The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous

Chapter 38: An Outing! The Wooden Block Starts to Understand!

The weather in June and July changes rapidly. In the morning, the sky was radiant with rosy clouds, but before noon, dark clouds gathered, and within a quarter of an hour, thunder and rain descended. The world became damp and gloomy, with nothing audible except the sound of rain and thunder.

Having someone bring a reclining chair to the pavilion, Leng Jiu lay on it, covered with a thin blanket. Listening to the rain outside, she rarely found herself in the mood to settle down and think.

Leng Yirou had given the map to the old General Leng. While such a token was indeed significant, it wasn’t something the old general, a straightforward military man, would carry with him daily. Yet the reality was that he did, which could only mean he understood the secret it contained. Perhaps the token was already in his possession. If the current Leng family was the same as the Leng family from hundreds of years ago, it all seemed to make sense.

The “Bing” token already had a lead. Then there was the “Zheng” token. Although she didn’t know much about Gong Yuwei’s teacher, almost everyone in the land was aware that the imperial tutor’s surname was He. Back during the late emperor’s reign, when the court was in turmoil, the imperial tutor came out of seclusion, stabilized the government, and consolidated the power of the four lords. He was most likely from the He family, and the “Zheng” token was probably in his hands.

No! Leng Jiu’s eyes sparkled. She recalled the bodyguards by Gong Yuwei’s side. There weren’t many of them, but their martial arts were exceptional. Knowing Gong Yuwei’s character, he wouldn’t have trained such a group himself. The only possibility was that these people belonged to the He family. He must have obtained the imperial tutor’s token, earning the loyalty and service of these bodyguards.

Besides Gong Yuwei, there was Long Yue Li, as well as the Hua family from the martial world. Though centuries had passed, traces could still be found. The second-ranking “Wei” token might belong to the Hua family.

Leng Jiu sighed in her heart, her gaze drifting toward the horizon. She hadn’t expected the people around her to be so formidable, even Gong Yuwei’s identity being far from simple. She now understood why, despite his rigid and cold demeanor, he could stand independently in court. Beyond his talent, the power behind him made emperors wary.

Lowering her eyes, Leng Jiu stopped pondering. Gathering the seven tokens was easier said than done. Leaving aside the “Zhu” token, whose whereabouts were unknown, just obtaining the Liang Kingdom’s Xiao family token seemed impossible. It was unlikely anyone in the world could bring them all together. Besides, even if she managed to collect them all, what then? Hand them over after all her efforts? Or declare herself empress?

Although she was interested in power and enjoyed standing at the top, it didn’t mean she coveted the throne. Since she didn’t desire it, there was no point in working hard to make others’ dreams come true. She wasn’t foolish enough to engage in such thankless tasks.

Having figured things out, Leng Jiu let it go. After all, the “Tan” token was in her hands now. Mo Zhai’s burgeoning influence had started to take shape. She didn’t need to control the entire world; as long as no one threatened her, she was content. It was better to enjoy a good nap than to overthink.

“Chirp chirp!” Kano hopped onto the recliner, slightly wet after running back from the courtyard. Being well-behaved, it didn’t immediately snuggle up to Leng Jiu but instead rolled around on the mat prepared for it, licking itself dry. Once satisfied, it curled up beside Leng Jiu.

Leng Jiu smiled at this and suddenly remembered something. “Lu Chang! Bring me paper and pen!”

“Yes!” Lu Chang withdrew and soon returned with paper and pen on a tray.

Sitting up, Leng Jiu dipped the brush in ink, thought for a moment, and began writing slowly: How are things at the border? Do you find it dull?

After finishing, she frowned. This didn’t look like romantic words at all! But she couldn’t think of anything better. Frustrated, she added: The new king of the grasslands, Mo Zhai, is one of mine. If possible, lend him a hand.

After pausing, she grimaced, already imagining Hua Jin Zhi’s reaction to the letter. He probably wouldn’t be too happy. Helpless, she added one more line: Jin Zhi, I hope you return soon!

Finally, she signed: Leng Jiu!

Leng Jiu rarely wrote letters, and this one almost twisted her insides. She blew it dry, folded it, and said, “Send it to him!”

Lu Chang, having seen her write it, knew who it was for. He took the letter, placed it in an envelope, and said, “I’ll have someone deliver it immediately!”

Not long after, Lu Chang returned. “Empress Dowager, the letter has been sent. It should arrive within three days!”

“Good.” Leng Jiu nodded, though she wasn’t particularly in a hurry.

Lu Chang noticed her languid expression and suddenly said, “Empress Dowager, did you know the Liang Emperor has a fiancée?”

Leng Jiu squinted slightly. “What does his fiancée have to do with me?” Long Yue Li seemed to have mentioned it last night, but she hadn’t paid attention. She wasn’t interested in gossip.

“But the Liang Emperor said himself that his fiancée is from the Ziche family!”

“Oh?” Leng Jiu raised her brows. “Isn’t the Ziche family supposed to have been secluded for nearly a century, with no one knowing their whereabouts? How did a fiancée suddenly appear? Or is this Ziche family not the same one?”

“Who else but the Ziche family could match the Liang Emperor’s status?”

Leng Jiu chuckled. “True enough.”

Lu Chang twirled his dust whisk and said, “The Ziche family has indeed remained hidden for years, but that’s only what the world knows. They once controlled the wealth of the empire, and even now, they’re likely still rich. So it’s not surprising they might have made occasional appearances. If the Xiao family found them and forged a marriage alliance, it’s within reason.”

He shifted the conversation: “But since the Xiao family engaged with the Ziche family first, even if His Majesty finds them, it’ll likely be in vain.”

“After all that effort, ending up with nothing? Now that’s amusing! Looks like I won’t need to trouble him; he’s already having a rough time.” Leng Jiu gloated shamelessly before remembering something. “By the way, has he sent anyone back to the North?”

Lu Chang shook his head. “Not yet. Snow Country has also ceased its attacks, and the two sides are back to a standoff.”

Leng Jiu lowered her gaze and stroked Kano’s fur. “Keep a close eye on the grasslands.”

“Yes!”

Leng Jiu suddenly looked up and murmured, “Gong Yuwei should be back soon, right?”

Gong Yuwei indeed returned, bringing back the results of disaster relief efforts, as well as the Prince Regent’s brother-in-law and a pile of evidence. However, Long Yi did not immediately deal with the matter but suppressed it for the time being. After all, the Prince Regent was still leading troops in battle, and he couldn’t afford to chill the Prince Regent’s heart. As for Gong Yuwei, he only received a token commendation—nothing more.

When Leng Jiu heard this news, she merely let out a cold laugh. Being a meritorious servant of the Long family wasn’t as worthwhile as being a lackey for a corrupt official!

Although Gong Yuwei had returned, Leng Jiu was in no hurry to see him. Even though two months had passed, she still felt a bit unhappy. Besides, she couldn’t find a reason to meet him or even say anything. In fact, she even entertained the idea of just letting things go!

She liked Gong Yuwei, but it was merely liking. Between them, there had been kisses and embraces, but they always maintained a clear boundary. She couldn’t discern the depth of his passion for her. Now, she no longer had the energy or the patience to coax him, nor did she want to provoke too many people. Her heart couldn’t bear too much profound emotion; dealing with Long Yue Li alone was already suffocating her.

At the end of July and the beginning of August, the weather was sunny and breezy—a perfect day for an outing. Leng Jiu, in a good mood, dressed up and prepared to leave the palace. Leng Yirou could now speak, so she planned to take her out for an outing. She feared that keeping her cooped up in the Xuanwang Mansion all the time would stifle her.

Just as Leng Jiu was about to step out of the palace gate, Du Heng hurried in. “Your Majesty! The Prime Minister seeks an audience!”

Leng Jiu paused, lowering her gaze slightly. “Tell him I am unwell and will see no one!”

“Yes!”

After Du Heng left, Leng Jiu let out a long sigh, collected her emotions, and headed out.

Gong Yuwei, dressed in his usual white robes, had not been idle during the past two months. However, he no longer pushed himself to the brink as he used to. He made sure to eat restorative foods and medicines, fearing that his appearance might upset her upon his return. Now, although he still looked somewhat thin, he no longer appeared pale or frail. Standing there quietly, he was as upright as a pine tree.

After two months of reflection and guilt, he finally came to see her—to ask for her forgiveness!

Du Heng walked out with his whisk. “Her Majesty says she is unwell and will see no one. Prime Minister, please return.”

Upon hearing this, Gong Yuwei’s first reaction was worry. Before he could ask, he realized the truth—she wasn’t unwell; she simply didn’t want to see him. His expression dimmed immediately; it was all his fault.

“Prime Minister?” Seeing Gong Yuwei silent for a long time, Du Heng had to call out to him.

Gong Yuwei snapped out of his thoughts and pulled a small, white handkerchief-wrapped package from his sleeve, handing it to Du Heng. “Please deliver this to Her Majesty.”

Although it was against palace rules to privately pass items, the Empress was an exception. Besides, Du Heng was vaguely aware of the special relationship between the Empress and the Prime Minister. Thus, he did not refuse and accepted the package. “Rest assured, Prime Minister. I will deliver it to Her Majesty.”

Gong Yuwei glanced once more at the interior of Weiyang Palace before turning and leaving. However, his departing figure exuded an undeniable sense of loneliness.

Distracted, Gong Yuwei walked out of the palace gates. As he emerged, Xiao Qian quickly approached him. “Prime Minister, did you see Miss Jiu just now?”

Gong Yuwei shook his head and started toward the carriage.

Xiao Qian quickly added, “I knew it! You didn’t see her. I just saw Miss Jiu leaving the palace, but I don’t know if she’s heading to the Prime Minister’s residence.”

Hearing this, Gong Yuwei immediately turned, grabbing Xiao Qian by the shoulders. “She just left the palace?”

Xiao Qian was startled by Gong Yuwei’s sudden question and nodded blankly, “Yes! I just saw Miss Xiao Jiu come out. If you don’t believe me, ask Wei He. He saw it too just now!”

Wei He, who had just brought the carriage over, nodded at these words, “Replying to the Prime Minister! We did indeed see Miss Xiao Jiu come out just now!”

“Which direction did she go?” Gong Yuwei asked nervously, a flicker of hope in his heart.

“That way!” Xiao Qian pointed in a certain direction.

Looking at where he pointed, Gong Yuwei’s heart sank instantly. That trace of hope shattered, leaving only disappointment. That direction wasn’t toward the Prime Minister’s residence.

His hands fell to his sides, and his eyes lowered, obscuring his emotions. “Return to the residence!” he ordered.

Xiao Qian looked puzzled. “Aren’t you going to look for Miss Xiao Jiu?”

Gong Yuwei got back into the carriage without saying a word. Xiao Qian and Wei He exchanged glances, utterly clueless about the Prime Minister’s current state of mind.

The carriage moved slowly back to the Prime Minister’s residence. Just as Xiao Qian got off to open the door, Gong Yuwei suddenly ordered, “Turn around! Head to that street!”

The two men exchanged another glance, but this time they both smiled. The Prime Minister still wanted to see Miss Xiao Jiu!

“Hyah!” Wei He picked up speed this time, swiftly maneuvering through the streets toward the destination.

Leng Yirou had been recovering well. Over the past month, her body had become noticeably fuller and healthier, even better than when she was at the Xia family’s house. Her complexion was rosy, and her once-bony hands now had more flesh, no longer resembling a skeleton’s. Seeing this, Leng Jiu felt deeply comforted. What pleased her most, however, was that Leng Yirou could speak now. When Leng Yirou smiled and called her “Jinghua,” Leng Jiu was so happy she didn’t even mind the name.

“Auntie!” Unable to come up with a better form of address, Leng Jiu simply called her that. “The weather’s great today. Let’s go for an outing and get some fresh air. Staying cooped up in this prince’s residence will drive you crazy!”

“I’m doing fine!” Leng Yirou affectionately held her hand, her face full of love. Although she wanted to go out and take a look, she hesitated, “Is it appropriate for me to go out now?”

“There’s nothing inappropriate about it. That Xia fellow wouldn’t dare do anything. If he dares make a move, I’d actually welcome it!”

Leng Yirou raised her hand to stroke Leng Jiu’s head. “Silly girl! I don’t want to cause you trouble!”

“It’s no trouble at all!” Leng Jiu grabbed a cloak from the side. “Let’s go!”

Just as she was pulling Leng Yirou out of the room, they saw Jin Yu approaching. Leng Jiu stopped and pointed outside, asking, “We’re going on an outing. Want to join us?”

Jin Yu raised an eyebrow. “Do you want me to come along?”

Leng Jiu shrugged, looking nonchalant. “As a free bodyguard!”

Hearing this, Leng Yirou gently tugged on Leng Jiu’s hand, adopting the tone of an elder, “Jinghua, we’ve already troubled Young Master Jin a lot. You can’t be so rude!”

Leng Jiu patted Leng Yirou’s hand. “It’s fine! There’s no need for formality between us. Besides, he’s willing, so don’t worry about it!”

Leng Yirou gave her a helpless look, not scolding her, only showing affection.

No need for formality between us! Did this mean their relationship was different? Jin Yu inexplicably felt a surge of joy. With one hand behind his back, he said, “It so happens that I haven’t gone out in a while. It’ll be nice to take a look around.”

He then turned to Leng Yirou. “Auntie, there’s no need to stand on ceremony. Protecting you and her is my duty.”

Leng Yirou, who had been receiving Jin Yu’s medical care for some time, already had a good impression of this young man. Now, seeing how polite he was and how indulgent he seemed toward Jinghua, she couldn’t help but think of Jinghua’s lonely upbringing. Her mind wandered to other thoughts, and she found Jin Yu even more pleasing to the eye. “Then I’ll trouble you!”

“Auntie, you’re too kind! We should get going now.”

“Alright! Let’s go!” Leng Yirou took Leng Jiu’s hand and, like the host, motioned for Jin Yu to follow.

When Leng Jiu was sure Leng Yirou couldn’t see her, she rolled her eyes at Jin Yu. Always putting on an act! And now he’s calling her auntie too? She’d only just started calling her that!

Meeting Leng Jiu’s gaze, Jin Yu raised an eyebrow smugly, and all she could see in his expression was: cocky.

The three of them left, and the carriage was already prepared. As soon as Leng Jiu got on, Leng Yirou placed her in the middle, sitting on one side while Jin Yu sat on the other. The carriage wasn’t very large, so they sat quite close together. Leng Yirou even subtly nudged her toward Jin Yu, leaving Leng Jiu speechless and thinking, “Auntie, why are you playing matchmaker?”

Jin Yu, of course, noticed Leng Yirou’s intentions and cooperated very “obediently,” answering her questions with a growing smile on his face.

Leng Yirou, as if afraid this potential nephew-in-law might slip away, chatted enthusiastically with Jin Yu throughout the journey. From his background to his current pursuits, she asked everything but his family tree, while Jin Yu patiently answered, their conversation growing livelier. This left Leng Jiu in the middle rolling her eyes in exasperation.

“So, your master is the renowned Divine Doctor? Jinghua’s father was once saved by him, and they became friends. Now the two of you meeting again—it’s truly fate!”

“Auntie is absolutely right!”

Leng Jiu: How does this have anything to do with fate? Can I opt out?

“Jinghua can be a bit stubborn sometimes, but it’s because of what she’s been through. She’s really kind at heart!”

Jin Yu glanced at Leng Jiu out of the corner of his eye, holding back a smile. “I know.”

Leng Jiu: Auntie, which eye of yours sees my kind heart? And Jin Yu, you jerk, if you want to laugh, just do it! Holding it in isn’t good for your health!

Throughout the journey, Leng Yirou kept praising and matchmaking, while Jin Yu graciously played along. Leng Yirou increasingly saw him as an ideal nephew-in-law, while Jin Yu grew more smug. Only Leng Jiu remained speechless, internally ranting.

As the carriage reached a bump in the road outside the city, it jolted suddenly. Leng Jiu wasn’t concerned and quickly reached out to steady Leng Yirou, only to be pushed away. When the carriage stabilized, Leng Yirou was fine, but Leng Jiu found herself pushed straight into Jin Yu’s arms. He, in turn, very naturally caught her, one hand on her shoulder and the other around her waist.

Jin Yu noticed Leng Yirou’s meaningful smile and, looking down at Leng Jiu, said in a voice as soft as a whisper, “Be careful.”

Leng Jiu glared at him fiercely: Careful your head! Jerk!

She quickly sat up, brimming with frustration and helplessness. Seeing Leng Yirou’s increasingly satisfied expression toward Jin Yu, Leng Jiu wished she could pounce on him, rip him apart, and show Leng Yirou his heart. It’s black! He’s lying to you!

When the carriage finally stopped, Leng Jiu couldn’t sit still any longer. Using her light-footed skill, she darted out. They had arrived at an open field, where the grass was just beginning to turn yellow. Wildflowers and other unknown blooms dotted the landscape, creating a unique charm. Leng Jiu took a deep breath, releasing some of her pent-up frustration. But when she turned to look at the carriage, her frustration returned full force.

Jin Yu helped Leng Yirou down, and she patted his hand, smiling kindly as if he were already her nephew-in-law. Jin Yu, who usually avoided close contact, showed no resistance and even seemed to enjoy it. Leng Jiu felt suffocated, as if something were stuck in her chest, nearly choking her.

“Jinghua, I think you and Jin Yu are a good match. Have you considered it?” Leng Yirou asked softly, pulling Leng Jiu a few steps forward.

Leng Jiu wanted to tell her that speaking quietly wouldn’t help. Jin Yu had martial arts skills and could hear everything.

“Auntie, why are you so intent on matchmaking me?”

Leng Yirou patted her hand and sighed deeply, “Jinghua, your aunt feels sorry for you. You’ve suffered so much for the Leng family all these years, and now you’re confined to that cold palace, guarding your riches until old age. You’re only twenty, in your prime. How can you waste your youth like this?”

Leng Jiu felt a pang in her heart upon hearing this. “Don’t talk about me. What about you? Have you ever thought about finding someone who understands you again?”

Leng Yirou gave her a playful glare. “I’m talking about you, yet you’re turning the tables on me? I’m almost forty, long past that age. I’ve even been close to death. Now, being able to see you and Yue’er living well is already my greatest comfort. What else is there to hope for?”

Leng Jiu thought for a moment and decided not to persuade her further. Everything had to be up to personal will.

“Jinghua, think about what I said, will you? Your aunt has a good eye for people!” Seeing Leng Jiu remain silent, Leng Yirou quickly resumed her persuasion.

Leng Jiu was speechless. Aunt, this time, you’re really mistaken. He’s a black wolf in sheep’s clothing! “Aunt, you know my identity. How could this be possible?”

“What’s impossible?” Leng Yirou pinched her hand hard. “Didn’t your aunt already fake her death? With his superb medical skills, he could create a death-like state for you. You could shed your title as Empress Dowager, change your name, and live in seclusion with him. No one would know!”

Seeing her remain silent, Leng Yirou immediately continued in a heartfelt tone, “Jinghua, riches and glory are fleeting, cold and unfeeling. You’re still young. You should plan for your own life. Having someone by your side who understands and cares for you is more important than anything.”

Leng Jiu sighed. “Aunt, I understand. Can you let me think about it?”

Leng Yirou realized she had been too pushy. She patted her hand and said, “Alright, I won’t pressure you. Take your time to think it over.”

Finally free from her aunt’s persistence, Leng Jiu let out a sigh of relief and changed the subject. Only then did she feel more at ease.

Jin Yu silently walked behind them. He had heard every word of their conversation. This made him admire Leng Yirou even more. Saving her was indeed worth it. His gaze fell on Leng Jiu’s face, and his smile deepened.

Leng Jiu had prepared a lot of things in advance. The three of them walked around the meadow for a while before setting up a small picnic, eating and chatting until the afternoon before heading back.

“Be careful on your way back,” Leng Yirou said reluctantly.

“Aunt, I know. Don’t worry,” Leng Jiu reassured her, patting her hand before glancing at Jin Yu and stepping off the carriage.

At a crossroads, Leng Jiu didn’t head to the Xuan Prince’s residence but decided to return directly to the palace. Watching the carriage leave, she straightened her clothes and prepared to head back. However, just as she took two steps, a low voice called out from behind her.

“Xiao Jiu!”

It was a voice she hadn’t heard in a long time. Her guarded heart wavered. She hesitated for a moment, intending to steel herself and walk away. But just as she lifted her foot, someone suddenly grabbed her sleeve, and the voice behind her became even clearer.

“Xiao Jiu!”

The voice was filled with suppressed longing and helplessness, making it impossible for her to take another step.

She stood with her back to him, refusing to turn around. Gong Yuwei released her sleeve and gently held her hand with his cool fingers, wrapping it softly. After a long pause, he finally said what he had wanted to say all along: “I’m sorry.”

Leng Jiu pulled her hand away. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

Gong Yuwei stared at his now empty hand, feeling as though something was missing. His voice turned bitter. “That day, I was too selfish, foolishly hurting you with my so-called principles and benevolence. When I learned of everything you did for me, I regretted it deeply. I don’t ask for your forgiveness, but could you give me a chance to make amends?”

“There’s no need,” Leng Jiu replied, her body stiff as she tried to sound cold. “We’re not the same kind of people. I’m selfish and narrow-minded, while you are righteous and upright. We’re as different as night and day, and we should never have crossed paths. From the start, I shouldn’t have gotten involved with you. It was my own stubbornness. Now, I have nothing more to say… let’s end this.”

“Xiao Jiu!” Gong Yuwei’s voice was filled with disbelief as he looked at her back. “You’re saying… it’s over?”

Leng Jiu’s fists clenched within her sleeves. “Yes, it’s over.”

Gong Yuwei felt his heart shatter into countless pieces. His steps faltered. All his guilt, his heartfelt apology, his hopes—for all of it to be repaid with just one word: over?

As he saw her about to step away, Gong Yuwei couldn’t think clearly anymore. He acted on impulse, rushing forward and wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. His voice was firm and resolute. “I won’t allow it! Xiao Jiu, you once said to me: cling to me, cling to me for life. Unless I no longer want to cling to you, you won’t leave!”

Leng Jiu’s heart trembled, and emotions she had buried started to surface.

“I selfishly clung to my principles, even pushing you away in the process. That was my mistake. It was my fault. I dare not ask for your forgiveness, but please, don’t say it’s over. I’ll change. I’ll change everything for you!”

Suddenly, the previously clear sky poured down rain, drenching the world in an instant. Thunder roared, making the scene even more desolate.

Something cool trickled down her neck—perhaps rain or something else. Neither of them moved to take shelter, quickly becoming soaked.

“Xiao Jiu!” Gong Yuwei tightened his embrace and, leaning slightly, pressed his cool lips against her ear. His voice was trembling but fervent. “Xiao Jiu! Please! Don’t say it’s over!”

Leng Jiu felt a whirlwind of emotions. Faced with this version of Gong Yuwei, how could she harden her heart? She raised her hand to his and gently caressed it. Gong Yuwei, thinking she was about to pry his hand away, tightened his grip even more, his voice desperate amidst the thunder. “I won’t let go. Never!”

Leng Jiu’s hand rested on his, softly stroking it. Rain soaked her lashes as she sighed. After a moment, she reached up to pull him closer, tilting her head to press her lips against his cool ones.

Gong Yuwei’s eyes widened in surprise before pulling her into his arms and deepening the kiss. At that moment, all his conservativeness and rules vanished. He only wanted to hold her, to kiss her, to confirm she was still his.

The two embraced and kissed in the rain, as if the world held only the two of them. Nearby, Xiao Qian stood by the carriage with his jaw nearly hitting the ground. “Good heavens, is that our Prime Minister? The one who’s always so cold and distant, who doesn’t even look at women? And now he’s kissing someone in the middle of the street? This is still a public road!”

Wei He was also taken aback, though less dramatically than Xiao Qian. He stood quietly to the side, not daring to look at the scene unfolding before them.

It wasn’t until much later that Gong Yuwei finally let go of Leng Jiu. His eyes were filled with joy but still held a trace of uncertainty. “Xiao Jiu, you’re not mad at me anymore?”

Leng Jiu raised her hand to stroke his face, wiping away the rainwater, and kissed him lightly. “Silly, does this look like I’m mad?”

Gong Yuwei’s face broke into a smile, brighter than ever before. It was a little foolish, a little innocent. After a long moment, he reined in his grin and hugged Leng Jiu tightly again, sighing, “Xiao Jiu, I can’t promise I won’t make mistakes in the future, but please give me the chance to make amends. Don’t ever say it’s over lightly. My heart won’t allow us to end.”

Leng Jiu kissed his cheek. “Alright.”

Hearing her response, Gong Yuwei embraced her even tighter. The torment of the past two months finally ended, his suffering giving way to relief and joy.

Leng Jiu patted his back. “Hey, why don’t we go back to the Prime Minister’s residence? If we keep getting drenched like this, we’ll catch a cold.”

Gong Yuwei, suddenly realizing the rain, felt guilty. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault you’re getting wet.”

Leng Jiu took his hand, leading him to the carriage. “Silly, stop apologizing so easily. There’s nothing to apologize for.”

The two returned to the carriage, and Wei He immediately drove them back to the Chancellor’s residence. Seeing that they were drenched, Uncle Xiang quickly ordered hot water to be brought so they could change into dry clothes. Finally, the rain stopped, and the sky cleared.

Right across from the spot where they had just kissed stood a tea house. The curtain hanging down obscured the figure inside, revealing only a corner of a luxurious deep purple robe. The person inside had taken in the entire scene below but remained concealed by the curtain. Leng Jiu, preoccupied with her emotions, didn’t sense his presence.

“Master, that man seems to be Feng Yu’s Chancellor?” asked a young servant in green, his tone laced with doubt.

“Hmm.” The man withdrew his gaze from the scene below, his voice light and soothing. With that single sound, he fell silent again.

“It’s said that Feng Yu’s Chancellor is a disciple of the imperial tutor He Xun. He has always been strict, upright, and observant of propriety. Yet, he just did something so scandalous in the middle of the street. It seems rumors can’t be trusted!” The servant’s tone carried a trace of mockery.

“No matter how upright he is, he’s still a man. Affairs of the heart often cause people to lose control; it’s nothing strange.” The master’s voice was like a gentle stream, refreshing and pleasant, devoid of any emotion triggered by the earlier scene. His slender hand idly turned a jade teacup. “Have you found any news about Lady Ziche?”

The servant didn’t continue discussing the previous matter and replied, “Not yet. The Ziche family claimed they don’t know Miss’s whereabouts. But Lady Ziche has been missing for over eighteen years. They not only failed to send people to search for her but have also been hiding the news all along. They must know her whereabouts but refuse to tell you for some reason.”

The master’s hand paused over the teacup. The tea inside was clear and green, with a single leaf floating for a while before settling. “Who would want to marry their legitimate daughter to a man with a short life expectancy?”

His voice was calm, as though speaking of his life and death was no more than an everyday topic.

“Master, don’t curse yourself like that! You will live long, even to a hundred!” The servant looked displeased, a hint of indignation in his tone. “Your status is the most noble in the world. How dare they look down on you? We haven’t even accused them of aiming too high!”

“Let it go. Everyone has their own considerations. No matter how noble the status, after a hundred years, it’s just a pile of yellow earth. We can’t force people.”

The servant sighed at these words. “So, will you keep searching, Master?”

“We’ll keep looking. Everything depends on fate.” His tone remained indifferent, without a trace of emotion.

The servant knew his master’s temperament, and that getting anxious was of no use. However, despite understanding this, he still felt distressed: “Why must it be the Miss of the Ziche family? There are so many good women in the world, can’t they compare to the Ziche family’s?”

The master lightly tapped the desk with his jade-like fingers before raising his hand to pour tea. “It’s not that she’s the only one, but… I just don’t want to, don’t feel willing.”

His gaze swept through the bamboo curtain and landed on the street outside. A fleeting glint passed through his eyes, but it quickly returned to calm.

“Ah-choo!”

Although he hadn’t been out in the rain for long, Gong Yuwei had caught a cold!

Leng Jiu finished washing and came out. Xiao Qian brought her ginger tea and informed her that Gong Yuwei had left the palace to find her. When he saw her get into a carriage leaving the Xuan Wang Manor, he waited there for an entire afternoon without eating or drinking. He had been a little overheated, and after being drenched in the rain, he caught a cold.

Leng Jiu sighed inwardly upon hearing this. She drank the ginger tea and headed straight to Gong Yuwei’s room.

“Knock knock!”

“Who is it?”

“It’s me!”

“Xiao Jiu? Wait a moment, I’ll be right there!” Gong Yuwei’s voice sounded flustered, accompanied by a sneeze.

Leng Jiu ignored him, opened the door, and saw him tying his wet hair with a headband. She immediately frowned. “How can you tie up your wet hair when you’re sick?”

“Ah-choo!” Gong Yuwei sneezed again, stopping his movements. After he recovered, he said, “I look too disheveled, Xiao Jiu, you should go out first!”

Leng Jiu smiled helplessly and walked over, picking up the towel prepared nearby. “No matter how disheveled you look, I’ve seen it all before. Are you afraid I’ll dislike you?”

Gong Yuwei’s face was flushed, not only from his illness but also from embarrassment. “I just didn’t want you to see me like this.”

Leng Jiu gently wiped his hair with the towel. “If you truly see me as someone important to you, you wouldn’t be afraid of me seeing your vulnerable side. The truth is, you’re still pushing me away.”

“I’m not!” Gong Yuwei panicked. “Xiao Jiu! I’m not pushing you away, I’m just afraid I’m not good enough, afraid you won’t like me!”

“Silly!” Leng Jiu lowered her head and kissed him on the cheek. “When you like someone, you like all of them—when they’re cold, when they’re shy, and when they’re disheveled. I don’t like you just because you’re composed or proper; I like you for who you are!”

Upon hearing this, Gong Yuwei took her hand, filled with joy, unsure of how to express his feelings.

Leng Jiu noticed that his hand seemed rough and immediately asked, “What happened to your hand?”

Gong Yuwei’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly hid his left hand behind his back. “Nothing! Just some calluses, that’s all!”

Seeing that he didn’t want her to see, Leng Jiu didn’t ask further. She continued drying his hair, and once it was done, she made sure he drank the ginger tea before gently pressing him back onto the bed. “If you’re not feeling well, rest well. You’ve been tired these past two days; there’s no need to go to court. Your health is more important!”

At that moment, Gong Yuwei didn’t protest, knowing she was concerned for him. His heart was filled with joy. “Okay!”

Seeing him so obedient, Leng Jiu generously rewarded him with a kiss. “Go to sleep now. I’ll come visit you when I have time.”

“Okay!” At that moment, he would listen to whatever she said.

She tucked him in, then stood up and closed the door behind her. After instructing Uncle Xiang to find a doctor, she returned to the palace.

“Your Majesty, this is what the Chancellor asked me to deliver to you today!” As Leng Jiu returned, Du Heng quickly handed her the item.

Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow, took the handkerchief, and opened it. Inside was a plum blossom hairpin carved from rosewood. Although it was made from fine rosewood, the carving was rather rough, clearly done by an amateur. It was obvious that it had been polished over and over again. When she turned it over, she saw two small characters carved in regular script—”Xiao Jiu!”

Leng Jiu remembered the roughness she had felt when touching Gong Yuwei’s hands earlier, and instantly understood. He had carved this hairpin himself to please her. He had no skills in this, so it was clear that his hands must have been cut many times in the process, leaving scars. Her heart warmed at the thought. Even someone as simple as him could have a soft side!

She held the hairpin in her hand, gently feeling the carvings, imagining how he must have carefully carved it, one stroke at a time, with seriousness and helplessness. The thought made her smile, both touched and amused.

Laughing, she lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. After a long time, she sighed deeply. In the end, he had completely won her over! He had captured her heart, and she could never let go. Truly cunning, they were all so cunning!