Han Feng 10      

True to his word, Han Feng elevated Xue Li's status, declaring her as his woman.

Overnight, she was moved to the finest courtyard adjacent to the Emperor's own chambers. With this came the best silks, lavish jewels, and meals that far surpassed the bland bread and porridge of her former life as a maid.

The change was drastic, and the palace buzzed with whispers. The envious gazes of other women and even the maids followed her everywhere, yet Xue Li bore them with quiet composure, basking in her newfound comfort.

On the third morning, a maid entered Xue Li's quarters unceremoniously, her expression cold. "His Majesty has summoned you for breakfast. Join him immediately."

Without waiting for a reply, the maid turned and left, offering no directions to the dining hall.

Xue Li sighed softly, knowing the vast palace was a labyrinth she had never fully explored. Though she had served as a maid, areas like the inner palace remained forbidden to her, reserved only for higher-ranking servants.

Still, she did not panic. Instead, she wandered through the opulent halls, taking in the grandeur as she searched for her destination.

Eventually, a guard intercepted her. "What are you doing here?"

"I am looking for His Majesty's dining hall," she said meekly.

With a curt nod, the guard escorted her to the grand dining room. The ornate doors creaked open, revealing Han Feng seated at the head of a long table, his favored concubines flanking him.

Four women, each radiating unique beauty and poise, turned their eyes to her. Their finely embroidered gowns shimmered in the sunlight streaming through the tall windows. Xue Li could feel their silent judgment as she stepped inside.

Han Feng's expression darkened as soon as he saw her. "You dare keep this Emperor waiting?!" he thundered.

Her hands trembled, and she lowered her gaze. "X-Xue Li didn't know the way. Forgive me, Your Majesty . . ."

Before she could say more, one of the women, her voice honeyed and sharp, interjected, "Little Sister, do you not understand the gravity of making the Emperor wait? It is a sign of disrespect! A punishment of fifty lashes would teach you humility."

Xue Li bowed deeply, her face pale. "It was not Xue Li's intention to offend. The maid left before giving Xue Li directions. Xue Li accepts any punishment."

Han Feng's fist slammed onto the table, the sound echoing through the room. Everyone flinched, their laughter silenced.

"Guards!" His voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Find that incompetent maid and give her a hundred lashes. Throw her out of my palace—I have no use for the inept."

"Yes, Your Majesty," a guard responded promptly, leaving to carry out the order.

"Sit here," Han Feng ordered Xue Li, gesturing to the seat beside him.

A concubine already occupying the spot hesitated. "Your Majesty—"

"You heard me," Han Feng interrupted coldly. "Move."

The woman bit her lip, her face flushed with indignation.

One of the others smirked. "Go on, Sister. Don't keep His Majesty waiting."

With a huff, the concubine rose and relocated to another seat, her movements stiff. Xue Li hesitated before taking the seat, her head lowered.

"Let's eat," Han Feng announced, his tone softening ever so slightly.

The women sprang into action, offering him dishes with practiced grace. Xue Li, however, remained still, her hands folded in her lap as she waited for Han Feng to begin. Her eyes wandered to the luxurious spread before her, particularly a delicate bowl of bird's nest soup that glimmered like liquid gold.

"What are you waiting for?" Han Feng asked, noticing her hesitation. "Eat."

"Xue Li will eat after His Majesty," she replied softly.

Amusement flickered in Han Feng's eyes. He took the ladle and served the bird's nest soup into her bowl himself. Gasps rippled around the table at the unprecedented act.

"T-thank you, Your Majesty," Xue Li stammered.

"Eat," he insisted.

Reluctantly, she picked up her spoon, tasting the soup. Its delicate flavor was unlike anything she had ever known.

Han Feng's lips curved into a faint smile as he watched her, his stern demeanor easing.

One of the concubines, her voice laced with jealousy, cooed, "Your Majesty, I'd like some of the soup as well."

"Have the servants fetch for you," he said dismissively, his focus remaining on Xue Li.

The concubine's smile faltered, but she said nothing. Xue Li lowered her gaze, hiding a flicker of smirk appeared behind her meek facade.

While the others vied for Han Feng's attention, he continued to serve her, piling her plate with delicacies.

"You're too thin," he remarked. "At this rate, you'll never satisfy me in bed."

The women giggled, their laughter tinged with malice. "Little Sister," one teased, "you'll need all the strength you can muster to keep up with His Majesty's appetite."

Xue Li's cheeks burned, but she nodded demurely, never meeting anyone's eyes. Behind her quiet demeanor, she felt a surge of satisfaction.

One or another, she had got Han Feng's attention and the only problem now was how to keep it.