He finally let go, straightened his tall figure, and expressionlessly adjusted his sleeves.
Then, raising his eyelids, he gave A wu a faint look and said, “I want you like this for fifty more years.”
With that, he turned and left.
A wu hugged the brocade quilt, her black hair loose, sitting drowsily by the bed.
She savored that final look he gave before leaving.
Tch, it was like he was looking at a dog—so cold and aloof, looking down from on high.
Who would have guessed this man had clung to her like a madman last night?
And fifty more years?
Shameless!
A wu gnashed her teeth, thinking: ‘What kind of person is this? This old Emperor is really something!’
‘Old! Old! Old thing!’
A wu ended up sleeping in a little longer.
When she woke again, the world outside was still dim.
She didn’t know how late it was until she asked Yilan—turns out it wasn’t early anymore, and if she waited a bit more, it’d be time for lunch.
Yilan said, “It started raining last night, with snow mixed in, and now it’s turned completely to snow—a thick layer! Everything outside is white!”
She gestured excitedly.
A wu hurriedly replied, “Alright, I know.”
Yilan had a good temperament and was quick with her hands, but she was a bit greedy and talkative.
A wu got up, bathed, and tidied herself.
Soon, the Eunuch from below reported that the Imperial Physicians’ Institute’s Imperial Physicians had arrived—seven or eight of them, all older and clearly experienced, here to take A wu’s pulse.
Because the Emperor had said she “might be lacking in vitality,” the Imperial Physicians were extra cautious.
After a long examination, they declared her perfectly healthy, with no deficiencies.
Still, since the Emperor had said so, they couldn’t slack off, so they prescribed some warming and nourishing remedies—couldn’t hurt for a young lady to take some supplements!
A wu took the opportunity to ask about methods of nourishment.
Now that she enjoyed such a favor, she naturally wanted to make the most of it.
She asked about skincare, body maintenance, and all sorts of high-quality tonics and Medicines—she wanted them all.
The Imperial Physicians knew she was the Emperor’s favored lady, and since she’d brought it up, they didn’t dare slight her.
They prescribed everything she asked for, but repeatedly cautioned her not to overdo it.
A wu agreed to everything.
The court was paying, after all—free supplements!
She might as well get as much as she could.
As soon as the Imperial Physicians left, Concubine Hui and Lady Meng arrived.
Both wore heavy cloaks and rain capes, with Zhaojun Hats trimmed in white ermine—luxurious and elegant, befitting women kept by the Emperor.
A wu greeted them, “Have you two sisters had lunch yet?”
Lady Meng handed her hat and cloak to a maid, took off her shoes, and entered and replied, “Just finished.”
A wu said, “Then you’ll have to wait a bit, I haven’t eaten yet.”
Just then, Concubine Hui exclaimed, “A wu, isn’t this the Dragon Robe?”
Lady Meng had spotted it too—the Dragon Robe was casually draped over the screen.
A wu replied, “Yes… it’s what His Majesty wore yesterday. He didn’t put it on today, so he just tossed it here.”
Concubine Hui sighed, “Silly sister, you can’t just leave that lying around!”
A wu was puzzled, but suddenly understood—imperial items must be treated with respect, and the Dragon Robe, a symbol of imperial authority, should never be left unattended!
Ordinary people, upon seeing the Dragon Robe, would have to kowtow and display it with reverence.
Lady Meng said nothing, but stepped forward, lifted the robe in both hands, quickly folded it, and neatly placed it on the side table.
She then said coolly, “Was there something here just now? I didn’t see anything.”
Concubine Hui caught on immediately.
“There was nothing at all.”
A wu:”……”
She suddenly wanted to laugh.
She quickly ordered the Nursemaid to prepare tea, but just then, a great commotion was heard outside.
Around a dozen Nursemaids, braving the snow, carried large red lacquered food boxes, each covered with yellow cloud-patterned satin—a grand spectacle.
Concubine Hui peeked out in curiosity.
“Oh, isn’t that Sun Gonggong from His Majesty’s side?”
‘Sun Gonggong?’
Concubine Hui gave her a look and whispered, “From the Shangshan Jian!”
A wu understood and said, “Must be something sent by His Majesty?”
‘Something delicious?’
Sure enough, Sun Gonggong came in to greet A wu, and seeing the other ladies, paid his respects to each before explaining that the Emperor had intended to dine at Langhua Hall but hadn’t had time, so he’d sent the meal instead.
The imperial presence couldn’t be here in person.
Soon, Sun Gonggong and the attendants from the Shangshan Jian laid out the meal.
These were dishes from the Emperor’s own table, so the selection was naturally exceptional: Yuan Juice Lamb Bone, roast goose, crystal lamb dumplings, grilled clams, stir-fried fresh shrimp, bamboo shoots with chicken breast—everything imaginable.
A wu immediately spotted the fish lung soup she’d particularly enjoyed last night.
Once the lid was lifted, hot steam billowed out.
Concubine Hui and Lady Meng were both surprised, but Lady Meng smiled elegantly, “Today we’re truly blessed.”
Concubine Hui nodded in agreement, “We can help A wu sample these together.”
A wu clapped her hands in delight, “Wonderful! There’s so much—let’s all eat together!”
So everyone sat down, washed their hands, and began to enjoy the feast.
Outside, the snow was thick and cold, but inside, they sat on soft carpets, savoring delicious food—life was truly comfortable.
A young Eunuch served them carefully, occasionally introducing each dish.
Every dish had its own story, and hearing about them made the food taste even better.
At the end, Sun Gonggong mentioned, “His Majesty said, now that it’s cold, the small Imperial Kitchen in Fengtian Hall should be opened. If you ladies want anything, just send someone to Fengtian Hall.”
A wu didn’t quite understand, but thanked him anyway.
After the Eunuchs left, Concubine Hui and Lady Meng explained the matter of the small kitchen, and A wu realized this was a big deal.
Though each palace hall had silver charcoal for heating, those were built-in flues and hearths managed by specialists.
The charcoal fires were all lit elsewhere and brought in, so the palace maids and Eunuchs never had to handle it themselves.
Lighting the underfloor heating was a major event each year, strictly supervised to prevent fires.
But cooking was different.
Stoves used open flames, which could easily cause fires.
The palace buildings were all wooden; a fire would be disastrous.
Concubine Hui said, “If it’s a small household cooking, you just need to be careful. But in the palace, every stove must be monitored—when to light it, when to put it out—there must be dedicated staff. Plus, each stove needs a cook, an assistant, a helper, and the Shangshan Jian to oversee, dispatch, and taste the food…”
A wu: “So much trouble…”
Lady Meng said, “Exactly, it’s a hassle. Otherwise, do you think our Emperor’s every meal doesn’t keep the Shangshan Jian, Guanglu Temple, and the Imperial Kitchen all running around like crazy?”
A wu: “Ah…”
All she could do was gape in surprise.
Someone of her low rank would never be allowed a private kitchen, but the Emperor’s small kitchen was opened—which meant she could use it too…
Lady Meng glanced at her with a smile, “That’s why I say, little sister A wu, you’re truly blessed. The Emperor has taken a special liking to you and opened the small kitchen in Fengtian Hall. You’re benefiting from his favor.”
Concubine Hui chimed in, “We’re benefiting too. Next time we want something to eat, just have you mention it to His Majesty.”
A wu rubbed her hands together and agreed cheerfully, “Alright! You two sisters just tell me what you want to eat—I’ll remember it all!”
She added with a laugh, “Also, the Imperial Physicians prescribed lots of nourishing things today—Bird Nest Soup, Gelatin Tonic, all kinds of Medicines, too many to count. Next time you come, we’ll share them together!”
Concubine Hui and Lady Meng were delighted and couldn’t help but laugh.
She was the first in the palace to dare take advantage of the Emperor!
Lady Meng sighed, “Little sister, your schemes are sharp as firecrackers!”
A wu felt quite proud—she’d planned it all out.
The court’s silver could be used to buy her goodwill.
Since the old Emperor wanted her to supplement her health, she’d get as much as she could.
She was overjoyed, thinking that if she got promoted twice by the New Year, life would be even better.
Of course, she had no idea how lively things would get during the festival, or how many idle people she’d have to deal with.
Among them, Lu Yunjian would be unavoidable.