Chapter 29: He kissed Lu even more passionately...
Lu Youchuan had already decided on Qin Song. He knew very well that touching her now was already overstepping his bounds, but he simply couldn't resist her teasing and shamelessly wanted more.
He pinned her against the wall, responding to her kiss, his gaze lingering on her chin and neck... until he saw the still-present red marks beneath her collar. The memory of that night haunted him, a tingling sensation creeping from his tailbone to his temples, making his heart flutter.
He didn't disturb her clothes, and kissed her all the way back, covering her lips with his own. His breathy voice seeped into Qin Song's heart.
Some people can actually master this skill without any instruction. They were reckless and clumsy when they first kissed her, but now they can make her lose her mind and become infatuated, with her physical attraction growing infinitely.
"Miss Qin..."
A soft female voice rang out at an inopportune moment. Qin Song was startled, but the sudden stimulation also gave him a great sense of pleasure, and his legs almost gave way.
She adjusted her breathing and turned her gaze to look. Gong Shuling stood frozen in shock at the doorway. After a moment of stunned silence, she blushed and fled back into the house as if running away.
Interrupted by this little incident, Lu Youchuan released Qin Song, raised his hand to stroke her face, and stared at her intently.
His face was still somewhat pale, and his thin lips were still glistening with moisture, making him even more alluring than his usual cold demeanor. In their gazes, a dangerous flame ignited, as if he wanted to stare through Qin Song like a wild beast.
He seemed to have sensed something.
Qin Song suddenly tensed up. She deliberately led him to the back gate to prevent the Censorate from finding out about the Crown Prince and Yun Qian's affair, thus blocking other minor officials from searching her courtyard.
Given Lu Youchuan's reputation for impartiality and his long-standing animosity towards the Qin family, as long as he can personally report to the imperial family that there is nothing amiss at the Qin residence, the potential threat to Yun Qian and the Crown Prince remaining in the residence can be temporarily eliminated.
But if he goes into her room and finds out who the Crown Prince is, will he immediately expose him?
Qin Song licked her lips and grabbed his hand that was touching her face: "Are you really going to wait until we get married to consummate our marriage?"
Lu Youchuan was on official business and it was inconvenient for him to be seen in public, but she was still teasing him, which he couldn't stand at all.
She seemed like a natural succubus; a mere blink of her eyes could easily captivate a man. Yet, her beauty did not cloud his judgment; he could see through the cunning and scheming in her eyes at a glance.
Lu Youchuan remained calm and deliberately glanced into her courtyard, fully aware that she was hiding a secret in her house.
But he didn't rush to answer. He just looked down at her. Although he knew she might say something to lie to him, he couldn't help but want to hear her say more.
Unsure of his attitude, Qin Song placed his hand behind his waist and said, "Young Master Lu."
The voice, so sweet it melted his bones, made Lu Youchuan freeze.
Although they had already crossed the line, hearing this term of endearment that only lovers could utter made him feel uneasy.
His excitement made him completely lose his composure, more unable to control himself than ever before, his desire surging...
But the thought that behind that affectionate nickname was her wariness of him, and even her desire to protect another man, fueled his jealousy.
Lu Youchuan's throat tightened. He didn't know whether to be rational or impulsive, but he insisted on saying the most jarring thing at this moment: "Li Yu is in your room too?"
Why would Gong Shuling, a sheltered young woman, appear at the Qin residence at this crucial moment? He couldn't think of any other reason besides her cousin Li Yu being there.
Qin Song's dazed eyes had not yet faded from the turmoil of passion, but a single question from him brought him back to his senses.
He was too perceptive. Just by seeing Gong Shuling's figure, he could deduce that Li Yu was in the Qin residence, which left Qin Song with no chance of concealing his victory.
"So, are you going to arrest me?" she asked, smiling at him.
If he only knew that Li Yu was there, he wouldn't have put the Qin family in such a dangerous situation.
Not only was she not afraid, she moved even closer. Lu Youchuan's eyes darkened, and he raised his hand to pinch her chin, tilting her face up. "I really wish I could grab you right now and hide you away."
May her eyes never have to look at anyone else again, and may they forever belong only to him.
Qin Song saw the murderous intent in his eyes, but she could clearly sense that it wasn't directed at her, so she didn't respond.
Lu Youchuan's gaze traced her face thoroughly before he lowered his head again, his wet, slippery tongue sliding into her mouth like a venomous snake, kissing her even more forcefully...
He took the initiative, giving her no chance to resist or guide him. He was fierce and ruthless, with a punitive undertone. She had no choice but to accept it.
But she didn't reject it; she was captivated by the fierce love he gave her, and once she tasted it, she was insatiable...
"My lord, Eunuch Li is urging us. Do you need our cooperation in the search?"
Zhang Hu's voice came from afar outside the artificial hill. Lu Youchuan finally slowly stopped his movements. This suffocating yet lingering passionate kiss made Qin Song reluctant to part. Her mature soul had never stopped at this point before.
She stared longingly at Lu Youchuan, the lingering afterglow of his love blatantly revealing the wild desire deep within her, wishing she could strip him naked right now, seize him by force, and devour him whole…
Lu Youchuan was no more lucid than her; in fact, he was so unwell that he could barely walk. He raised his hand to wipe the water from Qin Song's lips and coldly replied to Zhang Hu, who was waiting in the distance, "Step back."
After speaking, he took out an exquisite osmanthus hairpin and gently inserted it into the hair of the person in front of him.
Qin Song immediately touched the hairpin that still held the warmth of his chest, a slight stirring in his heart. "A gift for me?"
Lu Youchuan fiddled with her hair and hummed in agreement. "I have already informed my father to come and propose marriage. I will welcome you into the manor openly and honestly."
He kissed her affectionately again, then led her around a deserted path and slowly walked back to the front yard.
At least he didn't have to enter her courtyard, and Qin Song felt much better. "My father opened a private school for me. How am I supposed to face you in the future?"
Lu Youchuan took her hand, smiled enigmatically, as if he had planned this all along, and did not respond.
In the front courtyard, the people from the palace and the Qin family members were divided into two groups, waiting quietly for news from Lu Youchuan.
But when he returned, he was accompanied by a slender noblewoman with slightly flushed cheeks and swollen red lips.
"Oh my, Miss Qin is awake?" Eunuch Li, seeing the girl who had made him run back and forth to the Qin residence several times, spoke up unexpectedly.
Those in the Qin household who had their backs to the newcomer instinctively looked back. The servants of the Qin household had no different expressions, but Qin Daoji's gaze was deep and unreadable.
Qin Song suddenly realized that when the Censorate searched the Qin residence, Qin Daoji remained unmoved, as if he was not worried about what the Censorate would find, or even certain that the Censorate would not find anything.
She was pondering Qin Daoji's unusual behavior, completely unaware that Tao Qingyang, wearing a mask, suddenly changed his expression. The composed smile on his lips froze into a cold frost, and his gaze was fixed on Qin Song's rosy lips. Hatred and anger made his desire for revenge against Lu Youchuan reach its peak.
However, when Qin Song and the other person came from the backyard, neither of them glanced at him, which made him even more resentful, yet he had no way to vent his anger.
Qin Song stepped down the last step in front of the hall and came to Qin Daoji's side. He politely responded to Eunuch Li's inquiry: "Thank you for your concern, Eunuch. After two days of rest, I have recovered most of my health."
Eunuch Li's gaze swept back and forth between her and Tao Qingyang. "Miss Qin, the person you should thank is not us. After all, the story of General Tao waiting patiently for his beloved all night has spread throughout the capital. His Majesty and Lord Qin have already approved the marriage between General Tao and Miss Qin. We are still waiting to ask for a cup of celebratory wine."
Eunuch Li's incessant talking finally silenced everyone.
The Qin family servants all bowed their heads in silence, not daring to utter a sound. Qin Daoji remained unmoved, revealing neither joy nor anger. Lu Youchuan suddenly raised his eyes and looked at Tao Qingyang, who stood with his arms crossed. The two gazes, locked in a fierce battle, silently clashed...
Qin Song sensed something was wrong, glanced guiltily at Lu Youchuan, and then silently looked at Tao Qingyang.
This was the first time she had made eye contact with Tao Qingyang today. He tilted his head slightly, looking at her with a leisurely air, as if waiting for her to give him an explanation or a reward.
She forced a smile, intending to give it a perfunctory response.
Lu Youchuan didn't give her a chance to speak, and spoke first, subtly turning the tide: "There is nothing unusual in the Qin residence, Your Excellency, announce the decree."
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Li, like an obedient quail, immediately returned to the main topic and unfolded the yellow scroll in his hand.
Qin Song took the opportunity to escape Tao Qingyang's sight and knelt down with everyone in the Qin household to receive the imperial decree.
By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:
The Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation and should uphold his duties as a subject, assisting the state. However, he disregarded the Emperor's grace, colluded with the enemy, and plotted rebellion. Now, fearing punishment, he has fled, and his crimes are unforgivable.
Qin Daoji, a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and concurrently the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, had served in the central government for a long time and had been very diligent. However, in the case of the Crown Prince's rebellion, as the Crown Prince's tutor, he could not shirk his responsibility for the lack of effective supervision. Therefore, he was dismissed from his position as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, but retained his title of Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.
Considering the sudden outbreak of a serious illness in Yunzhou, which has caused widespread fear and frequent riots, there is an urgent need for a capable minister to go and pacify the area. Therefore, I have specially dispatched you to Yunzhou to take charge of the pacification efforts. You must do everything in your power to quell the riots and atone for past mistakes.
This trip carries great responsibility, but some preparation is also necessary. You are hereby granted permission to rest for half a month before setting off, and to temporarily waive all cabinet matters in preparation for the trip to Yunzhou.
If we can successfully stabilize Yunzhou and bring benefits to the region, then I will consider forgiving past mistakes.
So be it.
He was stripped of his title as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, but retained his position as Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. However, he was prevented from handling cabinet affairs. Although he was ostensibly transferred, he was effectively sidelined.
Qin Song silently analyzed the imperial decree, feeling indignant, while her father, Qin Daoji, remained calm, as if he had long anticipated this outcome, and calmly raised his hand, saying, "Your subject accepts the decree."
After everyone in the Qin household stood up, Eunuch Li put on his obsequious demeanor again, "Congratulations, Lord Qin, the imperial heir in the Empress's womb has finally been saved. The imperial family is kind-hearted and will no longer hold the Qin family responsible for the poisoning. I will return to the palace soon and withdraw the guards outside the mansion. General Tao will take over and strengthen the patrols around the area."
Qin Daoji silently rolled up the imperial edict, offering no response.
The two officials, Lu and Tao, also stood silently, indifferent and refusing to utter a word.
Eunuch Li, standing in the middle of it all, felt extremely uncomfortable. The atmosphere was so cold that it was hard for him to breathe. He could only force a smile and try to smooth things over: "I'm sure Lord Qin already knows that His Majesty's arrangements this time were made thanks to Lord Lu's advice. Yunzhou affairs are numerous and sound like a tough job, but we can't hold a grudge against Lord Lu. If it weren't for this imperial decree, the Qin family wouldn't know how to handle the situation. Besides, His Majesty is considerate of your many years of hard work for the country and has personally appointed your son-in-law to lead the Zhenbei Army northward. There are also capable ministers from the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices at your disposal. In the end, His Majesty still trusts you and will not be alienated from you because of the Crown Prince's crimes. Lord Qin, you will surely return to your peak in the future."
"Thank you for your kind words, Your Excellency." Qin Daoji replied casually, then looked up at the usually taciturn Lu Youchuan, "Thank you for your kind words, Imperial Censor Lu."
Lu Youchuan simply nodded slightly without responding.
However, Qin Daoji's tone of gratitude to Lu Youchuan did not sound perfunctory. From his reaction, it seemed that he had known all along that Lu Youchuan would do this. Could this be the reason why he had relaxed these past few days?
As Qin Song was thinking, Eunuch Li flicked his whisk and said with a forced smile, "Lord Qin, please take good care of yourself. I and Imperial Censor Lu still have to return to the palace to report, so we won't disturb you any longer."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Lu Youchuan's eyes flickered, his gaze shifting from Qin Daoji's face to Qin Song's, their eyes meeting briefly. "Take care."
Qin Song's gaze was still fixed on him, and his legs were more reluctant to move than ever before, but with a mission to complete, he had no choice but to take his leave.
After the palace carriages and guards were all withdrawn, Tao Qingyang did not linger. After briefly ordering the city defense troops to deploy in an orderly manner, he went straight to the Censorate.
·
His tall and handsome figure had just emerged from the palace and turned into the alleyway leading to the Censorate.
The young man wearing a silver-white mask leaned against the green wall with his arms crossed, having been waiting for a long time.
Only Tao Qingyang and Lu Youchuan remained in the deserted alley.
Tao Qingyang fiddled with the jade flute in his hand, staring intently at Lu Youchuan, his hostile intent palpable. "Lord Lu has just done something bad."
Lu Youchuan guessed what he wanted to do, and even deliberately quickened his pace to meet him, facing the other party's provocative gaze head-on.
"yes."
The response was so direct and straightforward that Tao Qingyang felt a surge of hatred. He clearly had his Achilles' heel in his hand, so how could he be so fearless?
"It seems my betrothed is not behaving properly." Tao Qingyang straightened up, a hint of wickedness in his eyes that seemed to be both smiling and not smiling. "She needs to be disciplined."
Lu Youchuan strode closer to him, his deep eyes half-closed. "You can't even control a mere fiancé! However, the young man from the Duke of Anguo's family does indeed require the help of the city defense troops."
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Author's Note: Li Yu: You guys go first, don't mention me, thank you. The female lead's private school is just a turning point that will make her smarter and take the initiative. It will pass quickly (playing in the female lead's house is not appropriate, we need to change the location to have a chance [heart emoji]). The main plot is still the changes in the court situation, which will drive the emotional storyline of the four people.
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