CHAPTER 17: CHAPTER 16: IT’S GOOD TO ENJOY THE SHADE WHEN YOU LEAN ON A BIG TREE

"You are a wise ruler, Your Majesty. That’s why I dared to say so!" Xia Ruqing whispered, though her words were direct.

But this flattery... it was simply... too satisfying, Zhao Junyao thought, a little amused.

"How do you know I would definitely protect you?"

In his Harem, no one had dared such a thing before, nor would they likely in the future. Having grown up in Zhaochen Palace since childhood, he had seen it all over the years. Women, when they had nothing better to do, liked to scheme and fight amongst themselves; he was used to it. He simply didn’t want to get involved. As long as it didn’t concern the imperial court, he would feign ignorance.

After some thought, Xia Ruqing spoke earnestly. "Your Majesty, if you can protect the vast lands of our kingdom, surely protecting one more person like me wouldn’t be too much to ask?" she ventured cautiously.

If any other woman had said this, Zhao Junyao would have dismissed it as mere flattery. But when Xia Ruqing said it, he actually believed she meant it. Her small face was filled with sincerity. In his presence, she had always been forthright, had she not?

"Hahaha..." Zhao Junyao burst into laughter.

If her previous words were merely pleasing, then this statement made every fiber of his being feel content.

"Little minx, just for that, I shall grant you a boon. What do you desire? Think carefully and tell me!"

"Really?" Xia Ruqing’s eyes sparkled.

"An Emperor does not jest!"

Seeing her eager and excited expression, Zhao Junyao wanted to laugh again. This little minx was just too interesting, very much to his liking. He dealt with countless state affairs daily, and his duties were burdensome. Coming to the Harem was for relaxation and enjoyment. If someone could make him feel at ease and happy, he naturally wouldn’t be stingy with his favors!

"Your Majesty, can I ask for anything?" Xia Ruqing inquired again, very eagerly.

Zhao Junyao pondered for a moment. "Aside from matters of state and deeds that defy natural justice, I will grant you anything else within my power!"

"Have you decided?"

Xia Ruqing thought for a moment, then nodded, looking somewhat bashful. "Your Majesty... I wish to send some Silver Taels home for my younger brother and find him a good tutor!"

Palace rules were strict; to prevent the Harem from meddling with court affairs, secretly sending messages or items outside was forbidden. That was why Xia Ruqing had made this request.

"Oh?" Zhao Junyao was somewhat puzzled. Is that all? Don’t women usually long for promotions and favor? This was different from what he expected.

"Yes!" Xia Ruqing nodded emphatically. "My mother passed away after giving birth to my younger brother. My father always considered him a source of misfortune and treated him poorly. Later, he married a stepmother who was even harsher towards him. My brother is ten years old this year and has yet to receive a proper education!"

As she spoke, Xia Ruqing’s expression turned melancholic. The life story of this body’s previous owner had truly been too full of hardships; she felt pity for that girl, and for her current self!

"Alright, I promise you." Zhao Junyao suddenly felt a touch of pity, along with a bit of embarrassment for having misjudged her by the standards of petty individuals. How could he have applied the typical aspirations of other women to her? It felt like a desecration. This little minx was different from the others.

With that thought, Zhao Junyao couldn’t help but regard her with increased respect.

"Your Majesty, you are truly kind!" Xia Ruqing exclaimed joyfully, nearly throwing herself at him for a kiss.

"It’s commendable that you still think of your family after entering the palace! It’s a small matter," Zhao Junyao said, feeling a great sense of accomplishment as he watched her dance with joy. "How much silver do you have? I will have someone deliver it for you!"

Xia Ruqing thought for a moment, counting on her fingers. "My monthly allowance is ten Silver Taels. After a year in the palace, I’ve saved about fifty-odd Silver Taels. Also, the jewelry I brought from home when I entered the palace isn’t needed here. If I send it all back, it’s probably worth about two to three hundred Silver Taels in total!"

"To hire a tutor... that should be enough, right?"

Zhao Junyao was exasperated. Three hundred Silver Taels? That wouldn’t even cover their travel expenses! Sending them back with only three hundred Silver Taels after they’d traveled so far? Was she asking him to embarrass himself?

"I will add more for you. Have someone find him a good tutor; it should cover several years of expenses!"

"Your Majesty... How can this servant ever repay such kindness!" Xia Ruqing knelt, tears welling in her eyes.

To climb higher, she needed her family’s support. Her father was unreliable, so she had to count on her brothers to establish the family’s standing. As for her half-brother, there was little she could do for now. Her younger brother, however, was bright; it would be best for him to focus on his studies first.

Zhao Junyao, on the other hand, hadn’t thought that far ahead. Studying was a good thing, and a ten-year-old child should indeed focus on his studies.

Seeing the young woman’s tear-filled eyes, Zhao Junyao felt it wasn’t right to tease her anymore. "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xia Ruqing wiped her tears, stood up, and then her tears turned into a smile.

Zhao Junyao found her alternating between crying and laughing utterly delightful, his sense of accomplishment soaring.

"It’s getting late. You should get some sleep," Zhao Junyao said, stepping forward and embracing her.

"Yes!"

Xia Ruqing curtsied and moved to help the Emperor undress. She felt quite awkward disrobing a man. Her head was bowed, her movements stiff, and her cheeks were tinged with red.

Zhao Junyao looked down at her. She was somewhat shy, her eyelashes like tiny fans, fluttering over her almond-shaped eyes. A tickle arose in his heart; his Adam’s apple bobbed, and his throat felt dry with desire.

Xia Ruqing was so nervous that the tip of her nose began to sweat. She couldn’t seem to untie his belt. The more nervous she became, the more flustered she grew, her breathing quickening.

"Your... Your Majesty, I’m clumsy..." Xia Ruqing’s face flushed; she wished she could find a hole to crawl into.

"It’s alright, I don’t mind..." With a tug, Zhao Junyao snapped the Hangzhou silk brocade belt, embroidered with golden dragons, and tossed it casually aside.

Xia Ruqing was stunned. The silk belt was intricately woven with gold thread; how strong must he be to snap it so effortlessly?

Before she could process it, the world suddenly spun. She cried out, instinctively closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around his neck.

The next moment, she landed on the plush, soft imperial bed.

Then, Zhao Junyao devoured her!

Inside and out, back and forth, up and down...

This time, Xia Ruqing didn’t faint. On the contrary, she experienced extreme pleasure.

Afterward, her face flushed, she nestled in his arms like a kitten, toying with his dark hair.

’A feast for the eyes, truly a feast for the eyes!’ she mused. ’The saying is spot on! Absolutely delicious!’ Her tastes were indeed simple. Leaning against a strong tree for shade was just too good to pass up; what could she do? Hehe...

Utterly exhausted, the two quickly fell into a deep sleep.

「The next day at the fifth watch」

Zhao Junyao rose for the morning court assembly. Seeing her still sound asleep, he instructed, "Let her wake naturally. She will have breakfast with me when I return!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Li Shengan bowed his head.

His respect for Lady Xia grew by another measure. Since the Emperor’s ascension, no Honored Lady had been allowed to sleep in until she woke naturally in Zhaochen Palace, let alone join the Emperor for breakfast. Lady Xia was the first! It seemed... he would have to be even more courteous in the future; she was clearly favored by fortune.

After freshening up, Zhao Junyao left with his attendants.

Xia Ruqing turned over in bed, continuing her chess game with the Duke of Zhou in her dreams. There was no need to pay respects to the Empress, and neither Zi Yue nor Xiao Xizi had come. No one knew she was here.

With no pressure, she slept soundly!