“I’ve never seen you like this before, Consort Frost!” Zai Ping teased with a smile.
“Will Lord Qing really come to your chambers tonight? Isn’t that a bit too bold?” Dao Qiu’s face was clouded with worry, unlike Zai Ping’s lightheartedness. Na Xiu’er had always been strict with herself, and it was unthinkable that she would do something as daring as a secret meeting in the palace. Even though nothing untoward had happened, Na Zhan was still her husband. If anyone found out that Consort Frost had met a lover in her own chambers, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Huang Bei Shuang understood Zai Ping’s concerns. In truth, she was filled with anxiety as well. She knew this was wrong, yet whenever she thought of him, she couldn’t control herself. She lowered her gaze and pressed the jade ring more tightly to her lips, lingering in her thoughts for a long, long time.
As the moon reached its zenith, Zai Ping and Dao Qiu quietly carried the basin out of the room, gently closing the door behind them.
Outside, Lian Huan, one of the guards, stepped forward and asked nervously, “Has he arrived?”
Dao Qiu smiled, sensing his unease and embarrassment. “Not yet! Consort Frost is still waiting. You’d best stay outside and avoid any trouble!”
Lian Huan gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his brows furrowed. “Who exactly is Lord Qing? That night, we were all guarding the only road leading to Huai Yue Pavilion, but no one saw even a shadow of him. How did he get up there? And this is the imperial palace of Yunpei, heavily guarded—how can he come and go so freely? Doesn’t Consort Frost find that strange?”
His question echoed Dao Qiu’s concerns, but she could only sigh in response. “There’s nothing more mysterious than love, Lian Huan. Don’t forget, Consort Frost is still a woman, no matter how clever she is.”
Lian Huan looked puzzled, half-understanding her words. Though a skilled warrior, he was as clueless about romance as he was gifted in combat. Seeing his confused expression, Dao Qiu shook her head and walked away. “Keep a good watch and don’t let His Majesty show up unexpectedly! We’ll keep an eye out by the palace gate.”
Lian Huan straightened up and, along with the other guards, declared, “We swear to protect Na Xiu’er!”
Dao Qiu couldn’t help but chuckle at their sincerity, her eyes misting with tears. Men, she thought to herself, can be quite amusing.
* * *
In Hua Yu Palace, Lady Jia rested in Na Zhan’s arms. “Your Majesty, you haven’t visited me for two days!” Her soft, tender voice finally brought the King of Yunpei back to his senses. He stroked her hair affectionately and said, “You’re with child. Coming here too often might be harmful to you.” Touched, Lady Jia buried her face in his chest and murmured, “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I know my limits, please don’t be concerned.” With that, Na Zhan smiled, gently laying her back on the bed. Amid their intimate moment, she faintly heard Na Zhan’s hoarse voice mutter, “There’s no flute music tonight…”
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Clear footsteps echoed through the long, sleepy corridor, reverberating off the ornate pillars and beams. Lian Huan’s throat tightened as he tensed up, his eyes fixed on the dimly lit end of the hallway. A shadowy figure slowly emerged from the darkness, each step bringing him closer until he appeared before Lian Huan like some kind of deity. His dark eyes were fathomless, his long hair wild over his shoulders, and under his disheveled bangs, his strong, sensual features were illuminated by a low, mocking laugh, making the night feel even more suffocating.
“Lord Qing!” Lian Huan muttered. He had only caught a brief glimpse of him the last time, but now, seeing him up close, he realized the full force of his imposing appearance. His hand, resting on the hilt of his sword, trembled slightly as he realized his own loss of composure.
Qing Yun glanced at him without acknowledgment and pushed the tightly closed palace doors open without hesitation. His tall figure strode inside, the hollow sound of the door closing snapping Lian Huan back to reality. He couldn’t help but think to himself: So this is the man in Na Xiu’er’s heart.
At that moment, Huang Bei Shuang, holding the jade ring, had already dozed off in her bed. Qing Yun looked at her, amused. This woman was utterly defenseless. He leaned down to kiss her gently and slipped the ring from her hand. Huang Bei Shuang slowly opened her eyes and saw Qing Yun sitting beside her.
“Is this for me?” he asked, playing with the jade ring.
Huang Bei Shuang leaned against him and answered, “Yes.”
Qing Yun, pleased, lifted her hand and kissed it gently. She rested her forehead against his, staring into his eyes without blinking. “I’m here,” he whispered. Then, with one swift motion, he tore off her robe, the sound of fabric ripping filling the air. Without even removing his boots, he climbed onto the bed, leaving a trail of red marks with his lips on her chest. Huang Bei Shuang didn’t resist at all, her hands wandering over his shoulders, entranced. His long hair spread over her like a fine web, light and tickling.
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