Category: Bloodthirsty Countess’s Overbearing Love

Chapter 35

“Miss, Grand General Duoluo is here to see you,” Xia Ri announced, entering the dining hall.

“Oh? Bring him in. Yingchun, please prepare another set of utensils.”

Moments later, Grand General Duoluo entered the dining hall, accompanied by Ah Qi and Brother Wu, both carrying packages. Li Xinjun looked at them curiously.

“Grandfather, what brings you here? And what’s with all the packages?”

“Child, I’ve sent them to live here with you. They’ll protect you.”

“Protect me? With them? Hahaha! I’m more likely to be protecting them!”

“Hey, hey, hey, Little Jun, Ah Qi and I are guard captains now! Have some respect!”

“No way! You never practice your martial arts! I’m way stronger than you now! And you want me to show you respect?”

“You little brat! How dare you talk back to me! I’ll show you what respect is! Let’s spar! I’ll teach you a lesson!”

“Bring it on! I’m not afraid of you! We’ll spar after I finish eating.”

“Hahaha, alright! I’ll be the judge! I’m curious to see how much you’ve improved. Speaking of which, did you practice this morning?”

“Grandfather, I overslept. I didn’t have time.”

“You see? You drank too much last night and couldn’t wake up this morning! And you dare to criticize Brother Wu and Ah Qi for not practicing? You haven’t even been here a day and you’ve already skipped practice! I think I’ll have to come here every morning and supervise your training.”

“Grandfather, I just had a little too much to drink last night. It won’t happen again. But it would be great if you could come every day. I can continue learning from you.”

“Doctor Song, it’s good to see you again. How have you been?” Brother Wu asked Song Ling.

“I’m well, thank you.”

“After you left, Little Jun was practically moping around, barely eating or sleeping. I almost thought she had lost her husband! Hahaha! It’s good that you’re back. Now I don’t have to see her looking so miserable.”

“Brother Wu! Shut up!” Li Xinjun’s face flushed red.

“Hahaha, what? Am I wrong? Who was the one crying and saying she wanted to go find Doctor Song? Now you’re denying it?”

Li Xinjun, speechless, glared at him. Song Ling, touched by Li Xinjun’s adorable reaction, reached out and patted her head, smiling gently. Li Xinjun, seeing Song Ling’s smile, felt her annoyance melt away.

“Alright, I’m done eating. Let’s go spar!”

“Hey, hey, hey, it’s supposed to be a friendly spar, not a duel! Why are you so angry? Hahaha!”

Brother Wu continued to tease her. Li Xinjun, with a “hmph,” grabbed her Japanese sword and went to the courtyard, waiting for him.

Brother Wu, Grand General Duoluo, Song Ling, and Ah Qi followed her. Brother Wu picked up a broadsword and faced Li Xinjun, who drew her sword, pointing it at him. Grand General Duoluo stepped between them and said,

“Remember, this is a friendly spar. Don’t injure each other. If you use excessive force, I’ll make you clean the latrines for a week. Understood?”

“Understood,” they replied in unison.

“Alright, are you ready?”

“Brother Wu, how about a wager?”

“What kind of wager?”

“If I win, you have to do whatever I say.”

“Okay! And if I win?”

“Same thing! You have to do whatever I say!”

“Deal! Let’s begin!”

“Alright, begin!”

They bowed to each other and then began to spar. Brother Wu swung his broadsword at Li Xinjun, who nimbly dodged the blow and then stepped on the back of the blade, pushing it down.

Brother Wu flipped the broadsword back up and charged forward, swinging it horizontally. Li Xinjun calmly kicked the blade away and then leaped forward, her sword raised above her head. She brought it down towards Brother Wu with lightning speed. He barely managed to dodge, stumbling backward and narrowly avoiding her attack.

“Wow, Little Jun, you’ve improved so much! No wonder you’re so cocky!”

“Hee hee hee, of course! I practice every day, unlike you, Brother Wu! Take this!”

Li Xinjun leaped into the air, flipped, and landed on Brother Wu’s shoulders. She clamped her legs around his head and spun, throwing him off balance. He stumbled, using his broadsword as a crutch to prevent himself from falling. He grabbed her leg and pulled her down.

Li Xinjun landed gracefully and delivered a swift kick to his chest, sending him stumbling backward. She seized the opportunity, spun around, and pointed her sword at his throat. Brother Wu, defeated, raised his hands in surrender.

“I yield.”

“Hee hee hee, you lose, Brother Wu! Now you have to do whatever I say.”

“Sigh, a bet’s a bet.”

“The spar is over. The winner is clear: Miss Li Xinjun.”

Grand General Duoluo stepped forward and announced the result. Li Xinjun, beaming, sheathed her sword and went to Song Ling, her face glowing with pride. Song Ling gave her a thumbs-up.

“Jun’er, you were amazing! I haven’t seen you in a while, and your skills have improved so much! Your swordsmanship is different from what I taught you. Did someone teach you?”

“Yes, Grandfather taught me. And I also met Abbess Jingping at the Tianshan Sect. She gave me an inner energy cultivation manual and told me to practice on my own.”

“How did you meet my master?”

“I went to the Tianshan Sect to look for you, hoping you might be there. That’s how I met Abbess Jingping.”

“I’m curious. Why would my master teach you our sect’s inner energy cultivation techniques? It’s supposed to be passed down only to our disciples.”

“I’m not sure. She said we were fated to meet and that I was your destined soulmate. I didn’t really understand, but she gave me the manual anyway.”

“My master said you were my destined soulmate?! Are you sure that’s what she said?”

“Yes, she did. Sister Ling, do you know what it means?”

“I know, but I don’t know how to explain it to you. I’ll tell you another time.” Song Ling frowned, her expression a mix of disbelief and confusion.

Li Xinjun, not understanding, nodded obediently and dropped the subject. She turned to Brother Wu with a mischievous grin. Brother Wu, however, was staring at the ground, his face flushed with embarrassment. Despite conceding defeat, he was still ashamed of losing to a young girl.

Grand General Duoluo approached Li Xinjun and Song Ling. He looked at Song Ling and said,

“Doctor Song, I heard from the girl that you’re a disciple of the Tianshan Sect and are quite skilled in martial arts. Why don’t you spar with her and see how much she’s improved?”

“Grand General, I am indeed a disciple of the Tianshan Sect. I taught Jun’er some martial arts, but it wasn’t for very long. She’s a quick learner and has done well on her own. There’s no need for a spar now. I watched her fight Brother Wu, and she’s definitely improved a lot. I’ll be training with her every day from now on, so we can spar then.”

“Very well. I’ll come back tomorrow and observe your skills.”

“Yes, Grand General.”

“Oh, by the way, child, the Emperor has requested your presence at the palace this Friday. There will be a banquet to welcome envoys from foreign nations. Prince Anling and all the officials will be there. As the ‘Most Talented Woman of the Great Qing,’ you should attend as well. You can bring Doctor Song along to experience the grandeur of the palace.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll bring Sister Ling with me. Thank you, Grandfather.”

“Good. I’ll be going now. I’ll leave these two with you. Let them stay here. It’s good to have them around for protection.”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, fine. I have plenty of room anyway. They can stay.” Li Xinjun looked at Brother Wu and Ah Qi with mock disdain. Ah Qi ignored her, but Brother Wu’s face flushed red with anger.

For the next few days, Li Xinjun woke up early every morning to practice her martial arts, forcing Brother Wu and Ah Qi to join her. Song Ling also joined their training sessions, and Grand General Duoluo, of course, arrived early every day to supervise them.

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!”

Chapter 33

After the court was dismissed, Li Xinjun returned to the Grand General’s Mansion with Duoluo, still reeling from the revelation that her “Brother Hongli” was actually the Emperor, Qianlong. No wonder he had been able to arrange for the condemned prisoners so easily.

“Grandfather, why didn’t you tell me that Brother Hongli was the Emperor?”

“Because he was traveling incognito. It wouldn’t have been appropriate to reveal his identity.”

“But you could have told me later! I was completely clueless!”

“You two already knew each other. I assumed he would tell you himself.”

“Oh well, it’s done now. But I even pointed my sword at him! Do you think he’ll hold it against me?”

“The Emperor is a wise and benevolent ruler. I’m sure he won’t hold a grudge. And if he did, he wouldn’t wait until now to punish you.”

“I hope so.”

“By the way, child, your birthday is in a few days, and the mansion the Emperor bestowed upon you should be ready by then. Why don’t we throw a housewarming party at your new mansion to celebrate your birthday?”

“Wow, that’s a great idea! It’s been a while since we’ve had a celebration. But Grandfather, I don’t want to leave you.”

“Silly girl, your mansion is just down the street from the Grand General’s Mansion. I can visit you anytime, and you can always come back here for meals.”

“Grandfather, I’m so grateful for you. You’ve given me a sense of family that I haven’t felt since losing my parents.”

“Don’t talk like that, child.” Grand General Duoluo patted her head affectionately.

A few days later, Li Xinjun, with her few belongings, moved into her new mansion. It was a spacious compound, with a courtyard garden surrounding a central building. The garden featured a small artificial lake with a wooden bridge and was surrounded by cherry blossom trees, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.

Li Xinjun admired the scenery as the mansion’s steward, Chen Fu, approached her with the staff, all lined up in the courtyard to welcome her.

“Greetings, Miss. I am Chen Fu, the steward of this mansion. These four maids are Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. And these four servants are Gong, Xi, Fa, and Cai. We chose these names to make it easier for you to remember them. They are all indentured servants, bound to serve you for life. If you wish, you may rename them.”

“There’s no need. Everything is fine as it is. I have no objections.”

“Would you like to have a meal now, Miss? I can have the kitchen prepare something immediately.”

“No need, Brother Fu. You all go about your duties. Don’t mind me.”

“As you wish, Miss.”

Li Xinjun entered a spacious and comfortable bedroom, furnished with a large bed, a table and chairs, a wardrobe, and a dressing table. She opened the wooden wardrobe and found it filled with beautiful clothes, all in her preferred style. It seemed the Emperor had spared no expense in preparing everything for her.

She heard Grand General Duoluo’s booming voice outside. He had arrived with his men to prepare for tonight’s banquet. The servants busied themselves setting up tables in the courtyard, while the maids decorated the area.

Grand General Duoluo had brought his best chefs to Li Xinjun’s kitchen. The chefs, experienced and skilled, quickly gathered their ingredients and began preparing the feast.

Soon, the courtyard was adorned with red ribbons and lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere. As dusk settled, the lanterns were lit, casting a warm glow over the courtyard. Guests began to arrive. Minister Chen, dressed in a long robe and carrying a jar of daughter red wine, approached Li Xinjun with a smile.

“Miss Li, congratulations on your new home and happy birthday!”

“Thank you, Minister Chen. Please, have a seat. The banquet will begin soon.”

Minister Chen handed the wine to a servant and then joined the other guests. A short while later, a luxurious carriage arrived at the mansion’s gate. Hongli, dressed in a golden robe, the exclusive attire of the imperial family, stepped out of the carriage, his bearing regal and imposing.

He approached Li Xinjun with a smile. Li Xinjun, now aware of his identity, no longer dared to treat him casually. She bowed deeply, but before she could complete the gesture of respect due to an emperor, Hongli stopped her.

“Miss Xinjun, although you now know my true identity, I hope we can still interact as we did before, in private. Would that be alright?”

“But you’re the Emperor. Is that appropriate?”

“Does being the Emperor mean I can’t be your friend?”

“Of course not! I consider you a good friend. But you are the Emperor, and there are certain protocols that must be observed.”

“I, the Emperor, hereby grant you permission to dispense with all formalities in private.”

“Well, in that case, I’ll continue to call you Brother Hongli.” Li Xinjun smiled playfully.

“That’s better. By the way, it’s your birthday today, and I have a special gift for you! I guarantee you’ll love it!”

“Oh? What is it?”

“It’s in the carriage. Why don’t you go and see for yourself?”

“Hee hee hee, what is it? Is there a hint?”

“The hint is that when you see this gift, you’ll have to fulfill your promise and kiss me on the cheek.”

“You… you mean Sister Ling is in the carriage?”

Li Xinjun’s eyes widened, her heart pounding with excitement. Hongli smiled and nodded, tapping his cheek with his finger. Li Xinjun rushed forward and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before running towards the carriage. She flung open the curtain, and there, sitting inside, was Song Ling.

Overwhelmed with joy, Li Xinjun jumped into the carriage and embraced Song Ling tightly. The person she had longed for was finally here. Tears welled up in her eyes. Song Ling returned the embrace, her heart overflowing with emotion. She had missed Li Xinjun dearly.

They clung to each other, their reunion bittersweet. Song Ling, though happy to see Li Xinjun, felt a pang of sadness. She had witnessed Li Xinjun’s interaction with Hongli and sensed the affection between them.

In just a year, another man had entered Li Xinjun’s life, a man of power and influence, the Emperor himself. He was far more eligible than Song Ling.

If it had been anyone else, Song Ling might have held onto a glimmer of hope. But Hongli was exceptional. Even disregarding his status, he was talented, handsome, and could offer Li Xinjun a life of comfort and happiness that Song Ling could never provide.

Song Ling’s heart ached, and tears streamed down her face. She hugged Li Xinjun tighter, kissing her forehead. Li Xinjun, enjoying Song Ling’s warmth, returned the embrace, their bodies expressing the depth of their longing.

Hongli, seeing that they hadn’t emerged from the carriage, gently reminded them that it was getting late and they should join the guests.

Reluctantly, they released each other and, gazing into each other’s eyes, smiled. Li Xinjun wiped away Song Ling’s tears.

“I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.”

“Let’s go inside and talk.”

“Okay.”

Li Xinjun, her hand tightly clasped in Song Ling’s, led her into the mansion. Hongli, understanding that they had much to catch up on, discreetly went to the courtyard and took a seat at one of the tables.

Li Xinjun led Song Ling to her bedroom and closed the door behind them. She then turned and embraced Song Ling from behind.

“Sister Ling, you’re finally back.”

“Yes, I’m back.”

“I’ll never let you go off on your own again! Do you know how worried I was? I was so afraid that I would never see you again, that I would lose you!”

Song Ling turned around and pulled Li Xinjun into her arms. She realized that in just a year, Li Xinjun had grown taller than her. She could no longer bury Li Xinjun’s head in her chest as she used to. Now, Li Xinjun’s head rested on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Jun’er. I worried you.”

“Sister Ling, promise me you’ll never leave me again.” Li Xinjun’s voice trembled with emotion.

“Okay, I promise. I’ll never leave you again.” “Unless you leave me first,” she added silently in her heart.

“Sister Ling, there’s so much I want to tell you, but the guests have arrived. They’re here for my birthday party. I have to go out and greet them. Can we talk later, after the banquet?”

“Yes, go and entertain your guests. We’ll talk tonight.”

“Sister Ling, I’m so happy you’re here. I thought I would have to celebrate my birthday without you this year. I was heartbroken.”

“Silly girl, if you want, I promise to celebrate every birthday with you from now on.”

“Really? You promise?”

“I promise.”

“Let’s go out then. I want to introduce you to my grandfather.”

“Your grandfather?”

“Yes, Grand General Duoluo. He’s been taking care of me all this time. I’m sure you’ll like him.”

“Okay.”

Chapter 32

After the court session, Mark accompanied Prince Anling to a grand mansion in the capital. It was a property owned by the Prime Minister, intended for rental income. Due to the high rent, it had remained vacant, and the Prime Minister had offered it to Prince Anling for his stay.

Meanwhile, Song Ling, following the trail of Mark’s demonic aura, had arrived in the bustling city of Sichuan province. However, she lost track of the jiangshi king. His aura had vanished. She was spotted by one of the Emperor’s spies, who immediately alerted the local authorities. They sent men to the inn where she was staying.

They presented her with an imperial edict, informing her that Li Xinjun had gone to the capital with Minister Chen and was searching for her. Song Ling’s heart ached for Li Xinjun. She longed to be reunited with her, to hold her close. But she hadn’t found the jiangshi king yet, and after all this effort, she couldn’t give up the pursuit.

However, she had no leads on the jiangshi king’s whereabouts. The edict mentioned that there had been jiangshi sightings in the capital, which was why Li Xinjun had gone there to assist. Concerned for Li Xinjun’s safety, and having lost track of the jiangshi king, Song Ling agreed to let the authorities escort her to the capital.

In the capital, Hongli, overjoyed upon learning of Song Ling’s whereabouts, rushed to find Li Xinjun. He handed her the letter from his spies, letting her read it herself. As Li Xinjun read the letter, tears streamed down her face, and her hand trembled.

She had finally received news of Song Ling, who was on her way to the capital. Her heart soared with joy and relief. She reread the letter, a smile on her lips, tears in her eyes, afraid of missing a single word. She put down the letter and looked at Hongli with gratitude. He smiled reassuringly and wiped away her tears.

“Brother Hongli, thank you! Thank you so much!”

“You’re welcome, Miss Xinjun. I promised I would do my best to find her.”

“I can finally see her again! I’ve been worried sick about her all this time, but I didn’t know where to look for her. Now I finally have news! I’m so happy! Thank you, Brother Hongli! I don’t know how to repay you.”

“She hasn’t arrived in the capital yet. You can thank me when you see her.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Li Xinjun hugged Hongli. He held her gently, patting her back, letting her cry in his arms.

From that day forward, Li Xinjun was like a woman possessed. She worked tirelessly, day and night, conducting experiments on Uncle Wang, determined to find a solution to the jiangshi problem before Song Ling’s arrival. Her efforts paid off, and she finally devised a plan.

She immediately informed Minister Chen, who presented the idea to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, finding the plan feasible, presented it to the Emperor. Hongli, after hearing the plan, agreed to let her try it.

The plan was simple, similar to the one they had used in Chen Family Village. However, this time, Li Xinjun wouldn’t use chicken blood as bait. It wasn’t potent enough to attract these intelligent jiangshi. She would use a large quantity of human blood, specifically the blood of condemned prisoners.

She proposed executing a group of prisoners who were nearing their execution dates and scheduling their executions for the same day. The strong scent of blood would drive the jiangshi hiding among the humans into a frenzy, exposing them. She would then have soldiers stationed around the execution grounds to capture the jiangshi.

The Emperor approved her plan, and they began to make preparations. Prince Anling was appointed as the presiding official for the executions, responsible for overseeing the process. Minister Chen and Grand General Duoluo would lead the soldiers, surrounding the execution grounds and ready to strike.

The Ministry of Justice selected dozens of prisoners from the prison, and the Emperor issued a decree, scheduling their executions for the same day.

On the day of the executions, Prince Anling sat at the main table, holding a wooden tablet. Over a dozen prisoners knelt in the center of the execution grounds, each with an executioner standing behind them, their broadswords raised. A large crowd of spectators gathered around the perimeter, waiting for the appointed hour. When the time came, Prince Anling threw down the wooden tablet.

The executioners removed the wooden tags from the prisoners’ backs and tossed them aside. They then raised their broadswords and, in unison, brought them down on the prisoners’ necks.

Heads rolled, and bodies slumped to the ground, blood gushing from their severed necks. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood. The ground was soaked crimson, the blood flowing into a nearby ditch, creating a gruesome spectacle.

Li Xinjun, hidden in a nearby building, watched through a window, her grip tightening on her Japanese sword. Beside her, Brother Wu and Ah Qi also gripped their weapons, their eyes scanning the crowd. They knew the jiangshi wouldn’t be able to resist the alluring scent of blood.

They waited patiently, observing the spectators. As expected, they noticed several individuals whose eyes were turning red, their fangs beginning to show.

They didn’t act immediately. They wanted to wait until all the jiangshi lost control and exposed themselves, ensuring that none escaped. Soon, the jiangshi could no longer resist their primal urges. Driven by hunger, they surged forward, overwhelming the execution grounds, tearing at the dead prisoners and lapping up the blood from the ground.

Seeing that the time was right, Li Xinjun whistled. Grand General Duoluo burst through a window, landing in the center of the execution grounds and attacking the jiangshi. Minister Chen and the soldiers quickly joined the fray.

Li Xinjun, with Brother Wu, Ah Qi, and a detachment of soldiers, surrounded the execution grounds, preventing any jiangshi from escaping. The jiangshi, starved and driven mad by the scent of blood, mindlessly rushed towards the source.

Li Xinjun joined the fight, her sword flashing. They worked together, swiftly eliminating the jiangshi. Soon, all the jiangshi were dead. The plan was a success. The soldiers cheered, their victory echoing through the streets, joined by the cheers of the relieved citizens.

News of their success quickly reached the Emperor, who was overjoyed. He issued a decree, lifting the curfew and summoning Li Xinjun and the others to the palace for a reward. A soldier, riding a swift horse, arrived at the execution grounds, holding the imperial edict.

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Miss Li Xinjun and the esteemed officials who defended the capital and eliminated the jiangshi are hereby summoned to the palace for an audience with the Emperor and to receive their rewards. This concludes the imperial edict.”

“Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”(T/N: 萬歲萬歲萬萬歲” is a traditional Chinese phrase used to wish the emperor longevity and prosperity, with “萬歲” (ten thousand years-longevity) repeated three times for emphasis. There are many cases where the phrase is repeated three times to emphasize it.)

The soldiers and officials knelt and bowed, expressing their gratitude. They then ordered the other soldiers to clean up the execution grounds and prepare to enter the palace. Li Xinjun returned to the mansion with Grand General Duoluo and Minister Chen to freshen up and change into clean clothes.

At the grand hall of the imperial palace, Li Xinjun saw rows of officials, neatly arranged on either side, leaving a clear path in the middle. A large table, draped in a golden tablecloth, stood at the front of the hall, with an imposing dragon throne behind it. The Emperor, dressed in a golden robe, sat upon the throne.

Li Xinjun approached the throne and knelt, her head bowed.

“Your humble servant, Li Xinjun, greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”

“Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Li Xinjun stood up but kept her head bowed. As a commoner, she couldn’t look directly at the Emperor.

“Miss Li, I have heard countless tales of your deeds and admire your intelligence and capabilities. It is an honor for the Great Qing to have such a talented young woman, skilled in both literary and martial arts. You are a true gem.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. I have merely fulfilled my duty as a citizen. Protecting our home and defending our country is everyone’s responsibility.” Li Xinjun wondered why the Emperor’s voice sounded so familiar.

“Well said! Indeed, protecting our home and defending our country is everyone’s responsibility. It is commendable to hear such words from a young woman.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Raise your head and let me see you.”

Li Xinjun raised her head and was stunned to see that the Emperor was none other than Hongli, her “Brother Hongli.” She stared at him in shock. Hongli winked at her and then, resuming his imperial demeanor, addressed the court.

“I am pleased to announce that all officials who participated in this operation shall receive double their usual salary and a promotion.”

“Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty. We will serve you faithfully until our dying breath.” The officials knelt and bowed, expressing their gratitude.

“As for Miss Li Xinjun, since you are not an official, I am unsure how to reward you. You are the greatest contributor to this success, and I feel that merely bestowing upon you a hundred taels of gold would be insufficient. Tell me, what is your desire?”

“Your Majesty, I have no requests at this time.”

“Then how about this? In addition to a hundred taels of gold and a mansion, I grant you a wish. If you have any requests in the future, you may present them to me.”

“Thank you for your immense generosity, Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”

“The people of the capital have suffered greatly during this curfew. Issue a decree. Tonight, there shall be a grand feast throughout the city for all citizens to celebrate. Court dismissed!”

Chapter 31

Mark had believed that his death would end his suffering and protect humanity from further harm. However, he had forgotten about the people he had killed in the prison. They had transformed into jiangshi and continued to plague the world. A high-ranking official learned of this and, driven by ambition, used these jiangshi to overthrow the Emperor, refining more jiangshi to serve as his undead soldiers.

The consequences were disastrous, leading to the burning of an entire city and the deaths of tens of thousands of people. But how had Mark, buried alive, returned to the world?

Several years ago, a powerful individual stumbled upon an ancient text. This book was written by the same author as the one Song Ling possessed. Song Ling’s book was the second half, detailing methods to combat jiangshi, while this person’s book was the first half, documenting the history of jiangshi and their origins.

This individual discovered that in addition to the jiangshi that had emerged from the prison, there had been similar incidents in a small village, where Mark had bitten several villagers. After extensive research, he found that all the locations where jiangshi had appeared in ancient times had reports of sightings of a foreigner with red hair and green eyes.

He traced the trail back to the descendants of the gravedigger who had buried Mark. The gravedigger, grateful for the fortune Mark had bestowed upon his family, had told his descendants about Mark and instructed them to venerate him as an ancestor.

After the gravedigger’s death, his descendants continued to honor his wishes, enshrining Mark’s spirit tablet and including his story in their family precepts, ensuring that future generations would remember their benefactor.

This led the ambitious individual to Mark’s grave. He sent men to exhume the body and discovered that it was indeed unusual.

Despite being buried for many years, the body hadn’t decomposed. It hadn’t even turned to bones. It was simply a desiccated corpse.

They consulted with Taoist priests, who, following the instructions in the ancient text, extracted fluids from Mark’s body and injected them into ordinary corpses. As expected, the corpses transformed into jiangshi.

They then discovered that Mark’s body still reacted to blood. They experimented by dripping blood onto his lips, and slowly, his body began to show signs of change.

They continued to refine more jiangshi, using different locations to avoid detection. The cave Song Ling and Li Xinjun had discovered was just one of their laboratories.

The Taoist priest in the cave had been feeding Mark animal blood for a year, but there had been little progress. He received orders to use human blood instead. Mark, having consumed a significant amount of human blood, was nearing full resurrection. This explained the dark shadow that had escaped from the cave. It was Mark, awakened by his newfound power.

Mark, emerging from the burning cave, fled into the nearby forest, disoriented and unsure of his whereabouts. He detected the presence of other jiangshi and, after investigating, discovered that someone was using his essence to create more jiangshi, unleashing them upon the world.

These jiangshi, however, weren’t created through his bite. They were refined using fluids extracted from his body. Therefore, they hadn’t inherited his full power. Some couldn’t even speak or think.

Mark was enraged. He was furious at the humans who had exploited his essence to create these abominations and at the innocent jiangshi who were being slaughtered. If humans didn’t appreciate their peaceful lives, then he wouldn’t show them mercy.

He decided to no longer care about the consequences of his existence. He would leave his fate to the heavens. He would no longer hide or run. He would live the life he wanted, making up for all the years he had lost.

He looked at his reflection in a pool of water and realized that despite the passage of time, he hadn’t aged. He tied his long, unkempt hair back with a strip of cloth. He decided to blend into human society and seek out the life he desired, no longer content to hide in the wilderness.

He left the forest and searched for a settlement. He arrived at a bustling city in Yunnan province, a prosperous place with many wealthy merchants and officials.

The most prominent figure in the city was Prince Anling, the youngest brother of the late Emperor Yongzheng. Upon ascending the throne, Emperor Yongzheng had granted his brothers titles and territories. Prince Anling had been assigned to Yunnan province. He had been a diligent and effective ruler, earning the respect and admiration of the people.

He had eradicated the bandits that had plagued the region, improved the economy, and raised the standard of living for the people.

Prince Anling was known for his compassion and often interacted with the common people, addressing their grievances, overseeing infrastructure projects, and comforting those who had lost loved ones in wars. Some even claimed that he was the most qualified candidate for the throne, after the current Emperor, Qianlong. Of course, these were mostly the sentiments of those who had benefited from his kindness.

Mark, through a chance encounter, met Prince Anling. They hit it off immediately and became close friends. Prince Anling, like his brother, Emperor Yongzheng, was fascinated by Western culture. He spoke fluent English and had a collection of Western artifacts.

He was immediately drawn to Mark, a foreigner, and they quickly became friends. Mark, having been isolated from the world for so long, was intrigued by the gadgets and trinkets Prince Anling showed him.

The gramophone, which played enchanting music, and the dark sunglasses were novelties that hadn’t existed during his time. He was amazed by the advancements in technology.

Mark concocted a story about his past, claiming to be the son of a British merchant who had traveled to China with his father and been shipwrecked, spending years stranded on a deserted island. He had only recently returned to civilization and was unfamiliar with all the new inventions.

Prince Anling, hearing his tale, sympathized with him. Finding him to be a kindred spirit, he invited Mark to stay at his mansion as a guest.

He provided Mark with new clothes and had his appearance groomed. Mark, already handsome, was transformed by the elegant attire, shedding his former monstrous appearance and becoming a dashing gentleman.

Moreover, as a nobleman by birth, Mark hadn’t forgotten his manners and etiquette. He truly seemed like a shipwrecked aristocrat, convincing Prince Anling of his story.

Mark lived comfortably at the mansion for a while. He was surprised to find that Yunnan province was untouched by the jiangshi outbreak. Not wanting to disrupt the peace, he would travel to towns outside the province to feed whenever he felt the urge. However, he found this to be inconvenient and decided to leave. Coincidentally, the Emperor summoned Prince Anling to the capital to discuss the jiangshi problem. Mark seized the opportunity and asked to accompany the prince to see the capital.

Prince Anling, suspecting nothing, agreed. Upon arriving in the capital, Mark detected the presence of many jiangshi. He knew they were hiding among the humans, but he didn’t intend to interfere. He concealed his demonic aura to avoid being recognized as the jiangshi king.

If the other jiangshi discovered his true identity, it would be difficult for him to maintain his human facade and live among humans. As the jiangshi king, he emitted a unique aura that would compel other jiangshi to submit to him and become his loyal followers, just like the jiangshi in Chen Family Village.

Mark longed for a life of freedom and wanted nothing to do with the problems of the human world. These were human-made problems for humans to solve. He wanted no part in it.

He accompanied Prince Anling to the imperial palace for an audience with the Emperor. He was surprised to see that Emperor Qianlong, Aisin Gioro Hongli, was just a teenager, much younger than the middle-aged Prince Anling. A thought crossed his mind, but he wasn’t sure, so he dismissed it.

“Prince Anling, it’s been a while. How are you?”

“Your Majesty, thanks to your blessings, I am well.”

“That’s good to hear. I summoned you here today regarding the recent events in the capital. We have a jiangshi problem. These jiangshi are indistinguishable from humans, making it impossible for the soldiers to identify them. They are attacking and killing innocent people. My officials are at their wit’s end. I recall the late Emperor mentioning that you have some knowledge of jiangshi. Perhaps you could assist us in eliminating these creatures?”

“Your Majesty, I did read about jiangshi in an ancient text, but the book was damaged and incomplete, so I’m not sure how to deal with them. However, I am willing to share your burden and will do my best to find a solution.”

“Excellent! With your help, I feel much more confident. Prince Anling, you can stay at the palace for now to facilitate your work.”

“Thank you for your kind offer, Your Majesty, but I would prefer not to stay at the palace. Although Your Majesty is not yet married, there are other consorts and female attendants in the harem. I wouldn’t want to cause any impropriety. I will find a lodging in the city.”

“Yes, I understand your concerns, Prince Anling. Prime Minister, I know you have several properties in the city. Perhaps you could offer one to Prince Anling?”

“I have a vacant mansion, Your Majesty. If Prince Anling doesn’t mind, he is welcome to stay there,” the Prime Minister replied.

“Excellent. Prince Anling, would that be agreeable to you?” Hongli asked.

“I have no objections, Your Majesty. I will abide by your arrangements.” Prince Anling bowed respectfully.

“Very well. And who is this foreign gentleman behind you?”

“Your Majesty, this is a new friend of mine, a merchant from the British Empire. We met by chance in Yunnan province. We share many interests, and I invited him to stay at my mansion as a guest. Since I was summoned to the capital, I brought him along to see the city.”

“Marcus, at your service, Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!” Mark stepped forward and knelt, bowing deeply.

“Rise. I’m impressed by your fluency in Chinese, Marcus.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. My mother was Chinese, so I am familiar with the language.”

“I see. Welcome to the capital. You are welcome to explore the city with Prince Anling. However, the curfew is still in effect, so please do not venture out after the permitted hours.”

“I understand, Your Majesty. I will abide by the rules.”

Chapter 30

The next day, Uncle Wang was brought to the Grand General’s Mansion from Sichuan province. Li Xinjun rushed to see him, relieved to find him unharmed and still full of energy. She couldn’t help but ask,

“Hey, Uncle Wang, do you still remember me?”

“Roar! Roar! Roar!” Uncle Wang grabbed the bars of his cage, seemingly happy to see her.

“I missed you too! Did Sister Sang feed you properly?”

“Roar! Roar! Roar!” Uncle Wang bared his fangs.

“Oh? Was she really that mean? Or did you eat everything yourself?”

“Roar! Roar!”

“Okay, okay, I’m here now. You don’t have to worry about going hungry anymore, alright?”

“Roar~”

“Can you really understand what Uncle Wang is saying?” Brother Wu, observing their interaction, couldn’t help but ask Li Xinjun.

“What? Can you understand him?” Li Xinjun looked at him, puzzled.

“Of course not! It’s just a bunch of grunts and growls! I’m curious how you can understand him.”

“Oh, I thought you could, since you’re a pig yourself. Hahaha!”

“Hey, that’s rude! So, can you understand him or not?”

“What do you think?”

“I think you can. Otherwise, how can you talk to him for so long, and he always responds?”

“Sigh… Pigs will be pigs.” Li Xinjun ignored him and walked away.

“So, can you understand him or not?” Brother Wu called after her.

“Roar!” Uncle Wang suddenly growled from behind them.

“What is it, Uncle Wang? Do you also want to know if Little Jun can understand you?” Brother Wu asked him.

“Roar!”

“I knew it! You’re both thinking the same thing. Alright, you must be tired. I’ll take you to the dungeon now.”

“Roar! Roar!”

***

Meanwhile, Song Ling, still missing, was in a remote forest in Yunnan province, pursuing the jiangshi king. For the past year, she had tirelessly chased after the creature, day and night, but it was elusive and agile, always staying one step ahead.

She had relied on the jiangshi king’s demonic aura to track it down, but unable to keep up with its pace, she had been forced to kill and cremate the innocent civilians it had bitten.

She had no choice. She knew that if she left them untreated, they would transform into jiangshi. Although she felt immense guilt for killing innocent people, it was a necessary evil to prevent further harm.

After months of pursuit, she had reached this remote forest, sparsely populated and rarely visited. Only the occasional woodcutter ventured into this area. This was a blessing for Song Ling, as it allowed her to focus on confronting the jiangshi king without interference.

The jiangshi king, having fed multiple times, was no longer the desiccated corpse it once was. Its flesh had regained some elasticity, and it was starting to resemble a human again. It was currently feeding on a woodcutter, who hadn’t died but had merely fainted from blood loss.

Unlike the other jiangshi, the jiangshi king hadn’t killed anyone. It only needed blood to survive and never drained its victims completely. It didn’t want to harm innocent people.

The jiangshi king wasn’t inherently cruel or malicious. It possessed its own thoughts and knew that it shouldn’t kill indiscriminately. However, as a jiangshi, it needed blood to sustain itself. It had no choice but to feed on people.

It looked at the tattered bandages covering its body and ripped them off, discarding them. It then removed the unconscious woodcutter’s clothes and put them on. Dressed in human clothing, it no longer looked as terrifying. If one didn’t look closely, they wouldn’t even notice the faint patches of decay on its skin.

It went to a nearby waterfall and washed away the dirt and grime, then combed its hair. It now resembled a handsome man of mixed race.

Since the reign of Emperor Kangxi, the Qing Dynasty had established trade relations with the British Empire. The foreigners, with their red hair and green eyes, had initially been a source of curiosity, but people had grown accustomed to their presence and even found some of them attractive.

Many children born from unions between Chinese and foreigners resembled the jiangshi king: blond hair, fair skin, and dark eyes. They were considered quite handsome, even more so than pure-blooded Europeans or Chinese.

Before becoming a jiangshi, the jiangshi king had been the only son of a British earl and a Qing princess. He was a symbol of the bond between the two empires.

His full name was Marcus John Charles, but everyone called him Mark. At the age of twenty, he inherited his father’s title and married a Chinese woman. They lived a happy and carefree life.

However, that year, a plague swept through the land, and his wife fell gravely ill. The best physicians in the country declared her incurable, her days numbered. Desperate to save her, Mark sought out a legendary immortal said to reside in a cave deep in the mountains. Legend had it that if one were fortunate enough to encounter this immortal, they would be granted a wish.

The immortal was said to be elusive, and no one had ever confirmed its existence. Regardless, Mark, risking his own safety, ventured into the mountains, determined to find this immortal, even if it was just a myth.

Perhaps his sincerity touched the heavens, for he actually found the legendary immortal. It wasn’t a person but an artifact left behind by the goddess Nüwa. The artifact, imbued with Nüwa’s divine energy, had gained sentience over the centuries and, through absorbing the essence of the sun and moon, had attained immortality and the ability to take human form.

The immortal, hearing Mark’s story, offered to grant him power, but at a price. He would become a creature that craved blood and would gain eternal life, forever cursed to walk the earth.

Mark, undeterred, agreed to become a monster to save his wife. The immortal, using its power, infused Mark with its blood.

Mark’s body was wracked with chills and fever, the heat coursing through his veins, his inner energy in turmoil. Unable to withstand the immense power, he collapsed, losing consciousness. He didn’t know how long he was unconscious. When he awoke, the immortal was gone, and he was alone in the cave.

He immediately left the cave and raced home, his body surging with newfound power. His senses were heightened, his vision, hearing, and touch sharper than ever before.

He ran with all his might, desperate to return to his beloved wife. However, upon reaching his estate, he found it abandoned and sealed off by the authorities. He ripped off the official seals and entered the house, only to find it deserted and dilapidated. The furniture was overturned, the once-lush gardens were withered, and cobwebs covered every corner. It looked like it had been uninhabited for years.

Confused, he went outside and grabbed a passerby, demanding answers.

“Sir, do you know where the people who lived here went?”

“You mean the earl’s mansion?”

“Yes! Where are the people who lived here? Do you know?”

“That mansion has been abandoned for almost ten years. I’m surprised anyone is asking about it. The people who lived there… Sir, you have foreign features. Are you a relative of the earl?”

“What? What did you say? Abandoned for ten years? How is that possible? How can this be?”

“Yes, ten years. There was a plague outbreak, and the countess succumbed to the illness. Then the earl disappeared without a trace. They had no children. The authorities investigated and, suspecting that the servants had killed the grieving earl for his wealth, executed them all and sealed off the mansion. The servants claimed they were innocent, but it didn’t save them. It seems you’re too late, sir. If you had come sooner, perhaps they wouldn’t have died.”

Mark collapsed to his knees, his heart shattered. The sky darkened, and snow began to fall, despite it being June, as if mirroring his grief. Unable to bear the guilt and sorrow, he abandoned his identity and retreated into the wilderness, withdrawing from the world.

However, he was immortal and needed blood to survive. He lived in torment. No matter how hard he tried to resist the urge to feed, whenever hunger gnawed at him, a primal instinct took over, compelling him to attack innocent people to sustain himself.

He hated himself for what he had become. He even attempted suicide, but cutting his wrists, jumping off cliffs, and hanging himself all failed to end his life.

Then, strange things began to happen in the villages. The people he had bitten started to transform, becoming bloodthirsty creatures like him. Mark, realizing that his bite was infectious, was horrified. To prevent further harm, he made the difficult decision to kill the newly transformed jiangshi.

The authorities learned of these incidents and sent soldiers to capture him. Mark, not wanting to cause more suffering, didn’t resist and allowed himself to be imprisoned.

However, deprived of blood for too long, his primal instincts took over, and he slaughtered all the soldiers and prisoners in the jail. He sat there, covered in blood, staring at the carnage, consumed by guilt. He knew he couldn’t continue to plague the world.

He came up with a plan. He went to a remote village and offered a gravedigger a bag of gold to bury him alive.

The gravedigger initially refused, unwilling to kill an innocent person for money. But Mark deceived him, claiming that he was terminally ill and had no family to bury him. He pleaded with the gravedigger to bury him alive to end his suffering and prevent him from becoming an unburied corpse.

The gravedigger, moved by his story, reluctantly agreed. He wrapped Mark tightly in bandages, placed him in a coffin, and buried him in the ground.

Chapter 29

Hongli, despite the interruption, hadn’t forgotten his purpose for leaving the palace. After resolving the conflict between the Prime Minister and Minister Chen, he left the Prime Minister’s Mansion and headed towards the Grand General’s Mansion.

Upon arriving, he learned that Li Xinjun was in the dungeon. He went down to find her and was horrified to see her cutting a deep gash on her wrist with a small knife. Blood flowed freely. He rushed over and grabbed her hand.

“What are you doing?! Why are you trying to hurt yourself?!” Panicked, he grabbed her hand, pressing his sleeve against the wound to stop the bleeding.

“Hey, get out of the way! Let go!” Li Xinjun struggled to free herself.

“I won’t let go unless you promise not to do anything foolish!” Hongli, seeing her struggle, pulled her into a tight embrace, preventing her from escaping.

“What are you doing?!”

“I won’t let you hurt yourself! You’re precious to me! I won’t allow it!” Hongli’s voice was laced with anger and concern.

“You think I’m trying to commit suicide?” Li Xinjun stopped struggling and looked at him.

“What else could it be? I saw you with my own eyes!”

“Hahaha, you’re wrong! You jumped to conclusions! Hahaha!” Li Xinjun burst out laughing.

Hongli was baffled. He slowly released her, his face filled with confusion as he watched her laugh.

“If you weren’t trying to kill yourself, then what were you doing?”

“I was conducting an experiment, you idiot.”

“What kind of experiment requires you to cut your wrist?!”

“I need blood. I asked Minister Chen to provide me with some condemned prisoners, but he doesn’t have the authority. So I had to use my own blood.”

“Are you stupid?! Cutting yourself like this! Doesn’t it hurt? Why didn’t you ask me for help?”

Instead of feeling relieved, Hongli felt even more distressed. He gently took her hand, tore a strip of cloth from his sleeve, and bandaged her wound, blowing on it softly.

“Minister Chen and Grandfather couldn’t help me. What could you do? And I didn’t know where to find you. You never told me where you lived.”

Hongli was speechless. He had deliberately concealed his identity to maintain a normal relationship with Li Xinjun, but now, she wouldn’t think of asking him for help. He sighed and looked at her.

“What if I told you that I’m a very powerful person? That I could help you with anything? Would you be happy?”

“Really? Can you help me find Sister Ling?”

“Sigh… Is that all you want?”

Seeing her indifferent reaction, he realized that she hadn’t guessed his true identity. He hesitated, unsure whether to reveal it.

“Yes, I’m really worried about Sister Ling. It’s been so long. I’m afraid something has happened to her. That’s why I’m so desperate to study jiangshi. I want to resolve this problem quickly so I can go find her myself.”

“I forbid you from going after her!”

“Why? I have to find Sister Ling. I can’t rest until I do.”

“I don’t want you to put yourself in danger. And besides, I’ve already found her.”

“Really? You found Sister Ling? Where is she? Is she alright? Can you take me to her?”

Li Xinjun grabbed his arm excitedly. This was the first time she had heard any news about Song Ling in months.

“Calm down! You’re shaking me! How can I answer you if you keep doing that?”

Seeing her excitement, he realized that his earlier concerns about her being distant due to the incident at the lake were unfounded. He was relieved.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’ll stop shaking you. Tell me.”

Li Xinjun released his arm and straightened his clothes, waiting patiently for him to speak.

“My men reported seeing a woman resembling Song Ling in Yunnan province. Although they haven’t confirmed her identity yet, I’m certain it’s her. I’ve ordered them to verify and escort her back here. So please don’t go looking for her. You might miss each other if you’re both traveling.”

“Okay, okay, I understand. I’ll wait for her here. Brother Hongli, you must protect Sister Ling! Don’t let anything happen to her, okay?”

“Yes, I promise I’ll do my best to find her and bring her back safely. Will I get a reward then?” Hongli teased her.

“Don’t tell me you want to kiss me again.” Li Xinjun frowned.

“I promised that I wouldn’t kiss you again unless you wanted it. Don’t you trust me?” Now it was Hongli’s turn to frown.

“I believe that Brother Hongli is a man of his word! So you must bring Sister Ling back safely, okay? I’ll be very grateful.”

“So, will I get a reward?”

“What kind of reward do you want, Brother Hongli?”

“Kiss me on the cheek when she’s back.”

“Deal!”

Li Xinjun thought a kiss on the cheek was no big deal. She sometimes kissed her grandfather on the cheek. She agreed readily. Hongli, pleased, looked at her, feeling that they had grown closer. He was confident that he could win her heart.

Li Xinjun, unaware of his thoughts, was overjoyed at the prospect of reuniting with Song Ling. She eagerly crouched down beside the jiangshi, ripped off the sleeve Hongli had used to bandage her wound, and pressed down hard, reopening the cut. Blood flowed freely, dripping into the jiangshi’s mouth. The creature eagerly lapped up the blood.

Seeing Li Xinjun hurting herself again, Hongli was furious. He pulled her into his arms and scolded her.

“Didn’t I tell you not to hurt yourself?!”

“I’m just trying to feed the jiangshi! What else am I supposed to do?”

Enraged, Hongli drew his sword and plunged it into the jiangshi’s heart. The jiangshi’s eyes widened, and it twitched before becoming still.

“Hmph, I killed it. You don’t have to feed it anymore.”

“Hey, why did you do that? That was my research subject!”

“I don’t care. I won’t let you hurt yourself.”

“Even if you killed this one, I’ll just get another one. How many can you kill? I’m doing this to solve the jiangshi problem!”

“I’ll have them send you a batch of condemned prisoners tomorrow. You can use their blood. Don’t hurt yourself again. It pains me to see it.”

“Can you really do that? Even Minister Chen and Grandfather couldn’t. Are you sure?”

“Of course! I’ll have them sent tomorrow. Just wait.”

“Wow, Brother Hongli, you’re so capable! I should have asked you for help from the start. Then I wouldn’t have this extra scar on my hand. It hurts so much.”

“From now on, come to me if you need anything. I will always help you.”

“But where can I find you?”

“Hmm… Go to the First Teahouse in the city. Leave a note there, and I’ll have someone check it every day. If I receive your message, I’ll come as soon as possible.”

“Okay! Then I can have a meal there too. Hee hee hee.”

“You glutton!”

“Why does everyone call me that? Sister Ling used to call me that too.” Li Xinjun pouted.

Hongli chuckled, charmed by her childishness. He led her out of the dungeon and summoned a physician to treat her wound. At that moment, Xiaofuzi, dressed in formal attire, arrived at the mansion with a group of eunuchs.

“By order of the Emperor, Grand General Duoluo, Miss Li Xinjun, and all others present are to receive the imperial edict.”

Grand General Duoluo led everyone in the mansion to the front gate, where they knelt, awaiting Xiaofuzi’s announcement. Hongli, pretending to be an ordinary citizen, also knelt, causing Xiaofuzi some confusion. Hongli gave him a discreet signal, and Xiaofuzi, regaining his composure, began to read the edict.

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Li Xinjun is hereby bestowed the title of ‘Most Talented Woman in Both Literary and Martial Arts of the Great Qing.’ She is granted this token, granting her access to the imperial court and the right to an audience with the Emperor. She is also granted access to the books in the Hanlin Academy. This token holds the highest authority, granting her unimpeded passage and the right to seek assistance from local officials whenever necessary. It is hoped that Miss Li Xinjun will assist the Great Qing in overcoming this crisis. The Emperor shall reward her generously. This concludes the imperial edict.”

“Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”

Li Xinjun stood up and received the edict and the golden tablet from Xiaofuzi. The tablet was exquisitely crafted, with a dragon engraved on its surface. She carefully tucked the tablet away and bowed to Xiaofuzi in gratitude.

“Thank you, Eunuch. I didn’t realize you were not only Brother Hongli’s subordinate but also a eunuch in the imperial palace. I apologize for any disrespect I may have shown.”

“Miss Li, there’s no need for such formalities. I am merely a servant. Please, just call me Xiaofuzi.”

“Brother Hongli, what is your official position? Why do you have Xiaofuzi serving you?”

“I told you I was a very powerful person. Are you afraid to be friends with me now?”

“Hmph, I already knew you were powerful, Brother Hongli. There’s nothing to be afraid of. We’re friends, aren’t we? Friends shouldn’t let social status affect their relationship.”

“You are right, Miss Xinjun. From now on, let’s ignore our backgrounds and continue our friendship.”

“Yes!”

Chapter 28

Li Xinjun had been withdrawn and melancholic since her outing with Hongli. She spent her days practicing her swordsmanship and then retreating to her room, avoiding any social interaction. Grand General Duoluo, noticing her unusual behavior, questioned Brother Wu.

“Brother Wu, do you know what’s been troubling the girl lately?”

“I’m not sure, General. She’s been like this ever since she returned from that boat ride. She barely speaks to me. I’m worried about her.”

“Didn’t you ask her what’s wrong?”

“I didn’t dare to ask. She seems so downcast. I was afraid she would take it out on me.”

“Hmph, you’re spineless. This old man will handle it.”

Grand General Duoluo went to Li Xinjun’s room and knocked gently on the door. Receiving no response, he called out,

“Little girl, it’s me. May I come in?”

“… Grandfather, come in.”

Hearing her reply, he entered the room and found Li Xinjun sitting listlessly, lost in thought. He sighed and sat down beside her.

“Child, what’s been troubling you? Why are you so downcast?”

“Grandfather… There’s something I don’t understand.”

“What could be troubling you so much? Tell me, maybe I can help.”

“Grandfather…”

“Child, if you keep bottling things up, you’ll never find clarity. Talk to me. Even if I can’t solve your problem, it might help to get it off your chest.”

“Grandfather, do you think it’s normal for friends to want to kiss each other?”

“Child, who has sparked this question in you? Is it Hongli?”

Grand General Duoluo looked at her with surprise and delight. If Li Xinjun had captured Hongli’s heart, it would be a cause for celebration. As her grandfather, he would be overjoyed.

“Grandfather, never mind that. Just answer my question.”

“Well, no. Such intimate gestures are usually reserved for those we are close to, like our partners.”

“So, if someone wants to kiss another person, does that mean they like them?”

“Well… yes, you could say that.”

“But what if that feeling is not socially acceptable? Should I still pursue it?”

Grand General Duoluo assumed that Li Xinjun had discovered Hongli’s true identity and felt unworthy of him. He smiled sadly and said,

“Child, don’t worry about what’s socially acceptable. If you like someone, you should pursue your happiness. Happiness is your own. It doesn’t matter what others think. What matters is what you feel. Understand? And no matter the outcome, you have your grandfather’s support.” He patted Li Xinjun’s head affectionately.

“Grandfather… You really support me? No matter what others say?”

“Yes. I consider you my own granddaughter. If anyone dares to say a word against you, I won’t spare them.”

“Thank you, Grandfather!” Li Xinjun hugged him impulsively.

“Silly girl, don’t be sad. Your grandfather will protect you from any harm. There, there.”

It had been so long since Li Xinjun had felt such warmth and care. It reminded her of her deceased parents, and her throat tightened, tears welling up in her eyes. Grand General Duoluo patted her back soothingly, allowing her to release her emotions. After a while, seeing that she had calmed down, he said playfully,

“Child, look outside. The weather is clear and sunny, yet my clothes are soaked. Isn’t that strange?”

“Hahaha, Grandfather, you’re so bad!” Li Xinjun laughed, wiping away her tears and pulling away from his embrace.

“Look, my clothes are drenched! What else could it be but rain?”

“Hmph! You’re still teasing me!” Li Xinjun playfully swatted at him.

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop. Now, tell me, is it Hongli? Do you want your grandfather to inquire about his feelings for you?”

“Grandfather, please don’t do anything rash! I can handle my own affairs.” Li Xinjun, fearing that her grandfather might misunderstand and think she liked Hongli, quickly declined his offer.

However, Grand General Duoluo was convinced that Li Xinjun was simply shy and embarrassed. He decided to find an opportunity to ask the Emperor about his feelings for his granddaughter.

Li Xinjun, unaware of her grandfather’s intentions, was focused on finding Song Ling and confessing her feelings. If Song Ling reciprocated, she would defy all social conventions and be with her, regardless of what others thought.

She was relieved to finally understand her own feelings. If only she had realized it sooner, perhaps they wouldn’t have been separated.

Determined to resolve the jiangshi problem quickly so she could live a peaceful life with Song Ling, she went to find Minister Chen to discuss strategies. She couldn’t bear to wait any longer. She wanted to eliminate all obstacles before Song Ling’s return.

She rushed to Minister Chen’s quarters and, without even knocking, burst into his room. Minister Chen was startled but quickly regained his composure, looking at her with concern.

“Miss Li, what brings you here in such a hurry?”

“Minister Chen, I want to help you resolve the jiangshi problem as quickly as possible. I came to discuss some ideas.”

“Oh? Have you come up with a plan?” Minister Chen, hearing that she had something regarding the jiangshi, sat up straight, his expression serious.

“Not yet, but I don’t want to wait any longer. I want to take action, not just sit here and wait for things to happen.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“Minister Chen, can you have Uncle Wang transported here from my residence?”

“Hmm? Why?”

“I want to conduct some more experiments. If they’re successful, we might find a way to deal with those jiangshi. It’s better than doing nothing, right?”

“Yes, that’s a good idea. I’ll have Uncle Wang brought here.”

“And also the jiangshi that I dismembered earlier.”

“That’s easy. I’ll have them delivered this afternoon.”

“Thank you, Minister Chen.”

Minister Chen was efficient. The limbless jiangshi was delivered quickly. Uncle Wang was also en route from Sichuan province and would arrive soon.

Li Xinjun had the limbless jiangshi confined in the dungeon at the Grand General’s Mansion. After her daily martial arts training, she would spend hours in the dungeon, conducting experiments on the jiangshi.

Meanwhile, Hongli, after the incident at the lake, had not appeared before Li Xinjun again. Reports had come in from Yunnan province of a jiangshi king sighting. Moreover, his spies had reported a possible sighting of Song Ling, but they hadn’t been able to contact her yet. Hongli, reading the report, was overjoyed. He knew how much Li Xinjun cared for Song Ling. If he could find her, perhaps he could win Li Xinjun’s favor.

“Xiaofuzi, issue an order. Tell them to intensify their search for Song Ling. If she is found, ensure her safety and bring her back to the capital.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

It had been several days since he last saw Li Xinjun. He missed her. He had just received news about Song Ling and thought that sharing it with Li Xinjun would make her happy.

After finishing his work, Hongli changed his clothes and left the palace. As he passed by the Prime Minister’s Mansion, he saw Minister Chen waiting outside, arguing with the guards.

“Minister Chen, please leave. The Prime Minister is not seeing anyone today.”

“Please inform him that I have urgent matters to discuss with him. Perhaps he will make an exception.”

“Minister Chen, why do you make things difficult for us? I told you, the Prime Minister has given strict orders not to disturb him today.”

“You… can’t you just ask him?”

“Minister Chen, please leave.”

As their argument escalated, Hongli approached Minister Chen and patted him on the shoulder. Minister Chen, recognizing him, was about to kneel, but Hongli stopped him.

He pulled Minister Chen aside and asked what was happening. Minister Chen, not daring to conceal anything, explained the situation.

Li Xinjun had come up with some promising ideas to combat the jiangshi, and Minister Chen, finding them worth trying, had gone to the Prime Minister to seek his support, as he didn’t have the authority to implement them on his own. However, the Prime Minister had not only refused to help but had also been avoiding him. Minister Chen had visited several times, but to no avail.

Hongli frowned. Ignoring the guards’ protests, he strode into the mansion. The guards drew their swords, trying to stop him, but Xiaofuzi swiftly disarmed and subdued them.

“Insolent fools! How dare you disrespect the Emperor?!”

“E-Emperor?” The guards, lying on the ground, looked at Xiaofuzi in terror.

“Hmph, the Emperor is not someone you can offend!” Xiaofuzi glared at them.

“I’m going to see if the Prime Minister even acknowledges my authority as Emperor.” Hongli, his voice cold with anger, entered the mansion.

Hearing the commotion, the Prime Minister emerged from his chambers, his face flushed with anger. “Who dares to cause such a disturbance in my house! I will have you punished!”

“Such arrogance! Prime Minister, are you threatening to punish even me, the Emperor?”

“Ah? Your Majesty! I beg your forgiveness! I didn’t know it was you! Please have mercy!” The Prime Minister, seeing Hongli, immediately dropped to his knees.

“Is that so? Then why did Minister Chen tell me that you have been avoiding him? What’s the meaning of this? I instructed you to find a solution to the jiangshi problem as quickly as possible, didn’t I? If someone has ideas worth trying, why are you refusing to listen?”

“Your Majesty, that’s not true! I simply didn’t want to waste time listening to nonsensical suggestions from insignificant people. It would only be a waste of the court’s resources.”

“Oh? So you have a better plan? Enlighten me.”

“Your humble servant is incompetent. I haven’t found a foolproof solution yet. I beg Your Majesty to grant me more time. I will resolve this matter.”

“Hmph! If you haven’t found a solution yourself, how can you dismiss other people’s ideas?”

“But Your Majesty, the person Minister Chen spoke of is just a commoner, a mere girl! It’s obvious that she wouldn’t have any valuable suggestions. I don’t understand why Minister Chen values her opinion so highly.”

The Prime Minister tried to shift the blame to Minister Chen, who immediately knelt and pleaded his innocence.

“Your Majesty, I am wrongly accused! I believe that anyone who can help resolve this problem, regardless of their status, should be heard. Moreover, Li Xinjun and Song Ling are individuals whom Your Majesty personally commended. They are not ordinary people.”

“Minister Chen, how did you become Governor? You can’t even come up with your own solutions and have to rely on two young girls? Is this how you conduct yourself as an official? Preposterous!”

“Enough! Silence!”

Hongli’s anger had been simmering since he heard the Prime Minister refer to Li Xinjun as a “wild girl.” Now, seeing them bicker, his fury boiled over. The two officials, sensing his wrath, fell silent, their heads bowed.

“Xiaofuzi, issue a decree. From this day forward, Li Xinjun is hereby bestowed the title of ‘Most Talented Woman in Both Literary and Martial Arts of the Great Qing.’ Although she holds no official position, she is granted access to the Hanlin Academy and the Imperial Library. She is also granted the right to an audience with the Emperor whenever necessary.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will have the imperial edict prepared immediately.”

Hongli took out a golden tablet from his pocket and handed it to Xiaofuzi. This was the Emperor’s personal seal, representing his authority. Xiaofuzi, confused, accepted the tablet with both hands.

“I bestow this golden tablet upon Li Xinjun. Henceforth, anyone who disrespects her will be considered to have disrespected me and shall be executed.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will personally deliver this tablet and the imperial edict to Miss Li Xinjun.”

“See to it immediately.”

Although Hongli hadn’t explicitly reprimanded the Prime Minister, his actions spoke louder than words. The Prime Minister seethed with resentment. Why should he, the Prime Minister, have to show deference to a mere girl?

He vowed to remember this humiliation, but outwardly, he accepted the Emperor’s decree. Minister Chen, though secretly pleased, didn’t dare to show it. He was content knowing that the Emperor supported his actions.

Chapter 27

Li Xinjun accompanied Hongli on his outing, Xiaofuzi trailing discreetly behind them. Hongli suggested a boat ride on a renowned lake within the city, known for its serene beauty, its vast expanse of water surrounded by lush bamboo groves.

Due to the imperial decree restricting movement, there were no boats available for hire at the nearby docks. Hongli inquired at a nearby inn and finally located the boatman’s house. They rented a boat and set off to enjoy the scenery.

Li Xinjun, mesmerized by the rippling water, sat at the bow, her hand trailing in the cool water. Hongli sat down beside her, observing her relaxed expression. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. Li Xinjun froze, staring at him in shock. Hongli leaned closer, his lips nearing hers. Suddenly realizing his intentions, Li Xinjun jumped up and pushed him away, sending him tumbling onto the deck.

“What are you doing?!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with anger.

“I apologize, Miss Xinjun. I was captivated by your beauty and couldn’t help myself.” Hongli apologized profusely.

“Don’t ever do that again!” Li Xinjun was still upset.

“It won’t happen again, I promise.” Hongli raised three fingers in a solemn vow.

“Forget it. I want to go back. Tell the boatman to turn around.”

Hongli reached for her hand, but she pulled away, crossing her arms and glaring at him.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Please don’t be angry. I just wanted to talk to you.”

“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

“Miss Xinjun, I know I was out of line. Please forgive me.”

“I said it’s fine.”

“I hope we can still be friends. Is that alright?”

“I just want to go back now. Can we do that?”

“Yes, yes, of course. I’ll take you back immediately.”

Hongli instructed the boatman to return to shore. They walked back to the Grand General’s Mansion in silence. Li Xinjun was troubled by the incident. For some reason, it brought back memories of Song Ling, and her heart ached. She didn’t understand why she felt this way.

She recalled the night Song Ling had kissed her. She hadn’t felt repulsed then. In fact, she had enjoyed it. But why was she so angry with Hongli today? It was just a kiss. Why did it feel so different? And when Hongli’s lips had almost touched hers, she had felt a strange possessiveness, a feeling that her lips belonged only to Song Ling.

She was confused. During this time apart from Song Ling, she had worried constantly about her safety and missed the feeling of being held in her arms at night. She remembered responding to Song Ling’s kiss, the pleasant sensations it evoked.

She suddenly turned to Hongli, who was startled by her abrupt movement. He looked at her, unsure what to say. Li Xinjun’s face was cold. Hongli, knowing he had been inappropriate, remained silent. They stood there, locked in an uncomfortable silence.

“I have a question for you.”

“Ask away.”

“Why did you kiss me?”

“Because I like you. I want to be with you.”

“…”

“You don’t believe me?”

“It’s not that. I’m just thinking about something. I want to go back and rest now. You can leave.”

“… Can I see you again?”

“If you promise to keep your hands to yourself, I don’t mind seeing you again.”

“I promise. It won’t happen again unless you want it to.”

“Okay. I’m going inside now.”

Li Xinjun entered the mansion, her mind filled with confusing thoughts. She couldn’t understand her own feelings. She frowned, lost in thought. She didn’t even hear Brother Wu’s greeting as she walked past him, heading straight to her room and bolting the door behind her.

She sat down at the table, her head in her hands, staring blankly at the wooden surface. She was trying to understand why she had kissed Song Ling back then. Was it just sisterly affection, or was it something more? She had never considered this before. It had felt natural at the time.

Her parents had often kissed each other and her, so she had always considered it a normal expression of affection between family members. But as she grew older, she realized that it wasn’t quite the same.

People didn’t usually kiss anyone other than their spouses and children. Even close female friends didn’t kiss each other on the lips. It was something only lovers did. Even parents only kissed their children on the cheeks. So why had Song Ling kissed her on the lips? And why had she kissed her back? And it wasn’t just a quick peck either.

Now, Hongli had tried to kiss her too. He said it was because he liked her and wanted to be with her. Li Xinjun understood what that meant. She had observed enough couples to know that it signified romantic interest. She was no longer clueless about love.

She remembered Song Ling’s promise to never leave her and their intimate moments together. A feeling of warmth and excitement fluttered in her chest. Could it be that her feelings for Song Ling weren’t just familial affection but also love?

She unconsciously fiddled with the crescent-shaped pendant around her neck. She remembered the moment they exchanged tokens. She had told Song Ling that she wanted to be with her forever, and Song Ling had been deeply moved, her eyes welling up with tears. Could it be that Song Ling had feelings for her all along, and she had simply been oblivious? And what were her own feelings for Song Ling? Was it familial love or romantic love?

The more she thought about it, the more confused she became. She gave up and rested her head on the table, pushing all thoughts aside. She just wanted to find Song Ling, to see her every day, to hold her in her arms at night, to never be apart from her again.

Chapter 26

Aisin Gioro Hongli, the current Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, known by his reign title as Emperor Qianlong, was seventeen years old. He had ascended the throne five years ago, upon the death of his father, Emperor Yongzheng. A diligent and compassionate ruler, he often disguised himself as a commoner and ventured outside the palace to observe the lives of his people firsthand.

Today, as he was making his rounds, he remembered that the Prime Minister had summoned all the officials to his mansion to discuss the jiangshi problem. He decided to drop by and listen in, wanting to observe their behavior when they thought he wasn’t present. He knew that in his presence, as the Emperor, they would never reveal their true selves. This was an opportunity to assess their competence.

The Prime Minister, of course, was aware of his presence, but the other officials were not. Hongli was deeply disappointed by their performance. These so-called esteemed officials, behind his back, were nothing but whiners and complainers, lacking any initiative or practical solutions. They were even less capable than Li Xinjun, a mere commoner.

This incident left him with a favorable impression of Li Xinjun, and he decided to meet her. He was surprised to discover that she was a young woman around his age. It was rare to find a woman, especially one so young, with such insight and intelligence. His admiration for her grew.

Furthermore, at the First Teahouse, he had observed Li Xinjun’s lively, charming, and straightforward demeanor, further solidifying his appreciation for her. He wanted to befriend her on equal terms, as ordinary people, so he decided to conceal his identity. He didn’t want his status as Emperor to intimidate her and prevent her from being her true self around him.

Upon returning to the Forbidden City, Hongli entered his imperial study and saw the mountain of memorials piled on his desk. He sighed and sat down on his throne, beginning to sift through them. At seventeen, he should have been carefree, exploring the world and experiencing its wonders. Instead, as Emperor, he was burdened with daily court sessions, listening to the endless droning of aging officials, and then returning to his study to review memorials.

Although not yet married, numerous officials had presented their daughters as potential consorts. These young women, all from prominent families, were well-educated, accomplished in the arts, and beautiful, but none had captured Hongli’s attention.

They all sought his favor solely because of his status as Emperor. Even if they didn’t genuinely like him, they would never reveal it, their only desire being to become his Empress or a high-ranking concubine, thereby elevating their family’s status and influence.

He had never met anyone like Li Xinjun, a young woman with independent thoughts and the courage to be herself. She was special. He wanted to get to know her better and even considered the possibility of making her his Empress one day.

His thoughts preoccupied with Li Xinjun, Hongli, for the first time since becoming Emperor, couldn’t focus on his work. He summoned Xiaofuzi, his personal attendant, who was waiting outside his study.

“Xiaofuzi, what do you think of Li Xinjun?”

“Your Majesty, I think Miss Li Xinjun is a good person. She is straightforward and has a cheerful and lively personality,” Xiaofuzi replied honestly.

“Yes, I agree. It’s a shame you didn’t see her unrestrained and gluttonous side. You would have liked her even more.” Hongli smiled, remembering Li Xinjun’s excitement over the Eight Treasures Duck.

“It seems Your Majesty has a favorable impression of Miss Li Xinjun.”

“She is truly remarkable. I want to get to know her better. I feel a connection with her.”

“Perhaps Your Majesty should visit her again tomorrow?”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. After the morning court session tomorrow, we’ll go to the Grand General’s Mansion. Prepare some of the finest Pu’er tea as a gift for Grand General Duoluo. And have the imperial kitchen prepare some exquisite pastries for Miss Li Xinjun. I’m sure she’ll enjoy them.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You are dismissed.”

Having made his decision to visit Li Xinjun, Hongli felt a sense of relief and was finally able to focus on his work. He diligently reviewed the memorials, wanting to clear his schedule for tomorrow’s visit. He worked tirelessly until nightfall, finally finishing all the documents. He then retired to his chambers, his heart filled with anticipation for the next day.

The following morning, after the court session, Hongli changed into casual clothes and left the palace with Xiaofuzi. They arrived at the Grand General’s Mansion and instructed the guards to inform Grand General Duoluo of their arrival. They were soon invited inside.

Hongli was led to the seat of honor in the guest hall. Grand General Duoluo entered and knelt before him, bowing deeply.

“Your humble servant, Duoluo, greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”

“Rise, Grand General. There’s no need for such formalities outside the palace. I don’t want anyone to know my identity.”

“As you command, Your Majesty.”

“Grand General, I came here today to catch up with you and brought some of the finest Pu’er tea for you to enjoy. I know you are a connoisseur of tea. Xiaofuzi, present the tea cake.”

Xiaofuzi presented the tea cake to Grand General Duoluo with both hands. The general immediately instructed his servants to prepare a pot of tea. A short while later, a maid returned with a steaming pot of tea, placing it on the table.

“Is Miss Xinjun at home? I also brought some pastries from the imperial kitchen. I’m sure she’ll enjoy them. Perhaps we could invite her to join us?”

“The girl is practicing her martial arts in the backyard. I’ll go get her.”

“Practicing martial arts? There’s no need to disturb her. I would like to observe her, if I may.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll take you there.” Grand General Duoluo stood up to escort Hongli.

“There’s no need to trouble yourself, Grand General. Enjoy your tea. I’ll go by myself.”

Hongli walked towards the backyard, following the sound of clashing swords. He found Li Xinjun practicing, her movements graceful and fluid. She spun in the air, her sword creating a whirlwind of leaves and petals. As she landed, she turned and saw Hongli, a smile gracing her lips.

Hongli’s heart skipped a beat. He picked up a sword from a nearby stone table and lunged at Li Xinjun, catching her off guard. She recovered quickly, blocking his attack with her Japanese sword. She twirled and, with a flick of her wrist, disarmed him. She then pointed her sword at his throat.

Hongli smiled, deflecting her sword and stepping closer, closing the distance between them. He attempted to grab her neck, but she caught his hand and twisted it, her sword still at his throat. Hongli surrendered.

“You win, Miss Xinjun. Your skills are impressive. I concede defeat.”

“Hee hee hee, I didn’t know Brother Hongli liked to sneak attack people.” Li Xinjun lowered her sword and released him.

“I couldn’t resist testing your skills, Miss Xinjun. Please don’t be offended.”

“Not at all. I’m always happy to spar. By the way, Brother Hongli, what brings you here?”

“I brought some pastries and Pu’er tea for you and Grand General Duoluo. Would you like to join us?”

“Of course! I never say no to food!”

Li Xinjun’s eyes lit up at the mention of pastries. She sheathed her sword and excitedly dragged Hongli towards the guest hall. Hongli, enjoying the feel of her hand on his arm, followed her with a smile, his heart warming towards her.

Li Xinjun pulled Hongli into the guest hall and saw Grand General Duoluo sitting alone, sipping his tea. She let go of Hongli’s arm, grabbed a pastry from the table, and took a bite. She nodded approvingly, giving a thumbs-up.

“Mmm, delicious! Come and try some, Brother Hongli!”

“Haha, I’m glad you like them. Eat more.” Hongli sat down at the table.

“Slow down, child! No one’s going to steal it from you! Have some manners!” Grand General Duoluo scolded.

“But it’s so good! And there are no outsiders here. Why do I need manners?” Li Xinjun ignored him and continued to devour the pastries.

“Your Brother Hongli is a guest. Have some respect!”

“Brother Hongli wouldn’t criticize me like you do, right, Brother Hongli?” Li Xinjun looked at Hongli with a charming smile.

“Haha, no, no, Miss Xinjun is perfectly delightful. I wouldn’t criticize her.”

“See, Grandfather? You’re the only one who always criticizes me.”

“I don’t have time for this. Hey, don’t eat them all! Leave some for me!” Grand General Duoluo, seeing that Li Xinjun was about to finish the pastries, quickly grabbed one for himself.

After finishing the pastries, Li Xinjun licked her fingers contentedly. As she stood up to leave, Hongli called out to her.

“Miss Xinjun, are you free today?”

“Yes, why?”

“I have some free time and was wondering if you would like to go out and explore the city with me. Would you be willing to accompany me?”

“Hmm… Sure, but the city is still under curfew. How will we get out?”

“Don’t worry, I have a pass. It won’t be a problem.”

“Alright! I’ve been feeling a bit cooped up lately anyway. I’d love to explore the city with you.”