The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous Volume 2 Chapter 29 - Lan Ze's Humble Love

Chapter 29: Lan Ze’s Humble Love

After leaving the military camp, Leng Jiu quickly began to regret her decision—not because of what she had said to Leng Yue, but because she felt it was unnecessary to visit Gong Yuwei. She knew no medical skills, and going there would only make her feel helpless. With so many imperial physicians by his side, her presence would be redundant. Moreover, most of the physicians and officials had seen her before. No matter how cautious she was, there would inevitably be moments of negligence. If she were recognized, how would she explain herself? And how would Gong Yuwei handle the situation?

Even though she deeply wished to see him, after weighing the pros and cons, Leng Jiu decided it was better not to. She was not the kind of woman who would lose her composure over a man she loved. She also trusted her judgment; he would definitely pull through!

A hundred miles to the north lay the start of the plague-stricken area, filled with infected people and corpses. Some had been dealt with, but others hadn’t even been processed yet. Leng Jiu covered her face with a scarf, furrowed her brows, and turned her horse around without venturing further. The situation on the outskirts was already dire, and the conditions deeper in would undoubtedly be even worse. She couldn’t risk her own safety.

Skirting around the plague zone, the sky had already darkened. Leng Jiu let her horse drink water and graze by a stream while she leaned against a tree to rest. Staring at the star-filled sky, she let her mind wander.

Spring nights were still chilly, and Leng Jiu lacked extra clothing. Fortunately, she had recently learned internal martial arts, which provided warmth and protection, so she didn’t feel too cold. The rustling of the tree branches made her thoughts drift to Leng Yue. The first time she saw him, he had barged into her life with an overwhelming and domineering presence—sharp as a sword, cold as iron, arrogant, and intense. She couldn’t deny that he had intrigued her back then. Such men easily captured attention and stirred her desire for conquest.

In their subsequent encounters, she had never been particularly guarded against him. Perhaps it was because she inhabited his sister’s body, or perhaps her instincts told her he posed no threat. Regardless, she felt more at ease with him than she did with Long Yueli or Hua Jinzhi. She didn’t need to hide or make excuses and could act naturally around him.

It was only after one probing exchange that they acknowledged each other’s ident.i.ties. Yet, before they could talk further, they had to part ways. The next time they met, he was still as cold and handsome, and she was just as carefree. If not for the battle, the tear that fell on her neck, or the impulsive night after drinking, perhaps they would have remained at odds while walking separate parallel paths.

Now, the one thing troubling Leng Jiu the most was men. She couldn’t understand why something as simple as mutual consent always seemed to end with talks of responsibility or the future. Even though women were perceived as disadvantaged in such matters in this era, she didn’t care, so why did they?

Long Yueli, despite his anger and desire to kill, chose to sacrifice his life to show his care for her. Hua Jinzhi nearly crippled himself out of jealousy. And Gong Yuwei, while appearing the most gentle, was also the most stubborn—thinking of things none of the others dared to. He actually wanted to marry her. These men’s craziness left her speechless. Was it her charm, or were they just too rigid and old-fas.h.i.+oned?

She sighed deeply. If this continued, these men would drive her insane. She resolved to avoid men entirely in the future, no matter how attractive they were. With that decision made, Leng Jiu took a deep breath, expelled her chaotic thoughts, and closed her eyes to sleep.

Before she could drift off, she sensed a group of people approaching. Their footsteps were light—martial artists, no doubt. Her expression hardened. She quickly leaped down from the tree, glanced at her sleeping horse, and gripped her dagger, hiding behind the tree.

After waiting a while, the group finally arrived. To her surprise, they stopped less than a hundred meters away. There were seven of them, carrying something between them. They set it down, gathered firewood, lit a fire, and began eating.

One of them glanced at the sack on the ground and asked the leader, “Boss, should we give him something to eat?”

The leader cast a cold glance at the person on the ground and replied emotionlessly, “No need. As long as we deliver him to the Crown Prince of Chiyin tomorrow, our mission will be complete. There must be no mistakes along the way.”

“But it’s already been two days and nights. By the time we get him there, he might already be dead!”

“Hmph! We were only told to bring him, dead or alive. Just do your job and stop worrying about the rest.”

“Understood!”

Another man stopped eating and said solemnly, “Out of seventy of us, only seven are left. This is an unprecedented loss. Our comrades’ bodies are in the hands of the Regent of Xue Kingdom. It won’t be long before our ident.i.ties are exposed. If he sends troops, it will be our doom!”

“It’s too late to turn back now. We must deliver the person to the Crown Prince of Chiyin. If we fail, the Crown Prince will kill us all before the Regent even acts.”

“Once the bow is drawn, there’s no turning back. Just focus on the mission. If we succeed, our clan will be safe for now.”

The group fell silent, eating quietly before resting in a defensive formation.

Leng Jiu narrowed her eyes. The Regent—Lan Ze? Were these people kidnapping someone important to him? Her fingers clenched slightly against the tree bark. Should she intervene or not? The sack seemed small and light. Could it be a woman? A woman important enough for Lan Ze to mobilize troops? Strange… she hadn’t heard Lan Xiang mention anyone like that.

While she deliberated, the group began to doze off. Apart from the sounds of insects and beasts, the night grew silent.

After two moments of thought, Leng Jiu decided to act. Whoever this person was, for Lan Ze’s sake, she couldn’t ignore the situation. She quickly a.s.sessed the situation and devised a strategy to attack.

With her dagger in hand, she used her lightness skill to move silently toward the group. The seven men sat in a circular formation, which protected their captive but also made it easier for her to eliminate them one by one.

She chose the one farthest from the leader, moving behind a tree to strike. Her dagger sliced through his throat, killing him instantly. The metallic scent of blood began to spread. Leng Jiu didn’t pause. Once the others detected the blood, her actions would face significant obstacles.

She swiftly moved behind her next target and struck again—two down. Scanning the remaining five, she bypa.s.sed the leader and moved toward another man. A third kill.

Three corpses now lay on the ground, blood pooling around them. Despite her efforts to minimize the cuts, the smell of blood was strong.

As she approached her fourth target, Leng Jiu’s nerves were taut. She knew her limit was three; this fourth attempt would require utmost focus.

Hiding behind a tree, her eyes glinted coldly in the darkness, sharp as a predator’s. She struck again.

“Pfft!” Blood sprayed violently, startling the remaining three. Seeing their comrade collapse, blood gus.h.i.+ng from his throat, they jumped up in alarm.

“Who’s there?”

The three men drew their weapons, quickly surrounding the sack.

“Show yourself! Sneaking around like this—what kind of hero are you?” the leader shouted. His words were met with silence. Leng Jiu smirked in the shadows. Hero? Not her. She was just a little woman.

“Boss, it’s just the three of us now!”

Seeing the four unmoving bodies on the ground, one of them paled in fear. They didn’t need to check; the four were undoubtedly dead. A wave of panic washed over him. Who was this attacker? They hadn’t even sensed her presence. If she had chosen them first, they would’ve been killed just as silently.

“Take him and leave now!” the leader ordered after a brief pause.

The two remaining men picked up the sack, holding their swords cautiously as they followed their leader.

Leng Jiu remained hidden, patient as a hunter stalking prey. She waited until they were within five meters before pulling a hairpin from her head. Weighing it in her hand, she swiftly flung it.

“Thud!” The hairpin pierced one man’s forehead, killing him instantly. His eyes widened in disbelief as he fell, lifeless.

“Boss!” The last man was terrified, his legs trembling. He hadn’t even sensed the danger. If she had targeted him, he would have died just as unknowingly.

The leader scanned his surroundings sharply. “Who are you? Why won’t you show yourself? We have no quarrel with you. Why must you kill us all?”

Leng Jiu remained silent. Her eyes locked onto the two remaining targets. She placed her hand on her cherry blossom bracelet, which she had never used before, and decided to test its power.

Adjusting the bracelet, she aimed carefully and pressed the mechanism. There was barely a sound as a needle flew out. If not for her heightened senses, she wouldn’t have noticed it at all.

“Ugh!” The leader let out a low groan and collapsed.

“Boss? Don’t scare me!” The last man bent down to check, finding that the leader had no pulse. Panic consumed him, and he dropped the sack, fleeing into the woods while shouting, “Don’t kill me! Help! Don’t kill me!”

Once he was gone, Leng Jiu emerged from the shadows, scoffing coldly. “What a coward for a grown man!”

She approached the leader’s corpse and turned him over, noticing his body had turned black. It was clear the weapon was highly toxic. She kicked him aside and picked up the sack, carrying it back to her horse.

Setting it down near the stream, she untied it.

Although the moonlight was faint, her sharp eyes quickly made out the person inside—a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy. His pale face and delicate features stood out: fine brows, impossibly long lashes, a small nose, and a pointed chin. There was a hint of baby fat on his cheeks, and though his features hadn’t fully matured, he was already very attractive—a proper little prince.

Unbinding him with her dagger, she fetched her water pouch and roughly pried his mouth open to pour water in. Parched, the unconscious boy gulped down the water.

After finis.h.i.+ng half the pouch, Leng Jiu pinched his philtrum, and his long, b.u.t.terfly-like lashes fluttered before his large, gla.s.sy eyes opened. They were round, beautiful, and guarded, with a hint of sharpness.

Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow, amused. Picking up her bag of rations, she said, “Eat something if you’re hungry.”

The boy stared at her coldly, glancing down at the bag without moving. Though clearly starving, he dared not eat carelessly.

A child of about thirteen or fourteen, although quite good-looking, was staring at her with a guarded expression. What was going on? Did she look like a bad person? Or perhaps like a strange aunt who lured little kids?

She rolled her eyes at him irritably. “Eat it if you want. If I had known, I wouldn’t have gone through all the trouble to save you!”

With that, she got up and walked to the riverbank, scooping water to wash her face before taking a big drink.

Lan Yi glanced at the woman, then at the food in his arms. Beside him was the untied cloth bag and the separated ropes. His pale lips, tinged with pink, pressed together before he finally reached out, picked up a piece of bread, and started eating. He hadn’t eaten for two days and was starving.

Out of the corner of her eye, Leng Jiu noticed him nibbling on the bread like a well-behaved little rabbit. She couldn’t help but smile. His movements were graceful, even though he was ravenous. His brows exuded a natural n.o.bility, clearly not an ordinary person. At his age, twelve or thirteen, the only one capable of prompting Lan Ze to mobilize troops was the newly established emperor of the Snow Kingdom. She couldn’t think of anyone else. Still, she hadn’t expected to meet the young emperor in such a way, let alone find him to be such an adorable little boy. Sigh, she didn’t have any peculiar inclinations, so why did she feel an impulse to pinch him?

After he had eaten most of it, Leng Jiu filled a water bag, stood up, led her horse over, and walked to his side. “Let’s go.”

“Where to?” Now that he had eaten a little, he had enough energy to speak. His voice was hoa.r.s.e but carried a youthful clarity. Leng Jiu figured that if his throat were normal, his voice would be beautiful.

She pointed to the woods ahead. “A bunch of people died there. It’s no fun staying around.”

She leaped onto the horse with an elegant movement, extending a hand toward him. “Hurry up if you want to go!”

Lan Yi frowned as he looked at her graceful action. “You want me… me to ride with you on one horse?”

“What? Feeling reluctant?” Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow, her smile taking on a mischievous edge. “Or are you afraid I’ll take advantage of you? Don’t worry, I’m not interested in little kids.”

Lan Yi’s face stiffened. He wanted to reprimand her for her insolence but, considering his current situation, held his tongue. After hesitating briefly, he reached out his hand. In the next moment, he felt a weightlessness as she hoisted him onto the horse, placing him in front of her. Lan Yi immediately felt uncomfortable, but before he could say anything, she spoke again, her tone mildly disdainful. “So light. Are you sure you’re a boy? Hey, are you even twelve yet?”

Lan Yi’s face darkened. “I’m already thirteen!”

“Hmm, just a little kid!”

Lan Yi was furious. She called him a little kid? He really wanted to rebuke her, but he restrained himself. Deep down, he resolved to make her pay once he found his uncle.

Leng Jiu pulled him closer to her chest, grabbing the reins. “Hold on tight! Hyah!”

Under the crescent moon, the horse galloped swiftly down the forest path. The shadows of trees receded rapidly, and the sound of galloping hooves startled a flock of birds and beasts, creating an instant cacophony. The horse quickly burst out of the woods and onto open gra.s.slands, galloping endlessly across the vast plains, with only the occasional crisp shout from the woman breaking the silence.

Leng Jiu’s destination was naturally the Snow Kingdom. Although she had never been there, she knew the general direction. This kid was nothing like Lan Xiang. He was the new emperor of the Snow Kingdom, someone integral to its future. Not a single mishap could occur. Lan Ze was likely already frantic with worry. Since she had saved him, she might as well deliver him safely. After all, rescuing the emperor of the Snow Kingdom would certainly earn her a huge favor, and she could ask for some benefits later!

Riding through the night until dawn, Leng Jiu finally reached a large city. She entered with him, first finding an inn. She ordered the waiter to bring food, asked someone to buy some clothes, and after was.h.i.+ng up, they set out again.

When she went to call him, she noticed him using a broken porcelain shard to carve something on the edge of the table. As soon as he saw her, he immediately stopped. Leng Jiu, of course, knew he was leaving clues but pretended not to see. If Lan Ze could locate them, that would be ideal.

Lan Yi was quiet, barely speaking. Aside from his slight resistance when she pulled him onto the horse, he was obedient. But his pretty little face always carried a sulky expression, as if someone owed him money. Leng Jiu found this amusing.

As they rode on the official road, Leng Jiu’s thoughts wandered as she looked at the people pa.s.sing by. Was Yu Wei’s illness improving? How was the plague being managed? Although she had rationally chosen not to check on them, she couldn’t help but feel concerned.

At a crossroads, Leng Jiu headed down a smaller road that led north to the Snow Kingdom’s border.

“Boom!” A tree suddenly fell, blocking their path. Two burly men with broadswords appeared. One of them glared at them and shouted, “This is a robbery! Hand over your valuables!”

“B-Boss, it’s a woman!” The other man stammered excitedly when he saw Leng Jiu.

“A woman?” The first man’s eyes lit up when he took a closer look. “Haha! Heaven’s on my side, gifting me such a beautiful woman today. Not only will I rob you, but I’ll also take the woman!”

He carried his broadsword toward Leng Jiu with a lecherous smile. “Little beauty, are you going to come with us willingly, or will we have to use force? We’re rough men who don’t know how to be gentle. If you get hurt, don’t blame us.”

Lan Yi gripped the reins tightly. It was his first encounter with bandits. Frustratingly, he had no martial skills and was too small to be of any help. Just as he was about to suggest they ride away, confident that the horse would outpace the bandits, he realized something. If she had saved him from those men earlier, how could she be powerless now?

Leng Jiu narrowed her eyes and sneered. “I want your life!”

With those words, she struck. Two sharpened sticks flew through the air, one piercing his throat and the other his heart. The bandit froze, pointing at her in disbelief, eyes wide, before collapsing to the ground. Lan Yi saw it all clearly—she had killed him with nothing but two sharpened sticks.

“B-Boss!” The other bandit froze in shock. Before he could react, two more sticks flew out, ending his life as well. Leng Jiu tugged the reins, urging the horse to leap over the fallen tree. In moments, they were far away.

Lan Yi hadn’t yet recovered from what he’d just witnessed. He never imagined she would be so skilled, able to kill two men with sticks in the blink of an eye. Those sticks, which should have been little more than splinters, had pierced through throats and hearts from a distance.

“Scared?” Leng Jiu’s light laugh broke the silence. “Don’t tell me you’ve never seen someone killed before.”

Lan Yi lowered his head. He had seen far more deaths than this but had never expected such ruthlessness from her.

Leng Jiu slowed the horse, her gaze fixed ahead. “That’s survival for you. Kill or be killed. You’ll get used to it.”

Lan Yi finally spoke, his voice clearer now but still sharp. “Do you always kill people like that?”

She chuckled. “I haven’t killed in a long time. Very few people are worth the effort. Dying at my hands is their honor.”

Lan Yi didn’t understand. How could dying at someone’s hands be an honor? Leng Jiu pinched his cheek playfully. “Don’t think too hard. One day, you’ll understand.”

Lan Yi swatted her hand away. “Don’t touch my face!”

She retracted her hand with a pout. “Not cute at all.”

Lan Yi’s face turned serious as he stressed, “I’m not a child.”

“Yes, you’re not a child. You’re just thirteen. But as far as I know, adulthood here starts at eighteen. You’ve got five years to go.”

Lan Yi: “…”

Spring rains drizzled endlessly. After two clear days, rain began falling again. With no village or inn in sight on this stretch of the official road, Leng Jiu had no choice but to find a tree hollow for shelter. Fortunately, the ancient forests were dense, and the trees large enough to provide a hollow just s.p.a.cious enough for two people.

“If this rain keeps up, it’ll be troublesome,” Leng Jiu sighed, leaning against the tree’s inner wall and gazing out at the rain.

Lan Yi curled up with his legs drawn in, occasionally glancing at her. He hugged his knees and stared silently at the rain. The gentle patter outside was contrasted by the profound stillness in their little haven.

After a long time, Lan Yi s.h.i.+fted his stiff body slightly. His eyes inadvertently fell on her, realizing she had fallen asleep. She was nestled into a slight recess, her head tilted gently to one side, sleeping peacefully. Observing her closely, he discovered she was beautiful—not the kind of striking beauty his aunt Lan Xiang possessed, but a subtler kind that required careful appreciation. It was a beauty that seemed to seep into one’s bones and linger forever.

Lan Yi’s lips curved faintly as he quietly watched her. She was the most unique woman he had ever met. He couldn’t pinpoint exactly what made her so special, but she was undeniably different. He didn’t understand why she had saved him. Perhaps it had been on a whim, but this path led back to the Snow Kingdom. Was she going there intentionally or just coincidentally? She hadn’t asked for his name or ident.i.ty, leaving him wondering how much she actually knew.

The rain continued unabated, stretching from afternoon into night, showing no signs of letting up. Lan Yi sat alone for a long time before succ.u.mbing to fatigue, eventually dozing off against the tree.

Though Leng Jiu appeared to be asleep, her rest was shallow. When she felt something heavy on her leg, she opened her eyes, finding a small head resting there. She looked up at the dark sky. Night had completely fallen, and the rain kept pouring, accompanied by rolling thunder. It seemed like it wouldn’t stop anytime soon.

She picked up the water flask for a sip, then glanced down at the boy resting on her lap. After delivering him to Lan Ze, she planned to return to Gong Yu Wei immediately. She didn’t want to think about anything else—she just wanted to be by his side. These past two days without news of him had left her deeply unsettled. She had underestimated how much influence Gong Yu Wei had over her.

At midnight, the forest was eerily quiet when Leng Jiu suddenly opened her eyes. She pushed Lan Yi awake, covering his mouth before leaping into the tree canopy with him using her light-footed skill.

Lan Yi had been sleeping soundly and was annoyed at being woken. However, sensing her tension and feeling her tightly coiled body, he quickly sobered up. Something was happening. Could someone be pursuing them?

Leng Jiu patted his back, signaling him to lower his body. She pressed herself against him, her cold eyes fixed on the ground below.

Lan Yi felt extremely uncomfortable being held so close, especially as his back was pressed firmly against her chest. That soft, warm sensation was unmistakable. At thirteen, as the emperor, he had already been taught about the differences between men and women. He knew that part of a woman’s body was meant only for her husband. Yet she held him so casually against her, as if she didn’t care at all. Did she not mind, or did she simply not see him as a man?

But then it dawned on him—she always treated him as a child, never as someone who might harbor thoughts or intentions toward her. His initial embarra.s.sment faded, replaced by frustration and indignation. He was already thirteen and an emperor, not some child! Yet this wasn’t something he could tell her outright.

The faint sound of footsteps broke the silence. Both of them froze, their bodies tense as they dared not move.

Several men leading horses emerged from the forest, wearing cloaks and armed with weapons. Their coordinated movements resembled those of soldiers. Leng Jiu’s gaze locked onto their leader. He seemed familiar, but under the cover of night, she couldn’t discern much and dared not lower her guard.

The group appeared relaxed, intending to pa.s.s through. Suddenly, the leader stopped, his tone puzzled. “Old Zhang, didn’t you say the lady went this way? We’ve been chasing for ages and haven’t seen any trace of her. Did we take a wrong turn?”

“Impossible!” replied an older soldier stepping forward. “I’ve spent years following horse tracks. I’m certain the lady took this route. She was close by this afternoon. If it weren’t for the rain, we would have caught up. She must have sought shelter somewhere, and this forest, with its many hollows, is the only place to hide from the rain.”

The leader pondered briefly before resuming his pace. “Let’s keep looking!”

Just as they were about to walk away, a figure descended. Startled, they immediately drew their blades. Leng Jiu, annoyed, said, “It’s me!”

Changqing was overjoyed upon hearing her voice. “Ma… Madam! Is it really you?”

Leng Jiu rolled her eyes. “If it’s not me, would it be a ghost?”

“By the General’s order, I was sent to protect you. I’ve been searching for you all this time and finally found you!” Changqing exclaimed joyfully. His gaze then landed on the person in her arms, puzzled. “Who is the person you’re holding?”

Lan Yi had already been knocked unconscious by Leng Jiu when she realized it was Changqing. She casually replied, “Just a child I happened to save on the way. I’m planning to take him home.”

Changqing didn’t question further. “The General ordered us to protect you all the way, so we’ll follow you from now on!”

Leng Jiu thought for a moment but did not refuse. Traveling alone was convenient but had its inconveniences; having more people around could be helpful. “Since there are more of us, let’s travel through the night and only rest when we reach a populated area.”

“Understood!”

Leng Jiu went into the bushes to retrieve her horse, leaped onto it, and donned the conical hat Changqing handed to her.

Noticing the person in her arms was a boy, Changqing suggested, “Why not hand him over to me?”

Leng Jiu held Lan Yi closer. “It’s fine! Let’s go.”

Changqing didn’t press the matter and followed along. Traveling at night was safer with a group. Although it was still raining, the hats kept their clothes dry.

They traveled through the night until dawn, finally leaving Fengyu and entering a border town in Xue Country. They checked into an inn where Leng Jiu settled Lan Yi in a room before changing into fresh clothes. The men accompanying Changqing were elite members of the Eagle Division. Since they regarded Leng Jiu as the General’s wife, they treated her with utmost respect. Leng Jiu, in turn, acknowledged them politely.

After a night of travel, she was famished. While eating, she caught a whiff of a fragrant scent and looked up to see someone selling flowers at the inn’s entrance, including a few orchids. Her heart stirred, and after finis.h.i.+ng her meal, she walked over.

“Miss, would you like to buy some flowers? These orchids were freshly picked from the mountains this morning!” the elderly flower vendor greeted warmly.

Leng Jiu picked one up. “How much?”

“Just one copper coin per stem!”

Leng Jiu searched her belongings but realized she didn’t have any coins. Changqing quickly stepped forward and handed a coin to the vendor.

“Thank you, miss!”

Taking the orchid, Leng Jiu glanced around and spotted a jade shop. After a short visit, she came out holding a box. She trimmed the orchid, placed the most beautiful part into the box, and handed it to Changqing. “Send this to the Regent’s Residence and make sure it’s delivered to the Regent personally.”

Changqing took the box and promptly dispatched two men to deliver it.

Seeing the orchid sent off, Leng Jiu let out a small sigh of relief. She took a meal from the innkeeper, carried it upstairs herself, and entered the room to find Lan Yi standing by the window. He turned to face her, his expression deep and his eyes wary. Finally, he asked the question he had been holding back: “Who exactly are you?”

Placing the meal on the table, Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow. “Is this question more important than filling your stomach?”

Lan Yi ignored her attempt to change the subject, staring at her intently. His small face was taut, exuding authority. “Last night, those people were looking for you. The moment you recognized them, you knocked me out. Now you’ve brought me to Xue Country. What are you trying to do?”

“What I want to do—do you think you’re in any position to stop me?” Leng Jiu chuckled. “You’ve been starving all night. Eat first. As for what I want to do, you’ll know when the time comes.”

Having sent a message, Leng Jiu had no plans to venture further into Xue Country. She only intended to wait for Lan Ze to pick up this boy so she could return to Fengyu to find Gong Yuwei. She asked Changqing about Gong Yuwei, but he didn’t know much since he had been busy chasing after her for the past three days.

Though there was talk in Xue Country about events in Fengyu, the details were vague. The less she knew, the more anxious Leng Jiu felt about returning. However, she showed no sign of it.

During the two days they stayed in town, Leng Jiu ignored Lan Yi’s suspicions and wariness. She spent her time practicing, resting, and occasionally browsing the nearby weapons and herb shops.

She was used to throwing darts but couldn’t find any to her liking. With some free time, she had the local blacksmith forge a set of eighteen custom darts that were small, delicate, and much faster than hairpins. She was very satisfied.

At the herb shop, she inquired about plague remedies. The shop had an old doctor knowledgeable in this area who shared much information and personally prepared several prescriptions for her. Leng Jiu took them, intending to use them when she found Gong Yuwei.

When she returned with the darts and medicine, she found the inn emptied of other guests. A dozen plainclothes guards surrounded the place, and the innkeeper and staff were gone. Changqing and his men stood to the side. Seeing Leng Jiu approach, Changqing turned to her, and she rea.s.sured him with a look before handing him the items. She then went upstairs.

“Uncle w.a.n.g! I’ve worried you again these past days!” Lan Yi’s voice was soft and childlike, unlike the usual authority he projected. Leng Jiu found it amusing. This boy only let his guard down around those close to him.

“As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters,” a warm and gentle voice replied. “This time, it was my negligence. Once we return, I’ll ensure this doesn’t happen again!”

“How did you find me? And where is that woman?”

Hearing this, Leng Jiu pushed the door open and said irritably, “What do you mean, ‘that woman’? Is this how an emperor addresses someone?”

Lan Yi’s face immediately darkened at her entrance. He wanted to put on the airs of an emperor, but he couldn’t in front of her. Just as he was thinking, he was surprised to see his usually composed Uncle w.a.n.g suddenly rush forward, arms outstretched, to embrace her.

“Ah Jiu! Is it really you?” Lan Ze’s voice was filled with emotion.

Leng Jiu inhaled the orchid scent from him and smiled faintly. “I didn’t expect to see you this emotional.”

Lan Ze held her tightly before releasing her and placing his hands on her shoulders. His usually calm eyes glimmered with joy and affection. “I just can’t believe it. When I saw that orchid, I thought of you but didn’t dare hope you’d actually be here. I never imagined it.”

Leng Jiu gently traced his face. It had grown leaner, with more defined features. She figured he must have been worried sick when the young emperor went missing, and as the Regent, the burden of governance weighed heavily on him. “Nothing is impossible. You’ve traveled a long way; freshen up and eat something before we talk.”

“Alright,” he agreed without hesitation.

Lan Yi finally came back to his senses and stepped forward. “Uncle w.a.n.g, do you know her?”

Only then did Lan Ze notice Lan Yi’s presence. He coughed lightly, slightly fl.u.s.tered, as a faint blush appeared on his jade-like cheeks. “Ahem… Yes, I do.”

Leng Jiu chuckled mischievously, leaning closer to tease him. “Just acquaintances?”

Lan Ze, unable to withstand her teasing, called out helplessly, “Ah Jiu!”

“Alright, I’ll stop,” she relented with a laugh.

Lan Ze turned to Lan Yi, who was still processing, and introduced, “She is Leng Jiu, the ‘Sister Jiu’ your Aunt Lanxiang often spoke of. You may call her Aunt.”

Lan Yi’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “She’s Aunt Lanxiang’s Sister Jiu?”

Lan Ze nodded. “Exactly.”

Leng Jiu pushed Lan Ze to freshen up and had lunch prepared. The three of them sat in the room to eat.

Leng Jiu wasn’t very hungry, sipping soup slowly. Lan Ze, having barely eaten during his journey, naturally needed the meal. His elegant table manners captivated Leng Jiu, who couldn’t look away.

Lan Ze, feeling her gaze, grew uncomfortable. Though it made him fl.u.s.tered, he secretly enjoyed her attention and didn’t stop her.

Lan Yi, also eating elegantly, was ignored by the other two. He glanced at Lan Ze and Leng Jiu, pouting slightly with a mix of emotions.

After finis.h.i.+ng his meal, Lan Ze felt much better and looked at Leng Jiu. “I haven’t asked yet, how did you meet Xiao Yi? He was kidnapped by a Xue Country tribe called Kamon. Despite my pursuit, they escaped. Their martial skills are decent. How did you rescue him?”

“It was just luck,” Leng Jiu replied casually. “By the time I encountered them, only seven were left, and it was night. They didn’t notice me, so I took advantage of the situation.”

Lan Ze knew it wasn’t as simple as she made it sound. He understood her personality enough to know she wouldn’t go out of her way to help a stranger. She must have guessed the boy’s ident.i.ty and acted because of him. His heart warmed at the thought. He reached out to hold her hand but restrained himself, aware of Lan Yi’s presence. Instead, his gaze softened even more.

“Thank you for this.”

“No need for thanks. Just remember you owe me a favor!” She turned to Lan Yi with a sly smile. “No, to be precise, Xue Country’s young emperor owes me a life debt—a huge favor!”

Lan Yi pouted and ignored her. He wasn’t stupid. He had long suspected something was off. It was clear she knew who he was from the start and only saved him because of his uncle. Otherwise, she would have let him be taken. He had no intention of thanking her.

“Such an ungrateful kid!”

“I am not a kid!” Lan Yi glared at her, his face sour.

Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow and leaned closer. “Your Aunt Lanxiang calls me Sister Jiu. That makes me your aunt. Before your elders, you are a child, and children mustn’t disrespect their elders.”

Lan Yi wanted to retort that he was the emperor, but a glance at Lan Ze stopped him. Huffing indignantly, he turned his head away.

Leng Jiu straightened up, unwilling to bicker further, and turned to Lan Ze. “I’ve handed him over to you. I’ll be returning to Fengyu soon.”

“You’re leaving so soon?” Lan Ze was startled, visibly unsettled.

“Gong Yuwei was sent by Long Yi to handle the plague, and a few days ago, he contracted the disease. I haven’t heard from him in days. I must go back and check on him!” Leng Jiu said without hiding anything.

Lan Ze’s expression darkened. He knew he couldn’t stop her, and his voice became dejected. “I’ve received news as well. Prime Minister Gong has indeed fallen ill with the plague…”

Leng Jiu squeezed his hand. “You stay here with him. I’ll go pack my things!”

Leng Jiu’s room was next door, and she didn’t have much to pack. She bundled up a few pieces of clothing, placed her dagger securely, and was ready to leave.

As soon as she wrapped up her bundle and turned to leave, the door was pushed open. Lan Ze walked in with his head lowered, closed the door, and then softly embraced her. He seemed to struggle to speak, remaining silent for a long time before finally mustering the courage. Yet, his voice lacked confidence entirely. “I know I can’t stop you from going to him, but I’m still greedy enough to want to keep you here. Just one night… stay with me for one more night, please?”

As he spoke, his hands unconsciously clenched her clothes, and his body tensed. He was afraid—afraid that even this humble plea would be rejected, afraid she’d say she detested him. He knew there were many outstanding men around her, all better and n.o.bler than him. He had once been humble but not self-abasing, yet ever since she entered his heart, he had lost all confidence. He feared she’d say he wasn’t worthy, feared she’d despise him, feared she’d grow angry and refuse to see him again.

Hearing his humble plea, Leng Jiu was shaken. She never imagined he would say such things and in such a tone. He liked her—that she knew—but did he like her to such a humble extent? She raised her gaze to look at him, meeting his nervous, pleading eyes, and her heart was filled with an indescribable emotion. “You… you should know about Gong Yuwei and me, and about Long Yue and the others around me. Someone like me, you…”

“I know!” Lan Ze embraced her tightly, his voice trembling. “I know everything. I know how wonderful you are, how naturally you attract countless excellent men. I even know the differences between you and them. I’ve thought about stopping my feelings at mere admiration, just watching you from afar. But I can’t do it!”

He spoke in one breath, gripping her clothes even tighter. He took a deep breath, as if gathering the courage to say everything in his heart at once. “When I first left Fengyu, I kept thinking about going back. That place wasn’t just filled with my unbearable past—it was also where someone I wanted to see was. I kept thinking about you, longing for you, until I finally gained a status where I could stand upright and speak to you. Only then did I dare to see you. Do you know how happy I was?”

“When I saw you, I was overjoyed but also anxious, because I realized I couldn’t take my eyes off you. My heart and dreams were filled with your image. One moment, I was nervously trying to hide my feelings, and the next, I was hoping for your attention. Those days, I was both happy and conflicted. Then, after that accidental kiss, I knew I could never let you go.”

“The other day, when I saw the orchids you urgently sent, I was so thrilled I dropped everything to rush here. Even half a month of exhaustion vanished. All I wanted was to see you. I can’t stop anymore—I can’t suppress my feelings. Even though I know there are so many outstanding men around you, I don’t feel jealous or sad. I just envy them. They get to stay by your side and have you. I don’t ask for much—just a small place by your side, a small s.p.a.ce in your heart. That’s all I want. Truly…”

His body trembled uncontrollably, revealing his inner struggles and fear. Leng Jiu was shocked, touched, and pained. She threw down her bundle, raised her hand, and hugged his trembling body. He had grown thinner, and her heart ached as she softened her voice. “Fool! Do you have to love me so humbly? Wasn’t my kiss last time enough to give you some confidence?”

Lan Ze was moved by her words but still uncertain, afraid he had misunderstood. He hesitated, his hands trembling as he loosened his grip slightly and looked into her face. “Ah Jiu, you…”

Leng Jiu didn’t let him finish. She stood on her toes, pressing a kiss to his lips. Her arms wrapped around his neck, deepening the kiss.

“Ah Jiu…” he murmured in a low, excited voice before everything was drowned in their kiss.

His arms tightened around her, and he kissed her lips deeply, savoring her sweetness. This moment was so beautiful, he felt as if he were dreaming. He wished he would never wake up.

The kiss lasted a long time, so long their lips ached before they reluctantly parted. Leng Jiu leaned on Lan Ze’s shoulder, her face flushed as she caught her breath. Her arms hung around his neck, letting her weight rest on him. Lan Ze didn’t mind at all. He held her close, unwilling to let go. Their bodies pressed together, and he sighed contentedly.

Leng Jiu took a long moment to recover before raising her head. She stood slightly straighter, cupped his face with her hands, and said seriously, “I accept your love. You don’t need to love me so humbly, nor do you need to be so afraid. As long as you’re willing, there will always be a place for you here. I’ve reserved a spot in my heart, waiting for you to fill it.”

Lan Ze’s eyes lit up at her words, glowing with excitement. He was so moved he couldn’t speak, eventually breaking into a broad, silly grin. Holding her, he sat down, pulling her into his arms and greedily inhaling her scent. “Ah Jiu, I feel like I’m dreaming.”

Leng Jiu immediately bit his lip. Seeing him frown, she laughed. “Does it hurt?”

“It hurts! So, it’s not a dream!” Lan Ze tightened his arms around her, but after his happiness, he hesitated and asked, “Will you still leave?”

Leng Jiu wrapped her arms around his neck, gave him another deep kiss, and whispered ambiguously, “Tonight… I’m yours.”

Lan Ze’s heart stirred. He almost lost control but eventually sighed, hugging her tightly. It was a rare moment for them to be together, and they had just confessed their feelings. How could Lan Ze bear to part with her? He wished he could stretch every minute into eternity. From afternoon until night, he stayed by her side.

With Leng Jiu’s permission, Lan Ze felt immensely honored to lie beside her. Yet he did nothing but hold her. When Leng Jiu asked him why, Lan Ze simply smiled. “I don’t want to take too much all at once. Otherwise, I’ll become greedy, unable to control myself.”