CHAPTER 125: CHAPTER 124 JIANGNAN TRIP 2

Before, he hadn’t thought she was any different from the other women. She was lively, cheerful, and straightforward, always making him laugh until his belly ached. That’s why he liked having her serve him.

(Of course, there was another more important reason... Zhao Junyao: "AHEM, AHEM, I can’t tell you!")

If I were a great tree, then the women of the Harem were the flowers that grew around me. Warblers and swallows, a riot of color. I was their sky, shielding them from the wind and rain, providing them with a stable life, gracing them all with my favor—I was the emperor, naturally adept at this. They served me, yearning for my nourishment, my affection. For me, they could abandon their thoughts, disguise themselves as someone not even they recognized. It seemed this was their destiny. Everyone followed this specific pattern, willingly and without objection; it wasn’t wrong.

But Zhao Junyao now felt that Qingqing seemed a little different. She didn’t rely entirely on his favor for her livelihood. She had her own thoughts, her own boundaries. She was like a sapling growing next to him, desperately rooting into the soil, reaching towards the sunlight. If she were given nutrients and water, one day she would soar into the sky, growing into a great tree almost as tall as him! To reach the same height as him, to stand beside him, hand in hand. To understand what he thought, to know what he knew, to see what he saw!

Qingqing... Zhao Junyao looked at the woman asleep on his chest, his heart slowly filling with something, about to overflow. This feeling, it was the first time in my life. Before, I never expected the women of the Harem to understand me. But now, it seems... maybe there really is one such person.

Zhao Junyao, disguised as a merchant traveling north and south, traveled quite slowly. Traveling incognito, he wasn’t in it to hurry but to observe the lives of the common people and the local customs along the way. Having left the Capital City, after another two days’ journey, he finally made it to the first town.

Once out of the palace, there were no rules to speak of. The Emperor, that is, Third Master Huang, was a great merchant. Xia Ruqing was his beloved concubine, taken out for a trip.

Consort Yun, with her high status and grand airs, couldn’t lower her dignity; she would certainly not step out of the carriage unless necessary. Dressed more lavishly than the others, the Servants addressed her as ’Madam Yun’. Consort Yun was very pleased with this title. How wonderful it would be if one day that ’Yun’ was dropped and I truly became his wife! she fantasized. Alas, I’ve never dared to entertain such thoughts for too long! The Empress and the Noble Consort are not easy to contend with; it wouldn’t be my turn yet!

The remaining three Honored Ladies were uniformly addressed by the Servants as ’Miss’. With a ’Madam’ and ’Misses’, outsiders could tell at a glance they were the main wife and concubines. Zhao Junyao neither approved nor disapproved; it was considered tacit consent.

(Author: Since the Emperor has tacitly consented, let’s call them that too!)

That evening, the caravan finally arrived at a town, stopping in front of the largest inn there. Servants spread the word, "Dismount now! Third Master has ordered a one-night stay here; we will continue our journey early tomorrow morning!"

Honored Lady Lan and Honored Lady Xi sat inside the carriage, exchanging looks. Hearing the announcement, Honored Lady Xi said joyfully, "Finally, we’ve reached a town! No need to camp out like the last two nights!"

Honored Lady Lan, seeing her so happy, was somewhat confused. "Ah? Was the campsite bad?"

Honored Lady Xi replied, "Of course, it was bad! Eldest Sister Lan, look at my face and body—all these mosquito bites! They hurt and itch terribly!"

Honored Lady Lan took a glance and was indeed startled. "Oh dear, didn’t we... bring fragrant herbs? It’s all my fault; I completely forgot to fumigate," she said, flustered.

Honored Lady Xi said, "Our little tent is so cramped, stuffy, and hot, Eldest Sister Lan. Even if you fumigate, the mosquitoes can still get in. It’s better not to bother at all!"

Having said this, without waiting for Honored Lady Lan to reply, she continued, "Ah, Elder Sister Xia is the lucky one, staying with the Emperor. His tent must be free of any issues, so big and cool!" Honored Lady Xi spoke with a look of envy.

Honored Lady Lan was busy examining the mosquito bites and hadn’t been paying attention. By the time she finally turned around, Honored Lady Xi had long finished speaking. She just looked confused and blurted out, "Let’s get out of the carriage quickly. I’ll apply some ointment for you later; that will surely stop the itching!"

Honored Lady Xi looked at her and said cheerfully, "Yes! Eldest Sister Lan is the best!"

Honored Lady Lan smiled, a bit flustered. "Let’s go quickly!"

「Meanwhile.」

Consort Yun had already alighted from the carriage. Her face veiled, she entered swiftly, supported by Cai Die’s hand. Xia Ruqing had also gone inside to attend to the Emperor. Honored Lady Lan and Honored Lady Xi exchanged glances and quickly followed them in.

This inn was quite large, with three floors. The first floor housed a tavern where travelers could stop for a meal or rest. The second floor had private dining rooms, with guest rooms further in. The third floor consisted solely of guest rooms, the most prestigious ’Sky’ class rooms.

Zhao Junyao settled into Sky Room No.1 with his concubines. The others were accommodated in guest rooms on the second floor.

Li Shengan had booked the entire inn. The tavern closed early, so there was no need to worry about disturbances. Once everything was arranged, they took off the clothes they had worn for two days and enjoyed a proper bath.

Xia Ruqing leaned against the edge of the bathtub, sighing in utter comfort.

"Zi Yue..."

"Do you have orders, My Lady?"

"I can finally take a break!" Xia Ruqing lamented weakly. It’s exhausting to constantly attend to the Emperor, you know?

With a wry smile, Zi Yue said, "If you’re tired, My Lady, you should eat more later. Order some of your favorite small dishes!"

Xia Ruqing waved her hand. "Never mind the food for now, Zi Yue. Let me ask you a question!"

Upon hearing this, Zi Yue understood her mistress had something serious to discuss. She immediately stood straight, her smile vanishing as she looked earnestly at Xia Ruqing. "Please ask, My Lady!"

Xia Ruqing was almost amused by Zi Yue’s serious demeanor but managed to suppress her laughter. She pondered for a moment, then asked, "Zi Yue, have I... offended the Emperor recently?" Her expression was grave and earnest.

Zi Yue’s serious expression faltered instantly, a touch of baffled amusement appearing on her face. "My Lady, has something happened? Has the Emperor... been unkind to you these past two days?"

Just a short while ago, when they were disembarking from the carriage, the Emperor himself had personally lifted My Lady out. Lifted her out! Eunuch Li and Little Zhuzi’s eyes nearly popped out of their heads. The Emperor had probably never treated any other consort like that before. Anyway, no matter how you looked at it, this was a good thing!

Xia Ruqing maintained a solemn expression and shook her head. "It’s not that he’s unkind; he’s been *too* kind, and it makes me uneasy! I haven’t done anything, so why has the Emperor changed so suddenly? I’m caught off guard, and I’m so afraid..."

"What are you afraid of, My Lady?"

"I’m afraid I’ve offended the Emperor, and this is a trap he’s setting for me!"

Zi Yue: "..."