A wu was indeed exceptionally striking.
The first time Emperor Jingxi tasted her, he immediately understood her exquisite charm.
To him, that was when he truly experienced the joy of marital intimacy. Â
He knew that any man who had once tasted it would find it hard to let go.
It was understandable that even his own son was bewitched as if under a spell.
In truth, it wasn’t just inexperienced youths— even men who had seen the world found it difficult to control themselves.
But now Emperor Jingxi finally realized there was a different kind of pleasure to be found in this.
He stared at A wu without blinking, and suddenly thought of another man in this world he had never met.
That man had studied diligently for ten years, passed the county exam, only to have his reputation ruined overnight, leaving him no choice but to go abroad.
Had he not suffered such setbacks, he would have cherished his youngest daughter like a precious treasure, protecting her everywhere.
No amount of glory or wealth could make him allow his daughter to be treated so lightly. Â
Suddenly, Emperor Jingxi stopped thinking.
He grasped her wrist and said hoarsely, “A wu, if you’re tired, there’s no need to continue.”
But A wu persisted.
Her watery eyes looked up with quiet grievance, pushing his hand away, yet she continued wordlessly.
This was indeed difficult for her, but perhaps because it was difficult, when she finally succeeded, she sighed with relief, as if she had completed a challenging task.
Seeing the emperor so lost in pleasure because of her gave her a small sense of accomplishment.
That robust and sturdy body, majestic and noble like a mountain, was now tense to the point of bursting, his back arched, his fierce eyes staring blankly into the void, trembling uncontrollably.
A low, breathy groan escaped his throat—hoarse and unrestrained, unlike the usual emperor.
A wu felt the hardship was worthwhile.
He was emperor once off the bed, but now, he was easily swayed by her. Â
Emperor Jingxi’s expression gradually returned to normal.
Half-closing his eyes, he rested and quietly ran his hands through A wu’s slightly damp hair.
A wu, playful and seemingly addicted, gently bit his clean, well-kept fingers like a little dog gnawing on a bone.
Emperor Jingxi sighed contentedly, “I’ll kill you sooner or later.”
A wu hummed softly and wrapped her arms around his sturdy waist.
“Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, may you always protect A wu!” Â
Emperor Jingxi bent his head and kissed her cheek—sweet and soft, utterly irresistible.
He began to feel that such days were intoxicating, wishing they could be inseparable for a lifetime.
However, Princess Dening seemed to have arrived.
He heard the voices of female attendants speaking with her outside. Â
He was helpless.
Such interruptions spoiled the mood.
Bringing Dening along was perhaps a mistake, but since she was here, he couldn’t just ignore her. Â
He gently patted A wu’s cheek and said, “Go wash up first. Later, I’ll take you rowing—with Dening.” Â
A wu replied, “Okay.”
Emperor Jingxi hurried to finish bathing, quickly changed and arranged his robes, carefully ensuring no traces of what had happened remained before summoning Princess Dening.
Princess Dening bowed properly upon seeing Emperor Jingxi, then asked, “Where is Noble Consort Ning?”
Emperor Jingxi said, “Change your address.”
Princess Dening hesitated before saying, “Father, where is Mother Consort?”
After uttering this title, she finally felt relieved.
In her heart, she vaguely understood this was something that had to be done.
Perhaps one day, this young woman, almost her age, might become the Empress.
Who could say? Â
She didn’t understand her father well, but she grasped some things.
Emperor Jingxi glanced at his daughter and thought she was still obedient enough.
She would change her address again; she had to accept it.
Princess Dening sensed the deep meaning in her father’s gaze and cautiously asked, “Father?”
Emperor Jingxi smiled warmly, “She’s with child, so the nursemaids downstairs will take extra care of her. It might be a while. I have some things I want to discuss with you alone. Shall we?”
Princess Dening felt her father was less imposing than usual today, unusually approachable, which surprised and pleased her.
She quickly agreed, “Yes, Father.”
So the two of them walked along a path washed clean by the rain, surrounded by flowing greenery, fresh and crisp—a most pleasant scene.
Emperor Jingxi’s conversation was casual and unfocused.
He asked Dening about her daily activities, to which she answered cautiously. Â
Then he asked about her thoughts on marriage plans.
Dening felt uneasy and lowered her head and said, “I don’t really have any thoughts yet.” Â
Emperor Jingxi smiled, “If there is a young gentleman you favor, tell your father. A princess of the royal family does not mind her suitor’s background. As long as the young man is good and you like him, it’s fine.”
Princess Dening blushed and stammered, “Your humble daughter understands.”
Emperor Jingxi continued, “You are still young. Even if there’s a suitable match, I don’t want you to marry early. You just reached the age of coming of age. I’ve spoken to your Imperial Elder Grandmother about keeping you longer. Once married, you will have to manage household affairs and bear children—hardly as free as you are in the Imperial Palace.”
Princess Dening pressed her lips together and respectfully replied, “Your Majesty speaks wisely.”
She had heard these words from the Imperial Elder Grandmother before, who said it was her father’s wish, but she didn’t fully understand.
Now that her father said it himself, she suddenly grasped his intentions and concern. Â
There had been few chances for her to talk like this with her father; only now did she realize he had always had plans for her.
As they spoke, A wu stepped out from the bedchamber.
The rain had just stopped, and the fresh greenery of the outskirts was washed clean.
The sun had come out, with a few faint clouds far away. Â
Fresh from bathing, A wu wore a loose grass-green jacket and skirt, her figure slender and graceful, though the slight swell of her belly was faintly visible.
She was stunning—like the tender green sprouts of early spring, both tender as a wife and pure as a young maiden.
She clearly noticed the father and daughter not far away but did not approach.
Instead, she gave a distant bow and went to look at the little bird under the eaves. Â
She must have guessed what the father and daughter were talking about and didn’t want to interrupt.
Princess Dening watched A wu from afar, eyes wide with amazement.
This was unbelievable to her.
At her age, she was curious and entertained by such soft, delicate things.
She often envied the little brothers and sisters at the Duke’s House. Â
At that moment, Emperor Jingxi’s voice came beside her: “Did your Mother tell you that your father spoils Noble Consort too much and neglects you?” Â
His words struck like thunder out of a clear sky.
Caught off guard, she looked at Emperor Jingxi anxiously.
His profile was imposing, expression unreadable. Â
Clearly, he already knew and said it so casually.
Princess Dening took a deep breath and lowered her head.
“Indeed, I have heard similar words, but they were likely just casual remarks.” Â
She could no longer defend her mother’s words—too sudden.
Emperor Jingxi chuckled softly, “She must have said some disparaging things about Noble Consort Ning as well.”
Princess Dening bit her lip and dared not speak further.
Her mother was still in seclusion and repentance, so she knew better than to add fuel to the fire.
Emperor Jingxi gave no indication for her to continue.
He smiled and said, “Dening, when you were young, your father had no time to accompany you. At that time, I only slept two hours a day, busy with state affairs and governing the country. You are a daughter, so naturally things weren’t as convenient as for your Imperial Brother.”
Princess Dening had never heard this from her father before.
Her heart ached as she said, “Your humble daughter understands and does not blame Father.” Â
Emperor Jingxi said, “But thankfully, I was not busy for nothing. Now that governance is clear and the country prosperous, we were able to hold a grand coming-of-age ceremony for you. Your father can now confidently tell you that you may choose your husband freely, without having to marry far off for political alliances or to curry favor with powerful ministers.”
Princess Dening lowered her head, tears nearly falling.
Emperor Jingxi continued, “Now that you’re grown, you must learn to distinguish between inside and outside. If it weren’t for Noble Consort Ning, you might not even be able to come out like this.”
Princess Dening vaguely understood what her father meant.
He would not bring her out alone unless accompanied by the Empress or other consorts, allowing her to be near him under the pretext of filial piety.
But her father disliked her mother and was estranged from the Empress.
No one in the Imperial Harem pleased him enough to accompany him.
So she naturally had no such opportunities. Â
This time, she was able to accompany him thanks to Noble Consort Ning.
She realized that only by sticking close to Noble Consort Ning would she have the chance to be near her father.
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