Chapter 48: The Seductive and Sinister State Preceptor

Lu Yihuan! You bastard!

The flush on her face spread downward from Lu Yihuan’s words whispered in her ear. A surge of anger welled up in Jiang Li’s heart, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Two pairs of eyes still burned into her from behind. The slightest movement would draw their attention.

This time, without Lu Yihuan pressing down, Jiang Li resentfully buried her cheek even deeper.

She couldn’t afford to lose face like this.

At least, in her misfortune, there was a silver lining. Lu Yihuan had called her Li Li, not Jiang Li or the usual Your Highness.

Jiang Li comforted herself that as long as Li Li kept her face hidden, Li Li could be anyone.

Lu Yihuan chuckled softly, utterly satisfied as she watched Jiang Li bury her face even deeper. The sound carried a tone of deep indulgence, her expression one of clear affection for the person in her arms.

The light laugh vibrated through her chest with a clear thump, as if she were smiling right at Jiang Li’s face—utterly relaxed.

She still dared to laugh!?

Jiang Li’s nervous tension briefly eased from Lu Yihuan’s chuckle, only for a wave of shame and fury to crash over her. How could she laugh while putting her in this situation!?

The morsel of meat that had automatically arrived at her lips now became Jiang Li’s tool for revenge.

Didn’t you say I should bite you? Fine, I’ll bite you to death.

In her fury, with her face completely buried, Jiang Li threw caution to the wind. She chomped down hard on the meat in her mouth.

It was devoid of any tenderness, fueled purely by her surging shame and anger. She bit down with all her strength.

Hiss… huff…

The moment she bit, the hand resting on the back of Jiang Li’s head tensed with bulging veins. It lost control for a moment, gripping her hair painfully and yanking her back from the edge of losing all reason.

The chest in front of her rose and fell with deliberate slowness, each heavy thump and retreat seeming to ease the pain.

It had felt satisfying in the moment of biting, but now Jiang Li’s heart was a complicated mess.

After that vicious bite, she hastily shifted her lips away, not daring to touch that spot again. She squeezed her eyes shut, avoiding the thing breathing heavily beside her cheek.

It must hurt a lot.

How fierce, Your Highness.

Lu Yihuan, who had been through countless battles and wounds from blades far worse than this, found herself losing control in this instant.

It did hurt. Jiang Li had bitten down as if determined to tear it off and swallow it whole. But what followed was an uncontrollable itch, like a thousand ants crawling over her heart.

Incredibly, even Jiang Li’s ferocity toward her sparked a twisted pleasure.

It even stirred a faint desire within her.

Lu Yihuan’s gaze dropped to Jiang Li’s eyes, misty and damp like endless tides. She curved her lips, looking at her as if she were a playful little cat.

That tender spot was so delicate that even her everyday clothes had to be the softest fabric, lest a moment’s carelessness chafe it raw. She bathed it with the utmost care.

Yet now, in Jiang Li’s mouth, it felt like the hardest thing in existence—like she was hell-bent on biting right through it, her teeth and gums locked around that one tender point.

She bit viciously, and she bit deep.

In that instant of penetration, Lu Yihuan gripped her own wrist with all her might, restraining it from seizing Jiang Li’s chin or neck.

She imagined lifting that chin, fighting the urge to crush it, and savagely devouring those disobedient lips instead—forcing her to taste the same pain amid the pleasure.

As for the neck… Lu Yihuan’s fingertips tightened around the black hair tangled in her grasp, as if it were pulling back, holding her in check.

She had eased her pressure on Jiang Li’s head after only a short while, but these strands clung like they refused to let go. Lu Yihuan’s brow darkened, a low chuckle rumbling from her throat.

She thought about snapping that neck outright. What a pity that would be.

She wanted to throttle it, pin her down, and kiss her until she suffocated—releasing her only with that last breath, leaving her coughing with a flushed face, her tears solely for Lu Yihuan.

She loved it.

But for now, she could do nothing but press her hand harder against the back of Jiang Li’s head.

She lifted her eyelids to glance at the pair over there.

Du Qingyuan stared at the ambiguous atmosphere swirling between the two women. His earlier words had fallen unanswered into the silence around them, highlighting the tension etched on his brow.

He didn’t know when Lu Yihuan had appeared, how much she had heard, or how much she had seen.

Considering one possibility, cold sweat beaded in layers down his back. His lips pressed tight in evident panic.

No way… Lu Yihuan wouldn’t have leaned against that spot while Ye Yi was still around, would she?

The rock truly concealed them well, blocking the view from passersby. Unless someone approached deliberately, no one could tell there was even space to stand behind it.

It was his own carelessness.

Regret deepened in his heart. For now, all Du Qingyuan could pray for was that Lu Yihuan hadn’t overheard too much.

Compared to Du Qingyuan’s tense but composed expression, Ling Yue’s face beside him was unnaturally grim. His eyes fixed on Lu Yihuan as if they might spew fire.

Ever since Lu Yihuan had spoken those words, his gaze had locked onto the woman’s back—her slender waist and graceful figure radiating allure.

But.

Ling Yue clenched his fists iron-tight, his stare drilling into Jiang Li’s back.

That silhouette had captivated him the instant the beauty had turned and smiled brilliantly. After just that one glance, he had summoned his personal artist to paint her portrait and hang it in his chambers, where he pined for her day and night.

With the sun and moon turning endlessly, Ling Yue had yearned for that beauty to become his bedmate. He had schemed for months and years, even stooping to ally with Du Qingyuan, all for the woman he thought of ceaselessly.

Yet that back, which he had beheld thousands of times, now belonged in someone else’s arms!

He had been just one step away. Just one step!

A metallic tang rose in his throat. His hateful glare zeroed in on the hand wrapped around Jiang Li’s waist.

Naturally, Lu Yihuan caught the resentment twisting his features.

Her fingers slid slowly along the waist in her grasp, drawing it tighter in a deliberate display—right under the glare of Ling Yue’s fiery eyes as she pulled the woman deeper into her embrace.

Her Your Highness belonged to her alone.

Lu Yihuan savored the sight of his face darkening to charcoal gray. She stroked the slender waist beneath her hand, feigning irritation at having her indulgence interrupted.

She lifted her gaze and glanced over casually. “This fellow by Official Du’s side looks unfamiliar. A guest of the Chancellor?”

Here it comes.

Du Qingyuan grew wary, choosing his words carefully before replying, “He’s an old merchant friend of mine. I hadn’t seen him in years and never expected to run into him at the Prime Minister’s Mansion today.”

Sweat soaked through the back of his robes. For now, this was his best bet: gamble that Lu Yihuan hadn’t overheard their conversation and didn’t recognize Ling Yue’s appearance.

Otherwise, a minister of this kingdom consorting with a prince from another… especially with talk of plots against their own princess… his career would end then and there.

Strands of hair at his temple grew damp. Silence fell once more.

Lu Yihuan swept an uninterested glance over him, her own calculations already in motion. Seeing Du Qingyuan trembling in fear, a chill flashed in her eyes.

She had thought Du Qingyuan’s ambition merely excessive but containable. She hadn’t expected it to burn so wildly that he would collude with Ling Yue.

Her gaze dropped to the woman in her arms. After a moment’s thought, Lu Yihuan decided to play the scene to the hilt.

“Official Du knows full well what transpired today—what should be said and what shouldn’t.”

Her tone was icy cold, her implication clear as her palm ambiguously caressed the curve of the waist and back before her. Her fingertips toyed with the woman’s hair in a way that screamed playful provocation.

Du Qingyuan watched the silhouette quiver slightly. Combined with Lu Yihuan’s recent words, he assumed they had stumbled upon the Regent King and her lover.

It was already deeply embarrassing for Lu Yihuan, and he had seen what he shouldn’t have—enough to endanger him alone. He dared not speculate on the identity of that back.

Du Qingyuan bowed respectfully and acknowledged her understanding.

Hearing Lu Yihuan’s muffled hum by his ear, he took it as acceptance of his reply, paying it no further mind.

Fury blazed hotter in Ling Yue’s eyes, his fingertips nearly piercing his palms. Rage burned within him, twisting his features into something grotesque.

From childhood, he had been Ling Kingdom’s most favored prince, destined to rule it one day. Nothing he wanted had ever eluded him—especially not people.

So what if she was the Regent King? Both women—how could Jiang Kingdom’s doddering emperor possibly approve a marriage between them?

Ling Yue wasn’t some spineless weather vane like the fool beside him. He arched a brow, malice dripping from his tone. “The beauty in the Regent King’s arms looks awfully familiar. Might she be an acquaintance of mine?”

His question was brazen and crude, treating the woman in Lu Yihuan’s arms like a mere stepping stone to climb her ladder of power—the naked truth behind most scholars and merchants’ facades.

To rise, you needed guts.

If the one entangled with the Regent King truly was someone he knew, a bold query might just hit the mark and catapult him to the skies, free of his current shell.

His words left no room for doubt—he meant for Jiang Li to turn around and confirm his suspicions.

Jiang Li remained utterly still in Lu Yihuan’s arms, unmoved. She might be embarrassed, but this man’s tone was like yanking whiskers from a tiger.

Suicidal without a care.

“Scram.”

Staring at the eyesore before her, Lu Yihuan didn’t bother hiding the murderous intent in her brow. Her aura crashed like massive waves on the sea—icy, ruthless, intent on driving them away.

She gave Ling Yue no face whatsoever.

Lu Yihuan pulled the woman in her arms tighter, her gaze toward Ling Yue sharp as arrows, their tips lethal enough to fell him in one strike.

His composure crumbled. The prince used to being exalted had never endured such words. His pride felt trampled underfoot.

Ling Yue’s face twisted in humiliation. In the next second, he moved to step forward and confront her.

Du Qingyuan, watching him closely, yanked him back instantly. He didn’t care what tantrum this prince threw later—at least for now, he had to stay put.

Seeing Lu Yihuan guard her prize so ferociously, Du Qingyuan knew whoever she cradled wasn’t for him to probe.

What an impulsive idiot Ling Yue was. Du Qingyuan cursed inwardly.

But with them standing together now, and having already claimed the man as his merchant friend, he had to protect him.

“Regent King, he may deserve death, but I boldly beg mercy for my friend. I beseech you to show leniency.”

A hand tugged at the fabric of her waist.

Lu Yihuan tightened her grip, gazing pensively at Du Qingyuan, who was drenched in sweat, and the resentful Ling Yue beside him. A heavy silence filled the air.

Du Qingyuan gritted his teeth, pressing down the hand twitching at his side once more, awaiting Lu Yihuan’s response.

That hand tugged again, more urgently.

In the stifling quiet, a sudden yelp rang out. Jiang Li’s legs lifted off the ground as Lu Yihuan scooped her up entirely.

One hand clamped firmly under her rear to hoist her, the other seizing her cheek and twisting her face, pressing it into the crook of her neck with irresistible force.

Lu Yihuan!

Are you insane!?

Jiang Li couldn’t stifle a gasp as she was hoisted. Her hands instinctively brushed against Lu Yihuan before wrapping around that slender neck for stability.

Her nape pressed down firmly. Jiang Li wanted to curse Lu Yihuan out but clamped her mouth shut under the circumstances. She had to keep her face hidden from those two, so she buried it even deeper.

Lu Yihuan lifted her high, parading her past them like a declaration. Her gaze flicked lightly over Ling Yue’s ashen face, holding her steady and secure.

This was her Your Highness—hers alone.

She wouldn’t share her with anyone, nor allow any designs on her.

Lu… Yi… Huan!

Fingers twisted in rage. Ling Yue’s face contorted with fury, his fists clenched as if squeezing all his discontent and anger inside.

Watching the overlapping silhouettes depart, flames flickered in his eyes. He flung off the restraining hand, his body trembling with rage.

Fine, Lu Yihuan. We’ll see about this.

“Official Du, when does tonight’s banquet end?”

Seeing the man’s evident lack of calm, Du Qingyuan furrowed his brow warily. “What do you intend?”

The head snapped toward him, freezing Du Qingyuan’s breath, slowing even his inhales.

Ling Yue’s expression was manic, as if possessed.

A chilling madness flashed in his eyes as he repeated word by word, “When does tonight’s banquet end?”

Du Qingyuan’s lips quivered. “Roughly in an hour.”

An hour. Perfect. Plenty of time.

Ling Yue turned his gaze to where the figures had vanished, the viciousness in his eyes making Du Qingyuan frown despite himself. What was this fool planning now?

“I advise you: don’t provoke Lu Yihuan right now,” Du Qingyuan warned coldly.

Ling Yue turned back, sneering with disdain. He had long tired of Du Qingyuan’s timid ways. “Are you lecturing this prince? Official Du?”

They were allies, but Ling Yue could find others besides him.

Du Qingyuan drew a deep breath, suppressing his rising ire. He reminded himself to endure. “I merely hope Your Highness will act with caution.”

“We just crossed paths with her. Until we know if she recognized you, provoking her now benefits our plan in no way.”

Du Qingyuan’s warning did nothing to cool Ling Yue’s burning rage.

He extended a finger, a mocking smile on his face as he flicked at nonexistent dust on Du Qingyuan’s robes. “Official Du, ants like you, crawling step by step, forever skulking in fear.”

His fingers clenched, his smile fading as Ling Yue continued.

“This prince was born a son of heaven. It’s just one move. Even if it fails, so what? Will it ruin our plans?”

“No.”

He shoved the ashen-faced Du Qingyuan away with force. Contempt filled Ling Yue’s features. Mere clowns, daring to instruct him.

Gazing at the departed silhouettes, Ling Yue’s face went blank, but massive waves surged in his eyes.

Lu Yihuan, today is the day you die.

“Lu Yihuan! Are you insane!?”

After being carried a good distance, the hand on her nape unrelenting, and with no one else around, Jiang Li finally unleashed the emotions bottled inside.

She shoved the neck she clung to against Lu Yihuan’s shoulder, flinging off the hand at the back of her head. Her fair cheeks burned crimson with fury at Lu Yihuan.

Towering over her, Jiang Li grew even angrier upon seeing the smile on Lu Yihuan’s face.

Her first instinct wasn’t even to jump down from the embrace?

So she liked this, huh.

Lu Yihuan ignored the angry huff roaring in her ear for the moment. She carried her into the shadows and stopped, grinning up at the person perched on her arm.

After her outburst, Jiang Li looked down at Lu Yihuan. It took a moment for realization to dawn—she was still sitting on Lu Yihuan’s arm. Her face flushed another shade redder.

Her hands balled into fists on Lu Yihuan’s shoulder several times. Seeing no sign of being set down, Jiang Li snapped, “You bastard! Put me down already!”

Seeing the woman before her so embarrassed that even her neck flushed, Lu Yihuan let out a soft “oh” and regretfully lowered her.

Her toes finally touched the ground. Jiang Li flicked up her eyelids, glaring at the unflushed, unruffled woman before her. It only fueled her anger more.

This person had carried her the whole way without so much as breaking a sweat.

Jiang Li’s expression was easy to read. Lu Yihuan curved her lips faintly.

“Because Your Highness is so light—like a feather.”

Hearing the answer to the question she’d buried in her heart, Jiang Li’s ears turned pink. She subconsciously covered her mouth, her eyes widening in surprise as they darted about. Had she actually voiced that thought?

Lu Yihuan turned her head and laughed. Her Your Highness clearly had no idea of her strength and stamina. Compared to the armor and weapons she’d borne in battle, Jiang Li’s weight was laughably light.

For Lu Yihuan, carrying her this short distance was nothing—even all the way back to the palace wouldn’t tax her.

Seeing that overly brilliant smile, Jiang Li’s annoyance spiked. The question she’d meant to ask snapped back to her.

Her fingertips trembled faintly. Recalling Lu Yihuan’s words from before made her seethe. Biting? Said on purpose in front of those two!

“You did that deliberately!”

Lu Yihuan tilted her head. “Which part?”

Jiang Li’s blush was impossible to hide now. She tried to press her lips together and endure it.

But. Looking at Lu Yihuan’s innocent expression, the more she saw, the less she could tolerate it. She lifted her foot and stomped down hard.

“Ow~” Lu Yihuan let out a soft cry, her eyes gazing up at Jiang Li with pitiful innocence.

I really want to make it hurt forever!

Staring at Lu Yihuan’s pitiful look, Jiang Li gnashed her teeth.

She’d been so bold spreading rumors about her, so brazen carrying her past them—now a light stomp and she cried pain!

What about my face? Who’ll hurt for me?

Even knowing Lu Yihuan might be faking those watery eyes, Jiang Li huffed softly and withdrew her foot.

Fine, whatever. She’d bitten back anyway. No loss.

“Explain why you did that.” Jiang Li meant to ask why Lu Yihuan had said those things in front of those two—some words had been utterly unnecessary.

“Because I like Your Highness.” Casual as could be.

It left Jiang Li’s mind reeling, dizzy. She looked at Lu Yihuan in confusion. What did that mean? The kind she was thinking of? Was that even what she’d asked…?

Lu Yihuan’s lips curved, dropping another bombshell.

“And because I was jealous just now.”

What? Likes her? Jealous? Lu Yihuan likes me, so she was jealous… Her jealousy meant her “like” was the romantic kind?

Threads tangled in Jiang Li’s mind as she tried to unravel them.

“You… like me? But…”

Hearing that “but,” Lu Yihuan’s smile gradually faded, only to reform as she recalled something, shifting into the expression Jiang Li adored most.

Her eyes dark and alluring, lips hooked in a smile, Lu Yihuan leaned close to Jiang Li, murmuring low by her ear like bait on a line.

“Say you like me, and I’ll let you drink my water.”