Volume 1 Chapter 23

Volume 1 Chapter 23

The banquet continued, but Leng Jiu’s casual bombshell had left everyone in turmoil. Hearts were no longer calm, especially for Consort Li and Emperor Long Yi. For three years, Leng Jiu had tightly held onto the Phoenix Seal, even in the face of imperial decree, and she had kept her place in the Unending Palace. Her actions had caused distress among the women in the harem. People had considered petitioning to force Leng Jiu to relinquish the Phoenix Seal, but now, she unexpectedly made this decision.
Consort Li was infuriated. She knew Hua Yuxuan was the designated empress, but she coveted that position. She was currently favored by the emperor and carrying his only child. Once born, the child would be the crown prince, securing her position as empress. Everything was going smoothly for her until Leng Jiu unexpectedly relinquished the Phoenix Seal. Consort Li wondered if this was a joke. How could the Phoenix Seal be used as a reward?
Emperor Long Yi was equally stunned, unable to believe what he had just heard.
“Empress Dowager! Are you jesting? How can the Phoenix Seal be used as a reward?” Consort Li questioned, her face pale.
“Am I joking? Do I not have the right to reward as I see fit?” Leng Jiu responded with a mysterious smile, looking at Consort Li. “Miss Hua’s appearance and grace were praised by the late emperor. I am merely fulfilling his wishes by choosing a queen for you, Your Majesty. What’s wrong with that?”
This announcement shocked everyone present, and Consort Li, in particular, turned paler, her chopsticks clattering to the ground. Leng Jiu looked at her with a mysterious smile. “Indeed, very wise!”
—
The banquet continued, but the one who had caused the disturbance had already left, returning to her own palace to enjoy a hot spring bath.
As Leng Jiu was about to undress and step into the hot spring, she suddenly felt a gaze upon her. She glared in the direction of the gaze, annoyed, “Don’t you think it’s improper to peep at someone bathing?”
Leaning against a pillar, Long Yueli tilted his head and unabashedly let his gaze linger on Leng Jiu. Seeing that she hadn’t completely undressed yet, he couldn’t help but express some regret, “Out you go!”
“Have I not seen it before? Unless you’re shy now?”
Leng Jiu saw his helpless and amused look, feeling both angry and amused. Back in her previous life, with her status, not many dared to flirt with her recklessly. Even those with similar status wouldn’t be able to get within three feet of her without her consent, let alone boldly watch her bathe. However, in this new reality, this jerk openly and subtly flirted with her countless times. Yet, she was currently powerless against him.
Leng Jiu shot him a disdainful look, not bothering to acknowledge him. She simply acted as if he didn’t exist, undressed, leaving only a thin robe on, and walked down into the pool. The warm water enveloped her, bringing an incredibly comfortable sensation.
Seeing her unreservedly undress and step into the water, her figure veiled in the thin and transparent robe, added an extra layer of temptation. The handsome fox-like eyes of Long Yueli squinted, revealing a dangerous gleam.
“I wonder if this king has the honor of serving the Empress for her bath?” Long Yueli walked to the edge of the pool and squatted down, genuinely picking up a towel to wipe her body. However, the moment his hand touched her shoulder, she effortlessly threw him over her shoulder into the water. With the experience from the last time, he didn’t panic. He submerged for a moment, then swam to her side, splashing water as he emerged, directly embracing her. Though there was a layer of veil between his hands and her skin, the sensation of her as if carved from white jade still fascinated him. Without waiting for Leng Jiu to make a move, he lowered his head to capture her lips, attacking like a fierce predator, instantly conquering her.
Her taste was excellent, her lips were unbelievably soft, and the inner flavor was bewitching like roses with a hint of freshness, filled with tempting nectar. Her petite tongue was smooth, every touch making his heart tremble. His actions didn’t stop; he stripped away the obstructing robe, his large hands covering her porcelain-like skin, the tactile sensation making him linger, reluctant to let go. The slender waist he held in his hands was delicate, fearing that applying too much force would break her. At this moment, she softly leaned against him, boneless, seemingly ready to be molded by him. This strange feeling made him eager to crush her into pieces and fiercely possess her.
The temperature of the water in the pool gradually rose, and though it shouldn’t have happened, in such an environment, who could remain composed? Just then, a eunuch’s voice suddenly came from outside, “The Emperor has arrived!”