Chapter 75: Sweet

Shen Qing was silently cursing Xuanyuan Ling in her heart.

Xuanyuan Ling was reviewing memorials when, without warning, he sneezed.

Zhao Hai grew anxious and asked, “Your Majesty, shall I summon the imperial physician?”

Xuanyuan Ling frowned. “No need.”

He didn’t feel anything in particular—just a sudden sneeze.
But the weather really was getting colder.

Suddenly, he thought of that little girl who hated the heat. Now that her health had changed, he wondered—was she afraid of the cold?

The weather was indeed turning.

“I remember there’s a snow mink cloak in the private treasury, isn’t there?”

“Yes,” Zhao Hai replied immediately. He naturally knew what the Emperor was referring to—it was a fine piece, clearly for a woman. The Emperor had never gifted it to anyone, and Zhao Hai had once wondered who it was meant for.

Now the Emperor suddenly brought it up—Zhao Hai thought to himself, Oh no, is he planning to give that exquisite cloak to Noble Lady Xi?

After all, word had already gone out that she was to serve him tonight.

Sure enough, Xuanyuan Ling said, “Bring it along later.”

Zhao Hai was shocked inwardly. The Emperor was now spoiling Noble Lady Xi without any restraint.

He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret. Indeed, with difficulties in producing an heir ahead, what more could be given to her besides affection? But it was truly a shame—if the Emperor’s feelings for Noble Lady Xi were this deep and she could bear a child, her future would be even more promising.

Now… who knew how long her favor would last?

Zhao Hai was a perceptive man. He knew well that the harem was never short of women. A woman who couldn’t conceive—how long could she remain in favor?

On Shen Qing’s side, her complaints only lasted a while. She wasn’t stupid enough to turn down Xuanyuan Ling’s visit. It had indeed been quite some time since she had shared his bed. These things—while not essential—well, going without them too long wasn’t good for the relationship either.

Now that Xuanyuan Ling intended to favor her again, how could she douse his enthusiasm? Of course, she wouldn’t reject him.

As for the Empress? She could always go tomorrow and play the humble daughter-in-law role. The Empress wouldn’t make things difficult for her then.

See? Look at the sacrifices she made for this damn emperor.

So, as dusk approached, Shen Qing took the time to dress up properly. But waiting for someone was boring. She ended up sitting on the swing, rocking back and forth while calling out to Chunhua to push her higher—actually enjoying herself quite a bit.

When Xuanyuan Ling arrived, he saw her swinging high up in the air, cheerfully calling, “Chunhua, push a little higher!”

He looked at her—she was nearly flying off the swing.

He immediately strode forward, wanting to tell her to get down. But worried that a sudden shout might startle her and make her fall, he said nothing. Instead, he shot Chunhua a sharp glare.

Chunhua was so frightened she dropped to her knees. Why is the Emperor here—and how did no one announce him?!

Zhao Hai was about to step in, but Xuanyuan Ling didn’t hesitate. He waited for the swing to swing back and grabbed it forcefully.

The abrupt stop nearly sent Shen Qing flying, but thankfully, Xuanyuan Ling had quick reflexes and caught her.

His face was stormy. “How long have you even been well?!”

Shen Qing’s mouth parted slightly, as if she didn’t recognize him.

Xuanyuan Ling grew even more annoyed at her look. What? Haven’t seen me for a few days and now you don’t recognize me?

Without another word, he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her inside.

There was a strange sort of understanding between them. Xuanyuan Ling still remembered not to speak of anything serious outdoors. He always recalled that time she had teased him while playing shuttlecock outside—it had almost made him lose composure.

So when dealing with this little woman, it was best to take matters indoors.

Once inside, Shen Qing blinked twice.

Well, that kind of counted as him being concerned.

Before Xuanyuan Ling could speak, she threw herself into his arms, rubbing her little head against his chest. “Your Majesty was worried, wasn’t he?”

Xuanyuan Ling was exasperated. “Do you think I was hoping to see you go flying through the air?”

Shen Qing rose slightly on tiptoe, trying to reach his neck.

It was easy enough to reach his neck when they were sitting, but standing… well, Shen Qing was much shorter than Xuanyuan Ling.

Seeing her like this, Xuanyuan Ling immediately knew what she was up to. She was trying to coax him again. It had been a while since she’d done that—he had to admit, he was a little looking forward to it.

Sure enough, Shen Qing was stretching up, tiptoeing, and clearly aiming for a kiss.

But—she didn’t make it.

Shen Qing: “……”

Her little eyes looked pitifully at Xuanyuan Ling, unmoving. “Your Majesty, could you lower your head a bit? I can’t reach.”

“Useless thing,” Xuanyuan Ling muttered, but somehow felt delighted. He didn’t lower his head. Instead, he bent down and—just like picking up a three-year-old daughter—scooped her up by the waist, letting her sit in the crook of his arm.

Now Shen Qing was actually taller than him. Was this considered sacrilege? She was looking down at him!

Pretending not to notice, Shen Qing cupped his face and leaned over to kiss the corner of his mouth sweetly. “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.”

Xuanyuan Ling looked at her cupping his face like that. “Weren’t you just having the time of your life on the swing? And you still have the nerve to thank me?”

“Because Your Majesty cared about me, I’m happy.”

Xuanyuan Ling was coaxed again. He hadn’t entered the harem for quite some time. Now seeing her again, his heart felt unexpectedly soft. Maybe it was because she had just scared him half to death, and now she was in his arms. She didn’t feel heavy at all—such a tiny thing. And to think… he had almost lost her.

He really ought to keep a closer watch on her.

But she had truly gotten thinner.

Xuanyuan Ling put her down. “Let’s eat first.” After a pause, he asked, “Did the imperial physician give any dietary instructions?”

“He just said to avoid greasy foods and eat light meals for easier digestion. Also, to eat in small portions. These past days, I’ve only been eating noodles.”

He remembered how picky this little thing had always been about food, so he decided to go with her to give instructions. “Tell the Imperial Kitchen to make the food lighter, smaller portions, but with a greater variety.”

Shen Qing’s eyes lit up.

That greedy expression made Xuanyuan Ling laugh. “What? The Imperial Kitchen hasn’t been treating you well?”

Shen Qing smiled, her eyes curved like crescent moons. She tugged at Xuanyuan Ling’s large hand with her small one. “It’ll be even better with Your Majesty’s instructions. Today’s meal will definitely be more delicious.”

Xuanyuan Ling felt another jolt in his heart, glared at her. Putting on a show again in front of others?

But when he looked into her eyes, all he saw was joy. As if his arrival was the best thing that could ever happen.

Looking at her made him feel as though he were soaking in warm water—this truly was a land of tenderness.