Fearing that Guanjia would arrive soon, Xue Dongyu only hastily changed into slightly more formal attire and lightly traced her eyebrows. She dared not use ancient cosmetics while pregnant.
No one urged her otherwise, for even Bai Xing—who wished more than anything for Lady Xue to become the foremost favored consort in the rear palace—knew that with Xue Dongyu pregnant, not only would Guanjia refrain from any impropriety, but the imperial heir was also their utmost priority.
As the sun began to slant, the Emperor emerged from Funing Palace, his expression as aloof as ever. Zhang Maoze, however, was on high alert, serving with the utmost caution he could muster. In his view, if Guanjia failed to vent his frustrations at Lady Xue’s place, he himself would inevitably suffer the collateral consequences.
The imperial carriage arrived, and Xue Dongyu led her attendants to greet it at the entrance. Before the Emperor even alighted, she bowed deeply with earnest reverence.
Women of the Song Dynasty favored elegance, preferring light and subdued colors over intricate embroidery, often focusing instead on fabric and tailoring. Xue Dongyu wore a well-fitted lotus-purple palace gown. At less than four months pregnant, her belly was only slightly rounded, and her figure remained graceful.
As this was her first time receiving the imperial carriage alone, her etiquette was still unpolished. Though her beauty was undeniable, her gestures were awkward and varied.
The sight amused the Emperor, who chuckled softly. He took her hand and helped her up, saying, “Rise. There was no need to wait outside; you could have waited indoors.” Still holding her hand, he led her inside.
The accompanying eunuchs and palace maids followed them in. Once seated, Zhao Zhen sat facing her, his gaze fixed intently on her—from her brows and eyes to her expression. Xue Dongyu was beautiful, but the most striking feature of her face was her eyes. Beneath long, curled lashes, her pupils shone like black gemstones, lively and radiant.
The Xue Dongyu in his memory had never possessed such vibrant eyes; otherwise, the Zhao Zhen of the past would not have forgotten her for so long.
Feeling as though her heart might fail if he continued staring, Xue Dongyu mustered her courage and said, “If Guanjia keeps looking, I’ll… I’ll…” She trailed off, unable to finish.
The Emperor withdrew his gaze, a hint of mischief stirring within him. He teased, “You are mine. Why shouldn’t I look at you? Besides looking, there’s nothing else I can do with you now.”
Xue Dongyu stared at Guanjia in disbelief as he spoke such words with a perfectly straight face. Flustered and indignant, she gritted her teeth and said, “I’ll start crying.”
No sooner had she spoken than her eyes reddened with genuine vexation. She had never felt so embarrassed and could hardly bear it.
Seeing that he had truly made her cry, the Emperor felt a twinge of remorse. He drew her into his embrace and said gently, with a hint of laughter, “Are you really crying now? Alright, alright, it’s my fault.” As he spoke, he patted her back soothingly, an inexplicable wave of tenderness rising in his heart.
Enveloped in the Emperor’s spacious robes, Xue Dongyu breathed in his faint, lingering fragrance. With a hand patting her back as if comforting a child, her initial anger gradually melted into shyness, and her tears subsided.
Fortunately, Guanjia could not see her. The woman in his arms was flushed from her cheeks to her ears, too embarrassed to lift her head. When her sobs ceased, he caught sight of her ear, red as a cherry, and upon closer inspection, even the tips of her fingers clinging to him were tinged pink. Understanding dawned on him, and he let out a muffled chuckle.
Xue Dongyu knew he was laughing at her and buried herself deeper into his robes, seeking refuge.
The Emperor also found it strange. Ever since returning to the human world, a restless and violent emotion had constantly plagued his heart, affecting him at all times. He vaguely understood this was the price to pay. He had tried many methods, and only counting the Jade Buddha Beads could barely calm him down, allowing him to sleep for an hour or two at night.
Yet now, simply holding Xue Dongyu, that emotion that constantly assaulted his reason had actually subsided. He felt a long-lost tranquility, an unparalleled peace within. Zhao Zhen had originally thought that his rebirth was something heaven would not tolerate. But Xue, who had died young in his previous life, possessed such an ability—this proved he was destined by fate. Thinking this, he held Xue Dongyu even tighter. Even without this special ability, the body in his arms was quite pleasing—a slender frame covered with a layer of soft flesh, comfortable even through the thin summer garments.
Neither of them spoke, and for a moment, the entire hall fell silent, with only the sound of their intertwined breaths, one after another.
After a long while, the Emperor pulled Xue Dongyu out of his embrace. His cool fingertips brushed across her soft cheeks, gently wiping away the tear stains. His voice, tinged with amusement, spoke up, "It's nothing serious. It's almost time for the meal."
Xue Dongyu still hadn't fully recovered—it was too embarrassing. Hearing this, she nodded with her neck slightly flushed, and the Emperor ordered the eunuchs to enter and serve the meal.
When Zhang Maoze had earlier seen Guanjia and Lady Xue being intimate, fearing he might disturb Guanjia's mood, he signaled for everyone to withdraw and wait outside the hall. In his heart, he marveled at Cairen Xue's methods.
Thus, when Zhang Maoze entered the hall, he kept his head bowed, not daring to let his eyes wander, afraid he might see something he shouldn't.
Seeing Zhang Maoze's timid demeanor, the Emperor said irritably, "You useless servant, why are you keeping your head down?"
Zhang Maoze took the opportunity to raise his head. Seeing Cairen Xue with her clothes neatly arranged, he was slightly surprised, realizing nothing had happened. He then said ingratiatingly, "Does Guanjia have any orders?"
The Emperor lowered his head and asked Xue Dongyu, "Is there anything you'd like to eat?"
What she'd like to eat? There were many things. Xue Dongyu thought for a moment and said, "I'd like a pipa duck. The duck should be a three-year-old old duck. Hmm, are there any shad fish available now?" She turned to ask Zhang Maoze, and after receiving an affirmative answer, she happily added, "Then I'd also like a steamed shad fish."
Shad fish is a traditionally prized edible fish, said to have tender meat, many bones, and an exceptionally delicious flavor. In ancient times, with inconvenient transportation, it was quite rare for shad fish to be transported from their place of origin to the capital—out of ten fish, fewer than one or two would survive the journey.
Such a precious delicacy was naturally not something a low-ranking concubine like her could enjoy. So, hearing she could order dishes, she unhesitatingly chose the shad fish.
The Emperor nodded casually and waved for them to leave, continuing to immerse himself in the warmth and softness in his arms.
Zhang Maoze bowed and retreated. Once outside, he called a eunuch, Li Lu, and gave the order. After finishing, Zhang Maoze said with a half-smile, "Don't blame me, your elder brother, for not looking out for you. This lady is no ordinary person. Tell the Imperial Kitchen to serve her well—they'll benefit from it."
Li Lu's eyes shifted, and he agreed with a cheerful smile. As he walked, he pondered the meaning behind Zhang Maoze's words, gradually grasping the implications.
Pah, that old fellow. Li Lu suddenly remembered that in a few days, Old Eunuch Chen from Funing Hall would be retiring, and someone was sure to be promoted. Among the suitable candidates, besides himself, there was Sun Xi, a fellow townsman of Zhang Maoze. He was hinting that Li Lu had no chance and was recommending a place for him to go, making Li Lu feel like he had to thank him even after being beaten.
But circumstances are stronger than people. After much thought, Li Lu felt that Cairen Xue’s place was also a good option. She was currently favored and had a child. Funing Hall had too many capable people, and he didn’t know how long it would take to rise there. Coincidentally, Cairen Xue had been promoted and needed to fill a batch of positions—wasn’t this the perfect timing, location, and opportunity?
With this in mind, he carried out this errand with even more dedication. Leading several eunuchs carrying items to the kitchen, the kitchen manager Changshan warmly greeted him as soon as he saw him, beaming with a smile. "Brother Li, what brings you to this place? If Guanjia wants anything, you could just send someone to give the order."