Cheng Qian Gong did not know when he stopped reading the book in his hand and was quietly watching her under the candlelight.
Perhaps it was because the night was so beautiful, or perhaps the candlelight inside was too warm, but Shen Yue seemed to see a hint of tenderness flash in the man's usually cold and indifferent eyes, like a fleeting moment of a night-blooming cereus, disappearing quickly.
When she came to her senses and looked again, the man's eyes were indifferent, reflecting no image of her.
Shen Yue gently lowered her gaze, concealing the disappointment in her eyes. When she looked up again, the corners of her mouth were upturned, with a faint, shy smile.
Her eyelashes were dusted with gold. She said softly, "I have a gift for you."
With that, she picked up the scroll she had been holding and handed it to Cheng Qian Gong.
Cheng Qian Gong paused, reached out to take it, and as he opened it, he was somewhat shocked, his eyes unwilling to leave the scroll. It was a masterpiece, priceless and hard to find.
He did not have much passion for gold and silver treasures, but he was very fond of such works, and even the slightest hint of joy appeared at the corners of his brows.
After admiring it carefully for a long time, Cheng Qian Gong's face showed undisguised affection.
He didn't even realize when Shen Yue had approached. When he came back to himself, his nostrils were filled with a familiar warm fragrance, emanating from his very bones, faint and exceptionally pleasant.
He looked up, his indifferent pupils reflecting Shen Yue's appearance.
Her dark, beautiful eyes were slightly curved, and her exquisite, picturesque features were the most captivating lines in this world.
"Do you like it?"
Her voice seemed to have been imbued with the softness of the night. The simple three words flowed gently from her full, red lips, giving one the illusion of being deeply loved and cherished.
Cheng Qian Gong's heart trembled, like a faint current flowing through his heart.
He stared, his eyes darkening.
A few strands of hair fell before his eyes.
"I like it." Cheng Qian Gong's eyelashes trembled uncontrollably, his heart surging violently, only to be forcefully suppressed.
Shen Yue couldn't help but chuckle, her eyes curving, dimples appearing shallowly. "I'm glad you like it."
Cheng Qian Gong tightened his grip on the scroll, his heartbeat skipping a beat, then vibrating rapidly like a drum.
He instinctively lowered his long eyelashes, hesitant to meet Shen Yue's gaze.
Seeing this, Shen Yue thought Cheng Qian Gong disliked her standing so close and took a slight step back.
The atmosphere quieted down. Cheng Qian Gong was not a person of indifferent disposition; in fact, his temper could be called amiable. However, when he was with Shen Yue, he exuded a faint coldness, his resistance unmasked.
Shen Yue was not one for many words either. Seeing Cheng Qian Gong's cold demeanor, she didn't know what to say.
Yet, this time, the atmosphere between them had eased somewhat. Although they still didn't speak, it was not as stiff as before.
Later, Shen Yue would often send him various items to please him, such as rare ancient books or cleverly crafted objects.
With the Crown Prince deposed, Shen Yue's power gradually expanded, and she began to win over hearts in the court. This move also alerted the Emperor. Initially, the Emperor only coveted the Crown Prince, but imperceptibly, he realized that the Fourth Prince's influence was also growing continuously, without his awareness.
By the time he reacted, he felt a chill of apprehension.
This made the Emperor angry. During the morning court, he even lightly reprimanded Shen Yue a few times, while showing affection and indulgence towards the Seventh Prince, Shen Yao Jin.
Shen Yue, with a seemingly casual remark, knelt on the ground and obediently admitted her mistakes, without revealing any dissatisfaction. This pleased the Emperor somewhat.
After the morning court ended, Shen Yue was summoned to the Imperial Study. Before she even reached the entrance, she heard the Emperor's delighted laughter. Upon entering, she discovered that Shen Yao Jin was also inside.
Shen Yao Jin stood beside the Emperor, speaking softly, making the Emperor laugh heartily, his words clearly showing his favoritism towards Shen Yao Jin.
Shen Yue stood silently to the side, watching this scene of fatherly love and filial piety with indifference, as if she were an outsider.
She had long passed the age where she needed paternal love. Looking at this scene now, she felt nothing but mockery.
After a while, the Emperor seemed to finally notice Shen Yue standing to the side.
"Yue'er," the Emperor waved his hand.
Shen Yue stepped forward and softly called out, "Your Majesty."
"You have seen Lao Qi's capabilities. I think Lao Qi should also be tempered. I believe the position of Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Entertainments is quite suitable."
Shen Yue already had someone in mind for the position of Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Entertainments: Shi Wei. She had put in some effort to promote him, and it was almost a certainty. Unexpectedly, Shen Yao Jin appeared halfway, and the Emperor was not consulting her but merely informing her.
However, Shen Yue did not take Shen Yao Jin seriously. After all, he had been mentally deficient for several years, held no real power, and had no significant standing in the court. He posed no threat to Shen Yue's position.
She glanced at Shen Yao Jin, but he did not look at her from beginning to end, his eyes always downcast, his figure like jade.
Perhaps out of some guilt, Shen Yue did not feel displeased or resentful of Shen Yao Jin's behavior.
In her eyes, Shen Yao Jin would always be the innocent and simple youth from her memories.
Therefore, Shen Yue not only did not object but even praised Shen Yao Jin a few times, which surprised the Emperor.
Later, they chatted casually about trivial matters, and before long, the Emperor dismissed them.
On the way, neither Shen Yue nor Shen Yao Jin spoke. The atmosphere was exceptionally heavy and oppressive.
Pear blossoms turned pale.
Shen Yue already had someone in mind for the position of Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Entertainments: Shi Wei. She had put in some effort to promote him, and it was almost a certainty. Unexpectedly, Shen Yao Jin appeared halfway, and the Emperor was not consulting her but merely informing her.
However, Shen Yue did not take Shen Yao Jin seriously. After all, he had been mentally deficient for several years, held no real power, and had no significant standing in the court. He posed no threat to Shen Yue's position.
She glanced at Shen Yao Jin, but he did not look at her from beginning to end, his eyes always downcast, his figure like jade.
Perhaps out of some guilt, Shen Yue did not feel displeased or resentful of Shen Yao Jin's behavior.
In her eyes, Shen Yao Jin would always be the innocent and simple youth from her memories.
Therefore, Shen Yue not only did not object but even praised Shen Yao Jin a few times, which surprised the Emperor.
Later, they chatted casually about trivial matters, and before long, the Emperor dismissed them.
On the way, neither Shen Yue nor Shen Yao Jin spoke. The atmosphere was exceptionally heavy and oppressive.
Pear blossoms turned pale.