Cold-faced Empress

Her slender figure was frequently turned around by passersby as she walked gracefully down the bustling street.

The bluestone path gleamed white, and she, in a bright red silk dress draped with a pale white veil, was like a crimson moon emerging from the clouds at night, radiant with a unique beauty. He, on the other hand, was like a dark cloud beside the hazy crimson moon, utterly obstructive.

In He Changyi's eyes, Fu Siying was as beautiful as an angel and did kind things, such as bringing food and wine to beggars. The so-called exchange of fleas and lice was merely a pretext to help the beggars. After all, who would need fleas?

As the road grew quieter, the houses along the way became increasingly luxurious and exquisite. He Changyi walked very carefully, realizing that Fu Siying seemed to be of extraordinary status, not just an ordinary young lady from a prominent family.

Fu Siying seemed to sense He Changyi's unease and nervousness, and just then said, "The people living around here are all court officials, wealthy families, and people of high status, not ordinary people."

He Changyi stammered a reply, saying nothing more. It felt strange for Fu Siying to say such things at this time. However, he didn't hear any disdain or boastfulness in Fu Siying's tone; it seemed like she was just giving a calm introduction and narration, so he didn't know what to say.

Unexpectedly, Fu Siying suddenly asked, "Do you think it's easy to become a high-ranking official?"

Upon hearing this, He Changyi replied without hesitation, "Of course it's easy!"

"Oh? How is it easy?"

"To exploit the people and enjoy wealth and glory, there is nothing easier in the world than this."

Fu Siying chuckled lightly at the disdain and resentment in He Changyi's words: "If you were offered a high-ranking official position, would you be willing?"

This assumption startled He Changyi. He thought for a moment before saying in a low voice, "I'm willing." Fu Siying's words made him think twice. After all, given Fu Siying's status as a young lady from a prominent family, "helping" a beggar like him would be incredibly easy for her.

He Changyi's answer did not surprise Fu Siying. She asked again, "Would you also prey on the people for wealth and glory?"

This question was clearly difficult to answer. He Changyi thought for a long time before replying, "No."

Fu Siying scoffed at the answer. Ha, you don't know?

Yes, of course he wouldn't prey on the common people, because ordinary people could never satisfy his ambition and desires!

Fu Siying walked straight ahead without looking to the side, her expression growing colder and colder. She asked again, "If becoming a high-ranking official requires you to be ruthless, unscrupulous, and even disregard family ties, using, deceiving, and betraying even your bedmate, would you still be willing to do that?"

Ruthless and unscrupulous?!

The question was eerie and unsettling. He Changyi was about to say "no" when Fu Siying suddenly said with a warning, "Tell the truth! This is related to whether you are destined for wealth and honor."

Her tone was extremely serious, as if she were forcing He Changyi to make a vow, a stark contrast to her previous gentle and approachable demeanor, which made He Changyi dare not treat her lightly.

He couldn't help but wonder if this was a test from Fu Siying. After all, if she intended to help a beggar rise above his circumstances, then the things she asked the beggar to do would certainly not be anything purely virtuous or honorable.

In that case, fortune favors the bold!

After pondering for a while, He Changyi made up his mind and said firmly, "Yes! A real man who achieves great things doesn't concern himself with trifles!"

What a carefree attitude… Fu Siying didn't turn around to look at him, thus making no attempt to hide the resentment and malice on her face. Such a ruthless person, such a person who aspires to great things!