Who among the gangsters wants to fall in love?

Chapter 442: Music and Dance

Whoosh whoosh whoosh—Bang!

Fireworks in the capital soared into the sky, bursting into bloom in the night. Sparks fell from the sky along with the fine snow. The flames, like a peacock spreading its tail, had not yet touched the ground before they were already faintly visible in the night sky.

The capital city hadn't changed much since Zhao Wumian left; it was just that with the year-end approaching, the streets were deserted as men and women strolled around in pairs, making it even more lively.

At the tea stalls and wine shops, lanterns swayed slightly, and teapots and wine jars were decorated with red floral patterns and the character "福" (fortune). The storyteller, dressed in a flamboyant red robe, held a gavel and spoke with great enthusiasm about the great adventures of Marquis Weiming in the capital.

The houses were packed, and some shops in good locations had crowds gathered in front of their doors, making it impossible to move.

However, the biggest difference is probably that, despite being the largest capital in Dali, the entertainment venues in the capital city have entered a period of decline since Zeng Lengyue closed down.

Thanks to Zhao Wumian's mediation, the strained relationship between Tai Xuan Palace and the imperial court improved, and there was no longer any need for this so-called branch to continue operating.

Xiao Lengyue initially felt it was a bit of a pity, because even disregarding matters of the martial world, Zeng Lengyue's income alone was enough to make a fortune every day.

But as soon as a sum of money was sent to the capital, she immediately beamed with joy and sat down at her small table, rapidly pushing the abacus beads. Wu Kui's hand speed was on full display at this moment.

In the corner of Zeng Lengyue's main room, there were boxes and boxes of gold and silver jewelry, dazzling and making Zeng Lengyue's girls dizzy.

Inevitably, some people will ask, "Who sent this?"

"Gun Master Chen Qiyuan, he was defeated by Wumian in front of the martial arts world at Mount Lu half a year ago. According to the rules of the martial arts world, all the territory around Yingtian belonged to Wumian..."

It was no secret that Zhao Wumian frequently visited Zeng Lengyue. Everyone in the martial arts world knew that Zeng Lengyue's mysterious backer, even if it wasn't Zhao Wumian before, must be now.

He didn't have any "Zhao Mansion" in the capital, which is why Chen Qiyuan sent the valuables to Zeng Lengyue, knowing that the items would eventually end up in Zhao Wumian's hands.

As she spoke, Xiao Lengyue couldn't help but sigh softly again.

"Back then, when Wumian went to Shu and defeated Dao Kui with his sword, he should have taken over the territory of Shu. Unfortunately, Wumian didn't know the value of money when he wasn't in charge of the household, and he was too indifferent to such material things... If I hadn't gone with him back then, and if Aunt Ruo had also been in Shu, the Shu Jianghu would have long since belonged to the Zhao family..."

Before she could finish speaking, footsteps sounded at the door. Qingyan pushed the door open and entered. Facing her young master's concubine, she remained expressionless and spoke in a flat tone:
"Aunt Xiao, the Tang family from Sichuan has sent someone to deliver gifts."

"The Tang family of Shu?" Xiao Lengyue frowned slightly, then looked at Qingyan suspiciously, "Tang Weiyu?"

Qingyan nodded slightly, "Young Master has been kind to Tang Weiyu, who is currently stationed at Qingcheng Mountain for you. Today is the end of the year, and according to custom, it is indeed appropriate to send some gifts..."

Xiao Lengyue withdrew her gaze, continued to push the abacus beads, and casually waved her hand, "It's a small gift but a big sentiment. After you accept it, calculate the amount and return it to me next year."

Qingyan honestly replied, "The gift is not insignificant. We are still unloading the goods. If we count the items tonight, we may not even have time to celebrate the New Year."

"How heavy?"

Qingyan arrived at the window, raised her hand to push open the door, but what came into view was not a clear night sky and a sky full of snow, but a mast that was several meters high.

Looking down, a multi-story ship was docked in front of Zeng Lengyue, with a platform connecting to the pier. Disciples dressed in Emei Sect attire were carrying boxes of goods down to the dock.

Someone stands at the dock, pointing to the cargo boxes and introducing them, occasionally opening a box to show the various kinds of gold, silver and jewelry and all sorts of rare treasures.

Xiao Yuanmu had somehow transformed back into a petite and adorable little child, dressed in loose clothing, holding a round fan in her hand. Standing downstairs, she casually tapped the inside of the box with the fan, her expression calm, and said:
"The goods are good, but where did you Emei get so much money?"

The person in charge from Emei didn't know who this little girl was, but it was widely rumored in the martial arts world that Zhao Wumian had a daughter, and this was most likely her.

He then said respectfully, "It was all from the martial arts world of Sichuan, through the Emei sect, to pay tribute to the Marquis."

"Oh?" Xiao Yuanmu asked with interest. "When did he become the leader of Sichuan?"

Hearing Xiao Yuanmu's tone, the person in charge became even more respectful.

"It was already true when Marquis Weiming defeated Dao Kui. Even if the Marquis didn't take charge, no one would dare to object... Besides, the Marquis's martial arts champion plaque is still in Longquan, Chengdu..."

Xiao Yuanmu nodded knowingly, turned around, casually raised his round fan, and waved it lightly. "I'll accept it for him. I'll acknowledge his status as the leader of Shu. Let's continue unloading the goods."

"Yes!" The person in charge was immediately delighted.

That's good enough... In the martial arts world, if you want to show respect to someone, you're not afraid of not having anything to offer, you're only afraid of not having the right to do so.

Before Xiao Yuanmu even entered the house, his ears twitched slightly, and he turned around to look. He saw a large ship slowly approaching, brightly lit. Guan Yunshu was standing on the deck, gazing out from the side.

Upon approaching, the ship docked and the ramps were lowered, causing a momentary crowding. The sight of the Emei disciples made their eyes twitch.

Hey! Let's go together!

Guan Yunshu stepped down slowly from the platform, showing no reverence like Emei, and gestured with her hand, "Unload the goods."

"What is this?" Xiao Yuanmu frowned slightly.

"It was sent from the temple, I don't know anything about it, it's just some material possessions." Guan Yunshu shook her head slightly, then asked, "Where is Zhao Wumian?"

Upon hearing this, the Emei disciples, who were slightly displeased, all turned their gazes away. Judging from the tone of her voice, they knew that this woman had a close relationship with Marquis Weiming.

"He went to the palace to find his little female physician." Xiao Yuanmu waved her round fan, her willow-leaf eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"Aren't you going to stop them?"

“If we really stop her, Luo Chaoyan will just come here crying and wailing again... Why bother with this during the New Year?”

Tap tap tap————

The disciples of Little Western Paradise carried the cargo boxes and filed off the ship. They wanted to find Xiao Yuanmu to check and calculate the contents, but Xiao Yuanmu waved his hand and told them to send the goods directly inside.

Compared to Emei, I am much more familiar with it.

"What else are you going to give us? Haven't we already given Zhao Wumian the most wonderful treasures from Little Western Paradise?"

Xiao Yuanmu and Guan Yunshu stood on the dock, looking at the crowd of people in front of them, and casually laughed.

“I have broken the rules and regulations; I am no longer a nun, nor a precious darling of Little Western Paradise,” Guan Yunshu replied earnestly.

"Don't get so hung up on this. You've broken the rules, but you can't have been a nun for the past twenty years for nothing... Your father is the current abbot. In terms of martial arts, seniority, status, and ability, you will be the abbot in the future..."

Before Xiao Yuanmu could finish speaking, he saw that the goods from Xiaoxitian had already been unloaded, which was far inferior to those from Emei... After all, Emei brought tribute from the entire Shu region.

Therefore, before Xiao Yuanmu could speak, Guan Yunshu frowned, stepped forward, and said to the master, who was much older than her, without any politeness:
"that's it?"

"A lot."

"Send me a letter and two more boatloads of gifts. Don't let the people of the martial world laugh at Little Western Paradise and think we're so poor and stingy that we can't even afford to send gifts for the New Year..."

"This……"

"Reluctant to part with it?" Guan Yunshu's eyes turned cold.

"Of course not... I'll send a message right away." The master smiled helplessly and quickly boarded the ship.

Guan Yunshu then turned around and approached Xiao Yuanmu, "What did you just say?"

Xiao Yuanmu covered his lips with a fan, revealing only his beautiful and adorable almond-shaped eyes, and found it amusing.

Looking at Yun Shu, she looked just like a young wife bringing things from her parents' home to her husband. I never expected this nun to have this side to her.

Xiao Yuanmu then gently waved his thin fan and turned back upstairs. "Let's go. Zhao Wumian will be bringing those officials from the imperial court over for dinner tonight. The kitchen can't even start cooking without you."

"That's natural; even Zhao Wumian can't live without me."

"It's just cooking a meal, you're so narcissistic."

"It's better than an old woman like you pretending to be young."

"?"

The two women bickered and slowly walked back to Zeng Lengyue.

Before long, Mu Li'er also arrived by boat, carrying New Year's gifts from the Sword Sect and the Prince of Yan. When she saw the two ships lying in front of the pavilion, she couldn't help but tilt her head as she stood on the deck.

?

A moment later, a caravan slowly drove up from the shore of the ancient banyan lake in the wind and snow. Leading the way on horseback was the radiant Zhongli female official, dressed in brocade and silk.

Flanked by guards, a luxurious carriage rolled over the bluestone pavement behind them, its wheels creaking and groaning, the sound alone revealing its considerable weight.

Zhao Wumian's journey to Yanyun was marked by such illustrious military achievements. The rewards of ten thousand taels of gold and a hundred acres of fertile land were merely the tip of the iceberg. However, these valuables and land deeds could not be allowed to be taken back directly by Marquis Weiming.

Luo Chaoyan then had Zhongli, a female official, lead the way to deliver the gifts, saving Zhao Wumian the trouble. In addition, the high-profile reward also made it seem that the court was fair in its rewards and punishments and appointed people based on merit.

Zhongli, the female official, knew that she had come with a mission. Although she knew that given the relationship between the emperor and the marquis, any reward would simply be passed from one hand to the other, she still put on her best dress, stood tall and proud, and her imposing manner startled the pedestrians on the street, who all stepped back and whispered among themselves.

But when she led the team to the shore of the ancient banyan lake and looked at the three multi-story ships in the middle of the lake, she was instantly dumbfounded and stood there dumbfounded.

The accompanying guards were also dumbfounded, and after a few seconds they said, "Sir, should we still give the reward?"

Zhongli, the female official, came to her senses and immediately became anxious.

"What are you sending?! Hurry back to the palace and ask His Majesty to bring a ship... one that's far more impressive than any of these!"

"Here!"

Luo Chaoyan had no time to worry about such trivial matters.

At the end of the year, according to the custom of the Great Li Dynasty, a banquet should be held in the Taiji Hall for all civil and military officials... Luo Chaoyan has only been on the throne for the first time, so he cannot make an exception.

Although she longed to whisper sweet nothings with Zhao Wumian, to be intimate with him, she was the emperor and could not indulge herself.

At this moment, Luo Chaoyan, dressed in a magnificent dragon robe, sat in the main seat. Although she was not very interested in the banquet, the news of Zhao Wumian's return overcame all her bad moods, and her face relaxed, like fireworks in March and the spring scenery of Jiangnan.

The hall was covered with a red carpet, and the music and singing were in full swing. Dancers and singers from the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) dressed in colorful clothes danced gracefully in front of the hall.

Palace maids, carrying trays of wine and food, fluttered about like butterflies.

The hall was quite lively, with a relaxed atmosphere.

The remaining officials, according to their rank, sat on small tables on the side of the hall. The Three Dukes, the Nine Ministers, and the Ministers of the Six Ministries all had their own designated positions, and the order could not be disordered.

The emperor sat facing south, occupying the main seat, while the empress dowager, dressed in a magnificent phoenix gown, with her hair styled in an updo and rouge applied to her forehead, sat in the second seat.

The seat below should rightfully belong to Prime Minister Shen Yiwen, but it is inexplicably empty at this moment.

Not only that, but the delicacies and fine wines on the small table remained untouched... The court officials did not move, nor did the emperor.

This palace banquet wasn't formal; it was more like a family banquet. All civil and military officials could bring their wives and sons to the banquet, so there was no need to follow too many rules, which is why the atmosphere was relaxed.

But to put it bluntly... if the Marquis doesn't arrive before dawn, who would dare to pick up their chopsticks?

Killing Shamantian and forcing the Rong people and the Goguryeo allied forces to retreat were already earth-shattering achievements. But who could have imagined that Marquis Weiming would go to Mingdu and fight his way in and out seven times, making the Rong people a laughing stock in the world?

Regardless of what kind of person Marquis Weiming was, any of the civil and military officials present who had any interaction with him and exchanged a few words with him would likely be recorded in history and have their names remembered.

Thinking of this, everyone couldn't help but sit up straight, looking out of the hall with a hint of anticipation.

The wives and young ladies brought by the civil and military officials had separate seats. Surrounded by beautiful women, anyone could easily spot the four women.

Nothing more than her stunning beauty that outshines all others.

Shen Xiangge, the daughter of the Prime Minister and the nephew of the Empress Dowager, was dressed in a light red dress with her pretty face lightly made up, looking out of the palace with a bored expression.

"Why hasn't he arrived yet? He's probably the only one in the whole world who can make the emperor wait."

The woman in purple, with a green skirt draped over her shoulders, stood beside her with an elegant demeanor. Upon hearing this, she explained, "He was immediately arranged to attend a banquet upon returning to the capital. He hasn't even had a bath or changed his clothes, which is why he's a little delayed... What's the rush?"

Although Zi Yi was the emperor's tutor, he held no official position in the court and had nothing to say while sitting at the table of officials. It would be more comfortable and relaxed for him to sit at the 'children's table'.

"Of course, I'm eager to be intimate with my husband." Shen Xiangge looked at the Imperial Tutor and smiled.
"We've been traveling all this time, riding in a carriage. No matter how spacious the carriage is, there are only a few positions to be found. I'm tired of it. Tonight, I'm going to try something new..."

"Alright, alright, this is a palace banquet, a formal occasion. If you have anything to say, let's go back inside and talk."

Su Qingqi sat on the other side, dressed in blue, with an elegant posture. Upon hearing this, she quickly stuffed a pastry into her mouth and secretly glanced around.

Luo Xiangzhu was the most shy, and her face flushed slightly upon hearing this. Her delicate figure was wrapped in a pale yellow dress, and she nodded repeatedly.

At the head of the hall, the Empress Dowager noticed the girls playing around, and her dignified and graceful expression turned slightly stern as she looked towards Shen Xiangge.

Although she couldn't hear what her niece was saying, the two women were like mother and daughter, and she naturally understood what kind of temperament Shen Xiangge was.

Don't say anything crude, sit properly!
Although the Empress Dowager did not speak, Shen Xiangge still understood the meaning. She subconsciously sat up straight and looked at Su Qingqi, truly like a young lady from a noble family, with graceful demeanor and elegance.

Tap tap tap—bang—

During their conversation, a slightly noisy sound of footsteps came from outside the palace, followed by the soft thud of a heavy object falling to the ground. The sound was clearly audible, immediately silencing the magnificent palace and even causing the young ladies of the Imperial Music Bureau to pause.

The imperial carriage in the Forbidden City... Among the civil and military officials, apart from meritorious ministers, only elderly ministers who could not move around much could ride in a sedan chair in the deep palace.

The person who came was clearly the former.

Tap tap tap —

Peaceful footsteps soon followed, and then a figure in red strode in from outside the hall.

The light and shadow of the gilded palace lanterns swept across his silhouette, making the golden dragon on his deep red python robe appear as if it were about to burst out of the garment. A black belt tightly bound his waist, from which hung a translucent mutton-fat jade ring. A green-sheathed longsword hung on his left side, and with each step, the jade ring lightly tapped the scabbard, producing a clear and melodious sound.

He walked extremely fast, the hem of his robe fluttering as the silver-threaded cloud pattern on his black boots was revealed. He stopped and raised his hand as he stepped into the center of the hall, looking at Luo Chaoyan. His tone was soft, but his voice was clear and gentle.

"I, Wumian, pay my respects to Your Majesty."

The Taiji Hall fell completely silent. Even the young ladies from the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) dared not dance or play music. They glanced sideways with a hint of timidity, but were quickly stunned by what they saw.

Lord Marquis, you are so handsome!
The ladies and young women in the hall seemed to share the same thought, glancing sideways and their hearts skipping a beat.

But in the eyes of the court officials, the meaning was quite different.

He could enter the palace with a sword and shoes, enter the court without having to bow, ride in the Forbidden City in a palanquin, and be exempt from kneeling before the emperor… He was only missing a permit to ride a horse through the imperial city, an imperial edict, and the privilege of being praised and honored without having to name his wife.

Is Marquis Weiming aiming to become a king of equal rank?
But given the relationship between Marquis Weiming and the Emperor, it's unnecessary for them to stand side by side, but it would be more appropriate for them to share a bed...

Zhao Wumian was well aware of the court officials' thoughts. Even the female official Zhongli knew to give him rewards, which was simply a matter of transferring money from one hand to the other. How could he not know?

No matter what privileges he has, there's no need for him to show off in front of his wife.

The high-profile display of imperial carriages and swords and shoes in the palace was clearly Luo Chaoyan's doing.

The main purpose was to show the court officials that she was fair in rewarding and punishing, and that Marquis Weiming had just caused a great disturbance in Mingdu and had just returned to the capital today, yet he was already being granted such special privileges.

However, Zhao Wumian always felt that the emperor might want to show off his man even more.

It seemed as if the young female doctor's eyes were glistening with tears, and her smug pride was almost palpable.

After a moment of silence in the hall, Luo Chaoyan smiled slightly and casually made up an excuse, saying:

"Marquis Weiming has just caused the Rong people to lose face, and Uudam's whereabouts are unknown. Perhaps he is hiding in the capital, plotting revenge. That is why I have granted Marquis Weiming the right to enter the palace with a sword and shoes to protect the safety of the palace."

Upon hearing this, the courtiers realized what was happening and smiled in agreement.

“If Uudam comes here, with Marquis Weiming’s martial arts skills, he will surely not return.”

"It should be so, it should be so..."

The atmosphere in the hall immediately eased, and Luo Chaoyan gestured for Zhao Wumian to sit in the second seat next to the Empress Dowager.

Zhao Wumian glanced sideways at the seats of the ladies and young women, and the group of beautiful women immediately became more solemn and elegant... He saw that Shen Xiangge, Su Qingqi and other young ladies were also sitting inside, and then smiled slightly and sat down next to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager, as the mother of the nation, was usually veiled in a thin gauze when it came to her rank, but this year not only was that not done, but she also seemed to be much closer to the second-ranked person...

Zhao Wumian smiled at the Empress Dowager. Because of the many people around, he didn't show any unusual expression and greeted her with a proper bow.

"Queen Mother."

The Empress Dowager had no time for the tangled thoughts of the civil and military officials, the ladies and young misses. She watched as Zhao Wumian walked from outside the palace to sit beside her, and only one thought remained in her mind.

It's a bit sticky.

With so many people at the palace banquet, the Empress Dowager dared not make any small moves. She merely glanced at Zhao Wumian with gentle eyes and a smile. Her fox-like eyes, similar to Shen Xiangge's, carried a charm and affection unlike those of ordinary women. They possessed only noble tenderness, yet seemed to hold a hint of reproach and resentment.

She and Zhao Wumian hadn't seen each other for an entire winter.

Upon seeing this, the Empress Dowager could hardly suppress the impulse in her heart and had to quickly look away.

Luo Chaoyan was unaware of the Empress Dowager's ulterior motives, and simply waved her sleeve at the young women of the Imperial Music Bureau.

"Then play music, then dance."

"Here."

The light and elegant song and dance once again appeared in the Taiji Hall. Only when Zhao Wumian arrived did the atmosphere in the hall completely relax. The ministers chatted among themselves, either talking about interesting things at home to ease the atmosphere, or talking about the achievements of Marquis Weiming in this battle, flattering him openly and secretly.

Zhao Wumian and Luo Chaoyan's family weren't particularly interested in the banquet, but the formalities had to be followed, and it was the New Year, so a little more joy was good.

Luo Chaoyan didn't want to talk about matters between men and women with Zhao Wumian, so she acted like an emperor and praised him with words like, "You have had a hard time on this journey, but you have done very well. You are truly a great talent of the country."

After a brief moment of excitement, the Empress Dowager slowly rose and whispered something to Luo Chaoyan.

"I'm a little tired, I'll go rest in the side hall for a while..."

Luo Chaoyan frowned slightly and lowered her voice as well, saying, "We still have to go to Zeng Lengyue later... that's our family banquet, so Mother, please don't fall asleep and be unable to wake up."

"No, I'm not a child... The Emperor isn't against Xiao Yuanmu now?"

"No matter how much I resist, can I really argue with her during the Chinese New Year and end up having a bad fight?"

"That's true... His Majesty can send someone to wake me up after the banquet."

"It will be midnight by the time everything is finished. We'll be going to Zeng Lengyue late at night, so Mother should get some sleep. Let's go now," Luo Chaoyan said softly.

The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, her hands clasped over her lower abdomen. Every movement she made exuded the grace and nobility of a mother of the nation. She strode toward the side hall, and suddenly, she turned her head, glanced at Zhao Wumian, and then looked away.

With just one glance, Zhao Wumian felt his bones go weak for some reason.

He could certainly understand the Empress Dowager's implication. After stroking his wine cup for a while, he stood up and said to Luo Chaoyan:

"The banquet was boring, I'm going out for some fresh air."

Luo Chaoyan knew Zhao Wumian's temperament and was not surprised by this. She simply turned to ask the maid beside her what time it was before softly replying:

"Then I'll finish up sooner... and we can leave the palace together..."

Want it to end sooner? The banquet could end sooner, but no matter how hard he tried, it couldn't end sooner.

Zhao Wumian could only say, "It's not good to end things too hastily. I'm going back to the capital now, and I definitely won't be leaving anytime soon... There's still a long way to go, so there's no need to worry too much about this one or two moments."

"But I care about this moment or two~" Luo Chaoyan's voice sounded like she was whining to her lover, sweet and cloying. Then she realized something was wrong, quickly straightened her face, put on the majestic look of an emperor, and nodded slightly.

"Go."

Zhao Wumian couldn't help but smile, then strode away.

Shen Xiangge sat among the ladies, gritting her teeth, "My aunt told me to be dignified and elegant, but she herself couldn't resist sneaking off to eat before the banquet was even over..."

She quickly got up and silently left... Given her status, she certainly didn't need to ask the emperor for permission to leave the banquet.

Luo Xiangzhu, Su Qingqi, and the three women in purple looked at Shen Xiangge as she hurriedly left, exchanged glances, but ultimately didn't have her thick skin. They obediently sat down and waited somewhat agonizingly for the banquet to end.

Rustle, rustle————

Snowflakes fell softly on the eaves and corners of the corridors, making a faint sound. The side hall was well soundproofed, and the interior was quiet.

The Empress Dowager reclined on the chaise longue, her full, pert breasts bunching together under gravity, adding a few more wrinkles to her magnificent phoenix dress.

She gazed at the fine snowflakes brushing against the window paper, seemingly asleep, her beautiful eyes gently closed, languid and captivating.

Before long, a large hand covered her slender waist and then gently slid upwards to support her.

"Hmph." The Empress Dowager snorted lightly, not surprised at all. Her charming face showed a hint of displeasure as she slapped away the mischievous hand.

"You, Marquis Weiming, is this how you greet me?"

"It's already late, why bother with greetings?"

Zhao Wumian's palm slid over the exaggerated curves of the Empress Dowager's waist and hips, then caressed her fair, beautiful legs before suddenly pausing.

Zhao Wumian was taken aback and joked, "Is the Empress Dowager sweating? Is the fire in the palace too strong?"

"Why are you sweating..." The Empress Dowager suddenly turned over, placed her small hands on Zhao Wumian's shoulders, straddled his lap, looked down at him, and said resentfully:

"You haven't come back to see me for so long."

"I'm in Yanyun, and it's difficult for me to come back."

As Zhao Wumian gazed at the Empress Dowager's exquisitely beautiful face, lightly made up, and recalled her majestic and dignified demeanor as the mother of the nation in the palace just moments before, his heart skipped a beat.

"I don't care... Aren't you the top martial artist, the best in the world? With your lightness skill, what's wrong with running back and forth a few times?"

"With the Empress Dowager pressuring me so hard, how will I be able to leave again after I return?"

The Empress Dowager gave a very girlish "humph," rose slightly, and began to rub something with her small hands, followed by a soft rustling sound.

She then removed a dark red undergarment and covered Zhao Wumian's eyes.

He gasped, "The Empress Dowager is..."

In Zhao Wumian's perception, whether or not his eyes were covered made little difference, but the psychological impact was something that outsiders could not explain...

Zhao Wumian closed his eyes and was enjoying the tenderness with the Empress Dowager. But after a while, the Empress Dowager seemed to be frightened. Her phoenix body tensed up as if she was guilty. She slowly got up. Zhao Wumian felt a lightness on his legs, followed by a pleasant weight falling on his body.

Her weight was almost the same as the Empress Dowager's, but her body temperature, touch, and everything else were different.

"Miss Shen?" Zhao Wumian was taken aback, but was then forcibly pressed down, and then heard Shen Xiangge's playful words.

"No stealing food!"

The Empress Dowager, though weak and addicted, was already quite tired. She lay on her side, breathing rapidly. Upon hearing this, she was not angry, but simply closed her eyes to rest.

Rustle, rustle————

Snowflakes were falling outside the palace, while the inner dragon inside was warm, as hot as summer.

(End of this chapter)