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

On July 20th, the Emperor and his concubines returned to the palace.

For Ning Shuyan, it was naturally more comfortable in Yichun Garden, where she didn't have to pay her respects every day or be too bound by rules.

On the third day after returning to the palace, on the way back from paying respects, she encountered a very troublesome person, namely Lady Xue.

Someone like Xue Yunu, with her gentle and submissive demeanor, is someone you know is faking, but you just can't bring yourself to be sharp with her.

"I heard that you were forced to kneel by Consort Rong at Yichun Garden and even fainted. Are you feeling much better now?" Xue Yunu asked with genuine concern, making it impossible to tell that she was just pretending.

If Ning Shuyan hadn't been so skeptical of sisterhood in the harem, she probably would have been fooled.

She smiled faintly and said gently, "It's alright. Aren't I standing perfectly fine in front of you right now?"

Xue Yunu smiled gently and said, "I just want to hear it from my sister herself, only then can I be at ease."

Ning Shuyan smiled calmly, a faint smile appearing and disappearing at the corners of her mouth, like a blue lotus blooming in summer.

Lady Xue stared blankly at her face and whispered, "Sister, you are so beautiful. I think you are even more beautiful now. No wonder the Emperor dotes on you so much."

Ning Shuyan's smile faded somewhat awkwardly: "Sister, you jest. There are many who are more favored than me. Besides, the Emperor is not one to lust after beauty, nor will he show more favor to anyone based on their appearance."

Xue Yunu's face stiffened slightly, and she forced a smile, "Sister is right. Sister has a good personality, which is why the Emperor likes her. Not to mention the Emperor, I like her too."

As they were about to part ways, Lady Xue said, "Sister, you'll be returning to the palace first. Take care, elder sister."

Ziying frowned and said, "Isn't this Lady Xue fawning over you so much so that she can come to Lanyue Pavilion more often and meet the Emperor?"

Furthermore, I also hope that Ning Shuyan can recommend her to the Emperor.

Ning Shuyan said, "It's enough that you know, there's no need to say it outside."

Ziying realized her mistake, looked around to make sure no one was there, and then lowered her head.

To Ning Shuyan's surprise, Xiao Yuxuan summoned her to serve him in bed at dinner time.

She thought that Xiao Yu would favor the concubines who had not accompanied him to Yichun Garden in the days before she entered the palace, but she did not expect that he would summon her to his bedchamber last night.

After washing and dressing up, Ning Shuyan boarded the sedan chair. Wearing a soft, flowing gauze dress, she entered the bedroom at the perfect time. Ice was placed in the room, so it was neither too hot nor too cold.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects," Ning Shuyan said to Xiao Yu, who was sitting on the bed.

Xiao Yu stood up and said gently, "No need for formalities. I have something to give you today."

Ning Shuyan couldn't help but ask curiously, "What is Your Majesty referring to?"

A smile slowly appeared in Xiao Yu's deep eyes: "It's on the table. Go and see for yourself. I guarantee you'll like it."

This piqued Ning Shuyan's curiosity, and she smiled as she walked to the table. She paused slightly, looking at the neatly arranged handkerchief and sachet on the table. Her eyes widened in surprise and disbelief as she exclaimed, "This...this was embroidered by my aunt?"

Xiao Yu walked to her side, looking at her overjoyed expression. His face softened considerably: "Yes! It was embroidered by your aunt herself! The Marquis of Ningyang brought it to the palace today, but the handkerchief was lost. I wanted to make up for your regret."

Ning Shuyan's eyes, like two clear springs, sparkled with a joyful light, and warmth radiated from her lips.

"The Emperor is so kind!"

As she spoke, she tiptoed and placed a soft kiss on Xiao Yu's left cheek, a kiss that was incredibly tender.

Xiao Yu was taken aback, watching her turn her head again, holding the handkerchiefs and looking at them with a beaming smile. He reached out and touched the spot where Ning Shuyan had just kissed him.

The sweet kiss, fleeting and brief, stirred a deep emotion within Xiao Yu. Looking at Ning Shuyan's slender waist, he said in a deep voice, "We can take our time tomorrow. It's getting late; let's get settled."

As he spoke, Ning Shuyan was pulled towards the bed by Xiao Yu, who lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Do you like the surprise I prepared, Shuyan?"

Ning Shuyan smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling, and said, "I like it very much."

"How does Shuyan plan to thank me?"

The candlelight cast a soft glow on his serene face, making his eyes gleam with an unseen light. His hand gently slid down to her waist, caressing her lightly.

Ning Shuyan's clear eyes sparkled as she muttered, "So, Your Majesty expects something in return for the surprise you've given me?"

Xiao Yu scooped her up in his arms, and Ning Shuyan hooked her arms around his neck, gently tracing her name on his skin as she asked in a seductive voice, "How would Your Majesty like me to serve you?"

As Xiao Yu listened to the woman's alluring voice, a dark glint appeared in his eyes. "How about I serve you tonight?"

Ning Shuyan's eyebrows flushed slightly, and her almond-shaped eyes, clear and bright, widened in surprise.

"how?"

Xiao Yu gently placed her on the bed, and with a light touch of his foot, the curtains draped down.

A slight blush crept onto Ning Shuyan's fair face, and her eyes twitched slightly upwards, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated: "Your Majesty..."

As soon as she finished speaking, Ning Shuyan felt her waist loosen, and her whole body was exposed in front of him.

Xiao Yu suddenly felt a desire to explore further; he wanted to know if there were any parts of a woman's body that were off-limits to touch.

…………

"Your Majesty... um... this concubine is ticklish..."

Xiao Yu thought: It's supposed to be itchy...

After a tender moment, the brocade quilt was disheveled. Although Xiao Yu still had some things to say, this was Zhaochen Palace, and he couldn't be too unrestrained.

Following protocol, Ning Shuyan stood up when it was time to return to Lan Yue Pavilion, saying, "Your Majesty, I should return to Lan Yue Pavilion now."

Xiao Yu suddenly wanted to ask her to stay, but it was just a thought. He nodded and said gently, "Okay, you must be tired today. Go back and get some rest."

Ning Shuyan smiled shyly, her voice still slightly hoarse from the aftermath: "Your Majesty, I understand."

Ning Shuyan took the embroidery from the table, then smiled sweetly and curtsied, saying charmingly, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

After saying that, she left without looking back.

Xiao Yu stared at her retreating figure, and couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Upon returning to the palace, Ziying was quite surprised to see the embroidery Ning Shuyan had produced. After some explanation, Ziying smiled and said, "The Emperor treats Miss quite well."

Ning Shuyan smiled faintly: "Isn't that how men are? If you please him, he'll naturally be willing to make you happy. If you don't please him, let alone him making you happy, even if you make him happy, he'll be extremely annoyed with you."

If you're so easily moved by small gestures, what will happen if they become cold and indifferent towards you later? You'll be heartbroken all the time, and life won't be able to go on.

Ziying increasingly felt that her young mistress's understanding and mindset were becoming more and more different after entering the palace.