Luo Shuran walked lightly to the bedside and looked at the Emperor. He was propping his head up with his hand, his deep eyes fixed intently on her.
He was clearly waiting for her.
Luo Shuran approached, slowly climbing onto the bed from the foot end. She knelt beside his feet, leaning forward to untie the thin belt at his waist, then moving lower.
Though her hands appeared slender, they felt soft and supple. The moment her fingertips touched his skin, a tingling sensation spread through him.
Qi Jingheng had always believed he had strong self-control, especially when he wanted to hold back—no one could sway him. Yet this woman before him had stirred his inner desires beyond restraint in just a few moments.
Above him, half of her dark hair cascaded down to her waist, accentuating her slender figure. His palm could easily encircle her narrow waist. As she leaned down, her fullness came into view. When he looked up, he could see her willow-leaf-shaped eyes, which held no trace of timidity but instead gazed directly at him with an added allure and charm.
This time, she boldly kissed his forehead, the bridge of his nose, and his lips. The tingling sensation made Qi Jingheng both enjoy it and feel that this little minx was truly too audacious.
Qi Jingheng stopped pretending. He flipped over and became the great beast…
Luo Shuran leaned weakly against him, enduring the storm.
Having served the Emperor for two lifetimes, she had some experience in this regard.
But before, she had never dared to take the initiative, let alone kiss the Emperor. Trying it today, she hadn’t expected the effect to exceed her expectations.
After what felt like an eternity of turmoil, Qi Jingheng finally had his fill. As he got up, he said one sentence.
“Stay here tonight.”
Luo Shuran wanted to respond, but she truly had no strength left. Hazily, she was pulled away by the maids to freshen up before being brought back to the imperial bed.
In their eyes, for concubines below the rank of Beauty, being allowed to stay overnight was the greatest of favors.
Luo Shuran lay on the imperial bed. Though exhausted, her mind was still racing.
In her previous life, when she had served in the Cheng’en Hall at a low rank, she had never once been allowed to stay overnight. Now, on her second time serving, she was already being permitted to stay—this was quite an achievement.
As she pondered, a figure appeared beside her, quickly taking up half the bed. It was the Emperor, who had just returned from bathing.
Luo Shuran turned her head slightly, quietly observing the person beside her. His hands rested on his abdomen, and he slept in a very proper manner.
Seeing the Emperor up close like this, she realized just how handsome he was—with superior features and a clear-cut profile.
Especially the imperial aura in his demeanor made it impossible to ignore his presence.
Yet his emotions were always hidden to some extent, exuding a noble restraint. This was precisely what captivated people and made them yearn for him.
It also meant that winning his favor would require considerable effort.
Luo Shuran’s eyes shifted. The next moment, she leaned slightly toward him, pressing against his arm.
She didn’t dare to move recklessly beyond that. After a while, seeing that the Emperor showed no reaction, it was clear he didn’t reject her closeness.
“Why did the Luo family send you into the palace?” the Emperor suddenly spoke, posing a rather challenging question.
Luo Shuran remained calm and replied matter-of-factly, “To serve Your Majesty, of course. Then to gain favor, help my elder sister secure her position, and not bring shame to the Luo family.”
She listed them one by one. Luo Shuran was telling the truth, but she conveyed it to the Emperor in an innocent tone.
That day during the dance performance, when Qi Jingheng had her step down, it was simply because he wanted her to change clothes. Clearly, her guidance had been effective—at the very least, it made him clearly aware of her difficult situation and understand that she and the Luo family were not on the same side.
Luo Shuran didn’t ask for much now, only hoping he would understand and show her some pity, making it easier for her to navigate the future.
“You’ve been juggling quite a lot,” Qi Jingheng teased. Others, even when seen through by him, would try to hide a little, but she was different—she laid everything out, afraid she hadn’t explained thoroughly enough.
Luo Shuran closed her eyes, lost in thought, and unconsciously wrapped her arms around his. Her voice was soft, almost as if she were talking to herself, “That’s why I’m afraid.”
Qi Jingheng turned his head and saw her drowsy, almost asleep. He didn’t move.
At this moment, she resembled a gentle little white rabbit, rosy and delicate, stirring an impulse to take a bite out of her cheek. This piece of meat must be quite fragrant.
Listening to her steady breathing, Qi Jingheng closed his eyes, unaware that his own posture had relaxed.
By dawn, Luo Shuran woke up to find the Emperor gone. Her first instinct was to touch the side of the bed—it was still warm, meaning he had just gotten up.
Luo Shuran got out of bed, her legs aching as if she had climbed a mountain. After dressing, she stepped out and saw the Emperor washing up.
Glancing through the screen, Luo Shuran took down the golden silk sash hanging there and walked behind the Emperor.
Once he finished washing, she helped him change from behind.
With his back turned, Qi Jingheng spread his arms, unaware that someone else had taken over until her arms wrapped around his waist from behind. Catching a whiff of her delicate fragrance, he opened his eyes.
Luo Shuran obediently stepped in front of him, her long, smooth hair cascading to her waist. She lowered her head to fasten his belt, and the bluish-purple marks on her chest caught Qi Jingheng’s eye, making his gaze flicker.
Then, he waved his hand and ordered, “Go to the Imperial Hospital and fetch some high-quality White Jade Ointment for Talent Luo.”
Chen An paused for a moment before quickly acknowledging the order.
White Jade Ointment was a precious item—excellent for women’s beauty, promoting blood circulation, removing scars, and reducing wrinkles. However, not every concubine could enjoy such a thing; at the very least, one had to be of the rank of Pin or higher.
The Emperor bestowing it upon Talent Luo showed his favor toward her.
Luo Shuran looked up at the Emperor, her moist eyes filled with surprise.
She then curtsied slightly, saying, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Qi Jingheng didn’t linger any longer and turned to leave. Meanwhile, Luo Shuran returned inside to wash up and dress, putting on the green dress Ming Xia had sent—simple, elegant, and understated.
Now that she had served the Emperor consecutively, it was better to keep her appearance low-key to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Even if Luo Wanling were to shield her, she would still be the one suffering in the moment.
Besides, many in the palace disliked Luo Wanling, and those high-ranking concubines all had their own hidden agendas.
Soon, Luo Shuran was the first to arrive at Kunning Palace, as Chengen Hall was very close by.
Following closely behind her was Lady Li, who had entered the palace through the selection three years ago. However, due to her humble background and lack of the Emperor’s favor, she remained only a Talent.