The cruel little princess

Soon, His Royal Highness Prince Jin had the Imperial Astronomical Observatory compare their horoscopes. They were indeed a match made in heaven! They calculated several auspicious dates for the wedding: the seventh day of the eighth lunar month, the eighteenth day of the ninth lunar month, and the tenth day of the first lunar month of next year! Prince Jin, after looking at them, was so tempted to remove the last date. What was going on?!

Thinking is one thing, but doing is another. His Royal Highness Prince Jin still had to respect Shen Youyou's decision, so he gave the Shen family the right to choose the auspicious day.

General Shen saw that the dates were all so close! He felt like he didn't want to pick any date at all... He had no choice but to choose the tenth day of the first lunar month of next year. However, he was worried about any unexpected events that year. So, after much deliberation, he discussed it with his daughter and decided on the eighteenth day of the ninth lunar month. The weather then would be neither too cold nor too hot, and wearing the heavy phoenix coronet and robe wouldn't be too uncomfortable.

However, ever since rumors of Shen Youyou's injuries and subsequent illness began circulating, the Fifth Prince, Prince Rui, abandoned the idea of ​​proposing marriage! For him, any woman could be a helper in his quest, but it depended on the power of her family! Shen Youyou simply happened to be one of the women he admired and favored. But when she became infertile, this support lost its value.

The woman he only liked and admired but could not actually help was not worthy of being his wife! More importantly, he did not have much sincerity towards Shen Youyou. Therefore, this inexplicable relationship was easily severed.

When Consort Shu suggested that he marry his cousin Zhang Yuyan as his principal wife, he hesitated for only a moment before agreeing. His uncle's disciples were spread throughout the court, and any one of them would be his loyal supporter. So, he readily agreed to the marriage.

At the end of May, the weather gradually became hotter, and the sunlight shone on the glazed tiles of the palace, making them sparkle.

That day, Concubine Shu arrived early to wait outside the Imperial Study. By the time the Emperor finished his government affairs, it was already noon. Hearing that the Emperor had nothing else to do, she went straight to him to ask for his permission.

At this time, the emperor was feeling upset because of the ninth son's marriage. His brows were slightly furrowed, and his expression was somewhat tired. Suddenly, the eunuch Xiao Xizi hurried in to report: "Your Majesty, the Concubine Shu is here!"

The Emperor originally wanted to have Eunuch Xiao Xizi send Concubine Shu back, but then he changed his mind and decided to listen to what Concubine Shu had to say, as she rarely asked to see him unless she had something important to say.

After a while, Concubine Shu walked in with light steps, with a gentle smile on her face, and said softly: "Your Majesty! You haven't come to see me for a long time! I personally stewed a bird's nest and lotus seed soup to help you get rid of your heat." After that, she ordered her personal maid Zizhu to put an exquisite food box on the low table beside her.

Then, Concubine Shu gently opened the food box, and a faint fragrance filled her nose. She carefully took out a bowl of warm bird's nest and lotus seed soup from it. The crystal clear bird's nest and the fresh lotus seeds complemented each other, making her mouth water.

"I heard from the palace maids who serve you that the emperor has been upset recently and has not been eating well. Look, the corners of your mouth are chapped... Now fresh lotus seeds are sweet and delicious, lotus hearts can dispel heat, and bird's nests have a warming and nourishing effect. They are perfect for you..." As Concubine Shu spoke, she picked up a small spoon and scooped the lotus seed soup into a small bowl with elegant and skillful movements.

Then, she walked lightly to the emperor and handed him a small bowl of lotus seed soup. The bowl was steaming hot and exuded an alluring aroma, making people's mouths water.

The emperor took it with a smile and drank it all in one gulp. "The lotus seed soup in my beloved concubine's palace is still the best for my taste! My beloved concubine is so thoughtful!" He smiled at Concubine Shu, his eyes full of tenderness and doting.

The Concubine Shu smiled shyly and bowed slightly, saying, "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. It is my blessing to be liked by Your Majesty." Her voice was soft and gentle, like a docile little lamb.

The Emperor nodded slightly and said cheerfully, "I suddenly remembered that Shu sent us a batch of newly made Shu brocade a few days ago. They're said to be light, thin, and breathable. The weather is getting hot, so I'll have some delivered to my beloved concubine later. Please take a good look! Wearing some made from it will help keep the heat at bay."

Consort Shu happily thanked him, her eyes sparkling with joy. She said tenderly, "Your Majesty, I thank you very much! I heard that this Shu brocade, with its lively and pretty colors, is perfect for beautiful young ladies! Seeing them dressed up so beautifully at such a tender age is truly a delight to the eyes! Speaking of which, I heard that our Ninth Prince has already arranged a marriage with the Princess of Rui'an? The wedding is set for September 18th."

The emperor nodded, revealing a satisfied smile. Although he was still somewhat dissatisfied with this matter, how could he easily let others see his preferences? So he gently said to the Concubine Shu: "Yes, I think the Ninth Prince and the Princess of Rui'an are a good match. Their marriage will surely be happy and blissful."

Concubine Shu deliberately acted like a spoiled child to the Emperor, pouting and complaining, "Your Majesty! I won't tolerate this! You only think about the Ninth Prince and forget about our Fifth Prince! It's time for our Fifth Prince to get married! After the wedding, at least there will be someone in the harem to look after him."

The Emperor was amused by Consort Shu's appearance and couldn't help laughing. He comforted her, "Don't worry, my dear. I will take care of the Fifth Prince's marriage. When the time is right, I will choose a suitable princess for him."

Concubine Shu finally nodded contentedly, a calculating glint in her eyes. She said delicately, "Then I am relieved. I believe Your Majesty will choose a good wife for the Fifth Prince." She then personally served a bowl of lotus seed soup to the Emperor, a sweet smile on her face. "Your Majesty, please grant him a marriage soon! He won't be so lazy and only irritate Your Majesty!" Concubine Shu gently caressed the bright yellow collar of the Emperor's shirt, then slowly reached inside... A hint of allure!

The Emperor's breathing quickened slightly, and he stared at Consort Shu with a fiery gaze: "My beloved concubine... do you have a suitable candidate?"

Concubine Shu smiled softly and replied in a gentle voice, "Your Majesty, my brother wrote to me a few days ago saying that Yuyan has been having trouble eating and drinking lately. She said she missed me and wanted to come to the palace to keep me company. I also think Yuyan is sensible and polite. She and Xing'er have played together since childhood and have a deep bond. Yuyan is also extremely filial to me. This kind of childhood sweethearts, a friendship that is inseparable, will surely be fine. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Her delicate hands snaked up and down the emperor's clothes. She reached down a little further, gently caressing his skin. Her tone was charming and gentle, full of temptation: "What do you think, Your Majesty?"

The Emperor smiled, his eyes gleaming with desire. He reached out and pulled Concubine Shu up, leading her to the dragon bed in the side room. He whispered, "I... also... think it's very good! I'll do as... my beloved concubine says!"

It was almost noon, and the sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a golden hue on the ground. The Emperor and Consort Shu walked into the side room together, enjoying the quiet of the afternoon.

The Concubine Shu sat obediently on the bedside, resting her head on the Emperor's shoulder. Her eyes were hazy and charming, as if conveying endless tenderness and affection to the Emperor.

The Emperor gently stroked Concubine Shu's hair, feeling her warmth. A satisfied smile filled his face, his heart filled with love for Concubine Shu.

"My beloved concubine understands my heart the best! It's noon now, please take a short nap with me!" the emperor said gently.

Lady Shufei smiled and nodded, responding, "I respectfully obey your command!" Her voice was soft and melodious, like the gurgling of water, which made people intoxicated.