Zhao Junyao did not want to prolong the conversation. He left after bestowing the rewards.
Noble Concubine Shih leaned against the doorframe, watching his retreating figure, tears instantly welling in her eyes.
"Cousin, are you truly heartless, or do you harbor feelings for me?"
To call him heartless—yet he had pardoned her time and again, repeatedly showing mercy. To call him affectionate—yet he was so cold and hard, like an icy stone that remained frigid no matter how she tried to warm it.
Oh, Cousin!
...
The year's end was approaching. In the Harem, Noble Concubine Shih was gaining power, while Consort Xian was favored. For a time, they seemed equally matched, neither daring to offend the other lightly.
