The Female Regent’s Daily Guide to Spoiling Her Wife - Chapter 12

“Sister, Nian Nian got hurt while brewing tea for you! Blow on it for me, it hurts so much.” Yunxia’s delicate, coquettish voice sounded, her lips occasionally brushing against Lu Zhao’s neck. Her warm, sweet breath sprayed against the hollow of Lu Zhao’s neck as her small hands continued to misbehave all over her body.

Lu Zhao’s eyes darkened, allowing the girl to act recklessly on her. With a faint, ambiguous smile, she asked, “What is Nian Nian doing?”

Yunxia’s cheeks flushed crimson. Though she ought to have withdrawn, she forced herself to meet those starry, brilliant eyes. As if bewitched, she pressed a kiss to Lu Zhao’s earlobe and whispered softly, “I’m obviously trying to seduce you.”

In that moment, Lu Zhao seemed to hear the violent pounding of her own heart. Carefully avoiding Yunxia’s injury, she caught the girl’s restless hands and teased, “You’re quite honest Let Liu Xiangru take a look at that wound. Summer heat can easily lead to infection.”

Yunxia’s face flushed even deeper with embarrassment, her heart flustered. Her body trembled with an involuntary, slight struggle. Fear and desire intertwined in her beautiful, fox-like eyes, when it came down to it, she was ultimately afraid.

Seeing Yunxia’s long eyelashes fluttering, radiating an indescribable mix of pitifulness and allure, Lu Zhao’s heart jolted violently. She cursed herself inwardly had she gone mad? She had nearly with her just now. How was that any different from those dissolute rakes?

With considerable effort, Lu Zhao steadied her ragged breathing. Holding Yunxia’s feverishly soft body close, she sighed and said, “Nian Nian, don’t be afraid. I won’t touch you.”

Hearing this, Yunxia buried her entire blushing face in Lu Zhao’s embrace, letting out a soft “Mm,” and didn’t dare look up at her again.

Lu Zhao adjusted Yunxia’s clothes, her expression unreadable. She pinched Yunxia’s cheek, a hint of jealousy in her tone, and said, “From now on, you’re not allowed to dress like this! If I catch you like this again, I’ll punish you every time!”

The corners of Yunxia’s eyes reddened, and her heart skipped a beat. Her hands unconsciously tightened. Does she care about me? A thread of hope unwittingly rose within her. Perhaps she could still allow herself to hope?

The moment Yunxia realized what she was thinking, bitterness flooded her heart. Not daring to stay any longer, she hurriedly ran out. She repeatedly reminded herself, Xu Yunxia, you must not fall any deeper! The Regent is merely a tool for your revenge you absolutely cannot develop real feelings for her! The gap between you is far too wide. You’re just an unloved, insignificant concubine’s daughter, and what is she? She’s the lofty, untouchable Regent.

The next day, as soon as Lu Zhao entered her study, Yunxia followed her in, clutching a book.

Lu Zhao crossed her arms and gazed calmly at Yunxia, who gave an awkward laugh and said, “Sister, you have so much official business to attend to. Xia Xia will keep you company. I promise I won’t disturb you.”

Without waiting for a refusal, Yunxia hugged her book and properly sat down on a nearby chair.

Lu Zhao shook her head helplessly, a doting look in her eyes that even she hadn’t noticed. Having been alone for many years and independent since childhood, this was the first time she felt that having someone by her side might actually be quite nice.

At first, Yunxia kept her eyes on the book in front of her, but gradually her gaze drifted toward the person before her. She had to admit Lu Zhao was truly beautiful. Though she often wore men’s clothing, she still possessed all the delicate curves of a woman, carrying a unique kind of beauty that made it impossible to look away.

Lu Zhao had always been focused when handling affairs, but today she could feel a burning gaze from the side, gradually distracting her. She set down her brush and raised an eyebrow, glancing sideways. Yunxia was resting her chin in one hand, her eyes fixed intently and affectionately on Lu Zhao, unwavering in their focus.

Lu Zhao’s heart felt as if it had been struck hard. She pinched the bridge of her nose, frustrated that her composure had been so easily disrupted by the girl.

Seeing this, Yunxia thought she was tired and immediately stood up. Her soft, delicate hands rested on Lu Zhao’s shoulders, gently massaging them as she said softly, “Are you tired, sister? I’ll go to the kitchen to see if there are any snacks.”

Yunxia turned to leave but didn’t realize the hem of her skirt was caught under the chair. Losing her balance, she stumbled forward. Lu Zhao reacted swiftly, catching her by the waist. The delicate fragrance of Yunxia’s body instantly filled her senses, making her breath catch. With a light laugh, she teased, “Yunxia, are you playing hard to get?”

Yunxia’s face flushed bright red, and she wished she could vanish into the ground. Heaven knows, she hadn’t meant to throw herself into Lu Zhao’s arms it was truly an accident!

“I wasn’t!” Yunxia protested angrily, squirming in Lu Zhao’s embrace as she tried to break free. But then her waist was pressed down firmly, and she found herself pulled back onto Lu Zhao’s lap.

Eyes glistening with unshed tears, Yunxia shot a fierce glare at the woman behind her, her voice trembling with a mix of embarrassment and anger. “You let me go!”

Lu Zhao lifted her horizontally into her arms, her eyes dark with restrained emotion. A low chuckle escaped her throat as she murmured in a husky voice, “Yunxia, it’s late.”

Yunxia’s heart pounded like a drum, her mind in a daze as she was carried back to the room. The thought of what might happen next made her tremble with fear.

Lu Zhao noticed Yunxia’s unease and fear, and a smug smile curled at the corners of her lips, stirring a mischievous desire to tease her further.

“Yunxia, I’ll be gentle, don’t worry.”

Yunxia’s ears burned with embarrassment. She hastily covered Lu Zhao’s mouth, unable to meet her gaze, and pleaded in a whisper, “Don’t sister, please stop talking…”

Lu Zhao held her close, her chest vibrating with joyful laughter. It had been a long time since she had felt such genuine happiness. In that moment, she thought it was truly nice to have someone by her side.

That night, Lu Zhao simply held Yunxia tightly and slept soundly, without waking in the middle of the night or tossing and turning. The person in her arms brought her an unparalleled sense of peace.

The summer rain arrived without warning, pattering noisily against the plantain leaves in the courtyard. Yunxia rested her chin in her hand, quietly watching the rain outside. The pain in her abdomen only added to her restlessness.

These days, Lu Zhao’s kindness had filled her with both joy and deep guilt. She had begun to crave that warmth, even wondering if she told Lu Zhao everything, would she still stand firmly by her side? Yunxia didn’t know, and she didn’t dare to gamble. Yet, the mere thought of leaving Lu Zhao made her heart ache as if her very organs were being torn apart.

Suddenly, a warm embrace enveloped her chilled body, and her pale, delicate hand was enveloped in another warm palm.

She was back! Yunxia froze in place.

Lu Zhao reached out and closed the window, frowning disapprovingly. “You’re on your period, and you’re still sitting here in the cold breeze? Your stomach will hurt even more now!”

Yunxia stared blankly at the person before her, her heart aching with a bittersweet ache. Almost as if possessed, she asked, “Sister, will you marry me?”

The uncertainty in Yunxia’s eyes pierced Lu Zhao’s heart. She pulled her into a tight embrace, her voice hoarse as she replied, “When my mother returns, I’ll arrange a new identity for you. Then, she will formally seek your hand in marriage on my behalf.”

Yunxia lifted her head and stared straight into her eyes, unable to believe what she had just said. Her heartbeat quickened, her red lips parted slightly as she gazed at her in a daze.

Lu Zhao’s nose brushed against hers, her deep eyes tinged with amusement. “What’s wrong? Are you stunned?”

“At first, I wondered who had sent you to charm me. But then I thought, forget it you’re so foolish that no matter who sent you, from now on, you belong to me. Understand?”

Lu Zhao’s voice was low and deeply captivating, the last three words spoken with an ambiguous tenderness, the rising tone at the end making it exceptionally pleasing to the ear.

Yunxia shook her head, then nodded, her thoughts swirling endlessly. Tears slowly trickled from the corners of her eyes, making her look utterly enchanting. She wished she were a spy sent by someone, she wished she were the real Nian Nian then she could resist, she could explain how helpless she was. But she had come of her own accord, she had lied from the very beginning, and she wasn’t even named Nian Nian.

Lu Zhao, not understanding, kissed the corners of Yunxia’s eyes over and over, comforting her repeatedly. “Silly Nian Nian, why are you crying? From now on, you only need to rely on me.”

That night, Yunxia’s tears seemed endless. She clung to Lu Zhao and wept for a long time, unable to be soothed no matter how she was comforted.

Lu Zhao held her helplessly, finally letting out a sigh. “Ah, Nian Nian, your crying has left me at a loss. How should I comfort you?”

Suddenly, with tears streaming down her face, Yunxia fiercely kissed Lu Zhao’s neck, pressing and turning until a suggestive red mark was left behind.

“Hiss.” Lu Zhao tilted her head slightly.

Yunxia wrapped her arms around Lu Zhao’s neck and said fiercely through her sobs, “Sister, you must promise Nian Nian if anyone ever bullies me, you must avenge me and make sure they suffer a terrible fate!”

Lu Zhao sighed helplessly. “Alright, alright, I promise. Please stop crying.”

The mist in Yunxia’s eyes grew thicker. “And if Nian Nian ever deceives you, please don’t be sad, okay? Just forget about me”

Lu Zhao’s dark eyes reflected Yunxia’s pitiful face. She reached out and gently touched the corner of her eye, smiling softly. “If you deceive me, I’ll capture you and lock you by my side forever, so you can never lie to me again”

Yunxia froze for a moment, and her tears fell even more heavily.

That night, Yunxia cried herself to sleep in Lu Zhao’s arms.

Before the imperial examinations, the entire capital of Yindu was flooded with candidates, bustling with excitement and tension.

“Yingxue, my sister has been so busy these past few days that she hasn’t had time for me. It’s so boring being alone at home. Please come with me for a walk outside,” Yunxia pleaded, tugging at Yingxue’s hand with a soft, coquettish voice.

Yingxue hesitated for a moment. “But the mistress has given orders. Yindu is chaotic lately, and we’re not supposed to go out.”

Yunxia leaned her entire body against Yingxue’s shoulder, her voice soft and pleading. “Xue’er, dear Xue’er, come out and play with me for just a little while! I promise nothing will happen.”

Unable to resist her, Yingxue relented with a sigh. “Miss, we can only go out for half an hour. We must return before the mistress comes back, or we’ll both be punished.”

Yunxia smiled. “Good sister, let’s dress as men when we go out. It’ll be more convenient that way.”

Yingxue nodded and went along with her plan.

Yunxia turned away, her smile fading as her eyes filled with longing and reluctance. This place had been where she lived the happiest days of her life, yet she had no right to cling to such bliss. She still had her sister to protect and her mother’s vengeance to fulfill.

One by one, Yunxia fastened the clasps on her chest. Before leaving, she cast a lingering gaze around the room she had called home for so long, her eyes resting on the rabbit-shaped lantern perched on the shelf. Every corner bore traces of her life here. Suppressing the tears welling in her eyes, she patted her cheeks, forced a faint smile, and stepped out.

Yunxia pulled Yingxue along, weaving through the bustling crowds until a surge of people blocked their path, completely separating them.

She retrieved a hat, pulled the brim low, and slipped into the Red Sleeve Pavilion with a slight bow. Zheng Rong was already waiting inside.

Yunxia’s dark eyes blazed with anger as she asked coldly, “Auntie, how did it go? Did you bring him?”

Zheng Rong replied, “Yang Yuan is tied up inside! We lured him here today under the guise of Young Master Xu’s invitation. He’s already dead drunk, and the wine was laced with an aphrodisiac. He’s completely out of his senses. Nian Nian is waiting inside, veiled. Once the Regent King arrives, she’ll rush out, exposing this disgraceful scene to everyone. There’s no way the Prince won’t be furious.”

Yunxia nodded, her brow furrowed with worry. “Auntie, you must ensure Lu Zhao publicly punishes Yang Yuan severely. Make sure he doesn’t see Nian Nian’s face.”

She then urgently pressed a bundle into Zheng Rong’s hands. “Auntie, I’ve dragged you into this. This is most of my savings. No matter what happens, you and Nian Nian must return to our hometown tonight. Once my sister recovers, we’ll come find you.”

Zheng Rong pushed the bundle back into Yunxia’s arms. “Don’t talk about dragging me into anything. I’ve long wanted to leave this pleasure quarter. This is the perfect chance to take Nian Nian away and live a peaceful life. Keep this I don’t need it.”

As Yunxia tried to insist, Zheng Rong urged anxiously, “Xia Xia, hurry back to the Xu residence. If you’re late, it might raise suspicions. The message has already been sent Lu Zhao will arrive with his men soon. You mustn’t let her see you. I know these noble families all too well. When they love you, you’re the moon in the sky. When they discard you, you’re the mud under their feet. They are heartless and fickle. And if she discovers you’ve deceived her, who knows how fierce her wrath will be.”

Yunxia pressed her lips together, turned away uneasily, and left. After walking a short distance, as if guided by some unseen force, she circled back to the Red Sleeve Pavilion and hid in a corner, secretly watching the events unfolding upstairs. In her heart, she longed for one last distant glimpse of the one she loved.