"We need her to become the mother of the Crown Prince. Hurry, ensure her position in this palace as the royal consort within the next four weeks. Otherwise, you will cry for yourself, Inner One, hahaha!!! hahaha! hhhhh!!!!
....<<★★INNER ONE ★★>>
She jolted upright from her brief rest, the terrifying words Cao had spoken to her that day now repeating in her sleep as a nightmare. She wiped the cold sweat that had drenched her forehead and was now trickling down her face.
She was in a difficult position, a kind of dilemma she had never faced with any of the orders she had given her before. The matter of arranging this marriage would not be a minor task for her this time, given the current situation where no one in the Beiping Palace would agree to the successor they were now pushing. She was completely at a loss about how to initiate this matter. Everything felt tangled and confusing, yet she could not accept abandoning the culmination of her ambition, years in the making, which she saw was now within reach.
She had handled difficult tasks before, but the approach would have to be different, even if slightly. She would have to create a diversion, as she was accustomed to doing whenever she saw a marriage about to be contracted, because she would never, ever accept Zhan becoming the Huanghou (Empress Ki), the mother of the King's heir... never for as long as she lived and breathed...
🥱Well, Inner One, we'll see if you can manage it. We are just spectators, after all😉.
★★... ★.....
Slowly, Zhan pressed his face into the pillow and then placed a hand on his empty stomach, which was aching with hunger. He had missed his meal since yesterday afternoon, after refusing the food brought to him in the cell the night before.
He slid down slowly and lay on the bed, continuing to press his face down. His gaze fell for the second time on the cup of tea King Yibo had given him. Zhan glared at the cup as if it were the cause of his hunger, then turned over, facing the other side, curling his body further and wrapping his arms around himself.
Slowly, King Yibo pushed the door open and entered, his eyes and attention entirely on his phone, which had a sleek, eye-catching screen. He continued walking without showing any sign of noticing another person in the room, heading straight for his special sitting chair and sitting down stubbornly. An aura of authority and power surrounded him as his eyes on the phone indicated he was dealing with something serious.
The subtle scent of his cologne, penetrating the air, made Zhan's nostrils flare and he slowly opened his eyes. Their appearance changed, the signs of sleep beginning to leave him. He turned over slowly, not really thinking it was King Yibo, since his scent had already permeated all the bedrooms he used, simply from how he bathed with fragrance as if it were water.
In the dim light, the pale glow illuminated the sharp lines of King Yibo face and the sleek black strands of his shiny hair. Zhan lowered his gaze; the way his facial features were styled in a complex way added greatly to his handsomeness. Zhan felt he needed to keep looking at him; something was stirring deep within the pit of his stomach.
King Yibo felt his gaze on him and stopped manipulating his phone, a task he had been performing with expertise. However, he did not look up for nearly a full minute. It was only after that agonizing minute that he raised his sharp eyes directly into Zhan's, which were fixed intently on him.
With a sudden movement, Zhan flinched away, pretending to hold his stomach and hunch over as if he were unwell. King Yibo's eyes narrowed as if scrutinizing Zhan through them, then his expression twisted slightly as he collected himself. He continued managing his phone without looking at Zhan again, which gave Zhan the chance to steal glances at him from under his lashes while continuing his fake, pained moans.
King Yibo bit his lips slightly, and without stopping what he was doing, he asked quietly, "What happened?"
Zhan pushed out his lip as if it were nothing. Then, amidst his whimpers, and in a straightforward manner that could be called brazen, he said, "My stomach is cramping, I'm hungry, I have a headache, my whole body aches everywhere." He finished speaking, pouting out further.
(This boy, really...)
King Yibo thought to himself, his eyes slowly scanning Zhan as if zooming in on him. All the while, Zhan had assumed King Yibo's attention was on his phone and hadn't noticed him, because he kept managing his device without pause.
There was no sign that King Yibo would pay him any attention, even after nearly four minutes of Zhan's full-blown performance fueled by his frustration. The sheer audacity of it all finally made Zhan burst into a fresh round of tears, curling into a ball and wailing, "Oh, my stomach! This hunger is going to kill me! Just kill me like the rest of them! You've already killed my parents, so prepared my grave too right there on the path where they all are! I'd rather be killed than endure this torment, oh wo wo wo!!"
King Yibo watched this spectacle with a kind of detached amazement, as if observing a natural wonder. He had never seen such a dramatic young man in his entire life. Zhan seemed to have no off switch, like a battery-powered toy robot.
Abruptly, he lifted his foot from where it was planted, giving Zhan no chance to rest his voice, and stood over him like an immovable object, looking down with a stubborn gaze. "Where does it hurt?" he asked sharply, as if he hadn't just asked the question and didn't actually expect an answer.
Startled by his sudden proximity, which Zhan hadn't anticipated, Zhan quickly tried to sit up and move away. But King Yibo simply sat down beside him, so close their knees were touching.
Zhan jolted again, trying to shift away, but was pinned by the King's sharp, penetrating eyes. King Yibo slid his hand in Zhan close touching his bare stomach, while he lower his gaze and voice and said "Tell me where exactly is hurting, let me massage it for you" Zhan try to remove his hand but the King didn't allow that, so Zhan put his hand on the King's own and stop what King Yibo is doing to his stomach. "It stop hurting... I.. I'm fine now you can stop..." King Yibo flinched his skin, Zhan widened his eyes and gasped, before saying a little loud,
"I said I'm fine, leave me alone!" Zhan said quickly, trying to push the King's hand away from his body.
King Yibo didn't even blink, instead placing his hand on Zhan's head and untying the towel that he had wrapped there since earlier.
Zhan's long, slightly damp hair, which still had a noticeable shine, was revealed. He gently brushed aside a few strands that had fallen over his forehead like an inspector, then let his fingers trail down to Zhan's face.
Quickly, Zhan tried to turn his face away, but King Yibo prevented it by cupping his face firmly in his palm, forcing their eyes to meet with undeniable intensity. A shudder ran through Zhan's body; his lips trembled as if he were about to cry and say, "I told you I'm fine now."
King Yibo's eyes blinked slowly, then opened again, fixed on Zhan as he leaned in, their faces drawing closer together.
"I don't believe you."
He said in a murmur, his banana-scented breath ghosting over Zhan's face. Zhan's own eyes fluttered shut, his body tensing, wanting to tremble. With another tremble of his lips, he repeated, "Really, the pain is gone."
The quiet, slightly weak way Zhan said it stopped the King from talking more, but his lips, eager to prove a point, twitched slightly as he pressed the tips of their noses together. "I said I don't believe you. Show me. I want to massage you to cast the pain."
A powerful, confused gasp escaped Zhan. He was abruptly pulled back against King Yibo's chest, but the trembling of his body betrayed him. Feeling the gentle descent of King Yibo's hand from the curve of his side down to his waist, pressing firmly, made Zhan cry out, "Oh, my Mah!"
"Oh, my Mom too."
King Yibo said, mimicking Zhan's high-pitched tone, while moving his hand back over Zhan's empty stomach. Quickly, Zhan grabbed King Yibo's wrist, pushing it away, but this gave their lips a chance to meet. Zhan desperately wanted to turn his face away but was prevented.
Before Zhan could process it, he felt the descent of King Yibo's lips on his own. They both opened eyes that had squeezed shut, but Zhan's flustered expression was a stark contrast to King Yibo's, who held Zhan captive with an unreadable gaze. With a certain style, King Yibo narrowed his eyes, a signal for Zhan to close his. It was as if he were a doll being controlled by a remote, and Zhan, his entire body flushing with heat, closed his eyes obediently.
Zhan had to grip the wrist that was still on his stomach with immense force, having no other choice but to endure what came next.
Then, King Yibo pulled himself away, breaking the kiss. They were both breathing erratically, like athletes who had just finished a marathon. Struggling fiercely to control his own state, he fought the urge to make eye contact with Zhan again.
Zhan, for his part, wasn't looking at him either. The truth was, he had no expectations beyond hiding his uncertainty about the unpredictable mood the King had just thrown him into.
The room remained silent for several more minutes before King Yibo broke it by lifting Zhan entirely and seating him on the bed. He ran his hand through Zhan's hair, and Zhan squeezed her eyes shut tightly. Tears were still threatening to fall, adding to his pitiful state.
Sighing, he stood up, pulling Zhan with him. Zhan's hand held in his, they stopped in front of the glass wardrobe in his room, which was filled only with sleepwear. He pressed a button, and the wardrobe slid aside to reveal a hidden door.
A quick glance filled Zhan with astonished dread. Meanwhile, King Yibo kept a perfectly straight face, as if he didn't notice Zhan staring at him, and simply led him into the hidden chamber.
The wonder was not in the room they had left, but here. The chamber was large and circular, lined with that kind of frosted glass; one might think it was an independent boutique. Every type of clothing, accessory, and garment King Yibo ever wore on his body was here. Even the shoes had their own section. Exquisite diamond and silver watches from major designer companies were present, not to mention the rest.
Zhan couldn't believe his eyes. This wasn't a dream, was it? It seemed impossible, given his status. He was the King, after all. Had he seen anything more astonishing than this? King Yibo maintained his straight face as if he didn't understand Zhan's shock. He led him in front of a large mirror surrounded by all sorts of hair styling tools, as if for a woman. The warm gust from a hair dryer brought Zhan back to his senses, making him let out a soft gasp and look up into the mirror...
...Zhan continued to stare at their reflection in the mirror as King Yibo blew dry his hair, his own face still devoid of any expression, not even a hint of a smile. A chill ran through Zhan's entire body because of the King's demeanor.
Zhan had thought he was finished with him, that the foundation he had been observing and building was completely shattered by King Yibo in a single day. Just thinking about it made Zhan's heart ache. Was King Yibo really just thinking about watching, or was it not that? Today, Zhan couldn't distinguish his true intentions. Everything had become tangled at a time when Zhan should have understood it all.
The truth was, his own mind was also fixated on the matter concerning the King.
★★ DOWAGER TAIHOU ★★
Ever since these events began to unfold today, her heart had started to feel uneasy. In her mind, she felt a strong desire to find out who was behind Zhan, aiming to ruin her peace of mind. She was certain there was a whiff of truth hidden within the intrigue.
Nothing had startled her today more than the silent conversation she observed passing between Dowager Cixi and the royal consort Xuan Ji the other day when Zhan trial was present. And then there was the look King Yibo himself gave them, especially since they were all standing together.
She was his mother. Even though she hadn't lived with him for a long time, day in and day out, she knew her son inside and out; even if his eyes spoke, she understood their language. The look he gave consort Xuan Ji and Dowager Cixi definitely had a purpose, a purpose she felt she should know. A purpose that should jolt her awake from the deep slumber that was seeking to cloud her eyes.
She had long suspected Dowager Cixi in everything that happened to her son, but today her heart told her there were others behind her, and that even Momma (Dowager Ruyan) was not exempt, given how the old woman's recent schemes had confused the trust she previously had in her.
She let out a soft, held breath. Her feelings felt completely entangled; she definitely needed to conduct a broader investigation. It was also necessary that she meet with King Yibo....
****
King Yibo was sitting comfortably in one of the plush living room chairs. He had been stationed here since returning from affairs outside the Palace. A laptop was on the coffee table in front of his chair, which he was operating slowly. The scent of the steaming tea mug, its pleasant aroma mingling with his own cologne, rose gently.
The thin, pale frames of his glasses suited him perfectly once again. The way he was completely absorbed in the computer screen would convince you he was working on something of utmost importance. He would only occasionally pick up the tea mug, bring it to his lips, and set it back down, his attention fully on his task.
Prince Aoying, who had entered, repeated his message patiently. Slowly, King Yibo moved his lips and replied without looking up.
Prince Aoying gave a slight, respectful bow in greeting, even though they hadn't been apart for long. He himself had to be content with just receiving a sign of a response.
"May you continue in health for many days. Dowager Taihou seeks an audience with you, if it would not be an inconvenient time for her."
The clicking from the system stopped for a moment, but he still did not look up for the duration of a few breaths, which stretched into two minutes. He returned his fingers to the keyboard as if he would say nothing, then moved his lips as if forced to speak. "She may enter."
"Thank you, your majesty. May our leader continue to be protected and justly guided. May your father rest in peace."
Despite the pleasant feeling the final prayer gave him, he did not move, let alone respond. In his heart, he felt a profound sense of satisfaction whenever anyone mentioned his late father in a prayer...
His gaze held a kind of intensity, sharp and penetrating. But on the surface, it wasn't enough to understand it directly. Slowly, he shifted his eyes that were watching her, steadying himself just as she was sitting down. Her face, in contrast, looked at him with a smile, showing no sign of agitation whatsoever.
Then he moved his lips slowly and spoke, "Good evening, Mom."
The smile on her face widened, once again revealing the beauty she possessed. "I hope you are well, my Son?"
Instead of responding, King Yibo offered a brief smile that only she had the license to see, then turned his head away before looking back at her with those sharp eyes of his.
As the one who gave birth to him, whenever he fixed that gaze on her, she felt its intensity deeply. She withdrew slightly, with a hint of stubbornness, and asked, "How is my other Son's health?"
As if it were nothing, he answered lazyly.
"He's recovering fine."
"Thank goodness. May he continue to regain his health."
In his heart, he silently affirmed the sentiment.
She didn't linger on it and continued, "Many recent events are tangling my thoughts again, though they are not the cause of my visit now. How is the progress of Zhan's trial?"
"It's still ongoing, Mom. There will be further developments." He spoke slowly, in a soft tone.
She let out a soft, held breath before mentioning his name. His dark, piercing eyes settled on her with a certain intensity. Her gaze, in return, was filled with affection and love. "I wish to have an important discussion with you, but not here, Son of Wang Murong."
His eyes blinked slowly open. The name she called him pierced deeply, filled with respect for her, he said, "Decide any time you need me. I am always at your command, Mom."
A subtle smile from Dowager Taihou allowed her love to pierce through again. With a slight nod, she said, "May you continue to be protected, and enveloped in endless blessings and boundless grace. Whenever I decide, may you hear of my well-being."
He steadied himself with a gesture of respect before speaking. "Rest well, Mom."
★★..... ★....
At 7:30 pm, everyone connected to Zhan's case had gathered in the large living room used for the initial hearing. King Yibo was the last to enter, just as he had been the first time. Everyone remained still until he sat in his prepared seat; his cologne alone was enough to overpower any other scent in the room.
He finished scanning them one by one from under his gaze for several minutes before he cleared his throat slightly.
Silence fell again as everyone focused on him. He then let another two minutes pass before he began to speak.
"I was prepared to deliver the final judgment in this case today. However, the parties involved have shown us they do not require it. I will not ask why a second attempt was made on the royal consort Zhan's life. I will only announce that whoever is responsible should prepare for retaliation from the one he previously targeted. Just as you have filed a lawsuit demanding justice for the attempt on your blood and that of your King, I too will file a lawsuit demanding justice for the two attempt on my husband's life. Just as I have pledged to seek your rights in my capacity as your leader, I will also seek his rights in my capacity as his leader and husband, once he has recovered."
WHAT THE HELL? Not just Zhan's enemies, even his supporters had been shocked. King Yibo's words hit them like a sudden, unexpected thunderclap. Slowly, Dowager Ruyan released a thin, hidden smile. Indeed, she seemed to have broken the stunned silence that had fallen over the outsiders by saying, "Your judgment is just for all, even if personal bias clouds someone's vision. May the male royal consort regain his health, and may the truth of who did this to him be uncovered, even if they are among us."
"The leader acknowledges and thanks the Dowager, the pride of worthy children. May you continue in health with your blessed, enduring spirit that tirelessly supports the orphaned." These words came from the mouth of Prince Aoying, whose power of speech now seemed from King Yibo's, as he now appeared to be his trusted confidant.
No one actually moved; it was as if they had all been struck by a temporary paralysis. This allowed King Yibo to continue speaking. "This court of justice has ordered the release on bail of the royal consort, Zhan, with a pledge to ensure his protection until a judgment fitting his situation is passed. The court has also released the trusted servants who have not been charged with any crime, and they will resume their duties as of today. Furthermore, the court grants anyone who wishes to appeal this judgment the opportunity to speak at the next sitting."
They were now convinced that King Yibo was indeed a master strategist. And the audacity he had displayed today certainly confirmed it. Spirits were lost; almost everyone left the hall after his departure, their mouths agape but unable to speak, with no chance to do so here and nowhere to run from what would come...
★★...
Zhan had no idea what was happening outside. Since King Yibo left the room around 4 pm, after ensuring Zhan ate the food that was brought, he hadn't seen him again. A difficult fever had overwhelmed him instead.
His body was burning up intensely, his head was pounding, and he felt chills. Zhan hadn't even been concerned about King Yibo's absence until he started hoping he would come. Right then, a heavy, troubled sleep overtook him.....
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛