Her mind felt like a startled little bird, dizzy and disoriented, unable to find its bearings. As the mermaid silk bed curtain was gently lifted, the young and handsome emperor appeared before her. Xu Lanshan instinctively half-rose, clutching the quilt as she gave him a soft smile: "Your Majesty!"
Emperor Yuanyong was taken aback, a flash of admiration appearing in his eyes.
The reason why a beauty appears even more enchanting under moonlight is partly due to the atmospheric setting, and partly because the dim light obscures imperfections, creating an artistic allure.
Emperor Yuanyong hadn’t expected that, seeing her clearly now, this woman would be even more beautiful than she had appeared the previous night!
Her skin was fair, delicate, and seemingly flawless, especially those slender, graceful hands. As if nervous, they clutched the brocade quilt, making even the finest imperial Xiangyun silk pale in comparison. Her beautiful, watery eyes glanced over timidly, evoking a sense of tenderness and pity in anyone who saw them.
Emperor Yuanyong chuckled softly as he sat down, leaning onto the bed and gently encircling Xu Lanshan in his arms. Gazing at her charming eyes and brows, he couldn’t help but ask in a low voice, "Are you afraid? Hmm?"
Xu Lanshan’s eyes sparkled, her large, watery eyes exceptionally lively as a gentle smile spread across her lips: "Your Majesty… would you make your humble consort feel afraid?"
Emperor Yuanyong was momentarily stunned, then laughed heartily. Glancing at her, he curled his thin lips slightly: "I had no idea my beloved consort had such a temperament!"
Hearing this, Xu Lanshan covered her mouth and laughed, looking even more charming and delightful: "Your Majesty is teasing me!"
When he first saw her, she hadn’t seemed like this—aside from those excessively beautiful hands, he had no other impression. He never expected her to be such a delightful person! Emperor Yuanyong’s heart stirred, and with a low chuckle, he pulled her into his embrace…
It was only after a long while that the clouds dispersed and the rain ceased, both feeling quite satisfied.
Emperor Yuanyong was not only satisfied but pleasantly surprised.
Typically, concubines serving him for the first time were rarely not nervous. For Emperor Yuanyong, there wasn’t much enjoyment in it—at most, it was a novelty. However, after a few times, even the novelty wore off.
Even concubines who had been with him for several years, though no longer nervous, weren’t particularly interesting either. In his presence, no one could truly relax; even the most domineering concubines would put on a gentle and demure facade once they entered the imperial bed. Because of this, Emperor Yuanyong usually didn’t enjoy visiting the rear palace.
But tonight, he was genuinely surprised—the feeling of exhilaration was something he had never experienced before.
He didn’t know how to describe it accurately, but it was just right, flawless in every way.
Emperor Yuanyong was in such high spirits that he couldn’t bear to let Xu Lanshan leave, holding her tightly in his arms.
Xu Lanshan was also quite satisfied. After all, everyone has their needs—it could be said to be a win-win situation. At least, that’s how she saw it.
Moreover, this was the most esteemed man in the world, the ultimate top-ranking figure, and she had managed to win him over. Not only did she not have to pay, but this top-ranking figure would even give her money. Where else could one find such a deal?
She knew he must be satisfied with her too. Afterward, as he held her in his arms, as if cherishing her deeply, Xu Lanshan felt a subtle tenderness in her heart and couldn’t help but curl her lips into a smile.
She allowed herself to indulge in this moment of tenderness, but her mind remained clear.
In this palace, one could vie for favor, enjoy the luxuries and riches without guilt, and even act as if they admired and loved the emperor. But one must never fall in love—that was an abyss from which there was no return.
Xu Lanshan gently nudged Emperor Yuanyong and called out softly, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty…"
"Hmm?" Emperor Yuanyong, half-asleep and enjoying the moment, felt a slight displeasure at being called. But he wouldn't get angry over this; instead, he smiled and kissed the smooth, delicate forehead of the woman in his arms. "What is it?"
Xu Lanshan lifted her eyelids slightly, flashing a playful smile. "Your Majesty, have you forgotten? This humble concubine should return to Cuiyin Pavilion."
Not everyone was qualified to stay overnight in Qianyuan Palace after serving the Emperor. Only those of the fourth-rank Lady of the First Rank or higher, with the Emperor's permission, could stay. Those below the rank of Lady of the First Rank, even if the Emperor wished it, were not eligible.
Of course, if it were a foolish emperor who insisted on acting recklessly and disregarding the rules—since he himself was the rule—then no one would dare to speak out.
After all, no one was so stubborn as to risk their own head just to displease a foolish emperor.
But Emperor Yuanyong was no foolish emperor.
He naturally would not disregard the Palace Regulations.
Upon hearing Xu Lanshan's words, he felt a twinge of regret but did not try to keep her. Instead, he gently tapped the tip of her small nose with his slender index finger and chuckled. "You truly are sensible, and quite endearing."
"Your Majesty!" Xu Lanshan suppressed a shudder of disgust and coyly nestled into his embrace, playfully pounding his chest with her small fists in a coquettish protest, which made him laugh heartily.
He was already reluctant to let her go, and now even more so!
Emperor Yuanyong held her tightly and kissed her twice. "Be good. I'll come see you tomorrow."
"Yes!" Xu Lanshan nodded happily, then added, "Tomorrow or the day after is fine, as long as Your Majesty doesn't forget this humble concubine."
"Hahaha, I won't forget!"
"Your Majesty's words are etched in this humble concubine's heart. Please don't just say them to humor me."
Emperor Yuanyong was greatly amused. "You're getting bold, aren't you? Who gave you such courage, hmm?"
Xu Lanshan blinked at him, playful and lively. "Why, it was Your Majesty, of course!"
Emperor Yuanyong laughed heartily.
The two lingered affectionately for quite some time before Xu Lanshan finally managed to slip out of the imperial bed. She sighed inwardly with relief—oh, the task of pleasing the Emperor was truly exhausting work.
Emperor Yuanyong then specifically summoned Eunuch Dong and instructed, "The evening wind is chilly. Have someone escort Attendant Xu back properly."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Eunuch Dong hurriedly complied. He couldn't help but glance at Xu Lanshan, and her radiant beauty made his heart skip a beat. He thought to himself, Remarkable, truly remarkable! Who would have thought that someone like this would emerge from Song Ronghua's side?
He had never seen any concubine leave the Emperor so pleased after serving him.
If she continued performing like this without any mishaps, Attendant Xu's good days were still ahead of her!
Eunuch Dong had someone fetch a brand-new cloak, personally instructed the palanquin bearers, and watched as the matron helped Xu Lanshan into the phoenix palanquin before turning back to enter the hall.
Emperor Yuanyong further instructed, "Tomorrow, select two sets of jewelry, six bolts of the latest brocade, and a few precious ornaments to send to Cuiyin Pavilion."
He paused in thought. "I recall there is a pair of Jadeite bracelets from last year's tribute from the Western Regions in the private treasury. Their quality is excellent, and they would surely look beautiful on Attendant Xu's wrists. Find them and send them as well."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Eunuch Dong was astonished. That pair of Jadeite bracelets was indeed a masterpiece—warm and flawless in texture, as clear and translucent as a pool of emerald water. They would undoubtedly look stunning on Attendant Xu's hands.
But such precious items were far beyond what Attendant Xu's rank deserved. Moreover, he remembered that last year, Consort Lian had asked the Emperor for that pair of Jadeite bracelets, but the Emperor had refused. If Consort Lian were to find out about this, given her temperament…