Chapter 9
Qingyu lifted his head and forced a gentle smile as he strode closer to the emperor. The smile did not reach his eyes.
Helian Jue watched him carefully, his eyes narrowing. "Where have you been all day?"
Qingyu kept the smile in place. "I was resting in my pavilion, Your Majesty. The days in the cell left me tired."
The emperor studied his face for a long moment. "I sent Liu to your pavilion earlier. No one saw you or your eunuch there."
Qingyu blinked, pretending to be surprised.
"Really? I must have been bathing then. Forgive me." He changed the subject quickly. "Have you taken your medicine dose today?"
Helian Jue scoffed and waved the question away.
"Tomorrow there is a banquet for the returning generals. I want you there with me."
Qingyu's smile froze.
A banquet? With the emperor?
In his first life, he had only ever attended those events alone, smiling from the side while Consort Lian sat proudly beside Helian Jue, laughing at his jokes and warming his bed afterward.
This invitation suddenly felt wrong.
He opened his mouth, then closed it. "Your Majesty… Consort Lian usually accompanies you. I am only…"
"I said I want you there," Helian Jue cut in, his voice firm and leaving no room for argument. "You will sit at my side."
Qingyu's mind spun. He wanted to refuse, but the words stuck in his throat. Refusing now could bring more trouble to his family. He lowered his gaze. "Then… I accept."
Helian Jue nodded once, satisfied. "Liu!"
Eunuch Liu appeared from the side door at once. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Bring the finest dress for the Jade Consort. Something worthy of tomorrow's banquet."
Liu's eyes widened in shock. "The finest… for Consort Shen?"
Helian Jue groaned, rubbing his temple. "Why do you always make me repeat myself, Liu? Go. Now."
Liu bowed quickly and hurried out without another word.
Qingyu shifted on his feet. "Your Majesty does not have to do this. I am only a consort. There is no need for such special treatment."
Helian Jue looked at him, his expression softening just a little. "You are more than that to me."
Instantly, Qingyu felt a strange twist in his chest. The emperor who once barely remembered his name now spoke like this. Something had changed, and it scared him.
Liu returned soon with several maids carrying trays of luxurious fabrics of deep reds, golds, and silks embroidered with dragons and lotuses. They held the pieces up for Qingyu to see.
Qingyu pointed to one elegant set in crimson with gold threads. "This one will do."
The maids bowed and were excused. As they left, Helian Jue leaned back. "Try it on here. In front of me."
Qingyu's stomach tightened. "Your Majesty, I am exhausted from the day. I would like some privacy."
Helian Jue paused, then gave a small nod. "Go then. But do not be late tomorrow."
Qingyu bowed and left the chamber quickly, the new clothes folded in his arms.
Back in his pavilion, he tossed the bundle onto the bed in annoyance.
He could not believe this was happening. That the emperor was pulling him closer every day, making it harder to accomplish his plan.
Xiao He entered a moment later, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Young Master, what did you discuss with His Majesty?"
Qingyu sat down slowly. "He wants me at the banquet tomorrow."
Xiao He's face lit up with excitement. "That is wonderful! The other consorts will be so jealous. This is your chance to get even closer."
Qingyu shook his head. "If it were up to me, I would not go near any banquet as a consort." He looked at Xiao He, voice dropping. "Is it possible to stop being a consort? To defy my father and go far away from here?"
Xiao He's eyes widened. He nearly stumbled backward.
His face turned pale. "Young Master! You cannot possibly do that! The punishment for breaking the alliance is death. Your father would never allow it, and if the emperor finds out, your sister Qinglan would not be safe from his wrath."
Qingyu stared at the floor, confused. He knew Xiao He was right. Running now would drag his family down with him. His little sister's frightened face from lunch flashed in his mind.
He let out a slow breath. "Then we must move faster. We will push more silver through the merchants. I will build a safe house far away, somewhere beyond the eastern sea where the emperor cannot reach us. We will take Father and Qinglan with us when the time comes."
Xiao He's mouth fell open. He looked at Shen Qingyu as if seeing him for the first time. His small body swayed. "Young Master… that is treason. You are really planning to take the whole family and flee from the emperor?"