Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 404: This Chapter Number is Very Appropriate

Sure, by the standards of this world, she was old enough, but Zhao Changhe’s years of compulsory modern education had not been entirely erased by this world. He still felt that she was a bit too young, and it made him feel guilty.[1]

He also thought about how, in aristocratic families, premarital relations such as this were considered highly disgraceful. Cui Yuanyang might not be thinking about it in her moment of passion, but as a man, he needed to be responsible and not let her be gossiped about behind her back.

In truth, as the moment approached, the little girl was becoming increasingly flustered. For one, she was wondering if it really was all right to do this before marriage. For another, she worried that giving herself away like this might make her less cherished in the future. Just as her mind was in turmoil, she noticed that Zhao Changhe was also hesitating.

They opened their eyes, their passion-filled gazes slightly clearing.

Cui Yuanyang knew what he was thinking, and her eyes softened even more

He’s still the same, always considering my reputation.

They stared at each other for a long time before Cui Yuanyang shyly whispered, “Big brother Zhao, I...”

She was just about to say that they should wait until after they were married but then someone knocked on the gate of the residence and announced, “The Imperial Noble Consort summons Young Master Zhao to an audience. She says that if you do not come, the promised reward will be forfeited.”

“?” Cui Yuanyang’s tenderness and sweetness instantly evaporated, and she raised her eyebrows in anger. “So, you weren’t worried about my reputation, after all—it’s just that you already have plans with a married woman!”

“Eh? Eh???” Zhao Changhe was dumbfounded. “Hey, you don’t believe that’s why I...”

“She’s more experienced, and I know nothing. Fine, go to her then, hmph.” Cui Yuanyang pouted, her eyes welling up with tears. “If you find me boring, just say so. Don’t make me seem unreasonable...”

Zhao Changhe: “Fuck...”

The little rabbit dashed off to the courtyard next door. As soon as she jumped over the wall, she leaned against it, patting her chest in relief.

Now it won’t look like I was the one who led big brother Zhao on and then backed out... The imperial noble consort is such a good person. She can put out big brother Zhao’s fire on my behalf.

Wait, on second thought... Isn’t she Xia Longyuan’s wife or something? Heh, Xia Longyuan messed with my family’s divine sword, so isn’t this the perfect way to get back at him?

The little rabbit huffed, her face blushing as she returned to her room. She dove under the covers, pulling them over her head. “Ugh, Cui Yuanyang, you’re so useless...”

Zhao Changhe scratched his head and helplessly went to Huangfu Qing.

Huangfu Qing had already dismissed her attendants and was lounging alone on a soft couch.

Zhao Changhe’s heart skipped a beat.

Both women could lounge elegantly with a hand propping up their head, but when Tang Wanzhuang did it while she was reading, it exuded a lazy, intellectual charm. She blended seamlessly with the pavilion and the rockery, creating a scene worthy of painting.

But at this moment, Huangfu Qing’s posture radiated only a stunning allure, her lips slightly curled in a smile that seemed even more sultry than usual, with a touch of red enhancing her lips. She appeared even more seductive than ever. She had deliberately lowered the neckline of her nightgown, revealing the upper part of her dudou, with her snow-white cleavage provocatively on display.

Any man would need just one glance to immediately think of the bed.

“You’re here?” Huangfu Qing said lazily. “Did I interrupt the bear eating the bunny?”

Zhao Changhe sighed. “Was that necessary? I wasn’t planning to go all the way—she’s too young...”

“So I did it for nothing, huh?” Huangfu Qing huffed. “It doesn’t matter. Even if I just planted a seed of doubt in her heart, making her upset with you, it was worth it. She’s been clinging to you nonstop—why should she have it all? Just because she’s flat-chested?”

Zhao Changhe did not bother arguing, and instead, he slowly approached, sitting down on the couch beside her. Then, while gently stroking her hair, he whispered, “Thank you for today.”

Huangfu Qing was stunned for a moment, and then she smiled and said, “Why do I have no idea what you have to thank me for? You do realize that the person most likely to release Wang Daozhong isn’t Empress Wang, but me when I return to the capital, right? At the very least, it would be me conspiring with the empress.”

“I figured as much,” Zhao Changhe replied nonchalantly. “It’s not a big deal. The fact that you instinctively helped today already shows where your true intentions lie. That’s why I’m thanking you.”

“But if I release him later, wouldn’t that still be disadvantageous to you? Wang Daozhong is your enemy, and he has always wanted to kill you.”

“The Four Idols Cult wants to curry favor with the Wang Clan. If the venerable orders you to do it, you’ll have to comply. But I suggest you advise the venerable that the Wang Clan’s situation with the Sea Tribe can no longer be understood as just a simple favor. When the time comes, they might not even have control over themselves. What good would their favor be then?”

Huangfu Qing pondered on this for a moment and eventually nodded. “I know. I will try to persuade the venerable.”

Zhao Changhe smiled. “Even if the venerable doesn’t listen, it’s no big deal. What can Wang Daozhong do? He couldn’t deal with me before, and he certainly won’t be able to deal with me in the future. Honestly, I don’t know if it’s because I’ve gotten used to using him, but I kind of don’t want him to die in prison.”

Huangfu Qing could not help but laugh.

Zhao Changhe gazed at her smile, and the conversation about serious matters came to an abrupt end.

Huangfu Qing’s smile became increasingly ambiguous. “I’ll stop the Wang Clan, it’s no big deal. After all, I want us to be the ones who have leverage over the Yang Clan. Why would I let the Wang Clan benefit? But I’m a little worried...”

“Worried about what?”

“Worried that instead of benefiting the Wang Clan, it might end up benefiting Tang Wanzhuang,” Huangfu Qing said softly. “Are you really the Fire Pig of Shi, or are you an undercover agent of the Demon Suppression Bureau?”

Zhao Changhe replied seriously, “This situation won’t end up benefiting the Demon Suppression Bureau.”

“Because it’s Xia Longyuan who’s behind it, and it can’t be solved?”

“Exactly. If Wanzhuang tries to patch things up for him, it won’t make any difference. Right now, Yang Jingxiu doesn’t have solid proof, so he can still appreciate Wanzhuang’s efforts. But once it’s confirmed that Old Xia is the one behind this, nothing she does will matter.”

“In other words, at least in this matter, you are the Fire Pig of Shi?”

“...I’ve always been the Fire Pig of Shi.”

“I thought you were only the Fire Pig of Shi when you wanted to nibble on me.”

Zhao Changhe said, “The favor would never go to the Demon Suppression Bureau; the Wang Clan is playing dirty and the Cui Clan doesn’t want to take the lead. If the Yang Clan wants a reliable ally, their only choice is the Four Idols Cult. Whether I’m the Fire Pig of Shi or not, as long as your venerable isn’t foolish, your side stands to gain the most from this situation.”

Huangfu Qing’s smile became even more seductive, bewitching enough to steal one’s soul. “Why does it sound like someone is asking for a reward?”

Having already slept together naked in each other’s arms, Zhao Changhe had no reservations with her as he did with Cui Yuanyang. Hearing this, he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I fulfilled your request without cutting any corners, so should I get my reward? You can’t go back on your word...”

He had been holding back for a while now—there was no point in delaying the reward any longer.

Huangfu Qing did not resist Zhao Changhe’s kisses, allowing him to turn her from lying on her side to lying on her back, letting him kiss her from her cheek to her lips and then down to her neck before burying his face in softness above her chest.

Feeling his surging desire, she held his head, breathing heavily, and could not help but feel moved herself.

Ever since that time they slept together without clothes and he withstood the temptation, she had been willing. She had even said, “If you don’t eat me, I’ll eat you.”

This time, under the premise that as long as he did well, he could choose any reward, the two of them alone in the room had already implied where things would lead. Both of them were fully prepared.

However, even though Huangfu Qing seemed to be giving her full consent, she had no intention of actually following through.

She was not about to let her emotions cloud her judgment.

Had Zhao Changhe really fulfilled his task without cutting any corners? That was still up for debate. The nature of the situation depended entirely on his own stance—if he claimed he had no ties to the Four Idols Cult, then the cult would not gain any favor from this matter.

It was not clear whether he was trying to manipulate the Yang Clan or the Four Idols Cult.

Huangfu Qing did not intend to expose this too openly. Before she called him over, her plan had been to give him just a little reward—enough to tease him but not satisfy him—so he would know that she was not ignorant of the situation.

Who really was controlling who?

As her nightgown was easily undone, they embraced tightly and kissed passionately, the atmosphere gradually heating up.

Zhao Changhe reached behind her to untie the strings of her dudou, but found that she was lying too tightly for him to reach. He said, “Lift up a bit...”

Huangfu Qing obediently arched her back slightly, allowing him to untie her dudou.

Zhao Changhe continued to work on untying it, but suddenly, her hand pressed down on his.

Zhao Changhe: “?”

Huangfu Qing murmured playfully, “Your request was for me to lift up a bit, and I’ve done so without cutting any corners. Reward time is over.”

Zhao Changhe was dumbfounded. “Hey... Hey, hey...”

Huangfu Qing giggled. “Neither of us cut any corners, right?”

Her implications were clear as day, and Zhao Changhe realized what she was worried about. He sighed helplessly and said, “How am I supposed to prove that? Should I go directly to Old Yang and tell him that I’m the Fire Pig of Shi? Just like you wouldn’t tell him you’re the Fire Serpent of Yi, I can’t just expose this identity casually.”

Huangfu Qing was also mulling over this issue. Normally, such things did not need to be said out loud. If he were truly committed to being the Fire Pig of Shi, all he needed to do was ensure that the Yang Clan’s actions aligned with the interests of the Four Idols Cult. However, that was not something that could immediately be seen. How long would that take? She did not want to drag this out indefinitely either.

It’s all because of you constantly eyeing Tang Wanzhuang and her beauty! It’s only because of her that I even have to worry about which side you’ll lean toward. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Just then, Tang Wanzhuang’s angry voice came from outside. “Zhao Changhe, are you together with Huangfu Qing again?”

Zhao Changhe: “...”

Huangfu Qing blinked her eyes.

This angry, defeated tone... it’s really something.

Tang Wanzhuang continued, her voice filled with anger, “If you truly defy morality like this, I will be extremely disappointed. If you go through with your actions, I will never support you as a prince again. Think carefully!”

Zhao Changhe was confused. Tang Wanzhuang should know by now that he never intended for her to support him as a prince—that was always her own wishful thinking. She hoped that when the time came, he would naturally step into that role. So why was she using that as a threat?

But in Huangfu Qing’s ears, this message had a completely different meaning.

You’re angry? You don’t want to support him anymore?

Well, isn’t that just perfect?

Before Zhao Changhe could figure out what was going on, Huangfu Qing responded, “I’m sorry to disappoint you, First Seat Tang. I’ve already told you before that I’m a rebel from the Four Idols Cult, and my goal is to deceive the emperor.”

Tang Wanzhuang’s voice was filled with grief and anger. “Zhao Changhe, do you really dare?”

Zhao Changhe instinctively wanted to say something, but his mouth was sealed shut by Huangfu Qing’s red lips. Just moments ago, she had been holding his hand to stop him, but now she suddenly took the initiative, pinning him down and straddling him.

Zhao Changhe’s eyes widened. “Mmph, mmmph...”

With a pained gasp, Huangfu Qing slightly furrowed her brow, and then she smiled brightly. “I wonder if First Seat Tang can sense this—your prince is already tangled with the imperial noble consort. You may leave now.”

Tang Wanzhuang fell silent like a defeated dog.

Huangfu Qing was immensely satisfied.

Baoqin, standing nearby, carefully watched her lady’s expression.

Her young miss spoke in an extremely angry tone, but in reality, there was no trace of anger or any other emotion on her face—she gave nothing away about what she was truly thinking.

Baoqin scratched her head, thinking, “Young miss, do you really think you’ve been clever with your schemes? Because somehow, it seems to me that you’ve lost big time...”

1. Yes, thank god. ☜