The Female Regent’s Daily Guide to Spoiling Her Wife - Chapter 5

Ever since the night Yun Xia was brought back to the Regent’s Manor, she had been settled in Orchid Pavilion. From that moment on, she had not seen Lu Zhao again.

This evening, Yun Xia finally managed to find out that Lu Zhao was in the study. She immediately led her maid, Ying Xue, toward the study, carrying a bowl of milk custard prepared by the kitchen.

Xi Gui stood at the entrance of the study, respectfully blocking Yun Xia’s path. “Lady, my master is occupied with matters in the study and is not to be disturbed. If you have business, it would be best for you to return for now.”

Yun Xia’s delicate face crumpled slightly. She glanced at the closed door but said nothing, lowering her head as she carried the custard back to her pavilion.

By the time Lu Zhao finished her work, it was past the hour of Chen (9:00 AM, though the context implies late evening). Walking alone toward her room to rest, the moonlight draped over her, making her appear exceptionally aloof.

On a sudden whim, Xi Gui spoke up: “Master, Lady Nian Nian came by just now. Would you like to go to Orchid Pavilion?”

Lu Zhao paused, those beautiful fox-like eyes flashing through her mind. She smiled. “Let’s go take a look, then… I haven’t checked on her for several days; she must be feeling unsettled.”

Lu Zhao walked leisurely toward Orchid Pavilion. The courtyard, which had previously lacked any life, was now illuminated by candlelight, radiating a soft warmth—as if someone were waiting for her late return.

Before Lu Zhao could even push the door open, a soft, charming voice rang out from inside, tinged with a hint of melancholy: “Sigh, Ying Xue, what kind of women do you think the Regent likes?”

Ying Xue’s eyes widened as she looked at Yun Xia, who was sitting on the daybed in a snow-white inner robe, hugging her knees. Her jade-like arms were exposed, and her collar was slightly open beneath her slender neck, offering a glimpse of her curves. With her brow slightly furrowed and her head tilted as she looked at you, even a woman like Ying Xue couldn’t help but feel her heart race.

Ying Xue averted her gaze and swallowed hard, saying with genuine sincerity, “Lady, do not worry. Master has never brought anyone back to the manor before; you are the first. Master truly cares for you. It is likely she has just been too busy with official business to visit.” After speaking, she couldn’t help but steal another glance at Yun Xia, screaming inwardly: My Lady, you must have more confidence in your own beauty!

Yun Xia lowered her gaze, appearing deeply saddened. If she were truly “Nian Nian” of the Red Sleeve Pavilion, she would be content to stay in Orchid Pavilion forever without a care for food or clothing. But she was Yun Xia of the Vice Minister’s house, and she had too much to do…

“Sigh, perhaps she really has forgotten me. Or perhaps the Regent doesn’t like women at all? Or… could she have some hidden ailment?”

As she spoke, the door opened with a creak. Yun Xia looked up to see Lu Zhao’s tall, upright figure half-hidden in the darkness. She couldn’t see her expression clearly, but she sensed a faint smile, as if the Regent were in a good mood.

Yun Xia’s heart skipped a beat. Without a second thought, she ran toward her with bare feet and plunged into her embrace, saying softly, “Sister, Nian Nian thought you had forgotten her…”

Lu Zhao was knocked back a step by the impact. She instinctively wrapped her arms around the girl, noticing she was standing on the floor with bare feet, her small, rounded toes curled under piteously. The subtle fragrance wafting from her made Lu Zhao’s heart beat erratically.

Tonight, Yun Xia hadn’t expected her to come. She wore no makeup, her cheeks were tinged with a faint pink, and her long, ink-black hair cascaded loosely over her chest, partially veiling her collarbones. She was the picture of both pure innocence and raw desire.

Yun Xia deliberately snuggled closer into Lu Zhao’s arms, softening her voice. “Sister…”

Lu Zhao suddenly felt the smooth, delicate skin beneath her hands grow hot. Her throat went dry. She couldn’t help but mock herself inwardly; she didn’t know whose “honey trap” she was falling into.

Lu Zhao swept Yun Xia up into a horizontal carry, blocking Xi Gui’s prying eyes behind her. She said in a deep voice, “Xi Gui, Ying Xue, leave us.”

Xi Gui and Ying Xue exchanged a look of relief. The iron tree has finally bloomed! Their master had been alone for many years; the Princess Royal and her consort traveled far and wide, rarely coming home. Their master spent all her energy navigating the treacherous court; they were happy to see her have someone lovely by her side.

After the servants withdrew, Lu Zhao carried Yun Xia slowly toward the daybed.

The moment Lu Zhao set her down, their eyes met. For a second, Yun Xia felt as though time had stopped; she could hear nothing but the sound of her own heartbeat. No one had ever told her that Regent Lu Zhao was this handsome. Although she was a woman, her features were exceptionally sharp and striking. Most captivating were those deep eyes; when she looked at you, it felt as though you were truly, deeply loved.

Yun Xia suppressed her inner flutterings. As Lu Zhao let her go, her arms—soft as though they had no bones—hooked around the Regent’s neck. Her tender, crimson lips brushed against Lu Zhao’s high-bridged nose as she whispered, “Sister, don’t go.”

Lu Zhao let out a low chuckle, her long arm wrapping around Yun Xia’s slender waist to pull her closer until they were pressed tightly together.

Feeling the girl beneath her tremble slightly, Lu Zhao’s dark eyes locked onto Yun Xia’s. Her hand began to rhythmically stroke the soft flesh of the girl’s waist. Her voice was low and heavy: “Nian Nian of the Red Sleeve Pavilion. Eighteen years old. God-daughter of the madam, Zheng Rong. As far as I know, Zheng Rong treats you quite well—not at all as you described…”

Yun Xia knew the Regent would investigate “Nian Nian.” Fortunately, the real Nian Nian was currently at the Xu Manor taking her place to care for her sister, and no one there had ever seen Nian Nian’s true face.

Yun Xia did not panic. Instead, she blinked her beautiful fox-like eyes with a mischievous glint. Her finger tapped lightly over Lu Zhao’s heart as she teased, “Everyone says the Regent exhausts herself for the sake of the court. I simply feel bad for you, Sister. You needn’t be so tense.”

Yun Xia leaned up on her tiptoes and gave Lu Zhao a swift, light kiss on the lips, then immediately buried her reddened face in the Regent’s chest.

The kiss was fleeting, but Lu Zhao’s entire body stiffened. She looked down at Yun Xia’s flushed ears, her heart stirring. She… how is she this shy?

Lu Zhao released her slightly, leaning her forehead against the girl’s. Her dark, calm eyes stared into those bright fox-like eyes. Her thin lips parted: “So… what is it you want?”

Yun Xia’s cheeks were crimson. Her long lashes fluttered as her breath, sweet as orchids, brushed against Lu Zhao. Her voice carried a faint, irresistible charm. “All I want is… Sister’s heart.”

Lu Zhao’s gaze deepened, her grip on the girl’s waist tightening. The girl beneath her had a wide-open collar and messy hair, looking very much like someone who had been toyed with. If she wanted to take things further, she could have devoured her right then and there—yet she wanted her heart? Lu Zhao found it strangely laughable. “Hahahaha! What an appetite you have!”

After laughing, Lu Zhao let go of Yun Xia, straightened her own robes, and headed toward the washroom.

Yun Xia slumped weakly onto the daybed, her hand slowly moving to her lips. Her entire body was as red as a boiled shrimp, her heart racing. What had just happened to her?

Yun Xia clutched her inner robe and patted her cheeks, sternly warning herself. No, Yun Xia. You absolutely cannot truly lose your heart. You are only using her! Think of Mother! She was killed by these powerful nobles. In their eyes, you are nothing but a beautiful plaything. All she likes is your body; once she is bored, you will be discarded just like Mother! You must stay awake!