Chapter 32: Caution on Purchasing – Li Rong Arrives

Chapter 32: Caution on Purchasing - Li Rong Arrives

In the afternoon, someone from the Imperial Bedchamber Bureau came to inform the emperor that he was coming and asked Fan Xueyao to make preparations in advance.

Fan Xueyao had the palace maids thoroughly clean both the front and back halls, striving for not a speck of dust. The imperial kitchen also prepared several dishes in case Chu Nan wanted to eat them. Even if Chu Nan didn't eat them, she would need to eat something herself. However, seeing that the emperor had eaten her kitchen's dishes during his previous visits, it seemed likely that he would eat them again.

Fan Xueyao made thorough preparations, but Chu Nan arrived earlier than usual today. The sun was still high in the sky, and cicadas were chirping loudly. Fan Xueyao quickly led him into the bedchamber to help him change clothes. Four senior palace maids had already prepared clothes, shoes, socks, soap, towels, and other toiletries nearby.

Fan Xueyao assisted Chu Nan in donning a fresh set of attire and observed that his undergarments were drenched in perspiration. She couldn't suppress a pang of sympathy as she remarked, "It's sweltering, and you're dressed in so many layers. Isn't this simply self-inflicted suffering?"

"This is the dignity of the Son of Heaven. How can it be considered self-torture?" Chu Nan spread his arms as Fan Xueyao dressed him, speaking leisurely, though he secretly agreed that it was indeed torturous. He wished every summer he could tear off layer after layer of clothes and throw them on the ground.

Hearing his stubborn tone, Fan Xueyao rolled her eyes inwardly. It was his own doing, and it didn't affect her. Despite this, she took the clothes from Huaping and helped him change.

"What kind of clothes are these? The style is quite unique," Chu Nan asked in surprise, examining the peculiar garment.

The clothes were neither a shirt nor a robe; they had narrow sleeves and a long body, with a simple design.

This robe was specially made by Fan Xueyao. Although it had a round neck, it was asymmetrical, unlike the typically loose-fitting round-neck robes. It was more fitted. The robe featured a yellow silk fabric with dragon and phoenix patterns, a round neck, asymmetrical front, and stone-blue sleeves embroidered with colorful dragons. The overlapping flaps were adorned with auspicious patterns.

"I made it. It’s comfortable, breathable, and convenient to move in. Put it on," Fan Xueyao said, helping him change into the robe. Chu Nan wore only an undergarment underneath, making the light silk robe feel cool and comfortable. The robe was lightweight yet dignified, maintaining the emperor's majesty without being too plain.

"The clothes are quite convenient," Chu Nan said, adjusting the cuffs and collar, asking Huaping to bring a bronze mirror to examine himself closely.

Seeing his vanity, Fan Xueyao chuckled inwardly. She led him to sit on the couch and began to wash his feet.

Chu Nan's feet were not pretty. They were pale, but due to wearing heavy boots year-round and silk socks that didn't breathe, his skin was cracked and his toes were red and irritated.

Fan Xueyao instructed the water room to prepare warm salt and ginger water. As soon as Chu Nan's feet touched the water, he sighed in relief, closing his eyes. Fan Xueyao carefully washed his feet for about half an hour before drying them. She didn't put socks back on him, instead slipping a pair of straw sandals onto his feet. His feet were in such bad condition, yet he insisted on wearing boots every day, prioritizing appearance over comfort.

"What are these?" Chu Nan asked, opening his eyes in surprise when his feet touched the unfamiliar sandals.

Fan Xueyao paused, then remembered that Chu Nan had been a prince since birth, later becoming the crown prince, always surrounded by servants. It was normal that he had never seen straw sandals. She explained, "These are straw sandals. They are refreshing, comfortable, and breathable. They are perfect for indoor use in the summer. Your Majesty wears thick boots daily, so your feet need to breathe."

Chu Nan wiggled his toes, finding the sandals soft and comfortable. He stood up and walked a few steps, feeling a cool breeze. He praised, "These sandals are truly wonderful. I've had foot problems since childhood, sometimes unbearable itching at night. Doctors have treated me multiple times without success. But these sandals are so comfortable, and there's no more sweating. Why hasn't anyone told me about these?"

Fan Xueyao smiled silently. Straw sandals were considered low-class and unsuitable for nobility. No one dared to present them to the emperor, fearing ridicule or punishment. Only she, knowing Chu Nan's fondness for her, dared to bring them to him.

Without rubber, they had to use straw sandals. The craftsmanship was excellent, almost like art. She hesitated to let Chu Nan wear them, but they were indeed very comfortable and suitable for summer.

After changing his clothes and shoes, Chu Nan felt refreshed. Fan Xueyao removed his headdress, which Huaping took and placed carefully. She wiped his neck and behind his ears with a damp towel, then untied his hair and combed it with a comb until it was no longer sweaty. Finally, she resecured his hair with a jade pin.

Chu Nan enjoyed Fan Xueyao's attentions, feeling different from the usual service of palace attendants. Their care was meticulous but impersonal. If anything went wrong, he would be displeased. But with Fan Xueyao, even if her movements were clumsy, he felt happy. It was like being immersed in warm water, relaxing to the point of not wanting to open his eyes.

While wiping his face, Fan Xueyao realized Chu Nan had fallen asleep. She quietly signaled the maids to tidy up and leave. She drew the curtains to block out the bright sunlight, draped a fragrant yellow shawl over his stomach, and left.

Chu Nan slept for a short while. When the imperial kitchen sent food, Fan Xueyao lifted the curtain and called for lights to be lit, waking him up.

After a brief nap, Chu Nan felt refreshed. Huaping led several maids to light candles, illuminating the rooms brightly.

They washed their faces and hands, then sat down to eat. A large ice block stood in the center of the room, with maids fanning cool air towards them. Fan Xueyao didn't like incense, but a copper incense burner near the couch emitted mosquito-repelling fragrance, filling the air with a faint scent.

Three tables were set up as usual. Palace maids entered silently, placing dishes, and the chief food taster sampled them. Afterward, Chu Nan dismissed them, and Su'e led them to another room to rest.

Fan Xueyao personally served Chu Nan, using her mind-reading ability to know exactly what he wanted. Chu Nan thought she understood his preferences perfectly.

The meal included meat, vegetables, soups, and fruits. Chu Nan mostly ate dishes from Fan Xueyao's kitchen, leaving the imperial kitchen's offerings untouched. These would later be distributed to concubines, princes, princesses, or ministers. Since Chu Nan had no sons and only two daughters, he chose some lighter dishes to send to the empress dowager's quarters. The remaining dishes were sent to the empress, the two princesses, and a few concubines who had served him since his days as crown prince.

Later that night, they engaged in intimate activities. Afterward, Chu Nan folded a thin blanket and placed it under Fan Xueyao's thighs and buttocks. He lay down, his hand gently caressing her abdomen.

Fan Xueyao held his hand, knowing he wanted her to conceive. At twenty-five, he had no son and was eager for an heir. He liked her and wanted her to bear his children. However, conception couldn't be rushed. She believed she was healthy and would eventually conceive.

Child mortality rates were high in this era, with nearly half dying before age twenty and most before ten. Royal offspring often died young. The previous emperor had fifty or forty pregnant concubines, but only two daughters and four sons survived to adulthood. Therefore, the emperor sought many concubines not just for pleasure but also to ensure heirs.

Fan Xueyao didn't want to get pregnant quickly, but there were no safe contraceptives. She couldn't take harmful cooling herbs either. With Chu Nan sharing her bed, she couldn't wash away the semen. Tracking her fertile period was impractical given his unpredictable visits.

She prayed for a delay, hoping to give her body more time to mature. She exercised daily to stay healthy, benefiting both her and any future child.

Half a year had passed since she entered the palace. Leaning by the window, she reflected on how fast time flew. Suddenly, Xiaoyue hurried into the courtyard, speaking to Huaping, who then entered the room.

Huaping bowed and said, "My Lady, Li Rong has arrived and is waiting outside for an audience."

"Bring her in," Fan Xueyao straightened up, adjusted her attire, and walked gracefully to the east parlor.

After a brief wait, Huaping led her mother Li Rong and others in. Li Rong performed the standard greetings for a noblewoman meeting a concubine, wishing her well. Following palace protocol, Fan Xueyao waited until the formalities were complete before personally helping Li Rong up and giving Huaping a nod.

Huaping understood, slipped a pouch into the eunuch's hand, and said warmly, "Eunuch Guo, please come have some tea and rest."

Eunuch Guo happily obliged, having received a gift, and followed Huaping out.

Once they left, Fan Xueyao sat next to Li Rong on a rosewood armchair. Her face softened, showing a gentle and playful expression.

"It's been so long since I've seen you, Mother. I miss you so much," Fan Xueyao said, holding Li Rong's hand and pouting affectionately.