Chapter 7: Luring the Snake Out of Its Den

Haha, that's hilarious—Xu Luoyan is so angry she can't sleep, and she's still throwing a fit.

Even the scumbag Rong is still circling Huaqing Pool looking for people.

The most infuriating is Li Defu, who actually rinsed his eyes with water—does he not know there's lime powder in it?

Li Defu's eyes are now in trouble; he'll need at least several days to recover.

Now everyone in the palace is gossiping that the Emperor has found the crabapple lady.

These days, the crabapple blossoms from every palace have been moved to Cuivei Palace, and people say that the new master of Cuivei Palace will eclipse Xu Luoyan.

Really looking forward to seeing Xu Luoyan's reaction when she learns that the crabapple lady she despises to the point of sleeplessness is Wan Tang.

Having nothing to do, Wan Tang sits in a chair, listening to the Barrage's complaints.

She can also learn what's happening outside through the Barrage.

She knows Xu Luoyan's tactics; there are ways to provoke the Emperor to go to her.

After a long time, the Emperor still remembers Qinghua Pool—does a palace maid remain there?

Wan Tang has nothing left, not even the golden melon seeds she kept for old age; what does she have left to fear?

For five consecutive days, the Emperor has been staying at Qinghua Pool.

For several days in a row, items keep being delivered—clothes, accessories, everything imaginable.

On the sixth day, Li Defu had already returned to the Emperor's side.

Done for her—now Wan Tang can't hide.

Li Defu follows the Emperor to Huaqing Pool; how could he not recognize her at a glance!

When Li Defu and Xu Luoyan join forces, the number of palace maids dying mysteriously in this palace will skyrocket.

They're really afraid they'll drown Wan Tang, then claim she slipped and fell into the water.

Wan Tang's good days have come to an end.

Wan Tang gives a wry smile.

An end?

She actually wants to know whose good days are ending.

The preparations over these days are already sufficient.

As dusk approaches, Wan Tang changes into the simplest clothes.

The Emperor said no one may enter, but never said she couldn't go out.

Fewer people remain in Yuhuayuan.

Having followed Xu Luoyan for ten years, how could Wan Tang not know that she must bathe daily in fresh flowers?

Wan Tang once again applies the ugly makeup she despises, lifts a basket, and picks flowers.

Ah!

A startled shout.

The senior palace maid beside Xu Luoyan lets out a scream.

Wan Tang turns back, looks at her, letting the senior palace maid fully confirm her identity.

"Is that you? Wan Tang!"

"You still dare to appear!"

The senior palace maid lets out another startled cry.

Wan Tang turns and runs.

What is Wan Tang doing? Is she stupid? The senior palace maid has already seen her come to Qinghua Pool.

It's over—Xu Luoyan knows she's at Qinghua Pool first.

Something's going to happen tonight!

Wan Tang remains calm, gently kneading the fresh flowers she brought back to make a unique flower tea.

Chu Yunzheng loves this fragrance.

He prefers the pear blossom scent emanating from Wan Tang's hair.

Behind a red silk curtain, Wan Tang, draped in a sheer veil, rises to pour water.

A ruckus erupts at the entrance of Huaqing Pool.

"Get out of the way!"

"You dare to block my path!"

With a furious shout, someone kicks the great gate of Huaqing Pool open, and Xu Luoyan rushes in.

Behind her, a group of rough palace servants follow, each exuding a fierce aura.

In recent days, the Emperor has not allowed anyone to follow.

Li Defu also seized the chance and hurried over together with Xu Luoyan.

The overwhelming spectacle makes Wan Tang's hand tremble, and the tea cup falls to the ground.

"Heh, you really are here!" Xu Luoyan says with a cold smile, her voice tinged with chill.

"You haven't been heard from these past days; I've been so worried I can't eat or sleep!"

Wan Tang steps back, her eyes full of vigilance.

"Lord Li, the person is here."

"Whatever you decide to do, it's up to you."

Li Defu's gaze turns icy.

He steps forward, grabs Wan Tang's arm, and drags her outward.

He snarls, "Little hoof, you think you can hide here and I won't find you?"

In this Imperial Palace, there is no place that I (servant) can't find.

Wan Tang struggled.

She shouted, "Let go of me. Even if I die, I won't follow you, you old eunuch."

Ah, you hurt my eyes, entered my house; whether I follow or not is not up to you!

Who dares to block the person I (servant) want?

Li Defu let out a cold snort, completely disregarding Wan Tang.

Wan Tang smiled in her eyes, lowered her voice: "What about the Emperor?"

Snap!

A crisp slap struck Wan Tang's face hard.

The one who acted was Xu Luoyan.

Wan Tang, beaten and lying on the ground, lifted her head and stared at Xu Luoyan.

Xu Luoyan curled the corner of her mouth, her voice full of suppressed anger: "Is this how you disgrace the General's Residence?"

"Wan Tang, indeed some people are inherently despicable from the bone."

"Li Gonggong is your husband! How can you hurt him? And you keep trying to run?"

Mentioning this, Xu Luoyan's face was full of disappointment.

She rubbed her temples and said weakly, "Wan Tang, you came out of my General's Residence; I cannot let anyone speak ill of the General's Residence."

"For the reputation of the General's Residence, don't blame my ruthlessness."

She suddenly turned her head, her smile cold and fierce.

"Attendants, break her legs for me!"

Finally, is Xu Luoyan not pretending any more?

【Wan Tang, don't be afraid, the Dog Emperor is actually already awake.】

【He is just hiding at the back, watching the drama.】

【Call the Dog Emperor to rescue you!】

Since he's awake yet remains silent, the Emperor's love truly is difficult to fathom and control.

The Emperor likes watching drama, so fine, she'll perform the drama properly.

Therefore she can only be the most fragile side.

After all, a man's protective desire is incalculable.

"Your Highness, I (serving woman) have served you for ten years, never have I ever coveted anything?"

"I (serving woman) am the maid you brought from your natal family, thus I naturally submit to your handling."

"But I (serving woman) am ultimately a woman, unwilling to share a bed with a eunuch!"

Wan Tang's voice trembled continuously, yet she strained to control her emotions.

Clearly like floating duckweed on water, yet she refuses to wail or cause a scene, shouting and making a ruckus.

She only kneels on the ground, arguing with reason.

"Shut up!"

Xu Luoyan slapped again: "You also know, you are my Nubi!"

"Since you're a Nubi, then you're no different from livestock."

"A thing not even counted as a person, what right does it have to despise your husband?"

"Moreover…" Xu Luoyan drew closer slowly, her smile on the face too demonic: "The Emperor personally bestowed marriage, weren't you quite happy?"

Wan Tang felt a chill all over her body.

Yet she still lifted her chin, staring at Xu Luoyan.

The Emperor is the lofty Son of Heaven, the master of all.

Wan Tang does not dare to hope that the Emperor could empathize with a Nubi.

The only thing that can enrage the emperor's heart is probably a challenge to his status.

Wan Tang lowered her voice, smiling at Xu Luoyan: "I will no longer let you manipulate me."

"Xu Luoyan, look at you, a Begonia girl and you have lost your sense of proportion."

"Without me, could you in the Imperial harem still be as radiant as the midday sun?"

Snap!

A crisp slap fell again.

Xu Luoyan cursed, "Despicable maid."

"You really are courting death!"

"That I can become a noble consort is the Emperor's favor!"

"And you, you are nothing."

"Today, I will see with my own eyes you get on Li Gonggong's bed."

"Serving Li Gonggong is the blessing you have cultivated over several lifetimes of depravity!"