Chapter Twelve: It's Not What You Think

The night passed quietly, but her emperor husband was rather troublesome—constantly asking for water, complaining about the cold. Attending to him was truly exhausting. Hua Rong had been tormented to the point where she collapsed beside the bed, fast asleep, completely oblivious even as the sun began to rise.

It was Jun Yeli who awoke first. He glanced to the side and found a graceful woman sprawled across the bed in deep slumber. Her slender eyelashes fluttered like crescent moons, making it difficult for anyone to look away.

He chuckled softly, “How gentle Lin Dao looks when she’s quiet like this. If only she behaved so docilely every day, I would be perfectly content.” As he spoke, Jun Yeli found himself unable to resist; he reached out, gently caressing her forehead.

Her silky hair slipped through his fingers, and Jun Yeli felt an increasing urge that he could not suppress. Suddenly, he noticed Hua Rong’s eyelids flicker—she was about to wake. He hastily withdrew his hand, as if caught in some guilty act.

Yet, it was a mere illusion. She simply turned her head and continued to sleep, her soft snores filling the room.

Jun Yeli lowered his head and smiled, a hint of self-mockery in his expression. “My consort, what am I so nervous about?” With that, he carefully slipped off the bed and dressed himself. His wounds had healed considerably.

Looking at the still oblivious Hua Rong, Jun Yeli sighed and gently lifted her onto the bed. She seemed to sense the movement, furrowing her brows and murmuring, “I’m sleeping… don’t touch me…”

Her lips, slightly parted, were as enticing as ripe cherries. Jun Yeli swallowed hard, feeling his self-control waver. “Damn it, how is this woman so alluring? Am I truly losing my composure?”

Though Jun Yeli’s harem was filled with countless concubines, and he often lingered in their chambers, he had never engaged in any real intimacy—it was merely for appearances. In his mind, such matters were reserved for someone he truly loved.

His concubines understood this, never speaking of it to others, lest it become awkward. Yet, unexpectedly, he felt something different for Hua Rong—a feeling he could not resist.

He drew closer, his lips almost touching the sleeping beauty. Suddenly, Hua Rong sensed something and opened her eyes to find his face magnified before her. She screamed, “Ah!” Instinctively, she pushed him away, sitting upright and pulling the blanket tightly around herself. “What are you doing!”

Her panic made her look as if she’d encountered a ruffian. Jun Yeli frowned, “What else would I be doing? We are husband and wife, already sharing a bed. Do you think I’d kill you?”

Interrupted in the midst of his intentions, Jun Yeli felt a bit frustrated and decided to intimidate the woman who had awoken at such an inopportune moment.

Hua Rong, still confused, anxiously checked herself. “Oh no, I hope he didn’t take advantage of me last night. If those women find out I served the Emperor, they’ll tear me apart!” Her fear grew as she inspected her clothes, finally relaxing when she saw they were intact. Yet the memory of the moment unsettled her, and she covered her mouth, thoughts racing. “Why was he so close just now? Was he trying to take liberties while I slept…”

“But wait, we’re legitimate husband and wife. If he kisses me, it’s not really a problem. It’s just…” She thought of the ruthless women in the harem, all dressed beautifully but vicious at heart. Even without serving him, being noticed by the Emperor could bring trouble.

Seeing her wide-eyed and shaken, Jun Yeli frowned, “What’s wrong? Are you unwilling to serve me?”

He leaned forward, his possessiveness and dominance surging like a tide. As he closed in, Hua Rong shrank back toward the foot of the bed, making Jun Yeli’s desire intensify.

He smirked, a teasing note in his voice, “Is my beloved consort playing hard to get? It seems you’re quite successful.”

With that, Jun Yeli suddenly seized Hua Rong’s wrist and leaned in swiftly. His handsome face was so close it threatened to break her resolve. He was too handsome! But she couldn't risk her life.

Summoning her last bit of composure, Hua Rong clenched her teeth, her once rosy lips now pale from pressure. She nervously spoke, “Your Majesty, please don’t be reckless. You’re still injured; strenuous activity isn’t suitable…”

“Is that so? How would you know without trying?” His words were bold and daring. Hua Rong’s heart raced wildly, threatening to burst from her chest. She swallowed, the sound awkwardly loud in the tense atmosphere.

Jun Yeli felt a restless stir within, his lips trembling slightly. “They say beauty is food for the soul. My beloved consort is more alluring than ever today—I find myself wanting to take a bite.”

“No, please, someone save me! Is anyone going to come in and stop this tragedy?” she thought, but then reconsidered, “Wait, no, if someone barges in now and sees this, tomorrow chaos will erupt. I’ll be done for!”

Unfortunately, fate rarely sends help when needed. Just as Jun Yeli’s presence drew nearer, the door was suddenly pushed open. A delighted voice rang out, “Your Majesty, I’ve prepared some medicinal dishes for you—!”

Before she could finish, Lady Jia stood frozen in the doorway, staring at the Emperor pressing Hua Rong beneath him. Could the atmosphere be any more suggestive?

“Your Majesty, forgive me for intruding!” Lady Jia stammered, full of fear, and hurriedly tried to withdraw. Hua Rong pushed Jun Yeli aside, flustered. “Wait, it’s not what you think!”