Chapter 23: Self-Righteous

With no other choice, the little fox decided she needed to curry favor with her master. Recalling her past life, she remembered a little squirrel saying that some animals would lick their master's hands or face to please them. Perhaps this world was different, she reasoned. With that in mind, the little fox gently licked Xuan Yu’s fingers. The moist, warm sensation brought a sudden, unexpected warmth to Xuan Yu’s heart.

Hidden in the shadows, Han Bing was so shocked he nearly lunged out to grab Xuan Yu by his lapels and shout, "My Lord! It is wrong to tease a fox like this! Especially one so small—that is even more wrong. No, human and beast is just wrong! My Lord!"

Fortunately, Han Bing was held back by Lie Yan, who thought to himself, "Han Bing is truly in love with the Master. It is a good thing I stopped him; otherwise, given his jealousy, he would surely have been punished by the Master."

Qinghe entered with the lotus seed and chicken soup, nearly dropping the bowl in shock. Why did this scene feel so suggestive? She shook her head, telling herself she was just overthinking. The Emperor was merely teasing the fox; she would have done the same, though perhaps putting his finger into the fox’s mouth was inappropriate. Qinghe felt a pang of jealousy; like Han Bing, she could not understand why Xuan Yu treated a fox with such affection.

"Your Majesty, this is the lotus seed and chicken soup freshly prepared by the Imperial Kitchen. Please, have some." Qinghe walked to the table, knelt down, and lowered her head as she placed the tray upon the table.

A coy expression played on her face. She imagined that Xuan Yu had assigned her to care for the little fox because he had special feelings for her. She believed she could use this opportunity to rise in status. After all, the harem was still empty; if she could win Xuan Yu’s favor, she would be able to enjoy a life of endless wealth and splendor.

Xuan Yu glanced at the soup and asked, "Why is there only one bowl?"

Qinghe was stunned. "Why wouldn't there be? Is someone else supposed to be dining?" She truly did not understand his meaning; the Emperor was the only one here, so how many bowls was it supposed to be?

Xuan Yu frowned; this maid was bolder than she appeared. The little fox, however, did not care at all. Upon smelling the chicken, she nearly drooled; she loved chicken above all else. She scampered over to the soup, completely forgetting both Qinghe and Xuan Yu.

"You little beast, how can you be so ignorant?" Qinghe scolded. "This is the Emperor's food—how dare you eat it? Stop at once, or I will have you dragged out and executed!"

She had acted aloof previously because she believed a haughty demeanor would win Xuan Yu’s heart. Furthermore, she felt that by putting her in charge of the fox, he had essentially gifted it to her. The only reason she hadn't abused the creature was that it was cute, and she had already helped herself to many of the precious pastries intended for the fox.

The little fox shot Qinghe a glance, ignoring her completely as she continued to eat. Her master had said she was above everyone except him, so she thought, *Hmph, go play by yourself.*

"You bold creature, you dare to disobey me?" Seeing the fox ignore her, Qinghe felt deeply indignant. She was a future consort, yet this fox dared to be so disobedient.

"Bold? Guards, drag this audacious maid out and execute her!" Xuan Yu commanded with a cold snort. He had no idea this maid was so brazen. If she dared to threaten the little fox right in front of him, who knew how she bullied it when he wasn't around?