Chapter 31

The Emperor took his seat with a commanding presence and gestured for the inner eunuchs to serve the meal.

Soon, palace servants and eunuchs began to file in bringing in the dishes that had been kept warm.

Having just returned from the paddock, the Emperor was still reeking of sweat and the pungent odor of horses.

Kang Yuyi visibly put off by the smell subtly moved away and tried to hold her breath.

The Emperor aware of her slight discomfort, found it amusing but chose not to comment. He knew he was not exactly fresh from the hunt.

Kang Yuyi felt a pang of guilt and tried to be more considerate of the Emperor’s presence. She asked, “Your Majesty, how was the hunt today?”

“Quite successful,” the Emperor replied, drinking straight from his soup bowl without ceremony. “I managed to bag several white foxes. Their pelts will make beautiful coats for you and the crown prince.”

The idea of them both wearing matching fox fur coats made the Emperor smile, imagining how pleased Kang Yuyi would be.

His words brightened Kang Yuyi’s mood, making her eat with more enthusiasm despite her earlier reservations.

After the meal, Kang Yuyi hesitated before mentioning with a touch of complaint, “Your Majesty, I had a little accident today while feeding the fish at the lake.”

She showed the Emperor the bruise on her elbow, looking pitiful.

Although the injury was minor, her delicate skin made the scrape appear more dramatic.

There were a few other small scrapes on her knees, but they were not as visible.

The Emperor’s heart softened slightly, but he maintained his composure. He scolded gently, “You should be more careful. How did you get hurt?”

Kang Yuyi lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

She said, “I haven’t called for the imperial physician. It’s just a small scrape, and I’ve already treated it with medicine.”

Remembering something, she added with a grateful tone, “Luckily, the fifth young lady of the Marquis of Boling came by and gave me a cloak to wear.”

The Emperor’s expression changed slightly upon hearing about the fifth young lady. She was the wife of his cousin Cui Mulin.

Outside, Xiang Yuan who had been waiting with Zisu and Qingzhu had also dressed with a significant amount of rouge and a revealing beaded flower hairpin. She had purposely lowered her collar to make herself more appealing.

“Sister Zisu, why are we not allowed to serve His Majesty even though he is here?” Xiang Yuan asked with a hint of flirtation.

Zisu noticing Xiang Yuan’s attire responded sharply, “His Majesty prefers not to have anyone disturb him during his meals with the noble consort.”

Xiang Yuan was taken aback by Zisu’s directness realizing her plans were not going to work. She had intended to help with the meal service to attract His Majesty’s attention.

Her plan was to present herself as a fresh alternative, hoping the Emperor might find her appealing compared to the usual palace fare.

Disheartened, she wondered if there might be another opportunity, perhaps when His Majesty was in the bath.

“Sister Zisu, will His Majesty need any help with his bath later?” Xiang Yuan inquired, her voice laced with a hint of seduction.

Zisu’s eyes narrowed, “His Majesty prefers no one assists him with bathing or changing. Keep your intentions in check.”

Xiang Yuan dismayed, managed a forced smile. She had hoped to capture the Emperor’s interest with her appearance and charm, but it seemed unlikely now.

When she heard that the Emperor was heading to the bath area, Xiang Yuan felt a surge of determination.

Quietly, she made her way to the bath area behind the screen, her mind racing with possibilities.

As she approached, she gently called out, “Your Majesty, would you like me to help you with your change of clothes?”

The Emperor, his back turned was in the midst of undressing. Xiang Yuan, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, stepped closer, trying to show as much of herself as she could.

Just then, Kang Yuyi’s voice rang out from behind the screen, “Your Majesty, May I attend you?”

Kang Yuyi had brought some scented water to add to the bath, intending to mask the smell from earlier.

She was startled to find not only the Emperor but also Xiang Yuan, who was trying to attract his attention with a suggestive pose.

Kang Yuyi paused, her gaze moving between Xiang Yuan’s provocative stance and the Emperor’s indifferent back.

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