Chapter 118: The Bet

Chapter 118: The Bet

In a short while, the painted screen that had been washed returned with Huigu, and upon checking the hourglass, the screen meticulously inquired about whether the bathing utensils and the clothes that the master and mistress would wear after getting up had been prepared, and upon receiving affirmative answers, nodded at Qiaoqiao and the others.

Immediately, Huaping and Qiaoqiao entered the bedroom together. Huaping gently approached the bedside, and in a soft voice, called out from behind the screen: "Madam?"

Fan Xueyao was naturally a light sleeper, and a call from Hua Ping woke her up. She blinked and responded with a "Hmm," then turned her head to look beside her. Chu Nan was still asleep, his breathing slightly heavy as his chest rose and fell. He was still sound asleep.

Fan Xueyao rubbed her eyes, as was her usual routine, she got up alone, went to the partitioned area, and began by washing her face. She washed her face with clear water infused with rose petals and a few drops of rose water, then dried it. She combed her hair, which had become a bit disheveled from rubbing against the embroidered pillow, straight and smooth, without tying it up.

Fan Xueyao tiptoed back into the bedroom, carefully climbed onto the bed, and propped her cheek with her delicate hand. She quietly observed the sleeping man for a while, noticing he remained unconscious. Then, she playfully extended her finger and gently tapped the tip of his nose.

"Umm..." Chu Nan frowned in his sleep, slowly opening his eyes, with a hint of drowsiness still lingering in them.

"Awake now?" Fan Xueyao tilted her head, her charming face brimming with a smile.

Looking at Fan Xueyao, Chu Nan unconsciously smiled, foolishly, as innocent as a child. Soon, the daze in his eyes dissipated, and the childlike innocence was replaced by the mature aura of a man.

"Hmm... What time is it?" Chu Nan uttered a sultry nasal tone, rolled over, and his deep eyes were filled with Fan Xueyao's face.

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Fan Xueyao replied casually, then shifted her weight back, sitting on her calves, and reached out to pull Chu Nan up: "Get up quickly, if you lie down any longer, you won't be able to sleep tonight."

Chu Nan felt utterly relaxed and comfortable, with no desire to get up. Lying loosely on the couch, he remained perfectly still despite Fan Xueyao exerting all her strength to pull him up, even laughing mischievously in response.

Fan Xueyao pulled with all her might but couldn't budge him. Seeing that he not only didn't get up as expected but also snickered at her, she angrily threw his arm aside and laughed, "You're making fun of my lack of strength, aren't you? Just lie there then. If you're really capable, you can lie on the couch for a whole day and night without getting up, and I'll truly admire you!"

"What's so difficult about this?"

The custom of our dynasty is to hold court every three days. He has just attended court today, and the next court session will be in two days. As for memorials, they do not necessarily have to be handled in the Hongning Palace or Jianshi Hall; it is also acceptable to bring them to the Spreading Fragrance Hall. Naturally, Fan Xueyao would be aware of these practices.

Thus, Chu Nan assumed she was in the middle of copying scriptures and couldn't engage in intimacy, so he didn't think anything else and spoke offhandedly.

He is the emperor himself, would he fear such gossip? Not to mention he had no intention of making her break her vows. Even if they had truly consummated their relationship, as long as it was not recorded in the imperial annals, who could have evidence to accuse them of breaking the vows through their union?

Fan Xueyao knew exactly what he was thinking. With a light hum, she smiled with a hint of pride and mockery, as if she had seen herself dig a pit and the other party indeed foolishly jumped in.

"Is it indeed so? Then the official will not rise for a day and a night, and if they concede halfway, the official will add incense for me for three days while I copy the scriptures. How about that?"

"If I truly manage to do it, then you will have to..." Chu Nan whispered something into Fan Xueyao's ear, then pulled back, a somewhat mischievous smile appearing on his face.

Fan Xueyao's face turned rosy, and she cast a shy, reproachful glance at him, whispering softly, "It's a deal."

"In that case, you just lie there on the couch without touching the ground even with a single finger, or else you lose," Fan Xueyao couldn't hide the triumph on her face. She gracefully stepped down from the couch, fluttered her cloud-like sleeves, and sent a smug glance towards Chu Nan before walking away with an elegant gait.

Chu Nan lay on the couch, utterly bewildered. He had been brimming with confidence, but upon seeing Fan Xueyao's unwavering and self-assured demeanor, he couldn't help but begin to doubt himself.

Could there be some crucial point he has overlooked?

Fan Xueyao emerged with a smile, her bright laughter and eyes filled with mirth. Hua Ping and the others looked on with curiosity. Fan Xueyao was always close to them, not usually concerned with the distinctions of rank. Sometimes they would jokingly banter without regard to status.

Thus, seeing her in such high spirits, Huaping asked curiously, "Why are you so happy, Lady?"

Fan Xueyao smiled and said, "I made a bet with His Majesty, and I’m sure to win, so naturally I’m happy."

Hearing this, Huaping and the others became even more curious. Seeing that Fan Xueyao was not being secretive, they knew it wasn’t anything serious, so they pressed on, "What did you bet? How are you so sure you’ll win?"

Fan Xueyao chuckled, her cheeks flushing pink like a ripe, plump peach, "I bet he can’t stay in bed for a whole day and night without getting up."

"Ha!" The crowd burst into laughter upon hearing this. Those who understood quickly covered their mouths to stifle their giggles, while those who were slower to catch on pestered for more details. They didn’t hold back, whispering the secret into their ears, which led to more delicate laughter.

Fan Xueyao didn’t hide anything; Chu Nan, who was in the inner chamber, naturally heard what they were saying. Hearing the maids’ laughter, which seemed to confirm his loss, he felt increasingly uneasy.

What had he overlooked? Chu Nan racked his brain, but it felt as if a nerve in his head was stuck, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t figure it out.

Fan Xueyao paid no attention to his distress. After laughing with the maids, she went to the eastern room to see her son. Little Chu Xu was already awake, and Fan Xueyao never allowed him to sleep too long during the day, otherwise he would be restless at night, disturbing her and the palace attendants. However, if he disturbed Chu Nan, it wouldn’t be pleasant.

Clearly, when Fan Xueyao woke up, the wet nurses had already come to help little Chu Xu get dressed. They were gathered around the bed, helping him put on a robe embroidered with dragon and tiger patterns. Chu Xu immediately noticed his mother’s arrival, his dark eyes shining brightly, and he excitedly called out, "Mama," jumping up and down on the bed like a lively rabbit.

"Let me do it." Fan Xueyao stepped forward, dismissing the attendants. She sat on the edge of the bed, picked up the neatly ironed and starched little robe, and softened it a bit. With a loving smile, she said to little Chu Xu, "Alright, time to get dressed. Stretch out your arms, Xiaoxu."

Chu Xiaoxu immediately extended both arms, and Fan Xueyao slipped the sleeves over them. He let out a playful "Aowu" and pounced into her embrace, rubbing against her neck with his soft, newly grown hair, tickling her.

"Being so affectionate again, don’t want to wear clothes?" Though she scolded him playfully, the smile on Fan Xueyao’s face showed her affection. She kissed his tender cheek and skillfully adjusted the robe, tying the sash.

At the foot of the bed were Chu Xiaoxu’s shoes. Despite being only a year old, his feet were tiny, yet he had quite a few pairs of shoes. Most of them were made by Fan Xueyao, some plain and some embroidered. Regardless of the material or design, they all shared one common feature: comfort.

Fan Xueyao always paid close attention to how he felt in his shoes, as Chu Xiaoxu was still very young. Although he could speak many words, his ability to express himself was limited. Even if he was uncomfortable, he wouldn’t be able to articulate it. Therefore, she needed to be extremely observant and caring. As soon as she noticed the shoes were no longer fitting, she would replace them without waiting for Chu Xiaoxu to complain.

Fan Xueyao bent down and picked up a pair of persimmon-patterned silk shoes for Chu Xiaoxu, then placed him on the ground and ruffled his fluffy hair, "Have you washed your face?"

Chu Xiaoxu nodded obediently, "Yes."

"What do you want to play with, Xiaoxu?"

"Build sandcastles," Chu Xiaoxu said in a babyish voice.

"Build sandcastles..." Fan Xueyao looked at Chun Die and Su'e, and Chun Die quickly replied, "The sand, wooden shovels, and bowls were boiled and dried just yesterday, so they’re very clean."

Fan Xueyao nodded in satisfaction. She had already instructed that all of the Crown Prince’s clothes and toys, including diapers, must be boiled and disinfected before use. Clothes were easier, as they were changed daily and children’s clothes were small, making the process manageable. But toys were different.

Chu Xu played with many toys every day, and they had to be boiled and dried daily. Some items, like sand, required extra steps after boiling, such as drying, which was quite cumbersome. The maids found this process troublesome, thinking the toys were already clean and that a simple wash and wipe would suffice. Why go through the trouble of boiling them every day?

However, Fan Xueyao had clearly explained that this meticulous care was to prevent illness. The Crown Prince was delicate and prone to sickness. It was better to endure the inconvenience now than to risk serious consequences later.

The young maids, understanding the gravity of the situation, became much more vigilant. The Zhaoyi Lady had made her expectations clear, explaining the potential consequences and reasons. If they neglected their duties and the Crown Prince fell ill, they would be held solely responsible, with no chance for mercy.

As the only son of the Emperor, his importance was self-evident. Even a minor illness was a responsibility they could not afford to bear.

So, despite any complaints about the trouble, they carried out their tasks meticulously.

Upon entering the main hall, where guests were usually received, Chun Die, San Hua, and Ling Xiang carried in a large wooden basin together. They then filled it halfway with clean sand that had been boiled and dried.

Fan Xueyao gently pushed Chu Xiaoxu forward, supporting his back: "Xu'er, go play with the sand."

Opportunities to play with sand were rare because after playing, the sand needed to be boiled and dried again, and the child would need a bath and a change of clothes, all of which were time-consuming and labor-intensive. Usually, Chu Xiaoxu could only play with sand every few days. At the sight of the sand basin, Chu Xiaoxu clapped his little hands excitedly and jumped into the wooden basin without waiting for anyone to carry him.

Beside the wooden basin was a red-lacquered basket containing wooden toys such as shovels, spoons, bowls, and buckets. Though not finely crafted, they were polished to a smooth finish and were clearly designed as toys rather than practical tools.

Chu Xiaoxu plopped down on the soft, dry sand, reaching for the small wooden toys in the basket and bringing them into the basin. He began scooping sand into the wooden bowl with the shovel. The wet nurse, watching from the side, couldn't help but frown. It was so dirty; no matter how clean the sand was washed, it was still sand. What if the young prince swallowed some? However, she dared not show any disapproval due to Fan Xueyao's presence.

In truth, they wouldn't be so meticulous with their own children. Who didn't grow up rolling around and getting dirty? Not to mention, it was common for children to put mud in their mouths. Besides, they should consider how much Fan Xueyao cherished Chu Xiaoxu. Everything he wore, ate, or played with was carefully arranged by her. How could anything truly harm him?

After watching Chu Xiaoxu play for a while, Fan Xueyao got up and left. Leaving Chu Nan alone for a short time was a kind of flirtation, but too long and it turned into boredom.

However, Fan Xueyao didn't go empty-handed. She called for Huaping to bring what she had previously instructed to prepare. Huaping agreed and soon returned, carrying a bowl of soup for Fan Xueyao.

Fan Xueyao entered with a smile, holding a bowl of cool soup: "My lord, I have prepared a honey pomelo drink, chilled just right. It will quench your thirst and refresh you. Please have a bowl."

Chu Nan, who had been lying in bed reading a book placed on a small table beside him, sat up and took the bowl, sipping it. Indeed, it was perfectly sweet and sour, cooled by well water, making it refreshing and pleasant to drink. He gulped it down happily.

"Would you like more?" Fan Xueyao asked with a smile.

Chu Nan was about to say he had enough, but a sudden impulse surged through him. Though not strong, it felt like a drop of water splashing into hot oil, stirring a strong reaction. His eyes widened, and his mind became alert. He realized something he had overlooked. Looking at Fan Xueyao's smiling face, his expression became complex and indescribable.

"What's wrong? Don't you want more? Oh, I prepared a whole pot! My lord, you drank only one bowl."

Fan Xueyao feigned surprise, but the suppressed laughter and triumphant look in her eyes betrayed her realization that Chu Nan had figured it out.

Chu Nan stared wide-eyed, while Fan Xueyao remained smiling, her charming and gentle demeanor captivating.

After a moment, he sighed, "I concede."

"Really, you're giving up so easily?" Fan Xueyao forced a look of surprise but couldn't hold back a laugh. "Hahaha..." She couldn't believe Chu Nan could be so naive, laughing uncontrollably, even gasping for breath and leaning against the bed.

Chu Nan looked helpless, but he reached out to steady her when she leaned over, preventing her from falling.

"You, you had two bowls of soup at lunch!" Fan Xueyao, still laughing, her eyes misty and cheeks flushed, said, "I bet you won't last until nightfall, let alone a whole day and night, ha ha..."

"You win, I concede. I'll burn incense for you for three days... Laughing like this, be careful you don't hurt your stomach." Chu Nan sighed, pulling Fan Xueyao closer and kissing her passionately.

With her mouth blocked, Fan Xueyao couldn't laugh, and soon she was overwhelmed by Chu Nan's skilled kisses, her body heating up. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, losing herself in the moment.

Chu Nan found himself increasingly drawn to Fan Xueyao. She was gentle and serene, sometimes playful and lively, always changing and interesting, making it impossible for him to resist the pleasure and ease of being with her.

Later, Chu Nan indeed burned incense for Fan Xueyao for three days.

After completing the copying of the scriptures, Fan Xueyao compiled them into volumes and sent them to Empress Wei.

Fan Xueyao hadn't visited Empress Wei for several days. Upon seeing her, she noticed that Empress Wei had aged significantly due to illness. In the past, though Empress Wei often complained of discomfort, she generally appeared plump and dignified.

Now, she was so ill that she no longer bothered with makeup, revealing her waxen, slack skin with spots, dark circles under her eyes, and yellowish whites.

Fan Xueyao examined her closely, noting the obvious signs of illness, and her face showed concern. She was cautious not to reveal too much, fearing it might upset the empress.

Empress Wei, a seasoned figure, saw through Fan Xueyao's thoughts. She waved weakly and smiled, "I always fall ill during the changing seasons, but it's nothing serious." After a few comforting words, she asked a lady-in-waiting to bring the copied scriptures and flipped through them, nodding in approval. "The emperor was right; you have beautiful handwriting, Xueyao. I'm sure the Buddha will be pleased."

Fan Xueyao humbly thanked her, aware that Empress Wei lacked energy and was still in bed. She stayed to chat about her grandson Chu Xiaoxu, then politely took her leave.

After Fan Xueyao left, Empress Wei coughed into a handkerchief, and a lady-in-waiting quickly offered her water to rinse her mouth.

"What do you think of Zhaoyi?"

The lady-in-waiting, unsure of how to respond, cautiously replied, "Zhaoyi is naturally virtuous and graceful."

Empress Wei smiled, "It's precisely because she is virtuous and acts properly that there will be fewer troubles in the future." The lady-in-waiting understood but didn't dare to comment, lowering her head.

After a moment, Empress Wei sighed, leaving her thoughts unspoken. She wondered why the crown prince wasn't born to the empress. If so, things would be much simpler and easier.

Given Empress Xu's character, she would likely never regain favor. As she continued to make mistakes, the emperor grew increasingly disappointed, and visits to the empress's palace were rare.

As women age, it becomes harder to bear children. Given this, the likelihood of having a legitimate son in the future was almost nonexistent.

This situation would surely cause another storm when selecting the crown prince.

Sigh.

May 27th was Fan Xueyao's birthday.

Half a month earlier, Meng Cai-nv and others had discussed celebrating Fan Xueyao's birthday. Meng Cai-nv, who was close to Fan Xueyao, would certainly participate, and others who wanted to get closer to her wouldn't miss this opportunity.

Fan Xueyao understood their motives.

If she were honest, she wouldn't enjoy the insincere interactions, but since they were palace consorts, she had to maintain a gentle and amiable image and couldn't be too aloof. Among them, she did want to cultivate relationships with some. Meng Cai-nv was one, and Zhang Chongyuan, an old companion from the Crown Prince's palace, was another. The third was Cao Cairen.

Cao Cairen, known as Shan Niang, had an ordinary appearance but came from a good family and had excellent character. Her gentle nature, though considered dull by many, appealed to Fan Xueyao. Thus, Cao Cairen became one of the consorts Fan Xueyao interacted with most, besides Meng Cai-nv.

As for the others? When she was in a good mood, she would receive them; otherwise, she had plenty of excuses to turn them away.

Regardless of their sincerity, these women planned to celebrate Fan Xueyao's birthday, organizing two tables of food and inviting musicians and performers to entertain.

On this day, Chu Nan came to Spreading Fragrance Hall and mentioned Fan Xueyao's birthday, asking how she wanted to celebrate.

Fan Xueyao chuckled, "What's there to celebrate? A simple bowl of longevity noodles in private will do."

Chu Nan said, "It only happens once a year; we must celebrate."

"In the six palaces, only the empress has a grand celebration," Fan Xueyao quickly interjected, fearing he might do something rash. "I'm just a minor consort and still young. If I insist on a grand celebration, people will mock the palace for lacking decorum."

"There's nothing to mock. A birthday is a birthday."

Chu Nan, of course, knew that this was against the rules. The Empress's birthday celebration was to be organized by the Honglu Temple, with a grand banquet for all the civil and military officials of the court, as per established custom. However, there were no such regulations for concubines.

If they were to make a big fuss over Fan Xueyao's birthday, it would not be a matter of glory but rather putting her on the hot seat. He was not a fool and understood this well, so he did not mean to have a grand celebration. Although it was impractical for the Honglu Temple to organize a concubine’s birthday banquet, it did not mean that they could not celebrate it properly.

"Without the involvement of the Honglu Temple, there is nothing to worry about." Chu Nan waved his hand, having already made up his mind. "We won't follow any formalities; we'll just have some fun within the palace."

Hearing this, Fan Xueyao felt relieved, but she still felt uneasy about such extravagance for her small birthday. "Perhaps I could set up a few tables in the Spreading Fragrance Hall and invite a few other concubines for a modest celebration. I can prepare a few good dishes in January, which should be enough. This way, everything will be proper and appropriate."

Seeing her cautiousness, fearing that rumors might arise, Chu Nan felt a bit frustrated. He reached out and poked her forehead: "With me here, do you really need to be so afraid? It's just a birthday banquet; what's there to be alarmed about? All expenses will come from my private treasury; I'm not short of money for your birthday celebration."

Fan Xueyao "Ouch" and covered her forehead, sticking out her tongue, then snuggled up to Chu Nan, cooing, "I know your heart, but I didn't want to cause you trouble. Since you don't like it, I'll take the risk and agree."

"You should. As a Zhaoyi and the mother of the Crown Prince, how does it look if you're always so timid?" Though scolding her, Chu Nan gently pulled Fan Xueyao into his arms and immediately began discussing the details of the birthday celebration with her.

They discussed how many guests to invite, who to invite, what kind of feast to arrange, and even the specifics of the banquet's decoration.

Usually, he left these matters to the officials of the department, only reviewing the final plan to avoid the hassle. But now, he was enthusiastically discussing these details with Fan Xueyao.