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He had not slept well all night, and after leaving Canglan Court, his thoughts festered, growing more and more angry. What audacious Little Concubine, to ire him so, utterly in vain his favorable treatment of her, always considering her in everything.

The Emperor was by nature a solitary and cool person, a trait related to his upbringing, always detached in dealings with people, seldom emotional. The concubines in the harem usually held him in awe more than anything.

Yet, Little Concubine was the exception, lavished with so much favor, yet she did not treasure it.

The Emperor grew angrier as he walked, feeling like his kindness had been repaid with ingratitude. Why did she not use her head to think, could he really covet those trifles of hers?

Even if he did joke with her the previous night, he still promised to make good on it afterward. Why then was she still so unreasonably stubborn about it all?

Last night she also said she felt undeserving of rewards for no merit, yet didn’t he see the longing in her eyes? She clearly wanted it, but when given, she rejected it, utterly illogical!

He felt like his lungs would burst from frustration.

When her servant caught up later to deliver the cape in her stead, the Emperor was still in a foul mood.

He truly did not know whether Little Concubine was genuinely naive or just feigning it. If she wanted to keep him around, why didn’t she come herself? Sending a servant, what was the meaning of that?

However, once he draped the cape she sent over his shoulders, his expression did soften a bit, but there was no way he would go back to her. An Emperor and master of the realm bend his will because of a cape given by a concubine who didn’t know any better? It was her duty to begin with.

If she had come in person, maybe then he would have considered staying.

The Emperor closed his eyes and massaged his temples, feeling a relentless headache.

After he returned to Star Palace yesterday, for some reason, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

The bedding felt wrong, the pillow was wrong, the candlelight was wrong, the curtains were wrong - everything felt wrong, and he slept so uncomfortably, restless for most of the night until finally feeling a hint of drowsiness.

In the wee hours, half-asleep and half-awake, he started thinking about Little Concubine again, wondering if she had slept well, if she had cried again, and in his dreams, it seemed as if he saw her secretly weeping that night.

He woke up startled in his dream, reaching out beside him only to clutch at air before realizing he was back in Star Palace.

He sat for a while to collect his thoughts, then suddenly was shocked to realize how much of his mind was occupied by Little Concubine.

How could her every action stir his emotions so?

This was not good at all!

The Emperor felt the crisis keenly and resolved to not see her for some time, to not even think about her, determined that she could not become his weakness.

So passed the night, with the Emperor hardly sleeping at all, then rising early for court and discussing state affairs with his ministers, now looking quite weary.

Then, Zhang Sancai came in, followed by a Young Eunuch carrying a tray, and called out in a soft voice, "Your Majesty."

The Emperor opened his eyes and saw the newcomers, asking, "What is it?"

Zhang Sancai brought over the soup bowl from the tray, saying, "Noble Consort sent someone to inquire after your health, and personally made a ginseng and black chicken soup for you. The soup is still warm. Would you like it now, Your Majesty?"

The Emperor glanced at him indifferently and said, "Bring it here."

Zhang Sancai answered affirmatively, carefully placing the soup on the imperial desk and uncovering the bowl.

The Emperor had little appetite, but as this was a thoughtfulness from the Noble Consort, he would appreciate it.

Taking a spoon, he sipped twice. The spices were too strong, nothing like the delightful flavor of the soup Little Concubine had made.

I still remember Little Concubine once said that the best soup is clear and savory with a layered taste, never murky with flavors coaxed out by spices—that was beneath her to even consider preparing.

Why do I think of her again?

The Emperor set down his spoon irritably and said to Zhang Sancai, "I haven’t much appetite, clear it away. Noble Consort has been thoughtful. Some fine Heavenly Silkworm Silk has recently been offered up from Jiangnan; send her several bolts as my reciprocation."

After he spoke, he was momentarily taken aback, recalling that Little Concubine made him soup and broth far more often than the Noble Consort ever did, yet he rarely considered rewarding her for it.

Fully aware of how bitterly her days passed, yet he always forgot this matter, never intending to change anything. Did he fear she would lose her genuine nature, or was it for another reason?

Was it because he had not done well that she now resented him?

Zhang Sancai replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty."

After speaking, he didn’t leave, hesitating to continue.

The Emperor, suppressing the urge to think of her, realizing he had allowed her to occupy his thoughts far too often today, resolved to entertain them no longer.

Regaining his senses, he saw this servant still standing there, not leaving, and asked impatiently, "Is there anything else?"

Sensing Your Majesty’s impatience, Zhang Sancai now somewhat regretted agreeing to Cai Xia.

But now caught in a dilemma, he had no choice but to speak, "Your Majesty, a palace maid sent by the Noble Consort mentioned that the Consorts of the harem greatly miss you. The Noble Consort inquires whether you would wish for any Consorts from the harem to prepare for attendance this evening?"

Upon finishing, Zhang Sancai was already sweating profusely, uncertain if he had overstepped in palace affairs. Considering the Emperor’s current mood, which seemed far from pleasant, he couldn’t bear the blame if accusations were to be made.

It was only now that he truly understood the caution his godfather had advised when serving His Majesty—but now it was too late for regrets...

The Emperor regarded Zhang Sancai with a frosty look, ignoring his words, and knocked his fingers against the imperial desk deep in thought.

After meeting Little Concubine these past months, he had not summoned any other women from the harem, which naturally led to speculation and probing from the Noble Consort.

Equitable attention is an established rule of the harem to ensure peace among the hearts within. The time had come indeed.

If he were to summon another, he wondered what Little Concubine would think if she found out. Would she possibly...

The Emperor took a deep breath, forcing himself not to continue this train of thought. Surely, he wouldn’t allow a mere girl to dictate his actions, would he?

It was time to revert to his former ways, settling the harem for good.

When he looked at Zhang Sancai again, the Emperor’s gaze had cleared, and he said, "Tonight, summon the Noble Consort to share my bed."

In the silence that followed, Zhang Sancai fretted increasingly, fearing the worst.

After being cautious for so many years, just when Feng Ji had been demoted to a remote court and his own talents were no longer overshadowed, he was about to be undone by his own carelessness, potentially facing a worse fate than Feng Ji—a notion he could not bear.

When he heard Your Majesty’s command, Zhang Sancai’s relief was palpable, knowing he had survived the ordeal. With the Emperor showing no signs of blame, he respectfully acknowledged the command, prepared to take his leave.

The Emperor then said, "Hold on, have the Noble Consort join me for dinner at the Star Palace."

Zhang Sancai’s knees nearly gave way at the words "Hold on," fearing punishment, ready to plead for mercy, then relieved at the subsequent words. Just when he was about to respond again, His Majesty spoke once more:

"Forget dinner, you may leave."

"Yes." Zhang Sancai withdrew, trembling with trepidation. Today, His Majesty seemed exceptionally volatile, unlike his usual self, almost scaring Zhang to death.