Palace Fighting Naive Concubines’ Ascent to Power

30: Chapter 30: The Boundless Autumn Moon 30: Chapter 30: The Boundless Autumn Moon Before arriving at Canglan Court, the Emperor stopped the eunuch who was about to announce him and went straight in.

He was eager to see what Little Concubine was up to.

As he passed through the entire compound, it was not until he neared the kitchen that he heard voices.

It turned out that the master and servant were busy in the kitchen.

The Emperor cleared his throat to signal the eunuch to announce his presence, maintaining a calm facade as he waited.

“His Majesty has arrived~”
Clattering noises of hurry and disarray came from the kitchen, then he saw Lian Hua rushing out, still wearing her apron, her eyes shining like stars as she looked up at the Emperor, and she bowed saying, “This servant greets Your Majesty~”
Two servants followed her, also performing a bow.

“Rise.” Seeing her look of anticipation, the Emperor felt inwardly satisfied, but his face remained expressionless as he blandly told her to stand up.

“Thank you, Your Majesty~” After bowing, Lian Hua trotted to His Majesty’s side and began to chatter away.

Zhang Qing, originally at the Emperor’s side, tactfully took the others and drew back a bit.

“Why did you announce yourself only at the kitchen, Your Majesty?

You gave this servant quite a scare, nearly knocking over the pot.

Luckily, I was quick…” Lian Hua rambled on, suddenly realizing something, and exclaimed, “Oh no, I forgot to untie my apron and I haven’t washed my hands.

My face is all sweaty and dirty.

Please wait for me, Your Majesty, I’ll be right back.”
Before the Emperor could speak, she hurried away.

He wanted to say there was no need to be so formal, that she was fine as she was, but before he could speak, she had already run off.

Still so impetuous, he thought with a sigh.

The Emperor shook his head helplessly, his gaze following the retreating figure of Lian Hua, tender enough to wring water from.

He had never seen Little Concubine making soup in the kitchen.

Was it truly such a beautiful sight?

The Emperor recalled the sight of Little Concubine just then: the slightly disheveled hair on her forehead, her rosy cheeks, the delicate waist highlighted by the apron’s thin straps, the sleeves rolled up to reveal arms as soft as lotus stems.

He regretted not having the chance to look at her longer.

Lian Hua was quick to change; in a short while, she reappeared wearing a new outfit, and upon seeing the Emperor, she started to smile, her eyes curving beautifully, like a clear spring.

The Emperor smiled too, watching her as she approached.

“Your Majesty, can you guess what we’re having tonight?

This servant has been preparing since noon,” Lian Hua said, leading the Emperor to the pavilion for dinner as she walked.

Although it was early autumn, it was still quite warm.

At the moment, as the sunset began to slant, the lighting was perfect for dining in the pavilion.

“Hmm, what did you make?” the Emperor asked, playing along.

“You have to guess~” Lian Hua responded with a coquettish tone, her voice soft and gentle.

This was the first time he had heard her speak to him in such a tone, and it made the Emperor’s heart itch.

Seizing the moment, he took her hand.

Lian Hua’s face flushed, her voice lowered, “Your Majesty, there are so many people watching…” She attempted to pull away in embarrassment, but failed to disengage her hand.

The Emperor chuckled softly and said nothing more, which made Lian Hua’s face redden to the tips of her ears.

At that moment, Zhang Qing, overseeing everything, positioned the meal that Lian Hua and her servants had prepared onto the pavilion’s stone table.

Seeing His Majesty holding Lian Hua’s hand, he nearly dropped the bowl he was holding.

He thought that this Young Master was truly remarkable.

His Majesty, always so stately and proper, eschewing frivolity, could actually be seen holding someone’s hand in public.

From now on, he would have to regard her with more respect, regardless of her status.

The atmosphere during this dinner was different from usual, seemingly infused with a subtle warmth, but it wasn’t just warmth.

There was also a hint of a suggestive undertone.

Throughout the meal, Lian Hua’s heart thumped wildly, unaware of what she was eating; all she knew was that His Majesty was watching her, but she dared not look back for fear her heart would burst forth.

The Emperor found that Lian Hua was exceptionally lovely that day.

The blush on her face had never faded, and she appeared to want to look at him but didn’t dare, speaking in a quiet, mosquito-like voice.

She spoke much less, didn’t retort even if he teased her, merely biting her lip with a flushed face, not uttering a word.

Her shy demeanor was amusing and endlessly captivating.

When it came time for the evening lamps to be lit, Lian Hua, who had bathed, sat in front of the dressing table, working on the Silk Flower.

Ever since that time, Lian Hua no longer insisted on attending to His Majesty during his bath.

Now, they took their baths separately.

By the time the Emperor had finished bathing, there were already several flowers of different styles on the dressing table.

The Emperor quietly approached and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder, as his warm chest pressed against her back.

He leaned in to see what she was making.

Lian Hua shyly dodged a little but was pulled in closer.

His Majesty whispered in her ear, “What is this you’re making?”
She dared not move, feeling the Emperor’s different presence, his voice carrying a seductive tone, and she replied tremblingly, “This servant, this servant is making a Silk Flower…”
“Hmm?” His magnetic voice sounded by her ear, his breath tickling it, making her earlobe seem to burn up with redness.

“Autumn has come, this servant wished to make some Silk Flowers to match the season…” As she felt the Emperor’s nearness, his heated torso, the fresh scent of his post-bath self, the pattering of her own heartbeat threatened to overpower her.

“Shall we resume some other day, if that suits you?” His Majesty’s gentle, magnetic voice reached her, accompanied by a series of damp kisses upon her ear.

Blanking out, Lian Hua’s body went limp, allowing the man behind her to have his way.

Soft moans began as the endless autumn moon hung in the sky.