Volume 1 Chapter 10
After that day, Leng Jiu truly never stepped into Lan Zhe’s place again. Without Lan Zhe’s music, she suddenly felt quite bored. In a fit of excitement, she had a guqin brought to her and decided to try playing it herself. However, it ended with her breaking a few strings. Lack of talent was a hindrance!
She lounged lazily in the Hundred Flowers Garden, basking in the sun. Extending her hands, she had the palace maids apply rouge for her. Lu Chang, seeing her bored, decided to talk to her about the affairs of the harem. Zhao Yan would return to Leng Jiu now and then to pay her respects. Why did she come so frequently? Naturally, it was because she had tasted sweetness. Li Fei was pregnant, supposedly due to her frail health. The imperial physicians advised against any intimacy, fearing it might affect the stability of the fetus. As a result, other women had to fill in.
Men like gentle and weak women, but after being surrounded by such women, they would inevitably grow tired of the sameness. Thus, women with a more unique and slightly fiery temperament would capture their interest. Zhao Yan was precisely the prey that Leng Jiu deliberately prepared for Long Yi.
It was said that these days, Long Yi summoned Zhao Yan for intimate moments, and there were even two occasions when he stayed overnight in her palace. Zhao Yan enjoyed favor, naturally arousing jealousy among the other consorts. Among them, the one who hated her the most was likely the ‘gentle and weak’ Li Fei. When Li Fei was unhappy, Leng Jiu’s mood improved. She had said before that she didn’t like being used or manipulated. She hoped Li Fei could be stronger; otherwise, she might lose her fighting spirit without doing anything.
Leng Jiu had the noon meal brought to the garden. She couldn’t eat too much. The originally twelve dishes from the empress dowager were reduced to just five, not because of frugality but simply because she couldn’t eat more, and those dishes weren’t to her liking anyway.
“Your brother pays respects to the Empress Dowager!”
Just as she was about to pick up her chopsticks and start eating, she heard a voice that made her feel unpleasant. She wondered if she could still eat after this. Leng Jiu turned her head and met the still flamboyant smile of Long Yue Li. Her gaze fell meaningfully on the lower abdomen. Smirking, she asked, “Uncle Emperor, how have you been these days?”
Being scrutinized by her, Long Yue Li suddenly felt discomfort somewhere. Who knew that the medicine’s effect was so strong? He soaked in cold water for a whole night, and yet, he, who had always been strong and healthy, unexpectedly caught a cold. This was also the reason he hadn’t come to bother her these days. Seeing her curious gaze, Long Yue Li felt a bit stifled. God knows if his charm had regressed. Or is this not a woman at all？
His mind went through a hundred thoughts, but his face still wore a frivolous smile. Without waiting for Leng Jiu to say anything, he walked over and sat beside her. “Your brother also skipped lunch. Empress Dowager, do you mind having a meal with your brother?”
Leng Jiu wouldn’t be swayed by his sweet talk. “What if I do mind?”
Although Leng Jiu’s tone was unwelcoming, Long Yue Li’s face remained light-hearted. Without waiting for her to refuse, he directly took the bowl and chopsticks in front of Leng Jiu. Then, turning around, he scold the palace maids behind him, “Why haven’t you brought another set of bowl and chopsticks for the Empress Dowager?”
Being obtrusive and shameless, this described him perfectly. No one knew how he justified his enchanting face! Seeing that Leng Jiu didn’t object, the palace maids quickly brought another set of silver bowl and chopsticks, their faces blushing as they gave Long Yue Li a glance before retreating to stand behind.
Long Yue Li’s expression naturally fell into the eyes of Leng Jiu. It made him aware that his charm hadn’t diminished. However, looking at the indifferent Leng Jiu, it seemed he had to put in more effort!
Presenting a piece of fresh bamboo shoot to her, Long Yue Li, in his enthusiasm, didn’t forget to throw a flirtatious glance. “These bamboo shoots are fresh. Empress Dowager, please taste them!”
“Your Majesty has hands. There’s no need to trouble Uncle Emperor. Also, if Uncle Emperor’s eyes are uncomfortable, please see the imperial physician as soon as possible. If it’s delayed, it may leave a lingering problem!” Leng Jiu said seriously, and Lu Chang, standing behind her, couldn’t help but smile at her words.
Long Yue Li’s face stiffened. Was this woman made of stone? Eating at a loss, he didn’t dare to make himself uncomfortable. Anyway, he was hungry. He might as well fill his stomach first!
Seeing that he didn’t continue to harass her, Leng Jiu lazily gave him a glance. Long Yue Li was undoubtedly the most handsome and enchanting man she had ever seen. Compared to her previous lovers, he was no less attractive. However, such a man born in this era with such a complicated identity meant that she had to establish an icy barrier between them. Although she was a man indifferent to women, she was not a woman who only thought with the lower half of her body. In terms of desires, she was more rational.
Eating until seventy percent full, Leng Jiu put down her bowl and chopsticks, ready to leave. However, she heard Long Yue Li casually say, “I just came from the Imperial Garden and saw my nephew, the emperor, leading a team of Forbidden Army towards the direction of the North Palace. I wonder what’s going on.”
Leng Jiu paused, glanced at Lu Chang, and he immediately replied, “Replying to the Empress Dowager! This morning, Noble Consort Rong suddenly vomited repeatedly. The palace maids called the imperial physician, who said she was pregnant. However, as the emperor has never favored Noble Consort Rong, the child obviously couldn’t be his. Enraged, the emperor wanted to execute Noble Consort Rong on the spot. It was only stopped by Concubine Li. Furious, the emperor immediately sent all of Noble Consort Rong’s palace members to the Ministry of Justice for severe interrogation!”
Listening to this, it seemed that Long Yi had found the adulterer. But wasn’t the direction of the North Palace exactly where Lan Zhe was? Although she didn’t believe Lan Zhe was involved, since Long Yue Li mentioned it, it couldn’t be someone she didn’t care about. In other words, it was likely related to Lan Zhe.
Turning her eyes, she smiled and said, “Since such an incident has occurred, your nephew naturally has to take a look. I wonder if Uncle Emperor is interested in going together?”
“The Empress Dowager invites, and I am honored!” Long Yue Li, with a graceful posture, stood up. It was evident that he anticipated she wouldn’t remain indifferent, just waiting for her to say these words. Leng Jiu chuckled. Truly an annoying fox!