SFL Chapter 63

Skincare and makeup, with so many different types, were obviously not something Feng Yuning came up with all by herself. In fact, she was only responsible for providing the ideas; all of these items were crafted by skilled professionals.

For example, the imperial physicians working in the palace’s medical institute would receive a generous reward every time they successfully created something based on Feng Yuning’s ideas.

With great rewards, there will naturally be brave individuals willing to take on the task, and it wasn’t long before all the items Feng Yuning wanted were gathered.

Considering the variety of these products, along with the number of men in Feng Yuning’s household, she brought back two full carts, with each person receiving a set.

Fortunately, since these items were produced in-house, costs were reduced, and giving each person a set ended up being cheaper than when she had custom outfits made for each of them.

Saving money while making everyone happy, Feng Yuning began to taste the benefits of in-house production and sales.

In the palace, Feng Yuan looked curiously at the two smooth, mirror-like objects Mo Ziqing had brought back, which reflected images clearly. “Is this what you and Yuning created together? It looks just like glass.”

“All the credit goes to Princess Ning. I was merely assisting,” Mo Ziqing replied. “What do you think these should be priced at, Your Majesty?”

Knowing the mirror’s raw materials cost far less than the various skincare and makeup products that prevented allergic reactions and enhanced the complexion, Feng Yuan, as empress and a shareholder, thought for a moment and said, “That depends on what you and Yuning plan to do with them.”

“If you want the mirror to be exclusively for the nobility, its price will naturally be sky-high. But if you wish to make it available to the common folk, the price will have to stay low. How do you plan to proceed?” Feng Yuan asked Mo Ziqing.

Mo Ziqing smiled and replied, “I’ve already discussed this with Princess Ning. As long as we control the production method, we’ll profit either way—it’s just a matter of how much.”

“We can use both approaches. All we need to do is make a few adjustments to the mirror’s appearance.”

For instance, mirrors for commoners could be simple, with just a handle or a small stand. For nobles, they could be adorned with a luxurious frame, studded with various gemstones, and even offer custom designs, which would naturally drive up the price.

After doing some calculations in his head, Feng Yuan raised an eyebrow and remarked, “I didn’t expect Yuning to contribute to the treasury so soon. Looks like it wasn’t in vain that the state has supported her for so many years.”

This was something neither Feng Yuan nor the previous emperor, Feng Jun had foreseen.

After Mo Ziqing had one of the mirrors inlaid with Feng Jun’s favorite decorations, he presented it to him.

Feng Jun couldn’t put the life-sized mirror down, admiring it endlessly. Once he had enjoyed it enough, he began asking Mo Ziqing about Feng Yuning.

Hearing that Feng Yuning had been busy and focused on serious matters, running around diligently, Feng Jun felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

“Why hasn’t she been visiting the palace much?” he wondered aloud. Though he had heard about her, he was somewhat disappointed that his youngest daughter hadn’t come to the palace personally to share her successes with him.

What he didn’t know was that the slap he had once given Feng Yuning had left a scar in her heart, causing her to distance herself from him. Nor did he know that after assembling everything she needed, her first thought was to return to her estate to show off her treasures to the men in her household, not sparing a thought for her father.

As the current Empress’ consort, Mo Ziqing managed everything impeccably. He even covered Feng Yuning’s oversight in forgetting to give Feng Jun his own set of skincare products, ensuring that the credit still went to Feng Yuning. Thus, Feng Jun remained unaware of the growing distance between him and his daughter. Had he known, he would have been heartbroken.

Feng Yuan, however, was in the know, but she had no intention of piercing Feng Jun’s heart with such truths. Instead, she merely found her younger sister increasingly lacking in awareness. At times, Feng Yuning didn’t just disregard Feng Jun, but even showed signs of disrespect toward Feng Yuan herself, who was the ruler.

Moreover, Yuning seemed to be growing more foolish, as if she had abandoned all her former cunning and strategies in favor of something else, something less intelligent and more transparent.

Watching Feng Jun and Mo Ziqing handling the skincare and makeup products together, Feng Yuan, though unfamiliar with such things, felt herself forgiving Feng Yuning once again. After all, her sister seemed to be turning in a more positive direction. As long as Yuning contributed to the empire, Feng Yuan could continue to tolerate her behavior.

“Your Majesty, what do you think of my makeup?” Mo Ziqing approached, his face adorned with a freshly applied look.

Feng Yuan, being a woman herself, wasn’t particularly sensitive to makeup. Yet, even she could see the striking transformation in Mo Ziqing’s appearance. His eyes seemed elongated, and the dignified expression he once wore had been replaced by something more alluring. His lips, already naturally rosy, now gleamed as if dipped in honey, making them so inviting that they seemed to beg for a taste.

Feng Yuan felt an unexpected dryness in her throat, and an urge to pull Mo Ziqing into her arms. And then? Kiss him, of course.

She wondered if those lips were as sweet as they looked.

“This lipstick is for both men and women,” Mo Ziqing mentioned casually.

After Feng Yuan felt Mo Ziqing’s lips, she experienced a sensation that was soft, like velvety tofu, but sweeter. The close contact left a trace of honey-like softness on her own lips and deepened her emotions.

“Is this what you wanted, Ziqing?” When their lips parted, and their foreheads touched, their breaths mingled. Feng Yuan, gazing into Mo Ziqing’s watery eyes, asked.

She hadn’t expected her consort to be so daring, taking the initiative to provoke her.

“Wasn’t it Your Majesty who wanted it?” Mo Ziqing leaned back slightly, smiling lightly.

The allure of a handsome man was undeniable.

Feng Yuan admitted that Mo Ziqing was right.

“It’s a good thing you’re my consort, or else I wouldn’t know what to do with you,” Feng Yuan said, pulling Mo Ziqing into her embrace.

Although Feng Yuan was alone, she was well-versed in these matters and knew how to maintain her composure.

Mo Ziqing, now slightly breathless and disheveled, was nearly overwhelmed by Feng Yuan’s passionate advance.

Feng Yuan’s physique, typical of a female monarch, was strong yet elegant, with no excess fat and a well-defined, sensual shape. Her body, characterized by a smooth, flowing S-curve, was strikingly feminine.

When Feng Yuan removed her outer garments, the display of feminine beauty was almost overwhelming to Mo Ziqing, causing a slight itch in his nose, as if he might bleed from the excitement.

Feng Yuan’s gaze lingered on Mo Ziqing’s face, and Mo Ziqing, equally captivated by Feng Yuan’s alluring form, was somewhat embarrassed as he covered his nose. The sight amused Feng Yuan. “You look a bit like a hungry wolf,” she teased.

As an empress, Feng Yuan was unperturbed by the typical modesty. Seeing that Mo Ziqing’s clothes were only partially removed, she beckoned him over and, with a playful demeanor, began to unwrap him like a gift.

Finally, she revealed the treasure hidden beneath the layers.

“This is truly unexpected,” Feng Yuan remarked, surprised by Mo Ziqing’s physique.

In a world where most men did not engage in physical labor and had rather unimpressive physiques, Mo Ziqing was an exception. Beyond maintaining his appearance, he had consistently worked on his body, understanding that physical fitness was his greatest asset. He didn’t want to be outperformed by women or reduced to a state of weakness.

“Are you satisfied with what you see, Your Majesty?” Mo Ziqing raised an eyebrow, his youthful facade shedding to reveal unfiltered sharpness and intensity.

It was as if the obedient, cute puppy at home had transformed into a wild, untamed wolf in front of her.

The primal nature that could not be restrained by elaborate clothing was finally exposed once Feng Yuan had removed all the coverings.

Hearing Mo Ziqing’s question, Feng Yuan couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “I regret it. I really do. I regret not treating you this way on your first day in the palace. It’s made you hide from me for so long.”

Feng Yuan’s sense of conquest surged as she gazed at Mo Ziqing, a desire distinct from the initial feeling she had upon meeting him. At first, as an empress, she saw her interaction with Mo Ziqing as a form of possession, believing that by having him enter the palace, she had already conquered him. But now, she realized she had misjudged.

She had never truly understood the real Mo Ziqing until now.

As Feng Yuan was contemplating this, Mo Ziqing was already advancing towards her, taking charge in their encounter. With a dominant posture, he positioned himself above her. Feng Yuan’s eyes narrowed as she gently lifted his chin with her fingers, presenting his jaw in an enticing curve. “Since this is your choice, don’t end up crying later.”

“Your Majesty, you underestimate my stamina,” Mo Ziqing replied with a calm demeanor, his gaze surveying Feng Yuan’s body as though assessing his domain.

Feng Yuan, unfazed, allowed him to observe her openly. Eventually, their bodies aligned, and the room began to fill with sounds of intimacy that left those outside blushing with embarrassment.

Older palace servants, familiar with such matters, had already sent for hot water, but the sounds inside persisted, causing some surprise at the servants’ astonishment.

“Who would have thought our consort’s stamina would be so remarkable?” they mused, impressed by what they had overheard.

As evening fell, the gentle call for water could be heard from inside. Feng Yuan, her throat hoarse, gave instructions and then lay back down. Mo Ziqing, similarly exhausted and marked, also showed signs of weariness.

Both were thoroughly spent. The outcome was barely acceptable for Mo Ziqing, but for Feng Yuan, accustomed to the norms of her world, it was somewhat embarrassing.

Even though they were novices, they managed to navigate their way through the experience with each trying to dominate control, leading to mutual exhaustion.

After freshening up, Feng Yuan, now refreshed, curiously asked Mo Ziqing, “Do all men have such stamina?”

Reflecting on her sister Feng Yuning’s numerous suitors, she felt a newfound admiration for her sibling for the first time.