She seemed to hear a sound, but Xiuning's mind was in a daze, and she couldn't hear it clearly.

But it doesn't matter, even if Xiuning can't hear very well, Kangxi is excited enough.

The two took a rather intimate bath, and by the time they came out of the enclosure, quite some time had passed.

Xiu Ning's cheeks flushed slightly. She was wearing the nightgown that had been prepared in advance, and was carried back to the main hall by Princess Kangxi.

Of course, being a person who cares a lot about her reputation, Xiu Ning didn't look up at all, burying herself directly in Kangxi's shoulder, remaining unmoved no matter how much Kangxi teased her.

"Your Majesty~"

Her voice was so sweet and charming that it seemed to drip with water. Xiu Ning gave Kangxi a reproachful look, her face as beautiful as a lotus emerging from the water, her captivating beauty without any adornment made Kangxi infatuated.

Beautiful, so beautiful.

Even with so many beauties in the harem, Kangxi was still amazed by Xiuning's appearance.

Especially at times like this, Xiuning is like a jewel shining in the darkness; though not bright, she is exceptionally eye-catching.

Ning'er

Kangxi called out Xiuning's name, bent down, and hugged Xiuning tightly in his arms.

Having just finished indulging in the inner chambers, Kangxi didn't have the energy to continue his extravagant lifestyle.

It felt like a soft cloud was embedded in his body. Kangxi sighed comfortably and then turned his head to kiss Xiu Ning's beautiful face.

Xiu Ning was caught off guard by Kangxi's actions, and she deftly moved to Kangxi's side, making the two of them even closer.

"The Emperor is truly wicked!"

The tone was deliberately drawn out, Xiu Ning raised her eyebrows and eyes, and her face was full of charm.

"Oh no, Ning'er, tell me, what's wrong with me?"

Unconsciously, Kangxi lowered his body further and hugged Xiuning's arm tightly. As their bodies intertwined, the skin at Xiuning's neckline was revealed.

Her fair skin was dazzling under the light, but the bluish-purple marks on her skin were equally striking.

Seeing his own masterpiece imprinted on his face, Kangxi moved his throat, unable to suppress his wandering thoughts.

"It's getting late, it's time to rest."

Before Xiuning could answer, Kangxi grabbed her and pushed her onto the bed.

The hanging bed curtains fell, concealing the movements of the two people inside the bed.

As the groans resumed, everyone, including those waiting at the door, knew that this was only the beginning, and the night would be long.

...

"Hmm"

A sound involuntarily escaped her lips. Xiu Ning moved her slightly sore body and slowly opened her tightly closed eyes.

As expected, it was already broad daylight outside.

She hasn't stepped out of the Qianqing Palace since she arrived there last night.

Thinking of the madness that Kangxi had shown her, Xiuning couldn't help but spit inwardly. He was like a starving wolf that hadn't eaten meat for years, utterly spineless.

However, this kind of thing is not something that Kangxi can enjoy alone. Xiuning touched her cheek with one hand and felt that maintaining this frequency every month was quite good.

"Someone come here!"

She called out and got up, sitting on the bed to recover her energy.

"Master, you're awake."

Chunyu walked in, carrying the warm tea that Xiuning used to rinse her mouth.

"Hmm, what time is it?"

Xiuning took it and rinsed her mouth briefly, feeling much more awake.

"His Majesty has returned from the morning court session and is currently governing in the main hall of the Qianqing Palace."

Chunyu winked and made faces, afraid that her master would be embarrassed, and even made a special point of explaining that it was the Emperor who forbade them to come and disturb her.

"The servants in the Imperial Kitchen have prepared breakfast. His Majesty said that you can go to the main hall to find him after you have finished eating."

After helping Xiuning down to the ground, Chunyu finished speaking and glanced at her master's expression.

Well, unsurprisingly, he looks very happy.

That makes sense. Their master was clearly treated differently from others, and the emperor was showing him increasing favor. Anyone would be unhappy in that situation.

"My lord, I will have someone bring breakfast right away."

Spring Rain happily ran out the door, and a little while later, the palace servants came in carrying food boxes.

One after another, dishes with appealing colors, aromas, and flavors were taken out of the food boxes and served on the Eight Immortals Table.

Xiuning washed and dressed at the dressing table. After feeling refreshed, she sat down to eat.

"Your Majesty, these were all specially prepared by the servants of the Imperial Kitchen at the Emperor's behest."

And this pot of ginseng chicken soup—His Majesty said it's delicious and nutritious, and since Your Majesty worked hard last night, it's perfect for nourishing your body.

Chunyu spoke the last two sentences seriously, but Xiuning felt a little embarrassed when she heard them.

Who caused her to be so tired last night? The Emperor actually brought this up.

Holding the fragrant chicken soup in her hands, Xiu Ning calmly took a sip; it tasted quite good.

"Besides the Emperor not giving any instructions?"

As she ate the dishes that Chunyu had placed on the porcelain plate, Xiuning inquired about her condition before she woke up.

Chunyu shook her head. "The Emperor didn't say much. Most of his words were expressions of concern for His Majesty." She added that he had already said all of this when His Majesty got up.

"Yes, let's have a meal."

Without pressing further, Xiuning began to eat seriously. As the delicious dishes entered her mouth, Xiuning once again remarked on the treatment she received every time she visited the Qianqing Palace. No wonder everyone wanted to be an emperor; life there was truly wonderful.

After finishing her breakfast, Xiu Ning cleared the table of leftover food, got up, tidied her disheveled hair, and headed straight for the main hall of the Qianqing Palace where Emperor Kangxi was.

At the entrance of the main hall, Liang Jiugong was waiting.

Seeing Xiuning approaching from a distance, he smiled and came over to greet her.

"This servant greets Consort Jing."

"Eunuch Liang, you may dispense with the formalities."

"His Majesty is inside the palace. Please, Your Highness, enter."

Without wasting any words, Liang Jiugong went to announce the arrival and turned around to bow and invite Xiuning inside.

Seeing this, Xiuning raised her eyebrows and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Father-in-law."

Holding her handkerchief, she walked ahead. After Liang Jiugong opened the door, she smiled and nodded before stepping into the hall.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects."

Xiuning looked up, revealing her beautiful, watery eyes.

Kangxi sat in his chair and beckoned to Xiuning, "Come quickly to my side."

Kangxi had a pleasant night, and no one caused trouble at the morning court session, so he was in a good mood.

Xiu Ning walked to Kangxi's side with a smile. Before she could say anything, Kangxi reached out and pulled her into his arms.

With slightly stiff muscles beneath her, Xiu Ning decided to change positions to make herself more comfortable, considering her own needs.

But what she did made things difficult for Kangxi, who was pinned down by Xiuning. His body felt limp and weak, and his previously calm mind became active again.

"Be careful, lest you find yourself unable to leave the Qianqing Palace today."

Kangxi jokingly tapped Xiu Ning's delicate nose, then leaned back.

"Your Majesty would actually joke with me," Xiu Ning said, not afraid of Kangxi, and whispered in his ear, "It is my blessing to be able to stay in Qianqing Palace, and I am willing to do so."

What a great opportunity to cultivate feelings! You know, the imperial concubine selection is about to begin this year, and there are countless young ladies waiting to enter the palace. She should seize this opportunity.