"My beloved concubine, please rise. There is no need for such formalities."

With a loud laugh, Kangxi bent down to help Xu Lejin up and took her hand to sit down.

Clearing his throat, a fleeting hint of embarrassment crossed Kangxi's face as he said loudly, "I have some urgent matters to attend to tonight, and I apologize for keeping my beloved concubine waiting."

Xu Lejin glanced at Kangxi out of the corner of her eye, then lowered her head and nodded.

"Your Majesty, I dare not accept your request to wait so long. Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state and works hard. Even if I had to wait all night, I would have no regrets."

With her head down, Xu Lejin sneered inwardly, not taking it seriously.

With a hearty laugh, Kangxi gazed at Xu Lejin with affection, "My beloved consort, your lips seem especially sweet today. But I like it this way."

"If His Majesty is pleased, that's good."

Rolling her eyes secretly, Xu Lejin looked shyly at Kangxi and said sweetly, "Your Majesty seems to have lost a little weight. Tomorrow, I will personally prepare a sea cucumber soup for Your Majesty to help you recover."

Kangxi did not understand the meaning behind Xu Lejin's words, but smiled and agreed.

"My beloved consort is so thoughtful. The soup you personally prepared must taste delicious; I will certainly drink every last drop."

Qin Huai stood by, head bowed, suppressing a laugh.

Sea cucumber is known for its kidney-tonifying, sperm-strengthening, and body-strengthening effects. The Empress's serving of sea cucumber soup to the Emperor is a subtle way of complaining that he went to Consort Niu's palace first that night.

The Empress appeared calm, but she still cared deeply for the Emperor.

If Xu Lejin knew what Qin Huai was thinking at this moment, she would definitely roll her eyes.

She didn't actually have feelings for Kangxi; she was just putting on a show of unrequited love and mutual affection.

Looking up at the night sky, Kangxi took Xu Lejin's hand and said, "It's getting late, let's go to bed."

"yes."