Under the open sky, beneath a makeshift shelter that rattled in the wind, the chilly autumn breeze slipped through from all sides. Yun Kui had long since lost track of time; everything before her eyes was a blur, except for the man’s kiss—so vivid, so deeply etched in her memory.
Her heart was heavy with worries, fearful of being discovered. Every ounce of her tension was focused on him.
The cool autumn air brushed against her skin, sending faint shivers through her. Xiao Qi'an’s forehead was slick with sweat, veins standing out prominently.
Yun Kui gripped his outer robe tightly and whispered, “Did you bring your guards?”
Xiao Qi'an continued without hesitation, “They’re all stationed far away. Without my orders, they wouldn’t dare step forward.”
But Yun Kui remained uneasy. “You… take it slow. I’m only wearing this one layer.”
She had truly thought this would be just a simple horseback ride!
When he refused to listen, she was about to say more, only to be silenced by his firm lips pressing against hers. “Relax.”
Time slipped by again, unmeasured. Tears streamed down Yun Kui’s face as she felt herself almost dissolve into the wind. Suddenly, a sharp scent of something burnt invaded her nose.
Startled, she shivered and reached out to steady him. “Did you burn the chicken and rabbit?”
The sudden jolt nearly made the man surrender. He murmured close to her ear, “Burnt or not, I’ll go hunt again later.”
Yun Kui bit back her discomfort, but the wild tension of the outdoors made her scalp tingle. She wanted to cry out, to release herself, but feared being overheard. Instead, she bit into his shoulder, muffling her soft groans.
The aftermath was nothing short of disastrous—the wild chicken and rabbit were charred to blackened cinders.
Dressed again in her gown, barely able to sit upright, Yun Kui watched as he tossed the burnt meat aside. Before long, he returned with a wild sheep. She was so stunned she hardly knew what to say.
If she hadn’t known his archery skills were unmatched, she might have thought he’d sent the guards to hunt.
Roasting a whole sheep took at least an hour. Yun Kui watched as he skillfully skinned and prepared it, then sliced off a chunk from the hind leg and the tenderloin, skewering the meat in alternating layers of fat and lean. The remaining meat was set to roast whole on a spit.
The skewers cooked quickly, sizzling over the fire. The dripping lamb fat flared up bright flames as it hit the embers. Sprinkled with the fragrant spices he’d brought, the rich aroma of roasted meat and savory oil rose sharply, making mouths water.
Yun Kui watched the raw meat gradually turn golden brown, licking her lips. Seeing the perfect moment, Xiao Qi'an plucked the best skewer and handed it to her. “Careful, it’s hot.”
She took it gratefully, blowing gently before biting down. Juices and fat burst forth in her mouth, rich and spicy, the full-bodied flavor instantly filling her senses.
“I thought once I entered the palace, I’d never taste anything like this again.”
Back at the Sheng residence, she had fallen in love with lamb buns, but that flavor was only found in the bustling alleys of common folk. She never imagined that as Empress, she could still go out riding and enjoy roasting meat with him.
Xiao Qi'an turned the spit slowly, saying, “Of course I have to treat you well. Otherwise, if you keep longing for others’ kindness and dreaming of life outside the palace, how could I ever keep you by my side?”
Yun Kui lifted her chin, her face full of playful pride. “You don’t need to feel inferior. High or low, you’re an emperor—handsome, brave, and strong. My standards aren’t that high; someone like you is more than enough.”
Xiao Qi’an smiled softly, his deep eyes fixed on her. “So… is there a reward?”
Yun Kui blinked in surprise, noticing the way his Adam’s apple moved. Instinctively, she became wary. “What… kind of reward are you talking about?”
Xiao Qi’an tore off two pieces of lamb chop and handed them to her. “We’ll settle that later—after you’ve eaten.”
Hesitantly, Yun Kui took the meat and quickly forgot his words once she was busy enjoying the meal.
After they were full, the leftover lamb would be collected by the guards once they left.
Xiao Qi’an led her to the stream to wash their hands. They watched the sunset together by the water’s edge, lingering until night fell. Only then did Yun Kui reluctantly stand up.
Ben Xiao had eaten his fill of fodder and nudged her palm with his nose, clearly already seeing her as his mistress.
Xiao Qi’an mounted his horse with a swift leap, then wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up. Yun Kui gasped instinctively as she was turned around, now facing him. Her eyes locked on his rugged Adam’s apple as she nervously asked, “H-How am I supposed to sit like this?”
Xiao Qi’an lowered his gaze to her, his eyes heavy with meaning. “It’s your reward.”
He tightened his grip on the reins, eyes forward. “Hold onto me.”
The road was bumpy.
Yun Kui had never felt a journey so long and unbearable. Her whole body felt like it was falling apart, and she lost count of how many times she cried.
When they returned, Xiao Qi’an carried her straight into the purification chamber for a bath. Back in bed, he gently applied ointment to her with tender care.
Yun Kui’s voice was hoarse from crying, and with her eyes closed, she refused to look at him. “Take back those compliments you gave me earlier.”
Xiao Qi’an: “Hmm?”
She snapped, “You’re not good at all!”
Xiao Qi’an sighed softly and kissed her ear. “Alright, I was out of line today. How about I make it up to you?”
Yun Kui sniffled, a dull ache still lingering in her lower abdomen. “How do you plan to make it up?”
Xiao Qi’an pretended to think it over. “How about I forgive your previous crime of deceiving the emperor?”
Yun Kui was stunned and a little guilty. “W-What crime of deceiving the emperor?”
Xiao Qi’an rubbed her lower belly. “What do you think?”
Could it be about the time I faked being sick? She thought, biting back a groan.
Accidentally revealing her thoughts, she quickly covered her mouth. Then, realizing what she’d done, she smacked her forehead in frustration. “So you knew all along!”
Xiao Qi’an said, “You have to understand, I love you. That’s why I’m willing to be considerate. But that doesn’t mean you can get away with things so easily, got it?”
Yun Kui retorted, “Considerate? That was your idea of consideration? Lord Shen would never do such rough things. He always indulges Lady Shen in everything.”
Xiao Qi’an replied, “You think he didn’t know Lady Shen was faking her illness?”
Lord Shen was once the top scholar and later took charge of the Bureau of Political Affairs. During Emperor Chunming’s reign, no official’s secrets or dirty dealings escaped the Bureau’s watchful eyes. Could he not tell Lady Shen was pretending?
After hearing this, Yun Kui only admired Lady Shen more. “He knew…”
Lady Shen continued to feign illness without exposing the truth, treating everyone with gentle kindness. Isn’t that even more admirable?”
Xiao Qi’an’s voice turned cold: “If you knew this marriage was secured through his schemes, you wouldn’t say that.”
Yun Kui asked, “What schemes? Then Lady Shen…”
Xiao Qi’an pressed her belly lightly. “Enough. No more talk about others. I don’t want to hear Shen Yanshi’s name from your lips again.”
Yun Kui angrily pulled his hand away. “I don’t want you to serve me either!”
...
After a few carefree days in Yanshan, she returned to the palace. Apart from an autumn ceremony, there were hardly any pressing matters demanding her attention. The harem was empty, free from the usual intrigues and dirty schemes.
However, two elder princesses wished to bring their nieces to the palace to pay respects. It was only after a maid’s reminder that Yun Kui realized they likely wanted to show themselves before the emperor, hoping to have their nieces admitted into the harem.
Yun Kui told Xiao Qi’an about this.
He simply asked, “Do you want them to enter the palace?”
Yun Kui replied, “Of course not. But they are elder princesses, sisters of the late emperor. How can I refuse to see them? I heard Princess Qingyang’s niece is the most beautiful woman in the capital. I don’t know what you think, so I dare not decide on my own…”
Her voice grew faint as she met the man’s dark, burning eyes. She tried to retreat into the bed but was grabbed by the ankle and pulled back, finally forced to plead with tears.
She held her waist and cried, “What if outsiders gossip behind my back and call me a jealous woman? What then?”
Xiao Qi’an said coldly, “Then we’ll accuse them of lèse-majesté.”
“My late father had only my mother as his consort. No one dared to slander her. As for those noble cousins,” he said, “if you don’t want to meet them, you don’t have to.”
With his approval, Yun Kui began to feign illness whenever she received invitations from Princess Qingyang. After a few refusals, the princess stopped trying to make moves on her.
At night, she endured Xiao Qi’an’s demands; by day, she rested and recuperated. On fine days, she even ventured out of the palace for a stroll. Life was surprisingly comfortable.
That night, when Xiao Qi’an returned to the Kunning Palace, the Empress was nowhere to be found. After asking Qing Dai, he learned she had gone out.
Qing Dai explained, “The Empress sent word that today is Minister Sheng’s birthday. Since the sky is gloomy and rain might fall tonight, she decided to stay at the Sheng residence for a couple of days. She told His Majesty not to wait for her.”
Xiao Qi’an regretted agreeing to her request to leave the palace the night before, during their passionate embrace.
He returned alone to the Yangxin Hall to handle state affairs, his face as dark as ink. The palace attendants served him with trembling caution.
Outside, the cold rain fell relentlessly, its ceaseless noise stirring an unease within.
Cao Yuanlu was serving His Majesty in the Yangxin Hall for the first time. Without the Empress by his side, the emperor seemed to revert to his former state, plagued by illness. His brows furrowed deeply; he tossed and turned through the night. Cao Yuanlu changed the incense in the brazier, hoping to soothe him, but it had no effect.
Carefully, he suggested, “Perhaps I should send someone to ask the Empress to return?”
Listening to the soft patter of rain outside, Xiao Qi’an curled his lips coldly: “No need.”
He was eager to see how long she could bear not seeing him.
The next morning’s court session was thick with a stifling, oppressive atmosphere that everyone could feel. The emperor even harshly reprimanded several negligent officials, leaving the ministers silent and trembling, barely daring to breathe.
Sheng Yu noticed it all. After court, he didn’t even stop by the Ministry of War but went straight home. There, he found his lady still lazily lying in her room, only slowly rising to wash up upon hearing his return.
Yun Kui looked well, her cheeks flushed with a natural rosy glow, bright and radiant like the blooming crabapple flowers on a spring branch.
Her status as Empress hadn’t shackled her too tightly, forcing her to become solemn and stern, or someone she was not. She was still the same girl as before—lazy and carefree, with a touch of youthful innocence.
From the bottom of his heart, Sheng Yu wished for her freedom and happiness. But now that she was Empress, even if the emperor indulged her, she couldn’t afford to be too arrogant or spoiled.
After much thought, Sheng Yu told her about the emperor’s furious outburst during court that day.
Yun Kui appeared indifferent. “Politics are forbidden in the harem. I keep that firmly in mind. Whatever happens in court, I never get involved.”
Sheng Yu wasn’t trying to get her involved in politics. “I mean, the emperor’s bad mood—could it be related to you frequently leaving the palace?”
Yun Kui sipped her porridge calmly. “He said himself I can leave the palace whenever I want.”
Could she really not hold back after just one night?
Yun Kui had been sleeping soundly. After being exhausted by him every night these days, she was eager to hide away at home and rest. It just so happened that it rained last night, giving her a perfect excuse not to return to the palace.
Sheng Yu said, “It’s fine to occasionally leave the palace in disguise, but there’s never been a precedent for an Empress staying at her family’s home. Besides, the emperor cares for you deeply and hardly leaves your side. How can you—”
He secretly wished she would spend more time with him, but as a minister, he had to respect the boundaries between ruler and subject. He worried that she was getting too proud and overstepping.
Yun Kui reassured him, “I’ll return to the palace tonight. I won’t stay outside long.”
Sheng Yu nodded, then ordered someone to heat up the lamb meat buns he had bought early that morning.
Steward Liu knew the Empress loved these buns, and since the palace kitchen couldn’t replicate their fragrant, spicy flavor, he had someone queue up early to buy them, keeping them warm by the stove.
Yun Kui missed the taste of those lamb buns, too. But as the buns were served, the rich, spicy aroma wafted up, inexplicably making her feel uneasy.
Perhaps it was because she had just gotten up, and the strong gamey smell of the lamb was overpowering. She drank some porridge to settle her stomach but didn’t want to disappoint Steward Liu’s kindness. She took a bite of the bun, but the usual flavor turned sour and made her nauseous. Unable to hold it back, she rushed to the washstand and vomited everything—the buns and the porridge—clean.
Sheng Yu’s expression changed slightly. He hurried over to pat her back. “What’s wrong? Could the lamb meat be spoiled today?”
Yun Kui shook her head, her stomach churning, tears welling up in her eyes.
Sheng Yu quickly called out, “Go fetch the doctor at once!”
Yun Kui was about to say there was no need, but the discomfort from vomiting soon passed. She wanted to stop someone, but before she could, that attendant had already dashed out of the Hanging Flower Gate in a flash.
The entire room was filled with solitary individuals; no one knew what condition she was in.
The doctor from Tongxin Hall quickly arrived, carrying his medicine box to take her pulse. The entire household watched anxiously, fearing that the Empress’s delicate health might suffer a setback.
After a moment of careful consideration, the elderly doctor slowly revealed a smile:
“The pulse is smooth and flowing, like pearls rolling on a plate. Miss, you are with child.”
At those words, everyone’s faces lit up with surprise and joy. Yun Kui was even more astonished: “I’m pregnant?”
The old doctor said, “I have practiced medicine for forty years and would not misdiagnose. You have been pregnant for over a month.”
Yun Kui’s heart pounded wildly.
Over a month... could it be from those few times at Yanshan?
She instinctively touched her belly, which was still flat and showed no sign of change, yet there was a new life growing inside.
She was carrying Xiao Qi’an’s child—they were going to have a baby!
Sheng Yu was overjoyed and immediately rewarded the doctor with a generous tip. Considering Yun Kui’s status, he instructed that the news be kept confidential for the time being. As for the medicine to stabilize the pregnancy, the Imperial Medical Bureau’s best physicians would oversee everything, so he had no need to worry.
When Sheng Yu was about to send someone to report to the palace, Yun Kui hurriedly stopped him. “Father, there’s no rush. I want to tell His Majesty the good news myself when he returns.”
Sheng Yu looked at his daughter’s radiant smile and felt genuinely happy for her, both publicly and privately. “As you wish. But during this period, you must be extra careful with your diet and activities. Don’t overexert yourself.”
Yun Kui nodded. After breakfast and a short rest, she still felt restless and wanted to stroll through the streets to buy some things for the baby.
Although the Imperial Household Department would prepare clothes and items for princes and princesses with great fanfare, she still wanted to come out herself, cherishing this last chance to wander the streets. For the coming year, she doubted anyone would allow her to leave the palace again.
At the Yangxin Palace.
Xiao Qi’an had been patiently waiting for three days, his complexion growing darker with each passing day. He had already thrown aside more than ten memorials.
Even Cao Yuanlu was becoming increasingly uneasy.
“Why hasn’t the Empress returned to the palace yet? Does she no longer care for His Majesty?”
“What could be so good outside the palace? Doesn’t she miss His Majesty at all?”
Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, a sharp cracking sound came from the main hall. Cao Yuanlu cautiously looked up—and was shocked beyond words.
His Majesty had snapped his imperial brush in two!
The man’s fingertips had turned white, veins bulging on the back of his hand, radiating a chilling aura.
Cao Yuanlu was about to step forward to check his finger when His Majesty suddenly rose, his face darkened, and strode out of the Yangxin Palace in long strides.
Hurriedly, Cao Yuanlu followed, exclaiming, “Oh dear, His Majesty is going out to fetch the Empress himself!”
