The empress is both charming and seductive, rising through the ranks of palace intrigue.

Zhaochen Hall.

As Xiao Yu was reviewing the memorials, he suddenly looked at Yang An and said, "Pick out some exquisite items and send them to Consort Ning."

Hearing that refined statement, Yang An was certain that Consort Ning had caught the Emperor's eye. He quickly nodded in agreement.

He then asked, "Which palace does Consort Ning reside in?"

Yang An hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, it is Lan Yue Pavilion."

Xiao Yu pondered for a moment, recalling that Lan Yue Pavilion seemed to be somewhat remote. But that made sense, since the Empress had assigned her there.

The Empress had been by his side for many years and always did things according to his own wishes. He felt somewhat uncomfortable with Consort Ning, and he was sure the Empress was aware of this. That's why he assigned her to a more remote place.

He moved his arm, feeling a persistent unease about his back; a woman's fingernails were like sharp knives. His back still stung a little. He'd definitely make her cut those nails another day!

That's incredibly bold!

He recalled how Ning Shuyan had stroked his back and lightly kissed his ear last night, and he thought she was incredibly bold. Even though Consort Zhuang was alluring in bed, she was always very proper during her first time serving him, and even now she rarely dared to kiss him like that unless she was in a very good mood.

She seemed both afraid of him and unafraid of him. He had always disliked women who were too thin and frail, always feeling that they seemed somewhat sickly.

But she was different. She was perfectly proportioned in all the right places, with a supple and charming waist and skin as white as jade. She was even more stunning than the usually beautiful and voluptuous Consort Rong.

Thinking of this, Xiao Yu shook his head, looked at the pile of memorials on the table, picked up the teacup next to him and drank it down to calm his mind.

As night deepened, the bright moon hung in the sky, casting countless rays of light.

On a May evening, sitting in the courtyard, there was a gentle, cool breeze that was refreshing but not cold, which was very comfortable.

Ning Shuyan rested her chin on her hand, looked up at the bright moon in the sky, and sighed softly: "I wonder what Mother is doing right now."

Ziying also looked up and said softly, "Now that Miss has entered the palace, I believe Aunt Yun's life will be much easier."

Ning Shuyan said in a deep voice, "I hope so."

The moment Xiao Yu entered, he was greeted by this scene of a beautiful woman lost in thought. In the moonlight, she wore an apricot-colored long dress, appearing ethereal and otherworldly, like a fairy untouched by worldly concerns. Yet, a faint melancholy lingered on her face.

He went in silently, and Ziying, who was standing next to him, was about to bow when Xiao Yu stopped her.

A gentle breeze blew by, and after sitting for a while, she felt a chill. Ning Shuyan touched her arm and said softly, "Let's go inside."

Turning her head, she saw Xiao Yu standing in front of her and was startled. She quickly prepared to get up and step forward to pay her respects, but accidentally stepped on the long hem of his robe, causing her to lean forward.

"Ah!" Ning Shuyan exclaimed in surprise as she was about to fall to the ground, but she had already lost control of her body.

Fortunately, just as she was about to hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, and then Ning Shuyan felt the hand around her waist tighten, and she landed in a thick chest.

Ning Shuyan quickly regained her balance and stepped out of Xiao Yu's embrace. She knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I have been impolite."

Xiao Yu slowly lowered his hand. He had just grasped the woman's waist, but before he could even warm it, he pulled away. If it were anyone else, they would probably be nestled shyly in his arms, unwilling to leave.

He said gently, "It's alright, but did I frighten you?"

His tone was no longer as cold as before. Ning Shuyan looked up and saw that his face looked much softer in the moonlight, without his usual sharpness.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I didn't expect you to come." She slowly rose. She added, "Would Your Majesty like to come in and have a seat?"

Yang An, standing behind Xiao Yu, couldn't help but look up at this Master Ning. The Emperor has already arrived, why not quickly invite him in instead of asking such a question?

To everyone's surprise, Xiao Yu wasn't annoyed. Instead, he looked at Ning Shuyan with amusement and said, "What do you think?"

Ning Shuyan seemed to understand, and smiled with her eyes lowered. She followed behind Xiao Yu, who was already walking towards the inner hall.

Xiao Yu surveyed the simple yet elegant furnishings of Lan Yue Pavilion. He suddenly remembered the purpose of his visit. He said calmly, "Extend your hand."

Ning Shuyan stretched out her hand with a puzzled look. He looked down and saw that her ten fingers were as slender as bamboo shoots, her wrists were like white lotus roots, and her nails were faintly translucent with pearly luster.

Ning Shuyan raised her eyelids and said softly, "Is there something wrong with my hands?"

Her eyes lifted slightly; they should have been pure and lively almond-shaped, but the corners of her eyes were slightly upturned, and her gaze held a hint of allure.

Xiao Yu held her hand in his own; her hand was cool and soft, like silk.

"No, my beloved's hands are very beautiful. They are as soft as tender shoots, as smooth as cream, and her nails are also very long and beautiful."

As he spoke, Xiao Yu rubbed her fingers.

Ning Shuyan gripped Xiao Yu's hand tightly in return, which surprised Xiao Yu, causing a ripple to appear on his face. Looking at her loose dress, he reached out his other hand to embrace her slender waist and gently squeezed it.

Ning Shuyan gently twisted away and laughed, "Your Majesty, I'm ticklish."

Seeing her dodge away, Xiao Yu's heart pounded as if he was getting anxious. He picked Ning Shuyan up in his arms.

Ning Shuyan gasped in surprise, then gently pressed herself against his chest, serene and submissive. Xiao Yu couldn't help but smile.

Ning Shuyan smiled faintly. Men just love this feeling of having and not having; giving him a little treat now and then makes him feel very fresh and satisfied.

This time, Ning Shuyan finally experienced the pleasure between men and women.

Having not experienced it for six or seven years, she almost forgot that she was a woman too!

As Xiao Yu was dressing, Ning Shuyan noticed faint red marks on his back. She couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, your back…"

As Xiao Yu dressed, he said, "Have you forgotten about the time you caught me last night?"

Ning Shuyan feigned composure and quickly nodded, saying, "Your Majesty, I have offended you. Please forgive me. I will go and trim my nails now."

As she was about to get up, Xiao Yu stopped her, took her slender hand and said, "It's alright. I just said your hands are beautiful, why ruin them?"

Ning Shuyan lowered her eyes with a smile.

Xiao Yu looked at her slightly damp forehead and her rosy, glowing skin. Her complexion looked even better.

He couldn't help but wonder what kind of woman she was. You could say she was foolish, but she was actually quite clever. Yet, while she was clever, she also seemed adorably naive. When it came to matters of the heart, she was shy and innocent. But in bed, she was surprisingly bold.

However, he likes women who haven't been corrupted by this cesspool.