Chapter 6

“What’s going on outside? What’s all that noise!”

The Imperial Consort was a light sleeper; the slightest sound could wake her, and she was already losing her temper.

I wanted to speak but didn’t dare to rise. Instead, the person before me pushed open the door, his voice laced with a smile: “Jiaojiao.”

A single term of endearment was enough to make the beauty melt, and the room seemed to fill with a sweet fragrance. I stood up slowly and calmly instructed the subordinates to prepare hot water.

Given my current status, this wasn’t supposed to be my job anymore. However, the palace maid carrying the hot water came back out looking troubled, glancing at me hesitantly. “Auntie, Your Highness said she wants you to bring it in personally.”

I froze for a moment, took the hot water, and walked toward the inner hall.

The hall was warm, dissipating some of the chill clinging to me. The low murmurs and whispers in my ears grew clearer, exceptionally explicit.

It made sense; as a foreigner, the Imperial Consort was always bolder in her actions than the women of Dasheng. I thought to myself, keeping my head down submissively, remaining indifferent to the sounds that would make anyone else blush. The Imperial Consort paid me no mind either, as if calling me in had been nothing more than a whim.

I simply went about my business. Just as I was about to leave, I heard a sudden sound. I looked over instinctively and saw that the Imperial Consort had fallen asleep at some point. The Son of Heaven’s eyes were clear, meeting my gaze directly.

My expression remained unchanged as I bowed and withdrew silently.

As if I had never been there.