Page 132

Shen Chuwei stood up and curtsied to Concubine Xu, her mouth full of strawberry ice cream, which made her words muffled and unclear, "Strawberry... ice cream..."

Even so, Concubine Xu still caught the words "strawberry ice cream."

The last time Shen Chuwei had given her a basket of strawberries, she had eaten a few and sent some back home for her family to try.

She couldn’t bring herself to eat the rest, hoping to save them for a few more days, but they spoiled, which made her regret not eating them all earlier.

Naturally, the mention of strawberries made her crave them.

"This is the first time I’ve heard of strawberry ice cream," Concubine Xu said as she settled down in front of Shen Chuwei with a flourish of her handkerchief, her gaze fixated on the strawberry ice cream in her hand, the curiosity making her even more eager to try it.

"Shen Lady, I can try some, right?" Concubine Xu had interacted with Shen Chuwei plenty of times and spoke straightforwardly, without beating around the bush or resorting to riddles—it was pointless.

Although Shen Chuwei was protective of her food, there was plenty of strawberry ice cream, too much to finish in three days, so she could afford to be a bit generous.

"Chun Xi, serve some for Concubine Xu," Shen Chuwei instructed.

Chun Xi wasn’t particularly fond of Concubine Xu, the only thing she liked was watching Concubine Xu argue with others. She fetched a Liuli cup, filled a bowl, and handed it to Concubine Xu, followed by a silver spoon.

Concubine Xu eyed the strawberry ice cream in the bowl for a while and, out of curiosity, took a spoonful and tasted it. Surprised, she looked up, "Shen Lady, this strawberry ice cream is really good."

Shen Chuwei was not at all surprised to see Concubine Xu reveal such an expression; it was difficult for most girls to resist strawberry ice cream.

Suddenly, Concubine Xu leaned in closer, "Shen Lady, have you heard about the New Year’s Eve family banquet?"

Shen Chuwei shook her head, indicating she had not.

"On New Year’s Eve, the Emperor will host a family banquet.

By rights, Your Highness should bring the Crown Princess, but since there is none, Your Highness will have to choose one of us to accompany him.

Who do you think he will bring to attend?

" Concubine Xu gossiped between mouthfuls of strawberry ice cream.

When Shen Chuwei heard about the family banquet hosted by the Emperor, where there were sure to be many delicacies, Xiao Jinyan would probably bring Lady Chang, wouldn’t he?

"Probably Lady Chang."

"That’s true, Lady Chang is the Empress’s own niece, and even though I’m a concubine, it’s unlikely I’ll be chosen." After another spoonful of strawberry ice cream, Concubine Xu said resentfully, "I’m at least a concubine, so why can’t I go?"

Shen Chuwei nodded, but who to bring was ultimately up to His Highness, and all other talk was superfluous.

Concubine Xu huffed, "Lady Chang had better catch a cold or get a stomachache, so she can’t go."

Shen Chuwei: "..." That’s possible?

After eating a few bites of strawberry ice cream, Concubine Xu’s gaze suddenly shifted to Shen Chuwei’s figure, sizing her up, then cracked a smile, "I think His Highness might take you to the New Year’s Eve banquet."

Shen Chuwei paused while eating her strawberry ice cream, "Me?"

"Yeah, His Highness dotes on you so much, there’s a good chance he’ll bring you." The more Concubine Xu talked, the more excited she got, "I’d rather you attend the New Year’s Eve banquet than Lady Chang, otherwise she will have her moment to show off."

Shen Chuwei actually wanted to go as well, why miss out on delicious food? But for her, as someone meant to be a tool, the odds were rather slim.

If Xiao Jinyan brought her just to upset Lady Chang, then it would only show that Xiao Jinyan really didn’t understand women’s hearts.

Once she finished her strawberry ice cream, Concubine Xu wiped her mouth with her handkerchief and her eyes inevitably wandered to Shen Chuwei’s stomach. With a puzzled expression, she asked, "Shen Lady, His Highness has favored you so many times, why have you shown no reaction?"

Shen Chuwei looked at Concubine Xu with a bewildered face, "What reaction?"

Concubine Xu gestured with her hands, forming the shape of a round belly, "A child, you know. You’ve shared the bed with him so many times, there ought to be a sign by now."

Concubine Xu seemed to remember something, "Haven’t you had the Imperial Doctor take your pulse? Could it be a physical issue? Or something else?"

After saying that, she muttered quietly, "I’ll tell you, there are plenty in the East Palace watching your belly."

Shen Chuwei looked down at her belly, touching it lightly, her abdomen flat. She of course knew she wasn’t carrying a baby; she had shared a bed with Xiao Jinyan so many times, yet they hadn’t even kissed.

Kissing cheeks doesn’t count!

Upon seeing Shen Chuwei’s actions, Concubine Xu thought she was worried and said, "With Your Highness doting on you so, it’s only a matter of time."

Shen Chuwei: "..." If that really happened, it would be a wonder of the world!

After eating her fill and sharing gossip, Concubine Xu left, swishing her handkerchief as she went.

In front of her bronze mirror, Concubine Xu adjusted her hair at the temples with her slender, jade-like hands and smiled, pleased with her makeup.

"Cai Xia, prepare some delicious meals. I’m going to show my face to His Highness; I am not a mere decorative concubine."

"This servant will prepare it right away." Cai Xia responded and went to prepare.

Soon three dishes were ready, and with a swaying waist and fluttering handkerchief, Concubine Xu went to the Crown Prince’s chambers.

Liu Xi, spotting Concubine Xu from afar, greeted her with a smile, "Concubine Xu."

Concubine Xu, chin raised, asked, "Eunuch Liu, where is His Highness?"

Liu Xi answered with a smile, "His Highness is still busy in the study room."

With a smile brimming with intent, Concubine Xu said, "I have brought some delicious meals for His Highness to taste."

"Allow me to go in and inquire." Liu Xi turned, pushed open the study room door, and respectfully asked, "Your Highness, Concubine Xu has brought delicious meals and wishes to dine with you this evening."

Xiao Jinyan’s eyes paused for a moment, and after pondering, he said, "Bring in the meal."

"As you wish." Liu Xi turned and exited.

The evening meal was served in sequence by the maids, including the three dishes brought by Concubine Xu.

Having not dined with His Highness for a long time, Concubine Xu couldn’t help but feel excited, "Your Highness, this is specially made by the small kitchen. Please try it."

Before Concubine Xu could reach for the chopsticks, Liu Xi had already taken the initiative, picking up a pair of spare chopsticks to serve His Highness.

Xiao Jinyan took a bite and tasted it, finding it no different from the meals prepared by the Imperial Kitchen. After eating a little, he did not go for a second bite.

Seeing this, Liu Xi knew that his master did not like the food and did not continue to serve more.

After dinner was completed, Liu Xi brought a cup of fresh tea to His Highness.

Xiao Jinyan lifted the teacup leisurely and took a slow sip.

Concubine Xu, clenching her handkerchief, stepped forward and said with a coquettish smile in her eyes, "Your Highness, I recently learned some massage techniques that can relieve fatigue. Would you like to try it?"

Xiao Jinyan’s voice was cold and distant, "Concubine Xu is kind-hearted, but I have matters to attend to later and can’t enjoy such leisure."

Concubine Xu pouted in dissatisfaction. Every day, there couldn’t possibly be that many matters to attend to! He kept going to Xiyun Pavilion and yet never seemed to have any serious matters to deal with.

Despite being a concubine, I am dealt with so perfunctorily!

Xiao Jinyan: "..." What business is it of yours where I go?

"Your Highness, I also learned a new song recently. May I sing it for you tonight?" Concubine Xu said, leaning toward His Highness only to bump into the tea, which had just been brewed and was a bit hot.

Concubine Xu’s delicate skin immediately felt the pain, causing her to exclaim aloud.

"Ah!!!"