Volume 2 Chapter 22 - The Tragic Long Yueli (**Yang)
When Leng Jiu returned to Weiyang Palace, she had just changed her clothes when Hua Jinzhi came in. Without saying a word, he held her tightly and kissed her deeply, as if they were parting forever. Leng Jiu barely managed to catch her breath and held his face, asking, “What’s going on?”
Hua Jinzhi looked at her, his beautiful phoenix-shaped eyes filled with reluctance. “There’s been a dispute at the northern border, and he ordered me to go to the frontier. The imperial decree came an hour ago, and I have to leave now.”
Leng Jiu finally understood why he was so agitated. Wrapping her arms around his strong waist and leaning in closer, she said, “It’s not like you’re not coming back, why are you so sad?”
Hua Jinzhi held her, resting his chin on her shoulder, and gave her a domineering order: “While I’m not around, you’re not allowed to flirt with anyone, don’t pay attention to Long Yueli, and you absolutely cannot go looking for Gong Yuwei. Otherwise, even if I die at the border, I’ll come back and find you!”
Leng Jiu laughed. This domineering brat: “Alright! Just don’t die at the frontier. If you come back as a stinky corpse, I won’t go see you!”
Hua Jinzhi chuckled and bit her shoulder lightly. “If I die, it would only benefit them, so don’t even think about it. I plan to cling to you for a lifetime!”
Leng Jiu patted his back as if comforting a child, saying, “Mhm, I’ll be waiting for you to come back and cling to me!”
Hua Jinzhi grumbled discontentedly but seemed satisfied with her words. Tightening his embrace again, he asked, “Do you remember Zhao Yuncheng?”
“Zhao Yan’s older brother?”
“Yes!” Hua Jinzhi nodded. “Yesterday, his household was confiscated. Somehow, Zhao Yuncheng got word and had a subordinate impersonate him and get killed while he escaped. I’ve already sent people to investigate, but we haven’t found him yet. Be careful, he hates you deeply now and will surely try anything!”
Leng Jiu understood. This explained the a.s.sa.s.sination attempt today and how those people recognized her. Zhao Yuncheng had seen her face before. She didn’t think much of it and stroked Hua Jinzhi’s face, saying, “I’ll be careful.”
Hua Jinzhi slightly loosened his grip and looked at her, his gaze as if he wanted to engrave her into his heart. “Call my name.”
Leng Jiu hooked her arms around his neck, looked at him, and softly called, “Jinzhi.”
In response, Hua Jinzhi kissed her deeply again, their teeth accidentally colliding, the pain echoing in their hearts. After a long while, he reluctantly let her go, cupping her face in his hands and gently caressing it. “Remember to miss me!”
With that, he released her and flew away!
Leng Jiu watched him disappear into the distance, the warmth of his embrace slowly fading from her arms. She felt an inexplicable emptiness in her heart. She raised a hand to her chest and couldn’t help but laugh. Could it be that she had softened after being away from that dark, b.l.o.o.d.y life for too long? First, she accepted Gong Yuwei, then gave Long Yueli a place in her heart, and now even this proud brat had become someone she cared about. When had she become so soft-hearted?
She brushed off her robe and those thoughts, then sat down on the soft couch. “Lu Chang!”
“Your servant is here!” Lu Chang came in with a whisk, his face bearing that eternal smile, making it unclear whether one should feel angry or resentful.
Leng Jiu looked at him with irritation. “Don’t you think there’s something you need to explain to me?”
“Anything the Empress Dowager wants to ask, your servant will answer without reservation,” Lu Chang responded respectfully.
Leng Jiu always had the urge to kick him when she saw his att.i.tude. She tapped her fingers lightly on the table, her expression unreadable. “Why did you and Eunuch Fu look for the Qian Ying Guards?”
Lu Chang wasn’t surprised by her question, as he had antic.i.p.ated it for a long time. He only thought it came a little late! “Eunuch Fu is part of the Qian Ying Guards, but the Guards are divided into many branches. He only belongs to the palace branch. As for the token, he wasn’t looking for it; he just wanted to find his master.”
Leng Jiu’s expression shifted slightly. “You’re quite aware of whether the token is with me, aren’t you?”
“Your servant is not aware, Empress Dowager. Although I’ve always suspected the token is with you, I’ve never seen it. I was waiting for you to reveal it one day, but then you suddenly lost your memory, so I had no choice but to investigate.”
“So, you bear no ill will towards me?”
“The Empress Dowager is my master. Whether or not you have the Qian Ying Guard token doesn’t change that. I’ve had people watching over you merely to understand the situation, with no ill intent!”
Leng Jiu moved her lips but ultimately didn’t argue with him. There was no point in being too blunt about it! “Forget it! Let’s leave this matter for now. I know your influence in the palace is considerable. Tomorrow, help me arrange for eleven people to enter the palace. Is there a problem?”
“Your servant will certainly carry out the Empress Dowager’s orders!”
Leng Jiu twitched her eyelids, feeling an intense urge to kick him. “Get out!”
“Your servant takes his leave!”
Leng Jiu rubbed her forehead, truly at a loss for words about this eunuch. She had encountered many smiling tigers, but Lu Chang was a rare breed, even more extreme in his subservience!
Shaking off that feeling, Leng Jiu was just about to go bathe when suddenly, Eunuch Qu’s voice called out from outside: “The Emperor has arrived!”
Leng Jiu paused mid-step. Before she could react, Long Yi had already strode inside. Lu Chang and Du Heng hadn’t had time to stop him, and now that Long Yi had seen Leng Jiu, they had no choice but to step aside.
Leng Jiu, who had just stood up, sat back down and smirked. “Why is the Emperor barging into my palace in such a rush? Has the Empress Dowager committed another grave sin?”
Long Yi’s eyes were deep as he looked at her, then he waved his hand. “All of you, leave us!”
Seeing no one move, he became visibly angry. “What? You’re ignoring my command?”
“Why scold my servants if you have something to say, Your Majesty?” Leng Jiu asked, sipping her tea nonchalantly.
Long Yi returned his gaze to her and said, “Tell them to leave, or I won’t hesitate to replace all your servants!”
Leng Jiu looked straight at him, realizing he was serious. She waved her hand. “All of you, leave!”
“Yes!”
Everyone withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the inner hall. Leng Jiu looked at Long Yi. “Now, can you speak?”
“Jinghua!” Long Yi stepped forward.
“Stop!” Leng Jiu’s expression turned cold, and she ordered sharply, “I am the Empress Dowager. Do not call me by the wrong name!”
Long Yi’s heart ached, his face showing signs of hurt. “I’m not wearing my dragon robe today, I’m wearing the white brocade you love most. Do you still insist on treating me as the Emperor?”
Leng Jiu was momentarily stunned, only now noticing that Long Yi wasn’t wearing his bright yellow dragon robe. Instead, he wore a plain white brocade outfit, and his hair was tied with a simple black jade hairpin. Without the splendor and majesty of his dragon robe, he looked more like a handsome n.o.bleman, even better than when he wore his royal attire. He had even lowered himself, abandoning the imperial ‘we’ in favor of ‘I.’ Leng Jiu’s eyelids twitched. What was he trying to pull?
“No matter what you wear, you are still the Emperor. From the moment you ascended the throne, you became the ruler of the empire, and I became the Empress Dowager. Our names are recorded in the annals of history. Nothing can change that!”
“Jinghua!” Long Yi’s voice was filled with sorrow, and he raised his hand as if to hold her shoulder but then let it fall weakly. “I know it was my fault back then for not stopping you from entering the palace and serving the Emperor. I was a coward, afraid of losing my position as the Crown Prince. I watched you rise to the throne, looking dignified and glorious, and I mistook you for a vain, heartless woman. I even treated you cruelly for three years. I regret it now. I don’t expect you to forgive me immediately, but could you at least give me a chance to make it up to you?”
“Make it up to me?” Leng Jiu sneered inwardly, her gaze sharp. “How do you plan to make it up to me?”
Long Yi thought she was moved and immediately said, “Be my empress, stand by my side with proper status, and I will give you the greatest love. I won’t let you suffer any grievances again!”
Because he was excited, the royal tone slipped out again. Leng Jiu sneered, “The emperor must be tired, speaking so incoherently. You should go back and rest early.”
“Jinghua!” Long Yi excitedly grabbed her hand, “Let’s change roles, you be my empress again, okay?”
“Long Yi!” Leng Jiu’s face turned cold, and a mocking smile curled up her lips as she forcefully shook off his hand, “Don’t talk to me about your deep feelings, and don’t mention anything about being empress. Hua Yuxuan wants the empress’s position, but I don’t care. After all these years, you regret it now, but it’s too late! And don’t put on that hypocritical face; it disgusts me!”
Long Yi’s face turned grim, his look of affection cracking as he angrily said, “Do you truly refuse to give me a chance?”
Leng Jiu raised her eyes, cold as snow, “If it had been six months ago, perhaps Leng Jinghua would have agreed. But after six months, there’s nothing left to say between us. The next time you see me, remember to address me as the Empress Dowager.”
Six months ago, she was Leng Jinghua; six months later, she is Leng Jiu. Leng Jinghua wanted his love, but Leng Jiu doesn’t want it, and despises this hypocritical man!
Long Yi stepped back a few paces, looked at her for a long time, and finally left without a word, seeming deeply hurt. Perhaps some of what he said today was sincere. Even though it came with calculations, there was still genuine emotion mixed in. But none of it mattered to her anymore.
After Long Yi’s disruption, Leng Jiu’s mood was completely ruined. After bathing, she casually ate something and went to bed with the little creature, Kano, in her arms. Gong Yuwei wouldn’t come to accompany her, Long Yueli no longer visited, and now even Hua Jinzhi had left. Lying in this enormous bed, she actually felt a bit uncomfortable.
She placed Kano on the pillow and poked its little rear, “What’s the use of you? You can’t talk to me, you’re too small to cuddle, and you’re completely useless. I might as well roast you; I bet you’d taste good!”
“Squeak squeak!” Kano protested, fluffing up indignantly. It wasn’t its fault it couldn’t talk or that it was too small—those were just natural limitations! Besides, squirrel meat doesn’t taste good!
Watching its reaction, Leng Jiu thought of Hua Jinzhi. He should have already set off by now, but who knew when he’d return. Sighing, she realized that thanks to them, she was now actually missing someone. Could it be that she was too lonely? She longed to find a place to drink and dance, but that seemed impossible here—so boring!
After Long Yi’s outburst that day, he didn’t trouble her anymore once he returned. Hua Yuxuan remained quiet as well, and the palace enjoyed a rare period of peace. With no one to bother or provoke her, and no tasks outside the palace, Leng Jiu grew bored. So, a few days later, while everyone was busy preparing for the New Year celebrations, Leng Jiu slipped away to Bishui Paradise.
When Leng Jiu had written her business plan, she had only briefly mentioned male escorts, but Long Yueli had gone ahead and set up an entire building in Bishui Paradise specifically for male courtesans, catering to female guests and certain male clients with special preferences. And now, Leng Jiu, dressed in elegant men’s clothing, was lounging in the most modernly decorated private room. She lay on a custom-made bearskin sofa, with a large redwood table in front of her, covered with wine. Two young male courtesans in light gauze outfits sat beside her, serving her drinks, while a handsome man dressed in white sat opposite her, playing the zither.
“Young Master, is there anything else you need?” Seeing that Leng Jiu looked bored, a green-robed young man on her left asked.
Leng Jiu turned her head slightly and teasingly lifted his chin with her finger, “What kind of entertainment do you have here?”
“What would you like to play, young master? Something on the couch, or something more intense? Alone or with several others?”
“Is that all?” Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow and suddenly asked, “Do you have any tools, like whips or candles?”
The young man seemed startled that someone so beautiful would have such tastes, but after a brief pause, he nodded, “Yes! We have a full set. Should I bring it for you, young master?”
His body stiffened slightly as he spoke; those items weren’t exactly comfortable to use!
“Mm, bring it over.”
“Uh… alright!” After hesitating, he got up to fetch the items.
“Young Master!” The other courtesan, unwilling to be ignored, leaned closer, wrapping his arm around Leng Jiu’s shoulder and offering a cup of wine. “Let me toast you, young master!”
Leng Jiu’s gaze flickered over the faint lip mark on the edge of the cup, her eyes narrowing briefly before she smiled slyly. She grabbed his chin, gave it a hard squeeze, and when he gasped in pain, she poured the entire cup of wine into his mouth in one go.
“Cough cough!” Caught off guard, he choked, coughing violently as his face flushed. He looked at Leng Jiu in confusion, “Young Master… are you dissatisfied with me?”
Leng Jiu’s fingers lightly traced his lips, her eyes narrowing as she smiled seductively, “You’re quite beautiful, but I’m not interested.”
At that moment, the green-robed courtesan returned, carrying a large box. He carefully walked over to Leng Jiu, placed the box beside her, and opened it, “Young Master, here’s everything you asked for!”
Leng Jiu’s gaze swept over the box, her eyes lighting up at the sight of whips, collars, measuring tapes, iron chains, pearl strings, shackles, candles, and a few jade objects shaped like columns in varying sizes. Although not as complete or varied as modern tools, it was still quite impressive. She reached for a collar and gave the courtesan a wicked look, “Shall we try it?”
The courtesan’s face stiffened, but he obediently extended his neck and sweetly called, “Master!”
Leng Jiu smiled and was about to buckle the collar when the door was suddenly kicked open. A gust of wind blew in, and the two courtesans by her side were thrown aside with a bang. A flash of red appeared, and she was pressed down by none other than Long Yueli, his voice filled with gritted-teeth anger, “It’s only been a few days since we last met, and you’re already so hungry for men?”
Leng Jiu looked up at the man on top of her and suddenly smiled. She deftly fastened the collar around his neck, tugged it tight, and before Long Yueli could react, she attached the chain, holding the other end in her hand. Smiling seductively, she said, “I thought today was going to be boring, but now I really want to play.”
Long Yueli immediately sensed danger and quickly pulled her up, coaxing her gently, “Let’s not play here. Let’s go back to my mansion.”
Leng Jiu waved her hand, signaling the others to leave. She then flipped over, pinning Long Yueli down, straddling him like a queen. Her hand slid down his chest, and with a forceful tug, there was a tearing sound as his clothes ripped open. Leng Jiu didn’t stop until his chest was bare, revealing his smooth skin.
Seeing her rush in such a fierce manner, Long Yueli wasn’t angry anymore. As long as it was directed at him, he didn’t mind letting her vent a little. He smiled wickedly, looking at her with his usual devilish charm, not resisting her actions, “If Jiu’er is tired of tearing, I can do it for you.”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow and smiled wickedly, eager to see if he would still say that later. Just as she tore open the last layer of his undergarment, she noticed the scabbed-over wounds still covered in medicinal paste. Her hands hesitated, and the scene of him collapsing before her flashed through her mind. Her heart twinged painfully, even though his wounds had healed well, the memory of nearly killing him couldn’t be erased.
Seeing the unintentional flicker of pain and sadness in her eyes, and the gloom on her face, Long Yueli’s icy heart suddenly warmed. She wasn’t completely indifferent to him after all. Could this mean he finally had a small place in her heart?
“Jiu’er,” his voice was hoa.r.s.e with emotion, full of deep affection, and the sound of it pained his heart.
Leng Jiu snapped back to reality at the sound of his voice, staring blankly into his eyes. Her heart raced as she tightened her grip on the chain, yanking Long Yueli up without caring how clumsily he looked. She threw him onto the bed, fastening the chain to the headboard, then turned to grab the box, taking out the shackles to secure his feet to the intricately carved bedposts and binding his hands above his head.
Long Yueli, caught off guard and unprepared for Leng Jiu’s sudden actions, found himself restrained on the bed in a compromising position. Remembering what those items were for, his face paled. “Jiu’er! Don’t play around, okay?”
Leng Jiu shot him a disdainful glance, quickly stripping him of his clothing until he was left in only his underpants, leaving him half-naked on the bed.
She rummaged through the box and finally picked up the largest jade pillar. Long Yueli’s face turned a sickly shade. “Jiu’er! I was wrong! Please, don’t play around! You can’t use that!”
Leng Jiu looked at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Why not? I think it’ll be thrilling!”
It was anything but thrilling; it could be deadly! Long Yueli felt tears welling up in his heart. With his limbs bound and fearing Leng Jiu’s wrath, he didn’t dare use his inner strength to break free. But he couldn’t let her have her way like this. A real man knows when to yield, and sometimes feigning a little vulnerability is necessary, especially with the woman he loves. “Jiu’er! I’m still injured. Please, just stop!”
Hearing this, Leng Jiu’s gaze flickered momentarily as she really did set the pillar down, but then she picked up the whip instead. It looked soft and harmless, but the sting would still hurt if it struck. A dangerous glint flashed in her eyes as she walked step by step toward the bed, her face lit up with a bright smile, raising an eyebrow. “I almost forgot you said that!”
Although her words seemed to show some conscience, her tone and demeanor were anything but safe.
“Jiu’er!” Long Yueli watched her brandish the whip, his expression still grim, but at least it wasn’t the pillar, which gave him a little relief.
Leng Jiu climbed onto the bed, straddling him. One hand toyed with the waistband of his underpants while the other swung the whip, her voice dripping with a smile yet tinged with anger. “Do you want to die at my hands?”
Long Yueli realized Leng Jiu was genuinely angry and wisely kept quiet. Speaking up would only make things worse!
“Crack!” The whip struck down mercilessly, and a red mark immediately appeared on his chiseled chest. Then another “Crack!” followed, and Leng Jiu’s laughter grew more furious. “You want to die? I’m giving you what you want!”
“Want to die at my hands? Want me to remember you? Want me to feel guilty? Dream on!” With each crack of the whip, Long Yueli’s chest bore several new red marks, all without hitting his wounds, landing on the unblemished side instead.
“Jiu’er!” Long Yueli broke free from his restraints and pulled the somewhat out-of-control Leng Jiu into his embrace. His heart swelled with both pain and joy; she cared for him. She wasn’t indifferent, and even if her methods were somewhat shameless, given another chance, he would still do the same. When he hesitated to kill Gong Yu Wei, it wasn’t because he cared about her death’s impact on him, but because she would always remember him, and he would be hated by her for a lifetime, never able to be by her side. So, he stepped back, gambling with his own life to win a place in her heart. Even though the answer came late, it was enough for him!
Held in his arms, Leng Jiu’s emotions faded, and she stopped playing, simply resting against him and feeling his warmth and breath. At that moment, her heart finally calmed down. She wouldn’t cry, never shedding tears, but at this moment, she felt an urge to weep, perhaps already having done so, but the tears flowed inward.
Long Yueli stroked her hair, his face full of tenderness and satisfaction, his eyes filled with deep affection. He lowered his head and kissed the tips of her hair. “Jiu’er! I never wanted to make you suffer or feel guilty. I just wanted you to see my feelings for you and give me a chance. That would be fair. I don’t want to say I regret it; I don’t regret it. Even if you really killed me, I wouldn’t regret it!”
“I’ve missed you so much these past days that it felt like my heart was aching. But I didn’t dare come find you, fearing you might really hate me, that you would look at me coldly and feel no warmth towards me. In my twenty-seven years of life, I’ve never truly been afraid of anything, but I am afraid now. Even the slightest bit of indifference from you could make me feel like I’m dying!”
Long Yueli spoke with trembling voice, receiving no reply from her, only the soft murmurs of her name filled with satisfaction, love, and heartache: “Jiu’er! Jiu’er!”
After a long time, Leng Jiu finally lifted her head from his embrace and kissed the lips that had spoken such heart-stirring words, silencing him.
Long Yueli tightened his hold around her. This long-awaited kiss was something he had yearned for so long!
His large hand unconsciously slid down her body, igniting the suppressed desires within him, making it uncontrollable as he reached under her clothing, but she swiftly grasped his wrist. Long Yueli’s kisses traveled to her ear, his voice deepened by desire, irresistibly tempting. “Jiu’er! I’ve thought about this!”
Leng Jiu felt moved as well, but she didn’t want to make it easy for him. With a sudden force, she pushed him down again and retreated quickly to the edge of the bed. “Thought? Just hold on!”
She cursed him silently in her heart, angered as she turned away!
“Jiu’er!” Long Yueli watched Leng Jiu’s departing figure with immense disappointment, feeling miserable as he thought he was so close…
Leng Jiu rode back to the city, the cold wind dispersing the heated desires that Long Yueli had stirred within her. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly as she sneered, “d.a.m.n you! Even injured, you can’t stay calm!”
Finally, the gloomy feelings she had suppressed after stabbing Long Yueli had pa.s.sed. The dark mood of the past days dissipated, leaving her feeling inexplicably good! However, she didn’t linger. She rode back to the General’s residence to prepare to return to the palace.
As her horse halted at the General’s residence, Leng Jiu dismounted and was about to enter when her gaze fell on a beggar lying at the entrance. This was the residential area of high-ranking officials, and a beggar wouldn’t usually come here, let alone sleep at the entrance of a first-cla.s.s general’s residence. Leng Jiu curiously walked over and when she saw the person’s face on the ground, her eyelids twitched, and she couldn’t help but laugh!
Ignoring whether her clothes were dirty or not, she bent down and picked the person up horizontally, instructing someone to open the door to let her in! The girl was light, making it easy for Leng Jiu to carry her, as if she were holding a child!
As soon as she placed her on the soft couch inside, the girl woke up, her dirty little face sporting large eyes that blinked unblinkingly at Leng Jiu. Leng Jiu chuckled, “The proud princess has turned into a beggar; aren’t you afraid of being laughed at?”
Although the little face was dirty, her beauty still shone through. Who else could it be but Lan Xiang? Lan Xiang gazed at Leng Jiu dreamily, ignoring her teasing, and suddenly hugged her arm. “Master, I owe you my life. I’m willing to offer myself in return, to be your servant!”
Leng Jiu rolled her eyes and gave her a light slap on the head. “I don’t need a maid! Do you believe I’ll throw you out?”
Lan Xiang covered her head in pain, pouting playfully. “Sister Jiu! Aren’t you the one who captivated me?”
Leng Jiu huffed lightly, grabbing the collar of her clothes and dragging her toward the bathing room, ordering the servants to prepare water and tossing her in. “Quickly wash yourself! You’re filthy and disgusting!”
Lan Xiang felt wronged by Leng Jiu’s disdain, but she also found her dirty appearance unpleasing, so she quickly climbed in for a proper wash. After a hot bath and changing into the clothes prepared for her, she emerged, looking satisfied. “Nothing beats a hot bath!”
Leng Jiu sat at the table where a feast had been prepared. “Come and eat!”
Lan Xiang’s eyes lit up at the sight, and she rushed over, grabbing chopsticks and digging in without a care for her image. Her actions were neither wolfish nor elegant—who could imagine this was a princess of a nation?
Leng Jiu wasn’t really hungry; after eating a little, she put down her chopsticks and asked, “How did you end up like this? Have you not eaten for a few days?”
Lan Xiang took a big bite of chicken leg meat and, feeling a little fuller, replied, “I disguised myself as a maid and secretly ran away to avoid my brother. On the way, I encountered some thugs and almost fell into their hands. Luckily, I had some sleeping powder with me, so I managed to escape. Then I took a boat, but the boat capsized in the river, and I lost all my money and valuables. My face got swollen with countless red b.u.mps from hitting something. I was then saved by a beggar, so I disguised myself as a beggar to come here. I couldn’t get back into the palace, so I could only wait for you at the General’s Residence. Because it was cold and I was hungry, I curled up in a corner and fell asleep!”
Leng Jiu listened in silence, unsure whether to say the girl was lucky or bold. With such a face, she actually dared to go out alone. She had encountered so many things along the way, and surprisingly, she managed to avoid all dangers and safely came to the General’s Residence to find her.
“Your brother must be worried sick right now!”
“He wouldn’t be worried; I left a letter. He has people following me the whole way, but he probably didn’t expect I would disguise myself as a beggar, so he couldn’t find me!”
Listening to her smug tone, Leng Jiu felt even more speechless. A princess of a country was actually proud of turning into a beggar…
After dinner, Leng Jiu pulled her onto a horse and rode out. Lan Xiang was a bit curious, “Where are you taking me?”
“Where else? I’m finding you a place to stay!”
Lan Xiang knew she couldn’t go back to the palace, but the place Leng Jiu found for her would definitely be good!
The horse stopped at the entrance of a secluded courtyard in the commoners’ area. Leng Jiu saw a carriage parked at the entrance with the words “Bishui Tiantang” on it, raising an eyebrow slightly. Could it be that Mo Yina had returned?
She knocked on the door and walked in. As soon as she reached the outside of Mo Yina’s courtyard, she heard her speaking with Mo Zhai. Leng Jiu pushed the door open and immediately saw Mo Yina dressed in red, her makeup light, hair styled exquisitely, and her demeanor natural and elegant. Truly, one should treat a friend differently after three days apart!
But the next moment, all her thoughts were dismissed as Mo Yina spotted Leng Jiu and her eyes lit up. Without caring for anything else, she fluttered over like a b.u.t.terfly, exclaiming, “Sister Jiu!”
Leng Jiu didn’t dodge and allowed her to embrace her. She raised a hand and pointed at her forehead, a bit exasperated, “I was just about to praise you, and you immediately revealed your true self!”
Mo Yina smiled, clinging to Leng Jiu, “I haven’t seen Sister Jiu in a long time; I missed you so much!”
Leng Jiu’s expression softened with affection as she pulled Lan Xiang over. “This is Princess Lan Xiang from the Snow Country; just call her Lan Xiang. She’ll be living here with you from now on, so take care of her!”
Lan Xiang didn’t put on any airs as a princess and politely smiled at Mo Yina, “I’m Lan Xiang! Please take care of me from now on!”
Leng Jiu pulled Mo Yina away from her, saying to Lan Xiang, “This wild girl is the daughter of a king from a gra.s.sland tribe, so she’s also a princess. You two can keep each other company!”
Mo Yina hugged Leng Jiu’s arm and protested cutely, “What do you mean ‘also’? I’m already a princess!”
Leng Jiu flicked her nose playfully, “You better show some of that princess demeanor!”
Mo Yina immediately pouted in grievance, glancing at Lan Xiang. Embarra.s.sed, she stuck out her tongue.
Lan Xiang and Mo Yina had similar personalities, and they quickly took a liking to each other. While Leng Jiu chatted with Mo Zhai, the two of them began to talk, bonding like long-lost sisters. Seeing this, Leng Jiu felt relieved and left Lan Xiang behind as she returned to the palace.
As soon as Leng Jiu stepped into Weiyang Palace, she caught a whiff of a familiar scent. Walking into the inner hall, she indeed found Long Yueli lying on her large bed, dressed extravagantly in red, taking up the whole bed. Leng Jiu’s eyelids twitched, and she turned around indifferently to walk out.
“Jiu’er!” Long Yueli’s red sleeve swept out, pulling Leng Jiu into his embrace. His soft, boneless body immediately pressed against her, his enchanting face leaning closer to her, “Jiu’er!”
Leng Jiu shot him a glance, “If you have something to say, just say it. I’m not dead yet!”
Long Yueli chuckled, returning to his charming and unruly demeanor. He hooked Leng Jiu’s chin with one hand and leaned in gently, “Jiu’er, you’re still the most ungrateful. But the more I see you like this, the more I can’t help but adore you!”
“What you call affection is just a form of self-torment!”
Long Yueli playfully bit her chin, moving closer, and began to tease, “Jiu’er, do you miss me?”
Leng Jiu firmly grabbed his hand and kicked him out, “Get lost!”
Long Yueli dodged with his lightness skill, pressing closer again, “Jiu’er, you’re so heartless. If you hold back any longer, you’ll break!”
“I’ve survived over twenty years without it; can’t I hold out for a little while longer?”
Long Yueli’s long fingers traced her cheek, his smile seductive, “That’s because I hadn’t tasted Jiu’er’s flavor before. Now that I have, I can’t help but crave it!”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow coldly, “I’m not yours. If you don’t want to lose it, get out of here!”
“Jiu’er! How can you be so cruel?”
Ignoring him, Leng Jiu reached down and kicked out again! Long Yueli wouldn’t think she was joking, quickly leaping away to avoid the danger. Seeing Leng Jiu’s icy expression, he sighed helplessly, “Fine! I can hold it in for now!”
Leng Jiu sat up from the bed, calling, “Lu Chang, Du Heng!”
“Your servant is here!” The two entered, and upon seeing Long Yueli, they didn’t even blink.
Leng Jiu raised her hand to adjust her sleeves, saying, “From today on, I don’t want to see this person in Weiyang Palace. If he comes once, beat him once. If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility!”
“Your servant obeys!” Lu Chang was particularly subservient and absolutely compliant; Du Heng hesitated a moment, knowing Long Yueli was a prince, but seeing Lu Chang agree, he felt no psychological burden.
“Do you really want to treat this Prince like this?” Long Yueli asked with narrowed eyes.
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow and looked back at him, “Do you think I’m joking?”
Lu Chang flicked his dust brush at Long Yueli, saying, “Your Highness, please! If you’re late, don’t blame this servant for being disrespectful!”
Long Yueli shot an annoyed glare at Leng Jiu before turning to leave!
Watching him walk away, Leng Jiu turned to change her clothes. People like him wouldn’t learn their lesson without some discipline; he needed a little punishment!
That night, just before midnight, a shadow fell at Weiyang Palace. However, before he reached Leng Jiu’s bedside, Lu Chang lit a lamp and said, “Your Highness! I’m sorry!”
Then several eunuchs skilled in martial arts emerged from all directions, mercilessly confronting him! Long Yueli dodged a few times but was ultimately forced out, glaring at the inner hall with a dark expression before walking away in frustration. It wasn’t that he couldn’t defeat them or was afraid to kill, but they were her people. He knew she calculated that he wouldn’t dare to make her angry, so he was reckless. Yet, knowing this, he still couldn’t bring himself to act. It was more than just frustration; it was a sense of helplessness.
For three consecutive days, Long Yueli faced defeat time and again. No matter what he did, Leng Jiu showed no sign of relenting. Finally, New Year’s Eve arrived!
Before the palace banquet, Long Yueli came again, but this time he didn’t enter directly. Instead, he sent someone to announce his arrival, claiming to bring gifts for the Empress Dowager in his capacity as the Xuan King!
Seeing him standing at the palace gate under that pretense, Lu Chang couldn’t chase him away and could only report to Leng Jiu, “The Xuan King is still at the gate; should the Empress Dowager summon him?”
Leng Jiu raised her eyebrows slightly. She had to admit, Long Yueli was persistent: “Fine! Let him in!”
“Yes!”
It had snowed heavily today, and Long Yueli wore a purple marten fur cloak that added a regal aura to his n.o.ble appearance, yet he still looked enchanting!
“I’ve come to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager and wish her a prosperous New Year!” He didn’t even glance at Leng Jiu as he rushed in, pretending to bow and pay respects.
Leng Jiu sat at a high position with her hands around the warm stove, watching him with the urge to say, “Seeing you isn’t auspicious,” but she ultimately swallowed her words and picked up the little Karuo hidden in her clothes, placing it in her arms. “Your Highness need not be so formal! Please have a seat!”
“Thank you, Empress Dowager!”
Looking at his seemingly obedient demeanor, Leng Jiu wanted to roll her eyes. He wasn’t afraid of toothaches; she was the one who felt a headache!
“Tonight, the Emperor has prepared many fireworks at the South Gate. Will the Empress Dowager go see them?”
“Depends on the situation!”
“I brought some apricot blossom wine from my fief; I’ll send a jar for the Empress Dowager later!”
“Thank you!”
“Your outfit today looks beautiful!”
“Not ugly!”
“…”
The two chatted back and forth in a manner that seemed unfamiliar to them both, but neither broke the awkwardness. Long Yueli continued speaking, while Leng Jiu responded briefly, as if they were testing who could endure longer! The bystanders couldn’t help but feel pained, but they continued until it was time for the banquet!
Long Yueli stood up, “May this King accompany the Empress Dowager?”
Leng Jiu silently glanced at him for a moment before declining, “I still need to freshen up. You go ahead; I’ll be there shortly!”
“No rush! This King can wait; the Empress Dowager can take her time getting ready!”
Leng Jiu: “…”
It seemed Leng Jiu had firmly decided to draw a line with Long Yueli, and he wasn’t angry at all. He patiently waited for her to change clothes and groom herself before they both headed to the grand banquet hall.
The civil and military officials, along with Long Yi, were somewhat surprised to see them walking in together, their gazes a bit odd. However, seeing their distant interaction eased their thoughts, though it still felt strange in a way that they couldn’t quite articulate.
Long Yi fixed his gaze on Leng Jiu, as if trying to see through her. Sitting beside him was Hua Yuxuan, whose expression was somewhat unpleasant, and she couldn’t hide the hatred in her eyes when she saw Leng Jiu.
Leng Jiu ignored Hua Yuxuan and turned to Long Yi, her expression distant and indifferent. “Is there something wrong with my appearance that offends the Emperor?”
Long Yi didn’t respond and turned his gaze away. “Let the banquet begin!”
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A treat for the ladies! By the way, ladies, if you have time, go check the comments section; there’s my reader group and the official group created by Youyou. If you like it, feel free to join!