Rumor Has It the Empress Dowager Is Wanton

Shen Yao had always been sensible and capable. She respected her elders and cared for her younger brother. After the Imperial Astronomical Bureau predicted that she was born with an auspicious destiny, she was married to Emperor Yongwen to bring him good fortune. When Emperor Yongwen passed away, she became the empress dowager and dutifully “assisted” the young emperor. She never did anything improper, yet people outside the palace spoke of her as if she were utterly shameless. They said she had countless lovers, seduced the emperor, and even rekindled an old affair with the chief minister. They called her thoroughly unfaithful. She had never cared about such rumors, until she came across a popular storybook featuring her as its heroine. Her portrait was printed on the shoddy cover, and inside she was fickle, going back and forth between several men. Shen Yao: ... She could only think that her reputation had been ruined. * Pretty Boy One: A younger, sweet-faced emperor with a dark side Pretty Boy Two: A childhood friend and cunning chief minister Pretty Boy Three: A taciturn, devoted, straightforward bodyguard [Little Scenes] At first: The night was cool, and the man’s features were as lovely as a painting. Moonlight spilled through the layers of curtains. When she saw him move closer, Shen Yao stopped him coldly. “Don’t cross the line. If you’re given an inch, you’ll take a mile.” Later: A breeze sprang up, and the dazzling sunlight made her squint. A moment later, the scent of lotus blossoms drifted near, and someone covered her eyes. She leaned back as the little boat rocked in the pond, the fragrance of lotus blossoms spreading far and wide. There, Shen Yao asked, “What exactly did you pray for at the temple that year?” A soft laugh answered her, and she felt his chest tremble. “To win your favor.”