The following evening, at the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Emperor Zhangping was reviewing the day’s memorials.
The final memorial once again tactfully brought up the matter of him adopting an heir from the imperial clan to establish a Crown Prince.
Seeing this, Emperor Zhangping felt a flicker of displeasure and immediately picked up his brush to reject the memorial.
In recent years, similar memorials had become increasingly frequent, all citing the vacant Eastern Palace, the lack of a Crown Prince, and fears of destabilizing the state’s foundation.
It wasn’t as if he only had a few years left to live.
Were they all so eager for him to pass away that they kept urging him to name a Crown Prince?
Having ascended the throne and grasped the power of the realm, no Emperor was willing to die young.
Everyone wished for a long life, and Emperor Zhangping was no exception.
Moreover, how could an adopted heir from the imperial clan compare to one’s own flesh and blood?
Unless absolutely forced by circumstances, Emperor Zhangping was determined not to take that step.
If he were to adopt a son now and later have a biological child, what position would the adopted son be in?
And how much resentment would his own child harbor?
“Your Majesty, it is time to rest.” Chief Eunuch Zheng Fu stepped forward to remind him at the opportune moment and signaled for a eunuch from the Office of the Imperial attendance to present the green plaques for Emperor Zhangping to choose from.
Emperor Zhangping glanced at them casually.
Feeling somewhat irritable, he was not inclined to summon any imperial concubine for the night.
The pressure of producing an heir weighed on him like a mountain, growing heavier in recent years.
Yet, no good news came from the harem, turning what should have been a pleasurable intimate act into a dull, oppressive task.
Having served Emperor Zhangping for over twenty years, ever since his days in the Eastern Palace, Zheng Fu naturally understood his master’s mind.
Seeing Emperor Zhangping show no intention to choose a plaque, he quickly signaled with his eyes for the eunuch to withdraw.
“Wait. Is Attendant Pei’s green plaque available today?” Emperor Zhangping suddenly asked.
After all, she was the consort he had personally rescued from the water.
Even though Emperor Zhangping had never paid attention to this Little Concubine before, the incident had left him some impression.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Consort Rou sent someone yesterday to notify us. It has been hung up,” the eunuch replied.
According to protocol, after a consort recovers from illness, the head consort of her palace must send someone to notify the Office of the Imperial attendance; otherwise, the green plaque would not be re-hung.
Some unfavored consorts, whose plaques were not re-hung for a long time, had even slimmer chances of serving the Emperor .They could only wait for the day the Emperor suddenly remembered them.
Otherwise, they might never have the chance.
With so many Imperial Concubines in the harem, the Emperor chose by flipping plaques.
It was impossible for him to remember or have an impression of every single one.
“Then summon Attendant Pei to attend me tonight.”
As soon as Emperor Zhangping uttered these words, the Attendants below immediately prepared to go to Xianfu Palace to deliver the oral decree.
…
Meanwhile, in the eastern courtyard of Xianfu Palace.
With nothing to do, Qing Luo was listening to Zhu Lan reading her a travelogue.
Having time-traveled, even the script had turned into traditional characters.
Qing Luo had instantly become semi-illiterate, unable to understand even a simple travelogue.
She had to guess at many characters, which was exhausting.
So, Qing Luo simply had Zhu Lan read to her while she listened.
Lying lazily on a reclining chair, she fanned herself with a hand fan, half-closing her eyes, looking quite content.
Suddenly, Xiao Guizi scurried in, unable to suppress the joy on his face.
“Little Master, someone from the imperial attendance has arrived. They say there’s an oral decree for you.”
Qing Luo let out a puzzled “Huh?” and sat up from the reclining chair.
For no reason at all, why would the Emperor think of issuing a decree for her?
She hadn’t even met the Emperor yet.
Could she have somehow offended him?
She didn’t understand, but Zhu Lan and Xiao Guizi were quick-witted.
They both guessed it was likely a decree summoning her to serve the night.
Being summoned to serve was a tremendous piece of good fortune, especially for a Little Concubine who had been out of favor for three years.
It was like a pie falling from the sky.
Urged by Zhu Lan, Qing Luo quickly changed her clothes, tidied her appearance, and went to meet the eunuch delivering the message.
Just as she stepped out of the inner chamber, a eunuch with a beardless face and slanted eyebrows, led by Xiao Fuzi and Ling Lan, entered the main hall with a broad smile.
“Greetings, Attendant Pei.” The imperial eunuch saluted Qing Luo, his attitude gentle and without any airs.
Although she was currently only a Little Concubine, now that she had caught the Emperor’s attention, there was no telling if she might gain favor in the future.
It was hard to say if she would have great fortune.
It was always better to befriend than to offend.
Qing Luo smiled and said, “You are too kind, Eunuch. May I ask the reason for your visit?”
The imperial eunuch replied with a smile, “This servant first congratulates Attendant Pei. Today, I am here to deliver His Majesty’s oral decree for Attendant Pei. Please receive the decree.”
Upon hearing this, Qing Luo knelt down with Zhu Lan and Xiao Guizi.
Even Ling Lan from Consort Rou’s side was no exception.
“Imperial Decree: Attendant Pei of Xianfu Palace is to proceed to the Palace of Heavenly Purity to attend His Majesty. So it is decreed.”
Qing Luo was actually a bit stunned.
She hadn’t expected that falling into the water would really make the Emperor remember her.
Qing Luo didn’t know whether to be happy for herself or sad for the Original Owner.
She had traded her life for one night of service, but the Original Owner had passed away, unable to enjoy this fortune.
After seeing off the imperial eunuch, Zhu Lan began preparing Qing Luo.
Serving the night followed a set of procedure.
After receiving the oral decree, the consort had to prepare early, bathe, and burn incense.
When the time came, a special palanquin would take her to the Palace of Heavenly Purity and return her after the event.
Fortunately, the Original Owner had served once before, so Qing Luo had a general understanding of these matters.
Thus, she let Zhu Lan groom and dress her.
On the palanquin heading to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
[host, you have obtained the opportunity to serve. Do you wish to take the fertility pill?]
There were three fertility pills.
Taking one increased the chance of conception by fifty percent.
Without hesitation, Qing Luo took one.
This time was due to the Emperor’s sudden whim.
Whether there would be a next time was uncertain.
Of course, she had to seize every possible opportunity.
Thinking she was about to meet the supreme ruler of this dynasty, Qing Luo felt both nervous and excited.
After all, she had never seen a living Emperor before.
In her era, the word ‘Emperor’ was just two Chinese characters, devoid of practical meaning.
Entering the Palace of Heavenly Purity, everything was quiet.
Qing Luo obediently followed the guiding palace maid.
Passing through a corridor, they arrived at the West Warm Pavilion of the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
An imperial eunuch went in to announce her.
Shortly after, the eunuch came out and told Qing Luo to enter by herself.
Qing Luo took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself, calming the unease in her heart, and slowly walked in.
Upon entering the warm pavilion, Qing Luo curiously and quickly surveyed the layout to locate the Emperor.
The dwelling of an Emperor was naturally magnificent, grand, and elegant.
The room was brightly lit.
At the southernmost end was a sitting platform with a Go board placed on it.
Emperor Zhangping was currently holding a piece, playing against himself.
Qing Luo hurried forward a few steps, knelt down a short distance away, and performed the proper, gradual salute.
“Attendant Pei pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless fortune and peace.”
Her voice was like pearls falling onto a plate.
Emperor Zhangping lifted his eyelids to glance at her and said indifferently, “Rise. Come and keep me company for a game of Go.”
“In reply to Your Majesty, This humble concubine does not know how to play Go.”
The Original Owner had some skill in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but was not proficient in any.
Qing Luo, however, knew none of them and had not inherited the Original Owner’s skills.
Asking her to play Go with the Emperor now?
That was just absurd.
Hearing this, a flicker of surprise appeared in Emperor Zhangping’s eyes, as if he hadn’t expected there to be an imperial concubine in his harem who didn’t know how to play Go.
Who didn’t know that the current Son of Heaven loved Go?
To cater to his preference, many among the Imperial Concubines were skilled at Go.
Those who didn’t know had specially learned.
One who didn’t know how to play Go…
Could it be she had no interest in gaining favor?
Qing Luo hung her head.
Unable to see the Emperor’s expression, she felt quite uneasy.
Could this Emperor Zhangping be a capricious ruler who would get angry because she didn’t know Go and send her back later?
She had heard it wasn’t unheard of for someone summoned to serve to be sent back.
Those were cases where they had offended the Emperor’s dignity and displeased Emperor Zhangping.
As for the consequences, ridicule and mockery in the harem were inevitable.
“Quite an honest one. To know what you know and not know what you don’t know is a form of great wisdom appearing as foolishness. It’s fine. Come here.” Seeing the Little Concubine’s anxious and uneasy appearance, Emperor Zhangping did not make things difficult for her.
Instead, his tone became gentle.
Only then did Qing Luo obey and step forward.
Raising her head to see the imperial countenance, she suddenly froze.
Completely different from the middle-aged man she had imagined, Emperor Zhangping was now in his prime, with a face like fine jade, showing no signs of age.
His every movement exuded nobility, and even in casual attire, he could not conceal the authoritative aura of one long accustomed to high position.
He was a proper handsome man!
His looks were top-tier, no less than the most handsome celebrities in the entertainment industry.
Moreover, compared to young idols, Emperor Zhangping possessed an additional precipitation of temperament honed by the passage of time, making him more mature and charming.
Her appearance-focused DNA instantly stirred.
Qing Luo’s eyes lit up, stars twinkling in her peach-blossom eyes.
If she was to have a child with such a handsome man, she was willing, oh so willing.
Not just one, ten or eight would be no problem!
Emperor Zhangping was a great beauty, and she was quite pretty too.
How good-looking would their child be?
It would have to be handsome enough to outshine the galaxy.
[Isn’t he good-looking? Xiaoxiao chose a super, mega handsome man for the host, guaranteed to satisfy…]
The good pregnancy system seized the chance to claim credit.
Annoyed by its chatter, Qing Luo immediately sent the good pregnancy system to a metaphorical ‘black room’.
Don’t disturb her from looking at the handsome man!
Emperor Zhangping also rarely encountered such a bold consort, who stared at him intently upon arrival, looking utterly infatuated.
What other consort would dare to gaze directly at the imperial countenance like this?
Staring was one thing, but she was also muttering to herself, saying things he couldn’t understand.
This Little Concubine was quite interesting.
Emperor Zhangping raised an eyebrow.
“Beloved Consort, are you satisfied with me?”
“Satisfied, satisfied…” Qing Luo nodded subconsciously.
What was there to be dissatisfied with when a peerlessly handsome man was right in front of her?
Suddenly realizing she was conversing with the Emperor, Qing Luo’s face instantly flushed crimson.
She quickly closed her mouth, retracted her gaze, and stopped letting it wander.
Pretending nothing had just happened, she held her breath, lowered her eyes, and looked as docile and obedient as possible, a complete contrast to her earlier self.
However, Emperor Zhangping had already seen her true nature.
Seeing her try to cover up and gloss things over, he shook his head and couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
The Little Concubine’s face was tinged with a rosy blush, shy and timid.
Her peach-blossom eyes glistened with moisture.
Under the soft candlelight in the hall, she appeared even more delicate and charming.
In such a scene, Emperor Zhangping had no more mind for Go.
He immediately drew her into his embrace.
“It’s getting late. Time to retire for the night, Beloved Consort.”
Since she had been specially summoned to serve, and it seemed this Little Concubine wasn’t the type to take the initiative, he would accommodate her.
“Your Majesty… This humble concubine…”
This… this meant it was time to serve?
But she didn’t know how!
Qing Luo’s mind was a chaotic mess.
Unable to think of a solution, she simply gave up thinking.
Inside the room, a spring-like warmth blossomed, as passionate as peach blossoms in full bloom.