Chapter 87: Skin-to-Skin Intimacy

Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Skin-to-Skin Intimacy

’He should have drawn a clear line with her after learning she planned to take a live-in husband and refused to reveal her identity.’

’But the matter of entering her dreams was beyond his control.’

’He didn’t want to be entangled with her any longer, yet they were intimate in his dreams time and time again.’

’On top of that, last time, he had already... to her...’

’He was responsible for her.’

’Whether she needed it or not, he wanted to find her and offer some form of compensation.’

’Besides, perhaps this dream affair could be broken once they met in person.’

’Since she didn’t want to marry him, they shouldn’t be dreaming of each other anymore!’

...

The next day, after the morning court session ended, Lu Zhan was summoned alone by the Emperor to the Imperial Study Room.

"This subject greets Your Majesty." Lu Zhan lifted his robes and knelt.

The Emperor sat behind his imperial desk, reviewing memorials, and said kindly, "Mr. Lu, please rise."

The Emperor was over sixty years old. He no longer possessed the ruthlessness and decisiveness of his youth, but his majesty had only grown, making him all the more inscrutable.

"May I ask for what reason Your Majesty has summoned me?" Lu Zhan asked as he rose.

The Emperor suddenly sighed and came out from behind his throne. "I have been troubled by a certain matter recently."

"May I know what troubles Your Majesty? I am willing to ease your worries," Lu Zhan said with his head bowed.

The Emperor nodded in satisfaction. "Lu Zhan, I was not mistaken about you." He walked over to Lu Zhan and patted his shoulder. "After much thought, I’ve concluded that you are truly the only one who can resolve this matter for me."

Lu Zhan said impassively, "I await Your Majesty’s command."

The Emperor did not speak. Instead, he turned, walked to the window, and gazed outside. "King Jin is, after all, my own brother. Although he had traitorous intentions back then, I couldn’t find it in my heart to be ruthless and spared his life. But recently, I’ve received word that King Jin’s descendants are making frequent, suspicious movements in Jiangnan. I fear they harbor treacherous ambitions. For the sake of the empire, I absolutely cannot tolerate this!"

Hearing this, Lu Zhan’s brows furrowed imperceptibly.

’As far as he knew, King Jin had died by the Emperor’s sword years ago. But it turned out he hadn’t died, and had even left behind descendants?’

The Emperor turned, his voice grave. "This matter is of great importance and should not be publicized. Otherwise, we’ll alert the enemy, forcing King Jin’s descendants to risk everything and fight the Court to the bitter end. When that happens, it is the common people who will suffer.

Therefore, I plan to send you to Jiangnan under the pretext of investigating corrupt officials. You must secretly root out King Jin’s descendants.

If you can handle this matter successfully, I will reward you handsomely!"

Lu Zhan’s brow knitted slightly. He said evenly, "Your Majesty, I will certainly get to the bottom of this matter. If it turns out to be a misunderstanding, there will be no need for drastic measures. Please rest assured."

"No. King Jin’s descendants must be eliminated. If you find them, you may execute them on the spot without seeking my approval!" The Emperor’s earlier amiability was instantly replaced by a chilling austerity.

A chill went through Lu Zhan’s heart. "Yes!"

"This is my personal token," the Emperor said, taking one out and handing it over. "When you arrive in Jiangnan, it will grant you the authority to act as you see fit."

Lu Zhan accepted it.

"Lu Zhan, of all the young officials, I have the highest hopes for you. Do not disappoint me!" The Emperor patted his shoulder, his gaze heavy as he looked at him.

"Yes." Lu Zhan lowered his gaze.

「Duke Dingguo Mansion.」

Zhi Wan and Lady Wei had just stepped out of their carriage when they saw Lu Zhan dismounting his horse.

"Cousin," Zhi Wan was the first to greet him.

Lu Zhan was lost in thought. The voice startled him, and he turned to see Zhi Wan and his mother standing there.

He paused, reining in his thoughts, and nodded. "Mother. Cousin."

"Ah Zhan, are you just back from the palace?" Lady Wei asked with concern.

"Mm." Lu Zhan acknowledged, unwilling to discuss palace matters. He changed the subject, "Were you and Cousin out?"

Lady Wei nodded. "The day after tomorrow, I’m taking Wan’er back to Yangzhou. We were just out buying some things for the journey."

"Back to Yangzhou?" Lu Zhan was somewhat surprised, his gaze turning to Zhi Wan.

Zhi Wan nodded and explained, "The anniversary of my parents’ death is approaching."

Lu Zhan was taken aback for a moment, then said, "In a few days, I also need to make a trip to Yangzhou. We could travel together."

Lady Wei was delighted. "Really?"

"Yes, the Emperor has ordered me to Jiangnan to investigate corrupt officials," Lu Zhan confirmed with a nod.

Hearing this, Zhi Wan mulled it over and asked, "Cousin, if I travel with you, will I be a bother?"

"What kind of trouble could you possibly cause me?" Lu Zhan asked in return.

Zhi Wan twisted the handkerchief in her hands and voiced her thoughts. "I was thinking that if I could travel with you, Cousin, then I wouldn’t have to trouble Aunt to personally take me to Yangzhou. After all, she manages the mansion’s household, and she has so much to do every day she can hardly get away."

Lady Wei was taken aback by this and quickly said, "It’s no trouble at all to accompany you..."

"But Aunt, you get seasick. We’re traveling to Yangzhou by water," Zhi Wan said, her brow furrowed with worry.

"If it’s really a problem, we can just travel by land," Lady Wei said, unconcerned.

"But that would waste even more time on the road." Zhi Wan was hesitant. She had always been afraid of troubling her aunt, which was why she hadn’t mentioned returning to Yangzhou for so many years. This time, it was only because her aunt had already made private arrangements that she found it difficult to refuse.

But she knew that her aunt accompanying her to Yangzhou would delay many things. Plus, with her aunt’s seasickness, she would surely suffer on the journey.

Now that her cousin was also going to Jiangnan, she could travel with him, and her aunt wouldn’t have to go at all.

At this thought, she couldn’t help but turn her gaze to Lu Zhan, hoping her cousin would help persuade her aunt.

Meeting the young woman’s hopeful eyes, Lu Zhan paused, then spoke. "Mother, Cousin is right. You don’t have to go. She can travel with me, and I will take care of her."

Lady Wei was still hesitant. ’When her son was on official business, he was cold, ruthless, and recognized no family ties. On top of that, he didn’t know how to take care of people. If Wan’er traveled with him, she would likely suffer.’

’Moreover, Wan’er used to be terrified of her son. Although she didn’t seem so scared now, if they traveled together, she would have to face his stern, unsmiling, and aloof self every day. How tormented would poor Wan’er be?’

’Even if she felt wronged by him, Wan’er probably wouldn’t dare to say a word and would just swallow her grievances.’

’She could almost picture Wan’er huddled in a corner, looking small, helpless, and pitiful.’

The more Lady Wei thought about it, the more worried she became. "Lu Zhan, you... you won’t bully Wan’er, will you?"

Lu Zhan: "..."

Seeing his expression darken, Zhi Wan quickly tugged on Lady Wei’s sleeve. "Aunt, you’re overthinking it. Cousin is very good to me. How could he bully me? He won’t!"

"But..."

"If you’re so worried, then you should take her back yourself." After saying this coolly, Lu Zhan turned and entered the mansion gates first.

Lady Wei: "..."

’She was a little annoyed. ’This boy really has a temper.’’

’She had only asked because she was worried.’

She huffed, then turned and patted Zhi Wan’s hand comfortingly. "We don’t need him to take you. I’ll take you back myself."

’Zhi Wan still felt that traveling with Lu Zhan was the best option, as it would save her aunt the trouble.’

Therefore, after returning to Yaoguang Pavilion, she took out the ginseng that Lady Wei had given her before, planning to brew it into tea to send to Lu Zhan.