Chapter 22

Chapter 22: A Warning

The unbelievable sensation on his lips made him freeze, staring at Cold Jiu’s face, so close to his, stunned and forgetting how to react. Meanwhile, Cold Jiu was also taken aback; she was only intending to tease him, but now it seemed... something... unexpected had happened!

Seeing the young man's flushed, stunned expression, Cold Jiu felt a stir in her heart. It had been a long time since anyone had moved her heart with such a simple, innocent expression. The touch on her lips and the bewildered look on the young man's face were a huge temptation, but she knew she shouldn't get involved with this boy at this moment!

He wasn't Lan Ze, who lived humbly under others' roofs, nor was he the unruly and unrestrained Long Yueli. He was a normal young master from a noble family, an inexperienced teenager, and she, with her status, shouldn't entangle him.

The ripples in her heart instantly calmed, and all her emotions were neatly reined in. Gently moving her lips away, she then turned and walked towards the forest. After such an awkward incident, it was best to say nothing at all; anything said would only make them more embarrassed.

Hua Jinzhi, still lost in the bliss of that kiss, suddenly realized she was walking away. The shy excitement in his heart vanished, replaced by a burning anger. Watching Cold Jiu's retreating figure, he blurted out without thinking, "You wretched woman! You kiss me and just walk away like that?"

Cold Jiu, who was walking just fine, tripped over a tree root in shock at his words and fell hard to the ground.

After speaking, Hua Jinzhi immediately regretted his embarrassing words. But seeing Cold Jiu take a tumble, his expression froze in astonishment. Did she... just fall?

Before he could gather his thoughts, he rushed to Cold Jiu and helped her up. Although worried, his words came out harshly, "Are you silly? Can’t you even walk without falling?"

Cold Jiu, refusing his help, simply sat on the ground and rolled her eyes theatrically, "You scared me, that’s why!"

Hua Jinzhi, reminded of his own words, felt his face heat up again. He stiffly avoided her gaze, "I only stated the truth. Who asked you to just now..." He found it difficult to finish his sentence!

Seeing his shy and proud demeanor, Cold Jiu couldn’t help but find it amusing. The awkwardness had dissipated, but she was in no mood to continue this topic, "After all this time, those assassins should have left. Let's go, or they might start searching the woods soon!"

Cold Jiu got up and walked ahead confidently, with Hua Jinzhi glaring at her back. If one observed closely, despite his angry face, his eyebrows and lips were slightly curved upwards.

Coming here was quick using lightness skill, but walking back revealed the long distance. However, Cold Jiu was not a delicate lady, so the walk wasn’t much of a challenge for her. The area was part of the hunting grounds, and the recent hunting activities had scared away most animals. Fortunately, they encountered no wild boars, tigers, or bears and made it back safely.

Just as they emerged from the forest, they were immediately confronted by a dozen imperial guards with swords drawn. Recognizing Cold Jiu and Hua Jinzhi, they sheathed their weapons, "Greetings, Empress Dowager!"

The noble young ladies and sons had already been escorted away, and most civil officials had also departed, leaving only Emperor Long Yi, Long Yueli, and a few military officers.

Hearing the title 'Empress Dowager,' Emperor Long Yi quickly approached, relieved to see Cold Jiu unharmed, "Lu Chang said you were chased by assassins. Thankfully, you're not hurt!"

"Empress Dowager!" Lu Chang ran up, panting, his face a mix of red and white from fright and concern. Cold Jiu twitched her eyelid, ignoring him.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty! If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave," Leng Jiu said, moving to leave but was halted by Emperor Long Yi's voice, tinged with anger: "Empress Dowager! Doesn't my concern for you merit any response?"

Leng Jiu paused: "Haven't I already expressed my thanks? What else should I say? Remember, Your Majesty, I am your elder, if not by blood, then by rank!"

Long Yi's face turned icy cold at Leng Jiu's last comment, causing even Lu Chang to shiver. Glancing at Hua Jinzhi, Long Yi followed Leng Jiu with a flick of his whisk.

"Your Highness! Wait for me!"

Hua Jinzhi glanced at the furious Long Yi, didn't bother with formalities, and walked away in the opposite direction.

Leng Jiu headed towards where the horses were tethered, followed closely by Long Yue Li. After a few steps, they walked side by side. Long Yue Li glanced at Hua Jinzhi riding away and remarked playfully, "The Empress Dowager faced an assassination attempt, only to be saved by the capital’s most eligible bachelor. In a way, it's quite a story!"

Leng Jiu cast a cold glance at Prince Xuan: "When did Prince Xuan start speaking in such a sarcastic tone? Whom I am saved by, and whether it's a good story or not, what does it have to do with you?"

Leng Jiu's indifference finally struck a nerve in Long Yue Li. Without caring if others saw, he abruptly grabbed her wrist with enough force to cause pain, his voice turning icy, "Jiu'er! You've provoked me. Do you also wish to entice other men?"

Struggling unsuccessfully to free herself, Leng Jiu stopped and faced him coldly: "Long Yue Li! Was it I who provoked you or you me? I've told you before to control your own heart and not to expect anything from me."

Long Yue Li's grip tightened, as if to crush her wrist: "Jiu'er! What if I killed him?"

Despite the intense pain, Leng Jiu didn’t even flinch: "Whom you kill is your business, not mine. But if you wish to be killed by Long Yi, continue holding my hand."

Long Yue Li glanced sideways and saw Long Yi approaching, forcing him to let go of Leng Jiu's hand. He gave her a deep look before leaving.

Long Yi's gaze was piercing as he watched Leng Jiu's back. Unperturbed, she mounted her horse and rode back with Lu Chang. Long Yi eventually withdrew his gaze and ordered twenty imperial guards to escort Leng Jiu.

The hunt was marred by an assassination attempt. Fortunately, no ministers or ladies were harmed, with only about a hundred soldiers and palace servants killed. Long Yi ordered the military and judicial departments in the capital to investigate and returned to the lodge. The sight of the bodies had shocked many during the day, so Long Yi held a banquet in the evening to calm nerves. In the afternoon, an additional thousand troops were summoned to ease everyone's fears.

Leng Jiu did not attend the evening banquet. Not only did she lack the desire, but she also had her period, transforming from a lively figure in the morning to a lethargic one in the evening, not wanting to move at all.