TIGR Chapter 122

The Imperial Guard’s Revenge

Chapter 122 Sleeping Together

Wang Yanqing was too clever to fall for his trick and angrily said: “I won’t choose!”

“Then let’s try them all.” Lu Heng said, scooping up a handful of water from the bathtub. The red petals were clouded by mist and cascaded from his long and delicate fingers, with prominent joints, looking both clean and powerful. His hands in such a gesture, opposed to his usual grasp of a blade, made a forbidden and seductive air.

As Lu Heng moved, the water gently swayed, and petals clung to the subtle rise and fall of her body. Snow-white skin and bright red side by side created a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Lu Heng kept his gaze fixed on that spot. Suddenly, disregarding the clothes on his body, he bent forward, swiftly and precisely grabbing her slender waist from beneath the water and pulling her in tightly.

Wang Yanqing let out a startled cry, and from behind the screen came the sound of water splashing, followed by the scattering of crimson petals. A silhouette of a woman appeared on the screen, her slender waist and graceful neck, her figure full and graceful. Her waist was confined by a pair of arms, bending downward in a supple curve, like a crescent moon bending a flower.

Drops of water slid down her icy skin. But before Wang Yanqing could feel the cold, Lu Heng leaned over and kissed the petals. Lu Heng had broad shoulders and strong arms. When he wrapped his arms around her, he almost completely enveloped Wang Yanqing. She felt the coolness of the rolling water droplets and the bloom of warmth. Her body trembled slightly, not knowing whether it was because of the cold or something else.

By the time Lu Heng let go, Wang Yanqing was already gasping for breath, unable to say a word. Lu Heng placed her back into the warm water, his fingers gripping the collar of her clothes. With a casual pull, the buttons came off.

“I prefer being on top. But it’s fine, we can take it slow.”

The water surged, both a resistance and a force. By the time Lu Heng carried Wang Yanqing out of the bathing room, the water had already cooled. Lu Heng didn’t take her back to the bedroom because it was over, but instead to change locations.

When he finally had enough, new bruises had appeared alongside Wang Yanqing’s old ones that hadn’t healed yet. No matter how strong Wang Yanqing was, she couldn’t handle it anymore. Seeing that she had difficulty standing up straight, Lu Heng volunteered to help her bathe. Wang Yanqing dared not let him come in again and firmly refused.

After cleaning again, Wang Yanqing was so exhausted that she just wanted to close her eyes and sleep. She wore a pure white undergarment, lying on her side against a pillow. Despite being extremely fatigued, she still forced her eyelids open. Until a shadow fell beside her, and the bed slightly sank. Lu Heng hadn’t expected that she would still be awake and asked: “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

Wang Yanqing half-closed her eyes, her voice soft and delicate: “I was waiting for you.”

Lu Heng’s heart was instantly captured by these words, a soft, warm little bundle. She was so tired that she could barely keep her eyes open, yet she said she was waiting for him. How could he not feel moved? Lu Heng tucked in her blanket, his voice gentle as he said: “Alright, I’m back. Go to sleep.”

Wang Yanqing’s entire body was limp, but she still insisted on giving his arm a punch: “It’s all your fault, I had to wash again.”

Lu Heng chuckled, wrapping his hand around her fist, and sincerely admitted: “Alright, it’s my fault.”

The maids had already left, leaving only a dim light by the bedside. Lu Heng blew out the lamp, lowered the bed curtain, and the surroundings were instantly enveloped in darkness. Wang Yanqing heard the sounds beside her. She struggled to open her eyes, recognized Lu Heng’s position, and naturally leaned into him.

Lu Heng, smiling softly, allowed her to wrap her arm around his neck, while he placed his other hand around her waist.

According to tradition, a married couple should sleep under two separate quilts, but ever since their wedding night, the other quilt on their bed had been neglected.

At first, Lu Heng had gone a bit overboard, and she completely passed out. Lu Heng held her as he fell asleep, two of them sharing the same pillow, and after that, this way became the norm. Anyone who has tried it knows the feeling of holding a warm and soft beauty in one’s arms. After Lu Heng had a taste of it, he no longer wanted to sleep alone, and Wang Yanqing also liked to hold him.

Lu Heng had broad shoulders and a warm body, and his embrace felt incredibly reassuring. Lu Heng also felt that, compared to the real action, she preferred to simply hold him.

The joy in bed came from primitive desire. Even men and women without feelings for each other could blend passionately, but a hug afterward was the true continuation of the relationship.

Lu Heng tightened his fingers, held her deeper in his arms, and fell asleep contentedly.

The third month was when all things revived and it marked the beginning of the year’s agricultural work. Since the founding of the Ming dynasty, agriculture was highly valued, and even though the country was now in turmoil, with merchants running rampant, farming and agriculture still remain the foundation of the nation.

After the Renyin Palace Rebellion, the emperor had not attended the morning court for over a month, but he still went to the Temple of Heaven to preside over the grand ceremony, praying for good weather and a prosperous harvest this year. The emperor placed such importance on the agricultural season, and Empress Fang couldn’t dare to be negligent. She had the Imperial Observatory select an auspicious day and led the noblewomen inside and outside the palace in performing the Silkworm Ceremony at the Xiancan Altar.

Wang Yanqing, as the wife of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Second Rank, also had to attend the ceremony. On this day, the aristocracy gathered. Noblewomen from both inside and outside the capital donned their ceremonial robes according to their rank, entering the palace early in the morning with solemn expressions. They followed the Empress in performing the six prostrations, three kneels, and three bows, proceeding with the rituals step by step.

After the entire series of formalities was completed, from the concubines to the noblewomen, everyone quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Today, besides young women like Wang Yanqing, there were also many elderly noblewomen in their seventies and eighties, their frail bodies could hardly withstand such exertion. Empress Fang understood the importance of balance. Once the Silkworm Ceremony was completed, she allowed everyone to rest.

The elderly noblewomen sighed in relief and, with the support of their daughters-in-law and granddaughters, each went to their respective palaces to rest. Those who were still able to endure, despite their frailty, preferred to stay in the main hall and socialize.

Empress Fang, accompanied by her attendants, went to the back to adjust her appearance, and the remaining people scattered in the hall, finding places to converse. The atmosphere became much more relaxed. Hong Wanqing, now the wife of the Marquis of Zhenyuan, sat with her aunt among the noblewomen. She casually glanced over at the group of military officials across the room and effortlessly spotted Wang Yanqing.

The Imperial Guards were an entity that no one dared to offend or befriend. Everyone unanimously allowed Wang Yanqing to sit in the first seat but didn’t dare approach her. Wang Yanqing, meanwhile, relished the peace and quiet, quietly resting and gathering her energy.

Even without being surrounded by people, she was effortlessly the center of attention. All the women in the hall were dressed in ceremonial robes, but the rich colors on Wang Yanqing stood out more than anyone else.

She sat upright on a pearwood chair, her back straight. Her hair was adorned with an extravagant pheasant crown, four long feathers hanging down behind her neck with pearls and gemstones that swayed imperceptibly. The crown was grand, but her neck was slender and pale, almost fragile enough to seem like it might break. From the side, her neck formed a beautiful line, a gentle curve flowing naturally to her shoulders. Her snow-white skin was covered by several layers of neatly lined collars, with the outermost being a bright red robe with wide, symmetrical sleeves hanging down. A deep green scarf pressed down on the robe’s straight collar, extending down to her knees. Sunlight fell from behind her, casting a soft golden light on her scarf, where the intricate gold embroidery pattern of clouds and pheasants shimmered faintly.

Her bright eyes, white teeth, snow-white skin, and red lips gave her a delicate and elegant appearance, evoking the image of a snowflake outshined by the fragrance of plum blossoms.

All the noblewomen in the hall were sizing her up to varying degrees, their eyes exchanging subtle glances, all talking about the mysterious Madam Lu.

The Wuding Madam Marquis, who prided herself on her seniority, had been waiting for Wang Yanqing to greet her, but after sitting at the head of the noblewomen for a long time, she still hadn’t received any glance from Wang Yanqing. Unable to hold her patience any longer, the Wuding Madam Marquis spoke first: “I heard that Madam Lu was attacked some time ago and injured her head. Are you feeling better now?”

Wang Yanqing heard a sound and finally looked over in their direction. Hong Wanqing instinctively straightened her back, but Wang Yanqing’s gaze lightly fell on the Wuding Madam Marquis, completely ignoring Hong Wanqing beside her.

Wang Yanqing spoke softly and slowly: “I’m much better, thank you for your concern.”

“It’s good to hear there’s no serious harm.” The Wuding Madam Marquis nodded slightly, letting out a faint ambiguous sigh, “Sure enough, you are still young.”

The Wuding Madam Marquis’ words were thought-provoking. Was she implying that young people were healthy, or that young people lacked manners? Wang Yanqing smiled gently and pretended not to understand, though she still didn’t respond or engage in the conversation.

The Wuding Madam Marquis was frustrated. Lu Heng was a slippery smile-faced tiger, but his wife was a tight-lipped, silent person? In this world, it wasn’t the over-talkative ones that needed to be feared, but the quiet ones. When one didn’t speak, they couldn’t make mistakes.

Just as the Wuding Madam Marquis was about to test her again, Hong Wanqing, who was sitting behind her, unexpectedly interjected: “Madam Lu keeps to herself, it seems she is naturally a cold beauty who doesn’t enjoy chatting, right? With Madam Lu’s beauty and elegance, no wonder Supreme Commander Lu would pay a high price for a smile from her. Even the Nanjing textile manufacturer, who only had two rolls of snow-light satin, was willing to offer them to win Madam Lu’s favor.”

Wang Yanqing paused for a moment, then finally gave Hong Wanqing a careful glance. It was common for men to vie for a woman’s attention and spend lavishly on her, but spoken openly like this, it seemed like the woman was in the wrong. Only someone like Bao Si, who was naturally aloof and didn’t smile, could be the exception. Hong Wanqing’s words seemed to be offering an explanation for Wang Yanqing, but in reality, she was setting her up with the label of a beauty who brings disaster.

Moreover, the Nanjing textile manufacturer was a government-run institution. In theory, all products made in government-run workshops belonged to the state treasury. But times had changed since the founding of the country. Corruption and collusion between officials and merchants became widespread, and many goods from government-run workshops ended up in the hands of private merchants, with silk being one of the worst-hit sectors. New products from the Nanjing textile manufacturer were sent to the curry favors with high officials in the capital before they even reached the palace for tribute. This was an unspoken happening in the imperial court, but mentioning it openly was taboo.

Taking tribute before the emperor held a certain gravity that could be a serious offense depending on how it was handled. Hong Wanqing’s mention of the snow-light satin during the Silkworm Ceremony, in front of so many consorts, was a move with some malicious intent.

Wang Yanqing, having spent so much time under Lu Heng’s schemes, was very adept at these subtleties. She didn’t follow Hong Wanqing’s lead. Instead, she gave a gentle smile and, with a puzzled expression, asked: “What is snow-light satin?”

Wang Yanqing’s move was a masterstroke, effortlessly turning the tables, so that it was Hong Wanqing’s turn to be embarrassed. Indeed, Wang Yanqing was wearing an official court dress today, and the snow-glow satin was not on her, so how could it be said that she was using government-produced goods?

Hong Wanqing hadn’t anticipated this development and was momentarily at a loss for words, unable to respond. Senior Concubine Wang, seated just below the empress, smiled upon hearing this and said: “A beauty like Madam Lu, who wouldn’t be fond of her? General Lu and Madam Lu are so well-matched, a perfect couple, truly enviable. I still have some Shu brocade in my palace. If Madam Lu needs clothes for the changing season, feel free to take a few rolls from me.”

What kind of person was Lu Heng, would his household lack clothes for the changing seasons? Senior Concubine Wang’s words were merely a way to help Wang Yanqing out of an awkward situation. Wang Yanqing smiled back and replied: “Thank you, Senior Concubine Wang. But Shu brocade is a tribute, I couldn’t possibly accept it.”

Senior Concubine Wang placed both hands gracefully on her knees, exuding both nobility and composure, and said: “Supreme Commander Lu is the pillar of the nation, and Madam Lu has also contributed greatly. Fabric is woven to be worn. Rather than leaving it to gather dust, it’s better to bestow it upon those who have rendered meritorious service. What is there to worry about regarding propriety or overstepping?”

Once Senior Concubine Wang spoke, she subtly revealed her position as the leading concubine among the women of the court. Her son was the eldest, and although the emperor had not yet shown a clear preference, all matters were currently being considered with the Second Prince in mind. People in the palace were speculating that perhaps the emperor intended to make the Second Prince the crown prince once he was of the proper age.

As a result, Senior Concubine Wang had grown more confident, and even though she was still just a concubine, she was bold enough to display an air of authority in public, her momentum rivaling that of Empress Fang.

Senior Concubine Wang not only helped Wang Yanqing out of her predicament but also subtly sought to win over the Lu family. Hearing this, Imperial Concubine Du Kang was unwilling to be outdone and spoke up as well: “I may not have the exquisite refinement of Senior Concubine Wang, but I have a palace maid by my side who is very skilled in embroidery, even proficient in double-sided stitching. If Madam Lu has the time, perhaps she could come to the Xianfu Palace to chat, and we can choose some patterns together.”

Imperial Concubine Lu Jing also added a few words, and Wang Yanqing responded politely, thanking her with a smile. She definitely wouldn’t visit later, but it was important to maintain face and keep everyone’s dignity intact.

Concubine Shen Xi was also present today. Normally, someone of her rank wouldn’t appear at an event like the Silkworm Ceremony, but since Concubine Shen Xi adopted the Grand Princess, she had quickly risen in favor. In this regard, the emperor and Lu Heng were alike. They both played with power, cared little for morality, but favored genuine and kind souls.

Concubine Shen Xi had no strong ambitions and genuinely liked children, which, in the emperor’s eyes, became her virtue.

Seeing this, Concubine Shen Xi softly said: “I may not compare to Senior Concubine Wang, Imperial Concubine Du Kang, or Imperial Concubine Lu Jing, but recently, I’ve been making clothes for the Grand Princess, including several little tiger-head garments. Since Madam Lu and Master Lu just married, I don’t have much to give, but I’ll offer these hand-made garments as a token, wishing the Supreme Commander and his wife many sons soon.”

This blessing was very practical, and Wang Yanqing’s cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her voice and said: “Thank you, Concubine Shen Xi.”

Hong Wanqing brought up the snow-light satin to stir up trouble. After all, the satin that no one even in the palace had seen was now worn by Wang Yanqing. How could the other concubines be happy about that? As a result, the concubines competed to help Wang Yanqing. Especially when Senior Concubine Wang spoke about Supreme Commander Lu’s meritorious service, Hong Wanqing felt so embarrassed she wished she could disappear into the ground.

When Hong Wanqing spoke out of turn, the Wuding Madam Marquis also lost face. She gave Hong Wanqing a cold glare, her displeasure obvious. Hong Wanqing was intimidated by her aunt and didn’t dare speak again, lowering her head in resentment.

After a sharp exchange of words, Wang Yanqing remained unscathed, and anyone who tried to stir up trouble now only risked looking bad. Senior Concubine Wang gave Hong Wanqing a casual glance, recognizing her as the Marquis of Zhenyuan’s wife, and the most popular person in the capital recently. The title of Marquis of Zhenyuan had just been passed down to a second generation. Putting that aside, the Marquis of Wuding had relatives that were married into the royal family for three generations, and he was recently given the title of Duke. They were considered a family of experienced and powerful people. How could they have raised such a short-sighted niece?

Senior Concubine Wang survived the intrigues of the harem and even bore an imperial son for the emperor of Jiajing, proving that she was not lacking in intelligence. She could easily tell that Hong Wanqing’s words were meant to sow discord among the concubines and make Wang Yanqing look bad in front of the emperor. If not for the sake of maintaining decorum, Senior Concubine Wang would have liked to strike Hong Wanqing.

Were they fools? Wang Yanqing was adept at spotting lies and had become a source of worry for everyone in the harem. Senior Concubine Wang feared offending Wang Yanqing, but Hong Wanqing still tried to manipulate the situation to her advantage. Was the emperor someone who could be swayed by whispers? In the emperor’s heart, was Lu Heng more important, or the concubines?

Wang Yanqing’s words could elevate Concubine Shen Xi’s status, and similarly, a single word from her could ruin the futures of Senior Concubine Wang and the Second Prince. If Senior Concubine Wang dared to make an issue with Wang Yanqing over a piece of satin, it would be the end for her.

Senior Concubine Wang was deeply angry, and even Imperial Concubine Du Kang and Lu Jing, despite their usual internal struggles, were unexpectedly unified at this moment.

The atmosphere in the palace grew tense. At this point, Empress Fang returned. As soon as she entered, she sensed the strange atmosphere. She casually glanced around and asked: “What’s going on? Why is everyone silent?”

Senior Concubine Wang put on a graceful and composed smile, casually brushing off the matter, saying: “It’s nothing, Empress. You’re overthinking.”

This little episode was like a stone tossed into the harem, making little splash before sinking into the depths. However, beneath the calm surface, the ripples continued to spread, and somehow, even the emperor heard about it.

After the emperor listened to the eunuch’s report, he thought to himself that it was such a small matter and immediately sent five rolls of brocade to the Lu Mansion. Coincidentally, these brocades had also been offered as tribute by the Nanjing textile manufacturer.

To the emperor, his officials’ women were secondary to his own. They should never surpass them. But once they served him and became his subordinates, that was a different matter entirely. Wang Yanqing’s skill in discerning lies proved useful at times, and when Lu Heng gave his report a while ago, he mentioned she gathered it.

She was serving the Ming Dynasty, let alone using a few pieces of tribute satin, even if there was corruption, the emperor would not think it was a big deal. The emperor did not critique his officials’ sense of morality harshly, only incompetence.

When the emperor’s gift was sent to the Lu Mansion, the capital fell silent once again. The snow-light satin incident, though seemingly a trivial dispute among the ladies, subtly reflected the attitude within the palace. The emperor was undoubtedly signaling to the officials that he trusted Lu Heng. Even if Lu Heng had indeed done something out of line, the emperor did not care.

After the emperor’s gesture, all the households quickly quieted down, and no one dared to challenge Lu Heng anymore. Hong Wanqing, who originally resented Fu Tingzhou’s neglect, had tried to vent her anger by making things difficult for Wang Yanqing. In the end, this was the result.

Based on her experience, she believed that when someone exceeded their position, like a concubine’s clothes or a lower-ranked woman’s favor, surpassing the legitimate wife’s favor, then they should be punished. She had seen her mother use such tactics many times, using a knife to kill and using someone else’s force to defeat them, and they had proven effective. How could the concubines not be jealous, how could they possibly help Wang Yanqing instead?

Hong Wanqing didn’t understand. After marriage, she was no longer in the inner courtyard but had entered the court.

After this incident, the Fu family reproached her, and her own family also sent people to criticize her. She cried for several days in her room and didn’t dare show her face for a long time.

At the Lu Mansion, Wang Yanqing also brought up the matter to Lu Heng. She placed the lantern on the table and asked: “Was the matter outside your doing?”

At home, Lu Heng showed no hesitation. He gestured for Wang Yanqing to come over and pulled her onto his lap. Casually, he said: “She’s not worthy yet. I just contributed a bit.”

After all, how else would the emperor have heard about Hong Wanqing’s words in the harem?

For Lu Heng, he didn’t even need to handle matters personally. All he had to do was tighten his grip on the other party’s family, and naturally, someone would take care of them.

How could Hong Wanqing have the courage to challenge Wang Yanqing? Lu Heng wouldn’t even think of troubling his dear Qing Qing.

Except in the bedroom.

Wang Yanqing, used to sitting in his embrace, naturally leaned against his shoulder and asked: “Why?”

Lu Heng found the question amusing and casually replied: “Because she offended you.”

Seeing Wang Yanqing’s expression, Lu Heng raised an eyebrow and asked: “What? You don’t believe me?”

Wang Yanqing thought there must be more to it, but she couldn’t say that in front of Lu Heng. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his waist and playfully swayed: “Of course I believe you. But is it just because of such a trivial matter?”

“Your matters aren’t trivial.” Lu Heng enjoyed Wang Yanqing’s initiative, and replied easily, “Just taking care of a few flies while I’m at it.”

Wang Yanqing immediately understood: “Someone else submitted a petition against you?”

Lu Heng smiled and corrected his beloved wife: “Not just someone. People have always submitted petitions against me.”

At its extreme, Lu Heng received over fifty impeachment petitions within two days. This showed just how well he was handling his duties in the Imperial Guard.

Wang Yanqing thought of something but quickly suppressed the thought without revealing it. Lu Heng noticed and said: “If you want to ask something, just ask. There’s no need to hide anything from me.”

Seeing that she had been caught, Wang Yanqing felt a little embarrassed and defended herself: “I didn’t.”

“Something must have crossed your mind just now.” Lu Heng smiled as he gently tapped her forehead and, with calm composure, said: “What do you want to ask?”

Wang Yanqing was indeed curious. Fearing that he might be upset, she leaned into him and looked up to ask: “Are their accusations true?”

Lu Heng’s eyes sparkled with a smile, and when he lowered his gaze to look at her, his expression was powerful, sharp, and yet calm: “What do you think?”

Wang Yanqing didn’t answer. Despite being with him every day, she didn’t fully understand this man beside her. But Wang Yanqing felt that at least the part of the impeachment regarding corruption might be true.

Her voice unconsciously became softer as she absentmindedly fiddled with the ties of Lu Heng’s clothing: “How many businesses do you actually own?”

Seeing her expression, Lu Heng couldn’t help but laugh: “Coward. You want to check on your husband’s finances, yet you’re so timid?”

Wang Yanqing, who rarely asked anyone for anything, blushed after being seen through by him. She quickly replied: “I’m not doubting you…”

“No need to explain.” Lu Heng stopped her words, staring directly into her eyes as he said, “You’re my wife. You have the same rights as I do. Next time, if you want to see something, just tell the steward directly.”

Wang Yanqing sat quietly in Lu Heng’s embrace. After a moment, she stubbornly lifted her gaze and said: “I’m have no doubt in you.”

Lu Heng looked at her clear, doe-like eyes and felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her eyes: “I know.”

He understood Wang Yanqing’s thoughts. She had originally thought of herself as his adopted sister, not involved in the affairs of the household, this was both a sign of trust and a way to avoid suspicion. Now that she had become his wife, seeing him petitioned for impeachment by others, her worry was inevitable.

She wanted to understand him better, at least to know which of the accusations were true and which were false.

Lu Heng didn’t mind. From the moment he decided to marry Wang Yanqing, he had made the greatest gamble of his life. He shared his safety and life with her, as well as his wealth and power.

In exchange, he would have her by his side, day and night, for the rest of their lives. The fact that she asked these questions today meant that his luck was good, and he had won another bet.

The next day, the steward indeed brought the Lu family’s account books and said: “Madam, these are the assets in the capital under the Supreme Commander’s name. The accounts for the other regions haven’t been submitted yet. I’ve asked them to organize them and send them over as soon as possible.”

When Wang Yanqing saw the pile of account books on the table, she quickly said: “No need. I was just asking casually, I’m not trying to check the accounts. Please follow the usual procedure for settling them.”

The steward bowed and stepped aside, on standby in case the Madam had any further questions. Wang Yanqing hadn’t expected that her casual remark would result in the account books being brought to her. She stared at them for a long time before finally pulling out the simplest one from the pile.

Wang Yanqing flipped through it, not quite understanding everything. She had to ask the steward for clarification on many points. She wasn’t really trying to verify the accounts, she simply wanted to estimate the flow of Lu Heng’s finances. After flipping through several books, she became increasingly startled.

Brocades, taverns, pawnshops, grain transportation, Lu Heng had investments in nearly every major business. Some of these had been given to him by others, some had been acquired cheaply after government officials were implicated, others were businesses he had funded and operated, and some were technically under other people’s names, but were actually controlled by Lu Heng.

Even just understanding the types of businesses involved was overwhelming, and she couldn’t keep count of them all. As she looked at the remaining half of the account books, she silently gave up on trying to estimate.

When Lu Heng returned, he saw Wang Yanqing looking downcast and smiling asked: “What’s wrong? The Madam looks a bit down after checking the accounts. Does that mean I’m in danger?”

Actually, Lu Heng knew what Wang Yanqing was worried about. He had grown up in such an environment and thought little of it, but to Wang Yanqing, who had been raised with strict etiquette and moral education, his actions seemed far too dangerous.

Lu Heng didn’t take it to heart. As long as he held real power, these matters wouldn’t shake him in the slightest. If he lost his power, his life would be at risk, and what would wealth matter then?

Life should be enjoyed to the fullest when one is successful, a life without risk would be far too dull.

Lu Heng didn’t want to bring up such a heavy topic, so he deliberately teased Wang Yanqing. Wang Yanqing understood Lu Heng’s intentions but seeing him so carefree and playful still made her angry.

With little patience, Wang Yanqing said: “I didn’t understand before, but now that I’ve seen it, I realize the Supreme Commander really knows how to make money. With such a vast number of accounts, even if you were hiding ten or more beauties in a golden mansion outside, I probably wouldn’t notice, right?”

When Lu Heng heard this, he laughed and picked Wang Yanqing up, pressing his thumb meaningfully on her lower back: “You don’t know if I have anyone else outside?”

She was trying to talk seriously, but he was turning it into something else entirely. Wang Yanqing initially wanted to keep a stern face, but his fingers pressed with such skill and strength that it sent waves of warmth spreading across her back. The fine muscles along her spine trembled, and a tingling ache crept up her spine. Her face quickly turned red in spite of herself: “How would I know?”

“Then I’ll have to try harder tonight.” Lu Heng said seriously, “Otherwise, the Madam will doubt my loyalty.”

It didn’t matter if his character was questioned, but it wouldn’t do that she doubted him in other ways.

Lu Heng wrapped his arms around Wang Yanqing’s waist, his chin resting on her neck, his breath like a feather brushing against her ear: “Just in time, the custom chair has arrived. Should we go check it out?”

Wang Yanqing’s ears immediately turned bright red.

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