Chapter 4: The Emperor Who Accidentally Started a Rumor
Li Feng (the Emperor) sat on the Dragon Throne like a man balancing on a stool made of knives.
The court hall was already in full swing. Ministers stood in their rows, scrolls open, faces tense. The Empress Dowager Liu Yan and the Second Prince Li Ren stood together like a perfectly matched political spear aimed at his chest.
Behind him floated the Divine Emperor Xuan Tian, whirling leisurely like a bored deity watching a mortal comedy show.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Hm. So this is today's entertainment. Will the new emperor embarrass himself? Will he faint? Will he cry? Endless possibilities."
Li Feng clenched his teeth, resisting the urge to twitch.
Liang Feng (internally): Can this divine parasite shut up for once?
He straightened, pretending confidence.
Li Feng:
"Bring me the borderland reports."
A small ripple went through the court. Asking for reports was normal, but asking for anything meaningful on his first day back was... unusual.
The Second Prince Li Ren stepped forward with a respectful bow that hid a smile too sharp.
Second Prince Li Ren:
"Your Majesty, banditry in the northern frontier has increased. Additional funding from the treasury is required. Ten million taels should cover the necessary mobilization."
Ten. Million. Taels.
Li Feng nearly fell off the throne. That was a crippling sum.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Oh? A classic move. 'Your Majesty, we want money.' Mortals never change. If you give it, you lose money and authority. If you deny it, you look careless."
Liang Feng whispered through clenched teeth:
Liang Feng: Do you think I'm stupid?
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Yes."
Liang Feng's soul cracked. He needed to look knowledgeable, fast.
He pointed decisively at the rows of ledgers held by the eunuchs.
Li Feng:
"Then provide the full treasury spending breakdown. Every coin spent in the past three months—submit it immediately."
Gasps. Whispers. Surprise.
He had thrown a stone into a pond of political sharks. The noble faction ministers frowned. The neutral officials raised eyebrows. Even the Second Prince blinked.
Second Prince Li Ren (smoothly):
"Your Majesty… such records are extensive. It would take considerable time—"
Li Feng:
"I will wait. And I want the borderland reports as well. All of them."
Another shockwave.
The Empress Dowager Liu Yan glanced at the Second Prince with a soft, affectionate expression, clearly unaware of her beloved's frustration. To her, Li Feng's demand looked like naïve diligence—a boy trying too hard.
Empress Dowager Liu Yan (gently to Li Ren):
"The Emperor only wishes to understand the empire, my child. Do not pressure him today."
The Second Prince forced his perfect smile back into place. His eyes, however, were not smiling.
Meanwhile, Li Feng slumped slightly.
Liang Feng (internally): Okay. I sounded emperor-ish, right? …I think?
The Divine Emperor Xuan Tian floated closer.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Now ask about the famine. The one ravaging half your southern province. That will really earn you some fear."
Liang Feng:
What famine—?
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
The one your ministers are desperately trying to cover up. Ask, or be seen as blind.
Liang Feng slammed his palm on the throne armrest.
Li Feng:
"Also—the Minister of Agriculture will report the famine situation in the southern province immediately!"
Ministers blinked. Some turned pale. No one expected him to know that.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian (smugly):
"You're welcome."
Liang Feng wanted to die, but he had successfully created utter chaos. He needed a powerful distraction to gain footing.
Empress Wan Qing:
"Your Majesty." she called sweetly
Li Feng froze.
Liang Feng (internally): Wait—why does she look THIS good? Why is she THIS close? Why do I suddenly smell jasmine and expensive silk— i dint even remember she was sitting next me dut to this courts pressure
The Divine Emperor Xuan Tian smirked.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"She's your wife. Talk to her. Engage in some marital bliss. Unless… are you a eunuch, Li Feng?"
Li Feng exploded.
Liang Feng:
"WHY WOULD I BE A EUNUCH?!"
The entire court stared.
The Empress Wan Qing looked up, startled, her cheeks coloring.
Li Feng panicked. Act normal! Act like a husband!
He stood, grabbed her hand instinctively, and—
—kissed it deeply.
Silence.
Absolute, profound silence. The only sound was the Divine Emperor's delighted, muffled cackling in his head.
The Empress Wan Qing turned red instantly.
Empress Wan Qing (whispering, entirely flustered):
"Y-Your Majesty… this is improper in the court…"
Liang Feng blinked.
Liang Feng:
"Improper? We're married! It's called affection!"
The Ministers: Horror mixed with profound confusion. Imperial PDA was unheard of, especially from a supposedly weak Emperor.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Romance in the morning court! Delightful! Ten points for pure absurdity!"
Liang Feng, riding the wave of public shock, pulled his courage together.
The Empress Wan Qing pulled her hand back shyly but then addressed the hall with calm authority, her initial embarrassment giving way to political composure:
Empress Wan Qing:
"His Majesty has spoken. Provide him the treasury and border reports. And refrain from forcing decrees today. The Emperor must first understand the matters fully."
Li Feng exhaled in immense relief. The Empress had backed his chaotic stall.
Across the hall, the Empress Dowager Liu Yan watched with soft concern for her son, Li Feng. She was completely unaware that the Second Prince's Li Ren's eyes had narrowed.
Not at Li Feng and his strange display of affection.
Not at the surprisingly sharp Empress Wan Qing.
But at her.
So the little emperor wants to act tough? Fine. Li Ren thought, his perfect smile returning. Mother… you trust me too much. When the time comes, you will fall first.
The Second Prince's smile deepened. The stage was set. A small hit for the audiance don't trust the Dowager