Something's Off About Concubine Rou - Chapter 2

I thought I’d made my attempt to win Concubine Rou over quite obvious that day.

Yet late that night, I still heard that she was dancing in the imperial garden.

Dancing along the route the emperor was bound to take was a standard tactic for any consort seeking his favor.

Groaning inwardly, I dressed as quickly as I could and hurried to the garden.

Summer had begun, but there was still a slight chill in the night breeze.

Concubine Rou wore a gauzy white robe that blended into the moonlight. She looked like Chang’e, the moon goddess, descended to earth.

Oh, no.

Looking like that? Never mind Li Yuanxiu—even I couldn’t help swallowing at the sight of her.

She stopped dancing when she saw me.

With a slight curtsy, she greeted me in a voice neither loud nor soft. “Your Majesty.”

I turned to Matron Wang beside me and asked in a hurried whisper, “Where’s the emperor now?”

“Still in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Your Majesty.”

Delight stirred in my heart. Wonderful. All I had to do was get Concubine Rou out of here before Li Yuanxiu arrived.

I cleared my throat and put on a stern voice. “Concubine Rou, what are you doing here so late at night?”

She approached with light steps, smiling among the flowers.

“Your Majesty’s generous gifts moved me deeply today. I wanted to learn a new dance to perform for you.”

I froze.

The rest of my reprimand stuck in my throat.

Huh?

For me?

Consort De had said she was trying to attract the emperor’s attention.

But she said it was for me…

For me. Hehe.

“Your Majesty? Your Majesty?” The repeated calls brought me back to reality.

At the concern on Concubine Rou’s face, my head felt all fuzzy.

Suddenly, Matron Wang reminded me, “Your Majesty, he’s come out.”

She didn’t say who, but I understood at once.

Li Yuanxiu had left the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

I gritted my teeth and finally made up my mind.

“The night is so cold and dark, Concubine Rou. You mustn’t ruin your health with all this dancing. Practice another day.”

To my surprise, she seized my hand, visibly moved.

“Is Your Majesty worried about me?”

Her hand was delicate and soft, cool from the night air.

She stood so close that each breath carried the faint scent of magnolias.

My head swam. I nodded.

She grew even more excited. “Then for Your Majesty’s sake, I must perfect this dance tonight!”

With that, she turned and lifted her skirts, ready to dance again.

My hand was still held out where she’d left it. I was rather bewildered.

Beside me, Matron Wang kept signaling with her eyes that we were running out of time.

I gritted my teeth. No. Concubine Rou and Li Yuanxiu absolutely could not meet tonight.

I strode over and took her hand.

It startled her.

A blush flashed across her face. “Your Majesty, what are you…?” she asked softly.

I drew a deep breath. “It’s late, and I’m frightened. Concubine Rou, come sleep with me.”