The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous

Chapter 40: Hua Yuxuan is Pregnant! A Nighttime Assassination!

The weather today was pleasant, with sunshine that wasn’t too harsh and a gentle breeze that carried the crispness of autumn. Leng Jiu, in a good mood, was preparing to visit Gong Yuwei, who had been ill for two days. But before she could step out of Weiyang Palace, a piece of news stopped her in her tracks.

Hua Yuxuan was finally pregnant—more than a month along! This news had just broken and sent shockwaves through the entire harem and court. Before the morning court session ended, Long Yi dropped his stack of memorials and rushed to Hua Yuxuan’s side, a clear sign of his excitement.

“Pregnant, huh!” Leng Jiu leaned lazily against the railing, propping her chin on her hand, her legs crossed as she squinted into the distance. Suddenly, she chuckled. “This is certainly joyous news. It calls for celebration!”

Lu Chang’s eyes flickered as he smiled and said, “Currently, the Noble Consort holds the highest rank in the harem. If she gives birth to a prince, she will rise in status, likely to the position of empress. Even the Empress Dowager may send a grand gift to mark the occasion.”

Leng Jiu curved her lips. “A grand gift, indeed—a very grand one!”

Just as she finished speaking, Du Heng came running in. “Greetings to the Empress Dowager!”

“Speak!”

“Reporting to the Empress Dowager! The Emperor has just decreed that all imperial physicians ranked third grade and above must be stationed at Furui Palace. Except for Noble Consort Hua’s trusted attendants, all other palace staff have been replaced. Furthermore, five hundred imperial guards now surround Furui Palace. Everyone entering or leaving, from concubines to servants, is subject to a search!”

“Ha!” Leng Jiu laughed. “He’s turning Furui Palace into an impenetrable fortress!”

“The Emperor has already lost two children before. At his age, it’s crucial to have a prince. Moreover, with unrest brewing in the empire, a prince would help stabilize the people. This child is precious; naturally, he wants to ensure its safety,” Lu Chang remarked.

“Safety? Hmm, let’s hope so!” Leng Jiu chuckled softly, then stood up. “Let’s go. I should pay a visit to the Noble Consort. It’s been nearly a year since I’ve seen her.”

Lu Chang smiled and bowed slightly. “I’m sure the Noble Consort misses Your Grace as well.”

Leng Jiu rolled her eyes at him, then burst into laughter.

She changed into formal palace attire and leisurely headed out after lunch. Hua Yuxuan’s pregnancy, coupled with the Emperor’s visible support, had undoubtedly stirred envy among the harem. Whether out of jealousy or genuine congratulations, all the concubines were obligated to show their respects. After all, while the empress position might be a distant dream for most, for Hua Yuxuan, it was merely a step away. With a prince in her womb, she was certain to secure the title.

From a distance, Leng Jiu noticed a crowd gathered at the entrance of Furui Palace. The concubines stood with their gifts, waiting to be searched by stern-looking nannies. Although they appeared displeased, none dared to leave.

“The Empress Dowager arrives!”

The loud announcement startled the concubines and attendants, who quickly adjusted their posture and bowed. “Greetings to the Empress Dowager! Long live the Empress Dowager!”

Leng Jiu scanned the group and noticed two unfamiliar yet striking faces among them. Smiling faintly, she asked, “These two must be Yuanfei and Xuefei?”

The two women trembled at being addressed, bowing lower. “Yes, Your Grace.”

“Such delightful ladies!” Leng Jiu chuckled. “Rise.”

“Thank you, Empress Dowager!”

Without sparing them another glance, Leng Jiu began walking toward Furui Palace but was stopped after only a few steps. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, “Oh? Must even I be searched?”

The one who blocked her was Hua Yuxuan’s trusted nanny, an old servant who had been with her for many years and was privy to the deep animosity between Hua Yuxuan and Leng Jiu. Knowing Hua Yuxuan’s wariness of the Empress Dowager, the nanny was equally guarded. Feigning difficulty, she said with a forced smile, “Please forgive me, Empress Dowager. This is the Emperor’s order. I am merely following instructions.”

Leng Jiu smirked, her gaze turning cold and unreadable. “A dutiful servant indeed! But do you think you’re qualified to search me?”

The nanny’s expression stiffened. “This servant is unworthy, but I must carry out the Emperor’s decree. Please, Empress Dowager, don’t make it difficult for me.”

As Leng Jiu casually wiped her hands with a handkerchief, she glanced toward Furui Palace. “And if I refuse?”

“Then I must regretfully deny Your Grace entry.”

“Tsk, tsk!” Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow, mocking. “What a principled servant! Noble Consort Hua is fortunate to have someone so loyal.”

The nanny remained silent, aware that these words were far from genuine praise. She had no choice but to respond carefully, “It is only right for servants to be loyal to their master.”

“Indeed, loyalty is a virtue!” Leng Jiu nodded, seemingly in agreement. Then, her tone suddenly shifted. “But offending me? That is not virtuous.”

“Lu Chang!”

“Your Grace!”

“What is the punishment for offending me?”

“According to the rules, the offender can be executed by beating for serious offenses or receive fifty lashes for minor ones,” Lu Chang replied without hesitation.

“Empress Dowager!” The nanny’s face turned pale as she realized Leng Jiu intended to make an example of her. “I am acting on the Emperor’s orders! Please don’t wrong me!”

Leng Jiu sneered. “Whether it’s wrong or not is for me to decide. Initially, I thought to let you off with ten strokes out of respect for your age. But seeing how stubborn you are, I’ve decided—fifty lashes. Not a single one less!”

“Empress Dowager!” The nanny was terrified, attempting to flee toward the palace for protection.

Seeing through her intent, Leng Jiu smirked. “Du Heng!”

“Yes!” In a flash, Du Heng leaped forward, grabbed the nanny, and threw her to the ground. Two eunuchs immediately restrained her.

“Empress Dowager! You can’t—mmph mmph…” The nanny’s protests were muffled as she was dragged away.

Lu Chang instructed Du Heng, “The Empress Dowager dislikes hearing unpleasant noises. Handle this quietly.”

Du Heng nodded. “Understood.”

After Du Heng left, Lu Chang turned to the concubines and palace attendants, mimicking the nanny’s earlier smile. “Did any of you see what just happened?”

Yuanfei, Xuefei, and the others exchanged glances before bowing their heads wisely. “We just arrived and saw nothing.”

Lu Chang shifted his gaze to the other attendants. “And you?”

“Sir, it was the nanny who offended the Empress Dowager. We all saw it clearly!”

Satisfied, Lu Chang smiled and offered his arm for Leng Jiu to take. “Your Grace, weren’t you eager to see the Noble Consort?”

Leng Jiu cast him a sidelong glance. “Let’s go.”

Accompanied by her attendants, Leng Jiu entered the palace. Once her figure disappeared, the concubines and servants straightened, now acutely aware of one undeniable truth: the Empress Dowager still reigned supreme in the harem.

Inside the palace, not only were Long Yi and Hua Yuxuan present, but also the Duke of De, his wife, and the chief and deputy chief of the Imperial Medical Bureau. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits, with Hua Yuxuan nestled in Long Yi’s embrace, looking delicate and content. However, their laughter ceased the moment Leng Jiu appeared.

Raising an eyebrow, Leng Jiu asked, “What’s the matter? Am I unwelcome?”

The imperial physicians were the first to react, bowing deeply. “Greetings to the Empress Dowager!”

The Duke of De and his wife also restrained their smiles and rose to pay their respects. “Greetings to the Empress Dowager!”

Though reluctant, Hua Yuxuan finally rose from Long Yi’s arms and curtsied lightly. “Greetings to the Empress Dowager.”

Leng Jiu smiled with satisfaction. “At ease.”

She took a seat beside Long Yi, her gaze falling on Hua Yuxuan with a smile. “I heard the Noble Consort is expecting, so I came to visit.”

Hua Yuxuan lowered her gaze and replied gracefully, “Thank you for your concern, Empress Dowager.”

Leng Jiu turned to the two heads of the Imperial Academy of Medicine. “Have you examined the Noble Consort’s health?”

“Reporting to the Empress Dowager! We have already taken turns feeling the Noble Consort’s pulse. Her health is excellent, and this pregnancy is stable. She will certainly give birth to the imperial heir safely!”

Hearing this, Leng Jiu nodded and suddenly asked, “I know you doctors have some remedies. Is it possible to tell whether it’s a prince or a princess?”

The two looked at each other at her words. After a brief pause, the older head replied, “This minister has practiced medicine for many years and has diagnosed numerous noble ladies. While it cannot be guaranteed, there’s a 70-80% chance of an accurate prediction. Based on the Noble Consort’s strong pulse and her stable condition even after more than a month, it should be a prince!”

Although the question came from Leng Jiu, the other four in the room were visibly delighted.

“In that case, it seems I must prepare a great gift!” Leng Jiu smiled, then rose to her feet. “Noble Consort, take good care of your health. I won’t disturb you further. Farewell!”

Seeing Leng Jiu acting so amiably left the others a little surprised, but they still maintained proper etiquette. “We respectfully see the Empress Dowager off!”

Leng Jiu glanced at Long Yi before leaving. After walking a few steps, she turned back as if something had occurred to her. “Just now, outside, there was an insolent servant claiming to be following the Emperor’s orders and insisting on searching my person. I was displeased and gave her a few dozen strokes as punishment. Emperor, will you blame me for it?”

Hua Yuxuan’s expression changed upon hearing this. That servant was her most trusted maid, sent specifically because of her reliability. But a few dozen strokes? That was practically a death sentence. Still, she couldn’t speak up now; doing so would make her seem petty.

Long Yi, however, didn’t seem to mind. “Disrespecting the Empress Dowager is a grave offense. If the Empress Dowager punished her, then so be it.”

Leng Jiu chuckled softly and turned away. After taking a few steps, she casually remarked, “The harem is in chaos. I’m too tired to manage it anymore. Perhaps it’s time for an Empress to take charge.”

Her seemingly offhanded comment stirred waves in the hearts of everyone in the room, each of them contemplating its deeper meaning.

Once outside the Furui Palace and with no one else around, Qing Ling couldn’t help but ask, “Does the Empress Dowager intend to allow the Noble Consort to ascend to the position of Empress?”

Leng Jiu glanced at her, then looked at Zi Yu. “What do you think, Zi Yu?”

Zi Yu smiled. “That remark wasn’t the Empress Dowager’s own words.”

Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Words from my mouth are not my own?”

Zi Yu shook her head slightly. “Of course not! Just now, the only people inside were the Emperor, the Noble Consort, and the Duke and Duchess of De. Though they didn’t say it outright, it won’t be long before the topic of crowning an Empress is brought up. This matter is something they won’t report to the Empress Dowager, so the only way for you to know would be when the Emperor issues the decree. While they didn’t mention it, you understood, so your remark was simply to let them—or perhaps one specific person—know that you’re already aware of their intentions.”

Leng Jiu turned and gently tapped Zi Yu on the forehead. “When did you become so clever?”

Zi Yu blushed slightly and smiled. “This servant is not clever, only familiar with the Empress Dowager’s ways.”

Leng Jiu smiled. “As long as you understand. But remember one thing: always hold back when speaking to others. It’s a fine balance to say enough without saying too much. Today, you spoke to me, which is fine. But in the future, be cautious about what you say to others. Otherwise, it could bring disaster upon yourself.”

Zi Yu’s face turned serious, and she nodded solemnly. “This servant understands!”

“Empress Dowager!” Suddenly, Qing Ling touched Leng Jiu’s arm, signaling something with her eyes.

Leng Jiu turned to look and narrowed her eyes slightly. “Drinking tea in the Hundred Flowers Garden? Liang Wang certainly has leisure.”

Xiao Yan, dressed in his usual regal purple attire, exuded an air of elegance and nobility. Hearing her remark, he put down his jade teacup and turned to her with a smile. “I was merely seeking some peace. Did I disturb the Empress Dowager?”

“Not at all. I was merely admiring Liang Wang’s choice of location.”

Xiao Yan glanced around at the blooming flowers and fluttering butterflies. It was indeed a fine spot. He gestured invitingly. “Might I have the honor of offering the Empress Dowager a cup of tea?”

Leng Jiu caught the faint aroma of tea in the air and smiled. “I am no connoisseur of tea. Is Liang Wang not afraid I might ruin such fine tea?”

Xiao Yan maintained his gentle smile. “Drinking tea is about one’s state of mind. Tea remains tea; how could it be ruined?”

Leng Jiu chuckled. “In that case, I’ll graciously accept.”

She instructed her attendants to wait outside and approached alone. Xiao Yan, with no servants by his side, personally rinsed a jade teacup and poured her a cup of fragrant tea.

Leng Jiu sat down, taking in the rich aroma of the tea. She had never smelled anything like it before. Raising the cup to her lips for a sip, her smile deepened. “Such fragrant Longjing tea! This is the first time I’ve encountered it.”

“This is pre-Qingming Longjing, grown using water from the snow-melt springs of Mei Mountain in Liang. The tea carries a hint of plum blossom fragrance.”

Leng Jiu took another sip and couldn’t help but praise, “Indeed, excellent tea!” While she wasn’t a tea expert, her previous life had made her discerning about quality. She could easily distinguish the good from the bad.

Xiao Yan smiled faintly. “If the Empress Dowager likes it, I’ll send some to you later.”

“Good!” Leng Jiu replied straightforwardly. She understood the rarity of such tea, but she felt no hesitation accepting his offer. Rejecting a good thing freely offered would be foolish.

Hearing her quick agreement, Xiao Yan’s smile deepened. He raised his cup and took a small sip.

With little to talk about, Leng Jiu wasn’t one to linger. After finishing her tea, she set the cup down and said, “Thank you for the tea, Liang Wang. I won’t disturb your peace any longer. Farewell!”

Xiao Yan put down his cup. “Take care, Empress Dowager.”

Leng Jiu smiled and turned to leave the garden. Soon, she and her attendants disappeared from view.

Watching her walk away, Xiao Yan finally withdrew his gaze, his eyes falling on the cup she had used, lost in thought.

Yun Shan emerged from the shadows, displeased. “Master! You’re far too generous. This Longjing tea is incredibly hard to cultivate; only five bushes are alive. It’s worth a fortune, and you barely drink it yourself. How could you just give it away?”

Xiao Yan lifted his cup and sipped, his gaze distant as it settled on the flowers nearby. He ignored Yun Shan’s complaints.

Upon returning to Weiyang Palace, Leng Jiu immediately sensed someone inside. She dismissed Lu Chang and the others before entering, unsurprised to find a familiar figure lounging seductively on her bed.

“You’re here?”

Long Yueli opened his eyes lazily, his gaze full of charm as he reached out to pull her into his arms. Inhaling deeply, he murmured, “I missed you.”

Straightforward words like that could always stir the heart, especially when spoken in his husky, seductive voice. Leng Jiu wrapped her arms around his neck, rubbing against him affectionately. “How much?”

“This much.” He flipped her over, his scorching lips descending in a rain of kisses.

“Mm… What did you put in my mouth?” She tasted something cool and slightly bitter. Taking advantage of a brief moment, she managed to ask. His response was a deeper, more passionate kiss, followed by an intoxicating descent into bliss.

Afterward, Leng Jiu lay on Long Yueli’s smooth chest, her slender fingers drawing circles on his heart. With a clearer gaze, she looked at him with charming eyes. “Speak! What did you feed me?”

Long Yueli raised his hand to caress her face. “It won’t harm you. You’ll find out soon enough.”

Leng Jiu naturally knew he wouldn’t harm her. Seeing that he didn’t want to say more, she didn’t press further and instead asked, “By the way, Long Yi’s noble consort is pregnant. Aren’t you going to visit?”

“His child has nothing to do with me,” Long Yueli replied, raising an eyebrow. After a brief pause, his gaze darkened. “Do you know how you ended up in the palace in the first place?”

Leng Jiu rested her chin on his chest. “Why bring this up all of a sudden?”

Long Yueli stroked her hair. “Although the old emperor intended it, Prince De played a significant role behind the scenes. And Prince De only intervened because of Hua Yuxuan’s efforts.”

Leng Jiu closed her eyes and leaned against his chest. “That’s all in the past. I’m not interested in digging into it. Let it go.”

Hearing her words, Long Yueli smiled and continued stroking her hair. “Indeed, the past is the past.” If not for that scheme, perhaps she would now be Long Yi’s consort or empress, and they wouldn’t have what they share today.

Compared to when Li Fei was pregnant, Long Yi was noticeably more cautious this time. He even deployed his shadow guards to Furu Palace, and there were faint murmurs in court urging the establishment of an empress. Whenever these messages reached Leng Jiu, she would only respond with a faint smile.

One morning, after bathing, she put on a light robe and wandered casually. From afar, she noticed Ziyu sitting behind a pillar, engrossed in a book. She walked over. “What are you reading?”

“Ah? Your Majesty…” Ziyu was startled and hurriedly hid the book behind her, shaking her head. “Just something random.”

Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow. “Hmm?”

Ziyu pulled a bitter face and reluctantly handed over the book. “I was just skimming through.”

Leng Jiu took it, and the bold title on the cover made her raise an eyebrow. “Records of the Nations? You’re reading this?”

“I brought it from home. I read it occasionally when I have free time,” Ziyu explained.

Leng Jiu flipped through the book. “Can you understand it?”

Ziyu nodded slightly. “Since my father is a teacher, I learned to read and write from a young age. I understand some of it. When I visited home to care for him, he saw my interest and taught me a bit more. Now I can grasp most of it.”

She quickly added, “I only read it occasionally. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

Leng Jiu smiled and returned the book. “It’s good that you enjoy such reading. If I recall correctly, there’s a library in Weiyang Palace with many books. If you like, you can borrow from there. I don’t need them anyway.”

Ziyu was first delighted but quickly shook her head. “How could I? I’m not worthy to touch those books.”

Leng Jiu patted her shoulder. “Opportunities can be created or given by others. What matters is whether you have the courage to seize them. If you truly have ambition, stop fixating on being a servant. Look up and cultivate some ambition.”

Ziyu, overwhelmed, nodded earnestly. “I understand, Your Majesty.”

Leng Jiu gave her a faint smile and walked away with her hands clasped behind her back.

After lunch, Leng Jiu grew restless and left the palace, heading straight to the Chancellor’s residence. However, Uncle Xiang informed her that Gong Yuwei was still in court and hadn’t returned. Only then did she realize that he had recovered and resumed his duties.

Since she couldn’t see him, Leng Jiu wasn’t in a hurry. She had Uncle Xiang bring out a recliner and lay in the courtyard for a nap in the breeze.

Unexpectedly, the nap was so restful that she slept for two hours. Upon waking, she noticed it was late. Turning to the side, she saw Gong Yuwei preparing tea, his handsome profile fair and soft.

When he noticed she was awake, Gong Yuwei placed a cup of tea by her side. “There were many matters in court today. I returned later than expected.”

“Hmm.” Leng Jiu wasn’t upset by this. Her gaze inadvertently fell on the jade gourd hanging from his waist, and she chuckled. “You’re still keeping that?”

Gong Yuwei glanced down at it, his face flushing slightly. “Yes.”

Leng Jiu smiled and leaned closer, slipping a hand into her collar. Just as Gong Yuwei turned away in embarrassment, she pulled out a string with a smaller jade gourd hanging from it. Its vibrant green shimmered beautifully. “Hehe! I still have the one you gave me.”

Gong Yuwei’s eyes lit up with unconcealable joy. He gently held her hand. “Thank you.”

“Why thank me?” Leng Jiu sat beside him.

Gong Yuwei hesitated, at a loss for words. He didn’t know what exactly he was grateful for—he just felt endlessly thankful and happy.

Seeing him stumped, Leng Jiu stopped teasing and stroked his face, shifting the topic. “You’ve returned to court so soon. Why not rest a few more days? The court won’t fall apart without you.”

Gong Yuwei smiled softly at her. “It gets dull staying in the residence. It’s good to find something to do.”

Leng Jiu rolled her eyes. “By that logic, I should be bored to death. Imagine someone complaining about being too idle!”

Gong Yuwei didn’t reply, only gazing at her tenderly. After a long pause, he cautiously asked, “The Mid-Autumn Festival is in a few days. Have you decided how to spend it?”

After speaking, he suddenly froze and smiled wryly. “I almost forgot there’s a palace banquet.”

Leng Jiu found his cautious manner exasperating. She got up and sat on his lap, holding his face with both hands to make him look at her. “You blockhead. If you want me to spend Mid-Autumn with you, just say it. Is it so hard to say?”

Gong Yuwei looked at her, hesitating for a long moment before squeezing out three words: “Can I?”

“Idiot! Why wouldn’t you?” Leng Jiu pouted and bit his lips gently. “That’s your punishment!”

There was some pain on his lips, but Gong Yuwei didn’t feel it at all. Instead, his heart was filled with a sweet warmth.

Having made plans with Gong Yuwei, Leng Jiu stayed with him until the sky darkened before returning. However, she didn’t go back to the general’s mansion but headed to the courtyard where Mo Zhai lived. She sent someone to inform Mo Yina while she waited in the house.

Zhu Kongyang had also returned. Upon seeing Leng Jiu, Kong Xiangyun was overjoyed and, upon hearing that Leng Jiu was waiting for Mo Yina, immediately went to cook, insisting that she stay for dinner before leaving. Leng Jiu didn’t refuse and nodded in agreement.

Zhu Kongyang still felt a bit shy when facing Leng Jiu and gave a bashful smile. “Miss Jiu!”

Leng Jiu looked at him. It had been nearly a year since they last met. He was no longer the skinny and haggard man she first saw. Though not particularly handsome, his features were upright, and despite being in business, he carried an air of refinement and kindness that made him quite likable. With a slight smile, she motioned to a seat nearby. “Sit down. I just happen to hear about your business progress.”

Zhu Kongyang walked over and sat, his upright demeanor making Leng Jiu chuckle slightly.

“It’s been more than a year since we opened, and the shops are stable now. Many merchants who knew my father have signed long-term contracts. Our tea business has taken root, and we’ve even opened teahouses. The people Mo Gongzi introduced are very smart and quick to learn. So far, we’ve opened branches in nine major cities. Besides tea, we’ve also expanded into silk, fabric, restaurants, and pharmacies. The business is gradually growing.”

Leng Jiu raised her eyes. “That’s impressive. But you can’t bite off more than you can chew. Expand steadily, and make sure each step is solid before moving forward.”

Zhu Kongyang nodded. “I understand.”

Suddenly, Leng Jiu asked, “Has the Zhu family caused you any trouble lately?”

Zhu Kongyang paused for a moment, then smiled. “You don’t know, Miss Jiu? Last year during the New Year, they came to the tea house to make trouble. I let them smash the place and even went up to get beaten myself. At the same time, I had already reported the matter to the authorities. When they arrived and saw the chaos, they arrested them immediately. The Zhu family’s shop has been closed for nearly a year now.”

Leng Jiu was a little surprised, then laughed. “What a method you came up with. Didn’t they claim to have connections with the authorities? Why didn’t they use them in the end?”

Zhu Kongyang smirked faintly. “Their so-called connection was just a low-ranking officer who could only flaunt minor authority. Besides, not long after, that officer killed someone in a drunken brawl over a courtesan. He’s been in prison awaiting execution.”

Indeed, fortunes change. Who would have thought that the man they once kicked out and left for dead would rise again and put them behind bars?

Leng Jiu chatted with Zhu Kongyang about business matters for a while. Soon, Kong Xiangyun brought out the dishes, filling an entire table. Leng Jiu’s heart warmed as she took Kong Xiangyun’s hand. “Aunt Kong, join us for the meal.”

“Oh, no!” Kong Xiangyun quickly waved her hands.

Leng Jiu insisted, “There’s too much food here for just me, and it would be a waste. Join us, or I’ll feel lonely eating alone.”

Zhu Kongyang, more at ease than his mother, said, “Mother, you should sit down. Miss Jiu isn’t the kind of person to stand on ceremony. Besides, you’ve always wanted to talk to her, haven’t you? Now’s your chance.”

After hesitating briefly, Kong Xiangyun finally sat down. “Then I won’t stand on ceremony. Thank you, Miss Jiu.”

Leng Jiu smiled, picking up her chopsticks. “There’s no need to be so formal. Just relax. It’s been ages since I’ve tasted your cooking, Aunt Kong. I’m looking forward to this!”

“I’m glad you enjoy it, Miss Jiu!” Kong Xiangyun’s face lit up with joy.

“Even from afar, I could smell Aunt Kong’s cooking! Sister Jiu, don’t you dare finish it all!” A crisp voice rang out, and Mo Yina appeared at the doorway. With her makeup removed and a change of clothes, her beauty now seemed more delicate and natural.

Leng Jiu chuckled. “Alright, it’s all yours. But be careful not to overeat!”

Mo Yina laughed, grabbed chopsticks from Kong Xiangyun, and squeezed in beside Leng Jiu. “Sister Jiu, you haven’t visited me in so long. I’ve missed you to death!”

Leng Jiu tapped her on the head. “Let’s eat first. We can talk later.”

“Alright!”

The four of them finally started eating. Thanks to Kong Xiangyun’s excellent cooking, they nearly cleared the table. Mo Yina, clutching her stomach, could barely walk. Leng Jiu, feeling content, wasn’t much in the mood to talk either.

Seeing their state, Kong Xiangyun chuckled and said, “You two sit for a bit. I’ll make some sour plum soup to help with digestion.”

Leng Jiu nodded and took a stroll in the courtyard with Mo Yina.

“Sister Jiu, I’m so full!” Mo Yina hiccupped, looking pitiful.

Leng Jiu shot her a glance, laughing silently.

Perhaps because the Mid-Autumn Festival was near, the moon seemed especially bright that night. Leng Jiu paused, gazing at the sky. “Has your brother sent you any messages lately?”

Leaning lazily against a pillar, Mo Yina looked half-dead. “He wrote a letter recently, just saying all is well. Nothing else.”

Sighing, she added, “My brother’s always been reserved. Just getting a letter from him is already something to be grateful for.”

Leng Jiu nodded thoughtfully. “Things have been a bit chaotic outside lately. Take care of yourself and keep a few guards with you.”

“I will!” Mo Yina nodded.

Seeing the time, Leng Jiu said, “It’s getting late. I should head back.”

Mo Yina looked reluctant. “Can’t you stay the night?”

“No!” Leng Jiu flicked her forehead. “Stop acting like a child!”

Mo Yina ignored her, grabbing her sleeve in a playful manner before abruptly changing her tone, leaning in close. “Sister Jiu! When are you marrying my brother?”

“Marry?” Leng Jiu gave her a side-eye. “Who told you that?”

Mo Yina pouted. “Don’t deny it. After what happened that day, I’ve already decided you’re going to be my sister-in-law!”

Leng Jiu gave her a flick on the forehead. “You’re dreaming. Tell your brother that when he returns. I’m leaving now. Go to bed early!”

Mo Yina covered her forehead. “You’re just embarrassed!”

Ignoring her, Leng Jiu used her light-footed skill to leave the courtyard.

The night was chilly, the bright moonlight blanketing the capital like silver snow. But somewhere within the city’s shadows, bloodshed and darkness unfolded.

A faint killing intent and the scent of blood wafted through the air. Leng Jiu paused, her gaze narrowing. Not far ahead, a brutal fight was taking place in the shadows.

She was about to avoid it when a group of black-clad men rushed towards the scene, forcing her to crouch and hide.

The group swiftly joined the fray. Leng Jiu watched with a heavy gaze. Suddenly, she heard someone shout, “Young Master, be careful!”

A weak yet composed voice replied, “I’m fine.”

Leng Jiu’s steps could no longer move away. She had no dagger with her, only throwing darts. Instead of charging in directly, she concealed herself, using her light-footed skills to swiftly approach under the shadows of the roof beams.

The clash of blades rang clearly in the still night. Leng Jiu peered from the shadow of a rooftop, where she had a clear view of the alley. In the center, surrounded by attackers, stood Xiao Yan in luxurious purple robes, exuding nobility. However, he seemed injured. His servant supported him, and five bodyguards protected him in the middle. Opposing them were about twenty assassins. The ground was littered with bloody corpses, evidence of a long and brutal fight.

There were no questions, no negotiations—only relentless attacks driven by murderous intent.

Leng Jiu’s eyes flickered. Although she didn’t know who wanted Xiao Yan dead, his survival was undoubtedly beneficial. After some thought, she took out three throwing darts from her waist, infused them with internal energy, and swiftly released them.

Three assassins fell to the ground, struck in the back. Before the others could react, another set of three darts followed, claiming three more lives. Leng Jiu did not act further.

“There’s backup!” The assassins noticed their fallen companions and grew distracted. One of them seemed to determine the direction of the darts and leapt onto the roof beams. However, Leng Jiu had already left. As he landed, another dart flew straight at him. He tried to block but was a moment too late, and the dart pierced his forehead. His body fell from the beam.

With seven assassins down, their fighting strength was significantly weakened. The five guards, clearly more skilled, seized the opportunity to slay another six or seven attackers. The remaining assassins, realizing their failure, quickly retreated and vanished into the night.

Seeing them flee, Leng Jiu assumed Xiao Yan was no longer in danger. She prepared to leave but was stopped by a calm voice. “Thank you, miss, for your assistance.”

Leng Jiu paused mid-step. Originally intending to remain an anonymous helper, she changed her mind. Using light-footed skills, she descended into the alley, landing lightly amidst the corpses, just five meters away from Xiao Yan. Ignoring the swords of his guards, she looked directly at Xiao Yan and said something seemingly unrelated: “The moonlight is beautiful tonight.”

Xiao Yan, initially surprised to see her, quickly concealed his reaction. With a faint smile, he replied, “Indeed, it is.”

Leng Jiu glanced at him, then at the corpses on the ground. She flipped over a few bodies and chuckled. “Being a guest in Fengyu isn’t easy. A grand feast awaits, but don’t end up becoming someone else’s meal.”

Though she didn’t name names, her meaning was clear. Xiao Yan responded, “Thank you for the warning.”

“Remember, you owe me a favor. I’ll claim it one day,” Leng Jiu said with a smile before leaping onto the rooftop.

Xiao Yan looked up at her and nodded slightly. “Very well.”

Leng Jiu turned and quickly disappeared into the night.

After she left, Yunshan spoke in astonishment. “Master, she is…”

“Yunshan,” Xiao Yan interrupted. Though his tone lacked sharpness, it silenced Yunshan immediately. Xiao Yan closed his eyes briefly. “Let’s go.”

“Yes, Master.” Xiao Yan was injured, so they quickly escorted him away from the bloody scene.

Aware that Long Yi’s men were heavily mobilized tonight, Leng Jiu didn’t dare to return to the palace alone. After some thought, she headed to the Xuan Prince’s manor. The hidden guards, initially on alert, relaxed upon recognizing her. Last time, they had suffered a harsh lesson from Long Yue Li for acting against her.

Leng Jiu searched Long Yue Li’s room, but it was empty. After a quick check, she went to Leng Yirou’s room. Leng Yirou was fast asleep. After tucking her in and adjusting her quilt, Leng Jiu left.

She summoned a hidden guard. “Where is your prince?”

The guard silently pointed toward the back mountain.

Waving him off, Leng Jiu used her light-footed skills to head in the indicated direction.

Behind the Xuan Prince’s manor lay a small hill, more a mound than a mountain, covering less than two thousand square meters. On one side was the manor; on the other, a river.

Landing lightly, she saw Long Yue Li in the moonlight. He knelt before a gravestone, wearing a simple white outfit instead of his usual bright colors. Leng Jiu paused, sensing the significance of the moment.

Stopping a short distance behind him, she glanced at the gravestone, illuminated by the moon. It bore the inscription: Grave of Hua Yao, with a smaller line beneath: Erected by her son, Hua Yue Li.

Leng Jiu was slightly taken aback. This was Lady Hua’s grave. Wasn’t she supposed to be buried in the imperial mausoleum?

Before she could ponder further, Long Yue Li’s calm voice broke the silence. “Jiu’er, come here.”

After a brief hesitation, she approached. While she rarely bowed to anyone, this was Long Yue Li’s mother—someone he deeply loved. And though she wasn’t yet officially part of his family, she was still a junior in this context. Kneeling beside him, she took his outstretched hand. “Today is your mother’s death anniversary?”

Long Yue Li’s stiff expression softened slightly as he looked at her. “Why are you here so late?”

“Just taking a stroll. It got late, so I came to find a place to sleep.”

Long Yue Li smiled faintly, then turned back to the gravestone. “Jiu’er, bow to my mother. She’ll be happy to see you.”

Leng Jiu wanted to argue that the dead couldn’t see the living, but seeing how much this mattered to him, she complied. Bowing three times properly, she introduced herself, “Madam, my name is Leng Jiu. You’ve likely never met me.”

Long Yue Li touched her head gently. “You addressed her wrong. Call her mother.”

Leng Jiu hesitated, meeting his eyes. “Um, can I call her that before we’re married?”

Long Yue Li lowered his head, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Let’s bow together to my mother and let her witness our union. Will you marry me?”