AMLFS Chapter 117

Chapter 118: Easily Pleased

After the third beat of the night watchman’s clapper, Zhao Fangye opened his eyes. A faint sense of satiation made his already handsome face even more languid and noble.

It was still a while before his usual time for attending court. Beneath the silk quilt, Song Huaixi nestled in his arms. His ink-black hair was scattered, and his fair face was flushed rosy from sound sleep.

Zhao Fangye’s expression was gentle. He turned slightly, propping his head on his elbow. His long, narrow eyes were fixed on Song Huaixi, who was still in slumber.

Seeing him sleeping so soundly, Zhao Fangye couldn’t help but reach out and gently poke his cheek. The sleeping man’s eyelashes fluttered, but he didn’t wake from his dream.

His slender fingers, keeping a slight distance, carefully traced every feature of the face – eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth.

His gaze moved downward, the soft undergarment slightly open, revealing a slender neck and delicate collarbones. New marks covered old, like scattered red plum blossoms on snow.

His eyebrow raised slightly, as if very satisfied with his handiwork, Zhao Fangye’s gaze lingered there. A subtle sound came from outside the palace.

A serving eunuch softly called out the first time, “Your Majesty… it’s time for court.”

There was no movement in the hall. The eunuch paused, somewhat surprised. Usually, the Emperor would respond at the first call, but today…

Then came the second call: “Your Majesty… it’s time for court…”

The third call: “Your Majesty…”

For the first time, Zhao Fangye felt as if the eunuch outside was calling a soul back. He frowned involuntarily, glancing at Song Huaixi, who was still asleep. Supporting himself, he lightly pecked him on the lips, then put on his outer robe and got out of bed.

Tucking the quilt in, looking at the person on the bed, Zhao Fangye finally understood what it meant by a short spring night and the king neglecting morning court thereafter.

Walking around the screen to the outer room, Zhao Fangye said to the outside, “Enter!”

The eunuchs hurriedly opened the door, carrying trays and walking in. Seeing the Emperor’s displeased expression, they became even more respectful.

“Be quiet,” Zhao Fangye suddenly said as he was being helped into his court attire.

“Yes.”

Everyone’s movements became even more careful. Because the eunuchs on night duty and those serving the morning court were not the same group, they didn’t know that there was another person in the Emperor’s sleeping quarters. They assumed that the Emperor was in a bad mood and became even more cautious and respectful.

After one day, all the servants in the Forbidden City knew the importance of the Empress in the Emperor’s heart.

After all, even throughout the dynasties, empresses not only did not have male consorts, but there was also no precedent for sleeping in the same bed. According to the rules of the palace, even if the Empress came to serve in the imperial bedchamber, she would withdraw and sleep in a separate room in the latter half of the night. And historically, empresses would live in their own palaces instead of living with the Emperor. Zhao Fangye had broken all these precedents.

Song Huaixi had a good night’s sleep. When he opened his eyes, it was already broad daylight. Rubbing his eyes, Song Huaixi stretched lazily on the bed.

His body, which had been excessively tormented last night, immediately protested. Song Huaixi exclaimed, “Ah! My back…”

The throbbing pain in his back immediately woke Song Huaixi’s still-sleepy brain. He lay on the bed, on the verge of tears, his mouth dry.

“Are you uncomfortable?” As he was feeling aggrieved, he was scooped up. A teacup was also brought to his lips.

Zhao Fangye sat beside him, his voice gentle. “Drink some water to moisten your throat first.”

Gulping down more than half of it, Song Huaixi looked up at him, his eyes filled with grievances. “Zhao Fangye… my back aches…”

Seeing him like this, Zhao Fangye also regretted not being able to restrain himself. His tone was apologetic as he kissed his forehead, comforting him, “It’s all my fault. Shall I massage your back for you, Huaixi?”

“Yes!” Song Huaixi’s eyes sparkled, and he obediently allowed Zhao Fangye to hold him and massage his overworked back muscles.

Song Huaixi looked at the sunlight outside the window. “What time is it?”

“Almost noon.” Zhao Fangye hadn’t gone to the Imperial Study after court, and had people move the memorials to the outer room of the sleeping quarters. “Are you hungry? I’ll have someone prepare a meal. What do you want to eat?”

“I’m a little hungry.” Song Huaixi felt both hungry and tired, so he said, “I want milk curd. Anything else is fine, I want some sour side dishes.”

Seeing that he was craving snacks and preferred the palace’s pastries, taking regular meals lightly, Zhao Fangye originally wanted to say a few words, but thinking about how uncomfortable he was now, he let him be. He turned and ordered someone to prepare the meal.

“Didn’t you miss Chun Hua and Zhao Lu? They’ve been brought here and are waiting outside.” Zhao Fangye’s hands didn’t stop. “Do you want to see them?”

“Really?” Song Huaixi was overjoyed. “I want to see them! I want to see them!”

Chun Hua and Zhao Lu walked into the inner hall and knelt down. “This servant greets Your Majesty, Empress.”

Looking at the two on the ground, Zhao Fangye spoke calmly, “Rise. Huaixi is sentimental and doesn’t have any familiar people around him. From now on, you will stay by Huaixi’s side.”

“Yes! This servant will definitely do their best to take good care of the Empress.”

Song Huaixi was very affectionate when he saw the two of them. “Sister Chun Hua, Sister Zhao Lu, where have you been?”

“In response to the Empress, this servant followed the Madam back to the Song Mansion.”

“I see!” Song Huaixi remembered the scene of their house being raided and hurriedly asked, “Is our family okay? Has it been smashed? Has anyone stolen our things? Is our talking parrot still there?”

He asked several questions in a row. Song Huaixi propped himself up in Zhao Fangye’s arms, obviously very eager to know the answers.

“In response to the Empress, everything is fine at the Song Mansion. Your Majesty ordered the courtyard to be repaired and added many things. The Empress can go back and take a look when she has time. The parrot was originally gone, but it flew back on its own at night.” Zhao Lu said with a smile, “The Master praised it for being sensible and knowing how to protect itself.”

Song Huaixi was also happy when he heard this, and said to Zhao Fangye, “See, I told you my parrot is very smart.”

Zhao Fangye smiled without saying a word, massaging his shoulders after rubbing his back.

This scene, as seen by Chun Hua and Zhao Lu, was very enviable. They sighed at the affection between the two.

“What about Little Wolf?” Song Huaixi suddenly remembered after chatting for a while, “Didn’t Little Wolf come?”

“Little Wolf is in the other courtyard. If the Empress misses him, you can go and play with him.”

“That’s good!” Song Huaixi felt relieved, leaning lazily in Zhao Fangye’s arms like a lazy cat.

Chun Hua and Zhao Lu also retreated tactfully. Zhao Fangye held him, resting his head on his shoulder. “Are you satisfied now?”

“Mmm-hmm!” Nodding, Song Huaixi’s eyes curved, and he turned his head and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Zhao Fangye!”

Chuckling softly, Zhao Fangye thought he was really easy to please. He was satisfied with such a small favor. He pinched his cheek. “There’s no need to thank me between you and me. You can tell me anything you want, you know?”

“Got it.”

Milk curd was brought for lunch, and Song Huaixi ate happily. Zhao Fangye then ordered a reward for the person who made the milk curd.

Now, everyone in the palace knew. If you wanted to gain favor in front of the Emperor, pleasing the Empress was the key. So everyone in the palace racked their brains to make Song Huaixi happy.