmen, staying the whole night.

"Do you think… should we meet?"

Wan Tang smoothed the crabapple blossom embroidered with gold thread on her cuff, her brows briefly furrowing in an almost imperceptible way.

For what purpose, she knew exactly.

"Send it in," she said evenly, her tone revealing no joy or anger.

【What do you mean 'see'? Isn't it just that you heard Tangtang and Su Yanci's words and feel unwilling?】

【Besides, I flattered the Emperor myself, got rejected, and now want a place to vent.】

【According to me, there's no need to bother her at all. If she wants to go deliver, let her.】

【She waited a whole night. Thinking carefully, someone who can be so ruthless to herself is truly terrifying.】

【Hurry and stay away!】

【We've already come to this point; I'm afraid it's too late now.】

Listening to the Barrage, Wan Tang gave a wry smile.

To be honest, all the impressions from first meeting the girl had long faded for Wan Tang.

If anything remained, it was only Su Yanci's continual care.

In the reception hall, Wan Tang sat at the head seat, cradling a freshly brewed cup of Junshan Silver Needle.

Amid the lingering tea aroma, she watched Lady Su Guiren walk in.

Just one night later, the once radiant and delicate girl resembled a flower struck by frost, looking utterly gaunt.

Only her eyes, like knives tempered in fire, stared straight at Wan Tang.

"Virtuous Consort," Lady Su Guiren's voice trembled with emotion, "Are you truly set on opposing me?"

Wan Tang took a light sip of tea, without raising her eyelids, "I am helping you."

"Help me? I don't need it!" Lady Su Guiren sneered, "Tell me, why would you do this? You couldn't possibly be so kind!"

"Out of respect for your brother."

Lady Su Guiren's mocking tone deepened, "My brother? Ha, what a grandiose excuse."

"Virtuous Consort, put away your pretended benevolence!"

Wan Tang finally set down her teacup, her gaze steady as she said, "The Imperial harem is treacherous; you were pampered by your father and brothers since childhood, unaware of its depths."

"Here, right and wrong are tangled, hearts calculate, it's beyond what you can handle."

"I don't need your meddling."

"You want me to back off? Dream on!" Lady Su Guiren interrupted angrily.

Wan Tang leaned back slightly, her demeanor still composed, "You came today just to tell me this?"

"Is that not enough? Aren't you afraid I'm taking the Emperor's favor? You're scared!"

Hearing that, Wan Tang's lips curled into a faint, almost pitying curve.

She slowly lifted the nearby cup of slightly cooled tea, tilted her wrist, and poured the tea entirely onto the blue stone floor before Lady Su Guiren.

The splash scattered, the tea leaves dampening Lady Su Guiren's hem.

"You are still unqualified," Wan Tang said softly yet with undeniable authority, "Leave."

Lady Su Guiren was stunned by the sudden action and words, her face turning ashen.

She glared fiercely at Wan Tang, then, full of resentment, turned and hurried away.

Xiao Luzi hurried forward, whispering soothingly, "Madam, calm your anger; getting ill over such a trivial matter is not worth it."

"Lady Su Guiren is still young, newly entered the palace, her mind simple; this persistence likely means… she truly loves the Emperor."

Wan Tang did not reply immediately; her gaze turned toward the high walls of the inner palace outside the window, her eyes complex and unreadable.

"Within this inner palace, countless women adore the Emperor. Yet in the end, how many can truly live well?"

Xiao Luzi's expression hardened, his voice lowered, "Your meaning is… the Emperor…?"

"It has nothing to do with the Emperor," Wan Tang said, shaking her head slowly, "It's the harem itself, filled with ghosts that devour people without leaving a bone."

She turned back, her gaze blazing at Xiao Luzi.

"It can even turn a good person into a ghost.

I stopped her today not to make things difficult for her.

I merely wish, while I still can reach out, to give her a hand and save someone."

The words fell, and the room became silent.

Xiao Luzi bowed his head in silence, while Wan Tang had already risen and walked toward the window.

Outside, the palace walls towered, slicing the sky into a square cage.

This harem has never been a battlefield for favor, but a life-and-death chess game.

In Yangxin Hall, the scent of Dragon's Saliva Incense lingered; Wan Tang, who had escorted Lady Su Guiren out an hour ago, was now being led inside by Xiao Dongzi, who bowed.

Chu Yunzheng was seated at his desk, reviewing memorials, his expression focused, as if he had not noticed her arrival.

"Subject wishes to see the Emperor."

Wan Tang performed a respectful bow, her voice unusually clear in the spacious hall.

Chu Yunzheng did not look up; the vermilion brush stroked the memorial, producing a faint rustling sound.

Wan Tang kept the posture of paying respects, understanding in her heart.

Xiao Luzi had already reported the morning affairs.

She lowered her eyes to watch the reflection on the golden brick floor, shifting from the respectful stance to kneeling, and a sour ache began to spread in her knees.

Time passed in silence, and only the ticking of the water clock could be heard inside the hall.

After an unknown length of time, Chu Yunzheng finally set down the brush, closed the memorial, as if only then noticing her presence.

"Tangtang, when did you arrive? Why are you kneeling all the time?"

He rose and walked closer, personally offering his hand to support her.

Wan Tang rose with the momentum, her legs trembling slightly, and forced a proper smile onto her face.

"I have been here for a while. I suppose the Emperor is busy with state affairs and has not noticed."

Chu Yunzheng sighed, "The court is busy now; Kedan has just been pacified, the Northern Border war has just ceased, yet the northwest is stirring again."

His gaze fell deeply on Wan Tang's face, "I know you are a wise person, and now is the time to employ talent."

"I understand."

"Understanding is enough," Chu Yunzheng said, giving her a meaning‑laden look, pausing briefly, then casually asking, "Then how do you view Su Yanci as a person?"

Wan Tang felt a slight chill in her heart, but showed no trace on her face: "General Su is proficient in both civil and military affairs; among the younger generation, he is truly outstanding."

Chu Yunzheng nodded, "In Fengqi Kingdom now, the old ministers are aged, and the new aristocrats are inexperienced."

"Yet there are few capable talents, while many are treacherous and cunning," he said gravely, "Su Yanci is very important to me."

Wan Tang understood the underlying admonition in his words.

Lady of Grace Su's elder brother Su Yanci is now a rising figure in the army, holding military authority.

The Emperor is reminding her that moving Lady of Grace Su is moving the Emperor's chessboard.

At that moment the palace gate clicked softly, and Xiao Dongzi bowed and entered: "Emperor, Lady of Grace Su wishes an audience outside."

"What business?"

"She says she prepared lotus seed soup especially to relieve the Emperor's fatigue."

Chu Yunzheng turned to Wan Tang, his gaze profound, "Tangtang, do you think I should see her or not?"

His earlier words were already a warning; this question was even more of a test.

Wan Tang felt a bitter sting in her heart and spoke slowly, "Emperor, you have been overworking today and should rest your mind. Lotus seeds can clear heat, but they are cold in nature; consuming them now may harm a dragon's body."

Chu Yunzheng raised an eyebrow, "Are you afraid she will take away your favor?"

"The Emperor has me in his heart; why should I fear?"

"Then why block it?"

Wan Tang's gaze was clear, "Only because I see her pure kindness and cannot bear to watch her fall into this tainted vat."

Chu Yunzheng stared at her for a long time, his gaze deepening, and finally waved his hand, "Send Lady of Grace Su back."

After Xiao Dongzi withdrew, he turned to Wan Tang, his tone softened, "I have not discussed chess with anyone for a long time. Tangtang, let me see whether your chess skill has improved."

Inside the Side Hall, black and white pieces tangled on the chessboard.

Wan Tang held the white pieces, hesitated in her moves, and the defeat was already sealed.

"Emperor, your chess skill is superb; I gladly admit inferiority," she said with a wry smile.

Chu Yunzheng, however, reached out and retrieved the newly placed black piece, "I will give you one piece."

The situation reversed, and the white pieces won.

Chu Yunzheng looked at her meaningfully, "Tangtang, I can also give you one move without objection."

"But you must understand, the Former Dynasty's imperial harem is a web of countless threads; it is not something you can change simply by wanting to save it."

His gaze carried deep consideration, "I am only afraid that some people will betray your goodwill and leave you disheartened."

Wan Tang's hand holding the piece paused slightly; the victorious game on the board now felt unbearably heavy.

At nightfall, the lights outside Palace of Eternal Joy shone brightly.

Emperor Chu Yunzheng's ceremonial guard marched to the palace gate, but unexpectedly halted.

"Tell Virtuous Consort to return; I will not go inside to rest tonight," Chu Yunzheng said, his voice calm and unruffled.

Xiao Dongzi bowed and took the order, then left.

Along the palace corridor, Liu Guiren and Su Guiren knelt to receive the imperial carriage, their silhouettes stretching long shadows under the palace lanterns.

Chu Yunzheng walked slowly to Lady of Grace Su's side and stopped.

He slightly leaned forward, lifted her chin and examined, "Hmm, you do bear some resemblance to your brother; both have a fine appearance."

Lady of Grace Su's face instantly blossomed with surprise and bashfulness, "Emperor... may I enter and have a cup of clear tea?"

However, Chu Yunzheng did not respond, instead withdrew his hand, his tone tinged with an elusive sigh, "A pure and kind heart is the rarest thing in this palace. I hope you can remain consistent."

Having said that, he no longer looked at her, turned and walked toward Liu Guiren beside him.

Lady of Grace Su's smile froze, and she watched helplessly as the Emperor nodded to Liu Guiren and followed her into the palace garden.

She stood stunned, the radiance on her face fading bit by bit, leaving only a despondent look.

That night, the wind outside Palace of Eternal Joy was cold, scattering the last sliver of luck in Lady of Grace Su's heart.

The next morning, inside the reception hall of Palace of Eternal Joy, Liu Guiren arrived with a bright smile to pay respects to Wan Tang.

"I have especially come to thank Virtuous Consort for yesterday's favor," Liu Guiren respectfully bowed, her tone of gratitude perfectly measured.

Wan Tang sat upright, her expression calm as she received the tribute.

After Liu Guiren left, Xiao Luzi approached with a pleased expression, "Your Highness, it seems Liu Guiren knows how to be grateful; your flattering words to her were not in vain."

"When did I ever speak to her?" Wan Tang suddenly interrupted, her face darkening.

Xiao Luzi was startled, "But last night the Emperor indeed, after seeing you, suddenly recalled that there was such a person."

Wan Tang's eyes were sharp as a knife: "The Emperor went himself to Liu Guiren's place."

"She comes to give thanks at this moment, do you think it's sincere gratitude?"

"This is clearly meant to tell Su Guiren that I, this palace, am paving the way for her behind the scenes!"

Little Luzi suddenly understood, panicking: "This... then wouldn't Su Guiren hate the Empress even more?" "I, the servant, am dull! Your Ladyship, shall I try to find a way to explain to Su Guiren?"

Wan Tang, exhausted, closed her eyes, and when she opened them again a hint of mockery: "Just adding legs to a snake."

"Explaining now would only make it darker."

She looked out the window, her tone full of helplessness and self‑mockery: "The Emperor is right."

"Even if he steps back, this palace still cannot change the fate within these palace walls."

【Dog Emperor, last night's actions seemed casual, but were actually a meticulously designed chess game.】

【He deliberately lingered outside Palace of Eternal Joy, deliberately elevated Liu Guiren, just to make everyone think this was arranged by the Virtuous Consort.】

【In this way, Su Guiren's resentment all turns toward Wan Tang, and the Emperor both pacified the forces behind Liu Guiren and forced Wan Tang to rely even more on his protection.】

【Dog Emperor is so scheming!】

Wan Tang gently brushed the window lattice, her gaze growing cold.

Is the Emperor trying to thrust her into the eye of the storm?

Or perhaps he only wants me to see clearly.

Wan Tang, exhausted, massaged her temples, looked up; Su Guiren was squatting in the courtyard, teasing Minghui...