Stealing the Alluring Heroine from the Battlefield [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 4

Rong Teng naturally learned of the incident in the garden from his guards.

He certainly didn’t see Awu’s actions as spoiled or arrogant; instead, he found her childlike innocence utterly endearing, regretting that he hadn’t witnessed it himself. He was also pleased by the Eldest Princess’s generous response. He knew his sister wouldn’t normally indulge someone so readily; her special treatment of Awu stemmed from her affection for him.

He summoned Xiao Fuzi, a young eunuch attending him. “Send the spices and gems from the Western Regions tribute to the Princess Manor, and prepare another set for Awu.”

“Also, make arrangements. I want to visit my Eldest Sister outside the palace.”

Xiao Fuzi bowed his head in acknowledgment.

Awu had played in the garden all afternoon. As she was about to look for some entertainment, she heard Fanghua speaking outside.

“Your Majesty, Miss Awu is resting. This servant will wake her immediately.” Fanghua subtly glanced behind the screen, her voice imperceptibly rising.

“No need. I’ll wake her myself.” The Emperor’s voice held a smile, and he was eager to enter.

Fanghua frowned inwardly. Though Miss Awu was a woman the Emperor had brought with him, they had no formal relationship. His unceremonious entry into her private quarters seemed rather improper.

She was about to follow, but Awu’s lazy voice already called from within, “Come in.”

Rong Teng stepped into the room and saw this scene: Awu lay with her feet resting on the dark carpet, the rich color accentuating the flawless fairness of her skin and bones. Slender arms emerged from her sheer robe, covering her cherry-like lips, giving her a languid, half-asleep appearance. Her languid, sparkling eyes swept a casual glance his way, striking him instantly.

He instinctively took a step forward, his throat tightening. “Awu.”

“Wait,” Awu said, her voice tinged with mock reproach.

Rong Teng stopped as expected.

“Please hand me the handkerchief beside you, Your Majesty,” Awu said, leaning against the bed.

Rong Teng’s heart melted. The woman before him resembled a lazy fox, her every movement radiating natural charm. He dismissed his attendants, retrieved a handkerchief from the bronze basin, and bowed before Awu, patiently wiping her fingertips from end to end, utterly captivated.

His voice grew exceptionally gentle. “Have you been well at the Princess Manor, Awu? Do you blame me for not visiting sooner?”

Awu pulled her hand away, narrowing her eyes. “Aren’t you here now?”

To Rong Teng, these words automatically translated to: I’m more than happy to do this. Your Majesty is here to see me, aren’t you? He completely filtered out Awu’s dismissive tone.

He eagerly sat beside Awu, wanting to take her hand and pour out his heart, but Awu rolled her eyes and murmured softly, “It’s hot.”

Rong Teng immediately grew subdued. Clenching the handkerchief in his hand, he gazed at Awu with deep affection, his voice tender, “Very well, I’ll move further away so I don’t make you uncomfortable.”

He began questioning Awu about her activities over the past few days. Though his Shadow Guards had already reported everything, he still took delight in playing this question-and-answer game with her.

The heart of a young man burned with desire. Rong Teng gazed at Awu with infatuation, longing to take her back to the palace that very moment.

Awu couldn’t be bothered to answer his questions properly, responding with only one in every three sentences.

She interrupted him, “I want to go out and play. If you don’t have time, let your sister take me.”

Rong Teng immediately replied, “No.”

Realizing his response was too harsh, he quickly backtracked, “How about I take you horseback riding in the countryside one day?” He reached out to stroke the back of her head.

“Which day?” Awu stared at him.

“When I’ve arranged my schedule, you know, I’m the ruler of this realm, and there are so many matters to attend to. I can’t do as I please. Rest assured, the moment I’ve settled everything, I’ll take you out. I promise, I’ll give you everything you desire,” Rong Teng said, gazing at her with deep affection.

To be fair, Rong Teng, with his royal blood, possessed a noble bearing, handsome features, and an air of effortless authority. His unparalleled power lent him a profound charm, and few could resist such a man when he spoke with such tenderness.

Rong Teng knew that whatever he desired, he would obtain.

Yet the young woman before him turned her head away, showing no interest.

“So that’s an unknown day.”

“You claim to rule the world, yet you keep me confined to this small courtyard.”

Her soft voice, filled with resentment and dissatisfaction, sounded like a small animal extending its soft paws to seek favor (Rong Teng’s filter).

System: If I hadn’t stopped the Host, she would have told you to get lost. Can’t you put more effort into seducing people?

Rong Teng, caught up in the moment, found every move of Awu utterly endearing. He patiently continued his coaxing, “It’s my fault. I’ll make sure to visit you more often and take you out to play. How about that?”

Awu finally turned to look at him, her gaze falling on the dragon-patterned jade pendant at his waist.

“What is that?” she asked.

Having finally captured Awu’s attention, Rong Teng quickly unfastened the pendant. “It’s my imperial jade pendant, a symbol of my status. Have you heard of the Emperor’s personal presence?” he teased deliberately.

“I want it,” Awu said, meeting his gaze directly. Her beautiful eyes shifted, and the lively spirit in them was particularly captivating.

Rong Teng hesitated for a few seconds. Most people would recognize his pendant, and if Awu, with her lack of caution, were to carry it, it might attract unwanted attention and prove difficult to manage.

Seeing his hesitation, Awu turned away and stood up, preparing to entertain herself.

“Hey! Ungrateful little thing, you won’t even look at me if I don’t give it to you?” Rong Teng quickly grabbed the hem of her robe and pulled her back. He carefully tied the pendant around her waist. “It’s yours now, but you must guard my beloved treasure well,” he said, his words carrying a double meaning.

Rong Teng thought to himself that Awu’s background was precarious, and she had few opportunities to interact with outsiders. When she eventually appeared in public, with his protection, nothing could go wrong.

In the study, Rong Yu sat at her desk, reading official documents.

Fanghua stood beside her, holding the teapot, ready to pour tea for her.

“The Emperor is currently in the inner chambers speaking with Miss Awu. Your Highness, would you like to join them?”

“No need,” Rong Yu replied, turning a page of her book without looking up.

Fanghua retreated behind her and whispered, “The Emperor sent spices and jade, which I’ve already had registered in the storeroom and sent Miss Awu her share. However, though Miss Awu is the Emperor’s person, she still has the innocence of a child and is unversed in worldly affairs. The Emperor entered without sending word first, which may harm Miss Awu’s reputation.” She hesitated slightly.

Rong Yu glanced up at her.

Fanghua immediately fell silent, lowering her head in submission.

“You’re not needed here. Go serve tea to the Emperor and Miss Awu,” Rong Yu said, returning to her book as if nothing had happened.

“Yes, Your Highness. I take my leave,” Fanghua said softly, withdrawing from the study and closing the door behind her.

Yun Qi emerged from behind the door. “It seems Miss Awu truly knows how to bewitch people. Even Fanghua has learned to speak out of turn. Master, why don’t you dock her monthly allowance?”

Feeling Rong Yu’s icy glare, Yun Qi immediately fell silent. Then, remembering the massive reward she had recently received, she regained her boldness.

Deduct it, deduct it all! We don’t care about a mere monthly salary.

Rong Yu calmly wrote her decision on the memorial: “Since you’re not among those serving Awu, you shouldn’t have received her reward.”

Yun Qi immediately became submissive.

“How could that be, my lady? Haha! Fanghua serves openly, but I serve in the shadows—we’re both indispensable.”

To prove her worth, Yun Qi quickly changed the subject.

“The Emperor seems truly smitten with Miss Awu this time. He even took off his personal jade pendant and gave it to her. My lady, this is a heaven-sent opportunity! Those who are close to the water tower get the moon first. We can completely win Miss Awu over.”

“I heard Miss Awu really wants to explore the world. Why don’t I go purchase some fun and interesting things from the common folk? I guarantee they’ll delight Miss Awu.”

Yun Qi’s voice bubbled with excitement. Another chance to impress Miss Awu and secure her place as the Emperor’s favorite seemed just around the corner.

Rong Yu, hearing the flattery in Yun Qi’s voice, could almost guess her thoughts.

“When the Emperor returns, won’t anyone notice the missing jade pendant?” Her voice was low and slow as she stated a simple concern. Her writing continued uninterrupted, and she firmly inscribed the character “謀” (móu – scheme/plan) on the paper.

Yun Qi only belatedly realized: “Ah? Oh, right.”

Rong Teng felt that time spent with Awu passed far too quickly. After only a few glances at her endlessly captivating and vividly expressive face, he noticed the sun was already setting in the west.

Just as he was about to share dinner with Awu before returning to the palace under the cover of night, and had settled at the table, he received a report from a Shadow Guard.

“Your Majesty, the Empress sent a messenger to invite you to dine with her. Eunuch Fu said you were engrossed in reviewing official documents, but the Empress insisted on waiting for you.”

Rong Teng frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Awu turned to look at him.

The sight of her docile and endearing demeanor dispelled three-quarters of his irritation.

“Nothing. Just… an urgent matter in the palace. I must return now. I’ll play with you again next time, alright?”

“Okay,” Awu replied indifferently, having already secured the jade pendant.

Rong Teng felt a pang of regret and reached out to pat Awu’s head.

Awu dodged nimbly. “Don’t get my hair greasy.”

Her disdain was unmistakable.

Rong Teng laughed. “You ungrateful little thing. Don’t miss me too much when I’m gone.”

Awu hadn’t been thinking of anything in particular. After a bowl of sweet soup and several dishes for dinner, she was helped by Fanghua and her maids for a leisurely stroll in the courtyard to aid digestion.

Thanks to Awu’s generous “money offensive,” her image among the maids had been immeasurably elevated.

Awu leaned lazily against Fanghua, idly pondering what else might be fun, when she spotted Rong Yu dressed in riding attire, seemingly about to leave.

Their courtyards were close, and Awu’s eyes lit up as she hurried forward.

“Hey, are you going out?” she called.

Rong Yu turned at the sound of her voice and saw the girl beneath the flowering tree, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Every brick and tile of the Princess Manor had been constructed to the highest standards, and every plant and tree was a rare treasure from across the nation. No matter when one entered, it presented a breathtaking scene. Countless scholars and artists had once taken pride in being granted entry, just to capture a fraction of its beauty in their poems and paintings.

Yet now, no matter how magnificent the backdrop, it all served to highlight the person in the center.

“Yes, I’m going out,” Rong Yu replied, a smile playing on her lips.

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