Chapter 66 Part 2

“But even killing Mu Chen, he’s still a wanted criminal by the court and can’t stay at Lingyun.”

“Unless His Majesty pardons him—but that’s impossible. But there’s one person who’s his hope. Follow him, and we’ll find Xu Ke. Then we can go to Ji Province worry-free.”

Wei Lingci smiled and nodded, stroking the stray hairs on her head. “This involves too much—you should stay out of it. I’ll have Mu Chen handle it and blunt his edge.”

With Great Qi’s precedent of a female emperor, Xun Changqing shining too brightly now wasn’t good. Better to step back to Ji Province, fade from sight. Return in a month after the Emperor’s death and new one’s ascension—everything a fresh start.

Xun Changqing hugged Wei Lingci, reluctant to let go, her bright peach-blossom eyes sparkling enchantingly. Wei Lingci softened under her gaze, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Hurry back—you’ve lingered half an hour. It’s improper.”

Xun Changqing wasn’t satisfied, muttering, “If it’s improper, you’re the one who started it. You won’t even invite me in to sit.”

Wei Lingci alighted, spotting a figure approaching from inside the mansion gate. She lifted the curtain, eyebrow playfully raised. “Sure, go in and sit. Or I can send you back later.”

From inside, Xun Changqing couldn’t see the shadows moving outside and took it as a joke, poking half her body out with a charming smile. “If you send me back, I’ll have to send you—then neither of us sleeps. How boring…”

Mid-sentence, she saw Wei Xiao on the steps. Xun Changqing’s heart skipped—they’d parted unhappily that day and hadn’t met since. Now in public, she couldn’t avoid; better to dismount and pay respects.

Silently chanting Amitabha, she jumped down, straightened her clothes, and bowed. “County Princess.”

Wei Xiao’s gaze flickered between them, then she said abruptly, “Xun Changqing, come into the mansion!”

Wei Lingci was more startled but didn’t stop her. The ‘thing’ Wise Noble Consort mentioned that day—perhaps it was time to reveal it. Xun Changqing was baffled—Wei Xiao clearly disliked her, so why invite her in now?

Good intentions or malice?

Xun Changqing followed Wei Xiao to her courtyard anyway. Wei Xiao wasn’t one to dawdle—like Wei Lingci in that regard. Incense burned in the room, servants dismissed outside.

The courtyard was eerily quiet.

Wei Xiao returned to the room, retrieved a brocade box from the cabinet, and took a key from her pouch. The lock was exquisite; Xun Changqing glanced and was surprised—it was valuable tribute, only for royalty. Why with Wei Xiao?

Wei Xiao opened it generously, handing her the precious silk inside, expression indifferent. “You should want this badly. Take it. With your current power, after His Majesty passes, you can make it real.”

Unrolling the silk, Xun Changqing’s pupils dilated in shock. Yellow silk with the Emperor’s personal handwriting. No joy, only astonishment—she quickly returned it to the small box, the motion flickering the table lamp.

Her brows raised slightly. “I’ve never seen this.”

Before Wei Xiao could react, Xun Changqing strode out, poised and dashing, leaving Wei Xiao stunned. Such temptation before her, discarded without a second thought.

Stunned in place, Wei Xiao reflected on her own past loves. The same choice faced the Emperor back then, who chose the opposite of Xun Changqing.

Perhaps… she finally understood. What she and Xun Ziqian shared wasn’t love, just childhood sweethearts’ affection—no bone-deep pain after parting.

These days, she’d seen Ah Ci’s listless state. No one knew a daughter like her mother. Ah Ci said nothing but suffered headaches. Asking Xianyun and Xanyu, she vaguely knew it flared when puzzled over Xun Changqing matters.

She vaguely realized her daughter couldn’t leave Xun Changqing anymore.

Xun Changqing entered alone and left the courtyard alone, walking lightly in the dark. She knew the way to Wei Lingci’s courtyard—through winding corridors, over curved bridges, swaying lanterns appeared.

Wine from the family banquet now hit; wind made her dizzy—drunks couldn’t handle it. She staggered, then crossed the gate, standing in the courtyard. Silent night, faint stars—she couldn’t move.

Xianyun emerged from the main room, seeing the dazed figure. She approached softly. “Princess, do you want to enter? Miss is bathing—wait a bit.”

Xun Changqing nodded, entered alone, and collapsed on the bed. Xianyun, seeing her off, hurried to fetch Wei Lingci.

Wei Lingci hastily donned clothes, grabbed a clean cloth to wipe her damp hair, and entered. Seeing her on the bed, she signaled the maid out, patted her flushed cheek. “What happened? Did Mother scold or hit you? You look soulless.”

“My soul and spirit are on you—gone long ago.”

A playful murmur from the quilt—not the expected gloom. Wei Lingci relaxed slightly. “What did Mother say? You look like it’s good news.”

Xun Changqing sat up, smiling, finger beckoning with a mischievous grin. “Kiss me, and I’ll tell all.”

The little rascal dared threaten. Wei Lingci tossed the damp cloth at her, feigning anger. “Speak or go back to your mansion.”

Her fair face flushed with mock ire, shedding usual aloofness, eyes soft, lamplight adding haze—not the previous life’s cold abyss. Xun Changqing beamed, rolling excitedly on the bed. “I’m not leaving—staying tonight.”

Depressed moments ago, now manic. Wei Lingci couldn’t fathom her, stepping closer—only for Xun Changqing to yank her down. Too fast, no support—they tumbled onto the bed.

Wei Lingci stiffened, shifting inward. Xun Changqing chuckled softly. “I’ll tell you later—don’t move.”

Carefully brushing aside her damp hair, lips grazing the soft skin below her earlobe, fingers twirling her locks. Wei Lingci froze, face instantly rosy.

Her thoughts clouded by cheek heat, but Xun Changqing was rational. Lips trailed her snowy neck upward to the flushed earlobe, nipping gently, murmuring, “How about we marry in Ji Province too?”

Hot breath on her earlobe, Wei Lingci turned slightly, tactfully refusing. “Your dowry ready?”

Xun Changqing turned her face, eyes locked. “Return my 200,000 taels of silver—that’s enough.” Her lips covered Wei Lingci’s parted ones, soft and tender, entwining sweetly, flavors indescribably wondrous swirling in hearts. Past life’s hardships mingled with this life’s bliss, fading to only now…

The previous life—long forgotten. It no longer belonged to them.

Wei Lingci yielded, drawn into sweet exploration, soul-light as white feathers in near-death haze—but with novel affection, irresistible.

Perhaps mindful of last ‘bullying,’ Xun Changqing sought only amends, stopping short. She sat up, neatly adjusting Wei Lingci’s collar, primly. “Time for me to go home.”

Wei Lingci dazed long, struggling from the intimacy. Watching the little rascal’s joyful slim back vanish, she realized: the brat had grown into a fox—no more ‘bullying’ her.