The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 1)

Chapter 45 - Ambition Knows No Bounds

"What a temper! I haven't even said anything yet, and there's no one bolder in the palace than you," Ningchen said as he reached out to gently nudge Ye Yun's shoulder.

"Does the Emperor miss me?" Ye Yun turned slightly, looking up at him with puppy-like eyes, her gaze soft and pleading, enough to melt anyone's heart.

Ningchen's ears turned red as he pulled back his hand and cleared his throat. "It's getting colder. How about a mutton hotpot for lunch?"

"Hmph, treating me like a child again." Ye Yun pouted. "Since the Emperor won't answer, then I'll ask for a favor."

As expected, the moment had come. Ningchen's expression darkened slightly, his smile fading.

Ye Yun noticed the change but didn't rush. She continued softly, "I ask the Emperor to allow my brother to return to the capital for the New Year this year."

She intentionally lowered her voice, speaking with tenderness and longing. Though there was some pretense, she genuinely missed her brother.

"It's been two years since Father passed. My brother returned to the capital to escort his coffin but only stayed for a month before returning to the northern border due to military duties. Although Mother never says it, she still worries. Coincidentally, her birthday is in December. It would be wonderful for my brother to come back to celebrate it with her."

Looking at the woman before him, with her slightly reddened eyes and the faint glimmer of tears, Ningchen could see the genuine hope in her gaze.

"Very well, I'll grant your request." He raised his hand and gently stroked her hair, his tone unexpectedly tender.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Ye Yun smiled, her face lighting up like the spring sun.

She wrapped her arms around Ningchen's waist and held him tightly.

The servants outside, sensing the intimate moment, tactfully lowered their heads or turned away.

The young emperor's heart pounded, feeling both awkward and happy as he clumsily responded.

"I'm hungry. Let's have the hotpot now," Ye Yun suddenly said, effectively breaking the romantic mood.

Ningchen was momentarily at a loss, struggling to keep up with her swift change in focus, but eventually released her and nodded.

The kitchen soon brought over the hotpot, but instead of the traditional one-pot stew, Ye Yun, a true hotpot enthusiast, had requested all the meat be sliced thinly and arranged on plates to be cooked piece by piece.

Fortunately, the royal chefs were skilled enough to understand her preferences, even preparing the dipping sauces that Ye Yun had forgotten to mention.

Ning Chen had never eaten like this before, but after tasting it, it was as if a whole new world had opened up to him. His speed in eating the meat was astonishing.

In the end, the two of them each ate two plates of lamb and beef, along with some pork, fish, and vegetables, finishing off the meal with hand-pulled noodles. They ate until they were both sweating a bit.

Feeling too full and uncomfortable sitting down, they decided to take a walk to digest.

They didn't go far—just to a small garden near Yuxiu Pavilion, which was only a short incense stick's time away.

But by sheer coincidence, they ran into Zhang Baolin and Zhou Baolin there.

"Greetings to Your Majesty and Ye Meiren," the two said, bowing.

Ning Chen waved his hand, "No need for formalities. What are you two doing here?"

"The orchids in this little garden have bloomed, so I invited Zhou Baolin to admire them with me since I had nothing else to do. We didn't expect to disturb Your Majesty and Ye Meiren. Please forgive us," Zhang Baolin said softly. She glanced timidly at Ye Yun and then at Ning Chen, lowering her head nervously as if she were terrified of her.

Ye Yun raised an eyebrow. "Tsk, Your Majesty, am I a cat? Why is Zhang Baolin so afraid of me?"

If Ye Yun were the cat, wouldn't that make Zhang Baolin the mouse? Hearing this, Zhang Baolin's heart filled with resentment. But after being confined and not serving the emperor for a while, she knew she couldn't miss this chance to show herself in front of him.

"Ye Meiren, you misunderstand. I am just clumsy with my words and actions. During my confinement, I reflected deeply on myself and resolved to follow the rules from now on. I dare not show any disrespect to you," Zhang Baolin said while twisting her handkerchief, looking pitifully anxious.

Tears began to stream down her face, making her appear fragile and helpless, like a delicate flower that incites pity and a desire to protect.

"Don't shed tears in front of me. Even if His Majesty feels sorry for you, I won't," Ye Yun said coldly, casting a glance at her before tugging at Ning Chen's sleeve, acting playfully.

"Your Majesty, am I such a terrifying creature? Zhang Baolin started crying before I even said a word, as if I were some nightmarish demon, all because I can't cry like she does."

Ye Yun's playful tug and stomp were so adorable and charming that Ning Chen, who already favored her, couldn't be bothered to look at the tearful Zhang Baolin.

"No one's calling you a demon. You're just a bit headstrong," Ning Chen teased, pinching Ye Yun's cheek. Then, turning to Zhang Baolin, his expression grew colder. "Since you don't know how to speak properly, speak less in the future."

Zhang Baolin inwardly seethed with resentment but could only nod in agreement.

Sensing Ning Chen's growing favoritism toward Ye Yun, she knew it wouldn't do her any good to make things worse, so she decided to appear obedient and submissive to maintain a good impression.

"And stop crying so much," Ye Yun added. "Being able to serve the emperor in the palace is such a great blessing. If you keep crying like this, you'll weep away all your good fortune."

"Ye Meiren is right. I'll remember that," Zhang Baolin said, swallowing her pride as she curtsied.

Ning Chen and Ye Yun continued their stroll, showing no intention of asking Zhang Baolin and Zhou Baolin to stay. The two ladies quickly withdrew.

"Are you feeling better now?" Ning Chen teased, squeezing her hand gently.

Ye Yun leaned against his shoulder with a soft smile, blooming like a flower. "Of course, Your Majesty stood up for me. I'm happy! I don't like Zhang Baolin and would prefer not to see her around in the future."

Ning Chen smiled knowingly but didn't say anything more.

Meanwhile, Zhou Baolin and Zhang Baolin returned to Xianfu Palace.

Since there was no official mistress in the palace, Zhang Baolin lived in the eastern wing, while Zhou Baolin resided in the western wing.

"Sister Zhou..." Zhang Baolin began.

"Forgive me, Sister Zhang. I'm not feeling well and would like to rest for a while," Zhou Baolin interrupted, curtsying before turning and retreating to her quarters.

Zhang Baolin, left with words unsaid, felt a painful frustration in her chest. She glared at Zhou Baolin's retreating figure, her eyes filled with venom, before heading back to her own room.

"I need to find a way to move out of this place soon. Xianfu Palace is not a good place to stay," Zhou Baolin muttered, sipping some tea in frustration.

Her maid, Qing'er, looked puzzled. "But there's no mistress here, so no one controls you. Why isn't Lady Zhou happy?"

Zhou Baolin gave a bitter laugh. "Didn't you see Lady Zhang today? Her background may be humble, but her ambitions are huge. I have no interest in palace power struggles and don't want to be dragged down by her."

She had intended to walk in the garden alone today. Since Xianfu Palace was near Yuxiu Pavilion, Zhang Baolin had insisted on joining her, and Zhou Baolin had no choice but to accept. Throughout the walk, Zhang Baolin had tried to persuade her with all sorts of ideas, which had only irritated her.

Meanwhile, back in her quarters, an angry Zhang Baolin tore up several handkerchiefs out of frustration.

Since the porcelain in the palace was limited, she didn't dare to break anything, as she couldn't ask for replacements.