“Yes.”
Shen Quan responded, instantly understanding the meaning of the Emperor’s last four words.
It implied there was no need to inform the harem.
“Sister Feng Yin, the Emperor is really kind to our mistress.
In the future, our mistress won’t be treated poorly in terms of meals anymore,” Hua Yin said excitedly.
Thinking of the meals presented earlier today, she felt a sense of triumph.
“The more things are like this, the more we need to stay low-key,” Feng Yin gently reminded, “Hua Yin, make sure the others keep their mouths shut about this, and don’t spread it outside to prevent creating enemies for our mistress.”
“Sister Feng Yin is right, I understand.”
In Luaxin Pavilion, Yan Xiu ate a lot, more than usual, finishing an extra half bowl of rice.
“Ah, I’m so full.” Li Yuyu sprawled lazily on the Imperial Concubine’s Couch, not wanting to move after such a hearty meal.
Yan Xiu rarely ate so much, and Li Yuyu, dining with him at the same table, had also eaten quite a bit.
Since it was still early, taking a walk to aid digestion seemed appropriate, so Yan Xiu approached Li Yuyu, hands behind his back: “Would my beloved concubine like to take a walk with me in the Imperial Garden?”
Li Yuyu shook her head: “No, it’s too hot.”
Hot?
Yan Xiu looked out the window.
It’s past 5 p.m., why say it’s hot?
“The Imperial Garden is lush with trees and has flowing lakes, sitting in the pavilion is very cooling at this hour.”
“No, it’s too far,” Li Yuyu refused again.
Yan Xiu: …far?
The Imperial Garden is only a few hundred meters from Luaxin Pavilion.
Yan Xiu realized Li Yuyu simply didn’t want to move, hence the repeated excuses.
“If that’s the case, Shen Quan, bring water, I shall bathe with Lady Li…”
“Emperor, I suddenly feel like going to the Imperial Garden!” Li Yuyu sprang from the Imperial Concubine’s Couch in an instant, her speed leaving no trace of her earlier laziness.
“My beloved concubine fears the heat, and the Imperial Garden is too far from Luaxin Pavilion, so it’s best to retire directly.”
Yan Xiu deliberately echoed Li Yuyu’s words back to her.
Li Yuyu smiled awkwardly as she moved closer to Yan Xiu, tugging at his Dragon Robe’s sleeve, her small face tilted up with a sweetly captivating smile: “I was just joking with the Emperor.
It is still early, let’s go for a little stroll, shall we?”
Amusement flickered faintly in Yan Xiu’s deep phoenix eyes.
Yet he still maintained a blank expression and said, “Then let’s go.”
Standing outside Luaxin Pavilion, Shen Quan heard and instructed Donglai: “The Emperor plans to walk with Lady Li in the Imperial Garden, hurry and put the word out.”
This instruction means clearing the way to ensure no one disturbs the Emperor’s mood.
Before, Shen Quan wouldn’t usually stress such details, but now, with the Emperor’s recently improved relationship with Lady Li, the Emperor’s good spirits meant Shen Quan would also have a better time, indeed a time of shared joy.
If someone interrupted the Emperor and displeased Lady Li causing conflict, it would be terribly bothersome.
Little did Shen Quan know, what he was worried about indeed happened.
Yan Xiu and Li Yuyu had just arrived in the Imperial Garden when they heard a woman’s delightful, bell-like laughter, followed by a waft of strong floral fragrance.
Li Yuyu’s brow immediately furrowed.
This scent was simply too overwhelming.
“Greetings, Emperor, greetings, Lady Li,” spoke a young woman dressed in light-yellow palace attire, with a fair and pretty face, slender figure like Lingling, gold tassel hair ornaments swaying, perfectly charming in her adornment.
If it weren’t for the overly pungent fragrance emanating from her, Li Yuyu would score her outfit an 80.
Li Yuyu discreetly retreated half a step, her little face tilting towards Yan Xiu’s side.
Aah, the aroma of ambergris on the Emperor is still more pleasing.