Chapter 75:

Just as Layue had imagined, Emperor Jing indeed became aware of these matters. He had long known about the character of Bai Xiaodie. The women in the harem were naturally close to him, so how could he not be extra cautious?

Deploying people in each palace to monitor their activities was not so much about uncovering the truth behind their beautiful faces, but rather a reflection of his inner unease. He was not at ease entrusting himself to the women who could become his companions in bed.

They could be scheming, but they must not be malicious; otherwise, he would feel that under the right conditions, they would abandon him without hesitation.

Precisely because of these thoughts, Emperor Jing held a strong dislike for Bai Xiaodie. He had also assigned people to monitor her palace but found no evidence of her harming Chen Yulan. However, the drastic change in Chen Yulan’s behavior afterward made the emperor skeptical. He could hardly believe there was no reason behind it.

He ordered a thorough investigation into Bai Xiaodie’s secrets but paid no heed to Bai Youran’s intentions.

In this palace, as long as one served him well, one could obtain what they desired.

As for Shen Layue, her straightforward feelings for him were indeed mixed with something else.

If she truly loved him as she appeared to, how could she have said those words to Bai Youran? She wasn’t a fool; she must have known Bai Youran would inevitably join the competition for his favor.

Yet she had genuinely said, whatever the emperor disliked, she would never do.

Truly, truly, such a contradictory young girl…

“Proceed to Tingyu Pavilion.”

Regardless of the emperor’s contemplations, Layue continued living her life methodically. The day after tomorrow was the departure day, and Jin Xin had already prepared everything necessary. Tao’er was also very delighted to learn she could accompany them on the trip.

“Hail the emperor’s arrival—”

That bright yellow figure was none other than the emperor himself.

“Your Majesty’s good health—”

Regardless of inner feelings, in the hearts of the many women in the harem, Emperor Jing was the most considerate and affectionate lover.

He rarely became angry, and unless it was a situation like the late Virtuous Consort’s, he would not even exile a woman to cold quarters. Even if they made mistakes, he would merely demote their ranks.

Indeed, after Layue’s graceful bow, she was immediately helped up, and the two walked hand in hand to sit on the small couch.

Jin Xin wisely stepped outside.

“I especially enjoy watching you like this, taking care of everything for your husband like a young wife.” Layue wiped his hands with a warm towel, and the emperor slightly closed his eyes, seemingly enjoying it.

Layue’s small hand pressed hard on his hand, and she proudly lifted her head, looking especially adorable.

“If you truly like me, why don’t you come see me every day? You really do like me.”

Pouting in complaint, she did not show the sharpness or bitterness of a jealous woman; instead, she appeared more like a young girl with innocent charm.

Layue always managed to grasp Emperor Jing’s preferences, and the emperor thought it was unintentional. Indeed, some of it was not deliberate on Layue’s part, but many of her actions were carefully crafted to create an impression for him.

Once, she had loved him so deeply, paying attention to all his preferences. Even after losing all hope in him, she still could not help herself.

Until that day at Xuanning Hall, she realized she was nothing to him; this man’s heart held only power.

Reborn from the ashes, she was no longer the Shen Layue she once was. Returning to the palace, she felt fortunate for having loved him before. Otherwise, how could she genuinely capture his heart now?

Even if not completely, having a little was enough.

Emperor Jing carefully examined her face and reached out to pinch her cheek.

“If I don’t come to see you, you haven’t come to see me either. You’re such an unfeeling little thing, now complaining about me.”

She playfully sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around him.

“How dare I? I’m not really foolish. If I saw you today, tomorrow I would become the target of everyone’s arrows. Although I don’t really mind, I’m such a good girl; I shouldn’t keep causing you trouble, right?”

Look, she could even say such words with such confidence.

The emperor burst into laughter upon hearing this.

“If I didn’t take care of you, I wonder how you’d manage on your own.”

She widened her eyes in surprise: “How can you go back on your word, Your Majesty? You clearly said you would protect me forever?”

She gave him a look that said, “I shouldn’t have believed you,” and the emperor laughed again.

Being with her always made him feel more relaxed.

He ruffled her hair, and as her carefully styled hair became messy, the emperor inexplicably felt delighted.

Layue angrily tried to bite him, but the emperor leaned back, falling onto the couch, causing Layue to end up lying on top of him.

She naturally saw through his deliberate act.

Her small fists lightly pounded him: “You definitely had no good intentions.”

“Oh?” The emperor raised his eyebrows.

Since she was going to be devoured anyway, Layue decided to take the initiative this time. She had forgotten how many times she had done this before, only to end up flipped over shortly after.

This time was no different. After flashing him a seductive smile, she began pecking kisses along his neck.

If these could be called kisses, they were more like the affectionate nuzzles of a small animal.

Yan Che allowed her to peck gently. Seeing that after a long while, all she managed was to slightly loosen his clothes without making any significant moves.

He sighed silently. She was still the same as before? He knew this girl would accomplish nothing.

“I wonder who had no good intentions, bullying me like this,” the emperor teased with a smile. As expected, she lifted her head, her eyes blazing.

“I will bully you.” She started pulling off his clothes without hesitation. After removing his, she clumsily took off her own, revealing a red undergarment embroidered with a pair of mandarin ducks playing in water.

Her pink lips slid across his body, but despite this, there was no sense of feminine allure. It was precisely because of this that Yan Che felt comfortable. If she were highly skilled and exuding seduction, he would actually dislike it.

He preferred women who were awkward in intimate moments; only then did he feel at ease.

Although she looked like she was bullying him, her techniques were extremely clumsy.

Yan Che could no longer endure her childish teasing.

If he continued to let her have her way, even when night fell, they still wouldn’t have… &* begun.

He swiftly flipped her onto her back, and his fingers unhesitatingly delved into the secret place between her thighs.

Before long, Layue was already panting softly.

Although she had no prior experience, Layue deeply knew that he was definitely “skilled.” Every time, she was tormented to the point of ecstasy. And at such times, he showed no mercy.

Even in the bright daylight, he was indifferent. Not long after, the passionate sounds from the room were so intense that even the sun seemed to hide behind the clouds in shame…

After finishing in Tingyu Pavilion, the emperor left in high spirits, while Layue lay hugging the quilt, gently pounding the bed.

This man, doing such things in broad daylight.

But thinking back to their second time together, Layue felt that the situation was predictable. Once this man’s desire arose, he wouldn’t care whether it was day or night. Truly a member of the imperial family, no wonder he had been so domineering since childhood.

Changing clothes, bathing, grooming.

“My lady, the Empress Dowager has summoned you for an audience.”

Layue nodded, indicating she already knew, and carefully adjusted her attire. It was not unexpected for the Empress Dowager to summon her. Before departure, there were always instructions to be given. Among the three people accompanying the trip, she was the one who listened most to the Empress Dowager’s words and was closest to her.

As expected, the Empress Dowager summoned her for precisely this reason.

Although Consort Hui held the highest rank, she was indeed not favored by the Empress Dowager. Although the emperor continued to bestow titles upon her, he rarely showed her actual affection.

Bai Youran was also not particularly outstanding in the palace. Considering all this, Layue was clearly the one most trusted by the Empress Dowager.

The emperor often became so engrossed in state affairs that he forgot to eat or sleep. The Empress Dowager repeatedly instructed Layue to pay attention to the emperor’s health, and Layue responded to each of the Empress Dowager’s words with agreement.

Seeing her earnest expression, the Empress Dowager smiled with satisfaction. In the palace filled with schemes and calculations, although Layue had a somewhat willful personality, she was still very much liked by the Empress Dowager in many ways.

Because of the previous assassination incident, the Empress Dowager valued the emperor’s health above everything else. Therefore, she had also placed people in each palace. Emperor Jing knew of this, but he did not mind the additional precautions. What difference did vigilance make? She had been operating in the palace for many years, and no one knew exactly what kind of people she had placed.

Layue did not know exactly what the Empress Dowager was thinking, but she could make a rough guess.

Since she wanted her to take good care of the emperor, she would naturally do her best. Even if the Empress Dowager had not said anything, these were things she should do.

After bidding farewell to the Empress Dowager, Layue returned with Apricot.

The scenery in spring was always different from winter. Looking at the willow branches sprouting tender new shoots, Layue felt her mood becoming especially bright. Staying in the palace every day, although she enjoyed it, occasionally brought a slight sense of loneliness. Although this trip outside the palace was hurried, being able to see the outside world made her genuinely happy.

Layue looked at the pond in the distance. The ice had now melted, and the air was filled with the scent of spring.

“Come, let’s go for a walk over there.”

Layue suddenly felt like taking a stroll.

In winter, this pond had frozen over, and some of the young eunuchs and maids had taken shortcuts by walking across the ice. Now it had turned into a deep blue pool of water, making this shortcut no longer viable.

“In winter, you walked on it. Were you ever afraid?”

Apricot laughed: “Not really. Everyone knew the weather was so cold that the ice was solid. What was there to worry about? But now, my lady, you must be careful. This pond is quite deep.”

“That’s right. What Apricot said is true.” A sudden female voice interrupted, it was Lian Xiuyun.

The two greeted each other, both standing by the pond.

They were not particularly close or warm toward each other, so Layue did not speak much. Seeing her presence, Layue intended to leave.

“Are you looking down on me, Lian Xiuyun, that you’re leaving as soon as I arrive? I can see you two were chatting happily.” She lowered her head, showing no emotion.

Layue smiled innocently: “I still have to accompany His Majesty outside the palace the day after tomorrow. There are many things in Tingyu Pavilion that haven’t been properly arranged, so I’m naturally quite busy. How could I possibly look down on you? I think you’re just being too sensitive.”

After speaking, she turned to leave. Just as she was about to go, Lian Xiuyun reached out to pull her, and somehow, something went wrong. They stumbled and collided, and with a “plop,”

Layue had already fallen into the pond…