The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 33 - I Am Not a Tyrant and You Are Not a Temptress

"Alright, what did your mistress send you for this time?" 

It had been some days since he last visited her, and who knows what new tricks she might have up her sleeve. Especially when she was drunk—her alluring demeanor was enough to make anyone's heart itch.

"Your Majesty, Her Ladyship said the weather has grown increasingly hot, and with the constant state affairs that weigh upon Your Majesty, she, as just a consort, cannot share in your burdens. So, she has prepared some refreshments to help Your Majesty relax." After finishing, Chun Feng opened the food box.

Inside was a jade bowl brimming with fruits, with various vibrant colors below, emanating a strong fruity aroma—very tempting.

"This is an ice bowl?" The Emperor immediately recognized it but found something off. "How is the ice so fine?"

He knew that in the heat, the ice melted quickly, and keeping it in such fine, sand-like granules was no easy task.

Chun Feng, of course, knew how it was made, but she had no time to explain since the ice would melt soon.

"Your Majesty, please taste it first. I can explain afterward, otherwise, it will melt. Her Ladyship insisted I bring it over immediately so that it could cool Your Majesty down."

Defu stepped forward, took the jade bowl from Chunfeng, and presented it to the Emperor after testing it himself.

After sampling it, Defu remarked, "Your Majesty, the taste is exquisite—smooth and cooling with a fruity tang. The fruits on top are also perfectly chilled."

Seeing Defu's look of enjoyment, the Emperor burst into hearty laughter. "Of course! Nothing from my He Liangyuan could ever be bad."

Scooping a bite of the fine ice and fruit into his mouth, the Emperor's eyes lit up with delight, clearly won over by the taste.

"Good, good, good! Your mistress has gone to great lengths. Defu, reward her."

Chun Feng, carrying the Emperor's rewards for her mistress, left the Qinzheng Hall.

After she left, the Emperor quickly finished the ice bowl, savoring it so much that he even licked his lips.

"It seems I'll be in for a treat tonight. Pass my decree: tonight's meal will be held at the Lanyue Pavilion."

Defu was slightly taken aback. It was rare for the Emperor to change his plans for a meal delivered from a consort in the harem. This was the first time such a small gesture had earned a consort favor.

"What are you standing around for? Hurry and inform her so she can prepare." Seeing Defu's stunned expression, the Emperor glared at him.

Back at Lanyue Pavilion, Chun Feng had only just returned when a eunuch came to deliver the Emperor's decree. It was none other than Xiao Xiazi.

"By the Emperor's decree, tonight's banquet will be held at Lanyue Pavilion. Her Ladyship is to prepare accordingly." After delivering the imperial order, Xiao Xiazi added with a sycophantic smile, "Your Ladyship, His Majesty has been eating less these days due to the heat."

Being a smart woman, Bai Jingxian immediately had Chun Jing fetch a pouch of money as a reward for Xiao Xiazi. "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch."

"It's my duty. Thank you for the reward, Your Ladyship."

Xiao Li personally escorted Xiao Xiazi out, naturally taking the opportunity to engage in small talk. As they say, familiarity breeds connections. Xiao Li wasn't about to let this chance pass, especially since Xiao Xiazi was Defu's apprentice, and even if he couldn't get close to Defu, he could certainly form ties with Xiao Xiazi.