Chapter 8: That seductive look, only men would like it.

Chapter 8: That Vixen Charm, Only Men Fall For.

The lamp flickered three times, yet the fervor within the four-poster bed showed no sign of abating.

Ruan Hanzhang was utterly exhausted.

Tears welled in the corners of her eyes. She tried to wipe them away, but her arms felt too heavy to lift, falling limply onto the embroidered quilt.

She had started in the dominant position, but eventually, her strength gave out, and they had switched again.

"Your Majesty," Ruan Hanzhang heard her own voice, hoarse and strained.

Jing Huayan held her waist, asking in a low voice, "What's wrong?"

Ruan Hanzhang: "..."

What do you think?

She bit her lip suddenly, then, after a moment, spoke in broken phrases: "Your Majesty should not overindulge... Auntie already admonished me about yesterday’s events."

Even that short sentence took immense effort to utter.

Amidst his exertions, Jing Huayan lifted his eyes, intently observing her flushed cheeks before leaning in to press a kiss upon her lips.

Deep and passionate.

Like aged, potent liquor, its effects spread through her entire body, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.

After that, Ruan Hanzhang couldn't utter another coherent word.

It was only when she finally broke into sobs that Jing Huayan ceased.

Lying half-reclined on Jing Huayan’s chest, Ruan Hanzhang breathed shallowly, her entire body still trembling.

Jing Huayan, on the other hand, was in excellent spirits. Though weary, he felt utterly invigorated.

He idly stroked Ruan Hanzhang’s back, his voice much deeper and huskier than it had been during the day.

As if roughened by a coarse road, low and raspy, it possessed a unique allure.

"I said we'd discuss this matter tonight."

"Now that we’ve discussed it, what does Talent Lady Ruan think?"

Ruan Hanzhang’s face was crimson, the blush extending even behind her ears. Her hair was disheveled, cascading over her snow-white skin.

An indescribable beauty.

"Your Majesty, how can you be like this?"

Hearing her complaint, Jing Huayan couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

"It seems to me you’re not actually afraid."

All those palace rules, etiquette, and decorum—none of them seemed to apply to this "Ruan Hanzhang."

She was complaining simply because she was utterly spent, because immersion in the ocean of pleasure had momentarily caused her to lose her composure.

Jing Huayan himself disliked losing control, so, inexplicably, he fully grasped Ruan Hanzhang’s meaning.

"Talent Lady Ruan, your stamina is lacking."

Ruan Hanzhang pressed her lips together, wanting to curse him.

Jing Huayan had practiced martial arts since childhood and was known to be skilled in horsemanship and hunting. How could Ruan Hanzhang possibly compare to his robust physique?

Yet, he had clearly been the one exerting himself—why wasn't he as tired as she was?

In her mind, she cursed him countless times, but her words remained gentle and soft: "Yes, it is this concubine’s fault."

"Heh." Jing Huayan chuckled softly.

"Talent Lady Ruan is truly gentle and virtuous, my understanding flower."

Ruan Hanzhang’s hand slid down his broad chest, finally giving his waist a light pinch.

Neither too hard nor too soft—a playful tease, yet also a hint of coquetry.

The measure was perfectly struck.

She had already discovered that Jing Huayan was not a stickler for rules. A little audacity wouldn't anger him.

Indeed, her playful gesture only elicited more unrestrained laughter from him.

When the laughter subsided, they both fell silent.

Jing Huayan embraced her shoulders, feeling her delicate, smooth skin and her slender frame.

"The aunt you mentioned—is her name Peilan?"

He had reviewed the palace staff records and could generally recall most of them.

Especially this batch of newly selected palace ladies, many of whom came from prominent families. Although they could not be granted high ranks initially, the court had made an exception, allowing them to bring an aunt or personal maid into the palace to attend them.

The aunt by Ruan Hanzhang’s side was her wet nurse, who had cared for her since childhood—their bond was extraordinary.

Typically, such wet nurses were often family servants, with their entire households beholden to the main family. Given their close ties to the family, they were usually very loyal.

This was especially true for wet nurses, who would accompany the young lady for life.

For example, when Ruan Hanzhang served the emperor the previous night, her wet nurse would likely have been happy about her gaining imperial favor or perhaps concerned about her exhaustion.

She would never scold her for lacking restraint.

That itself carried a tone of disparagement and contempt.

Ruan Hanzhang had spoken vaguely, but Jing Huayan understood perfectly. Between the two of them, they communicated with implied meanings, never spelling things out completely yet conveying everything that needed to be said.

She could fully embody Ruan Hanzhang, yet she would also hint at the peculiarities of her true identity. Knowing Jing Huayan suspected her, she showed no fear.

Like a bird perched on a high branch, seeing someone trying to tease it, it might even shake its wings proudly before flying away, leaving no trace behind.

But now, this high-branch bird was right beside him on the pillow.

Jing Huayan steered the conversation back to Peilan.

Ruan Hanzhang replied, "Yes, Auntie’s name is Peilan. She was part of my mother's dowry and has cared for me since I was young. Our bond is extraordinary."

As she spoke, Ruan Hanzhang felt her strength returning. She adjusted her position slightly, settling into a more comfortable posture against Jing Huayan.

"It's a good thing to have her accompany you into the palace," Jing Huayan said.

Ruan Hanzhang murmured softly, a smile curling at her lips, pleased by Jing Huayan’s perceptiveness.

"Your Majesty, should I call for water?"

Jing Huayan looked down at her dark hair, in excellent spirits. "Call for the water."

After bathing and changing clothes, the two lay back down in the four-poster bed. Ruan Hanzhang was too tired to keep her eyes open.

Jing Huayan lay beside her, half-closing his eyes as his mind filled with affairs of state and family matters.

The Ruan family, the Liao clan of Count Nan'an, the capital city of Yujing, Qingzhou...

The Dali Temple, the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, the Imperial Clan Court.

All these relationships were intricately tangled, weaving an invisible web behind the scenes.

Jing Huayan had always been patient; what he set out to accomplish, he had never failed to achieve.

This time was no different.

Suddenly, the woman beside him made a soft sound and turned over, shifting her position.

Jing Huayan opened his eyes and studied her indistinct outline in the darkness.

The light inside the four-poster bed was dim, revealing only the slender contours of her form.

At this moment, she wasn't Ruan Hanzhang—she was simply herself.

Jing Huayan quirked an eyebrow, then closed his eyes again. Accompanied by her gentle breathing, his consciousness sank into a deep, light slumber.

The next morning, when Ruan Hanzhang awoke, Danruo Palace was still quiet.

Jing Huayan had already left, leaving only Hongxiu and Xue Yan to help her get up.

Today was different from yesterday. Xue Yan mentioned that the Emperor had specifically instructed the Imperial Kitchen to prepare breakfast for her.

Thus, Ruan Hanzhang had breakfast at Danruo Palace before returning to Tingxue Palace.

Having lost face at Ruan Hanzhang’s place the previous day, Jie Yu Murong had no desire to see her today. Ruan Hanzhang happily returned to Tangli Pavilion.

Even after breakfast and a solid night’s sleep, she still felt sore and exhausted. As soon as she entered her bedchamber, she collapsed onto the daybed and let out a soft sigh.

"Honestly, why does he have to be so exhausting?" she couldn’t help muttering.

Just as Qing Dai was about to ask what tea she would like, Aunt Peilan entered the bedchamber with a stern expression, walking with difficulty.

Her foot injury was clearly not yet healed. Zhao Tingfang had only applied a pain-relieving ointment the day before, which wasn't really treatment. Full recovery would take at least ten days to half a month.

During this time, Peilan would be unable to accompany her outside.

Seeing Peilan, Ruan Hanzhang immediately sat up straight, her eyes filled with concern. "Auntie, how's your foot?"

Peilan was tired of hearing the same question every time.

She waved a hand at Qing Dai, sending her away, then sat directly on the other side of the daybed.

"I just heard—the Emperor has issued an edict summoning the master and mistress to the palace a month from now. They are to be received at Ronghua Pavilion for a banquet, to ease your longing for home."

Ruan Hanzhang was taken aback, appearing genuinely surprised.

Peilan’s thin eyes narrowed slightly, filled with doubt. "It’s not any special occasion—why would the Emperor issue such an order? What exactly did you do at Danruo Palace?"

Ruan Hanzhang knew that Peilan had always despised her, thought little of her.

Peilan saw her as cheap, shameless, nothing more than a Yangzhou "skinny horse" unworthy of respect.

Her skepticism now wasn't because she believed in Ruan Hanzhang’s cleverness—it was distrust of her underhanded methods.

Ruan Hanzhang let out a soft sigh.

She had seen tactics like Aunt Peilan’s many times at Yixiang Pavilion—mixing harshness with kindness, repeating the push and pull until the young favorites became obedient, mindless toys.

But using these methods on her was a big mistake.

"Auntie, I truly did nothing. It was the night before last when the Emperor suddenly asked about the master’s birthday. It seems he thinks highly of the Ruan family."

She gently patted Peilan’s hand, her tone soft and sincere.

"Everyone knows how much the master dotes on the eldest young lady. If I didn’t show some longing for my family, wouldn't that clash with my identity?"

Peilan’s expression softened.

"Now you see—the Emperor’s kindness to you is all because of your status as a Ruan. Without that, you are nothing."

Peilan reverted to her usual manipulative ways.

Ruan Hanzhang nodded obediently. "I understand."

"This is just as well," Peilan said after thinking for a moment. "With the master and mistress entering the palace, they can see for themselves that we are doing fine, putting their minds at ease. We also need to be aware of matters at home."

Ruan Hanzhang lowered her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips.

Indeed—she truly needed to know what was happening in the Ruan family.

While palace consorts were not restricted from meeting family and friends, and correspondence was permitted through official channels, nothing extra could be written in letters.

To make plans, they had to meet in person.

Ruan Hanzhang seized the opportunity: "I only mentioned it because I thought you might be worried about the eldest young lady. I never expected the Emperor to be so generous to the Ruan family."

Finally, a smile appeared on Peilan’s face.

"Of course."

"The master has always been loyal to the sovereign and cares for the people, working tirelessly. He comes from a scholarly family in Yujing, and the mistress, Liao Shi, is from the hereditary house of Count Nan'an. When she claimed him as her husband after the imperial examinations, it was a good match—a union of equals that became a famous story."

"Then suddenly, a major event occurred…"

Peilan paused abruptly and gave her a sharp look. "I’ve said too much. You must not speak of this to anyone."

These old stories of the Ruan family were something she heard every day, celebrated in both the capital and Qingzhou—who hasn't heard them?

But what was Peilan about to say next?

Ruan Hanzhang nodded. "Auntie, the day after tomorrow is the 26th—the day to pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. Will you be able to accompany me?"

Peilan’s expression darkened.

Her foot hadn't healed yet, aching with every step. Even within the Tangli Pavilion, she couldn't keep a constant watch on Ruan Hanzhang, let alone accompany her outside the palace.

However, over the past two days, Ruan Hanzhang had served the emperor at night without causing any trouble, and just now, the emperor had sent lavish gifts, which eased Peilan's mind somewhat, though it also stirred some resentment.

That seductive manner—only men would be fond of it.

Once the eldest daughter enters the palace, she will surely be favored a thousand times more than her. In the future, she will claim the empress's throne and enjoy boundless wealth and honor.

Thinking of this, a hint of softness appeared on Nanny Peilan's face.

"You are clever and quick-witted. You have done very well these past few days, and I am quite reassured."

She first offered praise, then said, "Going to pay respects to the Empress Dowager is a blessing for you. Just obey and follow along quietly."

"Understood?"

Ruan Hanzhang lowered her eyes demurely. "Understood."

Peilan sat for a while longer, then felt aches all over. She instructed Ruan Hanzhang to copy the Admonitions for Women and waved her hand, leaving to rest.

Only after she had left did Ruan Hanzhang's expression turn cold. The Ruan family had gone to great lengths, and their goal was nothing less than the empress's position.

This had never been spoken aloud, but Ruan Hanzhang had long been aware of it.

Within the Ruan family, the truly sinister mind did not belong to the seemingly cold Mrs. Liao, but to the family head, Ruan Zhongliang.

If their ambitions weren't grand, why would they risk such great opposition to send her into the palace? How could they dare to murder a pregnant concubine just to curry favor with Count Nan'an?

Ruan Hanzhang had long witnessed and understood Ruan Zhongliang's ruthlessness.

She held a silver spoon, eating a peach at a leisurely pace.

The fresh, sweet juice flowed into her throat—a familiar, delightful taste.

Her mother's final wish was for her to live a happy, smooth life, without worry for food or clothing. Now, she was about to achieve it.

Ruan Hanzhang squinted.

Then she would watch closely exactly how Ruan Hanzhang would become empress.