Chapter 288: Rebellious Officials, Damned Bastards

Xiao Yang was the Emperor. The dancers at her banquets were beauties one in a million, and the choreography was on par with a state banquet from a future era. But suggestive movements in revealing attire held no appeal for her. The only one who could truly pique her interest was a fellow transmigrator.

When the audience got excited, they would toss silver onto the stage as tips. Xiao Yang was generous as well, ordering someone to present a reward of one thousand taels of silver.

Xie Liuzheng had already sent someone to make inquiries. “The one in the back, on the left,” she said. “They say he choreographed the dance and composed the music.”

“His name is Qu Yang. He used to be a musician and was often bullied. Half a month ago, he got into a fight, was thrown into the water, and nearly drowned. When he woke up, his personality had completely changed. He not only stopped playing music but also insisted on becoming a dancer.”

“He’s bold. He put on a stunning performance when the crowd was largest, and seeing that he was drawing in a large audience, the establishment paired him with their two headliners. These mamian skirts are also new as of today.”

This Qu Yang had indeed caught Xiao Yang’s attention. But judging by his capabilities, she felt he wouldn’t be of much use to her.

For three days straight, Xiao Yang went to watch him dance, simultaneously arranging for people to probe him.

The results were disappointing. The man was a transmigrator, but he was too simple-minded; his nature was revealed with a single probe. Other than dancing and making a few modifications to clothing, he didn’t seem to have any special talents.

‘Still, he is a transmigrator. People from different backgrounds have different perspectives. If I squeeze him a little, I might be in for a surprise.’

With that in mind, when Qu Yang requested to thank her in person, Xiao Yang didn’t refuse.

Coming for three days in a row, tipping one thousand taels of silver each time, and staying in a private room on the third floor… this patron was clearly of noble status, incredibly generous, and a young, beautiful woman besides.

While Xiao Yang was sizing up Qu Yang, she had also become his prey.

‘I’ve gained attention through my own abilities, but in the end, it’s all just paving the way for others. If I don’t find a powerful backer, it won’t be long before I’m swallowed whole. I need a powerful patron to help me.’

And Xiao Yang was the perfect target he had selected.

Young, beautiful, rich, and powerful—only a target like her could make him give himself to her willingly.

‘Whether a wealthy young heiress or a lonely young wife, I’m confident I can win her over.’

Harboring such thoughts, Qu Yang entered the room. Gone was the seductive charm he displayed on stage. He now feigned a reserved demeanor, presenting his most handsome profile and a perfectly calibrated smile.

“I am Qu Yang. I’ve come especially to thank you for your generous patronage, Miss.”

Intent on probing him, Xiao Yang said, “Mr. Qu, a pleasure. Please, have a seat.”

When Qu Yang heard her voice, he was instantly captivated.

The woman wore a veil, but the eyes she revealed were stunningly beautiful. Her attire was simple yet opulent, and her entire being, down to every last strand of her hair, radiated nobility.

Her voice was distinctive, too—pleasant, but not in the delicate, soft way of an ordinary woman. Instead, it carried the commanding presence of someone in a position of power. A single listen was enough to know she was a woman of wealth and status, utterly self-assured.

‘My judgment was right,’ Qu Yang thought. ‘I’ve found a powerful patron. I have to hold on tight and never let go.’

And so, Qu Yang began to showcase his charm. He presented his most dashing features to Xiao Yang, casually revealing his Adam’s apple, the line of his chest, and his waist.

His words were laced with an eagerness to please, and he smiled with a practiced innocence, projecting the image of a bright, sweet-natured boy. At the same time, he would reveal his vulnerability, speaking of his tragic past and the hardships he faced from being bullied.

As he narrated his tale, he peeked at Xiao Yang from the corner of his eye, only to find her watching him with a leisurely air. Her eyes seemed to hold a flicker of amusement, but it was so faint it was impossible to decipher, and it even made him feel a little unsettled.

Just as he was about to break under the pressure, Xiao Yang began to speak of the curious new things in the Capital City.

Agriculture, engineering, medicine, commerce—it sounded like idle chatter, but it was actually a test.

Qu Yang never expected to have transmigrated into an ancient world on the cusp of an industrial revolution. Modern civilization was so deeply interwoven with this era that he unwittingly let his guard down and exposed his true origins.

He claimed to have studied commerce since childhood but had never gotten a lucky break, which was how he’d ended up in his current situation.

‘Isn’t that just like a kid from a poor family choosing to major in finance, only to realize he has no family capital to work with?’

He even began discussing business principles with Xiao Yang—how to raise capital, how to trade futures, how to turn a profit. Seeing her listen with such earnest agreement, he got carried away and offered to make money for her.

He boasted that if she gave him a certain amount of capital, he could double it within a set period.

After he finished, Xiao Yang expressed her amazement but said nothing more, simply smiling.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

The door was knocked. Xiao Cheng, standing guard outside, glanced at Xiao Yang. Without a word, he opened the door a little wider.

Xiao Yang saw Mu Yunlian standing in the doorway and raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing here?”

Mu Yunlian’s gaze flickered over Xiao Yang before landing on Qu Yang. He looked the dancer up and down, then shifted his eyes away.

“Out enjoying yourself, darling? And you didn’t ask your husband to join you?”

He walked over and casually sat down beside Xiao Yang, but his smile was laced with a hint of danger.

‘I think I smell a hint of jealousy,’ Xiao Yang thought.

“I was just watching the dancing, and I’m finished now.”

She’d learned what she needed to. Xiao Yang took Mu Yunlian’s hand and stood. “Perfect timing. Come take a walk with me.”

Mu Yunlian, of course, did not refuse, allowing Xiao Yang to pull him away and leaving Qu Yang frozen in his seat, unable to react for a long moment.

Qu Yang couldn’t lie to himself. That man was far more handsome than he was and exuded an aristocratic air. ‘I don’t think I can compete with him,’ he thought.

Xiao Yang had already lost interest in Qu Yang and decided she wouldn’t seek him out again.

‘But Qu Yang is a transmigrator, after all,’ she mused. ‘I’ll have someone keep an eye on him, just to make sure he doesn’t stir up any major trouble.’

‘It’s not like I’m interested in Qu Yang. His looks don’t even meet my standards, and besides, I can barely handle the men I already have in the palace. Where would I find the energy to get involved with someone else?’

However, while Xiao Yang thought nothing of it, she was unaware that her excessive attention toward Qu Yang these past few days had frayed the sensitive nerves of her Imperial Consorts.

Mu Yunlian was extra clingy for three days. She knew he was jealous and indulged him.

Rong Yin suddenly sustained a minor injury, so Xiao Yang went to visit him, only to somehow be lured into his bed.

Xiao Yang felt like her back was about to give out. Just as she was planning to be abstinent for a few days, Xu Xingchen suddenly got drunk, clinging to her, crying and wheedling.

SNAP!

During the morning court session, just as Xiao Yang reached the Dragon Throne, she distinctly heard a sound come from her lower back.

“…”

‘These past few days have been utterly debauched.’

Xiao Yang sat on the Dragon Throne, listening to the courtiers’ reports while enduring the ache in her back.

Her gaze drifted slowly toward Rong Yin, Mu Yunlian, and Xu Xingchen.

It finally dawned on her. It wasn’t just Mu Yunlian who was jealous; the other two minded a great deal as well.

They didn’t dare throw a tantrum at her, so they pulled out all the stops to seduce her instead. Her back was about to break.

Xiao Yang cursed them furiously in her heart. ‘Treacherous consorts! A bunch of scoundrels!’