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

Ning Shuyan finished pouring the tea and brought a cup to Xiao Yu. "Your Majesty, please have a taste."

But instead of taking the cup, Xiao Yu took her hand and gently rubbed it. "You weren't afraid of burning your hands with all that cup-warming and tea pouring just now?" As he spoke, he pulled Ning Shuyan to sit beside him.

Ning Shuyan smiled radiantly, her eyes crinkling. "I have my technique: quick, precise, and efficient. As long as I don't hold the cup for too long, it's fine."

"A beauty brewing tea—truly mesmerizing."

Xiao Yu picked up the cup, steam rising with the gentle fragrance of tea. He inhaled deeply and said, "The tea you brew, Yan'er, just its scent is enough to intoxicate."

He took a sip, clearly pleased. "Sweet and refreshing, with a lingering aftertaste. The flavor resonates like music echoing in the throat—excellent! I truly didn't expect you to have such skill in tea-making."

He patted her hand, his heart filled with a mix of surprise and satisfaction.

Ning Shuyan smiled gently. "As long as Your Majesty enjoys it. It's just a small skill I use to amuse you."

With a smile in his eyes, Xiao Yu lightly tapped her nose. "Far more than just a small skill. You've made me see you in a whole new light."

He raised the cup he'd been drinking from to her lips. "You have a taste too."

Ning Shuyan looked at the celadon teacup, slightly parted her lips, and let him guide the tea into her mouth. A strange thought crossed her mind—didn't Xiao Yu dislike others kissing him?

So... wasn't this an indirect kiss?

"How is it? Does the taste linger nicely?"

Ning Shuyan dazedly nodded. "Mm..."

Xiao Yu set the cup down and gently touched her soft lips. This woman always seemed to hold endless surprises that drew his gaze to her.

Ning Shuyan suddenly remembered something the Empress had said a few days ago. In a soft voice, she asked, "Your Majesty, is your birthday at the end of this month?"

Xiao Yu paused slightly. "Yes. But I've never celebrated it."

Though Ning Shuyan had heard this from the Empress before, she still couldn't help but ask, "Why not? Is it because you don't want to be reminded of growing older?"

A subtle sorrow flickered in Xiao Yu's deep eyes before vanishing. "I simply don't like celebrating my birthday."

Ning Shuyan understood—there must be a reason behind it. Since ancient times, emperors' birthdays—"Wanshou Festivals"—were celebrated grandly across the empire. Yet few emperors truly enjoyed it.

After chatting a while longer, Xiao Yu eventually left Lanyue Pavilion.

That night, Xiao Yu summoned Concubine Mi to attend to him. Ning Shuyan wasn't surprised. His visit to her palace that afternoon must've become widely known throughout the inner palace. With the foreign envoys still in the capital, even if Xiao Yu wasn't truly fond of Concubine Mi, he had to keep up appearances.

The next day, Xiao Yu had no official duties and brought Concubine Mi with him to Fengqi Palace.

Zhuang Fei's eyes immediately flashed cold when she saw Concubine Mi—especially since the Emperor had come with her to Fengqi Palace!

Consort Rong looked over Concubine Mi's pomegranate-red brocade dress and smiled politely, though displeasure flickered in her eyes. "That dress of yours is certainly eye-catching."