The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous Volume 2 Chapter 32 - An Agreement Between Men

Chapter 32: An Agreement Between Men

Leng Jiu felt that the only creature more troublesome than a woman was a man—especially a dissatisfied, petty man drenched in jealousy, like a certain seductive Prince Long Yueli.

Back in the palace, when one was a prince and the other an empress dowager, he still had some scruples. But now, in this distant place, where the sky was high, and the emperor far away, with her no longer an empress dowager, his actions could only be described as unrestrained. Every day, he openly held her while admiring lotus flowers and gazing at blossoms. They rode horses together, frolicking as if to make up for all the lost time apart. Whenever Leng Jiu hinted at returning to the palace, Long Yueli would immediately pounce on her and “enforce the law,” continuing until he was too exhausted to speak. After a few such incidents, Leng Jiu no longer dared to bring it up casually.

For ten days straight, he hadn’t left this courtyard, staying with her as if nothing else existed. The furthest they ventured was a nearby forest, just five miles away. Their affection was so intense it felt like the world held only the two of them. Leng Jiu believed that if she were willing to give up everything—her responsibilities and the people who depended on her—he would abandon the world and live like this with her forever, isolated and together.

Living such a secluded life of love might be a dream for many couples, but for Leng Jiu, it was far from realistic. She was accustomed to the bustling world, to navigating power struggles and conspiracies. A life surrounded by mountains and rivers might not be tormenting, but it certainly wasn’t something she could enjoy.

In the warm afternoon sunlight, she lay lazily in Long Yueli’s arms, as relaxed as a cat. Long Yueli gently stroked her soft hair, his gaze on the golden-hued peonies in the courtyard. He sighed lightly. No matter how much he wished to keep this n.o.ble flower in his garden, could such a naturally regal peony truly stay?

He brushed aside a strand of her hair. “When do you want to return?”

Leng Jiu, surprised, looked up at him before smiling faintly. “Long Yueli, what are you afraid of?”

His hand paused, and he brushed her smooth cheek with the back of his hand, his eyes darkening. “What do you think I’m afraid of?”

Leng Jiu leaned closer, touching his cheek gently. “Aren’t you the fearless one?”

Long Yueli sighed softly. “I also thought there was nothing in this world that could scare me. But now… I find myself fearing loss. I want to keep you chained to me, even if it makes you hate me. But I know the consequences. If I try to control you, I’ll lose you forever. Last time, I gambled my life on your care for me, using up my last card. Now, I don’t even have the capital to gamble again. Tell me, how can I not be afraid?”

Leng Jiu stared at him, speechless. She didn’t know what to say. These were questions she had never considered. In her past life, she treated her lovers as she pleased. They knew her ways—some adored her freedom, while others feared her status. None dared to cling. Even those vying for favor merely sought to please her and never pressured her, let alone demanded her heart. Yet, in this new life, she encountered these men who made her feel her intelligence and emotional capacity were insufficient.

They didn’t just want her body—they wanted her heart, her entirety. With such sincerity, they awaited her response, hoping she would choose them alone. She didn’t know how to give what they wanted or even how to learn. If they merely wished to play, she wouldn’t mind. But each one was so serious, so steadfast, pus.h.i.+ng her into a corner and leaving her bewildered.

She thought of cutting them off coldly, as she had before, of turning away without a second thought. Yet they tore open wounds in her heart, moved in dominantly, making her care despite herself. She couldn’t bring herself to be ruthless, and they eroded her indifference.

Lowering her head, she rested against Long Yueli’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Her thoughts were chaotic. She had done her best to cherish and love them—her tenderness toward Gong Yuwei, indulgence toward Hua Jinzhi, and care for Long Yueli. She’d given them as much affection as she could. Yet, for them, it seemed far from enough. They wanted more—wanted what she couldn’t give.

Leaning against him, she fell into a restless sleep. Though dreamless, her slumber was uneasy. Her beautiful brows furrowed, burdened with unresolved concerns. Long Yueli glanced down at her and sighed deeply. Some things, it seemed, were unattainable.

After spending half a month with her, Long Yueli finally prepared to send her to another estate so she could return to the palace properly.

As they left his domain, Leng Jiu stayed silent, lounging lazily in Long Yueli’s arms without a thought for anything else. Long Yueli, too, remained quiet, holding her and gently stroking her hair, unusually restrained.

This time, he didn’t ride but arranged a modestly styled yet luxuriously comfortable carriage for the journey. They traveled along official roads at a leisurely pace, stopping only for meals and overnight stays, without any unnecessary delays.

Just as Leng Jiu was about to drift into a light nap, the carriage abruptly stopped. Long Yueli’s fox-like eyes opened—what was inevitable had arrived. After planting a lingering kiss on Leng Jiu’s lips, he sighed. “Jiu’er, you’re such a heartless little temptress.”

Before she could react, he coldly ordered outside, “Ignore them. Keep going.”

As the carriage resumed its journey, Leng Jiu straightened up, about to ask what had happened. But in that instant, she understood. Arrows rained down from all directions. Long Yueli swept Leng Jiu out of the carriage, catching the arrows mid-flight with a flick of his hand. When the second wave descended, he tossed Leng Jiu toward a specific direction.

Hua Jinzhi, who had been lying in ambush nearby, caught her in midair. By the time they turned back, Long Yueli had already returned to the carriage and vanished. The last glimpse of his crimson robes fluttered before disappearing entirely. Hua Jinzhi’s eyes flickered as he gestured to the ambushers nearby, signaling them to withdraw.

Thrown so abruptly, Leng Jiu was initially startled, forgetting even to use her light footwork. After Hua Jinzhi caught her, she turned, catching only a fleeting glimpse of Long Yueli stepping into the carriage. Confusion, bewilderment, and a pang of heartache swept through her. Such a proud and domineering man had cast her into another’s arms. Was this a compromise? Or resignation?

Hua Jinzhi saw her lost in thought, gazing after the departing carriage. He leaned down and nipped her lip. “What’s wrong? Can’t bear to part?”

Leng Jiu pulled her gaze back, glancing at him. She opened her mouth but made no sound, unsure of what to say.

Hua Jinzhi, understanding her unspoken thoughts, glanced at Long Yueli’s fading figure and sighed softly. “Though we’re on opposing sides, I can understand his feelings to some extent.”

“We were born privileged, accustomed to having the best—our pride and dominance ingrained. At the same time, we’re also unrelenting. Once we’ve set our sights on something, we won’t let go, even in death. The three of us have all chosen you, yet we can’t have you entirely to ourselves. None of us wants to let go, nor do we want to hurt you. And we can’t kill each other either. In such a predicament, the only option left is… to resign ourselves.”

Looking down at her, his voice was tinged with both bitterness and resignation. “Woman, we’ve resigned ourselves for you. His act of tossing you into my arms means he’s accepted my existence. He, too, has resigned himself.”

“I’ve known of him since we were children. I know his domineering ways, his ruthlessness. A man like him wouldn’t hesitate to kill me or Gong Yuwei. Yet for you, he’s retreated to this extent. Should I commend your ability, or lament your cruelty?”

Leng Jiu tilted her head to gaze at the sky. Should she find these two men adorable? Or foolish?

Hua Jinzhi carried Leng Jiu into the carriage he’d prepared earlier, continuing toward the palace. He knew where she intended to go and wouldn’t stop her. But from here on, it would be him accompanying her.

Though Hua Jinzhi initially planned to vent his frustrations over Long Yueli’s interference, his mood had s.h.i.+fted. Now, holding Leng Jiu in his arms, all he wanted was to keep holding her.

As she leaned into him, thoughts of Long Yueli surfaced, and her heart ached faintly. Love was a beautiful thing, but to her, it brought only helplessness and pain.

When the carriage arrived at an inn that evening, Hua Jinzhi carried the still-sleeping Leng Jiu into their room. Dinner had already been served, steam rising from the dishes. Placing her gently on a seat, he retrieved a towel to wipe her face.

“Too lazy to move. You wipe for me,” she said, half-joking, half-serious.

Indulgently, Hua Jinzhi complied, gently wiping her face. Once satisfied, he cleaned himself up before sitting beside her. “You must be hungry. Eat up.”

Leng Jiu, feeling some hunger, ate quietly. Their refined manners ensured not even the sound of chopsticks touching bowls could be heard—an almost unnerving silence.

After the meal, Leng Jiu walked to the window. The view revealed a small river, its banks lined with lantern-lit houses. Gentle breezes swayed the willow branches, creating a tranquil and picturesque scene.

Hua Jinzhi approached from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. “What are you looking at?”

“Then watch what you want to watch!” Leng Jiu relaxed her body and leaned into his embrace.

Hua Jinzhi lowered his head and chuckled softly, “What I see is a beauty leaning against the railing, gracing the scenery with her presence. Could it be that you also see a beauty?”

Leng Jiu glanced back at him playfully and teased with raised eyebrows, “Of course, I see a beauty too. Aren’t you the beauty?”

With that, she turned around, lifted his chin, and leaned in wickedly, “Beauty, do you have plans tonight? How about spending the night with me?”

Hua Jinzhi’s heart stirred, and he gently held her hand, sighing softly, “Stop teasing me!”

Leng Jiu looked up at him, her teasing demeanor gone. “Is it because of him?”

Hua Jinzhi pulled her closer. “Don’t ask.”

Leng Jiu, annoyed, reached out and pinched his cheek, grumbling, “Last time he took me away, you were so angry you wanted to kill him. But now you’ve softened? Have you been moved by him? Won over? Why not just pack me up and send me back, so you won’t be so absent-minded, acting like you owe him something!”

Hua Jinzhi removed her hand and bit it lightly, “Isn’t it because you attract so many admirers? Now I’m upset, and you dare to make sarcastic remarks!”

Leng Jiu grabbed his hand in return and bit it hard, leaving two deep teeth marks before letting go. “You can do whatever you want!”

With that, she pushed him away, headed inside, lifted the quilt, and lay down with her back to him, making it clear she didn’t want to talk to him. Hua Jinzhi was speechless. Clearly, he was the one who should be angry and comforted, yet somehow the roles were reversed. Moreover, he didn’t recall doing anything to upset her.

Although he was exasperated, he couldn’t let her stay upset. As he walked over to comfort her, he realized that from the time they were together, it was always him who got angry and her who comforted him. Now that it was reversed, he was at a loss for what to do. He climbed onto the bed, pulled her into his arms, and said, “Alright, I was wrong. Is that enough?”

“Hmph!” Leng Jiu turned her head away, ignoring him. This boy always put on an aloof act for her to console, and now it was her turn!

Hua Jinzhi looked at her expression and knew she wasn’t truly upset, just playing around. But her little hums and pouty face were full of “I’m mad” vibes, leaving him both amused and helpless. It was a trick he had often used on her before!

Not knowing how to comfort her, Hua Jinzhi simply lowered his head and kissed her lips, using the simplest and clumsiest method to resolve his helplessness. Initially, it was just a thought, but as the kiss deepened, the suppressed flames in his heart suddenly ignited, blazing uncontrollably. Even though his mind was telling him to hold back, his body remembered her scent and warmth. At that moment, all rationality was cast aside—he wanted her.

Pa.s.sion surged, and the night turned into one of intimacy. The low growls of the man and the soft moans of the woman composed the most amorous melody of the night.

Afterward, Leng Jiu lay atop Hua Jinzhi, her body glistening with sweat, lips slightly parted as she panted softly.

Hua Jinzhi gently caressed her skin, his own breath unsteady, but his heart was full of satisfaction, and even his brows carried a trace of a seductive smile.

After a while, when both had calmed down, Hua Jinzhi held Leng Jiu in his arms and kissed her face, “Let’s bathe.”

Leng Jiu, boneless from exhaustion, leaned into his arms with closed eyes and murmured, “You wash me.”

Hua Jinzhi, knowing she was thoroughly tired, smiled indulgently at her drowsy demeanor. He carried her to the prepared bath area and carefully washed her. Seeing the marks he’d left on her fair skin filled him with an even greater sense of contentment. After dressing her in undergarments and settling her back in bed, he cleaned himself up.

The night deepened, and the two embraced each other. After being apart for so long, holding her in his arms filled Hua Jinzhi with even deeper love. Though he still wanted more, seeing her fatigue made him reluctant to tire her further. He kissed her forehead lightly and fell into a shallow sleep.

While this side basked in romantic intimacy, the other was shrouded in cold desolation.

Long Yue sat atop a ma.s.sive rock on the mountain, holding a bottle of wine. The sky above was pitch black, devoid of stars or moonlight, mirroring his bleak mood.

“Tsk!” A mocking voice suddenly sounded, and a white figure flew over, landing beside him. The face, ethereal as though of a fallen immortal, was cold and aloof—who else but Jin Yu? He walked a couple of steps closer, waved away the dust on the ground, and sat down next to Long Yue. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere, and here you are drinking alone in the dark. What is it? That woman of yours ran off with someone else again?”

“If you keep quiet, no one will think you’re mute,” Long Yue said coldly, taking another swig of wine.

Jin Yu produced a wine flask from nowhere, took a sip, and then looked at Long Yue, who was staring at the dark sky. “The Black Jade is only missing its final ingredient. Soon, I’ll be able to recreate it, no—something even better. Regenerate the bones, transform the body.”

Long Yue’s hand froze for a moment before he suddenly asked, “You were on the plains two months ago?”

Jin Yu knew what he wanted to ask. After taking another sip of wine, he said, “If you have a question, just ask. Being indirect doesn’t suit you.”

Hearing this, Long Yue’s heart sank. Though he was seventy percent certain, he still couldn’t help but ask, “You’re the one who unblocked her meridians, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Jin Yu admitted without hesitation.

Long Yue downed a large gulp of wine. “Why? Didn’t you say you don’t like women?”

Jin Yu narrowed his eyes. “I have no principles in my actions. I do what I like—no reason needed.”

“Of all the women in the world, why her?”

“I’d like to know too. Why don’t you give me an answer?”

Long Yue tilted his head back and emptied the bottle, tossing it off the cliff before wiping the wine from his lips. “It’s been a while since we sparred, hasn’t it?”

Jin Yu also finished his wine and casually discarded the flask. Leaping gracefully, he said, “Indeed, it’s been a long time. This place is perfect—no one around. Let’s go.”

Long Yue smirked mischievously and struck without holding back. Jin Yu’s eyes narrowed as he responded, meeting the attack head-on. In an instant, the two figures, one red and one dark, clashed on the mountaintop like ghosts. Their powerful strikes shattered the rocks around them, the fragments tumbling down the slopes and becoming the only sounds of the night.

Neither intended to back down, battling each other fiercely from night until dawn. Only when they were utterly exhausted did they stop, sitting back-to-back as the morning sun bathed them in its golden light.

With his chest exposed, Long Yue sat nonchalantly, his fox-like eyes narrowed and his face showing a hint of fatigue. Sweat matted his hair to his cheeks, and drops slid down his open collar, making his devilish charm almost unbearable to behold.

Jin Yu, on the other hand, had shed his celestial demeanor, appearing casual and languid like Long Yue. His hair was slightly disheveled, his dark eyes deep and inscrutable. Paired with the tear-shaped mole under his eye, his allure rivaled Long Yue’s. This was his true self, though only a select few had ever seen it.

After catching his breath, Jin Yu chuckled, “After all these years, you still can’t beat me.”

Long Yue squinted at the rising sun, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “Neither did you gain the upper hand. Let’s call it even.”

“Indeed, even,” Jin Yu sighed softly and looked up. The two fell silent again.

As the golden sunlight grew brighter, Long Yue finally broke the silence, his voice so faint it was almost inaudible. “You’ve fallen for her, haven’t you?”

Jin Yu froze, his thoughts drifting to that woman. A light he himself hadn’t noticed flickered in his eyes as he sighed softly. “Maybe.”

When they met in the capital, she was cunning like a fox, yet he didn’t repel her approach. When they reunited on the plains, she was cold and heartless, and even when he bullied her, her fiery temper made her uniquely different. With every encounter, she was never the same. And with every encounter, he felt himself growing less rational. That day, he even considered taking her for himself. By now, it was clear: she was unlike any other woman to him.

Long Yue said nothing in return—not a warning, not a reminder that she wasn’t someone Jin Yu should fall for. After a long silence, he flew off without a word.

Jin Yu pulled out a bottle of pills from his pocket, swallowed them all, and sat there in silence for a while before leaving in the opposite direction. He didn’t feel he was competing with Long Yue for her. Nor did he feel it was wrong to have feelings for her. He was not someone who easily fell in love, but once he did, unless he grew to hate her, he would never let go. As for Long Yue, there was nothing to say. It was just that the person Long Yue happened to like was his woman.

There was no such thing as compet.i.tion, nor would there be guilt. As for their affairs, he wouldn’t interfere. He would simply do what he wanted, and take only what was his.

The morning sunlight poured through the window, drenching the room in golden hues. Leng Jiu opened her eyes slightly, meeting Hua Jinzhi’s gaze. His eyes were clear and smiling, indicating he had been awake for a while.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” she murmured, snuggling into his chest, still drowsy.

Hua Jinzhi looked at her fondly, “Such a little lazy pig, still sleeping?”

“You’re the pig!” Leng Jiu glared at him playfully, then glanced out the window before sitting up. But as soon as Hua Jinzhi got up, she lazily clung to him again.

Hua Jinzhi picked up her clothes, struggling for a while to help her dress. Seeing her still half-asleep, he said with a smile, “Wash your face, eat something, and then you can sleep in the carriage, alright?”

“Mm,” Leng Jiu nodded, was.h.i.+ng up and eating some pastries, finally shaking off her grogginess before heading out.

On the road, Hua Jinzhi said, “I’ve had someone bring news from the palace. He’s conferred the t.i.tle of Yuan Fei to the only daughter of the governor of Longxi Prefecture, said to be a talented woman. He’s also made Xue Fei, the daughter of the Southeast Provinces’ governor, his concubine, though she’s only a little over fourteen. Originally, he didn’t bring any of the Xia family’s daughters into the palace, but somehow Xia Ke ended up in his dragon bed and was drunkenly favored, so now there’s also a Xia Fei. These days, he’s been busy dealing with various disasters, so the harem has been relatively quiet and stable.”

Leaning on his shoulder, Leng Jiu’s eyes turned cold. “He won’t stay stable for long.”

Hua Jinzhi looked down. “What do you plan to do?”

“You’ll help me?”

Hua Jinzhi held her slender, jade-like hand and played with it. “As long as you ask, I’ll make it happen.”

Hearing this, Leng Jiu kissed his face lightly. “That’s all I need. When I need you, I won’t hold back!”

Hua Jinzhi’s eyes glimmered mischievously, “It’d be best if you needed me every day.”

Leng Jiu glared at him, leaning on his shoulder while contemplating the palace affairs.

The so-called imperial residence of Long Yi was located in the most barren region of Fengyu. Everywhere were dilapidated houses and broken tiles. The residence itself was the former palace of a small kingdom from hundreds of years ago, not luxurious but grand in scale. Yet in this desolate place, even a palace made of gold held little value.

The residence gates were tightly shut, patrolled by imperial guards everywhere, making infiltration near impossible. And since Long Yi was determined to rid himself of the empress dowager, he naturally wouldn’t allow anyone inside. It wouldn’t be long before news of her “illness and death” would likely surface.

At that moment, Hua Jinzhi and Leng Jiu stood on a mountainside overlooking the residence. Hua Jinzhi glanced down at her, “What’s your plan now?”

Leaning against a tree, Leng Jiu squinted lazily as if in casual thought. “Don’t you think that amidst the widespread disasters and suffering in the southwest, the empress dowager should come out to pray for the people, burn incense, and offer blessings?”

Hua Jinzhi immediately understood, “Leave it to me.”

Leng Jiu glanced at him, the two sharing a knowing smile before descending the mountain together. The next day, news spread that the empress dowager’s health had recovered. It was said she was heartbroken over the disasters in the southwest and decided to return to the palace early to retreat to the national temple for a hundred days of prayer and fasting to bless the people.

“A hundred days?” Leng Jiu looked at Hua Jinzhi, “Isn’t that a bit long? Do I really have to stay in the temple for a hundred days?”

Hua Jinzhi raised his eyes and said, “Burning incense and praying for blessings requires going to the temple, but fasting does not necessarily have to be done there. This time frame merely reflects the Empress Dowager’s sincerity, so there’s no need to fuss over it.”

In other words, it was just going through the motions. Whatever was said sounded pleasant enough, but the reality was known only to oneself.

This news spread like a s...o...b..ll rolling downhill, reaching all corners of the realm before the court even had time to respond. By the time they became aware, it was too late to stop it. Coincidentally, at that moment, Prince Xuan returned from managing the landslide situation, bearing accolades that left no room for criticism. Upon hearing that the Empress Dowager intended to pray for the common people, he immediately volunteered to personally escort her back to the palace, providing many reasonable justifications. In the end, the Emperor had no choice but to agree.

Long Yi would never have agreed under normal circ.u.mstances. He knew very well that this was undoubtedly Long Yueli’s doing, and the spread of this information was also orchestrated by them. However, he had no choice but to agree for two reasons: first, his caution regarding Long Yueli, and second, the plan to replace her had become unfeasible. Leng Jinghua was beyond his control, so even if the Empress Dowager died, it would be meaningless.

Ultimately, when he agreed, he had his own considerations. Although he couldn’t locate Leng Jinghua now, she would return on her own accord. Once she entered the palace, he could restrict her movements again, which might not be a bad thing for him.

Leng Jiu waited for three more days, and finally, Long Yueli arrived with his entourage, traveling swiftly. Instead of entering the palace, they waited at the gates for the Empress Dowager to emerge. Meanwhile, Leng Jiu disguised herself as a palace maid and quietly slipped into the group. She planned to switch back once they were on the main road.

Preparations were still underway when Long Yueli slipped away from the crowd to fetch Leng Jiu. As he approached from afar, Hua Jinzhi gave Leng Jiu a tight hug from behind. By the time she turned around, he had vanished. At that moment, Long Yueli entered the scene.

Hua Jinzhi’s presence lingered in the room, though he was gone. Long Yueli’s gaze flickered briefly before he stepped forward and took Leng Jiu’s hand. “Let’s go.”

Leng Jiu sighed inwardly but said nothing. Clearly, these two men had reached some tacit understanding, one she had no power to influence.

Long Yueli handed her over to his men, who placed her among the group of palace maids. Soon after, the palace gates opened, and the “Empress Dowager,” clad in splendid attire, emerged. She was obviously wearing a disguise and had a face identical to Leng Jiu’s, albeit stiffer and devoid of any extra expression. After greeting Long Yueli with a “Thank you for your efforts, Royal Uncle,” she boarded the carriage with the support of a eunuch.

Long Yueli cast the “Empress Dowager” a glance, mounted his horse, and gave the order to set out. Leng Jiu also took a closer look at the “Empress Dowager.” Something about her seemed oddly familiar, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. As the carriage was heavily guarded and its curtains tightly drawn, she couldn’t investigate further and had to let it go for now.

The return journey was significantly slower than the outbound one. Despite the reduced pace, Leng Jiu’s feet still ached from the constant standing. Thankfully, her internal energy helped her endure, and occasional use of light-footed martial arts eased her discomfort.

That evening, the group stopped at a post station. Leng Jiu slipped into Long Yueli’s room unnoticed, found a soft couch, and sat down. She took off her shoes and socks to ma.s.sage her feet. She had just begun when Long Yueli returned. Noticing her actions, he walked over, took her foot in his hand, and began ma.s.saging it gently. “You’ve had a hard day.”

“It’s just a bit sore, nothing unbearable.”

Long Yueli lowered his gaze to her feet. Her fair toes were like fine porcelain, with nails resembling pink seash.e.l.ls, crystal-clear and delicate. Her feet were small, only slightly larger than his palm, soft and plump to the touch. For the first time, he realized just how comfortable it felt to hold her feet.

As he ma.s.saged, his hand moved from her ankle to her calf and started creeping higher. Leng Jiu, exasperated, grabbed his hand. “Don’t mess around. We still have work to do.”

Long Yueli pulled her into his arms, his wandering hand brus.h.i.+ng over an inappropriate area. In a teasing tone, he said, “We could leave those tasks to others. Why don’t we do something more… entertaining?”

Leng Jiu pinched the back of his hand hard. “Will it kill you to hold back for a bit?”

“Yes,” Long Yueli answered without hesitation.

Leng Jiu pushed him away and stood up. “Stop fooling around. We need to check on that matter!” She was curious about the ident.i.ty of the fake Empress Dowager.

Though somewhat frustrated, Long Yueli knew she was his and that it was only a matter of time before he got what he wanted. Relenting, he accompanied her out of the room toward the “Empress Dowager’s” quarters.

The return journey included not only the fake Empress Dowager but also a contingent of elite imperial guards loyal to Long Yi. They were so vigilant that it was nearly impossible to approach or swap the person during the day. This forced them to act under the cover of night.

Surveying the surroundings, Leng Jiu sneered. “He certainly spares no expense. These guards are all highly skilled, probably the elite of the imperial guard. Knowing our intentions, he still sent them to their deaths. It’s hard to tell if he’s too generous or just plain foolish.”

Long Yueli wrapped an arm around her. “Why overthink it? They’re his men. If he doesn’t care about them, we certainly don’t have to show mercy.”

With that, he signaled into the night. Instantly, dozens of shadowy figures darted forward, their movements so silent and fluid that they resembled leaves drifting in the wind. Landing lightly, their swords flashed, and the slaughter began.

Leng Jiu couldn’t help but marvel at the Hua family’s extraordinary light-footed techniques, which were almost otherworldly. Even she couldn’t match their elegance. The overwhelming scent of blood pulled her from her thoughts, and she s.h.i.+fted her focus forward. The figures in the courtyard moved like phantoms, their swift strikes harvesting lives with precision. The guards hardly had time to react before their lives were extinguished—a one-sided ma.s.sacre.

The ma.s.sacre concluded swiftly, leaving no survivors among the hundreds of imperial guards. Leng Jiu avoided looking at the bodies as she landed in front of the main residence. Pus.h.i.+ng the door open, she met the astonished gaze of the person inside and smiled. “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager?”

The fake Empress Dowager froze upon seeing Leng Jiu, her expression s.h.i.+fting to one of complex emotions—hate, resentment, and despair. She staggered back, supported only by a palace maid beside her. “Your Majesty, be careful!”

“You… You…”

Leng Jiu stepped forward gracefully. “Doesn’t Your Majesty think we look quite alike?”

“Your Majesty, who is this?” The palace maid, clearly unaware of the situation, stared at Leng Jiu in shock.

Taking two more steps forward, Leng Jiu suddenly drew a concealed dart and struck behind her without turning. The dart pierced the forehead of an imperial guard attempting a sneak attack, killing him instantly.

The sound of a body hitting the floor echoed behind her, but Leng Jiu remained unfazed, her gaze fixed on the two before her. Looking at the fake Empress Dowager, her expression grew displeased. “Shall I remove it for you, or will you take it off yourself?”

The fake Empress Dowager, realizing the situation was hopeless, trembled as she removed the mask covering her face. The revealed face made Leng Jiu raise an eyebrow in mild surprise. “So, it’s you.”

It was a face she knew well—not beautiful but possessing a delicate, pitiable charm that could tug at men’s hearts. Once, it had a trace of allure, but now it was pale and forlorn, with visible crow’s feet. It belonged to someone Leng Jiu had encountered from the first day of her transmigration, someone who had climbed through the ranks by bearing the Emperor’s child, only to fall from grace when the child was lost. She was none other than De Fei, the former concubine banished to Qinghe Palace by Leng Jiu’s decree.

De Fei looked at Leng Jiu with a mixture of hatred and sorrow before breaking into a bitter smile. “After all this time, I still ended up in your hands.”

“The Emperor wanted the Empress Dowager dead but chose you as her stand-in. Should I call that luck or tragedy?”

De Fei’s eyes were filled with deadened despair. “I could never beat you, not from the very beginning. I always saw you as my greatest enemy, tirelessly scheming to bring you down. Yet, step by step, I led myself into ruin. Even in death, I’ll die in your name. Leng Jinghua, I lost—completely and utterly. I used to hate you, but not anymore. The one I should hate is that man, that heartless Emperor.”

“Loving him was my tragedy. And his love for you is yours. Your ending won’t be any better than mine.”

“Thank you for the warning,” Leng Jiu said, her tone laced with derision. “But you’re wrong. I won’t end up like you. I’ll watch with my own eyes as Long Yi falls from the throne and suffers.”

De Fei stared at her, skepticism flickering in her gaze. Once, she had seen Leng Jinghua’s madness and pa.s.sion for Long Yi. As a woman, she knew those feelings had been genuine. But when had it all changed so drastically?

“Do you truly not love him anymore? He defied the world to make you his consort, going to such lengths. Does that not move you at all?”

Leng Jiu chuckled. “You’re partially responsible for that. Do you remember the time in Weiyang Palace when Long Yi slapped me in front of you? When I woke up after that, I was no longer Leng Jinghua. I don’t care for palace intrigues or Long Yi’s affection. But you kept treating me as if I were still the old Leng Jinghua, constantly provoking me. You brought this upon yourself.”

De Fei seemed to understand but didn’t ask further. “Are you going to kill me?”

Leng Jiu cast her a fleeting glance before turning away indifferently. “You’re not even worth killing.”

Leaning against a pillar, Long Yueli drawled, “Not planning to kill her?”

“Kill her? That would be too easy. Send her to Biyue Paradise. And if Long Yi ever visits, make sure she gives him a proper ‘performance’—a surprise he won’t forget.”

She wasn’t a saint. Don’t expect her to show mercy to her enemies. If you crossed her, even death would be a luxury!