Chapter 8

Su Jingyao half-reclined on a beauty couch, her body gracefully leaning to the side like a gentle curve.

She held a book of chess strategies in her hands, her bright eyes fixed on the pages with full focus. Her eyes sparkled as she tried to understand every secret hidden in the game. She was determined not to let Jun Zechen win easily—this match, she had to win.

Jun Zechen had been smart since he was young and believed his talent was far above the other princes. But he had actually lost to her in chess.

A woman shouldn’t always be soft and weak. Su Jingyao wanted Jun Zechen to always feel the desire to conquer her, so she wouldn’t let him win easily.

Her lips curved slightly into a faint, cunning smile.

On a small stool next to her, Miaoyun gently massaged Su Jingyao’s thighs with just the right pressure.

She asked softly, “Master, His Highness has been coming to Xiyan Hall every day lately. Your relationship with him seems to have gotten much better.” Her tone was gentle, with a hint of curiosity.

Su Jingyao smiled a little more when she heard that and gave a slight nod, but a deep meaning flashed briefly in her eyes.

To her, this was still not enough.

Miaoxia, standing nearby, leaned forward slightly and added, “Master, yesterday the Empress called you to Kunning Palace again and even asked you to give the blood-stained handkerchief to Aunt Jinhua. It’s clear she doesn’t believe you’re truly standing up for the Crown Prince.”

Su Jingyao’s voice remained calm, as if everything was within her plans: “I’ve already defended the Crown Prince. Whether the Empress believes me or not—what does it matter to me?”

As she spoke, she gently brushed her hair back, the movement elegant and natural.

Yesterday, she had put on a good act in front of the Empress, praising both the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. If the Empress had believed her so easily, how would she continue her act?

Jun Zechen’s daily visits to Xiyan Hall were nothing more than part of the performance. Still, Su Jingyao could sometimes sense his inner conflict.

After all, she noticed how his gaze sometimes held admiration, and sometimes showed struggle. But she acted as if she didn’t see any of it.

Right now, Jun Zechen still had his principles. He had promised not to touch her, and so far, he had kept that promise.

But even he needed a way to back out gracefully.

And now, the Empress had already built the perfect ladder for him to step down.

Su Jingyao gently opened her lips and asked casually, “Did His Highness go to Kunning Palace today?”

A servant replied, “Yes, after finishing court matters, the Empress invited His Highness to Kunning Palace. He hasn’t returned yet.”

A sly glint flashed in Su Jingyao’s eyes.

She was truly looking forward to what kind of “surprise” the Empress might have for her.

Night fell quietly, and the cold moon hung high in the sky.

Gugu Jinhua carefully helped the Crown Prince, who looked weak and unsteady on his feet, into Xiyan Hall.

Su Jingyao had just finished bathing. She wore a tight-fitting sheer red dress, and her beautiful face showed clear shock.

“Gugu, what happened to His Highness?” she asked, sounding a bit worried.

Gugu Jinhua’s face briefly showed an odd expression, but she quickly hid it.

She said softly, “Today, the Empress invited His Highness to try a newly gifted foreign wine called Banruo. He drank a bit too much and seems drunk. Concubine Su, please take good care of him. Sorry to trouble you.”

After humbly replying, Su Jingyao quickly stepped forward and took over from Gugu Jinhua, carefully supporting Jun Zechen as she slowly led him toward the bedroom.

Inside the bedroom, Su Jingyao gently laid Jun Zechen on the bed. She looked at his closed eyes, her heart filled with doubt.

She leaned closer and sniffed him carefully—there was no smell of alcohol at all.

Heh. Just as she suspected. There’s no way he’s simply drunk.

It must be the Empress who used some other method. Her goal was clearly to get Jun Zechen to sleep with Su Jingyao, so of course, she wouldn’t let him be truly drunk or unconscious.

Su Jingyao thought quietly to herself.

Then she calmly gave orders: “Miaoyun, Miaoxue—help His Highness freshen up.”

After the two maids got Jun Zechen ready, Su Jingyao got up and walked out into the outer hall.

She instructed, “Miaoyun, when you hear signs that His Highness has woken up, go inform the Crown Princess. Tell her the Crown Prince drank with the Empress today and got drunk, and ask her to personally come pick him up and take him back to Qiluan Hall.”

Miaoyun looked confused and asked in a soft voice, “Master, why call the Crown Princess? Didn’t the Empress send His Highness here to give you a chance?”

Su Jingyao smiled slightly, a smart and meaningful smile. She answered gently, “Miaoyun, sometimes you have to take your time to catch the big fish. Just do as I said.”

“Yes, Master,” Miaoxue replied respectfully.

Once she finished giving orders, Su Jingyao slowly returned to the bedroom.

She sat gracefully on the bed, legs crossed, leaning slightly to one side. Her delicate figure leaned softly against the headboard. Her beautiful eyes glimmered like autumn waters, sweeping freely over Jun Zechen’s body.

Just as she expected, his face started to flush, and his hands began to tug at his outer robe.

Looks like the drug was working. The Empress really lived up to her reputation in palace schemes—she even got her hands on such a powerful aphrodisiac.

Suddenly, Jun Zechen’s eyes snapped open. A burning heat surged through his body like a wild wave, destroying his reason.

He never imagined that his own mother would scheme against him like this!

His eyes turned cold like ice, locking onto Su Jingyao like a hawk. In his heart, he even started to wonder if she was working with the Empress.

“You’re awake, Your Highness?” Su Jingyao asked softly, a look of surprise on her face.

“Why am I here?” Jun Zechen’s voice was low and icy, like cold water from a deep pond.

“Gugu Jinhua brought you here,” Su Jingyao said, startled by the intense look in his eyes.

Jun Zechen frowned deeply. His mind was in chaos—he didn’t know if he should trust her.

He used his inner strength to force down the wild heat inside him. His fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white. His gaze became darker and more dangerous.

“Get me a cup of tea.”

Su Jingyao quickly got up, stumbling a little, and rushed to pour a cup of tea. She carefully brought it to him.

Jun Zechen leaned back against the headboard, took the tea, and drank it in one go.

His chest heaved, and his breathing became more rushed. The cold tea did nothing to cool the fire burning inside him.

He felt like he was surrounded by flames with no way to release the heat. The faint fragrance on Su Jingyao’s body swirled around him, light and teasing, making him feel even more restless.

His anger boiled like a volcano about to erupt. Even though he knew Su Jingyao might not know anything about the Empress’s plan, he still couldn’t control his fury toward her.

Suddenly, Jun Zechen flipped over and pinned Su Jingyao beneath him. His strong body pressed her down. His stormy eyes locked onto hers with terrifying intensity.

He shouted, “Are you happy now? Did you want me to touch you? Did you and my mother plan this together and drug me?”

Su Jingyao stared at him, shocked, her eyes wide. Tears welled up quickly, and she bit her lip, turning her head away.

Her voice was tiny and trembling, but still clear: “I… I never did anything to scheme against Your Highness.”

Jun Zechen’s whole body gave off a chilling aura. He forcefully turned her face toward him, his eyes burning with endless desire.

In a cold, emotionless voice, he said, “Fine. Tonight I’ll do what you want. I’ll sleep with you. How about that?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he lowered his head and kissed her hard.

Su Jingyao was completely unprepared. She froze in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief.

But after just a moment, she came back to her senses. She quickly pushed with both hands, trying to move away from his broad, strong chest, but it was like an ant trying to shake a tree — completely useless.

Men were strong to begin with, and now he had been drugged too.

That uncontrollable desire showed in his kiss, as if he wanted to fully conquer her. Jun Zechen hadn’t expected her lips to be so soft and sweet.

His mind was slowly becoming blurry, and reason was fading. His eyes looked dazed, as if he had lost focus.

Su Jingyao’s gentle eyes shifted slightly upward and happened to catch a glimpse of a shadow outside the bedroom door.

Finally, they’re here.

She smiled slightly, as if she had a plan in her heart.

Then she began struggling more intensely. Though her eyes looked panicked, there was a faint gleam of calculation in them.

She cried out softly, “Your Highness… Your Highness, you’re drunk. I’m Su Jingyao, not my sister. Please let go of me… Your Highness…”

Her voice trembled a little, sounding like she was about to cry, full of grievance.

Jun Zechen was completely controlled by the drug now. He couldn’t understand why the girl who seemed obedient just moments ago was now resisting him so fiercely.

To stop her from struggling, he grabbed her hands tightly with one of his own, holding her still.

His deep voice sounded in her ear, “I’m not drunk. I’m very clear-headed. You are Yaoyao, my side consort!”

Su Jingyao raised an eyebrow slightly. This man, even confused, was calling her “Yaoyao”? Had he already set his eyes on her?

How ridiculous.

She immediately put on an innocent, pure look and spoke in a soft voice.

“No, Your Highness is my sister’s husband. Ever since I came to the Eastern Palace, my sister has taken great care of me. I’m very grateful to her, and I don’t want to do anything that would hurt her.”

“I’ve already sent someone to call her. She’ll be here soon. Your Highness, please stop… let go of me…”

Although she said no, her struggling made her look even more pitiful and delicate, which only made her more appealing.

At this point, Jun Zechen wasn’t listening to anything she said.

All he knew was that Su Jingyao was trying her best to resist him, and yet she looked even more attractive now. His voice carried a sense of urgency.

“I am the Crown Prince. You are my woman. What right do you have to refuse me?”

Outside the bedroom, Ling Yue could no longer stay still. Her body trembled slightly, like a flower shaking in the wind, ready to fall at any time.

So this is what Jun Zechen meant when he said his visits to Xiyan Palace were just an act?

This is the man who said he loved her, who promised to be with her forever?

She bit her lip tightly, her eyes filled with pain and despair. Tears slowly rolled down her pale cheeks.

Had Ah Ze fallen for Su Jingyao long ago?

Ling Yue clenched her fists tightly. Her nails dug into her palms, but she didn’t seem to feel the pain.

Then, she slowly turned away and staggered as she walked, like she had lost all her strength.

Su Jingyao noticed that the person outside had left, and she didn’t bother pretending anymore.

Her body trembled under the dog-man’s kiss.

In the modern world, she had been used to eating well and living comfortably. But in this ancient world, she was still a pure, untouched maiden.

Although she had some longing for intimacy, today was definitely not the right time.

Parts of the book’s story had faded from her memory after all these years, and she only remembered the general plot.

The Empress had drugged Jun Zechen and sent him to Xiyan Palace. What happened today brought back long-forgotten memories.

In the story, after the original Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen spent the night together due to the drug, he woke up the next day with a cold face. He believed she had schemed against him and thought she was not a good person.

Even though the one who drugged him was the Empress, his feelings for his mother were deep.

Naturally, he didn’t blame her at all, and it was the original Su Jingyao who suffered.

Before that night, she had been living quietly in the palace.

But after, news spread quickly about how much the Crown Prince hated her.

She had her food reduced, her heating cut off in winter, and even lost contact with her family at the Ministry of Rites.

Jun Zechen loved fiercely and hated even more fiercely. He couldn’t stand being tricked by women in the harem.

As Su Jingyao was lost in thought, Jun Zechen seemed to sense her distraction and moved closer, like he wanted to punish her.

But because she had stopped resisting, he unconsciously loosened his grip.

Su Jingyao took the chance, slipped out from under him like a cat, flipped over, and quickly got off the bed.

She calmly fixed her messy clothes, then softly called for Miaoyun to come in.

“Master, are you sure you want to give His Highness the ‘Hundred Poison Cleanser’? Madam spent so much money and specially asked the goddess doctor to get it for you.”

“This antidote can neutralize most poisons on the market. Right now, His Highness is only under the effect of a love potion. Isn’t this the perfect opportunity for you…”

Su Jingyao interrupted her, “Just give me the antidote. I know what I’m doing. You can leave.”

Her face stayed calm, her voice steady and firm.

“Yes, Master.”

Miaoyun knew her mistress had always been smart. Once she made a decision, no one could change her mind.

Su Jingyao calmly took the pill from the bottle, put it in Jun Zechen’s mouth, lifted his head, and helped him drink a cup of water.

The medicine began to work in his body. The deep red flush on his face slowly faded.

Su Jingyao quietly looked at the now-sleeping Jun Zechen, and the corners of her mouth turned down slightly, showing a hint of faint displeasure.

Hmph, she would definitely make this annoying man pay her back one day—even though a hundred gold wasn’t really a lot of money to her.

Su Jingyao wasn’t short on money, not just because she was the beloved daughter of the Minister’s household, but more importantly, because of her own planning and smarts.

She was a modern woman full of ambition, and after living in this ancient world for fifteen years, how could she let her fate depend entirely on her family?

Among the noble families in the capital, many believed that the eldest daughter of the Su family was extremely kindhearted.

That was because, whenever the Kingdom of Jun suffered from disasters, Su Jingyao was always the one silently donating money.

Not only that, she would personally pick locations and organize people to build comfortable homes for those in need.

She did all of this quietly, in a very low-key way.

She carefully walked the line—never acting too flashy to alarm the high-ranking officials, yet making sure that if someone looked into it, her good deeds could still be discovered and praised.

Her reputation among the noble families was that of a calm and pure-hearted lady who didn’t care about fame or power—someone who just wanted to live peacefully.

But Su Jingyao was far from truly kind. Everything she did was for her own benefit.

Her biggest goal was to build her own group of loyal followers—she would pick smart and capable children from the disaster victims, raise and train them, and one day have them work for her.

Her parents didn’t know anything about this. Only her brother Su Jingxuan had a small idea of what she was doing, but even he didn’t know what businesses she owned. Sometimes, when she couldn’t appear in person, her brother would help manage things for her.

Right now, her most profitable business was offering luxurious beauty and skincare services to the daughters of noble families.

Making money from women was easy. As a woman herself, she deeply understood how tempting all those bottles and jars on a dressing table could be.

Pulling her thoughts back, Su Jingyao looked at the man lying on the bed.

Then, she gently bent down and carefully undressed the already-messy man, piece by piece.

When she was done, she calmly removed her own clothes too, leaving only her undergarments. She then lifted the blanket and gracefully slid into bed.

She rested her head gently on his firm chest, like a quiet little cat, closed her eyes, and began to rest peacefully.

She was truly looking forward to the look on Jun Zechen’s face when he woke up the next morning.