[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

Xiao Yu's lips curved into a gentle smile, his deep eyes filled with a satisfied joy.

"Do you like the things I gave you?"

Ning Shuyan glanced at the porcelain and replied sweetly, "I do. But Your Majesty keeps bestowing such expensive gifts on me lately—there are so many things I can't even use. It would be better if Your Majesty gave me something more practical and useful."

She'd been well taken care of lately—her palm-sized face was lifted slightly, her fair cheeks tinged with pink. Xiao Yu couldn't take his eyes off her. "In your opinion, what is the most practical gift?" he asked with curiosity.

Ning Shuyan's watery eyes sparkled. "Silver, of course. Nothing's more useful than money."

Xiao Yu was briefly taken aback, then chuckled. "Are your monthly stipends not enough? You're asking me for silver now?"

Ning Shuyan wanted to roll her eyes. I eat with you, sleep with you, and you're still stingy with a little silver?

She smiled charmingly. "A gentleman loves wealth but should obtain it through proper means. Is Your Majesty saying I spend too much?"

Xiao Yu grinned with a playful glint in his eye. His hand gently kneaded her waist. "It's just that you've grown a little more plump lately."

Ning Shuyan subtly pursed her lips. So stingy—change the subject instead of giving me silver? And now you're saying I got fat?

And yet you're still touching me!

She suddenly had an idea. Still smiling sweetly, she shifted slightly on his lap, drawing closer, and looked flirtatiously at Xiao Yu. "Your Majesty is so mean, calling me plump. Then I'll just start dieting tomorrow."

Xiao Yu's gaze darkened, the heat in his chest rising as he met her teasing eyes.

"You're perfect as you are."

Ning Shuyan leaned in close to his ear, her voice soft and coy: "Then does Your Majesty like me this way?"

As she spoke, her breath was warm against his ear, her soft lips brushing gently along his earlobe. The featherlight touch sent tingles through him, rippling down his spine.

Her chest was pressed tightly against his chest. Looking down, Xiao Yu could see her alluring curves peeking through her robes. His hand slipped to her waist, gently caressing her.

Ning Shuyan smiled like a blooming flower.

Xiao Yu moved closer to her neck, which looked like freshly peeled lychee—translucent and radiant. He swallowed unconsciously, his burning lips landing softly on her neck. Ning Shuyan tilted her head up, feeling his kisses slowly trail along her skin.

Even through the fabric, she could feel the heat radiating from him—his breath had become heavy.

Just as Xiao Yu reached for his belt, Ning Shuyan held his hand down, shaking her head. "Your Majesty... we can't."

"Why?" Xiao Yu's desire was rising fast. "There are only a few days left. It's fine."

But Ning Shuyan gently kept him from going further, her voice tender. "Does Your Majesty not want me to recover sooner? Or... do you no longer care about me?"

Her voice carried a hint of grievance and soft pleading.

"Shuyan!" His tone was harsh, but he withdrew his hand. His breathing gradually calmed.

He looked into her innocent, watery eyes. Her long lashes trembled slightly with unease. Noticing the redness on her neck, he turned his head away, forcing himself to cool down.

"Of course I care about your health. I just lost control for a moment..." His voice softened as he gently patted her back and helped her sit up.

Ning Shuyan tugged on his sleeve and whispered, "Is Your Majesty leaving?"

"I'm returning to Zhaocheng Hall," Xiao Yu's voice was low and hoarse.

How could I possibly stay here right now?

I'm the emperor. Do I have to restrain myself like this?

"Are you angry?" she still held onto his sleeve.

Xiao Yu shook his head, turning slightly. "I'm not. I'll come back in a few days."

"Since Your Majesty isn't angry... can't you stay and keep me company tonight?"

Her soft, coaxing voice was full of sweetness. Xiao Yu hesitated.

She gave his sleeve a little tug, her tone delicate and charming—more than usual.

Xiao Yu exhaled lightly. Seeing it was her first time openly asking him to stay, he gave a helpless yet doting smile, then took her hand and calmly walked toward the inner chambers.

Ning Shuyan smiled brightly and clung to his arm. "Your Majesty is the best."

Xiao Yu smiled faintly. "If your health isn't good, you mustn't do such seductive things again."

"Otherwise... I'll collect interest next time." He added this last part with a trace of domineering intent.

Ning Shuyan nodded obediently. "But today wasn't my fault. It was Your Majesty who couldn't resist."

Xiao Yu's brow twitched. He knew he'd lost control, but hearing it from her mouth somehow made it different.

He gave her a sideways glance—only to see her beaming, holding tightly onto his hand. Her radiant and gentle smile made him swallow back the words on his lips. He only smiled and said, "Don't beg for mercy next time."

Ning Shuyan smirked. Like I care about next time.

As long as you suffer today, it's a fitting punishment. You dare touch and complain at the same time? I keep you company day and night, and you still won't give me spending money?

Even if he's the emperor, their relationship isn't the usual one between husband and wife—it's ruler and subject.

But when it comes to matters between a man and a woman... you have to treat him like a normal man.

That night, Xiao Yu couldn't fall asleep as easily as he usually did. It wasn't until he heard Ning Shuyan's steady breathing that he realized she had drifted off.

He turned to look at her delicate, sleeping face—like a lotus blossom, pure and flawless. He reached out and gently traced her rosy lips. Remembering what had just happened, he chuckled softly, then slowly closed his eyes.