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To survive, Mu Shengsheng did not mind seducing him.
As a bonus, she wanted to know—would the life-extending effect be stronger if they embraced without clothing?
Realizing what she intended, Lan Xun quickly rose, picked up the cloak from the floor, and wrapped it around her, halting her further actions.
Suppressing his anger, he gritted his teeth. “Mu Shengsheng, do not overstep your bounds!”
Mu Shengsheng looked innocent, softly replying, “Wasn’t this what Your Highness wanted to see?”
When had he ever said he wanted to see that? Exhaling in frustration, Lan Xun pointed to the door. “Out! Never appear in my room again, or I’ll throw you out of the Regency Prince’s mansion!”
Fearing he might really throw her out, Mu Shengsheng had no choice but to retreat.
She looked aggrieved, her voice quivering. “Since Your Highness does not wish to see me, I shall leave…”
With that, she wiped her tears and ran out.
After all, she had already extended her life by a day today and had no energy left to appease him.
This Lan Xun, with his cold and ascetic demeanor, was difficult to seduce indeed.
Earlier, Xuanji had told her that Lan Xun, twenty-four, had never married nor taken a concubine, and there wasn’t even a chambermaid in his residence. Could it be that he disliked women? Mu Shengsheng had read plenty of romance stories on such topics.
Or perhaps he had some hidden condition preventing intimacy?
The thought of needing to interact with him daily to survive gave her a headache.
She had already angered him today—what would she do tomorrow?
After Mu Shengsheng left, Lan Xun returned to the desk as if nothing had happened, continuing to review the remaining memorials.
Five years ago, the emperor ascended the throne at only eleven, too young to handle state affairs. Lan Xun acted as regent, managing all official matters. Five years later, the emperor had just turned sixteen. Lan Xun had not relinquished power, only handing over minor duties for the emperor’s training, while personally handling the rest. Though he did not sit on the throne, he effectively wielded imperial authority, acting as the emperor.
At that time, his days were filled with endless work, sleeping only three hours each day.
After reviewing the memorials for so long, Lan Xun closed his eyes and massaged his brow, feeling parched. He poured a cup of tea and took a sip.
Noticing something unusual about the taste, he looked closer—it was the calming tea Mu Shengsheng had delivered.
The flavor combined sour jujube with Longjing tea—initially tart, yet slightly sweet as it lingered, invigorating the mind while calming the spirit.
Lan Xun drank cup after cup, unknowingly finishing the entire pot.
It was only in the deep hours of the night, after finishing all the memorials, that he changed and washed, finally going to bed.
Perhaps due to exhaustion, he quickly fell into a deep sleep.
That night, he had a dream.
In it, a beauty blushed deeply, her brows lightly furrowed, lips slightly parted, breathing rapid, fragrant sweat dampening stray hair, looking like pink petals moistened by rain, irresistible.
Amidst sobs, her voice was like a gentle warbler, speaking familiar words: “Your Highness, you hurt me…”
Perhaps from pleasure, perhaps pleading.
He was unusually indulgent, tireless, and in the height of passion, whispered her name obsessively: “Shengsheng… Shengsheng…”
The gauze canopy swayed rhythmically, and two strands of hair entwined tightly.
Everything felt so real, as if it had truly happened.
Lan Xun suddenly awoke, breathing heavily, sweat beading his neck. The bedding was soaked with sweat, mingled with a strange chill.
He lifted the quilt, feeling an intense headache.
He had dreamed of being with Mu Shengsheng…
Could it have been something in that calming tea?
Lan Xun got up and had the bedding replaced.
Yet when he lay down again, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Whenever he closed his eyes, her figure—rising and falling, full of affection—appeared vividly, impossible to banish.
The next morning, before dawn, Lan Xun had already departed for the palace.
In the carriage, Tianshu saw the dark circles under the Regency Prince’s eyes, his exhausted expression indicating a sleepless night.
Tianshu had been informed by the servants that the night before, Lan Xun had risen in the fourth watch, changing pants and bedding, almost entirely sleepless, on top of taking a freezing bath the night prior.
Having followed Lan Xun for years, Tianshu knew him well. He remembered that the freezing bath was originally due to being poisoned with a rogue elixir.
But there had been no signs of poisoning these past two days—why take an icy bath now? Could it be… because of that Mu Shengsheng?
Tianshu guessed cautiously and hinted, “Your Highness, the young lady sent by the Empress Dowager is still staying in the rear courtyard. From observation, she is obedient and modest, and her appearance is fair. Perhaps Your Highness could take her as a concubine—someone to share your bed and ease your worries. Otherwise, your health may suffer…”
Before he could finish, he noticed a sharp, sword-like glare.
Lan Xun was staring at him. “If you do not speak, I might forget—after following me for so long, running errands tirelessly, yet never having married or taken a concubine, why not have her for yourself?”
Terrified, Tianshu waved his hands. “I dare not. She was sent by the Empress Dowager to attend Your Highness. To give her to me would be improper…”
Lan Xun sneered. “If you won’t take her, why should I?”
“….”
Lan Xun had always preferred to remain single rather than indulge in women. Though he had considered marriage before, circumstances prevented it.
Until now, many noble ladies wished to become the Regency Princess, yet none caught his eye.
Only Mu Shengsheng, ever since he had seen her, seemed to awaken feelings he had never known…
Tianshu continued, “Your Highness, I have checked. Miss Mu is terminally ill and will not live past sixteen.”
He meant to warn Lan Xun not to fall for someone doomed, as it would lead to inevitable grief.
Lan Xun’s expression remained indifferent. “I am merely letting her stay a few days. When the Marquis of Xuanwu arrives in the capital, he will take her away. Whether she lives or dies is no concern of mine.”
Tianshu twitched his lips, thinking: Your Highness, are you sure your face won’t get slapped one day?