The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous

Volume 2 Chapter 28 - The Great General’s Perks! Deep Feelings Hurt People!

War is a mixture of joy and sorrow, a triumph tinged with grief for fallen comrades. It’s hard to say whether it’s a gain or a loss. Nevertheless, forcing the Prince of Chiyin back to the grasslands and ensuring peace for this region was undoubtedly a great achievement!

The next day, as the sun rose, it marked another bright morning!

“Hey, do you think the Great General and his wife have…?” A few soldiers gathered, finally in the mood to gossip.

“What do you mean?”

“Idiot! Of course, I mean that!”

“Oh! Hehe… Last night, I saw the General return to his tent, and the lady was inside the whole time. There’s only one bed in there—what do you think?” one of them said with an ambiguous laugh.

“You know, it’s really unexpected. The old General used to worry about the Great General’s marriage so much that his hair turned white. Now, the Great General suddenly has a beautiful wife. Maybe there’ll be a little general running around soon!”

“Exactly! It’ll be lively then. Hopefully, they’ll have ten or eight kids—a whole bunch of little generals!”

Chang Qing walked over, speechless, and kicked each of them: “Loafing around here? Do you all want a beating?”

“Hehe! Brother Chang Qing, we’re just happy for the Great General!”

Chang Qing pretended to be stern: “Enough! Get back to work. If the General catches you slacking, you’re in for it!”

“Yes, yes, we’ll go right now!” The group chuckled as they walked off, shoulders bumping.

Chang Qing shook his head speechlessly, then glanced toward the main tent. The Great General and Miss Leng’s child? Could that really happen?

The sunlight streamed into the tent, illuminating the interior. The oil lamp on the bedside table flickered before burning out. Leng Jiu turned to look at the man beside her. He was still asleep, his face peaceful and relaxed. In contrast to his usual cold demeanor, he looked equally captivating now.

If his handsome face and commanding aura could win over any woman’s heart, this current look of his might make anyone fall for him. A man like this was truly rare in the world.

Lying on her side facing him, she reached out and touched his cheek. His sword-like brows, the contours of his eyes, his straight and clean nose, and his thin lips—her delicate fingers traced over them, her eyes gradually filling with a dreamy light.

Leng Yue slowly opened his eyes to see her gazing at him with a soft and misty look. His gaze moved from her face to her lips—rosy and moist. Although he had been drunk the night before, he hadn’t forgotten their taste.

Morning was the most impulsive time. Overcome by some unknown force, Leng Yue suddenly grabbed her hand, flipped her over, and pressed her beneath him. His lips captured hers in a domineering kiss, tasting her thoroughly.

He no longer cared about concerns or identities. All he knew was that she had been tormenting him to the brink of collapse. She was his sister—or perhaps she wasn’t anymore. Her identity was a mystery he hadn’t unraveled, and he couldn’t clarify the boundaries or relationship between them. But right now, he didn’t want to figure it out.

From the moment they kissed before leaving the capital, she had thrown his world into disarray.

When he was alone, he would think of her—their first meeting, her rescue, the moments in the General’s residence, her teasing, anger, and laughter. These were things the old Leng Jinghua had never given him. She was lively and different, and he found himself increasingly drawn to her until he could never forget that kiss.

At twenty-four, most men would already have wives, concubines, and children. But he didn’t even have a bedwarmer. That didn’t mean he didn’t understand love. When his eyes started following her unconsciously, when he alternated between guarding against and indulging her, when he felt helpless yet connected to her, he knew she was different. The threads of affection had already entwined him—it was only a matter of depth.

“Mm!” Leng Yue’s kiss grew more heated and urgent. His hand moved along her body’s curves, slipping under her clothes to touch her tender skin. The rough texture of his palm brought a faint sting and itch, sending shivers through Leng Jiu.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, alternating between accepting and responding to his kisses. One hand slipped into his collar, caressing the smooth expanse of his back. Her soft moans revealed her rising emotions.

Leng Jiu wore only a thin nightdress. As they moved, it slipped halfway off, revealing skin as white as snow that glimmered in the light, mesmerizing Leng Yue. His deep gaze grew even darker.

His lips trailed down her face and neck, planting kisses along her delicate body, igniting sparks wherever they landed. He undid her belt, revealing a strong, honey-toned torso. His perfectly defined V-line and six-pack abs were tantalizing enough to make anyone pounce on him.

Leng Jiu reached out to touch him, her slender fingers exploring his body, switching between gentle and firm touches, teasing him to the point of near madness.

Leng Yue pinned her down, his cold and deep eyes now blazing with passion. He captured her lips again and pressed her softness against him, devouring her deeply.

“Ah!” Leng Jiu couldn’t suppress a moan, which acted like a catalyst for Leng Yue. Passion crashed over them like a thunderstorm, filling every corner with tenderness.

“Roar!” The peak of pleasure brought a low growl from Leng Yue, and as they reached their climax, he momentarily weakened. Supporting himself above her, beads of sweat dripped from his body onto her flushed skin, sliding down and creating a sensual scene.

Leng Jiu closed her eyes as the waves of emotion receded. After a while, she opened them to see Leng Yue looking at her intently. She met his gaze, still soft and alluring.

Leng Yue couldn’t find the words to say and simply held her tightly in his arms.

Later, Leng Yue got up to wash, ordering someone to bring hot water and clothes for Leng Jiu before heading off to check on the wounded and handle other matters. Though he kept his usual stern expression, sharp-eyed observers noticed his steps were lighter, and he even seemed distracted at times. The icy lines of his face seemed softer, prompting knowing smiles among the soldiers.

Among those cheerful and gossiping soldiers, only Chang Qing seemed distressed, his mind tangled with complicated thoughts. Had the Great General and Miss Leng really…?

Leng Jiu bathed and rested until noon. She wasn’t tired, but she enjoyed indulging in a little extra sleep after such moments to adjust her body.

When Chang Qing brought lunch, Leng Jiu was about to eat when Leng Yue returned. He silently sat beside her, eating a few bites before unexpectedly placing a piece of meat in her bowl.

Leng Jiu looked at the meat, then at his stiff expression, and couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Leng Yue froze for a moment, then awkwardly looked away and continued eating.

Leng Jiu finished her meal, wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, and watched as Leng Yue stood to leave. She grabbed his hand and playfully rubbed his palm with her fingers. “What? Am I a terrifying beast now?”

Leng Yue stood with his back to her, neither pulling his hand away nor responding.

Leng Jiu got up and hugged him from behind, inhaling his unique masculine scent with a sly smile. “Don’t tell me you’re shy. You didn’t seem shy this morning!”

Leng Yue’s body stiffened, but he placed his hand over hers, gently stroking it before turning around. His deep eyes seemed to pull her in. He cupped her cheek, stroking it softly. “I… just don’t know what to say.”

Leng Jiu leaned her head against his chest. “Desire is instinct when feelings arise. There’s nothing to say, as long as you don’t regret it. If you do, I’ll laugh myself to death.”

Leng Yue sighed and held her tightly. “You’ve given yourself to me, but have you thought about yourself? About the future? While I don’t regret it, I do think I acted impulsively.”

“Don’t start that with me!” Leng Jiu bit him playfully through his clothes. “I’ve always followed my heart and acted willingly. If you have so many reservations, just treat this morning as a dream that vanishes upon waking.”

Leng Yue tightened his grip, his voice cold and firm. “You want me to forget?”

Leng Jiu pushed his hand away slightly and looked up at him seriously. “I’m not asking you to forget, and I won’t either. But if you’re going to dwell on unnecessary worries, it’s better to forget it all. This was mutual—there’s nothing more to it.”

Leng Yue stared at her for a long moment before his rigid expression softened. He sighed, holding her close. What more could he say?

Although there was flooding in the rear, the border had to remain vigilant against the Prince of Chiyin. Fearing a sudden attack, few refugees sought shelter here, and many local residents fled in fear, leaving the area increasingly desolate.

Leng Yue took Leng Jiu out on horseback to explore the grasslands. Post-battle tasks were progressing smoothly without his intervention, and his uncles and deputies had even chased him out, urging him to spend time with Leng Jiu. They even joked about producing a little general soon.

Leng Yue held the reins with one hand and placed the other over Leng Jiu’s stomach. Imagining a little life there softened his heart. He had never considered it before, but now he suddenly longed to know—was there already a child there? Their child?

Spring had arrived long ago, and the grasslands were lush with greenery. Dotted among the grass were blooming wildflowers, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.

After riding for a while, they dismounted to walk. Leng Yue let the horse graze freely and held Leng Jiu’s hand as they strolled across the soft grass. Suddenly, he took her wrist and checked her pulse. His brows furrowed briefly before revealing surprise. “No wonder your body felt different these past two days—you’ve undergone a complete transformation!”

“What?” Leng Jiu asked in confusion.

“You didn’t know?” Leng Yue seemed skeptical. “Your meridians were once blocked, and your bones were ordinary. For a regular woman, this wouldn’t matter, but it made martial arts impossible for you. Now, your meridians have been cleared, your bones refined, and you even have internal energy circulating in your dantian, though it’s somewhat scattered.”

Leng Jiu’s thoughts turned to Jing Yu and the so-called poison he had forced her to consume. She recalled the excruciating pain and the dark blood she had expelled. Could this be the result? “A few days ago, I met someone who forced me to take poison. I suffered for two days, bleeding from my nose and mouth. I thought it was the poison taking effect. Could this be what you’re talking about?”

Leng Yue nodded, delighted. “It seems you’ve encountered a master. Your body is now perfect for martial arts. The Leng family happens to have a set of internal energy techniques for women, but since the family’s main lineage hasn’t had any daughters, and your body wasn’t suitable, it’s been shelved. Now, it’s finally useful!”

Hearing this, Leng Jiu grew excited. One of the things that had puzzled her most in this world was the mysterious concept of internal energy. She had suffered greatly because of it, so now that she could learn, she was more than willing.

With this topic to bond over, the tension between them eased. Leng Yue no longer lingered and sat down to teach Leng Jiu the basics of internal energy cultivation.

Having grown closer, their physical contact no longer felt awkward. Leng Yue was patient and thorough, while Leng Jiu, though not a genius, was diligent and determined. After several explanations, she grasped the basics and practiced circulating her internal energy.

Seeing her struggle, Leng Yue guided his own energy into her body to assist, helping her clear blockages and bringing clarity to her mind.

As night fell, Leng Yue noticed her perseverance and smiled faintly. “Internal energy requires consistent practice. You’ve just grasped the fundamentals, so don’t rush. Let’s head back for now.”

“Alright.” Leng Jiu wasn’t reckless and agreed readily. Taking his hand, she stood up. Leng Yue wrapped an arm around her waist and effortlessly carried them both onto the horse, galloping back to camp.

Leng Jiu originally planned to visit the military camp for fun, but she was drawn to practicing her internal energy, leaving her no time to care about anything else. For several consecutive days, she stayed in her tent practicing, putting everything else aside.

At this moment, Leng Jiu was focusing on a cup on the table. With one hand shaped like a claw, she seemed to be trying to grab it, but the distance was too far, making her efforts futile. Leng Yue walked in and saw her serious expression, feeling a bit speechless. Ever since she witnessed him casually retrieving a teacup through the air, she had become fixated on mastering the skill. “Retrieving objects from a distance requires internal energy and practice. You’ve just started; don’t be so greedy,” he said.

Leng Jiu withdrew her aching hand and pouted, “I just wanted to try!”

Seeing her like this, Leng Yue’s eyes softened. He walked over to massage her sore arm. “Focus on improving your internal energy first.”

Feeling a bit tired, Leng Jiu leaned entirely against him, her voice lazy. “Got it, Master Leng.”

Looking at her charmingly languid expression, Leng Yue’s hand, which was massaging her arm, unconsciously moved to her waist and abdomen. He lowered his head close to her ear and kissed her, his voice deep and hoarse. “I’ve missed you.”

Leng Jiu’s heart, which had been calm, rippled under his words. She raised her head slightly to meet his falling kiss. Passion flared uncontrollably. Leng Yue, who had been very restrained since that day, had been sleeping beside her every night but had remained well-behaved. She, too, had been too exhausted from practicing internal energy to think much of it. But after so many days, it seemed his patience had reached its limit.

Leng Jiu hooked her arms around his neck, actively responding to his kiss, allowing her desires to be ignited by him.

Leng Yue was a man cold on the outside but passionate within. Though his face usually bore a frosty expression, he was very proactive and intense in matters like these. Leng Jiu matched his passion with her body and desires. Waves of pleasure and love lifted her to the heavens. After the passion subsided, she didn’t even feel like lifting a finger.

Seeing her curled up in his arms like a lazy kitten, Leng Yue’s eyes softened, his large hand soothing her body and dissipating her lingering emotions. His thin lips pressed against her brow, filling his heart with a sense of fullness.

After Leng Jiu had lightly dozed for a while, Leng Yue spoke, “After the flood came a plague. People are in a panic everywhere. Although Long Yi has sent people to address it, this disaster is unprecedented in a hundred years. The affected areas are vast, involving over 300,000 people. It’s likely uncontrollable. With the plague rampant and summer approaching, it’s already past the planting season. There’s no grain, let alone taxes. This year will be tough.”

Leng Jiu’s gaze deepened. After a moment of silence, she suddenly asked in a calm voice, “What do you think about changing the ruler of this kingdom?”

Leng Yue was startled. “Why do you say that?”

Leng Jiu lowered her eyes slightly. “There’s no way for me and Long Yi to coexist peacefully anymore. After what he did to me, I won’t let him off easily. Why not play with the kingdom he cherishes?”

“Such a major issue can’t be taken lightly.”

Leng Jiu opened her eyes and looked at him. “If I asked you to rebel, would you dare?”

Leng Yue placed his hand over her face, speaking earnestly. “Rebellion is but a word. My father and I control half of Fengyu’s military power; no one could stop us if we wanted to act. But have you considered the consequences? The world is already suffering a great calamity, and rebellion would only add fuel to the fire. Even if we succeed, who will be emperor? With the many princes of the Long family, internal and external wars will follow. The people will suffer even more.”

Leng Jiu chuckled lightly, realizing she had underestimated his compassion for the people.

“You could be the emperor. I believe you’d be a benevolent ruler, far better than Long Yi.”

Leng Yue shook his head. “I can be a good general, but I can’t be a good emperor.”

Leng Jiu shrugged. “Then let Long Yueli take the throne, or even Hua Jinzhi!” After a moment, her eyes sparkled mischievously. “Hey, if all else fails, why don’t I become the empress?”

Leng Yue flicked her forehead gently, his tone indulgent yet helpless. “How could a woman become an emperor? The world would laugh.”

Why not? You just haven’t seen it happen, she thought to herself. However, it was just a fleeting thought. She didn’t really want to be a public empress. Being a shadowy queen of the underworld was much more fun—free to do as she pleased.

“By the way, who did he send to address the plague?”

“Chancellor Gong Yuwei.”

“Gong Yuwei?” Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Just him?”

“Of course not. But since he successfully managed the floods and plague in the east two years ago, it’s no surprise the emperor made him the chief official this time. The Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue also sent people. Additionally, the emperor dispatched over a dozen imperial physicians and a thousand imperial guards. A decree was issued across all prefectures to recruit civilian doctors. Gong Yuwei should already be in the disaster area.”

Leng Jiu lowered her eyes, saying nothing.

She missed Gong Yuwei and was worried about him, but she didn’t rush to his side. The man she loved wasn’t weak, nor did he need her intervention. She just needed to know he was safe for now.

Leng Jiu focused on practicing her internal energy. Two days later, Leng Yue finally brought her good news—she could start learning lightness skills. Leng Yue took her to the grasslands, teaching her techniques while guiding her through her first flight. It was simple, and Leng Jiu quickly grasped the basics, her excellent sense of balance ensuring no embarrassing falls from the sky.

“Whew!” Leng Jiu lay on the grass, panting heavily but smiling with satisfaction. Flying felt so wonderful, like a dream.

Leng Yue, sitting beside her with a flask of wine, took a sip and glanced at her before turning his gaze back to the grasslands. His mood was unprecedentedly light.

Leng Jiu had planned to stay longer, but news soon reached her ears: Gong Yuwei had accidentally contracted the plague two days ago.

How could Leng Yue bear to let Leng Jiu leave? Although he hadn’t asked much, he had noticed her inquiring about Gong Yuwei’s situation several times, reminiscent of her interest in Hua Jinzhi and the alluring Xuan King.

He wasn’t a jealous man, but this was the woman he loved. The thought that she might be leaving to go to another man hurt him deeply. So, when Leng Jiu announced her departure, he grabbed her hand and, for the first time, voiced the questions he had buried in his heart: “Is it because of Gong Yuwei?”

“Yes.” Leng Jiu never hid the truth. “He has contracted the plague. I must see him.”

Leng Yue’s grip tightened, his voice dropping as if weighed down by his emotions. “Are you two…that close?”

“Something like that.”

Leng Yue’s aura instantly darkened. His hand, tense with anger, unintentionally hurt Leng Jiu, but he didn’t notice. He simply sat there, shrouded in despair.

Leng Jiu frowned slightly at the pain in her hand, sighing internally. She leaned in to kiss the corner of his lips. “Do you hate me now?”

Leng Yue didn’t respond, only shifting his gaze to her, his eyes filled with anger, hurt, and bitterness.

Leng Jiu placed her hand over his eyes, blocking out the emotions she didn’t want to see. “Don’t look at me like that. I don’t like it. Whether you hate me or resent me, I’ll say this once: I’m this kind of woman. I’ll never belong to just one man. If you can’t accept that, then don’t accept me at all. But don’t expect me to change—I couldn’t even if I wanted to.”

With that, she kissed him lightly and said, “Take care.”

Leng Yue watched her leave. As the tent flap swayed and eventually stilled, he remained in the same position, saying nothing, doing nothing. His mind was blank. It wasn’t until Changqing entered and called for him that he snapped out of it. By then, the afternoon had turned to evening, and the sky was dark. He had been sitting there all day.

“She’s gone.” Leng Yue muttered before abruptly tensing. “Did she leave alone?”

Changqing hesitated before replying, “Yes, Miss Leng left by herself. She didn’t say or take anything with her. I assumed she was heading to the grasslands to practice, so I didn’t think much of it until nightfall.”

“Damn it!” Leng Yue stood up abruptly. “Why didn’t you assign someone to protect her?”

Realizing his words were misplaced, he felt a surge of regret. Anxiety gripped him like fire. “No, I must find her.”

He rushed toward the exit but stopped when his hand touched the tent flap. Gripping it tightly, he closed his eyes in pain. His voice was cold and commanding. “Send people to search the route to the disaster area. Find her and protect her from the shadows.”

“Yes!”

After Changqing left, Leng Yue released the flap and turned back toward the room. Yet everywhere he looked, her shadow lingered—her serious expression, her playful pout, her teasing smiles, all so vivid before his eyes. Retreating to the inner chamber, he threw himself onto the bed, only to be overwhelmed by her lingering scent. Every breath tightened the ache in his chest.

He could no longer bear to stay here. Grabbing his sword, he left, stopping by the warehouse to take two jars of wine before heading to the grasslands alone.

On the night plains, accompanied only by the wind and the countless stars, he stood amidst an unbroken expanse of land. Swinging his sword, he danced through the cold night breeze. Grass and flowers scattered into the air, fluttering like rain.

Exhausted from the exertion, he collapsed onto the grass and took a long swig from the wine jar. The burning liquid stung his throat and his soul. He had never thought a woman could wound him so deeply, leaving him in such a state. He should hate her for her heartlessness, despise her for her fickle affections. He should resent her for not giving him her all yet still daring to tempt him. But thinking of her now, he could neither hate nor resent her—only feel the unbearable pain, as if his heart were being torn apart.

It was a shallow fate, but deep feelings. While he couldn’t hold onto her, he had only managed to harm himself. It was his own doing; he couldn’t blame anyone else.

—

Author’s Note:

Sorry for the late update today! To make up for it, here’s a steamy chapter. As for the general’s heartbreak…well, accepting Leng Jiu comes with its trials. Keep those fragile hearts safe, ladies—don’t let them shatter!