EMPEROR You of Zhou (Ji Gongsheng)
Our quiet time didn't last long. Concubine Si suddenly walked in. Concubine Ji and I were sitting at the table, eating, completely lost in our own little world—our own bubble. And then, just like that, someone had to come and burst it.
I hated it.
It wasn't enough that I hadn't had her by my side for the past two days… even now, people couldn't leave us alone. Don't they have anything else to do? Seriously…
"Cousin!" Concubine Bao Si called out cheerfully. Then she noticed me and quickly added, "Your Majesty!"
"I didn't expect you to come," Concubine Ji said.
"I thought I'd spend some time with my lovely cousin. It's been a long time since we've had time alone together," Bao Si replied.
"We can do that another time. Right now, I'm with His Majesty," Concubine Ji said calmly.
I remained seated beside Concubine Ji, silently watching the two of them.
Many people think I don't notice things—that I'm unaware of what happens around me. They're wrong. I know exactly what goes on in this palace. Every little detail. I even know that the jealousy in the harem has reached its peak—all because I favour Bao Ji now. I mean… I don't just favour her. I like her. No—I love her. But to the other concubines, it probably just looks like temporary favouritism. I also know that Concubine Si is the most jealous of them all. Even if she tries to hide it, it's still obvious. Still, I've said nothing. The harem is the Queen's domain. It's her responsibility, and I won't interfere. How else can she maintain her authority? How can anyone take her seriously if I step in for every small matter? If something serious happens—something beyond her control—then yes, I will intervene. But until then, I stay out of it.
"I haven't seen His Majesty in a long time," Concubine Si said shyly. "I hope His Majesty is doing well."
Before I could even respond, Bao Ji cut in.
"Of course he's doing well. In fact, more than well. Why? Should he not be?" she asked.
"Cousin, don't misunderstand. I only meant… since His Majesty hasn't visited any concubines besides you, we were worried," Concubine Si explained.
"If I don't visit, that doesn't mean I'm unwell," I said calmly.
"I understand, Your Majesty," she replied, lowering her gaze.
"You may leave now," I said.
She bowed slightly and left without a word.
"Someone seems jealous of losing attention," Concubine Ji remarked.
"What can I do if Concubine Si is jealous?" I asked.
"I don't know," she said, not even looking at me.
"I care only about you. Nothing else," I said.
She finally looked at me, her cheeks flushed.
She's so cute.
God…
If I could just glue her to me—so I could see her all the time… No. What am I thinking? I need to get these thoughts out of my head.
…
But the idea isn't that bad. Stop thinking like this!
After we finished eating, we went for a walk. We talked, teased each other, and laughed. I just wished time would stop—so I could stay in that moment forever.
When I'm with her, I forget everything else. I relax. I enjoy myself. I forget that I'm the emperor. I don't think about the kingdom or court matters. Being emperor… is suffocating. No one understands how hard it is. I have to act tough, rigid—so others stay in line, so no one dares to rebel. Even then, it's not guaranteed. I'm not perfect. I know my personality is driven by emotion. I've always been like this. Since childhood… My brother received all the love. He could do almost anything and was rarely scolded. Meanwhile, I was criticised for every small mistake. As I grew up, I became fierce. Rigid. Harsh. Selfish. And I thought it was too late to change. …Until I met Bao Ji. She anchors me.
No—
Not just that. She is my oxygen. Sometimes even I'm surprised by how much I listen to her. It's as if my body responds automatically. If she asked for the stars… or the moon… I would do everything in my power to give them to her.
I walked her back to her chamber before leaving. I didn't want to go—but I had memorials waiting for me. And she insisted as well.
Before returning to my private chambers, I stopped by the queen. She was seated, calmly sipping tea.
"Your Majesty!" she said, standing and bowing.
"No need for formalities. It's just us," I said, sitting down.
She poured me some tea.
"What brings Your Majesty here?" she asked.
"How are things in the harem?" I asked directly.
"What happened?" she asked immediately.
I smiled inwardly. She really does know me best.
"Nothing major. Just Concubine Si showing up while I was having a meal with Bao Ji," I said.
"That sounds like a coincidence," she replied sarcastically.
"I thought the same."
"Other than jealousy spreading like a plague, nothing serious has happened," she added.
"I hope it stays that way."
"You're worried someone might act out of jealousy and harm Bao Ji?" she asked.
"You never know what goes on in someone's mind," I said.
"That's true." She nodded. "I'll pay closer attention."
"Good."
"Bao Ji sent you back to your duties, didn't she?" she asked, trying not to smile.
"Is it that obvious?"
"If it were up to you, you'd still be with her. But knowing her, she definitely pushed you to handle your responsibilities," she said, smiling. "Next time, I'll talk to her—"
"Like that will help," I said, completely defeated.
"True. It won't. She'd probably scold me too," Queen Shen said.
"At least I wouldn't be the only one getting scolded," I laughed.
"Hey! That's not fair!" she pouted.
"Why not?"
"First of all, I'll always be on her side. I'll support the two of you—but I won't upset her. Women supporting women," she said proudly.
"How could I forget? You two teaming up against me."
"You know… it could be worse," she said with a smile.
"Let's just leave things as they are. I don't want to get scolded."
"Good."
We both burst out laughing.
Being able to speak this freely with the Queen… seeing her so relaxed around me now— I have Bao Ji to thank for that. I always wanted the Queen to feel completely at ease with me, but we never quite reached that point. There was always a bit of tension between us. But since Bao Ji came into our lives… Everything changed. It feels like the three of us share our own little world—a place where we can relax and breathe.
And I wouldn't change it.
I don't want to change it.
I like it exactly as it is.