When the Emperor changes his attitude, she reloads her save file; if not, she tests the limits as much as possible.
The relationship between men and women is indeed fascinating. The one who takes things for granted will often condition the other to habitually give.
"Why is the Emperor staring at me? Hurry up with the paperwork, or there won’t be time to sleep later."
Yun Jiao recklessly urged him.
"I know what I’m doing."
Xie Zhixing glanced at her, bent his head, and continued with his paperwork, turning the bamboo slips vigorously, doubting she could remain so carefree.
But the truth proved that she really could.
While waiting for the dishes to be served, she lounged leisurely on the recliner, occasionally changing her position.
Xie Zhixing tried to suggest, "Grind the ink."
After a while, nobody moved.
Yun Jiao couldn’t stand it anymore, she said, "Chief Su, the Emperor is calling you, don’t just stand there, he’s been waiting a long time."
Ying Lu’s pupils shook.
The division of labor at the Imperial Court is clear. Grinding ink is generally not the eunuch’s task, it is usually done by beautiful palace maids, making it pleasant to watch. No matter how much trust Ying Lu received from the Emperor, he had never ground ink before. Despite the snowy weather, he was sweating profusely, bowed and said, "It’s my fault for not seeing it, please have a rest and drink some tea, Your Majesty."
Xie Zhixing accepted the tea tray handed over by Ying Lu, scraped the tea with the lid: "Since Concubine Xi said so, you should go and grind."
"Go, go."
Yun Jiao fanned the flames.
The scene in the study was extremely peculiar.
The Emperor was working overtime at the desk, the concubine was sitting on a recliner, and the eunuch was grinding the ink stick.
"Concubine Xi, have a bowl of mutton soup to warm your stomach first, the rest is still being prepared and will be served soon."
A clever little eunuch, after greeting the Emperor, offered Yun Jiao a pot of milky white and delicious mutton soup. It not only had the aroma of meat but was also infused with Codonopsis, wolfberries, red dates, and ginger, driving away the chill with one bowl.
Yun Jiao even tore the bread into pieces, soaked them until soft, and ate them.
Xie Zhixing normally didn’t eat late-night snacks, as a full stomach would interfere with his thinking. And if he ate, it was always cold food or snacks. He wasn’t fond of sweets but chose them for a quick energy boost that enhanced brain function.
This person, even enjoyed tormenting himself.
Watching her eat so appetizingly, he too had the urge to try a bowl.
"Is it even good if you eat that messily?" he asked.
"The dry bread soaks up the mutton soup, it’s beyond delicious," she replied.
Within the hall, octagonal beam lamps were lit; the lighting in Qiankun Palace was always more sufficient than in other palaces, giving people no place to hide their thoughts, and bathing the Emperor in a grand, extraordinary glow, unlike the common people. The Emperor does not partake in mortal culinary delights, nor does he fancy worldly food.
Yet Yun Jiao did not treat him as an Emperor: "Have some as well, Your Majesty."
She tore off a piece of bread, soaked half of it, and fed it to his mouth.
Xie Zhixing frowned.
How can anyone eat like this, it’s so unsanitary!
Xie Zhixing mentally reviewed the etiquette he’d learned over twenty years, each rule flashing red.
But when she offered the bread, he still leaned forward and took a bite.
The tender yet not overly gamey mutton soup and the coarse bread instantly activated his taste buds late at night. It was indeed delicious, albeit born unfit to live in the world of gourmet texts, he sensed only that mutton soaked bread should taste just like this, nothing more.
"Good, isn’t it?"
Yun Jiao looked at him with a grin, happiness written all over her little face.
Her happiness was so simple.
"It’s alright."
"The Emperor is really strict!"
Yun Jiao ate slowly, taking satisfaction from watching the Emperor work late.
Xie Zhixing, raising his eyes, saw her licking her fingers clean after finishing the bread, and sighed inwardly, how could anyone eat like this!
"Shouldn’t you help your mistress wipe her mouth?" he said.
Xue Ya then boldly stepped forward, using a cloth to wipe away the crumbs from her mouth corner.
Full and content, she instructed the palace maid to assist her in brushing her teeth, spat the rinse into the cup handed over, closing her eyes comfortably. Soon, her breathing became steady and long, indicating she had fallen asleep.
After a few seconds, Xie Zhixing heard her seemingly talking in her sleep.
"...Spring rolls..."
Xie Zhixing was speechless.
Right beside him, she was still longing for the chicken spring rolls she hadn’t eaten!
With a subtle sense of vexation, Xie Zhixing fervently continued writing, battling until dawn.
...
"My Lady, wake up, my lady..."
Yun Jiao opened her eyes at the sound, seeing a ceiling different from usual, and woke up quickly: "Where am I?"
"Madam, you slept so soundly, this is Qiankun Palace. His Majesty has gone to the early court session and specifically instructed us not to wake you, just don’t miss the morning greeting."