Chapter 1971: She Saved the Emperor, Did You?

Chapter 1971: She Saved the Emperor, Did You?

“Attendant Zhou saving the emperor was a great achievement. This reward is suitable,” Ning Shu said with an unchanged expression.
Zhao Xu shook his head. “The one who saved me was the empress. If the empress hadn’t pulled me away, I would’ve very likely been injured. I don’t even know how I should reward my empress.”
Ning Shu shook her head. “The emperor and his wife are of one body. The subject wife is just relieved that Your Majesty is safe and sound.”
Zhao Xu had a gratified smile on his face and briefly conversed with Ning Shu and Consort Zhuang before leaving.
“Your Majesty…” As soon as Zhao Xu left, Consort Zhuang started wailing at Ning Shu. “How could Attendant Zhou rise in importance like this!? Promoted two ranks up after attending to the emperor for a single night!”
“When this consort entered the emperor’s palace, I was a mere imperial concubine. Up until now, I’ve only risen to the status of consort.” Consort Zhuang was indignant. “What other concubine in this inner palace ever got treatment like her?”
Ning Shu took a sip of tea. Her tone was indifferent as she said, “She saved the emperor, you didn’t.”
“Had I known earlier, this consort would have practiced martial arts at home! Grandfather always said that this consort is a girl and shouldn’t be practicing martial arts. But if I knew martial arts and encountered such a thing, then this consort would also be able to save the emperor.” Consort Zhuang twisted her handkerchief.
“In the future, if this consort sees Attendant Zhou again…”
“It’s Noble Lady Zhou now.” Ning Shu contemplated what Consort Zhuang said. “It’s useless for us to discuss this. Let His Majesty visit your palace.”
Consort Zhuang pouted. “Visiting this consort’s palace would also mean visiting the Jade Court.”
The matter of Attendant Zhou being granted the title of noble lady spread all over the inner palace. Everyone was shocked by the speed of Attendant Zhou’s promotion. Taking everything into account, she had jumped four ranks in two months.
This kind of special favor had never been enjoyed by any imperial concubine before.
Many concubines went to Ning Shu to verify the truth of the matter. Ning Shu merely said that it was His Majesty’s decree.
Many eyes reddened with jealousy, but no one could do anything about it.
Meanwhile, Noble Lady Zhou received a notification from the system. “You have completed the task of rising in rank within two months. Task reward: a perfect body. The body will transform now.”
Noble Lady Zhou suddenly felt her body, particularly her abdomen, warm. Something was moving slightly and after quite a while of squirming, it stopped.
“Transformation complete. Please continue to work hard. Issuing the next task: ‘most favored in the inner palace’. Have the emperor favor you for three consecutive days,” the favored concubine system’s mechanical voice said.
Three days? Thankfully it wasn’t seven days. Last night was already the first so there were only two days left.
If Zhao Xu came again that night, he’d feel the sensation of her changed body. She heard that it would make men especially infatuated. Then she wouldn’t have to fear him not coming back in the future.
Noble Lady Zhou waited for Zhao Xu. After dark, a eunuch she was familiar with came to inform her to get ready to receive the emperor.
Noble Lady Zhou was thrilled, thinking that her luck had improved recently. Everything was going smoothly.
She washed up and prepared everything appropriately. Meanwhile, Zhao Xu had arranged a ride and arrived.
When he did, Zhao Xu was greeted by a flushed face and a body carrying a freshly-bathed fragrance. He felt as though this woman became more charming all the time. As he looked at her, he felt an unexpected restlessness within.
Zhao Xu narrowed his eyes at Noble Lady Zhou when she curtsied. He teasingly said, “Our beloved concubine is very fragrant.”
Noble Lady Zhou’s face burned. “Has Your Majesty dined yet?”
“I came over precisely to eat.” Zhao Xu pulled Noble Lady Zhou into his embrace and took a deep breath.
Noble Lady Zhou smiled artfully and, sweetly holding Zhao Xu’s fingers, pulled him to the bed. Zhao Xu smiled and pressed down on Noble Lady Zhou’s body.
Translator: Kiara