After leaving Yuehua Palace, Xuan Yuan Che went straight back to the Sacred Sun Palace.
Inside the hall, the candlelight was bright, but the innermost area remained dim. Even with the faint candlelight filtering through, the layers of warm curtains blocked any trace of what lay beyond.
The only thing that remained was the intermittent, erratic panting sounds coming from behind the curtains.
Xuan Yuan Che paid no attention to it and moved to another inner chamber nearby.
Li Mo, who was attending to him, helped the Emperor remove his outer robe and change into his sleeping attire. He could sense that the Emperor was exceptionally pleased at this moment.
Even during the grand banquet at Chonghua Palace, where the lively and joyful atmosphere had lifted the Emperor’s spirits, it could not compare to his current state.
Undoubtedly, the Emperor’s recent visit to Yuehua Palace to see Consort Chen had been a delightful encounter for both of them.
Sitting by the dragon bed, Xuan Yuan Che glanced at Li Mo and reminded him, “Do not forget to serve that bowl of tea to the Empress tomorrow morning.”
Li Mo replied, “Your Majesty, rest assured. This servant will prepare it and personally serve it to the Empress after she rises.”
With these words, the bed curtains were drawn, and Li Mo extinguished the candles on the four candlesticks near the bed before retreating to the outer chamber.
Lying in bed, Xuan Yuan Che’s mind was filled with Qin Shu’s voice and appearance. The mere thought of her made the corners of his lips curl upward unconsciously.
Earlier at Yuehua Palace, he had asked her if she resented him for issuing the decree that brought her into the palace. Instead of expressing resentment, she had said that he was now her family.
Although she had diverted the topic when he confessed his affection for her, she had not shown any signs of disdain, indicating that she did not dislike him.
As the saying goes, not disliking is akin to liking. Even if her feelings were only beginning to sprout, his had been brewing for years. Now that she was by his side, he was confident that, with time, their affection would grow steadfast and unshakable.
With these thoughts in mind, he closed his eyes and drifted into a peaceful slumber, unable to conceal his joy even in his dreams.
…
The next morning, at dawn.
In Qin Shu’s bedchamber at Yuehua Palace.
Having stayed up too late the previous night, Qin Shu had risen a little later than usual.
Fortunately, she did not need to wake up early to pay respects to the Empress at Phoenix Sun Palace.
Xin Lian and Xin Yi, who were waiting outside, entered only when their mistress called for them, ready to assist her in getting up.
As they stepped inside, they saw their mistress sitting on the bed, her eyes drowsy and her face still heavy with sleep. Noticing this, Xin Lian said, “Your Highness, since there is nothing urgent, would you like to rest a little longer?”
Qin Shu replied, “No need. Fetch water for me to wash up and help me with my makeup.”
Xin Lian and Xin Yi responded, “Yes,” and immediately began attending to their mistress’s toilette.
Seated before the dressing table, Qin Shu gazed at her reflection in the bronze mirror. The words Xuan Yuan Che had spoken to her the previous night lingered in her mind, refusing to fade even after a night’s sleep.
Moreover, the question Xin Lian had asked her before bed had kept her tossing and turning for a long time, unable to fall asleep.
She could not deny that her first glimpse of Xuan Yuan Che’s appearance had been astonishing. He perfectly aligned with her aesthetic preferences and was undeniably captivating. If he could truly remain devoted to her, he would indeed be the man she desired.
Her entry into the palace had been compelled by the imperial decree, but he had confessed that it was his personal desire that brought her here. His words had been resolute, vowing never to betray her.
Had it not been for her entry into the palace, her parents would have been seeking suitable husbands for her at this marriageable age. If that were truly the case, she and Xuan Yuan Che might have had a chance to try.
In her previous life, she had never been in love. Now, with such a stunningly handsome man before her—even if he was the emperor—what harm was there in giving it a try?
Although she had no personal experience in matters of the heart, that didn’t mean she lacked insight. She figured she could handle it without much trouble.
Moreover, she was already in the palace. Many things could be avoided temporarily, but not forever.
According to Xuan Yuan Che, he had never touched the women in his Imperial Harem, and he told her she would gradually understand the specifics later.
Well then, let her take a good look and see what was really going on.
After Xin Lian and Xin Yi finished styling their mistress’s hair, they noticed her staring blankly at the mirror, lost in thought. Xin Lian said softly, “Your Highness, it’s done. Please go have your breakfast now.”
Qin Shu snapped out of her reverie and replied, “Alright.” She rose and moved to the outer chamber, seating herself at the dining table to eat.
The meal passed in silence.
Qin Shu took a sip of the tea handed to her by Xin Yi. Just then, a young palace maid entered to announce, “Your Highness, Doctor Liu from the Imperial Hospital is here.”
Qin Shu said, “Let him in.”
Soon, Doctor Liu arrived carrying a medicine box. Xin Lian promptly took it from him, saying, “Doctor Liu, I can hold this for you.”
Doctor Liu stepped forward, bowed to Qin Shu, and spoke earnestly, “Consort Chen, you must take the medicine on time every day and drink it while it’s hot for it to be effective.”
Qin Shu glanced at the young eunuch and replied, “Yes, I know.”
As he spoke, Doctor Liu checked Qin Shu’s pulse. “Your Highness’s pulse is still weak. While the medicine is regulating your body, you do need more rest, but you shouldn’t stay cooped up indoors all the time. The weather is too chilly early and late in the day, so it’s not suitable to go outside. However, the daytime is warm—you may take a walk outdoors and get some sun.”
Qin Shu said, “Alright, I’ll remember that. Thank you, Doctor Liu.”
After finishing the pulse reading, Doctor Liu stood respectfully to the side. “I am here under the Empress’s orders to help regulate Your Highness’s health. This is my duty. Please remember to take your medicine. If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave.”
Qin Shu said, “Xin Yi, see Doctor Liu out.”
Xin Yi replied, “Yes.”
As Doctor Liu departed, Xin Lian placed the medicine box on the table, opened it, and brought out a steaming bowl of medicinal soup, handing it to Qin Shu.
As soon as the medicine was uncovered, the room filled with its strong aroma.
Initially, Qin Shu had thought Doctor Liu would send someone else to deliver the medicine, but he was quite diligent—not only coming daily to check her pulse of safety but also personally bringing the medicine. Thus, she had no choice but to play along.
Qin Shu took the bowl. The medicinal scent invaded her nostrils, and she immediately frowned, letting out a cold laugh as she stared down at the bowl in her hands. The soups delivered the previous two days had been normal, but today’s had a different smell.
It hadn’t even been a few days, and someone was already growing impatient.
Xin Lian noticed the slight change in her mistress’s expression and asked in a hushed tone, “Your Highness, is there something wrong with this medicine?”
Qin Shu handed the bowl to Xin Lian. “Take a careful sniff.”
Xin Lian held the medicine, sniffing it carefully, but couldn’t immediately identify the issue.
As soon as Xin Yi returned, she saw Xin Lian acting this way and couldn’t help but feel puzzled. She opened her mouth to ask, “Xin Lian, what are you doing?”
Xin Lian replied, “There’s something wrong with this bowl of medicine. Come and smell it too.”
Xin Yi complied, leaning in close to carefully sniff it.