Volume 1 Chapter 51

Volume 1 Chapter 51

Leng Jiu spent the entire afternoon teaching Mo Yina. Though a princess, the desert princesses were not bound by courtly manners, having learned little of palace etiquette. Instead, she was lively and spirited, her dances passionate and uninhibited like those of the grasslands, devoid of any seduction. Leng Jiu aimed to soften her hard exterior from within.
Leng Jiu had once had a posture teacher, more aptly described as a tutor in the art of dealing with men. Despite being over fifty, this teacher exuded elegance and charm, capturing men’s attention effortlessly, irrespective of her age. Leng Jiu learned much from her, including how to alter her aura at will. Mastering various postures and atmospheres, a complex yet harmonious charisma naturally formed, which truly attracted people.
Innocent yet seductive, enchanting yet noble, elegant yet alluring, cute yet charming—each contradictory combination would catch a man’s eye, leaving him mesmerized.
To learn these skills, from grand body movements to subtle eye glances, slight smiles, even the tiniest gestures, required meticulous thought. Leng Jiu didn’t expect Mo Yina to become like her but aimed for her to be captivating enough to navigate her surroundings skillfully.
Mo Yina was not a dull student, but she exhausted Leng Jiu. It was late evening when they finished, and Leng Jiu felt somewhat dizzy and drained.
The streets, clean after the rain, carried the fresh scent of soil in the wind. Leng Jiu glanced at the sky, preparing to return to the palace. For some unknown reason, she didn’t take the route past the Prime Minister’s residence but chose another path back. That innocent man must be deeply hurt now. She owed him, and if there were a chance in the future, she’d try to make it up to him.
Among these men, Gong Yuwei was the only one Leng Jiu genuinely cared for and couldn’t bear to hurt. If she were an ordinary woman, she would choose Gong Yuwei, believing she’d be happy for a lifetime. But she was Leng Jiu, now the Empress Dowager, and couldn’t afford to want a man like him.
Disguised in a maid’s attire, Leng Jiu realized she had never walked this street before, lined with the grand residences of court officials. Amidst these, she saw the “General’s Mansion” in the center. Stunned by the red lacquered characters, she hadn’t expected to end up here.
The mansion’s gates were taller than the others, with eight steps leading up, flanked by imposing stone lions, the doors bound with brass rings, exuding authority and prominence, second only to the prince.
Amused by the thought of status and power, Leng Jiu smirked and moved to leave. Just as she took two steps, a man on horseback suddenly raced from the alley. The black horse was strong and swift, charging forward at such a speed that Leng Jiu barely had time to react. Though startled, she stood still, confident the rider would not let the horse hit her.
As expected, the horse veered to her side, nearly passing her when she saw the rider clearly: a handsome man with sharp features, his eyes cold as stars. He, too, was surprised to see her, and in an instant, bent from his horse, wrapped an arm around her waist, and with a deft motion, pulled her onto the horse.
Before she could react, he tightened the reins, the horse rearing up with a loud neigh. Uncontrolled, Leng Jiu fell into Leng Yue’s embrace, clinging to his waist to avoid falling. His masculine scent filled her nose, powerful and filled with vigor, along with his heartbeat and the warmth radiating through his clothes, leaving her momentarily dazed. His arm around her waist, strong and secure, gave her an unexpected sense of safety, her heart skipping a beat.
Leng Jiu quickly regained composure. The horse calmed and stood steadily before the General’s Mansion. Leng Yue, without looking at her, released the reins and, using lightness skills, landed at the mansion’s gate. The doorman hurriedly opened the door, and Leng Yue, still holding her, walked inside.
As the door closed, Leng Jiu finally spoke, “It’s getting late. I need to return to the palace.”
Leng Yue paused, glanced at her, then continued through several corridors to his courtyard. Only after entering the room did he set her on a soft couch, then sat at the table to drink water, saying nothing.
Leng Jiu watched him, puzzled by his actions. After drinking, he washed his face and sat at the desk, reading a book, not even glancing at her, as if she didn’t exist. Leng Jiu, irritated, snapped, “Leng Yue! Are you treating me like I’m dead?”
Leng Yue’s hand stilled, his cold eyes flashing with a subtle warmth, “You finally called my name.”
Leng Jiu frowned, disliking this feeling. She stepped to the desk and, under Leng Yue’s surprised gaze, leapt onto it, sitting cross-legged, looking down at him seriously, “Two months ago, I was slapped by Long Yi, my forehead bled, and the physician said it affected my memory. So, I don’t remember much, certainly not you. If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t act so repressed; it’s unbearable to watch.”
Leng Yue’s grip on the book tightened, “He hit you?”
Leng Jiu nodded, “But I hit him back soon after.”
Leng Yue stared at her, seemingly disbelieving, “You don’t remember me, but do you remember him?”
“No,” she replied. Seeing his doubt, Leng Jiu added, “Believe it or not, I don’t remember anyone, so don’t bring up the past. Even if you do, it’s a waste of emotions.”
Leng Yue was silent for a moment, then put down the book, “You wanted to return to the palace, right? I’ll escort you.”
Leng Jiu jumped off the desk, “No need! If you escort me, everyone will know I went out. If you want to help, find out the identity of the two assassins who intruded on the Prime Minister’s residence today. Consider it a favor owed.”
With that, she waved and left briskly, not pretending in front of Leng Yue, using her true self. She knew disguising before him was pointless; any slip would lead to a terrible end. She wasn’t afraid of his investigation, knowing this body was Cold Jinghua’s, so there was nothing to fear.
Moreover, it was better to settle things clearly at once rather than entangling and causing more trouble. A quick resolution was less worrisome.
Leng Yue didn’t follow her, maintaining his stance as she left. After a long time, he finally retracted his gaze, looking down at the desk, lost in thought.