As the Imperial Consort who controlled half the harem, Ying Wuyan wielded immense power, her presence undiminished even before the Empress.
Summoning anyone was a mere word away.
What man in the world would refuse a meeting with her? Most would eagerly beg for her audience!
Yet now, an anomaly like Su Chen had appeared.
Not only did he stand her up once, but he boldly intended to refuse her again!
Want to play games? Fine, let’s play and see who breaks first!!
“Ying Qingge, oh Ying Qingge, this isn’t me acting deliberately—it’s your beloved being far too… arrogant!”
Ying Wuyan crossed her long, elegant legs, her stunning face brimming with aggressive determination.
If Su Chen knew, he’d likely feel quite wronged.
Sister, can’t we be a bit more sincere?
Why overcomplicate things?
You’re so formidable, I can’t afford to provoke you, so I’ll keep my distance. Why run headfirst into trouble?
Well-versed in the art of evasion, Su Chen’s thoughts were genuinely simple.
Alas, some people were just too persistent.
At yet another invitation, Ying Wuyan lounged lazily on a cushioned seat, idly playing with her nails as she asked,
“What did he say this time?”
“Your Highness, the Imperial Consort, the Imperial Consort said he was busy with matters today and forgot about the tea.
He asked this servant to tell Your Highness that he’ll definitely come tomorrow if he’s free.”
Hearing the maid’s words, Ying Wuyan nodded.
Finally, some progress.
Looks like you couldn’t hold back after all.
The heart of a young man is restless, indeed.
But the next day, until the sun set and Ying Wuyan had admired the evening glow, Su Chen still didn’t show.
Staring at the empty seat across from her, Ying Wuyan’s delicate fingers tapped the table, her narrowed eyes rippling with unease.
“Keep inviting the Imperial Consort for tea!”
“Go every day until he agrees.”
As a strong-willed woman with unyielding perseverance, the word “give up” didn’t exist in Ying Wuyan’s dictionary.
I’m not afraid you won’t be tempted—just that you won’t show it.
I refuse to believe you have that many excuses!
And so, after several rounds of this, Ying Wuyan noticed the maid returning later and later.
“Why does it take so long to invite one person?”
“N-No, it’s not that.”
“Your Highness, the Imperial Consort wouldn’t even meet me. I waited half the day and didn’t see him.”
“…”
Well, well, now he’s not even showing his face?
Too lazy to even make excuses?
Despite Ying Wuyan’s immense confidence in herself, she couldn’t help but start doubting her charm.
Does he really have no interest at all?
Am I going to eat him or something that he won’t even meet me once?
Truth be told, her confidence was starting to crack.
For the first time in her life, Ying Wuyan seriously questioned her own allure.
Am I getting old?
In reality, her charm was indeed exceptional, but Su Chen’s greatest resistance was—to beautiful women.
That day, a sudden system prompt echoed in Su Chen’s mind:
“Congratulations, host, for unlocking the new achievement: Pigeon King, King of Kings, Big Jerk, Master of Toying with Women’s Hearts.”
“???”
Seeing he’d inexplicably unlocked such an achievement, Su Chen was dumbfounded.
How did I suddenly become the Pigeon King?
Who did I stand up?
He couldn’t help it—since the Imperial Consort was so easygoing, shrugging off his refusals without a ripple, it clearly wasn’t a big deal.
Naturally, Su Chen brushed it off.
Besides, he had more important matters to attend to—the words of that courtesan from before!
“Her identity, no matter how I think about it, seems similar to that neighborly big sister.”
“But I still need confirmation.”
“It’s time for a visit!”
Of course, Su Chen wouldn’t foolishly head to the Misty Rain Pavilion alone.
He’d bring along the good-natured friend.
This was also a small effort to help that pair of star-crossed lovers.
Who can resist my helpful nature?
With his mind made up, Su Chen headed to the Duke of National Defense’s residence to find Ji Hanqing.
The Duke’s residence wasn’t far from the palace.
In no time, Su Chen arrived.
To his surprise, entering was effortless—almost scarily so.
Along the way, countless people bowed and paid their respects, giving Su Chen the illusion that he was quite famous.
While searching for Ji Hanqing, Su Chen’s glance inadvertently caught a graceful figure.
By the Azure Serenity Lake, a white jade chair was placed.
Seated upon it was a young woman with an ethereal aura.
Her appearance was merely delicate, but her temperament was otherworldly, like a fairy untouched by mortal concerns.
The only one comparable was the “big sister” who had forcibly kissed him before.
If he had to compare, there was a clear distinction.
Wangqing Ge’s fairy-like quality was aloof and transcendent, while this white-clad woman seemed to perceive all things.
Her gentle eyes, with just a fleeting glance, sent a tremor through one’s heart.
Likewise, as Su Chen observed her, she was also studying him, showing particular interest.
The imperial city had no shortage of handsome men, but they paled in comparison to Su Chen.
Not only was he strikingly attractive, he exuded no trace of effeminacy.
Even rarer was his calm, composed demeanor under her gaze.
Suddenly, a flash of realization crossed the woman’s beautiful eyes.
“In the imperial city, only one person could have such looks.”
“Is he the one little brother mentioned?”
“Such audacity!”
She sighed softly, perhaps marveling at their identities or ages.
After passing by this mysterious woman, Su Chen didn’t linger and soon found Ji Hanqing.
“Brother Ji, why do you look so haggard?”
Seeing Ji Hanqing again, Su Chen was shocked to find him utterly worn out, almost unrecognizable.
Have you been drained these past few days?
Young man, learn some restraint!
Hearing this, Ji Hanqing’s face grew even more forlorn.
“Brother Su… sigh, it’s hard to explain…”
“No need to hide it.”
Facing Su Chen’s gossipy expression, Ji Hanqing said bitterly,
“After that incident at the Misty Rain Pavilion, I don’t know which bastard leaked it, saying I took you there, and it reached my father’s ears…”
As Ji Hanqing spoke, he remained dejected.
Given his character and conduct, no one in the Duke’s residence would spread gossip.
So it definitely wasn’t someone close to the Duke who informed him.
And to do so without anyone noticing was downright bizarre.
Who in the imperial city had such reach?
“Achoo!”
Far away in the Golden Throne Hall, a certain Empress suddenly wiped her nose.
Who’s talking behind my back?
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