Volume 1, Chapter 20: He Is Siding With Pei Huai!

The Empress Dowager’s maidservant brought in two chairs. As the Empress Dowager stepped down, the small bells on her person chimed crisply. Her expression softened slightly as she spoke, "I haven’t seen you in a few days and found myself missing you both. Why have you stayed away for so long?"

Shen Zhi and Pei Jing exchanged a glance, both reading confusion in the other’s eyes. Shen Zhi stepped forward, bowed with her hands at her waist, and replied, "I am honored by the Empress Dowager’s thoughts. The Prince of Qi and I had intended to go out for a leisure trip today and were occupied with preparations. We did not realize how much time had passed, and thus failed to pay our respects."

Seeing Shen Zhi offering formal pleasantries, the Empress Dowager cut straight to the point: "You are truly silver-tongued, Zhi'er. Tell me, when does your father return?"

"My father is away on a campaign for the sake of the nation, protecting the people under heaven. As for when he shall return, I am not certain."

The Empress Dowager nodded. "I have no specific matter; I merely wished to see you both. Jing'er, I hear you have been enfeoffed as a Prince. You must not be as reckless or unruly as you were in the past."

"Thank you for your guidance, Empress Dowager."

The Empress Dowager nodded again. "Since you have both received your titles, you should assist Huai'er more and work together for the benefit of the country."

Upon hearing this, how could Shen Zhi not understand? It seemed they were being asked to serve as subordinates to Pei Huai. It was truly remarkable how blessed that man was. With both the Empress Dowager and the Empress paving the way for him, while other nations relied on capable leaders, Pei Huai was practically being handed the throne on a silver platter. Regardless of his ability, character, or whether he could command respect, the intention to make him the successor was blatant.

Shen Zhi was so angry she almost laughed. Even if she were to set aside the hatred of her previous life, Pei Huai was far from the best candidate. Moreover, she was determined to see Pei Huai dead; how could she ever allow him to sit on the Imperial throne? If he wanted the throne, he would first have to see if he had the life to keep it!

Shen Zhi’s face darkened instantly. "I have taken note of the Empress Dowager’s intentions. However, the Emperor has yet to name a Crown Prince. I am ignorant, and I do not know where this news of assisting the Prince of Jin comes from." She paused, then added, "Could it be that the Empress Dowager has already decided this in private?"

"Shen Zhi! What do you mean by that?" The Empress Dowager shed her initial veneer of politeness, shouting with indignation, "My intent is the Emperor's intent! Are you accusing me of treason, of defying the Emperor?"

"I would not dare. But if this were the Emperor's will, why would he not tell the Prince of Qi and me himself? By constantly speaking of 'assisting,' are you planning to conspire with the Prince of Jin to rebel?"

"You!" The Empress Dowager clutched her chest, staggering back two steps. "You dare to defy me! You dare to be so insolent!"

"I dare not! Your Highness, as the ancients say, a woman follows her father before marriage, her husband after marriage, and her son after her husband’s death. Does a lowly subject like myself really need to remind you of these rules?" Shen Zhi stood her ground. "The supreme power still rests in the Emperor's hands. The Prince of Qi and I listen only to the Emperor!"

"Good! A fine daughter of General Shen indeed! You are twisting my words with such cunning!"

"I would not dare!"

Seeing Shen Zhi and the Empress Dowager arguing fiercely, Pei Jing began to reflect. He had initially thought Shen Zhi only wanted the position of Empress, but now it seemed she wanted Pei Huai dead even more. Did she have some deep-seated grudge against him?

"Empress Dowager, the Prince and I understand what you have said. Ah Zhi has no intention of opposing you. We will reflect carefully on your words."

Shen Zhi looked at Pei Jing abruptly, her eyes filled with disbelief.

Hearing Pei Jing’s words, the Empress Dowager’s anger subsided slightly. "Jing'er, I truly have not misjudged you." She glanced at Shen Zhi. "Very well, you may leave now and get some rest."

"This subject takes her leave." Without even looking at Pei Jing, Shen Zhi turned and walked away.

Watching her hurried, almost frantic pace, Pei Jing found her strangely endearing for a moment. He quickly caught up to her. "What are you doing!"

"My affairs have nothing to do with you! If you are content to be a subordinate to Pei Huai, I am not. I never knew that the legendary Seventh Prince—the one who fears nothing, ruthless and unscrupulous—would actually stoop to colluding with such petty men!"

"Pei Jing! I truly misjudged you!" Shen Zhi turned away in a rage, yet tears fell involuntarily. She wiped them away with the back of her hand, her heart aching so intensely she could barely breathe. She did not know why she felt such pain, but it felt as though her heart were being torn apart. Since her rebirth, no one had stood by her side except Mingzhi. She had felt boundless gratitude that Pei Jing was willing to stand with her time and again. It was as if she and her most trusted ally had been on the same front, only to find him standing in the enemy's camp, warning her not to meddle. How could her heart not ache?

Watching her retreating figure, Pei Jing’s face turned grim.

"Prince of Qi, please board the carriage!"

"Get lost!" Pei Jing radiated a terrifying aura, turned, and mounted his horse to pursue Shen Zhi.

"Shen Zhi!" The sky grew darker, and his anxiety deepened. She knew no self-defense; what if she encountered danger? "Shen Zhi! Stop this foolishness, come out!"

Suddenly, a group of men appeared, surrounding him. Looking at the situation, Pei Jing’s eyes turned bloodshot.

"Pei Jing! Prepare to die!"

In an instant, the air was thick with the scent of blood. Amidst the clashing of blades, bodies fell. The murderous intent in Pei Jing’s eyes intensified. He swung his sword recklessly, every strike fatal, while countless images flashed through his mind. In the end, all that remained was her smile.

Stars climbed the treetops. Shen Zhi walked faster and faster, oblivious to the numbers flickering wildly on the trees around her: 8%, 10%, 20%...

"Hiss!"

"Pei Jing! Today is the day you die!"

Hearing the sound, Shen Zhi’s heart skipped a beat. *Pei Jing, what happened to him?*

She quickened her pace. Ahead, a young man was kneeling on the ground, his face full of ferocity. He had a high bridge of his nose, a red ribbon tied in a ponytail, and wore black robes embroidered with a green dragon. His arm was already covered in blood.

It was Pei Jing!

He picked up his sword, trading blows with his attackers.

"Pei Jing, die!"

The man in black struck decisively. Pei Jing could not react in time, and a blade bit deep into his shoulder. Shen Zhi gasped, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

"Pei Jing! Die!"

Without a second thought, Shen Zhi dashed forward. At the very moment the man in black swung his blade at Pei Jing, she threw herself in front of him, taking the strike on her own shoulder.

"Ah..." The pain rendered her speechless.

Pei Jing looked at her with utter shock. Then, catching the attacker off guard, he plunged his sword into the man’s chest. The man’s eyes widened, and he collapsed, lifeless.

Shen Zhi, overwhelmed by pain, clutched the boy’s sleeve tightly. Pei Jing looked at her, and suddenly, he reached out and gripped her throat.