Chapter 362: A Subtle Gift, Intimate Conversation
Lin Tianlu almost thought he misheard and asked hesitantly:
“Mother Tan, are you asking me to…”
“Just to help you relax.”
Mother Tan smiled gently, her slender fingers brushing against her legs beneath her thin robe: “Although I grew up in the imperial palace, I studied many secret techniques of the Qinxin Sword Sect, among which is a method for circulating blood and activating vital energy, it can help you relax and feel more comfortable.
But it’s most effective on men with abundant Yang energy and vigor, that’s why I asked.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly: “But lying on the couch… wouldn’t that be too presumptuous?”
“If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t let them come within a few feet of me.”
Mother Tan brushed the hair falling over her chest and whispered softly: “But since you’re my godson, Tianlu, there’s no need to be so concerned.”
Then, she chuckled softly: “I know you’re still a bit hesitant, Tianlu. After all, we just met and established this… unique relationship. It would be a bit awkward for you to suddenly treat me like your mother.
However, precisely because our relationship is still new, we should try to become closer, otherwise, this mother-son bond would just be a title.”
Lin Tianlu was speechless.
Her words did make sense.
Mother Tan chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand: “If you continue to hesitate, Tianlu, do you need me to help you lie down, or should I call a few maids to assist you?”
“Cough!”
Lin Tianlu quickly came back to his senses and walked over awkwardly.
“Mother Tan, do I really have to lie down? If I just sit—”
“It’s more comfortable to lie down.”
Seeing his stiff posture, Mother Tan chuckled inwardly and reached out, gently but firmly pulling him down onto her lap.
“…”
Feeling the soft pressure against the back of his head, and a captivating fragrance wafting towards him, he looked up slightly and saw her ample bosom swaying gently before his eyes, its curves accentuated by her slender waist.
Lin Tianlu’s expression froze, his body stiffening, and he quickly closed his eyes, not daring to move.
“You’re quite the gentleman.” Mother Tan teased, gently stroking his hair: “It’s fine to open your eyes.”
“Cough! Since you said you were going to help me circulate my blood and activate my vital energy, Mother Tan, I naturally have to close my eyes and enjoy it.”
Lin Tianlu kept his eyes closed and said seriously: “If I were to act frivolously, it would be disrespectful.”
“Good boy.”
Mother Tan smiled faintly and leaned gracefully against the back of the couch, taking an exquisite jade box from the rosewood table beside her. Opening the lid, she saw a paste-like substance inside, along with some clear water, a faint and alluring fragrance lingering in the air.
She elegantly scooped out some of the paste and rubbed it between her fingers, as if applying a shimmering and translucent oil, incredibly smooth and moisturizing.
“Lan’er, bring two basins of warm water later.”
“Yes!”
Lan’er’s response quickly came from outside.
Mother Tan’s eyes flickered, and she took out a thin silver needle from the jade box. A translucent jade bead was attached to its tip, and faint, strange patterns could be seen on the needle itself.
She hesitated for a moment, holding the silver needle, then sighed softly and gently inserted the needle into her wrist.
Hum—
The silver needle vibrated slightly as if activated by some kind of force, and a thin line of blood could be seen crawling along the runes and inscriptions on the needle, converging towards the translucent jade bead at the tip.
“Hu—”
As the jade bead gradually turned red, Mother Tan calmly formed hand seals, her lips moving silently as she chanted some kind of incantation, strange symbols appearing on her fingertips.
Then, she lowered her head and placed her fingers on Lin Tianlu’s temples, gently massaging and kneading.
A cool sensation, like thin threads, seeped into his mind, bringing an exquisite sense of comfort and pleasure.
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but sigh softly, feeling incredibly relaxed and at ease.
“How do you feel, Tianlu?”
“Your technique is truly remarkable, Mother Tan.”
He smiled gently: “It’s almost as good as an imperial physician’s.”
“This can’t cure illnesses.”
Mother Tan shook her head and chuckled, her fingers slowly moving down from his temples, tracing the contours of his face.
“Tianlu, you’re getting married to Shuya tomorrow, what are your thoughts?”
“This…”
Lin Tianlu frowned slightly and mused: “We have no objections to the wedding arrangements, as long as it goes smoothly. I haven’t thought about anything else.”
Mother Tan gently caressed his face and murmured: “Now that you have the old Prince and me backing you, you can easily rise through the ranks in the court. Or you can start a business in Changling. Just say the word, and we will help you.”
But hearing this, Lin Tianlu just smiled faintly:
“Thank you for your concern, Mother Tan, but we already have our own plans. We’ll just live a peaceful and quiet life in Changling, we don’t desire wealth or status.”
“…It seems I asked a foolish question.”
Mother Tan chuckled self-deprecatingly.
Then, she said with concern: “But you have to be careful in the future, Tianlu. If you encounter any suspicious or unfamiliar people in the county, stay away from them.”
“Hmm?”
“Do you know how much chaos has erupted in Qingcheng and Qingyang Province these past two days?”
Mother Tan gently traced the skin around his eyes, a hint of amusement in her voice: “Perhaps you and your wives didn’t pay attention, but the attack at the Qingyang Grand Ceremony shocked the entire court and the country. Everyone knows that the old Prince was almost harmed by villains, even the Emperor in the capital was alarmed.
There will naturally be investigations and punishments, but as the hero who saved the day, your name, Tianlu, has spread far and wide, everyone is talking about your bravery and how you helped the old Prince capture those villains.
Lin Tianlu: “…”
His lips twitched slightly, a subtle expression on his face.
“So that means—”
“But there’s no need to worry too much.”
Mother Tan chuckled: “After all, very few people have seen you in person. Mostly just the residents of Qingcheng. Once you leave this place, they’ll only know your name, they won’t swarm you.”
Lin Tianlu breathed a sigh of relief.
He still had lingering fears about being surrounded by the residents of Changling County, his house blocked.
“However, although you’ve gained fame and prestige, it will also attract trouble.”
Mother Tan’s smile faded, her expression turning serious, and she said in a deep voice: “Although the sixteenth prince’s engagement with Shuya has been broken off, you’ve still offended the imperial family. And now, less than half a month later, Shuya is marrying you. They might secretly try to cause trouble. The imperial harem is far more treacherous than the Hua Mansion, the power dynamics incredibly complex, even I can’t stop everything.
Especially since the sixteenth prince’s mother is a princess from another country, and she has connections with several high-ranking officials. If they were to target you, it would be quite troublesome.”
She said earnestly:
“For example, they might send some thugs to provoke and harass you, making you lose your temper and retaliate, and then spread rumors to ruin your reputation. Or they might find someone to sabotage the Cheng family’s business… These methods might seem petty, but they are incredibly effective, you have to be careful.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious: “Don’t worry, Mother Tan, since I’ve decided to marry Shuya, I’ve already anticipated this. If there’s any trouble, I will deal with it appropriately.”
“Your resolve is Shuya’s good fortune.”
Mother Tan nodded slightly and, after a moment of thought, continued: “But you should be most wary of… the current Empress.”
“Hmm?!”
Lin Tianlu was stunned.
The Empress?
Since when had he offended this revered figure?
“You two have no connection, she didn’t even know your name before the Qingyang Grand Ceremony.” Mother Tan’s gaze deepened, and she whispered: “But this Empress is truly unfathomable. If the old Prince is a general on the battlefield, skilled in both literary and martial arts, and a master strategist, then the Empress is… unpredictable.”
“Although you haven’t offended her, Tianlu, your display of power at the Qingyang Grand Ceremony, amazing all those heroes and experts, has surely caught her attention. Although I haven’t interacted with the Empress much, she’s a decisive person, you have to be careful, Tianlu, don’t fall into any of her traps.”
“I’ll keep your words in mind, Mother Tan.”
Seeing his serious and attentive expression, Mother Tan couldn’t help but smile faintly, gently caressing his handsome face: “Perhaps I’m being overly cautious. After all, with your extraordinary cultivation, Tianlu, you can handle any threat.”
“Your Highness, the warm water is here.”
Just then, Lan’er quickly entered the room, carrying a basin of water.
She placed the basin down, but her expression suddenly froze as she stared blankly at the jade box on the table… and the silver needle, faintly glowing with blood, embedded in Mother Tan’s wrist.
“Your Highness?!” Lan’er exclaimed in surprise, covering her mouth with her hand: “Why are you—”
But Mother Tan quickly glanced at her coldly: “Leave and close the door.”
“Th-This…”
But Lan’er, usually obedient, hesitated: “But this—”
“Do you need me to have someone slap you?”
“N-No!”
Lan’er quickly lowered her head and remained silent.
Mother Tan frowned, about to scold her again, when Lin Tianlu, who had been lying on her lap with his eyes closed, suddenly spoke: “Please calm down, Mother Tan, Miss Lan’er treats you like her own mother, she’s just concerned. It would be too harsh to scold or punish her.”
Saying this, he quickly waved his hand: “You can leave now, Miss Lan’er.”
“…Yes.” Lan’er glanced at Lin Tianlu with a complex expression and quietly retreated.
Silence returned to the bedroom.
After a moment, Mother Tan sighed softly: “Do you think I’m too harsh and unreasonable, Tianlu?”
“It’s normal for those in high positions to give orders to their subordinates, and it’s also normal for you, as a princess, to scold your maids, Mother Tan.” Lin Tianlu smiled gently: “But you can be a bit more kind and patient, Mother Tan. After all, they’re still young girls, their hearts are sensitive.”
“I thought… you would lecture me.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly.
The concept of equality between people wasn’t even fully realized in modern society, let alone in ancient times thousands of years ago, so he couldn’t be too critical.
“I’ve been observing the maids in the mansion since I arrived. They’re all dressed well, with light makeup, and most of them have healthy and attractive figures, clearly well-fed and cared for. I’ve even seen them playing and laughing in the courtyard, which shows your leniency and kindness, Mother Tan. So, I have no right to criticize you.”
Mother Tan’s lips curved into a smile, and she gently caressed his forehead: “You’re quite observant, Tianlu. The only requirement I have for the maids in the mansion is for them to be obedient and sensible, not to act recklessly or inappropriately.
Lan’er disobeyed just now, so I naturally had to scold her and teach her some manners, so she won’t speak so carelessly in front of other officials and nobles in the future.”
Lin Tianlu felt a bit drowsy and chuckled: “In that case, I was being too presumptuous with my concern.”
“No.”
Mother Tan gently caressed his face, as if holding a precious treasure, and said softly: “Your words were reasonable, Tianlu, I should have been more gentle.”
Feeling the cool, smooth, and jade-like touch on his face, Lin Tianlu felt a warmth and comfort spreading through him, as if a warm current was flowing into his body through her delicate fingers, making him feel drowsy, wanting to drift off into a sweet dream.
It should be fine to take a nap.
“Tianlu, you…”
Mother Tan was about to speak when she realized that Lin Tianlu, who was lying on her lap, seemed to have fallen asleep, and she stopped, a comforting smile appearing on her face.
She gently brushed his hair, her gaze lingering on his features, a warmth spreading through her heart.
“When… was the last time I experienced such a peaceful moment…?”
The bedroom was quiet and serene, only the faint sound of their breathing could be heard.
Mother Tan’s mind drifted, and images from the past surfaced. She was kneeling alone in the cold and desolate ancestral hall, her face expressionless, reciting Buddhist scriptures like a puppet.
Day after day, year after year—
Without her father’s care, without her mother’s love, without the company of her siblings.
Besides the occasional visits from maids bringing tea and water, she had barely interacted with anyone for years.
Even after the mourning period ended, her life in the Hua Mansion had been lonely and solitary, only the sword given to her by her mother before she left the palace for company.
All she could do was practice her swordsmanship.
Constantly cultivating her internal energy and honing the sword techniques of the Qinxin Sword Sect. It was thanks to this single-minded dedication that she had reached the Grandmaster Realm at such a young age.
But besides that, she had nothing.
Until her mother, living in seclusion in the inner palace, passed away from illness, and after more than ten years, she regained her status as a princess, her life improving. But her heart had already been worn down, devoid of any desires or ambitions.
But now—
This feeling of being alive was so strong.
The fated person she had been searching for for seven years was right before her, as if a long-held goal had finally been achieved, a glimmer of comfort in her otherwise empty life.
“I hope… I haven’t chosen the wrong person.”
Tan Zisheng murmured as if to herself, her eyes sparkling, and she touched Lin Tianlu’s forehead with her finger.
Using a secret technique, channeling her bloodline, with their minds connected, betrayal and separation would become impossible in this lifetime.
“…Hmm?!”
But Mother Tan’s expression changed slightly as she suddenly sensed something amiss.
A warmth flowed from her fingertip, initially just a trickle, but it quickly surged into her body like a flood, breaking through her meridians, shattering all obstacles, making her body tremble violently.
“No! This, this is…”
She couldn’t help but let out a soft moan, her eyes flickering, and she quickly looked away, feeling embarrassed by the sound she had just made.
But wave after wave of warm spiritual energy surged into her heart, making it impossible for her to rest or adapt. Her body felt incredibly hot and tingly, as if being washed by a warm tide, a seductive blush spreading across her skin.
Lost in the sensation, soft and seductive moans escaped her lips, her eyes like silk as she leaned against the back of the couch, as if floating in the clouds, her mind becoming hazy.
Until her consciousness drifted further and further away, her soul seemingly leaving her body.
Then, she vaguely saw a bright light erupting in the chaotic darkness.
This light was so sudden and intense, like a thunderbolt, striking her body, every inch of her flesh, blood, and bones trembling, her eyes widening in a daze, her breath catching in her throat, her chest and waist aching, strange patterns gradually appearing between her eyebrows.
“Ugh!”
Mother Tan convulsed violently, an unnatural blush spreading across her face, her body soft and limp like mud as she collapsed onto the couch, panting softly.
After struggling for a while, she finally succumbed to exhaustion and drifted into sleep, only the sound of their even breathing remaining in the room.
But unknowingly, patterns similar to the mark between her eyebrows appeared on Mother Tan’s sweat-drenched bosom, gradually spreading across her abdomen, neck, and back. Her previously neatly styled hair loosened, the tips taking on a strange, deep blue luster…
…very similar to Youluo’s hair.
…
A while later.
The bedroom door opened slightly.
Lan’er quietly peeked inside, seeing the two of them sleeping peacefully, fully clothed, and her expression turned complex.
She walked to the tea table, glanced at the jade box, her eyes flickering.
“The Soul Melting Hooking Needle, the Qin Soft Heart Jade… Her Highness actually gave everything to this Young Master she just met a few days ago.”
As her personal maid, Lan’er knew many secrets unknown to the other servants.
These two items were among the most treasured artifacts of the Qinxin Sword Sect, passed down for hundreds, even thousands of years, seemingly unaffected by time, like ancient divine objects. Perhaps even the destruction of the Qinxin Sword Sect was partly due to these coveted artifacts.
And their effects were truly heaven-defying, capable of altering destinies and even reviving the dead. With Her Highness’s cultivation, they could even grant an ordinary person incredible power overnight.
But the cost to the user was immense.
Although it sounded unbelievable, she hadn’t taken it seriously before. But after witnessing the existence of demons and ghosts these past few days, and even meeting a “Chihuang” of extraordinary status…
Perhaps… these artifacts were real.
“Sigh—”
Lan’er sighed softly, walked to the bed, and carefully covered them with two blankets.
Looking at her mistress’s beautiful face, a faint blush still lingering, she then looked at Lin Tianlu with a complex expression.
“I hope Her Highness and Sixth Miss haven’t misjudged this person, that he is truly worthy of their trust.”
…
As night deepened, a faint red candlelight still flickered in Hua Shuya’s bedroom in the villa.
Hua Shuya took off her silk robe, tied up her waist-length silver hair, and sat on the large bed.
And inside the bed, Mao Ruoyu lifted the blanket with a gentle smile, saying softly: “Come in quickly, it’s cold outside.”
“Hu~”
As soon as she got under the covers, Hua Shuya exhaled comfortably, sniffing the air and chuckling: “You smell so good, Sister, the bed is filled with your fragrance.”
“Stop flattering me.” Mao Ruoyu playfully tapped her nose: “Just lie down and rest.”
Hua Shuya smiled faintly and obediently lay down, then asked: “Where is Miss Yun now?”
“She seems to have something to discuss with Miss Chi, she’s still outside.” Mao Ruoyu said softly: “Don’t worry, let’s go to sleep first.”
“Mm.”
Hua Shuya pursed her lips slightly: “But I wonder what Master and Aunt Tan are talking about?”
Mao Ruoyu smiled and took her hand: “Probably about the recent incidents in the mansion, and also about your wedding.”
“I’m still worried.”
Cheng Yishi, who was sitting at the dressing table combing her hair, looked back with a meaningful expression and chuckled: “You’re getting married tomorrow, Shuya, yet you were still practicing your swordsmanship in the courtyard today, are you truly prepared?”
“This…”
Hua Shuya blushed, momentarily speechless.
Seeing her shy demeanor, Mao Ruoyu, as if having anticipated this, chuckled softly and gently pulled the young woman closer, whispering: “Before the candles are extinguished, let me tell you about… matters of the bedchamber, Shuya? So you won’t be too nervous tomorrow night.”
At the same time, a figure quietly appeared beside the bed.
Cheng Yishi gracefully untied her outer robe, revealing her light blue undergarments, and with her long, fair legs, climbed onto the bed with a smile.
She grinned mischievously: “You’ll regret listening to Ruoyu later. That woman is even more insatiable than I am, every night she’s so lost in ecstasy, her seductive screams and moans incredibly loud and unrestrained.”
“D-Don’t talk nonsense!”
Mao Ruoyu blushed furiously, glaring at her playfully: “You’re no different from me.”
“Eh, eh…”
Hearing the two women banter and tease each other, Hua Shuya, caught in the middle, felt a bit awkward, their voluptuous bodies pressing against her from both sides, making her heart race.
So, the two Madams and Master… were this passionate every night?
As they whispered stories of their bedchamber antics, Hua Shuya’s face turned even redder, her eyes wide with surprise and shyness, covering her mouth with her hand.
Why… why was it becoming more and more frightening the more she listened?
