Chapter 84

Chapter 84: Long Yuli's Ultimate Reward (5)

Leng Jiu raised her head and arched an eyebrow, "Becoming the Emperor's woman grants one wealth, status, and family honor. It's something countless palace maids dream of, yet you seem so afraid. Why is that?"

Ziyu replied wordlessly, "Your Highness, you're just jesting with me. You know as well as I do that the imperial harem is a merciless place. Without a powerful family backing me, who knows how I might end up?"

Leng Jiu chuckled at her response, teasing, "So you're afraid of death! And here I thought it was for your Brother Awolf!"

Hearing this, Ziyu's face flushed red, "Your Highness! Stop it, or I won't speak to you anymore!"

Leng Jiu burst into hearty laughter, finding delight in her innocence. Having such a simple girl by her side to tease was indeed a great source of amusement.

As Ziyu blushed, waiting for Leng Jiu to finish laughing, she finally asked, "Why did you entrust the matchmaking between the Emperor and Prince Xuan to Empress Hua? She hates you now. Aren't you afraid she might sabotage it?"

Leng Jiu pulled Ziyu over to sit down, resting her head on her lap, comfortably replying, "What tricks hasn't she tried against me? It's always the same few moves; I'm tired of them. As for why I entrusted her with this, I simply couldn't be bothered. Whether it works out or not is none of my concern."

"But if it does work out, won't it be credited as her achievement? Her reputation will surely rise again!"

Leng Jiu laughed nonchalantly, "Do you really think Long Yuli is the type to wait for someone to bring him a woman?"

Zi Yu's eyes widened, "Do you mean she won't succeed?"

"Succeed? I'd be surprised if she did. It’d be laughable if she ends up getting nothing but trouble for her efforts!"

Zi Yu relaxed, then her eyes lit up, "The Emperor just mentioned that the regent of the Snow Kingdom is the former Prince Lan Ze. I’ve seen him before, and his guqin playing is unforgettable. I doubt I could ever play as beautifully. I was saddened when he left last time, and now he's back. If I could hear him play again, that would be wonderful!"

Cold Jiu smiled at Zi Yu's admiration, "If there's a chance, I’ll arrange for you to hear him. Do you play the guqin?"

Zi Yu nodded shyly, "I know a little, but it’s not good enough for a performance."

Cold Jiu mused, "I remember there’s a guqin in the side hall. Fetch it and play something for me."

Zi Yu shook her head vigorously, "Please spare me, Empress! I only learned a bit at a private school. I'm not good, and I wouldn't want to spoil a fine instrument!"

Cold Jiu pinched her cheek, "No excuses, just go and do it. If it's pleasing, I’ll reward you. If not, you’ll have to give me a massage!"

Reluctantly, Zi Yu went to fetch the guqin, with Du Heng helping her set it up. She sat down, facing the instrument with a resigned determination.

"Zheng..."

The sound of the guqin filled the air, and a melody began to flow. Initially hesitant, Zi Yu soon found her rhythm, her technique becoming smoother. Cold Jiu listened quietly. While far from Lan Ze's skill, Zi Yu's playing was much better than hers. Her dedication and uncorrupted mind were evident in the clear and melodious music.

As the last note faded, Zi Yu shyly looked at Cold Jiu, "I've made a fool of myself!"

"Foolish? You play much better than I do!" Cold Jiu dismissed it, "I want to sleep now. Play more when I wake up."

"Yes!" Zi Yu carefully carried the guqin away, her eyes shining with affection for the instrument.

As dusk settled, Cold Jiu dozed off, only to be awakened by someone trying to sneak into her bed. Without a second thought, she kicked out, catching the intruder off-guard and almost sending them tumbling.

Cold Jiu opened her eyes lazily, "Looking for trouble, are you?"

"Jiu'er!" Long Yue Li, with a look of feigned hurt, tried to cozy up, "I just want to sleep beside you, I promise, nothing else!"

Cold Jiu glanced at his half-exposed chest with cool indifference, "Today, Long Yi talked about finding you a wife. I was considering it, but now it seems urgent. Wouldn’t want the Prince of Xuan’s desires to cause him trouble!"

"Jiu'er!" Long Yue Li, teeth gritted, ignored her glare and pulled her close, biting her lip, "Am I so unwelcome that you’re eager to get rid of me?"

Cold Jiu grabbed his wandering hand, "I’m doing this for your own good, Your Highness. Don’t take my efforts for granted!"

Long Yue Li leaned in, pressing her down, "Was I not diligent enough last night that you have the energy to worry about such things?"

Cold Jiu pinched his waist, "I’m still sore from last night. If you dare to misbehave, I'll cripple you!"

Long Yue Li gasped at her grip and cautiously lifted the covers to check, "Does it hurt much? Should I apply some ointment?"

Cold Jiu kicked again, "Get lost!"

This time, Long Yue Li dodged and immediately clung to her like glue, "Sorry! I’ll be more careful next time!"

Cold Jiu glared, "You’re thinking about a next time?"

Long Yue Li approached with a pitiful look, "I gave you my virginity of twenty-seven years, and you’d only let me have it once? Can you be so heartless?"

Cold Jiu, disgusted, wiped the goosebumps off her hand, "Can you be less nauseating?"

Long Yue Li then dropped the act, drawing Cold Jiu into his embrace with a seductive smile, kissing her forehead lovingly, "If I wanted other women, why would I have waited all these years? I've seen many remarkable women, but none caught my eye. I admit my initial approach had an ulterior motive, but now, that's irrelevant. I just want to be with you. If you tire of this palace life, let’s travel the world together, wherever you wish."

Moved by Long Yue Li's rare display of heartfelt affection, Cold Jiu's anger subsided somewhat. "Do as you wish. If you want to marry someone else, I won’t stop you. I can't give you what you want and won't ask for anything in return."

"You can make demands," Long Yue Li tightened his embrace, inhaling deeply at her neck. "I know you're carefree now, but I will wait for the day you expect something from me."