The announcement hung in the air, causing a ripple of surprise amongst the other servants in the outer court. Concubine Hua, known for her delicate beauty and sharp intellect, had specifically requested Lin Feng to be her servant. A faint smile played on Concubine Hua's lips as she observed the young man, a flicker of something akin to intrigue in her eyes.
However, Momo, the head attendant of the outer court, was visibly displeased. Her brow furrowed, and her usually sharp voice took on an edge of disapproval. "But Your Highness, this is against the established regulations. Outer court servants are not to be assigned to the personal quarters of the esteemed concubines. It would set a troublesome precedent." Her gaze flickered towards Lin Feng, a mixture of suspicion and frustration evident in her expression. She couldn't quite place her finger on it, but there was something about this seemingly unremarkable servant that made her uneasy.
Concubine Hua, however, waved a dismissive hand, her gaze remaining fixed on Lin Feng. "Nonsense, Momo. Regulations are made to be bent in exceptional circumstances. This young man, Lin Feng, possesses a rare understanding of medicinal herbs and their properties. To confine him to the mundane tasks of the outer court would be a gross waste of his talents. He will be far more useful attending to my personal needs, especially considering my delicate health." Her voice held a subtle authority that brooked no argument. Momo could only sigh in thinly veiled frustration. She knew when she was beaten, especially when it came to the whims of a favored concubine like Hua. The other servants exchanged nervous glances, sensing the shift in the power dynamics. Lin Feng himself remained outwardly calm, though a flicker of anticipation danced in his eyes.
Unseen by any of them, a subtle change occurred within Lin Feng's body. The faint but potent feminine energy he had inadvertently absorbed earlier was beginning to weave its subtle magic. A newfound strength seemed to subtly course through his veins, a feeling of vitality that was almost imperceptible yet undeniably present. And in the confines of his loose servant's robes, his member, still somewhat unfamiliar in its altered state, seemed to have gained a noticeable length, a silent testament to the strange forces at play within him. He subtly adjusted his posture
System Notification:
+5 System Points gained! (Attributed to interaction with Concubine Hua)
System Notification:
Favorability Update: Concubine Hua: Favorability updated to '48'. Bai Lian: Favorability updated to '80'.
System Notification:
Body Status Update: Strength: Increased (Slightly) Physiological Status: Partially Altered (Masculine Traits Enhanced)
System Notification:
Physiological Status Alert: Recent absorption of potent feminine energy has temporarily enhanced certain masculine characteristics. Further absorption may result in more significant changes
Lin Feng gazed at the shimmering text of the system notifications, then glanced up at the beautiful women who were indeed looking at him with an undeniable tenderness in their eyes. A wide, genuine smile spread across his face. "This system... it's truly awesome," he murmured under his breath, a sense of wonder and burgeoning excitement bubbling up within him.
He had no clue how this strange system operated, or what its effects were on the women around him, but for him, it felt like stumbling into a bizarre, yet undeniably appealing, version of heaven. Of course, the ever-present danger of his deception being discovered by the Emperor or the watchful ministers loomed in the back of his mind. The consequences were severe – almost certainly beheading, and likely something far more unpleasant. But as the women's gazes softened on him, and the positive system notifications flickered in his awareness, he couldn't help but push those darker thoughts aside for the moment. They don't need to know, right? he thought to himself, a hopeful, almost defiant note in his inner voice. For now, he would savor this unexpected turn of events and the undeniable benefits this mysterious system seemed to be bestowing upon him.
Lin Feng stepped out of Concubine Hua's opulent chambers, a sense of relief washing over him despite the unusual nature of his new role. The heavy, perfumed air within always felt a bit stifling to him. As he made his way down the intricately carved corridor, his ears caught the soft murmur of female voices. He glanced towards the small courtyard that served as a common area for the maids of this section of the palace and was surprised to see Bai Lian standing amongst a small group, engaged in what seemed like a lively conversation.
A subtle smile touched Lin Feng's lips. Bai Lian, with her quiet grace and striking beauty, always seemed somewhat aloof, often lost in her own thoughts. Seeing her animatedly talking to the other maids was a slightly different picture than he had formed of her. She wore her usual simple yet elegant maid's uniform, but even in the plainest of clothes, her natural radiance shone through. Her dark hair was neatly styled, with a few delicate strands framing her serene face. As he watched her for a moment, a sense of familiarity and a flicker of curiosity prompted him to approach. He took a few steps towards the group, making sure not to startle them, and then, when he was close enough, he called out her name, his voice calm and clear. "Bai Lian."
A bright smile instantly illuminated Bai Lian's face as she turned and saw Lin Feng. Her eyes widened with genuine pleasure, and a lightness entered her step that hadn't been there moments before. She excused herself from the other maids with a quick nod and, abandoning her earlier composure, actually skipped towards him, her smile widening with each approaching step.
Ever since their secret encounter, the memory of the intense pleasure Lin Feng had shown her lingered in her thoughts like a sweet dream. The world had seemed to open up in a way she hadn't imagined, and the source of that newfound joy was standing right in front of her. Hearing the news, which had already begun to circulate among the palace staff, that Lin Feng had been selected as Concubine Hua's personal servant had filled her with a secret delight. It meant he would be closer, within the inner court more often, and the possibility of seeing him, of perhaps even… well, those thoughts made her heart flutter. Now, seeing him outside Concubine Hua's chambers confirmed the news, and a wave of happiness washed over her.