"Are you telling me to go to another woman?" Han Feng growled, his voice low and dangerous.
"His Majesty said . . ." She paused, her voice trembling. "You said that . . . Xue Li is inexperience. Xue Li doesn't know how to please you . . ."
For a moment, his anger dissipated, replaced by a flicker of understanding. "So it's my fault," he said with a soft chuckle.
Before she could respond, he scooped her into his arms, holding her close. "Listen carefully. Don't ever suggest that I should be with another woman. Never again, understand?"
She nodded hesitantly, but her lips remained pressed tightly together.
"Speak," he demanded, his tone firm but not harsh. "Do you understand?"
"Y-yes, Your Majesty . . ."
Han Feng sighed, stroking her hair. "You don't need to be experienced, Xue Li. You just need to be yourself. From now on, this Emperor will join you for every meal. Is that clear?"
Her eyes brightened, a small smile breaking through her. "Really?"
Han Feng smiled back, leaning in to kiss her gently. This time, she responded, her lips soft and hesitant. She mirrored his movements just as he had taught her, drawing a low hum of approval from him.
She had sucked his tongue, her lips wrapping around it with a gentle suction that sent shivers down his spine. Her teeth nibbled softly on the edges of his lips, teasing him with a delicate touch.
As she pulled back, their tongues collided in a sensual dance, twirling and tangling together in a slow-motion. The tip of her tongue darted out to lick the contours of his mouth, exploring every nook and cranny as if searching for hidden treasures.
Her breath was cold against his skin, sending ripples of pleasure through him as she deepened the kiss. Their tongues slid inside each other's mouths like lovers embracing in the dark, their movements fluid and unhurried.
The sensation was intoxicating –– a heady mix of taste and texture that left him breathless and wanting more.
But then he pulled away abruptly, leaving her confused.
"Did . . . Did Xue Li do something wrong?" she asked nervously.
Han Feng shook his head, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "No, you did perfectly. But kisses like that . . ." His gaze darkened with desire. "They make me want to take you to bed. And if I do that now, in your weakened state, I might break you."
Her cheeks burned crimson, and she quickly looked away, earning a low chuckle from him.
"Let's eat first," he said, his voice warm and reassuring. "If I lose control, neither of us will leave this room tonight."
Xue Li turned her gaze to the side, her voice trembling with hesitation. "Xue Li . . . Xue Li only wished to do her best so that His Majesty would not think poorly of her. Xue Li fears that her inexperience may drive His Majesty to seek solace elsewhere."
". . . Xue Li you . . . are you jealous?"
Xue Li blinked, her delicate lashes trembling as she lifted her gaze to meet Han Feng's. ". . . J-jealous?"
Han Feng let out a low chuckle, his voice warm yet tinged with teasing. "Does my little Xue Li wish for this emperor to seek the company of another woman?"
Xue Li shook her head fervently, her voice soft and shaky, urgent even. "Xue Li will strive to do her utmost . . . so please, Your Majesty, do not go elsewhere." Her trembling fingers hesitated before lightly tugging at the hem of Han Feng's robe, her actions timid yet earnest.
Han Feng's heart softened as he gazed upon the small figure nestled in his arms. The vulnerability in her voice and the sincerity of her actions stirred something deep within him.
"Then tell me . . ." Han Feng's voice deepened, his gaze darkening as he leaned closer, "does my little Xue Li wish to become one with this emperor?"
Xue Li's breath hitched, and she swallowed hard, her cheeks aflame as she gave a timid nod, her eyes downcast in shy affirmation.
Han Feng's lips curved into a grin as he drew her into his embrace, his arms strong yet tender around her. "Then regain your strength, my Xue Li. And when you do, under heaven's watchful gaze, you shall truly become mine."
Xue Li's face flushed a deeper shade of red, her voice barely above a whisper as she managed a meek reply. "Y-yes . . . Your Majesty."
The softness in her tone and the bashful sincerity of her words stirred a warmth within Han Feng, a moment of intimacy that felt as timeless as the stars above.
Though his chest swelled with quiet joy, he felt compelled to ask, his tone gentle yet probing, "By the way, this emperor must ask—who has dared to plant such thoughts in your mind, claiming that I have sought the company of other women?"
Xue Li hesitated, clutching at the fabric of her robe, her small hands trembling. She bit her lip, as if afraid to speak, her eyes brimming with unease.
Han Feng's expression grew darker. "Speak," he commanded, "This emperor will eventually uncover the truth, so there is no need to hide it from me."
Tears welled in Xue Li's eyes, and she clutched her dress tighter, her voice quivering. "Lady Lu Jean visited Xue Li. She said . . . she said that Xue Li is too inexperienced to serve His Majesty. She claimed that His Majesty sought her company every night . . . to ease his frustrations with Xue Li's shortcomings."
Han Feng's expression turned thunderous, his features as cold and hard as iron. The room seemed to grow still under the weight of his anger. The servants trembled anew, their gazes firmly fixed on the ground, fearful of drawing the emperor's wrath upon themselves through even the slightest glance.
A dangerous glint flickered in Han Feng's eyes, his jaw tightening as the realization struck him. One of his concubines had dared to step beyond her place, poisoning the mind of his beloved with vile deceit.
"It seems Lady Lu has meddled in affairs far beyond her station," Han Feng said, his voice cold and deadly calm. "Send her to the Heavenly Han Temple. She shall serve there in repentance for the rest of her days. Perhaps the gods may grant her mercy for her insolence."
All who stood before the emperor trembled, their fear itched on their faces as they dared not lift their heads.
From that day forth, none within the palace dared to slight the emperor—or his newly favored concubine, Xue Li.