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Lian Hua nodded earnestly.

The Emperor’s gaze grew somewhat dim as he looked at her and freed a hand to tap his lips.

Lian Hua instantly realized what he meant, her eyes widening as she looked questioningly toward the Emperor.

She thought that to repay him meant... perhaps making delicious food for His Majesty, giving him things she knew how to make, helping His Majesty with massage and such—all trivial things, but they were within her power to give...

The Emperor nodded affirmatively, his eyes growing even deeper. If it weren’t for the fact that she was now pregnant, her repayment would not be limited to such things...

Or, perhaps in a month or two, when the baby was more stable, she could continue her repayment...

For now, it would suffice to collect some interest.

Lian Hua’s face turned crimson in an instant, her eyes flickering as she dared not meet his gaze.

His Majesty, maintaining a serious demeanor, was the least shy of all.

Oh dear, she was going to die of embarrassment. Before, when she had kissed him, wasn’t it always on the cheek? Now, why had it shifted to another area...

During the day, His Majesty loved to kiss her, if not on the cheek then on the forehead; rarely during the day did he kiss there, and it was always His Majesty who initiated, never daring to do so herself.

She liked it, yes, but she had never tried taking the initiative before; it was truly embarrassing. ..

The time they ate beggar’s chicken, His Majesty had also gestured to his lips, and afterward, they just...

Would it be the same this time...?

The Emperor moved closer to her and asked in a deep, hoarse voice, "Hm?"

Lian Hua felt that at this moment, His Majesty was like a male fox spirit—handsome in appearance, with seductive eyes and an ambiguous voice, all bewitching her heart, making her feel weak and tingling all over, her ears burning hot.

Her heart pounded like a frightened deer as she mustered her courage to look back at him, her hands instinctively climbing up his neck, her face leaning in, eyes closed, lips slightly parted as she moved toward His Majesty’s face.

The Emperor, who had been waiting for a long time, seized the moment she drew near to kiss her eagerly, sinking into the abyss with her.

After a while, they both calmed down.

The Emperor looked at the person whose head was buried in his chest, the tips of her ears blushing red, and leaned in to kiss them, his voice husky as he asked, "Did you like it?"

After waiting a moment, Lian Hua replied in a tiny, shy voice, "I liked it..."

The Emperor’s deep voice chuckled softly; his Little Concubine, though shy, never skimped on expressing her love. She was both cute and sincere, the very person he liked. She didn’t leave him guessing and could always let him feel her affection.

After a while, with a blushing face, Lian Hua asked softly, "My Lord, are you thirsty?" His Majesty had not drunk any water since he arrived at the Side Hall, comforting her, giving her the Jade Pendant, and with her...He must be thirsty by now.

The Emperor thought it was she who was thirsty, pinching her lip: "Drink some water."

Then, remembering the incident from just before, the Emperor stroked her hair and coaxed her in a low voice by her ear, "My good girl, the weather is getting colder now. No cold water from now on, all right?"

Lian Hua bit her lip and nodded in agreement, then added an explanation, "My Lord, I always drink warm water. Today I was truly thirsty and couldn’t wait for the water to boil..."

The Emperor’s expression chilled, "What about the servants? Do they only prepare hot water when instructed to do so?"

If not for the concern for her protective feelings, he would have already punished all the servants in Canglan Court.

Lian Hua hurriedly shook her head, "It’s not their fault; they always do this, but today I took them all away, so~"

Worried that His Majesty might not calm down, she shook his sleeve coquettishly and said, "My Lord, just this once, please don’t pursue the matter, okay? From now on, I’ll listen to you and not drink cold water anymore, okay?"

The Emperor said nothing more. Canglan Court indeed had too few hands, and he planned to arrange for a few reliable servants from Star Palace to come over. Those three servants could follow her, taking care of her diet and personal affairs.

Fearing she might be thirsty for too long, the Emperor took her by the hand and led her out of the inner chamber.

Without waiting for the Emperor to call for someone, Zhang Qing, hearing the commotion, hurriedly brought in freshly brewed tea and poured it for them.

The Emperor glanced at him, and, understanding his cue, Zhang Qing gestured to someone outside.

A Young Eunuch came in bearing a pot of warm water, followed by another Young Eunuch carrying a warm bowl of Cow’s Milk.

After placing their items down, both of them retreated in unison.

Zhang Qing bowed and took a step forward, "Your Majesty, Master Lian, this Cow’s Milk was specially prepared by Nanny Qi.

It was a bit rushed yesterday, but it’s ready today.

Nanny Qi wants Master Lian to have it every day, usually once in the morning and once in the evening.

But since Master Lian has just been through some troubles and got a fright, I took it upon myself to warm it so you could have it now to calm your nerves. Please enjoy it slowly, Master Lian."

Zhang Qing’s voice was as eager as usual, with no hint of anything amiss, but the face turned towards the ground was ashen and utterly defeated.

After returning from the Main Hall, he had been waiting with a sense of dead hope for His Majesty to decide his fate, being involved in such a major incident today due to his negligence.

If he had taken more time to ensure that anyone entering or leaving, as well as the items, were carefully checked, then this incident would not have happened, so it was impossible for him to deny his involvement.

If it weren’t for Master Lian, Nanny Qi would likely have already met with misfortune. A misstep could have even implicated Master Lian, who was now carrying the dragon seed.

Therefore, however His Majesty decided to deal with him wouldn’t be considered excessive.

Now considering himself a scapegoat, he should have been quietly waiting for his fate, but he was so used to serving His Majesty that he did not want to stop for a moment.

As soon as Master Lian called for tea to be brewed, he had already instructed it to be prepared, but it took time. Aside from the two guards at the door, nearly everyone from Canglan Court was at the Main Hall. The stove had cooled down by the time they returned, delaying the process.

He only entered the Side Hall after the tea was ready. Just as he was about to enter, he noticed something was amiss—it seemed that His Majesty was doting on Master Lian—so he quickly stepped back out, waiting for any noise before approaching.

Lian Hua, noticing nothing strange, couldn’t help but lick her lips at the mention of Cow’s Milk, "Is it Cow’s Milk?"

The rich, creamy fragrance of Cow’s Milk made her hungry.

Zhang Qing eagerly replied, "Yes, Master Lian, it is Cow’s Milk."

After speaking, Zhang Qing performed a bow and respectfully withdrew.

Lian Hua couldn’t resist leaning towards the bowl and lifting the lid; the thick fragrance of Cow’s Milk wafted out, making her swallow involuntarily.

It smelled so good!

The cows available now were chiefly used for plowing and were treasured by every household. It was precious, and there was no spare Cow’s Milk outside the nursing period since it was barely enough for the calves.

She had drunk it as a child, but only rarely. When they managed to get Cow’s Milk, her family would insist she drink it. She would share a few sips with her brothers, but they would only touch it to their lips, leaving the rest to her.

So many years had passed, and it had been so long since she had Cow’s Milk. After growing up, she never had it again.

Back then, she didn’t miss it as it wasn’t available to her, but now, with Cow’s Milk right in front of her, she’s salivating with intense craving. She longed for that rich and creamy taste, with her entire being focused on the Cow’s Milk before her eyes.