After the rebellion was successful, I realized that this place was the Red Mansion

Chapter 278 Daiyu, Lingguan

After bestowing the title of Consort Wang upon her, Chu Yan pinched Qiao Jie's smooth and adorable little face and asked her with a smile, "Are you happy that your uncle, the Emperor, has made your mother a Consort?"

Qiaojie didn't come to Yangxintang often, but she wasn't afraid of him. She giggled and said, "Many people are watching Uncle Emperor act as a concubine for my mother. Uncle Emperor has such good taste. My mother is beautiful, she's a real beauty!"

The child's innocent words made everyone in the hall laugh. Wang Xifeng's face flushed slightly, but her eyebrows danced with delight.

Chu Yan released Qiao Jie and let her go back.

Among the Twelve Beauties, she was the most special, and she was raised in the palace until she grew up.

But seeing Sister Feng holding her daughter, he thought of something else and asked her, "Lady Wang, how do you plan to raise Qiao'er?"

Daiyu chuckled, and Xiangyun and the others also sensed the playful tone in his words. The Emperor's unusual use of the imperial concubine's title, "Wang Meiren," was a deliberate act.

Fengjie picked up her daughter, gave her a charming and alluring look, and said with a smile, "Next spring I will hire a teacher for her, and she will have no shortage of food, clothing and other necessities." After hesitating for a moment, she said, "As for whether she will be surnamed Jia or Chu, it depends on the Emperor's decree."

When this matter is mentioned, Sister Feng can't help but blush.

Everyone laughed, but remained silent, waiting for the Emperor's decision.

Qiao Jie is not Jia Lan. For a male member to change his surname is to change his social status, which is equivalent to Chu Yan adopting a godson and wanting to make him a prince. It is an enormous favor.

Qiao Jie was a girl, and although changing her surname could still grant her the titles of princess or county princess, it was not as important as it was for a boy.

Conferring the title of prince involves many issues, and the imperial court will discuss and deliberate on it.

Chu Yan looked at Qiao Jie and said, "You still have the surname Jia. There are several little princesses in the palace, about your age. How about you study and attend classes with them?"

"Me, taking classes with the princesses?" Qiaojie was delighted to hear this and clapped her hands, readily agreeing.

It's clear that she's played with the little princesses these past few days and they've become friends.

Chu Yan laughed and said, "Study hard when you're studying, don't end up like your mother, all looks and no literacy."

Everyone laughed, but Sister Feng blushed and said resentfully, "No wonder the Emperor only bestowed the title of 'Beauty' upon me."

This means taking the opportunity to complain.

Chu Yan smiled faintly, without answering, letting her slowly guess why he only bestowed the title of "Beauty".

He said, "The excitement is over, you can all go back now. I'll take a rest today."

The idea is to tell them not to come today, and to give him a day to rest.

After bowing, everyone took their leave.

"Sister Lin." Chu Yan called out to Daiyu, and after they glanced at each other, they continued on their way.

After Daiyu and he entered the warm pavilion, she asked with a smile, "Is there something you need me for? I was just thinking of going back with my second sister and the others."

Chu Yan pulled her hand and sat her down on the kang (a heated brick bed). Daiyu's slender body was dressed in a winter cotton-padded coat, but she did not look bulky at all. He reached out and stroked Daiyu's small face, which was a little cool, but there was a faint warm fragrance on her neck.

"What are you going to do now? Just to touch me?" Daiyu said, blushing as he embraced her.

Chu Yan chuckled softly, "I just want to have lunch with Lin Meimei and take a nap today, that's all."

Daiyu's watery eyes held a hint of amusement as she deliberately said, "You didn't even ask me before keeping me here in front of everyone. What will people say about me..."

Realizing she had spoken out of turn, Daiyu lightly covered her mouth, her beautiful face flushed with embarrassment.

"What did I say to you?" Chu Yan smiled and pulled her onto the kang (heated brick bed), took off Daiyu's coat, covered the two of them with the quilt, and put his arms around her waist.

At that moment, he felt as if he possessed the world.

Daiyu blushed and remained silent.

Chu Yan laughed and said, "They'll say, 'Lin Daiyu is the most favored concubine in the palace, so she shouldn't be called 'Pin Yatou' anymore, but 'Empress'!"

Daiyu blushed and covered his mouth with her hand, then pinched his cheek, blushing as she scolded, "What kind of person have I become? Do you expect future generations to write that I am 'the most favored person in the world'?"

She was the emperor's favorite, so he was a tyrant.

Chu Yan kissed her soft, jade-like hand, and Daiyu quickly pulled it back. But in the blink of an eye, Chu Yan pressed her down on the kang (a heated brick bed) and kissed her.

Daiyu struggled for only a moment before gently parting her cherry lips to meet him.

The two lingered together for a while.

Chu Yan held the limp and powerless Daiyu in his arms, quietly enjoying this rare moment of tender affection.

Outside the door, Yuanyang nudged Zijuan and smiled as she gestured to her:
Your daughter was kissed by the Emperor; you should go in now.

Left with no other choice, Zijuan came in and asked, "Your Majesty, the eunuchs have come to ask if we should set out lunch. Should we set out lunch for you, Miss?"

Chu Yan nodded and said, "Your daughter will stay with me for lunch."

Upon hearing this, Zijuan looked up again and saw the slender-waisted, delicate-faced girl with her eyes closed, leaning against the Emperor's chest, her face flushed with spring passion, exuding an indescribable charm and allure.

Zijuan's heart was pounding. After leaving, she thought to herself, "You always say that the Emperor is a lecherous and foolish ruler, but when he sees a beauty like you, he patiently talks to you about love. This is enough to show that His Majesty is truly sincere towards you!"

noon.

Daiyu drank a small cup of wine with him, and after the meal, they chatted idly on the kang (a heated brick bed).

As drowsiness crept in, Chu Yan picked her up and carried her back to the dormitory. They lay down together, and he embraced her, and the two of them covered each other with a blanket.

This wasn't the first time Daiyu had shared a bed with him, and besides, they had just kissed. After getting into bed, she wasn't shy; she just asked curiously, "Why is your bed so much bigger?"

She figured out the answer herself, and said with a hint of jealousy, "That's it! It must be because the Emperor has so many concubines in his harem that one bed can't accommodate them all!"

Chu Yan smiled and said, "Qingwen made it for me. It's good that the bed is bigger, so Zijuan can sleep on it too."

Daiyu blushed again and remained silent for a long time, knowing in her heart that Zijuan would serve her when the two of them made love in the future...

Her face turned even redder.

It was fine before; she knew he was just enjoying the taste in her mouth and wouldn't actually undress her.

The thought of serving Chu Yan in bed made her feel hot all over, and the skin that was pressed against Chu Yan's in the quilt felt like it was on fire.

Chu Yan wanted to tease her, but he quickly noticed the unusual blush on Daiyu's face and hurriedly asked, "What's wrong?"

When I reached out and touched her, Daiyu's face and neck looked like they had a fever.

"Perhaps it's because the kang (heated brick bed) is too hot..."

Daiyu covered up by saying, "Pull the quilt down a little so I can get some fresh air."

Chu Yan pulled her up again and said, "Changes in temperature are the easiest way to get sick. Just calm down. I won't tease you anymore."

Daiyu smiled, hugged him again, and said softly, "Let's rest well. There are many things to do as the year draws to a close. It's rare for us to have some free time to rest together today."

It was "us" again, "you" and "me," and Chu Yan was moved. He held Daiyu's soft hand in the quilt.

I had planned to talk to her about becoming a concubine and being favored by the emperor, since I had already met Lin Ruhai and considered it as meeting my future father-in-law. However, the timing was not good, and it was winter. I didn't know how the frail Lin sister would feel when I was with her, as she would be both cold and hot. I decided to wait until next year.

When Daiyu woke up from her nap, her face was flushed and her hair was slightly disheveled. The languid and charming appearance of this peerless beauty was so captivating that it was impossible to look away.

Daiyu snapped out of her daze, cupped her cheeks in her hands, and said in a coquettish voice, "Even the Emperor can be so distracted by looking at someone, aren't you ashamed?"

Chu Yan laughed and said, "What's the big deal about being distracted by Lin Daiyu?"

Daiyu was teased again, blushing as she got out of bed and called Zijuan in to serve her.

Yuanyang and Qingwen also came in, and the two of them washed and changed clothes in the room.

After finishing, Daiyu smiled and said, "I won't stay any longer, so as not to disturb your rest."

He bowed and left.

Chu Yan asked Chunyan and Sheyue to escort her back.

After Daiyu left, the Yangxin Hall became quiet.

He went out of the courtyard to watch the snow for a while, and then wandered around for a bit. He wanted to find Xiangyun or Yuanchun to chat with, but they were not there. So he turned around and went back to Yangxin Hall, where he sat in the warm pavilion and read a book.

"Your Majesty~"

Before anyone knew it, Fangguan came over.

Chu Yan didn't speak, but simply lifted the covers, letting the prettiest girl among the twelve young actresses snuggle into his arms. Looking down, Fangguan narrowed her eyes like a cat.

Lately, she has become very fond of being petted like this, and is increasingly like a kitten seeking its owner's affection.

Chu Yan also enjoyed teasing her when he had nothing to do, just like now, while reading a book, he put his hand into Fang Guan's arms. The girl's warm and soft body was much better than any hand warmer.

Fangguan didn't bother him, obediently accepting his favor, keeping her eyes open while reading a book, and then glancing at him for a while.

At this moment, Qingwen came in and saw this scene. She pursed her lips, not wanting to make a fuss and disturb the Emperor, so she had no choice but to let it go.

About an hour later.

As Fangguan's clothes were disheveled and she was breathing heavily, Xiangling entered and said, "Your Majesty, Miss Yun and Consort Xiande have returned."

Because Chu Yan had visited them earlier, Xiang Ling came to report.

"Where did they go just now?" Chu Yan asked casually.

Xiangling said, "Let's go sit with the old lady. Bao and the others are all there too, but they've all gone back now."

Where is Miss Lin?

"Miss Lin may not know, perhaps she has returned to Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Should we send someone to inquire?"

"Never mind, I was just asking."

Chu Yan said, then changed his mind a moment later, saying, "If you're going out later, stop by Xiaoxiang Pavilion and ask her what she wants to eat, then have the kitchen make it."

Xiangling agreed and went out without thinking much about it.

But someone nearby burst out laughing.

Chu Yan looked up and saw that it was Ling Guan. She was not much different from Fang Guan in appearance, graceful and elegant, with a bit of Lin Daiyu's look.

So he beckoned and said, "Lingguan, come here."

Lingguan walked over with her head down. Before he could give any instructions, she sat down on the kang (a heated brick bed) and prepared to take off her coat.

Chu Yan laughed and said, "You want to get into my bed too?"

Fangguan in his arms laughed, and Lingguan blushed instantly. She got up to leave, looking somewhat annoyed.

Chu Yan pulled her back: "I was just joking with you and you got angry. You have the worst temper of anyone else."

Fangguan laughed and said, "That's right. Among us opera girls, Lingguan is the most affected and annoying!"

"Pooh!"

Lingguan spat at her and laughed, "How am I being pretentious? I wonder who it is that takes advantage of His Majesty's free time to try and win his favor, not even afraid of Qingwen. If I'm being pretentious, then you're the emperor's vixen!"

Fangguan couldn't win the argument, so she quickly stretched out a snow-white arm and pulled her onto the kang (heated brick bed).

Lingguan was playing with her and wasn't surprised to see that Fangguan was only wearing a bodice and no clothes. This had been the case for days, and everyone in the room knew that Fangguan was a vixen who was specifically trying to seduce His Majesty.

Soon, Lingguan also took off her shoes and cotton-padded coat, and climbed onto the kang (heated brick bed) to sit on either side of Chu Yan in his arms.

What were you laughing at just now?

Chu Yan also used Lingguan as a hand warmer. When he warmed his hands, Lingguan trembled, her eyes filled with spring-like affection, and she whispered, "I laugh at Xiangling for not being able to see His Majesty's feelings."

Chu Yan raised an eyebrow, teased Lingguan's hand warmer, and asked, "What are my feelings for you? If you can't tell me tonight, I won't let you off the hook."

This was a plan to have sex with them that night.

Fangguan was already weak and listless, lost in his arms, ignoring their conversation and only looking forward to the evening.

Lingguan, however, was different. She looked at Chu Yan and said softly, "His Majesty is thinking of Miss Lin, but he doesn't want to see her. So he asked Xiangling to go to Xiaoxiang Pavilion with us. Even if Miss Lin only replies with one sentence, His Majesty will feel better!"

Chu Yan laughed: "I do miss Lin Daiyu. Romantic love is a common thing in the world, and even the emperor is not exempt from it."

Lingguan remained silent.

Over the past few days, she has gradually come to see things more clearly and understand his words and actions.

He was always upright and never used his imperial power to intimidate others, yet everyone in the mansion respected and obeyed him from the bottom of their hearts.

Even she couldn't escape the common practice.

"but."

Chu Yan withdrew his hand from Ling Guan's snow-white hand warmer and instead stroked her face, smiling as he said, "Among the twelve of you, Fang Guan's looks and singing skills are both top-notch, but in terms of thoughtfulness, Ling Guan, you far surpass them!"

Lingguan remained silent.

"What did His Majesty say about me?" Fangguan asked hurriedly, snapping out of her daze.

Chu Yan pinched her cheek: "I said you have good singing skills, come, sing me a song."

Fangguan nodded in agreement, crawled into the quilt, and was about to open her mouth and sing from inside.

Chu Yan was both amused and exasperated. He pulled her out and said, "We'll talk about it tonight. I'm chatting with Lingguan, so don't bother me."

Fangguan was a little shy and nestled in his arms without saying a word.

Lingguan laughed and said, "Sometimes I envy Fangguan's heart. She doesn't have many worries. She only asks for the Emperor's favor and is happy every day."

Upon hearing this, Fangguan retorted, "Who says I don't have any troubles? Lately, my mother has been deducting from my monthly allowance. When I say something to her, she accuses me of being disrespectful. Bah! When I'm all grown up, I'll stop giving her money and she'll be jumping up and down cursing me. That would be much more interesting!"

Chu Yan asked curiously, "What mother?"

Lingguan said, "She is our godmother. She was the godmother we were forced to acknowledge when we were bought by the Jia family. She taught us manners and managed our monthly allowance."

Chu Yan laughed and said, "You guys don't know the rules either. What did they teach you?"

Lingguan fell silent once again.

Fangguan hurriedly said, "Back in Pear Fragrance Courtyard, we didn't like listening to those old hags nagging. Now that we are the Emperor's bed warmers, they have even less right to lecture us, and we ignore them."

Chu Yan said, "In that case, go and ask the Third Miss if she can stop acknowledging her godmother. You can keep your own monthly allowance."

Fangguan clapped her hands and cheered, then kissed him twice with satisfaction, beaming with joy.

Lingguan looked up and asked, "Does His Majesty not trust us?"

"how you said that."

"Your Majesty is the emperor, and even Qingwen and Yuanyang in the room can make decisions. Why did you ask Fangguan to ask the Third Miss again?"

Lingguan looked at him and asked.

Looking at her stubborn face, Chu Yan was momentarily reminded of Daiyu.

She does indeed have some of Lin Daiyu's charm.

So he replied, "I don't know your rules about recognizing godmothers. Besides, it's better to listen to all sides than to accept everything you say."

After thinking about it for a moment, Lingguan agreed with this explanation.

Chu Yan stroked her face and asked, "What you said earlier, about 'buying' and coercing, is there some resentment in your heart?"

Fangguan, who was standing nearby, was startled.

Tears welled up in Lingguan's eyes as she lowered her head and said, "Among us, some were sold by their parents, some fell on hard times and had no choice but to sell their children, and some were abducted to learn to sing in Yangzhou theaters before being bought by the Jia family. Who of us was willing to do that?"

Chu Yan sighed, "You are pitiful people, but I do not wish to release you. You will remain in the palace."

Lingguan looked up and said, "Does His Majesty want us to sing for His Majesty like birds in a cage?"

Fangguan was stunned for a moment.

Chu Yan said, "I will release you from your cages and have you sing for me in the back garden!"

Lingguan burst into tears, then suddenly hugged him and gave him a kiss.

Fangguan laughed: "You're looking more and more like Miss Lin!"

Chu Yan smiled too.

(End of this chapter)