That evening, Cheng called Gen into her bedroom to revel in and gloat about her finally getting rid of Bella.
Cheng reclined on silk cushions in her private chambers, a goblet of sweet wine cradled in her hand. The emerald necklace from earlier gleamed against her neck as she gestured Gen closer.
"Come, sit," she commanded, patting the cushion beside her. "You were so quiet today. Did you enjoy our little expedition to the river?"
Gen entered cautiously, his military training making him acutely aware of the Empress's moods. "Your Majesty, the men are handling the disposal as instructed. No one will find any trace of Lady Bella or her companions."
"Good," Cheng purred, taking a sip of wine. "And tell me honestly, did you believe my story about the river spirit? I think it was quite convincing."
She leaned forward slightly, her eyes glittering with malicious satisfaction. "That brat is finally gone. No more competition for my husband's affections or attention from the court. It's just us now."
Gen smiled. "I am glad you are happy, my empress."
Cheng's lips curled into a genuine smile at Gen's flattery, her mood considerably improved by the day's events.
"You're the only one who truly understands me, General. Others see only the Empress but you see the woman."
She refilled her goblet from a crystal decanter, offering it to him. "Drink with me. Celebrate our victory over that little viper who thought she could steal my husband's heart."
Gen accepted the wine but only took a small sip before setting it aside. His duty required alertness even during personal celebrations.
"Your happiness is my greatest reward," he said smoothly, though his mind remained focused on practical matters.
"However, we should discuss logistics for tomorrow's council meeting. The Emperor has requested updates on border patrols..."
"Forget him. Celebrate with me" she smirks. Cheng continued to insult Bella , stating instances, Bella angered her and how she always felt like killing her with her own hands.
Cheng's smirk widened as she listed Bella's perceived transgressions, each memory fueling her satisfaction.
"Remember when she laughed at my choice of flowers for the spring festival? Said they were 'too common' for imperial gardens. As if she knew anything about refinement."
She took another sip of wine, swirling the liquid in her goblet. "And the way she carried herself - always so confident, like she belonged more than I did.
She even tried to teach me how to ride a horse properly once. Can you imagine? Me learning from a peasant born girl."
Her voice grew sharper with each recollection. "Every time I saw her with Chang Hao, whispering in corners or sharing private jokes - it made my blood boil. She thought she could replace me, but today proved who holds real power in this palace."
Cheng leaned back against the silken pillows, her emerald necklace catching the candlelight.
"And that smug look she had whenever Chang Hao praised her intelligence or beauty - like she deserved it more than me. Like *her* opinions mattered more than mine."
She gestured dramatically with her free hand. "The way she'd flounce past my receiving rooms without even acknowledging my presence unless absolutely necessary. Every slight was a dagger to my pride."
Her voice lowered conspiratorially as she moved closer to Gen. "Do you know what finally pushed me over the edge? Seeing Chang Hao's face when he sentenced her to be banished. The way he looked at her like she hung the moon and stars."
Cheng's expression darkened with jealousy as she recalled the memory. "He actually cried when she left - *cried*.
For a concubine who couldn't even manage proper etiquette at court functions." She tossed her wine goblet onto a nearby table, where it clattered against the marble surface.
"Did you see how he paced those halls for days after arresting her? Refusing meals, barely sleeping. All because of *her*." Her voice rose with frustration.
"While I was here managing an entire empire, he was moping over some village girl who probably never even learned to read properly."
Cheng gets up and walks to the other end of her room. She carries a big glass clear vase of stronger wine. She walks towards were she sat and starts drinking straight from the vase as continued to laugh and mock Bella.
Cheng lifted the heavy vase to her lips, taking long gulps of the potent liquor directly from the container. Her laughter echoed against the chamber walls as she recounted more humiliations Bella had inflicted upon her.
"Oh, remember when Bella suggested I try wearing blue instead of purple? Said blue complemented my skin tone better." She snorted derisively between drinks. "As if she knew anything about fashion beyond what peasants wear in fields."
Wine spilled down her chin and onto her silk robes as she mimicked Bella's accent.
"'Your Majesty is simply magnificent in lavender,'" she imitated mockingly. "'Such elegance cannot be matched.' Ha! She sounded like a milkmaid trying to impress city folk."
Gen watched silently from his position on the cushion, noting how each swallow seemed to loosen Cheng's tongue further. "You are quite drunk, Your Majesty," he commented mildly.
"Perhaps we should call for your maids to help you prepare for bed."" Shut up." She said drunk. The wine was already intoxicating her , she looks at Gen with Lust.
"You have been so loyal. And you are so handsome. It's a pity. If things were different, I would be yours" Cheng says in a sultry voice , as she leaned too close to Gen.