Chapter 62 Investigating Lu Wensheng on the Third Day of the Third Month
Lu Wensheng had a good plan, but things didn't go as planned. She didn't expect Shen Hegui to invite her to bed.
Although Zhaowu Hall was covered with a thick layer of carpet, the floor was still the floor. Even with the carpet and blankets, it was still hard to sleep on, and it was difficult to get a good night's sleep.
Lu Wensheng compromised without much hesitation.
Then another variable appeared.
Shen Hegui sat upright by the couch, holding a cup in his hand. Just as he was about to drink some water, he slightly raised the corner of his eye, his thick, dark eyebrows raised high: "I allow you to sit on the couch, but not the blanket. It's been on the floor and is dirty."
A bunch of question marks popped up in Lu Wensheng's head, not understanding why Shen Hegui had suddenly become a germaphobe.
The platform and railings in front of the main gate of Zhaowu Hall are wiped clean at least five or six times a day, cleaner than the washbasin she uses at home. Moreover, she uses a layer of mats and covers, and the one she is about to drag onto the bed is the cover, not the mat.
In the middle of the night, Lu Wensheng was so sleepy and lazy that he didn't want to argue anymore. He just threw the blankets aside and went to bed.
She sat on the edge of the bed without the slightest hesitation, quite nonchalantly: "Alright, Your Highness, would you like to sleep inside or outside?"
Shen Hegui's bed is huge, it feels like it could sleep five, six, seven, or eight of them. Doesn't he feel lonely sleeping in such a big bed all by himself? With a bed this big, you'd have to use a spear to assassinate Shen Hegui, swords and knives are too short!
"Either is fine." After drinking the water in his teacup in one gulp, Shen Hegui pondered for a moment, then poured himself another cup, drank half of it while leaning against the cup, and very naturally handed the remaining half cup to Lu Wensheng, who had his back to him, as if casually asking, "Would you like some water?"
Lu Wensheng turned to look at the clear, warm water and hesitated for a moment.
She didn't want to drink water because it was troublesome to get up at night, but since Shen Hegui handed it to her, it seemed better to drink it.
"Wow, Your Highness, you're so kind to me! I want to sleep inside."
After drinking half a cup of water, she smacked her lips twice, somewhat puzzled: Why do all the drinks that Shen Hegui handed her smell so good?
Lu Wensheng couldn't figure it out for a moment, and temporarily attributed the reason to the original setting of the book.
It's normal for male protagonists in restricted novels to be perverted, weird, and have a strong body odor that dissolves easily in alcohol!
Lying comfortably on the soft, safe bed, Lu Wensheng turned his head to look at Shen Hegui, who was still drinking water at the table, and asked, "Isn't Your Highness coming up?"
"You go to sleep first. There are some things I haven't figured out yet."
It's better if he doesn't come up; she can sleep peacefully if he doesn't. It's not that she minds the difference between men and women, but she's not very comfortable. Although she has been very close to Shen Hegui these days, she understands that, in the end, he is the master and she is the servant. He has more power than she does. If she really angers him, she is still afraid. This fear comes from the huge gap in power and status, and from the cautiousness she has accumulated over the years.
The vast inner hall was dimly lit by only one candle. She turned over, facing away from the outside, and closed her eyes.
I thought I would have to wait a while and get some rest before I could fall asleep, but as soon as I closed my eyes, drowsiness came over me like a landslide.
Shen Hegui silently counted Lu Wensheng's breathing rate, and only after confirming that the person had fallen into a deep sleep did he get into bed and half-embrace the person.
A long, snow-white tail emitting a faint blue light materialized and filled the entire bed, leaving only a small space for Lu Wensheng to sleep.
Gazing at her peaceful sleeping face, Shen Hegui had a sudden thought. He moved the tip of his slender tail to wrap around Lu Wensheng's wrist and began to close his eyes to rest.
Soaked in the comforting warmth, he rubbed against her greedily, clinging even tighter.
He had heard Lu Wensheng's footsteps earlier, but he didn't open the door immediately because he was worried that Lu Wensheng would try to seduce him.
A dream is a dream, and reality is reality. After the impulse subsided, he unconsciously hesitated again.
Her long, raven-feather-like eyelashes trembled, and Shen Hegui let out a long sigh before opening her eyes again.
He began to struggle internally.
After thinking it over for some time, he decided to do the one mentioned above.
Lu Wensheng just drank his poison and is definitely not awake now. Perhaps he should observe first, just observe, and not do anything; that shouldn't be considered taking advantage of someone in distress. He'd never seen a human's rear end before and was a little worried about incompatibility, fearing he might injure Lu Wensheng.
Shen Hegui's gaze lingered on Lu Wensheng's lower body.
The long tail slid and rubbed together, making a rustling sound. He had just rolled up a corner of the blanket when he hesitated again.
But what if he gets carried away and loses control...?
Forget it, let's find another opportunity. It wouldn't be good to scare them away.
Shen Hegui gently stroked Lu Wensheng's rosy lips a few times, and then a kiss, devoid of any lust, fell like a feather, touching and then leaving.
As dawn broke, Shen Hegui dressed and walked out of the palace. He calmly instructed Feng Gou, who was guarding the door, "Summon Lin Shoubai and Luo Jiangsheng."
Feng Gou: "Yes!" Lord Lu is here. Your Highness is actually up so early.
The trees surrounding Zhaowu Hall are tall and lush. Except in winter, it is lively every day at dawn, with the calls of sparrows, cuckoos, orioles and magpies rising and falling, gradually blending into one.
Shen Hegui slightly raised his hand, and a passing thrush stopped on his fingertip, tilting its little head and curiously looking at him with its bright black eyes.
He gently stroked its fluffy little head with his fingertips. The little thrush was not afraid at all; instead, it comfortably squinted its eyes and then let out a soft chirping sound.
A smile appeared in Shen Hegui's eyes.
She's just like Lu Wensheng; they both like having their heads patted.
They should have been summoned last night, but when he tried to retract his tail, he found that the tip of his tail had been unconsciously gripped by Lu Wensheng, and he had to use a little force to pull it out.
Before he could get out of bed, Lu Wensheng seemed to have suddenly fallen into a nightmare, his brows furrowed, his breathing rapid, and he couldn't be woken up no matter how gently he was called. Helpless, he could only hold him back in his arms and coax him.
He gently patted Lu Wensheng's back repeatedly, but to no avail; he put the tail back into Lu Wensheng's hand, but still to no avail.
Only when he helplessly raised his hand and slowly ran his fingertips through the sweat-dampened stray hairs at Lu Wensheng's temples did he finally quiet down.
So he stayed by Lu Wensheng's side for the rest of the night, combing her fluffy, soft hair over and over again.
Hearing footsteps behind him, Shen Hegui stopped reminiscing and let go of the thrush on his finger.
Lin Shoubai: "Greetings, Your Highness."
Luo Jiangsheng: "Greetings, Your Highness."
Shen Hegui raised his hand to let the two of them stand up.
Shen Hegui: "Shoubai, send someone out to sea to find out what kind of business Lu Wensheng is doing with them."
He paused for a moment, then turned to Luo Jiangsheng and said, "You go too. Try to get a few of those red-coated cannons that Lu Wensheng mentioned yesterday and study how they were made."
Luo Jiangsheng hesitated: "If war breaks out, who will lead the remaining elite troops to the coast? What if I don't return? Does Your Highness intend to go to the battlefield in person?"
Shen Hegui said calmly, "Why not?"
Luo Jiangsheng, ever outspoken, asked, "Then to whom should the affairs of the court be entrusted?"
Shen Hegui said matter-of-factly, "It's not You Luwensheng."
Lin Shoubai, who was standing to the side, moved his lips, but finally couldn't help but say, "Your Highness isn't worried that Lord Lu is too young to keep those old foxes in check?"
Shen Hegui said confidently, "Lu Wensheng is capable. Don't underestimate Lu Wensheng."
As he spoke, Shen Hegui took out the imperial edict that Lu Wensheng had copied and handed it to Lin Shoubai. He said, "This is the imperial edict that imprisons Prince Su. It will be announced directly after the morning court session."
Lin Shoubai was taken aback: "Wouldn't it be inappropriate to release Prince Su at this time? What if he takes the opportunity to stir up trouble? The consequences would be unimaginable."
Shen Hegui rolled his dark eyes twice, his expression meaningful: "There's nothing inappropriate about it. The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. How can you know if that cicada is a real cicada?"
*
When Lu Wensheng woke up groggily, he was startled.
What time is it? Why isn't anyone waking her up? It's so quiet!
Reluctantly turning around on the king-size bed, Lu Wensheng scratched his head and stood up.
My hair feels so oily, even though I washed it yesterday! I must have overworked my brain yesterday, I need to eat some walnuts to replenish it.
She slept soundly and was exhausted because she had a dream where she was swimming the whole time. The sea was rough and the water was deep. In the dream, she was always nimble in her hands but not in her legs, or vice versa. Swimming was very difficult. Just when she finally got her hands and feet nimble, seaweed thicker than her thighs would entangle her and she couldn't pull it off!
Lu Wensheng stretched and yawned at the same time.
I feel like I can sleep a little longer. I love Shen Hegui's bed so much; it's so big and soft. Even though two people slept in it last night, I didn't feel it at all.
Wiping away the tears welling up in her eyes, Lu Wensheng took two steps back and branded herself onto the mark.
So comfortable! So satisfying! She's going to climb into Shen Hegui's bed again tonight!
Hearing the faint noises coming from the inner hall, Feng Gou stood behind the screen and asked in a low voice, "Lord Lu, are you up yet?"
"Get up, get up!" After sitting up, Lu Wensheng looked down and carefully checked his collar and belt before going out.
A crisp clapping sound rang out, and servants carrying trays lined up on either side, presenting a dazzling array of clothing and accessories.
Lu Wensheng was originally worried about what to wear today, but now she has no worries at all.
Looking around, all you could see were new clothes of various colors, along with matching beautiful headdresses and waist ornaments.
"Daban, did His Highness the Crown Prince prepare all of this for me?"
Lu Wensheng picked up a glittering gold hair ornament and bit it, leaving a clear tooth mark.
Pure gold! She likes it.
Seeing Lu Wensheng happy, Feng Gou also smiled and said, "Yes, His Highness specially ordered the Imperial Household Department to make them. Lord Lu, please take a look and see which outfit you would like to wear today."
Lu Wensheng didn't hesitate too much and immediately took a liking to the wide-sleeved, round-necked robe with red trim and white background embroidered with red plum blossoms on the far right.
“I’ll wear it.”
Feng Gou smiled and praised, "Lord Lu has excellent taste! This robe is made of this year's newly tribute dark-patterned silk, a perfect match for the ruby and gold crown you just received!"
He glanced at him and said, "Hurry up and take Lord Lu to change and wash up!"
Lu Wensheng quickly stopped her, "I can do it myself. I'm not used to being served."
Upon hearing this, Feng Gou's smile deepened: "You and His Highness are quite alike, neither of you likes being served by others." Birds of a feather flock together—the ancients were right!
“It’s just a coincidence.” She paused slightly. “I’ve asked my husband to find me a red hair to wear. I haven’t been crowned yet, so I won’t wear the gold crown.”
Feng Gou slapped his forehead: "Oh dear! It was this old servant's oversight!"
"It's nothing! You're too kind, Master."
On the third day of the third lunar month, the sun shines brightly and the spring breeze brings warmth.
Waving a white fan with gold flecks borrowed from Feng Gou, and sporting a freshly styled, messy fringe, Lu Wensheng successfully transformed into a road menace.
Pushing aside the thirty-eighth girl who tried to get closer to the line, Xue Xunyuan, the commander of the Imperial Guards, could no longer stand it.
"Lord Lu, why don't you get into the carriage? Today is the Shangsi Festival, and there are many people and things are chaotic. If an assassin is mixed in among them, it will be impossible to defend against." These civil officials are impulsive and will not take the shortcut to the Ministry of Rites. Instead, they choose the longest route.
Lu Wensheng raised his hand to rub his eyelids, which were twitching from blinking, and said in a moment of pause, "I thought about it until midnight last night and realized that assassins are not something we should guard against, but rather something we should lure in. The sooner they take the bait, the sooner we will be free."
She changed the subject, "Lord Xue, are you engaged? There are so many beautiful young ladies on the street, is there anyone you fancy? I can help you with some ideas."
Looking around, Xue Xunyuan's lips twitched slightly, and he complained helplessly, "My lord, it's not just young ladies who are looking at you, even women are staring at you!"
Lu Wensheng proudly flicked his bangs: "It's normal. I specially asked Feng Daban for a set of eyebrow pencils, makeup powder and lip rouge. If I want to be handsome enough to attract both men and women, how can I not dress up properly? Besides, the Shangsi Festival is also Valentine's Day."
She leaned closer to Xue Xunyuan and whispered, "Do you think they might send a pretty female assassin? I even shaved all my leg hair today!"
Xue Xunyuan glanced at Lu Wensheng's androgynous face and silently moved away from her.
He had heard all the rumors circulating among the officials in Yanjing, one of which was that Lu Wensheng was the Crown Prince's lover. He hadn't believed it before, but after seeing Lu Wensheng up close just now, he suddenly felt he should believe it!
Even her five-year-old brother's skin wasn't as fair and delicate as Lu Wensheng's. None of the noble ladies she had met at previous banquets were as handsome and dashing as Lu Wensheng. Especially with the warm sunlight, it was hard not to be struck by her beauty.
Out of the corner of her eye, Lu Wensheng saw Xue Xunyuan moving away from her without making a sound, and she knew that she had achieved her goal.
The Shangsi Festival is a good day to establish a persona. Being afraid of this or that, or acting coy and hesitant, will definitely arouse suspicion! But she certainly won't do that!
At most, some people might criticize her for being effeminate, imitating eunuchs by applying makeup, lacking masculinity, and seducing respectable women instead of following the proper path.
The louder the discussion, the less likely anyone would doubt that she was a woman, because everyone was focused on her gossip.
Lu Wensheng smiled brightly and accepted a light blue sachet.
Xue Xunyuan, standing behind her, hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "If His Highness the Crown Prince finds out that you're accepting things from women so casually, he won't be happy."
Lu Wensheng: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing and won't upset Your Highness."
Xue Xunyuan: "..." He didn't understand, but he was deeply shocked.
-----------------------
Author's Note: It'll be evening by the time LuLu gets her wedding invitation. [doge emoji]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
