The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous

Chapter 33: The Empress Dowager Returns

With Long Yue Li personally escorting her, the journey was naturally uneventful. However, what was supposed to be a five-day journey dragged on for a full eight days, leaving Leng Jiu speechless. As for what caused the delay, anyone could guess.

Having replaced the entire entourage with his own people, Long Yue Li naturally had no reason to ride a horse. He let someone take his place and slipped into the carriage to spend time with Leng Jiu. The thick curtains of the carriage ensured both privacy and soundproofing.

Feeling something stroking her waist as she dozed, Leng Jiu didn’t need to open her eyes to know it was Long Yue Li’s hand. She grabbed it with a hint of helplessness. “Haven’t you had enough these past few days?”

Long Yue Li pulled her into his arms, feigning sadness. “We’re about to reach the palace. How could I not cherish this time?”

Leng Jiu glanced at him in exasperation before closing her eyes again. “The palace can’t stop you, can it?”

Long Yue Li chuckled and raised an eyebrow. “True.”

His slender fingers brushed against her chin as he softly said, “We’ll soon arrive at the national temple. I hear that my imperial nephew has brought the civil and military officials to join the Empress Dowager in offering prayers. They’ve been waiting there since early morning.”

Raising her eyebrows, Leng Jiu smiled coldly. “It’s been months since I’ve seen him. I wonder how His Majesty has been?”

“He’s doing well,” Long Yue Li replied with a smile before his tone turned mischievous. “But I fear he won’t be for long.”

Leng Jiu looked at Long Yue Li and suddenly asked, “If I were to destroy the Long family’s empire, would you feel heartbroken?”

Long Yue Li leaned down to bite her lips lightly, his tone wild and indulgent. “Even if the emperor is gone, I’ll still be the Prince Xuan. Besides, the empire belongs to the Long family, not me. If you’re no longer the Empress Dowager, why not consider becoming my consort instead?”

Leng Jiu burst into laughter. “I’m afraid you can’t afford me. I’m very extravagant. I might squander all your wealth and ruin your reputation as a prince.”

Long Yue Li laughed indifferently, his voice earnest yet alluring. “If I can give up everything to bring you joy for a lifetime, why not?”

Leng Jiu was slightly taken aback before smiling faintly. “Long Yue Li, I’ll remember those words.”

Leaning closer, Long Yue Li raised an eyebrow mischievously. “I hope you remember more, like this…” His fiery lips descended, and crimson robes spread out, veiling the sensual and intimate atmosphere within.

Shortly after noon, the entourage finally arrived at Fengyu Kingdom’s national temple—Fengcheng Temple. Hundreds of monks stood on either side, with Emperor Long Yi and an elderly abbot dressed in golden robes at the forefront, surrounded by neatly dressed civil and military officials.

Long Yi’s gaze fell on Long Yue Li, who was dressed in crimson robes and looked elated atop his horse. Narrowing his eyes, Long Yi spoke in an emotionless tone. “Prince Xuan, you’ve had a long journey.”

“You’re too kind, Your Majesty. It’s my duty,” Long Yue Li replied with a bold smile. With a glance at Long Yi, he dismounted and approached the carriage. “Empress Dowager, we’ve arrived!”

Two palace maids stepped forward to lift the curtain. Inside, Leng Jiu was seated gracefully in golden and white phoenix robes, her hair styled intricately and adorned with a nine-phoenix hairpin. Light makeup enhanced her natural beauty, making her look breathtakingly stunning. Even from afar, Long Yi’s eyes flashed with amazement and longing. She remained as mesmerizing as ever.

Long Yue Li’s gaze lingered on Leng Jiu, tinged with jealousy. He resented others seeing her like this. Even though she exuded a majestic aura that couldn’t be defiled, her beauty was such that no one could remain indifferent after seeing her. The thought of the admirers she might attract made him want to hide her away from the world.

“The Empress Dowager has arrived!”

At the herald’s announcement, Long Yue Li extended a hand into the carriage, holding a crimson handkerchief embroidered with a pink peach blossom. Leng Jiu twitched her eye slightly but placed her hand on the handkerchief, allowing him to help her down.

A long red carpet stretched from the carriage to the temple steps. Supporting herself on Long Yue Li’s arm, Leng Jiu slowly approached the waiting crowd, her gaze fixed on Long Yi, a faint smile curling her lips.

“Welcome, Empress Dowager! May you live a thousand years!” The officials and guards knelt in unison, their voices resonating loudly.

“Amitabha,” the abbot intoned, pressing his hands together in greeting.

Ignoring them, Leng Jiu’s eyes remained on Long Yi as she smiled radiantly. “Your Majesty, I trust you’ve been well?”

Long Yi’s gaze fell on the hand Leng Jiu held with Long Yue Li, the handkerchief between them doing little to quell his irritation. They appeared like a perfect pair, their stunning appearances dazzling and inseparable. He wished he could rip them apart but restrained himself.

“Has the Empress Dowager recovered from her illness?” Long Yi asked, his gaze intent.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I’m quite well,” Leng Jiu replied with a faint smile, her gaze sweeping over the kneeling officials before raising a hand. “Rise, all of you.”

“Empress Dowager!”

“Amitabha!” The old abbot smiled kindly at Leng Jiu. “The Empress Dowager is concerned for the welfare of all under heaven, truly a role model as the mother of the nation. The journey must have been exhausting; why not rest in the courtyard for a while before proceeding with the rituals?”

“Thank you for your kind offer, Abbot, but I came specifically to pray. There is no need to rest; let us begin now!”

The old abbot bowed again. “With such sincerity, the Empress Dowager will surely move the heavens to bestow blessings upon the Fengyu dynasty!”

Whether blessings would come, she wasn’t sure, but this time, she had definitely returned to eliminate calamities! Leng Jiu sneered internally but maintained a gentle and composed expression. “I trouble the Abbot to take the lead!”

“Please, Empress Dowager!”

Leng Jiu withdrew her hand from Long Yue’s, folded her hands in front of her abdomen, and followed the abbot up the high stone steps. The national temple had a total of 99 steps, each measuring 13 inches wide and 9 feet long, leading directly to the grand Mahavira Hall. Inside, over a hundred golden statues of bodhisattvas were enshrined, with the central figure being the Buddha.

Walking ahead, Leng Jiu was joined by Long Yi, who kept pace with her. Following them were Prince De, Prince Xiao, and other officials. Long Yue also stepped forward, and the group ascended the steps in a grand procession.

“Dong!” The great bell in the eastern tower rang, and wisps of incense smoke curled into the air.

At the entrance of the Mahavira Hall stood a bronze cauldron three meters wide. Several monks were already waiting with incense. Two young monks carried wooden basins of water over. “Please, Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, cleanse your hands.”

Leng Jiu raised her hands and casually washed them before using the white cloth handed to her to dry them.

The two monks presented the lit incense sticks to Leng Jiu and Long Yi, apparently for them to offer together. Leng Jiu suddenly felt like this resembled the ceremonial bow of a marriage, so she paused and turned to Long Yi with a smile. “Your Majesty is the ruler of the nation; naturally, the Buddha should first witness your devotion. I shall follow afterward!” She then stepped back.

Long Yi glanced at her, said nothing, and took the incense to bow three times before passing it to a monk to place in the burner.

Once his incense was set, Leng Jiu stepped forward, took the other incense stick, and bowed three times before handing it to a monk as well. Watching from the side, Long Yue smirked. Knowing Leng Jiu as well as he did, how could he not understand her intent? Though offering incense together was symbolic, her subtle defiance brought him a strange sense of amusement.

After the Emperor and Empress Dowager had offered their incense, Prince De and Prince Xiao followed in proper order. Long Yue nonchalantly bowed a few times before using his inner strength to shoot the incense into the burner, leaving some onlookers discontent but silent.

The officials in the back also offered their incense, while Long Yi and Leng Jiu entered the hall. They performed all the rituals: offering incense, drawing lots, praying, and more—a full series of formalities. Leng Jiu followed the old abbot through it all with calm composure, meticulously performing each act without a hint of impatience. Her seriousness even earned the old abbot’s increased respect.

Hearing that the Empress Dowager planned to fast and purify herself, the temple had long prepared a courtyard and all necessary arrangements. Just as the old abbot was about to speak, Leng Jiu spoke first. “The southwest is currently suffering from a rare flood disaster and rampant plague. I intend to fast for 100 days. However, I fear my efforts alone may not move the heavens. Upon returning to the palace, I will have all the concubines fast for 100 days as well to pray for the afflicted common people. What does Your Majesty think?”

“The Empress Dowager’s heartfelt concern for the suffering people earns my full support. Upon returning to the palace, I will issue an edict. Not only the concubines but also the civil and military officials will fast together to pray for the nation. The Empress Dowager and I shall set an example to move the heavens.”

The old abbot declared, “Amitabha! The Emperor and Empress Dowager’s deep compassion for the people is a blessing for the Fengyu dynasty. May heaven protect Fengyu!”

Leng Jiu turned and said, “Return to the palace!”

Leng Jiu returned to her phoenix carriage, with Long Yi’s imperial carriage traveling alongside. The civil and military officials followed behind in a grand procession. Long Yue excused himself using secret voice transmission and disappeared on horseback, having been sufficiently irritated by the day’s formalities. He had no intention of joining the palace bustle.

The phoenix carriage stopped at Weiyang Palace, where Lu Chang and the palace staff had been waiting. Upon seeing Leng Jiu alight, they knelt in unison. “Welcome back, Empress Dowager!”

Leng Jiu scanned the crowd—Lu Chang, Du Heng, Zi Yu, Xiang Ming, and Qing Ling—all present. She smiled faintly and raised her hand. “Rise.”

“Thank you, Empress Dowager!”

Lu Chang stood and grinned at Leng Jiu. “This servant knew the Empress Dowager would surely turn misfortune into fortune and return safely!”

Leng Jiu chuckled. “Enough! I don’t want to hear flattery the moment I return. Prepare clear water and vegetarian meals. I’ll eat after a bath—I’m famished after today’s ordeal!”

Zi Yu smiled. “Rest assured, Empress Dowager. Lu Gonggong instructed us to prepare everything upon hearing of your return. You may bathe now and wash away the fatigue of the day!”

Leng Jiu nodded and walked in. Weiyang Palace remained unchanged. After taking a good bath to wash away her exhaustion, she changed into simple clothes and emerged.

“Squeak, squeak!” Kano jumped out from a corner, scrambled up to her shoulder in a few bounds, and affectionately curled its tail around her neck, snuggling against her cheek to show how much it missed her. Leng Jiu smiled, tapped its head gently, and said, “I know you missed me. Good boy!”

“Squeak, squeak!” Kano sniffed her fingers and stuck out its tiny pink tongue to lick them. It was irresistibly adorable.

Leng Jiu stroked it before sitting at the table. The spread was entirely vegetarian, but the dishes were beautifully prepared, albeit slightly milder than usual.

“Squeak, squeak!” Kano eyed the lack of its favorite meat and expressed its dissatisfaction.

Leng Jiu caught it, took a plate of pine nuts from Qing Ling, and handed it to Kano. “I can’t eat meat either. Consider it keeping me company for now. Once the 100-day fast is over, I’ll treat you to the best roasted venison. How about that?”

“Squeak, squeak!” Kano let out a couple of squeaks, its bright black eyes darting around before reluctantly picking up a pine nut to munch on. It seemed to agree begrudgingly.

Zi Yu laughed at the sight. “While the Empress Dowager was away, Kano missed you dearly. Sometimes it would hop onto the windowsill and stay there, refusing to play, as if it were waiting for your return!”

Leng Jiu heard this and poked Kano’s chubby backside. “At least you have some conscience!”

After eating a few bites of cold dishes, she set down her chopsticks, picked up her teacup, and sipped slowly. After a pause, she asked Lu Chang, “Tell me what has happened during this time.”

Lu Chang dismissed the extra palace attendants, leaving Du Heng and Qing Ling to guard the door while Zi Yu and Xiang Ming tidied the table together.

“Replying to the Empress Dowager! That day, you had been inside for a long time, and Eunuch Qu kept blocking me from entering. As more time passed, I began to feel something was wrong. However, since it was the Emperor’s bedchamber, I dared not force my way in. I quietly retreated and ordered hidden subordinates to investigate from another entrance. Unexpectedly, news came that you had suddenly fainted. By the time I hurried over with others, you had already been sent out of the palace by the Emperor. Soon after, the Imperial Guards surrounded Weiyang Palace, and I was confined there. I realized then that something significant had happened.

“I sent out secret messages, only to discover that the Empress Dowager in the palace was an imposter and that your whereabouts were unknown. I couldn’t understand what the Emperor intended until news broke that he was planning to take a consort. I remembered that day Eunuch Qu had lured you to Chang Le Palace under the same pretense. So, I sent people to the Xia family in Yishui City, but it was too late. You had already been rescued. The Emperor failed to capture you and flew into a rage upon his return, ordering the execution of everyone in Weiyang Palace. Fortunately, Prime Minister Gong arrived in time and persuaded him to stop. That’s how I survived.”

Leng Jiu’s expression shifted slightly when she heard the name Gong Yuwei. Regaining her composure, she asked, “I hear three new consorts have entered the harem?”

“Indeed. The Emperor simultaneously married the daughters of two regional officials. One was titled Yuan Consort and the other Xue Consort. Originally, Miss Xia was also to become Shu Consort, but it was said she was unwell and couldn’t enter the palace. However, on the very day Yuan Consort and Xue Consort entered the palace, Miss Xia inexplicably appeared on the Emperor’s dragon bed. The Emperor was drunk that day and mistakenly consummated the marriage with her. When he sobered up, he became furious and even struck her. Yet, he later issued an imperial decree to title her Xia Consort, though he hasn’t favored her since.”

As Leng Jiu absentmindedly turned her teacup lid, her eyes narrowed slightly. “What does this Xia Ke look like?”

“I’ve been confined to Weiyang Palace and haven’t seen her, but my subordinates reported she is even more beautiful than Yuan Consort and Xue Consort. Most notably, her brows and eyes seem to bear some resemblance to the Empress Dowager.”

“Resemblance?” Leng Jiu sneered. If they were truly cousins, there might indeed be some resemblance. However, she wasn’t even a child of the Leng family. Where could the resemblance come from? Setting down the cup lid, she said, “Since she’s my ‘cousin,’ it’s about time I met her.”

“I’ll summon Xia Consort immediately!”

“Mm.”

Lu Chang left the room. Stroking the cat, Karno, in her lap, Leng Jiu turned to Zi Yu. “I recall you were at home. How did you end up back in the palace?”

Zi Yu approached and knelt down. “The Empress Dowager allowed me to return home to visit my family. I should have returned earlier, but my father fell gravely ill. If it weren’t for the neighbors’ care, I might not have seen him alive. I couldn’t just abandon my only father, so I stayed to look after him. I planned to return to the palace once he recovered and seek the Empress Dowager’s pardon. But as soon as I came back, everything had already happened. I only now have the chance to plead for your forgiveness.”

“Forget it.” Leng Jiu helped her up. “Filial piety comes first. How could I blame you?”

“Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your kindness!” Zi Yu’s eyes grew misty as she quickly wiped them with a handkerchief. “When I heard from Eunuch Lu that you were abducted, I was so worried. Thank goodness you’re back safely. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know what to do.”

“Silly girl! Everyone has their own life to live. No one is indispensable.”

Zi Yu shook her head. “I’m not like you, Empress Dowager. Even if I’ve changed, I still want to stay by your side. Serving you is the only thing that gives my life meaning.”

Knowing that such thoughts were deeply ingrained in their souls, Leng Jiu didn’t push further. “As you wish.”

After resting on the couch for a while, Lu Chang finally returned. “Empress Dowager, Xia Consort is waiting outside.”

Leng Jiu didn’t open her eyes. “Let her in.”

“Yes.”

Soon, Lu Chang brought in a woman dressed in simple palace attire. She was undoubtedly beautiful, with willow-like eyebrows, large eyes, a delicate nose, and cherry-red lips. Her sharp chin and fair complexion hinted at a life of comfort. Her hairstyle and attire were elegant and understated, making her look more like a refined young lady than a consort.

However, despite her beauty, her eyes lacked spirit. When she saw Leng Jiu, a flash of fear crossed her gaze before she hurriedly lowered her head. “This consort greets the Empress Dowager! May the Empress Dowager live a thousand years!”

After a moment, Leng Jiu slowly opened her eyes, studying Xia Ke. Supporting her head with one hand, she said, “Rise.”

“Thank you, Empress Dowager.”

Leng Jiu waved her hand. “Take a seat.”

Xia Ke bowed again before cautiously moving to a side seat and sitting quietly.

Leng Jiu, amused by her nervous demeanor, chuckled. “You’re supposed to be my cousin. Why do you look like you’ve seen a tiger? Am I that frightening?”

Xia Ke lowered her head even further. “This consort does not dare to look upon the Empress Dowager’s noble face.”

“It’s just a face. What’s there to fear? Look up and let me have a good look.”

Xia Ke dared not disobey and slowly lifted her head. After one glance, she quickly averted her gaze as if startled.

“Tsk tsk! Who knew my aunt gave birth to such a beauty?”

“You flatter me, Empress Dowager. This consort cannot compare to your elegance,” Xia Ke said humbly.

“I know whether it’s flattery or not. It seems you were once betrothed to my elder brother. But now, you’ve become the Emperor’s consort. It appears my brother wasn’t fortunate enough.” Leng Jiu sighed.

Xia Ke remained silent, lowering her head. Leng Jiu suddenly laughed. “I had a dream not long ago. I dreamt I was in a strange boudoir and had become you. Isn’t that funny?”

Xia Ke’s body trembled, her breath growing uneven.

Leng Jiu observed her reaction and continued, “I also heard you fell ill, which delayed your entry into the palace. Is that true?”

Xia Ke’s head dipped lower, her voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz. “Yes.”

Leng Jiu stood up, brushed her sleeves, and walked over. She stopped in front of Xia Ke, leaned close to her ear, and whispered, “What if you were to suddenly die in the palace? Would my uncle grieve?”

Startled, Xia Ke looked up in panic. “Empress Dowager!”

Leng Jiu smiled brightly at her fear, but her gaze was cold and piercing. “My uncle is so loyal to the Emperor, obeying his every command. Should I reward his devotion? Perhaps with a bottle of poison or a sharp dagger?”

Xia Ke dropped to her knees in terror. “Please spare me, Empress Dowager! My father had no choice. It was the Emperor’s order. I beg for your mercy!”

“Mercy?” Leng Jiu stepped back, her expression icy. “If I weren’t here now, would you plead for my life? Perhaps your Xia family would already be at the peak of power, enjoying great prestige.”

“My father never intended to harm the Empress Dowager. He was only following the Emperor’s orders. Please show mercy!” Xia Ke wept bitterly.

Leng Jiu bent down, lifting Xia Ke’s chin. Though smiling, her voice was as cold as steel. “Let me make this clear. Not only can Long Yi destroy your Xia family, but so can I—and more ruthlessly. If you don’t want your family annihilated, you’d better obey me. I can place you on the Emperor’s bed just as easily as I can send you to your grave.”

Xia Ke’s eyes widened in shock. She finally understood how she had ended up on the Emperor’s bed that night. Though she should hate Leng Jiu, all she felt now was fear. She dared not doubt Leng Jiu’s words.

“Whatever you command, I will obey!” she stammered.

“That’s a good girl.” Leng Jiu released her chin, took a small bottle from her sleeve, and handed it to her. “Before long, Long Yi will summon you to his bed. Make sure to take one of these pills before every session.”

Xia Ke had no doubt that the pills were something sinister, but she dared not disobey. “Understood.”

Leng Jiu waved her sleeve and turned away. Her voice drifted back, cold and indifferent. “You’d better behave. If I catch you defying me, you can prepare to bury your entire Xia family. I’m sure my dear aunt in the underworld would love to reunite with all of you.”

—

(Author’s Note)

Four thousand words short—I’ll make up for it tomorrow!