Chapter 47

Chapter 47: Establishing Authority! Slapping Hua Yuxuan (Part 1)

The General's Mansion had a higher gate than other residences, with eight steps leading up to it. Flanked by majestic stone lions, the high archway and vermilion columns with bronze ring knockers on the doors all signified the status of this place – the residence of the highest-ranking general, second only to a prince in status and power.

Leng Jiu smirked coldly at the notion of power and status as she walked away. Just then, a rider came galloping from a side alley on a sleek, muscular black horse. The horse's speed was so fast that it caught her off guard, but she stood still, confident that the rider would avoid her.

As expected, the horse veered beside her, but at that moment, Leng Jiu recognized the man on the horse – strikingly handsome with cold, star-like eyes. He seemed surprised to see her, his eyes narrowing. Suddenly, he bent down from the horse, scooped her up by the waist, and with a deft movement, hoisted her onto the horseback.

Caught off guard by his sudden action, Leng Jiu found herself in his embrace on the horse. As he pulled the reins, causing the horse to rear up and neigh loudly, she involuntarily fell back against him. To prevent falling, she clung tightly to his waist. His unique masculine scent, the rhythm of his heartbeat, and the warmth through his clothes momentarily distracted her. His strong arm around her waist provided a sense of security and safety, making her heart skip a beat.

Leng Jiu quickly regained her composure as the horse calmed down and stood firmly in front of the General's Mansion. Without looking at her, Leng Yue got off the horse using light martial arts and landed at the mansion gate, which was promptly opened by the gatekeeper. He carried her inside.

Inside, Leng Jiu finally spoke, "It's getting late. I must return to the palace."

Leng Yue paused, glanced at her, then continued walking. He led her through several corridors to his courtyard and set her down on a soft couch before sitting down to drink water, not saying a word.

Leng Jiu, puzzled by his actions, watched him. After drinking water and washing his face, he sat behind a desk and began reading a book, completely ignoring her presence. Annoyed, Leng Jiu confronted him, "Leng Yue! Are you treating me as if I'm invisible?"

Leng Yue paused his reading, looked up with a faint warmth in his usually indifferent eyes, "You finally called my name."

Leng Jiu frowned, uncomfortable with the current situation. She walked to the desk, and to his surprise, jumped up to sit on it, legs crossed. She looked down at him seriously, "Two months ago, I was slapped by Long Yi, and I bled from my forehead. The physician said I suffered a head injury affecting my memory, so there's little I remember now. Of course, I don't remember you. So, speak plainly without being cryptic or brooding. It's not only uncomfortable for you but also painful for me to watch."

Leng Yue clenched the book tightly, "He hit you?"

Leng Jiu nodded, "But I hit him back a couple of days later."

Leng Yue gazed at her intently, seemingly incredulous, "You say you don't remember me, but do you remember him?"

"I don't remember!" Leng Jiu replied, seeing his skepticism, she added coolly, "Believe it or not, I don't remember anyone. So don't bother me with the past; even if you do, I won't understand, and it's a waste of emotion!"

Leng Yue fell silent for a moment, then put down his book, "Weren't you going back to the palace? I'll escort you."

Leng Jiu hopped off the table, "No need! If you escort me back, everyone will know I went out. Hmm… If you really want to help, investigate the identities of the two assassins who were caught in the Prime Minister's mansion today. Consider it a favor owed to you."

After saying this, she waved her hand and left with great poise. She didn't pretend in front of Leng Yue, being her true self. She knew it was useless to fake anything with someone like him. If he spotted any flaws, the consequences would be terrible. Besides, she wasn't afraid of what he might uncover. After all, her body was Leng Jinghua's – what was there to fear?

Moreover, if she couldn't clarify everything at once, it would lead to endless trouble and potentially lethal complications. It's better to cut the Gordian knot and handle things straightforwardly to avoid headaches.

Leng Yue didn't follow her. He remained in the same position long after Leng Jiu had left, eventually withdrawing his complex gaze and looking down at the table, lost in thought.

The next morning, Leng Jiu woke up to find a piece of paper pressed under her pillow. After asking Zi Yu, she learned that no one had entered her room, yet the paper was definitely there. Opening it, she found the identities of the two men and the forces they represented. The results evidently surprised her.

She pursed her lips and threw the paper into the fire to burn. This must have been sent by Leng Yue, and he had been quick. Considering his diligent efforts, she decided not to hold yesterday's incident against him for now.

Looking at the weather, it was a nice day, but Leng Jiu chose not to leave the palace. Instead, she called Zi Yu and Qiu Xin to come in, locking the room to train them. She needed two capable and absolutely loyal maids by her side.

After brainwashing Zi Yu and Qiu Xin, Leng Jiu summoned Du Heng, "Where is Lu Chang?"

"Eunuch Lu had left before Zi Yu and the others came in. I don't know where he went," replied Du Heng.

"You don't know?" Leng Jiu's gaze slightly lowered.

Du Heng immediately knelt down, "I have failed in my duties, please forgive me, Empress Dowager!"

Leng Jiu observed Du Heng silently, her gaze fixed on his back. Du Heng felt an immense pressure, as if Mount Tai was weighing down on him. In just a short moment, sweat began to bead on his forehead. After a while, Leng Jiu finally spoke leisurely, "Tell me what you have discovered these past days."

Du Heng hastily reported, "Recently, the Emperor summoned Noble Consort Ning for the night. Consort Hua, in her palace, smashed a set of exquisite gold-threaded jade butterfly tea sets in a rage. Lady Li's second-ranked maid Ru'er hurt her while combing her hair and was punished with twenty strokes by Lady Li. As for Consort Hui..."

He recounted events in a clear, focused manner. Leng Jiu listened quietly, nodding appreciatively at his efficiency. "How did you manage to gather so much information?"

"Your Highness, I used to serve in the Imperial Kitchen and know many maids and eunuchs in each palace. A little incentive goes a long way in gathering information."

Leng Jiu nodded, then suddenly asked, "What do you think of Lu Chang?"

Du Heng cautiously gauged her expression, "I've only been with Eunuch Lu for less than a year, and don't know him deeply. But he's kind and treats us well."