Demon Lord Gets Married

C107 – What’s the Use of Confessing to a Fake?

After a day of hunting, the emperor retired to his bed, weary. His new concubine sat by the window, plucking the zither softly, her demeanor serene and captivating. The emperor gazed at her youthful, enchanting visage, lost in thought.

“Your Majesty…” “Your Majesty…” Lai Jiquan burst into the tent, his face beaming with a flawless smile, breaking the silence.

Just as the emperor prepared to rebuke him, an aged eunuch rushed in, his voice trembling with emotion. “Your Majesty, news has arrived from the palace. The Empress is overjoyed.”

“Consort Rong? Is there happiness in her news?” The emperor’s emotions remained deep, whether stirred by the mention of her name or the tidings themselves.

“Indeed, indeed. The recent news was personally confirmed by the chief physician.”

“…Very well! Splendid!” The emperor paused briefly before jubilation overtook him. For the past two years, palace affairs had been stagnant, prompting concerns about his health.

With only three princes and numerous princesses, he belatedly realized the perils of too many heirs and the heartache of losing them.

While his eldest son was promising, his volatile nature and narrow-mindedness concerned him. Initially patient, recent actions by the Yun Family suggested time was of the essence.

While he never contemplated altering his succession plans, circumstances forced reconsideration.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty,” a cold voice interjected, interrupting the emperor’s elation. He frowned as a plain concubine approached, her demeanor devoid of joy.

Though inwardly irked, the emperor maintained composure. “My dear, you must rest. There’s no need to linger here tonight.”

“Yes, this concubine takes her leave.”

Once the emperor and attendants departed, contemplation ensued. Addressing Lai Jiquan, he instructed, “Issue a decree. We conclude the hunt two days early and return to the capital the day after tomorrow.”

“As you command.” Lai Jiquan covertly observed the emperor’s demeanor, pondering: An Xin’s favor has likely waned. Yet, the Marquis of Zhen Yuan’s household had pinned their hopes on her, now all for naught.

Regardless, he had received his rewards. An Xin’s fortunes were of no consequence to him.

“Furthermore, dispatch an edict for Consort Rong to recuperate in her quarters undisturbed until my return to the palace.”

“Your Majesty, is this precaution necessary?” Was the emperor anxious for Consort Rong’s safety in his absence?

Despite having mostly daughters, miscarriages were rare. Rumors attributed this to Imperial Consort Yun, though veracity remained uncertain.

“Proceed. Let Consort Rong enjoy her respite undisturbed.”

“As you command, Your Majesty.” Lai Jiquan bowed, withdrawing, reflecting: After years of neglect, Consort Rong finally ascends.

However, it remained uncertain. Whenever the emperor beheld her countenance, his emotions swayed. He couldn’t predict when she might turn aloof once more.

Imperial Consort Yun received news promptly, even prior to the emperor. Uncharacteristically composed, she instilled a sense of trepidation in her trusted palace attendants.

“Empress… Consort Rong may possess royal blood, but what significance does that hold?”

Imperial Consort Yun continued her needlework without glancing up, her voice low. “In the palace’s ebb and flow, one’s standing is precarious. Consort Rong merely holds a superficial advantage in appearance.”

Consort Rong, originally Empress Liu’s cousin, bore a resemblance to her. Following Empress Liu’s demise, she entered the imperial harem at the emperor’s behest.

Imperial Consort Yun couldn’t discern the truth, but since this woman’s arrival, the emperor’s interest waned, with years passing since he last visited her chambers.

Despite her rank as Fourth Concubine, she wasn’t as indulged as rumors suggested.

Reflecting on the timeline, Consort Rong’s conception coincided with Teng Yu’s assassination. Upon receiving news, the emperor likely sought solace in her company, burdened by guilt.

“Repentance serves no purpose for a charade.”

Imperial Consort Yun dismissed her embroidery, her tone measured. “She may revel for now, but her happiness is fleeting. Her child’s birth is distant, let alone their maturity.”

“Indeed. Even when grown, she can’t compare to the First Prince,” a palace maid chimed in.

“What feats could a princess achieve?” Imperial Consort Yun chuckled dryly, silencing the attendants.

Shortly after, an attendant relayed the emperor’s decree to return to the capital in two days’ time. “See, he doesn’t rush back immediately,” Imperial Consort Yun remarked coolly.

Upon hearing the news, Yin Xu and Teng Yu had just finished bathing, donned in lightweight attire, engaged in a game of chess.

“Consort Rong? I’ve never heard of her. Odd for a Fourth Concubine,” Yin Xu mused aloud.

Teng Yu’s gaze remained fixed on the Go board as he responded casually, “Inconsequential. No need for you to concern yourself.”

Yin Xu observed Teng Yu’s demeanor, sensing an unusual air. He jested, “Was she once your lover, now relegated to the emperor’s harem? Love turned sour?”

Teng Yu lifted his gaze, rolling his eyes. “What absurd thoughts. I was barely eleven or twelve when she entered.”

“Just a jest,” Yin Xu shrugged, his gaze bright as he awaited Teng Yu’s explanation.

“By blood, she’s my aunt.”

Yin Xu pondered the term “Aunt” before recalling certain details. “Is she your mother’s sister?”

Teng Yu nodded. “Cousin, it’s merely a matter of Rong Family relations.”

“Then why did she seek entry into the palace?” It vexed him to think of two sisters vying for the same man.

Yet, such occurrences weren’t uncommon. The Emperor held dominion, so who could he not entertain?

Teng Yu’s eyes flared with indignation, though his voice remained composed. “It’s the Rong Family’s wish. As for Consort Rong, she willingly ascended to the emperor’s bed, don’t you agree?”

“Bold statement! But… Is the Emperor’s bed truly so accessible?”

“Indeed, when he desires submission.”

“Fair enough. Refrain from such thoughts in the future, else you’ll face my ire!” Yin Xu gestured a mock punch at Teng Yu, eliciting laughter from the still irritated Third Prince.

He seized the smaller fist, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. “Indeed. With you by my side, I have eyes for no other, Cu Tanzi!”

“What’s ‘vinegar’?” Yin Xu withdrew his hand, engrossed in his game.

Teng Yu feigned ignorance, continuing his jest, “So you’re saying you adore me so much, Your Highness, how could I forsake you and seek another?”

Yin Xu smirked, slamming a chess piece down triumphantly. “I win!”

Teng Yu was taken aback, then lowered his head in acknowledgment of his defeat. But what about the moves he had seen before? Did he think they’d gone unnoticed?

He stared at Yin Xu incredulously, only to be met with innocent eyes. “Fair victory,” he conceded.

Yin Xu huffed, scattering the chess pieces. “I’m done playing. Let’s meditate!”

Teng Yu remained seated, deep in thought.

Though it might not sway the grand scheme, it could draw the Emperor’s attention back to the imperial harem, complicating matters.

Reflecting, he once held a favorable view of this aunt in his youth, resembling the late Empress Liu.

Empress Liu led a solitary existence in the palace. Having a sister to confide in was rare, so he often sought her company.

Little did he know then that her frequent visits were to curry favor with the Emperor.

The Rong Family’s decline was stark compared to the Liu Family’s standing. They likely saw Empress Liu as a lifeline, seeking to ascend through her.

Following the Queen Mother’s demise, the Rong Family capitalized on the Emperor’s purported grief, kindling aspirations for plum positions.

Witnessing his Royal Father’s true nature and his mother’s passing left him despondent. He never anticipated the Rong Family’s callous betrayal, leaving his heart colder still.

Though it appeared he kept the Emperor from that woman, he knew the real reason lay within himself, an emotional barrier he couldn’t surmount.

Under these circumstances, the news of her pregnancy came as a surprise. He couldn’t decide whether to envy her fortune or fault the Emperor’s dalliance.

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