Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Fragrant Orchids, Secluded Lan Ze (3)

Leng Jiu could understand Lan Xiang’s feelings. When she first saw Lan Ze, she too was shocked and outraged. But when she saw him walk away indifferently, she realized that a moment’s posture does not define a lifetime. Temporary humiliation doesn't mean a lifetime of subjugation, as long as one’s pride remains intact.

Lan Ze was deeply concerned about Lan Xiang. His efforts to persuade her were futile. Threatening to send her back or invoking their mother only led to her threats of self-harm. He had no choice but to turn to Leng Jiu, hoping this extraordinary woman could help.

Just then, Eunuch Qu arrived, "Greetings to the Empress Dowager! The Emperor has sent me to request the Regent's presence in the Imperial Study."

Lan Ze stood up and bowed slightly to Leng Jiu, "I must take my leave. Please take care of Lan Xiang, Empress Dowager."

"Go ahead!"

As Lan Ze left, his back was straight and proud. Leng Jiu watched him go, then smiled faintly, "You might not know, but when I first saw him, he came with a bowed back, crawling humbly on the ground. At that moment, I was surprised by his subservience and felt insulted upon learning his identity. But later, I saw another side of him. Even though he acted lowly at the banquet, once he left, his back was as straight as it was just now. In that instant, all my feelings changed to admiration."

"One can bow their head, bend their back, and kneel, but as long as the pride remains, nothing can insult them. It's not an insult; it's a test of fate. Just like an eagle must endure painful feather breaking to soar high, he too, underwent rebirth. Look at him now; does he seem in any way humbled?"

Lan Xiang is slightly stunned, looking at Leng Jiu in surprise.

"Those humiliations he endured, being belittled and mocked, kept him under the radar, allowing him to safely await his time to return. Otherwise, he would have perished in this palace long ago. Which do you think is better?"

Between becoming the Regent and dying unnoticed, even a fool knows the better choice.

Leng Jiu looks at her, understanding in her eyes, then sips her tea and continues: "He bore those humiliations; do you think it was easy for him? But he persevered. Now, he keeps those past incidents to himself. Why remind him of those humiliations daily? He treats you like a sister, cherishing you. Yet, you wish to degrade yourself under the one who insulted him. Isn't that the greatest insult to him? Not being able to protect his own kin, that’s what truly breaks his spirit and heart."

Lan Xiang, tears streaming down, sobs silently. Her pent-up hatred dissolves after Leng Jiu's words, leaving only guilt towards Lan Ze. She realizes her actions were not for her brother's sake but were like stabbing his heart.

Leng Jiu hands over her handkerchief: "Although a crying beauty is a sight, I don't like to see tears. Wipe them away quickly!"

Lan Xiang, feeling a bit embarrassed, quickly wipes away her tears and smiles: "So, it's you who truly understands the prince. No wonder he considers you a confidante."

Leng Jiu doesn't accept the compliment: "It's not about understanding or not. I just see things more clearly than others."

Lan Xiang looks at her quietly, then sighs after a while: "Although your words have enlightened me, I still feel a bit unwilling in my heart."

Leng Jiu lazily lifts her eyelids: "Some things hurt more the more importance you give them. If you view them lightly, they become insignificant. Lan Ze is now the Regent of the Snow Kingdom, and no one will mention his past as a palace musician. That's his success. Don't let the shadows of the past cloud over him; that's an insult and belittlement to him."

Lan Xiang nods emphatically, stands up, and deeply bows to Leng Jiu: "Lan Xiang thanks the Empress Dowager for her guidance!"

"Now you remember I'm the Empress Dowager?" Leng Jiu remarks coolly.

Lan Xiang smiles awkwardly: "Knowing the prince has you in his heart, I've always wanted to have a good talk with you. I heard from Uncle Ning that your feelings for the prince might not be romantic, so I thought of playing matchmaker, only to be coldly received."

"You're bold, trying to matchmake the Empress Dowager!"

Lan Xiang, seeing her more relaxed, reverts to her usual self: "My mother said the prince is indifferent and might never meet a woman who moves his heart. So, if there is one, we must seize the opportunity. I remember these words. And knowing the Empress Dowager is only twenty, still young, despite the huge difference in status, I wanted to try."

Leng Jiu, speechless at this logic, suddenly had an idea. She quickly grabbed Lan Xiang, patting her shoulder, "I helped you resolve your dilemma. Don’t you think you should repay me properly?"

Lan Xiang, at this moment, was like an innocent, easily deceived child, nodding sincerely, "You name it, and if it's within my power, I'll do it!"

"You can definitely do it," Leng Jiu said with a mischievous smile, "I want you to help me seduce someone!"

Lan Xiang's eyes widened, "Who?"

"Prince Xuan, Long Yue Li!"

"Huh?" Lan Xiang looked at Leng Jiu in disbelief, "You mean that bewitchingly charming prince?"

"Is there a problem?"

Lan Xiang shrank her neck, "I glanced at him last night. Although he’s very handsome, he seems almost too perfect. I doubt I can compare to him, and wouldn’t that just be humiliating myself? Besides, didn’t you say not to use such methods?"

"You're a woman, and he's a man; how can you compare? I'm just asking you to try seducing him. Whether it works or not is another matter, but if it does, I’d be happy to see it through!"

Lan Xiang shook her head, "No way! You must be playing a prank on me!"

Leng Jiu, exasperated, "Didn’t you just promise? Going back on your word?"

"But I really can't do such a thing!"

"Where’s all that determination you had about seducing Emperor Long Yi?"

"That's different, okay? One’s a lecher and the other’s a demon. How can you compare them?"

Leng Jiu couldn’t help but laugh. Although the comparison was somewhat humorous, it was apt, "Anyway, you have to help me with this. I won’t insist on success. That's settled then, and don’t make me angry!"

Lan Xiang pouted, feeling like she had been unfairly treated.

Seeing her like this, Leng Jiu was reminded of Mo Yi Na. If the two of them got together, they would surely be quite a pair!

As they finish talking, Zi Yu enters: "Empress Dowager, Consort Hua has sent someone to invite Princess Lan Xiang to a banquet in the Imperial Garden."