Loved By The Emperor (MPREG)

The faint clinking of porcelain filled the emperor's private study as Wang Xun poured another cup of tea. The golden liquid steamed gently in the room's quiet ambience. The emperor stood by the window, gazing out at the vast expanse of the palace gardens, though his sharp phoenix eyes seemed to look far beyond the scene before him.

Wang Xun cleared his throat lightly, breaking the silence. "Your Majesty, preparations for the royal hunt are proceeding smoothly. The officials and their families will begin arriving for the journey to the hunting grounds tomorrow."

The emperor inclined his head slightly. "Good. Let the gathering proceed without delay."

After a brief pause, Wang Xun stepped forward, his voice lowering respectfully. "This old servant humbly asks—what of Consort Yu? Your Majesty has shown him considerable favour of late."

The emperor's lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. "What of him?"

"Your Majesty has been exceedingly lenient with him," Wang Xun remarked thoughtfully. "May this humble servant suggest that there is a strategy behind such leniency?"

The emperor turned slightly, his eyes glinting with quiet amusement. "You always see too much, Wang Xun."

"This old servant merely observes what is plain," Wang Xun replied evenly. "A consort with no family or backing, yet graced with unprecedented favour. It is unusual, even for you, Your Majesty."

"Unusual," the emperor repeated, letting the word linger. "And useful. The Han family grows restless, as do others who think their bloodlines entitle them to power. Zhen's attention to Chen'er reminds them that favour is earned, not inherited."

"Ah," Wang Xun murmured, understanding dawning in his eyes. "A subtle message, then."

"Not so subtle," the emperor corrected, his smile sharpening. "It keeps them guessing, watching, wondering. And in their distraction, they reveal more than they intend."

Wang Xun inclined his head. "A clever play, as always, Your Majesty."

The emperor's smile softened slightly as he turned back to the window. "It is not just a play, Wang Xun. Chen'er's presence has value beyond courtly intrigue. He is… an unexpected variable."

Despite his knowing stare on his sovereign, the chief eunuch remained silent. Observing the slight warmth in the emperor's tone, he thought, "A variable indeed." Even though his emperor had unparalleled insight, the head eunuch could not help but worry. You might pay for this indulgence, my boy.

"This humble one sees the wisdom in Your Majesty's actions," Wang Xun stated, his tone measured. "And yet, Consort Yu has no family, no allies. Is it not risky to place such attention on one who cannot repay it?"

"Precisely why it unsettles them," the emperor said, his smile deepening. "They do not understand him, and they fear what they cannot control. Chen'er's presence disrupts the delicate games they play, and in their distraction, they reveal far more than they intend."

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The royal convoy moved in orderly splendour, stretching along the winding road with banners bearing the imperial emblem fluttering in the breeze. At the front rode the emperor, flanked by his elite guards. Behind him were the carriages of the officials, their finely adorned structures glinting in the sun. The rear of the procession, resplendent with the colours of silk robes and fluttering fans, was reserved for the consorts, gers, and noblewomen—wives, concubines, and daughters of the most powerful men in the empire.

Within the harem convoy, the topic of the emperor's frequent visits to Yu Chen's carriage spread like wildfire. Fans snapped shut with sharp flicks, and soft murmurs carried hidden envy, curiosity, and resentment.

In one carriage, Yu Chen sat stiffly, his nerves taut. Beneath the wooden seat in a small hidden compartment, rested his secret stash of valuables, carefully gathered treasures: a few pieces of fine silk, small jade ornaments, and several silver bracelets. These items had been subtly acquired over time through small offerings from minor court ladies and eunuchs seeking favour. All except the jade hairpin. A frown crossed his face. Where the hell did it go? he wondered, a spark of irritation flaring in his chest. He shook his head, trying to dismiss the thought. It's probably lost somewhere in this mess.

As the convoy halted for a midday rest, Yu Chen stepped out of his carriage, taking a moment to stretch his legs. His eyes flicked briefly to his seat, where his hidden valuables lay, before focusing on the bustling scene outside. The air was heavy with anticipation, and he had no illusions as to why.

"His Majesty approaches," came the inevitable murmur.

Yu Chen sighed inwardly, his shoulders stiffening as the emperor's tall figure came into view. He strode toward the rear of the convoy, his movements deliberate, his phoenix eyes gleaming with quiet amusement. Noblewomen straightened their postures, their whispers giving way to respectful silence as the Son of Heaven approached.

"Chen'er," the emperor called, his voice as smooth as silk yet commanding. "Are you hiding from Zhen again?"

Yu Chen turned, lowering himself into a bow. "This lowly one greets Your Majesty."

The emperor stepped closer, his expression one of faint amusement. "Why do you appear so tense? Has the journey worn on you?"

"This humble one is well, thanks to Your Majesty's grace," Yu Chen replied, his tone steady despite the unease curling in his stomach.

"Good," the emperor said, his gaze sweeping briefly over Yu Chen before softening. "Though Zhen wonders… what is it that you guard so carefully beneath your seat?"

Yu Chen's eyes widened slightly before he quickly masked his reaction. "Your Majesty jests. This humble one has nothing to guard."

The emperor chuckled, his low laughter sending a ripple of whispers through the gathered noblewomen. "Zhen hopes so. It would be a shame if anything… precious went missing."

Before Yu Chen could respond, the emperor turned to the assembled ladies. "Zhen trusts the journey has been pleasant for all."

The noblewomen curtsied gracefully, their practised voices filling the air with honeyed words.

"Your Majesty's presence lights our path," said the Duchess of Li, her tone polished but distant.

"Indeed," added Lady Han, her gaze flicking toward Yu Chen. "Your Majesty's attention is a blessing to all who receive it."

Yu Chen kept his head lowered, biting back the sharp retort that threatened to escape. The emperor seemed to sense his tension and let out a quiet hum of amusement before returning to the front of the convoy.

"Three visits in one day," the Duchess of Li remarked, her tone clipped as her gaze swept over Yu Chen's distant carriage. "One might think His Majesty has forgotten the rest of the court exists."

Lady Han, the Grand Chancellor's wife, remained composed, though her expression betrayed a simmering tension. "His Majesty's attentions are… fleeting. My daughter understands this well. Such favor rarely endures."

Han Changhua addresses Yu Chen with a stern smile.

"Bai Bā Zǐ," she began, her voice pleasant yet tinged with hate. "His Majesty pays frequent visits to you. You must feel overwhelmed trying to meet his expectations.

Yu Chen gave a peaceful smile, his tone pleasant. "overwhelmed, Guìrén? This modest one only attempts to serve His Majesty as best he can given his low station. Surely you, in your distinguished position, understand such a task better than anyone."

Han Changhua's eyes narrowed slightly, though her smile didn't falter. "Of course. But even duty has its limits. One must be cautious not to overstep."

"Wise words," Yu Chen replied with a slight bow. "I will remember them. Though it is comforting to know that one as noble as Guì rén is watching over me so attentively."

The Grand Chancellor's concubine, Han Changning's mother, stepped forward, her expression one of feigned concern. "Consort Yu, His Majesty's favour is a rare and fleeting thing. One wonders if you've prepared yourself for when it inevitably shifts."

Yu Chen's gaze flicked to her, his tone soft but pointed. "This humble one thanks Madam Han for her advice. I imagine such wisdom comes from great experience in seeing such shifts."

The concubine's face tightened, but she quickly masked her irritation with a brittle smile.

A few noblewomen tittered, their whispers laced with disdain or intrigue. Others, particularly those with relatives in the harem, remained silent but observant, their thoughts hidden behind delicate smiles and fluttering fans.

 Sensing an opportunity, Lower-ranking consorts began to inch closer. Their attempts at appearing nonchalant were almost laughable, and their fluttering fans and sidelong glances betrayed their intentions. One of them, a young beauty with a sugary-sweet smile, stepped forward boldly, her voice soft but clear.

"Bai Bā Zǐ," she said, her tone dripping with syrupy charm, "it must be so inspiring to receive His Majesty's attention. This humble one only wishes to learn from your example."

Yu Chen arched an eyebrow, his tone mild but cutting. "Learn from me? Surely someone as charming as you have no need for lessons in capturing attention."

The beauty blinked, her cheeks reddening slightly as she forced a nervous laugh. "Your Highness flatters this humble one too much."

Another consort, emboldened by the exchange, chimed in, her voice soft and eager. "Perhaps we could sit together during the next stop? His Majesty might visit again, and it would be wonderful to… share in your company."

Yu Chen's smile remained polite but edged. "You are most welcome to join me. Though His Majesty's gaze tends to favour the unexpected. I hope your proximity will not hinder that."

The second consort flushed deeply, stammering an excuse before retreating, while the first quickly followed. Nearby, Wu Feng's shoulders shook as he struggled to stifle his laughter.

"You have been most eloquent today, Your Highness," Wu Feng remarked, his expression carefully composed, though his eyes betrayed a glimmer of amusement. Yu Chen gave him a withering glare. "Be quiet, Wu Feng, before I decide to roll you out of this convoy."

Wu Feng popped a dried plum into his mouth, utterly unfazed. "As you wish, Your Highness."