Chapter 14: The Righteousness That Reaches the Clouds: Empress Zheng

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Zhang Chun's first words revealed her as a transmigrator—how else could she know the emperor was about to change?

"But Empress Dowager Chun dared to deceive me, claiming the original host was this new emperor. Hmm… probably they didn't want the Jingkang Humiliation to happen, so they also wanted to replace Zhao Ji, and I might be the new emperor they've chosen."

Upon reaching this conclusion, Zhao Yu's lips curled slightly.

In his past life, Zhang Chun, Li Lin, Ye Shi Yun, Ma Xiao Jiao, and Yuan Qing Cheng—each one a multi-millionaire celebrity with millions of fans—would never have been within Zhao Yu's reach, not even granting him a single glance.

Didn't you see? They five were the ones who ran Zhao Yu over, yet first Ma Xiao Jiao and Yuan Qing Cheng, then Zhang Chun—all of them had zero memory of Zhao Yu, the victim.

Zhao Yu didn't blame them.

First, they five had changed Zhao Yu's fate, giving the man who once delivered takeout a chance to become emperor—Zhao Yu was grateful beyond words, how could he blame them?

Second, to be fair, they five were trapped in the fire themselves, barely saving their own lives—how could they spare a thought for anyone else?

Most crucially, as long as Zhao Yu replaces Zhao Ji and becomes emperor, these five women—whom in his past life he could only fantasize about through his phone screen—will all be his, and they must spend their lives repaying what they owe him.

Besides them five, Zhao Yu will also have three palaces, six courtyards, seventy-two concubines, and three thousand beauties.

Honestly, even if nothing else mattered, just for these reasons, Zhao Yu must overthrow Zhao Ji and become emperor.

Moreover, after delivering takeout for over two months in his past life, Zhao Yu deeply felt that at the bottom of society, there was only survival, no life—working from seven a. m. to ten p. m. daily, and after subtracting travel time and dinner, he got at most six hours of sleep; if his sleep quality was poor, he got only two hours. At meals, he rarely finished eating—bite a few, a new order came, he had to rush out to deliver it, finish delivering, then go back to eat. The hardship wasn't the issue—it was the crushing sense of hopelessness, seeing the end of his life with one glance, running nonstop, with not a shred of warmth or tenderness in his existence.

Precisely because of this bottom-tier experience, Zhao Yu wanted to become emperor—he would become the supreme Nine-Five Sovereign, never again letting anyone control his fate!

Of course, Zhao Yu also truly didn't want to be trapped by the feudal system as a royal clan member in Dongjing Bianliang, helplessly following the original host's path until the Jingkang Humiliation occurred and he died a miserable death.

To achieve his goal of becoming emperor, Zhao Yu would resort to any means, spare no effort—even launching a coup or eliminating Zhao Ji, Zhao Si, and all others who threatened his claim to the throne—he would not hesitate.

But then again, this was only the last resort—if there remained even a sliver of hope, Zhao Yu could not seize the throne this way and earn the stigma of an illegitimate ruler.

Notably, Zhang Chun and the other four women could serve as Zhao Yu's golden finger, but their current status was far too low—they could barely assist Zhao Yu in defeating Zhao Ji and becoming emperor.

Therefore, Zhao Yu must still follow his original plan: marry Zheng Xiansu as Wang Fei, and have Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu help change Empress Dowager's mind, ultimately selecting him as emperor.

Under the eunuch's guidance, Zhao Yu arrived at the front hall of Cide Palace.

As usual, Zhaoli Sect's Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu were sent to serve and attend.

After only five days, both Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu sensed Zhao Yu's aura had strengthened considerably—he was no longer the transparent prince he once was.

Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu stepped forward and bowed: "Your Highness."

Zhao Yu smiled: "Why so formal? We're no strangers."

Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu ignored Zhao Yu's flippant words, followed protocol, seated him in the guest position, and served him fragrant tea, dried fruits, and pastries.

Seeing Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu's cold, official demeanor, Zhao Yu knew instantly—they thought he'd changed his mind, arriving only after five days.

Zhao Yu didn't mention he'd spent these days reorganizing Wang Fu, avoiding giving Zhao Xu, Liu Qingjing, and the New Party any leverage; nor did he mention he knew Zhao Ji had been turned away four days straight, ensuring no harm to his plans, so he hadn't rushed to visit Empress Dowager or propose. He cut straight to the point: "Guess why I've come, Zheng Yaban."

Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu's hearts stirred—a conclusion they both could imagine leapt to mind!

But Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu still didn't take Zhao Yu's bait—they couldn't tell if he was teasing them or being serious.

Seeing Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu remain silent, Zhao Yu—who in school had used his good looks, athletic ability, and sharp mind to attract many lovers—could easily guess their thoughts.

Zhao Yu dropped all pretense and spoke directly the words Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu most wanted to hear: "I've come to propose marriage."

Upon hearing this, even the composed Zheng Xiansu felt her heart race, unable to maintain her usual calm.

Wang Yisu's heart pounded wildly too—if Zhao Yu and Zheng Xiansu's union succeeded, she might become Zhao Yu's secondary consort.

For the sake of their sisterly bond and her own future, Wang Yisu confirmed: "Your Highness, don't mock us."

Zhao Yu replied without hesitation: "If my words are false, may I be struck by a fatal illness, my intestines rotting through."

Zheng Xiansu hurriedly said: "Your Highness need not swear—I believe you."

Zhao Yu suddenly reached out, pulled Zheng Xiansu onto his lap, and smiled: "I always keep my word—why fear?"

Zheng Xiansu gasped in horror: "Your Highness, you must not!"

Zhao Yu did not release her, whispering into her ear: "In the Empress Dowager's palace, with her arriving any moment—do you think I'd truly disrespect you? I've long desired your body, and I can't wait until our wedding night to kiss you—so I acted rashly."

Zhao Yu wasn't acting on lust—he distrusted the charming Zhao Ji. He didn't just want Zheng Xiansu's body—he wanted her heart.

From his experience, between men and women, nothing kills affection faster than being too proper, too bound by etiquette—once that happens, they drift apart. Being a little wicked, a little bold, accelerates affection, quickening the warmth between them.

Isn't it said: a man isn't lovable unless he's a little bad?

So, if you want a woman, strike when the moment comes—otherwise, she won't thank you; she might even hate you.

If Zhao Yu gained Zheng Xiansu's body and her heart, leaving her with no other choice but to devote herself entirely to him, she would spare no effort helping him seize the throne.

This was Zhao Yu's primary reason for acting this way.

Though Zhao Yu spoke thus, Zheng Xiansu still struggled, whispering: "Please release me, Your Highness—don't let anyone see!"

Hearing this, Zhao Yu didn't let go—he raised his voice: "Let someone see! Let everyone know you're mine, so no one else dares covet you."

Zheng Xiansu's heart tightened: "Does the Prince of Shen know Empress Dowager intended to give me to Prince Duan?"

Fearing she'd lose her chance to become Wang Fei, Zheng Xiansu immediately fell silent and hurriedly explained: "I've always upheld virtue—I've had no… relations with Prince Duan."

Zhao Yu pressed his index and middle fingers against Zheng Xiansu's cherry lips: "I trust you, Zheng Yaban—no need to explain. Right now, I only wish to hold you."

Zheng Xiansu had never experienced anything like this—she froze, utterly at a loss.

But Wang Yisu, beside her, reacted swiftly—she dashed to the door and stood guard for Zhao Yu and Zheng Xiansu.

Soon after, Wang Yisu heard from behind:

"Let me kiss you—just one kiss."

"No, mmm…"

"Wang Fei, do you know what I love most about you?"

"Who's your Wang Fei? Don't speak nonsense, Your Highness~"

"Oh? So you don't want to be my Wang Fei? Then should I still ask Empress Dowager for your hand?"

"…Your Highness, don't break your word to me—or I'll die."

"Rest easy—I always keep my word. Come, let me kiss you again."

"Mm…"

Don't say Zhao Yu is too much of a rogue, and don't say Zheng Xiansu is too easy to get.

In the process of a man and a woman courting, as long as the woman has you in her heart, you basically only need to be bold, attentive, and thick-skinned, and know a little bit of game-playing, and it's generally very easy to reach third base, and even a home run isn't much of a challenge.

This applies whether it's modern times or ancient times.

Remember, never pretend to be a gentleman. Just like that idiot male lead in "Fleet of Time," who wouldn't make a move when he should have, and in the end the woman he loved was taken to a hotel by a scumbag and even got pregnant with that scumbag's child. The most ridiculous part is, that idiot male lead actually felt he'd been terribly wronged. Please—she'd already given you a chance, and more than once. It was you who didn't cherish it. Who can you blame?

Wang Yisu, who was keeping watch for Zhao Yu and Zheng Xiansu, thought to herself: "Everyone says the Prince of Duan is frivolous, but compared with the Prince of Shen, the Prince of Duan—who doesn't even dare touch our hands—isn't worth mentioning at all."

Just then, Wang Yisu heard Zheng Xiansu quietly say to Zhao Yu: "This servant has a favor to ask, and hopes His Highness will grant it."

"What is it you seek?" Zhao Yu asked.

"This servant and my sister are as close as siblings, and I don't wish to be parted from her. I wonder if His Highness might take her in as well?" Zheng Xiansu said.

Seeing that even at a time like this Zheng Xiansu hadn't forgotten her, Wang Yisu was truly moved by Zheng Xiansu's lofty sense of loyalty.

At the same time, Wang Yisu's heart also leapt up! She didn't know whether Zhao Yu would want her.

Zhao Yu didn't keep Wang Yisu in suspense for long, and said quite decisively: "Then let her serve this prince as a side consort."

Wang Yisu had expected that Zhao Yu would take her in for Zheng Xiansu's sake, but she hadn't expected Zhao Yu would so readily give her the position of side consort.

Wang Yisu was overjoyed!

Just as Wang Yisu was hesitating over whether she should turn back now to thank him, or pretend she hadn't heard Zhao Yu and Zheng Xiansu talking, the Empress Dowager emerged from the rear hall, escorted by Yang Jian, Ma Ma Xiao Jiao, Yuan Qingcheng, and four other palace maids.

Wang Yisu hurriedly warned Zhao Yu and Zheng Xiansu, who were still being lovey-dovey: "The Empress Dowager is coming!!!"

Zheng Xiansu was so startled she hurriedly climbed down from Zhao Yu!!!

Zhao Yu, on the other hand, was not the least bit flustered, and calmly and methodically helped Zheng Xiansu tidy her somewhat disheveled clothes…

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(End of this chapter)