Loved By The Emperor

For the next several days, the emperor began appearing in Yu Chen's courtyard with increasing frequency. Sometimes, he would arrive in the afternoon, interrupting Yu Chen's half-hearted attempts to plan his escape with teasing remarks and quiet conversations. Other times, he would drop by unannounced in the evenings, lingering longer than necessary and forcing Yu Chen to remain alert and cautious.

He's doing this on purpose, Yu Chen thought one evening as the emperor reclined lazily on the chaise in his chambers, sipping tea while watching Yu Chen fumble through pleasantries. Why can't he pester one of the other consorts?

What made it worse was the subtle intensity of the emperor's attention. The way his gaze lingered, how his teasing often brushed against the line of propriety, left Yu Chen feeling flustered and off-balance. He's playing with me, Yu Chen thought, both indignant and... confused by the odd fluttering in his chest whenever the emperor's teasing grew too intimate.

It was well past midnight when Yu Chen's chambers, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, were disturbed by the sound of the doors sliding open. Yu Chen crouched on the floor near his bed froze with a length of gold-threaded fabric clutched in his hands. His heart leapt into his throat as he turned to see the silhouette of the emperor stepping inside.

"Chen'er," came the emperor's smooth, commanding voice. It held no surprise, as though he had expected to catch Yu Chen in the act.

Yu Chen scrambled to his feet, hastily shoving the fabric behind him with what he hoped was a disarming laugh. "Your Majesty! What an... unexpected honor."

The emperor stepped further into the room, his gaze sweeping over the furnishings before settling on Yu Chen. "Zhen was restless and thought to visit," he said casually. "It seems Zhen's timing is fortunate."

Yu Chen stiffened, his mind racing. Fortunate for who, exactly? "Your Majesty is too kind," he said smoothly, though his tone carried a hint of sarcasm. "This humble one was merely... tidying."

The emperor's brows arched, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Tidying? At this hour?"

"Yes," Yu Chen said quickly, nodding as though it were the most natural thing in the world. "Tidying is an excellent way to clear one's thoughts. You should try it sometime."

The emperor chuckled, stepping closer. "Zhen has others for such tasks. But tell Zhen, Chen'er, what thoughts weigh on you so heavily?"

Yu Chen's mouth opened, but no sound came out as the emperor's eyes flicked past him to the lacquered box partially hidden beneath the bed. Without hesitation, the emperor moved past him and crouched down to retrieve it.

"Your Majesty, wait!" Yu Chen blurted, reaching out instinctively before freezing as the emperor lifted the lid.

The contents gleamed faintly in the moonlight: gold-threaded fabric, rare spices, and the jade hairpin resting atop the pile. The emperor's fingers brushed over the hairpin before lifting it with deliberate care.

"Zhen remembers this," he said softly, his tone unreadable. "A gift for Chen'er."

Yu Chen swallowed hard. "Yes! It's... precious to this humble one. A treasured reminder of Your Majesty's kindness."

The emperor turned the hairpin over in his fingers, his gaze returning to Yu Chen. "Kindness? Or is it a token for some hidden plan?"

Yu Chen stared at him, his pulse hammering. "Your Majesty jests. This humble one would never—"

"Never?" the emperor interrupted, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Then why does Chen'er collect so many valuables? Planning a trade? Or perhaps an escape?"