Empress Dowager Hui Ci, sitting silently with a string of prayer beads in her hand, murmured to herself, “This Emperor truly becomes harder for me to understand.”
Beside her, Consort De displayed her gentle and considerate nature. Consort De’s father was the Grand Preceptor, the imperial tutor of the capital city, and she herself had been personally selected by the Empress Dowager to be the Emperor’s consort. Compared with Consort Xian, Consort De was even more favored by the Empress Dowager.
Among the Four Consorts, none held supremacy; both Consort De and Consort Xian had the potential to rise further. In such a situation, how could Consort De not strive to gain favor?
Although she inwardly resented the Emperor’s decree, she remained calculating and did not take the opportunity to slander others in front of the Empress Dowager. A single favor was not particularly significant.
Though this woman should be watched carefully, she was not yet a serious threat.
Despite this, the Empress Dowager had already noted Shen Layue in her mind.
Xiao Lin, the eunuch attending the Empress Dowager, entered and respectfully greeted her and Consort De.
“What’s the matter?” the Empress Dowager asked.
“Your Majesty, the Emperor has issued an edict: Fu Chongyi has been promoted to the rank of Guìyí (Honored Attendant) of the fourth senior grade.”
The Empress Dowager paused her prayer beads momentarily, then nodded with a smile: “That is only appropriate.”
Consort De lowered her eyes, feigning obedience. That morning, she had found it odd that Fu Jinyao had not received any promotion after spending the night with the Emperor. Now it seemed that the Emperor must have been too preoccupied during court sessions to bestow the honor immediately. As soon as news of Shen Changzai spending the night with the Emperor spread at noon, the Emperor quickly rewarded Fu Jinyao with a promotion.
A two-grade promotion after first receiving the Emperor’s favor—Consort De had always known that Fu Jinyao was the real threat.
Yet the Empress Dowager’s attitude was also intriguing. Though Consort De felt some resentment inwardly, she still maintained a gentle smile.
Throughout the palace, upon hearing that Shen Changzai had spent the night with the Emperor and that Fu Chongyi had been promoted two grades to become Fu Guiyi, many court ladies were envious and jealous. Some even bitterly regretted not having dressed more elaborately that morning when they met the Empress Dowager, allowing Shen Layue to seize the opportunity.
Even Consort Xian smashed her teacup in anger.
Consort Xian had long established her influence within the palace; how could such an event occur without her knowledge? It was likely either her own scheme or the work of Consort De.
Though they were not sworn enemies, the two consorts were locked in a fierce rivalry, constantly exchanging blows.
Regardless, Shen Layue inside Liufu Palace remained unmoved.
Her main concern now was spending the night with the Emperor; everything else was temporarily unimportant.
“Xiao Dengzi, I don’t recall asking you to go around snooping for such useless information,” she said coldly, with a hint of pride.
Xiao Dengzi was taken aback, quickly kowtowing and begging for forgiveness.
“I dislike having people around me who act on their own initiative. Leave now, and I hope there won’t be a next time.”
Sensibly, Xiao Dengzi took his leave.
After he left, Layue sneered. Xiao Dengzi was the Empress Dowager’s man; this so-called “snooping” was likely a deliberate test of her behavior.
A concubine’s first night with the Emperor was always held in Xuanning Hall, the Emperor’s private quarters—without exception. Whether subsequent nights would be spent in Xuanning Hall or the concubine’s own quarters depended entirely on the Emperor’s whim.
Several maids and nannies had already prepared the bathwater. Jin Xin respectfully lowered her head: “Madam, the hot water is ready. Please proceed to bathe.” Although Jin Xin tried to remain composed, her voice betrayed excitement.
The other senior maids were even more obvious, their faces beaming with joy.
“Hold your tongues. If you reveal too much, others will seize the opportunity to exploit it. Even I may not be able to protect you if that occurs.” Though these maids appeared devoted, Layue still felt it necessary to caution them at the right moment.
They immediately adjusted their expressions and replied respectfully, “We understand, Madam.”
Jin Xin helped Layue remove her outer garments, revealing rose petals floating in the steaming water, filling the air with a fragrant aroma.
Layue inhaled deeply, savoring the rich scent, and stepped into the wooden tub.
Jin Xin and Xing’er quickly moved to assist her.
“Madam, headdresses and gowns should complement each other. What style do you prefer?” Xing’er was skilled with hair.
However, Jin Xin’s strengths did not lie in such matters.
Gazing at her reflection, Shen Layue smiled slightly.
She was no longer the same as before. No matter how she felt inside, she would not show it on her face. On the surface at least, Shen Changzai should always appear cheerful.
“Xing’er, braid my hair into two plaits. Jin Xin, prepare the peach-red sheer silk gown I reserved for my mother.”
Both senior maids were momentarily surprised but quickly complied.
After finishing the braids, Xing’er pondered what decorations to use.
The twin braids looked fresh and charming, but pairing them with a headdress was challenging.
“Roses,” Layue suggested, smiling as she was reminded of her past life upon seeing Xing’er’s hesitation.
Xing’er’s eyes lit up.
“Don’t put on any makeup. Just some light skincare will do.”
Though puzzled by their mistress’s unusual request, both maids reminded her, yet Layue insisted with a smile.
Nonetheless, she applied a touch of rose-scented ointment.
When the palanquin arrived to fetch her, Shen Layue wrapped herself in a light shawl meant for cooler days and even pulled the hood over her head, concealing her appearance.
Her caution was understandable. Though beautiful, the Yunshui gown exposed much of her shoulders and chest. Since the dynasty’s Yunshui gowns were usually made of sheer silk, they naturally evoked allure.
By wearing the shawl, she remained modest despite the added warmth.
The one who arrived with the palanquin was Laifu.
Layue trusted Laifu and Laixi more than her own palace maids. She knew they would never betray the Emperor; unless the Emperor ordered otherwise, they would ensure her safety.
With a rosy complexion, Shen Layue sat in the inner chamber of Xuanning Hall. She was the only one seated on the bed, having waited for two hours. She subtly stretched her limbs.
A creaking sound signaled the door opening.
Layue lifted her eyes. The dazzling yellow robe belonged to none other than the Emperor himself.
“Your humble servant greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years.”
“Rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” She did not raise her head, standing beside the bed with her hands clasped tightly, rubbing them until they turned red.
The Emperor, Jing Di, was carefully observing her: “Raise your head and let me see you.”
She lifted her gaze and stared directly at him, but the Emperor remained expressionless.
Her face was delicate and should have exuded innocence, but her phoenix eyes and luscious lips robbed her of any purity. The peach-red silk gown accentuated her blushing cheeks.
Among this year’s selected beauties, she was relatively young. Yet, the Emperor’s gaze lingered on her chest, which was surprisingly full, evoking desire. Unconsciously, he thought of that word.
She was elaborately dressed today, whether genuinely naive or pretending to be, she had indeed aroused his interest.
Bestowing favor was never difficult, but she must also have the fortune to enjoy it.
“Shen Changzai is truly charming. However, this color…” He did not finish his sentence but instead lifted her braid, winding it around his finger.
“Layue is my married name, avoiding the use of bright red,” she replied boldly. Her next action made the Emperor chuckle.
She leaned against him like a boneless beauty, seemingly helpless.
“Shen Layue, named after the twelfth lunar month?” The Emperor, holding her close, leaned in to smell the floral fragrance on her body.
“Mm.” Her soft “Mm” seemed both an answer and an invitation. The Emperor’s hands began wandering.
“Shen Qing served in the Hanlin Academy. How could he give such a casual name?” He leaned down to nibble her lips.
Her delicate hands wrapped around his waist: “My name Layue was given by my mother. Moreover, it is not casual—it’s commemorative.”
Seeing her answer so gracefully, already free of the initial nervousness, the Emperor felt pleased. His hands slid down, playfully patting her buttocks.
“My little enchantress. How could the scholarly Shen family raise such a bewitching girl?”
“Does Your Majesty dislike it?” Her voice feigned sadness, but her lips exhaled warm breath against his neck.
He bit her neck hard, causing her to cry out in pain, which amused the Emperor into laughter.
“I like it—I like you so much it hurts. Help me undress.”
Though wrapped in his arms, he let her undress him.
At this moment, Layue was unlike most women, who would be reserved and proper. With a smile in her eyes, she undressed him while subtly seducing, her fingers lightly gliding over his chest, exuding charm.
Indeed, Shen Layue’s manner perfectly suited Emperor Jing’s tastes. The palace women were mostly refined ladies, gentle and obedient in bed. Some were seductive, but none, like Shen Layue, dared to be so bold on their first intimate encounter.
Yet, if someone claimed she had undergone special training, the Emperor would not believe it. Judging from her initial nervousness and her later boldness tempered by shy glances, she likely knew little more than instinct.
Since she wished to please him with her beauty, the Emperor had no intention of denying himself pleasure.
He suddenly scooped her into his arms, causing her to gasp in surprise, then threw her onto the bed. The sound of tearing fabric was followed by his unrestrained entry…
Soon, soft moans and whispers filled the room…
After a while, the Emperor held Layue close. Her hair was disheveled, her body marked with red traces of his touch. Rose petals scattered across the bed.
“My beauty truly drives me wild.” Although Shen Layue appeared seductive, when it mattered most, she did not know many tricks, instead adopting a submissive demeanor.
This made the Emperor feel even more satisfied.
Thinking back to the sensation, Jing Di suddenly felt that this woman was indeed a seductive enchantress.
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