Host! I told you to do a task! I didn't tell you to bbb.

In the following days, Kangxi often used the pretext of "discussing learning" to go to Yuquan Villa every afternoon.

Seeing Kangxi's carefree and oblivious appearance, Li Dequan couldn't help but remind him, "Your Majesty, the capital is waiting for news of your triumphant return. If we delay any longer..."

Kangxi paused, his fingertips rubbing the corner of his sleeve, his gaze unconsciously sweeping towards the direction of Yuquan Villa. "I understand. Issue the decree, and we shall depart for the capital tomorrow."

Li Dequan secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly bowed, replying, "This servant obeys the decree."

But just as he was about to leave, Kangxi added, "In addition, have someone prepare some fine writing implements, as well as the box of Wuyi rock tea that I found a few days ago, and send them to Yuquan Villa together, saying that it is... a token of appreciation for Madam Xie's 'discussion on scholarship' these past few days."

Li Dequan understood perfectly, but he responded respectfully, "This servant will take care of it immediately. I will make sure the person delivering the items is careful and does not disturb the lady's peace."

In the afternoon, Kangxi went to Yuquan Villa as usual.

When Liu Yunshu saw him arrive, she still smiled gently, but when she was brewing tea, her fingers unconsciously slowed down a little.

"You seem to have something on your mind today?" She handed over the teacup, her tone carrying just the right amount of concern.

Kangxi took the teacup and ran his fingertips along the warm rim of the cup.

His gaze fell on the scattered petals under the wisteria trellis, and his tone carried a hint of barely perceptible melancholy.

"Tomorrow, I... will be returning home."

Liu Yunshu's hand holding the teapot paused slightly, and the sound of hot water being poured into the tea pitcher was a beat slower.

When she looked up, a faint sense of disappointment lingered in her eyes. "Is the important person leaving?"

As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly lowered her eyes and gently tucked her hair behind her ear with her fingertips. "It was my mistake. Since Your Excellency has important business to attend to, you should naturally return home soon."

His forced composure, yet barely concealing disappointment, made Kangxi's heart tighten.

He put down his teacup, leaned forward, and his tone softened unconsciously: "After this parting, I don't know when we will be able to discuss learning and brew tea like this again."

As soon as he said it, he realized he had been too blunt, so he added, "I truly admire your knowledge and character, Madam."

Liu Yunshu looked up and met his deep gaze.

She gently bit her lower lip, turned her face slightly to the side, and looked at him with a hint of sorrow in her eyes. "If we are destined to meet again..."

As Kangxi looked at the slight sorrow in her eyes, his heart felt a pang of reluctance.

His Adam's apple bobbed, as if he wanted to say something, but he didn't know how to begin.

In the end, it all boiled down to a soft sigh: "I hope so."

That day, I drank my tea for a longer time than usual.

As the sun set, Emperor Kangxi rose to take his leave.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The next day, Liu Yunshu leaned against the chaise lounge, resting her chin on her hand and looking out the window.

Xiao Ba leaned closer and whispered, "Host, Kangxi has returned to the capital. What should we do next?"

"When Emperor Kangxi returned to the capital in triumph, it was impossible for him not to hold a banquet, and Longkodo, as an important minister of the court, would certainly attend with his family."

Liu Yunshu gently traced the silk cushions beside the couch with her fingertips. "Then, it will be the perfect time for us to 'reunite'."

Xiao Ba's eyes lit up, and she leaned even closer: "Host, are you trying to attract Kangxi's attention again at the palace banquet? But Li Si'er will definitely be going with Longkodo. What if she causes trouble at the banquet?"

"It's good that she's causing trouble." Liu Yunshu chuckled. "If she doesn't cause trouble, how can I get what I want?"

Little Eight blinked, still not quite understanding, but it believed that everything was under the control of its host!

Sure enough, the next day, the Tong family sent people to pick up Liu Yunshu and take her back.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

On the day of the palace banquet, the Tong family's carriage stopped outside the palace gate.

Madam Tong, along with Liu Yunshu and Li Si'er, got off the carriage.

She hadn't wanted to bring Li Si'er along; as a concubine, she wasn't qualified to attend a royal banquet.

Unable to resist Longkodo's pleas, Madam Tong had no choice but to agree.

Madam Tong glanced at Li Si'er, who was adorned with jewels and dressed in bright colors, and then looked at Liu Yunshu, who was dressed in a dark blue cheongsam with subtle patterns and appeared dignified and composed.

He sighed inwardly. Those who are likable can't get ahead, and those who get ahead aren't likable!

The palace banquet was held in the Qianqing Palace, which was brightly lit and filled with the sounds of string and wind instruments. Court officials and noblewomen sat on either side according to their rank.

"The Emperor has arrived!"

As the eunuch's loud announcement rang out, the hall fell silent instantly. Everyone rose to their feet, knelt, and shouted in unison, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

A figure in bright yellow slowly entered the hall. Kangxi's gaze swept over everyone, and when it landed on Liu Yunshu, a barely perceptible warmth flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it, and simply said, "All of you, rise."

Everyone rose and returned to their seats, and the sounds of string and wind instruments resumed, officially commencing the palace banquet.

Amidst the singing and dancing, Kangxi occasionally chatted with the ministers beside him, his gaze subtly sweeping towards the direction where Liu Yunshu was.

She sat gracefully at the table, occasionally exchanging quiet conversations with the ladies of high rank beside her, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Like a quietly blooming orchid, it exudes a unique elegance amidst the bustling hall.

Seeing that everyone around her was only talking to Liu Yunshu and didn't pay any attention to her, Li Si'er felt secretly resentful.

He then picked up the wine glass, pretending to be unsteady on his feet, and with a flick of his wrist, splashed the wine directly onto Liu Yunshu.

"Oops! Please forgive me, sister, my hand slipped and I couldn't hold it properly!"

The wine splashed onto Liu Yunshu's dark blue cheongsam, spreading into a dark stain.

Madam Tong frowned slightly and secretly glared at Li Si'er, but could only smooth things over: "Never mind, never mind, perhaps it was just that there were too many people at the banquet and things were chaotic. Yun Shu, please don't take offense."

Liu Yunshu casually raised her hand and brushed the hem of her clothes, her eyes showing no anger, and she just smiled faintly.

"It's alright, it's just a piece of clothing. Since my sister didn't do it on purpose, there's no need to blame her. Mother, I'll go to the side hall to tidy up my clothes first, so as not to be impolite here and spoil the atmosphere of the palace banquet."

Seeing her composure and poise, Madam Tong felt even more that Li Si'er was petty and quickly nodded, "Go ahead, come back when you're all tidied up, don't catch a cold."

Liu Yunshu bowed in agreement and turned to walk towards the side hall.

Emperor Kangxi, who was sitting at the head of the table, had just finished speaking with the minister beside him when he turned around and found that Liu Yunshu was nowhere to be seen.

"Li Dequan," Kangxi called out in a low voice.

Li Dequan understood immediately and quickly leaned closer to whisper what had just happened.

Kangxi's grip on the wine cup tightened slightly, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.

He put down his wine cup and, under the pretext of changing his clothes, left the Qianqing Palace.

Kangxi walked towards the side hall, and just as he turned the corner, he saw Biyu hurriedly walking out of the side hall.

Kangxi's eyes flickered, and he quietly walked to the door, which was slightly ajar.

Inside, Liu Yunshu was facing away from the door, carefully wiping the wine stains on her qipao with a wet wipe.

The light shone on her jade-like face, and even her lowered eyelashes gleamed with a soft light.

As the saying goes, a beautiful woman is more captivating the more you look at her under the lamplight.

Kangxi stood outside the door, his gaze falling on her slender back. Her dark blue cheongsam, stained with wine, clung to her body, making her figure appear even more graceful.

He gently pushed open the slightly ajar door, his footsteps startling the people inside.

Liu Yunshu was startled and turned around abruptly, losing her footing and crashing into the corner of the table behind her.

Kangxi stepped forward, put his arm around her slender waist, and felt the delicate and soft curves beneath her clothes with his palm. He unconsciously caressed them a few times.

Liu Yunshu stiffened, her cheeks instantly turning bright red. She hurriedly tried to push Kangxi's hand away, but because she was still a little unsteady on her feet, she leaned even closer into his arms.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, please let go, I... I am alright."

Kangxi then came to his senses and quickly released his grip.

His fingertips still lingered on the soft touch of her waist, and his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

Be careful not to get hurt.

Liu Yunshu steadied herself, quickly took a half step back, lowered her head to straighten her clothes, and her ear tips were so red they almost bled.

"Thank you... thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am unharmed."

The side hall was quiet for a moment, with only the soft rustling of the wind blowing through the palace lanterns in the corridor outside the window.

Emperor Kangxi coughed lightly. "My lady, please don't be offended. I didn't mean to hide it, it's just..."

Before she finished speaking, Liu Yunshu looked up. The panic in her eyes had disappeared, replaced by a clearer look. Her tone remained gentle and respectful.

"Why does Your Majesty say such a thing? Your Majesty previously addressed me as 'Noble Lady' out of consideration for my feelings, fearing that I might feel awkward or uncomfortable if I knew my true identity. I am deeply grateful for this kindness, how could I possibly blame you?"

Upon hearing this, Kangxi was slightly moved. She always had such a keen understanding, able to defuse awkward situations appropriately without appearing to be deliberately ingratiating.

He gazed at her flushed earlobes, a faint smile unconsciously spreading across his lips: "It's good that my wife understands. I saw you wiping the clothes earlier; perhaps you've been wronged?"

Liu Yunshu lowered her eyes, her fingertips lightly brushing against the still-damp wine stains on the hem of her clothes. "I just accidentally spilled the wine glass. There's nothing to be upset about."

As Kangxi looked at her nonchalant demeanor, the warmth in his eyes deepened.

She knew that Li Si'er was deliberately making things difficult for her, but she was unwilling to say anything at this moment, thus saving face for the Tong family and not putting him in a dilemma.

He stepped forward, his gaze falling on the wine stain. He took off his outer robe and gently draped it over her shoulders, his fingertips brushing against her shoulder as he said in a gentle voice, "Wear this for now, so you don't get cold. This material is thick and can block some of the wind."

"This is not appropriate!" Liu Yunshu hurriedly raised her hand to take off her outer robe, but her fingertips had just touched the bright yellow fabric when Kangxi pressed down on the back of her hand.

"There's no need for such formalities between us."

Liu Yunshu suddenly looked up at him, and Kangxi was startled to realize that his words were too ambiguous, so he quickly explained.

"What I mean is that you are very knowledgeable, and we enjoy discussing academic matters together. You are practically a 'confidant' to me. There's no need to stand on ceremony over trivial matters."

Upon hearing this, Kangxi found it to be extremely reasonable and nodded inwardly.

"this……"

"Does Madam perhaps feel that we are not kindred spirits?"

Kangxi looked at her with deep eyes, his tone carrying a sense of grievance that he himself was unaware of.

She paused for a moment, then hurriedly shook her head, "In that case, it would be impolite of me to refuse."

She lowered her eyes, her fingertips gently twisting the hem of her dress, not daring to meet Kangxi's gaze again.

When Kangxi saw that she no longer refused, the smile in his eyes deepened.

Silence fell again in the side hall. Kangxi stood with his hands behind his back, his fingers constantly stroking her body, as if the soft touch of his arm around her waist still lingered on his skin.

Just then, Biyu's slightly trembling voice came from outside the hall, "Your Majesty, Madam, the spare clothes have been brought."