A vicious female is trapped in a beastly hell.

Chapter 396 The Second Young Master of the Lu Family

As the days have passed, spring is growing stronger in the capital, bidding farewell to winter and ushering in vibrant life.

Counting the days, it's been over a month since Lu Xiao left.

The Azure Sky King said the trial wasn't that difficult and that he could return in ten days to half a month at the fastest. With Lu Xiao's abilities, it shouldn't have taken this long, right?

Shen Tang was a little worried.

Unfortunately, she didn't know much about the rules there; the old patriarch, Lu Shen, probably knew more about them than she did. After finishing her official duties, Shen Tang took some time to visit the Lu family.

During Lu Xiao's absence, the Lu family affairs were handled by the old patriarch and the second young master, which kept the old patriarch, who had just retired and was preparing to enjoy his old age, extremely busy.

When Lu Shen heard that Shen Tang had arrived, he immediately put down what he was doing and went to greet her personally.

"Your Majesty, what brings you to the Lu family today? Surely you're not here to visit this old man?" Lu Shen joked with a smile.

Lu Shen used to look down on Shen Tang, and Shen Tang also thought that this old man of the Lu family was a stubborn and incorrigible person. But after spending more time with him, she found that this old patriarch was actually a humorous and witty person.

Shen Tang sighed and said, "I came here today to ask if the old patriarch has received any news from the Cloud Peak Empire? A-Xiao has been gone for more than a month and still hasn't returned. I suspect that something else happened to him there. Could it be that the Azure Sky King changed his mind halfway and forced him to stay there?"

“There’s no need to worry about that. Tianhui is a very trustworthy person. She promised you, and she definitely won’t go back on her word,” Lu Shen said. “Although the trial is rigorous, the Peng bird clan has very few offspring. If a few die in the trial, they will become extinct in the long run. So, the trial is difficult, but not too dangerous.”

He continued, "Tianhui only said that to you so you wouldn't worry. In reality, the training takes a long time, usually several months, and some people even train for several years before they come out."

"Those who came out too early were the ones who all failed the trial."

Shen Tang said, "I'm still worried. Shouldn't the old patriarch have the Sky King's contact information? Why don't you go and ask him?"

Lu Shen coughed heavily, his face unusually embarrassed. "She deleted me a long time ago. If I could have contacted her, I wouldn't have had to wait until today."

"..."

[Don't worry, host, Lu Xiao's health points are normal!]

Hearing what the system said, Shen Tang wasn't too worried.

In the living room, Shen Tang discussed government affairs with the head of the family.

There was a knock on the door.

Immediately following was a deep, pleasant voice.

"Father."

Lu Shen's face darkened. "Come in."

Shen Tang looked towards the door and saw a young man of about eighteen or nineteen years old enter. He had a deep and handsome face, a tall and slender figure, and looked somewhat similar to Lu Xiao, only more immature, but full of extraordinary charisma.

Lu Shen exclaimed in surprise, "You're dressed quite neatly today, it's rare that you haven't embarrassed your father!"

The young man raised an eyebrow. "Dad, what you're saying is too harsh. Your son is a handsome and talented man. When has he ever embarrassed you?"

Lu Shen turned to Shen Tang and said with a smile, "Let me introduce you to Your Majesty. This is my second son, Lu Ke."

He scolded, "Ke'er, why don't you bow to His Majesty?"

When the young man saw Shen Tang on the sofa, he appropriately showed surprise and a little shyness and restraint. "I didn't expect His Majesty to come today. Lu Ke greets His Majesty."

Shen Tang had some impression of this second young master of the Lu family, but they had never spoken to each other before.

She smiled gently and said, "Second Young Master, there's no need for such formalities. Your elder brother and I are partners, and I am also your sister-in-law. There's no need for these empty formalities."

"The proper etiquette between ruler and subject must not be transgressed," Lu Ke replied respectfully.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two officially became acquainted. After discussing official business with Elder Lu, Shen Tang rose to take his leave.

Watching her departing figure, a deep, unfathomable meaning flashed in Lu Ke's eyes.

"Oh right, there's also this document that needs to be given to His Majesty. I forgot to mention it earlier, so I need to send someone to deliver it!" Lu Shenyi slapped his forehead in regret.

Lu Ke spoke up, "Father, let me go." "You're quite eager today, aren't you? Alright, then go ahead and make the trip. Remember to personally deliver this document to His Majesty."

"understood."

……

Another large batch of official business was delivered, and Shen Tang went to his study to work.

Xiao Jin and the others had all gone to do their jobs.

Just as Shen Tang approved a plan, there was a knock at the door. "Is His Majesty in?"

Shen Tang was startled when she heard the voice, "Lu Ke?"

Why did he come here?

"My father forgot to give His Majesty a document, so he sent me to deliver it," Lu Ke replied respectfully.

"Then come in."

Lu Ke pushed open the door and entered.

Shen Tang's gaze fell on Lu Ke, and she was taken aback.

The young man had styled his hair carefully; his hair, coated with hairspray, shone with a captivating luster in the sunlight. He had also applied perfume, which could be smelled from a distance.

Lu Ke came over, having specially changed his clothes, with a black lace ribbon around his neck. He was wearing a simple, clean white shirt and black trousers, but the shirt fabric was very sheer, appearing slightly translucent in the sunlight.

The young man stood in the doorway, backlit.

Shen Tang could clearly see the black restraints he was wearing underneath.

The black straps cinched tightly around his chest, forming a triangle that accentuated his already muscular chest. The straps came back from behind his waist, and two more black straps intersected and ran down his V-line, disappearing into his waistband.

The curve at the intersection makes people subconsciously look at it.

One can imagine how alluring the view must be after taking off the clothes.

"..." Shen Tang's face showed an unnatural expression. She looked away and pretended not to see it.

He thought to himself: I've long heard that the second young master of the Lu family is a dissolute person, and the old patriarch is always angry with him. Now it seems that it's true—his reputation is well-deserved!
However, is it inappropriate for him to be dressed like this when he comes to meet the monarch?

Perhaps they were planning to go to some special place and just happened to be passing by, too lazy to change clothes.

Shen Tang didn't think much of it.

"Your Majesty, these are the documents my father asked me to give you. Please take a look and see if there are any problems." Lu Ke's voice was gentle and composed. He walked to the table, and as he got closer, the scent of his perfume became even stronger, making her feel slightly irritated.

Shen Tang accepted the document and opened it to view it.

"Let me pour Your Majesty a glass of water," Lu Ke said considerately, turning around to get a glass of water from the water dispenser.

As Shen Tang reached for the water, the man's fingers brushed against her hand imperceptibly, sending a tingling, itchy sensation through her.

Shen Tang looked at him with a puzzled expression, not understanding what was going on.

The young man smiled considerately, showing no intention of leaving. He walked to her side, leaned closer, and tentatively reached out to take her hand. "Your Majesty, do you know that I have long admired you..."

So close, the young man's warm breath fell on her face, and the air was filled with an indescribable ambiguity.

Shen Tang casually took out a book and blocked his movement.

Lu Ke was taken aback, "Your Majesty..."

Shen Tang, "I'm curious, what do you think of your older brother?"

Lu Ke was slightly taken aback, wondering why Shen Tang suddenly brought up someone else. He swallowed hard and said respectfully in a low voice, "Big brother is exceptionally talented and capable. He is the person I admire most in the family, and he is also the male beast I respect the most."

As he spoke, Lu Ke looked at her with sparkling eyes, "Of course, what I envy most is that my elder brother is able to marry you, such a wise ruler..."