Zheng Wei found himself somewhat at a loss for words seeing Kong Huangwei's serious demeanor.
Was this what Mi Mi had described as a "son-complex"?
Regardless of whether her son was right or wrong, a mother would unconditionally support him in everything.
Kong Huangwei's words warmed Zheng Wei immensely.
"Forget it, let's let him live a bit longer."
"Alright, I'll listen to you."
Hearing Kong Huangwei's continued agreement, Zheng Wei's face broke into a radiant smile. He took Kong Huangwei's hand and they walked towards Shi'an Yuan.
Meanwhile, within the Forbidden City, after Yi Zixie and his entourage departed, Sima Zhu sat alone in Sima Hao's palace for a while before rising and heading out.
As he walked back, Sima Zhu's mind was a whirlwind of complex thoughts.
It seemed that ever since Sima Han returned, everything had become uncontrollable.
Everything he wanted to achieve ultimately deviated from his plans, heading towards an unpredictable future.
Sima Zhu sat alone on a wooden chair, lost in thought for the entire afternoon.
As the sky gradually darkened outside, Wang Lin cautiously entered.
"Your Majesty, it is time for your meal."
Sima Zhu looked at Wang Lin upon hearing him, his eyes dark and unreadable.
Wang Lin felt a chill down his spine under Sima Zhu's gaze, but he could only brace himself and stand still, allowing Sima Zhu to scrutinize him.
After a long moment, Sima Zhu finally spoke, "Wang Lin, do you think I am a very incompetent Emperor?"
Sima Zhu's sudden question startled Wang Lin so much that he nearly collapsed to the ground, wailing inwardly, What has His Majesty become? Why would he ask me such a question?
Although he had served His Majesty for over a decade and was considered a trusted confidant, this was not something he could speak about.
He cautiously raised his head to glance at Sima Zhu. Seeing that Sima Zhu was still looking at him, as if waiting for his reply, Wang Lin dared not delay any longer.
Even though he truly didn't want to say anything, he didn't dare to make His Majesty wait.
Who knew if His Majesty would lose patience in the next moment and simply order him to be dragged out and beheaded?
"Replying to Your Majesty, Your Majesty has ascended the throne not long ago, and some powers have not yet been fully consolidated. This is natural. Your Majesty need not worry. With Your Majesty's capabilities, you will surely subdue all those rebels."
It must be said that Wang Lin was indeed a trusted eunuch for over a decade, and he knew how to gauge Sima Zhu's thoughts.
Although his speech was not perfect, every word resonated with Sima Zhu.
He did indeed wish to reclaim the scattered powers.
Whether it was Sima Han, the Grand Emperor, the Grand Tutor Yi Zixie, or the six newly appointed regent ministers today, he would not continue to indulge them. One day, all the humiliation he had suffered would be avenged.
Having made up his mind, Sima Zhu's expression softened slightly.
"Have someone serve the meal."
Wang Lin remained prostrate on the ground for a long time. Every passing second felt excruciatingly difficult. Finally hearing Sima Zhu's voice was truly like hearing celestial music.
He responded with a "yes" and quickly stood up, rushing out.
Sima Zhu watched Wang Lin's retreating figure, a smile appearing in his eyes.
It seemed his rare display of sternness had indeed frightened his trusted confidant.
After a moment of thought, Sima Zhu stood up and walked out.
He had not forgotten his intention to visit Lin Xiaowei that evening, so he would dine in the rear palace.
As he stepped out of the Hall of Diligent Governance, he saw two young eunuchs standing by the door.
Without him having to speak, the two eunuchs promptly fetched lamb horn lanterns and lit the way for him.
After walking a few more steps, another two young eunuchs with lamb horn lanterns followed behind.
By the time he reached the palace, dozens of young eunuchs were trailing behind Sima Zhu.
This was a symbol of his status as Emperor.
He did not dislike having people follow him at all.
On the contrary, he relished this feeling.
What he feared most was someone trying to snatch away this privilege.
Upon entering the palace, he saw that the large round table in the center was already laden with imperial dishes.
Walking around the table, Sima Zhu directly went behind a glazed screen.
A palace maid was already waiting. Upon seeing Sima Zhu enter, they all automatically stepped forward to help him change clothes, wash his face, and hands. Only after he was properly tidied up did Sima Zhu emerge from behind the glazed screen.
Returning to the round table to sit down, Wang Lin was already standing by the side.
As soon as Sima Zhu glanced at a dish, Wang Lin would immediately scoop some onto Sima Zhu's plate.
When Sima Zhu ate alone, he only had Wang Lin standing by his side.
The rule that one could not take more than three bites of a dish did not apply to him at all.
This was also understandable. Looking at how stout Sima Zhu was, one could tell that he ate a considerable amount at every meal, otherwise, how could he have become so plump.
After the meal, Sima Zhu took a bath and changed into comfortable sleepwear.
The silky fabric felt so good against his skin that the fatigue of the entire day seemed to vanish.
Sima Zhu then said to Wang Lin, "Go and summon Lin Xiaowei."
Wang Lin departed as ordered. The moment he turned around, a glint flashed across his eyes.
He had been so focused on pleasing the future Empress that he had overlooked Lin Xiaowei. Now, it seemed Lin Xiaowei was also not to be underestimated.
He quickly reached Lin Xiaowei's residence, a small courtyard.
As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Lin Xiaowei standing under a tree in the center. Her slender figure evoked a sense of tenderness.
Perhaps hearing the sound of footsteps, Lin Xiaowei suddenly turned her head. Upon seeing Wang Lin and his entourage, her eyes instantly lit up with joy.
"Noble Lady, His Majesty summons you to the Hall of Diligent Governance," Wang Lin said with a smile.
Although Sima Zhu had verbally bestowed the title of Noble Lady upon Lin Xiaowei that day, he had not yet assigned a specific appellation nor performed the grand ceremony. Technically, the title "Noble Lady" was optional.
However, Wang Lin had already decided to curry favor with Lin Xiaowei, so adding a polite address was certainly not a problem.
Upon hearing the address "Noble Lady," Lin Xiaowei's expression turned cold for a moment, then she smiled.
She would not remain a mere Noble Lady forever.
As the saying goes, impatience can ruin great plans. She was a person with grand ambitions and would not be constrained by the present moment.
"Sir Eunuch, please wait a moment. Allow me to change into an outfit suitable for an audience with His Majesty."
Wang Lin naturally had no objections. He made a gesture of invitation, allowing Lin Xiaowei to go inside and change.
Lin Xiaowei did not take long to re-emerge.
She now wore a finely crafted hairpin slanted in her hair and a pair of cloud-silk embroidered shoes on her feet.
Although her attire was not overly opulent, it perfectly complemented her temperament.
Seeing this, Wang Lin couldn't help but feel fortunate. Her dress and adornments indicated her keen intelligence.
Such a person, given time, would surely be favored.
Wang Lin escorted Lin Xiaowei to her destination and then discreetly withdrew.
Only Lin Xiaowei and Sima Zhu remained in the hall. They both sat by the couch, their eyes meeting, yet for a moment, neither spoke.
Lin Xiaowei stealthily glanced at Sima Zhu. Seeing the infatuation in his eyes as he gazed at her, she couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
So what if he was the Emperor? He was still a man, wasn't he?
As long as they were men, there was no one Lin Xiaowei couldn't win over.
As this thought arose, Lin Xiaowei was reminded of Yi Zixie, the man who had remained indifferent to her.
Her heart couldn't help but clench with resentment.
But even so, even the Grand Tutor could not compare to the Emperor.
As long as she captured the Emperor's heart and became Empress, she would not worry about revenge.
If Lin Xiaowei knew what had transpired during the day, she probably wouldn't have thought this way.
But she was utterly unaware.
Therefore, her viewing the Emperor as a savior was, in fact, a grave mistake.
Yet, still oblivious, she was directly leaping off a cliff.
Sima Zhu was genuinely surprised when he saw Lin Xiaowei enter.
Earlier that day, when he had seen Lin Xiaowei, she had been wearing a maid's attire, her hair styled like a maid's, with almost no hair ornaments, cosmetics, or powders.
Yet, even in that state, she had been captivating, with a translucent radiance on her face that stirred ripples in one's heart at first sight.
But after such a short time, with a change of clothes, he felt that Lin Xiaowei's appearance had become even more striking, her temperament more ethereal.
Although the harem was filled with countless beauties, they all seemed too rigid.
Only Lin Xiaowei was another vibrant beauty he had seen so far.
The first, of course, was Shen Xiaoyan.
Unfortunately, Shen Xiaoyan was already married and had a very close relationship with Yi Zixie, so he could not directly claim her.
Even with Lin Xiaowei, it was quite good.
If Shen Xiaoyan was a rose, then Lin Xiaowei was a white flower in a canyon.
Although she lacked the fragrance and vibrancy of a rose, she possessed an unparalleled purity.
However, as her gaze flickered, there was an indescribable charm that blended with her pure face, creating a fatal attraction.
"Xiaowei, you are so beautiful."
Unconsciously, Sima Zhu uttered these words.
Lin Xiaowei lowered her head further, her cheeks flushing, looking like a ripe red berry, making Sima Zhu want to take a bite.
"Your Majesty, please don't look at me like that. I feel so embarrassed," Lin Xiaowei said with shy annoyance.
Sima Zhu's heart fluttered even more at this. His voice softened considerably, "My Xiaowei is naturally beautiful enough to captivate anyone. I can never get enough of looking at you."
Sima Zhu believed his voice was incredibly gentle and full of tender affection.
But in Lin Xiaowei's heart, it felt utterly disgusting.
His lecherous tone, coupled with the lecherous expression on his face, made Lin Xiaowei feel extremely nauseated.
Yet, she could not show the slightest hint of it and had to maintain an appearance of boundless surprise and delight.
In fact, thinking about it from another perspective, this was understandable.
If she were a genuine ancient woman, she would indeed feel immensely happy at receiving His Majesty's favor.