The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous

Volume 2 Chapter 9 - Long Yue Li's Ultimate Benefit

A pile of rare and exotic fruits was spread out on the table. Some Leng Jiu recognized, while others she had never seen before. However, they all tasted extremely good, so she didn’t refuse when Long Yue Li fed her, and ate eagerly!

Long Yue Li peeled a grape and handed it to her. The grape was crystal-clear and very tempting. Even though Long Yue Li, the distinguished Prince Xuan, was peeling grapes for her, Leng Jiu didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. She opened her mouth to take it, even nibbling on Long Yue Li’s fingers and rolling the grape with her tongue before chewing and swallowing it!

After swallowing the grape, she saw Long Yue Li lick his fingers. His rose-colored lips were extremely seductive, causing Leng Jiu’s mind to explode with desire. She couldn’t help but curse him as a ‘demon’.

When it came to passion, Long Yue Li spared no effort. Just a moment ago, he had pinned her down, and if the servant bringing the fruit hadn’t arrived suddenly, he might have already consumed her without waiting for tonight.

To prevent herself from turning into a hungry wolf pouncing on Long Yue Li, Leng Jiu quickly changed the subject, “How is your injury from the other day on Nanshan? Have you recovered?”

Long Yue Li peeled another grape and handed it over, smiling, “I thought you wouldn’t ask!”

Leng Jiu chuckled and thought, If it weren’t for the fact that I can’t resist you, I wouldn’t even ask!

She glanced at him, and Long Yue Li, as usual, understood her thoughts. With a mischievous smile, he suddenly started to undress, scaring Leng Jiu, who grabbed his hand. “What are you doing?”

Long Yue Li smiled innocently, “Aren’t you asking about my injury? I’m taking off my clothes so you can see for yourself and be reassured!”

Leng Jiu couldn’t help but roll her eyes, “No need! Seeing you so lively last night and carrying me around, you must be nearly fully recovered!”

Long Yue Li looked at her holding his hand. “Really not going to look?”

Of course not! You’ll definitely end up naked, which would be torturous! “No need! It’s chilly, and taking off clothes isn’t good for your health!”

Long Yue Li withdrew his hand and took her into his arms, teasingly nibbling her ear, “I didn’t know you cared so much about my health, hmm?”

Leng Jiu trembled at that ‘hmm.’ Who says women are the ones who tempt? Men can be even more tempting. She was almost overwhelmed!

A sudden urgent knock on the door provided a temporary escape for the distressed Leng Jiu!

Long Yue Li released Leng Jiu, his eyes turning cold for a moment, “What’s the matter?”

“Master! Miss Hua has gotten into a fight with several young masters in the ‘Zhu’ building!”

“Understood!”

Leng Jiu poked him in the chest, “Aren’t you going to help your cousin?”

Long Yue Li held her hand, this time not biting but playing with it gently, and with a smile, said, “Although she is from my mother’s family, I don’t have any particular feelings for her. Even though my elder uncle is deceased, I’m only taking care of her out of courtesy, nothing more!”

Leng Jiu laughed lightly, “Are you telling me you’re innocent?”

Long Yue Li narrowed his eyes and leaned closer, continuing seductively, “You can verify my innocence yourself. I’ve heard that the first time for a virgin is different!”

Leng Jiu almost spat blood, slapping his face, “Damn lecher, get away!”

“Hehe!” Long Yue Li was very pleased to see Leng Jiu’s changing expression. He wrapped his arm around her and said, “Let’s go see!”

As they descended from the building, it didn’t take long to see the chaos in the Zhu building. There were several circles of people outside, mostly young masters, and people from other buildings were peeking out to watch the commotion.

All the windows on the lower floor were open, clearly revealing Hua Rui’er fighting with several young masters. The opponents were using long swords, while she wielded a fine, flexible sword. Although her skills seemed inferior, her lightness skill was superb, allowing her to move effortlessly among several people!

Long Yue Li summoned someone, who immediately reported, “Replying to the prince, Miss Hua came to the Zhu building and was enamored with a painting. While reaching out to touch it, she accidentally knocked it down. The gentleman in question is a young master from the Li family, the Minister of War’s son. It was not intentional, but Miss Hua clung to him and refused to let go. Young Master Li has already agreed to compensate with money, but she still wasn’t satisfied and drew her sword to fight. Since Miss Hua is with the prince, we didn’t dare intervene!”

“No need to hold back, capture her!”

“Yes!”

The person took the order, and several others used their lightness skill to leap over to the building. After drawing their swords and joining the fight, they subdued Hua Rui’er in just three moves, ending the conflict!

Hua Rui’er was brought over by a few people. Seeing Long Yue Li, she immediately complained with a pitiful look, “Yue Li Brother! Look how they dare to treat me like this!”

Long Yue Li didn’t look at her but focused on the young masters who had come with her. Young Master Li, who had a mediocre appearance but a refined demeanor, looked quite agreeable. Realizing he might be in trouble, Young Master Li knelt on one knee and said, “Li Chen greets the prince! Li Chen was reckless and damaged the prince’s painting, and also ruined the Zhu building. I am willing to compensate fully and accept any punishment for my disrespect!”

“Yue Li Brother, kill him for me!” Hua Rui’er said angrily, “Not only did he tear the painting, but he also dared to attack me. He deserves to die!”

Long Yue Li waved his sleeve, and Hua Rui’er was immediately silenced, unable to say a word, only able to glare in frustration!

Long Yue Li looked at Li Chen on the ground and said, “Young Master Li, don’t take it to heart. It’s just a few paintings! This prince knows it was Miss Hua’s rudeness first. Let today’s events be as if they never happened!”

Li Chen gratefully looked at Long Yue Li and bowed his head, “Thank you, prince!”

Long Yue Li waved his hand, “Everyone, disperse!”

Everyone dispersed as instructed. Long Yue Li finally took a glance at Hua Rui’er and, without saying a word, embraced Leng Jiu and walked away!

Thus ended the farce. The singing and dancing resumed, and the atmosphere quickly returned to its previous state. When Leng Jiu turned around, she felt a gaze on her back. It was a gaze she was very familiar with, cold enough to pierce her. Leng Jiu didn’t turn to look, knowing that if she did, he would definitely rush over.

Thinking of that person, Leng Jiu frowned helplessly. Why was she always so unlucky recently? And why did she always feel like she was being caught in the act? Last time it was Gong Yu Wei, and this time it was Hua Jinzhi. Men really are not charming at all!

Leng Jiu could sense that person’s presence, and Long Yue Li naturally felt it too. He bit her ear, saying, “Jiu’er! Why do you always attract so many admirers?”

Leng Jiu rolled her eyes, “Don’t you think the one who is the most troublesome among them all is you?”

“Ha ha!” Long Yue Li smiled, but his smile was somewhat chilly. “It’s not enough to have one Gong Yu Wei. Now you’ve got another Hua Jinzhi. I also heard that you drank his mutual love wine. This king really wants to imprison you to keep you from being so fickle!”

Leng Jiu wrapped her arm around his. “Enough already! Don’t talk to me about these things. I’ve already made it very clear. If you’re still unsure, don’t come and provoke me!”

Long Yue Li sighed helplessly, then directly picked her up in his arms, “You ungrateful little fairy!”

Long Yue Li was actually still concerned, so he seemed somewhat distracted all afternoon. Seeing him dazed, Leng Jiu found a place to sleep. By the time she woke up, it was already dusk. Leng Jiu thought she couldn’t stay here any longer since she hadn’t returned last night.

She got up, dressed, and searched the room. Finally, she found Long Yue Li in the shadow of the balcony. He was hiding in the darkness, his expression unreadable!

“It’s getting late. I’m heading back to the palace!”

After a while with no response and his breathing steady, Leng Jiu thought he had fallen asleep. She pursed her lips and turned to leave, but just as she took a couple of steps, she was embraced from behind. His head rested on her shoulder as he softly said, “You promised me you’d stay tonight!”

Hearing his voice, Leng Jiu’s heart softened slightly. “I haven’t gone back all night. I must return today!”

“Don’t think I don’t know you have a maid in the palace who can disguise herself as you. Even if you don’t return, no one will know you’re here. That’s just an excuse!”

Leng Jiu was speechless. “But I can’t stay here forever!”

Long Yue Li turned her around and, before she could speak, kissed her eagerly and passionately, not giving her a chance to resist.

Leng Jiu’s breath became uneven from the kiss, her rationality and strength slowly drained away. Long Yue Li carried her using lightness skill to a large silk bed, which looked like a bridal bed.

As he slightly left Leng Jiu, she finally got a moment to breathe and still had a hint of resistance. Long Yue Li, however, seized her hand and, looking down at her seriously, said, “Jiu’er! I know what I’m doing. I’m not venting or anything else. I just want you, very much. I know I can’t ask for anything else right now. I just want to have you, okay?”

Leng Jiu realized that even when he was serious, his face was still so captivating!

Seeing her silent, Long Yue Li grew anxious and lowered his head to press his forehead against hers. “Jiu’er! Please?”

Time passed quietly. For the first time, Long Yue Li did not force Leng Jiu. He was willing to wait for her to give a single word of affirmation!

Finally, with Long Yue Li’s anticipation, Leng Jiu turned and pinned him down. The expectation in Long Yue Li’s eyes faded, replaced by coolness.

Leng Jiu lifted her hand to his lips, slowly moving closer, her fingers tracing his face, his lips, along his throat to his collarbone. Then she ripped open his clothes, revealing a large expanse of white. Leng Jiu smiled seductively, leaning in, pressing against his burning skin, her eyes hazy, “Long Yue Li! Do you know I’ve long wanted to deal with you? Now that you’re begging me like this, I won’t be polite!”

Long Yue Li’s eyes instantly rekindled with desire. Leng Jiu didn’t give him a chance to breathe and actively covered his lips, showing her true craving and passion for his body for the first time.

“Jiu’er! Jiu’er!” In terms of real seduction skills, Leng Jiu was much better than Long Yue Li, who only had practiced techniques but lacked real experience. Her hands skillfully caressed his sensitive areas, and her lips and tongue fell on his smooth skin. In no time, Long Yue Li’s desire was ignited. His devilish face was full of spring, captivating and irresistible, his rose-petal-like lips slightly parted, calling out her name!

Leng Jiu slowly stripped Long Yue Li of his clothes, and he, in turn, impatiently removed hers. Although it wasn’t their first time being so close, it was the first time it felt so intense, so eager!

Long Yue Li rolled over, pinning Leng Jiu down, urgently kissing every inch of her body, leaving marks like strawberries, his big hand moving over her body causing her to shiver!

Red silk danced, and the room was filled with the breath of spring!

“Ah!” Just as Leng Jiu was engulfed by desire, a sharp pain suddenly struck, making her frown!

Long Yue Li, surprised by this seemingly insignificant obstacle, was ecstatic. He didn’t mind it at all; he had already accepted it when he confirmed his feelings. But the surprise she gave him made his heart surge with sweetness, wishing he could hold her tightly!

“Bastard! If you’re going to do it, hurry up. It’s already half broken, are you trying to make me suffer?” Leng Jiu knew some people’s first time could be painful, but she hadn’t felt it in her past life. She didn’t expect to experience it again in this lifetime!

Realizing this, Long Yue Li finally completely possessed her, then embraced her body with immense satisfaction, not just his desire, but his heart!

“Jiu’er! Jiu’er!”

Long Yue Li’s calls of affection, sometimes lingering and sometimes excited, filled the room with deep love from dusk until midnight, creating a scene of springtime romance!

After their passionate encounter, Leng Jiu fell asleep from exhaustion. Long Yue Li, however, was wide awake, holding her close. Despite the sweat sticking to them, he didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. On the contrary, the mere touch of her body was stimulating. As a martial artist with a body far superior to an average person’s, having waited twenty-seven years for his first experience with a woman, especially one as captivating as Leng Jiu, he could hardly feel satisfied.

He traced her features with his hand. Now that she had transitioned from being a girl to a woman, her features were even more charming. Even in sleep, she carried a charm she didn’t have before. The thought that this womanly charm was added by him made his heart warm.

Leng Jiu seemed somewhat displeased with his restlessness. She lifted her hand to push him away, but accidentally kicked the blanket off, revealing half of her body. Her fair, pink skin was exposed to Long Yue Li’s gaze, instantly igniting his desire.

Long Yue Li clenched his teeth and covered her with the blanket again, biting her pale cheek angrily, “Little demoness! If you keep tempting me, you’ll be doomed!”

Leng Jiu, too tired to care, felt extremely hot after sleeping for a while. Long Yue Li had wrapped her tightly in the blanket, making her even more uncomfortable as the temperature rose. Exhausted, she couldn’t keep her eyes open and instinctively tried to pull the blanket away. “Hot! Uncomfortable!”

“Uncomfortable?” Long Yue Li’s eyes flashed with a wolfish gleam upon hearing those words. However, when he saw the fine sweat on Leng Jiu’s neck, he realized she was physically uncomfortable. With a sigh, he wrapped her and the blanket together and used lightness skills to fly out of the window.

In less than fifteen minutes, he arrived at a villa on the western outskirts and threw Leng Jiu, blanket and all, into the water. Then, with a sigh of resignation, he prepared to help her clean up. However, Long Yue Li clearly overestimated his self-control. As he undressed Leng Jiu like peeling an egg, his rationality dissipated, and he fell upon her like a starving wolf. It took him half an hour to finally satisfy himself. He then saw Leng Jiu, weak and leaning against the edge of the bath, glaring at him with anger. “Long Yue Li! You bastard!”

Seeing her angry, Long Yue Li shamelessly approached her, trying to placate her. “Jiu’er! You’re awake! I saw you were sticky and uncomfortable, so I specially brought you here to wash up!”

Leng Jiu glared at him, speechless at his shamelessness. “Take me back to the palace immediately!”

“Jiu’er! It wasn’t intentional. You’re just too tempting, and I couldn’t help myself!” Long Yue Li feigned a pitiful look, placing his large hand on her tender skin again, sighing internally, wishing he could hold her tightly.

Leng Jiu suddenly calmed down, looking at him with an extraordinarily calm gaze that unnerved him. “Take me back!”

Long Yue Li sensed that she was truly angry, more so than before, and didn’t dare to make any more moves. “Jiu’er!”

Leng Jiu remained silent, simply staring at him. In the end, Long Yue Li could only sigh in resignation, wrap her in a silk curtain, and use lightness skills to send her back to the palace.

After the first taste of passion, anyone would crave more, and someone like Long Yue Li, who had been waiting for so long, would be even more ravenous and terrifying, especially since his target was such a seductive woman. Thus, his lack of self-control was understandable.

However, once satisfied, the consequences were severe. For example, Long Yue Li, who intended to stay and cling to her, was kicked out by Leng Jiu. She also ordered him not to see her for ten days. Although Long Yue Li’s martial skills made him unafraid of Leng Jiu, her expression carried a ruthless warning that she might sever his lineage if he disobeyed. He believed she would carry out her threat, so he had no choice but to leave, feeling quite aggrieved.

Once Long Yue Li left, Leng Jiu wrapped herself in the blanket and went back to sleep. Since she had been willing to be with him, she wouldn’t turn against him, but his behavior was infuriating. She was already exhausted, and he still tormented her; she had shown considerable patience by not exacting revenge on him.

“Bastard!” She cursed, then closed her eyes heavily. Leng Jiu slept deeply, without any dreams, until the next evening.

“Zi Yu!” With a slightly uncomfortable throat, Leng Jiu called out softly.

Zi Yu, knowing she needed water, poured a glass and handed it to her, looking at Leng Jiu with admiration. “Your Majesty, you’re awake! I was so scared when I saw you lying there this morning. I thought you might be ill since you didn’t wake up for a long time. Fortunately, Sister Qing Ling knows a bit of medicine. She said you were just extremely tired, so I didn’t call the physician.”

Leng Jiu didn’t mind that Qing Ling knew what she did last night. She grasped Zi Yu’s hand after drinking the water. “Bring me some clothes and prepare a meal. I’m starving!”

Zi Yu stood up to get clothes. “Sister Qing Ling had already prepared the meal. It’s been changed several times, just in case you woke up hungry!”

Seeing her repeatedly refer to Qing Ling as ‘Sister,’ Leng Jiu said nothing. Zi Yu’s easy-going nature and steadiness were no match for Qing Ling, so it was normal for her to have some respect for Qing Ling.

As Leng Jiu emerged from the blanket, Zi Yu noticed the red marks on her body and gasped. “Your Majesty! What’s this…”

Leng Jiu glanced at her body, seeing the dense marks, her eyelids twitching involuntarily. She lifted her hand. “Don’t worry about it. Just put the clothes on me!”

“Okay!” Zi Yu quickly dressed Leng Jiu but was still puzzled. “Your Majesty, why are there so many marks? Were you bitten by mosquitoes last night?”

“Hmm! Yes, mosquitoes, very large ones!”

“Ah?”

Seeing Zi Yu’s puzzled expression, Leng Jiu reached out and touched her cheek. “You’ll understand when you marry your Ah Lang brother in the future!”

“Your Majesty!” Zi Yu shot her a reproachful look, her face flushed with embarrassment. Though still somewhat confused, she dared not ask more after Leng Jiu mentioned marriage.

Dressed and ready, Leng Jiu found that Qing Ling had indeed prepared the meal. After Leng Jiu sat down to eat, Qing Ling said, “Yesterday evening, Young Master Hua came to the palace. I was in the hall at the time, and his sudden appearance with a dark expression startled me. He searched the hall but didn’t see Your Majesty. He seemed very angry, his forehead veins standing out, and left with a murderous look!”

Leng Jiu paused with her chopsticks and rubbed her forehead. “Did he say anything?”

“Not a word.”

Leng Jiu took the soup bowl from Zi Yu, sighed deeply after a sip. That young man was probably quite upset. He was already uncertain at Bi Shui Paradise, but upon seeing her absence in the palace, he must have had all doubts dispelled. She had no idea how angry he was now!

Thinking about Hua Jinzhi’s arrogant personality made Leng Jiu’s head ache. Finally, she decided not to dwell on it. He could deal with it however he wished; she didn’t owe him anything!

After finishing her meal, still feeling sleepy, she had Zi Yu massage her back while she lay on the bed, preparing to nap again. However, Long Yi unexpectedly arrived!

Hearing the kneeling sounds outside, Zi Yu instinctively tried to get up, but Leng Jiu stopped her. “Don’t worry about it, keep massaging!”

Zi Yu had no choice but to continue massaging Leng Jiu.

When Long Yi entered the inner chamber, he saw Leng Jiu in a thin garment lying on the bed, allowing her maid to massage her. Her eyes were slightly narrowed, and she looked quite content. The unintentional allure in her expression made it hard for him to look away, causing his gaze to darken.

“It seems I’ve come at an inopportune time!” Long Yi said, seeing that Leng Jiu was ignoring him.

Leng Jiu didn’t even lift her eyelids, lazily responding, “Your Majesty, you wouldn’t come here if you had nothing to say. If you have something to say, just go ahead. I’m listening.”

Long Yi’s gaze swept over the curves of Leng Jiu’s waist and hips, his eyes growing even darker. “Are you sure you want to speak to me like this?”

Leng Jiu ignored his gaze; being looked at didn’t cost her anything, and it wasn’t her discomfort. “If Your Majesty doesn’t speak, I’ll be sleeping. I haven’t finished my nap yet!”

Seeing she really had no intention of getting up, Long Yi found a seat for himself and continued, “I heard that yesterday, Prince Xuan brought two women to Bi Shui Paradise, one petite and cute, and the other exceptionally beautiful. I suddenly remembered that Prince Xuan is no longer young and yet still has no concubines, let alone a secondary consort. I’ve neglected this matter for years.”

Leng Jiu chuckled. “Could it be that Your Majesty wants to play matchmaker again?”

“Prince Xuan is already twenty-seven and should be marrying a princess. I do indeed have this intention!”

“Has Your Majesty inquired about the backgrounds of those two women? Are they suitable for marriage?”

Long Yi twirled the jade ring on his thumb. “It is said that Prince Xuan dotes on the woman in blue and is very indulgent toward the other one. They must be the ones he favors. Prince Xuan will likely give them a formal status himself, so I don’t need to worry about that. However, even if their backgrounds are good, they cannot become Prince Xuan’s princess. I intend to choose a suitable princess for him.”

“Does Your Majesty have any candidates? I remember that all women above the fifth rank have already been selected. The good ones are in the palace. Are you considering picking someone from here, or perhaps someone below the fifth rank?”

“The princess for Prince Xuan cannot come from my palace. Besides, with Prince Xuan’s status, a woman below the fifth rank isn’t qualified to be his princess!” Long Yi smiled. “A few days ago, Snow Country sent an invitation. Half a month later, the Regent of Snow Country will come with the Snow Country’s Lan Xiang Princess for a visit. It’s said that Lan Xiang Princess is an exquisite beauty, elegant as an orchid, and every man who sees her is infatuated. I think only such a woman can match Prince Xuan, so I wanted to discuss it with you and ask for your help!”

“If Your Majesty has this intention, just issue a marriage decree. What does it have to do with me?” Leng Jiu lifted her eyelids.

Long Yi looked over. “Prince Xuan is my elder. Although I am the emperor, it would be somewhat inappropriate to force a marriage. Therefore, I’d like you, Empress Dowager, to take charge of this matter. What do you think?”

Leng Jiu smiled coolly. “Your Majesty is making me the villain. Why don’t you have Concubine Hui do it? If Princess Lan Xiang likes Prince Xuan and he doesn’t object, I wouldn’t mind doing a favor!”

Long Yi’s eyes flashed with satisfaction at her words. “In that case, I won’t disturb your rest any longer!”

Leng Jiu closed her eyes, too lazy to respond.

Long Yi stood up, his gaze sweeping over Leng Jiu before finally settling on Zi Yu. He chuckled lightly, “This maid beside the Empress Dowager is quite charming!”

Zi Yu’s hand paused in her massage, feeling a bit flustered.

Leng Jiu, eyes still closed, snorted lightly. “Your Majesty, with so many beauties in your harem, are you still not satisfied? You even have your sights set on the maid beside me. I remember there are still over ten young women in the palace who haven’t been selected. Your Majesty still has to put in some effort!”

Long Yi withdrew his gaze. “I was just speaking casually. Why is the Empress Dowager so anxious? Besides, there are many attentive maids in the palace. I can send a few more to you!”

“Your Majesty should keep those attentive ones for yourself. I have enough here and don’t wish to change for now.”

“Hehe! Then I won’t say more. Farewell!” With a final, lingering look at Leng Jiu, he turned and left.

Once Long Yi had left, Zi Yu finally relaxed her tense body and said with lingering fear, “I was so scared!”

Leng Jiu smiled gently at her, “You only have this much courage!”

Zi Yu disagreed, “I’m not like you, Empress Dowager. You’re not afraid of the Emperor, but I’m just a lowly maid. If the Emperor took a fancy to me, what would I do?”

Leng Jiu tilted her head and raised an eyebrow, “Becoming the Emperor’s woman brings honor and wealth, and can bring glory to one’s family. It’s something many maids long for. Why are you so scared?”

Zi Yu was speechless, “Empress Dowager, you’re just teasing me. You know well that the inner palace is a ruthless place. I don’t have a powerful family backing me, so who knows what might happen to me?”

Leng Jiu chuckled, teasing, “So you’re afraid of dying? I thought it was because of your A Lang brother.”

Zi Yu’s face turned bright red, “Empress Dowager! If you keep saying that, I won’t talk to you anymore!”

“Hahaha!” Leng Jiu laughed heartily at her reaction. Having such a pure maid to tease was quite enjoyable!

Zi Yu waited until Leng Jiu’s laughter subsided before asking, “The Emperor asked you to be a matchmaker for the Prince Xuan, but why did you hand it over to Consort Hua? She’s been hating you lately. Aren’t you afraid she’ll make trouble?”

Leng Jiu pulled Zi Yu down to sit beside her and rested her head on Zi Yu’s lap. Once comfortable, she said, “She’s caused me trouble before. But her tricks are always the same and I’m already used to them. I don’t care much. The reason I gave it to her is that I don’t want to deal with it myself. Whether it succeeds or fails, it’s not my concern!”

“But if it succeeds, it will be considered her achievement. Her reputation will rise again!”

Leng Jiu didn’t care and smiled, “Is Prince Long Yue Li the kind of man who waits for someone to send him women?”

Zi Yu’s eyes widened, “Are you saying she can’t succeed?”

“It would be strange if she did. It would be laughable if she ends up with nothing but trouble!”

Zi Yu felt relieved, “Now that the Empress Dowager has said this, I’m no longer worried!” Then she brightened up and added, “The Emperor mentioned that the Regent of Snow Country is actually the former Prince Lan Ze. I’ve seen Prince Lan Ze before, and his琴 (qín) – the way he plays it is so beautiful. I regret not being able to hear him play it again. It would be wonderful if I have the chance to hear him play once more!”

Leng Jiu looked at Zi Yu’s admiring expression and smiled. It was unexpected to see this maid be so infatuated with someone. “If there’s a chance, I can arrange for you to hear him play. By the way, can you play the qín?”

Zi Yu nodded shyly, “I can play a little, but it’s not very impressive.”

Leng Jiu thought for a moment, “I remember there’s a qín in the side hall. Go fetch it and play a few pieces for me!”

Zi Yu shook her head vigorously, “Please spare me, Empress Dowager! I only learned a little from a private tutor and it’s quite poor. I wouldn’t want to damage a good qín!”

Leng Jiu pinched her cheek, “Go get it. Stop making excuses. If you play well, I’ll reward you. If not, you’ll have to massage me!”

Zi Yu reluctantly went to fetch the qín. Du Heng helped her set up the qín stand, and she placed the qín on it, sitting cross-legged and preparing to play, feeling as if she was facing death.

“Zheng…”

The qín music began, flowing slowly. At first, it was a bit awkward, but after a few notes, she found her rhythm, and her fingerwork became smoother. Leng Jiu listened quietly. Although it was far from Lan Ze’s level, it was much better than her own playing. It was evident that Zi Yu had practiced seriously before, and her clear, untainted music was quite pleasant to hear.

As the final note faded, Zi Yu looked at Leng Jiu shyly, “I’ve embarrassed myself.”

“Embarrassed? It’s much better than my playing!” Leng Jiu waved her hand, “I’m going to sleep. Play more when I wake up!”

“Yes!” Zi Yu carefully carried the qín out, her eyes filled with affection.

It was already dusk. Leng Jiu’s brief nap turned into night. In her drowsy state, she felt someone lying on her bed and attempting to get under her covers. Without thinking, she kicked out. The person hadn’t expected to be kicked while she was asleep and barely managed to steady themselves.

Leng Jiu opened her eyes and looked at the intruder, “Itchy, are we?”

“Jiu’er!” Long Yue Li’s devilish face showed a pained expression, and he snuggled up to her, “I just want to sleep with you, I promise, I won’t do anything bad!”

Leng Jiu glanced at his exposed chest with little familiarity, “Today, Long Yi asked me to be a matchmaker for you, to help you choose a consort. I was still considering it, but now it seems necessary. Otherwise, if Prince Xuan’s desires aren’t met, he might get into trouble!”

“Jiu’er!” Long Yue Li gritted his teeth and pulled her close, disregarding her angry glare, and kissed her lips, “Am I so disliked that you’re pushing me away so quickly?”

Leng Jiu grabbed his hand, “I’m doing this for the Prince. Don’t disappoint me!”

Long Yue Li, seeing she was resolute, suddenly pressed her down, “Is it because I wasn’t diligent last night, that you still have so much energy for these thoughts?”

Leng Jiu pinched his waist, “My body still hurts. If you act out of line, I’ll make sure you regret it!”

Long Yue Li inhaled sharply, barely escaping from her grip. He nervously checked, “Does it hurt badly? Do you need medicine?”

Leng Jiu kicked him again, “Get lost!”

This time, Long Yue Li managed to dodge, and after Leng Jiu pulled her foot back, he clung to her like glue, “I’m sorry! I’ll be more careful next time!”

Leng Jiu glared at him, “Is there going to be a next time?”

Long Yue Li, looking pitiful, leaned in, “I’ve given you my virginity after twenty-seven years. Can you really be so cruel as to only let me have it once?”

Leng Jiu shuddered and wiped away the goosebumps, “Can you not be so disgusting?”

Long Yue Li finally stopped the act, with a devilish grin, embraced Leng Jiu, and lovingly kissed her forehead, “If I wanted another woman, I wouldn’t have endured so many years. Although I’ve encountered many excellent women, none of them have captured my attention. I admit I approached you with an agenda initially, but now that’s no longer important. I just want to stay by your side. If I can’t have a formal status, I’ll be content to travel the world with you when you’re tired of the palace.”

Long Yue Li’s sincere words moved Leng Jiu, and her anger subsided somewhat, “Do as you wish. If you want to marry another woman, I won’t stop you. I can’t give you what you want, nor will I ask for anything.”

“You can ask for things!” Long Yue Li tightened his embrace and took a deep breath of her fragrance, “I know you’re indifferent now, but I will wait. I’ll wait for the day you have demands of me!”

Leng Jiu was touched by Long Yue Li’s sincerity and found herself unable to resist. His kiss gently landed on her neck, then her shoulder, and finally, his lips brushed her forehead. After a deep kiss, he pulled up the blanket and held her close, “Sleep now. I’m tired too!”

Leng Jiu tried to speak but found herself unable to send him away. Seeing the smile on his lips, she felt this man was too cunning, using so many sentimental words to manipulate her emotions. Yet, despite knowing his intentions, she couldn’t bring herself to be angry. With a helpless sigh in her heart, she snuggled into his embrace and gradually fell asleep.

Long Yue Li, hearing her steady breathing, smiled contentedly. After so long, he understood her indifference towards emotions. However, despite her lack of feelings, she wouldn’t reject genuine affection. Now that she had accepted him physically, he would patiently work on winning her heart, slowly conquering her. Though the process might be long, it made it all the more interesting!

He leaned down and kissed her forehead a few more times, then sighed, lamenting the long night with a beautiful woman in his arms but unable to fully enjoy it. For the sake of future pleasures, he would endure.

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