Such pleasant days continued for six consecutive days.
That evening, Liang Yao arrived at Changle Palace bearing rewards.
Before leaving, he asked: “Has the Cairen fully recovered her health?”
Pei Tingyue understood his meaning—he was inquiring whether she was ready for Shiqin.
These past few days had been so comfortable that she had almost become immersed in them.
But she knew clearly in her heart that such tranquility was merely an illusion.
She was already caught in turbulent waters, with no choice but to fight to the end. Without ambition, what awaited her was a death without burial ground.
She smiled gently: “It was nothing serious to begin with. That day I was merely exhausted. After resting these few days, I’ve long since recovered.”
Liang Yao chuckled: “Then this servant will report back.”
Pei Tingyue personally saw him out of the Qindian.
By nightfall, an unfamiliar Neijian arrived with his attendants. His tone was quite respectful: “Cairen, His Majesty summons you for Shiqin tonight.”
Pei Tingyue’s eyes remained calm: “Understood.”
This was expected.
When the Emperor said he would wait for her that day, he truly meant it.
During this period, he hadn’t summoned anyone for Shiqin, nor had he even visited the Imperial Harem.
Now that she had recovered, of course he would summon her.
Yun Shu, standing nearby, looked the Neijian up and down and asked curiously: “Wasn’t it always Eunuch An who delivered summons before? I haven’t seen you before, Gonggong. How should we address you?”
Pei Tingyue also looked over.
The Neijian smiled in reply: “This servant’s surname is Cheng, just call me Little Chengzi. An Zi… Eunuch An made a mistake a few days ago and was punished by His Majesty. He’s currently recuperating from his injuries. For these few days, I’m temporarily taking over his duties.”
Not daring to inquire further about matters before the Emperor, Yun Shu exchanged a glance with Pei Tingyue before turning to enter the inner chamber. Shortly after, she returned with two taels of silver.
Pei Tingyue’s voice was gentle: “A small token of appreciation for Eunuch Cheng to enjoy some tea.”
Since this was their first meeting and they had silver on hand, there was no need to be stingy with such a small amount.
Eunuch Cheng initially didn’t dare accept it, but after some persuasion from Pei Tingyue, he finally took it.
His tone grew even more respectful: “The Luan Carriage should arrive shortly. The Cairen should prepare herself. This servant won’t disturb you further.”
Pei Tingyue nodded: “Yun Shu, see Eunuch Cheng out for me.”
After seeing him off, the rear hall immediately sprang into action.
While Yun Shu selected clothing in the inner chamber, two young palace maids brought a bronze basin.
Just as Pei Tingyue finished washing her face, she heard Yun Shu ask: “Cairen, which outfit would you like to wear tonight?”
After thinking for a moment, Pei Tingyue said: “The lotus root color twig pattern palace dress.”
Yun Shu looked somewhat surprised as she picked out the garment: “Previously the Cairen refused to wear this dress, saying it was too flashy. What changed your mind today?”
Pei Tingyue entered the chamber to change into the outfit. “It’s good to be flashy today.”
She had refused to wear it before because her appearance was already radiantly beautiful. Paired with such a dress, she would truly resemble a country-toppling seductress or bewitching consort.
But now, having not seen the Emperor for many days, she needed to dress strikingly for their sudden meeting to leave a deeper impression.
Moving to the dressing table, she applied an extremely bright and captivating makeup—quite different from the light makeup of previous occasions—where every smile and frown could dazzle the heart.
After the complete makeover, Yun Shu repeatedly exclaimed “beautiful” countless times, looking immensely proud.
Pei Tingyue shook her head helplessly and was about to rise when Yun Shu looked at the bracelet on the dressing case: “The bracelet His Majesty bestowed—won’t the Cairen wear it?”
How strange. Although her mistress had been wearing it these past few days, she wasn’t wearing it now for Shiqin?
Pei Tingyue paused slightly as she rose, her gaze falling upon the vibrant green jade bracelet, instantly recalling the torment of that night.
Her body stiffened faintly, and she gritted her teeth in refusal: “No need.”
Yun Shu was somewhat baffled, but she obediently complied, putting the bracelet back. “Oh.”
The Luan Carriage soon arrived at the entrance of Changle Palace, and the party hurried toward Chengming Hall under the cover of night.
After a simple wash in the side hall, Pei Tingyue was led into the bedchamber.
On the small leaf red sandalwood arhat bed, the man sat on one side, his expression cold and sharp as he played chess.
Pei Tingyue did not perform the customary greeting, nor did she move to the other side. Instead, she quietly sat beside him, gradually leaning closer.
Xie Chen’s mind was entirely on the chessboard, unaware that someone had entered the hall until a soft, warm body pressed against him.
He turned to look and saw a pair of glistening eyes blinking at him, filled with an innocent expression.
He set down the chess piece in his hand, his voice gentle. “When did Tingyue arrive? You’re becoming more audacious now, not even greeting me.”
“I just arrived,” Pei Tingyue pouted. “Pinqie took such care to dress up, yet when I entered the hall, Your Majesty didn’t even glance at me. I was hurt, so I overstepped.”
She bit her lip. “Could it be that Your Majesty intends to punish Pinqie?”
Xie Chen lowered his gaze to look at her.
She was indeed dressed differently than usual.
Under the flickering candlelight, her exquisitely beautiful face appeared even more captivating and pitiable.
Especially when she looked up at someone, her long, fan-like eyelashes trembled slightly, and the red mole at the corner of her eye stirred a restless itch in one’s heart.
Xie Chen’s eyes darkened slightly as he pulled her into his embrace. “No punishment. I’ll bear the consequences of my own indulgence.”
A sweet smile curled at Pei Tingyue’s lips. “Is Your Majesty not afraid that Pinqie will grow even more spoiled by your favor?”
Xie Chen kneaded her fair, jade-like neck, his voice husky as he retorted, “Even more spoiled? Then I’d like to see how Tingyue plans to grow even more spoiled.”
Pei Tingyue continued to smile sweetly. She caught the mischievous hand behind her neck and lowered her head to play with it.
“Your Majesty’s hands are so beautiful.”
After this startling remark, Pei Tingyue placed the distinctly knuckled hand against her cheek and gently kissed the wrist bone.
She lifted her head challengingly. “Like this.”
Her lips were soft, the warmth of the touch fleeting.
Yet this gesture made Xie Chen’s wrist bone burn, the heat spreading through the flesh beneath.
He stared intently at the spot, his gaze obscure and unreadable.
Xie Chen found it difficult to describe his feelings at that moment; never in his life had he felt so uncontrollably stirred.
Seeing his silence, Pei Tingyue continued her seduction.
“Oh! Pinqie’s lip rouge has stained you!” Pei Tingyue exclaimed in feigned surprise. “What should we do now?”
Xie Chen remained silent, though this time he shifted his gaze to her, staring fixedly.
Unfazed, Pei Tingyue met his gaze directly. “If Your Majesty won’t speak, then Pinqie will grow even bolder.”
Xie Chen raised an eyebrow, indulging her.
Waiting for her audacity.
She lowered her head and, starting from his wrist bone, trailed kisses along the veins on the back of his hand, her expression utterly serious.
Only when she reached his fingertips, the back of his hand now streaked with crimson marks in disarray, did she stop.
The gentle kisses continued to fall, the tingling warmth spreading through his fingers and coursing through his entire body. In an instant, Xie Chen reacted, his breathing growing heavier. He spoke a warning: “Tingyue.”
Seeing his reaction, Pei Tingyue felt satisfied. She held the emperor’s fair, slender hand and rubbed her cheek against it.
Wearing an expression of docile softness, she gazed at him with clear, bright eyes, her tone full of attachment:
“These past few days, Pinqie has obediently followed your instructions and carefully nursed her health.”
“But each day, Pinqie has been unhappy, because she missed you every moment.”
“Missed you terribly.”
“Has Your Majesty missed Pinqie?”
Xie Chen did not answer.
At this moment, he only felt his entire body burning with restless heat, unbearably so.
This sensation was unpleasant. He looked at the instigator, narrowing his eyes dangerously.
Slowly withdrawing his hand, he turned the tables, using his thumb to repeatedly rub against her lush, crimson lips. He paid no mind to the kouzhi staining his fingers, only stopping when he had thoroughly disrupted her breathing.
Wiping away the tears welling at the corners of Pei Tingyue’s eyes, he swept her into his arms and headed toward the inner chamber, whispering by her ear: “Since Tingyue misses me so much, why not show me through action?”