Chapter 103
The next day, during the morning court, the ministers noticed that the Emperor was fidgeting and had a strange expression. They assumed she was displeased with their reports, so the morning court dragged on longer, with more and more topics being discussed.
Xia Linxia looked at the sky outside and thought, "Do these old guys have no sex lives! How can they all be so energetic and full of vigor!"
She just wanted to go back and sleep.
Seeing that someone was again suggesting she have children early, she stood up and said, "Whoever wants to have children can have them. Court is dismissed!"
After the court dispersed, she had just returned to her sleeping quarters when a servant informed her that Noble Consort Xue had arrived.
Without even changing her clothes, she slipped away.
She went to Qiu Meiren's room and caught up on some sleep. When she woke up, she saw Qiu Meiren and his roommate, Duan Meiren, painting in the room, one behind the other, sharing a brush.
"Ugh, the scene is causing discomfort." Xia Linxia waved her hand and left. As she passed through the back garden, her feet turned, and she decided to join the concubines' tea party.
Rumors were flying throughout the harem that the Emperor had favored Noble Consort Xue last night and only emerged during the morning court. Noble Consort Xue's complexion was even more rosy and radiant!
Concubine 1: "I heard that Ji Fengxue, that little slut, went to see the Emperor again early this morning. So shameless."
Concubine 2: "But the Emperor ignored her today. She probably still likes that maid. Tsk, the Emperor's taste is really..."
Concubine 3: "Oh, stop talking. Look, have my muscles grown? Huh, Emperor, why are you here?"
Xia Linxia looked at the increasingly muscular beauties and couldn't help but think to herself, "The food in the palace is really good."
As soon as she sat down, she casually took a teacup handed to her by a concubine and took a sip. The concubine next to her asked, "Your Majesty, did you have a night of passion with Ji Fengxue last night?"
"Pfft—"
"It's nothing, this is the Emperor's grace and favor." The concubine wiped the water from her face, but seeing Xia Linxia suddenly blush, she was surprised. "Your Majesty? Could it be... you've been bewitched?"
"What nonsense are you talking about? Her Majesty is the chosen one of heaven, how could she be bewitched by a fox spirit," another concubine chided, then shyly touched Xia Linxia's hand. "Your Majesty, whose name will you call tonight? Your humble servant has just learned to break stones with her chest..."
Xia Linxia withdrew her hand, but her mind flashed back to the events of last night.
A concubine flattered, "Her Majesty is strong and robust, and Noble Consort Xue looks frail. She definitely can't withstand Her Majesty's dragon might, but I, on the other hand, can try. I can withstand it."
"..." Xia Linxia suddenly felt a slight ache in her waist. "I can't withstand it!"
"Noble Consort Xue's health is not good. Your Majesty should not call her name tonight."
Xia Linxia nodded vigorously, "Okay, okay, I won't call her name." My waist still hurts a little!
As they were speaking, a servant suddenly whispered a few words into her ear. She immediately got up and walked towards the Empress Dowager's palace without looking back. "What did the Empress Dowager want to ask Lao Ji about?"
"This servant does not know."
Xia Linxia quickened her pace. Just as she reached the courtyard gate, she saw Ji Fengxue walking out alone, her robes fluttering and her skirt trailing.
Xia Linxia's face turned red again uncontrollably. As Ji Fengxue approached, she had just asked what was wrong when Ji Fengxue shed a tear.
"Did Mother bully you!" Xia Linxia quickly hugged her arm. "What happened? Tell me, and I'll get justice for you."
Ji Fengxue pushed her hand away and walked forward. Xia Linxia quickly chased after her. "Lao Ji, what happened? Tell me."
Ji Fengxue stopped, tears clinging to her eyelashes, truly making one pity her. Xia Linxia's heart ached as if it were breaking.
"Why are you ignoring me?" Ji Fengxue asked.
Xia Linxia was stunned, then lowered her head, revealing only her two red ear tips, unsure how to answer. Seeing Ji Fengxue about to leave again, she quickly grabbed her. "Don't go. I didn't mean to ignore you, I was just... I'm shy!"
A hint of a smile flashed in Ji Fengxue's eyes, but her lips turned down slightly. "Why are you shy? You are the Emperor, isn't it natural for your humble servant to serve you?"
"But!" Xia Linxia couldn't help but pinch her waist, filled with shame and indignation, and muttered, "It's not like you serve me like that."
"Then how should it be?"
"It's just... no, no, I only thought of you as an immortal, and I didn't want to defile your body," Xia Linxia said honestly.
Ji Fengxue's expression turned cold. "Since that's the case, then your humble servant will return to that cold palace. Farewell."
Late at night, Xia Linxia tossed and turned, gazing at the moon outside. She got up, put on an outer coat, and quietly ran to Ji Fengxue's palace, climbing in through the window.
Ji Fengxue was lying on the bed. Hearing the movement, her palm moved, and a silver needle emerged from her sleeve. Upon seeing the disheveled person, the silver needle disappeared without a trace.
"Lao Ji, pay attention to me." Xia Linxia sat on the edge of the bed, looking wronged.
Ji Fengxue lazily lifted her eyelids. "You see me and run away. Who is ignoring whom?"
Xia Linxia lowered her head, nervously fiddling with her knuckles, her cheeks puffed out.
"Come up," Ji Fengxue commanded.
"Ah?"
"Isn't it cold outside?"
"It's cold."
Ji Fengxue lifted a corner of the quilt, her invitation very obvious.
"This isn't good. I really didn't come to serve you, I just..." Xia Linxia mumbled for a long time, but still climbed onto the bed, saying, "It's really cold outside!"
Ji Fengxue reached out and pulled her into her arms. Xia Linxia felt extremely warm and couldn't help but hug her back, finding the most comfortable position.
Well, the beauty's soft body is really comfortable.
It would be even better if the beauty didn't touch her inappropriately!
"What are you doing!" she exclaimed.
Ji Fengxue waved her hand, and all the candles in the room were extinguished. Only her low, seductive voice could be heard, "Naturally, I'm here to serve."
"Wuwuwu... Mmmph."
For several consecutive days, Xia Linxia could not escape Ji Fengxue's "clutches." Ji Fengxue's reputation as a bewitching beauty spread further and further. The entire harem, regardless of gender, regarded her as an enemy.
But Ji Fengxue remained unconcerned, continuing her routine of "cornering" people daily. If the other party refused... there was nothing that a tear couldn't solve.
One day, a maidservant dismissed everyone else and quietly asked, "... Miss, when are we going back?"
Ji Fengxue was watering flowers. Hearing this, her smile stiffened, and she accidentally pulled off a rose from the branch.
At this moment, a cheerful, bright yellow figure appeared not far away. Xia Linxia ran over, her long hair flying, her posture unrestrained, sweat beading on her forehead. She stopped in front of Ji Fengxue, showing a simple and honest smile, "Lao Ji, I'm done with court!"
The maidservant saw her mistress, who had been cold as ice a moment ago, now smiling with her eyes curved as she wiped the sweat from the newcomer. She couldn't help but shiver.
"What happened to your hand?" Xia Linxia took her other hand, holding a rose, and saw a few scratches on her palm. "Did you accidentally get pricked by a thorn?"
"Mmm."
"Summon the imperial physician!" Xia Linxia quickly took the rose and looked around. She tucked it into Ji Fengxue's hair, adding a touch of color. "It looks really good!"
The imperial physician never expected to be summoned from afar just to examine a minor scratch. Moreover, the two were so affectionate, their eyes only on each other, completely ignoring others.
After confirming there was no serious issue, Xia Linxia said, "You live here alone, it's not safe. Why don't you move to my palace?"
"It's not proper," Ji Fengxue said.
"Forget propriety. I am the true empress, and what I say is the rule!" Xia Linxia ordered people to move her belongings without another word.
For a time, Ji Fengxue received great favor. Even the common people knew that the Emperor had three thousand beauties, yet she insisted on favoring that person from Ji country.
One day, the Empress Dowager summoned Ji Fengxue. After a round of greetings, her gaze fell on Ji Fengxue's stomach. "You are a sensible girl, and I am relieved. However, the royal family cannot be without heirs. Do you understand what I mean?"
"Your humble servant understands," Ji Fengxue replied obediently.
At night, Xia Linxia asked her what her mother had summoned her for.
Ji Fengxue tormented her until she was exhausted, even more so than usual. "Mother wants you to have a child for me."
"Mmm...???" You're acting strange.
Every day when Xia Linxia attended court, she felt that the Emperor's dignity was completely lost. Who would have thought that the Emperor, who was above all, would be crying and calling someone "husband" in the inner chambers?
Alas.
But how to put it, although it was embarrassing to say, she just wouldn't say it. And the especially enjoyable things, she definitely couldn't say.
Of course, this was just her own thought. The entire court could see that the Emperor's mood was getting better and better, and she was handling state affairs with more enthusiasm, finally appearing as a wise ruler should.
But someone stood up and said, "Your Majesty, the border situation has been tense recently. It is heard that the people of Ji country are restless again. Noble Consort Xue is a person of marriage alliance between Ji and Xia. Your Majesty must not favor her excessively, lest you fall into a trap."
"What does the matter between Ji and Xia countries have to do with Noble Consort Xue?" Xia Linxia said. "She is merely a weak woman." Although she was quite fierce in bed, hehe.
In the imperial court, voices opposing the favored concubine Ji Fengxue grew louder. In the harem, the beauties became more and more robust, perhaps thinking they could catch the Emperor's eye. Whenever they saw Xia Linxia, they would perform a powerful wrestling move.
Xia Linxia didn't react the first time and tried to help a servant. Unexpectedly, the other party was too heavy and pushed her into the water. She had been sore and weak that day, and then caught a chill. Ji Fengxue took care of her by the bedside for several days, but then treated her coldly, leaving her feeling unsettled. Finally, after recovering, she shamelessly climbed into Lao Ji's bed and coaxed her until she was appeased.
From then on, she never dared to help anyone again.
She had thought about fighting back, but each time she was so dazed by Ji Fengxue that she forgot her purpose when things got heated.
It was true, just as the outside world rumored, Ji Fengxue was indeed a bewitching beauty.
Another month passed. It was heard that the Ji country's royal family was in turmoil, with ministers colluding with foreign enemies to rebel. The court was in heated debate over whether to provide assistance. Xia Linxia looked at the letter sent back from the border by Xia Yangxuan and said, "Quickly send reinforcements to the front line. My brother has taken a liking to General Jiang Yuan of Ji country, and the General is the only one standing with the royal family."
After the court, Xia Linxia went to Ji Fengxue's palace as usual for soup and sweets. However, she was surprised to find the entire palace empty, with even the accompanying servants missing.
Ji Fengxue had disappeared into thin air.
Xia Linxia ordered a full search, but not a single person was found, not even a body. Another half a month passed, and Xia Yangxuan returned with the victorious army, bringing with him a female general. Upon seeing his sister, he frowned and said, "Why have you become so thin?"
Xia Linxia lazily replied, "You're back, then you be the Emperor. I'm not doing it anymore. I'm going to find someone."
"How can that be?" Xia Yangxuan had just promised Jiang Yuan that they would be together for a lifetime. "The people love and respect you, you should continue to be the Emperor. Moreover, the situation in Ji country has already been pacified. The new Emperor, in gratitude for our timely rescue, has decided to submit and become a vassal, establishing eternal peace."
"Oh."
Xia Yangxuan's eyes held a strange look. "To show sincerity, the new Emperor has decided to personally arrange a marriage alliance and wishes to marry you."
Another political marriage. Weren't there already enough people in the harem? She waved her hand. "No, I have a family of over three thousand people. It's not appropriate to marry into your family."
Xia Yangxuan then said, "She said that if you are unwilling to marry her, then she will marry you, which is the same thing."
"..."
Xia Linxia eventually agreed. She was just a useless person. Unlike her brother, who could risk his life to conquer the land, she could only sit in this position and use marriage alliances to protect the country.
Anyway, with so many people in the harem, one more wouldn't matter. Coincidentally, Xia Yangxuan was also getting married. Once she had heirs, she would abdicate the throne to her nephew and then leave the palace to search for someone.
As long as Ji Fengxue was still alive, she would definitely find her!
If she had ascended to become an immortal, then that would be another story.
The wedding day soon arrived. After all, it was the marriage of an emperor from one country to another, so the ceremony had to be grand. The Empress Dowager personally presided over the welcoming with a procession of ten miles.
Xia Linxia, dressed in red imperial robes, stood with her hands behind her back on the city wall, watching the well-trained red-clad army approach. The new emperor rode on horseback, also in red robes.
Xia Linxia looked at the group of robust men and quietly whispered to Xia Yangxuan, "Brother, doesn't this new emperor look hideous?"
Xia Yangxuan said, "From what I've seen, she's a stunner."
"I don't believe you. Don't comfort me."
The wedding procession drew closer, and she had no interest in seeing what the new emperor looked like. She just wanted to get the ceremony over with quickly. The day was too hot.
At this moment, a clear and familiar voice sounded from below the city gate. "Your humble servant Ji Fengxue, respectfully welcomes Her Majesty."
Xia Linxia was stunned. She suddenly leaned over the city wall and looked down, meeting a fair and flawless face. Her legs began to weaken, and she directly fell to the ground. The surrounding citizens burst into laughter.
Xia Linxia didn't even know how she completed the wedding ceremony. Her hand, holding the red knot, was covered in sweat, and she still didn't dare to look at the person beside her.
At night, Xia Linxia hurried into the sleeping quarters. The bed curtains swayed in the wind, but there was no one on the bed. She walked in and saw Ji Fengxue standing by the window, tending to the moonflowers in a pot.
These were planted by Xia Linxia specifically for her.
"It has withered," Ji Fengxue said without turning her head.
Xia Linxia walked over, hugged her slender waist, and buried her head, inhaling a breath of immortal aura. She had many questions she wanted to ask, but in the end, she simply said, "You're back."
"Mmm," Ji Fengxue turned around and hugged her.
"Are you leaving again?"
"No more. Today, we have bowed to heaven and earth."
Xia Linxia breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at her face, she felt a sense of unreality, and her eyes inexplicably welled up. Ji Fengxue gently kissed her eyes.
Xia Linxia laid her down on the imperial bed and slowly leaned over her. "It must be that I haven't disciplined you properly, which is why you can come and go as you please. This time, I will make sure you can't even stand!"
Ji Fengxue smiled and hooked a leg around her waist. "Then please, Your Majesty, discipline your humble servant more."
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