Volume 2 Chapter 16 - The Beginning of a Conspiracy
Leng Jiu woke up feeling uncomfortable, as if someone was staring at her. When she opened her eyes, she saw Hua Jinzhi gazing at her intently with his beautiful, narrow phoenix eyes, not blinking once, as if afraid she might run away. Annoyed, she raised her hand to pinch his cheek. “Why are you staring at me like that so early in the morning?”
Hua Jinzhi caught her hand and gently bit it, murmuring in disbelief, “I never imagined I could wake up and see you sleeping by my side. It feels like a dream.”
Leng Jiu immediately grabbed his hand and bit it hard. A few teeth marks appeared instantly. “Does that hurt?”
Hua Jinzhi didn’t flinch. Instead, he pulled her into his arms, his voice magnetic, “It hurts! So, it’s not a dream.”
Leng Jiu smiled, leaning against his smooth chest, and closed her eyes again. “I’m a little tired. Let me sleep a bit longer.”
“Alright!” Hua Jinzhi pulled the blanket over her, wrapping her tightly. As she drifted back to sleep, he couldn’t bring himself to sleep at all. How could he bear to? Staring at her peaceful face, skin touching skin, he felt no desire for anything inappropriate. The moment was simply too beautiful to allow anything to ruin it.
Leng Jiu slept until noon, and Hua Jinzhi stayed by her side the whole time. His arm felt a little numb from the position, but he didn’t mind. After washing up together, they sat down at the dining table.
Looking at the lavish spread of food and the empty courtyard, Leng Jiu asked, “Is this your house?”
Hua Jinzhi, sitting close to her, with his hand still around her waist, paused from feeding her and glanced outside with a smile. “Sort of. My father and the others don’t know about this place. You’re the first to find out.”
Leng Jiu rested her chin on her hand, teasingly smiling. “Who would’ve thought? You’ve got some secrets too.”
Hua Jinzhi blushed slightly, but with a serious tone, he declared, “I’m no less than anyone else. I can protect you!”
Leng Jiu touched his face. “I know! I’ve never underestimated you, my prince.”
Hua Jinzhi tightened his grip around her waist. “Don’t call me ‘prince’.”
“So what should I call you?”
Leaning closer to her ear, Hua Jinzhi whispered, “Call me Jinzhi.”
“Jinzhi!” Leng Jiu playfully dragged out his name in a teasing, sultry tone. Hua Jinzhi’s face flushed with excitement. Many people had called him by that name before—his father, his mother, even his sister—but it never meant as much as when she said it. When it came from her lips, it made his heart race. He leaned down and kissed her deeply.
Leng Jiu pushed him away with a smile. “I’m starving. Are you trying to stop me from eating?”
Hua Jinzhi nibbled her lips playfully, replying with a mischievous tone, “You’re tastier than the food.”
Leng Jiu rolled her eyes at him. “You rascal!”
Hua Jinzhi laughed heartily but didn’t tease her any further, allowing her to eat in peace.
After dinner, Hua Jinzhi carried Leng Jiu to the inner lounge, sticking close to her like glue. He suddenly remembered something and picked up her right hand. He immediately noticed the two scars, and his brow furrowed with concern. “How did you get hurt like this?”
Leng Jiu pulled her hand back. “It’s just a small wound.”
“Small wound?” Hua Jinzhi was visibly upset. “I heard it almost reached the bone! How can that be a small wound?”
To avoid more questions, Leng Jiu kissed him gently to calm him down. “See, it’s healed now. I’ll be more careful and make sure I don’t get hurt again.”
Hua Jinzhi’s expression softened. “I don’t want to see you injured again.”
“Alright,” Leng Jiu replied obediently.
Seeing her behave so sweetly, Hua Jinzhi was satisfied. He held her tightly in his arms, unwilling to let go. After a while, he remembered something else and asked, a bit worried, “Do you need to return to the palace? Won’t there be trouble if you didn’t return last night?”
Leng Jiu smiled helplessly. “You’re only thinking of that now?”
Hua Jinzhi grew anxious. “I’m sorry! I didn’t think it through. Should I take you back now?”
As he stood to leave, Leng Jiu pulled him back, laughing. “You fool! I wouldn’t have stayed so long if I didn’t have a plan.”
Relieved, Hua Jinzhi sat back down and held her again, though still feeling a little guilty. “Even so, I should’ve thought of it earlier. It was careless of me.”
Leng Jiu wrapped her arms around his neck, looking up at him. “If you were always so cautious and careful, like an old housekeeper, I wouldn’t want you. Being young means it’s okay to be a little reckless.”
Hua Jinzhi leaned down and kissed her. She always had a way of justifying things! What started as a gentle kiss quickly deepened as his desire grew. His hands roamed her body, and in a husky voice, he asked, “I want you. Can I?”
Leng Jiu smiled and answered with actions rather than words.
Encouraged by her response, Hua Jinzhi’s movements became bolder and more assured, quickly igniting her passion once again. Soon, they were lost in each other, falling into a sea of desire.
After their lovemaking, Hua Jinzhi held Leng Jiu close, his face full of contentment. His fingers gently traced the delicate features of her face, marveling at her perfection. Each curve, from her well-groomed eyebrows to her soft lips, captivated him. Whether dressed in royal robes, exuding cold elegance, or in casual attire, appearing as the girl next door, she was always enchanting.
But here, in his arms, stripped of all those layers, her cold demeanor vanished, replaced by a sultry allure that bewitched him completely. Her lips and her body were like the most dangerous of poisons—he knew that loving her could destroy him, yet he embraced it willingly.
As evening approached, Leng Jiu needed to return to the palace. Reluctantly, Hua Jinzhi prepared to escort her back. The people at his secret residence were highly skilled and followed his orders without question. Although Leng Jiu was curious, she didn’t ask much. Everyone has their secrets, and she wasn’t the type to pry.
On their way back, Hua Jinzhi slowed the pace, reluctant to part. Holding her in his arms, they rode toward the city as the setting sun cast its warm glow.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Leng Jiu nudged him. “At this rate, we won’t make it back until nightfall.”
Hua Jinzhi pursed his lips, unwilling to let her go. “I don’t want you to leave.”
Leng Jiu naturally understood his reluctance, and she pinched his cheek, saying, “Just because I return to the palace doesn’t mean we can’t see each other anymore. If you want to see me, does the imperial palace really have the power to stop you?”
Hua Jinzhi’s eyes lit up. “Are you saying I’m allowed to come find you now?”
Leng Jiu glared at him playfully. “Would you stop coming even if I forbade it?”
Hua Jinzhi laughed heartily upon hearing this and finally urged the horse to pick up speed. “Hyah!”
Leng Jiu returned to the General’s Mansion first, changed into a maid’s outfit, and grabbed her token before heading back to the palace. Hua Jinzhi, full of energy and clearing away the gloom of the previous day, rode back to Prince De’s mansion, full of vigor.
The Princess of Prince De’s mansion knew that Hua Jinzhi had not returned home the previous night, nor had he gone to the military camp. She had been worried and waiting in her room all day. Hearing the sound of hooves, she rushed outside, only to see Hua Jinzhi with a radiant smile, completely free of the gloom he had been carrying since his injury. Her heart was a mix of joy and curiosity. “Jinzhi! Where were you last night? You didn’t come home, and I was worried sick!”
Hua Jinzhi, in a great mood, didn’t find his mother’s words nagging. He affectionately put his arm around her shoulders. “Mother, don’t worry about it. Your son is a grown man now; how could anything happen to me?”
With that, he strode off briskly, his steps light and carefree, leaving Princess De standing there, puzzled but relieved to see her son finally stepping out of his emotional shadows.
Back in the palace, Leng Jiu took a comfortable bath and, feeling refreshed, carried Kano out for a stroll in the garden. It had been quite some time since she had paid attention to the little creature, and she felt guilty for neglecting it. As she held it in her arms, Kano squinted its eyes in contentment. Leng Jiu poked its plump belly and thought to herself how it was starting to resemble Hua Jinzhi, with his haughty air.
“Squeak, squeak!” Kano chirped twice, climbing up to her shoulder and settling down. Its long tail wrapped around her neck while its tiny head darted around, looking everywhere.
Just as she reached the imperial garden, she saw a group of imperial physicians hurrying in one direction. Du Heng went ahead to inquire and quickly returned. “Your Majesty, Lady Li has experienced labor pains and is bleeding. It seems like she’s about to give birth prematurely, so all the physicians have rushed over.”
Leng Jiu paused for a moment, then stroked Kano in her arms. “Hmm, giving birth early might be a blessing in disguise.”
“I’ve heard that His Majesty and the Noble Consort Hua have gone to see her. Should the Empress Dowager go as well?” Du Heng asked.
Leng Jiu smiled lightly. “The Emperor is there because it’s his son. The Noble Consort is there because she’s the head of the harem. What would I go for? To remind everyone that I’m becoming a grandmother?”
Ziyu couldn’t help but chuckle at that. The Empress Dowager was only in her twenties, so being called ‘grandmother’ by a baby did seem a bit odd!
Looking up at the darkening sky, Leng Jiu decided not to proceed. Turning around, she walked back toward Weiyang Palace. “We’ll wait for the good news.”
Giving birth is a painful and lengthy process. Although it had seemed that Lady Li was about to deliver in the afternoon, the labor stretched from dusk until the following morning. Only after nearly losing her life did she finally give birth.
Before Leng Jiu even rose from bed, a eunuch came to deliver the good news: “Your Majesty! Lady Li has given birth to a prince!”
Leng Jiu said nothing, but Ziyu handed a gold ingot to the eunuch and sent him off.
Ziyu returned to help Leng Jiu get dressed, remarking, “Lady Li has birthed the first imperial prince. Though she nearly lost her life, she can now enjoy the fruits of her labor. Her position in the palace is likely unshakable.”
Leng Jiu chuckled. “That’s not necessarily true. Even princes who’ve grown into adults have met untimely ends. What chance does a premature newborn have? With so many eyes in the palace watching him, it’s uncertain if he’ll even survive his first hundred days.”
Ziyu sighed, feeling a tinge of sadness. “Being born into the imperial family isn’t necessarily a blessing. When survival is uncertain, what good is such exalted status?”
“It’s survival of the fittest. Although it’s harsh, fate is fair. These children face the cruelest of tests. But if they survive, they’ll be elevated above everyone else. Their birthright determines their extraordinary path and also ensures their hardships. But if they can overcome the wheel of fate, they’ll be truly remarkable,” Leng Jiu said coolly.
Ziyu understood, though her heart still ached for the children. “But they’re just children… newborns. How can people be so heartless?”
“Silly girl!” Leng Jiu patted her on the head. “If you can’t accept it, don’t think too much about it. Some things are beyond your control. Thinking too much will only add to your worries.”
Ziyu smiled, grateful for Leng Jiu’s comfort, and continued helping her dress.
Just as they finished, Du Heng entered. “Your Majesty, the Emperor is overjoyed with the birth of his son. Lady Li, for her merits, has been promoted to Consort De, and her family has been granted promotions. The newborn prince has been named Hao Yu, and the Emperor has ordered a grand banquet tonight to celebrate the joy in the royal family.”
Leng Jiu wasn’t surprised by this. Such an occasion called for celebration. “Prepare breakfast. Ziyu, go select two gifts—something like a Ruyi or a longevity locket. After breakfast, I’ll pay a visit.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After eating breakfast, Leng Jiu rested briefly before leisurely heading to Consort De’s palace. When she arrived, the place was already packed with people. The colorful robes of the ladies present outshone even the flowers in the garden.
“The Empress Dowager has arrived!”
The crowd quickly rose to their feet. “Greetings, Your Majesty!”
Leng Jiu entered, not surprised to see Hua Yuxuan and Zhao Yan sitting in the center. She smiled lightly as she stepped forward. “You may rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Leng Jiu turned to the nursemaid nearby. “Where is the prince?”
“Your Majesty, the prince is premature and weak. His Majesty has placed him in a side chamber, where several physicians are attending to him in shifts. His Majesty has ordered that no one is allowed to visit him.”
It seemed the Emperor cared deeply for this child. Leng Jiu didn’t ask further and had Ziyu present the gifts. “Give these to Consort De.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The nursemaid took the gifts inside, and after a short while, she returned. “Your Majesty, Consort De wishes to see you.”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow, then stood and made her way inside. “I’ll go see her.”
As she walked in, many in the crowd cast their eyes toward Hua Yuxuan, only to see her face calm and unreadable. Though she wasn’t showing any joy, she wasn’t showing any displeasure either. Moments earlier, Hua Yuxuan had been refused entry to see Consort De, but now the Empress Dowager was being admitted. Though the Empress Dowager held a higher status, this slight against Hua Yuxuan could be seen as a slap in the face. That she wasn’t showing her displeasure only meant she was exercising great restraint.
Zhao Yan, seeing this, couldn’t help but feel a bit of schadenfreude. So what if Hua Yuxuan was the Noble Consort? She still couldn’t win against Leng Jinghua!
Inside the chamber, the air was filled with a calming incense, masking the scent of blood. The room was spotless, and the palace attendants led Leng Jiu to the bedside. The former Lady Li, now Consort De, looked frail and exhausted after a night of labor. Her face was deathly pale, as if she had indeed lost half her life.
Standing beside the bed, Leng Jiu asked coolly, “Why did you want to see me?”
Consort De looked up at her with no pretense or calculation in her eyes, only honesty and a plea. “I beg Your Majesty to raise the First Prince.”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow. “Did I hear you correctly?”
Consort De gave a bitter smile. “I know I have done many things in the past to displease Your Majesty. I’m willing to do anything to make amends, but my child is innocent. I beg Your Majesty to save him for the Emperor’s sake.”
Leng Jiu looked at her coldly. “What do you mean? The First Prince is the Emperor’s firstborn son. His Majesty would hold him in the palm of his hand. Why would he need my protection?”
“Your Majesty!” The Consort looked at her, “How can you not understand what I’m saying? Even though I’ve given birth to the prince, I know I can’t protect him on my own. Noble Consort Hua hasn’t conceived yet, and there’s still Consort Hui. My family is merely a small sixth-rank official, how can we compete with the Hua and Zhao families? Yesterday, during my labor, someone made a move against me. If not for my nanny’s vigilance, my son and I would already be dead.”
“After going through so much, I’ve come to terms with everything. I no longer seek anything for myself; I just want to raise my child. I beg Your Majesty, for the sake of my sincere repentance, please save us.”
“Consort De, you must be joking!” Coldly, the Empress Dowager smiled. “The prince is the eldest son of the imperial family. Naturally, I will cherish him well. His Majesty and Noble Consort Hua will also care for him. Rest assured and focus on recovering. It’s getting late, and I mustn’t disturb you any longer. I’ll take my leave now.”
With that, she turned and left, ignoring the Consort’s desperate calls.
Once outside the inner chamber, the Empress Dowager smiled slightly at Hua Yuxuan before glancing at the rest of the group. “It’s thoughtful of you all to visit Consort De, but she’s still weak and needs rest. You should all return now.”
“Yes!”
Leng Jiu glanced at them and walked out directly.
Once they reached the Imperial Garden, Ziyu couldn’t hold it in any longer and spoke up: “Your Majesty! Why didn’t you help Consort De protect the prince? She pleaded with you so desperately!”
Leng Jiu paused, looking at her. “Do you think I’m cold-hearted or cruel?”
Ziyu lowered her head. “I wouldn’t dare!”
Leng Jiu then looked at Qingling. “What about you?”
Qingling responded calmly, “I agree with Her Majesty’s decision.”
Ziyu looked at Qingling in surprise. “Sister Qingling, why do you…”
Qingling glanced at her and replied calmly, “When the harem only had a few concubines, Consort De, who was then merely Li Pin, constantly caused trouble for Her Majesty, even making the emperor angry with Her Majesty multiple times. Later, when she became Li Fei, she didn’t settle down. Relying on her pregnancy, she grew even more arrogant. The Empress Dowager has been very merciful not to have her beaten to death, so why should she now help protect her child?”
Ziyu, aware of these events, said, “But the crown prince is innocent, and Consort De is willing to change. She begged the Empress Dowager so earnestly!”
Hearing this, Qingling’s tone became colder. “The reason she begged Her Majesty is because the Empress Dowager is the only one who can counter Noble Consort Hua. To put it plainly, she was just using Her Majesty to oppose Noble Consort Hua, which could escalate into a confrontation between the General’s Mansion and Duke De’s estate. Pretending to be pitiful and claiming it’s for her child is really just for her status and future. If the crown prince grows up, she’ll rise in status as the mother of the future emperor, but that has nothing to do with Her Majesty. Besides, Her Majesty has no obligation to risk the entire Leng family to help her. If Her Majesty did, that wouldn’t be kindness; it would be foolishness!”
Ziyu bit her lip and finally stopped speaking. She had oversimplified things.
“Qingling!” Leng Jiu called, then glanced at Ziyu with a slight sigh. “You’re perceptive and kind, and I don’t mind you holding onto your kindness. But sometimes kindness should be used wisely. Consort De is indeed pitiful, but did you notice how vile her schemes were? And you, a mere palace maid, what do you have to offer in terms of kindness toward a high-ranking consort and the crown prince?”
“I’m not one to seek revenge for every slight, but I also can’t repay harm with kindness, forgiving someone after a few tears and pleas. She almost took my life once, and the fact that I haven’t killed her is already a concession. What right does she have to ask me to protect her child?” It wasn’t just an “almost”; Consort De had truly cost Leng Jinghua her life. Without her rebirth, there would be no Empress Dowager now.
“The crown prince was just born and is indeed innocent. But for a child born into the royal family, there is no such thing as innocence. Like I said before, that is his fate. I don’t believe in fate, but for him, it is what it is. Consort De rose from a minor concubine to her current status—she is not a simple person. Whether she can protect her son depends on her own abilities. I have no obligation to help her.”
“I was foolishly kind!” Ziyu sighed softly. “Lately, I’ve seen so many people die—Qiuxin, Noble Lady Yang, and others. I feel life is so fragile and cheap, and my heart has softened, fearing to witness another life lost. I even began to blame Your Majesty, but now I realize how naive I’ve been. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!”
Leng Jiu didn’t blame her. Although Ziyu lived in the palace, she was still young, had seen too little, and experienced even less. With her pure heart, such thoughts weren’t surprising. Leng Jiu, however, had seen death and blood from a young age. She had witnessed the most desperate tears and heard the most heart-wrenching pleas. How could she be moved by a bit of motherly love? Consort De was clever enough to seek her protection, knowing someone wanted to harm her, but also foolish, thinking Leng Jiu would be as easily manipulated as Leng Jinghua. Someone who only knew how to scheme against her wasn’t worth pitying.
“Let’s return to the palace. I’m feeling a bit thirsty.”
Leng Jiu spent her days in Weiyang Palace, either playing with Kano or visiting the Hundred Flowers Garden to admire the flowers. Several plum trees in the garden had already started to bud, waiting for the first snow to bloom.
She was late for the evening banquet. By the time she arrived, Long Yi had already received congratulations and gifts from the officials, and had drunk quite a bit, his face slightly flushed. Indeed, becoming a father had changed him, adding a touch of maturity to his demeanor.
Though the event was meant to celebrate Consort De and the new prince, neither of them attended. Hua Yuxuan sat beside Long Yi, already showing the demeanor of a queen.
Leng Jiu took a plate of cherries and picked at them, her gaze drifting around the hall. When she met Gong Yuwei’s gaze, she smiled slightly, then looked away. But soon, her eyes landed on Hua Jinzhi, who still carried his usual handsome and proud demeanor. When he saw her, he seemed ready to smile, but noticing her smile at Gong Yuwei first, his expression soured instantly. Without needing to get close, she could already hear his discontented huff.
Seeing his sulky behavior, Leng Jiu was speechless. She didn’t know how to deal with him.
Their silent interaction didn’t escape Hua Yuxuan, who had been observing them. Her eyes darkened and cooled. Sensing her gaze, Leng Jiu turned to look at her, but Hua Yuxuan had already shifted her eyes, pretending she hadn’t seen anything.
After the banquet, the Princess Consort of Duke De went to the inner palace to visit Hua Yuxuan. The mother and daughter, who hadn’t spoken for some time, held hands and talked affectionately as they entered the palace.
“Has Noble Consort been well lately?”
Hua Yuxuan smiled gently. “There’s no one else here, Mother. Call me Yuxuan. Whether I’m a consort or not, I’m still your daughter.”
The Princess Consort of Duke De smiled at her words. “You cheeky girl!” But then her smile faded into a sigh. “Now that Consort De has given birth to the crown prince, you need to work harder.”
Her gaze fell to Hua Yuxuan’s stomach with concern. “You’ve been serving His Majesty for some time now, yet there’s still no news. Could there be something wrong with your body? Should I arrange for a doctor to examine you?”
Hua Yuxuan shook her head. “No need, Mother. When I left the palace a while ago, I already consulted a specialist. He said there’s nothing wrong with my body. It’s normal for a woman not to conceive immediately after being with a man. Some take months, others a year or two. It’s not something that can be rushed; the body needs time to adjust. When the time is right, I’ll conceive.”
The Princess Consort of Duke De sighed. “That’s good to hear, but how long will it take?”
“The doctor said not to worry. If it takes a year to conceive the first child, once the body is accustomed, it’ll be easy to conceive a second, and the children will be healthy. So, I’m not in a rush. After all, we’re not in the palace for just a year or two. His Majesty and I are still young; we can afford to wait.”
The Princess Consort nodded. “That’s true. With your father and Jinzhi backing you, the position of queen is yours for certain. Even if someone else bears a son before you, the crown prince will only be the child you bear.”
Hearing her mother mention Hua Jinzhi, Hua Yuxuan’s brows furrowed slightly. “How has Jinzhi been lately?”
The Princess Consort immediately thought of his recent behavior and sighed in relief. “The night before last, Jinzhi didn’t return home. I worried all night, but when he came back yesterday, he was glowing with happiness, looking nothing like his previous self. Both your father and I were relieved.”
Hua Yuxuan was puzzled. “Didn’t you look into what caused such a sudden change in him?”
The Princess Consort smiled. “Your father did. It turns out Jinzhi took a woman out of the city and spent a whole day and night with her. I think he’s finally opened up. It’s about time we find him a suitable wife and settle him down. We should also investigate the girl’s background to see if we can bring her into the family. We can’t mistreat her.”
Hua Yuxuan’s face gradually turned pale, almost white.
“Yuxuan, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Don’t scare me!” The Princess Consort grew worried at the sight of her daughter’s changing complexion.
Hua Yuxuan quickly regained her composure and smiled, saying, “I’m just a bit tired. Last night, I stayed with His Majesty at Consort De’s place and stood guard for the night. Today, I’ve been handling many tasks, so I haven’t had enough rest. It’s nothing serious.”
The Princess Consort of Duke De looked at her with concern but relaxed a bit. “In that case, I won’t keep you any longer. You should rest early. If anything comes up, just send word to the family.”
“I understand, Mother. Let me escort you back.”
“No need! I’m quite familiar with the palace. You go and rest early!”
Hua Yuxuan watched as the Consort of Duke De walked away, her face immediately turning cold with hatred flashing in her eyes, her teeth almost gritting to the point of breaking. The Consort De didn’t know who that woman was, but how could Hua Yuxuan not know? At today’s banquet, she clearly saw the expressions on Leng Jinghua and Hua Jinzhi’s faces—that woman was definitely Leng Jinghua!
She had thought that Jinzhi had already given up on Leng Jinghua, but now it seemed he had fallen even deeper. Spending a whole day and night alone together—any fool could guess what happened. That woman actually dared to seduce Jinzhi like that, it was utterly shameless!
“No! I can’t just let this go. I can’t let her ruin Jinzhi!”
She slapped the table. “Someone! Go fetch Consort Hui!”
“Yes!”
Before long, Zhao Yan arrived. She entered without saluting and, upon seeing Hua Yuxuan’s pale face, raised an eyebrow with a smirk. “Oh? Who has upset our esteemed Noble Consort this time?”
Hua Yuxuan shot her a cold look and cut to the chase, “Carry out what you proposed last time. This time, I want her dead!”
Zhao Yan immediately wiped the expression from her face, looking serious. “Didn’t you say you couldn’t do anything to her? Why are you going back on your word now?”
Hua Yuxuan clenched her fists. “Don’t worry. This time, I’ll add fuel to the fire. I won’t let you handle it alone.”
Zhao Yan was still hesitant. “No way! The place is surrounded by layers of the Imperial Guards, and there are so many imperial physicians there too. I’m not capable of that!”
Hua Yuxuan sneered and raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t Lin Feng still around?”
Zhao Yan’s expression changed, glaring coldly at Hua Yuxuan. “We agreed not to mention that. Are you going to break your word?”
Hua Yuxuan smirked. “What? Feeling sorry for your lover now?”
Zhao Yan glared at her. “Last time, he was humiliated enough by being dragged into this mess. I can’t involve him again!”
“Hmph! I don’t care. You just have to get it done!”
Zhao Yan was suspicious. “Why are you so determined to have her killed?”
Hua Yuxuan’s face darkened. “That’s not your concern. Just do what you’re supposed to!”
Zhao Yan looked conflicted. “I’ve already helped you so much. You can’t push me like this!”
“You have a choice, but if one day I’m in a bad mood and tell the Emperor about this, don’t blame me!” Hua Yuxuan sneered, her threat evident.
Zhao Yan gritted her teeth. She had no choice—either way, she was doomed. Torn between two bad options, she stormed out. “You’ll get what you want!”
Hua Yuxuan watched her leave, then looked down at the teacup in disdain. A woman who had betrayed the Emperor wasn’t worth her time.
While this conspiracy was brewing on one side, elsewhere, a different scene was unfolding. Leng Jiu stared at Hua Jinzhi, who was sitting across from her, feeling at a loss. “Did you come here just to sulk in front of me?”
Hua Jinzhi snapped back to attention and glared at her. “Who told you to flirt with Gong Yuwei at the banquet? You did it on purpose to annoy me!”
Leng Jiu rubbed her forehead. “So, you came here just to tell me you’re angry?”
“Hmph!” Hua Jinzhi turned away without speaking, clearly upset and waiting for Leng Jiu to coax him.
Leng Jiu sighed. She believed men shouldn’t be coddled—once you do it, there’ll be a second time, and each time they’d get more arrogant. But she couldn’t just ignore him either. If she really left him alone, who knows how mad he’d get. However, she was thankful that Hua Jinzhi wasn’t like Long Yueli, who would be so consumed by jealousy that he’d draw his sword on Gong Yuwei. That would have been a real headache!
Resigned, she walked over and sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Alright, my little jealous jar!”
Hua Jinzhi glared at her. “Don’t treat me like a pet!”
Leng Jiu chuckled. “Your personality is just like Kano’s—a proud little brat!”
Hua Jinzhi ignored her, but his expression softened with her closeness.
Leng Jiu sighed. She had no choice but to use her last resort. She grabbed his head and pulled him down, pressing her lips to his in a kiss he couldn’t refuse. Hua Jinzhi had intended to stay stubborn, but he couldn’t bear to break the kiss. His resistance weakened, and moments later, he wrapped his arms around Leng Jiu’s soft body, deepening the kiss.
A body unaccustomed to desire can’t withstand touch. Though only a day had passed, he already felt an intense longing for her. Now, with her body in his arms, his suppressed feelings and desire surged like a tidal wave, ready to drown him. He held Leng Jiu tightly, his voice hoarse. “I want you now. Can I?”
Leng Jiu trailed her hand inside his robe, teasing his chest as she whispered provocatively, “What do you think?”
Hua Jinzhi’s eyes darkened, and he finally let go of his restraint, carrying Leng Jiu to the bed and burying himself in her embrace.
Outside, Xiang Ming listened to the sounds coming from inside, rolling her eyes in exasperation before running off to tattle. She quickly wrote a note, tied it to a pigeon’s leg, and released it in a secluded spot. She couldn’t help but wonder if her master would be so angry upon receiving the news that they’d recover instantly and rush back—or just be angry enough to pass out. Either way, it wasn’t her concern; she was just a maid, and occasionally passing on gossip was her job!
Inside the room, waves of passion crashed as Leng Jiu received Hua Jinzhi’s waves of love. She wiped the sweat from his forehead, smiling with deep satisfaction.
“Sister Jiu!” At that moment, Hua Jinzhi was no longer his usual arrogant self, his face flushed, his body burning with heat, and a hint of shyness that was irresistibly alluring.
Leng Jiu’s gaze was openly admiring his body. Though not overly muscular, he wasn’t without definition. His fair skin had a slight honeyed hue, his chest muscles were well-defined, his arms strong, and his soft abdomen, currently flexed, revealed six-pack abs. There wasn’t an ounce of excess fat on his body, and the sweat dripping down his skin traced those lines perfectly, making him look both flawless and seductive.
Seeing the admiration in Leng Jiu’s eyes, Hua Jinzhi felt pleased and worked even harder. His large hands caressed her, and he leaned down to claim her lips, gradually stripping away her reason.
Leng Jiu clung to his firm arms, her body so soft it felt as if her bones had melted. At this moment, she didn’t want to think about anything—just kiss him and sink into bliss together.
Long after, when Hua Jinzhi was finally satisfied, he didn’t stop right away. He continued to kiss and caress her, helping her calm the lingering desire in her body. Her skin was soft and smooth beneath his hands, making it hard for him to let go.
Leng Jiu leaned lazily against him, her eyes half-closed in satisfaction. After a long while, her mind finally began to clear, and her gaze sharpened a bit.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before saying, “Your sister saw us exchanging looks tonight. I think she’s guessed something.”
Hua Jinzhi stroked the perfect curve of her back and squinted his eyes. “Don’t worry about her. My affairs are none of her business.”
“I was just thinking she might ask the Consort of Duke De to pick a wife for you, maybe a future heir’s consort. Hmm, I don’t think there are many suitable women around the court right now, but there is one princess…”
Hua Jinzhi glared at her. “Is it my sister who wants to pick a consort for me, or you? Are you that eager to toss me aside?”
“In your dreams!” Leng Jiu teased, biting his chin. She laughed seductively, “You’re mine now. No one’s allowed to touch you without my permission—not even your wife!”
Hua Jinzhi chuckled at the cheeky remark but pretended to be indifferent: “Hmph! Aren’t you still flirting with Gong Yuwei? What’s wrong with me marrying a noble consort? I won’t just marry one; I’ll marry countless, each more beautiful than the last!”
“Are you sure?” Leng Jiu narrowed her eyes dangerously.
Hua Jinzhi felt a bit of danger but insisted, “Sure!” His confidence was clearly lacking.
“Get lost!” Leng Jiu suddenly turned cold and pushed him away!
Originally, Hua Jinzhi thought he would be happy about her jealousy, but when she truly pushed him away, he felt an immediate emptiness in his heart. He turned to comfort her but found himself at a loss for words. Feeling sullen, he got up and reached for his clothes; however, before he could touch them, he was pulled back down, and a soft body landed on him. He heard Leng Jiu’s angry voice by his ear: “I’ve changed my mind. I want to devour you, leaving not even a crumb!”
At her words, Hua Jinzhi couldn’t help but smile. He quickly rolled over, pinning her down with a wicked grin: “Let’s see who ends up eating whom!”
－－－－－－Author’s Note－－－－－－
Though it’s quite loving, that scumbag is back again. ╮（╯▽╰）╭ I don’t want this either. How about a certain sultry girl transforming into a superhero to help the female lead fight the monsters?
Li Pin (丽嫔) – The earlier title of Consort De before being promoted.
Li Fei (丽妃) – The next title of Consort De, reflecting her promotion after becoming pregnant.
Princess Consort of Duke De (德亲王妃) – The mother of Hua Yuxuan, a noblewoman.