Chapter 34
Li Xinjun led Song Ling to the main table and introduced her to Grand General Duoluo, showering Song Ling with praise, emphasizing her kindness and abilities. Grand General Duoluo was impressed by Song Ling, and Li Xinjun’s enthusiastic endorsement further solidified his favorable opinion of her.
The guests that evening were all high-ranking officials and nobles. Li Xinjun’s status as the “Most Talented Woman of the Great Qing,” coupled with the Emperor’s favor, made her a sought-after acquaintance. Some even speculated that she might become the future Empress, treating her with utmost respect and seeking to curry favor with her.
The recent jiangshi incidents had caused widespread anxiety, and the officials had been under immense pressure from the Emperor. This banquet provided a rare opportunity for them to relax and enjoy themselves. The atmosphere was lively, and the wine flowed freely.
Many guests approached Li Xinjun to offer toasts. She had never consumed alcohol before, being underage, but tonight, as it was her coming-of-age celebration, she accepted the toasts, taking small sips of the lychee wine. The wine was sweet and smooth, easy to drink, and she quickly finished several cups. Song Ling, concerned that Li Xinjun might get drunk, intercepted many of the toasts, drinking in her stead.
After the banquet concluded, Grand General Duoluo saw the guests and the Emperor off and then returned to his own mansion. Song Ling was also slightly tipsy, but she insisted on helping the now unconscious Li Xinjun back to her room. Once inside, she closed the door behind them.
She helped Li Xinjun onto the bed, but Li Xinjun, refusing to let go, clung to Song Ling. Song Ling sighed and sat down on the bed, letting Li Xinjun hug her tightly.
“Sister Ling, I missed you so much!”
“I know, Jun’er. I missed you too.”
“Sister Ling, promise me you’ll never leave me again.” Li Xinjun looked up at her with pleading eyes.
“Silly girl, I just promised you, didn’t I? I won’t leave you.”
“You’re lying! You promised to be with me forever before, but then you left without a word! Do you know how heartbroken I was? Waaah!”
Drunk and emotional, Li Xinjun poured out her grievances, her words stabbing at Song Ling’s heart, filling her with guilt. When she had left, she hadn’t expected to be gone for so long. She had been focused on eliminating the jiangshi king, believing it would be a quick mission. She hadn’t imagined it would take a year.
“I’m sorry, Jun’er. I was reckless. I didn’t realize I would be gone for so long. I won’t do it again. Can you forgive me?”
By now, Li Xinjun had passed out completely, her head resting on Song Ling’s lap. Song Ling chuckled softly and gently laid Li Xinjun down on the bed. She was about to leave when Li Xinjun grabbed her sleeve, refusing to let go. Defeated, Song Ling lay down beside her, allowing Li Xinjun to continue hugging her.
She adjusted her position, but Li Xinjun clung to her like an octopus, afraid that she would disappear again. Song Ling looked at her, her heart warming. The person she had longed for was here, in her arms. She couldn’t resist leaning down and kissing Li Xinjun’s lips softly.
Li Xinjun, as if sensing the kiss, reached up and pulled Song Ling’s head closer, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss. She responded eagerly, her hands roaming Song Ling’s body. Song Ling, unable to resist the temptation, tried to pull away, but Li Xinjun nibbled on her neck, sending shivers down her spine.
Song Ling gasped, a soft moan escaping her lips. “Mmm…” Li Xinjun’s kisses trailed down her neck to her collarbone. Song Ling, overwhelmed by desire, flipped Li Xinjun over, pinning her beneath her.
Li Xinjun, intoxicated and persistent, struggled against Song Ling’s weight, pulling her close. Song Ling, lost in passion, kissed Li Xinjun’s neck and collarbone, igniting a fire within her.
She untied Li Xinjun’s waistband with one hand, her other hand seeking her lips. She kissed her deeply, but Li Xinjun suddenly frowned and pushed her away, protesting.
“No! Stop it! I’ll be angry if you continue!”
Song Ling froze, her body stiff, afraid to move. She thought Li Xinjun was disgusted by her actions and didn’t know how to explain herself.
“Brother Hongli, I warned you not to take advantage of me again!”
Li Xinjun’s words, spoken with anger, shattered Song Ling’s heart. She sighed deeply, rolled over, and lay on her back, closing her eyes.
She had almost crossed a line with Li Xinjun. She rubbed her temples, her mood plummeting from elation to despair. Although Li Xinjun had rejected her because she mistook her for Hongli, it still highlighted the ambiguity of their relationship. If Li Xinjun chose to be with Hongli, it would undoubtedly be a better life for her than being with a woman like Song Ling.
Song Ling’s heart ached with unrequited love. She didn’t want to burden Li Xinjun or ruin her life. She wanted Li Xinjun to be happy, and she knew that she couldn’t be the one to provide that happiness.
She turned to look at Li Xinjun, who had fallen asleep. Tears welled up in her eyes, soaking the pillow. She caressed Li Xinjun’s face and leaned down, kissing her forehead softly.
“Jun’er, I love you. I want you to be happy, always.”
She turned away, unable to bear the sight of Li Xinjun’s sleeping face. After a while, exhausted, she drifted off to sleep. When she woke up, she found herself being held by Li Xinjun, who was still asleep.
She glanced at the window. It was already bright outside. She carefully disentangled herself from Li Xinjun’s embrace and got out of bed to wash up. A knock on the door interrupted her.
“Miss, are you awake? It’s Yingchun. May I come in and help you dress?”
“She’s not awake yet. She had a bit too much to drink last night. You don’t need to attend to me, but could you please bring a hangover tea for your mistress?” Song Ling replied through the door.
“Yes, Miss Song. I’ll prepare it right away.”
After Yingchun left, Song Ling finished washing up and getting dressed. Li Xinjun, roused by their voices, frowned and rubbed her temples. Her head was pounding from the previous night’s indulgence. Song Ling, hearing her stir, turned to see that she was awake. She quickly finished dressing and went to the bedside.
“Jun’er, you’re awake?”
“Sister Ling~ Good morning. Have you been up for long?”
“Good morning. I just woke up.”
“Oh, my head hurts.”
“That’s what you get for drinking so much last night. I told you not to overdo it, but you wouldn’t listen.”
“I was happy! Happy to see you! And I’m an adult now! I can finally protect you!”
Li Xinjun sat up, a bright smile on her face. Song Ling sighed and sat down beside her, massaging her temples to relieve the headache.
“I asked Yingchun to bring some hangover tea. You’ll feel better after you drink it.”
“It’s so nice to have you here.” Li Xinjun leaned against Song Ling, seeking comfort.
“You’re still so clingy at your age?”
“I’ll always be clingy with you, Sister Ling. Age doesn’t matter.”
“You’re so shameless.”
“Yes, I am. I only want you, Sister Ling.”
“Oh, you! You better break that habit. People will laugh at you.”
“Let them laugh. I don’t care. As long as we’re happy.”
“You might be shameless, but I’m not.”
A knock on the door interrupted them. After receiving permission to enter, Yingchun entered the room, carrying a tray with a cup of hangover tea. Li Xinjun and Song Ling stood up and went to the table. Li Xinjun picked up the cup, blew on it gently, and took small sips of the tea.
“Drink slowly. It’s hot.”
“I’m hungry. I want to finish this quickly and have breakfast with you.”
“Miss, breakfast is ready. You and Miss Song can come and eat whenever you’re ready.”
“Sigh, you’re still such a glutton.”
“I’m still growing! I need to eat more.”
“Yes, yes, you always have an excuse. Come on, glutton. Let’s go have breakfast.”
“Okay, let’s go!”
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