Chapter 20: The Little Maid, Clear Lotus

When Xuanyuan Yu emerged, he had changed into a bright yellow dragon robe and was holding the little fox in his arms. The palace maids and eunuchs, seeing the pure white creature nestled against him, immediately felt a surge of affection. The little fox nuzzled its fluffy head against Xuanyuan Yu, acting coquettish and endearing, while their usually cold and sinister emperor surprisingly revealed a tender smile. This scene was truly a feast for their eyes.

Xuanyuan Yu’s enchanting phoenix-shaped eyes swept over the gathered maids, then he pointed to a delicate-looking servant girl and asked, “What is your name?”

“Your Majesty, I am called Qing He,” the young maid answered nervously, uncertain of the emperor’s intentions.

Xuanyuan Yu studied Qing He for a moment; she was fair and proper in appearance, not the type to be a fox spirit in disguise. “From now on, you will take special care of my little fox. If anything happens, you will be held responsible.”

The maid was not afraid. She looked at the little fox with hearts in her eyes but kept her voice low and respectful. “Your servant understands.”

Considering the fox’s terrible sleeping habits and the drool it had left on his chest earlier, Xuanyuan Yu said, “Have them prepare a little nest for the fox to live in.”

The little fox was displeased at once, squeaking loudly, “No, no! I want to sleep with you! Your body is so cool and comfortable, I don’t want to sleep alone by the fire.”

“You don’t want to sleep in the little nest?” Xuanyuan Yu asked.

“Mm-hmm,” came the soft squeak.

Seeing the fox’s reluctance, Xuanyuan Yu was at a loss. Though the little creature appeared adorable and harmless, its temperament was disproportionate to its size—it was quick to anger and sensitive.

He sighed and gently stroked the fox’s head. “If you don’t want the nest, then where do you want to sleep? There’s also a white tiger king living nearby. You could stay with him, since you’re both spiritual beasts. That way, you won’t be lonely.”

For the first time, Xuanyuan Yu spoke in a tone of earnest negotiation—not to a person, but to a fox.

The little fox hesitated. On one side was its cool master, on the other, a fellow spiritual beast. What to do? It decided to choose its master—after all, what if the tiger didn’t like it and swallowed it whole? The thought made the fox shiver, and it immediately rejected the idea. Clinging tightly to Xuanyuan Yu, it refused to let go. Its sharp little claws pressed through the robe, causing a faint prickling sensation. After all this time, the broken claws had grown back, much to the fox’s delight.

“Your Majesty, it is time for the morning court,” Lieyan reminded from the side.

Xuanyuan Yu knew what was most important. He handed the little fox to Qing He and instructed, “This little fox is very delicate. Give it whatever it wants and indulge it fully. Don’t let it get hurt.”

“Yes, your servant understands,” Qing He said, bowing her head as she took the fox, her heart swelling with joy. Such an adorable little creature—she wondered where the emperor had found it.

The little fox was unhappy and looked pitiful and wronged, softening even the hearts of the palace maids and eunuchs. Xuanyuan Yu’s own heart softened as well. “No tantrums. When I finish the morning court, Qing He will bring you to find me. While I’m away, you can play in the imperial garden or go visit the white tiger.”

“Squeak, squeak,” the fox agreed reluctantly.

“Qing He, prepare some breakfast for the little fox,” Xuanyuan Yu reminded her. He was afraid the fox might go hungry and had arranged everything carefully.

Hanbing watched this with displeasure. How could the master be so doting over a mere fox? If the object of his affection were a woman, he might understand, but a fox? Why did it receive the emperor’s favor? Lieyan shot Hanbing a glance, thinking, “Clearly, he’s jealous.”

After settling these matters, Xuanyuan Yu finally went to the morning court. Naturally, Hanbing and Lieyan, as his personal guards, followed closely behind.

Author’s note: Thank you all for your support. I apologize for the infrequent updates. I have another signed contract for a different work, and my editor prefers that I focus, so I can only post one chapter a day. I will update more whenever time allows. Lastly, please consider giving me your precious recommendations—thank you!