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

Chapter 154 - Coaxing

But if you become content with just that, don't expect his affection to go any deeper.

You need to make him feel—it's not enough.

That way, he'll put in even more effort and thought for you.

Softly, she said, "I really don't want to drink it. It makes me uncomfortable."

She turned her head away, as if just smelling it made her nauseous.

Xiao Yu set the bowl down and pulled her into his arms. "Why are you still like a child? Do you need me to coax you just to take some medicine?"

Ning Shuyan smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, her bright eyes gleaming. "If I need Your Majesty to coax me, shouldn't you?"

Xiao Yu flicked her nose gently. "I should! Fine, fine. I really can't deal with you."

He picked up the bowl again, but before he could feed her, she leaned close and nuzzled his neck. "Then how will Your Majesty coax me?"

Her fingertips lightly traced his neck—soft and ticklish.

Xiao Yu paused, his gaze softening as he looked at her. In his whole life, he had never coaxed anyone before. Not even his own children.

Looking at her upturned face, he bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to her smooth forehead. Then he stroked her hair affectionately and smiled, "Be good, drink the medicine."

Compared to the sweet talkers of her past life, this man was far too earnest. But Ning Shuyan was satisfied with his sincerity and gentleness—after all, he was an emperor.

She smiled and said, "Then Your Majesty can feed me."

She tilted her chin, and Xiao Yu carefully fed her spoon by spoon.

Honestly, this way made it even worse. She'd rather gulp it down herself in one go.

As she drank, Ning Shuyan couldn't help but find it funny. Really, it was her own act that caused all this.

But between men and women, there's always room for flirtation.

Even modern men who say they don't like clingy women—who doesn't enjoy soft, sweet affection?

Once a woman acts coy, a man's heart softens. It gives him a sense of happiness and satisfaction, making him even more protective of her.

After all, a man won't fall in love with a woman who's stronger than him—he'll love one who needs his protection.

Finally, after much difficulty, Ning Shuyan finished the bowl of medicine. Xiao Yu immediately picked up a candied fruit and placed it in her mouth. The bitterness faded, and she smiled with satisfaction.

Xiao Yu's lips also curled up. "Satisfied now?"

Ning Shuyan playfully hummed and said, "From now on, if Your Majesty doesn't feed me my medicine, I won't drink it."

Xiao Yu gave her a teasing look, gently pinching her waist. "You're pushing your luck!"

She giggled as the tickling made her squirm. "Your Majesty, that tickles!"

She tried to get up, but Xiao Yu held her tightly and kept tickling her.

At that moment, the Empress stepped into Liuyin Pavilion and heard laughter from within. Ning Shuyan's voice was like silver bells.

More importantly, she clearly heard the Emperor laughing out loud too.

She paused slightly at the door. Though the day was hot, a chill swept over her back, damp with sweat.

The eunuch called out, "Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!"

The laughter inside stopped abruptly. But the Empress's heart filled with a sharp pang of bitterness.

She clutched Lady Du Ruo's hand tightly, each step heavy as stone.

She had always known the Emperor favored Ning Shuyan. But in the palace, who hasn't been favored at some point? Lin Zhaorong, Ying Zhaoyi, even Consort Zhuang had been loved steadily for seven years.

But she hadn't expected the Emperor's affection for Ning Shuyan to last over a year.

Even more, she hadn't expected a concubine born of a secondary wife to rise so swiftly in rank!

And now, the Emperor's affection for her exceeded even that of Consort Zhuang's heyday.

As the Empress, she had never cared how much a favored concubine was loved—as long as her own position wasn't threatened.

But just now, the Emperor's laughter—so pure and joyful.

After ten years of marriage, she'd rarely seen him smile from the heart, let alone laugh like that.

The more she thought about it, the more sour her heart became.