Chapter 54:

After parting with Zhu Yuning, Layue remained the same as ever, still looking like an innocent young girl who knew nothing of the world.

Pulling her large cloak tighter, she quickly returned to Tingyu Pavilion.

“You were out for quite a while, my lady,” Xing’er said with a hint of reproach in her tone.

Layue naturally understood that Xing’er truly cared about her health.

“It’s fine. I haven’t been outside for a long time, so getting some fresh air was good. By the way, go call Qiaoning over. I want to see what delicious desserts she’s made,” Layue said with the look of a little glutton.

“Yes,” Xing’er smiled and left.

In no time, Qiaoning entered carrying a bowl of crystal-like red date and tremella soup.

The soup was crystal clear. Layue picked up a spoon and tasted it, nodding approvingly, “It’s really good.”

Qiaoning smiled and said, “People often say that tremella is just a step away from bird’s nest. Actually, if prepared well, tremella can rival bird’s nest.”

Layue nodded, “The texture is indeed good. It’s rare for the red dates to be palatable. I usually don’t like cooked red dates, but yours have a unique flavor.”

As the two conversed, Jin Xin tidied up near the door, glanced at them, and nodded approvingly.

Seeing this, Layue spoke slowly, “Help me contact my uncle and investigate Zhu Yuning’s activities on the border several years ago. Remember to be cautious. Better to get the results later than to rush and risk exposure.”

“I understand, my lady.”

After finishing the dessert, the attendants withdrew, and Layue fell into deep thought.

In her previous life, her uncle had arranged for Qiaoning to serve her, but at that time, she had already hardened her heart and didn’t make proper use of her, treating her merely as a cook. In this life, she had different intentions and was determined to properly utilize Qiaoning’s talents.

Today’s conversation with Zhu Yuning revealed that Zhu had a strong interest in the border regions. If it turned out that Zhu and the Sixth Prince were stationed in the same city, they would likely have crossed paths.

If Zhu Yuning and the Sixth Prince indeed had some connection, as she suspected, would that have any relation to her own Shen family?

After pondering for a while, she smiled faintly. What difference did it make whether there was a connection or not?

Even if there had been one, her Shen family had still been executed to the last member. If there was no connection, then there was no need to dwell on it.

She was merely worrying unnecessarily.

Although at the beginning of her rebirth, she had many thoughts—about revenge, about gaining power in the palace, about protecting her family, and about avoiding the tragedies of her past life—she gradually realized that with a different perspective, some things looked different. While she still needed to carry out her plans, she didn’t need to be overly concerned with every detail.

Since she had been given the chance to relive her life, that in itself was the greatest gift.

“His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!” came the announcement from Lai Xi at the door.

Layue quickly composed herself and went to the entrance, where the emperor had already entered.

“Your humble concubine greets Your Majesty,” she said with a graceful bow, but the Emperor quickly helped her up.

“You’ve just recovered, and you’ve been outside for so long already. There’s no need for formalities. Come inside and sit down, let me have a good look at you.”

The Emperor’s expression was gentle and affectionate, always making her feel cared for and warm.

Just coming in from the cold outside, his large hands were chilly, yet he still placed them on Layue’s cheeks, his thumb gently brushing over her eyelids. Layue slowly closed her eyes.

Seeing this, the Emperor chuckled softly and slowly lowered his head to kiss her.

After the affectionate kiss, he asked tenderly, “How are you feeling? Is there still any discomfort?”

Layue opened her eyes and shook her head with a grin, “I’m completely recovered. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to wander outside for so long.”

He caressed her face again, his eyes scanning her figure, “You’ve lost weight after being ill for half a month.”

His gaze lingered on her chest, and Layue pouted, “Your Majesty, where are you looking?”

“You know where,” he replied, flicking her nose playfully.

Layue took off her shoes, lay down on the couch, and rested her head on his lap, looking utterly relaxed and content.

“I’ve only lost weight where I should, but I haven’t lost any where I shouldn’t have.”

Seeing her in such a lazy and girlish manner, the Emperor unhesitatingly placed his hand on her chest, his fingers gently rubbing.

“Slap!” Layue smacked his hand.

The Emperor chuckled, “I haven’t seen you in so long, and I’ve missed you terribly. Yet you treat me like this. You’re such an unfeeling little thing.”

Layue lay there with a light huff, “Without me, you still have many others—like that someone, and that someone else…”

She began counting on her fingers.

The Emperor burst into laughter, entertained by her antics.

“What a little vinegar jar you are.”

“I am not!” she quickly denied, which only made her seem all the more like she was hiding something.

The Emperor stroked her face, “If you’re not, then why mention others? You should know that I love you the most.”

That only made her sit up abruptly, glaring at him with teary eyes, “You’re lying. You’re just saying that. You don’t really love me the most.”

Seeing her reaction, the Emperor was momentarily taken aback, “What’s wrong? Why are you acting like this? Don’t you believe me?”

His tone was calm, but Layue could sense the displeasure beneath it. She bit her lip, her eyes welling up with tears, yet she stubbornly held them back as she stubbornly replied, “Why did you replace my physician? Why did you kill him? Who is trying to harm me? I’m not stupid. Things have gone too far for me not to see what’s happening. Yet you tell me nothing. Not only do you keep me in the dark, but you also favor others. You love others. I counted the days on my fingers, wishing to recover quickly just to see you again, and yet…”

She stopped herself, turning her head away.

Though her heart was breaking, she still refused to let the tears fall.

Her expression and words softened the Emperor’s demeanor. He gently patted her head and sighed, “Why do I end up loving such a little girl? Look at you—stubborn, temperamental, jealous, and silly.”

As he spoke, Layue’s eyes widened, glaring at him defiantly.

He kissed her fiercely, pulling her down onto the couch. Layue tried to resist, her little fists pounding against him, but the Emperor ignored her protests. With one hand, he pinned both her arms above her head.

His kiss was forceful and demanding, his tongue sweeping into her mouth and exploring thoroughly. Layue felt as though he were devouring her whole.

“Umm…”

He roughly pulled open her dress, revealing her white undergarment, her nipples already hardened. His gaze darkened with desire.

Looking at her blushing face, flushed with arousal, he murmured, “I love seeing you like this—so defiant, so spirited. I love conquering you like this. Every time I see you like this, I can’t help but want to torment you.”

Before she could respond, the Emperor yanked her undergarment off and threw it to the ground. He lowered his head and took one of her tender mounds into his mouth, his tongue and teeth teasing and biting.

Layue blushed deeply but still managed to whisper, “It hurts, it hurts. Let me go, please…”

If anything, her words only made his eyes darken further. He tore off her undergarments, and as she looked at the ruined fabric, she complained, “You tore my undergarments again. You’re such a bad man…”

The Emperor, apparently satisfied with his kisses, finally lifted his head and looked at her tear-streaked face, “Not only will I tear your clothes, but I’ll tear you apart…”

His voice grew softer as the lust in his words became unmistakable.

Layue bit his shoulder in protest.

Unfortunately for her, the Emperor was still fully clothed and barely felt it.

“Oh, so you’re trying to bite me now?” he teased, his tone condescending and making her even angrier.

Growling, she struggled against him.

“Ugh, ugh, umm…” the Emperor let out a satisfied groan.

He wore a wicked smile, and even though they were alone in the room, he leaned close to her ear and whispered, “So good… What’s this? Learning to seduce me now?”

Meeting her fiery gaze, the Emperor couldn’t resist lowering his head to her chest again.

“I want to devour you…”

He kissed her passionately up and down, nibbling on her wet lips. Layue felt as if he really would consume her entirely. At this point, he had released her hands, but she didn’t know where to put them and could only tightly clutch his clothes.

Seeing her furrowed brows and pained expression, the Emperor gently patted her cheek, “Help me take off my clothes.”

Layue opened her eyes, momentarily dazed by his smile. Seeing her confusion, the Emperor didn’t expect much from her and quickly undressed himself in a few swift motions.

He lay back on top of her and guided her hands to his lower body.

At this point, Layue was even more flustered and unsure of what to do.

The Emperor didn’t tease her further, “Be a good girl. Be obedient and guide me inside you…”

Layue hesitated as she grasped his member, feeling its warmth and hardness. Despite his whispered encouragement in her ear, she remained frozen, her expression deeply embarrassed.

Seeing her reluctance, the Emperor whispered in her ear, “If you don’t cooperate, I’ll have to punish you severely. I’ve gone without you for over half a month, and I’ve missed you terribly. If you don’t obey, I’ll make sure you can’t get out of bed tomorrow.”

How could a sovereign emperor resort to threats in such a matter? Layue was furious, but she didn’t realize how much the Emperor adored her pouting expressions and how often he sought them out.

As she was lost in her thoughts, the Emperor, like a hungry wolf, began exploring her body. Seeing that she still refused to act, he took her hands and guided himself into her.

Both shuddered at the sensation.

“Serve me well…”

Then came a storm of passion. Layue watched the sweat dripping from his face as he became increasingly excited. Instinctively, she nuzzled her face into his neck like a little animal, which only heightened his arousal.

Whether it was her pouting or her instinctive movements, all of these were unconscious reactions during her “violation,” yet they were precisely what he cherished most in their intimate moments. He especially loved her like this.

“I love you. I truly love you…”

After a long while, with a deep, low groan, he buried himself deeply inside her…