Chapter 57: Demanding a Kiss Part 3

At “return to the palace,” Xun Changqing flopped back onto the bed. The Wise Noble Consort had given her only one day off, and she’d slept it away. Annoyed, she rolled around on the bed a few times. After a faint rustling, Wei Lingci entered, suspiciously asking, “You’re awake and pretending to sleep?”

As soon as she spoke, she heard the someone complain, “Why didn’t you wake me last night?”

So that was the issue. Wei Lingci’s lips curved. She set down what she held, approached with a smile, and said, “I did call you—for dinner. You just wouldn’t wake.”

That explained it. Lying under the covers, Xun Changqing couldn’t see Wei Lingci’s expression and wondered if she’d been tricked. She could only blame herself for sleeping too soundly. Sitting up and hugging the quilt, she sniffed the fragrance on her body—it wasn’t hers. Her peach-blossom eyes filled with watery laughter. It seemed someone had held her as she slept last night.

Tilting her head, she gazed at Wei Lingci, her hair spilling like a waterfall onto the quilt’s embroidered bamboo leaves. Habitually squinting, her eyes brimmed with her beloved’s visage. “Did you sleep here last night too?”

Wei Lingci faintly said, “No, I slept in the study next door.”

Another denial against the truth—Xun Changqing was used to it. She hugged her from behind, the fragrance at her nose matching the scent on her body. Her hands crossed over Wei Lingci’s lower abdomen, head still pressed to her back. She nuzzled and spoke in an elder’s tone, “I heard you’re going to rendezvous with Uncle Master Mu. I can’t help since I’m entering the palace. Let Zi Jin go with you. Be careful with everything.”

Wei Lingci held those hands, patted her cheek, and reassured her, “Keep Zi Jin with you. Xian Yun and her sister are enough for me. The palace isn’t safe—better to stay by your side. Remember: besides food from Radiant Benevolence Palace, don’t eat anything other consorts give you.”

The timing of the emperor’s death in her past life was debatable, but Wei Lingci knew it wasn’t far off. What she aimed to do was extend his life—seemingly defying heaven, but all her actions already went against the natural order. Retribution and heavenly dao meant nothing to her anymore.

A more terrifying thought arose in Wei Lingci’s mind. In her past life, Xun Yiran had controlled the court, and the Empress the Rear Palace. Was there something amiss in His Majesty’s food?

In this life, would Xun Yiran still choose that path?

Wei Lingci lowered her gaze to Xun Changqing’s hands and pinched them, reminding her, “Have the Noble Consort watch His Majesty’s food closely. She’ll understand.”

Xun Changqing frowned slightly, but her voice was soft and pleasant. “Master, I understand everything. I’ll handle palace matters. You be careful outside—watch out for the Shao Family’s counterattack. Xu Ke’s whereabouts are unknown too. Be cautious when you’re out, and send word when you can.”

Court affairs now involved many from the jianghu. There were always greater powers beyond. Wei Lingci’s martial arts were top-tier, but not without rivals. It would be a lie to say Xun Changqing wasn’t worried or afraid. This time, Lingyun Mountain was involved, and anyone could guess it related to Wei Lingci in the Imperial Capital.

Leaving the capital now would draw attention, but without entering the tiger’s den, how could one seize the cub?

That was Wei Lingci for you.

After breakfast and packing, Xun Changqing prepared to return to the palace.

Wei Lingci instructed Zi Jin a few words, but Xun Changqing pulled her into the room. She looked glum—understandably so. They’d barely spoken upon her return before parting again. Their future grew clearer, making her loath to let go of the person before her.

Seeing her fidgety demeanor, Wei Lingci guessed her thoughts. She took the initiative, embracing her and patting her head teasingly. “I held you all last night, and it’s still not enough?”

Xun Changqing shook her head vigorously, mumbling, “Not enough. You told me not to flirt with flowers, but you stay away from Uncle Master Mu too. And watch out for his disciple—she’s no simple one.”

So it was jealousy flaring up again. Unable to see for herself, she issued warnings. Wei Lingci smiled inwardly, a sweetness blooming in her heart. Without answering, she cupped the back of Xun Changqing’s head with her palm, leaned down, and captured her lips, claiming a long, deep kiss at the corner of her mouth. Only when Xun Changqing flushed from lack of breath did she release her. Pressed to her lips, she softly said, “It’s not about enough or not—you just don’t know how to breathe.”

Xun Changqing was dazed for a moment, not expecting this as Wei Lingci’s “assurance.” She chuckled foolishly. “I’ll go find Yuan Qingming and have him send some experts to follow you.”

With that, she broke free from Wei Lingci’s hands, pushed open the door, and skipped out onto the corridor.

Once the figure vanished, Wei Lingci set off for Shangrao.

The iron mine was in Shangrao—that was Shao Cheng’s cunning move. It was also the fief of his mother, Wei Xiao, a place the emperor wouldn’t scrutinize closely due to their past ties. Thus, this schemer had exploited a massive loophole.