Noble Consort Dong got up and obediently massaged his head.
Emperor Qing then closed his eyes, enjoying the beauty’s service while making casual conversation about what he had done and what he had eaten.
“Your Majesty, a few days ago this concubine had a bowl of taro at the Empress’s place and found it particularly good. The Empress said it was tribute from Marquis Dingxi.” Noble Consort Dong said while massaging the Emperor’s shoulders. “Your Majesty, this concubine is greedy but too embarrassed to ask the Empress directly. Could you help this concubine get some?”
The Emperor laughed heartily and reached out to pinch his beloved consort’s small hand.
“You’re the only one in this palace who’s greedy. When you hear about delicious food somewhere, you won’t let it go. I knew you didn’t ask me to come for my sake, but to have me get you food.” he laughed.
Noble Consort Dong shook the Emperor’s hand and laughed, then lowered her head to whisper something in his ear. The Emperor’s eyes narrowed as he reached out to embrace her.
“Then I’ll let you eat your fill.” he said with a low laugh.
For a moment, the room was filled with spring romance. After the clouds dispersed and rain ceased, the night was deep.
On the spacious bed, Noble Consort Dong leaned softly against the Emperor’s chest. The dim lamplight outside illuminated her face full of spring passion.
“…Why do you think Marquis Dingxi thought to send things to the Empress? He never used to show himself…” Noble Consort Dong played with the Emperor’s sash, speaking lazily.
“Of course he has a request.” the Emperor laughed. He pillowed his hands behind his neck. “Can you guess what he’s requesting?”
Noble Consort Dong tilted her head in thought.
“What could he possibly request? He lacks neither food nor clothing. Prince Dingxi has also achieved merit, and Your Majesty has given him an official position. Could he be asking Your Majesty to give him a grandson?” she covered her mouth and laughed.
The Emperor laughed heartily.
“You actually guessed right.” he laughed.
Noble Consort Dong was stunned, her cherry lips opening wide.
“Really?” she said in disbelief.
“He’s requesting permission for his second wife to share equal status.” the Emperor laughed, telling her about the matter.
Noble Consort Dong was speechless for a long time after hearing this.
“That’s really…” she seemed at a loss for words, rolling her eyes to look at the Emperor. “Your Majesty, how do you plan to respond to him?”
The Emperor looked at her with a smile.
“Isn’t this waiting for my beloved consort to speak?” he said.
This smile made his eyes even more narrow and inscrutable.
Noble Consort Dong smiled with pursed lips.
“How would this concubine dare to speak?” she laughed.
The Emperor smiled and suddenly reached out to grasp half of her breast.
Noble Consort Dong cried out in pain. The force was clearly not light, but she dared not show pain on her face, forcing herself to smile.
“Your Majesty…” she called out in a trembling, delicate voice.
The Emperor’s smile remained, but his eyes grew more and more narrowed.
“Your Majesty, this concubine was indeed approached by someone regarding the Marquis Dingxi family’s affairs, but the request wasn’t this…” Noble Consort Dong could no longer hide her pain and said in a trembling voice.
“Speak.” the Emperor said with a slight smile. The abundance he grasped in his hand was deformed even through the clothing, and one could imagine there would surely be bruises left under the fabric.
Noble Consort Dong endured the pain and leaned forward, not daring to hide anything as she spoke in detail.
The heavy pearl curtains blocked all sounds from this place of wealth and splendor.