Loved By The Emperor (MPREG)

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the vast hunting grounds. The convoy finally came to a halt after two days of travel. The hunting grounds stretched as far as the eye could see—a sprawling paradise of dense forests and open plains. The temporary pavilions, erected in shimmering silks and golds, stood at the forest's edge like jewels in a crown. Guards stood at attention around the perimeter, their presence a reminder of the hunt's symbolic and political importance.

At the head of the convoy, the emperor dismounted his carriage with effortless grace, his phoenix eyes scanning the grounds with practised precision. The disembarked officials and nobles bowed deeply as he strode toward the central pavilion.

The head eunuch's voice rang out, commanding attention. "His Majesty, the Son of Heaven, speaks!"

The gathered officials straightened as the emperor began, his voice commanding yet calm. "The royal hunt commences tomorrow. Tonight, we feast to honour our court's unity and the strength of the empire. Let this gathering remind us of the order and balance that upholds our realm."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembly as the emperor turned to his head eunuch. "See to it that the arrangements are flawless. Zhen will tolerate no errors."

The head eunuch, Wang Xun, bowed deeply. "As Your Majesty commands. The feast shall be a reflection of Your Majesty's glory." The emperor gave a slight nod and turned toward the distant convoy where the consorts and noblewomen were disembarking. His expression softened ever so slightly, though his thoughts remained inscrutable.

At the rear of the convoy, the harem consorts and noblewomen descended with careful precision, each movement calculated to reflect their rank and elegance. The higher-ranking ladies led the procession toward the consort pavilions while lower-ranking consorts followed at a measured pace.

Yu Chen, walking near the back, tried to maintain a calm demeanour despite the undercurrent of whispers surrounding him.

"His Majesty's attention must weigh heavily," Lady Han, the Grand Chancellor's wife, remarked to no one in particular. Her voice, loud enough to carry, was laced with faux sympathy. 

"Indeed," Madam Han, the Grand Chancellor's concubine, replied with a sly smile. "It takes great strength to rise so far without proper roots."

Yu Chen's lips twitched, but he kept his gaze forward. Ignore them, he thought. They're not worth it.

Lady Zhou, her tone lighter, added, "Perhaps the weight of it all will prove too much. After all, even the strongest branches can break under strain."

Yu Chen finally turned, his expression calm but his tone pointed. "Branches may bend, but they endure longer than the wind that tries to break them."

At the front of the procession, Han Changhua walked with regal composure, her Imperial Noble Consort robes flowing like liquid gold. She did not need to look back to know what was being said.

Her maid stepped closer, her voice low. Gui Rén, the noble ladies seem particularly... vocal today."

"They are restless," Changhua replied coldly. "A sign of weakness. Let them waste their words on Bai Bā Zǐ. It will not save him."

The emperor sat in his richly adorned pavilion, the silken drapes pulled back to reveal a clear view of the consort area. His phoenix eyes lingered on the figures below, watching as the consorts and noblewomen began to settle into their designated spaces.

Yu Chen's figure, moving toward the rear of the area, drew his attention like a moth to a flame. His consort's posture was stiff yet composed, a deliberate show of calm amidst the sea of gossip and veiled hostility that surrounded him.

The emperor's lips curved into a faint smirk as he turned his gaze to his head eunuch, Wang Xun, who stood quietly by his side.

"Wang Xun," the emperor said, his voice smooth but laced with authority.

The eunuch stepped forward, bowing deeply. "This servant is here, Your Majesty."

"Ensure Consort Yu's tent is properly arranged," the emperor commanded. "Add a brazier, and replace the bedding with silk from the central stores. He is unused to such journeys."

Wang Xun hesitated for a fraction of a second, a flicker of curiosity passing over his features before he quickly schooled his expression. "As Your Majesty commands. Shall I also assign an additional servant to tend to his needs?"

The emperor's smirk deepened. "No need. Let him think Zhen's attentions have faltered. It amuses Zhen to watch how he navigates the court on his own." Wang Xun's lips twitched, though he quickly hid his amusement. "This servant will see to the arrangements immediately." As Wang Xun departed to carry out the orders, the emperor remained seated, his gaze sharp and calculating as it swept over the distant consort area. The flutter of silk and the rustle of activity barely distracted him. His eyes lingered, unerring, on the slim figure of Yu Chen slipping into his tent with a stiffness that betrayed his unease.

A faint smirk tugged at the emperor's lips as he leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the armrest and tracing the rim of his wine cup with a thoughtful finger. The tension in Yu Chen's shoulders, the deliberate precision of his movements—it was a poorly concealed mask. The consort's every step spoke of someone who believed himself unnoticed but was under the keenest scrutiny.

"Chen'er," the emperor murmured softly, the amusement in his voice tempered by an edge of intrigue. "Do you truly think Zhen is blind to your little schemes? That hiding your treasures beneath your seat keeps them safe from Zhen's sight?"

The smirk deepened as he leaned back into his chair, his posture relaxed but his eyes gleaming with the promise of challenge. "Such a clever little fox, scurrying to prepare for an escape. Run if you dare. Zhen has no intention of stopping you—only catching you."

A rare warmth touched his expression, softening the sharpness of his features for a fleeting moment. The hunt, it seemed, would begin long before the first arrow was loosed. Wang Xun carried out the emperor's orders with quiet efficiency, speaking to the servants managing the consort tents. The tent assigned to Yu Chen was subtly enhanced—richer linens, a small brazier to ward off the evening chill, and a discreet floral incense to promote rest.

The servants, accustomed to the hierarchy of court life, whispered amongst themselves as they worked. "His Majesty truly favours Consort Yu," one muttered. "Who else receives such care?"

Another servant frowned. "Favor can be dangerous. It's better not to stand out."

Inside his pavilion, Yu Chen sank into a cushioned chair, rubbing his temples as if to physically push away the memory of the day's endless veiled insults. The tension that had followed him throughout the procession now seemed to cling to the air, suffocating and unrelenting.

Wu Feng, ever cheerful and seemingly immune to the day's barbs, approached with a tray of snacks balanced precariously in his hands. Setting it on the low table, he bowed slightly before straightening with a wide grin. "Your Highness, this humble servant observed your brilliance earlier. The way you handled the noble ladies—it was as though you danced through their words like a seasoned master."

Yu Chen cracked one eye open and glared at him. "A seasoned master? Wu Feng, I'm one insult away from hurling myself into the nearest pond."

Wu Feng blinked, momentarily looking concerned, but then his expression shifted into one of exaggerated reassurance. "Your Highness, such talk is unworthy of you. What are a few sharp tongues against His Majesty's favour? Besides, you have these fine delicacies to lift your spirits."

Yu Chen eyed the tray with mild disdain. "Snacks won't solve everything. Tell me, did you at least bring wine?"

Wu Feng hesitated, a sheepish look crossing his round face. "This humble servant regrets to inform Your Highness that tea is all that was permitted."

Yu Chen groaned, leaning further back into his chair. "Of course it's tea. Why would it be anything else? Heaven forbid I dull my misery with something that actually works."

Wu Feng attempted to soothe him, holding out a piece of candied lotus root. "Your Highness, tea is said to calm the mind and strengthen resolve. And with your wits sharpened, surely no one could match you."

Yu Chen fixed him with a dry stare. "You are remarkably optimistic for someone who hides behind me when those same noble ladies approach."

Wu Feng pouted. "This servant only seeks to avoid trouble, Your Highness. A wise man knows when to step aside."

"That's rich, coming from someone who's already plotting his next snack," Yu Chen retorted, gesturing at the tray.

Wu Feng couldn't suppress a grin as he reached for another piece of candied fruit. "Your Highness sees all too clearly. But if I may say so, I'm fortunate to have a master who provides for me so generously."

Yu Chen sighed heavily, slumping into his chair. "I should've asked for wine and a new servant."