Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Lack of Talent is a Serious Flaw

Lan Ze gazed at Leng Jiu, ripples finally appearing in his usually tranquil, autumn-water-like eyes, but he said not a word.

Leng Jiu didn't expect a reply from him. Patting her sleeves, she said, "I shall leave now! Since you don't wish for my presence, I won't come again. But if you ever change your mind, come find me in Wei Yang Palace."

After a brief, indifferent glance at him, she left without lingering.

Lan Ze watched her leaving figure, unable to regain his composure for a long time. She knew everything. Seemingly casual and carefree, yet she saw more and understood more than anyone. She calmly told him all this, obviously not angry with him. Should he feel relieved?

As Lan Ze turned around, a middle-aged man with a limp emerged from a nearby dilapidated house. His face, covered in deep wrinkles and sallow, and his murky eyes shone with an intensity impossible to ignore. He had clearly witnessed the scene. "Your Highness! What are you still hesitating for? A woman understands what you cannot see clearly!"

Lan Ze knew what he was referring to, and thinking about it made him visibly pained. "Uncle Ning! It's not that I cannot see clearly, but in my youth, he treated me as his own son and saved my life many times. How can I bring myself to act against him?"

Uncle Ning sighed helplessly, "You fail to learn the ruthlessness of your father, instead inheriting the indecisiveness of your mother!"

"But that position is not suitable for me. Even if I seized it, I couldn't hold it securely!"

Hearing this, Uncle Ning shook his head. What could he say? Perhaps the time was not yet ripe; one shouldn't be too hasty.

Uncle Ning left with a limp, leaving Lan Ze standing alone in the quiet place, clenching his fists inside his sleeves. Every time Uncle Ning left disappointed, his heart felt as if it were being torn apart. How could he tell him that it wasn't a lack of willingness, or explain his difficulties? If he hadn't learned that his mother was still alive, why would he have come to this place to endure treatment like a slave?

But thinking of his mother still in their hands, and those aunts who treated him like family, what else could he do but endure?

Drops of blood fell from his sleeves. On his handsome face was only pain and forbearance. A young man not yet twenty had already experienced the bitterness and fickleness of the world. His repressed anger and hatred were like tiny red sparks at the bottom of a dark bronze basin, ready to erupt in a moment of explosion. What kind of splendor would that be?

After that day, Leng Jiu indeed never stepped into Lan Ze's place again. Without his music, life suddenly became a lot more boring. On a whim, she had a guqin brought over to try playing it herself, but ended up snapping several strings. Lack of talent is a serious flaw!

Lazily lying in the Hundred Flowers Garden to bask in the sun, she stretched out her hands for the maids to apply Danko. Lu Chang, seeing her bored, started talking about the affairs of the harem. Zhao Yan frequently came to pay respects to Leng Jiu. As for why she was so diligent, it was naturally because she had tasted the benefits. Consort Li was pregnant and, being physically weak and fearing an unstable pregnancy, was advised against intimate relations. Dragon Yi, a man in the prime of his life and an emperor who could not touch her, naturally had other women.

Men prefer gentle and weak women, but once surrounded by such women, they inevitably grow tired of them. Then, women with unique characters and a bit spicier personalities catch their interest; Zhao Yan was precisely the prey Leng Jiu had prepared for Dragon Yi!

It was said that these days Dragon Yi often summoned Zhao Yan to serve him at night, even spending the night in her palace twice. With Zhao Yan favored, naturally, other consorts were jealous, especially the 'gentle and weak' Consort Li. When Consort Li was unhappy, Leng Jiu was pleased. She had said she disliked being used or manipulated. Hopefully, Consort Li would stay strong; otherwise, she might lose her fighting spirit before Leng Jiu even took action, which wouldn't be fun!

Leng Jiu had her midday meal brought to the garden. She couldn't eat much, so the twelve dishes usually served to the Empress Dowager were reduced to five. It wasn't about being frugal; she simply couldn't eat more,

"Your servant greets the Empress Dowager!"

As Leng Jiu was about to eat, she heard an annoying voice, wondering if she'd still have an appetite. Turning, she saw Long Yue Li, still grinning annoyingly. Her gaze fell deliberately three inches below his belly, and she asked with a semi-smile, "How has Uncle Emperor been these days?"

Long Yue Li, feeling a pang at Leng Jiu's suggestive glance, recalls the powerful effects of the medicine he took, which forced him to soak in cold water all night. His recent absence was due to falling ill, a rarity for someone of his robust health. Leng Jiu's amused gaze only adds to his frustration, making him wonder if his charm is fading or if she's simply impervious.

Despite his internal turmoil, Long Yue Li maintains a frivolous demeanor. He smoothly joins Leng Jiu, asking if she'd mind sharing lunch with him, as he hasn't eaten yet.

Leng Jiu, not easily swayed by his charm, playfully challenges him, asking what if she does mind.

Long Yue Li, unfazed by her unwelcoming tone, shamelessly takes over her utensils and orders the palace maids to bring another set for the Empress Dowager.

His shameless behavior perfectly fits the phrase 'shameless and cheeky,' making one wonder how he lives up to his bewitching appearance.

Observing Leng Jiu's lack of objection, the maids quickly bring another set of utensils for Long Yue Li, casting him a bashful glance before retreating.

Long Yue Li, noticing the maid's reaction, reassures himself of his undiminished charm. However, seeing Leng Jiu's indifference, he realizes he needs to up his game.

He offers her a piece of bamboo shoot with a flirtatious wink, suggesting she try the fresh delicacy.

Leng Jiu, with a deadpan expression, declines his overture and advises him to seek medical attention if his eyes are bothering him, hinting at his excessive winking. Lu Chang, overhearing the exchange, can't help but chuckle.

Long Yue Li's pride takes a hit from Leng Jiu's impervious demeanor, deciding to focus on his meal instead of persisting in his failed flirtation.

Leng Jiu finally gives Long Yue Li a lazy glance. Despite acknowledging his unparalleled beauty, she remains emotionally detached, prioritizing rationality over allure.

After eating her fill, Leng Jiu prepares to leave but is stopped by Long Yue Li's casual mention of the Emperor heading towards the North Palace with a troop of guards, piquing her interest.