"Good! This is exactly what I've been waiting for!"
The Empress slapped the table and stood up, her expression filled with excitement.
"Tomorrow, I shall appoint you as the General of River Suppression. You will assist General Xu Wei in going to Wei River County to eliminate the corpse horde."
Hearing this, Ninth Princess Zhao Linger was overjoyed. At least now Shen Jinghong had a position and a chance to prove himself. She raised an eyebrow at him, silently urging:
Why aren't you thanking Her Majesty yet?
Shen Jinghong immediately cupped his hands and said properly:
"Your subordinate respectfully obeys Your Majesty's decree."
But inwardly, he frowned.
A crucial mission… yet such a low rank? How am I supposed to command anyone?
"What? You seem dissatisfied?"
The Empress frowned slightly, her expression turning cold in an instant.
Shen Jinghong was stunned.
I didn't even say anything!
"No… I am very satisfied," he replied quickly.
The Empress saw through his thoughts at a glance and said calmly:
"Do not worry. If you achieve merit, I will elevate you directly. At present, you have no accomplishments—therefore I cannot justify more in court."
"Or… if you succeed, you may request any reward you desire."
Shen Jinghong's eyes lit up.
"Really?"
For the first time, the Empress seemed slightly uncomfortable under his gaze. She turned her head subtly, her earlobes faintly reddening.
"I am the Emperor of Da Xu. My word is absolute. As long as your request is not excessive."
Shen Jinghong lowered his gaze, then spoke:
"I have no other request."
He paused, then added:
"I only wish that, if I succeed, I may share a private banquet with Your Majesty—sitting face to face, speaking through the night by candlelight… to ease Your Majesty's burdens."
Clink.
The jade pendant in Zhao Linger's hand struck the table.
Her cheeks puffed slightly in silent grievance.
I summoned you… and you never said you wanted to dine with me!
The Empress froze for a moment—then laughed softly.
"I underestimated you."
"Your intentions are loud enough to echo through the entire hall."
She leaned forward slightly, her gaze playful.
"However…"
A smile curved her lips.
"I am pleased."
"Granted."
Zhao Linger's expression froze completely.
The Empress continued, her tone light yet dangerous:
"If you can truly suppress the ministers and resolve this crisis… let alone one night of conversation—"
"What is wrong with spending an entire night talking?"
Shen Jinghong: "…"
I was just saying it casually…
"Your subordinate thanks Your Majesty."
This time, their gazes met—and neither looked away.
Zhao Linger quickly intervened:
"Sister, it's getting late. We still have morning court tomorrow. Shall we return to rest?"
The Empress rose, supported by a maid. Her dress swept softly across the floor.
Then she sighed lightly, glancing at Zhao Linger.
"I finally meet someone who can make me smile… and now my sister wants to send me away?"
Her tone carried a hint of playful grievance.
The contrast was striking.
Zhao Linger froze—then her expression softened.
"When would I ever do that?"
She stepped forward, holding the Empress's arm.
"I'm only worried about your health. You've smiled more today than in the past half month."
The Empress chuckled and tapped her forehead.
"You silver-tongued girl."
Then she turned to leave.
But before stepping out—
She glanced at Shen Jinghong.
Her playful expression faded, replaced by quiet authority.
"I will be waiting."
Her tone was soft—but unmistakably meaningful.
Shen Jinghong cupped his hands firmly.
"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will not fail."
Zhao Linger quickly pulled the Empress along.
"Sister, let's go—before the kitchen reheats supper a third time!"
As they left, the Empress paused ever so slightly beside him.
She didn't turn back—but let out a faint hum, almost like a laugh.
Then she disappeared into the lantern-lit corridor.
Only after the palace doors closed did Shen Jinghong lower his hand.
His palm was damp with sweat.
"…That was close."
At least—
He hadn't lost his head tonight.