33 3.4 (1/2)

For the next several weeks, the emperor thoroughly displayed his infatuation with Consort Jing.

Although such bias was unprecedented for Emperor Taihe, no one in the aristocratic circles could claim not to comprehend it, having witnessed for themselves how enthralling that figure in the garden had been. Even the most disciplined person would have been swayed by those hazy eyes, flushed cheeks, and subtly revealed physique.

Recalling that scene, many people similarly fell into a stupor, only recovering their senses by sharply reminding themselves that regardless of whether the emperor's passion lasted, the man was an imperial consort, not someone they could think about.

Meanwhile, inside the palace, the servants could hardly raise their heads for fear that they would blind their eyes. Lamenting the loss of their celestially impartial sovereign, they stood silently every day, darting quick, uncontrollable peeks at the sight of the emperor doting on the consort from morning to night.

At each afternoon meal, the heavenly son would wait on Consort Jing like a devoted subject, meticulously refilling Zhang Hua's wine cup, placing his favorite sweets on hand, and even personally wiping his hands for him. Then, the couple would move to the lounge, where the consort would recline to enjoy his usual pastimes and the emperor would teasingly skim his fingers along his legs and under his gown until his reluctant departure at night.

While Chen Yu allowed the petting, he was fully aware that Lu Guanting didn't really desire him or his body, so he casually used flimsy excuses to put off servicing him.

Although he had no moral objections, why expend so much energy when he didn't need to?

Of course, the emperor had perceived that Consort Jing wasn't genuinely 'too ill,' 'too tired,' 'too hungry' to perform, but to maintain his image as a lovesick ruler, he couldn't demand his rights. Besides, those offhand refusals simply elevated Zhang Hua's worth in his eyes—he had evidently long discerned that the emperor's interest didn't stem from his looks and, perhaps as retaliation, even dared to force this Lu Guanting to endure watching without eating.

To outsiders' eyes, however, the consort's attitude was incomprehensible.

He remained as indolent as ever, not dressing up despite learning that the emperor would soon arrive, rarely starting a conversation, never tempting the emperor into bed. In fact, it almost appeared that Consort Jing found the Holy One's presence troublesome.

On the other hand, the man demonstrated perfect respect for the emperor in the most bizarre aspects. For instance, even when Emperor Taihe specifically granted him the extraordinary honor of not having to bow and further encouraged him to use his personal name, Consort Jing merely smiled faintly, then continued to perform all the proper rituals.

Some people scolded him in their hearts, but what could they do? The emperor clearly didn't mind this at all, his eyes nearly overflowed with helpless fondness.

Emperor Taihe was indeed very satisfied with Consort Jing's conduct. Throughout this period, he'd been convinced that no matter what he did, whether he resumed favoring other concubines or stopped indulging him, Zhang Hua wouldn't care. Nor had the pampered consort ever exercised his privilege as the emperor's favorite.

Such a person would bring the least trouble, indifference was exactly what he wanted in his empress.

The sole headache was...that Lu Guanting became somewhat insecure about his charm. For Zhang Hua to resist his advances without a qualm, had his looks faded so much?

Thus, the emperor began to behave a bit oddly these days, spending a great deal of time in front of the mirror and meticulously choosing his robes, making the onlookers' cheeks twitch.

Shouldn't the consort be the one acting so anxiously? Why did it feel like the roles were switched?

But these questions remained unvoiced, because the eunuchs who had accompanied Lu Guanting since he was young tacitly agreed to keep quiet and distance themselves. No matter what, they wouldn't presume to meddle, lest the emperor ask for their opinion.

In this way, a month passed by peacefully.

The few noteworthy incidents during this time had been caused by the crown prince.

Actually, Chen Yu gave the boy some credit. Despite being so disgraced at the banquet, he hadn't taken any action for some time.

However, hearing of his imperial father's growing obsession with Consort Jing, he apparently couldn't wait anymore—after all, he was still young, he couldn't fully suppress his impulses yet.

So the boy made some small troubles, such as having one of Chen Yu's maids add a skin irritant into the bathwater or trying to frame Consort Jing for having an affair.