The Empress Dowager and the Emperor had plotted against Jiang Xi, touching upon Fong Yang's sensitive spot, and finally, the facade was torn apart, resulting in the Emperor losing control over his only Imperial Guard.
The Empress Dowager could not understand why things had deviated so much from her expectations. She had thought that as long as Wen Lan disguised herself as Jiang Xi and got close to Fong Yang, they could take advantage of the situation. Not only would Wen Lan achieve her desires, but the drugs would also corrode Fong Yang's meridians, crippling his martial arts. From then on, Fong Yang would be under their control, and everything should have been within the Empress Dowager's grasp.
What had gone wrong?
In the grand hall, Fong Yang's cold voice rang out again: "The Empress Dowager's Birthday Banquet can continue. I am tired and will take the Princess Consort back to the residence to rest. Ministers, please continue your feasting and celebrations. After the banquet ends, I urge you all to return home early to rest; I have important matters to announce at tomorrow's court session."
The Ministers bowed their heads in fear as they sent off the Regent. Everyone felt anxious; who still had the mood to celebrate?
The Empress Dowager felt no better; her own Birthday Banquet had turned into a source of anxiety. She rose to return to the palace, walking in a daze towards the jade steps.
Fong Gaoyun and the Eldest Princess silently followed behind, while the Ministers were left speechless.
Although the Regent held military power, he never looked down on the Emperor or the Empress Dowager; they were the ones who insisted on plotting against him.
Now they had thoroughly offended the Regent. Tomorrow, they would likely see an imperial decree to dethrone the Emperor.
The Empress Dowager understood the gravity of the situation and immediately instructed Pan Hai: "Select a few rare items from my private treasury and send them along with gifts for Mian Kingdom to the Regent's Palace. If they refuse to meet you, kneel at the door until you do. Make sure to see the Princess Consort and speak kindly."
Fong Gaoyun was taken aback and asked, "Mother, is it really necessary to go this far?"
The Eldest Princess also thought it was unnecessary and said, "With so many clan relatives present, why should we always bow to the Regent? Who is truly in charge of this Kingdom?"
The Empress Dowager's voice was icy as she replied, "Given the current situation, what good does it do not to lower our heads? Tonight, it was my miscalculation that led to significant losses. For now, we must appease the Regent Consort; otherwise, tomorrow in court, the Emperor's position will be precarious."
Fong Gaoyun felt frustrated and turned away with a frown. "Mother, you should return to rest early. I will go to the study and think of a countermeasure."
The Empress Dowager returned to her palace gate, only to find the hall shrouded in darkness. The Eldest Princess scolded discontentedly, "What’s going on? No one came out to kneel and welcome the Empress Dowager back to the palace. Where has everyone gone?"
The overly quiet night felt somewhat eerie, and an inexplicable sense of foreboding crept into the Empress Dowager's heart. The palace attendants held lanterns as the Eldest Princess supported her inside.
However, tonight, Cian Palace was terrifyingly silent. After taking just a few steps, they noticed something on the ground ahead. The Empress Dowager raised her hand, signaling someone to go ahead and illuminate it for a closer look.
Not far away, Fong Gaoyun heard a terrified scream coming from the Empress Dowager's palace. A sense of dread washed over him as he hurriedly took his personal guard and rushed over.
Upon entering the hall, he was met with chaos and the sight of the unconscious Empress Dowager. He quickly approached the Eldest Princess and asked, "Sister, what happened?"
The Eldest Princess was equally shaken; she pointed dazedly and said, "There are dead people."
Lying on the ground were two individuals covered in wounds yet with intact faces—one was Huo Xingwen, and the other was an undercover agent personally arranged by the Empress Dowager at Regent's Palace.
In that instant, Fong Gaoyun's face turned pale as he fully realized that they had angered the Regent.
It was another sleepless night.
The palace was in disarray, with Ministers tossing and turning in their beds, while Regent's Palace was filled with tender affection.
Fong Yang suddenly pressed Jiang Xi down, kissing her fiercely. Just as their clothes were about to be torn apart, Jiang Xi abruptly pushed him away and calmly said one word: "Stop."
Fong Yang froze, looking at her with confusion and unease.
"What’s wrong?" Jiang Xi grasped Fong Yang's hand and asked in a flat tone.
Fong Yang's eyes were filled with doubt as Jiang Xi continued, "I saw your hand touch another woman when I was hiding in the shadows. Although it was to break her restless claws, you still touched her filthy hands."
Fong Yang's eyes were deep, and his tone was low and submissive as he said, "Xi'er is right; it is my fault."
Jiang Xi seized the moment to ask, "What do you think we should do then?"
Without a word, Fong Yang sprang up, striding over to the table. He opened the drawer, pulled out a dagger, and without hesitation, raised it toward his own hand.
Seeing this, Jiang Xi was terrified and cried out, "Fong Yang, stop!"
Her voice was sharp with fear, as if the dagger had already pierced her own body.
Fong Yang's movement came to an abrupt halt, but there was already a cut on his hand seeping blood.
Jiang Xi rushed over, gripping his hand tightly, her brow furrowed and her voice trembling. "Have you lost your mind?"
Looking at her panicked face, Fong Yang spoke softly, "Xi'er, don't be afraid; it doesn't hurt."
Jiang Xi examined the wound with concern. Fortunately, it wasn't deep. For someone like Fong Yang, who had fought on the battlefield countless times, this injury might not mean much. But Jiang Xi couldn't remain calm. She scolded him, "How can the esteemed Regent come home and act like a fool? I was just joking with you! Do you know how worried I was?"
Fong Yang held her tightly in his embrace and gently soothed her, "Xi'er, don't be angry; I know I was wrong."
Filled with regret and self-reproach, Jiang Xi lightly pounded his chest.
Fong Yang's love was so obsessive; he cared for her without reservation—almost to the point of foolishness. Jiang Xi sighed helplessly and said, "You can't do this again in the future."
Fong Yang accepted her complaint without a word. "It’s my fault; it won’t happen again."
Jiang Xi sighed in his arms. "Today has been such a rollercoaster; my heart has been tested in every way."
Fong Yang looked at her with regret. "It's a pity that the enchanting atmosphere tonight has been ruined by you."
Jiang Xi thought for a moment and realized it was indeed her fault. Just when the mood was right, she had suddenly called a halt and inappropriately questioned him, almost causing a disaster.
She softened her voice and said, "Alright, I admit it. To make up for my mistake, how about I help you bathe, my lord?"
Fong Yang's eyes lit up with joy. "I would be most fortunate."
In the bath, Jiang Xi couldn't help but praise him. "Your physique is truly impressive. I wish I had a body like yours."
After pondering for a moment, Fong Yang replied seriously, "Men's bodies are inherently different from women's; that wish of yours may be difficult to fulfill."
Jiang Xi's fingers gently glided over Fong Yang's skin, sending electric shivers through her body, awakening her most primal desires.
She whispered, "I was just saying it casually, but your body truly captivates me to the point of no return."
Fong Yang turned around and embraced her tightly, his gaze burning with intensity. "This body belongs to my beloved; since you like it, feel free to do as you wish. You can paint or carve on it if you desire."
Jiang Xi felt a rush of excitement and quickly replied, "I wouldn't dream of leaving any marks on you. Just like this is perfect."
The lingering fear from their earlier scare gradually faded away with Fong Yang's deep kiss, leading them into an uncontrollable passion.
After their brief scare, Fong Yang and Jiang Xi became entangled in a fervent embrace.
Comment 0 Comment Count