Chapter 87 – The Third Watch

Shen Qing’s unhappy expression wasn’t one of disgust—it was clearly a sulky look, her whole face written with the need to be coaxed.

Xuan Yuanling laughed at her, “What? You’re unwilling to share my bed now? Then shall I leave?”

At this point, most consorts, even if they were still acting petulant, would quickly refute him and coax the Emperor to stay. But Shen Qing refused to follow the script. She looked at Xuan Yuanling in disbelief, as if he had said something completely unexpected.

Then, with a pitiful expression, she said, “Then Your Majesty should go to Consort Yu.”

She even gave his chest a light push. Though it was meant to be a push, she was still tugging at his robe—how could she really be trying to push him away? She wanted him to stay but didn’t dare say it outright.

Xuan Yuanling found it amusing. “I always thought you were open-minded. Turns out, not at all.”

Hearing that, Shen Qing seemed to give up all pretense. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, refusing to let go. “Your Majesty once said I’m jealous by nature.”

Back then, she had bared her heart and deliberately emphasized that very trait to him.

Now that she brought it up, the memory rushed back for Xuan Yuanling.

“Besides Consort Yu, where else would I go?” Consort Yu was the one with whom she had a grudge. The others… she had no quarrel with.

“I… I just don’t like it.” Shen Qing pursed her lips. She didn’t say “your concubine” anymore—he had suspected she minded Consort Yu regaining favor, so now she was going to show just how much she minded: “It’s not like I can stop Your Majesty from going to others, so I’ll just suffer quietly.”

What she meant was: it’s not just Consort Yu. Even if he went to others, her heart would still ache.

Yet, she still said she wouldn’t stop him from going—how considerate that sounded.

Xuan Yuanling chuckled again. “So, do you still want to share my bed or not?”

Hmm, she didn’t want to say anymore. That was enough—he’d gotten the point.

“I do.” Shen Qing’s gaze flickered. “But Your Majesty must… must be the same as last time.”

Xuan Yuanling’s heart stirred. “You remember how good that felt?”

Shen Qing’s face turned red, and she thumped his chest lightly. “You’re bad.”

“You’ve got quite the nerve.” Xuan Yuanling scooped her up in his arms.

Her feet left the ground, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

Xuan Yuanling tossed her onto the bed and leaned in over her. “Ordering me around now, are you?”

Shen Qing bit her lower lip. “If Your Majesty makes me feel good, I’ll make Your Majesty feel good too.” She tilted her head, her expression innocent and naïve. “Isn’t that good?”

Truly, she was bold beyond belief.

What woman dared to say the Emperor should serve her well? Weren’t they all trying to please him instead? This little minx didn’t enjoy it the first few times, but ever since he hurt her once and then served her attentively after, she’d come to understand the pleasure of it. And now, she even dared to ask for it herself.

But Xuan Yuanling wasn’t angry in the slightest. In the past, he never cared whether the women in his bed found pleasure or not.

But this little one—spoiled yet honest.

Instead of angering him, her words only ignited him more. “As you wish.”

Shen Qing figured this was something she couldn’t refuse anyway, and honestly, if he really made her feel good, wasn’t that actually… pretty nice? If he was willing to prioritize her pleasure instead of just his own satisfaction, then… well, it was enjoyable, wasn’t it?

In the end, Shen Qing was satisfied, and so was Xuan Yuanling. At least in this regard, the two were becoming increasingly compatible.

Late at night, Shen Qing had no more strength left. After being bathed and perfumed, she was helped into bed, and Xuan Yuanling casually pulled her into his arms.

Shen Qing, already used to this, snuggled up next to him. The two of them slept peacefully through the night.

The next morning, Xuan Yuanling still rose early for court. He woke up right on time.

Turning to look, Shen Qing showed no signs of waking up at all.

Xuan Yuanling looked at her little sleeping face and thought to himself, Truly lazy. But even with her laziness, he couldn’t help the upward curve of his lips—it made him feel at ease just looking at her. Just seeing her made all the troubles of the outside world fade away. In fact, he thought, if he had to get up early for court, at least she could sleep soundly.

With that thought, he suddenly wanted to hold her and go back to sleep.

As the idea flashed through his mind, Xuan Yuanling realized—he’d been thoroughly enchanted by this little thing.

If Shen Qing had been awake, she’d definitely complain about this shameless Emperor: *Lustful people see everything through a lustful lens, and yet he says *I’m* the one seducing him.*

Of course, Shen Qing was still asleep. Xuan Yuanling looked at her sleeping face and suddenly thought she looked beautiful. He couldn’t help reaching out and poking her cheek—her skin was soft, the texture pleasing.

Last time when he tried to prank her, she even caught him red-handed.

Xuan Yuanling recalled that and found it amusing. To him, not much time had passed, but outside, Zhao Hai was getting increasingly anxious.

Why wasn’t the Emperor up yet?

Should he go in and wake him? Would that ruin His Majesty’s mood? Oh, how tricky! Since the Emperor’s ascension, he had always been diligent—never once had he skipped morning court or needed waking. Was this the day the Emperor would actually miss court?

No, no, he mustn’t think like that. Zhao Hai was inwardly tormented.

Just as he was about to open the door, Xuan Yuanling finally emerged.

Zhao Hai was nearly moved to tears. The Emperor is still a wise ruler—he hasn’t been bewitched by Noble Lady Xi into skipping court!

Xuan Yuanling, however, felt it was quite cold outside. He turned back and instructed Zhao Hai, “Tell the Household Department to send over some charcoal.”

If he wasn’t around, who would this little thing cuddle with while she slept? She was sure to be cold.

Zhao Hai acknowledged the order. After being helped into his court robes, Xuan Yuanling went off to morning court.

By the time Shen Qing woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. Chunhua saw her sleepy face and couldn’t help smiling. Ever since the Second Prince incident, the Emperor hadn’t visited, and Chunhua had been on edge, afraid that Shen Qing would be upset.

Now that the Emperor had returned, Chunhua’s mood had lifted as well.

“His Majesty was thinking about you, my lady. With winter approaching, he gave orders to have charcoal sent ahead so you wouldn’t get cold.”

That good news had to be shared first.

Shen Qing asked, “Is it just for us, or for everyone?”

Chunhua hadn’t thought to ask. She went off to check and returned to report, “For everyone, apparently.” She paused. “The Household Department said it will be delivered in a couple of days.”

Shen Qing was already eating breakfast. Upon hearing this, her heart stirred.

The dog Emperor is finally getting it—he really is. In the past, even if he covered it up, any time he gave out things, it was always after visiting her. So even if everyone got something, others would know it started from her. Having him try to cover for her only made things worse—more likely to draw resentment.

But now, he was delaying it for two days. If he went to visit the Empress tonight, then she would be truly touched.

As it turned out, that night, Xuan Yuanling really did go to see the Empress.

It had been a long time since his last visit. The Empress still remembered what happened the previous time—after summoning Shen Qing to bed, the Emperor had come to see her the very next day. This time, it was the same. If the last time was a coincidence, then this time, surely Shen Qing had spoken well of her in front of the Emperor?

Thinking that, the Empress became even more satisfied with Shen Qing. Yes, she was a good one. Even when favored, she would still urge the Emperor to visit the Empress. Even if it was just a token visit, it still gave her face. This surely meant she no longer had to endure punishment.