Chapter 43: Winning Favor with a Single Performance

Chapter 43: Winning Favor with a Single Performance

Ever since Song Zhao bravely defended him in the Imperial Garden, Xiao Jingheng, concerned about her back injury, had been very restrained in their intimate moments.

But today, he was like a tiger released from its cage, leaving Song Zhao weak and breathless.

After their passionate moments, Xiao Jingheng pulled Song Zhao into his arms,

"My beloved concubine seems to understand my heart more and more."

Song Zhao chuckled shyly, turning over to half lie on Xiao Jingheng, her delicate forefinger tracing circles on his muscular chest.

"My heart is aligned with Your Majesty's, naturally, I find joy in what pleases you."

"Hahaha!" Xiao Jingheng laughed heartily, teasingly said, "My dear is becoming quite the jester."

With that, he leaned in abruptly, capturing her lips, and they embarked on a new round of exploration.

Song Zhao was different from the other concubines,

Most of them were somewhat shy during intimate moments, afraid to make a sound or move, except for Imperial Concubine Chen, who was more adventurous.

But even she paled in comparison to Song Zhao.

Song Zhao not only knew how to reciprocate but also how to join Xiao Jingheng in exploring new 'pleasures'.

Though she didn't love Xiao Jingheng, she coveted his handsome looks and fine physique,

After all, it was a mutually satisfying arrangement, and she was uninhibited, considering it a fair exchange of needs.

After their love-making, they rested in each other's embrace for a while.

Xiao Jingheng had state affairs to attend to in the afternoon and couldn't stay long. Before leaving, he said to Song Zhao:

"Prince An visited the palace today, and tonight I must accompany him to visit Empress Dowager Jing. I won't summon you tonight, rest well."

Song Zhao knew this was just an excuse; these days were Imperial Concubine Chen's 'favorable days', and he was likely to spend the night with her.

But today, it seemed that Imperial Concubine Chen wouldn't get her way.

Song Zhao was certain about men's penchant for novelty; even if Xiao Jingheng didn't visit her tonight, it wouldn't be Imperial Concubine Chen's turn to serve him.

After all, Xiao Changzai was not an easy one to dismiss.

Meanwhile, upon returning to her palace, Xiao Changzai shut her door and began to practice her vocal exercises.

When the time was right, she changed into a newly made lake blue Yunjin long robe and applied a delicate and bright makeup, stealthily making her way to the Jiufang Corridor.

This Jiufang Corridor was the necessary route to Shoukang Palace,

Xiao Changzai stood in the nearby flower garden and began singing "The Jade Hairpin."

By the time she was singing it for the third time, Xiao Jingheng indeed arrived.

Seeing the imperial carriage approaching her direction, Xiao Changzai abruptly stopped singing and kneeled in panic,

"This concubine pays her respects to Your Majesty, wishing you boundless fortune."

Her voice trembled, sounding somewhat fearful.

Xiao Jingheng paused to observe her, and a palace maid immediately brought the lantern closer to Xiao Changzai, allowing him to see her face clearly.

However, even with a clear view, it was useless, as Xiao Jingheng couldn't recall who she was.

Jiang Deshun broke the awkward silence, quietly reminding him, "Your Majesty, this is Xiao Changzai from Zhaochun Palace."

Only then did he say, "Rise."

But Xiao Changzai remained kneeling, "It is forbidden to create noise at night in the palace. I have violated the palace rules by singing here and dare not rise."

She thought that by saying this, Xiao Jingheng would see her as understanding the rules and look at her differently.

But Xiao Jingheng was no fool,

If she truly understood the rules, she wouldn’t have come all the way from Zhaochun Palace to sing here,

She must have known he would pass by this place, hence deliberately staged this act.

Such clumsy acting was transparent to Xiao Jingheng,

However, Xiao Changzai's rendition of Kunqu opera was indeed excellent, and the lake blue robe did lend her some charm. Xiao Jingheng chose not to expose her,

"It's fine, I won't blame you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After Xiao Changzai stood up, Xiao Jingheng suddenly thought of something and asked,

"Are you the daughter of the Prefect of Jiangzhou?"

Xiao Changzai promptly responded, "Indeed, my father is the Prefect of Jiangzhou, Xiao Bin."

Xiao Jingheng said, "I remember Xiao Bin belongs to the lineage of Prince Qi from Emperor Taizu's era. By that account, you should be my cousin."

This term 'cousin' could only be used by Xiao Jingheng; Xiao Changzai dared not presume to call him 'cousin'.

After all, such distant royal kinship, tracing back three generations, was not something she dared to claim.

Xiao Changzai silently nodded, not daring to continue the conversation.

Xiao Jingheng continued, "Your rendition of 'The Jade Hairpin' just now was commendable. The singing was soft and lingering, the rhythm varied and fluid, and the spoken parts were quite refined. It's evident you've put in considerable effort to learn."

Xiao Changzai feigned surprise, "Your Majesty also enjoys Kunqu opera? I studied under Master Liu in Jiangzhou."

"Is it Liu Yuanzhi?"

"Your Majesty knows my teacher?"

"In the past, the late Emperor often summoned him to the palace to perform. I've heard several of his plays. However, by then his voice was aging, somewhat coarse. I find your performance today more appealing."

"Your Majesty flatters me," Xiao Changzai said with her head bowed, blushing and bashfully responding,

"If Your Majesty likes, I could sing specially for you when you're free in the future."

Xiao Jingheng responded with a nonchalant 'Hmm', acknowledging her offer.

Xiao Changzai, not daring to overstep, made a bow and said, "Then, I shall take my leave."

She had just taken two steps when Xiao Jingheng called out to her from behind.

"Tonight, under the hazy moonlight, this scene reminds me of Bai Nianchuan's 'Legend of the Clouds'. Do you know it?"

Hearing this, Xiao Changzai's heart nearly leaped out of her throat in excitement.

She took a deep breath to compose herself, turned around with a calm expression, and said:

"I am also fond of that opera."

"Then come to Chaoyang Palace and sing it for me."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I shall obey the command!"

*

Half an hour later, in Yonghe Palace.

Imperial Concubine Chen had prepared a table full of exquisite dishes and fine wines since early morning,

But, having reheated them thrice, she still hadn't seen Xiao Jingheng arrive.

She sent Yingxiang to inquire about the situation. When Yingxiang returned, her face was troubled, and she hesitated to speak:

"Your Highness... I'm afraid His Majesty won't be able to come today..."

"Unable to come?" Imperial Concubine Chen's brows furrowed, anger flaring up instantly, "Has His Majesty summoned Song Zhao again?"

Yingxiang shook her head, “Not yet..."

“Not yet? Didn't you say the Sixth Prince already left the palace? Then is the Emperor staying alone in Chaoyang Palace tonight?” After pondering for a moment, Consort Chen hurriedly said, “Then quickly prepare, I will visit Chaoyang Palace.”

Consort Chen was impulsive in her actions, a person who acted as quickly as she spoke,

Seeing her about to leave for the palace gate, Yingxiang, frightened, immediately knelt before her, tremblingly saying:

“Your Highness must not go... His Majesty has summoned Xiao Changzai tonight…”

“Xiao Changzai?” Hearing this name, Consort Chen took a moment to remember who she was, “What is she?!”

Consort Chen slammed her hand on the table and, in a fit of anger, shattered several dishes on the floor, shouting:

“Tell me! Why would His Majesty suddenly think of that vile woman?”

(Ps: From tomorrow, updates will resume twice in the early morning~ Love~)