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

The Empress Dowager's eyes lit up, and she quickly said, "Quickly, let the Emperor in!"

As soon as Kangxi stepped into the palace, his gaze swept over everyone and landed precisely on Liu Yunshu.

She sat gracefully beside the Empress Dowager, her moon-white cheongsam accentuating her elegant figure.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager." Kangxi bowed and his tone softened unconsciously.

"Get up." The Empress Dowager smiled and beckoned. "You've come at the perfect time. Yun Shu is just telling me about the winter festival on the grasslands, and she describes it in more detail than those old nannies."

Kangxi walked over and sat down in the empty seat next to Liu Yunshu. His gaze swept over the stray hairs at the tip of her ear, and he said in a low voice, "Oh? I didn't know that my lady was familiar with the customs of the grasslands."

Liu Yunshu looked up at him, her heart skipped a beat for no reason, and she quickly lowered her eyes and replied, "I just heard some interesting stories from my grandmother, I hope the Empress Dowager will forgive me."

"Did your grandmother teach you the songs to sing during the winter sacrifice? I haven't heard any grassland tunes in a long time."

Liu Yunshu curled her fingertips slightly, somewhat embarrassed, and replied, "I've learned some, but I haven't sung in a long time, and I'm afraid I've forgotten the tune and might disturb the Empress Dowager's listening."

The Empress Dowager, however, became interested and gently shook her hand, her tone carrying a hint of coquettish expectation.

"It's alright, it's alright. I'm just here for the fun. Besides, your voice is so clear and melodious, even if you're off-key, it still sounds good."

Kangxi sat to the side, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the edge of the teacup. His gaze fell on her tightly pursed lips, and he echoed, "Since the Empress Dowager wants to hear it, Madam, please sing a song. I also want to hear a tune from the grasslands."

Seeing that both of them said so, Liu Yunshu stopped refusing.

She rose gently, walked to a slightly more open area in the hall, curtsied to the Empress Dowager and Emperor Kangxi, and then slowly raised her head.

Liu Yunshu took a deep breath, parted her lips slightly, and the melody of the grassland folk song flowed out slowly.

Her voice was already clear and melodious, and when she sang this expansive tune, it became even more ethereal, like a breeze sweeping across the grasslands, carrying the scent of grass and milk, gently landing on people's hearts.

The Empress Dowager listened intently, her hand holding the prayer beads gradually slowing the rhythm, a faint warmth rising in her eyes, as if through the song she was recalling her youth on the grasslands.

Kangxi stared intently at Liu Yunshu.

When she sings with deep emotion, her eyes will sparkle with a subtle light, and her long eyelashes will tremble gently with the melody.

He suddenly realized that no matter how bright the candlelight in the Cining Palace was, it couldn't compare to the captivating light in her eyes.

When the song ended, Liu Yunshu stopped singing and looked at the Empress Dowager somewhat uneasily: "Empress Dowager, I have made a fool of myself."

"You're not making a fool of yourself!" The Empress Dowager quickly beckoned her over, patted her hand, and said, "You sing even better than the musicians in the palace! You must come and keep me company often in the future."

Just as Liu Yunshu was about to agree, a palace maid announced from outside the hall: "Empress Dowager, Consort Yi and Consort De have arrived."

The Empress Dowager frowned slightly, then released Liu Yunshu's hand and said calmly, "Let them in."

Consort Yi and Consort De entered one after the other. Upon seeing the Emperor, they quickly curtsied and said, "Your Majesty, we pay our respects to the Empress Dowager."

Emperor Kangxi gave a faint "hmm".

Liu Yunshu quickly curtsied to the two women: "Your Majesty, Lady Hesheli, greets Consort Yi and Consort De."

Consort Yi glanced at Liu Yunshu and saw that she had a beautiful face and a quiet temperament. Although her moon-white cheongsam was simple and elegant, it accentuated her slender figure.

Consort Yi then smiled and raised her hand, saying, "Madam, you may rise."

She was just a concubine and posed no threat to her.

Consort De nodded slightly to her, and the two then spoke to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.

Liu Yunshu sat quietly to one side, her fingertips gently gathering the hem of her skirt, her gaze fixed on the burning silver candle in the corner of the hall, without saying a word.

The Empress Dowager saw this, coughed lightly, and took Liu Yunshu's hand, saying, "It's getting late. Yunshu must be tired from the journey to the palace. Let a maid take you to a side hall to rest. You can come back to talk to me tomorrow."

Liu Yunshu quickly rose and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Empress Dowager. This humble woman takes her leave. Greetings, Your Majesty and Your Highnesses."

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.

Liu Yunshu stayed in the palace for a few days and became increasingly familiar with the Empress Dowager.

That day, after taking a bath, Liu Yunshu wore a loose, moon-white Hanfu, her black hair loosely tied up with a white silk scarf.

"Your Majesty, Emperor Kangxi is on his way!"

Liu Yunshu's eyes flickered, then she turned to Biyu and said, "Biyu, it's been a long time since you practiced dancing. Why don't you practice a bit in the courtyard tonight?"

"Miss, it's been a while since you've danced! I'll go get your white jade fan right away!" Biyu said, walking briskly towards the room.

Liu Yunshu walked into the courtyard outside the side hall. The night breeze lifted the loose hem of her clothes, and strands of her black hair brushed against her cheeks.

She raised her hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze falling on the moonlight in the center of the courtyard, where bluestone slabs were laid, perfect for dancing.

Before long, Biyu returned with a white jade fan. Liu Yunshu took the fan and gently traced the orchid pattern on the fan surface with her fingertips.

She took a deep breath, and slowly raised her hand and spun around in the gentle rhythm of the evening breeze.

The moonlight shone on her, making her white Hanfu glow with a soft luster.

As the white jade fan opened and closed in her hand, it seemed as if orchids were quietly blooming under the moonlight.

As she turned, her clothes fluttered and the silk scarf in her hair swayed gently, making her seem like a celestial being banished to the moon, both aloof and gentle.

As soon as Kangxi reached the entrance of the side hall, he saw this scene and stopped in his tracks.

He had finished his official business and was planning to visit her, but he never expected to witness such a scene.

He stood under the veranda, his gaze fixed on the figure in the courtyard.

As she danced with great enthusiasm, her eyes shone with a subtle light, and a faint smile played on her lips, a stark contrast to her desolate state at the Tong residence that day.

The evening breeze carried her faint fragrance, mingling with the moonlight, which softened his heart.

As she completed the final spin, whether it was because she hadn't practiced for many days or something else, Liu Yunshu slipped and her body leaned forward instantly, the white jade fan in her hand flying to the side.

"Watch out!" Kangxi rushed over almost instinctively, and just as she was about to fall, he reached out and caught her waist, holding her firmly in his arms.

Under the moonlight, her black hair hung loosely, and her face was flushed from exercise with beads of sweat, adding to her alluring charm.

The loose Hanfu slipped slightly due to the movement, revealing her slender, fair shoulders.

When Kangxi's gaze fell upon that expanse of white, his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and the hand around her waist tightened even more.

Startled by the sudden force, Liu Yunshu looked up and met his deep eyes.

The moonlight reflected in his eyes, as did her reflection, so intense that it made her ears burn. She tried to pull away from his embrace, but he held her tightly.

"What's the panic?" Kangxi's voice was a little hoarse, his breath landing on her forehead. "Stand firm, don't fall again."

He then raised his hand and gently brushed across her fair, rounded shoulder, his fingertips burning hot as he slowly pulled up her slipped collar.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Her voice trembled, and she dared not look him in the eye. "This humble woman...this humble woman lost her composure for a moment."

Kangxi didn't loosen his grip. Instead, he leaned down slightly, his gaze falling on her reddened earlobes, his tone carrying a barely perceptible smile: "Have you become rusty from not practicing for so long?"

"Yes." Liu Yunshu nodded gently, feeling her cheeks burning.

Not far away, Qiu Shuang held Bi Yu tightly, lest she disturb the rare moment of tenderness before them.

Biyu glared at Qiushuang, "Whose side are you on anyway?!"

Kangxi's gaze fell on the white jade fan not far away, and he bent down to pick it up.

The orchids on the fan were dusty, which he gently brushed away with his fingertips before handing it back to her: "It's a fine fan, don't break it."

Liu Yunshu took the fan, her fingertips touching his fingertips. The scalding heat made her quickly withdraw her hand, lower her eyes, and say, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"It's late at night, and the wind is chilly." Kangxi raised his hand to look at the sky, his tone softening unconsciously. "Be careful not to catch a cold. Go back inside the palace quickly."

Liu Yunshu nodded, turned and walked into the hall, but her steps were somewhat flustered.

Kangxi followed behind her, watching the silk scarf in her loose hair sway gently, and the desire to keep her by his side grew even stronger.

As Kangxi watched her retreating figure, the emotions in his eyes grew even stronger, as if even the night breeze carried a hint of heat.

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.

A few more days passed.

Just as Liu Yunshu was about to fall asleep, a figure barged in.

Liu Yunshu's heart tightened. Just as she was about to cry for help, the man covered her mouth. He leaned close to her ear, his hot breath washing over her. "Yunshu, don't panic, it's me!"

Liu Yunshu first breathed a sigh of relief, then looked at him in alarm.

She gently pulled his hand away from her lips, her voice low and tinged with panic: "Your Majesty! What's wrong...?"

Before she finished speaking, Kangxi's face was flushed, his breathing was more rapid than usual, the palms supporting her arm were burning hot, and even his eyes were unfocused and hot.

Liu Yunshu's heart tightened, and she quickly helped him to the bedside: "Your Majesty, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

Emperor Kangxi closed his eyes, unable to contain himself. He couldn't very well say that the four concubines had taken turns sending him nourishing soup today.

He couldn't resist the Empress Dowager's persuasion and forced himself to drink two bowls, but he didn't expect that the soup contained a very high amount of warming and nourishing medicinal herbs, and now he felt extremely hot all over.

Just then, Biyu's voice came from outside the door, asking, "Miss, I heard some noise inside just now. Is something wrong?"

Liu Yunshu's heart tightened, and she was just about to reply.

She was interrupted by Kangxi's actions. He suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms, his hot palms pressing her firmly against the bedpost.

"Miss?"

Hearing Biyu's voice getting closer, she quickly lowered her voice and replied to the door, "It's nothing. I just knocked over the dressing case. You can go down now. You don't need to come in to serve me."

As soon as the footsteps outside the door faded into the distance, Kangxi began to get restless.

Liu Yunshu was pinned between the bedpost and his chest, with nowhere to retreat. She could only clutch his sleeve, her voice trembling, "Your Majesty, please calm down. What if someone sees us like this..."

Before the words were finished, they disappeared between his lips and teeth.

Kangxi's kiss was scalding hot, mixed with the strong ambergris and lingering medicinal scent on his body, and it covered him domineeringly and urgently.

Liu Yunshu's mind went blank, her fingertips trembled slightly as she gripped his sleeve, and she even forgot to breathe.

She could only let him use his burning strength to trap her firmly between the bedpost and his chest.