Today, the people of Great Qi erupted in joyous celebration. The Empress had announced a full year of tax exemptions, lifting a heavy burden from their shoulders.
Her decree didn't stop there. She ordered every local official to build schools for the poor, where boys and girls could learn side by side. It was an unprecedented change that shattered old traditions and paved a new path for Great Qi's future.
Standing before the assembled court, the Empress spoke in a steady, commanding voice:
"Education is the pillar that will carry Great Qi to greatness. Every official must instill the importance of learning and ensure that every child, regardless of gender, has a chance to go to school."
Her decree spread across the kingdom, planting the seeds of a brighter future in the hearts of her people.
"Long live Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live for ten thousand years!" The voices echoed not only in the grand hall but throughout the entire kingdom.
Li Jun walked to the imperial training ground in high spirits, eager to witness the recruitment of the female guards.
Unlike her usual plain scholar robes, today she wore her newly designed phoenix robe. A rich maroon silk embroidered with delicate golden threads. A small crown rested atop her head, its gems catching the warm red and gold light, perfectly framing her regal features. Everyone who saw her was drawn to her charm.
The moment she arrived, her smile faded. Her eyes darkened as she spotted Shen Yuqing standing with a man.
"Qing'er… I miss you. In a few days, I'll be returning to the Jade Cloud Sect with Master," the man said, his eyes filled with longing.
Shen Yuqing's voice turned cold. "Senior brother, you didn't need to come all the way to the palace just to see me. I'm busy."
He reached out, trying to take her hand.
"Ahem…"
Both of them turned toward the sound.
Standing there was the Empress herself, dressed in her maroon phoenix robe and small crown, radiating a majestic, effortless charm that drew every gaze.
The man dropped to one knee immediately, bowing low. It was his first time seeing Empress Shangwen in person, and his jaw nearly went slack at her beauty.
Shen Yuqing caught the look and felt a sharp flash of disgust. Irritation burned in her chest; the lecherous gleam in his eyes as he looked at Li Jun made her want to slap him.
Li Jun didn't bother to pay him any attention. He was clearly a jerk. How could Shen Yuqing blindly choose this man over her? A quiet disappointment settled in her chest.
She had thought Shen Yuqing was only angry with her… but the truth seemed far more complicated.
"Dou'er, let's return to the imperial study," she said.
With an elegant flick of her sleeve, she turned and walked away, without sparing a single glance back.
Shen Yuqing could feel the chill in the Empress's gaze before she left. She knew Li Jun had misunderstood.
"Senior brother… there's no need for you to visit me again. And if you dare look at Her Majesty with such disrespect ever again, I won't hesitate…"
The shameless man only smiled faintly, convinced Shen Yuqing was simply jealous over the Empress. Feeling smug, he left in good mood, already planning to visit her again in a few days.
Dou'er had already heard the palace maids whisper about the ambiguous relationship between the Empress and Shen Yuqing. Today, she confirmed it herself, judging from Li Jun's attitude, there was indeed something special between them.
With the rift between the two women, it was the perfect moment to carry out her plan.
In truth, Dou'er realized the Empress was nothing like the rumors she'd heard. After spending some time with her, she found Li Jun humble and genuinely concerned for the people. But this was her first mission, and she couldn't afford to fail.
Returning from the imperial kitchen, she carried a bowl of Li Jun's favorite sour plum soup. From her sleeve, she slipped out a small vial and poured in the world's deadliest poison, crafted by the King of Poisons. Colorless, scentless, and undetectable even by a needle test.
"Hehe… If the Empress doesn't die, I'll slap myself ten times," she murmured, a twisted smile curling on her lips.
Under Hong Yi's watchful gaze, Dou'er performed the formal taste test before placing the steaming bowl before Li Jun. "Your Majesty, please enjoy."
"Mm… thank you." Li Jun slowly finished the soup, savoring each sip. "Dou'er, your soup gets more delicious and refreshing by the day."
"…Strange."
"What is it, Your Majesty? Do you feel unwell? Are you in pain?" Dou'er asked expectantly.
"Oh, no… I just feel… sleepy." Li Jun yawned softly.
"Help me take off my robe and crown, I want to take a nap."
Dou'er hurried over, her hands trembling slightly. This wasn't part of the plan. She had been expecting a sudden collapse, maybe even dramatic bloody coughing…
"Uh… yes, Your Majesty," she said, carefully unfastening the golden phoenix clasp on Li Jun's robe.
The heavy maroon fabric slid from her shoulders, revealing the delicate inner layer. Then, she reached for the small phoenix crown and gently lifted it away.
Li Jun raised her arms lazily. "Mm… careful with my new crown."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Dou'er replied.
Li Jun leaned back against the couch, her eyes already half-closed. "Good… now leave me to rest."
Dou'er bowed and stepped back, forcing herself to walk away calmly even as her mind was screaming.
Every hour, Dou'er crept into the Empress's inner room, bending over to check her breathing. Each time her hopes sank as Li Jun was still breathing evenly, sleeping like a baby and even drooling a little.
"Unbelievable…" Dou'er muttered, glaring at the peaceful figure on the bed. I gave her the deadliest poison in the world, and she's having the best nap of her life.
She tiptoed out of the inner room, her face dark with frustration. Then she remembered her careless words from earlier: If the Empress doesn't die, I'll slap myself ten times.
"Well… a promise is a promise."
Standing just outside the study door, she raised her hands and—PAP! PAP! PAP!—started slapping her own cheeks with exaggerated force. By the third hit, her face was already turning red, but she kept going like a woman possessed.
Some passing servants paused to watch, their expressions caught between concern and curiosity. She forced a strained smile and said, "Face massage. Good for circulation."
Inside, Hong Yi and Xiao Diaozi turned toward the sound. When Dou'er finally stopped at the tenth slap, they exchanged glances, their eyes silently asking the same question: Is she insane… or just very dedicated?
Xiao Diaozi coughed into his sleeve to hide a laugh, while Hong Yi's lips twitched.
Dou'er noticed their looks and immediately straightened her posture, trying to appear dignified despite her flushed, puffed-up cheeks. "Just… mosquito bites," she muttered before quickly walking away.
—
That night, when Li Jun finally woke up, she stretched lazily and called out, "Dou'er, bring me some tea."
A moment later, Dou'er walked in, and Li Jun froze mid-yawn.
"…Damn. Why are your cheeks so swollen? Did you fight with an assassin again?"
Dou'er quickly shook her head. "No, Your Majesty… I slapped myself. To keep a promise."
Li Jun blinked in surprise, then let out a small sigh. She reached out and gently patted Dou'er's back. "You're still young, don't be too hard on yourself. Young people should enjoy life."
Dou'er's eyes stung, and she suddenly burst into tears. This is all because of you! And yet you can still say something so heartwarming like it's nothing?!
Li Jun tilted her head, clearly puzzled at why her maid was sobbing as if she'd just been scolded. "…Did I say something wrong?"
Feeling a pang of pity, she pulled the young maid into a warm embrace. "Alright, enough crying… whatever it is, it's over now," she said gently.
Neither of them noticed Shen Yuqing standing just outside the inner room, frozen mid-step. She had come to speak with Li Jun, but the sight rooted her to the spot.
Li Jun… you were angry when you saw me with my senior brother, yet here you are, holding someone else.Were all those sweet words you told me… just lies?
Before Li Jun could see her, Shen Yuqing turned away. Outside, the skies had already opened, rain pouring in heavy sheets. Without an umbrella, she walked straight into the storm, the wind lashing against her face.
Thunder rumbled overhead, but she didn't slow down as if the rain could wash away the ache in her chest.