Chapter 36: Maintaining the Emperor’s Dignity

Chapter 36: Maintaining the Emperor's Dignity

Yun Li felt a tingling sensation in her ear and shivered involuntarily.

That shiver was indeed double-edged.

Realizing she was in for a tiring night, and that it would be a tingling experience.

The emperor really never missed a chance to make her work hard, did he?

Yun Li, tossed onto the dragon bed, struggled briefly in vain.

Yun Li, straddling the emperor, felt like crying without tears.

"If you don't like 'Li'er', how about calling you 'Yun'er' from now on?"

Exhausted and feeling light-headed, Yun Li asked the emperor, "Why... why do you call others by their full names, but... but me, just Yun'er?"

Emperor Helian then flipped over, pinning her down, his finger tracing her pert nose and beautiful red lips, whispering softly, "Others are not as delicate as my lady."

And then, he proceeded with his actions, like a storm...

In reality, Emperor Helian was well aware that he didn't favor this woman very much, at least not currently.

But this woman indeed piqued his interest immensely.

There weren’t many bold women in his presence. Lady Lan was one.

"Consort Lan's boldness differs from that of Qi Bao Lin."

"Consort Lan’s audacity is like a line that she controls very well."

"It only slightly exceeds the boundaries at times."

"Lady Li is also bold, but her boldness is coupled with careful observation and caution."

"However, Qi Bao Lin is not like that. She doesn’t set limits for herself, instead continuously challenging her own boundaries. She's not overly cautious; even her explorations are forthright."

"Indeed, she has begun to test the waters step by step, from the way she addresses herself and him, to kissing and embracing, in many aspects."

"Nevertheless, He Jinli is indifferent."

"She's just a consort. No matter how unrestrained she is, what can she really do?"

"If one day he grows tired of her, he will plainly tell her to behave more appropriately."

"However, as long as she doesn’t cross the line or do anything wrong in her attempts, he won't punish her."

"But, if he were to revise his previous views, this woman is far smarter than her sister."

"Perhaps the Qi family didn't make a mistake; lacking in chess pieces now, maybe one day, this woman could go much further."

"For He Jinli, this night was thoroughly enjoyable."

"Poor Yun Li, she didn’t feel it last night, but today her legs are as good as useless."

"The Emperor has no grand court assembly today, but with the ongoing war in the southwest, he is busy every day."

It's rare for the emperor to arrive late today, just to have Yun Li join him for breakfast.

Since Yun Li served breakfast, she naturally couldn't attend the morning greeting.

She's so "grateful" to the emperor - not really.

The emperor probably noticed this and decided to be kind for once.

When she finally returned to Le'an Palace, the emperor's reward arrived promptly.

Told not to kneel when receiving it, Yun Li indeed didn’t.

The gift was a pair of exquisite glass vases.

However, Yun Li didn't like the color.

It was a mix of yellow and green, and the transparency was mediocre.

But like it or not, she had to accept it and even display it.

Yun Li was indifferent, but many in the harem envied her.

Recently, Le'an Palace had been the focus, receiving gifts from both the Noble Consort and the emperor.

Yun Li was quite the center of attention at this time.

Although her favor still didn’t match some others, she was no longer the overlooked Yun Li of before.

For the Mid-Autumn Festival, the empress decided to host a banquet at the Jade Wheel Pavilion.

This high pavilion in the harem was traditionally used for moon viewing since the previous emperor's reign.

Since Emperor Helian's ascension, this tradition has continued.

Holding the banquet here for Mid-Autumn Festival is perfect.

Mid-Autumn is a festival of reunion, attended only by close royal relatives.

Although the southwestern conflict hasn’t completely settled, by August 14th, the Empress's father had won four consecutive victories, becoming a first-rank Grand General.

The family's noble status remained unchanged, but the Empress's mother and grandmother were awarded imperial titles.

Her two younger brothers were also granted titles. Though not high-ranking, it was a significant change from before when only her elder brother was eligible for inheritance.

The Empress felt indescribably proud.

On Mid-Autumn Day, the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress sat at the main table, flanked on the left by the eldest prince and princess, followed by other royal relatives.

The concubines were seated on the right.

The six-year-old princess raised her cup: "Father Emperor, Mother said today is a day of reunion. I toast to Father Emperor."

She wore a bright red dress, her hair styled in a simple bun adorned with ribbons and gold clasps, resembling the Empress in her delicate beauty and intelligence.

She looked extremely bright and endearing.

"Good, Father Emperor will certainly drink to the toast from the Princess," Emperor Helian smiled.

The princess had yet to be officially named and was affectionately called Jiu'er.

After toasting, she happily sat down.

The four-year-old crown prince also stood up: "Father Emperor, your son also toasts to you."

Emperor Helian smiled: "Good, Father Emperor will drink to the toast from the Crown Prince as well."

Of course, it was just for show; the children were actually drinking water.

After their toasts, it was time for the royal relatives, the Empress, and the various concubines to follow suit.

However, not everyone gets the chance to toast, especially those of lower status.

One dish after another was served, making the banquet lively. The Yuefu's newly arranged song and dance performance added to the festivities. The melodious sounds of silk strings were very pleasing.

Among the dancers, two exceptionally beautiful ones stood out with their extraordinary dance skills, much to Yun Li's delight.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, the banquet was concluded, replaced with fruits and mooncakes. All the windows were opened for moon viewing.

At this moment, the moon was at its zenith, visible even from inside.

"Seeing this moonlight, I can only think of the song Miss Yun sang during His Majesty's birthday celebration, 'The river's moon is yearly the same, but who does the river's moon wait for?' It was truly wonderful," Li Meiren smiled to Emperor Helian.

"Indeed, Yun Li's lyrics were excellent," said Emperor Helian, turning to glance at Yun Li behind him.

Yun Li rose and bowed: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Since it's Mid-Autumn Festival and we are enjoying the moon, why not have Miss Yun sing again? Let us all enjoy her singing once more?" Li Meiren suggested.

Yun Li laughed: "Sister Li jests. I sang that day for His Majesty's birthday. Today is Mid-Autumn, a time for family reunions. I'd rather not perform."

"If Sister Li really wants to listen, the Yuefu performers haven't left yet. We can call them back."

"You sang for His Majesty's birthday, but won’t sing now when the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and all the princes and princesses are present?" Li Meiren teased with a smile.

"Yes. I am a concubine of His Majesty, occasionally singing to please him is appropriate. But performing on every festive occasion would be unseemly, wouldn’t it? It would disgrace the Emperor's dignity. Sister Li, you've been in the palace for many years, you should understand. Let's not joke about this matter," Yun Li said assertively, not shying away from her words.

The Empress Dowager glanced over but remained silent.

The Empress smiled: "Let's just enjoy the moon then. We can listen to her sing again next year during His Majesty's birthday."

Li Meiren felt slightly awkward: "As the Empress says."

"Give my cup of wine to Yun Li. Reward her for... preserving the Emperor's dignity," Emperor Helian said with a smile.