Chapter 56: Pampering Her

Chapter 56: Pampering Her

"Second Night Watch"

Su Jiaojiao could certainly feel those wandering hands at her collar.

Her cheeks slightly flushed, she tilted her fair, slender neck upward, inadvertently arching her body upward as well.

As her collar was slowly and teasingly opened, Su Jiaojiao's breathing became unsteady, her sweet voice quivering slightly. She spoke softly, with a hint of guilt: "Jiaojiao wishes to grant Noble Consort Mi the favor of having her family enter the palace."

His hands abruptly stilled, Shen Huai's voice gruff and low as he looked at her and asked, "Noble Consort Mi?"

Both the court and the harem detest factionalism and personal gain. Su Jiaojiao had anticipated the Emperor's reaction. But she still needed to handle it carefully.

When the movement stopped, she rose and draped her arms around the Emperor's neck.

As their eyes met, Shen Huai saw the wariness and glistening tears in her eyes, and his tone softened slightly: "The reason?"

"Your Majesty, though Noble Consort Wang orchestrated it that day at the summer retreat, Her Majesty only noticed Jiaojiao because of it... Jiaojiao is heartbroken." Su Jiaojiao rested her chin on the Emperor's neck, sobbing softly twice, "Though Noble Consort Mi is temperamental and overbearing, Jiaojiao is also afraid of her. But such a grand favor, Jiaojiao cannot make use of it..."

"Since Noble Consort Mi suffered the loss of her child, if she could see her mother, how overjoyed and consoled she would feel..." She looked up at the Emperor with tearful eyes: "If Jiaojiao's own mother were still alive, no matter what, Jiaojiao would not give up this opportunity."

That day, amidst the thunderstorm, her maid Yu Ying braved the rain to request a favor for a personal item, and later she heard about her past experiences in the mansion.

For Su Jiaojiao, he always felt more compassion for her than for others.

That is why, when considering how to handle her birthday, he surmised that she might prefer not to dine with Su Chang.

Su Chang and the Left Minister have always clashed due to their incompatible temperaments, so there is no possibility of secret collusion.

Moreover, both have recently made contributions in the court, and he was also considering how to reward the Yin family.

Su Jiaojiao's gesture is also a thoughtful way to console Noble Consort Mi and the Yin family.

Shen Huai patted her back and said lightly, "The year is drawing to a close, and Noble Consort Mi has not seen her family since she became pregnant and lost her child. Permitting Noble Consort Mi's mother to visit her in the palace is within bounds."

"As for your birthday, let's proceed as I just mentioned."

The Emperor had already made up his mind, and Su Jiaojiao's goal was achieved. She smiled sweetly and leaned in to kiss Shen Huai's lips.

The winter heating blazed, enveloping the Taiji Palace in warmth.

A touch of rouge fell on the carpet, and the jade-like skin was in front of Shen Huai's eyes. He picked her up and laid her on the couch, leaning over...

After a long while—

Su Jiaojiao's eyes were red at the corners, her tearful eyes moist, and even her soft, sweet voice was slightly hoarse.

She had no strength left, leaning in Shen Huai's arms, using his clothes to cover her body dotted with plum blossoms.

Shen Huai looked at her overwhelmed appearance and smiled with pleasure, saying, "Can't handle it anymore?"

"If I were to summon you to the Taiji Palace at night, wouldn't you just fall asleep immediately?"

Su Jiaojiao buried her face beneath the dragon robe, pleading, "Your Majesty, please spare Jiaojiao."

After saying that, she suddenly felt that this sleeping robe looked unfamiliar and casually asked, "Your Majesty changed to a new sleeping robe? This one is so new, I haven't seen it before."

She looked down at the dragon and cloud patterns on the sleeping robe and smiled, "Indeed, it's Your Majesty's item, the craftsmanship on it is so exquisite."

Shen Huai glanced down, his voice calm: "Min Jieyu's needlework is truly impressive."

Su Jiaojiao felt a pang of unease, unexpectedly, Min Jieyu's work had reached the Taiji Palace. She asked, feigning surprise while keeping her composure: "Min Jieyu?"

Shen Huai acknowledged with a hum: "Min Jieyu has been in seclusion for some time, and she personally made this sleeping robe and sent it in. It seems she has realized her mistake. With the New Year approaching in less than a month, it’s no longer fitting to keep her confined. I ended her confinement yesterday. Although Min Jieyu has a hasty temper, this incident should have taught her a lesson. If you see her again in the future, she will surely be more restrained."

Su Jiaojiao smiled and said: "Your Majesty’s thoughtfulness is unmatched. Min Jieyu must be deeply grateful for your grace."

She lowered her lashes, masking the mockery and coldness in her gaze, thoughtfully stroking the sleeping robe in her hands.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t about to let Min Jieyu or Noble Consort Wang off the hook.

She raised her brows again, her smile dazzling, and said in a soft voice: "Seeing Min Jieyu's sleeping robe, I suddenly realized that I have never made anything for Your Majesty."

Shen Huai chuckled: "You finally noticed?"

Su Jiaojiao nuzzled against his chest, cooing: "My needlework isn’t worthy of you."

"If Your Majesty would allow it, perhaps you could give this robe to me as well. Let me examine the embroidery closely, so I can make one for you too."

Shen Huai looked at her with a teasing smile: "Are you jealous and don’t want me wearing Min Jieyu’s robe, or do you truly want to make one for me?"

Su Jiaojiao buried her face in his chest, feigning guilt: "Of course, I want to make one for Your Majesty."

Shen Huai naturally didn't believe her words at this moment, but her demeanor amused him.

A simple sleeping robe meant little to him.

He feigned indifference as he indulged her: "If you want it, I'll give it to you."

Shen Huai played with a strand of her black hair, his voice leisurely: "You’ve grown bolder lately. Today, you asked for a hand warmer and now a sleeping robe. Next, you’ll want to move everything from the Taiji Palace to your Pixiang Palace."

Su Jiaojiao laughed and rubbed her nose against his chin, like a spoiled kitten: "Both I and the Pixiang Palace belong to Your Majesty. Are you worried I might hide something from you? I will surely hold your hand warmer every day, and once the robe is embroidered, I'll personally deliver it to you. Isn’t that proof enough of my sincerity?"

He kissed her smooth forehead: "It is enough, but just one thing."

Su Jiaojiao blinked at him.

"You’re quite the tease. Finish the robe quickly."

Shen Huai chuckled: "If you take too long, I’ll have to wear someone else’s."

"That won't do."

Taking advantage of the moment, Su Jiaojiao pressed further and said: "Your Majesty must wear the one I make, even if it’s not flawless."

"And if I don't?"

Su Jiaojiao didn't respond, but bit her lower lip, tears welled up in her eyes.

Her bright gaze dimmed abruptly, and she whispered: "If Your Majesty doesn't wear it, there's nothing I can do..."

Seeing her distress, Shen Huai felt a pang of helplessness and quickly tried to console her: "I was just teasing you. Now you're shedding tears."

Regarding Su Jiaojiao, Shen Huai increasingly felt that his affection for her had gone too far.

Yet, upon reflection, he couldn’t find a single reason to dislike her.

Apart from being Su Chang's daughter, she was exceptionally tactful, obedient, and knew how to handle situations with grace.

At first, he only thought she was beautiful, exactly his type.

Just her timid and gentle presence by his side made him feel protective of her.

Now, after spending so much time together, he found her sweet, soft, and charming, equally delightful whether she was happy or sulking.

Occasionally, when she wasn’t smiling, it was as if she had transformed into someone else, always making her seem special to him.

In his over twenty years, Shen Huai had seen countless stunning women, but none as agreeable as Su Jiaojiao—she was the only one.

As long as she didn’t overstep, it wouldn’t hurt to indulge and spoil her a bit more.

Seeing the Emperor lower his head, the light in Su Jiaojiao’s eyes brightened again, and she extended her little finger: "Your Majesty’s word is law—no take-backs."