Chapter 19: The Empress Dowager and Her Little Substitute Lover 19

The collar was quickly undone.

Their skin pressed closely together.

Their bodies mingled like water and milk.

“Creak—”

The window was blown open by the wind, letting in a faint chill.

A slight dampness clung to Huayue’s temple. Frowning, she pushed Wei Yan’s shoulder. “Go, close the window.”

Wei Yan said nothing, burying his head in Huayue’s neck.

Huayue: “...”

She turned her head slightly and tapped Wei Yan’s head, warning, “Or I’ll call Qingli.”

Her voice was still a little hoarse.

Wei Yan: “...”

He couldn’t understand why anyone would bother closing the window during such a moment.

Reluctantly, he released his hold and glanced toward the window. Gritting his teeth, he raised his hand and gently moved it.

“Creak—”

The window shut.

“Sis, it seems the window closed itself. Let’s continue.”

The chill vanished.

Huayue didn’t concern herself further.

...

The morning light was bright.

The bed curtains were as soft as clouds, embroidered with golden threads, their silk tassels swaying gently in the breeze. The sunlight filtered through the tassels, casting patterns on the two entwined figures asleep.

“Hehe.”

Wei Yan had not slept all night, yet now he was full of energy.

Even the pain from the wound on his lip—caused by Huayue’s bite—seemed to go unnoticed.

The person in his arms had her eyes closed, long lashes like butterfly wings, a sharp nose bridge, and beautifully shaped lips—utterly captivating.

Stunningly beautiful.

“Hehe.”

Thinking of last night, Wei Yan couldn’t help but laugh softly.

But fearing to wake Huayue, he stifled his voice.

Huayue’s spiritual strength had somewhat recovered; she could not have missed his laughter, but refrained from commenting lest it sound unpleasant.

Besides, she was quite satisfied with his performance last night—though a bit inexperienced at first.

...

After Huayue had slept enough—

Two hours had passed.

The sun was high in the sky.

Unexpectedly, Wei Yan was nowhere to be seen.

Qingli entered to help Huayue wash and dress.

“Where is he?”

“Your Highness, Master Wen has gone to the courtyard to practice swordsmanship.”

“Practice swordsmanship?”

“Yes.”

Huayue nodded and sat before the dressing mirror.

As Qingli combed Huayue’s hair, the comb nearly slipped from her hand.

The marks on her neck were just too obvious.

Huayue smiled at Qingli’s myriad expressions reflected behind her in the mirror.

“Qingli.”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“Get ready. I’m going out of the palace.”

Qingli blinked, her voice hesitant. “But... Your neck, Master Wen truly has no sense of restraint. Miss, you really... oh dear, it’s just too much.”

In her anxiety, Qingli slipped into familiar terms of address.

Huayue raised an eyebrow. “What else?”

Why did she stop halfway?

Qingli stomped her foot. “Miss, no, Your Highness, you’re teasing me again.”

She pinned the last hairpin into Huayue’s coiffure, her face flushed bright red, then turned and ran off.

“I’ll prepare the carriage for Your Highness.”

Huayue: “?”

What was going on with her?

“Bang—”

The window was suddenly flung open by a gust.

Huayue looked up and through the window saw a man practicing swordplay in the courtyard.

He wore red again, his sword slicing through the air with graceful yet fierce movements. Huayue suddenly recalled the scenes from last night.

Clearing her throat, she rose and approached the window just as Wei Yan sheathed his sword and strode toward her.

Inside and outside the window.

Their eyes met. Wei Yan gazed intently at her, his look sharp as a torch, a small smile revealing his white teeth.

Backlit by the sun, he seemed bathed in light.

Huayue shook her head to clear her thoughts, suddenly recalling the first time they met.

“Sis, did you sleep well?”

“Not bad.”

The conversation ended there.

Wei Yan’s cheeks flushed slightly as he cleared his throat. “Do you have plans for today?”

“I’m going out of the palace.”

Wei Yan’s eyes brightened. “Can I come with you?”

Huayue smiled faintly, meeting his hopeful gaze. “No.”

“...”

“Bang—”

The window slammed shut, almost hitting Wei Yan’s face.

He looked plaintive.

Inside, Huayue leaned against the window, her hand covering her chest.

There, her heartbeat was much faster than usual.

...

Drunken Fragrance Pavilion.

“Madam, this way, please.”

The attendant respectfully led Huayue to a private room.

“This is the place.”

“Good, you may leave now.” Qingli handed over a tip.

The attendant left with a big grin.

“Qingli, wait outside,” Huayue instructed.

“Yes, Madam.”

Huayue had come today to meet the original owner’s father.

With the new emperor’s ascension, the original owner’s father had entered the capital under the pretense of congratulations and sent word yesterday to inform her he was secretly in the city.

His carriage was still on the road.

In the story, General Xiao doted on his daughter endlessly, a devoted father who would give her the stars and the moon.

But that was because his daughter had died.

Huayue pushed open the door.

“My precious daughter!”

“Do you miss Daddy?”

A towering man nearly nine feet tall strode toward her, wrapping her in a bear hug that almost choked her.

“Dad, Dad! I can’t breathe.”

She hadn’t even seen his face clearly yet.

“Hahaha, alright, alright. Daddy’s letting go now,” the man laughed heartily.

Huayue: “...”

“Look at this.”

They sat at the table. General Xiao handed Huayue a box made of rosewood.

Huayue blinked.

Opening it, she found a pearl larger than her fist.

Though Wei He had sent her many gifts these days, none were as beautifully large as this.

“I knew you’d like it. Daddy saved this for you; even the emperor doesn’t know.”

General Xiao smiled indulgently.

Since his daughter was forced into the palace and her focus had shifted entirely to Wei He, General Xiao had not seen her for a long time.

Even when he occasionally came to the capital, she showed no interest in meeting him.

Unexpectedly, this time she had come.

General Xiao’s eyes grew moist, his gaze lingering on Huayue, unwilling to look away.

His wife had passed early; this daughter was practically raised by him alone.

“My dear, how have you been these past two years? Has that boy been bullying you?”

His voice was gentle.

Huayue closed the box, holding it dearly.

Only then did she lift her eyes to meet General Xiao’s.

The man’s temples were streaked with gray, his eyes soft.

She pressed her lips together: “He did bully me.”

General Xiao’s eyes immediately widened, and he slammed his hand on the table with a loud bang. “That bastard!”

He stood and approached Huayue, scrutinizing her for any injuries.

But then he noticed the faint bluish tint on her neck.

“How dare he grab your neck?”

Huayue instinctively covered her neck, shaking her head. “Not that, Dad. Please sit down; I’ll explain slowly.”

General Xiao sat, furious enough to redden his neck.

If looks could kill, he would have already killed Wei He countless times across the air.

“Susu, Daddy doesn’t understand—what do you see in him? You even risked everything to help him ascend the throne. He’s not a wise ruler! Not even as good as the late emperor!”