Chapter 12 – A Hug

What exactly had Shen Qing learned?

After all, she was from the modern era. As the saying goes, even if you haven’t eaten pork, you’ve seen pigs run. How could someone like Emperor Xuanyuan Ling, a man of ancient times, possibly understand Shen Qing’s methods?

But Shen Qing couldn’t completely let herself go. If she really did, Xuanyuan Ling would probably be scared out of his wits.

What’s more, she wasn’t just aiming for a physical connection with him—she also wanted to capture his heart. Men, after all, liked women who were uninhibited, but at the same time, they also tended to look down on women like that. Shen Qing knew this all too well.

So, there needed to be a balance—at least for now.

It was Xuanyuan Ling’s first night staying at Zhaohua Palace. Lying in the same bed as Shen Qing, she was exhausted but still had to hold herself together to serve him as he settled in for sleep.

Only after taking care of Xuanyuan Ling did she lie down beside him. But even after lying down, she couldn’t stay still. She scooted closer to him and, after some thought, reached out to hug his arm.

Xuanyuan Ling had never encountered someone so clingy before. Or rather, even if other consorts had wanted to be close, none had ever been bold enough to be so open and shameless about it.

Now here she was, hugging his arm and looking utterly delighted.

Was she really that attached to him?

It was as if he were her only reliance in this vast imperial palace.

Perhaps he really was. After all, she wasn’t like the other consorts, who had families close by and strong backing.

Xuanyuan Ling’s heart softened a little. He didn’t feel any aversion to her.

She didn’t have a powerful family background, and her parents lived far away. In the palace, she had no one to support her.

But looking at the happy curve of her lips, he didn’t say anything and just let her be.

Ah… he didn’t reject her.

With that thought, he saw her snuggle even closer.

Xuanyuan Ling was even a little curious—what exactly was she planning to do?

Shen Qing observed that Xuanyuan Ling wasn’t angry. She seemed genuinely pleased. A smile curled on her lips, and before Xuanyuan Ling could react, she rubbed against his chest and then looked up at him with a silly grin.

Xuanyuan Ling was momentarily stunned. This time, he truly felt that Shen Qing was being outrageous. He thought to himself that he ought to lecture her, at the very least remind her that he was the emperor—interacting with him was not the same as interacting with an ordinary man.

But that bright, innocent smile on her face made her look even younger and more naive, as if her heart and soul were filled only with thoughts of him…

He couldn’t even bring himself to get angry.

In the end, he didn’t push her away.

Shen Qing considered this a kind of compromise from him—small, perhaps, but still something. The harem was full of women. Anything that helped him remember her a little more clearly was a step forward.

Truth be told, Shen Qing didn’t sleep well that night—it was too hot.

Xuanyuan Ling had to attend the early morning court session. When he got up, Shen Qing had no choice but to wake up as well.

Watching Shen Qing help him straighten his court robes and serve him attentively made Xuanyuan Ling feel a little amused. With her appearance and demeanor, she was someone who should be waited on by others. This kind of task really didn’t suit her. Someone like her should be the one receiving service, not giving it.

But wasn’t Zhaohua Palace rather empty? Not many attendants at all?

He hadn’t really noticed before, but now that he thought of it, he paid attention.

As he stepped out of Zhaohua Palace, Xuanyuan Ling asked, “Why is there only one maidservant serving in Zhaohua Palace?”

Even a concubine of the lowest rank should have at least two maids serving her.

Zhao Hai quickly replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. There were originally two, but one left for reasons unknown.”

Xuanyuan Ling glanced at Zhao Hai. “The Household Department is getting increasingly careless. A concubine in the palace is missing attendants and they don’t even think to send replacements?”

Zhao Hai hastily responded, “This servant will give the order immediately.”

Xuanyuan Ling headed to morning court.

Zhao Hai was startled by the unexpected concern. The Emperor actually noticed that Shen Liangren was short one maid and immediately instructed him to remedy the situation?

Zhao Hai promptly ordered Xiao Xiazi, “Go. Pick someone and send her to serve Shen Liangren.” He paused and added, “Technically, someone of her rank isn’t entitled to have a eunuch in charge, and assigning one wouldn’t follow protocol. But since Zhaohua Palace is so remote, appoint someone to handle the cleaning.”

Xiao Xiazi accepted the task, personally selected a maid, and assigned a eunuch to handle cleaning duties at Zhaohua Palace. Of course, on the surface, he was only responsible for cleaning, though he wasn’t limited to just that.

After serving Xuanyuan Ling, Shen Qing looked at the sky. Morning court really was early—not even dawn yet. She turned over and went back to sleep. When she woke again, she found she had gained another palace maid.

“I’m Fang Yun, Your Ladyship. From now on, I’ll be serving you in Zhaohua Palace.”

It wasn’t just another palace maid. Outside, there was now a eunuch responsible for cleaning.

The eunuch bowed and said, “This servant is Xiao Quanzi. Greetings to Your Ladyship.”

Chunhua was beaming with joy. Never mind the maid sent by the Household Department—just the presence of this eunuch alone was a great sign. For someone of Shen Liangren’s rank, eunuchs weren’t usually assigned. But now that the Emperor had visited, a cleaning eunuch appeared. Clearly, His Majesty was thinking of Shen Liangren.

Shen Qing was pleased to see more people around. While eating breakfast, she invited Chunhua and Fang Yun to eat with her. With more people came the need for rewards. She’d always believed that giving money was the most practical form of appreciation, so she handed out red envelopes to all three—Chunhua received the most, while Fang Yun and Xiao Quanzi got equal amounts.

Fang Yun and Xiao Quanzi hadn’t expected to receive red envelopes right after arriving. They immediately offered Shen Qing many auspicious blessings.

Shen Qing looked at them and then around Zhaohua Palace. “All these kind words… it must be a good sign.”