zChapter 1004 - Mind Control Techniques (1/2)
Zhang Yuan entered the palace as a servant. In this life, it had been determined that he could only be able to make considerations for the Emperor. In truth, he was not particularly sided with the ninth prince, nor did he help Imperial Concubine Yun very much. In summary, he was in the Emperor’s faction. No matter what was said or done, he would consider things from the Emperor’s point of view. This included his stopping of Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu’s sedan, as it was to explain to Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu: “His Majesty is getting old, and his condition these past few days has truly not been very good. Although His Majesty will not say it himself, this servant has taken care of His Majesty for many years and can see that His Majesty is exhausted physically and mentally. Even the imperial physicians have said that continuing like this would be bad for His Majesty’s health. That’s why this servant summoned the courage to plead with Your Highness Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu, please let His Majesty rest a bit! Copulating night after night is not sustainable.”
These were the words that Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu wished to hear the least, as she coldly snorted and said: “You mean to say that this One wrapping myself around His Majesty and causing His Majesty to expend more energy than he has? Zhang Yuan, you are being impudent! Could it be that you don’t know the rules of the palace? When has giving favor ever been up to the members of the imperial harem? Is it not just His Majesty’s intention. You doing this is not at all proper. Could it be that this One should immediately turn around and disrespect His Majesty’s order?”
Zhang Yuan felt helpless upon hearing this, but he continued to grit his teeth and say: “If Your Highness can turn back, this servant will take care of explaining to His Majesty.”
“Impudence!” Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu became furious, “You’re just a eunuch, yet you actually dare to go behind His Majesty’s back to chase his imperial concubine away? In the end, is it your word or His Majesty’s word that has more weight in the Imperial Palace?”
Such a heavy implication had been dropped onto Zhang Yuan, causing him to immediately kowtow in fear, saying: “This servant does not have such an intention. This servant is just concerned about His Majesty’s health. Your Highness, please understand this servant’s difficulties!”
Understand difficulties? Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu had found Zhang Yuan to be an eyesore for a long time, and she had been frustrated with not having a reason to take care of this damn eunuch. At this time, she recalled this and came up with an idea, and her tone changed: “Forget it, you’re doing it for His Majesty’s sake. This One can understand it. This One also hopes that His Majesty can quickly recover. His health is more important than anything else. Since this is the case, this One will be going back today! I also will not be accompanying His Majesty for dinner and hope that Eunuch Zhang will take care of His Majesty for this One.” After saying this, she immediately ordered the sedan bearers: “Turn around. We’re going back to Cun Shan Palace.”
The eunuch who had gone to invite Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu glanced at Zhang Yuan but did not say anything. He just directed the palace servants to turn around. On the other side, Zhang Yuan kneeled there and gratefully said: “This servant respectfully sends off Your Highness Imperial Concubine Shu! This servant thanks Your Highness Imperial Concubine Shu for being understanding.” After saying this, he raised his head, and his forehead was soaked with sweat.
Snatching the Emperor from Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu’s hands really was difficult! He stood up and headed toward Zhao He Hall. Along the way, he was wondering how he should report to the Emperor. Privately chasing a member of the imperial harem away was a huge taboo in the Imperial Palace.
As for Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu’s side, the eunuch who had gone to invite her also sent her back to her palace. Along the way, he said with a bit of dissatisfaction: “Your Highness Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu really has a good temperament. That Eunuch Zhang is too much. This sort of thing does not comply with the rules!” Although he was also a eunuch who took care of the Emperor, the Emperor had only favored Zhang Yuan over the years. He never got too close to the others. Things like eunuchs, their bodies were not whole, and they mostly had some perverse minds. Although Zhang Yuan usually did not take care of them too much, they just did not know how to feel satisfied. They were just filled with envy and hatred towards Zhang Yuan for being favored. This was not all. After Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu had gained favor, these eunuchs at the Emperor’s side immediately changed their tune. In addition to Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu and the eighth prince putting in effort to win them over, the Emperor’s side also had a group of people who favored them.
Hearing the eunuch say this, a faint sigh came from Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu, as they heard her say: “What else could be done? He is His Majesty’s personal eunuch. His Majesty favors him quite a bit. Though this One has recently regained favor, every step taken has been with extreme caution. If Zhang Yuan is not given a bit of face, it’s possible that he will go and say something to His Majesty, and it’s very possible that he will have this One lose favor once more. Hah.” She sighed once more, and it caused quite a bit of distress.
The eunuch outside said: “Your Highness has been favored quite heavily recently. This servant has observed from the sidelines and feel that His Majesty has been indifferent towards Zhang Yuan, especially when Your Highness is there. His Majesty does not let him get close at all. It can be seen that Your Highness has a greater influence on His Majesty than that Zhang Yuan. That’s why there’s no need for Your Highness to worry about those things, but some thought must be put into what happened today. If you return to Cun Shan Palace like this, I fear that it might end up the butt of jokes around the palace!”
Yue Xiu asked the eunuch accompanying the sedan: “Then what does the eunuch think Her Highness should do?”
The eunuch said: “This time can be said to be a bad thing, but thinking about it from a different angle, it might be a good thing? Zhang Yuan is such an eyesore at the Emperor’s side. Does Your Highness wish to get rid of him?”
Yue Xiu glanced at the eunuch, and a smile crept onto her face, “How about eunuch comes up with an idea for Her Highness!” Ever since hearing that Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu would be turning around, she had figured that her master would have such an idea. Turning back was not a decision that had been made flippantly, nor was it possible that she would turn back for nothing. This time, it was probable that Zhang Yuan would suffer.
During today’s dinner, the Emperor was very uncomfortable. He even threw aside his bowl and chopstick midway through the meal. No matter what was said, he refused to continue eating.
Zhang Yuan carefully kept him company and repeatedly advised: “Your Majesty, eat a little more. You ate too little today and will feel hungry at night.”
“How can We eat anything!” The Emperor glared at him: “Zhang Yuan! We will ask you, why did Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu not heed the decree and come? Did you know that if Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu is not here, We cannot eat?”
Zhang Yuan complained internally: You never had this problem in the past! But on the surface, he said: “Her Highness Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu was not feeling very well today. Also, Her Highness was worried about Your Majesty. You have already copulated with her seven nights in a row. Even a body made of metal could not handle it! Your Majesty, given consideration for Her Highness’ concerns, you must take care of yourself. Only with you taking care of your health can you happily spend your days with her Highness. Is that not right?”