The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous

Chapter 31: Hua Jinzhi vs. Long Yueli

The sun was setting, and twilight had fallen. A soft golden glow streamed through the window, landing on the bed, illuminating a harmonious pair nestled together in slumber. The man was handsome and otherworldly, while the woman was stunningly beautiful, like a painted masterpiece—a scene that was truly pleasing to the eye.

Gong Yuwei’s brows furrowed tightly for a moment as his eyelashes fluttered before slowly opening his eyes. His deep black pupils carried a faint haze of just waking up, but clarity returned in an instant. As he looked at the golden hue filling the room, he suddenly noticed the weight on his arm. His body stiffened instantly. His first reaction was anger—how could someone be lying beside him? And a woman at that? But then he caught a familiar scent, one that lingered in his dreams, and a touch so deeply engraved in his soul. His anger turned to disbelief, and he froze, unable to move for a long while.

Finally, he slowly turned his head and looked down at the person beside him. When he saw her serene, delicate face, a myriad of emotions swept through him—shock, doubt, disbelief—all of which eventually melted into pure joy and excitement. It was really her!

“Xiao Jiu!” A slightly hoarse call escaped his lips, almost like a long sigh, filled with complex, indescribable feelings.

He raised his hand to brush against her eyebrows and eyes, doubting whether he was dreaming. After so long apart, she appeared beside him like this. Was he surprised or delighted? He could no longer distinguish.

He watched her for a while but dared not linger. He still had many things to deal with. Carefully lifting the blanket, he was about to get up when the weight around his waist suddenly tightened, pulling him back forcefully onto the bed.

“I just slept for a bit. Stay with me!” Leng Jiu didn’t even open her eyes, wrapping her arms around his waist possessively. She hooked her leg over his to prevent him from moving.

“You’re awake?” Gong Yuwei didn’t mind being dragged back by her, looking down at her face.

“Not awake! Still sleepy!” Leng Jiu mumbled softly and burrowed closer into his embrace.

Watching her nuzzle her head into his chest like a child, Gong Yuwei couldn’t help but smile. But he hadn’t forgotten his responsibilities: “If you’re tired, sleep a bit more. I have things to handle. Once I’m done, I’ll come back to keep you company, alright?”

Leng Jiu stopped moving, her voice now clearer, tinged with a hint of inexplicable anger: “Until you collapse from exhaustion and have to be carried back?”

Gong Yuwei froze momentarily, realizing that Uncle Xiang must have told her. He sighed softly, “The disaster is severe right now, countless lives are at stake. As the Prime Minister and the Emperor’s envoy, I must do my utmost. These are extraordinary times; I cannot slack off!”

Leng Jiu suddenly let go, sitting up. Her clear eyes were now blazing with fury, devoid of any drowsiness: “So you’re willing to disregard your own health, exhausting yourself to the point of collapse, just to save others? The lives of the people matter, but does your own life not matter?”

“Xiao Jiu!” Gong Yuwei was stunned to see her angry for the first time, and he panicked slightly, quickly replying, “I’m not disregarding my health. It’s just that the situation is urgent. If I delay even for a moment, countless civilians will perish. As Prime Minister, I cannot just stand by. My life is important, but it cannot outweigh the lives of thousands.”

“Ha!” Leng Jiu sneered coldly, her expression now mocking and icy, sharper than her earlier anger. Her reaction made Gong Yuwei uneasy, this version of her slipping out of his grasp. She lowered her eyes slightly, her tone filled with contempt: “You truly see yourself as a savior, don’t you? This kingdom belongs to Long Yi. Even the Emperor isn’t this anxious, so why are you? Thousands of lives? People die every day for countless reasons. Are you, as the great Prime Minister, planning to save every single one of them? Do you think you’re so remarkable that you can save everyone? Overestimating yourself!”

“Xiao Jiu!” Gong Yuwei finally couldn’t hold back, his tone turning cold. He had his principles, and while he didn’t expect her to fully accept them, he couldn’t allow her to insult them like this: “I don’t care how you think, but you can’t force me to abandon my beliefs. I studied the art of governance, to serve the nation and its people. Seeing the populace suffer, I can’t just sit idly by. Even if it’s futile, I want to do my part. I never claimed to be great; I’m simply doing what I can!”

Looking at him, Leng Jiu’s initial anger at his neglect of his health transformed into genuine fury. Her eyes, once filled with rage, now turned icy and emotionless. Her voice carried a chill, devoid of warmth: “Since the esteemed Prime Minister cares so deeply for the people, how can I, a mere selfish villain, stop you? I am unworthy of being with someone as noble as you. Farewell!”

With that, she flung off the blanket, got dressed, and, with a light step, flew out the window using her martial arts.

“Xiao Jiu!” Seeing her turn and leave so coldly and decisively, Gong Yuwei’s heart filled with panic. He never meant to anger her. He just wanted to share his principles and thoughts.

He sent his shadow guards after her, but as he sat alone by the bed, he suddenly recalled how Xiao Jiu had leapt away so nimbly. She knew martial arts? This thought passed briefly through his mind before he pushed it aside, his focus elsewhere. He got dressed, tidied up, and opened the door.

Uncle Xiang, who was walking toward him, froze momentarily upon seeing Gong Yuwei emerge, then quickly asked, “Master! Has… Miss Xiao Jiu woken up?”

Gong Yuwei glanced at him but said nothing, striding directly toward his study. Uncle Xiang hesitated, peeking into the room, but ultimately followed Gong Yuwei, assuming Miss Xiao Jiu was resting.

Upon entering the study, Gong Yuwei frowned as he noticed the state of his desk: “Who touched my things?”

Uncle Xiang paused, then understood. Miss Xiao Jiu must not have mentioned it to him. He replied, “It was Miss Xiao Jiu. For the past two days, she’s been handling official matters here.”

“Handling matters? For two days? Have I been asleep for two days?” Gong Yuwei asked with a stern expression.

Uncle Xiang, aware of his master’s temper, hesitated before explaining, “I took the liberty of giving you extra sedatives, hoping you’d rest longer. But many urgent matters arose, and Miss Xiao Jiu, disguised as ‘Young Master Yu Wei,’ helped manage them.”

Gong Yuwei recalled seeing Xiao Jiu in what seemed like men’s clothing when she left. Though touched by her concern, he could only sigh inwardly. “Tell me everything that happened these past two days.”

Uncle Xiang, relieved that Gong Yuwei wasn’t angry, recounted the events, from Xiao Jiu reading official documents to dealing with Qiu Shiwen’s trouble, her bold night raid on officials’ residences, and how she gathered leverage against corrupt officials. He detailed everything without omitting a single moment.

By the time Uncle Xiang finished, his face filled with admiration and respect, he looked up to find Gong Yuwei’s expression cold and severe. His earlier smile faded. “Master?” he asked cautiously.

“Leave me. I need some time alone,” Gong Yuwei said, waving him away.

Uncle Xiang hesitated but left, closing the door behind him.

Alone, Gong Yuwei leaned back in his chair, his hand loosening its grip on his pen, which fell to the floor. He didn’t pick it up. Xiao Jiu had done so much for him, achieving what he couldn’t with her swift, decisive actions. She solved his most pressing problems in record time, handling everything far better than he ever could.

Thinking back to her saying she had only slept a little, that she was still tired—she must have worked all night to deal with those matters. Yet he had foolishly lectured her about his principles, even making her angry enough to leave. Overwhelmed by guilt and regret, he felt as though a flood was drowning him, suffocating him.

She had cared for him deeply, but he had failed to understand. Thinking of his own words now, they seemed to elevate himself as noble while belittling her as selfish. In truth, he was the selfish one.

A shadow guard suddenly appeared, his breathing uneven. “Master, I encountered Hua Gongzi while following Miss Xiao Jiu. I was injured by him, and Miss Xiao Jiu has vanished.”

Gong Yuwei’s eyes darkened. Hua Jinzhi was here? His chest tightened with pain—perhaps Xiao Jiu would never forgive him.

Leng Jiu was furious, her anger blazing like never before. It was the first time she had ever been so enraged for a man. Because she cared, she felt heartache; because he didn’t cherish himself, she couldn’t suppress her anger. But now, her fury was beyond control, burning uncontrollably.

Leaping through the window into her inn room, she yanked off the quilt and lay down, forcing herself to stop thinking and quell the rage. But no matter how hard she tried, it wouldn’t subside. Finally, she lashed out with a palm strike, reducing the nearby furniture to splinters.

Staring at the scattered wood pieces, the suffocating anger inside her eased slightly. She flopped back onto the bed, her body feeling slightly chilly.

“Pfft!” A sudden chuckle came from the window. Leng Jiu, who was just about to close her eyes, opened them, casting a faint glance in the direction of the sound before lowering them again. Her voice was calm and without fluctuation: “Why are you here?”

Hua Jinzhi leapt in through the window, dressed in black brocade adorned with golden clouds. His face was as dazzlingly handsome as ever, but this time, there was no arrogance or shyness—only mockery. “You care so much about him, so why couldn’t you bear it a little longer? Desperately trying to please him, only to have your warm face met with his cold indifference. Hmph!”

Leng Jiu’s anger subsided a little, but she still glared at him irritably. “It’s only been a short while, and you’ve already learned how to mock me? If you’re here to ridicule me, then get out. I don’t want to see you!”

Hua Jinzhi’s phoenix-like eyes reflected coldness and anger. His hands at his sides clenched tightly, and he almost ground out his words through gritted teeth. “Yes! I really shouldn’t have come. When something happened to you in the palace, I left a pile of military affairs behind to look for you, even going to the summer palace disguised as an assassin. When I found out that wasn’t you, I was terrified Dragon Yi had harmed you. I spent half a month in the palace, unable to sleep well. And you? You sent people to inform Gong Yuwei and Long Yueli of your whereabouts but completely left me out!”

“Even knowing you have no heart, I was still worried about you. I rushed to the barracks to find you, only to discover you’d gone to Xueguo. And when I followed you to Xueguo, you were here helping him. Now, you’re so furious over him that you’re neglecting your own health. Have you ever thought about me? You care about Long Yueli, care about Gong Yuwei, and even Cold Yue and Lan Ze get your concern. But what about me? Since you came to the barracks last year, it’s been almost six months now. Have you even thought about me?”

“No! Maybe you never have. You always have people around you, and your heart has never been with me. Ha, I’m just a fool, waiting every day in the barracks for news of you, hoping you’ll remember me and write me a letter. Now I realize how ridiculous it is!”

After speaking, he tightly clasped his hands, suppressing his anger and longing. He gave her a cold glance, then turned to leave.

Leng Jiu leapt forward, landing in front of him. She hugged his waist tightly and buried her head in his chest. Hua Jinzhi’s body stiffened, but his anger hadn’t subsided. He tried to push her away with a cold voice. “Let go!”

“I won’t!” Leng Jiu held him even tighter, muttering petulantly.

Hua Jinzhi’s heart softened slightly, but when he thought of the past few months, he quickly calmed himself, even turning cold. “I don’t want your insincere affection, nor do I want to be toyed with anymore. Go coax someone else. Don’t bother me again!”

Leng Jiu fell silent at his words, hugging him without saying anything.

Hua Jinzhi regretted his words almost immediately. Seeing her silent and still, it seemed like the strength of her embrace was loosening, as if she was really going to let go. His heart instantly felt empty and panicked. If she really let go… No, the thought alone made his heart feel like it was being torn apart. She couldn’t let go. If she didn’t want him anymore, he wouldn’t survive! His hanging hands twitched, wanting to hold her and admit he was only speaking out of anger. But he hesitated, only wanting to know if she cared about him and would truly let go.

Just as Hua Jinzhi was caught in inner turmoil, Leng Jiu slowly tightened her embrace. Her head, resting on his shoulder, lifted slightly, and a gentle kiss landed on his cheek. “I’ve let you go many times already, but you keep giving yourself back to me. You no longer have the right to ask me to let go. You’re mine. Unless I don’t want you anymore, you’ll always be my man.”

You’re mine. Unless I don’t want you anymore, you’ll always be my man! Her domineering words made Hua Jinzhi’s heart blossom with joy. He forgot his anger, jealousy, and grievances. He was only filled with happiness. Yet he was still a little angry. That uncontrollable smile tugging at his lips was forcibly suppressed. “You’re just good at sweet-talking!”

Leng Jiu raised her head to meet his gaze, immediately seeing through his facade. Standing on her tiptoes, she gave him a playful bite on his lips and said exasperatedly, “I’ve never been good at coaxing people, but for you, this little rascal, I’ve used up all my coaxing skills!”

Hua Jinzhi was smug at her words. “Who told you to always make me angry?”

Then, he brought up old grievances. “Hmph! You didn’t think about me for half a year, and now you’re coaxing me. What do you take me for?”

This time, Leng Jiu didn’t dodge the question. She looked at him seriously. “I apologize for not contacting you these past six months. It wasn’t because I ignored you, but because I’ve never done such a thing before and didn’t know how to handle matters of affection. This time, when Dragon Yi set me up, I didn’t inform you, which made you worry. I won’t say sorry, but I will say that I’m very happy—truly happy. I used to not care about any man because I never opened my heart to anyone. Liking was out of the question, let alone love. But now that I’ve let you into my heart, everything is different.”

She cupped his face with her hands. “I’m a greedy person. When I give someone a little love, I hope they’ll return it ten or a hundredfold. I don’t allow people to owe me. Hearing you say you care, seeing your anxiety, it makes me very happy.”

Hua Jinzhi couldn’t hold back anymore. He embraced her tightly, burying his head in her shoulder and breathing in her scent. All his thoughts vanished, leaving only profound emotion. She hadn’t promised him how much love she could give, but at least he was in her heart, and she hoped for his love. For him, that was already enough.

Leng Jiu hooked her arms around his neck, her lips curving into a smile. When it came to matters of the heart, she disdained deception. If she liked someone, she liked them; if not, she didn’t. She had sincerely accepted this proud young man and didn’t mind expressing her feelings to him.

Running her fingers through his hair, she gently pushed his head back. Their eyes met—one cold yet soft, the other burning and excited. Leng Jiu smiled faintly, pulled his neck down, and kissed him. Her lips were cool, while his were searingly hot. When they touched, their bodies trembled, and the kiss deepened instantly.

Leng Jiu tightened her hold around his neck. It had been a while since she’d felt his body or tasted his presence. Now that they were so close, her entire being trembled, her every cell crying out. She bit his lip, slid her hand into his robes, and whispered seductively, “Jinzhi, I want you.”

Hua Jinzhi’s body shook. The spark in his heart was instantly fanned into an uncontrollable blaze. He pulled her closer, his kisses turning passionate and consuming. His scorching hands roamed over her body with a fervor that spoke of his longing, as if only by possessing her entirely could he ease the yearning of the past six months.

“Bang!” The door was suddenly kicked open. Long Yueli, dressed in flamboyant red, looked at the two of them. His seductive fox-like eyes narrowed, flashing with a dangerous glint. His voice carried a smile, yet it was as cold as ice. “It seems this Prince has come at an inopportune moment, doesn’t it?”

Hua Jinzhi froze mid-action, suppressing the nearly explosive desire within him as he raised his head to look at Long Yueli. As the saying goes, enemies are especially hostile when they meet. The two could be considered arch-rivals, and meeting under such circumstances—one unsatisfied, the other brimming with jealousy—immediately heightened the tension.

Leng Jiu, kissed breathless by Hua Jinzhi, her desires already ignited, was surprised to hear Long Yueli’s voice. However, she did not immediately push Hua Jinzhi away. Her arms still looped around his neck, her eyes hazy with desire but gradually clearing. She turned her head to look at Long Yueli. “Why are you here too?”

Hua Jinzhi was secretly pleased by her reaction. She hadn’t pushed him away because of another man, which meant she truly cared for him and wouldn’t coldly disregard him for someone else.

“Is it possible this Prince isn’t allowed to come?” Long Yueli’s gaze fell on Leng Jiu’s face. Her lips, red and fiery, showed clear signs of having been passionately kissed. Her alluring, enchanting expression revealed her aroused state. He could imagine what would have happened next if he hadn’t appeared. Although he knew he wasn’t her only man, witnessing such a scene still caused a stabbing pain in his chest.

If it were anyone else seeing this, they might either charge in anger or leave in a fury. Long Yueli did neither. His lips curved into a wicked smile as he lazily stepped inside. “this Prince has rushed here tirelessly. Shouldn’t Jiu’er reward me with some tender affection to ease my weariness?”

Leng Jiu’s eyelid twitched. Somehow, his words were even more cringe-worthy than Hua Jinzhi’s earlier ones. Long Yueli took a few more steps before suddenly moving closer. Hua Jinzhi immediately retreated with Leng Jiu in his arms, leaving Long Yueli standing where they had just been. With a wave of his red robe, his eyes narrowed. “Jiu’er, do you dislike this Prince so much?”

Hua Jinzhi bent down to steal a kiss from Leng Jiu’s lips before glancing at Long Yueli with a slanted gaze, his phoenix eyes full of provocation.

Long Yueli’s eyes darkened further, though the smile on his lips remained unchanged. However, his body moved swiftly, launching an attack with both palms that carried intense killing intent toward Hua Jinzhi! Hua Jinzhi, unafraid, pulled Leng Jiu behind him and raised his hand to counter the attack. A red and a black figure clashed instantly within the room, their fight unfolding at incredible speed.

Although their fight did not cause destructive damage, the swiftness of their movements made it difficult to distinguish between them. The two men engaged in a fierce battle in that confined space.

Leng Jiu, whose current skills couldn’t stop them, didn’t try to intervene. She had a feeling they were bound to have this fight sooner or later. So instead of persuading them, she found an empty spot to watch. At this moment, she realized Hua Jinzhi’s martial skills could actually match Long Yueli’s. They had exchanged nearly a hundred moves, yet neither could gain the upper hand, their fight evenly matched.

As the battle continued, both men grew more vicious in their strikes. Long Yueli, not daring to let his guard down, fought just as fiercely. Though they both wished to kill each other, they were well aware that they couldn’t afford to. Killing the other would make Leng Jiu hate them for life. Thus, though their strikes were fierce, they weren’t aiming to take lives. However, even if they couldn’t kill, they were determined to make the other pay, peeling off a layer of skin to vent their anger.

After a full half-hour of fighting, Leng Jiu, whose eyes had grown tired, squinted as if about to fall asleep. Both men, aware that they were equally matched, sought a way to conclude the fight, yet neither wanted to be the first to stop. So, they continued their struggle.

Suddenly, Hua Jinzhi clutched his hand and rapidly retreated, his body freezing in place. His eyes widened as he glared at Long Yueli. “You actually used poison?”

Long Yueli brushed off his sleeves, revealing a slender needle in his hand. In an instant, he crushed it into powder with his inner energy, smiling innocently. “Do you have any proof?”

“Shameless!” Hua Jinzhi gritted his teeth.

Long Yueli swept his sleeve to pull Leng Jiu into his embrace, ignoring her disdainful look. He lowered his head to peck her lips lightly, then, as if suddenly finding it distasteful, took out a handkerchief to wipe her lips before kissing her deeply and passionately.

“Bastard!” Hua Jinzhi’s eyes turned bloodshot. If his body weren’t immobilized, he would have killed Long Yueli on the spot!

Satisfied with the results, Long Yueli finally released Leng Jiu, throwing Hua Jinzhi a mocking glance. Then, very pleased with himself, he carried Leng Jiu in his arms and walked out!

“Damn it! Just wait!” Hua Jinzhi, still frozen in place, took a deep breath to suppress his churning anger. Finally, he shouted, “Get in here, now!”

A voice came through via transmitted energy. “Master! Forgive my incompetence. I, too, was struck by the prince’s needle and cannot move!”

Hearing this, Hua Jinzhi almost coughed up blood.

As Long Yueli carried Leng Jiu out of the inn, she noticed the immobilized men who resembled statues. They were likely Hua Jinzhi’s subordinates, all subdued by Long Yueli upon his arrival. Now Hua Jinzhi couldn’t move, and his men were incapacitated. They were utterly helpless. This time, it was clear Hua Jinzhi had been outmaneuvered by Long Yueli.

Leng Jiu found the situation both amusing and exasperating. Though the two were evenly matched in martial arts, Long Yueli’s age and experience gave him a scheming edge, leaving Hua Jinzhi at a natural disadvantage.

Long Yueli leaned down to nibble her chin, smiling wickedly. “What? Feeling sorry for him?”

Leng Jiu chuckled. “Why would I feel sorry? He wasn’t as capable. Why pity him? But you—I’ve just realized how conniving and underhanded you can be!”

Long Yueli raised an eyebrow. “Is that a compliment?”

Leng Jiu pinched his alluring face. “Thick-skinned!”

Long Yueli let her pinch him, his initial anger and desire to kill having subsided significantly. Holding the woman he had long yearned for in his arms quelled even his greatest fury. Moreover, she wasn’t angry with him for attacking Hua Jinzhi. Though she was somewhat heartless, this reassured him.

Heartless? Long Yueli sneered inwardly. He had never expected to seek mere “balance” in a relationship. Yet here he was, no longer demanding exclusive possession but instead settling for fairness. But what could he do? He had fallen for such a heartless woman. As for those persistent love rivals—unable to kill or deter them, he could only direct his frustrations at the woman in his arms, who seemed to attract suitors wherever she went. Hmm, this time, she needed proper punishment!

Leaving the inn, Long Yueli mounted a robust steed, galloping southward without rest. The vivid red of his robes faded into the distance as he disappeared out of Sangcheng.

“I can’t wait any longer!” Long Yueli’s eyes deepened instantly, his voice hoarse. He lowered his head to capture her lips, using his inner strength to shatter his own clothes as well. The two of them tumbled into the large bath, the water overflowing due to their entry. The temperature was just right—not too hot nor too cold—but even the warm water couldn’t mask the heat emanating from Long Yueli’s body. Their closeness made her nerves tremble.

With a wave of Long Yueli’s hand, countless flower petals fell from above, enveloping the room in a hazy romance.

Perhaps it was the long separation or being provoked by Hua Jin, but this time he was especially intense. Every kiss was deep, as if he wanted to devour Leng Jiu entirely. His large hands caressed her delicate body with such fervor that it seemed he wanted to crush her. His wildness left her no chance to catch her breath; she could only endure passively, sinking into his passion along with him.

He left his marks densely across her body, followed by another round of fervent affection. From the carpet to the table, and finally collapsing onto the the bed, their path was littered with traces of their love.

Leng Jiu couldn’t tell if she had fallen asleep from exhaustion or passed out from his actions. All she knew was that when she lost consciousness, she caught a glimpse of the window—it was already daylight.

Long Yueli finally released her only after confirming she had no strength left. He looked around the room at the traces of their intimacy and at the marks he had left on her body, smiling with satisfaction. He had never been so unrestrained, nor had he indulged her like this in a long time. He knew she would be angry when she woke up, but he couldn’t help himself. Only at times like these could he feel she belonged entirely to him—solely to him.

With a wave of his hand, he put on a set of clothes and wrapped her in a blanket before calling servants inside. A dozen people entered with their heads lowered, promptly cleaning up the chaotic scene and removing the bath. Soon, a smaller tub filled with medicinal water was brought in, filling the room with a fragrant herbal aroma.

Once everyone left, Long Yueli carried Leng Jiu to the tub, gently placing her inside. Supporting her with one hand, he used his inner strength to massage her. Suddenly, his gaze sharpened. Taking her wrist, he checked her pulse and was slightly surprised. “Your meridians are already unblocked, and you’ve learned inner strength?”

What had she experienced over the past two months? Long Yueli wasn’t particularly pleased about her meridians being unblocked. He had previously examined her condition: without an extraordinary medicinal remedy and significant inner strength assistance, it would have been impossible for someone over twenty, whose body had already stabilized, to unblock their meridians and learn inner strength. While some martial arts experts could forcibly open their meridians, they would lose all their skills or even die in the process—something no one would willingly endure. And achieving it through medicinal means? Few could concoct such a remedy.

For some reason, he suddenly thought of Jin Yu, his constant adversary, and his eyelid twitched. He hoped it wasn’t him.

Jin Yu was notorious for his indifference, unlikely to exert himself to unblock a woman’s meridians. If it were someone else, Long Yueli could be certain. However… Looking down at the sleeping woman, even now, with her eyes closed in slumber, her face exuded an irresistible charm. Her naturally seductive demeanor lingered, making it difficult for any man to resist. If it were her, Long Yueli couldn’t be so sure.

With a long sigh, he caressed her face, almost pleading, “Could you stop attracting admirers? I’m on the verge of breaking down as it is. If you entice any more people, I don’t know what I might do!”

Her response was the sound of her steady breathing. With a complex expression, Long Yueli held her in his arms and closed his eyes in silence.

When Leng Jiu woke up, it was already dark outside. Despite the previous night’s wildness, her body didn’t feel too uncomfortable or fatigued; she was simply a bit hungry. The faint herbal scent on her body indicated Long Yueli had done something for her. The spot beside her was empty—he was nowhere to be found.

Looking around the room, she didn’t get up. Her gaze lingered on the table and carpet, recalling the night’s madness. She couldn’t help but sigh. Not only had she outmaneuvered her rival, but she’d also been tormented by her jealous, possessive lover. There was nothing she could do but accept her fate.

As she sighed in thought, the door creaked open. Long Yueli entered, dressed in his usual flamboyant crimson robe. When his eyes fell on her, his lips curled into a foxlike grin. Walking to her side, he sat on the bed, gently caressing her face with a doting smile. “My little lazy pig is finally awake!”

Leng Jiu, too tired to argue with him, bit his hand and mumbled, “I’m hungry.”

Hearing this, Long Yueli chuckled softly. With a wave of his hand, a set of clothes flew toward him. Unashamed, he held up a thin undergarment and teased, “Shall I help you dress?”

Leng Jiu wasn’t one to blush easily. After all, they’d done far more intimate things. What was there to be embarrassed about when it came to getting dressed? Throwing off the blanket, she got up and retorted, “Hurry up and serve me!”

With a smile, Long Yueli dressed her, unfazed by the notion of a prince acting like a servant. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it. Naturally, he took the opportunity to cop a feel here and there. Though not as intense as the previous night, his playful teasing carried a unique charm.

Only after thoroughly taking advantage of her did he finish helping her dress. Leng Jiu shot him a glare. “Do you want me to starve?”

Long Yueli wrapped an arm around her waist, utterly content. In a coaxing tone, he said, “Everything’s ready. Let me personally serve you dinner as compensation.”

Leng Jiu smirked and playfully bit his handsome face. “You shameless scoundrel!”

“Haha!” Long Yueli laughed cheerfully, unbothered by whether or not her playful bite left a mark. He caught her for a kiss. “Let’s go!”

The courtyard wasn’t large, but it was intricately designed, complete with a garden, pavilion, pond, and waterside pavilion. Despite its modest size, the decorations were exceptionally exquisite. Though not overly lavish, every item was of unparalleled value—luxury in its most understated form.

True to his word, Long Yueli personally served Leng Jiu dinner, filling her bowl with rice, dishes, and soup. If she hadn’t objected, he would’ve fed her himself. It almost felt as though he was making amends for the previous night’s escapade.

It was nighttime now, with no stars or moon visible in the dark sky. After dinner, Leng Jiu didn’t feel like sleeping—she couldn’t fall asleep at all. Long Yueli had a large, soft couch moved to the waterside pavilion. It was summer, and the pond was lush with green lotus leaves, a few pink flowers blooming among them.

Lounging on the soft couch, Long Yueli leaned back while Leng Jiu lay against him lazily. They held each other openly, unconcerned about propriety or prying eyes. There were no rules, no societal constraints—just the two of them at ease.

Resting her chin on his chest, Leng Jiu asked, “I heard you injured Long Yi. Why did he let you off so easily?”

Long Yueli absentmindedly caressed her neck and earlobe. “What could he do to me? My fief provides a third of Fengyu’s grain and wealth, and my military strength is formidable. He and that old emperor are constantly scheming to reclaim my territory. They’ve never stopped testing me, though it hasn’t come to open conflict. I have no interest in the throne, so I’ve avoided outright confrontation. He knows my strength and wouldn’t dare provoke me, fearing I’d truly rebel and topple him from his throne. Although I stabbed him that day, I obtained leverage against the Empress Dowager. He wouldn’t dare gamble with me, so he had no choice but to let it go.”

Leng Jiu smirked mockingly but said nothing more. Long Yi’s obsession with the throne was unsurprising, though his lack of power rendered him helpless against Long Yueli. She could imagine the tangled political web but found nothing novel about it.

“Why don’t you want to be emperor?” she asked suddenly.

Long Yueli raised an eyebrow. “Do you want me to be emperor?”

“I don’t like being controlled. This time, Long Yi crossed my line. I’ll make sure he regrets it,” Leng Jiu said, her gaze darkening.

Long Yueli gently touched her face, his expression serious. “Do whatever you want. I’ll back you up.”

Her heart stirred slightly at his words. Staring at him for a moment, she suddenly leaned forward, kissing him deeply.

—

Author’s Note: Finally reached 10,000 words! Ahhh! Today’s content is full of love! Happy New Year, ladies!