That Imperial Concubine is both wicked and cunning! Your Majesty, wake up!

Zheng Shuangning was stunned by her tearful, vulnerable, and helpless appearance.

The person who was just a moment ago was so sarcastic and mean, yet he changed so quickly.

This face-changing skill is at the level of a grandmaster of Sichuan opera face-changing.

Zheng Shuangning stood to the side, her face expressionless, quietly watching the play, but inwardly she was screaming wildly:

Pretend, just pretend, the more pitiful the better, the more wronged the better, it would be best if Xiao Yan would have mercy and let her leave this cage.

Xiao Yan glanced at Zheng Shuangning, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Zheng Shuangning simply adopted an even more arrogant attitude.

Stay away from scumbags and scumbags.

Seeing that the Emperor remained silent, Consort Rong became increasingly flustered, and her cries grew more pitiful and heart-wrenching: "Your Majesty, I... I really didn't mean it. My sister, the Noble Consort, is of such high rank, how could I dare to be disrespectful? I only offered a few kind words of advice just now, who knew that Her Highness would be so angry? I am afraid and am willing to accept the punishment."

Zheng Shuangning met Xiao Yan's gaze, raised her chin, and said arrogantly and bluntly, "This is just my personality, arrogant and domineering, it has always been so."

Xiao Yan chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his smile.

Zheng Shuangning: "?"

What are you laughing at?

Xiao Yan glanced at Consort Rong again, his tone cold and indifferent: "Fine, since you're willing to accept the punishment, then go and accept it. The Noble Consort won't tolerate your loose tongue. Since you know you talk too much, then speak less in the future. Go back and copy the palace rules one hundred times, then be confined to your quarters for a month. Go back."

Consort Rong looked up at Xiao Yan in disbelief, her nose tingling with tears, and said aggrievedly, "Your Majesty..."

The Emperor punished her, not the Imperial Concubine!

How could the Emperor be so biased?!

"Aren't you going back? Do you think my punishment is too lenient?" Xiao Yan glanced at her coldly.

Consort Rong dared not say anything more and could only leave with a wronged expression, looking back every few steps.

Xiao Yan lifted his foot and walked towards Zheng Shuangning.

That gaze seemed to see right through her every little thought.

Zheng Shuangning spoke calmly, "Your Majesty, aren't you afraid of hurting the beauty's feelings by acting this way?"

As Xiao Yan gazed at her, the playfulness in his eyes gradually transformed into tenderness.

"You are my one and only beauty."

Zheng Shuangning felt a sudden discomfort and turned to leave.

Xiao Yan was not annoyed at all and followed slowly.

"Ningning, this is the first time I've enjoyed the garden with you."

Who wants to enjoy the garden with him!

Xiao Yan reached out and grasped her wrist, his fingertips gently caressing her skin. Then he slowly pried open her curled fingers one by one and held them firmly in his palm.

Zheng Shuangning struggled with all her might, but couldn't budge an inch, and was so angry she was about to explode!

"I particularly love autumn days, when the sky is high and the air is crisp, making me feel most comfortable."

"I don't like autumn. Autumn is desolate and lifeless. Everything withers and even the wind carries a bleak feeling."

Looking at her feigned indifference, Xiao Yan could easily understand the unspoken meaning behind her words.

She disliked not only Qiu in the palace, but also him.

"Ningning is the most beautiful woman in any season."

Zheng Shuangning was speechless for a moment.

Taking advantage of Xiao Yan's momentary lapse in attention, she abruptly shook off his hand.

Xiao Yan chuckled softly and followed after him again.

"Which season does Ningning prefer?"

Zheng Shuangning felt a slight unease and casually replied, "Winter."

*

Yaohua Palace has been tidied up, with vermilion doors and carved beams, and bright, clean windows and tables.

Zheng Shuangning did not want to stay in Zichen Palace for a moment longer, so she moved into Yaohua Palace that same day.

With Consort Rong's fate as a precedent, everyone in the harem fell silent, no longer daring to gossip, and even their usual open and covert struggles subsided considerably.

Two days later, Xiao Yan came to find her: "Ningning, I'm taking you somewhere."

Zheng Shuangning frowned: "Where does Your Majesty intend to take me?"

Xiao Yan did not answer, but took a piece of white gauze and covered her eyes, soothingly saying in a low voice, "Just follow me. Don't worry, I won't lose you."

He led Zheng Shuangning step by step forward.

Upon arriving at their destination, Xiao Yan gently removed the white veil from her eyes.

Zheng Shuangning opened her eyes and saw nothing but pure white snow.

As far as the eye could see, there was only a vast expanse of white.

The courtyard, the branches, and the glazed tiles were all covered with a thick layer of snow.

Zheng Shuangning gazed at the snowy scene, then turned to look at Xiao Yan beside her.

Seeing her like this, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow and chuckled: "Ningning said she likes winter. Now that autumn is in full swing, I will send this snowfall for you ahead of time."

Zheng Shuangning clicked her tongue in amazement: Having money really makes a difference; it's practically omnipotent.

But in the next instant, these worldly thoughts were dispelled.

She mentioned it casually, but the Emperor took it to heart and went to great lengths to put it into action.

Completely bewildered, she asked softly, "Your Majesty, I do not understand. Why me of all people? I am but an ordinary woman, and I have long harbored feelings for someone. Lou Du and I have known each other since childhood, we are childhood sweethearts, and our love is mutual. You are the Emperor, and you can have any beauty in the world. Why did you choose me? And even bear the criticism of the court and the condemnation of the world for me, is it worth it?"

She wanted an answer.

Forced acquisition and plunder only belong in storybooks, not in her life.

Xiao Yan gazed at her intently, his expression exceptionally serious: "You are no ordinary woman. In my heart, you are perfect in every way, so perfect that no one in the world can match you."

"Ningning, you say you and Lou Du are childhood sweethearts, but are you really sure that you two are in love with each other? Maybe not."

Zheng Shuangning lowered her head silently, realizing he had seen right through her.

She and Adu were indeed childhood sweethearts, but they were not in love.

Adu was simply the most suitable man for her in the eyes of the world.

And A-Du treated her very well.

Of the three thousand rivers, I only drink from one.

Xiao Yan stepped forward, his voice low and firm:

"Though there are many women in the world, I have no interest in any of them. My heart belongs only to Ningning. It is only because of you that I have you."

Zheng Shuangning subconsciously took a step back, still unable to understand.

"Your Majesty still doesn't understand. We were complete strangers before, so how could Your Majesty have fallen for me?"

Xiao Yan turned to the side and looked into the distance, as if he were reminiscing or pondering something.

A moment later, he turned to look at her, his eyes deep and holding a barely perceptible sadness.

He asked softly, "Ningning, do you believe in reincarnation?"

Eyes facing each other.

A few fragmented images suddenly flashed through Zheng Shuangning's mind.

The blurry figure smiled at her, like Xiao Yan, but not quite.

Past and Present……

She pondered those four words repeatedly in her heart.

She believed it because she was not originally from this world.

But then I felt it was too absurd.

Just as she was in a daze, a soft, sweet "meow" caught Zheng Shuangning's attention.

Xiao Yan smiled slightly: "I found this cat when I left the palace a few days ago. I felt sorry for it, so I brought it back to the palace."

The palace servants carefully opened the cat cage.

A fluffy white ball of fur immediately hopped out and ran briskly to Zheng Shuangning's feet, its tail held straight up, affectionately rubbing against her skirt, looking very endearing.

Zheng Shuangning has always loved cats and dogs. Seeing how affectionate this little guy was, she smiled sincerely and gently stroked his soft fur.

Xiao Yan's smile deepened: "It seems Ningning and it get along very well, so you can name it."

Zheng Shuangning looked down at the warm little furball in her arms and said without hesitation, "Then let's call it Snowball."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback, then chuckled softly.

*

As night deepened, Xiao Yan gently informed him that he would be staying overnight at Yaohua Palace.

Zheng Shuangning immediately refused: "Since Your Majesty has said those words, you should remember that you promised me that you would wait for the day when I am willing."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan showed no anger or disappointment, but simply nodded gently: "I understand, I will not force you."

She looked up and said softly, "In my heart, there is still Lou Du."

"Does His Majesty not mind...?"

"Ningning, feelings can grow over time." With that, she turned to leave.

But as soon as they reached the palace gate, a sudden gale arose outside, and torrential rain poured down, instantly enveloping the entire world.

Xiao Yan turned around, a smile playing on his lips, tinged with a playful certainty: "It seems this is Heaven's will, to keep me here."

Zheng Shuangning couldn't help but roll her eyes, too lazy to argue with him, and simply picked up the snowball at her feet and turned to walk towards the inner hall.

"Alright, Ningning, then allow me to stay overnight."

"Good Ningning..."

……

Zheng Shuangning finally agreed, but as agreed beforehand, Xiao Yan could only rest on the outer couch.

Xiao Yan was already very satisfied.

The hall was very quiet, with only the soft gurgling of the snowballs.

Xiao Yan said softly, "Ningning, in a few days, I will take you on an autumn hunt, and I will only take you."