Consort Shu

Chap 4: First Meeting with the Emperor

4. First Meeting with the Emperor

　　Upon hearing the eunuch's announcement, Shen Moyun froze. It seemed too fast! However, there was no time for her to ponder. Shen Moyun quickly regained her composure and instructed the servants in the room, "You can all leave and continue your duties." After giving her orders, she took Jin Se with her to greet the Emperor.

As a first-ranked Consort Shu, Shen Moyun didn't need to kneel at the palace gate. She stood near the entrance of the hall to welcome the Emperor.

As Yuwen Xi entered the main hall of ChangLe Palace, he saw a woman dressed in a water-blue corset palace dress adorned with light purple orchids. Her face appeared somewhat fatigued, yet her cheeks had a faint rosy blush as if covered in a layer of rouge. Extremely beautiful. Yuwen Xi couldn't help but recall the alluring charm she displayed during the draft, and his mood suddenly improved.

"This concubine pay respects to Your Majesty," Shen Moyun lowered her eyes and waited for the bright yellow robe to sway slightly in front of her eyes before performing a full curtsy. Two big hands suddenly supported her up.

"You have just entered the palace today, no need to be polite," Yuwen Xi kindly remarked as he held the seemingly delicate but resilient beauty he had just welcomed. Shen Moyun's right hand, held by the Emperor, could not help but trembled slightly. Yet, she did not withdraw it. She slightly raised her head, only to meet the Emperor's gaze. Her face displayed surprise and a mixture of tenderness and timidity as she softly called out, "Your Majesty."

　　Yuwen Xi supported her and led her into the palace hall. He couldn't help but smile, thinking of Shen Moyun's unexpected reaction earlier. "ChangLe Palace was recently renovated, and the Empress was concerned about any oversights. That's why Shanggong Bureau added some items. If there's anything you dislike, let the Empress know, and we can replace them with things you prefer."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration. The arrangements made by the Empress are appropriate. There's nothing that I don't like," Shen Moyun replied humbly, while inwardly she couldn't help but sneer. Being left in the cold outside the palace for a month and portraying it as the Empress's decision was a bold claim. She knew very well that if the Emperor insisted on her entering the palace, the Empress would not have been able to stop it.

Finally, Shen Moyun could raise her head and look at the Emperor with a clear conscience. She first smiled slightly at Yuwen Xi, then accepted a teacup from Jin Se, passing it to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, today's weather is hot. I brought some herbal tea from home. It's perfect for relieving the heat. Would you like to try it?" There was a hint of anticipation in her eyes.

Yuwen Xi initially wanted to refuse but when he saw the anticipation in her almond shaped eyes, he paused, and took a sip from the tea cup. "Not bad."

Seizing the opportunity, Shen Moyun examined Emperor Yongxu's face, a man in his early thirties, tall and graceful with a calm and confident demeanor. To describe him as handsome enough to eclipse the sun and moon might be an exaggeration, but he was undoubtedly a handsome man with a charismatic personality. Even in the 21st century, he could easily be the target of admiration for many beautiful women.

　　With his appearance and status, one couldn't expect an Emperor to be devoted to just one woman. Shen Moyun thought to herself, and said, "I've only entered the palace today, and I haven't had the chance to tidy up this place. The interior is currently quite messy, which may mar Your Majesty's eyes. Please forgive me." She stood up to bow and offer a formal apology.

Standing in the corner, Jiang Xi's eyebrows moved a little. Could it be that this Consort Shu Niangniang had genuinely been frightened and wanted the Emperor to leave ChangLe Palace? Meanwhile, both Su Yue and Jin Se exchanged worried glances, sensing the same panic in each other's eyes.