Volume 2 Chapter 8 - Can You Stay Tonight?
On Lu Chang’s side, things were temporarily put on hold. Leng Jiu had him detained at the General’s residence and, for now, had no time to interrogate him. Zi Yu, on the other hand, was still puzzled by Lu Chang’s disappearance, but Leng Jiu had no intention of explaining and simply didn’t care to.
Leng Jiu rejected the chief eunuch a.s.signed by the Internal Affairs Department and brought Du Heng in directly. Qing Ling accompanied him with a first-rank palace maid, both serving alongside Zi Yu.
There had been no progress with the Qianying Guards’ matters. Hua Jinzhi went to the military camp, and Long Yue Li, as if evaporated, stopped bothering her. Although the harem was simmering with intrigue, it didn’t affect her at the moment. Leng Jiu suddenly found herself feeling idle and restless. After two days of being bored, she finally had something to look forward to: the grand opening of Bixue Paradise, the venture she had been collaborating on with Long Yue Li.
Leng Jiu intended to place some people inside. Mo Yina had gone several days earlier, bringing along several women vetted by Leng Jiu. They entered in batches, spread out in different areas, and had been properly settled by the staff at Bixue Paradise. Today, they were officially making their appearance.
Feeling thoroughly bored, Leng Jiu decided to change into different clothes and slip out of the palace. With Du Heng now under her command, there was no need to worry about the outer palace. Inside the palace, Zi Yu and Qing Ling were there; even if something did happen, Qing Ling could change her appearance if needed, so she felt quite secure leaving the palace.
Bixue Paradise, a name created by Leng Jiu, was indeed by the clear waters, as the entire complex was situated on the edge of the Western Clear Lake. With mountains on one side and the lake on the other, it was a prime location! Leng Jiu, who was not familiar with architecture, left these matters to Long Yue Li. According to Mo Yina, the place was beautifully constructed, more stunning than anything she had seen, probably quite similar to the designs she had sketched!
She changed into men’s attire, not in white, but in a luxurious dark blue cloud-patterned brocade outfit. There was no doubt that it came from Leng Yue’s wardrobe. Although Leng Yue was taller and stronger than her, she could still manage to wear it.
Although Bixue Paradise did not advertise it openly, court officials knew it was backed by Prince Xuan. Despite Prince Xuan’s limited influence and accomplishments in the court, his name alone made officials take notice. Moreover, since it was a licensed establishment, no one would cause trouble.
Bixue Paradise was located on the outskirts of the city, quite a distance away. On the opening day, the road leading to it was covered with a red carpet stretching ten miles from the city to Bixue Paradise. The surroundings were adorned with colorful lanterns, fireworks, and floral decorations. Young women with flower baskets greeted visitors, creating a grand spectacle and visual delight. Anyone walking in would instantly feel elevated.
Many officials came, initially planning to sneak in, but given the prominent location, it was impossible to avoid attention. They eventually came openly. After all, there was no decree forbidding officials from visiting such places, and since it primarily featured performances, it wasn’t officially categorized as a brothel!
n.o.ble sons naturally wouldn’t miss such a venue. They rode in on horses, charming and dashing, drawing cheers from the women. Bixue Paradise catered not only to male guests but also to female ones. They had a separate section for female guests, with some young ladies arriving in carriages, veiled, adding to the allure of the place.
Such a pleasure house couldn’t do without scholars and poets. Leng Jiu knew that in this world, the reputation of women was greatly influenced by the opinions of literati. Therefore, she offered a discount in the main hall for scholars, making it accessible even to the less affluent, allowing aspiring writers to broaden their horizons!
Leng Jiu arrived dressed as an elegant young man, her phoenix eyes alluring. Even her mere presence made the flower-wielding women blush and their hearts race. She was showered with flowers until she reached Bixue Paradise, where she had so many flowers that she could open a shop!
After depositing the flowers at the entrance of Bixue Paradise and brushing off the flower pollen, she entered. It didn’t take long before she was stunned by the place. The buildings were three stories high, with elegant eaves and brackets. From the outside, they looked like typical architecture, but inside, it was a completely different world.
The entrance was a grand corridor, ten meters wide and five meters high, open and luxurious. All visitors had to enter through this pa.s.sage. The floor was covered with a thick red carpet, embroidered with faux gold thread in various patterns. The walls were adorned with gold-painted murals of elegantly dressed women, skillfully painted to resemble real life. The ceiling featured a floral relief carved from wood, painted in gold and red, with large night pearls embedded in the center, immediately impressing anyone who entered.
This corridor was only twenty meters long but was enough to make visitors re-evaluate the place. At the end of the corridor were three different paths: the first was luxurious, for officials and n.o.ble sons; the second was refined, for those who enjoyed quiet and scholarly pursuits; and the third was ethereal and secretive, for female guests.
The women were all dressed in identical outfits, similar to modern reception qipaos but modified slightly by Leng Jiu to include sleeves and pants. The garments were alluring but not revealing, tantalizing without showing too much.
The complex was a cl.u.s.ter of buildings arranged in a circle. In the center was a three-meter-high stage used for performances, visible from all floors. Each building also had its own smaller stage for performances.
The outer buildings matched the world’s style, but the interiors were unique, with each room different from the next, showcasing a variety of designs that captivated the eye.
Leng Jiu chose the path for the next day. After walking through a hundred-meter-long corridor, she arrived at a building themed around plum blossoms. This building was intricately carved with plum blossom patterns and decorated with ancient and modern plum blossom paintings and poetry, evoking admiration from scholars. There were also ten blooming plum trees of various colors, adding to the beauty.
After paying, Leng Jiu went up to the third floor, selected a room by the window, and drew the curtains, waiting quietly for the performance to begin.
Soon, the sound of gongs signaled the start of the event. Everyone turned their attention to the central stage, where a person struck a copper gong, and the performance commenced!
The opening act featured young women carrying flower baskets, dancing and scattering petals. The delicate gauze and falling petals created a beautiful scene!
After the petals were scattered, the real dance began. The women wore light, elegant costumes that were tightly fitted around the chest and waist but covered the rest of the body, including the neck. Despite this, the outfits were even more alluring than if they were fully undressed. The saying that a clothed woman is always more seductive than one who is naked proved to be very true!
Hearing the door open behind her, Leng Jiu did not turn around. She could tell from the aura who it was.
—
Mo Di sat across from Leng Jiu, glancing at the performances below. Although he wasn’t in the mood to enjoy it, he couldn’t help but acknowledge that it was indeed impressive and innovative!
When the performance ended, it was followed by various exhibitions of traditional arts such as the guqin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Leng Jiu noticed that the guqin player was Peony, whom she had first met with Long Yue Li at a brothel. Her eyes moved slightly in surprise; she hadn’t expected Long Yue Li to recruit her. It was unclear whether she was recruited or came voluntarily.
Peony’s guqin performance was excellent, receiving much applause. Many of her former admirers were present, and she was naturally well-received.
After the guqin, chess, calligraphy, and painting segments, it was finally Mo Yina’s turn to perform. To ensure she became an instant sensation, Leng Jiu had specially designed a beautiful ethnic costume for her and personally taught her a dance. She had put in a lot of effort; if this didn’t make Mo Yina popular, Leng Jiu might as well write her name backward!
When Mo Yina appeared, she immediately drew gasps of astonishment. Even Mo Di couldn’t help but widen his eyes—was that really his sister?
On the wide path leading to the performance stage, a woman in red slowly walked forward. Her dress was a blood-red hue, embellished with gold and jade fragments, forming a stunning peac.o.c.k design. On her head was a feathered crown adorned with a droplet of emerald, and her enchanting face was made up with slightly heavier makeup, but it was far from vulgar—merely mesmerizing.
Her upper dress was tightly fitted, and the sleeves were also snug. The long skirt covered her, but her bare, delicate feet with their red toenails were visible, looking particularly tempting.
She walked with her head held high, exuding no trace of dust or humility—proud, confident, and graceful, like a queen deserving of worship.
When she reached the center and stood still, the music began. She danced with elegance, her movements simultaneously swift and slow. Every glance and turn captivated the audience, and her expression remained haughtily cold yet harmoniously fitting. Her occasional flirtatious glances made it hard for anyone to blink.
When the music ended, she smiled, and that smile was like a blooming poppy—extremely seductive and alluring, dazzling everyone. She then spun rapidly, her long skirt blossoming into a flower, earning countless cheers.
The music resumed, this time a borderland tune with cheerful sounds from a morin khuur and a leather drum. Mo Yina’s long skirt was suddenly removed, revealing a shorter, more streamlined dress underneath. This was a prairie dance, full of pa.s.sionate and enticing movements that dazzled the crowd.
After Mo Yina finished her performance, many people were still in awe, unable to recover from the spectacle.
Mo Di was also stunned. He was unwilling to see Mo Yina involved in such activities, but since she was willing, he could not object. He had never watched her practice, so seeing her today—so beautiful, charming, and poised—was a shock.
Seeing the astonished look in Mo Di’s purple eyes, Leng Jiu smiled slightly and then got up to leave. Her main purpose for the day was to watch Mo Yina’s dance; she wasn’t interested in much else.
Walking back to the city on foot, she overheard people discussing Bixue Paradise on the streets and alleys, their faces filled with wonder and admiration. Of course, some were disdainful because it was a place of pleasure. Leng Jiu just smiled at their comments, understanding that everyone has their own opinions and principles; it was normal for some to dislike it.
She leisurely found a restaurant to eat, then visited a teahouse to watch two plays. When Leng Jiu prepared to return to the palace, she realized it was already dusk!
The day had pa.s.sed much more enjoyably than being cooped up in the palace. Enjoying the cool breeze and the sunset, she felt in good spirits and was ready to head back.
Just after she had walked two streets and was about to head to the General’s residence, a group of riders galloped past her. Leng Jiu noticed a flash of crimson and couldn’t help but look again. Wasn’t that Long Yue Li? But why did he look so serious?
Leng Jiu knew she shouldn’t interfere and couldn’t, but by the time she realized it, she was already two miles away on horseback, pursuing them.
Sighing at the sky, Leng Jiu slowed her horse and lay back on its back, letting it walk slowly. Should she go back or not? That was the question!
As darkness fell and the road became deserted, Leng Jiu glanced at the tree canopy above. Though she didn’t mind spending the night in the woods, it was certainly less comfortable than a bed!
Climbing off the horse, she scanned her surroundings and realized she had no idea where she was. She had been following the horse’s path without paying attention to the route, so she was lost!
After patting the horse to move forward a bit more, she finally saw a place with lights in the woods. Relieved, she thought she could at least ask for directions!
However, just as Leng Jiu’s horse reached the courtyard, a group of people suddenly descended from all directions, brandishing swords at her, as if any movement would result in immediate attack!
As a wise person knows when to yield, Leng Jiu was very prudent. She stayed still and slightly turned her head to look at the courtyard, noticing the white flag hanging—it seemed someone had died!
At that moment, a figure in red, incongruent with the surroundings, emerged. With a somber gaze, Long Yue Li looked at her. Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow, surveying the people around: “Is this how you treat me?”
Long Yue Li waved his hand slightly, and the dozen or so people immediately sheathed their swords and vanished with astounding lightness, making Leng Jiu narrow her eyes!
Long Yue Li walked out of the courtyard and looked at her. “What are you doing here?”
Leng Jiu shrugged helplessly. “Came out to have some fun, then got lost. Now it’s ended up like this!”
Long Yue Li didn’t delve into the truth of her words. He lifted her off the horse and carried her in his arms. “It’s getting dark. Stay the night.”
Leng Jiu pointed at the white flag. “Is it convenient?”
“Not a problem at all!” Long Yue Li carried Leng Jiu and turned to walk inside, not heading towards the mourning hall but directly to the building on the right.
—
“Brother Yue Li!” A young man dressed in green emerged from the room. His face, which had previously shown some amus.e.m.e.nt, instantly stiffened and turned hostile when he saw Long Yue Li holding Leng Jiu. He glared at Leng Jiu, “Who are you? How dare you let Brother Yue Li hold you?”
Leng Jiu immediately recognized that this was a girl, and one who admired Long Yue Li. Raising an eyebrow at Long Yue Li, she teased, “Brother Yue Li?”
Long Yue Li glanced at her and carried Leng Jiu directly into the room. The girl tried to follow, but Long Yue Li swiftly closed the door, locking her out. Her voice could be heard outside, full of grievance, calling, “Brother Yue Li!”
The room was simply decorated but clean. Long Yue Li placed Leng Jiu on the only bed and then lay down on top of her. Leng Jiu pushed him away, “Aren’t you worried about hurting your little admirer’s feelings?”
Long Yue Li ignored her, capturing her lips and enveloping her in a pa.s.sionate kiss. The bed quickly became a mess of entangled limbs and heated breaths.
Feeling him hurriedly undressing her, with increasingly wild actions as if he wanted to claim her immediately, Leng Jiu punched him. As he dodged, she kicked him off the bed and met his icy, intense gaze with her own fury, “Long Yue Li! Get it straight—I am not a tool for you to vent your sadness and dissatisfaction. Dare to treat me like that, and I swear I’ll castrate you!”
Long Yue Li watched her quietly, the coldness and wildness in his eyes fading. After a moment of silent, calm confrontation, he turned and left without a word.
“b.a.s.t.a.r.d!” Leng Jiu angrily kicked a nearby stool and then lay back down on the bed.
Soon after Long Yue Li left, another person entered quietly without making a sound. If not for the strong aura of resentment and the fierce hostility in her eyes, Leng Jiu might not have noticed her!
Turning her head to look at the person sneaking up to the bedside, Leng Jiu lifted her eyelids, “What’s this? Spying on the enemy?”
Hua Rui’er was surprised that her caution was still detected. She glared angrily at Leng Jiu, “Who are you? Why are you with Brother Yue Li?”
Leng Jiu propped her head up, smiling with amus.e.m.e.nt. She looked Hua Rui’er up and down with an irresistible allure and asked in a teasing manner, “Who are you? His little lover? His fiancée? Or just a bed warmer?”
Upon hearing those words, Hua Rui’er’s face flushed bright red, and she glared at Leng Jiu angrily, “What nonsense are you talking about? I’m a man!”
Leng Jiu laughed derisively, “Little girl! Before you claim to be a man, you should first hide that youthful and jealous look on your face. And those round b.u.mps on your chest—those aren’t things a man should have, are they?”
Hua Rui’er clutched her chest, her face a mixture of shame and anger, “How shameless of you to say such things!”
“Shameless?” Leng Jiu chuckled lightly, then patted the spot beside her and grinned wickedly, “Come! Sit down and tell me, how far have you gone with him? Climbed into his bed? Kissed him? Seen him naked? Or has he already had you? Hmm?”
Every word Leng Jiu spoke made Hua Rui’er’s face redder until she looked like a boiled shrimp, barely able to contain her anger and embarra.s.sment. Unable to speak a word, she turned and stormed out!
Leng Jiu found it amusing, “Can’t handle a little teasing and still dares to covet a man!”
Leng Jiu looked up at the ceiling for a moment, then pulled the blanket over herself and fell asleep quickly. She was easygoing and didn’t mind the bed, so she slept soundly. In the middle of the night, feeling someone getting into bed beside her, she recognized the familiar scent and warmth of Long Yue Li. Without opening her eyes, she nestled into his embrace and found a comfortable spot against his chest.
Long Yue Li, seeing her movements, couldn’t help but smile. Holding her tightly, he realized how much he had missed her. Even just holding her like this greatly improved his mood!
They slept until morning. When Leng Jiu woke up, Long Yue Li was already up. As she opened the door, she encountered Hua Rui’er with dark circles under her eyes, glaring at her. Leng Jiu felt the morning air had become quite unpleasant!
“I’m telling you! You’d better stay away from Brother Yue Li, or I won’t let you off!” Hua Rui’er said fiercely.
Leng Jiu wasn’t intimidated by threats, especially from a child. Such threats were even less concerning to her, “Hmm! I’ll be waiting to see how you’ll not let me off!”
With that, she adjusted her robes and gracefully walked out. Pa.s.sing by the mourning hall, she saw it was empty with freshly scattered paper money on the ground, indicating the deceased had been buried that morning. She approached the courtyard and saw Long Yue Li standing nearby, in front of a freshly dug grave. Leng Jiu considered it for a moment, then walked over, standing beside him. She looked at his stern face and gently pinched his cheek, “Death cannot be undone. Take care of yourself.”
Long Yue Li grasped her hand and asked, “If your only family member were gone, what would you do?”
Leng Jiu smiled faintly and looked up at the sky, “I don’t know. But I wouldn’t be as sad as you. I’m selfish. Besides myself, I care about no one!”
Long Yue Li wanted to ask, ‘What about me?’ But thinking of Leng Jiu’s cold nature, the question seemed absurd. He didn’t ask further, instead, he embraced her shoulders and turned to leave, “Let’s go!”
Long Yue Li didn’t return to the courtyard. He directly led the horse at the entrance and pulled Leng Jiu onto it, preparing to ride together.
“Brother Yue Li!” Hua Rui’er, holding a bundle, hurried out, looking at Long Yue Li with big eyes, “I want to go with you!”
Long Yue Li frowned slightly and did not immediately agree. Hua Rui’er’s lips quivered and she began to cry, “My father is dead! I’m the only one left here. I want to go back with Brother Yue Li!”
Long Yue Li glanced at the distant grave and then withdrew his gaze, “Let’s go.”
Hua Rui’er immediately stopped crying and smiled through her tears, quickly getting on the horse. However, when her eyes fell on Leng Jiu in front of Long Yue Li, her smile faded. Though she couldn’t speak out now, fearing Long Yue Li would dismiss her, she glared at Leng Jiu with resentment, vowing to take Long Yue Li for herself eventually.
Leng Jiu paid no mind to the young girl’s hostility. She relaxed against Long Yue Li, finding his solid chest much more comfortable than riding alone.
Long Yue Li felt Leng Jiu’s reliance and finally allowed a smile to form at the corner of his mouth. Holding the reins with one hand and wrapping his arm around her soft waist with the other, he pulled her closer. It had been a month since he last visited her in the palace, and just holding her like this made him feel much better!
Leaning down, he kissed her fair neck and inhaled her fragrance, “Since we missed the maple trees in Nanshan that day, would you like to go see them today?”
—
Leng Jiu slightly lifted her head and saw that the gloom on Long Yue Li’s face had completely vanished, replaced by the familiar Long Yue Li she knew. She reached up to hook his neck and pulled him down for a kiss on his lips, “It’s more comfortable looking at you like this!”
How could Long Yue Li let go of a kiss offered so willingly? He lowered his head, capturing her lips again and deepening the kiss.
Hua Rui’er, standing aside, watched the affectionate display with her eyes wide open, various emotions flashing through her mind, but she forgot to express them in words.
Leng Jiu never refused his kisses. She hooked her arms around his neck, fully welcoming him.
After a long while, Long Yue Li finally released her, his fox-like eyes shimmering with suppressed desire. He lightly nipped at her seductive lips, his voice laced with frustration and longing, “I really want to devour you right now!”
“We’re still on the road. Put it away quickly!” Leng Jiu said exasperatedly.
Unable to resist the sensation, Long Yue Li inhaled sharply and kissed her again, “You d.a.m.n little enchantress!”
Hua Rui’er watched in shock as the two continued their intimate display, her eyes nearly popping out. She loathed Leng Jiu intensely but couldn’t help but feel her heart racing and cheeks flushing with shyness. If only Brother Yue Li was kissing her instead! Just imagining it made her cheeks burn with embarra.s.sment.
After Long Yue Li finally released Leng Jiu, she noticed Hua Rui’er’s smitten expression and teasingly poked Long Yue Li’s chest, “Look! A budding flower with dewdrops, should we consider picking it?”
Long Yue Li grabbed her hand and bit it lightly, “No flower can compare to this poisonous poppy. I’ve been thinking about it for so long, yet I haven’t even had a taste!”
Leng Jiu withdrew her hand and glared at him, “Are you a dog? Always biting!”
Long Yue Li, grinning wickedly, placed his hand on her chest and said suggestively, “What I’d rather bite is here!”
“Go to h.e.l.l!” Leng Jiu slapped him, brushing off his perverted hand and crossing her arms.
Long Yue Li chuckled, no longer causing trouble. He simply held her and took her back to the Xuan w.a.n.g Mansion.
This was Leng Jiu’s first visit to the Xuan w.a.n.g Mansion. She had expected it to be as flamboyant and luxurious as Long Yue Li himself, but was surprised to find it was quite modest, not more extravagant than the General’s or the Prime Minister’s residence.
Long Yue Li seemed addicted to holding Leng Jiu, unwilling to let go. He jumped down from the horse with her in his arms and walked into the mansion, ignoring the strange looks from the guards.
“Brother Yue Li, wait for me!” Hua Rui’er, seeing him enter with Leng Jiu, anxiously used lightness skills to catch up.
At this moment, Long Yue Li seemed to remember Hua Rui’er. He turned to a nearby guard and said, “Have the steward arrange a place for her to stay!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Seeing that Long Yue Li intended to dismiss her, Hua Rui’er panicked, “Hey! Brother Yue Li! I…”
Before she could finish, Long Yue Li had already walked away. The guard approached her, “Miss, please!”
Hua Rui’er glared at him, fuming, and entered with her bundle.
Long Yue Li carried Leng Jiu directly to his courtyard. There were few servants around, and those who did see them quickly avoided them. No one dared to interrupt.
The courtyard was filled with peonies of various colors and types, blooming beautifully even in the autumn. Long Yue Li carried Leng Jiu into the room and placed her on the soft couch, then lay down on top of her. Leng Jiu pushed him away, “Is it really necessary to be this eager? I’m hungry!”
Long Yue Li ignored her, cupping her face and kissing her, his hands roaming. Once he was satisfied, he let her go and turned to have food prepared.
Leng Jiu’s face was slightly flushed as she adjusted her clothes and glared at Long Yue Li. However, her gaze filled with desire had little effect and nearly made Long Yue Li pounce on her again. Leng Jiu rolled her eyes and looked down at the food; she couldn’t ignore her hunger.
Seeing that Leng Jiu seemed genuinely starving, Long Yue Li, rarely showing such kindness, didn’t bother her further. After she finished eating, he had a set of women’s clothes brought to her.
Leng Jiu looked at the sky-blue gauze dress, flipping it over twice in frustration, “You want me to wear this? If anyone recognizes me, we’ll both be doomed!”
Long Yue Li didn’t care, his gaze shifting to the clothes which clearly belonged to someone else. His eyes flashed coldly, “Will you change yourself, or should I do it for you?”
Seeing his intention, Leng Jiu understood and was further irritated. After all, how could he not notice this was Leng Yue’s dress when he was so eager last night? Wasn’t it a bit late to realize now?
Seeing him so willing to help, Leng Jiu had no choice but to surrender and dress herself. If he were to do it, she was sure she’d be struggling with the clothes for an entire afternoon!
Just as she started to fasten the waistband, she felt his intense gaze. Leng Jiu glared at him angrily and turned to change inside.
In no time, she had changed into the dress. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Leng Jiu shuddered. The dress made her look like a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, not matching her usual self at all. The blue was supposed to be elegant and n.o.ble, but the gauze dress, with its puffed skirt and floral decorations, made her look like a young maiden.
Despite Leng Jiu’s dissatisfaction, Long Yue Li’s eyes lit up. He personally styled her hair into a youthful coiffure and added two hairpins, which he must have found somewhere. At this moment, Leng Jiu believed even if she stood in front of Long Yi, he might not recognize her and would probably think she was a distant younger cousin.
Long Yue Li looked at Leng Jiu and, satisfied, kissed her twice on the face, “Jiu’er, you look good in anything!”
Leng Jiu pointed at the two sapphire hairpins in her hair and raised an eyebrow, “Whose are these, one of your red-faced beauties’?”
Long Yue Li flicked her forehead, “These are the only two hairpins left by my mother. You’d better take good care of them. If you lose them, you’ll be held responsible!”
Leng Jiu raised her hand to remove them, “No! You should keep these!”
Leng Jiu’s hand hadn’t yet touched the hairpin when she was immediately locked onto by two intense gazes. She believed that if she really did take it, Long Yue Li would chop off her hand! With no choice, she put her hand down and said, “This wouldn’t be something your mother left for your future consort, would it?”
“It is! And it isn’t!” Long Yue Li saw her put her hand down and his expression eased slightly. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into an embrace. “Let’s go! Let’s check out the Bichui Paradise!”
“I went there yesterday!”
Long Yue Li didn’t stop walking. “I know! But I haven’t been, so you need to accompany me!”
Helplessly, Leng Jiu was led out by him. As they reached the door, a pink b.u.t.terfly fluttered towards them. “Yue Li Gege!”
Hua Rui’er, dressed in a pink gauze dress with her hair styled into cute double buns and adorned with a few flowers, had even applied light makeup. She looked sweet and pet.i.te, with a touch of charm!
Hua Rui’er rushed over with all her attention on Long Yue Li but froze when she saw Leng Jiu. Her eyes flashed with countless emotions—astonishment, jealousy, unwillingness, and hatred. Why was this woman also in women’s attire, and she looked even better than her? Fox spirit, always trying to seduce Yue Li Gege!
Feeling very distressed but daring not to show it in front of Long Yue Li, she just looked at him with a pitiful expression and said, “Yue Li Gege, can you take me out too? I want to go as well!”
Leng Jiu looked at her with some disdain. Just this morning, she had buried her father, but there wasn’t a hint of sadness on her face; all she thought about was men. Now she was dressed in pink, and Leng Jiu really wanted to know if the deceased was really her father.
Long Yue Li seemed not to notice her outfit and just called the guards to prepare the carriage!
Seeing that Long Yue Li didn’t refuse, Hua Rui’er was instantly happy. She quickly hopped to the door, and as soon as the carriage arrived, she was the first to get in. Long Yue Li didn’t even glance at her. He climbed into the carriage first, then helped Leng Jiu up before they both settled inside!
The carriage was very s.p.a.cious. Hua Rui’er sat inside, and Long Yue Li and Leng Jiu had plenty of s.p.a.ce to sit beside each other.
Hua Rui’er looked at them sitting together with envy, almost wanting to separate them! But she knew that doing so would displease Yue Li Gege, so she had to endure!
Carefully moving closer to the spot next to Long Yue Li, and seeing that he didn’t react, she felt a bit happy. She moved a little closer and then rested her head on her hand, asking, “Yue Li Gege, you still haven’t told me who she is and what her name is?”
Long Yue Li glanced at her faintly, then pulled Leng Jiu down to rest her head on his lap and played with a few strands of her hair, saying, “Her name is Hua Rui’er! She is the daughter of my maternal uncle. My uncle pa.s.sed away due to illness and was adopted by my elder uncle. She will be the future heir of the Hua family!”
Hua Rui’er felt pleased to hear Long Yue Li introduce her, “I’m Yue Li Gege’s cousin! And you?”
Leng Jiu gave her a glance and then simply closed her eyes to sleep. “No wonder!”
Hua Rui’er was puzzled by this comment. No wonder what? But Long Yue Li wouldn’t explain!
As Leng Jiu closed her eyes and fell asleep, Long Yue Li watched her serene face, occasionally playing with her hair or touching her face, and didn’t pay any attention to Hua Rui’er. Hua Rui’er tried several times to speak but didn’t manage to!
When the carriage stopped at Bichui Paradise, someone with keen eyes noticed it was the Xuan King’s carriage and immediately wanted to get close. However, upon seeing Long Yue Li holding a beauty and another beauty following behind, they tactfully stepped aside. The Xuan King, embracing beauties on both sides, definitely wouldn’t appreciate being disturbed!
Hua Rui’er had never seen such a place before and was filled with wonder, her eyes almost not believing what she saw! She looked around excitedly, but when she came back to her senses and tried to look for them, Long Yue Li had already disappeared with Leng Jiu!
“Yue Li Gege!” Hua Rui’er called out in surprise.
“Miss Hua!” A woman walked over, clearly instructed by someone, “The prince has asked me to take Miss Hua around. You can see whatever you want!”
Hua Rui’er, relieved that she wasn’t abandoned and now interested in exploring, said, “Let’s go!”
In a place like Bichui Paradise, Long Yue Li naturally had a special area for himself. He occupied the entire third floor of the best building!
Long Yue Li carried Leng Jiu upstairs, where the four-sided pearl curtains were drawn, and the sheer fabric swayed, obscuring the view of the interior.
He seated Leng Jiu in his arms and looked down at the performance below. “What do you think of it, after seeing it yesterday?”
“It’s pretty good, better than I expected!” Leng Jiu tried to move aside, but Long Yue Li held her waist, not letting her leave, so she just rested her head on his chest.
Long Yue Li enjoyed this position, his hand stroking her silk-like hair. His fox-like eyes narrowed with a glint of calculation. “So, how will you reward me?”
Leng Jiu promptly gave him a kiss!
Long Yue Li was dissatisfied, “Just this?”
Leng Jiu opened her eyes, “What else?”
Long Yue Li was silent for a moment before suddenly flipping over and pinning Leng Jiu beneath him. His eyes darkened with growing desire, his voice deep and seductive, tinged with a unique huskiness that made every word tremble with longing. “Will you stay tonight… is that alright?”
—
Ahem! This isn’t clickbait, just a bit of a tease. Cough, please don’t scold me! Ah, tomorrow will have some real action, really! The dragon demon finally gets his happy ending!