Loved By The Emperor (MPREG)

Yu Chen sat stiffly beside the emperor, acutely aware of the glares from every corner of the pavilion. The earlier barbs from the other consorts and gers had quieted, replaced by sugary voices and exaggerated laughter as they vied for the emperor's attention.

Yang Liqin, seated further down, offered a polished smile. "Your Majesty, the lotus blossoms are particularly vibrant this year. Their beauty seems even more radiant in such distinguished company."

The emperor's gaze didn't stray from Yu Chen. "Indeed. Zhen finds the company here most... interesting."

Yu Chen nearly choked on air. The weight of those words made the others' glares burn hotter, jealousy and disdain practically dripping from their expressions.

"Come, Chen'er," the emperor said suddenly, rising from his seat with an effortless grace. He turned to Yu Chen, his expression commanding. "Walk with Zhen."

The pavilion fell silent. Yang Liqin's charming smile faltered for a fraction of a second before he recovered. Yu Chen, on the other hand, froze, his mind scrambling for an escape.

"This humble one—"

"Now," the emperor said firmly, leaving no room for discussion.

Yu Chen bit back a sigh and rose to his feet, bowing slightly. "As Your Majesty commands."

The walk back to Yu Chen's courtyard was quiet, though tension clung to the air. The emperor strolled leisurely, his hands clasped behind his back, while Yu Chen followed slightly behind, unsure if he should speak or keep quiet.

Finally, the emperor broke the silence. "Chen'er, you seemed uneasy earlier. Tell Zhen why."

Your mother, why wouldn't I be uneasy? Because of you, I almost lost my life! Yu Chen screamed internally, but outwardly, he maintained a respectful demeanour, his expression calm. "This humble one apologizes if my behaviour displeased Your Majesty. I merely wished to avoid drawing unnecessary attention."

The emperor stopped, turning to face him. His sharp gaze made Yu Chen feel as if he were being peeled apart, layer by layer. "Avoiding attention in the imperial harem is like avoiding rain in a storm. You must learn to stand in it without faltering."

Yu Chen lowered his gaze, forcing himself to appear calm despite the rising anger and frustration inside him. Easy for you to say, sitting on your throne while I'm dodging knives. Why don't you try being me for a day?

The emperor's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. But tell Zhen this—do you fear Zhen's favour?"

Yu Chen's head snapped up, startled. Fear? His thoughts erupted before he could stop them. This bastard—who wouldn't fear your favour? There's an entire army of knives pointed at me because of it! Your favour is practically a death sentence wrapped in silk robes. Outwardly, he kept his composure, bowing his head slightly. "Your Majesty, this humble one is grateful for your kindness—"

"Gratitude and fear often walk hand in hand," the emperor interrupted, his voice quiet yet cutting. "Which one do you feel more strongly?"

Yu Chen swallowed hard. He couldn't afford to lie but didn't want to admit his discomfort outright. "This humble one feels both, Your Majesty. Gratitude for your unmatched kindness and fear of falling short of your expectations."

The emperor studied him for a moment before stepping closer. "A careful answer. Zhen will let it stand."

When they arrived at Yu Chen's courtyard, the emperor motioned for the servants to leave. Wu Feng hesitated for a moment before bowing and retreating, though his small smile and darting glances back at Yu Chen did not go unnoticed.

"Zhen finds you intriguing, Chen'er," the emperor said, his tone softening. "You are unlike the others."

Yu Chen's stomach churned. He could sense the unspoken weight of the emperor's words. "Your Majesty honours me beyond what I deserve."

The emperor stepped closer, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. His sharp gaze roved over Yu Chen's face as if savouring the lingering tension from the garden. "You seemed quite animated earlier in the pavilion," he mused. "Your expressions—so vivid. It was almost as if Zhen could read every thought you were trying to hide."

Yu Chen stiffened, his cheeks flushing. "This humble one apologizes if—"

The emperor interrupted him with a chuckle. "Don't apologize, Chen'er. Zhen enjoyed the show. Particularly the part where you tried to melt into your seat as if that would save you from Liqin's barbs."

"But that's not all," the emperor continued, stepping even closer. His voice dropped, laced with teasing amusement. "Zhen couldn't help but recall the last time you were so flustered. Do you remember? The night you clung to Zhen and—"

"Your Majesty!" Yu Chen blurted out, his voice rising as his face turned scarlet. His wide eyes darted to the empty courtyard, as if worried someone might overhear. "Must you bring that up?"

When did I, your father, cling to you? Yu Chen fumed internally. I am a man, okay? A full-blown man. I did not cling to you or—

As if on cue, his treacherous brain supplied vivid images of the fierce nightly battles between the emperor and the original Bai Yu Chen. The accompanying moans and sounds—far too realistic for comfort—flashed through his mind like a taunting slideshow. Yu Chen's blush deepened to a crimson that could rival the setting sun. He could practically feel the steam rising from his head as he struggled to maintain composure. Why, oh why, did I have to remember that now?

Yu Chen clenched his fists, his embarrassment bubbling into anger. "Your Majesty, this humble one is no longer—" He stopped himself, biting back the words. But the emperor's expectant gaze and barely concealed amusement only fueled his frustration.

"That's enough!" Yu Chen snapped, his voice louder than he intended. He jabbed a finger in the emperor's direction, momentarily forgetting all decorum. "If Your Majesty has so much time to spare, perhaps you should focus on something more productive instead of making me relive my most mortifying moments!"

The silence that followed was deafening. Yu Chen's heart sank as he realized what he had just done. Oh no. I've done it. I'm dead.

But instead of anger, the emperor laughed—a genuine, low laugh that sent shivers down Yu Chen's spine. "Chen'er, you truly are one of a kind," he said, his voice warm and amused. "Do you realize how charming you are when you're angry?"

Yu Chen's jaw dropped, his face somehow turning even redder. "I-I am not trying to be charming!" he sputtered. "I'm just—"

"Just what?" The emperor leaned in, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Angry? Embarrassed? Or perhaps a little too honest for your own good?"

Yu Chen's mouth opened and closed like a fish, unable to form a coherent response. His thoughts raced, alternating between mortification and indignation. Finally, he turned away with a huff, crossing his arms. "This humble one requests Your Majesty to leave if you have nothing else to say."

The emperor's laughter softened, his gaze lingering on Yu Chen's averted face. "Very well, Chen'er. Zhen will leave—for now. But remember, Zhen's favour is not something you can escape so easily."

Yu Chen didn't respond, his back still turned as he tried to will away the heat in his cheeks. As the emperor walked away, his quiet chuckle echoed in the air, leaving Yu Chen standing in the courtyard, his emotions a tangled mess of anger, embarrassment, and something he refused to name.