All of Xiao Qianming's movements were detected by Zheng Qingling through her psychic ability, yet her hands did not falter. She continued playing the zither as calmly as before.
Since she was sitting with her back facing the visitor, she could not see who it was. When she heard footsteps approaching, she naturally spoke:
"Chunxiu, how did the pastries go? Did the imperial kitchen give you any trouble today?"
In truth, Zheng Qingling knew exactly what was happening. She had to pretend this was a chance encounter; otherwise, the emperor would suspect her of "spying on his whereabouts."
Hearing her words, Xiao Qianming did not respond. Instead, he deliberately made his footsteps louder.
At once, Zheng Qingling understood the game—if she continued playing dumb, she would look either overly deliberate or foolish.
Turning around as if just realizing his presence, she quickly rose, bowed according to palace etiquette, and said:
"Your concubine greets Your Majesty. I did not know the emperor was here. Forgive me for my offense."
"No matter. It was only a whim of mine. You did not know, so you are not guilty. You may leave."
Xiao Qianming had only come to enjoy the scenery alone. Though the woman before him was indeed beautiful, it did not sway his mind.
Zheng Qingling did not insist on staying. Her goal had already been achieved. Remaining longer would only risk displeasing him.
As she turned to leave, the winter wind carried with it a faint fragrance of plum blossoms clinging to her robes, lingering within the pavilion. Xiao Qianming's eyes darkened slightly.
The system's puzzled voice rang in her mind:
"Host, you finally got to meet the emperor. Why did nothing happen?"
"Remember, he's a cautious emperor with a suspicious mind. Though this body is indeed pretty, it's not to the level of 'toppling kingdoms.' Xiao Qianming is not the type to lust blindly after beauty."
"Then host, doesn't that mean this was all for nothing?"
"Wrong. At the very least, I no longer have to bribe the imperial kitchen daily. As for a night of favor—once Xiao Qianming lowers his guard…"
Indeed, she had already noticed through her psychic ability that the emperor enjoyed viewing the plum blossoms near Tingyu Pavilion.
So, she had deliberately begun wearing a faint plum blossom fragrance on her robes.
That very day, when Chunxiu returned with their meal, she came in unusually cheerful:
"My lady, today the imperial kitchen steward didn't demand silver and gave us our portion directly! If only every day were like this."
But Zheng Qingling knew this was only temporary. The palace culture of currying favor and stepping on the weak ran deep. To make it permanent, it depended on whether the emperor took the bait.
For the next three days, Zheng Qingling continued practicing the zither as usual, not abandoning her routine because of that one encounter.
When Xiao Qianming heard Dark Guard No. 2's report, he finally lowered his suspicions. Thinking of Zheng Changzai's delicate face and the subtle fragrance from that day, a flicker of interest stirred within him.
That evening, Zheng Qingling received word from a young eunuch of the Qingyu Hall: she was to prepare herself, as the Luanfeng Chun'en carriage would arrive to summon her that night.
Upon hearing this, Chunxiu was ecstatic:
"My lady, you've finally endured the storm. His Majesty remembers you now!"
Zheng Qingling only smiled gently, saying nothing more.
Meanwhile, in a resplendent palace elsewhere, a woman, upon hearing the news, smashed her teacup in fury:
"So that slut finally succeeded! In the end, His Majesty is no different from all men—fond of those weak, harmless little creatures!"
Her old nursemaid quickly patted her back and soothed her:
"Your Grace, such low-born things can never compare to you."
"You don't understand. Among all the newcomers, Zheng Changzai is the most threatening. Who would have thought…"
That night, many concubines barely touched their dinner and lay awake in jealousy.
After all, Xiao Qianming only visited the harem half of the month, leaving the women desperate each day for his favor.
Meanwhile, Zheng Qingling, already bathed and adorned, sat quietly on the bed, not daring to move recklessly.
Tonight was a battle—whether she would live a life of luxury or one of scraping by on meager rations depended on how she performed tonight.
When Xiao Qianming entered, he saw her sitting in the lamplight. From the side, her skin looked like porcelain, her beauty refined and soft.
Though he was emperor, he was still a man—and men were drawn to beauty. Especially when the woman was rightfully his concubine.
Without exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Qianming went straight to the point.
That night, the howling winds outside could not drown out the intimate sounds within.
Outside the chamber, Chunxiu's cheeks burned red. She never expected her mistress to be so favored.
Even Eunuch Yuan was surprised. His Majesty was usually restrained in such matters, but tonight was different. Clearly, Zheng Changzai had fortune on her side.
Inside, Xiao Qianming caressed her smooth skin, deeply satisfied. Among all the women he had seen, none matched her touch.
What pleased him most was that she was not a lifeless corpse in bed. She gradually matched his rhythm, even surprising him with feline-like boldness, handling difficult positions with ease.
Men were like that—if the bedroom matched, generosity followed.
The very next morning, he promoted her to Rou Changzai (Gentle Consort). For the record, none of the other new concubines had advanced despite being summoned. Only she had received a title.
The news spread through the harem, causing many handkerchiefs to be torn apart in jealous frustration.
That morning, Zheng Qingling was dressed and adorned by the palace maids of Qingyu Hall. She did not choose her usual elegant attire, but instead a flamboyant, brightly colored gown—making her look like a shallow woman flaunting her newfound favor.
Yes, she knew all eyes would be on her today. Since she was already in the game, she might as well act the fool—arrogant, brainless, intoxicated by favor. This way, the other concubines' guard would lower.
Moreover, the vivid outfit actually downplayed her natural beauty, which was precisely what Zheng Qingling intended.
Chunxiu was puzzled at her mistress's sudden change of style overnight, but dared not question it.
That day, the Liangyi Palace was particularly lively. Even Shu Fei, who often excused herself by citing the eldest princess's ill health, arrived early.
When Zheng Qingling entered—not too early, not too late—her greetings to the higher-ranked consorts went smoothly, until she reached An Pin.
"Oh my, Rou Changzai truly is remarkable. In just one night, you've won His Majesty's favor and a title. The other new sisters must learn from you."
Zheng Qingling, of course, would not respond to such sarcasm. In times like these, the less she said, the better. She gave no reaction, leaving the other woman helpless.
The higher-ranking concubines, upon seeing this, judged her as wooden and dull, not much of a threat.
The lower-ranking ones, however, noticed with glee that she had dared wear the same floral pattern as De Fei. They exchanged glances, eyes gleaming with mockery, ready to watch a fool humiliate herself.
At that very moment, the eunuch's sharp voice rang out:
"De Fei Niangniang arrives!"