Noble Son-in-Law - Chapter 56.2

Chapter 56.2

The next day, Li Zhi didn’t visit her, which made Shen Qingqing feel relieved, thinking he wouldn’t cause her any more trouble. But to her surprise, at dawn, Eunuch Wan arrived in person, holding a green sign. He bowed and smiled, “Empress, the emperor has turned over your sign today, and the sedan chair is ready outside. When do you want to leave?” 

Shen Qingqing was taken aback.

She was the only person in the entire harem now. ‘Why isn’t Li Zhi coming to the central palace? Hmph, he is clearly seeking revenge for me ignoring him last night!’

Shen Qingqing really wanted to get rid of Eunuch Wan, but as the empress, she had to be careful. She could argue with Li Zhi in private without worry. However, if she publicly refused to be with him, it could lead to serious trouble if word got out.

She figured it was a good chance to sort things out with Li Zhi. After sending the wet nurse off with her daughter, Shen Qingqing quickly got ready and hopped into the sedan chair.

When the sedan chair arrived at Qianyuan Palace, Eunuch Wan helped her out and escorted her to the back hall. Although she didn’t see Li Zhi, she was greeted by four palace maids who knelt down to assist her with a bath. It was a requirement for concubines before serving the emperor.

Shen Qingqing was furious with Li Zhi for using his power to bother her, but with everyone around, she figured an extra bath wouldn’t hurt. However, the clothes they provided were too sheer, offering little coverage. She put them on anyway, but as soon as the maids left, she rummaged through Li Zhi’s wardrobe and grabbed one of his robes to wear instead.

Just as she reached for the cabinet door, she heard a familiar voice behind her asking, “What are you doing?”

Ignoring him, she opened the closet and pulled out a plain white undershirt, leaving the fancy embroidered ones alone. The shirt was oversized on her, draping down to her calves and leaving just her delicate, jade-like feet visible.

Seeing the tightly covered elegant figure, disappointment washed in Li Zhi’s eyes. The palace maids had already departed, and Li Zhi made his way over to Shen Qingqing, who was giving him a cold stare. He smiled and asked, “I have seen it before, so why are you acting shy now?”

Shen Qingqing replied with a hint of sarcasm, “I was open to showing you before, but now I’m not interested.”

Li Zhi hesitated, locking eyes with her as he asked, “What do you mean by that?”

Shen Qingqing lifted her chin, meeting his gaze directly. “What I mean is, you can make me sleep with you if you want, but I won’t willingly let you take advantage of me. You were a marquis before, needing a legitimate heir to carry on your title. Now that you’re the emperor, the sons of your other concubines can still be in line for the throne. You don’t need to pressure me into having a legitimate child for you.”

She was done having children for Li Zhi.

Maybe having a crown prince would make her situation more stable, but even if Li Zhi agreed to name her son as the crown prince, would he actually be able to take the throne? There were just too many factors at play. If she wanted to come out on top, she’d have to constantly fight for attention and favour. Shen Qingqing wasn’t interested in living such an exhausting life. Right now, all she wished for was that her daughter would marry someone who truly loved her when she grew up. With Princess Channing around, that dream seemed achievable. When her daughter eventually tied the knot, she didn’t care if Shen Qingqing became empress or if she made way for Li Zhi’s new wife.

The petite woman secured her shirt around her waist as she faced the wardrobe. The warm smile that once charmed him had vanished, replaced by a cold and distant expression. Her eyes were calm and emotionless, lacking the anger and intensity she had displayed on their wedding night. At least back then, her fury had made her seem more vibrant.

Li Zhi was taken aback by such a Shen Qingqing.

He had assumed Shen Qingqing was simply giving him the cold shoulder lately and that her avoidance the previous night was just a way to get back at him. He thought that with a little charm, she would eventually warm up to him again. But now, as he looked into her determined eyes, he realized she genuinely didn’t want to share a future with him.

A weight settled in his chest, a strange tightness that made it difficult for him to find the words. “You really don’t trust me at all?”

Shen Qingqing smiled, turning her head slightly as she replied, “What woman would believe that? Whoever does will be your queen.”

Li Zhi: “…”

They had been so sweet together after getting married that he nearly forgot how sharp her words could be!

End of chapter 56

Have a nice day!