Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 409 The Conspiracy Behind Xiu Yang’s Renewed Favor (3)

Night had fallen, and a full ten minutes passed after the lighting of the lamps before the emperor finally arrived, late as usual.

"This humble consort greets Your Majesty, may the Emperor live forever."

The flickering candlelight, stirred by the breeze, emphasized the frail silhouette of the woman, who seemed as if she could be swept away by the wind at any moment. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"My love, have I not said this before? From now on, all such formalities are to be dispensed with. You are with child now, do take more care of yourself."

"Thank you for your gracious affection, my Emperor," said Xiu Yang, rising from her half-kneel, glancing shyly at the Emperor with a smile.

Dugu Han affectionately took her cold hand, assisting her to the dining table replete with dishes she loved, nodding with satisfaction.

"My love, if I am late in the future, you must eat first. Do not wait for me. We mustn’t starve our royal child," he said, caressing her now slightly rounded belly.

Xiu Yang, looking at his concerned expression, managed a rigid smile, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, the royal child is well."

"Good, then I can rest easy," he responded.

Dugu Han waved his hand dismissively, and the attending eunuchs promptly exited the room.

Those once tender, loving eyes now harbored an icy chill.

With a large hand, he grabbed Xiu Yang by the hair, his lips twisting into a cruel smirk, "Very well, from now on it will be just like this."

Xiu Yang, with her head pulled back, looked up at him and opened her mouth slightly, "Yes."

Dugu Han’s mocking laugh faded as he let go of her hair. He adjusted her hairpin and patted her head, pleased before heading to the bedroom.

Xiu Yang watched as Dugu Han walked toward the bedroom. She looked at the table full of dishes, tears brimming in her eyes, stubbornly not allowing a single one to fall as she picked up her bowl and painstakingly started to eat.

News of the Emperor spending consecutive nights in the Yonghe Palace spread quickly. Every evening, the Emperor and Consort Shanshan could be seen strolling in the garden, their affectionate demeanor invoking envy from onlookers.

On the first day of August, the Emperor formally began the selection of new consorts.

After a long day’s selection, he finally chose a dozen or so young women that pleased him: three to be Ladies, five to be Beauties, four to be Attendants, two to be Noble Ladies, two to be concubines, and one to be a Noble Consort. Those not selected were sent back to their hometowns.

The newly appointed consorts waited with bated breath that night, hoping the Emperor would visit them first, only to be disappointed upon hearing he stayed in Yonghe Palace.

"With many sisters receiving their titles today, wouldn’t it be inappropriate for Your Majesty to stay with this consort?" Xiu Yang, while helping the Emperor remove his cumbersome Dragon Robe, subtly suggested that he visit the other consorts.

In a sudden turn, Dugu Han grasped her throat with a fierce grip, his eyes wide and radiating a chilling glare, "Are you mocking me?"

Xiu Yang’s face flushed red as she struggled to shake her head.

Dugu Han coldly stared for a moment before releasing her.

Freed, Xiu Yang slowly got up from the floor, her long eyelashes shading the glint of suppressed rage in her eyes. She approached with a faint smile, her voice soft and brittle, "Your Majesty, this consort merely fears the sisters might captivate Your Majesty’s attention and cause you to forget about this consort."

With a scornful glance, Dugu Han curled his lip, "Do you think your worn-out body can still arouse my interest? Hah, don’t flatter yourself." He then strode toward the bedroom, leaving the pale-faced Xiu Yang behind.

In the Summer Villa outside the Capital City, a family of four lived a carefree life.

"Sister Mei, where is the princess?" Baihe, holding a secret letter just delivered from Young Master Jueqing, had been searching the villa for over half an hour but still hadn’t found the princess.