And “some gifts” turned out to be three large chests, carried in by Junior Eunuchs.
They opened them, and everyone got to share.
A wu also shared with Concubine Hui, Lady Meng, and two or three others she was close with, keeping the rest for herself to slowly enjoy.
Among the gifts was Jiaobai Wine.
That night, Concubine Hui and Lady Meng came over.
Lady Meng was still a bit down, so the three of them drank Jiaobai Wine together.
A wu accidentally drank too much and went to bed early.
The wine was strong, and even the next day, she was too lazy to get up, not wanting to go pay respects to the Empress Dowager, simply sleeping in.
When Emperor Jingxi came to Langhua Hall, he saw colored silk palace lanterns hanging, the curtains replaced with soft moon-colored autumn gauze, and the hall covered in new, lush, flower-patterned carpets.
By the window inside, a dozen pots of fresh flowers had been arranged, including two rare varieties of orchids, just budding, but fragrant and lovely.
It was the New Year, and he was indeed busy—court matters, royal clan, endless ceremonies, afraid he’d neglect her and make her feel wronged.
So he’d specially ordered the Six Bureaus to look after Imperial Noble Consort Ning in all matters, and the arrangements in her hall showed the care put in.
The palace maids and eunuchs stepped forward silently, respectful and cautious, not daring to look up.
Emperor Jingxi had clearly just returned from the Great Court Assembly, wearing the Golden Jade Crown with nine tassels, and a splendid yellow Dragon Robe embroidered with mountains and rivers, his imperial bearing filling the small Langhua Hall.
Yilan bowed her head and whispered that the Imperial Noble Lady was still asleep, nervously about to go wake her.
Emperor Jingxi asked, “Did she had some Jiaobai Wine last night?”
His intentionally low voice made all the maids and eunuchs even more careful, answering softly that she had, and explaining she’d gone to bed late.
Emperor Jingxi motioned for them to withdraw, then walked around the redwood screen to the bed, lifted the curtains, and saw A wu sleeping sweetly.
She was soft and serene in her sleep, skin pure and white, with a faint blush on her cheeks, like the pastel glaze on fine porcelain.
Emperor Jingxi lowered his eyes, quietly watching this delicate little lady.
That morning, at the Great Court Assembly in Jinluan Hall, he’d sat on the throne, looking through curling incense smoke at the nobles and ministers, the heads of the Six Ministries and Nine Courts, surveying a world in perfect harmony.
He was used to such scenes, so his thoughts were more on the eternal foundation of the empire, on imperial strategy.
No matter how beautiful the lanterns on Ao Mountain, or how lovely the women in the harem, he saw them only as fleeting vanities, never taking them to heart.
He didn’t like those who were weak.
He always thought his son lacked decisiveness, too soft-hearted.
As for a woman like A wu, he wouldn’t have liked her either—too fragile, needing to be held carefully, or she’d melt away.
He had no time for such things, with his heart set on the court.
But seeing A wu, everything was different.
He looked down at her for a while, then saw her fingertips resting outside the brocade quilt, and reached out to tuck them back in.
But once he held her hand, he didn’t want to let go.
Her soft, slender hand in his large palm made his heart itch.
At that moment, he was indeed tempted, but today he was busy, and only stole a little time to see her.
Who would have thought that just then, A wu seemed to sense something.
Her lips moved, mumbling, and she even licked her lips.
Emperor Jingxi: “……”
He found it amusing—was she dreaming of something tasty?
He reached out, putting his fingertip to her lips, tapping lightly.
Sure enough, she, like a little chick, opened her soft lips in her sleep, seeking his finger.
Emperor Jingxi had just washed his hands, but didn’t want her to bite, so he dodged, then curled his finger to tease her cheek.
Sleeping A wu pouted in grievance, making a soft, sweet sound.
Emperor Jingxi couldn’t bear it, so he gently stroked her cheek, soothing her.
But the touch was so tender, as if she’d melt, he couldn’t bring himself to stop.
Then A wu, sensing the warmth of his palm, snuggled closer.
His freshly washed palm smelled of palace soap, fresh and pleasant.
The little lady in her sleep clearly liked it, her lashes trembling, a faint smile on her lips.
Like a spoiled kitten, she nuzzled against his palm.
Emperor Jingxi’s heart tingled, softening completely.
His gaze never left her face, seeing the flush deepen on her cheeks, making her look all the more alluring.
His breathing grew heavy.
He bent down, his thin lips kissing her rosy cheek.
He knew he should leave, there were still many things to do, but he couldn’t bear to go.
He realized the floor heating in Langhua Hall seemed warmer, the air more fragrant, so that even his usual diligence faded—reading memorials felt dull and tasteless.
To just hold this little lady here, kiss her, tease her, all day long, he’d never tire.
He thought of the Imperial Son.
By now, he could understand the Imperial Son.
If he were in that position, he’d risk his life to protect her.
So what if it’s father and son?
A lady like A wu should be snatched away, held in his palm, cherished in his mouth, never letting anyone else covet her.
Just then, the eunuchs outside, steeling themselves, began to remind him that it was getting late.
Emperor Jingxi forced himself to let go, but as he did, A wu reached out, instinctively trying to grasp something.
Emperor Jingxi paused, looking at her soft fingertips.
Her fingers opened, grasping at the air, but finding nothing, then slowly relaxed.
Was she trying to hold his hand, not wanting him to leave?
Emperor Jingxi was silent for a moment, then finally said to the eunuch waiting outside, “I have some things to do. I’ll go later. Let them know.”
The eunuch outside was obviously shocked.
All the ministers and nobles were waiting outside—on a day like this, how could he be late?
But—
The eunuch held back, saying, “Yes.”
Emperor Jingxi took her soft hand in one of his, the other hand circling her slender waist, gently kneading, her skin as delicate as freshly made tofu.
At this, A wu’s face flushed even deeper, twisting her slender waist, letting out a soft, sweet moan.
It was like she was acting spoiled, like she was tempting him.
Emperor Jingxi drew a sharp breath, a ridiculous thought crossing his mind.
Fortunately, he’d taken A wu for himself, keeping her in the palace.
Otherwise, with the Imperial Son’s temperament—young and full of passion—it would have been fatal.
He’d surely be lost in her charms, and might even ruin the empire of Great Hui.
Time was running short, but Emperor Jingxi couldn’t resist temptation.
He leaned over her, the majestic Dragon Robe lifted, trailing over her beautiful, full, snow-white body.
Emperor Jingxi gazed deeply at the little lady beneath him.
Even in sleep, she responded.
The gold-embroidered edge of the Dragon Robe brushed her delicate collarbone.
She reached out to grab it, letting out a soft moan.
Her lashes fluttered, as if about to wake, yet not quite awake.
Emperor Jingxi bent down, kissing her cheek tenderly, whispering in her ear, “A wu.”
A wu snuggled over like a greedy kitten.
Emperor Jingxi chuckled softly, kissing her cheeks affectionately as he moved.
A wu’s long lashes fluttered, her eyelids trembling, then she opened her eyes.
Her eyes were moist and hazy, her unfocused gaze glancing up at the man above, clutching the hem of his Dragon Robe before closing her eyes again.
The little thing was clearly enjoying herself, her eyes half-closed, humming in comfort.
Emperor Jingxi wanted to laugh, but his heart melted.
Time was tight, and he wanted to hurry, but also to savor her a bit more.
He wanted to give her a part of himself, leave it inside her, mark her as his forever.
In the next life, he’d still be entangled with her, never to be separated.
He even wondered why there was a Yong Tian Zelang in this world, why he ruled the world, why he was seventeen years older than her?
Because he needed to rule the world, to possess all under heaven, to use everything he had to dote on her, love her.
Only imperial power could hold her in his arms, without a care.
He knew this was wrong, that he was only a step away from being a foolish, woman-obsessed ruler, but…A wu was so wonderful, he just couldn’t let go, he was obsessed with her.
Of the ninety million people in Great Hui, there was only one A wu.
He could no longer look calmly upon his empire.
Because with her there, his heart would always flutter.
He couldn’t help but bend down, whispering in her ear, “A wu, call me Zelang.”
A wu was actually awake now, or at least half-awake.
She heard him speak, lifted her hand to cling to his arm, but didn’t call out, only making two soft sounds.
Emperor Jingxi didn’t give up, “Call me Zelang.”
A wu twisted her slender waist, as if in protest.
Emperor Jingxi paused, looking down at her, then stared into her eyes, calling, “A wu—”
It was a command, one that allowed no refusal.
A wu uttered two soft words, “Don’t want to.”
Emperor Jingxi, “Why not?”
A wu murmured stubbornly, “I’ll just call you Your Majesty, Emperor.”
Emperor Jingxi began moving again, his gaze always on her face.
As he moved, he kissed her lips, “A wu, then call me Daddy.”
A wu shuddered inside, startled fully awake.
What kind of craziness was this!
She looked up at Emperor Jingxi with misty eyes.
His handsome, dignified face was hidden in the dim light, unreadable.
After a moment’s confusion, A wu understood.
In the northern cities, in households with concubines or common servants, that’s what they called the master—Daddy, and the lady of the house was called Mother.
It even appeared in those lowbrow storybooks.
Calling him Daddy was actually a sign of obedience to the master?
A wu’s face turned red, the wine rushing to her head, her heart filled with awkward and dark feelings.
She would never call him that!
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