The empress is both charming and seductive, rising through the ranks of palace intrigue.

When Xiao Yu woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. Feeling something pressing down on his arm, he looked up and saw Ning Shuyan sleeping on his arm. Only then did he remember the fright she had shown him the night before.

Xiao Yu rubbed his eyes with his other hand, surprised that he had slept until this hour. He had slept very soundly last night. He gently withdrew his hand, not wanting to disturb the woman in his arms. Unexpectedly, Ning Shuyan moved her head and slowly opened her eyes.

Ning Shuyan opened her eyes halfway, still hazy, and whispered, "The Emperor is awake." Then she sat up.

Xiao Yu enjoyed this kind of life. After all, this wasn't the palace, so he didn't have to attend court. If he needed to do something, he only needed to summon his ministers. He also didn't have to strictly adhere to the rules of the palace, making his days much more comfortable.

Ning Shuyan served Xiao Yu for two consecutive nights before Xiao Yu went to Consort Zhuang's palace.

The next day, the Empress organized a performance for the concubines at Changyin Pavilion. Xiao Yu was at Chaohui Pavilion, having come with Consort Zhuang.

When they arrived, Consort Zhuang was still arm in arm with Xiao Yu, and everyone's gazes were filled with jealousy and coldness. However, Ning Shuyan felt that this was not something she should be jealous of. She could clearly see that it was Consort Zhuang arm in arm with Xiao Yu; if it were Xiao Yu arm in arm with Consort Zhuang, then it would naturally be a different story.

The concubines were all dressed up beautifully, each with an exquisite face and a fragrant scent. However, Xiao Yu did not scrutinize each of them closely.

Xiao Yu merely glanced at her before fixing his gaze on Ning Shuyan. She usually dressed simply, but today she wore a plum-colored long dress, which made her stand out exceptionally, highlighting her radiant, jade-like skin.

"Consort Ning, you are dressed quite beautifully today." Xiao Yu's words drew the attention of all the concubines to Ning Shuyan.

Ning Shuyan was surprised that Xiao Yu would bring her up in front of everyone. She smiled and said, "I thought I'd dress smartly for the opera today."

The Empress nodded, smiling dignifiedly: "You are young and beautiful. The bright colors suit you well. When we return to the palace, I will give you the fragrant silk from the storeroom. That fabric would make a very suitable outfit for you."

Ning Shuyan was slightly taken aback, her face showing a look of being flattered. She stood up and curtsied, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness."

Xiao Yu smiled and said, "I remember that Bixiang Ningsha was a tribute from the Kingdom of Lixi."

The Empress smiled gently, "Yes, Your Majesty has a good memory. The fabric is fine, but it is too bright and delicate for me. I shall bestow it upon the most suitable person."

Ning Shuyan's face lit up with joy, thinking to herself: The Empress is truly virtuous.

A hint of relief flashed in Xiao Yu's eyes: "The Empress is young, so her attire won't be beneath her dignity."

Upon hearing the word "young," the Empress's eyes softened slightly. Although she was only twenty-five, she was still several years older than the women before her, and a full ten years older than the newly arrived concubines. Beauty fades, and while her youthful charm remained, her face was no longer childlike. Though the Emperor didn't say anything, she was secretly worried that he might find her appearance unattractive. After all, she knew Xiao Yu valued beauty.

Hearing the Emperor say this, she smiled gently at Xiao Yu with an extremely warm expression.

Consort Zhuang sat to the left of Xiao Yu, but her expression was rather unpleasant.

At this moment, the actors went on stage and began to sing softly.

The Empress said, "We hear the same old plays all the time, and I've heard that those actors can write their own plays. I'll have them perform something a little more original."

Xiao Yu said with satisfaction, "Excellent! The Empress has thought of everything."

Ning Shuyan didn't like listening to opera, mainly because she found it a bit noisy, and she really disliked the tone of the opera, which was delivered in a high-pitched, whispered manner.

Besides, the performance on stage is a drama, and the performance off stage is also a drama, which is boring.

Consort Zhuang gently waved her fan, her hair swaying slightly at her temples. Her beautiful face showed a hint of melancholy. She sighed sadly, "Does Your Majesty still remember that the first play we heard together in the Prince's Palace was The Butterfly Lovers?"

Xiao Yu's gaze softened as he recalled the past: "Of course I remember, I even moved you to tears."

Consort Zhuang smiled sadly and said softly, "Six years have passed in the blink of an eye. Time really flies."

Consort Rong popped a bayberry into her mouth, only to find that the bayberry, which usually tasted sweet and sour, was now extremely sour and astringent. She smiled faintly and said, "My sister likes to listen to tragic operas. Isn't that one being performed on stage right now?"

On stage was a story about a rich young lady and a scholar falling in love, but their parents objected.

Consort Zhuang's eyes flickered slightly, a hint of annoyance flashing across her face as she looked at Consort Rong. She then turned to Xiao Yu and smiled, saying, "No matter how good the play is, it can't compare to the one I watched with the Emperor back then."

Xiao Yu nodded slightly and said, "If Consort Zhuang likes it, it wouldn't hurt to have the opera troupe perform another song. But for now, let's just enjoy the show. The play on stage is quite good."

After all, it was the Empress who had hired the opera troupe, and Xiao Yu wouldn't refuse her request by saying the actors weren't performing well. No matter how much he doted on Consort Zhuang, the Empress was still his legal wife, and he had to give her face.

Consort Zhuang responded softly and said nothing more.

Ning Shuyan, being only a concubine, sat in a seat towards the back, next to Consort Xi. She munched on melon seeds and said, "Why hasn't the female lead appeared yet? It's just this guy singing."

Ning Shuyan picked up a bayberry and said with a smile, "So the real show hasn't even started yet."

On stage, the actor playing the scholar perfectly expresses the unrequited love he feels for the young lady.

And finally, the female lead appeared in the play. Even though Ning Shuyan didn't like watching plays, her eyes lit up.

Even with heavy makeup, you can still see that her features are exceptionally beautiful, and her eyes are full of emotion, captivating and enchanting.

With a flick of her wrist, she hung the white silk ribbon on the roof beam. Her eyes brimmed with crystal-clear tears, her face filled with immense heartache and sorrow. "Jinglang, I will marry you again in my next life."

As she spoke, she rested her neck on the white silk, closed her eyes, and tears streamed down her face like pearls from a broken string.

That beautiful woman's tears were truly well-acted. Ning Shuyan couldn't help but glance at Xiao Yu, and sure enough, he was watching intently.

The woman kicked off the stool, causing it to tip over, and the actor was left hanging from the white silk. Everyone was astonished; had this become real?

Xiao Yu straightened up and was about to call for help when he saw the woman suddenly grab the two sides of the white silk and jump down.

She fell to the ground, her face still flushed from the near-suffocation. Kneeling, she said, "For the sake of dramatic realism, I frightened His Majesty and the ladies. I apologize."

At this moment, everyone in the opera troupe came out and knelt down. The Empress said gently, "I've heard that this is a true story."

Xiao Yu was slightly surprised: "Oh. There really is such a devoted woman in the world?"

The woman kneeling on the ground bowed slightly and said softly, "Your Majesty, I once received a favor from the young lady in the play. I feel deeply sorry for her story."

Xiao Yu looked her over and said, "No wonder you can portray the emotions and feelings of the characters so vividly."

The woman raised her eyes, which sparkled like stars, and looked at Xiao Yu with a gentle gaze. Her voice was extremely clear and melodious: "Your Majesty flatters me."

The Empress remained dignified and smiled, saying, "The play was performed very well. You may all go and receive your rewards."

The actors kowtowed repeatedly to express their gratitude, and as they left, the woman gave Xiao Yu a beautiful smile as she turned back.