Chapter 66

Chapter 66: The Maple Trees of Nanshan (3)

After a long sigh, he turns into the bath, hastily washes, changes clothes, and comes out, only to find Leng Jiu uncovering the blanket, revealing a seductive snow-white leg. Huajin Zhi, dizzy again, tucks her leg back under the blanket, lies down beside her, wraps her up like a cocoon in the blanket, determined not to let her expose any more skin to tempt him!

After all the commotion, Leng Jiu is a bit more sober. Seeing Huajin Zhi's uncomfortable yet enduring look, she can't help but laugh: "You're clearly struggling, yet you dare not make a move. Should I call you hypocritically proper or a coward?"

"Shut up!" Huajin Zhi glares at her, annoyed: "Who told you to drink so much? You're lucky I spared you because you're not in your right mind, otherwise, you'd be finished!"

Leng Jiu chuckles: "So you are still a gentleman, huh?"

Huajin Zhi continues to glare.

Suddenly, Leng Jiu stretches her arms out from under the blanket, wrapping them around Huajin Zhi's neck, resting her head against his chest: "Ah! Why do women even like men?"

"Nonsense! If women don't like men, would they like women instead?"

"..." "Why do men like women, then?"

"Can you not ask such idiotic questions?"

Is it really an idiotic question? Leng Jiu, pouting, believes it's quite profound: "So, what kind of woman do you like?"

Huajin Zhi almost grinds his teeth in response: "Arrogant, pretentious, lustful, shameless, vile, and stupid! And now, a drunkard!"

"Huh?" Leng Jiu is speechless: "You like such a woman?"

Huajin Zhi suddenly laughs, finding the drunken Leng Jiu absurd yet endearing: "What can I do when I've fallen for her?"

"Don't get it!" Leng Jiu looks up, her eyes hazy, gazing at Huajin Zhi with pure curiosity: "With so many flaws, she must be repulsive and despicable. How can you tolerate her? Don't you feel disgusted and repulsed?"

Huajin Zhi almost bursts out laughing, but cherishes Leng Jiu's dazed cuteness, restraining his laughter and playfully flicking her nose: "Indeed, she's infuriating, but she has her adorable moments, just like now!"

Still confused, Leng Jiu changes the subject: "Then what is 'liking' someone?"

"Liking is just liking, an uncontrollable feeling from the heart. If forcibly removed, the heart bleeds, it dies!" Huajin Zhi speaks with unusual seriousness.

"Liking is just liking!" Leng Jiu murmurs, seemingly enlightened after a while, then promptly falls asleep on Huajin Zhi's chest.

Huajin Zhi looks at her sleeping face, speechless yet filled with contentment and joy like never before. He tucks her hand back under the blanket, the pain below making him sigh. He softly nibbles on her face: "I wanted to give myself to you tonight, but you're drunk. I'll spare you for now. But since you drank from my cup, you're mine for life. You can't escape!"

"Having watched her peaceful slumber, he chuckled to himself for a while before cuddling up with her for a contented sleep."

"When Leng Jiu woke up the next day, Huajin Zhi was already gone. Despite her haziness last night, she knew he had been there, changed her clothes, and even talked with her for a while."

"Empress Dowager, you're awake!" announced Ziyu as she entered, with Qiuxin carrying the washbasin and Qinglian tidying up the room.

"Mm."

"Leng Jiu still felt uncomfortable and didn't want to get up."

"Seeing Leng Jiu's discomfort, likely from the hangover, Ziyu joked, 'Look, you drank so much last night. Feeling rough, aren't you? I had the imperial physician prepare some medicinal congee. After washing up, have some and you'll feel better.'"

"Indeed feeling unwell, Leng Jiu got up with Ziyu's assistance, listlessly allowing her to help with dressing and washing up. Ziyu, ever patient, carefully attended to her, and after grooming, Leng Jiu finally felt a bit more lively, able to eat the congee by herself."

"Although it was medicinal congee, it wasn't unpleasant to taste. Many of the herbs used were also culinary ingredients, making it quite aromatic."

"Empress Dowager, many people are going to view the maple leaves today. Would you like to join?"

"What's so special about it?"

"Have you forgotten, Empress Dowager? Our capital city is famous for its beautiful scenery - the plum blossoms of North Mountain, the maple trees of South Mountain, the peach blossoms of East Mountain, and the green lake to the west. Now it's autumn, the mountains are covered in a spectacular red from the maple leaves. Though the Double Ninth Festival was yesterday, the maple trees are still splendidly red, and many people are visiting. Seeing that you're not in high spirits, perhaps a stroll and some fresh air might lift your mood?"

"Maple trees?" Leng Jiu pondered, "Well then, let's go for a walk. Better than moping around here and getting moldy."

Ziyu beamed, "I'll make the arrangements right away!"

Hearing this, Qiuxin immediately approached, pleading, "Empress Dowager, may I accompany you too?"

Leng Jiu glanced at her and said, "Did I say you couldn't come?"

Qiuxin immediately brightened up: "Thank you, Empress Dowager!"

Excited about the outing, the two maids quickly prepared, while Leng Jiu left Lu Chang and Qinglian to watch over the palace, taking Du Heng and the two maids out of the palace.

Leng Jiu, carefree by nature, had been gloomy last night because of Gong Yuxi but had already tossed it aside the next day. For her, men were just that. Gong Yuxi had stirred her heart enough for one night, but lingering on it wasn't her style.

After a night's reflection, she admitted to having some feelings for Gong Yuxi and liking him. Not wanting to see him hurt, she hoped to steer him back to his normal life path. That's why his 'lifelong bachelorhood' declaration had moved her. But now, it was no longer an issue. His choices were his own, and her affection was genuine. If he was willing, they could maintain a light flirtation or become lovers - a mutually pleasant arrangement.

Ziyu, noticing Leng Jiu's relaxed brows, realized she had come to terms with something. Although unaware of the specifics, Ziyu knew it involved Gong Yuxi. Recalling the previous night's forced drinking and confessions, Ziyu blushed, hoping Leng Jiu wouldn't remember her embarrassing words.

Excited about not having left the palace for a long time, Qiuxin happily sat on the carriage with Du Heng, holding Cano and gazing around with wide-eyed wonder, like she was seeing everything for the first time.

The day was perfect for an outing, with scholars and poets traveling in groups, ladies in carriages, and young lords on horses. Despite being autumn, there was a spring-like vibrancy in the air, with ladies frequently glancing at the handsome young men.