Wait, what if Han Feng's affection for her just vanished? Like, poof—gone? Would he hand her over to his troops like leftovers from dinner? Would she be sentenced to some tragic palace drama ending?
Oh crap. She hadn't thought that far ahead. The soul inside Xue Li cursed internally. Should've asked that rabbit on what to expect if I died here.
Welp. Too late now. No point crying over spilled tea. Might as well go full actor mode, stay in character, and make sure Han Feng lives his best emperor life—with her firmly in the leading role.
Let's keep this man head-over-heels, because Plan B? Yeah, there is no Plan B.
=== 🖤 ===
Days passed, and Xue Li's time in the palace seemed like a dream.
Han Feng's attentiveness made her feel like she was living in a fairytale. He had renovated an entire room into a grand study filled with books, when she said that she wanted to learn to read and write.
To ensure she succeeded, he brought in the finest tutors from across the land.
She now resided in an elegant chamber within the Emperor's courtyard, complete with soaring ceilings, a serene garden, and a private hot spring.
Han Feng often joined her for meals, sharing breakfast and, more frequently, dinner. Their evenings ended in the intimacy of shared moments—kisses, tender touches, and stretching her core to prepare her for him.
Every time Han Feng stopped short of going further, insisting she needed to be "prepared," lest he risk harming her delicate body.
True to his word, each night he guided her, teaching her how to kiss and how to please him, his patience a testament to his self-control.
But as the days turned into weeks, palace matters drew Han Feng back to the court. His visits to Xue Li became increasingly rare, leaving her alone in her chambers. The maids assigned to care for her took advantage of his absence, giving her meager scraps instead of proper meals.
One day, Lu Jean, one of the Emperor's favored concubines, paid her an unwelcome visit. Lu Jean was known for her graceful airs, always carrying a fan to conceal her coy smile.
"Mei-mei, dining alone again?" Lu Jean said, her voice saccharine as she stepped into the room. "It seems His Majesty has finally grown tired of you. It won't be long before you're sent back to your humble quarters, and I take over this place."
Xue Li said nothing, focusing on the meager bowl of porridge before her.
Lu Jean giggled, unfazed by the silence. "Well, I can't blame His Majesty. You're far too inexperienced for a man like him. Learn quickly, little sister, or I'll have to bear all of his . . . intense passion. Not that I mind," she added with a wink, "but even my body have limits."
Xue Li's hand trembled slightly as she held her chopsticks, but she refused to give Lu Jean the satisfaction of a reaction.
When the older woman finally left, her mocking laughter echoing in the hall, Xue Li maintained her composure, continuing to eat in silence.
For three days, the Emperor did not visit. The maids took it as a sign that Xue Li had fallen from favor. Their treatment worsened—they whispered cruel remarks, withheld her food entirely, and watched smugly as her strength waned.
On the fourth day, Xue Li collapsed from hunger.
When she awoke, she was in her bed, her frail hand held tightly by Han Feng. His dark eyes were filled with a mix of worry and anger.
"Xue Li, are you feeling alright?" he asked, his voice unusually gentle.
"Y-Your Majesty . . . ," she murmured weakly.
"The doctor told me you haven't been eating. Why? Why didn't you ask for food?"
Xue Li's lips quivered, but she turned her face away, refusing to let him see her tears. "Xue Li . . . Xue Li didn't know if she had that authority."
Han Feng's expression darkened. "You fool," he said softly, though his tone was laced with frustration. "Of course, you have that authority. You're my woman now. Didn't the maids bring you food?"
Her silence was answer enough. His jaw tightened. "Dispose of those maids," he commanded sharply. "I don't want to see even a trace of them left in this palace."
"Yes, your Majesty," a servant replied before hurrying out, fearful of the Emperor's wrath.
Han Feng turned back to her, his features softening. "Come, Xue Li. You need to eat."
At his words, the remaining servants scurried to bring an array of dishes to the table. But when they tried to serve her, Xue Li hesitated, glancing at Han Feng.
"Xue Li . . . Xue Li wants to eat with His Majesty," she whispered, weakly clutching his robe.
Han Feng's stern demeanor melted into a smile—the first she had seen in days. "You truly are a little fool. If you wanted to eat with me, you should have asked the servants to call for me."
"Xue Li . . . didn't want to disturb Your Majesty," she admitted shyly.
He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You could never disturb me," he said softly. "I'm sorry I've been so busy with court matters. I wanted to finish everything quickly so I could spend more time with you."
Her cheeks flushed at his words, but when he leaned closer to kiss her lips, she turned her face away.
"What's wrong?" he asked, frowning. "Why are denying me a kiss?"
Tears welled in her eyes. "Xue Li is . . . Xue Li is too inexperienced. His Majesty should be with someone who can please him, like Lady Lu Jean."
Han Feng's expression darkened instantly. His fist slammed against the bedside table, startling the servants into dropping to their knees in terror.
"Are you telling me to go to another woman?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous.