Chapter 14: Relief Beneath the Lanterns
Morning sunlight spilled lazily over the imperial gardens, filtering through carved eaves and blooming plum branches. For once, Li Feng walked without a single memorial in his hands.
Which, unfortunately, meant he was not alone.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "You look relaxed," a familiar, floating voice remarked. "This is dangerous. Relaxation is a precursor to political failure."
>
Li Feng (mental): "You know, for a so-called Heavenly Emperor, you appear far too often for someone who claims to be busy guarding the cosmos."
A translucent figure drifted beside him, hands clasped behind his back, expression smug.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "I saved you from getting politically skinned alive yesterday by giving you excellent, vague advice. A little gratitude for the dramatic costuming?"
>
Li Feng: "You threw me into this body."
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "And gave you looks, authority, and a fascinating, volatile harem situation. It's an upgrade."
>
Li Feng stopped walking. "Let's clarify something. I did not ask for—"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Oh please. You flirt instinctively. You call the formidable Empress a 'tomato rabbit.' Even I find your natural lack of self-preservation impressive."
>
Li Feng resumed walking. "That's called being human. I'm just trying to survive."
They turned a corner, entering a quieter part of the garden. A pavilion rested near a lotus pond, silk curtains fluttering gently.
And there she was.
Consort Mei Lian (the Jin clan's consort) sat inside, reading a slim bamboo slip. When she noticed him, she rose immediately, eyes bright.
Consort Mei Lian:
"Your Majesty."
Li Feng waved a hand. "Relax. If we keep bowing every time we meet, I'll start developing guilt over my own existence."
She smiled softly. "Did the court exhaust you again?"
Li Feng:
"Every single one of them," he replied, sitting down heavily. "Including myself."
The Divine Emperor leaned in, whispering loudly:
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Weak constitution. I ruled for ten thousand years without needing a nap."
>
Li Feng ignored him.
The consort poured tea, hesitated, then spoke. "About the Jin clan… my father sent word. The supplies arrived safely. The message brought immense stability."
Li Feng glanced at her. "Good. Then you can stop worrying about their immediate needs."
She looked down, fingers tightening around the cup. "You kept your promise, despite the court demanding the Dowager's projects take precedence."
"I told you I would," Li Feng affirmed.
A breeze passed through the pavilion. The day was warm. Too warm.
Li Feng leaned back, eyes closing for just a moment. Which turned into several.
The consort startled when his head tilted—then gently caught it against her lap.
Her face flushed instantly. She hesitated... then slowly relaxed, one hand lifting to brush his hair aside, her movements tentative, almost sacred.
Consort Mei Lian (to herself, a soft whisper):
"He's… surprisingly light. And trusting."
From above, the Divine Emperor folded his arms, watching with keen, paternal interest.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Ah. Lap pillow route. Textbook comfort. A highly successful distraction technique."
>
Li Feng mumbled, half-asleep: "Smells… nice. Plum blossoms."
The consort froze. "...Your Majesty?"
He didn't respond.
Her hand resumed combing his hair, her expression softening from apprehension to protective warmth. This man… stole my heart without even trying. He is nothing like the cold masks of court.
The Witness
From the garden path, unseen behind flowering shrubs, another figure stopped.
Empress Wan Qing.
She had been taking a quiet walk, attendants dismissed, fan in hand—until murmured voices caught her attention.
She saw it. The Emperor. Asleep. His head resting in another woman's lap, looking utterly peaceful.
Two passing maids whispered nearby.
Maid 1:
"His Majesty looks so defenseless."
Maid 2:
"Yes… like a tired child."
The Empress's fan twitched violently. Her lips pressed into a thin line. Defenseless, she repeated internally, her rage slow-burning. He trusts her enough to show weakness.
She turned away sharply. This man... is going to drive me insane.
The Confrontation
Night fell. Lanterns lit the inner palace as Li Feng stood before the Empress's chambers, arms crossed, his accidental nap having slightly bruised his confidence.
He knocked. No response.
He knocked again. "It's me. Your very tired husband."
The door slid open just enough to reveal one sharp, furious eye.
Then shut.
Li Feng sighed. "Alright. That's fair. I deserve this."
The door opened again—fully this time.
The Empress stood there, fan closed, her expression dangerously calm.
Empress Wan Qing:
"So. Have you rested well today, Your Majesty?"
Li Feng tilted his head. "I sense a trap, and possibly a knife hidden in those sleeves."
She stepped aside, allowing him to enter—then closed the door behind him.
Empress Wan Qing:
"One day, I am your hungry little rabbit, chasing you through the halls."
Li Feng winced.
Empress Wan Qing:
"And the next, you are sleeping soundly, peacefully, in another woman's lap, seeking comfort." Her fan snapped open. "Should I congratulate her? Or pity myself for my poor choice of Emperors?"
Li Feng raised his hands. "If it helps, I didn't plan it. I was genuinely falling asleep due to exhaustion."
"Oh?" she replied coolly. "Does that make it better?"
"No," he admitted. "But it makes it honest. I didn't choose a mistress; I chose a pillow."
She scoffed. "You men are all the same. Your justifications are infuriating."
"That's unfair," he said. "Some of us are worse. At least I showed up here."
Her glare faltered—just slightly.
He stepped closer. "I didn't favor anyone. I was tired. That's all."
She turned away. "You looked very comfortable."
He smiled faintly. "I was. It was quiet, and she was concerned."
Her fan twitched again. Silence stretched.
Then he sighed and stepped back, his internal plan formulated.
Li Feng:
"Well then," he said casually, turning toward the door, "perhaps I should seek the witch again and let the Empress fume for a while, since I clearly cannot satisfy your standards of fidelity."
Her head snapped around, fury blinding her.
Empress Wan Qing:
"You dare—! You absolutely—"
The door slid shut behind him.
Outside, Li Feng leaned against the wall, exhaling slowly.
The Divine Emperor appeared beside him, clapping slowly.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "Excellent. Absolutely the worst, most provocative choice of exit line imaginable. A perfect deployment of the reverse psychology trap."
>
Li Feng (mental): "I walked into that one, didn't I?"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "You sprinted, my boy. But don't worry."
>
Li Feng: "Why? Is she not going to murder me?"
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
> "She won't sleep tonight. Not with that line playing in her head. She is far too jealous to let you go to the 'witch.' You have ensured your safety for the evening, but guaranteed maximum drama for tomorrow."
>
Lantern light flickered as they walked off, their laughter echoing softly through the imperial night.
Li Feng has secured his emotional bonds and survived the Empress's wrath, temporarily.