Chapter 95 (1/2)

Chapter 95 Cloud Nine: Marriage

“Take note of everything Yao'er eats; if you need anything, request directly from the Imperial Quartermaster; they will know that it is by my decree. All of you mamas and handmaidens keep your wits about you; make sure that my Concubine is well taken of.” The Emperor half-jokingly said to the attendants and handmaidens in Concubine Yao's residence.

“Yes, your Majesty.” They curtsied.

“There's no need to worry, your Majesty. They've been taking good care of me all the while; nothing bad can happen.” Concubine Yao leaned lightly onto him, her eyes gentle and docile.

“Things are different now. You carry my child in you and it can never hurt to be extra careful with everything you do.” The Emperor gently rubbed her abdomen. “I'd never expected to have another child at my age! The G.o.ds themselves must be smiling upon our lineage.”

“You're not old at all, your Majesty! Stop saying such nonsense!” Concubine Yao chided gently, snuggling into the Emperor's embrace.

“Well well, you do indeed have the sweetest words for me, don't you?” The Emperor tightened his embrace around Concubine Yao and gently stroked her hair. “Finally, you'll have someone else to rely on after all these years in the palace. Even if I'm no longer here, there's someone who can be there for you.”

“Your Majesty!” Concubine Yao quickly cupped his mouth. “Yao'er doesn't like hearing you talk like that, your Majesty! I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“Alright, alright. I'll stop here.” The Emperor smiled. “Anyway, why don't I see your younger sister here? If I remember correctly, she does love spending time with you.”

Concubine Yao smiled lightly. “She's been grounded by Father over some mistake she's committed. Your Majesty must know how Father is strict with his rules, but my younger sister has always been a little rebellious. Although she can be rash at times, she respects my father a lot and will never go against his will on purpose. I can't meet here even if I want to nowadays.”

The Emperor smiled and shook his head. “I know what Minister Qi is like; I can barely stand him even though I only meet him once a day. It's only natural that your younger sister will be punished by him, seeing as how they spend every day together under the same roof. If you miss her that much, I'm sure the Minister will let her come if I request that of him.”

“Thank you for sympathizing with me, your Majesty.” Concubine Yao quickly curtsied. “Let me show my grat.i.tude on behalf of my younger sister, your Majesty.”

“No need to be so formal with me, Yao'er.” The Emperor quickly helped her up. “It'll be perfect if you could teach your sister to be as gentle as you are, seeing as how beautiful she already is.”

“I will, your Majesty.” Concubine Yao bowed her head, hiding her eyes from the Emperor.

“I know I can count on you.” The Emperor continued to smile.

“Your Majesty, will you like to try some of the snacks that I've made today?” Concubine Yao waved her hand, and a handmaiden brought a few dishes to the table.

The Emperor looked at the exquisite culinary delights on the table and laughed. “Your culinary skills have always been impressive, Yao'er. Looks like I'm in for a treat today.” Before he could reach for the food, an attendant's voice sounded from outside the room.

“Your Majesty, the Duke of Anping is waiting for you in the Imperial Study.”

“Oh right!” The Emperor rubbed his forehead lightly. “How could I have forgotten about that! I must have missed it out in my hurry to see you.”

“Your duties are taxing and far more important than me, your Majesty.” Concubine Yao gently got up from his embrace. “Go ahead, your Majesty. I'll leave the snacks right here and you can have them when you're done with your duties.”

“You're a sensible woman, and that's what I like about you.” The Emperor stood up and brushed her nose, turning to leave the hall.

A handmaiden delivered medicine from the kitchen, smiling at Concubine Yao. “His Majesty does dote on you a lot, doesn't he? He's never as gentle with the other concubines as he is with you.”

Concubine Yao smiled but did not speak, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“Duke of Anping. Your reports of the situation in the North the other time were very pleasant to read indeed.” The Emperor smiled at Situ from his seat behind the desk. “I believe that the situation in the North has been defused for the time being – and it's all thanks to you. Tell me, what will you like to be rewarded with this time?”

“It is my duty as a General of the kingdom to serve you and you only, your Majesty. How can I possibly ask for anything in return?” Situ quickly bowed. “The other generals in the North are more deserving of such rewards, your Majesty.”

“Oh, stop being so humble, Anping Duke. They can wait for their turn when they come back to the capital. You are the one before me right now.” The Emperor waved a hand in the air. “Since you wouldn't tell me what you want, let me make the decision for you.”