These words carried a deeper meaning. Jiang Yingli suddenly realized it, her cheeks flushing red as she buried her head deeply into Xiao Chenglan’s shoulder, whispering softly:
“Your Majesty, aren’t you tired from the selection of consorts today?”
She was exhausted.
Xiao Chenglan didn’t answer, responding instead with action.
He stepped down the white jade steps into the pool and set Jiang Yingli down.
Half of Jiang Yingli’s body suddenly entered the water, the warm pool water rising over her fair and delicate waist, making her tremble involuntarily.
Before she could react, Xiao Chenglan’s scorching, firm body pressed against her again, enveloping her completely.
“Whether I’m tired or not, you’ll know once you try.”
Caught between life and death, Jiang Yingli felt like crying but had no tears, thinking she had truly dug a huge pit for herself!
Why on earth did she have to mention the Bathing Pool?
…
The next day, Jiang Yingli woke up long after the sun had risen high in the sky, and she was suddenly seized with panic.
Yesterday, she hadn’t gone to pay morning greetings to the Empress Dowager because she had to express gratitude to Your Majesty. If she didn’t go again today, wouldn’t that be breaking the rules?
But at this hour, it was too late no matter what.
It was all Xiao Chenglan’s fault, tormenting her so much last night!
But that aside, why hadn’t any of the yahuan woken her up?
“Qiu Xia!” Jiang Yingli called out urgently.
Hearing her voice, Qiu Xia immediately lifted the curtain and walked toward the bed curtain.
“Why didn’t any of you wake me today? I have to pay respects to the Empress Dowager today.”
Upon hearing this, Qiu Xia smiled. “Xiaozhu, don’t worry. Your Majesty said that since the new consorts haven’t entered the palace yet, and you’re the only one, there’s no need for you to go alone to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. You can go together after the new consorts enter the palace.”
Jiang Yingli breathed a slight sigh of relief, but not completely, her small face still showing a trace of worry. “Did Your Majesty say whether he would explain this matter to the Empress Dowager?”
What if one said she didn’t need to go, while the other was waiting for her? She’d be caught in the middle, offending both sides!
Qiu Xia knew her mistress was cautious by nature and repeated Your Majesty’s exact words—
“No need to wake her early. Let her sleep peacefully. The morning greetings to the Empress Dowager are excused for these few days before the new consorts enter the palace. I will request leave on her behalf.”
Hearing these words, Jiang Yingli finally relaxed completely, lying back down and rubbing her waist and buttocks.
They were both so sore.
Perhaps it was because he had just ascended the throne and become the most revered man in the world, Xiao Chenglan was in high spirits, eager to display his dragon’s might. Last night, he had exhausted himself tormenting her.
She had never seen him so energetic before!
**
At this moment, in Wanshou Palace.
Empress Dowager Xue sat in the Principal Position, holding a white-based famille rose tea cup with peach patterns, leisurely stirring the tea steam.
The atmosphere in the hall had frozen ever since Little Lu, who served before the Emperor, had come to deliver the message earlier.
Nanny Xia, who had served the Empress Dowager for many years, seeing her displeasure, spoke up at the right moment. “This Jia Jieyu truly doesn’t understand the rules. Knowing that the new consorts haven’t entered the palace yet and the palace is lonely, she doesn’t even come to accompany Your Majesty to fulfill her filial duty.”
The Empress Dowager chuckled lightly, though no joy showed on her face, and said leisurely, “The Emperor said she’s ill. If I insisted on having her serve by my side, wouldn’t that make me inconsiderate?”
Nanny Xia quickly added, “Your Majesty is still benevolent, not holding it against her. However, this servant believes that Jia Jieyu’s illness is merely an excuse. It’s likely that Your Majesty is afraid you’ve just moved palaces and are too exhausted to see the imperial consorts.”
After all, Nanny Xia had served the Empress Dowager since she was an imperial consort herself and knew how to please her.
Hearing her words, the Empress Dowager’s anger was somewhat appeased.
Now, what she most desired was to draw closer to the Jiaqi Emperor, fostering a relationship of maternal kindness and filial piety.
After all, her position as Empress Dowager had come quite unexpectedly; she was neither his birth mother nor his official mother—she had simply seized an opportunity.
The Jiaqi Emperor had been obscure among the imperial princes in the past, and she had never even spoken a word to him.
Four months ago, rumors of the crown prince's deposition had spread like wildfire in secret. Three months ago, the crown prince's attempt to force the palace failed, and several princes who had stirred the waters along with him were also dealt with.
With the Empress deposed, among the remaining consorts, she held the highest rank. Backed by the Xue family, which had supported half of the late emperor's imperial court, she was honored as Empress Dowager by the newly ascended Prince Su.
The new emperor's overly distant relationship with her was not beneficial for either her or the Xue family.
However, since the Emperor had honored her as Empress Dowager, he likely understood that, having just ascended the throne with an unstable foundation, the Xue family was a crucial ministerial house he must rely on.
Thinking this, Empress Dowager Xue's face lost some of its worry, replaced by a touch more arrogance.
"I have heard that the Emperor has granted his old acquaintance from Qian Di residence in Zhaohua Palace?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I heard he also assigned her a momo, a gugu, four yahuan, and four taijian."
Empress Dowager Xue immediately shook her head and sighed, "Indeed, he was not a prince raised with meticulous education. His actions are too excessive, disregarding rituals and laws. Jia Jieyu's rank is too low to occupy a principal position in a palace, and she is even less qualified to have a momo and gugu attending her. Yet the Emperor has made an exception for her."
Nanny Xia nodded in agreement, "After all, His Majesty was not originally the crown prince. He did not preside over the Eastern Palace but directly received the edict to ascend the throne. It is common for him to lack knowledge of many rituals and laws."
She added, "Fortunately, with Your Majesty here to remind and admonish him, His Majesty will gradually cultivate the demeanor of a benevolent ruler."
"Discussing the Emperor is a grave taboo. Do not speak like this in front of outsiders."
Though reprimanding, Empress Dowager Xue's tone was not severe.
Nanny Xia pretended to slap her own mouth, "This servant spoke out of turn. Your Majesty is merely concerned that Jia Jieyu might become spoiled from favor. These are just words among family."
A flicker of disdain passed through Empress Dowager Xue's eyes, "Why should I worry about Jia Jieyu? I too was once a newcomer to the inner palace and understand best that an emperor's favor is like a flash in the pan. Jia Jieyu has no backing behind her. Today she can reside in Zhaohua Palace; tomorrow she could be driven out to make way for a new favorite. She likely won't even have the chance to become spoiled from favor."
Nanny Xia echoed, "Your Majesty has keen insight, seeing that this woman is not a lasting presence."
Empress Dowager Xue did not regard Jiang Yingli as worthy of attention, her tone disinterested yet certain, "The Emperor still cherishes old sentiments now, wanting to compensate the old acquaintance who endured hardships with him. But once the New Selections enter the palace, old affections will become insignificant. Let us wait and see her fate."
Once the New Selections entered the palace, with three thousand beauties and dazzling flowers to bewilder the eyes, for the Jiaqi Emperor, who had once been so down-and-out that he had only one concubine, it would be like stumbling into a land of tenderness.
Moreover, he was the Emperor. Sooner or later, he would understand that favoring noble ladies from aristocratic families to secure his throne was the crucial matter.
Especially favoring noble ladies from aristocratic families led by the Xue family.
**
After a day of learning palace etiquette, Jiang Yingli felt somewhat fatigued. She sat on the couch, hugging her knees and spacing out, while still comforting and encouraging herself.
Although Xiao Chenglan was mostly cold and aloof, he was not someone who would act without distinguishing right from wrong.
At the very least, during her four years in Prince Su's residence, she had made many mistakes, but the heaviest punishment she received was being struck… well, struck twice.
As long as she did no wrong, even if someone in the palace deliberately framed or harmed her in the future, she could desperately clutch his Dragon Robe, cry loudly, and plead her innocence. He would still discern the minutest detail, wouldn't he?
Jiang Yingli patted her own face.
Enough of that—since it has come, then accept it!
Just do what a Jieyu ought to do, and don't let your thoughts run wild.
Don't scare yourself.
Just as Jiang Yingli had managed to calm herself, she heard a loud announcement from outside.
"Your Majesty's arrival—Jia Jieyu, receive the imperial carriage!"
This time, well-prepared, Jiang Yingli went to the outer hall in an orderly manner, lifted the hem of her skirt, and knelt down properly.
"Concubine welcomes Your Majesty."
Xiao Chenglan glanced at the soft rug laid out in Zhaohua Hall before lowering his gaze and saying, "Rise."
Jiang Yingli kept in mind the momo's teachings on elegant and graceful posture at all times. With her fingertips lightly lifting her skirt, she straightened her body and rose stiffly upright before Xiao Chenglan.
Once steady, she even looked up at Xiao Chenglan with sparkling eyes, as if showing off a new skill and waiting for praise.
Xiao Chenglan did not praise her, only took her hand and led her toward the inner hall.
Dressed in a light, watery-blue palace gown, Jiang Yingli hurried with small steps behind Xiao Chenglan, who was clad in a black and gold Dragon Robe.
Upon entering the inner hall, Xiao Chenglan stopped, spread his arms, and looked down at Jiang Yingli.
Jiang Yingli stared at his gesture, momentarily stunned, before recalling the momo's words—
No matter how strange Your Majesty's request may be, as long as it does not harm the imperial body, and it is in private within the bedchamber with no outsiders present, the consort should comply.
Thus, Jiang Yingli quickly spread her arms as well and embraced him, wrapping her arms around Xiao Chenglan's waist.