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

A gentle smile spread across Xiao Yu's lips, his deep eyes filled with satisfied joy.

"Do you like the gift I gave you?"

Ning Shuyan glanced at the porcelain and said softly, "I like it, but Your Majesty has been bestowing these precious things upon me lately, many of which I don't need. Your Majesty would be better off giving me something more practical and useful."

She had been taking excellent care of herself recently; her small face was slightly raised, her cheeks fair with a hint of pink, making Xiao Yu unable to look away. "In Yan'er's opinion, what is the most practical thing?" he asked, looking at her curiously.

Ning Shuyan's watery eyes sparkled: "Of course it's silver, it's naturally the most practical thing."

Xiao Yu was slightly taken aback, then couldn't help but chuckle: "Yan'er, is your monthly allowance not enough? You're asking me for money out of the blue."

Ning Shuyan really wanted to roll her eyes at this moment. She ate and slept with him, but he was so stingy with money.

A slight smile played on her lips as she said coquettishly, "A gentleman loves money, but he acquires it in a proper way. Does Your Majesty find my spending too extravagant?"

Xiao Yu smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. His hand, resting on her waist, caressed her as he chuckled, "Yan'er has indeed become a bit plumper."

Ning Shuyan subtly curled her lips. So stingy! Asking for some money and he's already changing the subject? Does she really have to say she's broke and ask him for some?

You still complain about being fat?

Then why are you still touching it!

Ning Shuyan had an idea. Her face was still smiling as she moved closer to him and looked at Xiao Yu with a seductive gaze: "Your Majesty is so annoying. You even complained that I'm too plump. Well then, I'll lose weight tomorrow."

Xiao Yu's deep eyes suddenly turned dark, and when he looked at the woman's alluring gaze, his heart stirred with emotion.

"Yan'er is doing very well this way."

Ning Shuyan leaned close to Xiao Yu's ear, her voice soft and sweet, her breath like orchids: "Does Your Majesty like me like this now?"

Xiao Yu's body stiffened slightly, and his gaze fell upon the flawless skin beneath his neck.

Like a freshly peeled lychee, it is crystal clear and has an enticing sheen.

Xiao Yu unconsciously moved his throat and reached out to undo his belt, but Ning Shuyan pressed his hand down and shook her head, saying, "Your Majesty...you can't."

Why?

"There are still a few days left, it's okay."

Ning Shuyan continued to hold him down, and said softly, "Does Your Majesty not want me to recover soon? Or does Your Majesty not care about my health?" She spoke with a hint of grievance and pleading.

"Shuyan!" His tone wasn't very good, but he released his grip, and his breathing gradually calmed down.

He gazed into Ning Shuyan's innocent, watery eyes, her long eyelashes trembling slightly in panic. When he glanced at her reddened neck, Xiao Yu immediately turned his head away, trying to calm himself down.

"I will naturally prioritize your health. I acted on impulse..." His voice softened, and he reached out to pat her back before helping Ning Shuyan to her feet.

Ning Shuyan tugged at his sleeve, her voice low, "Is Your Majesty leaving?"

"I am returning to Zhaochen Palace," Xiao Yu said in a low, hoarse voice.

How could he possibly stay in this place?

As the emperor, does he have to suppress these kinds of things?

"Is His Majesty angry?" Ning Shuyan still tugged at his sleeve.

Xiao Yu shook his head, turned his head to the side, and said gently, "I don't have any. I'll come back in a few days."

"Since Your Majesty is not angry, can't you stay and keep me company?"

Her voice was soft and sweet, with a hint of coquetry, making it hard for Xiao Yu to refuse her.

Seeing that Xiao Yu did not answer, Ning Shuyan gently shook his wide sleeve, displaying an even more delicate and girlish demeanor than usual.

Xiao Yu let out a soft breath. Seeing that this was the first time she had tried to curry favor, he shook his head helplessly but with a touch of indulgence. Then he reached out and took her hand, walking calmly toward the inner palace.

Ning Shuyan smiled sweetly and leaned against Xiao Yu's arm, saying, "Your Majesty is so kind."

Xiao Yu smiled faintly: "If you ever fall ill in the future, you are not allowed to engage in such seductive behavior again."

"Otherwise... I will definitely take it all back with interest later." He added domineeringly.

Ning Shuyan nodded obediently: "What happened today is not my fault, Your Majesty. It was Your Majesty who couldn't help himself."

Xiao Yu's brow twitched. He knew he couldn't control himself, but it sounded very different coming from a woman's mouth.

He glanced sideways at Ning Shuyan, only to see her smiling brightly, her hands clenched tightly around her palms. That gentle, radiant smile made Xiao Yu swallow his words. He could only say with a smile, "Don't beg for mercy then."

Ning Shuyan curled the corners of her lips; she didn't care what would happen then.

As long as he's uncomfortable today, that's enough; it's punishment for him. Who told him to touch me while complaining? He's the one who eats and sleeps with me without paying me anything.

Even if he is the emperor, their relationship is not that of ordinary "husband and wife," but rather that of ruler and subject.

But when it comes to matters between men and women, you have to treat him like any other man.

Xiao Yu naturally couldn't fall asleep as easily as usual that night. Even after a long time, he still couldn't fall asleep despite hearing the steady breathing of the woman beside him.

He turned to look at Ning Shuyan's beautiful and serene face, as flawless as a water lily. He reached out and gently stroked her rosy lips, chuckling softly as he recalled what had just happened, before slowly closing his eyes.