Chapter 21 Haste makes waste

Hearing the Empress Dowager's urging, Emperor Liu Sheng dared not delay any longer. He quickly responded and, steeling himself, walked behind the screen.

Rounding the sandalwood screen painted with the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix," the sight in the rear chamber made his breath hitch.

The mist was thicker now, like a layer of gauze, veiling everything in a hazy blur.

In the air, the sweet scent of roses and the exotic fragrance of spices, mingled with the unique aroma of a woman, wove an invisible net that tightly enveloped him.

That massive cypress tub sat right in the center.

The Empress Dowager had already removed her elaborate phoenix robes and, with her back to him, was preparing to step into the tub.

She seemed to sense Emperor Liu Sheng's gaze; her movements paused slightly, but she did not turn around, nor did she utter a reprimand.

She so calmly exposed her flawless, beautiful back entirely to Emperor Liu Sheng's sight.

That silhouette had exquisite curves—not a fraction too heavy, nor a fraction too thin.

Under the rising steam, her skin glowed with an alluring pink luster, like the finest warm jade.

Emperor Liu Sheng's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

The Empress Dowager slowly raised her leg and stepped into the bathing tub.

"Splash." The sound of water rang out.

She sat fully into the tub, revealing only her rounded, fair shoulders and beautifully defined collarbones.

Rose petals floating on the water's surface clustered around her, making her skin appear whiter than snow and her features as exquisite as a painting.

She turned her head, her damp black hair clinging to her cheeks, and her phoenix eyes appeared exceptionally hazy amidst the swirling steam.

That gaze, carrying a touch of languor, a hint of scrutiny, and an indescribable ambiguity, stared straight at Emperor Liu Sheng.

"Are you not coming over?"

Her voice softened, carrying a trace of imperceptible hoarseness.

Emperor Liu Sheng felt his blood begin to heat up.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

He knew this was the Empress Dowager testing him, as well as seducing him.

If he were to pounce like a starving wolf right now, he might succeed for a moment, but he would absolutely lose her trust and possibly even invite his own demise.

Haste makes waste.

The more critical the moment, the more he needed to stay steady.

He suppressed the amorous thoughts in his heart, replaced his expression with one of respectful, slightly simple-minded honesty, and walked to the edge of the tub.

"This servant is here."

"Serve me."

The Empress Dowager closed her eyes and rested her head against the rim of the tub, looking as if she were at his mercy.

Emperor Liu Sheng composed himself and did not act immediately.

He first picked up the scented soap and towel that had been prepared nearby, then walked behind the Empress Dowager and said softly.

"My Lady, this servant will first massage your shoulders and neck to loosen your muscles, if that is acceptable?"

The Empress Dowager did not open her eyes, merely letting out a hum from her nose, signifying her consent.

Emperor Liu Sheng felt a surge of joy, knowing his first step had been correct.

He reached out, his fingers resting gently upon the Empress Dowager's smooth, rounded, fragrant shoulders.

The sensation was incredibly smooth and supple.

He dared not dwell on it and immediately channeled the internal energy of the Sunflower Heart Manual, slowly transmitting a gentle, masculine vigor through his fingertips into the Empress Dowager's body.

At the same time, he employed professional massage techniques he had learned in his previous life while providing therapy for wealthy female clients.

Kneading, pinching, pressing, pushing.

His movements were neither too light nor too heavy, the pressure perfectly balanced.

Every finger pressed precisely onto the Empress Dowager's acupoints.

Under his massage, the Empress Dowager's originally tense body gradually relaxed.

A wave of warm, tingling sensation spread from her shoulders, coursing through her limbs and bones, feeling indescribably comfortable.

For these past few days, due to worry over her son, she had been anxious day and night, leaving her shoulders and neck stiff and unbearable.

The palace maids and eunuchs in the palace were either too rough or too gentle when massaging, merely scratching the surface without any real effect.

But these few touches from Emperor Liu Sheng made her feel as if the accumulated fatigue and soreness of so long had vanished into thin air.

"Mmm..." A sigh of comfort escaped her throat, and her body went completely limp.

"Your skills are quite good."

"To be able to relieve Your Ladyship's burden is this servant's honor."

While Emperor Liu Sheng spoke with humility, his hands did not stop.

Seeing the Empress Dowager's look of enjoyment, he grew bolder and expanded the massage area from her shoulders to her entire back.

The Empress Dowager did not object.

She even adjusted her posture slightly to make it easier for him.

In the bedchamber, there was nothing left but the splashing of water and the occasional soft moan of comfort from the Empress Dowager.

After massaging for a while, the Empress Dowager seemed to feel it was not enough.

She opened her eyes, her voice growing increasingly languid.

"Scrub my back."

Emperor Liu Sheng's hand paused.

Scrubbing her back meant more direct, more comprehensive physical contact.

He froze for a moment, looking at the Empress Dowager's stunning face, flushed from the steam and comfort, and his heart skipped a beat.

"Yes, My Lady."

He picked up the damp towel and moved to the other side of the tub, facing the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager was very cooperative, leaning her entire back towards him to facilitate his movements.

Emperor Liu Sheng quickly pressed the towel against her back.

From top to bottom, meticulously.

His movements were gentle, for fear of hurting her.

After scrubbing her back, the Empress Dowager seemed to melt into the water, her eyes hazy and lingering.

"Now... wash my feet."

Her voice was as faint as a mosquito, carrying a hint of entreaty she herself had not noticed.

Emperor Liu Sheng's heart gave a violent jolt.

It was time.

He knew the real test had arrived.

He looked at the Empress Dowager's feet, reddened from soaking in the water, and a bold-to-the-extreme thought formed in his mind.

He did not use water, nor did he use a towel.

Amidst the Empress Dowager's stunned gaze, he leaned down and pressed his warm lips against them.

"Ah—!"

The Empress Dowager let out a short, sharp cry.

That sound was filled with shock and shame.

She tried to pull her foot back, but Emperor Liu Sheng's hands were like iron pincers, firmly pinning her ankle in place.

Outside the palace doors, Qin Shuang and the four personal maids, Chun, Xia, Qiu, and Dong, were standing guard.

Hearing the cry from inside, they looked at each other, their faces filled with confusion and worry.

"Commander Qin, Her Ladyship... could something have happened to her?"

Chun'er, being the most timid, asked with some fear.

Qin Shuang's brows were also tightly locked.

This sound was too strange.

It did not sound like pain, nor did it sound like fear; it sounded more like...

She dared not think further.

"You all stay here on guard. Do not allow anyone to approach. I will go in and check."

She was uneasy and lifted her foot to head inside.

But just as she reached the door, the Empress Dowager's voice commanded from within.

"No one is allowed in! Get out!"

Qin Shuang's footsteps stopped abruptly outside the door.

She exchanged a glance with the few maids, and they all saw uncertainty and suspicion in each other's eyes.

This bath lasted until evening, and the sky had turned completely dark.

When Emperor Liu Sheng emerged from within, he was beaming, looking spirited and radiant, as if he had taken some potent restorative pill.

As soon as he stepped out, he was blocked by Qin Shuang, who had been waiting for a long time.

"What did you do to the Empress Dowager?"

Qin Shuang's gaze was as cold as a blade, staring fixedly at him.

"Why was Her Ladyship's voice sounding so wrong the entire time?"

Emperor Liu Sheng looked at her, a playful smile appearing on his face.

He did not answer, but instead took a step closer to her.

The distance between them instantly closed to less than a foot.

He lowered his head slightly, leaned in close to Qin Shuang's ear, and whispered in an ambiguous voice that only the two of them could hear.

"Does Commander Qin wish to know?"

"Why don't you try it yourself next time?"

The warm breath spraying against her ear caused Qin Shuang's body to stiffen abruptly.

She looked into Emperor Liu Sheng's eyes, which were filled with aggression and provocation, and instantly understood what he meant.

"You... shameless!"

A wave of immense shame and anger surged into her heart; Qin Shuang's face flushed red, and murderous intent flared in her eyes.

"You lecher! I will kill you!"

She raised her hand, preparing to strike a palm at Emperor Liu Sheng's chest.

But just at that moment.

"Qin Shuang, all of you come in and help me dress."

The Empress Dowager's voice, languid and tinged with a hint of hoarseness, came from inside the chamber.

Qin Shuang's motion stopped abruptly in mid-air.

She glared fiercely at Emperor Liu Sheng, forced to retract her hand, and, gritting her teeth, led the four maids into the bedchamber.

Watching her back as she stormed off in a mix of shame and rage, yet utterly helpless, Emperor Liu Sheng smugly hummed a little tune and turned to leave.