Chapter 13: Grasping the Human Heart

Under Qin Xiao’s gaze, Tang Sicheng and his entourage finally offered an astronomical price: ten taels of snowflake silver.

He knew that a hundred thousand taels was a number beyond comprehension, yet for these men, it was but a drop in the ocean.

He no longer cared to listen to their fabricated stories—wives making fortunes in business, hens at home laying eggs at lightning speed—who would believe such nonsense?

“Bu Qingyi, within three days you must allocate the funds and provisions and head for Shanhai Pass!”

At these words, Bu Qingyi’s face flushed with excitement.

“Your servant obeys!”

His Majesty had done it; he had turned decay into wonder, gathering far more disaster relief funds than expected in a mere span of days.

A million taels of silver, a million pounds of grain—a miracle.

“Hua Yuntian, I order you to purge the bandits from the Tea and Horse Road within seven days. Can you accomplish this?” Qin Xiao’s gaze was deep, his intent clear—he wielded both the carrot and the stick.

“Three days! I vow to have the triumphant horn sounded in the capital within three days!” Hua Yuntian replied confidently.

“Very well, I await your good news.”

Qin Xiao looked toward Tang Sicheng. This time, he was unusually calm, like a hibernating serpent, and he said nothing about Hua Yuntian’s campaign against the bandits.

Even when his son Tang Shanhu attempted to step forward, he pulled him back without a word.

Outside the palace, the officials retreated like a receding tide.

Beneath the high walls of the inner court, Tang Shanhu smashed his fist against the wall, roaring in anger, “Why! Why, the marshal’s post should be mine! Mine!”

Smack!

Tang Sicheng slapped his face, rebuking him, “You fool, how many times must I tell you? Why can’t you rid yourself of this rashness? A true man remains unshaken even if Mount Tai collapses before him; why can’t you remember?”

“The situation has changed. With His Majesty’s methods, how long will you remain arrogant? Can’t you see through his intentions?” Tang Sicheng scolded with bitter disappointment.

Tang Shanhu’s expression was so dark it seemed to drip water. He understood the logic, yet the resentment gnawed at him.

What was rightfully his had been snatched away.

“Tang General, you’re too impatient. This matter requires careful deliberation; do not act rashly,” Prime Minister Li Changshu advised, coming close to offer comfort.

Tang Shanhu clenched his fists tighter, refusing to yield. “Father, are we just going to let it go? After all our preparation, are we to give up?”

Tang Sicheng snorted coldly. “It won’t affect the grand scheme. I need to see the Thirteenth Prince. Prime Minister Li, arrange it.”

“Yes, Lord Tang,” Li Changshu replied with utmost respect.

Once, the Prime Minister bowed to the Minister of Revenue as if he were a servant.

Within the Huachi Palace, Qin Xiao lay across a pair of jade-like legs, his face full of contentment.

“Your Majesty, are you comfortable?” Lady Hua asked gently.

“Exceptionally so. Your hands have grown ever more skillful,” Qin Xiao’s eyes involuntarily traced her graceful waist.

“My love, it’s getting late. Let’s retire early,” Qin Xiao said with a meaningful tone.

Several hours later, Qin Xiao walked out of Huachi Palace refreshed.

When the wind rose, he lifted his arm and opened his palm as if to grasp it.

“When the wind rises, who knows where it will go? When it falls, where should it return?” Qin Xiao mused aloud.

“Your Majesty, what refined sentiment!”

Hmm? Tang Li!

Qin Xiao opened his eyes—indeed, it was Lady Li.

He thought to himself, “Refined sentiment? Only because your father forced it upon me.”

She walked with the poise of a model, her long legs swaying gracefully, every step a blooming flower. The white gauze clung tightly to her legs.

Lace stockings?

Qin Xiao stared, it looked so much like them.

Her white gauze dress, fluttering in the wind, wrapped her legs like lace.

“Lady Li, were you waiting for me?” Qin Xiao asked, puzzled. Qingxiang Palace and Huachi Palace were in different directions; it couldn’t be mere coincidence.

“Your Majesty, I waited in vain last night. Why did you not come?” Tang Li’s eyes were filled with grievance, her expression pitiful, tears shimmering in their corners.

Qin Xiao wanted nothing more than to kiss her—she was heartbreakingly lovely.

Yesterday she was seductive as a temptress; today she was as pure as the moon, fragile and gentle.

Qin Xiao moved closer, wrapping his arm around her slender waist.

He pressed his nose deep against her proud curves, then teased with a mischievous smile, “Lady Li, did you use perfume when you bathed?”

“No~” Tang Li replied earnestly, though she did not understand why he asked.

“Heh, you smell so creamy—I thought you bathed in milk.”

Her enchanting eyes flickered. Was His Majesty once again infatuated with her body?

Qin Xiao’s eyes burned, his hands moved unconsciously.

Yet he knew well it was but a passing act.

She was always the daughter of a powerful minister.

“Lady Li, I must go to the imperial study. You return by yourself,” Qin Xiao said lightly. Any longer and he feared he might lose control.

“Very well, I won’t trouble Your Majesty. Here is my gold note—ah, when will I ever see Your Majesty’s gold note?” She stuffed the banknote into Qin Xiao’s chest, sighed plaintively, and turned to leave, swift and decisive.

She understood men well—offering herself yet pulling back, never clinging.

Enough to haunt a man’s mind; once, the emperor had been lost in just this way.

Qin Xiao was stunned. Was that all? She was gone already?

He watched her departing silhouette, his throat unconsciously tightening.

“Ha, every woman around me is wealthier than I am. It’s hard being emperor these days—surrounded by rich ladies.”

Looking at the banknote, Qin Xiao couldn’t help but mock himself—it was worth a full hundred thousand taels.

“Your Majesty, Lady Li requests an audience,” Hai Dabao called from outside.

In the imperial study, Qin Xiao frowned. What now?

For hours, Lady Li’s lace-wrapped legs had lingered in his mind, his heart itching.

“Summon her.”

Qin Xiao straightened, curious what this enchantress wanted now.

Black stockings?

Qin Xiao stared—she had not yet appeared, but her long legs stepped in from the door, while her upper body lingered out of sight.

Key was the black lace on her legs—what was this enchantress up to?

Excited as he was, Qin Xiao was even more wary.

Tang Li seemed to keep her distance, yet in truth, she hovered tantalizingly close.

Far from simple—such mastery of the human heart.

“Your Majesty~”

At last, Lady Li crossed the threshold.

But… a deep V!

Qin Xiao nearly lost his mind—what was this woman doing?

Lady Li seemed to be cosplaying, now more like the Black Widow.

Moist red lips, a deep V black dress, black and red blending—she was the Black Widow incarnate.

Qin Xiao’s eyes blazed. He laughed coldly—this woman was far from simple.

Instinctively, he was wary. Tang Li was dangerous.

“Lady Li, what brings you here?” Qin Xiao’s tone was icy.

Tang Li paused, startled. His Majesty’s eyes moments ago were aflame, clearly unable to restrain himself. Why the sudden change?

“Nothing, just that it’s late. I wondered if Your Majesty wished to spend the night at Qingxiang Palace—I had a waterbed prepared,” Lady Li said, bowing slightly.