Chapter 88 – Peace and Health on the Dragon Boat Festival

Xuan Yuanling had visited the Empress once, then attended the morning court the next day. By the afternoon, he thought for a moment and said, “Let’s take a walk in the Imperial Garden.”

Zhao Hai immediately responded and, on his way out to give the order, called over Xiao Xiazi. “Go find someone to quietly pass the word to Zhaohua Palace.”

Xiao Xiazi was a bit confused upon hearing this. “Master, why are we helping Zhaohua Palace again?”

Zhao Hai raised his hand and smacked him on the head. “What are you thinking?”

“Do you see His Majesty usually strolling around the Imperial Garden?” Zhao Hai left it at that. The implication was clear enough. Whether Xiao Xiazi could understand depended on how sharp he was.

Xiao Xiazi had originally been confused, but after thinking it through, he recalled that the Emperor didn’t usually enjoy walking around the Imperial Garden. It was already winter now—what was there to see? Dead branches and withered flowers? It wasn’t like spring, when all the flowers bloomed. So, he clearly wasn’t going for the flowers.

With that realization, Zhao Hai’s command startled him.

Xiao Xiazi had missed it the last time the Emperor visited the Imperial Garden, but Zhao Hai had seen it with his own eyes. This was already the second time. Last time, the Emperor had personally hinted at it. So now, the second time around, should the Emperor still have to give the order himself? Of course not—Zhao Hai had to anticipate His Majesty’s intentions.

Along with delivering the charcoal, Zhao Hai had even specified that it be sent in a couple of days. Later, he would also go to the Empress to help Noble Consort Xi with her skincare.

Zhao Hai saw it clearer than anyone—Noble Consort Xi’s good fortune was just beginning.

Shen Qing really did receive the news, relayed by Wang Lu.

After hearing it, she laughed so hard she nearly bent over. “I understand.” Then she told Chunhua to help her dress up. “Take out the bracelet His Majesty gave me earlier—the gold one…” The red jade one was definitely not suitable to wear out—it had to be hidden in secret. As for the gold one, truth be told, she didn’t really like it. With Shen Qing’s taste, she wasn’t keen on wearing such a piece.

But since it was a gift from Xuan Yuanling, and he clearly liked it, that was enough. Fortunately, it was an everyday style—if it had been some gaudy piece, she wouldn’t have dared to wear it in public.

So, once she was dressed, she headed straight for the Imperial Garden.

Since she lived nearby, she arrived earlier than Xuan Yuanling. To someone unaware, it might seem like a coincidence—just a casual stroll leading to a chance encounter with the Emperor.

When Xuan Yuanling arrived, he saw Shen Qing playing with a dead tree branch. There was something on the end of it, and she was teasing it with Chunhua, laughing joyfully.

It was Chunhua who saw the Emperor first and immediately gave a bow. Shen Qing also dropped into a graceful curtsy.

Xuan Yuanling said, “Rise.”

Zhao Hai had learned his lesson this time. To avoid being in the way, he gave Chunhua a meaningful look, and the two of them quietly withdrew to a distance.

Xuan Yuanling noticed that Shen Qing was dressed very plainly, which initially displeased him. He had been thinking about her constantly, making sure she had the best food and care, showering her with gifts of fabrics and jewelry. If she dressed well, it meant he was taking good care of her. But now, seeing her so plainly dressed—was she implying that his past gifts hadn’t been enough?

Then, she lifted her hand, revealing that brilliant gold bracelet. She wasn’t wearing anything else—just that one piece, clearly meant to make him happy.

Xuan Yuanling couldn’t help but smile. He knew she rarely wore this gold bracelet—he could tell she didn’t like it much. But he understood. The little thing was shy and probably kept it for private moments. Wearing it out now… that meant something.

Whatever irritation he’d felt vanished in an instant. She had coaxed him into a good mood again.

He took her hand. Truth be told, the bracelet looked great on her—not because of the bracelet itself, but because her wrist was just so beautiful.

“Since we’ve met, walk with me,” he said.

Shen Qing looked at his serious demeanor and couldn’t help but smile. She was dying of laughter inside—he was putting on a show again.

Xuan Yuanling shot her a look. What was she laughing at?

Shen Qing couldn’t hold it in. She had thought last time would be the final time. It had felt like a pity. But now here they were again. Shamelessly, she even thought—this scoundrel of an Emperor was kind of cute.

Unable to resist, she tugged on his sleeve and motioned for him to lower his head. Then, with a loud smooch, she kissed him on the cheek. “Your Majesty is so kind. You even sent charcoal when you saw I was cold. Thank you, Your Majesty.” And she didn’t even mention how he had gone to the Empress to arrange a facial for her. Honestly, that was deeply moving.

Xuan Yuanling’s heart skipped a beat. Broad daylight, and here she was kissing him? He felt embarrassed. But when he looked at the culprit, she had already lowered her head, pretending nothing had happened.

His cheeks tensed. The spot where she kissed him still tingled slightly.

Then he saw a rockery (an artificial hill) nearby. God knows what possessed him—he dragged Shen Qing over and hid inside. Seeing her stunned expression, he felt a strange sense of triumph.

That’s what you get for seducing me.

Then he pulled her in for a kiss. The cramped cave inside the rockery was dim. Their bodies pressed close, and they could hear each other’s breathing. Shen Qing was left dizzy by the kiss. Xuan Yuanling’s kissing technique had definitely improved. He used to just bite her recklessly in moments of passion—clearly someone inexperienced. But now, he could take her breath away.

Shen Qing’s eyes were slightly misty. When they finally separated, she looked at him with puppy eyes, and he nearly stopped breathing.

“Stop seducing Us,” he muttered.

They were outside, in broad daylight. He was holding back with difficulty.

“I didn’t do anything,” she said innocently. She had merely expressed her gratitude sincerely.

And it was true—he had genuinely considered her feelings this time. That’s why she had sincerely thanked him.

Xuan Yuanling looked at her small, innocent face and couldn’t bring himself to be angry. He just held her and tried to calm his breathing.

Shen Qing could tell he was holding back quite painfully. But hey, if he wanted to suffer, that was on him. She had no intention of doing anything here. After all, the rockery looked rough and uncomfortable.

So, she stayed obediently still, waiting quietly for him to calm down. Once he had composed himself, the two of them finally stepped back out. They had spent quite some time in that little cave.

After that, they truly did take a walk through the Imperial Garden. Mainly because they were afraid something else might happen. The two of them now moved in harmony, like children on a spring outing. Xuan Yuanling even held Shen Qing’s little hand, clearly in a very good mood.

Not far away, Zhao Hai and Chunhua—who had seen them go in and then watched them come out of the rockery—were speechless.