The Female Regent’s Daily Guide to Spoiling Her Wife - Chapter 29

Lu Zhao hurriedly carried Yunxia back to Lan Courtyard. “Yingxue, prepare hot water.”

Yunxia was already drenched, shivering uncontrollably in her arms with a pale face. She needed to change out of her wet clothes immediately.

Lu Zhao carried her into the bathing room, carefully peeling off the soaked garments piece by piece while avoiding her injuries.

Yunxia trembled slightly, her cheeks flushed crimson. Meeting Lu Zhao’s clear, earnest gaze, she found herself unable to utter a single word. Her already warm body grew scalding wherever Lu Zhao’s fingertips brushed against her.

Yingxue finished preparing the water. “Master, let me attend to the young lady.”

Lu Zhao’s eyes darkened slightly as she subtly blocked Yingxue’s line of sight, murmuring in a low voice, “Leave us. I’ll handle it.”

Yingxue seemed to realize something, blushed, and quietly exited.

Lu Zhao lifted Yunxia and carried her to the bathtub. Her voice, resonating from her chest, brushed against Yunxia’s ear with a mix of temptation and restraint. “Xiaxia, don’t be afraid. I won’t do anything.”

Yunxia faced away from Lu Zhao, leaning over the edge of the tub. She felt as if she were melting, her eyes downcast, not daring to look at her. Softly, she replied, “Mm.”

Warm water cascaded over her smooth, delicate back, and Yunxia closed her eyes in contentment. Her wet hair was gathered over her chest, partially revealing her lovely figure.

Lu Zhao’s voice was hoarse as she said, “Xiaxia, it’s time to get up.”

A large bath towel enveloped Yunxia’s bare body, leaving only her beautiful, fox-like eyes visible, hazy with the steam and languor of the bath.

Lu Zhao carefully dressed Yunxia in her inner garments. When she fastened the last button, she finally let out a long sigh of relief. Resting her forehead gently against Yunxia’s, her eyes sparkling, she chuckled softly, “Xiaxia, I’ve really brought trouble upon myself.”

Yunxia tilted her head slightly, gazing at Lu Zhao’s exceptionally handsome face, her eyes fixed solely on that earnest, cherished look. She turned her head away, unable to meet her gaze.

Lu Zhao cautiously avoided the wound on Yunxia’s shoulder, her cool fingertips pressing ambiguously against the swollen corner of Yunxia’s lips. Her eyes were tender and lingering as she said gently, “Xiaxia, I’ll call Physician Liu to see you right away.”

At that moment, Lu Zhao’s eyes were tinged with red, her entire being exuding an indescribable allure of desire. As if bewitched, Yunxia tugged at the front of Lu Zhao’s robe, her face flushed, and whispered, “Sister I’m actually fine.”

Lu Zhao gazed ambiguously at the bashful Yunxia, then pulled her tightly into her embrace. With a slightly raspy voice, she sighed, “Xiaxia, the best should be saved for our wedding night. I want you to be with me openly and honorably.”

Yunxia’s heart twisted instantly, her eyes misting over as tears streamed down her face. Burying her face in Lu Zhao’s chest, her shoulders shaking, she sobbed uncontrollably. How fortunate she was to have met her! Lu Zhao was different from anyone else she cherished her so deeply. Yunxia didn’t know how to repay such ardent affection or how to respond to this profound love.

Lu Zhao sighed helplessly. “Little crybaby, you can tell me about your joys and sorrows from now on. I’ll always be here.”

After a long while, Liu Xiangru was summoned. Seeing Yunxia lying on the bed with swollen eyes and lips, he wore an expression of understanding.

Lu Zhao pretended not to notice the teasing in his eyes, clearing her throat with a light cough before speaking seriously, “I must trouble you, sir, to examine my wife once more. Today, she was injured by a wolf cub and suffered a fright.”

Liu Xiangru’s gaze turned suggestive this form of address was quite something! Was she directly granting her status?

Yun Xia pursed her lips, shrinking into the blankets in embarrassment. That person truly had no reservations!

After checking Yun Xia’s pulse and prescribing a remedy, Liu Xiangru paused thoughtfully before saying, “Your Highness, forgive my bluntness, but the wound on Miss Xu’s shoulder is minor. However, the emotional turmoil in her heart remains unresolved, and now, compounded by this shock, she requires careful attention. She must learn to open her heart.”

Lu Zhao responded softly, “I understand. You may leave.”

After Liu Xiangru departed, Lu Zhao remained alone in the room, sitting quietly by the bedside.

The candlelight cast shadows across Yun Xia’s face as she lay peacefully in bed, though her sleep was far from restful. Her striking fox-like eyes were tightly shut, long lashes casting delicate shadows on her cheeks. Her lips were pale, her brow slightly furrowed even in her dreams, a faint sorrow lingered.

A pang of heartache struck Lu Zhao. How much suffering had she endured during their time apart? Memories of their interactions flashed through her mind the cunning and alluring Yun Xia, the stubborn Yun Xia, and the fragile Yun Xia she had witnessed today. Each version of her stirred Lu Zhao’s heart. She thought self-mockingly, perhaps she had fallen for her from the very first glance?

After a long while, she let out a soft sigh. Her cool fingers gently smoothed the furrow between Yun Xia’s brows as she whispered tenderly, “It was my fault for not taking better care of you. From now on, stay behind me. I will protect you and ensure your peace for a lifetime.”

At the General’s Manor.

“Father, why are you keeping that white stag in the back hills?” Song Ziyan shouted at Song Qin. After years of guarding the frontier, Song Ziyan found it increasingly difficult to understand his father’s motives.

Song Qin’s expression was grave, his gaze intense as he stared at his son. “Ziyan, when the emperor sought your life, I could no longer bear to serve him loyally. Why should we? Why must the Song family toil like beasts of burden for him? He not only ruined you but also sought to kill you! The Gao family has gone too far!”

Song Ziyan’s face turned pale. He staggered backward, knocking over a crystal cup beside him. It shattered with a loud “crack!” at his feet.

He closed his eyes in anguish. “But Father under what pretext would you rise in rebellion?”

Song Qin retorted bitterly, “Any pretext will do! I see you still care for that Gao boy. Let me tell you, the emperor of the Gao family is obsessed with Daoist pursuits and neglects governance. If this empire doesn’t fall to the Song name, it will surely pass to the Lu family! Do you think Lu Zhao is someone to be trifled with? She may appear loyal to the emperor, but how many in the court are already swayed by her? Don’t underestimate her just because she’s a woman do you think she lacks ambition?”

Frustrated, Song Qin lamented, “How did I end up with a son as soft-hearted as you? Reflect on this carefully at home! You will personally present the auspicious beast to the emperor!”

Fuming, Song Qin stormed out of the study, leaving Song Ziyan standing alone, his silhouette desolate and sorrowful. He had spent these long years in solitude, unable to show his true face to the world. The only warmth in his heart came from that carefree, untamed soul. If his father were to rebel, he wondered if A Yuan would ever forgive him. Would there truly be no chance left for them? That person was his light the only light in his life.