Chapter 88 The Endless Curse of the Eighth Dragon

Xu Heng was full of anticipation, but who knew that on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the morning court session suddenly erupted like a dam bursting, with one wave of trouble following another: locust plagues in the north, epidemics in the south, and censors in the capital impeaching officials for corruption...

Even the Imperial Academy's compilation of commentaries on the Book of Rites was marred by disagreement. One faction insisted on using the old commentaries from the previous dynasty, while the other advocated adding or deleting them to reflect the current dynasty's circumstances. The deadlock continued, and the dispute even reached the Emperor's court.

It's as intricate as tangled silk threads, a thousand threads that are hard to unravel.

Even after court, he remained confined to the imperial study, meticulously unraveling the mystery, his heart burning with anxiety, yet he had to remind himself to remain calm and avoid making a mistake.

He glanced at the dripping water clock and estimated in his mind that he wouldn't finish until the early hours of the morning at the earliest, which meant he would miss another year!

He couldn't break his promise again, he couldn't disappoint her again.

Xu Heng's eyebrows burned, twitching and twitching, truly experiencing what it meant to have one's eyebrows on fire.

He unconsciously shook his head and ordered in a deep voice, "Summon the Crown Princess!"

Less than fifteen minutes later, Zhao Hui came to pay her respects. Xu Heng cut to the chase: "Where is your mother?"

"Mother is getting ready at home!" Zhao Hui had already rehearsed her story with Wang Yuying before coming, and answered fluently. "She spent the whole morning just choosing clothes and hairpins, and changed into countless outfits, but she was still not satisfied. When I left home, Mother was just putting on makeup in front of the mirror, applying powder and putting on flowers, saying that she wanted everything ready for today."

A woman adorns herself for the one she loves. Xu Heng was not annoyed but laughed. He called Zhao Hui closer and pointed to the table, saying, "These memorials are all important matters. According to regulations, they require the use of the imperial seal to establish an office. You must be careful and not be negligent or careless."

"Father, rest assured, I will certainly abide by the rules!" Zhao Hui bowed her head. "If I encounter any difficulties or uncertainties, I will send someone to inquire with Father and will never make a decision on my own!"

Xu Heng frowned slightly upon hearing this, displeased: Did the Crown Princess intend to disturb him and Wang Yuying later?

He only took out the imperial seal after receiving this reply.

Zhao Hui bowed and raised her hands, palms facing up. Xu Heng slowly handed the imperial seal to the Crown Princess, scrutinized her expression for a moment, and then hurriedly left.

He went straight to the Funing Palace—Wang Yuying was dressed so formally that he had to go back and change his clothes.

Just as Qingfu was helping her put on the narrow-sleeved brocade robe with plum blossom and square knot patterns, she heard an eunuch announce from outside the palace: "Your Majesty, the Crown Princess is indecisive about a matter and humbly requests Your Majesty's decision."

"How can Zhao Hui be so indecisive!" The Emperor said with displeasure, but the smile on his lips did not fade. He allowed the eunuch to enter the hall. It turned out that the Imperial Wardrobe had submitted dozens of designs for the new wedding attire of the Emperor and Empress. The Crown Princess did not dare to make the selection herself, so she sent someone to quickly deliver the catalog to the Chui Gong Hall.

Xu Heng's lips curled into a wider smile as he carefully examined the outfits, ultimately choosing one that most resembled the one he and Wang Yuying wore for their wedding. He couldn't help but recall how, before his own wedding, he had been impetuous and restless, insisting on secretly trying on his groom's robes beforehand.

The tension and excitement of that time returned to Xu Heng, and his heart surged. He even began to think that now that Wang Yuying could bear children, it wouldn't be impossible to have another son to inherit the throne... A sense of satisfaction was about to overflow from his chest.

When he looked out the window again, he was surprised to find that night had fallen and the crescent moon was gradually rising higher.

It's better to arrive early than late for an appointment, so Xu Heng hurriedly boarded a carriage and headed out of the palace towards Shuyu Tower.

Meanwhile, inside the Shuyu Tower, Wang Yuying stood in front of the door. After a moment, she decisively raised both hands and pushed the door open.

In the private room, besides the candlestick that usually illuminates the room, the revolving lantern hanging in the center of the ceiling is also lit, and a rose quartz ear-shaped incense burner has appeared on the cabinet. With the lid off, it is spreading a light fragrance.

Zheng Yangzhi had been standing in the room, his hands behind his back, gazing at the doorway. Their eyes met immediately.

“This is the first time you’ve come in through the front door.” He said in a low voice, walking steadily toward Wang Yuying.

Wang Yuying raised her hands and slowly embraced Zheng Yangzhi. Her heart was beating so slowly that she could hardly feel it. A beast lay dormant in her heart, motionless, only revealing a pair of bright, eerie eyes.

Zheng Yangzhi wrapped his arms around her and embraced her.

Wang Yuying was serious and reserved; this was the most nervous she had ever been, yet also the calmest she had ever been.

Zheng Yangzhi tightened his arms around her, pressing her against his body. He lowered his head, and Wang Yuying immediately looked up, their eyes meeting. He reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek, tucking it behind her ear. Then he lowered his head further and kissed her. Wang Yuying took a deep breath, and the beast within her lunged forward.

The four lips quickly became scalding hot as the beast tore and devoured, growling softly and breathing heavily. The bamboo-framed, silk-covered lantern above radiated heat, its silhouettes of warriors spinning swiftly, red-faced and white-faced, clad in armor and wielding weapons, chasing each other, broadswords slashing at halberds, green-edged swords parrying steel forks, a fierce battle to the death…

...

Xu Heng, in his haste, repeatedly urged the carriage to move faster, but because of the festive occasion and the temporary lifting of the curfew, the streets were crowded, and in order to avoid collisions, he had to slow down or even stop and wait.

After traveling for half an hour, we reached the lakeside. Through the gauze window, we could see boats shuttling back and forth on the lake, with bright lights and lively music and dance. On the shore, couples were either whispering under the willows or making plans to release lotus lanterns.

Xu Heng smiled; finally, he wouldn't be alone on this beautiful night.

In the future, for the rest of my life, I will not be alone.

Suddenly, several thunderous sounds rang out, and bursts of fireworks illuminated the sky and the lake, making it as bright as day.

Xu Heng's smile deepened as he raised his hand to his chest—the white jade pendant Wang Yuying had requested would be presented to the Emperor on the fourth day of the seventh lunar month. He hadn't found a suitable opportunity to give it to her until tonight, after their lovemaking, he could present it to her gently.

Xu Heng could feel the hardness of the white jade through the fabric. He pressed it down slightly, as if to reaffirm his resolve.

The carriage stopped in front of the main gate of Shuyulou. Xu Heng had already been examining the teahouse through the window. After getting out of the carriage, he looked up and looked around again. This teahouse was more elegant than other teahouses in the city. It had green tiles and white walls, with plain curtains hanging down slightly. The three characters "Shuyulou" on the plaque were elegant and natural.

Guests occasionally came and went, but they never made a sound.

Xu Heng smiled; Wang Yuying had indeed chosen the location based on his preferences.

He walked slowly inside, still mindful of his limp.

Upon entering, one discovers a hidden world within; one must pass through another archway to reach the main hall. It is unknown who owns the Shuyu Tower, but they have ingeniously placed a pine tree diagonally inside, occupying a corner of the entrance, resembling a blank canvas.

The tea server led Xu Heng to a seat. The soft glow of the lamplight reflected on the octagonal table. He glanced out the window, looked at the moon through the curtain, and felt increasingly satisfied.

He smiled silently, and before he could speak, the innkeeper hurried over to the table, first bowing respectfully, and then asking softly, "Are you surnamed Tian, ​​sir?"

The voice was kept extremely low to avoid disturbing the guests nearby.

Xu Heng nodded slightly.

The innkeeper continued in a very soft voice, "Young Master Xu, your guest has been waiting for a long time in our private room. Please come with me for a chat."

Xu Heng nodded again.

In front of strangers, he became even more reluctant to expose his weaknesses, and his steps as he climbed the stairs became even slower. The shopkeeper had already reached the third floor, while Xu Heng was still on the second floor.

The innkeeper looked down, smiled, and pointed to a private room in the distance: "Young Master Xu, she is in that private room."

After saying this, he turned away, leaving Xu Heng and his group behind, to attend to other business.

Xu Heng glanced up and was surprised to see that the manager's behavior was so abrupt and rude, which diminished the elegance of Shuyu Tower.

But he didn't want to upset Wang Yuying, so he wouldn't hold it against her. Xu Heng continued climbing the stairs, his hearing as sharp as ever. He had already noticed that there was far less breathing and talking on the second floor than in the lobby, so there must only be guests in the third or fourth private rooms.

Upon reaching the third floor, there was only one private room left that was occupied.

The illusion took a step on flat ground and then suddenly stopped—the only sound came from the room the shopkeeper pointed to, where there was more than one person.

There were two people inside, and their breathing was not quite right, it was the kind of breathing that was mixed with panting and low moaning. Xu Heng instantly understood what was happening in the room.

But this is the place where Wang Yuying invited him to spend Qixi Festival together!

Is the person inside Wang Yuying?

Did something happen to her? Was she kidnapped by bad guys? She wasn't in the private room; was it a trap?

So many years have passed that Xu Heng is completely unfamiliar with the details of her relationship, but even though he cannot be certain, his legs went weak.

"My lord!" Qingfu, who had come with him, immediately helped Xu Heng up.

Xu Heng raised his hand, ordering the guards to release him, and then stood still again.

My whole body was ice cold, and my heart was pounding.

But they had no choice but to continue, even more carefully listening to find familiarity in the pleasant whispers, forcing themselves to go faster and faster, like holding a round fan to dispel the fog and admire the flowers.

The fan created a double image, but the hand waving the fan kept trembling. When the fog cleared, he could see but dared not look. Finally, in despair, he saw clearly that it really was his flower.

Xu Heng's chest heaved and his shoulders trembled as he forcefully pressed down.

Firstly, he was concerned about the imperial family's reputation; secondly, he worried that she might have been deceived by someone disguised as him; and thirdly, he wanted Chu Xiong to be there in the shadows so that he could rescue her if anything happened.

He then ordered in a deep voice: "All of you, retreat downstairs and wait, surrounding this teahouse completely. Without my order, no one is allowed to step closer."

He let out a heavy sigh, trying his best to press his arms down, but they were still trembling.

Qingfu and the eunuchs acknowledged the order and withdrew.

On the third-floor corridor, only Xu Heng remained. As he got closer, he suddenly realized that another low, panting male voice was also unusually familiar, but in the current situation, his mind was too slow to process it.

Xu Heng suppressed the urge to kick the door open and pushed it open. Fortunately, the person inside had not locked the door, and it opened easily.

He suddenly realized: these two were doing it on purpose, deliberately waiting for him to come!

A flash of inspiration struck Xu Heng, and he immediately recognized which man it was!

As soon as the door opened, the two people on the bed came straight into Xu Heng's view, and his eyes instantly turned red.

The two of them kept their tents tightly closed, so he could see them so clearly!

Xu Heng looked around again. Even with the incense burning in the incense burner, the strong smell of photinia in the air couldn't be masked, and the two white marks on the mattress were even more glaring!

Clearly, this wasn't the first time tonight, yet the two were still fiercely engaged. Noticing someone enter, they didn't hesitate, only slowly turning their heads towards the doorway to glance at Xu Heng.

Neither of them showed any panic in their eyes. They turned back to continue, ignoring Xu Heng but provoked by him. One groaned and the other groaned, and after a few sounds, they both reached their climax.

Xu Heng watched as memories of the Yuqing Temple's meditation room began to flash back in his mind.

Fear, helplessness, resentment... those emotions that had kept him up all night returned, plunging him once again into an abyss of helplessness and powerlessness.

It turns out I've never truly emerged from the abyss.

He had just been worried that Wang Yuying would be deceived and hurt, but it turns out she never loved him again!

At this moment, despite being the emperor, he felt no confidence or dignity whatsoever.

Before he saw it, he racked his brains and couldn't think of Zheng Yangzhi at all.