I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 155: Chapter 69: The Dog Emperor Never Takes a Loss (Part 2)

What else could Zhang Maoquan do?

He still had to welcome the man in with a smile. Meng Jiuchang beamed at Zhang Maoquan and said, "Chief Steward Zhang, you’ve worked hard standing watch all night. Go home and get some rest. I can take it from here."

How could Zhang Maoquan possibly agree? If he left, Meng Jiuchang would take all the credit for his all-night vigil. Only an idiot would do that.

"I’d love to accept your kind offer, Manager Meng, but His Majesty personally instructed me to wake him at the proper hour. I dare not interfere with His Majesty’s important business." Zhang Maoquan’s rebuff was firm but polite. ’Don’t think I’m blind to your little schemes.’

Meng Jiuchang was left speechless.

Realizing he couldn’t get rid of Zhang Maoquan, Meng Jiuchang stopped wasting his breath and simply posted himself outside the hall. ’As if Zhang Maoquan would dare try to make me leave now.’

Zhang Maoquan was furious, but there was nothing he could do. ’This bastard is getting more shameless by the day.’

Hearing the calls from outside, Feng Yi opened his eyes. He was dazed for a moment. ’This isn’t my familiar Dragon Bed.’ Then, as if remembering something, a blush crept across his face.

’He recalled how utterly awkward he’d felt the first time last night. Luckily, Yun Zhao was completely inexperienced, which allowed him to bluff his way through it. Otherwise, it would have been a terrible embarrassment. Thankfully, the second time was much better, which gave his confidence a huge boost.’

He turned his head and saw Yun Zhao sleeping soundly. Held in his arms, the hair at her temples was slightly damp with sweat, a few strands clinging to the sides of her rosy, delicate face. It was only then that Feng Yi remembered just how young Yun Zhao was.

He gingerly tried to pull his arm out from under her, but the moment he moved, Yun Zhao’s eyes fluttered open. Her normally jet-black eyes, now hazy with sleep, looked up and stared blankly at him.

As she gazed at him, he simply gazed back, and their eyes met and held.

As full consciousness returned to Song Yunzhao, she abruptly pulled the brocade quilt over her head. Seeing this, Feng Yi couldn’t help but laugh, and his earlier awkwardness evaporated completely.

"You can keep resting. I have to go to the morning court," Feng Yi said, glancing at the time as he sat up.

’I really was just half-asleep and dazed,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’Even though it was the Emperor’s first time, he certainly didn’t act like it. My poor waist feels like it’s about to snap. I’m truly exhausted.’

’He’s the main character, all right. Talented in every respect.’

She’d been acting all night, and she couldn’t afford to mess up the final scene. Song Yunzhao poked her head out from under the quilt, her eyes darting toward the Emperor, a look of shy hesitation on her face as if she wanted to say something but was too embarrassed.

Seeing her look like a timid little rabbit, Feng Yi prompted, "What is it you want to say?"

Song Yunzhao gave a soft cough and lowered her voice. "I didn’t realize Your Majesty would be rising so early. I accidentally overslept."

By rights, as a concubine, she was supposed to wake before the Emperor and take on the responsibility of waking him.

Feng Yi didn’t think much of it. In the past, whenever he only pretended to spend the night at a palace, it was always Meng Jiuchang and his men who woke him. He said casually, "It’s fine. You... were exhausted last night, too. Go back to sleep."

Song Yunzhao eyed the Emperor’s slightly flushed face with suspicion. ’Oh, what a treat!’ she thought. ’This endearingly awkward young Emperor... I probably won’t get to see this side of him much in the future.’

A delighted smile spread across Song Yunzhao’s face. "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. I will obey."

With that, Song Yunzhao flopped back down onto the bed, ready to sleep. She really was exhausted.

Besides, if the Emperor started visiting frequently, she had no intention of being the diligent type who woke up before the roosters just to become a Consort. ’I’m a lazy person. I have to stay true to my character and not let it slip.’

Feng Yi watched Yun Zhao lie back down and close her eyes. He rubbed his nose, a bit sheepishly, then turned and headed for the outer chamber.

In the outer chamber, Meng Jiuchang led his attendants in to help him dress. They had everything ready: robes, shoes, and socks.

All the while, Zhang Maoquan had a nagging feeling he’d forgotten something. ’His Majesty’s Dragon Robe!’

Meng Jiuchang was already diligently helping the Emperor change. Not to be outdone, Zhang Maoquan quickly led his own attendants to prepare a towel and basin for the Emperor to wash his face.

Feng Yi paid no mind to their petty rivalry. ’The people who serve me can’t be allowed to become a monolith. Otherwise, they could easily conspire to deceive me, their Emperor.’

On the way to Taiji Palace, Feng Yi instructed Zhang Maoquan to send rewards to Wangyou Palace during the Si hour. Remembering that Song Yunzhao was short on funds, he specifically added a casket of silver for her.

Listening from the side, Meng Jiuchang’s brow furrowed. ’His Majesty’s rewards for Wangyou Palace are nearly on par with what the three concubines received. And he specifically ordered the delivery to wait until the Si hour... he’s clearly worried that Zhang Maoquan might disturb Consort Song’s rest.’