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

"The thing I've been thinking about day and night?" Ning Shuyan was now extremely curious as she slowly placed the wooden box on the table.

Xiao Yu stared intently at her reaction.

Ning Shuyan perked up with full attention. Just as she was about to open it, she suddenly smiled sweetly and said, "I'm feeling a bit nervous—what kind of thing is this heavy?"

Xiao Yu replied, "Open it and you'll know."

Ning Shuyan opened the box, and her eyes instantly sparkled with brightness. Inside were six neatly arranged large gold ingots, equivalent to about 300 taels of silver—that was three years' worth of her salary as a "Meiren" (Beauty) rank consort.

She was ecstatic, eyes wide with surprise and delight as she looked at Xiao Yu: "Your Majesty... all of this is for me?"

Xiao Yu chuckled, seeing her silly expression. She was truly a little money-grubber. He gently said, "If not for you, who else in this room could it be for?"

"There's another compartment—open that too."

Another one? Ning Shuyan was surprised and quickly opened it. The lower compartment was filled with many small gold melon seeds. Compared to the large gold ingots, these were more practical and easier to use as rewards.

She reached out to touch the gold melon seeds, unable to hide the joy on her face. Her eyes shimmered with happiness, and her voice turned soft and sweet: "Your Majesty, giving me so much gold—I'm really touched."

As she spoke, her bright, sparkling eyes curved as she smiled at Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu laughed: "My lovely Ning Meiren complained that her monthly allowance was too little. If I didn't give you more, I'm afraid you'd accuse me of being stingy."

Ning Shuyan giggled and climbed into his lap, saying sweetly, "I wouldn't dare. Besides, Your Majesty cherishes me—you wouldn't let me go broke."

Xiao Yu wrapped his arm around her waist. "A beauty should be pampered. However much gold you want, I'll give it to you."

In that moment, Ning Shuyan finally understood the modern saying: Bread is better than anything. Even if she hadn't caught feelings for this emperor, just hearing those words felt incredibly comforting.

She smiled and kissed his cheek—a light, feather-like touch, soft and teasing, making Xiao Yu feel a rising warmth within.

"That's a reward for Your Majesty."

Her eyes sparkled, even more enchanting in his gaze.

Xiao Yu gently caressed her soft lips and cleared his throat. "You said before you'd make it up to me."

Ning Shuyan pouted and said coquettishly, "So today's surprise gift from Your Majesty was just to get me to repay you?"

Xiao Yu threw his head back and laughed, lightly tapping her forehead: "If that's what you think, then sure."

With that, he scooped her up in his arms.

Ning Shuyan grabbed his sleeve and said, "Your Majesty, I haven't bathed yet..."

She had done some yoga earlier and had definitely sweated—there was probably a bit of a scent.

Xiao Yu's eyes glimmered. "Perfect, I haven't bathed either."

She looked at him in surprise. Did he mean... together?

"Someone, prepare the bath."

Before Ning Shuyan could think more, Xiao Yu had already called for water.

⸻

In the bath, Xiao Yu had already undressed and entered the tub, while Ning Shuyan was slowly tying up her hair at the side.

"Hurry over," Xiao Yu urged.

Ning Shuyan bit her lip. "Your Majesty, the tub is too small. Why don't I serve you first?"

She suddenly felt awkward about being in the water—it would make too much noise, and surely people outside would hear.

Xiao Yu's flawless face was resolute. He stood and gently pulled the sash at her waist—her clothes slipped to the floor.

With everything gone, she was completely bare before him. Her skin was fairer than fine mutton-fat jade, glowing with a delicate sheen.

Flustered, Ning Shuyan covered her chest and turned away. Her voice was soft and flustered: "Don't look at me like that, Your Majesty."

His gaze felt like that of a hungry wolf staring at its prey.

"Come here."

His commanding, domineering tone left her no choice. She reached for the nearest candle and blew it out.

Before she could step into the tub, Xiao Yu's arms wrapped around her and lifted her straight in.

"I suddenly thought of an idiom: Mandarin ducks frolicking in water..."

"You're being so improper, Your Majesty!" she said, poking his chest.

She felt breathless as he kissed her neck and collarbone, his lips tracing gently along her earlobe, hot breaths making her shiver.

Soon, all rational thought in her mind was wiped away.

She could only think—he seemed even hotter than the water in the tub.

After a while, Xiao Yu undid his hair crown with a splash and tossed it aside, turning Ning Shuyan in his arms as she lay exhausted.

⸻

All that could be seen was a pair of hands tightly clinging to his back.

When they emerged, Xiao Yu's chest rose and fell, hair disheveled, draped over his shoulders. He carried Ning Shuyan into the inner chamber.

He laid her on the bed—her once-neat hair now soaked and clinging to her neck. It was impossible to tell whether it was sweat or water on her forehead. Gently, Xiao Yu wiped her face.

"I'm thirsty..." Her voice was soft and dry, with a touch of hoarseness—making Xiao Yu's gaze even more tender.

He smiled. "Well, who told you to..."

Before he could finish, Ning Shuyan rolled her eyes and buried half her face under the blanket. "It's all your fault..."

She spoke quietly, but Xiao Yu heard every word. His smile deepened as he brought over a cup of tea.

Ning Shuyan sat up and drank it. Afterward, Xiao Yu also took a few sips. When he turned back, she had already closed her eyes, exhausted. Her cheeks were flushed and glowing.

The scent in the water, thanks to the perfumed oils she always used, had clung to Xiao Yu as well. With that pleasant aroma, he too soon fell into a deep sleep.