The Female Regent’s Daily Guide to Spoiling Her Wife - Chapter 10

“Master, we’ve arrived,” Xi Gui’s respectful voice sounded.

Just as Yunxia felt she could no longer breathe, Lu Zhao released her, pressing his forehead against hers as he spoke in a hoarse voice, “Be good, accompany me to a place. We’ll return to the residence later.”

Yunxia’s face was flushed crimson, her eyes too shy to meet his gaze. Her fox-like eyes were filled with desire, that strange sensation washing over her once again.

Lu Zhao straightened her disheveled collar before turning to step out of the carriage.

Yun Town was the southernmost prosperous town of Yin Capital. As dusk settled, flower lanterns were hung along the long street, their brilliant lights resembling stars scattered across the mortal world.

Lu Zhao stood amidst these celestial lights, looking up at Yunxia with countless stars shimmering in his eyes. His slender hand extended toward her, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Pushing open the carriage door, Yunxia’s eyes were drawn only to Lu Zhao’s peerlessly handsome face. Her heart suddenly pounded like a drum. Lowering her gaze, she placed her hand in his palm, gripping it firmly. She no longer felt like herself, beginning to crave the warmth of his hand, unwilling to let go.

Holding Yunxia’s hand securely, Lu Zhao strolled leisurely along the bustling street lined with hawkers calling out their wares. Picking up a rabbit lantern, he raised an eyebrow and smiled at Yunxia, saying softly, “Nian Nian, this little rabbit suits you perfectly. Let’s buy one.”

The candlelight from the lanterns reflected in Lu Zhao’s eyes, creating a sparkling starlight effect. His handsome features were particularly striking, making one want to drown in his gaze. Yunxia nodded foolishly, accepting the rabbit lantern before following behind him.

Bold women occasionally threw flowers toward Lu Zhao from both sides of the street. The Great Yin dynasty had open customs – during the Qixi Festival, if one encountered someone they fancied, they could directly throw flowers to express their affection.

Seeing the casual way the man ahead was walking, Yunxia immediately moved to his side as if nothing was amiss, interlocking her fingers with his to declare her sovereignty.

Lu Zhao chuckled inwardly, a slight curve forming at the corner of his mouth. Knowing her little scheme, he didn’t expose it, allowing her to continue forward.

When they reached the entrance of Yun Town’s largest restaurant, Xi Gui whispered to Lu Zhao, “Master, he’s inside.”

Lu Zhao had come because he heard the renowned physician Liu Xiangru was here. He wanted to invite him back first. Everyone said Physician Liu was a chess fanatic to gain his willing service, one must first defeat him in chess.

The restaurant was buzzing with activity. Two people were playing chess in the center, surrounded by spectators holding their breath, not daring to make a sound. As the white-bearded old man placed his final piece, the outcome was decided.

The crowd sighed in admiration, “Physician Liu is truly unbeatable!”

“Indeed! For four or five days straight, no one has been able to defeat him.”

“They say if you defeat him, he’ll treat illnesses at your home for a year. What a tremendous opportunity!”

With an expressionless face, Lu Zhao pulled out the chair opposite Liu Xiangru and said calmly, “I seek your guidance, Master Liu!”

Liu Xiangru glared with his graying beard, waving his hand, “I’m tired today, no more games. Another day!”

Lu Zhao raised his handsome eyebrow, staring fixedly at Liu Xiangru while casually arranging the chess pieces on the table. “Oh? I heard Master Liu hasn’t encountered any opponents in Yin Capital yet. I’ve studied chess quite extensively and specifically came to Yun Town today to learn from the renowned physician. For this game, you may set the stakes!”

Liu Xiangru stroked his graying beard, his gaze lingering on the graceful Yunxia standing behind her. He chuckled, “You’re quite generous. Since you’ve come specifically to deliver something, how could I refuse? If I lose, I’ll serve you for two years! But if you lose that lovely lady behind you must attend to me for two years.”

Beside them, Yunxia felt as if she’d fallen into an icy abyss. Even in the sweltering summer heat, coldness and fear seeped from every limb. Her mother had been given away by her father in exactly the same manner years ago. Her knuckles turned white as she clutched the rabbit lantern, her face drained of color.

Lu Zhao reached out and grasped Yunxia’s icy hand. Without looking up, he said casually, “That won’t do. She’s my wife. Let’s change the wager.”

Feeling the warmth from his hand and hearing the word “wife,” Yunxia’s eyes misted over. Her heart raced unusually fast, warmth spreading through her chest. This person remembered every word she said, always had her back.

Liu Xiangru’s eyes gleamed shrewdly as he said slowly, “I have no interest in gold or silver. Do you perhaps have something more intriguing?”

Lu Zhao raised his hand and waved toward Xi Gui. “Xi Gui, bring it out.”

Xi Gui handed over a yellowed chess manual from behind. Lu Zhao tapped it casually and said, “This is an ancient text left by the chess master Nan Zhai. Very few have ever seen it. I imagine any chess enthusiast would want to take a look?”

The surrounding crowd gasped, immediately buzzing with excitement.

“There really exists an ancient text by Master Nan Zhai in this world!”

“They say studying this text is more valuable than ten years of personal practice.”

“Master Liu, you should agree!”

Liu Xiangru’s eyes shone with excitement. “Shall we decide with one game?”

Lu Zhao nodded, his slender fingers tapping the table as he said solemnly, “After you, sir.”

The two went back and forth across the board, black and white stones refusing to yield to each other. The spectators held their breath, watching intently.

Late into the night, Liu Xiangru finally held a chess piece motionless for a long time before letting out a long sigh. “I’ve lost.”

The crowd erupted in astonishment. After all, in the three months since Liu Xiangru arrived in Yin Capital, no one had ever defeated him.

Yunxia excitedly linked arms with Lu Zhao, her eyes sparkling as she blurted out, “Sister, we won! You’re amazing!”

Lu Zhao casually dropped the chess piece in her hand, feeling quite satisfied under Yunxia’s admiring gaze. She smiled and said, “Master Liu, you were too kind. I’m afraid you’ll have to endure staying at my residence these two years. Rest assured, I’ll treat you as an honored guest.”

During the Mid-Autumn family banquet, according to the plan, she might get injured. Having Liu Xiangru brought along now was to ensure everything would be secure if that injury occurred.

Liu Xiangru exhaled, stood up and cupped his hands. “I accept my defeat wholeheartedly and will honor the bet. These two years, I’ll spare no effort.”

Lu Zhao brought Liu Xiangru onto the carriage together, then took the ancient text and placed it in his hands. “Master, your passion for chess commands my respect. This manual still belongs to you.”

Liu Xiangru’s mustache twitched slightly. Without ceremony, he tucked the manual into his robe and said, “Lu Zhao, peerlessly handsome, steady and measured. The Regent King – seeing you in person is better than hearing a hundred descriptions.”

Lu Zhao looked at him with deep eyes, then suddenly laughed. “So Master Liu has long harbored ambitions to serve in court.”

Liu Xiangru turned to Yunxia and bowed respectfully. “Madam, please forgive my earlier offense.”

Upon hearing the address “Madam,” Yunxia’s cheeks flushed pink, and she quickly waved her hands in protest. “You flatter me, Mr. Liu. I am not.”

Lu Zhao tightened his grip on Yunxia’s hand, casually interrupting her. “Is there anything left for you to pack, sir? I can accompany you.”

Liu Xiangru cast a suggestive glance between Lu Zhao and Yunxia, stroking his thin mustache. “Your Highness, I travel light and alone, free to come and go as I please. I can return to the manor with you.”