FOUR

For almost a week Lady Xing resided in cui you yuan. She got Ru Qing and Ru Ming on her side. Simple food was sent by the kitchen staff daily but not as grand as she had when she was with Li Fei Long. But what can she expect? Technically she was living in someone else's residence for free.

Cui you yuan was like a small cottage behind one big courtyard. The yard had bamboo plants on the backside which was a little spooky, but so far Lady Xing enjoyed her time away from too many prying eyes. 

According to Ru Qing, her existence actually brought a stir in the fu. Yu Wan ce fei and the two yiniang had been curious about her status in Li Fei Long’s heart. Since Lady Xing angered Li Fei Long greatly and Li Fei Long never once set foot in cui you yuan, the three women did not dare to confront Lady Xing directly.

Lady Xing could not be even more grateful. If she still has to deal with not only one but three jealous women, she could not imagine how she would handle it. This whole week was enough for her to learn much more about Duan Wang Fu. She learned where the closest gate was so far. Even though Duan Wang Fu has plentiful of capable guards who kept rotating shifts to guard the fu. Lady Xing needs to act fast before others will decide how her life would end.  

There was no guarantee whether Li Fei Long really did look for her family or not. Lady Xing figured that Li Fei Long must have set a time limit for her to reside in the fu without doing anything with him. Tangled in bed with Li Fei Long once in her life was enough even though she wanted to choke Ming He and Qian Chang Xin because of that. 

Their lustful night was extraordinary but Lady Xing did not want to admit it. If she follows lust and greed, her moment with Li Fei Long would only be temporary. Until Li Fei Long lost interest in her and her fate would not be far from the three women in the fu. 

She could end up living her life like birds inside Li Fei Long’s golden cage. Filled with hate and jealousy towards one another and waiting in sorrow as Li Fei Long finds another woman to warm his bed. 

Lady Xing has decided to take the challenge. She did not know if she died on that operating table and was reborn in this body or all of this was just a dream and maybe on the next day, she would wake up back in her own body. So, why not just roam around this ancient era?! 

Whatever happens in the future, she should not worry too much about it since she has experienced living in between life and death. So, what if she has to die for a second time?! She might wake up in a different era or form. But for now, she got the chance to see how the world looked like in this era and enjoy her time as carefree as she could. Few years ago, she had to pay to enter an ancient China themed park, now she was living in one!

The copper mirror on her dressing table showed her reflection which was not much different from her original face. She was just more cubby than her original self. Might be around the same height but much younger. Her finger ran along her jaw. Her thoughts made her stare into the mirror for a long time until Ru Qing and Ru Ming approached her. 

Their clothing was already changed to the clothing uniform for the lowest kitchen servant. On Ru Ming’s hand was a set of the same clothing. Both were waiting for Lady Xing to change her clothes with the one that Ru Ming brought. 

“Tomorrow is the fifth day of the fifth month. It is the Dragon Boat Festival. Every year, the palace will hold a banquet to celebrate the festival. Nu heard from Xiao Gan Zi gonggong that Duan Qin Wang had been busy these past couple of days and would be even more so tomorrow.” Ru Qing informed Lady Xing while helping her take off her robe. 

“That’s good. We will have at least two days before he notices that we have run away from the fu. And that’s only if he remembers about my existence here. If he has already completely forgotten about me, then we will be free like a bird”. Her movement got even faster after she felt more excited. 

“Nu also heard that the whole city of Chang’an is celebrating right now. People on the street are celebrating the festival by eating rice dumplings. There was also dragon boat racing on the river canal. My Lady has to wear this perfume pouch that nu has made to ward off evil spirits. It is a tradition to wear this perfume pouch during the festival.” Ru Ming quickly sewed it up on the inner line of her top. 

The excitement of going out and finally seeing the outside world of the mansion filled Lady Xing’s heart. Whatever her two yahuan were doing, as long as they finally agreed to run away with her, Lady Xing was already happy beyond words.

“Remember to stop calling me My Lady”, she warned both of them, who strangely were willingly listening to her plan tonight. Both nodded at her and led her out from cui you yuan after she left a piece of note on her dressing table. 

A simple note she wrote for Li Fei Long to express her gratitude. That was all. She took a glance at the paper before they walked away. Strangely, there was a hint of sadness in her heart. 

Three of them hurried past the complicated walkway too easily. Lady Xing can only depend on Ru Qing and Ru Ming’s knowledge about the mansion passage. The side gate was challenging. The guards were guarding their post in full alert. Ru Qing showed one of the guards something that looks like a carved plate to the guard and a paper with a stamp on it. Yesterday, Ru Qing showed Lady Xing what it was. 

With one of the buyao that Li Fei Long gave Lady Xing, Ru Qing successfully bribed Xiao Gan Zi’s subordinate to get that fake permission paper along with the fake plate. The guard just read it and easily let the three of them slip out. 

If Lady Xing can jump happily, she would do it. But it was not that simple. A small open carriage attached to an old horse has been waiting in front of the side gate. Some empty crates were inside. Lady Xing has to praise the details that have been prepared by Ru Qing and Ru Ming. The guards had to watch them get into the carriage to prove that the permission letter they showed him was indeed real. 

Skillfully holding the horse leash and controlling the horse speed, Ru Ming smiled awkwardly to Lady Xing after she got a big praise from Lady Xing. They rode the carriage towards the gate that linked to the outer side of imperial city, towards the bustling sound on the main street of Chang’an. 

Lady Xing was mesmerized by the beauty of the night view of the ancient city. Chang’an was the biggest city in the world in this era. The dynasty has brought prosperity to the empire. Women walked more freely in the city. 

“Let’s go there.” Lady Xing pointed to a pagoda that seemed not very far from the main street the moment they passed the imperial city gate. 

“But… My Lady, I thought you prefer to see dragon boats racing at the canal. The canal is on the right side. The pagoda is called Small Wild Goose Pagoda. There would be nothing there since it is already late at night.” Ru Ming still held the leash and was directing the horse towards the west side of the city. 

“I told you to stop addressing me as your lady. Now we are free. I am sure we still can catch up with the dragon boat race. The pagoda looks quite tall. I want to see the panorama of the city. Turn the way to the pagoda. We have plenty of time to catch up with the boat race.” Lady Xing asked dearly. She was too excited and happy to be outside and did not notice how Ru Ming exchanged looks with Ru Qing. 

Ru Ming followed her request obediently. Once again, Lady Xing praised her shrewdness in controlling the horse. Their small carriage headed towards the pagoda, passing the main street that was full with crowds, vendors and many other things. 

Apparently, no one has an interest in spending their night enjoying the city view from a high level. When their carriage reached the pagoda, the area was quiet and dark. Ru Qing helped Lady Xing jump down from the carriage. Ru Ming waited on the carriage and let the two leave her behind.

“Do you think we could climb the stairs to the top? Do you think the pagoda is open to the public?” Lady Xing asked Ru Qing who held her hands as they walked carefully to the pagoda. 

They moved slowly because Lady Xing cannot walk as fast as Ru Qing. Her feet hurt if she stood too long and furthermore it was too easy for her to lose her balance. 

“I am not quite sure, my Lady.” Ru Qing answered. 

“Ru Qing, I have told you to stop addressing me like that.” Lady Xing said sternly as she got too tired repeating herself over and over again to these two yahuan.

“Who is there?!” 

They heard someone shout towards them. They were close to the pagoda’s door and because the lantern was not bright enough, they did not notice the door had opened. 

A man with an imperial robe similar to what Li Fei Long usually wears was standing in front of the door. After blinking a few times Lady Xing caught some moving behind him. The man was clearly blocking their view from someone who was behind him. 

Noticing that the man might has close connection to Li Fei Long and might be having a secret scandal of his own, Lady Xing and Ru Qing bowed their heads. 

“We are just servants who want to climb the stairs to see the city view from the top of the pagoda. We do not have any ill intentions.” Lady Xing tried to speak calmly. The tip of the boot appeared before her eyes. The man has come closer to inspect them. 

“Lift your head up.” He ordered arrogantly. 

The moment their eyes met, that man looked down once again and Lady Xing followed where his eyes stopped. That was her feet. Her binding feet betrayed her. 

The man chuckled until Lady Xing lifted up her eyes to meet with his gaze. 

“The servants from Duan Wang Fu.” He insinuated openly. The gasp behind him made Lady Xing turn her eyes to the side.

A young woman who did not look older than her, appeared in surprise. The woman was looking very lavish with her dressing and her hair accessories. Her make up made her face look even more pale. She was a beautiful noble lady. 

“Then we should not be secretive. I do not mind the servant from Duan Wang Fu to recognize who we are.” The man said it proudly but the girl widened her eyes like she just met ghosts. 

“I believe wang ye would take care of this small matter”, said the girl elegantly. She turned her head to the side and called out to her yahuan who stepped out from her hiding spot. 

Lady Xing noticed her gestures before she left with her personal servant. She knew what that sentence meant. That noble lady wanted this man to kill her and Ru Qing for discovering their secret rendezvous. 

That arrogant noble lady walked carefully around the pagoda. She and her yahuan disappeared after making a turn behind the pagoda. They might be hiding their carriage there. Lady Xing did not want to think about that woman. Her priority was the man in front of her. Quickly she bent her knees as she pulled Ru Qing’s hand to make her do the same. 

But the man moved too fast beyond her imagination. He grabbed her jaw violently and pulled her face up facing him to take a second look. 

“Who are you?” He asked coldly. He moved his gaze to Ru Qing for a split second then back again at Lady Xing. “She is a servant. But who are you?”

Lady Xing struggled to let her face free from his tough grip. 

“I am nobody.” She answered between her teeth. “I am just a servant who ran away and made a foolish decision to enjoy the night from the top of this pagoda”.

They stayed in that position for a few seconds. The man was thinking of what she said, while Lady Xing was fighting with her fear. When the grip started to loosen up, Lady Xing shook her head free from his hand. 

The man grabbed her wrist and pulled her up then held her as she stumbled from losing her balance. 

“Did you run away from Duan Wang Fu?” The man asked her without letting her go. This man was not as tall as Li Fei Long but he has similar face features like him. She guessed this man was one of Li Fei Long’s brothers. He did not look younger either.

“I am a free woman now”. Lady Xing answered carefully. These two brothers may or may not be on good terms and spilling the beans would not be good for her. Lady Xing regretted her playful decision to visit this pagoda. She should have listened to Ru Qing and Ru Ming. 

“After what you saw, you are not a free woman.” Once again, he chuckled with sarcasm. 

“What did I see? I did not see anything.”  Lady Xing thought frantically to get herself out of this sticky situation. “Be merciful, your grace. Me and my sister are just a lowly person not worth your time. We did not see or hear anything at all. By letting us go and disappear outside the city, your grace would gain good karma for your lifetime”.

Even though she thought her persuasion was weak, that was all she could do. Sweet talk might work and the rest was in the man’s hand. To let them go or to end their life. Ah… so easy to lose your head when you do not have any power and status in this life. 

“You want to see the view from the top?” The man smiled, ignoring her plea. 

Confused with the question, Lady Xing frowned. Slowly, he let go of her waist. They stood an arm length from each other. This man has different traits from his brother, Lady Xing concluded. 

Seeing she did not give him any answer, the man added, “Your fate will be decided after we come down from the top.”

He glanced at Ru Qing and luckily Ru Qing had a quick response. The yahuan held Lady Xing’s hand just like before they met this man and his secret companion. The man waited until Ru Qing led Lady Xing entered the pagoda before he himself followed them closely. 

The stairs were narrow and steepy and could only fit one person at one time. Looking back as she tried to climb the first stair, Lady Xing regretted once again being here. The man laughed and stunned her for a moment. The way he laughed sounds very much like Li Fei Long. But when she turned her head, the person there was not Li Fei Long. For the first time she wished he was Li Fei Long. 

The letter she left behind, did he find it? Was he furious and would look for her or would he just throw it away and turn his back and head to his concubine’s bed chamber?

“I have changed my mind”, Lady Xing gulped down her saliva.

If this man wanted to kill her, this was the perfect moment. No witness inside the dark pagoda. Their bodies would be left here for days until God knows when someone will find them. Lady Xing held Ru Qing’s hand tightly. She hoped Ru Ming was safe outside but she felt deep guilt for Ru Qing who stood beside her with full loyalty. 

“Do you fear me?” The man came closer. 

Lady Xing wanted to take a step back but she could not move her feet. Lady Xing pulled Ru Qing behind her and shielded her from the man. With her chin up, she stared at the man with all her courage in confrontation. 

“Erdi…”

Both Lady Xing and the man were startled. Li Fei Long looked furious as he stood at the entrance of the pagoda. She thought, his anger was directed at her, or was it directed at the man next to her? 

Li Fei Long came closer looking solemn and intimidating. At least that’s how Lady Xing would describe him at the moment. 

“They both have escaped from Duan Wang Fu. Let my people take them back to the fu to receive their punishment.” Li Fei Long sounded very much rigid.

Ming He and Qian Chang Xin appeared from behind him. They both gave their respect to the man next to Lady Xing and made Lady Xing know his identity.

“Greetings to Rui Qin Wang”, both bowed and greeted him in harmony. 

Li Qing Feng ignored the greeting and turned to face Lady Xing once more. With a friendly smile, he said to her: “Now you know who I am”.

Li Fei Long squinted as he watched his brother being friendly to Lady Xing. He did not like it.

Ming He and Qian Chang Xin moved fast. One held Ru Qing, while the other one held Lady Xing’s wrist. They both escorted Ru Qing and Lady Xing out of the pagoda. 

“Dà ge, these two servants do not worth your time to come all the way from the fu, just to catch them personally and bring them back. This is not your usual style”. Clearly, he knew there was something amiss with one of the women, Li Qing Feng purposely satirized the situation. 

Li Qing Feng approached his older brother who was standing by the door. Once he was next to him, Li Fei Long turned around then both of them walked out slowly. Looking in the same direction where Ming He and Qian Chang Xin were escorting the two girls towards the old carriage that was already waiting not far from the pagoda entrance. 

“Erdi knows me so well. The servants are not worth my time. Maybe I came all the way here actually just to see what erdi was doing all alone here?” Li Fei Long replied calmly. His eyes were still fixed to the group of his people. He moved his eyes from them after he was sure that Lady Xing already sat in the carriage. 

Li Qing Feng laughed. “I just think the view from the top would be exquisite.” 

They both turned their body and faced each other. One with his stern face while the other with a big smile. 

“Who would know the woman from Duan Wang Fu also has the same thought as I do?!” Li Qing Feng added. “Must be fated.” 

“See you at the banquet, dà ge. Let Erdi see your way out.”  Li Qing Feng gave him a slight bow then he spread his arm like he was opening the way for his older brother. He was sure the young lady with the binding foot was not his older brother’s servant. Knowing this alone was enough to make his day brighter. Li Qing Feng could not wait to see how his brother would react at the banquet. 

Li Fei Long walked away without saying anything. Satisfied with his luck for today, and pretty sure his luck would be even greater the next day, Li Qing Feng sneered behind his brother’s back. 

“The view from the top is always exquisite,” Li Qing Feng whispered scornfully.

***

Ru Ming and Ru Qing kneeled in fear for their life on the ground at the side spot of cui you yuan. Li Fei Long stood still in front of the front door, looking like he did not have the intention to even walk his way in. 

Trying to hold back her tears, Lady Xing forced herself to keep her chin up. “It was not their fault. It was not their idea. Ru Qing and Ru Ming just followed my order. Please do not punish them”.

Ming He and Qian Chang Xin were waiting behind Li Fei Long. No other taijian waited behind them. The guards were also sent away. The trio in front of the entrance of cui you yuan kept their silence until Lady Xing started to feel desperate. 

“I will think about the punishment and decide after the banquet tomorrow”. Li Fei Long’s face was as cold as how he sounded.

Lady Xing felt the chill in her heart. Li Fei Long turned around and walked away from cui you yuan. For Lady Xing, this was very cruel. She would be up all night thinking how Li Fei Long would punish her and the two poor yahuan.

She was still pensive in the same position until Li Fei Long and his two personal eunuchs disappeared from her view. Slowly turning her body, she saw Ru Qing and Ru Ming were wiping their tears with their own sleeves. Suddenly, Lady Xing remembered what she left on the dressing table. She did not realize how quick her two servants stopped their tears. Her mind was only on the note she left behind just a few hours ago. Her heart sank by the time she saw her note on the dressing table was gone. 

At the same time, Li Fei Long walked back to his main living quarters followed by Ming He and Qian Chang Xin closely. 

“Serve a nice set dinner at cui you yuan tomorrow along with the love potion. After attending the palace banquet, ben wang will come and visit cui you yuan. Lady Xing’s punishment would be to bear ben wang’s child and forever be inside the fu.” 

Ming He and Qian Chang Xin looked at each other with surprise while keeping their steps in sync behind their lord. Their lord has decided to let Lady Xing, whose her real family was still uncertain, to bear the precious descendant of the royal blood. They remembered right after the birth of duolun gege, who was conceived unplanned, Li Fei Long once said that his next child would be from his official wife. 

Both went back to stare at the back of Li Fe Long’s boots with their mind twirling on should they remind their lord or stay quiet and keep their mouth shut?

***

For a famous poet, the Dragon Boat Festival was the day that he decided to jump down into the river as he learned that his homeland had been conquered. But for the former founding emperor, it was the day to celebrate the official winning of the new dynasty, Xi dynasty. 

Every year The Emperor would extend invitations to all his ministers and his great generals. Ever since The Emperor was satisfied with Shu Gui Fei’s intervention on handling the imperial banquet for the first time, since then Shu Gui Fei had been responsible for almost all formal banquets. 

A large number of nobles and the members of the government filled up the open air behind the Hanyuan hall of the palace. Food and wine flowed continuously. The entertainment was lavish. All ambassadors of each supporting countries and states gathered to convey their good wishes.

A few years ago, on this same occasion, The Emperor announced an imperial edict for Gulun gongzhu’s marriage arrangement. Since all the important people had gathered in the same place, many expected to witness the next announcement of the marriage arrangement for Duan Qin Wang and Rui Qin Wang.

The Emperor sat on the highest chair at the banquet. The night was perfect for a celebrative mood. The temperature at the beginning of the summer was just nice for the celebration. On his right side was the Empress Dowager while on his left side was the mother of the empire. Jing Gui Fei and Shu Gui Fei shared their table with Qu Huáng Fēi, the birth mother of the third son, Ning Qin Wang and Yan Huáng Fēi, the birth mother of the fourth son, Chen Qin Wang. Those imperial women who have status lower than them were not allowed to attend the banquet. 

Li Fei Long’s table was next to the noble and imperial consort’s table. He shared table with his three other brothers and Gulun gongzhu with her beloved Fùmǎ. The couple was married for almost three years but still childless. No one dared to accuse either Gulun gongzhu or Fuma of being infertile if they wish to live a long and healthy life.

Baixiyong were performers who entertained the court with acrobatics, singing, dancing, magic and feats of strength. After finishing their performances, they all kneeled down towards The Emperor, who gave them his pardon to leave the stage. The silence hit the banquet after The Emperor cleared his throat. All who were present simultaneously stopped all their movement. All eyes centered on the most majestic person in the banquet.

“At this grand celebration, Zhen is pleased to see this empire getting stronger and prosperous. Seeing the four Qīn Wáng who have entered their adulthood yet unaccompanied by their wives. Zhen has decided that this is the time to announce Duan Qin Wang and Rui Qin Wang marriage’s arrangements.” The mighty Emperor opened his speech and created excitement among the guests of the banquet.

Li Fei Long waited calmly for the imperial edict to be read out officially by The Emperor’s personal eunuch, Du Yun gonggong. What was strange in his eyes was that Li Qing Feng acted elated throughout the night. 

They have been expecting this imperial edict. Li Fei Long has a bigger chance to win the cold war between them by marrying Han Yao Ying. However, the confident look on Li Qing Feng’s face has shaken Li Fei Long’s confidence.

Du Yun gonggong stepped forward with a substantial wooden box with sliding cover on which the letters “Imperial Edict” are engraved and painted in vermillion, the color used by The Emperor in writing. Inside the box was a smaller box on a rectangular base that was used to hold the edict. The lid of the box was fastened with two bone pins. When all eyes were focused on Du Yun gonggong, Li Fei Long focused on the profile of his brother. 

“The imperial edict...” Du Yun gonggong’s announcement was high-pitched and loud. “By the mandate of the Heaven, The Emperor hereby issues edict, Duan Qin Wang, to hold the marriage ceremony to Jiang Xi Yu gong gege, the lady of Duke of Jiang, by The Night of Sevens Festival on the seventh day of the seventh month. Rui Qin Wang, to hold the marriage ceremony to Han Yao Ying gong gege, the lady of The Grand Chancellor Han Xiu Wen, by the end of the Lantern Festival in the next following year. End of the edict.”

Li Qing Feng already came forward when Li Fei Long snapped his chopstick into pieces. Ming He rushed to his side to cover it up but the rest who sat at the same table with him had already noticed it. 

With a stoic face, Li Fei Long also came forward and stood side by side with Li Qing Feng. They both gave their respect and grateful words towards The Emperor. 

Han Xiu Wen and Duke of Jiang followed their action after the two princes stood aside. Happily received the gratitude, once again The Emperor spoke out. 

“Duan Qin Wang and Rui Qin Wang’s age was only several months apart. To hold the wedding banquet within the same year is not that auspicious. After great calculation from the Minister of Rites, it is best to hold Rui Qin Wang’s wedding, who is younger, after the new year celebration.”

The Emperor's wise words sounded distant and superficial to Li Feng Long. His mind was already burning in anger. Li Qing Feng bowed for the second time along with his future father-in-law to The Emperor to express their luck and gratefulness toward The Emperor's edict. 

Li Fei Long looked to his right to find Jing Gui Fei with a sullen face. While Shu Gui Fei, who was an arm's length away from Jing Gui Fei, was overjoyed. 

“Jiang Yong He greets Duan Qin Wang.” 

On his side, the Duke of Jiang gave Li Fei Long a respectful bow. No matter how great his anger was, Li Fei Long was not an ignorant character. This was not the fault of the person in front of him. This unexpected decree was all his fault who had been delirious looking for the real family of Lady Xing. His action might had been revealed by Li Qing Feng’s side and led The Emperor to change the decree. 

“No need for such formalities. In two months’ time, Duke Jiang will be my father in law.”, Li Fei Long said calmly. His eyes inspected the worry lines on Duke Jiang’s forehead. He even saw a trace of sweat on his forehead.

Duke of Jiang was not a bad choice. To be honest, his family background was an excellent choice. Their track record was clean and their relatives have always remained low key. 

Li Qing Feng looked very much satisfied and proud. Han Xiu Wen accompanied him to face Li Fei Long and Duke of Jiang to exchange congratulations. One merry, while the other one crestfallen. Seeing the awkward smile from Han Xiu Wen and the worrisome smile on Jiang Yong He’s face, Li Fei Long knew he had to salvage the situation. 

The mandate was official and could not be retracted. This person next to him will be part of his fu. The Duke of Jiang might have thought that either Li Fei Long or Li Qing Feng would ill-treat his daughter. No matter whose fu the daughter will be married off, being married to a Qīn Wáng could end up being a blessing or misfortune. It was normal for a man to feel worried about his daughter’s life after being sent off to another family.

Li Fei Long would never do that. He lost his great agenda, but he was not stupid to gain nothing. He just needed bigger scheme by using what he has to get what he wants.

“By tomorrow, Duan Wang Fu will start to send out wedding gifts. Whatever the requirements Duke of Jiang needs for the wedding, please feel free to convey to the fu.” Li Fei Long gave him the biggest smile he could master. In his mind, he was deliberating on how he could let go of all his anger.

***

The atmosphere inside cui you yuan was different from the other nights. Xiao Gan Zi gonggong was waiting with a few taijian behind him. Lady Xing was nicely dressed after she finished her favorite long warm bath, when Xiao Gan Zi gonggong entered the yard and personally oversaw the kitchen servants serving dinner on the table. 

All the dishes were tempting. Xiao Gan Zi gonggong stood by the side like a statue without a word. Lady Xing dare not touch the food. She felt like a prisoner waiting for her execution. This might be her last meal before whatever punishment Li Fei Long has prepared for her. 

From afar, Lady Xing heard some commotion. The front servant informed the arrival of Duan Qin Wang and there he was. 

He walked briskly with a fearful demeanor and Lady Xing knew she was doomed. She stood up from her chair while the others inside the room bowed deeply to the ground. Lady Xing did not even have time to do the same thing. 

“Where is the potion?” Li Fei Long shouted viciously as he walked in. He stopped right in front of her and stared down at Lady Xing, making her tremble with fear. 

What potion he was talking about? 

Lady Xing turned her head to the direction where Xiao Gan Zi gonggong just stayed still. One of the taijian behind him moved forward with a silver basin on his trembling hand. 

Lady Xing gasped in shock after she noticed the smell coming out from the tea pot. Before she could even rise to speak up for herself, Li Fei Long snatched the porcelain pot. His other hand grabbed Lady Xing’s wrist so she could not back off from him.

“This is your punishment.” He growled angrily at her then he gulped down every drop from the porcelain pot. 

Smashing the pot to the ground, Li Fei Long grabbed Lady Xing’s shoulder and forced his lips onto hers.

With her body squeezed hard in Li Fei Long arms, he forced her to kiss and fed her the potion until she drank all the lust potion from his mouth. She felt the burning sensation reached her throat, then her chest, and the rest was like history repeating itself. 

The difference was that this time Li Fei Long also has the same burning sensation like her. His face turned reddish. His eyes widened scarily. He let her go after he was sure she already had the same sensation as him. 

“You evil!” She hissed at him angrily. 

In front of all the servants in the room, Li Fei Long pointed at her. “All because of you! The little thorn in my life!” 

“What did I do?!” She screamed at him in disbelief. 

Xiao Gan Zi brought all his subordinates out of the room. Ru Qing and Ru Ming also slipped out of the room by the silent command of Ming He, leaving the two staring at each other furiously.

“The original plan was to make you conceive my heir and to let you stay here in the fu.” Li Fei Long shouted at her. 

He started to take off his outer robe and threw it on the ground. Then he continued with his clothing one by one while Lady Xing watched him with mixed feelings. She was angry and scared. 

“Because of the stupid effort that I made to look for your family, someone has informed The Emperor and The Emperor has switched my supposed to be wang fei to become Li Qing Feng’s. This is all your fault! And now I have to marry the daughter of the Duke of Jiang instead of Han Yao Ying.” He grinned his teeth. 

Li Fei Long has turned into a monster. Lady Xing stepped back, fighting with her inner desires as the potion began to affect her. She turned and ran.

Li Fei Long swiftly caught the end of her clothes. His hand pulled forcefully until Lady Xing’s clothes were torn. He moved way too fast for her to escape, like a leopard pouncing on its prey. Lady Xing tried to turn around to run to the bedchamber but Li Fei Long caught the back of her collar. He pulled it as hard as before and the sound of the torn fabric was clearly heard. 

The potion worked fast as it spread quickly through her blood streams. But her pride was still there. Li Fei Long hugged her from behind. She can feel his strong chest muscle as he easily lifted her back to face the table. With one swoop of his arm, Li Fei Long shoved all the plates on the table to the floor. 

The shattering glass sounded very thrilling to Li Fei Long and Lady Xing. 

“I have changed my mind on your punishment. I will not let you conceive my heir. Tonight, you will have to serve me well and by tomorrow I will set you free from Duan Wang Fu.” Li Fei Long sounded heartless and brutal.