Chapter 13: The Empress Dowager and Her Substitute Young Lover
At that time, Wei He was trampled underfoot, regarded as less than even a palace servant.
Wei He’s expression shifted; to this day, no one had ever dared mention the past in his presence.
“Xiao Su!”
“Since you already know, I’ll tell you in advance—he is coming into the palace with me. The nights are long and unbearable. If you oppose, you can come keep me company every day, how about that?” Hua Yue said with a gentle smile, her eyes calm and composed.
“You’ve truly gone mad,” Wei He retorted, his brows furrowed so tightly they could crush a fly.
In the end, Wei He said nothing more to obstruct her and stormed off in anger.
Hua Yue sneered coldly. “Foolish male lead.”
In the tense atmosphere between them, Qing Li wished she could slip through a crack and disappear.
“Your Highness, what did you say?”
Hua Yue closed her eyes. “Nothing, just cursed someone.”
Qing Li, not knowing whom but eager to support her, said, “Well said.”
Hua Yue: “…”
…
At Qingya Courtyard, Qing Li knocked on the door, and soon someone came to open it.
It was a stranger.
“Who are you?” Qing Li asked curiously.
“I am Mu Shi, attendant to Master Wen,” Mu Shi replied with a cheerful smile.
Qing Li frowned. The house was merely lent to him for residence, so why bring his own attendant?
She glanced at Hua Yue, who showed no reaction, and silently closed her mouth, though she remained visibly upset.
Hua Yue found it amusing. “Let’s go.”
“Yes, Madam.”
…
Hua Yue saw Wei Yan again, playing the zither.
The young man’s slender fingers danced across the strings. Sunlight filtering through sparkling snowflakes illuminated his face, his long brows slightly arched, exuding a roguish charm.
A man of unparalleled grace, the ancient zither, snowflakes, and music blended into a serene and beautiful picture.
A gentle breeze lifted the man’s jet-black hair, brushing past his cheek—utterly captivating.
Hua Yue blinked, her gaze settling on Wei Yan’s lips.
There were still traces of scabs at the corner, the surrounding skin noticeably paler.
He was almost fully healed.
Wei Yan noticed the fleeting disappointment in her eyes and faltered slightly.
The melody faltered.
He stopped playing, his hands lightly resting on the strings. “Ahem, you’re here?”
Hua Yue wrapped her cloak tighter and sat beside Wei Yan.
“Why did you stop playing?”
Qing Li tried to follow but was held back by Mu Shi. She glared, “What are you doing?”
Mu Shi’s cheeks were youthful, seemingly very young. He blinked and nodded toward the two masters.
Qing Li: “…”
She looked again.
The two sat close, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, appearing remarkably harmonious.
Her face flushed instantly.
Yet she remained deeply worried.
Would her Lady be bullied?
…
Wei Yan replied softly to Hua Yue, “I thought you didn’t like it.”
Hua Yue blinked. In the newly established world civilization, everyone was busy rebuilding the new order, and entertainment was scarce.
She shook her head. “Not at all.”
“Then shall I continue?”
Hua Yue nodded ambiguously.
The melodious zither notes resumed, and Hua Yue propped her chin up, watching the falling snowflakes, gradually lost in thought.
Unconsciously, she fell asleep.
When she opened her eyes again, the first thing she saw was that exquisitely delicate face. She was momentarily stunned.
Seeing her awake, Wei Yan, who had been sneaking a kiss, smiled brightly. “Awake?”
Before Hua Yue could respond, he raised a hand and gently brushed her hair aside, gazing intently into her beautiful eyes. Just awakened, her eyes still held a faint haze, but in the deep darkness of her pupils was nothing but his face.
Hearing that Wei He had been jealous of him riding in her carriage today, the man’s Adam’s apple moved slightly. “Sister, may I kiss you?”
His warm breath brushed against Hua Yue’s face; she lowered her gaze to his lips and leaned in.
Thump—thump—thump—
Wei Yan listened to his heartbeat, immersed in this tender kiss.
The next moment—
“Ouch—”
His lips were bitten again.
Wei Yan: “…”
“You…”
“What?”
Wei Yan looked at the bloodstain on Hua Yue’s red lips and teased, “Nothing, just feels like you’re drinking my blood.”
Hua Yue narrowed her eyes. “Scared?”
“How could I be? If it benefits my sister, I’m delighted.”
“Then shut up.”
There was no nauseating metallic taste—Wei Yan’s blood made Hua Yue feel her spiritual energy awakening. The exhaustion from days of sleep gradually faded.
In its place was sheer delight.
She couldn’t help but lift her hand, clutching Wei Yan’s neck, and bit him again with her sharp tooth.
Wei Yan: “…”
Angry but speechless.
Before her transformation, Hua Yue’s consciousness had been vague, only vaguely remembering that someone had been providing her nourishment.
The only clear impression was a man in a white shirt, his skin frighteningly pale, who had cut his wrist, letting his blood seep into the soil that nourished her.
Also, someone had caressed her petals—it was a tingling sensation.
So—
Hua Yue opened her eyes, seeing the man’s long curled lashes and high nose bridge, her gaze darkening.
What connection did they share?
Not far off, Qing Li was speechless.
This! Oh my!
She was stunned by the scene, then locked eyes with Wei Yan’s icy stare—a clear warning to leave.
Qing Li stiffened, unwilling to move.
What if her Lady was being bullied?
Though, at present, it seemed her Lady clearly had the upper hand.
Wei Yan, displeased, quickly complained, “Sister, your maid is spying.”
Hua Yue: “…”
She diverted a bit of attention and waved to Qing Li, signaling her to leave.
Qing Li: “…”
…
Two quarters of an hour later.
Wei Yan followed Hua Yue like a meek shadow, his lips swollen and red.
Study room.
On the nearby couch lay fine, soft silk, with gold-thread embroidered cushions casually piled, exuding a lazy yet luxurious atmosphere.
Exquisite paintings adorned the walls. Hua Yue glanced at the couch where Wei Yan sat.
The room was heated by a floor dragon stove, permeated with the scent of wealth.
This was the original owner’s property. On that day, she had instructed him to wait here. She hadn’t expected it to change so much in just a few days.
“You said you had no money?”
Hua Yue bled, but now she was full of energy.
Propping her chin, she looked at Wei Yan with sparkling eyes.
Just moments ago, they had been whispering close, then suddenly switched topics. Wei Yan sighed and squeezed beside her.
“Living in the trees was just a hobby of mine. Didn’t expect my sister to care so much. This capital is precious land indeed—your generosity amazes me.”
He smiled widely.
Hua Yue raised an eyebrow, teasingly lifted Wei Yan’s chin with a playful gesture.
“Come on, sister will take you to a bigger place to live.”