The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 170

“Mistress Yao, you’ve arrived at the perfect time. His Highness just instructed this one to go and request your presence.” Tian Fu Shan said with a relieved expression, much to Mu Xi Yao’s amusement. This guy treated her like a harbinger of doom. Unless absolutely necessary, he would never loiter around her. While the Chief Steward was cultured, he lacked Commander Wei’s resilience to challenging situations. Just a few troubles caused by her had him terrified, prompting him to take detours around her.

“Well then, that’s great! Shall Qie just go in like this? No need for the Chief Steward to announce Qie’s arrival?”

Just as Tian Fu Shan was about to excuse himself, he was teased by Mu Xi Yao with such a remark, leading him to apologize repeatedly with a distressed look. “Mistress, as you please, as you please.” When had Mistress Yao ever waited for someone to announce her before entering a room? This one always barged in and announced herself. Once she stood there, it was as if to declare her grand arrival.

With a casual flick of her feather fan, Mu Xi Yao laughed and granted him leave. She entered the room by herself, leaving Zhao Momo and Mo Lan waiting outside.

Gracefully turning past the screen, before she could clearly see the person inside, her vision suddenly went dark, and she found herself swept into Zong Zheng Lin’s arms, who had been waiting for her for a long time.

“Put away that blasted feather fan.” Zong Zheng Lin’s handsome face loomed close before Mu Xi Yao, with a trace of fiery light detectable in his phoenix eyes.

“Wasn’t it a gift from Your Highness for Qie to enjoy?” Mu Xi Yao pouted, reluctantly placing the feather fan on the eight treasures cabinet, looking at Zong Zheng Lin aggrievedly, her eyes shimmering with moisture, oozing with allure.

Zong Zheng Lin was stumped by her words, his anger intensifying. If he knew this woman would one day ‘take it in pleasure’ like this in front of so many people, the fan should have been destroyed immediately rather than ever being given into the hands of this unruly woman.

“Aren’t you going to change?” Ever since he saw this dress, Zong Zheng Lin has been in a foul mood. The ink black paired with crimson, even with just a glance and without seeing Mu Xi Yao wear it, Zong Zheng Lin could still foresee that the style and color were extremely suited to her, but it also made her exquisite figure and fair skin stand out even more.

To this day, Zong Zheng Lin couldn’t forget the underwear Mu Xi Yao once wore, its design and color strikingly similar to the one today. That night, Mu Xi Yao enchanted him like a seductress. The woman’s body, luminous and white as jade, created an impact so potent it sent his blood racing, making even him lose self-control.

How could Zong Zheng Lin be willing to let others behold such an enchanting little woman? Nevertheless, unable to get past Mu Xi Yao’s stubborn temperament, he ultimately yielded to her wishes.

“Jiao Jiao, you’ve decided to spite me on purpose. Now that you’ve had your way, are you feeling content? Why haven’t you taken off your clothes and changed into another set yet?” Zong Zheng Lin carried the person inside, and as he lowered his eyes, he caught a glimpse of Mu Xi Yao’s proudly raised chest, sparking an involuntary stirring within his chest and abdomen. Indifferently shifting his gaze away, he placed the person on the bed. Zong Zheng Lin chose a lounge chair to sit down, casually picking a book to avoid the awkwardness of directly facing Mu Xi Yao undressing.

The man opposite sat comfortably, his expression utterly serious. Mu Xi Yao hesitated, unsure whether to ask him to leave. The boss was impeccably dressed, which made her subconsciously about backing off.

“Jiao Jiao, could it be that you feel lonely changing clothes by yourself? Would you like Bendian to join you?” Zong Zheng Lin thoughtfully considered her feelings. Once she changed out of the dress she wore today, there would be no second chance for it to be worn by her again.

Despite holding a book and looking every bit the gentleman, how come his words were so explicit? Mu Xi Yao glared at him, only to see the man maintaining a solemn expression, even flipping a page of the book as if to keep up appearances.

Boss, are you engrossed in the storybook that Qie left here? Mu Xi Yao teased secretly. Did anyone read a storybook starting from the middle, yet with an expression as grave as if studying state or military affairs?

Mu Xi Yao’s eyes flickered, and when she looked back, there was not the slightest hint of embarrassment or awkwardness. Instead, they were filled with comprehension and scheming, and her face suddenly lit up with a vivid spark.

So that’s how it is. She was not the only one feeling awkward. The man who voluntarily kept his distance, still not dropping his guise, actually hid a ghost in his heart¹.

Great Boss harbored lustful thoughts but couldn’t act on them at this moment, so he could only intimidate her with words. Understanding this, Mu Xi Yao’s heart burst into joy. Her demeanor instantly changed, once again becoming the enchantress who had left everyone mesmerized in the hall earlier.

“Your Highness, where are the clothes you want Qie to change into?” Mu Xi Yao coquettishly pouted her red lips as her hand slowly reached up her collar, her thumb pressing on the knotted button, slowly fiddling with it in circles.

The shine in Zong Zheng Lin’s eyes, hidden under his lowered eyelids, dimmed further. He hadn’t been concentrating on the books to begin with, and now he found his attention drawn even further by Mu Xi Yao’s sudden transformation.

“Behind the low stool.”

Mu Xi Yao turned her head to the left and indeed saw a long dress adorned with Suzhou embroidery, in a shade of light pink. Well, this man was clearly prepared in advance, just waiting for her to come over to be undressed and groomed anew. This pettiness. Boss, how did you manage to be an emperor, embracing all rivers²?

“Thank you, Your Highness, for your thoughtful consideration towards Qie.” With a light twist of her thumb and forefinger, Mu Xi Yao undid the topmost button. The small stand-up collar instantly parted to the sides, making the jade-like skin of her slender neck, especially striking against the dark surroundings.

Zong Zheng Lin casually shifted his position and leaned on the rocking chair, yet the corner of his eyes involuntarily lingered on Mu Xi Yao.

She was beautiful, even more so than in the hall just now. Her entire being emanated an enchanting aura that was bold and unrestrained, with every move a barely-there tease. In the simple act of lifting her hand or moving, she transformed into a flower spirit who tantalized men.

Slightly turning to the side, she presented Zong Zheng Lin with only her profile. Her cheeks were subtly tilted downward, the knotted buttons now fully undone, occasionally revealing glimpses of the dark blue undergarment beneath through her movements.

Mu Xi Yao took her time with unhurried grace, her snow-white hands inadvertently brushing across her chest. At that, Zong Zheng Lin’s breathing suddenly quickened and a smile gradually appeared on her lips.

Your Highness, your self-discipline…it’s much weaker than what has been rumored…

Deliberately dragging out the moment, Mu Xi Yao seductively let her dress slip off her shoulder in front of Zong Zheng Lin, instantly revealing half of her luminous and smooth round arm. Just the thin strap of her undergarment around her neck seemed to temptingly invite a tug, beckoning further exploration.

Aware that the woman was intentionally provoking him, Zong Zheng Lin understood that he shouldn’t fall for her trap, yet his eyes wouldn’t comply, gradually lingering on that temptress. The more he watched, the more insatiable he became, with a growing heat kindling inside.

“Your Highness.” Gently lifting her right hand, Mu Xi Yao reached behind her neck, attempting to undo the tie. This very action caused her lapels to open widely, her chest prominently thrust forward. Viewed from the side, even her undergarment struggled to contain the fullness of her bosom, subtly revealing a sensual charm.

“Qie’s hands are quite sore. Could Your Highness help Qie with the tie at the back?”

If you are indeed as dignified and honorable as you present yourself to be, then you truly shouldn’t come over. Qie will naturally restrain herself to your satisfaction. Unfortunately, Qie worries, for this world is full of ‘dressed up animals³’ and those who are ‘sanctimonious in appearance’. Your Highness, which type are you? 

Mu Xi Yao maintained an enticing pose, her eyes brimming with seduction as she stared straight ahead, her red lips slightly parted, waiting for his reply.

Considering the timing was off, Zong Zheng Lin had purposely kept his distance from this troublesome one to avoid being seduced and losing his self-discipline. However, the situation now was completely contrary to his original intention. The woman was simply sitting there, yet with a few movements, he already felt a burning passion kindled within him. At this moment, the most irresistible thing was Mu Xi Ya’s invitation, resembling a delicate flower shyly blooming, waiting to be picked.

“Jiao Jiao, you’ve always handled Bendian firmly, never softening your grip.” Since the little woman has deliberately chosen to provoke, why should he bother with other matters and torment himself by denying the beauty in front of him?

Putting aside the book he hadn’t managed to focus on from start to finish, Zong Zheng Lin flicked his robe, stood up tall, and walked in front of Mu Xi Yao in a few steps. Looking down from above, the scenery was indeed magnificent.

Sliding one hand behind her, he gently pressed the little woman’s neck, his fingers brazenly caressing her delicate skin. Pretending to untie the thin strap was an excuse they both clearly understood was merely for flirting; the one to act first would lose ground in this game. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

Boss, you truly lived up to Qie’s expectation, proving that ‘appearances can be deceiving.’ After all, one cannot easily restrain their thoughts and desires.

“Jiao Jiao, did you feel triumphant when Bendian came to you?” Looking into her beautiful eyes outlined with eyeliner, that bewitching appearance became even more irresistible up close, leaving one utterly intoxicated.

Mu Xi Yao’s lips were as red as blood, glamorous and passionate. With her eyes half-closed, she didn’t respond to Zong Zheng Lin’s words. Instead, she pulled him to sit down, leaning on his chest, her right hand lightly placing over his vigorously pulsing heart.

Looking up at his eyes, dark as ink, Mu Xi Yao had only one thought in her mind: Your Highness, this time, Qie wants you to lose – and accept it willingly.

“Triumphant. Certainly triumphant.” Having captivated the Jian’an Emperor, making the mind of the sovereign of all under heaven wander, why shouldn’t she feel triumphant?

Three years have passed, and this man has fulfilled his promise. So, for many more three years to come, Your Highness, Qie looks forward to watching you continue to strive…

“Qie was able to draw her own man to herself, and this man has a reputation for integrity and uprightness outside. Having such skills, Qie is naturally delighted. Your Highness, wouldn’t you agree?”

Mu Xi Yao leaned softly against Zong Zheng Lin’s chest, suddenly releasing her small hand covering his chest, and then bent down to press her lips against it.

Beneath her lips, the man’s heartbeat thundered like a drum, and his chest and abdomen tensed tightly. Mu Xi Yao could even feel Zong Zheng Lin’s nearly imperceptible slight trembling.

Moment later, Mu Xi Yao slowly rose, only to see a vivid rep lip mark on the man’s heart area, against his dark orchid brocade robe, with sharp lines and a distinct contour.

“Has this mark made its way into Your Highness’s heart?” Tilting her head back, she looked straight into Zong Zheng Lin’s phoenix eyes, the two of them gazing at each other for a long time, in a moment filled with silent warmth and tender affection.

Zong Zheng Lin looked down at the mark left by Mu Xi Yao on his brocade robe. A surge of warmth suddenly spread fiercely throughout his chest, drenching him in a drunken-like haze. His eyes on Mu Xi Yao were unusually gentle.

Hearing ‘her own man’ from this woman’s lips, Zong Zheng Lin felt that this identity alone was enough to fill him with pride.

Mu Xi Yao’s art of conquering the heart was too strong, leaving him utterly powerless to fight back, crumbling in an instant.

“Bendian’s Jiao Jiao is certainly a temptress with lethal allure. It’s no wrongful defeat to lose to Jiao Jiao.” Zong Zheng Lin couldn’t help but sigh. In the end, he was unable to withstand the little woman’s attack. For the first time in his life, he was defeated, yet he was completely content, willingly indulging in his downfall.

Mu Xi Yao returned to his embrace, laughing cunningly where no one else could witness.

Your Highness, to hear you admit defeat in person…Qie finds it…extremely satisfying.

She wondered if the remnant soul from the previous life was still around. If it was, could it maybe take a bit of solace and stay further away from her? She had heavy duties and her life was very precious.

Mu Xi Yao was secretly thrilled, but unexpectedly, the thin tie at her back suddenly loosened, and the last bit of covering on her upper body was removed by Zong Zheng Lin in the blink of an eye.

“Jiao Jiao, you’ve kept Bendian in constant thought.”

Translation notes:

[1] Hide a ghost in one’s heart is a Chinese idiom that means to harbor secret motives or have a guilty conscience.

[2] Embracing all rivers is a Chinese idiom that means to have a broad and expansive mind like the ocean that accommodates countless rivers, and to possess a character of great tolerance and inclusivity.

[3] Dress up animal fig. immoral and despicable person.

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

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