On The Self-Cultivation Of A Favored Concubine - Chapter 20

Under the complicated gazes of the crowd, Liu Qinglan, supported by Lu Lu, stepped proudly into the Chenxin Palace. She genuinely looked like someone who was spoiled and doted upon.

Upon reaching the hall, Lu Lu quickly laid a cushion for the “soft-boned” Liu Qinglan and carefully helped her sit down.

Liu Qinglan rested her hand on the edge of the chair, eagerly raising her head to ask, “Quickly, help me see, is the peach blossom makeup still on my face?”

The talisman of the Peach Blossom Fairy was genuine and undiluted. At this moment, the peach blossom pattern on Liu Qinglan’s forehead was delicate, charming, and even more conspicuous. It was indeed very beautiful.

Lu Lu nodded emphatically, “Mistress, you look so beautiful today.”

Liu Qinglan gave a happy smile, immediately sat properly according to the posture that Grandma Gao had previously taught her, and waited for the beautiful Empress to make her appearance.

Yan Mo heard the movement outside, came out to take a look, and then returned to the inner room.

Xie Xuanzhao was dressing in front of the bronze mirror. Yan Mo walked to her side, gently combing the ends of her hair, and said in a low voice, “Consort Yue looks a bit different today, like she has been favored.”

Xie Xuanzhao’s hand paused, and she sat rigidly for a while, “You mean, last night the Emperor…”

“Peach cheeks and seductive eyes, a delicate body without strength that’s the look of it,” Yan Mo secretly observed the Empress’s expression. Based on previous observations, she felt that her mistress had a different attitude toward Consort Yue, already regarding her as one of her own. Now that this situation had occurred, she didn’t know how her mistress would react.

Xie Xuanzhao faced the bronze mirror, slowly inserting the last hairpin into her bun, and whispered, “Are you sure?”

Yan Mo didn’t dare to be completely certain for a moment, as she had only judged by appearances, “Mistress, you’ll know when you go out and see her.” Consort Yue’s delicate and charming look made it hard not to assume the wrong thing.

“Let’s go, I want to see for myself,” Xie Xuanzhao rose, her expression still relatively calm.

The beauties in the hall were already seated. Seeing the Empress come out, they all rose to curtsy.

Liu Qinglan also rose, but she underestimated the power of the talisman. Just as she stood up and bent down, her legs felt weak, and she slumped against the side of the chair.

She had never been so gracefully fragile before. She remembered that she used to be able to chase rabbits until they squealed. A hint of sly joy flashed across Liu Qinglan’s face.

Lu Lu cooperated perfectly, saying respectfully but actually showing off, “Our Mistress was overly tired last night. We ask the Empress to be understanding.”

Xie Xuanzhao’s gaze fell upon Liu Qinglan’s fair face. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were flowing with charm and seductiveness, indeed completely different from her usual fresh and innocent image.

However, the way she looked at herself was the same.

Liu Qinglan felt incredibly nervous and expectant inside, secretly glancing at the beautiful Empress’s expression. She thought she was being inconspicuous, but she had long been seen by Xie Xuanzhao’s phoenix eyes.

If it weren’t for the fact that this little favorite was still so shy and adorable while secretly peeking at her, Xie Xuanzhao would really believe that this little pet consort was showing off and trying to oppose her.

This little beauty likes her so much. Oh, seriously, she really couldn’t get angry. Xie Xuanzhao narrowed her eyes and spoke, “You have been learning from Grandma Gao for several days. Why is your curtsy still like this? You should be punished.”

Consort Kang saw the Empress was angry and quickly chimed in, “Indeed, Consort Yue is becoming more and more improper.”

Liu Qinglan felt that things were deviating from her imagination. Why was the Empress siding with Consort Kang?

She lowered her head, looked at her own “small steamed bun” chest, and then looked up at Consort Kang’s voluptuous figure. The beautiful Empress must be disgusted with her.

Liu Qinglan felt discouraged for a moment, wanting to wash off the peach blossom makeup. It was completely useless, and it seemed to have backfired…

“Consort Yue, stay here. I want to personally check the results of your recent practice,” Xie Xuanzhao sat above, dignified and graceful. Her gorgeous face showed no emotion.

In short, her tone had returned to the indifference from the beginning. Liu Qinglan secretly glanced at her. The familiar closeness of a big sister was completely gone. Meow~

At this moment, Liu Qinglan was filled with regret. The little cabbage she had finally grown after so much effort had turned back into a small seed overnight all her work was wasted!

The few concubines, led by Consort Kang, covered their mouths, chuckled, and left gloatingly.

In a moment, only the two of them remained in the hall. Xie Xuanzhao even dismissed Yan Mo.

Liu Qinglan cautiously tried to move closer to her. At this time, what could soothe her worries? Only spiritual energy.

Xie Xuanzhao, however, spoke, “You sit there and don’t move first.”

“Oh.” Little Demon Liu sat back obediently, blinking her eyes and looking at her with an innocent expression.

Xie Xuanzhao got up, bent down slightly, and leaned close to her face. Her gaze fell on the peach blossom pattern on her forehead, “Truly beautiful.”

“What?”

“This peach blossom pattern of yours is truly beautiful.” Xie Xuanzhao surveyed her up and down. Such a seductive little cutie it was the first time she had seen it, and she liked it.

Liu Qinglan’s heart sweetened. She was being praised, “Isn’t it? It looks very good.”

“Where did you go last night?” Xie Xuanzhao’s tone suddenly turned cold again, “Don’t tell me you were summoned by the Emperor. I know you weren’t.”

Liu Qinglan was startled. The Empress’s tone felt like catching a betrayal… Her scalp tingled, and she stammered, “I… I secretly went to the Imperial Kitchen to steal food…”

“Went to steal food, yet you ended up like this? Are you sure you didn’t… hmm?” Xie Xuanzhao moved closer to her, smelling her scent. It was still the familiar clean fragrance of grass and wood. She felt slightly relieved.

Liu Qinglan blinked, “Didn’t what?”

“Sleep,” Xie Xuanzhao uttered the two words without expression.

Liu Qinglan leaned back. Hmph, she didn’t sleep with anyone, “I always sleep alone!”

Xie Xuanzhao curved her red lips and poked her little face with her finger, “Is that so? Then why did you put on such a seductive makeup? Hmm? Who were you trying to seduce, tell me honestly.” She stared into Liu Qinglan’s round eyes, her breath like orchids, coaxing and guiding.

Seduce… Liu Qinglan swallowed, feeling a little guilty, and turned her gaze away, “No, I wasn’t.”

In her heart, however, she was nodding furiously: Yes, yes, I was trying to seduce you.

Xie Xuanzhao smiled, “I still don’t believe you.”

“I really didn’t do anything, I just… just put on this peach blossom makeup, thinking it would be quite… quite pretty.” (Actually, I need you to think it’s pretty.) Liu Qinglan felt even more guilty and didn’t dare to look into the beautiful Empress’s eyes.

She leaned against the back of the chair, desperately leaning back, her face turned to the side, avoiding her gaze.

Xie Xuanzhao reached out and slowly slid down the garment on her shoulder, revealing her snow-white, pristine skin. There were no suspicious red marks on it.

Liu Qinglan was completely flustered, her face so red it felt like it was burning, “Why… why are you taking off my clothes…”

“I’m checking,” Xie Xuanzhao said without changing her expression. Her fingertip lightly poked her smooth skin, “From now on, you are not allowed to sleep with anyone else, do you understand?”

“…”

Feeling the touch of the beautiful Empress’s soft fingertip, the spiritual energy continuously flowing from beneath and permeating her skin felt like a gentle breeze softly caressing her. Liu Qinglan’s eyes began to glaze over and sink into intoxication, as if she had smelled catnip, unable to control herself.

No good, Liu Qinglan really wanted to flop like a cat and fully enjoy the beauty’s caress.

The half-removed garment was pulled back up. Huh, why did she stop touching her?

Liu Qinglan heard a low laugh from across the way, deep and gentle. She opened her eyes, and the great beauty in front of her was looking at her with a half-smile.

The tips of Liu Qinglan’s ears instantly turned red with a whoosh. She was so ashamed she wanted to find a hole to crawl into. She must have lost control just now!

“You’re too shy, little girl.” Xie Xuanzhao slowly and methodically helped her pull the garment back up and put it on properly, carefully fastening the auspicious knot button for her.

Perhaps… in the future, she would see her skin, white with a hint of red, in bed a passionate and charming sight like a slowly burning flame. Just thinking about this image… At that time, she must make her wear a peach blossom pattern on her forehead, just like today.

The Empress’s mind was filled with intimate scenes, but her expression remained calm and composed. Amidst her fantasies, she re-fastened the knot button on Little Demon Liu’s collar.

Liu Qinglan looked down at her, feeling utterly delighted. Her already weak legs felt even softer. The beautiful Empress was dressing her personally!

At this moment, she completely forgot that this garment had also been personally taken off by the Empress.

“Mhm, I believe you now.” Xie Xuanzhao satisfactorily let go of her hand. Liu Qinglan sighed in relief but also felt a little reluctant. The feeling of being touched by the beautiful Empress was truly wonderful.

Xie Xuanzhao suddenly leaned in close again, gently touching the peach blossom pattern on her forehead, “It’s too seductive. Qinglan, don’t wear this makeup again in the future.” (Only allowed in the bedchamber.)

Liu Qinglan said “Oh.” Then she should revert to her original look in the future.

Xie Xuanzhao returned to her seat, and her demeanor returned to that of the friendly big sister next door.

Just as Liu Qinglan thought she had completely escaped punishment, she heard the beautiful Empress say, “How are your curtsies coming along?”

“Huh?” Liu Qinglan was bewildered.

Xie Xuanzhao composedly said, “You practice in front of me today. From now on, I will be personally responsible for teaching you.”

This was like a huge piece of cake falling from the sky. Doesn’t this mean she can rub spiritual energy every day from now on?

Liu Qinglan couldn’t help but confirm with her, “Hand-by-hand teaching?” The kind with physical contact…

Xie Xuanzhao suppressed a laugh and nodded seriously, “Hand-by-hand teaching you.”

Liu Qinglan felt as if the great cabbage that had turned back into a small seed was growing wildly upwards with a whoosh, and she was happily looking at a great harvest~

She suddenly wanted to wag her tail again. Then she remembered she wasn’t a puppy and used her proud self-control to restrain herself.

Xie Xuanzhao looked at her thrilled and smug little look of happiness, her heart feeling soft and ticklish, “Then let’s begin.”