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

Chapter 27 - Bed Partner

[T/N : Happy Chinese New Year! I just finished this chapter and decided to post it right away just to join in the celebration and festivities. Enjoy!]

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Marquis Zhenjiang, Xue Yu had already arrived at the army camp, but the day was already late, so he decided to stay a night at the army camp and enter the capital city the next day.

Life in the Imperial Palace proceed like any other day, nothing changed just because of the arrival of Xue Yu. Only, it was surprisingly quiet in Yunfeng Palace as Teng Qianyi no longer came visiting.

Teng Yun was reading a book when Jiang Yu came in bringing a wooden tray covered with a cloth.

Jiang Yu said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. Da Wang invites you as his bed partner, also gifts you a new set of clothes."

Teng Yun's heart jumped in his chest. Putting his book down, he reached a hand and picked the cloth covering the tray, on it was a set of thin silk garment.

Teng Yun's face was unreadable as he picked the very thin garment. Jiang Yu thought Her Majesty looked unhappy. Xue Wang had never gifted such explicit clothes to anyone, and though it was embarrassing, it was still a favor to receive a gift. He thought maybe Her Majesty looked unhappy because she was shy and the garment was too thin.

Jiang Yu called Xiu Yao to help Her Majesty bathe and change her clothes. Xiu Yao thoughtfully found a fur cloak for her mistress because the garment would not protect her from the cold on her way to Xue Wang's residence.

Teng Yun took his time bathing and refused anyone to attend to him. Xiu Yao waited for more than a half-shichen before she had to come inside to check because she was worried her mistress had drowned.

The mood was solemn as they helped Her Majesty unto her phoenix carriage.

At Xue Wang's residence, Xue Junliang was sitting on a large chair, leaning at one end with his elbow resting on one arm of the chair.

He tilted his head sideways as Teng Yun entered. Chuckling, he said, "Come here."

Hearing this, Jiang Yu and Xiu Yao silently withdrew, not wanting to disturb Xue Wang's good mood.

Teng Yun's clothes was so thin that, even wearing a fur cloak, he was still cold. Without even lifting his head, Teng Yun walked in closer and then stood by the bookcase.

Xue Junliang stood and walked up to Teng Yun. Gripping his wrist, he easily dragged and pushed Teng Yun onto the bed despite Teng Yun's resistance.

Xue Junliang leaned down on top of Teng Yun, one hand next to Teng Yun's ear and the other on Teng Yun's waist, caressing him through the thin garment.

Teng Yun was so alarmed he almost cried out, eyes glaring daggers at Xue Junliang. Then suddenly, Teng Yun squeezed his eyes and lips shut, and gripped the quilt in his fists; seemingly bracing himself.

Looking at Teng Yun's expression, Xue Junliang wanted to laugh out loud. A wife sleeping with her husband looking like she was about to be executed.

Xue Junliang, of course, had heard about the recent rumor. Xue Yu did indeed go to Feng Country once, but Xue Junliang didn't know if he'd met the Empress or if he'd fallen in love with her at the first sight. The Late King had also had thoughts about persuading Feng Wang to form a marriage alliance, but he never acted on this plan.

Xue Junliang didn't easily believe in rumors, but he did want to tease the Empress. Therefore, he sent her a new set of clothes. As expected, the other person looked utterly ashamed of the clothes. How interesting.