The Ugly Empress by Yun Guo Shi Fei / 丑娘娘 by 云过是非

Chapter 12 - Pillow Talk

---

When Xue Wang's maidservant came, Xiu Yao was unmistakably happier than her mistress. She immediately prepared a bath and fresh clothes for Teng Yun, she also wittingly rewarded the servant for relaying the news.

Teng Yun was the opposite of happy. He wondered for what reason this king chose the Ugly Empress for his bed partner. Sure, the Ugly Empress wasn't as ugly as before, but still she wasn't as pretty as many other consorts.

Xiu Yao didn't even have time to consider what that reason might be; she was too busy being happy for her mistress. Teng Yun thought the reason really was simple; Xue Junliang accepting marriage alliance with Teng Country's Eldest Princess was just to buy time for his soldiers to recuperate, and to show off Xue Country's military power.

The Empress' sole role in Xue Junliang's plan was to facilitate the way. Xue Junliang would give the Empress gifts and favor her over the new consort, it all in order for this Empress, who was from Feng Country, felt grateful and indebted herself to Xue Junliang.

What flawless plan. Pity Xue Junliang had to meet Teng Yun.

Teng Yun deliberately took a long time to bathe, his movements were neither slow nor fast as if the opportunity to sleep with Xua Wang wasn't something to be taken seriously. Xiu Yao, who was so happy at the beginning, gradually thought that something just wasn't right.

When finally Teng Yun finished bathing, Xiu Yao helped him into a fresh set of clothes. The Empress originally had a beautiful physique, all around enchanting appearance; even wearing simple clothing she looked dignified and poised. Xiu Yao inwardly sighed, wishing her mistress' face would quickly heal completely. That way, Yunfeng Palace's position in the Imperial Harem could be truly stable and secure.

Jiang Yu came in as Xiu Yao was combing Teng Yun's hair. He said, "Your Majesty, please don't make His Majesty wait."

Xiu Yao also wanted to urge her Empress to hurry but before she even said anything, Teng Yun said instead, "Letting Head Servant make a trip to Yunfeng Palace himself, I feel even more ashamed of failing His Majesty's regards..."

Jiang Yu wasn't clear what the Empress meant, "Your Majesty, what do you mean?"

---

Jiang Yu quickly went back to Xue Wang's residence. Bowing his head lowly, he reported respectfully, "Your Majesty, Empress said she... She said she was feeling unwell, couldn't serve you tonight..."

Unexpectedly, Xue Junliang laughed when he heard it. Jiang Yu thought Da Wang must have lost his mind, yet he didn't look remotely angry. Instead he said, "To marry an Empress that is predictable, will that really be a good thing or bad..."

He pondered for a moment then said, "Prepare my sedan chair, since the Empress is unwell, I'll just have to go visit her."

---

Xiu Yao wilted like she'd been hit by a frost, "Your Majesty, why did you say that? If you... If you're like this, don't blame me if I'm ignoring you. If you're like this, what are we going to do if right this moment His Majesty is angry?"

Teng Yun sighed but said nothing. Poor Xiu Yao for being his servant. Which servant didn't want to follow a master or mistress who were favored? If the master or mistress was favored, the servants' status would also rise.

However, Teng Yun didn't want to be an Empress. He was Teng Yun. He was once the Minister of War and a military general. Even if his previous life had ended in Xue Junliang's hands, he could still remember those times he was wielding his sword. There was no way he was willing to sleep with his enemy, even if he was now inside a woman's body.