Chapter 728 - 506: His Majesty is Such a Devoted Person

Chapter 728: Chapter 506: His Majesty is Such a Devoted Person

Song Yunzhao was meeting with Princess Consort Zhuang and Consort Shu. Princess Consort Wan was also present, discussing a new rouge formula with the Imperial Concubine. It was a new recipe she had come up with herself, a more vibrant color than last year’s Peach Blossom Drunk.

When applied to the cheeks, it created a delicate beauty reminiscent of rosy clouds and swirling mist.

Yun Zhao loved the color. She and Princess Consort Wan were slowly adjusting the shade, talking and laughing together. They seemed quite happy.

Seeing the two of them enter, Yun Zhao waved them over and said with a smile, "Come see what you think of this new color. Princess Consort Wan and I have been trying to get it right for a while."

To still be in the mood to adjust rouge... Consort Shu and Princess Consort Zhuang had to hand it to Yun Zhao. ’Isn’t she worried at all?’

After the two sat down, they first looked at the new rouge. Princess Consort Zhuang showed little interest, but Consort Shu was very intrigued. She too was someone who loved beauty. She smiled at Princess Consort Wan and said, "When you’ve perfected it, you must save a portion for me. I want one you’ve made with your own hands."

Princess Consort Wan shot her a look. "Taking my things for free, and with so many demands. I’ll do it for the Imperial Concubine’s sake." Then she looked at Princess Consort Zhuang. "I’ll save a portion for you, too. I really enjoyed the turnip cakes you sent me last time."

"Then I’ll make some more and send them to you later," Princess Consort Zhuang replied, quite pleased. Now that she had more free time, she spent it exploring other interests.

At her age, she had suddenly discovered she quite loved to eat.

Before, she was always thinking about the Emperor’s favor and constantly watched what she ate. Now, she didn’t care anymore. ’What does it matter if I’m plump or thin? As long as I’m happy.’

Seeing the two of them look like they wanted to say something but were hesitating, Yun Zhao took the initiative and asked, "Is everything going smoothly over at Zhichun Palace?"

Consort Shu had never been one to hold her tongue. Since Yun Zhao had asked, she came right out and said it. "Very smoothly. But among the concubines chosen this time, there are many outstanding ones. Imperial Consort, you should be prepared so you won’t be surprised when you see them."

Song Yunzhao hadn’t expected this was why they were hesitating to speak. She already knew from the book that Zhao Ling’e’s daughter possessed a beauty that could topple nations. How could the mother herself be anything less?

"The world is full of beauties. There’s you, there’s me, and naturally, there’s her," Song Yunzhao said with a smile.

Perhaps because Song Yunzhao’s attitude was so calm, and because what she said made a lot of sense, the expressions of Consort Shu and the other two relaxed.

"The Imperial Concubine is right. We weren’t exactly plain back in our day, either," Princess Consort Zhuang said, smiling at the Imperial Concubine.

Their Emperor was nothing like the late Emperor. The late Emperor had a constant stream of beauties by his side, one after another, but their Emperor was the complete opposite.

For all these years, it had always been the Imperial Concubine by his side. It was clear that maintaining unwavering favor in the harem wasn’t something achievable through looks alone.

In the beginning, they hadn’t been able to believe it either, but now, weren’t their faces stinging from being proven so wrong?

Their Majesty was just that devoted.

Forget it. Consort Shu looked at Yun Zhao. "You have a point. I really worried for nothing. But I think you should treat us. Even though my worrying was for naught, I still worked hard."

Song Yunzhao naturally agreed, inviting them to stay for lunch.

Feng Yi had originally planned to have lunch with Yun Zhao, but after hearing Meng Jiuchang’s report, he immediately decided not to go to Yaohua Palace. However, to show his support for Yun Zhao, he specially ordered a table of dishes to be sent over.

Eating the dishes bestowed by the Emperor, Princess Consort Zhuang thought of the Emperor who hadn’t even shown his face and chuckled to herself. ’We really did worry for nothing.’

It seemed the rumors from last time—about His Majesty having a falling out with the Empress Dowager over the Imperial Concubine—were true after all.

Lately, the Empress Dowager was never without her medicine, and the smell of herbs from Shoukang Palace could be detected from a great distance.

Who couldn’t understand what it meant for the Emperor to give her this kind of backing?

After lunch, the three of them took their leave.

Yun Zhao had drunk a little wine and was feeling a bit tipsy. She leaned back against a soft pillow, closing her eyes to rest, and recalled what Consort Shu had said during the meal.

’Yes, beauty fades easily. Who can guarantee they can live off their looks forever?’

’I can’t.’

’But I want to try. Reaching this point with Feng Yi was what I had hoped for from the beginning. Now that I’m finally here, I won’t let it be destroyed so easily.’

’Feng Yi is willing to cross swords with the Empress Dowager for my sake. For now, at least, my feelings for him won’t change.’

***

In the blink of an eye, it was time for the final selection. Not only the Empress Dowager but the Emperor himself was required to attend.

As the Imperial Concubine, Song Yunzhao naturally could not refuse to go either.

She woke up early in the morning.

Beside her, Feng Yi happened to open his eyes at the same moment. Their gazes met and intertwined. Feng Yi rolled over and gave her lips a gentle nip.

Song Yunzhao’s face flushed red. She pushed at his slightly open robe with a hand as fair as white jade. "What are you doing? It’s so early."

"It’s precisely because it’s early that we should be doing something," Feng Yi said, gazing at Yun Zhao’s radiant face before lowering his head and pressing her into the brocade bedding.

Hearing movement inside, Meng Jiuchang thought His Majesty was about to rise. But as he reached the entrance to the hall, he suddenly heard a different kind of noise and immediately took a step back.

TSK.

’At this rate,’ he thought, ’the Imperial Concubine will be giving birth to the Third Prince soon.’

Keeping a close eye on the hour, Meng Jiuchang didn’t dare let His Majesty be late for the morning court session. Pinching his throat, he carefully called out from outside the hall doors.

Feng Yi let out a long sigh. The woman in his arms had glistening, watery eyes and was panting softly, her cheeks as red as rouge. He couldn’t help but chuckle.

Song Yunzhao: ...

’In the past, the Emperor was beset by troubles both internal and external, so when would he have had time to think about this sort of thing all day? Now, Beiming has been beaten into submission for the time being, and the courtiers know the Emperor is not to be trifled with. Even when they challenge him, it’s not as blatant as before.’

’With matters at the front court going smoothly, he naturally has more time to keep his eyes on me—and on what happens in the bed curtains at night.’

’At his age, he’s truly in his prime. If I can’t keep him satisfied, wouldn’t he run off and snack elsewhere?’

’I would rather exhaust myself than let go so easily.’

Feng Yi took a robe and draped it over her, asking softly, "Couldn’t sleep because you were worried?"

She knew Feng Yi was teasing her.

Song Yunzhao arched an eyebrow, adopting a domineering air. "Who am I afraid of? Just let them come."

Feng Yi laughed heartily and, scooping her up by the waist, lifted her into his arms. Startled, Yun Zhao quickly wrapped her arms around his neck. The world spun around her. He was stark naked, holding her and spinning in circles.

’Is he really that happy?’

Feng Yi gently set her down. The more he looked at her, the more delighted he felt. He just loved this fearless spirit of hers.

Song Yunzhao glanced down, then quickly turned to grab his under-trousers and hand them to him.

Feng Yi laughed as he pulled on his trousers. "We’ve been husband and wife for so many years. Why are you still so shy?"

Song Yunzhao huffed but said nothing. She then took his inner shirt and helped him put it on before finally calling for Meng Jiuchang and the others to enter.

Feng Yi leaned down and whispered in Yun Zhao’s ear, "My, my. In the past, I wouldn’t even let other women get a second look. Now, even the eunuchs get to see."

Song Yunzhao: ...

’When did Feng Yi’s style become so... lewd?’

’It must be nice being the Emperor. You can be wild, lustful, and cheesy all at once, and I can’t even make fun of you for it. I have to close my eyes and praise you. My conscience aches.’

With his head lowered, Meng Jiuchang led the servants in to help His Majesty dress. He saw His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine being playful and handsy with each other, their gazes as if mixed with ten pounds of honey.

’Is all this really necessary?’

’They see each other every day and sleep together every night. How can they still be so clingy?’

’In any case, as a man without roots, he would never understand.’