Main story/6

## Chapter 6: The Emperor

Rewards no. 11
Spring Sword
Spring Cap
Rewards no. 22
Rewards no. 33

## 6-1 Her Past

In the following days, the empress party spat you frequently. Lady Liu helped you sometimes, but mostly you were on your own.

Weiyang
My lady, let me help you with the wounds. The empress finds an excuse to make you kneel down for two hours in Buddhist Hall. How many times has she done it this month?
Player
They dare bully me like this only because my family isn't strong [enough] to help me. The empress dowager can't help me because of the emperor who doesn't like me.
Weiyang
The emperor hasn't fetched you to bed with him since you came. Why don't you come up with something, my lady?
Player
(Sighs) The emperor and I ... It's hard to say. Anyway, he hates to be tricked. If I try to get his attention, I will make things worse. Speaking of which, where is he now?
Weiyang
He is in Lady Liu's bedroom. Lady Liu is adored by the emperor indeed. He spends about ten nights at her place every month.
Choose an option
Ask her about Lady Liu
Ask about the emperor and Lady Liu
### Option A (6-1)

Player
She is beautiful and different, so it's understandable why the emperor likes her. But I can tell that she doesn't care about the emperor after talking to her that day. Do you know why?
Weiyang
Lady Liu's father has served two emperors, so she will enjoy wealth for her whole life as long as she doesn't make big mistakes. (Whispers) But I heard that she was forced to come here.
Weiyang said it vaguely, but you knew what she meant right away. For most ladies in noble families, their marriages were used to trade for benefits. So was Lady Liu. It was a pity that not all girls sought for wealth and fortune. You didn't know how she felt about being forced to enter the palace. But you were sure that she didn't enjoy her life at all.

Player
If it's true, I know why she helped me.
Weiyang
You mean?
Player
The empress is bossy. All concubines follow her orders. They used to only target Lady Liu, but now they have one more target - me. So she wants me to stay safe to be her shield. Also, she will be happy to help me win the emperor's heart. Because she will feel less burdensome if I can get the emperor's attention.
Weiyang
Then will you give her what she wants, my lady?
Player
Of course. I'm not strong enough to stand against the empress. Now she is helping me. Why should I turn her down?

### Option B (6-1)

*Cautious +5*
Player
The emperor has been adoring her, which is known to us all. But I can tell that she doesn't care about the emperor after talking to her that day. Do you know why?
Weiyang
(Whispered) I heard news that she was forced to come here. I don't know if it's true.
Weiyang said it vaguely, but you knew what she meant right away. For most ladies in noble families, their marriages were used to trade for benefits. So was Lady Liu. It was a pity that not all girls sought for wealth and fortune. You didn't know how she felt about being forced to enter the palace. But you were sure that she didn't enjoy her life at all.

Weiyang
You mean?
Player
The empress is bossy. All concubines follow her orders. They used to only target Lady Liu, but now they have one more target - me. So she wants me to stay safe to be her shield. Also, she will be happy to help me win the emperor's heart. Because she will feel less burdensome if I can get the emperor's attention.
Weiyang
Then will you give her what she wants, my lady?
Player
Of course. I'm not strong enough to stand against the empress. Now she is helping me. Why should I turn her down?
## 6-2 Emperor Comes

Weiyang
Now that you think the emperor may come here, why not get ready now?
Player
Then you get me some quiet dresses for me.
Weiyang
You are so beautiful, my lady. I believe the emperor will fall in love with you when he sees you!
## 6-3 Edict

Through your analysis, you knew what would happen. But you didn't expect it to happen so soon. One day, when you were having dinner, the emperor came to your bedroom.

Emperor
It smells delicious, do you mind if I join you?
Player
(Surprised) Your majesty? Good evening.
Soon, you calmed down. Since last life, you had known that he didn't like extravagant stuff. So he sometimes went to his concubines' bedrooms without informing them in advance.

Player
How can I serve you such a simple meal? I will ask them to cook some dishes.
Emperor
(Gently) No need. Just bring me a pair of chopsticks and a bowl. I saw you enjoy these dishes just now. I want to have a try.
He took over the chopsticks from a maid and tried them.

Emperor
Taste good. You got a new cook?
Player
No, your majesty. It's my maid Honglian who made these. She used to work in the imperial kitchen and likes food very much. So she is good at cooking.
Emperor
Your maids are so smart. I am sure you are a lot better than them. No wonder my dissociable lady praises you over and over again.
His eyes were getting sharp while he knocked the table gently. You couldn't tell whether he was happy or angry.

Choose an option
Pretend to be surprised
Look at him calmly
### Option A (6-3)

*Foxy +5*
You couldn't tell his mood. You were afraid that he may think you tried to get his attention through Lady Liu. So you pretended to be surprised.

Player
(Surprised) Lady Liu praised me in front of you?
Emperor
You seem to be surprised, don't you?
Player
Lady Liu and I don't talk much.
Player
She thinks I am new here and helped me several times. I appreciate it. But she likes to be alone, so I dare not bother her.
Emperor
(Sighs) She doesn't like to be alone. She is not interested in those worldly things.
Player
Now that you said so, I will go visit her more. Then she won't feel lonely and have no friends.
Emperor
(Thoughtfully) She is right. You are considerate and reliable.
You didn't understand what he meant by saying "reliable." While you were about to ask him, he waved his hand to fetch Wang Quan waiting outside.

Emperor
Wang Quan, issue a notice. Player has been taking care of me. She is quiet and thoughtful, and I like her very much. Now I grant her Grade IX Concubine.
### Option B (6-3)

You couldn't tell his mood. He seemingly suspected that you tried to get his attention through Lady Liu. But the truth was she took advantage of you. So you had no fears and played cool.

Player
I am lucky to win her praise.
Player
She thinks I am new here and helped me several times. I appreciate it. But she likes to be alone, so I dare not bother her.
Emperor
(Sighs) She doesn't like to be alone. She is not interested in those worldly things.
Player
Now that you said so, I will go visit her more. Then she won't feel lonely and have no friends.
Emperor
(Thoughtfully) She is right. You are considerate and reliable.
You didn't understand what he meant by saying "reliable." While you were about to ask him, he waved his hand to fetch Wang Quan waiting outside.

Emperor
Wang Quan, issue a notice. Player has been taking care of me. She is quiet and thoughtful, and I like her very much. Now I grant her Grade IX Concubine.

## 6-7 Promotion

When Wang Quan left with his order, you were too shocked to react.

Emperor
What? You are too happy to thank me?
Though you had been hoping to defeat the empress by winning the emperor's heart and getting promoted, nothing comes easily. The promotion concerned you.

Player
Thank you, your majesty. But I didn't do anything. I can't take it for granted.
Emperor
Everyone expects such good things to happen to them. Why does it scare you?
Player
I just don't understand. You said before that I am a pawn of the empress dowager, and you will never ... touch her claws!
Emperor
Yes. But you can become mine since you were here in my palace. Am I right?
His words contained a lot of information. Did he want you to choose him? Or warn you? You knew that you would never be able to rise if you failed to give the answer he wanted.

Choose an option
Be loyal to you forever
Dare not disobey you
### Option A (6-7)

You and the empress dowager took advantage of each other. There was no loyalty between you. Now the emperor was waiting for your answer. You must give what he wanted.

Player
Yes, your majesty. I am here to be your concubine, so I should be loyal to you forever.
You bowed to him, so you couldn't see his face. He walked towards you and helped you up.

Emperor
(Gently) Good, I shall stay over tonight then.
### Option B (6-7)

*Sweet +5*
Now you must give the answer he wanted.

Player
Yes, your majesty. Now I am here in the palace, and I am one of your concubines. I dare not disobey you.
You bowed to him, so you couldn't see his face. He walked towards you and helped you up.

Emperor
(Gently) Good, I shall stay over tonight then.
## 6-8 First Night

Player
(I will be bedded with him as soon as I take the bath. It's my first time to sleep with him. What should I wear?)
You were in a luxurious dress with your hair untied. You didn't wear makeup, but your face was still pretty.

Emperor
(Eagerly) Take off my clothes.
## 6-9 Visit Empress

You had a sweet night and good sleep. When you woke up, the emperor was dressing up with the help of maids. He smiled at you before he left quietly. Yaner at once came to help you wash up. She was so happy and walked back and forth merrily.

Player
(Patted her head) Alright, chill down. We still have to pay a visit to the empress. Be cautious.
Yaner
You just bedded with the emperor. How about taking one day off?
Player
No, we must go. Otherwise, they will say I am getting arrogant.
You didn't know what the emperor wanted. But you were sure that he wanted to make others think he adored you. If you didn't take it properly, you would be doomed. You went to visit the empress as usual. When you walked in, you felt their harsh eyes on you. Among which Lady Jia was the most obvious one.

Lady Jia
See, we have another concubine! You are here for only one month or so, but you have been bedded with his majesty twice and got promoted twice. I'm afraid that you will overtake us very soon, right?
Choose an option
Answer her nicely to avoid conflict
Retort coldly
### Option A (6-9)

*Sweet +5*
Now you had gotten promoted. If you didn't stay humble, you would offend all the other concubines. So you tried to be nice and answered her patiently.

Player
Please don't make fun of me. The emperor remembers me occassionally. You are more important than me.
Lady Jia
You'd better know that.
She mocked you another round, and you answered her patiently and nicely. She felt like she was punching the sponge and couldn't find a way to break you. You waited for a while before the empress went out with her body maid Jinzhi. Her face was dark. After chatting with them for a few rounds, she fixed her eyes on you.

Empress
I heard that the empreror granted Player Grade IX Concubine. You have taken care of his majesty so well. I should reward you as the empress with supreme power. Jinzhi, go and get the coral bracelet. The one from Southern Sea tribute.
### Option B (6-9)

*+5 Cool*
Player
The emperor goes to your bedroom frequently. Now he just stays over at my place for one night. Why are you jealous of it?
Lady Jia
(Sneer) You do know he goes to my place more, huh? If you don't stay respectful to us, I will give you a good lesson.
You argued for a while before empress went out with her body maid Jinzhi. Her face was dark. After chatting with them for a few rounds, she fixed her eyes on you.

Empress
I heard that the empreror granted Player Grade IX Concubine. You have taken care of his majesty so well. I should reward you as the empress with supreme power. Jinzhi, go and get the coral bracelet. The one from Southern Sea tribute.

## 6-13 Spot Scheme

Soon Jinzhi brought the coral bracelet to you. Its color was bright and the beads were round and full, which proved that it was valuable.

Player
I dare not accept such a valuable gift.
Empress
I give it to you, and you just take it. Don't be cheesy. Or you still resent me for my unthoughtfulness and refuse to accept my gift?
Her words left you no choice. So you had to take it. Though you accepted it with respect, you were alarmed.

Player
(Bowing) Thank you, your majesty.
Empress
You must wear it. When the emperor sees it, he can know that we get along very well and feels happy.
While you were chatting, an announcement came in. The emperor came. At once, the empress' face relaxed and a smile climbed on.

Empress
What brings you here so early, your majesty?
Emperor
The court meeting was dismissed early this morning, so I wanted to come see you. Unexpectedly, you are still here?
He looked around and then fixed his eyes on you. Seeing that the empress pulled his sleeve gently.

Empress
(Whines softly) Your majesty, you come to my palace to see other ladies. I don't like it.
Hearing this, he quietly turned his head and smilingly whispered to her ear to amuse her. Others may think they were in love, but you saw the coldness in his eyes.

Lady Jiang
I hope you can enjoy your breakfast, so please forgive me to withdraw now.
Lady Jiang had always been smart. She took the first to leave so that right away other concubines learned what the empress was thinking. Then they all left.

You stepped out of Qingning Palace and headed for your palace with Yaner. On your way back, a strange eunuch came to bow to you.

Eunuch
Good morning, my lady! The empress dowager asked me to bring you to Yongan Palace.
Choose an option
Ask what happened
Question him
### Option A (6-13)

Player
(Smiles) Why does the empress dowager want to see me?
Eunuch
Her majesty knows that you see Lady Liu a lot lately, so she has some advice for you.
Player
(Surprised) Alright, I am going with you.
Suddenly, someone knocked you over from behind and you fell down. "Rest in peace." This is what you heard before you lost consciousness.

Dead
Never try to hurt others. Never mute your alarm to anyone.
### Option B (6-13)

*Cautious +5*
Player
I have lived in Yongan Palace for some time. Why did I never see you before? Are you really from Yongan Palace?
You must be cautious in this palace. You never saw the eunuch before. If you went with him, you would fall into someone's trap.

Eunuch
My lady, I am really new here. Matron Ruolan is occupied today, so her majesty asked me to fetch you. Please hurry up. She is waiting.
Player
(Scoldingly) Do I need you to tell me what I should do?