From CEO to Concubine

The atmosphere in Weiyang Hall that morning was more stilted than usual. The emperor was an intimidating man, to be sure, but he didn't often openly display his displeasure in front of his officials. Although no one dared to mention it, everyone present felt like they knew why Emperor Xuanjun was in a foul mood today.

Some of the officials, who had been pressuring the emperor to solicit his harem, exchanged glances and saw hidden glee in each other's eyes. They'd already said time and again that the Bright Prince of the First Rank, Prince Xi, wasn't a suitable candidate for the throne despite how favoured he was by the people. And to think the emperor was preposterous enough to consider appointing him as heir apparent! Even though Emperor Xuanjun hadn't said that outright, the favour he'd shown this brother of his in recent times was enough to worry them.

But it looked like the emperor's plans had been ruined for now, at least. The Wu Family had tried to conceal the truth but word had gone around the capital quickly, and everyone knew by now that Prince Xi had gotten drunk—or drugged but no one cared for the real reason—and forced himself on a young mistress of the Wu Household. An illegitimate daughter that no one had paid any attention to until now.

If the emperor was going to be stubborn about avoiding his harem, then these ministers were going to impeach Prince Xi in front of him for unseemly behaviour. After all, who would attend a wedding as a guest and then have a bite of the ripe peaches in the garden without permission?

These officials, all concerned about whether their daughters would be able to gain favour in the inner palace, were up in arms and ready to wage battle against their liege again. But to their surprise, despite the black expression on Emperor Xuanjun's face, he was uncharacteristically amenable to their suggestions.

"Host a new selection of beauties this winter? It has yet to reach the appropriate time limit between selections but this sovereign will consider your suggestion."

"Acknowledge the importance of an heir? This sovereign acknowledges."

"Allow concubines to accompany this sovereign to the spring hunt next year? This sovereign will think about it."

The brighter the officials' faces glowed with victory, the darker Liu Wei's became.

What was his brother thinking? Had he changed his mind about making Liu Wei the crown prince? Just because of that one girl?

His knuckles turned white as he tightened his grip on his robes. These deep blue court robes were a sign of his status as a Prince of the First Rank, which everyone thought was such a privilege. But Liu Wei wasn't satisfied. He was just as good as his older brother and even more ruthless and cunning. Why shouldn't he get to be emperor instead? Just because he was born a couple of years later?

Even their mother, the empress dowager, had told Liu Wei repeatedly when he was younger that he could be as excellent as Liu Yao.

And this amazing older brother of his had led him on these couple of months, pretending as if he'd truly been considering giving heir status to Liu Wei, only to renege on it now?

Liu Wei clenched his jaw. He didn't dare to speak up as he knew half the court was viciously against him at the moment, but he hated that it was so unfair.

After morning court was dismissed, Cao Mingbao, that inscrutable eunuch of his brother, came over and asked him to stay back.

Liu Wei felt something squeeze in his gut. His hands turned clammy. He was under no illusions that the emperor wouldn't have gotten wind of what had happened in Wu Estate. Liu Wei also had to report taking a side concubine to him. This was because, even though a mere side concubine wasn't his main consort and would not be on the imperial family's ancestral registry, it was still an important political position.

If he'd had the choice, he would have made this little social-climbing slut from the Wu Household a bedfellow instead, the lowest rank possible for a woman who served him with her body. But the rumours spreading throughout the capital already said that he'd taken advantage of her. If he didn't give her the so-called due respect she deserved, his reputation would be in tatters by the end of the day.

Never mind. They had a long way to go. Once the hype died down and the brainless civilians forgot about the drama, he could enact his revenge on her then. He was already looking forward to it.

Hiding the cold smile threatening to show on his face, Liu Wei followed Cao Mingbao to the emperor's study.

In recent times, Liu Wei had been invited to Tianlu Pavilion often to discuss the nation's affairs with Liu Yao. But he wasn't foolish enough to believe that this was why Liu Yao had summoned him today.

Liu Yao's head was bent over a hefty pile of scripts when Cao Mingbao announced Liu Wei's arrival. But instead of inviting Liu Wei to sit next to him like he normally would, Liu Yao didn't even look up.

Liu Wei stood awkwardly in front of the desk, still frozen in the customary polite bow that a Prince of the First Rank would have to perform towards the emperor.

Time seemed to drag on. Fragrant coal was being burnt to keep the room warm and Liu Wei felt his robes dampen with sweat as his back muscles started trembling. It was obvious to him by now that Liu Yao was unhappy with him and making this known.

This was why it was good to be emperor. Everyone had to genuflect and pay respects to this supposed 'Son of Heaven', and what for? Just because of that dragon throne.

"Do you know why this sovereign summoned you?" Liu Yao asked at last, after what felt like an eternity had passed. He shut the script he'd been reviewing with a loud snap and Liu Wei jumped as the sudden noise broke the heavy silence.

"This brother-subject begs for forgiveness," he murmured, deepening his bow even further.

"Oh? Tell this sovereign exactly what you think you've done wrong."

Liu Wei gritted his teeth. He wasn't sure what version of the story the emperor had heard, but the truth was that Liu Wei hadn't wanted to touch the girl. In this sense, he hadn't done anything 'wrong'. But he couldn't say that to the emperor either.

"This brother-subject should have been more careful in his dealings with others," Liu Wei said in a great show of remorse. "Because this brother-subject allowed a plot against him to take fruition, the imperial family's name has been tarnished." He dropped to his knees into a full bow. "This brother-subject humbly asks his royal older brother to bestow punishment upon him for his transgressions."

After expressing his regret, Liu Wei expected his brother to lecture him on his behaviour. Maybe even ask him to copy some scriptures as penance and take them to a temple to burn. But Liu Yao just watched him with an inscrutable look in his eyes. Liu Wei suddenly realised that he couldn't read his doting older brother anymore.

For the first time since stepping into Tianlu Pavilion, he felt fear.

"The Third Young Mistress of the Wu Household drugged you with incense and then proceeded to have illicit relations with you, is that what you're saying?"

Liu Wei nodded stiffly. He didn't trust himself to speak.

"And is that all?"

He froze. What did Liu Yao mean?

"This brother-subject doesn't understand—"

"This sovereign is asking, is that all you've done wrong?"

For a second there, Liu Wei felt like his brother knew everything. But he quickly dismissed that terrifying thought. There was no way. He'd been so careful that the only person who knew about his underhanded dealings was Xiao Lichun. And about the deal with Wu Bin…Wu Bin wouldn't be stupid enough to let anyone else know and the slave boy that Liu Wei had wanted was so inconsequential. The emperor had too many other things to pay attention to besides one measly servant.

There was just no way, he reassured himself.

"Yes, Royal Older Brother."

Liu Yao looked away. "Very well. You are dismissed."

That was it? That was all? Liu Wei couldn't believe his good luck. In fact, he was certain that this wasn't good luck. As he backed off towards the entrance, he continued waiting for the other shoe to drop. Perhaps Liu Yao just wanted to torment him further before punishing him.

But until he was back in the autumn sunshine, Liu Yao still didn't stop him from leaving.

Somehow, this made Liu Wei feel even worse.

——————————

It was customary for the younger women of a household to pay a visit to the mistress every morning and evening to greet her. Although Guo Zhen was the daughter of an influential general, this was no exception. Any girl from a prestigious family would know these rules, so despite her reluctance, Guo Zhen ordered her maids to get her ready in her finery, before heading over to her new mother-in-law's residence.

Already, this marriage was proving to be a disaster. Some shameless chit had had the gall to seduce a prince on her nuptial night and cause a huge uproar the next day.

And if that wasn't the worst thing, her husband had been listless and distracted the entire time they'd been in bed together. His touch had been rough and inconsiderate, to the point where all her rosy hope of a passionate night with a loving man had been dashed and she'd just wanted him to finish up. And when he'd finally released inside of her, it was with another woman's name on his lips. Some 'Yun Er', whose presence lurked about her husband's residence like a ghost.

Guo Zhen had never felt so humiliated in her life. She'd cried during the tea ceremony the next morning, but no one had paid her much attention because of the scandal that had just hit the household. And on the second night, her husband hadn't even bothered visiting her bedroom.

Why had she even thought that this oldest son of the Wu Household was a dashing gentleman? He was nothing like she'd dreamt about!

She knew that it was only a matter of time before her status in the family became insignificant and the servant girls started getting ideas. Already, the bedwarmers that her husband had were too eye-catching. Guo Zhen hadn't allowed them to remain serving indoors after her arrival, banishing them to menial tasks in the garden instead. Especially that beautiful Mingyue, who was clearly an opportunistic bitch.

And still, Guo Zhen wasn't satisfied. She might not have her husband's affections yet but she would not allow another woman to take the place that was rightfully hers.

Her mother-in-law's residence was already crowded by the time she strolled in. Liang Hui gave her a small, pleased smile when she saw her and offered her the closest seat on her right. Guo Zhen was slightly mollified. The Wu Household was at least one of the 6 old noble clans. To be treated with such esteem by the mistress of the house would elevate Guo Zhen's status in the eyes of others.

But it seemed like there was someone who just didn't like to see others in good spirits.

"Aiyo, the Young Madam is positively glowing today!" the woman seated on Liang Hui's left said with a cruel upwards curl of her reddened mouth. Guo Zhen recognised her as one of her father-in-law's newer concubines but hadn't bothered learning her name.

She returned this statement with a polite smile but didn't speak to the concubine. She didn't want to lower herself to that sort of level.

But the concubine wasn't going to let this go. "Zhen Zhen might not remember, but I am the Third Concubine, Meng Die," she said with a languishing sigh. "I was just telling BIg Sister here," she continued, referring to Liang Hui, "about how good you and Bin Er look together."

Guo Zhen smiled mirthlessly. "Thank you, Third Concubine," she said with impeccable manners. Unfortunately, this wavered when she heard Meng Die's next words.

"I was so worried too, you know," Meng Die said casually.. "But I'm glad that Bin Er seems to have to gotten over that Yan Yun."