On The Self-Cultivation Of A Favored Concubine - Chapter 13

Though Liu Qinglan wore an expression of keen appreciation. “This is delicious, truly worthy of the Empress’s cherries” her heart was already failing her: Oh dear, the Empress suddenly bestows food could it be poisoned?!

She recalled that when she first entered the palace, the maid assigned by the Emperor, Lulu, had told her solemnly on the very first day: “My Lady, the Inner Palace is very dangerous, especially the food and items. You must be careful. Before the ladies of the court lift their chopsticks, they always have their servants taste the food first. It’s even more so when you’re outside. Therefore, you must not be greedy or carelessly eat things.”

Liu Qinglan had long since cast Lulu’s warnings to the wind, but now, under the Empress’s intense, inscrutable gaze, she was suddenly struck with a jolt of alarm that cleared her mind, and she remembered Lulu’s words.

The crimson cherry she held between her teeth became difficult to swallow, scorching her with a helpless heat like a hot stone.

Although she could expel the poison with her yaoli (demon power) afterward, the bit of spiritual energy she’d managed to absorb today would likely be completely used up, perhaps even putting her in debt!

The little demon spirit Liu sank into fear and worry. The Emperor once said: Being my favored consort is not easy; you must face all kinds of unexpected situations, and you must protect yourself.

She hadn’t taken it seriously then, but now it certainly didn’t seem easy. Liu Qinglan felt as though she had ventured deep into the palace leader’s lair.

With the skin broken cherry in her mouth, Liu Qinglan nervously raised her eyes and quickly glanced at the Empress.

Oh no, she’s narrowed her eyes! She looks very murderous!

Xie Xuanzhao had indeed narrowed her eyes, her heart swelling and bubbling as if splashed with hot blood. The fair skinned, tender girl before her looked like a startled kitten, her eyes full of shy reserve, the cherry in her mouth seemingly so delicious she was reluctant to swallow it. Truly pitiful and adorable.

Especially when she quickly and secretly glanced at herself, it seemed as if she was overcome with shyness.

Xie Xuanzhao couldn’t help but narrow her eyes it was an attempt to cover up her overwhelming feelings. Her gaze lowered, falling upon Liu Qinglan’s cherry stained mouth. Because she was holding the plump, juicy cherry, her snow white teeth were slightly exposed, biting the cherry skin, the pale red juice spreading over her lips and teeth, fully loaded with sensuality.

This girl is definitely deliberately trying to seduce me!

Xie Xuanzhao took a deep breath, turning her head away, unable to bear it, and looked at the lotus pond extending for miles before her. A refreshing breeze brushed her face, finally cooling the fire surging in her heart.

Taking advantage of the Empress turning her head, Liu Qinglan quickly spat out the cherry in her mouth. She decided not to eat any more cherries before she figured out the Empress’s true intentions.

Even though they were very sweet and delicious…

“Qinglan…”

The Empress’s clear, elegant, and gentle voice suddenly sounded. Liu Qinglan tensed up and, unfortunately, choked on her own saliva.

She patted her chest, coughing until her face turned crimson. Xie Xuanzhao placed her hand on Liu Qinglan’s arm, leaning over, her deep phoenix eyes fixed on her with genuine concern, “Don’t rush. I have a whole platter of cherries here. If you like them, I’ll have Yan Mo send another plate to you this evening.”

Look at this little thing, blushing like this just from me touching her. I wonder if she’ll be able to handle it if I do something more intimate in the future…

Liu Qinglan was greatly frightened more bestowed food! She waved her hand, “N-No… thank you…”

But her fingertips were squeezed by the Empress. Xie Xuanzhao steadied her before saying, “You don’t need to be polite with me.”

It’s not about being polite with you, truly it’s not!

Xie Xuanzhao, however, continued to ask, “Speaking of which, I still don’t know where your hometown is. Where did you grow up? Who is in your family?”

She had shed her usual imposing demeanor, transforming into an approachable, friendly elder sister.

Liu Qinglan was quite startled, her round eyes wide. The Empress’s sudden concern and goodwill pleasantly surprised her.

Even in her state of alarm, Liu Qinglan didn’t pull away when the Empress held her fingers. She could feel the continuous flow of spiritual energy emanating from the Empress.

Perhaps because the owner was in a good mood, the spiritual energy surrounding her had become livelier and gentler, more abundant than usual. Therefore, delight overcame fear, and Liu Qinglan did not withdraw her hand but deliberately let the Empress continue to hold it.

She really does like me.

Seeing her obedient manner, Xie Xuanzhao gave a low laugh, carrying a hint of ambiguous meaning.

Liu Qinglan was intoxicated, the rich spiritual energy making her reluctant to leave. She thought I’ve already eaten the cherry. If I really was poisoned, then I should quickly absorb spiritual energy now, so I can save some to expel the poison later. Maybe I’ll even have a surplus!

Driven by the principle of not suffering a loss, Liu Qinglan’s fingertip gently moved, brushing against the Empress’s fair and slender finger.

Xie Xuanzhao lowered her eyes, looking at the small, tender white hand in her palm soft and yielding, like a little paw of snow, making one want to gently rub it. But just as she had this thought and before she could act on it, Liu Qinglan had already taken the initiative to rub her finger.

The smile in Xie Xuanzhao’s eyes deepened and intensified. She stared at Liu Qinglan and gave her an “I understand” look.

Liu Qinglan was merely testing the waters, and seeing that the Empress didn’t reject her, she was overjoyed. She mustered her courage and rubbed her finger against the Empress’s again.

So happy inside.

Xie Xuanzhao inwardly laughed. The poor little thing is still cautiously rubbing. She cleared her throat softly and subtly turned her hand to firmly and resolutely grip Liu Qinglan’s fingers.

The little demon spirit Liu, who was originally trying to absorb spiritual energy bit by bit without leaving a trace, slightly widened her eyes. Uh, the Empress is holding my hand so tightly it hurts…

Liu Qinglan offered another awkward but polite smile. What exactly does it mean to hold someone’s hand and not let go?

Xie Xuanzhao felt refreshed and invigorated. The girl’s hand feels nice. Holding it like this was like playing with a piece of warm, fine jade between her fingers. I’m giving her confidence; come on, be bold, don’t be shy.

Liu Qinglan was conflicted and complex inside. To move or not to move, that is the question.

If she didn’t move, the solidified atmosphere was too awkward; their two hands held dryly together looked unnatural no matter how you saw it.

If she moved, uh, it seemed she couldn’t break free anyway.

She had to say something now! Liu Qinglan gathered her courage, raised her head, and met Xie Xuanzhao’s eyes, “Empress…”

“Call me A-Xie.”

“A… A-Xie…” Liu Qinglan stammered the name as requested, ignoring the strange feeling in her heart.

“Mhm, such a good girl.” Xie Xuanzhao reached out and stroked her hair, as if petting her own cat, Xuetuan (Snowball).

Liu Qinglan’s long hair, just like the smooth, glossy fur of her true form, was extremely dark and silky, cascading like flowing water through Xie Xuanzhao’s fingers. Xie Xuanzhao narrowed her eyes in pleasure again, “Has His Majesty ever stroked your long hair?”

“N-No…” This question was even stranger.

Liu Qinglan’s mind was now a blank slate, completely losing the ability to think. She could feel the Empress’s fingers smoothing through her long hair, a tingling sensation extending to her scalp, which was extremely comfortable.

This was a cat’s instinct: being stroked by someone is a very enjoyable experience. If she were in her true form, she would probably have long since been comfortably lying down on all fours, her eyes and dozing off.

“Qinglan, I want to know about the place where you lived and your family.” Xie Xuanzhao asked again. Although she had already sent people to investigate, hearing her share it personally was a completely different experience.

Liu Qinglan was so relaxed from the petting that she forgot the danger. She honestly said, “I grew up in the forest. I don’t have a family.”

I’ve lived for several hundred years and cultivated into a spirit. My Fei Fei parents have probably gone through who knows how many cycles of reincarnation by now. Moreover, everything in the forest is available for my use; I was free and comfortable, living life to the fullest. If I hadn’t gotten bored with that life and sincerely wanted to try being a human, I wouldn’t have come to the human world, and right to the most prosperous place in it, at that.

What Xie Xuanzhao heard, however, painted a completely different picture. She could imagine a lone girl living in the wilderness, struggling daily for survival, with no relatives or friends nearby truly a delicate, pitiable little white flower.

“In the future, you won’t have to live the hard life you had before.” She said, her eyes full of pity.

Liu Qinglan was utterly confused: I’m the boss of the forest, summoning wind and rain and you pity me?!