The Female Regent’s Daily Guide to Spoiling Her Wife - Chapter 18

The next day, when Yunxia woke up, she sat on the bed for a long time, clutching her lips and hugging the quilt. Last night, she had dreamed that person came to see her, and even did such things to her

Thinking of the scenes from her dream, Yunxia flushed crimson from her neck to her face, her toes curling in embarrassment. How could she have such a dream? An unmarried young lady dreaming of such things, how utterly mortifying!

“Xiaxia, are you awake?” Yunqiu, hearing movement, pushed the door open and entered. The moment she stepped in, she saw Yunxia’s flushed cheeks. Startled, she thought Yunxia had a fever again and hurried to the bedside, pressing a hand to her forehead as she asked with concern, “Xiaxia, why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

Yunxia lowered her gaze and shook her head. “Elder Sister, no, don’t worry. I’m fine.”

Yunqiu pressed on Yunxia’s shoulders, intending to make her lie down, but then she caught sight of a faint red mark peeking from the slightly open collar of her clothes. Her heart ached as she said, “I clearly chased all the mosquitoes out of the net yesterday. How did you still get bitten?”

Yunxia pulled her clothes tighter, thinking of last night’s erotic dream with a guilty conscience. She cursed her luck inwardly. Having such a dream was bad enough, but to also be bitten by a mosquito in such an ambiguous spot and for her sister to see it she really didn’t want to face anyone.

Yunqiu didn’t dwell on it and said gently, “Physician Liu said your persistent fever was caused by pent-up worries. You need more rest and to avoid overthinking to recover properly.”

At this, Yunxia abruptly sat up straight and exclaimed, “Elder Sister, who did you say? Physician Liu? Could it be the renowned physician Liu Xiangru?”

Yunqiu, puzzled, replied, “Yes, that’s right. Yesterday, the Regent King came to our residence as a guest and happened to witness Ruoxiang bullying you. He’s already had that Xu Ruoxiang taken to the Dali Temple for some quiet reflection. Physician Liu was also sent by the royal residence to examine you.”

“Who did you say? Who came to our residence?” Yunxia cried out in shock.

Seeing how agitated Yunxia was, Yunqiu assumed she was just startled by the mention of the Regent King. After all, under normal circumstances, they would never have any interaction with someone of his status.

Yunqiu flicked her forehead playfully and laughed, “Regent King Lu Zhao. No need to make a fuss he must have helped us this time for Niannian’s sake. Isn’t Niannian at the Regent’s residence? I heard he dotes on her immensely, which is why he stepped in to support us. It’s strange, though how did Niannian suddenly catch the Regent King’s favor? But because of this connection, Lady Yang and Father sent over a lot of tonics today. We should be able to live peacefully for a while.”

“Niannian.” Yunxia’s heart raced as she murmured the name.

In an instant, she sat up abruptly, her eyes misty with unshed tears. She dug her nails into her palm to keep herself from showing any unusual emotion, but her voice unconsciously carried a hint of anticipation: “Then then last night did anyone come?”

She must have recognized me. She was even willing to help me out of trouble does that mean she still cares about me? Last night was it not a dream? Did she really come? Yunxia’s mind was in turmoil as these thoughts swirled, her heartbeat quickening uncontrollably. She missed her so much.

Yunqiu glanced at the emotionally charged Yunxia, thinking how strange she was acting today. She helped her lie back down and tucked the quilt around her. “Who would have come? I was with you the entire night.”

Except that in the latter half of the night, she had been so exhausted that she somehow ended up falling asleep on the nearby daybed.

Yunxia’s eyelashes fluttered down in disappointment it truly had been a dream. That person had never come. But now she knew Yunxia wasn’t Niannian would she be angry? She had still helped her, but what came after? Would she hate her for the deception?

An unfathomable sorrow clouded Yunxia’s eyes as she reached out and grasped Yunqiu’s hand. Her nose was tinged red, her voice choked with emotion as she asked, “Sister, if someone deceived you, would you forgive them?”

Yunqiu gently squeezed Yunxia’s soft hand, her tone bitter. “I’d almost prefer if he didn’t forgive me, Xiaxia, there’s no room for lies in matters of the heart.”

As if struck by a sudden thought, Yunqiu anxiously tightened her grip on Yunxia’s hand. “Xiaxia, tell me truthfully where did you go during my illness? What happened?”

She glanced cautiously at Yunxia before venturing, “Was it was it related to the Regent King?”

Tears streamed down Yunxia’s cheeks one by one. She buried her face between her knees, shaking her head, unwilling to say anything. The mere thought that that person would never forgive her felt like having her heart carved out. She finally understood after becoming Xu Yunxia, any possibility between them had vanished. She was just an abandoned concubine’s daughter, while the other stood high above as the Regent King. If Lu Zhao didn’t wish it, she wouldn’t even be able to touch the hem of her garment.

Memories of Lu Zhao’s kindness flooded her mind, how she had stood up for her, cared for her, remembered her preferences, devoted such attention to her. Yunxia closed her eyes in agony, tears streaking her face as fear overwhelmed her heart. Now she knew how painful loss could truly be.

Seeing Yunxia’s torment and her refusal to speak, Yunqiu didn’t press further. She gently stroked her sister’s head and said softly, “Alright, dear Xiaxia, I won’t ask anymore. Don’t overthink things just focus on recovering your health first.”

“Aunt and Niannian mentioned they want to return to our hometown. They suggested we leave everything in Yindu behind and go with them. Once you’re better, we’ll make plans. Besides, with the Regent King’s influence these days, Father and Mother won’t dare trouble us too much.”

Yunxia didn’t want to hear any of it. Wrapping her arms around herself, she curled into a small ball, face hidden against her knees. She couldn’t bear to hear anything about Lu Zhao even the name made her heart ache. Yes, perhaps she should follow the original plan and leave Yindu behind with her sister. After all, her revenge was complete, what more was she clinging to? They were never from the same world to begin with.

In the Regent King’s study.

Lu Zhao was carefully sketching something, her expression focused and intent.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“Your Highness, it’s me. The Grand Princess has returned and requests your presence at the residence,” Xi Gui announced respectfully outside the door.

Setting down her brush, Lu Zhao rubbed her temples. Her mother’s return meant renewed efforts to arrange her marriage but this time, she had an answer ready. Her mother would surely adore that little girl. At the thought of Yunxia, an unconscious smile touched Lu Zhao’s lips.

The painting beneath her brush had taken shape clearly depicting a smiling young girl with curved eyebrows and eyes. Who else could it be but Yunxia? The girl’s enchanting gaze and simple peach-pink dress embodied both innocence and allure, captivating beyond measure.

Lu Zhao gazed at the painting, his eyes tenderly meeting the woman in the portrait. “Xiaxia just wait a little longer.”

“Xi Gui, prepare the horses. We’re heading to the Grand Princess’s residence.”

After a long silence, Lu Zhao’s deep voice echoed from within.

Xi Gui froze momentarily at the words. Never before had his master been so eager to return as he was today. Something unusual must be afoot! The master must have some urgent matter to discuss with the Grand Princess!