Chapter 36: Hah, what a scoundrel!

Chapter 36: Hah, What a Dog of a Man!

Ye Wanwan was quite fair and impartial; she settled both women in and even allocated some of her own servants to them. Since the servants in the Guanju Palace did not have much emotional attachment to her, and with the old ones leaving and new ones arriving, there was nothing to feel sentimental about.

However, the list provided by Yan Chen was rather interesting. The people on it were none other than the very group of young eunuchs who had previously bullied him. She had been wondering why he had not taken any action; it turned out he was waiting for the right moment. By assigning these people to Noble Lady Wei, she would be able to distance herself from any future trouble. Knowing he was looking out for her, he at least had a bit of a conscience.

With a flick of her slender fingers, she swapped the group intended for Jiang Feixue with the one for Noble Lady Wei. "Take this and see that it is arranged."

***

Zhao Yi had summoned three women to serve him and had arranged for two of them to be stationed at the Guanju Palace. Although Jiang Feixue was Ye Wanwan’s cousin and naturally had to be placed with her, there was no doubt that Zhao Yi had his own agenda—he was doing this specifically to disgust Ye Wanwan.

Look, so what if she is a Noble Consort? So what if she is beautiful? He wouldn't even touch her.

Hah, what a dog of a man!

Zhao Yi was not only a dog, but he was also someone who couldn't stand being talked about. No sooner had Ye Wanwan cursed him in her heart than he appeared at her quarters that very evening. He arrived without any notice, taking her by surprise while she still held the bowl of medicine in her hands.

Zhao Yi walked in and immediately caught the scent of the herbs. "Is the Noble Consort unwell?"

Ye Wanwan handed the bowl to Qing Sha and rose slowly to curtsy. "I grew fond of the cool air and used an ice basin, which led to a slight chill. It is nothing serious."

Zhao Yi frowned slightly before walking over to sit down. "It is rare for me to have some free time, and I had hoped to keep you company."

Ye Wanwan walked aside with unhurried grace. "Then it is my misfortune. If I were to pass the illness on to Your Majesty, that would truly be my sin."

Zhao Yi’s sharp, shrewd gaze probed her, seemingly trying to uncover the emotions she was hiding—perhaps disappointment, sorrow, or pain, ideally mixed with a longing for him and the ache of unrequited love. That would have satisfied his masculine vanity.

Alas, there was none of that.

A flash of irritation ignited in Zhao Yi’s heart. He could afford to disregard Ye Wanwan, but he would absolutely not tolerate being disregarded by her.

"Has Feixue been settled in?"

"She has."

"Feixue is simple-minded. If she were with others, disputes would be inevitable, which is why I sent her to you. It is perfect for you to keep an eye on her."

"I understand."

This lukewarm attitude was genuinely infuriating. In the end, Zhao Yi flicked his sleeves and left. Just as he was about to step out the door, he heard Ye Wanwan call out to him, "Your Majesty."

Zhao Yi paused and turned around. Ye Wanwan did not follow him; she stood behind the curtain, which obscured her upper body, revealing only the hem of her skirt. The night breeze stirred the fabric, just as ethereal and distant as her voice.

"Your Majesty, what exactly have I done wrong..."

She was asking him, yet it sounded more like she was talking to herself.

Zhao Yi stood at the doorway for a long while before finally departing. Thus, he never saw that the face of the woman standing behind the curtain was not one of tearful sorrow or desolation as he had imagined. Instead, her lips were curled into a slight smile, one that seemed laced with venom.

After leaving Ye Wanwan’s bedchamber, Zhao Yi encountered Jiang Feixue outside. That very night, Jiang Feixue served him.

"My Lady..." Aunt Lin looked at Ye Wanwan, hesitant to speak. Although Noble Lady Jiang was on their side, this was simply too much. The Noble Consort was still a maiden, yet the Noble Lady was already serving the Emperor. Was the Emperor trying to trample the Noble Consort’s dignity into the dust?

Ye Wanwan lowered her eyes, appearing indifferent to her worry. "I have sent many of my people away. Tomorrow, go to the Imperial Household Department and request some new servants. I will select them myself."

Aunt Lin could only sigh inwardly. Her mistress was a woman of great composure, but how much pain must she be hiding in her heart?

"As you command."