The Sovereign – Chapter 64

Volume Four: Opulent Splendor Like a Dream, Waters Flow East

Emotions Difficult to Restrain

When feelings reach their depths, one will naturally become unable to control emotions

Qin Junlan dismissed her attendants because she did not want to openly argue with Yi Qinghuan in front of others. As the ruler of a country, if she couldn’t even protect the woman she liked, how could she intimidate the world? Since she had taken the initiative to bring Liu Qianxun into the palace, she would by no means allow her to be controlled by others.

She knew Yi Qinghuan’s methods. Back then, to be able to dominate the six palaces and trample other concubines underfoot, she must have had some tactics and scheming abilities. Otherwise, how could she have achieved her later position?

“What? Is there something the Imperial Child cannot say in front of others, requiring the dismissal of attendants?” Yi Qinghuan’s face showed displeasure. She deliberately didn’t go through Qin Junlan to find Liu Qianxun directly because she had the right to manage the affairs of the inner palace. Although Liu Qianxun was newly appointed as a princess, once she entered the deep palace quarters, her fate would be controlled by her.

“Mother Empress knows this child’s intentions, why make things difficult for Xun’er and your child?”

“Ziquan likes her and wants to marry her, which is understandable. Since she is a princess, she is a suitable match for Ziquan. Where is the difficulty in that? Could it be that you think people of my Yi clan are not good enough for a princess with a foreign surname?”

“What if I do not permit it?” Qin Junlan’s resolute attitude also angered Yi Qinghuan. She slapped the table and shouted, “What if I insist on this? Qiushui, draft an imperial edict!”

The confrontation between mother and daughter was about to explode. Qiushui broke out in a cold sweat. One with a furious dragon countenance, the other with anger bristling her hair, imperial edicts contradicting each other – this was probably unprecedented. At this moment, how dare Qiushui draft an imperial edict? She didn’t dare to utter even half a word.

Qin Junlan suddenly sneered, her emotions slowly calming, “Mother Empress, the northern frontier is desolate. Ziquan’s name is well-chosen. Why don’t I bestow him a fief there, to see if he can bring grace to the drought? I believe no court official would object.” With that, she left, sweeping her sleeves.

“Imperial Child, you!” Yi Qinghuan wanted to say more, but Qiushui hurriedly stopped her, “Empress Dowager, please say no more. Do you really want to fall out with the Emperor?”

“This Liu Qianxun!” Yi Qinghuan angrily picked up a cup and smashed it at the doorway. The splashing glass shards hit the door frame, nearly injuring Yun Jin’s face as she was entering.

“Mother Empress, please calm your anger.”

“How can you ask me to calm my anger? The Emperor even dares to threaten me! Her implication is that she can release Ziquan, but can also easily deal with him.” Yi Qinghuan was unable to calm her anger, feeling a dull pain in her heart. When had the Emperor ever confronted her like this? Even when there were disagreements, it had never reached this point before.

“Imperial Elder Sister releasing Ziquan is already an act of grace. Mother Empress, you should know in your heart, even if Ziquan didn’t participate in the conspiracy, he must have known about it. Knowing but not reporting is already a serious crime. Imperial Elder Sister has already granted special amnesty to consider your feelings. Now you want her to watch Ziquan marry Xun’er, how could she agree?” Yun Jin supported Yi Qinghuan to sit down, gently rubbing her back, speaking gracefully and reasonably, appealing to both logic and emotion, consistently standing from Qin Junlan’s perspective to defend her.

“Jin’er, you always defend her, your heart is with her. Sooner or later, you’ll be the death of me too.” Although Yi Qinghuan’s brows were furrowed in reproach towards Yun Jin, her tone had softened considerably. She could never be truly angry with Yun Jin; even if she did something improper, she wouldn’t scold her.

“Mother Empress would never be angry with Jin’er, nor truly angry with Imperial Elder Sister. Jin’er hopes Mother Empress won’t misdirect her anger towards Sister Xun’er. After all, it was Ziquan who fell in love with her at first sight; she is not at fault in any way.” Yun Jin knew the Empress Dowager had no way to deal with the Emperor and feared she might misdirect her anger towards Liu Qianxun. Once the Empress Dowager became hostile towards Liu Qianxun, her future days in the palace would be difficult.

“What love potion has Liu Qianxun given you all, that you each defend her so?” Yi Qinghuan glared lightly at her. Yun Jin pouted, pretending to be aggrieved: “She didn’t give Jin’er any love potion. It’s just that I heard a few days ago, Guo’er nearly fell from a tree in the Imperial Garden, endangering his life, and was saved by her. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable.” Yun Jin played her trump card, and sure enough, Yi Qinghuan’s expression changed slightly. “Was there really such an incident?”

“It’s absolutely true, many palace maids were present.”

“Alright.” Yi Qinghuan finally calmed her emotions. Yun Jin heaved a long sigh of relief, exchanging a glance with Qiushui, their eyes full of helplessness.

Qiushui was grateful that Yun Jin was in the palace. Otherwise, who knows to what extent the conflict between the Emperor and the Empress Dowager would have escalated.

Liu Qianxun walked on the path back to Qixia Palace, seeing the distant sunset glow pressing down on the palace pavilions. Each time she walked a route, she would memorize the paths she had taken and the situations of the patrolling guards she had seen.

Under Chen Qing’s protection, Liu Qianxun returned to Qixia Palace. Chen Qing bowed to her, showing a slight smile, “Princess, this humble servant is responsible for the safety of the three palaces. Now, having received the imperial order to be responsible for the Princess’s safety, I may have to frequently appear before your eyes. I hope the Princess won’t mind.”

“I won’t, thank you for your trouble.” Liu Qianxun replied calmly. Seeing that this Chen Qing spoke with humor, had a delicate appearance and always showed a smile in his eyes, was easygoing yet not overstepping boundaries, she found him quite pleasant.

“Then this humble servant will not disturb the Princess further. I will patrol around, and if the Princess needs anything, just call out.”

“Mm, you may withdraw.”

Chen Qing retreated with a beaming smile, just as he encountered Ye Ming hurrying over.

Liu Qianxun glanced at Ye Ming, knowing she had discovered some news, but said nothing and returned to the palace. There were many eyes and ears in the palace, and one never knew where Ghost Eye might be. Liu Qianxun would only discuss missions in the sleeping quarters of Qixia Palace, ensuring no one was approaching.

“Do you have news?”

“Yes, the message was taken, but this subordinate still couldn’t discover any suspicious person.” Ye Ming was greatly puzzled. Even though she was entangled with Bai Ruoxi, she had only accompanied Bai Ruoxi for a few rounds of frolicking in the Imperial Garden.

“How many people approached the Imperial Garden today?”

“It’s impossible to estimate. Just the palace maids and guards coming and going were numerous. Moreover, in broad daylight, how did he obtain it? It truly baffles this subordinate.” Ye Ming furrowed her brows. Although Ghost Eye was one of their own, to be hidden so deeply was truly formidable.

“Never mind, just keep an eye out these days. I’ll think of another way regarding Ghost Eye.”

“Yes.”

A heavy atmosphere permeated Fengluang Palace. Qin Junlan returned in a rage, her imperial anger difficult to subside. The entire Fengluang Palace was shrouded in gloom, everyone treading carefully, fearing to overstep and add fuel to the fire.

In the Imperial Study, Qin Junlan suppressed her anger with great effort, smashing the bird’s nest soup that Yuan Xi had just served. Yuan Xi, startled, hurriedly knelt down, “This slave deserves death.” She had never seen Qin Junlan so furious before. Usually, even when burdened with state affairs or troubled by worries, she had never shown anger. Today’s unusual behavior was cause for concern.

“Bring me wine!”

At Qin Junlan’s command, Yuan Xi dared not disobey and hurriedly ordered people to prepare wine and present it.

“Ah, Sister Yue, what are we to do? The Emperor has never been like this before.” Yuan Xi was deeply worried. Qin Junlan had already drunk a lot and kept asking for refills. Yuan Xi was concerned about her getting drunk but dared not disobey the imperial order.

“It’s nothing but matters of the heart. What else but love could wound our master so?” Li Yue shook her head helplessly.

After hearing that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor had a big argument, Bai Ruoxi felt it was the trouble caused by her refusal to marry. She wanted to visit her Imperial Elder Sister to apologize and accept punishment.

“Yuan Xi, where is Imperial Elder Sister?”

“Young Princess, the Emperor is in a rage right now. You’d better not go in. Even we servants don’t dare to approach.”

“Ah, it’s all my fault. Never mind, I’ll go find Elder Sister Xun’er first.”

Bai Ruoxi thought that only Liu Qianxun could console Qin Junlan, so she immediately ran towards Qixia Palace. The evening light was spilling onto the walls of Qixia Palace as Bai Ruoxi arrived, treading on the sunset glow. She encountered Ye Ming, who was about to leave the palace.

“Ye Ming, where are you going?” Bai Ruoxi’s eyebrows lifted in joy as she approached.

“It’s almost dark. What are you doing here?”

“I… I missed you.” Bai Ruoxi seemed to have forgotten her purpose for coming, forgetting everything upon seeing Ye Ming. Ye Ming pursed her lips, with a hint of a smile, “Why aren’t you accompanying your Brother Ziquan?”

“What? Why should I accompany him? Don’t tell me you really want me to marry him?”

“It wouldn’t be impossible.” An awkward emotion welled up in Ye Ming’s heart. The thought of Bai Ruoxi being bestowed in marriage made her heart feel as if it had been pummeled, causing discomfort.

Suddenly, Bai Ruoxi turned Ye Ming towards her, cupping her face with both hands, and asked seriously, “Do you really want me to marry him?”

Ye Ming remained silent, her eyes as dark as obsidian, emitting a faint gleam as she gazed at Bai Ruoxi.

“Do you really not mind?”

As Ye Ming tried to look away, Bai Ruoxi wouldn’t let her. She slowly brought her face closer. Seeing this, Ye Ming hurriedly tried to dodge, but Bai Ruoxi persistently held onto her neck. Ye Ming didn’t dare to forcefully remove her hands, fearing she might hurt her if she wasn’t careful. She could only allow Bai Ruoxi to stare at her intently, like a predator eyeing its prey. Unexpectedly, Bai Ruoxi suddenly playfully bit the tip of Ye Ming’s nose, with a mischievous grin on her face.

“You, why did you bite me?” Ye Ming’s face immediately turned peach blossom red, the blush spreading all the way to her ears. She quickly glanced around, fortunately, no palace maids were passing by, otherwise, what kind of propriety would that be? This Bai Ruoxi was too daring, to make such an intimate gesture in the imperial palace. What if someone had seen it?

“Hmph, who told you to ask me to marry someone else? In this life, I’ll only marry you, I won’t marry anyone else.”

“Talking nonsense, how can a woman marry a woman?” Ye Ming irritably rubbed the tip of her nose, the lingering pain inexplicably bringing joy to her heart, a sweet feeling sweeping through.

“Who cares? If we can’t marry, then we’ll just be together forever.” Bai Ruoxi leaned on Ye Ming’s shoulder, holding onto her arm, enjoying this moment of intimacy. She felt that the happiest thing was these recent days. If every day could be like this, how wonderful it would be. Ye Ming wouldn’t always have a stern face, she would smile at her, relax enough to fall asleep, let down her guard, and open her heart to her.

She knew that Ye Ming held many secrets in her heart. She wouldn’t ask, but she would wait. Wait until Ye Ming’s heart completely belonged to her. She wanted to slowly untie the knots in Ye Ming’s heart, allowing her to embrace the world with a bright heart. At that time, she would see a cheerful and lively Ye Ming. She wouldn’t always lock herself in her own world, isolating herself. She hoped to be the light in Ye Ming’s world.

Until nightfall, Bai Ruoxi had forgotten that she came to find Liu Qianxun. Li Yue, seeing that Qin Junlan was still unwilling to stop drinking despite being in a drunken haze, could only personally go to find Liu Qianxun.

The Imperial Study was filled with a strong smell of alcohol. The candlelight was dim, and palace maids and eunuchs were kneeling all around. Yuan Xi, holding a cup of sobering tea, didn’t dare to enter. Anyone who had entered without permission had been scolded and sent out.

“Give it to me, all of you withdraw.” Liu Qianxun took the sobering tea and slowly pushed open the door. Faintly visible, Qin Junlan was lying on the couch, drinking alone. Her gaze was unfocused and weak, as if alcohol had blurred her eyes.

She sensed someone approaching and irritably rasped: “I said no one is allowed to enter! Are you defying the imperial order?”

“It’s me, Yan’er.” Liu Qianxun put the sobering tea aside and walked forward, allowing Qin Junlan to see her clearly.

“Xun’er?” Qin Junlan thought it was the alcohol affecting her, seeing an illusion in her drunken haze. She dropped the wine cup and reached out, wanting to touch that face she was so captivated by. “Is it really you?”

“It’s me.” Liu Qianxun gently held her hand, placing it on her own cheek, the corners of her lips slightly raised.

“Xun’er, I’m sorry.” Qin Junlan hung her head, powerless and melancholic, her expression full of dejection.

“Why are you apologizing?” Liu Qianxun moved closer, supporting Qin Junlan’s head on her shoulder, her palm gently stroking her back.

“I am unworthy of being Emperor. I brought you into the palace only to let you suffer such grievances. Mother Empress is always like this. She knows I’m in love with you, yet still wants to betroth you to Ziquan.” In her drunken haze, Qin Junlan raised her head, speaking out the words she had kept buried in her heart.

“Yan’er…” This was the first time Liu Qianxun had clearly heard Qin Junlan’s confession. Moved, seeing her so upset, her own heart twisted into a knot, filled with bitterness. “I’m not aggrieved. With you here, I’m more than happy. How could I be aggrieved?”

“I won’t let anyone else marry you. Whoever dares to marry you, I will kill them!” Only when drunk could Qin Junlan utter such words that went against reason.

“I won’t marry anyone else.”

“Really?”

“Really, I am yours.” Liu Qianxun’s deeply affectionate words, coupled with her soul-stirring gaze and enchanting smile, made Qin Junlan lose her senses in the midst of her emotional turmoil.

She heavily held her lips, the warm and moist kiss landed on her thin lips. Liu Qianxun only felt a numbing sensation at the tip of her tongue, it was the smell of alcohol from Qin Junlan’s lips and teeth, spreading throughout her body, making her feel as if she was drunk, her whole body starting to heat up. Qin Junlan’s breathing gradually became heavy, only feeling that Liu Qianxun’s lips became more fragrant.

She sucked on Liu Qianxun’s tongue, teasing as if savoring wine, wanting to refuse yet welcoming. However, it seemed not enough, she wanted more, the heat in her body became stronger, only wanting to shed the excess clothing and cling tightly to her.

Qin Junlan lifted Liu Qianxun, not willing to let her lips leave for a moment, and Liu Qianxun responded passionately. The sweetness was like rain after a long drought, the stimulation to her body made her lose all judgment and reason. Was it a beauty trap, or irresistible passion? At this moment, she feared she could no longer tell.

Qin Junlan leaned down, one hand supporting Liu Qianxun’s neck, the other gently sliding over the slender waist to pull the ribbon. The purple gauze dress slipped off under the candlelight, the red silk bellyband accentuating the smooth, creamy skin underneath, giving off a faint pink hue. The iris flower on her shoulder was dazzlingly red. Qin Junlan gazed for a long time, her fingertips gently sliding over the tattoo, making Liu Qianxun’s heart itch unbearably, her shoulder shuddering involuntarily. A strange yet wonderful sensation came from her lower abdomen, with some desire yet a touch of shame.

Qin Junlan only felt that no flower in the world could compare to Liu Qianxun. The red iris bloomed from her collarbone to her fragrant shoulder, after admiring the flowers, it was time to explore the forest. The stream flowed gently, and that garden was a place Qin Junlan had long desired yet dared not reach.

There is a paradise where she can take Liu Qianxun and fly together to the clouds. The surging mountains and rivers do not compare to the current excitement, and no amount of words can express the mutual understanding at this moment. Her beautiful body is like jade, flawless, and nothing is more beautiful than facing each other naked, revealing the most honest self, expressing the deep yearning.

Liu Qianxun was enjoying Qin Junlan’s wanton wandering while worrying that her drunken state might cause her to fall over. Qin Junlan was like a beast awakened, crawling over Liu Qianxun, seeking the long-awaited sweetness.

“Mm~” Liu Qianxun’s breathing gradually became heavier, a murmur escaped her throat, a fire accumulated within her, feeling unbearably painful. Qin Junlan heard the heart-wrenching low moan, becoming even more excited. She tightly clasped her fingers, her hair falling down, brushing against Liu Qianxun’s skin, causing her body to tremble lightly.

Liu Qianxun involuntarily lifted her head, her body arching slightly, feeling as if she might be burned by the heat within her body. The unvented pain made her bite onto Qin Junlan’s earlobe.

The intense impact made Qin Junlan lose her reason. Fueled by the strength of the alcohol, she pressed straight into the depths of the garden, breaking through the last line of defense in the stream.

“Mm~~” Liu Qianxun let out a faint sound, her chin slightly raised, suppressing the sharp pain, and her hands couldn’t help but gently grip her arms. Her entire body tensed under the light sting and inexplicable soreness and tightness, and only after a while did it slowly relax.

The night was silent amid uncontrollable emotions.

Qin Junlan fell asleep in fatigue and the haze of alcohol, and Liu Qianxun gazed at her sleeping face, momentarily lost in thought. She raised her arm, and the vermilion mark of the virginity dot had disappeared, as if it had never appeared, fading away like the wind.