Shen Yanshui worried about it for only a brief moment. After hearing the Crown Prince’s words, she felt he was right.
Emperor Pingkang and Her Majesty the Empress were surely very busy. Why would they have the time to concern themselves with her?
So she quickly put the matter out of her mind.
Dinner was served in the small reception hall of the east wing, where the air was well ventilated and pleasantly cool.
The dishes had been carefully prepared by Lin Mancang: water chestnuts braised with pork, the chestnuts tender and fresh, the meat so soft it melted in the mouth and richly infused with flavor.
There was also a light stir-fry of lotus-pond vegetables—tender lotus root slices, water chestnut kernels, and snow peas—crisp and refreshing.
And then there was steamed perch, cooked to perfection. The flesh was so delicate that it separated into petal-like flakes at the lightest touch of chopsticks.
Shen Yanshui ate with smiling eyes, serving Cui Yu as she chattered away without pause.
“Your Highness, try this water chestnut. Lin made it wonderfully—the chestnuts are soft and glutinous but still have a nice bite, and they’ve soaked up all the sauce.”
Cui Yu did as she said, taking a bite and giving a slight nod.
Shen Yanshui spooned him some of the lotus-pond stir-fry. “This tender lotus root was dug up fresh this morning. It’s crisp and fresh—perfect for cutting through anything rich.”
As she spoke, she did not neglect her own meal. After taking two bites, she went on, “Chief Steward Lin’s cooking is truly remarkable. He makes stuffed crab in oranges, eight-treasure gourd duck, and delicate peony fish salad all authentically—and that cherry pork, too…”
Cui Yu listened as she recited the dishes as though she knew them all by heart, and could not help lifting his eyes to look at her.
Whenever A-Yan began talking about food, her little mouth could go on and on with great authority.
Shen Yanshui said, “Chief Steward Tang keeps the kitchens in impeccable order. The two apprentices he trained are clever as well. Shouzhong and Shouyi learn quickly—after only a few attempts, they had mastered snacks and pastries like milk tea and egg tarts.”
Then she suddenly looked at Cui Yu, her eyes sparkling. “Of course, what matters most is Your Highness’s discerning eye. Otherwise, how could this concubine ever have the chance to enjoy such wonderful cooking?”
Her words were sweet as honey, and by the end of her effusive praise, even the corners of Cui Yu’s lips had risen slightly.
Who did not enjoy hearing pleasant words? Cui Yu was no exception.
*
When Wang Chun received the assignment, he froze.
“Godfather, you mean… you want this servant to deliver refreshments to Her Majesty the Empress at Kunning Palace?”
Zheng Yuande shot him a sidelong glance. “What? Don’t dare?”
Wang Chun hurriedly shook his head, his face breaking into a broad smile. “I dare, I dare! This son thanks Godfather for elevating him!” He accepted the food box, his heart trembling with excitement even as his hands remained perfectly steady.
His choice back then had indeed been the right one!
Ever since he had caught Lady Shen’s attention, he had not only become a familiar face to the Crown Prince, but also gained considerable standing among the eunuchs of the Eastern Palace. Those who had once barely acknowledged him now took the initiative to approach him and curry favor.
Carrying the food box, Wang Chun hurried toward Kunning Palace, the wind practically beneath his feet. He did not dare delay for even a moment.
Meanwhile, Zheng Yuande took his own things and personally headed for Chongzheng Hall. If not for the fact that summer food could not be left sitting for long, he would not have been so kind as to let someone else have the chance to distinguish himself.
Still, Little Chun was usually fairly quick-witted. He had never been short on the customary offerings, and he handled matters steadily enough. That was why Zheng Yuande had entrusted the task to him. Yet when he looked again at Little Lu trailing behind him, he could not help but glare.
That fool was hardly worth mentioning.
Little Lu, who followed behind him, immediately broke into a smile. There was no trace of jealousy on his face. He knew his own limits. His godfather had already been very good to him; all he needed to do was obey his godfather's instructions.
*
Within Kunning Palace, the Empress reclined on a cushioned daybed with her eyes closed, gently massaging her temples with her fingertips.
Aunt Qing entered on quiet feet and reported softly, “Your Majesty, someone has come from the Eastern Palace. They say His Highness the Crown Prince has sent something for you.”
The Empress opened her eyes, a little surprised. “Oh? Let them in.”
When Wang Chun was led inside, he did not dare lift his head. He knelt properly and kowtowed. “This servant, Wang Chun, pays his respects to Your Majesty. By His Highness the Crown Prince’s command, I have brought Your Majesty a cup of honey-peach lemon tea, for Your Majesty to sample.”
At this, the Empress glanced at Aunt Qing beside her and smiled. “Fresh fruit had scarcely arrived before this drink followed. The Crown Prince has been thoughtful.”
Aunt Qing smiled as she added, “His Highness is filial. He has Your Majesty in his thoughts.”
In high spirits, the Empress signaled for a palace maid to present the drink.
The honey-peach lemon tea was served in a celadon cup. The tea was a pale amber, clear and bright. At the bottom, one could just make out a layer of glistening crystal jelly, topped with a generous layer of neatly diced peach. It looked wonderfully cool and refreshing.
The Empress lifted the cup and took a small sip.
The tea was sweet and mellow on the tongue, fragrant with peach and brightened by the freshness of lemon. Its sweetness was just right.
She spooned up some of the translucent crystal jelly, along with a piece of peach...
Perhaps she was in an especially good mood today, or perhaps the drink truly was that pleasant, but the oppressive heaviness that had weighed on her chest for days seemed to ease considerably.
After taking a few more mouthfuls, she set down the cup and looked at Wang Chun, still kneeling below her. “This drink is quite novel. Was it Lady Shen who devised it?”
Wang Chun hurriedly answered with due respect, “In reply to Your Majesty, yes. Lady Shen only came up with this new drink a few days ago. Knowing that Your Majesty is fond of fresh fruit, she specifically had this servant bring it for Your Majesty to try. His Highness the Crown Prince also said that it is cool and refreshing, perfectly suited for Your Majesty in the summer heat.”
The corners of the Empress’s lips curved faintly upward.
Aunt Qing and Nanny Fan, standing nearby, exchanged a glance. Both were somewhat surprised. They had not expected this drink, too, to have been devised by Lady Shen.
Still, the Crown Prince’s actions were rather unexpected.
Looking at Wang Chun below, the Empress suddenly asked, “Why did Zheng Yuande not come? You are unfamiliar to me. What is your name?”
Suppressing his excitement, Wang Chun replied deferentially, “In reply to Your Majesty, this servant is Wang Chun, and I serve at Dunben Hall in the Eastern Palace. Eunuch Zheng has gone to Chongzheng Hall to deliver a drink to His Majesty. His Highness and Lady Shen have prepared a portion for His Majesty as well.”
The Empress raised her brows in surprise.
In the past, Yu had never gone out of his way to send her food or drink. Yet now, he had sent things into the palace time and again.
She lifted her teacup and took another sip before saying leisurely, “The Crown Prince is a most filial son, and Lady Shen is both clever and deft of hand. To have devised such a refreshing drink shows what an ingenious mind she has.”
It would not be a bad thing if Yu had someone considerate by his side to attend to him.
*
Outside Chongzheng Hall, Zheng Yuande had been waiting for more than a quarter of an hour.
The doors to the hall stood half-open, and faint, low voices could be heard within. He kept his head bowed, not daring to look around.
After a while, the doors opened a crack, and Chief Eunuch Cheng emerged, beckoning to him.
Zheng Yuande hurried forward and lowered his voice. “Grandfather Cheng, His Majesty is currently...?”
“His Majesty is discussing the Dao with Master Xuanqing and has just taken an elixir. Wait here for the moment. I will go in and announce you.”
Zheng Yuande promptly answered, “Yes.”
Not long afterward, Chief Eunuch Cheng returned and motioned for him to enter.
Carrying the food box, Zheng Yuande entered the hall with great care. Sandalwood incense lingered in the air. Emperor Pingkang sat behind his imperial desk, his complexion rosy and his expression relaxed. When he saw Zheng Yuande enter, he raised his eyes and glanced at him.
Zheng Yuande immediately knelt and paid his respects. “This servant greets Your Majesty. His Highness the Crown Prince has sent this servant to deliver a cup of honey peach lemon tea for Your Majesty, along with a basket of freshly picked fruit, and asks that Your Majesty sample them.”
At this, Emperor Pingkang’s expression softened into a smile. “The Crown Prince is indeed filial.” He turned to Chief Eunuch Cheng. “Present them.”
Chief Eunuch Cheng accepted the food box and arranged the teacup and fruit upon the imperial desk.
Emperor Pingkang took a sip from the cup and nodded slightly. “Not bad. Refreshing, and cooling in this heat.” He then tasted a piece of peach. The flesh was sweet and juicy, bringing moisture to his mouth at once. Before he knew it, he had drunk the entire cup.
Zheng Yuande remained kneeling on the floor, his back held rigidly straight. Hearing this, he hurriedly replied with a flattering smile, “In reply to Your Majesty, His Highness said that the summer heat has been hard to bear these past days, and that Your Majesty has been working tirelessly over state affairs. When he obtained this new drink prepared by Lady Shen, he and Lady Shen personally picked the fresh fruit and immediately sent this servant to deliver it to Your Majesty.”
“Oh? The Crown Prince picked it himself?” Emperor Pingkang’s satisfaction deepened at once.
As for Lady Shen, he retained some impression of her. After all, he had personally selected her and bestowed her upon the Crown Prince.
After pondering for a moment, he turned to Chief Eunuch Cheng. “Go. Fetch the set of green-jade brush and inkstone that was recently presented as tribute from the south, and send it to the Eastern Palace.”
Chief Eunuch Cheng answered, “Yes,” then immediately instructed someone to retrieve it. Zheng Yuande also withdrew.
After reviewing memorials for some time, Emperor Pingkang suddenly set down his vermilion brush and looked toward Chief Eunuch Cheng beside him. “This Master Xuanqing truly does possess some skill.”
Chief Eunuch Cheng replied with a smile, “Your Majesty has always had an excellent eye for people.”
Emperor Pingkang rubbed his brow, his expression at ease. “Since taking these elixirs these past few days, I have felt more energetic with each passing day. Much of the weariness in my body has faded, and today especially so.”
“Convey my verbal decree: reward Master Xuanqing with one hundred taels of gold, as well as a pair of jade ruyi scepters and ten bolts of brocade.”
Chief Eunuch Cheng promptly replied, “This servant will see to it at once.”
Zheng Yuande and Wang Chun returned to Lotus Heart Court and immediately reported back. They had also brought with them His Majesty's gifts. Cui Yu's expression did not change much, though at the mention of Master Xuanqing, his brow furrowed slightly.
Shen Yanshui had not expected Emperor Pingkang to be taking alchemical pills as well...
But the matter was rather sensitive. After hesitating for a moment, she ultimately said nothing.
There was no shortage, in this world, of emperors who had sought immortality only to poison themselves to death on elixirs. The Crown Prince was well versed in history; he had no need for her reminder.
The Crown Prince's expression soon returned to normal. Yet Shen Yanshui, watching him, suddenly smiled. "Your Highness, I heard several rather amusing riddles a few days ago. Shall I tell them to you?"
Cui Yu looked at her bright, smiling face and gave a slight nod.
Shen Yanshui cleared her throat and said solemnly, "A mushroom and an orange get into a fight. Why does the orange die?"
Cui Yu: "…?"
How could a mushroom and an orange possibly fight? Had they both turned into spirits?
Shen Yanshui blinked. "Because the mushroom's name sounds like 'ruler,' and the orange's name sounds like 'minister' in Chinese. When the ruler wants the minister dead, the minister has no choice but to die."
Cui Yu: "…"
Everyone around them: "…?!"
Their legs nearly gave way beneath them.
Lady Shen—their mistress—was far too bold!
When the Crown Prince merely looked at her in silence, Shen Yanshui asked in puzzlement, "Your Highness doesn't think that was funny? Then let me tell you two more." Without missing a beat, she continued, "A turtle falls off a cliff. Your Highness, what kind of flower does it become?"
Having more or less caught on to the way her mind worked, Cui Yu replied, "…A rose?"
Shen Yanshui's eyes flew wide open. "How did Your Highness know?" He had caught on to Chinese homophone jokes so quickly—his mind truly was sharp!
The corners of Cui Yu's lips lifted slightly. His tone remained calm. "It was not difficult to guess."
Shen Yanshui could not help smiling as she watched that faint upward curve of his lips. "Then, Your Highness, guess this one. Xiao Ming falls ill and takes some medicine, but he cannot stop laughing. Why?"
Seeing her bright-eyed, expectant look—the look of someone eagerly awaiting his failure to guess—Cui Yu's lips curved faintly. Unhurriedly, he said, "I do not know."
Shen Yanshui's smile immediately widened, and her voice became even more cheerful. "Because the doctor told Xiao Ming the medicine would make him laugh for an hour! Hahahahaha!"
"Snrk!" Zheng Yuande could not hold back his laughter. He hurriedly covered his mouth.
A few stifled chuckles also sounded from the people nearby, though it was impossible to tell which palace maids or eunuchs they had come from.
Only when they saw that neither of their masters had noticed did they breathe a sigh of relief.
Cui Yu watched her laugh so hard that she bent forward and back, all traces of ladylike decorum forgotten. The corners of his lips rose as he wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her into his embrace.
Shen Yanshui settled comfortably in his arms. She had a low threshold for laughter and could laugh at the same joke for ages. Once she had finally stopped, she looked at the Crown Prince with sparkling eyes. "Your Highness, one last riddle."
Amusement gleamed in Cui Yu's eyes. "Let me hear it."
Shen Yanshui blinked. "What do you get if you stir-fry chicken and rice porridge together?"
Cui Yu raised a brow. This time, he genuinely did not know. "What is it?"
Shen Yanshui cupped her cheeks in both hands and beamed at him like a flower in bloom. “Yeees, I weally, weally like you!” she proclaimed at the top of her voice.
The words made Cui Yu’s ears burn. He instinctively glanced at the palace maids and eunuchs nearby, all of whom stood properly with their heads bowed. Only then did he look back at A-Yan and meet her bright, dazzling gaze. He cleared his throat softly before murmuring, after a long pause, “Don’t be ridiculous.”
Shen Yanshui caught sight of the smile he was trying so hard to suppress and gave a quiet huff to herself. Men really were terribly insincere.
“I only spoke from the bottom of my heart,” she muttered.
Cui Yu pinched the tip of her nose and chuckled. He knew she had deliberately been clowning around to cheer him up. The gloom that had settled over him because his father, the Emperor, had become increasingly obsessed with alchemical elixirs, immortality, and the Dao lifted considerably.
*
After they had finished dinner, Cui Yu set down his chopsticks and instructed Zheng Yuande, who stood at his side, “Go to the kitchens and bring Lin Mancang and the two young eunuchs here.”
Zheng Yuande bowed in acknowledgment and immediately sent someone to fetch them. Inwardly, he could not help but sigh. Who would have thought Old Lin would be granted such good fortune?
Considering Old Lin’s passion for experimenting at the stove, Lady Shen’s residence truly could not have been more suitable for him.
Shen Yanshui had also been meaning to ask the three men what they thought. Though, in truth, even if they had other thoughts in their hearts, with the Crown Prince present, they likely would not dare refuse even if given a hundred times the courage.
Still, the Crown Prince was surely intending to give them a warning on her behalf. He meant well, and she was not so ungrateful as to fail to appreciate it.
In any case, even if following her did not offer them the brightest prospects, she would never allow them to be wronged.
Before long, Lin Mancang, Shouzhong, and Shouyi were brought into the main hall of Lotus Heart Court.
The three were plainly terrified. Before entering, they had wiped their sweaty palms against their robes. Once inside, they dropped to their knees with a thud, not daring to lift their heads.
“Your servant pays his respects to His Highness the Crown Prince and to Lady Shen,” the three said together, kowtowing.
Cui Yu sat at the head of the room, his gaze passing coolly over them.
Lin Mancang knelt in front. He appeared to be forty or fifty years old, with an honest, unassuming face. At present, his shoulders were so tense that they had gone stiff.
Shouzhong and Shouyi knelt behind him. Both were eunuchs of sixteen or seventeen, their bodies drawn taut, scarcely daring to breathe.
Cui Yu was silent for a moment.
That brief silence made their scalps tingle; a thin sheen of sweat broke out across their backs.
“Raise your heads.”
The three hurriedly did so, though they still did not dare meet his eyes and kept their gazes lowered.
Cui Yu looked at Lin Mancang. “You previously served in the Imperial Kitchens?”
Lin Mancang hurriedly replied, “In answer to Your Highness, this servant formerly worked in the Imperial Kitchens. Later... later, thanks to Eunuch Zheng’s recommendation, I came to serve in the Eastern Palace.”
Cui Yu gave a slight nod. “Lady Shen enjoys the dishes you prepare. From now on, you will serve in the small kitchen at Lotus Heart Court. Attend to her properly.”
For a moment, Lin Mancang was stunned. Then his eyes grew hot, and he hastily offered his thanks.
“This servant thanks Your Highness for this favor, and thanks Lady Shen for this favor. This servant will serve with all his heart and strength, and take proper care of Lady Shen.”
Shouzhong and Shouyi listened from the side, their hearts filled with both apprehension and envy.
Cui Yu’s gaze shifted to them. “Shouzhong? Shouyi?”
The two hurriedly replied, “Yes, this servant is here.”
Cui Yu said, “Lady Shen says you learn quickly and are both quite skilled at making pastries and preparing fruit. From now on, you will serve at Lotus Heart Court as well. Be diligent.”
Shouzhong and Shouyi froze for a moment before overwhelming joy surged through them. They repeatedly kowtowed. “This servant thanks Your Highness for your favor, and thanks Lady Shen for thinking so highly of this servant’s humble skills. This servant will certainly study hard and work hard!”
Looking at the three of them, Cui Yu spoke in an even tone, though it carried the authority innate to his station. “Now that you have entered Lotus Heart Court, you are to heed Lady Shen’s orders alone and serve her well. I will reward you accordingly. But should there be any negligence—”
The three stiffened, their hearts trembling. In unison, they answered, “This servant would not dare. We will faithfully abide by Your Highness’s instruction and never be remiss.”
Only then did Cui Yu give a slight nod. “You may leave.”
The three accepted the order and kowtowed their thanks once more before withdrawing with bowed backs.
Throughout the entire exchange, Shen Yanshui had not had a single chance to get a word in. The Crown Prince had already finished both the warning and the reward all by himself.
Once they stepped out of Lotus Heart Court, Lin Mancang’s eyes had turned red.
He had thought that, in this lifetime, being able to regain a foothold in the Eastern Palace kitchens would already have been more than enough. Having a place to belong would have satisfied him. Yet now… now, he had unexpectedly caught Lady Shen’s favor, been assigned to Lotus Heart Court, and even been granted the honor of appearing before the Crown Prince.
Shouzhong and Shouyi were equally exhilarated. The two young eunuchs exchanged a glance, their faces unable to contain their smiles.
With a broad, eager grin, Shouzhong said, “Chef Lin, from now on we’ll be serving at Lotus Heart Court together. We hope Chef Lin will look after the two of us.”
He and Shouyi had little seniority and still had much to learn. They had simply been lucky this time—after all, they had been the two assigned to assist Lady Shen back then.
But from now on, the small kitchen at Lotus Heart Court would most likely be under Chef Lin’s charge. Naturally, they needed to maintain a good relationship with him.
Lin Mancang nodded emphatically, his voice catching slightly. “Yes. From now on, we’ll work hard. We mustn’t disappoint Lady Shen’s kindness.”
Hearing this, Shouzhong and Shouyi exchanged another glance.
Well then—judging from Chef Lin’s manner, their work here should be easy enough going forward.
When the news spread through the Eastern Palace kitchens, quite a few people nearly chopped off their own fingers.
His Highness the Crown Prince was actually setting up a separate small kitchen just for Lady Shen?
And when they saw the smiles on the three men’s faces, they could not help but envy them bitterly.
Who did not know that Lady Shen’s residence was now one of the best postings in the Eastern Palace? Plenty of people had their eyes on those positions; everyone had simply assumed they would need to wait a while longer.
Wait for what?
Naturally, they were waiting to see when Lady Shen would become pregnant. By custom, that was when Lotus Heart Court would be given its own small kitchen.
Who could have imagined that the Crown Prince would suddenly establish one for Lady Shen, allowing this newcomer to get there first?!
“What are you so pleased about? Such shallow-minded fools!” Fan Chuan snorted coldly.
*
Night had fallen, and the stars glittered overhead. Most of the lamps in the main residence of Lotus Heart Court had been extinguished, leaving only a single candle burning at the bedside in the inner chamber of the east wing.
After abstaining for a full half month, and with her spirits unusually high today, Shen Yanshui was like a fish returned to water, lively and eager in every movement.
But after a while, she inevitably wanted to change positions; otherwise, she felt as though her entire back was about to be rubbed raw. Yet... just as she tried to turn over, a large hand pressed her back down.
So she waited a while longer. Listening to his breathing, she could not help wondering whether the Crown Prince had taken some powerful tonic today. Why did he seem to be getting fiercer and fiercer?
Looking at Cui Yu, so utterly unlike the cool, reserved man he was in daylight, Shen Yanshui caught sight of his half-concealed abdominal muscles. Unable to resist, she lifted her legs and swayed her waist, rubbing the thin inner robe from his body.
Gradually, she was no longer content simply to lie there and receive. She climbed onto his broad, taut, lightly sweat-dampened back. Her willow-supple waist rose and fell with his movements, answering him every time.
The sounds ringing in their ears grew sharper and louder.
Seeing that he only kept his head lowered, driving into her with unrelenting force, she mischievously ran her fingertips and nails, neither too lightly nor too heavily, over his broad, powerful back.
Cui Yu's entire body instantly tensed.
Hot sweat rolled down, falling onto Shen Yanshui's full, lustrous skin. She could clearly feel his excitement, and as she twisted her waist, she involuntarily tightened around him even more.
"A-Yan..." Cui Yu's voice was low and hoarse.
Outside the room, as Qiuru listened to the increasingly loud commotion within, she wished she could bury her head in the ground, her cheeks burning red.
But when she looked at Eunuch Zheng beside her, calm and utterly unruffled, she felt her own skin was still far too thin.
Watching the desire-strained expression on his face, Shen Yanshui mischievously began to recite a short passage of Buddhist scripture in a soft, gentle murmur beside his ear.
Cui Yu's whole body went rigid at once.
Shen Yanshui: ...Mm. The muscles of his back were firm yet yielding; his shoulders were hard too... everything was hard.
Words meant to quiet the mind had appeared in the most inappropriate of places. A vein at Cui Yu's temple twitched. One thought toward purity, one thought toward surrender. As he stared at her, the darkness in his eyes deepened.
...Shen Yanshui was fucked until she cried, until her voice had gone hoarse. Yet tonight, the Crown Prince seemed as though he had taken some drug, and she had foolishly kept provoking him.
Physiological tears slipped down beyond her control, only to be swept away the next instant.
Shen Yanshui widened her glistening, tear-filled peach-blossom eyes and stared at the man close enough to touch.
Cui Yu looked into her misty eyes. "Salty."
Shen Yanshui: "..."
If tears were not salty, could they possibly be sweet?
Her eyes red, she looked at him with injured, pitiful grievance. "Your Highness, why haven't you pulled out yet?" She had had enough; she did not want any more.
Seeing her expression, the stifling knot that had remained in Cui Yu's chest for the past half month finally eased considerably.
He felt refreshed in both body and mind.
After nearly half a month of restraining himself and taking the restorative medicine prescribed by Grand Physician Lu, it seemed to have truly worked.
With an indifferent expression, he raised an eyebrow. "You can't take it anymore? Weren't you deliberately provoking me just now?" As he spoke, his movements did not stop.
They lay facing each other on their sides. One of Shen Yanshui's long, fair legs was draped over him, and Cui Yu held the bend of her knee as he moved against her at an unhurried pace.
The friction felt good enough that Shen Yanshui began to whimper softly without meaning to. But... no matter how good it felt, she still needed to sleep.
Yet today, the Crown Prince seemed determined. No matter how Shen Yanshui begged for mercy, he would not relent. In the end, she simply ignored him, turned her back to him, closed her eyes, and went to sleep.
Cui Yu: "..."
Before long, he heard her even breathing. He paused, then smiled helplessly. "You're becoming bolder by the day..."
He had no intention of keeping her awake all night. Once he no longer needed to hold back, it was over quickly.
Half-asleep, Shen Yanshui only felt someone lifting and moving her about. But whoever held her was so gentle that she was never fully roused. She merely found a comfortable position against his side and drifted back to sleep.
The next morning, before Shen Yanshui was fully awake, she sensed that something felt slightly off beneath her waist...
When she opened her eyes, she was not particularly surprised to see the Crown Prince bare from the waist up. What did surprise her was that her cheek was resting right against his chest. It was broad and pale, just right.
She stole a glance at the Crown Prince, who still had his eyes closed and appeared not to have woken. Then, quite naturally, she gave his chest a little squeeze. It felt wonderful: smooth and firm. She even leaned over and took a light bite.
Mm. Soft on the outside, but hard beneath.
Mm???
Cui Yu had been awake for some time. He was only indulging in a rare bout of laziness and had not yet risen. But the instant she bit down, his body tensed reflexively.
Sensing the gaze above her, Shen Yanshui froze and slowly lifted her head.
Their eyes met.
Her cheeks flared red at once. She released him and gave an awkward little laugh, her voice muffled. "Y-Your Highness, you're awake?"
His heartbeat and breathing had clearly sounded like those of someone asleep just moments ago...
"Mm." Cui Yu looked down at her. Seeing her flushed face and guilty little expression, his feelings became somewhat complicated. It seemed A-Yan truly liked him very much...
Shen Yanshui hurriedly changed the subject. "Eh?" She shifted, then suddenly pulled a small cushion out from beneath her hips. Her eyes filled with confusion. Surely she had not somehow rolled onto a pillow in her sleep and tucked it beneath her lower back?
At the sight of the little cushion in her hands, Cui Yu cleared his throat. Shen Yanshui immediately looked up at him.
Cui Yu placed a hand over her flat, slender abdomen. His eyes were serious, and his voice, still low and husky from sleep, said, "The imperial physician said this position is best for conceiving."
Shen Yanshui: "........" Fine, then.
Just as she was about to get up, she felt an uncomfortable stickiness beneath her. She instinctively shifted her legs. Seeing that the Crown Prince had his back to her as he put on his trousers, she quietly parted her legs and looked down.
When Cui Yu turned to reach for his inner robe, the corner of his eye happened to catch the scene.
Morning light fell over her. The skin there was pale as jade, though now it was tinged with a faint flush of red.
Cui Yu's Adam's apple bobbed. For a moment, his expression turned faintly awkward. He averted his gaze, turned his back to her, and picked up the clothes beside him, draping them over himself as though nothing were amiss.
Shen Yanshui did not notice his reaction. She did, however, realize that the faint sticky sensation came from the ointment she had made herself. Drawing her legs together, she looked up and saw that the Crown Prince was making a complete mess of getting dressed.
Her voice was tinged with confusion. "Your Highness, you haven't put on your undergarment yet. Why are you putting on your outer robe already?"
Cui Yu's movements stiffened slightly. The inner chamber fell quiet for a moment, then he calmly changed into the proper clothes as though nothing had happened.
Wrapped in only a thin quilt, Shen Yanshui watched him dress and fasten his sash with his back to her. The lines of his back were smooth and lean, his shoulder blades shifting subtly with each movement. Morning light gilded him with a faint sheen of gold... He truly was a beautiful sight.
Waking up every day to that face and that body certainly put her in an excellent mood.
When Cui Yu turned around, he found her staring at him. The image from earlier immediately resurfaced in his mind, and the tips of his ears flushed red. Yet his face remained as composed as ever.
He cleared his throat. "You were... a little swollen down there last night, so I applied some medicine."
Shen Yanshui had long since become accustomed to their intimacy, but imagining him applying medicine to her still made her a little embarrassed.
Instinctively, she burrowed deeper beneath the quilt. Then she looked up and caught sight of his reddened ears.
For some reason, seeing him like this made her feel much less self-conscious.
Putting on an exaggeratedly aggrieved expression, she complained in a soft, drawn-out voice, "And whose fault is that, Your Highness?"
Cui Yu turned to look at her.
She was curled up beneath the quilt, with only her flushed little face and her slender, snowy arms exposed. Her eyes were bright and dewy, her expression touched with coy reproach. "Your Highness was far too fierce last night..."
At her words, Cui Yu's expression immediately relaxed, and one brow lifted slightly.
"Mm. I'll be gentler next time." His face remained calm, his demeanor as steady as ever, but Shen Yanshui somehow felt that he was... rather pleased with himself.
She suddenly recalled the way he had lost himself last night. Looking at his composed exterior now, she finally understood why he had been so intense.
Could it be that he had been provoked by how she had clung to him and asked for more the other morning?
Besides, the Crown Prince had only just come of age this year, hadn't he?
At twenty, he was at the height of youthful vigor. No matter how composed and level-headed he usually was, he probably cared quite a bit about such matters.
She could not help laughing, quickly biting her lip to suppress it.
Seeing how hard she was trying not to laugh, Cui Yu raised an eyebrow. "What are you laughing at?"
Shen Yanshui wore an innocent expression. "Nothing. I was only thinking that Your Highness is in remarkably good health."
Cui Yu gave her a look. The corner of his lips curved upward for the briefest moment before he said evenly, "Get up. It's time for breakfast."
Once they had finished dressing, washing, and freshening up, breakfast had already been laid out in the main room by the time Shen Yanshui had finished doing her hair and makeup.
After exhausting so much energy the night before, Shen Yanshui's stomach was utterly empty. Everything before her looked delicious.
Breakfast filled the table, a lavish spread of tempting dishes.
It was early June, the season when melons and fruits were just beginning to ripen, and the kitchen had prepared a breakfast with the refreshing lightness of summer.
There was a bowl of emerald rice congee, the grains plump and glistening beneath a delicate sheen of rice oil, fragrant and inviting.
To go with it were several small plates of seasonal pickles: finely diced pickled cucumber drizzled with sesame oil; golden, translucent sweet-and-sour radish slices that crunched pleasantly with every bite; and wine-marinated goose feet, rich with the scent of liquor and wonderfully chewy.
There was also a plate of rose pastries, their flaky crusts as thin as cicada wings, layered upon layer and crumbling at the slightest touch. Inside was a filling made with rose jam—sweet, but never cloying.
A plate of crystal shrimp dumplings followed, their wrappers so thin that the rosy shrimp within could be seen through them. One bite released a mouthful of savory broth.
There was also a plate of soup-filled xiaolongbao, their tiny pleats neat and close-set, each one topped with a few black sesame seeds.
The hot dishes had been prepared with equal care: a ham and fresh bamboo shoot soup, clear and bright, in which the ham’s savory saltiness blended perfectly with the sweet freshness of the bamboo shoots.
And a dish of whitebait scrambled with egg, tender little fish like white jade wrapped in golden egg.
Shen Yanshui’s eyes lit up at the sight, and her appetite immediately stirred.
She first ladled herself a spoonful of emerald rice congee and ate a few bites with the pickled cucumber. Then she picked up a crystal shrimp dumpling. The moment she bit into it, the broth bloomed over her tongue, so fresh and delicious that her eyes narrowed in pleasure.
Watching her, Cui Yu’s lips curved ever so slightly as he continued drinking his congee at an unhurried pace.
After finishing one shrimp dumpling, Shen Yanshui took a xiaolongbao. She bit off a small corner, sipped the soup first, then dipped it in vinegar before eating it, her eyes and brows curving with delight.
Then she ate a rose pastry, had another half-bowl of congee, took two more bites of whitebait scrambled with egg...
Xia An stood to one side serving the dishes. At first, she had worn a bright smile, but gradually it began to stiffen.
Her mistress seemed to be eating even more than usual today...
She furtively glanced at His Highness the Crown Prince. He was still sipping his congee unhurriedly, but he had already lifted his eyes to look at her mistress several times. Yet her mistress remained utterly unaware, wholly devoted to her meal...
Shen Yanshui added another bowl of congee and ate most of it with the ham and bamboo shoot soup. Still not full, she reached for the last shrimp dumpling.
Cui Yu looked at her again.
He knew that A-Yan had a hearty appetite, but today’s intake seemed rather more than usual.
That single glance made Xia An’s heart leap into her throat. Terrified that His Highness the Crown Prince might find her mistress too gluttonous, she was nearly sweating with anxiety. But she could not say so outright, and could only muster the courage to advise her gently, “My lady, these shrimp dumplings may be delicious, but they are filling as well. You’ve already had quite a few today. Be careful not to overeat and upset your stomach...”
Her words were tactful, but the meaning was clear: My lady, please stop eating. You’ve eaten far too much!
Shen Yanshui’s chopsticks paused. “No, I still don’t feel full.”
As she spoke, she picked up the dumpling and ate it in one bite.
Xia An: “...”
She nearly fainted on the spot.
At least show a little restraint in front of His Highness!
But Shen Yanshui failed to notice the look in her eyes. As she chewed the shrimp dumpling, she began to wonder to herself: Had her appetite really grown these past two days?
But on second thought, her ability had already broken through to Level Two last night, when she and the Crown Prince had become one in body and soul.
With her power advancing, her body needed more energy. Wasn't it perfectly normal for her appetite to increase as well?
With that thought, she promptly put the matter out of her mind and continued eating with gusto.
Seeing that she seemed perfectly well, Cui Yu was finally reassured.
After breakfast, he set down his chopsticks and prepared to head to the front hall to attend to state affairs.
Shen Yanshui rose with a radiant smile to see him off.
The moment the Crown Prince left, Shen Yanshui said eagerly, "Come on, let's go take a look at the small kitchen."
His Highness had personally granted permission yesterday. Today, they could finally begin furnishing it.
Though it was called a small kitchen, it was really just two vacant rooms on the eastern side of the rear courtyard of Lianxin Court that had been cleared out.
The space was not large, but after being tidied up, it was more than sufficient for a small kitchen.
Shen Yanshui stood in the courtyard, brimming with excitement, watching as Quanfu and Quanshou led several young eunuchs in and out, emptying the rooms and carrying in a new stove, chopping boards, and water vats.
"Put this here, and that over there..." She pointed here and there, bustling about with immense enthusiasm.
Lin Mancang stood nearby as well, a smile on his honest face.
The two young eunuchs, Shouzhong and Shouyi, were even more thrilled, running back and forth to help carry things.
From now on, they would be serving at Lianxin Court. It was a coveted posting that countless people envied. Though they were their master's disciples, their master had more than just the two of them as apprentices. To be chosen by Lady Shen was a stroke of extraordinary luck.
Watching the lively scene, Shen Yanshui could hardly have been more delighted.
But what should they eat today?
*
The commotion from Lianxin Court's efforts to furnish a small kitchen could hardly be kept from others.
Within a quarter of an hour, the entire Eastern Palace knew the news.
At Haitang Court, Lady Wu had just finished breakfast and was reclining on a daybed to rest when Qiaoyun came in to report.
"What?" She abruptly sat upright, nearly throwing out her back. "A small kitchen?"
The maids beside her were so startled that their hearts nearly leapt into their throats.
Qiaoyun replied respectfully, "Yes. Lianxin Court is busy getting it ready."
Lady Wu's expression immediately darkened.
She was carrying an imperial heir, and only the day before yesterday her own courtyard had been given a small kitchen. Why should Shen Yanshui have one? It was not as though Shen Yanshui was even pregnant!
Lady Wu was so furious that her chest rose and fell. She felt a blaze of anger rush upward, nearly enough to drive her mad!
Frightened, Qiaoyun hurriedly dropped to her knees. "Please calm yourself, my lady. Please calm yourself. Take care of your health..."
Lady Wu took several deep breaths, but she could not suppress the bitterness swelling inside her. She felt both aggrieved and enraged, almost beside herself.
The Crown Prince was plainly showing blatant favoritism!
