The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous Volume 2 Chapter 34 - The Chessboard of the World

Chapter 34: The Chessboard of the World

After the Empress Dowager returned to the palace, the concubines naturally came to pay their respects. Surprisingly, Hua Yuxuan stayed quietly in her own Fu Rui Palace without joining in. A group led by the newly appointed Yuan Consort and Snow Consort came to greet the Empress Dowager, but all were stopped outside the Weiyang Palace and sent back. Leng Jiu had met Xia Ke because she was useful and because she remembered the matters concerning the Xia family, but as for the other concubines in the harem, she had no interest in dealing with them.

That night, just as Leng Jiu was about to sleep, Long Yueli arrived. The high walls of the palace couldn’t stop him. Quickly shedding his outer robe, he slipped into her bed and immediately began his mischief.

Leng Jiu, speechless, grabbed his hand. “After such a long day, you still have the energy?”

Long Yueli pulled her into his arms. “How could something like this tire me out? But you, you went to see that Xia Consort as soon as you got back. Aren’t you tired?”

“You know I’m tired, yet you still torment me?”

Long Yueli thought for a moment and then generously let her go, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Sleep, then.”

Leng Jiu closed her eyes and had a peaceful night’s sleep. By the time she woke up the next morning, Long Yueli had already left. After washing up and having breakfast, Qingling handed her a sealed letter. Leng Jiu glanced at the envelope, her eyes flickering before taking it and opening it. Inside, there was only one bold word: “Yes.”

Leng Jiu’s eyes sparkled, and she smiled faintly. She put the letter back into the envelope and burned it to ashes. “Qingling, disguise me. I’m going out of the palace.”

Not long after, Leng Jiu transformed into a clean and delicate young eunuch and left the palace. Meanwhile, Qingling, disguised as Leng Jiu, stayed in a side hall to pray. A Buddha hall was set up there with a wooden fish. Although Leng Jiu wouldn’t use it herself, it served as a façade. If Long Yi came, Qingling could decline him.

Once out of the palace, Leng Jiu didn’t head to the General’s residence. Along the way, Long Yueli had taught her all the Hua family’s secret martial arts techniques and helped enhance her inner strength. Her agility had improved immensely. Even if she went straight to that courtyard, no one would notice her.

She didn’t take the front entrance but slipped into the backyard. After searching the place, she didn’t find Mo Di. She then removed her disguise, changed her clothes, and went to see Kong Xiangyun.

“Miss Jiu! Why are you here?” Kong Xiangyun looked delighted to see her.

Leng Jiu smiled faintly. “I have something to do. Where’s Mo Di?”

“Master Mo has been out for six or seven days. He should be back soon. Is there something urgent?”

Leng Jiu shook her head. “It’s not urgent. If he returns today, tell him I’ve gone to the Bi Shui Paradise. If he comes back later, have him send me a message.”

“Understood!” Kong Xiangyun agreed quickly. Seeing Leng Jiu preparing to leave, she hesitated and said, “Miss Jiu, since you’re here, why not stay for a meal before leaving?”

Leng Jiu looked at her and smiled gently. “Thank you for your kindness. I’ll come back for a meal next time. I’m in no rush.”

“Alright, alright! I won’t delay you then. Take care!”

Leng Jiu nodded and used her martial arts to leave. She found a shop to change into a white outfit with cloud-patterned boots, pinned her hair with a jade hairpin, and then headed to the General’s residence. From there, she borrowed a horse and rode to Bi Shui Paradise.

Bi Shui Paradise was now the most luxurious entertainment venue in the area. Scholars, officials, wealthy heirs, and merchants gathered here. Even some n.o.ble ladies and madams frequented the place. Its prosperity was beyond imagination.

Upon entering, Leng Jiu took in the bustling scene at a glance. Performances were ongoing on the stage, but she wasn’t there to watch. She requested a private room and tossed a gold ingot to the staff. “Bring Miss Na Yi to me.”

“Yes, right away!”

After dismissing the attendants, Leng Jiu sat on the sofa, picked up an unknown fruit, and started eating. Soon, the door opened, and Mo Yina entered. She was dressed in a red outfit adorned with golden accents, her face heavily made up, clearly prepared for a performance.

Although she had antic.i.p.ated this, Mo Yina’s eyes still flickered when she saw Leng Jiu. She immediately smiled coquettishly and swayed over, wrapping herself around Leng Jiu’s waist and leaning close. Her voice was soft and sweet as she teased, “Young Master, you’ve finally come. I missed you so much!”

Leng Jiu played along, wrapping an arm around her slender waist. She tilted Mo Yina’s chin with a playful grin. “Missed me? How much?”

“So much it hurts my heart!” Mo Yina leaned closer, her body pressed against Leng Jiu’s, her lips almost touching hers.

“Ahem!” A maid nearby coughed, unable to hide her exasperation. “Can you two be mindful of others?”

Mo Yina hung onto Leng Jiu’s neck and turned to the maid with a smile. “Are you really ‘others’?”

The maid dropped her pretense. With no one else watching, she walked over, pulled off her veil, and revealed her face. It was none other than Lan Xiang. She hugged Leng Jiu’s arm and complained, “Sister Jiu! Where have you been these past two months? I missed you so much!”

Leng Jiu gently pushed Mo Yina aside, ruffled Lan Xiang’s hair, and said seriously, “I went to the gra.s.slands and visited your brother. I’m here today to send you back. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for someone to personally escort you.”

“Why?” Lan Xiang protested. “Did my brother ask you to send me back? I’m not going!”

“Stop throwing a tantrum!” Leng Jiu was exasperated by her antics. She suppressed her thoughts and explained solemnly, “Snow Country will soon face turmoil and might clash with Feng Yu. When that happens, armies will march, and I fear someone will track you down. Your safety is my priority.”

Hearing this, Lan Xiang’s protests ceased, and she grew serious. “What kind of turmoil is coming?”

Mo Yina also straightened up, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Seeing their anxious expressions, Leng Jiu chuckled lightly. “Why so nervous? It’s just a game of chess—a gift to the Emperor of Feng Yu. Watch and see.”

Lan Xiang looked down quietly. “Do I really have to go back?”

“Yes. Once this game begins, anyone could become a p.a.w.n. You’re the highest-ranking princess of Snow Country. Countless eyes will be on you. Although this place is temporarily safe, accidents can happen. If you’re caught, the consequences will be catastrophic.”

Lan Xiang wasn’t foolish. She understood the seriousness of the matter. “Fine, I’ll return tomorrow.”

Leng Jiu patted her head. “After this is over, you can come back with your brother, or I’ll visit you.”

Lan Xiang finally smiled. “You said it yourself. Don’t go back on your word!”

“I won’t.”

Leng Jiu had other matters to arrange and didn’t linger. As she prepared to leave, Mo Yina and Lan Xiang walked her to the door. Just as the door opened, they were met with a pair of deep, complex purple eyes. Leng Jiu froze.

Mo Yina was surprised to see her brother there. Just as she was about to ask, she noticed the emotions in his eyes—antic.i.p.ation, excitement, and a hint of hidden affection. Startled, she glanced at Leng Jiu and quickly understood. Pulling Lan Xiang along, she walked past Mo Di. As they pa.s.sed, she gave him a strong shove and swiftly closed the door.

Before the door shut completely, she caught a glimpse of Mo Di lunging toward Leng Jiu. She couldn’t help but smile brightly. Her brother had finally made his move—it wasn’t easy!

Lan Xiang, however, pouted. “Sister Jiu likes my brother. You can’t steal her!”

Mo Yina playfully flicked her forehead. “We’ll see whose sister-in-law she becomes. Let’s wait and see!”

Lan Xiang sulked but followed Mo Yina away, determined to have her brother pursue Leng Jiu quickly. Otherwise, she’d be someone else’s!

Inside the room, Mo Zhai held Leng Jiu tightly in his arms, motionless even after the two outside had walked far away. He had just rushed back after hearing from Kong Xiangyun that she had come. Without a second thought, he dropped everything and raced over, knowing she was in this room, but he didn’t have the courage to open the door. He feared that what he had once gained was just a dream, feared her indifferent and distant face. It wasn’t until they opened the door and he saw her face that the suppressed longing in his heart burst forth uncontrollably, overwhelming him. But her calm eyes scared him, leaving him at a loss.

When Mo Yina pushed him inside, his body instinctively toppled toward her. Only then did he finally summon the courage to hold her, the familiar warmth like a dream’s fragrance instantly throwing his emotions into disarray. “You’ve finally come back.”

Listening to his voice, Leng Jiu sighed inwardly. She was now inclined to agree with Long Yue Li—she truly was a heartless troublemaker, attracting one peach blossom after another, and she was running out of ways to deal with them all.

“I…” She lifted her head, intending to speak, but only managed to utter one word before her lips were sealed. A wild and searing kiss descended, engulfing her entirely.

Even though he tried his best to disguise it, she could still feel the trembling of his lips, his inner unease and fear. Someone once so composed and self-controlled had lost his composure because of her! Raising her hand, she hooked it around his neck and closed her eyes, gently responding to him.

Her response made Mo Zhai’s emotions soar, his large hands tightened around her, and the kiss grew deeper and more fervent.

It wasn’t until both of their breaths became unsteady that Mo Zhai finally released her lips. His violet eyes were as soft as water, filled with deep affection, as though flowers were blooming within them. Even his lips, usually pressed into a firm line, curved into a faint smile without him realizing it.

Leng Jiu hung onto his neck, trying to steady her breathing. When she met the emotion in his eyes, she lowered her gaze slightly. Rising onto her tiptoes, she planted a light kiss on his lips, then smiled softly and spoke, her voice low and husky, carrying an irresistible allure, “What’s this? Have I stolen your soul?”

Mo Zhai embraced her without saying a word, but in his heart, he answered: It was taken long ago.

Leng Jiu stroked his face, signaling for him to release her. She took his hand and led him to sit on the sofa. “Didn’t you say you were away? How did you get back so quickly?”

Mo Zhai reached out to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, his violet eyes fixed intently on her. “Something went wrong with the newly established covert posts, so I went to deal with it. I happened to return today, but I was still a step too late. By the time I got back, you were already gone.”

“I heard recently that the Empress Dowager was brought back to the palace. I wasn’t sure if it was true at first, but when I heard it was the Ninth Prince who personally went to retrieve her, I knew you were safe. Yesterday, when you entered the palace, did you meet that Xia Fei?”

“I did. She’s quite the beauty, lucky for that scoundrel Long Yi,” Leng Jiu replied as she leaned back against the sofa.

Hearing this, Mo Zhai didn’t pursue the topic further. Instead, he asked, “Do you remember that mute woman who once cared for you?”

Leng Jiu’s gaze shifted slightly. “I do. Why?”

Mo Zhai’s tone grew somewhat serious. “When I went to take Xia Ke away, I saw her. She was being taken away by the current Lady Xia. I personally heard Lady Xia call her Leng Yirou. Because I was in a rush to take Xia Ke away, I didn’t have time to investigate further. But upon returning, I looked into it and found that Leng Yirou is actually General Leng’s cousin, the former Lady Xia.”

“What?” Leng Jiu sat up abruptly. “You’re saying she’s Leng Yue’s cousin? The woman who supposedly died years ago?”

“This still needs to be confirmed, but it seems likely.”

Leng Jiu fell into a contemplative silence. If this was true, then the matter was far from simple. But for now, she couldn’t draw any conclusions. Deciding not to dwell on it, she said, “I’ll send someone from the General’s Mansion to investigate. Today, I came to see you for something else.”

“Go on.”

Leng Jiu took out the Eagle Wing ring again, grabbed his hand, and directly put the ring on his finger.

Mo Zhai’s expression changed slightly. “I told you I won’t take it!”

Leng Jiu pressed down on the hand he was trying to remove the ring with. “This isn’t for you. It’s for you to wear while you complete the task I’m a.s.signing you!”

Mo Zhai’s emotions calmed a bit. “What do you want me to do?”

Leng Jiu took out a map from her chest. It was a map of the entire gra.s.sland, clearly marking the eighteen tribes, deserts, hills, and oases. This was, of course, given by Leng Yue.

“The gra.s.sland originally had eighteen tribes. Your tribe was wiped out, leaving only seventeen. Recently, a prince named Chi Yin appeared. He has been conquering the gra.s.sland, and now ten tribes have submitted to him. Only two large tribes and five medium-sized ones remain. Although he suffered heavy losses in a battle against Leng Yue, once he recovers, the remaining seven tribes will undoubtedly fall under his control. The unification of the gra.s.sland will become a significant threat to us!”

Mo Zhai seemed to understand and was a bit surprised. “You want me to subdue those seven tribes?”

“Yes!” Leng Jiu nodded firmly. “I know you have excellent military strategy, but you currently lack your own army. The methods I gave you before were good, but training soldiers capable of contending with the gra.s.sland will take a long time. If we were at peace, I could wait, but I can’t afford to now!”

Leng Jiu’s eyes slightly narrowed. “Leng Yue’s Eagle Army is the most battle-hardened and experienced in fighting gra.s.sland tribes. Invading the gra.s.sland with them is undoubtedly the best option! Last time, the Eagle Army lost half its forces against Chi Yin. However, when reporting to the court, they exaggerated their losses by an additional ten thousand. These ten thousand soldiers will secretly infiltrate the gra.s.sland under your command. Although ten thousand isn’t much, on the gra.s.sland, everyone is a potential soldier. You can recruit fighters as you advance, and after annexing a tribe, replenish your forces immediately. The Eagle Army has a specialized training program for new recruits, and I a.s.sure you it won’t disappoint!”

Mo Zhai felt a mix of excitement and hesitation. “But the Eagle Army only has fifty thousand soldiers. Losing half, then dispatching ten thousand more, won’t that lead to its decline?”

“A decline wouldn’t be bad. It’ll stop Long Yi from constantly expecting the Leng family to defend his empire. He has plenty of troops himself; it’s time he put them to use!” Leng Jiu said indifferently, then looked at him with a mysterious smile. “Did you really think the Leng family, holding such significant military power, only has fifty thousand Eagle soldiers?”

Mo Zhai’s eyes flickered as he grasped the implication. The Leng family wielded immense power, a fact Long Yi wanted to neutralize but couldn’t. By stationing the Leng family in the most war-torn regions, he hoped to deplete their forces gradually. This time, Leng Yue’s great achievements came at the cost of the Leng family’s strongest elite forces. Long Yi would feel rea.s.sured and need to redeploy other troops to the region, allowing the Leng family to retreat into the shadows to recover.

It was a brilliant plan: the Leng family could step away from the spotlight, and Mo Zhai could lead the troops into the gra.s.sland, achieving two goals at once while avoiding suspicion. Finally, Mo Zhai could return to the gra.s.sland with soldiers, but why did he feel no joy or excitement?

His grip tightened around her hand as his breathing deepened.

Feeling his reluctance, Leng Jiu sighed inwardly, placed her hand over his, and gently held it. “I’ll wait for your return.”

Mo Zhai looked at her for a long time before nodding deeply. “Alright! I’ll set off immediately!”

Leng Jiu reached up, hooked his neck, and brought his head down, gently kissing his eyes. “As the king of eagles, you should soar over the vast gra.s.sland, conquer it, and return to me as the King of the Gra.s.sland!”

Mo Zhai’s heart trembled, a flame of determination and love igniting within him. “Alright!”

After spending a few hours delegating tasks to Mo Yina and Zhu Kongyang, Mo Zhai set off at dusk with three companions.

Leng Jiu and Mo Yina stood on the city wall, silently watching him leave. They exchanged no goodbyes, nor did they speak, for they both knew he would return as the proud King of the Gra.s.sland.

Mo Yina squinted at the horizon, her voice dreamy. “When my brother left the gra.s.sland, he vowed to return. Now he’s finally going back. Father and Mother’s spirits will surely watch over him.”

Leng Jiu also gazed at the sky, her eyes narrowing slightly. “A mighty eagle that’s suffered the pain of broken wings—its flight will be something to behold.”

Mo Yina turned to look at Leng Jiu, her expression filled with grat.i.tude. “Sister Jiu, thank you!”

Leng Jiu flicked her forehead. “Don’t look at me with such a serious face; it’s unsettling.”

Mo Yina laughed, holding her forehead. “I’m being serious for once. Can’t you give me a little face?”

Leng Jiu smiled at her, then turned to descend the city wall. Her white gown reflected the golden hues of the setting sun, making her appear dazzling. Taking Lan Xiang to the general’s mansion, she issued some instructions before returning to the palace. Standing at the gates, Leng Jiu paused and looked up at the towering walls, her lips curving into a cold smile. “Long Yi, I’ve set the board. Let’s see if you’re worthy of playing this game with me. I’ve wagered enough; don’t disappoint me!”

The sunset painted the sky a fiery red, casting a crimson glow over the land like a mist of blood.

The disaster in the southwest had been alleviated, and Long Yi finally breathed a sigh of relief. When the court received Leng Yue’s military report, Long Yi deliberated for two days before deciding to deploy another army to guard the region. The closest troops were under Hua Jin’s command, making them the natural choice. Everything was unfolding as Leng Jiu had predicted.

After waiting quietly in the palace for five days, Leng Jiu finally received a letter from Lan Ze. Changing into her royal attire, she elegantly prepared to leave. “The emperor has been tirelessly toiling for the nation. It’s only fitting for me to pay him a visit.”

After waiting quietly in the palace for five days, Leng Jiu finally received a letter from Lan Ze. She changed into her court attire and gracefully left the palace. “The emperor works tirelessly for the nation. It’s only proper for me to pay him a visit,” she said.

“She’s here?” When Long Yi heard the announcement of “The Empress Dowager has arrived,” he looked up in disbelief, unable to fathom Leng Jiu willingly coming to his chambers.

Eunuch Qu nodded to confirm. “Your Majesty, it is indeed the Empress Dowager.”

Before he could finish speaking, Leng Jiu’s voice rang out from outside. “What? Is the emperor not welcoming me?”

Long Yi said nothing, his eyes fixed on the screen until Leng Jiu walked in. His gaze flickered slightly. “What brings the Empress Dowager here?”

Leng Jiu did not look at him. Her eyes swept over the inner hall, and she chuckled lightly. “This room feels so familiar. Is this considered a return to an old haunt?”

Long Yi pressed his lips together and said nothing, raising his hand to signal Eunuch Qu and the other attendants to leave.

Outside, Lu Chang saw Eunuch Qu coming out and smiled. “Eunuch Qu, we meet again!”

Eunuch Qu smiled back with a stiff expression. “Eunuch Lu, a pleasure as always.”

The two exchanged a glance, silently measuring each other up.

Inside, with no outsiders present, Long Yi finally set down the memorial he was reading and looked at Leng Jiu. “This round, I’ve lost. Say what you came to say.”

“Lost?” Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow, then shook her head with a smile. “No, you haven’t lost. This game has only just begun.”

Long Yi’s brows furrowed slightly. “What do you mean by that?”

Leng Jiu swept her sleeve as she approached his desk. After glancing at the memorials piled beside it, she scattered them and pulled out one doc.u.ment, handing it to him. “Perhaps you should read this first.”

Long Yi stared at her deeply before taking the doc.u.ment and opening it. After reading a few lines, his expression changed drastically, his face darkening like frost. Seeing this, Leng Jiu smiled enchantingly, leaning closer and lifting his chin with one hand. Her breath was warm and fragrant. “Your Majesty, would you be interested in playing a game of chess with me?”

Long Yi raised his hand to brush hers off, but Leng Jiu was faster. She pressed a cold dagger against his neck. If he moved even slightly, it would cut his throat. She was committing regicide with a seductive smile. “Your Majesty, you’d best stay still. If my hand slips, the imperial throne may find a new occupant. All my efforts would go to waste.”

Long Yi’s eyes turned icy, glaring at her furiously. “You did this?”

“No,” Leng Jiu shook her head. “I don’t have that kind of power. I just happened to save the young emperor of Xue Kingdom and asked him for a small favor.”

She smiled suddenly, her expression playful. “Speaking of which, Your Majesty contributed to this. If you hadn’t pushed me to the brink, I wouldn’t have had the chance to save the Xue Emperor.”

Long Yi nearly crushed the doc.u.ment in his hand, his gaze full of fury and murder. “You are of Fengyu, its Empress Dowager. Do you intend to manipulate the entire world over a personal grudge?”

Leng Jiu sneered. “Long Yi, you’re mistaken. This world belongs to your Long family. What does it have to do with me? To ask me to sacrifice myself for your empire—how n.o.ble do you think I am?”

She gripped his chin harder, distorting his face. The dagger pressed closer, leaving a thin line of blood on his neck. “Order those two hidden guards behind me to leave. I detest lurking vermin. If they make me angry, I don’t mind trying out what it feels like to kill an emperor.”

The two guards froze in place, their movements halted. Slowly, they retreated to the sides.

Long Yi gritted his teeth, no longer in the mood to admire Leng Jiu’s beauty. She seemed like a vengeful demon. “What exactly do you want?”

In contrast to his tension, Leng Jiu was utterly relaxed. She smiled lightly, her grin dazzling but as cold as the polar ice caps. “I already said I’m bored. I want to play a game of chess with Your Majesty. Don’t disappoint me.”

Long Yi knew his words were useless. With the dagger at his throat, he could only remain silent, though his heart was far from calm.

Leng Jiu released him, putting away the dagger and gracefully turning away. “No need to rush, Your Majesty. You still have time. The game has only just begun.”

As she turned, Long Yi signaled to the hidden guards in the shadows. However, before they could react, Leng Jiu spun back, throwing two sharp projectiles. The guards were struck before they could move—one in the forehead and the other in the heart. Both fell to the ground, dead.

Leng Jiu smiled faintly, as if she hadn’t just killed two men. “I am a vengeful person, Your Majesty. Don’t provoke me. If you do, even I won’t know what I’m capable of.”

Long Yi’s eyes, furious at first, now turned cold. “Who are you? You’re not Jinghua. Jinghua would never become like this.”

Leng Jiu paused mid-step, then continued walking out. “The Cold Jinghua of the past was killed by you. I climbed out of h.e.l.l. Long Yi, enjoy this grand feast.”

Her voice carried the chill of the underworld, icy and murderous. When her figure disappeared, Long Yi collapsed into his chair. The doc.u.ment in his hand fell to the floor, crumpled and unfolded—the Xue Kingdom had declared independence and stationed an army of 100,000 at the border.

The Xue Kingdom’s declaration shocked the world. The current balance of power had long been stable, with two major nations—Fengyu and Liang. The Xue Kingdom, once a subordinate state of Fengyu, had been thought destroyed years ago. Now, it stood as an independent nation once more, shaking the foundations of the world.

The betrayal demanded no negotiation, only war. But who would lead the army? The Xue Kingdom lay in Fengyu’s northwest, and while sending General Leng seemed logical, he was overseeing two provinces and could not be easily rea.s.signed.

Colonel Leng Yue was a good choice, but leading an army of 150,000 would effectively hand military power and territory to the Leng family—a risk Long Yi wouldn’t take. General Hua Jin was also a candidate, but he had just been rea.s.signed to Leng Yue’s former post, where the gra.s.slands were restless, making his deployment unsuitable.

Fengyu had many military talents, but only a few could be freely mobilized. The most capable generals had been a.s.signed to various regional commands, their movements restricted. Deciding whom to send was a contentious issue.

Morning court sessions became heated debates. Finally, Prince Xiao recommended a man named Zhao Yun, said to be a disciple of a great general with proven battlefield merits. After deliberation, Long Yi appointed Prince Xiao as the commanding general and Zhao Yun as his deputy, leading an army of 150,000 to the northwest.

“Zhao Yun… Zhao Yun Cheng?” Leng Jiu chuckled. “I was wondering why such a capable person disappeared for so long. Turns out Prince Xiao was hiding him in the army. How interesting.”

Tensions between Fengyu and the Xue Kingdom escalated, with both sides ama.s.sing troops at the border. Though war had not yet broken out, everyone knew it was only a matter of time. Meanwhile, in the gra.s.slands, a prince from the fallen Mo royal clan reappeared, leading a mysterious cavalry. Within half a month, he conquered two medium-sized tribes, growing his force from 10,000 to over 30,000. His ruthless efficiency was reminiscent of Prince Zhi Yin, marking him as a rising power. The gra.s.slands were destined for a two-king rivalry.

Leng Jiu, however, remained in the Weiyang Palace, seemingly indifferent to the world’s unrest. She spent her days leisurely, playing with Kano, admiring flowers, and napping—her life utterly carefree.

In stark contrast, Long Yi was overwhelmed, as if in purgatory. Each day brought new memorials and crises. The northwest situation grew more dire, spring planting was over, and the disaster-stricken regions needed grain and silver. Far from collecting taxes this year, the imperial treasury would likely need to disburse funds. With the gra.s.slands watching for an opportunity, Long Yi found no peace, not even in sleep.

“Your Majesty, you haven’t rested properly in over half a month. If you continue like this, your health will suffer. I’ve had a calming tonic prepared. Please drink a little,” Eunuch Qu urged.

Long Yi shook his head. “I’ve been drinking this often enough. If it could calm me down, it would have worked by now.”

“Then why not summon a concubine to accompany you? It’s been over two months since Your Majesty last summoned one.”

“I’m in no mood for that now.”

“Your Majesty, the world is in turmoil, and the people are uneasy. If Your Majesty could father a prince, it would surely help stabilize the people’s hearts. Moreover, the royal bloodline is currently too thin. Even if not for yourself, Your Majesty must consider the royal family!” Eunuch Qu advised earnestly.

Long Yi remained silent for a moment and had to concede. Eunuch Qu was right; the royal bloodline was indeed too thin. But would that woman even allow the child to be born? “Bring the green plaques.”

He had already made up his mind—no matter who became pregnant, he would protect the child to ensure its birth.

A row of green plaques was brought before him. Without even looking, Long Yi flipped one at random and handed it to Eunuch Qu. “This one.”

Eunuch Qu hesitated upon seeing the name “Concubine Xia” but dared not object upon seeing Long Yi’s expression. “Your servant will summon Concubine Xia immediately.”

“The Emperor has summoned me?” Xia Ke was stunned when she heard the news, sitting up abruptly in bed. Her panic was evident.

The maidservant attending her was puzzled by her reaction. “My Lady, this is good news! Since entering the palace, you’ve only served His Majesty once. Now that the Emperor has summoned you again, you must seize this opportunity. If you could bear a royal child, it would be even better!”

The maid’s words fell on deaf ears as Xia Ke’s mind was consumed by thoughts of what Leng Jiu had told her and the bottle of medicine she’d given her. Her heart was filled with panic, unsure of what to do.

The lives of her entire family, or regicide—neither was an option she could choose. Suddenly, inspiration struck Xia Ke. “The Emperor! If I tell him everything, His Majesty will surely protect my family, and the Empress Dowager’s plot will fail!”

With this thought, Xia Ke regained her composure and asked the maid to help her change clothes. She rushed to the Changle Palace, her hands pressed anxiously over her heart, which was pounding wildly.

“Concubine Xia,” Eunuch Qu greeted her with a faint smile.

Xia Ke curtsied slightly. “Thank you, Eunuch Qu.”

Eunuch Qu gestured politely. “Please proceed, My Lady. Don’t keep His Majesty waiting.”

Xia Ke pressed down her frantic heartbeat, nodded, and took a deep breath before stepping forward. Just then, a eunuch’s voice called from behind, “The n.o.ble Consort has arrived!”

Xia Ke froze, quickly stepping aside. “Greetings, n.o.ble Consort.”

Hua Yuxuan, who had spent months recovering, now looked healthier and more composed, exuding a certain stately dignity. Her gaze swept over Xia Ke before landing on Eunuch Qu. “I heard the Emperor has been overworked these past few days. I’ve prepared some tonic soup for His Majesty. Please announce my arrival.”

Eunuch Qu glanced at Xia Ke and hesitated.

Hua Yuxuan’s expression turned cold. “Concubine Xia, you should return. The Emperor is exhausted and likely doesn’t have the energy for your company. This matter can be postponed for a couple of days.”

Xia Ke panicked. “n.o.ble Consort, I—”

Thinking she was about to argue, Hua Yuxuan’s face darkened. “The Emperor is unwell. Don’t be so inconsiderate just to seek favor. Go back!”

Feeling wronged but not daring to confront Hua Yuxuan, Xia Ke withdrew, biting her lip in frustration as her thoughts swirled.

Eunuch Qu smiled. “The n.o.ble Consort truly considers His Majesty’s well-being. I shall not need to announce your arrival; please proceed yourself.”

Hua Yuxuan nodded and entered with a maidservant.

Inside, Long Yi was reclining on a soft couch, resting his eyes in exhaustion. Hearing footsteps, he said, “Come here.”

Hua Yuxuan had her maid place the food container aside before approaching to gently ma.s.sage Long Yi’s temples and head. Long Yi relaxed under her touch, his expression easing. “A little more pressure.”

Seeing his weariness, Hua Yuxuan felt a pang of pity. She increased the pressure slightly and said softly, “Your Majesty, you must take care of your health despite your many burdens.”

Long Yi opened his eyes. “Why is it you?”

Hua Yuxuan stopped her movements and sat beside him, her gaze tender. She leaned over and embraced him, resting her head on his chest. “Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. I acted out of jealousy and did things I shouldn’t have. But my feelings for you have always been genuine, from the beginning until now. Please, forgive me just this once.”

“I haven’t stepped out of the Fortune Palace for half a year because I knew you were angry. I didn’t want to trouble you and chose to reflect on my mistakes. I ask for nothing else, only that you treat me as you once did. Is that too much to ask?”

Her voice was tinged with tears and humble pleading. Long Yi’s hardened heart softened. He realized it had been half a year since he last saw her, and the rage he once felt had long since faded. Though she had been wrong, her love for him was genuine. Compared to another woman in the Everlasting Peace Palace, her mistakes seemed trivial.

He patted her back. “Enough. As long as you understand your mistakes.”

Hua Yuxuan looked up in surprise, her face tear-streaked. “Your Majesty, you’ve truly forgiven me?”

Long Yi nodded slightly. “Did you think I’d hate you forever?”

Hua Yuxuan broke into a smile, hastily wiping her tears. She retrieved a bowl of soup from the food container. “I made this myself to nourish Your Majesty’s health. You’ve overworked yourself and need proper care.”

Long Yi noticed the redness on her sleeves where she’d been scalded, and his heart softened further. He took the soup from her and set it aside, pulling her into his arms.

Hua Yuxuan was startled. “Your Majesty, you haven’t had the soup yet.”

Long Yi leaned closer. “Tonight, I’m not tired and have no need to rest.”

Hua Yuxuan was overjoyed and gently wrapped her arms around his neck. “Your Majesty, let me bear you a prince. I ask for nothing else—only a child, a child of our own.”

Long Yi was moved. “Very well.”