Lan Miao opened her eyes again.
The first thing she saw was Emperor Jingxiang sitting beside the bed, propping his head up with his hand, eyes closed. His jet - black long robe was embroidered with gilded dragon patterns, exuding an air of nobility and majesty.
There was an orchid placed on the small table beside the bed.
It was facing the boundless moonlight outside the window. The dark clouds had dispersed, and the moon was shining brightly. The rain had not fallen after all. In her ears, the long - lingering bell sounded, and everything was vast and silent.
Lan Miao collected her thoughts.
She should be in the White Horse Temple.
Shuangxi was also safe and sound.
Thinking of this, she propped herself up to sit. Her fingers trembled slightly, unexpectedly waking Emperor Jingxiang. His thick black eyelashes fluttered, and he opened his eyes immediately. His clear - cut eyes were fixed on her.
"Are you awake?"
Emperor Jingxiang's voice was a bit hoarse, but he still looked energetic. He reached out and touched Lan Miao's cheek, stroking it lovingly. "Your wounds have all been bandaged up. Fortunately, they're just skin injuries."
Only then did Lan Miao remember to check her injuries.
There were white cloths wrapped around her forehead, neck, palms, and chest. Every time she moved slightly, her body ached faintly. She suddenly blushed. Had His Majesty seen her... body?
Seeing Lan Miao's confused and surprised look, Emperor Jingxiang smiled. His fingertips slid to the corner of her mouth. "Do you think I'm the kind of person who takes advantage of others in distress?"
His wife was really cute. Her first thought was actually this.
The confrontation and the tense atmosphere during the daytime meeting had completely disappeared. His Majesty didn't seem to care about what she had said before. He was even gentler.
Lan Miao's heart skipped a beat, and her eyes softened. "Your Majesty, how did you find this subject's wife?"
His eyes suddenly darkened.
Something dangerous seemed to flash across his eyes and then faded away.
"Xue'er and Yu Jia came to me crying, saying that you were dying. When I heard that, how could I sit still?"
"Xue'er is in the palace. How did she know about this subject's wife's situation?"
"Apparently, it was her cousin who told her. By the way, wife, do you know who tried to harm you?" Emperor Jingxiang's teasing gaze locked on her. The overwhelming possessiveness in his eyes made her avert her gaze.
Lan Miao lowered her eyes and nodded slightly.
"I do."
Qingzhi must have heard something from Lady You. Poor thing, she was so young but still managed to go to the palace to find Xue'er. It must have been difficult for her. After all, Lady You was Qingzhi's mother. No matter how unworthy she was, she was still her biological mother...
"Your Majesty, can you promise this subject's wife one thing?"
Lan Miao's breathing trembled slightly. Her face was so delicate that it seemed as if she would fade away at any moment, but her eyes were as determined as broken jade.
Emperor Jingxiang's breath caught.
"Speak."
He had become more patient. This time of being angry with each other had almost made him lose his wife. It also made him seriously consider Lan Miao's current situation. Xue'er said that they lived well in the Marquis's Mansion, but it was probably a lie.
His little fox of a wife had raised an even smaller fox.
Lan Miao gently pursed her lips. "After the injuries heal tomorrow, this subject's wife wants to return to the Marquis's Mansion immediately. Please also prevent this matter from spreading. This subject's wife already knows who the mastermind is. Please allow this subject's wife to handle it herself."
Emperor Jingxiang could accept the first half of her words.
But when she said the second half, his face immediately darkened. "Handle it yourself? How do you plan to handle it, wife?"
"And how does Your Majesty plan to handle it? Come to this subject's wife's rescue?"
Lan Miao asked in succession. In her excitement, she coughed several times, and her face became even paler. Seeing this, Emperor Jingxiang felt even more heartache and didn't dare to go against her wishes anymore.
"I will never let those who harmed you go."
Seeing that Lan Miao was about to get excited again, looking like a sick beauty, Emperor Jingxiang shifted his gaze and softened his tone. "I will ask the Empress Dowager to intervene on your behalf regarding what happened tonight. You can handle it your own way, but remember, don't be soft - hearted."
He wanted her to come to him willingly and righteously.
Lan Miao was stunned for a moment and then nodded.
Gratitude flashed in her eyes.
His Majesty was getting quicker at agreeing to her requests.
The moonlight covered the ground and shone in through the wooden window. The candle flame flickered, and the light and shadow intertwined. Lan Miao's black hair hung over her shoulders. When she lowered her eyes in thought, her eyebrows were slightly knitted. Her fair skin and delicate hands seemed to have shed some of the cold divinity, adding a touch of pity and charm.
Emperor Jingxiang was involuntarily attracted to her. He reached out and pinched the corner of her mouth.
His gaze was ambiguous and lingering, like the blend of moonlight and candlelight.
His voice dropped to a low whisper. "I've agreed to your request, wife. Shouldn't you give me some rewards?"
"Hmm?"
Lan Miao looked up in surprise. But the next moment, she met Emperor Jingxiang's lust - filled eyes. He leaned over and kissed her lips without hesitation, applying a little force.
"Um."
Lan Miao wanted to cry out in pain. However, as soon as she opened her mouth, it was exactly what Emperor Jingxiang wanted. He suddenly stuck his tongue in, and their lips and tongues intertwined, the kiss intensifying. The more she tried to push him away, the more entangled he became.
His peach - blossom eyes were filled with spring water, showing both desire and tenderness.
Emperor Jingxiang pressed against her, putting his arm around her waist and pinching her smooth waist gently. Lan Miao's face flushed, and a strange feeling welled up inside her.
She was both shy and embarrassed. She placed her palms on his broad chest but couldn't push him away.
After savoring the sweetness of her lips to his heart's content, not until the stars were twinkling and the moonlight seemed to melt did he finally let her go.
"Your Majesty..."
Lan Miao was too weak to support herself. She let out a soft moan, and her soft body slid down from the head of the bed. Emperor Jingxiang took the opportunity to cover her with the brocade quilt, hiding the charming sight on her chest.
She lay in bed, and her eyes gradually closed again. Sleepiness washed over her.
"Go to sleep. Have a good rest. I'll go to the next room."
Emperor Jingxiang had tasted the sweetness. Now he spoke as gently as possible. He lowered his head and kissed her forehead softly. Then he quietly admired her sleeping face before leaving with peace of mind.
After noticing that the Emperor had left, Lan Miao opened her eyes.
The moonlight outside the window was like silver - melted snow. Time passed bit by bit. This night had finally come to an end.
Five years had also completely passed.
The next day.
Most of Lan Miao's injuries were skin injuries. After a night, the pain had reduced by more than half, and she had regained some mobility.
She didn't dare to stay in the White Horse Temple for long. In the afternoon, after packing up, she got into the carriage prepared by Emperor Jingxiang and returned to the Marquis's Mansion.
Inside the carriage, Han Bi held several soft cushions to make Lan Miao as comfortable as possible. Shuang Le was taking care of Shuangxi. His Majesty had specially assigned her from the palace to take care of Lan Miao.
Lan Miao gave her a grateful smile.
A look of determination flashed across her pale face.
Rumors could kill.
She had spent a night outside. She didn't know what the situation was like in the mansion.
She could, of course, rely on Emperor Jingxiang to easily deal with Lady You and the others. But in this way, she would also place herself in a dependent position. She didn't know how long Emperor Jingxiang's affection would last. Before that, it was best for her to rely on herself.
Emperor Jingxiang had returned to the palace first.
The carriage smoothly returned to the Marquis's Mansion.
The gilded plaque with the words "Marquis of Yongyi's Mansion" hung brightly above her head. Lan Miao looked at it, her heart full of complex emotions.
"Lady Lan, be careful."
Han Bi supported Lan Miao and said softly.
Lan Miao nodded. "Let's go in."