The Tyrant’s Cannon Fodder Male Empress Chapter 88

Chapter 88

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After finishing the main course, the Crown Princess had someone bring in the meticulously prepared orchid cake.

This was a precious pastry introduced into the palace from a foreign land, with the main ingredients being cheese and rose jam. Its texture resembled creamy cheesecake, each pastry intricately shaped like an orchid. With a faint floral aroma, it left a lingering fragrance, as if chewing on the petals of a milky flower.

Because it was difficult to preserve, this pastry remained a rarity in the palace. In the past, the Crown Princess used this pastry as bait to lure the Seventh Prince, tricking the little fellow into coming to the Crown Prince’s hall to dispel the Crown Prince’s boredom.

Today, the Crown Princess brought out a whole box of twelve pastries, allowing everyone to enjoy. Not only did she distribute two orchid cakes to each of the three young princes, but Xue Yao also received a portion.

Xue Yao knew that this type of pastry was extremely rare, so he graciously declined and let the several young princes enjoy.

The Crown Princess warmly smiled at him and said, “These pastries were prepared by me, along with the palace chefs, following the recipe for orchid cakes. They may not match the authenticity in taste, but I hope the young master will appreciate them.”

Xue Yao was somewhat surprised, never having received such courteous treatment from the Crown Princess before. For a moment, he couldn’t fathom the reason behind it.

After the meal, the young princes went to the courtyard to showcase their martial arts progress to the Crown Prince.

The Crown Princess invited Xue Yao to rest under the pavilion, where the two indulged in leisurely conversation.

As it turned out, the Crown Prince had shared Xue Yao’s efforts in controlling the epidemic in Pingrong County with the Crown Princess. Consequently, she held great admiration and respect for Xue Yao.

“Young Master Xue has repeatedly helped His Highness through dire situations. Since the day of his return to the capital, I’ve been eager to extend my gratitude with a small gathering in the palace. Today, I’m finally able to welcome you,” the Crown Princess expressed sincere thanks to Xue Yao with utmost politeness.

In this moment, facing Xue Yao, she still couldn’t believe that this modest and reserved youth, who seldom spoke much, could perform such bold and heroic deeds.

Due to Xue Yao’s frequent companionship with the Seventh Prince, the Crown Princess had encountered him on numerous occasions.

Previously, she had only noticed this youth’s exceptional humility and manners, never deliberately seeking recognition or showing off in front of his master.

It was only when the Seventh Prince twitched an eyebrow or swayed his waist that one could see Xue Yao silently understanding and fulfilling every need of the young prince.

Swiftly tending to the young prince’s needs, Xue Yao would then withdraw without a sound, his actions remarkably understated, often leading people to perceive him as an ordinary and inept individual.

If not for his naturally charming appearance, surpassing many attendants, the Crown Princess might not have formed any impression of him.

In her conversations with the Crown Prince, he often expressed deep admiration for Xue Yao, even using expressions like “difficult to fathom” to describe him.

Consort Tong’s faction, seasoned in the political arena for decades, had never received the kind of appraisal the Crown Prince granted Xue Yao. This eighteen-year-old youth managed to leave the Crown Prince with an impression so profound it earned him the unwavering admiration of the Crown Princess.

“Given the young master’s talents, why hasn’t he pursued the imperial examinations and entered official service?” The Crown Princess was genuinely curious about Xue Yao’s understated demeanor. Such talent seemed content to serve as a minor attendant to the Seventh Prince.

“Your Highness, you praise me too much. I possess only a bit of cleverness and lack the ability to govern a country.” Xue Yao humbly bowed in response.

“If your talent is considered mere cleverness, then individuals like me would truly have no standing.” The Crown Princess gazed at Xue Yao with envy. “With a fraction of your talent, I could have resolved some of Jinan’s troubles, rightfully holding the position of the Crown Princess and avoiding any undeserved disdain.”

As the words left her lips, the Crown Princess realized her indiscretion. She quickly offered a smile and invited Xue Yao to have tea. She turned her gaze to the Crown Prince, currently engaging in activities with the young princes not far away.

“I appreciate Your Highness’ acknowledgment. I dare to ask, why does Your Highness belittle yourself in this manner?” Xue Yao sensed the sincerity behind the young lady’s earlier words.

Evidently, the Crown Princess’ mindset was somewhat problematic.

Remembering the day the Crown Prince returned to the palace after procuring provisions, the couple exchanged meaningful glances all the way to the palace gates.

The icy grains of affection were unmercifully thrown onto Xue Yao’s face.

How could such a loving couple entertain such self-deprecating thoughts?

Frankly, Xue Yao hoped this married couple’s relationship would be exceptionally strong, to the extent that the Crown Prince would be unwilling to let his wife endure widowhood.

This small scheme had been buried in Xue Yao’s mind for quite some time.

He had put in considerable effort to secure the Crown Prince’s position. If, two years later, the Crown Prince went to war and perished while saving the Emperor, Xue Yao would have suffered a significant loss.

However, with the Crown Prince not being deposed at present, the possibility of the Emperor announcing another heir through a decree was non-existent. Consort Tong should also be unable to manipulate any maneuvers to make the Third Prince ascend the throne.

Even if the Crown Prince were to die, following the order of succession, the Second Prince should rightfully ascend, and the throne would have no connection to the Third Prince.

But Xue Yao found the Second Prince to be quite unreliable.

The Second Prince spent his days secluded in meditation. If he were to ascend, wouldn’t it be reminiscent of Emperor Jiajing of the Great Ming Dynasty?

His biggest concern was that this individual gave the impression of lacking responsibility.

In the novel, when news of the Emperor’s death and Crown Prince’s deposition reached the palace, the Second Prince mysteriously vanished.

In this life, if the Second Prince were to similarly disappear, without any intervention from Consort Tong, the Third Prince would smoothly inherit the throne.

The only one capable of overturning Consort Tong’s influence over the Third Prince, the Seventh Prince, had been transformed by Xue Yao into a husky. If history were to repeat itself, it would lead to complete disaster.

Considering these factors, the relationship between the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess was another affair that Xue Yao needed to meddle in.

Hoping to instill a deep-rooted Confucian mindset in the Crown Prince, where his wife’s happiness held greater importance than his father’s life, seemed highly improbable.

Nevertheless, not willing to overlook even the slightest possibility, Xue Yao assumed the role of a compassionate friend to women. He provided the Crown Princess with both philosophical guidance and practical advice.

Despite being a lifelong bachelor, Xue Yao may not understand the intricacies of a woman’s mind, but as a man, he at least knew what kind of women men preferred.

The Crown Princess dared not reveal her true feelings to Xue Yao, only expressing modesty about her lack of talent and eloquence.

Sensing her reluctance to open up, Xue Yao had to rely on his own wit. After analyzing the Crown Prince’s attitude towards his consort, he ventured to say, “Forgive my boldness, but the Crown Prince has yet to take a concubine. It seems he values and respects you greatly, but there might be a slight lack of intimacy, like an impenetrable wall standing in between.”

Startled by his sudden bluntness, the Crown Princess blushed instantly. “How can I trouble Master Xue with these trivial matters?”

“I’ve overstepped my bounds.” Xue Yao sighed. “I just can’t bear to see such a graceful lady like yourself missing out on the ordinary joys of married life.”

Unable to contain her curiosity, the Crown Princess asked, “What are these ordinary joys of married life?”

Cautiously checking that there was no one nearby, Xue Yao lowered his voice, “Ordinary folks usually practice monogamy. The wife conducts herself like a queen in public but can be more relaxed and carefree at home, like Consort Xi.”

The Crown Princess was slightly taken aback, her vulnerable spot exposed.

Among all the consorts and palace maids in the entire palace, who didn’t envy Consort Xi’s enduring favor for a whole decade?

In private, they all fantasized about performing a seductive dance before their husbands, believing it would captivate them completely.

However, despite numerous women in the palace diligently practicing dance, attempting to emulate Consort Xi, none managed to divert even a fraction of Consort Xi’s glory and affection.

Consequently, everyone believed that Consort Xi’s favor was solely due to her extraordinary beauty, something unattainable for others.

Yet, after a decade of observation, Xue Yao understood the reason behind Consort Xi’s favor – it wasn’t merely about her beauty.

Beauty, of course, played a crucial role, but what kept the Emperor captivated was Consort Xi’s unique temperament and her occasional playful quirks.

Xue Yao observed this peculiar phenomenon—

Sometimes, men could be quite foolish.

Despite numerous women in the palace willing to lose themselves in their love for the Emperor, sculpting themselves into any desired shape, they only received fleeting moments of his attention.

Consort Xi dared to express her dislikes to the Emperor, and if he defied her, she would use the excuse of being “very tired” to refuse intimacy.

Such “indignities” actually made the Emperor yearn for her even more. He constantly remembered Consort Xi’s preferences, fearing a misstep that might result in her displeasure.

Of course, the Emperor wasn’t one to enjoy being teased. If Consort Xi relied solely on playing the princess card, the Emperor wouldn’t have continuously indulged her.

Consort Xi had another characteristic—

Whenever she was happy, she would reveal a charming and flirtatious behavior, full of feminine allure. During playful pursuits, a gentle shove or a burst of laughter would provide the Emperor with a top-tier seductive experience.

The Emperor’s efforts were rewarded with Consort Xi’s genuine good mood.

This woman only unleashed her seductive skills when truly in a good mood, making every intimate encounter with the Emperor a challenge full of unknown excitement, keeping the novelty alive.

This was the “Reasons for Consort Xi’s Favor” that Xue Yao had been fortunate enough to summarize over the past ten years.

Now, concealing the identities of Consort Xi and the Emperor, he demonstrated how an ordinary couple would interact. Xue Yao imparted the art of seducing men to the Crown Princess.

The Crown Princess was on the verge of tears.

It felt like watching an enormous erotic painting in public.

Several times she considered stopping Xue Yao from continuing, but she found his reasoning surprisingly sound.

An eighteen-year-old imparting theories on seducing men, Xue Yao seemed more knowledgeable than the premier courtesans in the pleasure quarters. This led the Crown Princess to wonder about Xue Yao’s usual activities.

Thirsty for knowledge, the Crown Princess, in an extremely embarrassed state, listened to Xue Yao’s tutorial with a flushed face. Afterward, she lowered her head, closed her eyes, and whispered, “Ordinary commoners may not need such decorum, but as the wife of the heir to the throne, how can I allow myself to…”

“Your Highness,” Xue Yao looked at the Crown Princess firmly. “If an heir’s preferences differ from those of ordinary men, there wouldn’t be tales of Bao Si and Daji in history. In truth, men hope that their wives are poised in public and more…”

The Crown Princess blushed and hesitated for a moment before responding in a soft voice, holding onto her handkerchief, “Many thanks, Master Xue, for the guidance.”

Xue Yao had initially considered providing some practical guidance, but finding it difficult to broach the topic and seeing the Crown Princess already blushing intensely, he decided to let her ponder on her own.

That evening, the Crown Princess wore the elaborate white embroidered and gold-trimmed thin silk palace attire she had kept hidden away. Seated at the Eight Immortals table in the bedchamber, she illuminated the room with lamps, awaiting the Crown Prince’s entrance.

When the Crown Prince entered, he didn’t pay much attention to his wife. He casually extended his arms, anticipating her to undress him, preparing for the daily and sole entertainment activity.

However, his wife sat at the table with her back to him, not moving for a long while.

The Crown Prince cleared his throat, coughing to signal her to “hurry up.”

Such matters couldn’t be delayed. The Crown Princess was very mindful of the rules. She couldn’t openly engage in intimate activities during the day, and nighttime activities couldn’t extend past the second watch. At the sound of the night watchman’s clapper, the Crown Princess would promptly begin advising Crown Prince to “take care of his health.”

For a virile man in the midst of the activity, forcing him to finish prematurely—could he still take care of his health?

Therefore, the Crown Prince made an effort to “sleep early and engage early” each day to avoid time constraints.

However, tonight, something seemed off with the Crown Princess. Despite the Crown Prince extending his arms and coughing three times, she didn’t come to attend to him.

Unable to wait, the Crown Prince called out, “Ranran?”

The Crown Princess hastily stood up, took a deep breath, and slowly turned to face her husband.

In that moment, the Crown Prince finally saw what his wife was wearing.

After over three years of marriage, it was the first time he saw her in this type of flat-necked ruqun, with long sleeves but a shoulder-baring style. She only draped a thin silk palace cord over her shoulders.

“This outfit doesn’t quite fit…” The Crown Princess, seeing her husband’s astonished expression, felt a bit uncertain. She quickly found an excuse for herself, “I was just about to change out of it when Your Highness entered.”

The Crown Prince forced himself to divert his eyes from some part of his wife’s figure, looking nonchalantly to the side. He spoke casually, “It’s late anyway, no need to change.”

The Crown Princess felt a bit disheartened. Lu Jinan was indeed not an ordinary man. He didn’t seem to have a particular fondness for this flashy attire.

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