Chapter Eighty-Five: Zhu Zhuyun

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Yongcheng
Great Zheng Palace

The agonized cries within the chamber sent shivers through the palace maids outside, their legs trembling uncontrollably. They knew all too well what this meant—the second most powerful figure in the Great Qin, Marquis of Guannei, was anxiously pacing outside.

“You! Go inside and check the situation!” Li Yu pointed at a palace maid.

“Yes!” she replied swiftly, taking hurried steps toward the room.

Time ticked away.

Suddenly, the sharp wail of a newborn baby pierced the air, clear and bright.

Li Yu followed the sounds inside, leaving a fleeting shadow that ruffled the maids’ hair.

Before him stood Bi Ji, asking, “How should I thank you?”

“Thank you, Miss Bi Ji!” Li Yu quickly clasped his hands in gratitude, then bent toward the bedside, looking at Zhao Ji’s pale face. Gently stroking her delicate and enchanting cheeks, he said, “Mother, you’ve endured much!”

Zhao Ji smiled faintly. “I want to see our child.”

“Of course!” Li Yu nodded.

As the midwife cleaned and brought the infant over, Li Yu cradled the tiny being softly and placed him beside Zhao Ji.

Gazing at the little one before him, a strange mixture of uncertainty and responsibility welled up within Li Yu. This, he realized, was the feeling of blood ties.

I am going to be a father!

He exclaimed inwardly, his heart brimming with excitement.

“Thank you!” Li Yu sincerely expressed his gratitude to Zhao Ji.

“This is our child—a son!” Zhao Ji gently brushed the baby’s face and spoke softly.

“He is my firstborn, and I shall name him Li Qinyang!” Li Yu said without hesitation.

At the utterance of the name, Li Qinyang let out a loud cry.

Bi Ji teased playfully from the side, “Looks like he doesn’t like his name!”

Li Yu was speechless.

Zhao Ji chuckled, “The child is hungry.”

With that, she loosened her collar, and her ample bosom immediately sprang forth. The infant, drawn by the scent, latched on to nurse. Watching this, Li Yu’s mouth watered as he sighed, “Mother! I’m hungry too!”

Bi Ji laughed softly, “Competing with your own son for food—impressive!”

Zhao Ji looked at Li Yu with affection, revealing the other side as well, gently holding his hair and guiding him toward her fragrant breasts. Li Yu was instantly lost in the intoxicating aroma.

Unable to bear the scene, Bi Ji slipped out of the room, leaving mother and son alone inside.

Xianyang
Li Marquis Residence

Li Yu announced the happy news with great joy. Yan Fei caressed her belly, feeling the baby kicking, as if eager to come out. Gently patting her abdomen, she reassured, “You have a big brother now!”

Because they were both pregnant at the same time, Liu Feixu and Yan Fei had grown close, both touching their bellies, their faces glowing with happiness.

Hong Lian looked on enviously and suddenly exclaimed at Li Yu, “You’re biased! I want one too!”

Li Yu was momentarily stunned. Could he be blamed? He habitually smoothed Hong Lian’s silky hair. “It depends on fate! I have never been partial to any of you. Yan Ling Ji hasn’t conceived either!”

“You are biased! Why did you take her out to play and not me?” Hong Lian’s cute pout deepened as soon as Yan Ling Ji was mentioned.

Li Yu rubbed his forehead. “Alright, if there’s news from Loulan in a few days, we’ll all go together!”

Hong Lian’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

Li Yu nodded. “Really!”

...

Northern Grasslands

Li Yu, dressed in grassland attire, stood atop a hillside gazing toward Chang’an.

A graceful figure approached from behind.

“Husband! What’s wrong?”

Li Yu turned to Hu Ji, radiant and beautiful. “I’m going to be a father!”

“Really?” Hu Yu’s alluring eyes looked at him.

“Yes! Born to Mother Zhao Ji, the Empress Dowager!”

“What are your plans, husband?” Hu Ji knew that since Zhao Ji was the Empress Dowager, this matter would have far-reaching consequences.

“First, crown the Prince of Qin! Once the coronation is over, I’ll slip away like a cicada shedding its shell,” Li Yu said quietly, gazing into the distance.

“Husband, the map you gave me, just as you said, showed a large deposit of coal,” Hu Ji said, wrapping her arms around Li Yu from behind, feeling the warmth of her man.

...

Chuying Capital
Jiugong Mountain

Li Yu arrived for a spring outing with his three wives.

Looking upon the verdant mountains and clear waters, compared to the towering forests of later eras, this natural scenery truly belonged to a fairyland on earth.

“I still find it unbelievable! My husband is none other than Marquis Li Yu of Guannei!” Hua Ying gazed dreamily at Li Yu’s face, as if in a trance.

“Madam, to be favored by you is my fortune!” Li Yu smiled.

“Exactly! My husband loves flowers and cherishes them most! Sister Ehuang knows this best, right, husband?” Tang Wan’er smiled and snuggled close to Li Yu, acting coquettish.

Li Yu gently caressed his beloved wife’s graceful figure, thoroughly enjoying the moment.

Changping Jun Residence

“Is this the dossier on Zhao Yu? Has the investigation been thorough?” Huang Xie asked, looking at the materials in his hand.

“Yes!” a subordinate kneeled on one knee and replied.

“Unexpectedly, he’s quite the gallant! Soon after arriving in Yingdu, he frequented the Drunken Dream Tower and even redeemed a courtesan. Excellent! He’s the one!” Chunshen Jun muttered as he set the dossier down.

On the official road, a carriage moved slowly forward.

A face of exquisite beauty peered from the window. “Yu! Why don’t we ride horses? Riding in this carriage is so slow!”

She turned and swung her jade legs, the blue gown fluttering softly.

“I’m just trying not to tire you out! Besides, everywhere we stop, your presence causes trouble. Master, ruffians, even mountain bandits have appeared,” Li Yu advised, while gently stroking her smooth, tender legs, pulling her fragrant feet into his embrace to savor their silkiness.

“You don’t like it?” Yan Ling Ji’s crystalline voice was endlessly pleasing.

“I do!”

The little fairy slowly moved her jade foot upward, and Li Yu, captivated by its perfection, embraced and began to lick it!

As he licked, Li Yu suddenly paused.

Yan Ling Ji looked at him curiously. “Yu, what’s wrong?”

“Xunzi has arrived at the academy! Ignore him!” Li Yu resumed savoring the beauty at his lips.

Xianyang City was unusually lively today.

Typically refined scholars were all rushing wildly toward the city outskirts.

When Li Yu arrived, the gates were already packed, impassable.

Li Si greeted him with a bow. “Teacher, you’ve just arrived in Xianyang and came straight to the academy!”

At this moment, Han Fei approached. “Teacher, don’t meet anyone! You’ve made a wasted trip!”

A young attendant then came over, bowing to Li Yu. “Are you the Marquis of Guannei, Li Yu?”

Li Yu was taken aback but nodded. “That’s me.”

“Master Xun requests your presence!” the attendant said directly.

Li Yu glanced at the two Xunzi disciples before him, a slight smile on his face. “Please lead the way.”

“Follow me!” the attendant stepped aside and led the way.

...

Academy Pavilion

The courtyard, built in the Jiangnan style, had two people seated before a chessboard.

Li Yu knew only the basics, but as Xunzi made his moves, Li Yu smiled and asked, “May I ask the reason for Master Xun summoning me?”

“I wonder, Marquis, what is your view of Confucianism?” Xunzi asked.

“Confucianism can enlighten and establish moral standards, but it cannot govern a country!” Li Yu said plainly.

“Governance through virtue is like the North Star, which remains in place while all other stars revolve around it! If everyone held themselves to the highest standards, wouldn’t the world be enlightened?” Xunzi asked.

“Master Xun believes humans are inherently evil, but I cannot agree.” Li Yu replied.

“Why? Everyone has selfishness—that is evil. Through education and teaching, one becomes good!” Xunzi countered.

Li Yu smiled. “There are millions of people in the world, each with millions of thoughts. Good and evil depend on environment, education, experience, and personal capacity. Among the millions, there are even more ordinary beings.”

“Then how do you think a country should be governed?” Xunzi asked.

“Please, call me Li Yu, not Marquis; such a title is unworthy in your presence. I believe Confucianism can be a standard, but laws must set the lower limit. The law is a red line no one may cross; it cannot be relaxed for scholars. For long-term peace, the law’s baseline must remain inviolate. Morality can be followed, but not enforced. If forced, it becomes hypocrisy.” Li Yu spoke bluntly but truthfully. The future of Confucianism is but a nest of hypocrites.

Xunzi pondered Li Yu’s words deeply.

Li Yu was unhurried, studying the chessboard.

“Li Yu truly is a pillar of the Great Qin. This visit was well worth it,” Xunzi said politely.

“You flatter me, sir! I have a request.” Li Yu smiled.

“Please, speak.”

“May I send people to the Little Sage Village to copy some books to expand the academy’s collection?” Li Yu asked.

Xunzi stroked his greying beard. “Your academy truly embraces education without discrimination. This is impressive! Is this your hope?”

“Of course! Only by allowing a hundred flowers to bloom can we progress. Stagnation only leads to death,” Li Yu replied.

“I hope you succeed! I shall stay here in the academy a while to experience your style.” Xunzi said.

“Then I shall take my leave.” Li Yu stood and bowed.

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Far away in Handan, Lan Li’er lay shamelessly in Li Yu’s embrace—two lovers brazenly displayed.

“You are now Grand Tutor! Yet you still wish to take me out of the palace as a golden cage bird? Is wealth and glory truly so insignificant to you?” she asked.

“Desire is endless; only inner peace matters most,” Li Yu said, stroking her increasingly smooth skin, trying to enlighten her.

“But I cannot give up the wealth and glory I have!”

“You will,” Li Yu said with a mischievous smile.

...

Xingluo City
Zhu Family Residence

Since Li Yu and Zhu Zhuqing had become betrothed, the Zhu family held a simple ceremony that evening, followed by a family banquet.

No grand display, just the main family members dining together.

Not due to stinginess or disrespect toward Li Yu, but because the Xingluo Empire valued practicality over ostentation—such was tradition.

Li Yu approved of this pragmatic custom, which made things comfortable and pressure-free for him and Zhu Zhuqing.

A rectangular stone table, about 1.2 meters wide and over 10 meters long, was set with hearty dishes—platters of beef, roast chicken, bread, along with abundant fruits, desserts, fine wine, and spirits.

An additional guest, Davis, was present; otherwise, the gathering was much like the last family dinner, except for some seat rearrangements.

Zhu Zhuqing sat beside Li Yu, signaling the change in their relationship.

The Zhu family’s favored Ninth Concubine and Zhu Zhuyun still sat opposite Li Yu.

Li Yu harbored a lingering unease about the table, mainly because Zhu Zhuyun sat across from him.

After many days, Li Yu still vividly remembered Zhu Zhuyun’s silk-covered feet—their charm and seduction stimulated every nerve.

After three rounds of drinks, Li Yu casually glanced at Zhu Zhuyun.

She caught his eye and quickly glanced away, rolling her eyes discreetly—clearly still annoyed with him.

Suddenly, Li Yu felt a touch at his foot.

Again?

Indeed, a small foot in a high heel was rubbing his calf, moving upward stealthily.

He hurriedly swallowed the juice in his mouth to avoid spitting it out.

Davis was right beside him—Zhu Zhuyun, how dare you be so openly flirtatious?

Across the table sat only you and the unfamiliar Ninth Concubine—surely not her?

The Ninth Concubine, as an elder, was elegant and dignified, her posture poised and majestic, making it unlikely.

Moreover, she wore fiery red heels, while you wore black ones—easy to tell apart.

Since the last unfortunate incident, Li Yu had become particularly attentive to women’s feet, especially in occasions like this.

That high heel seemed emboldened by previous experience, boldly invading his defenses.

He gasped inwardly but forced himself to endure.

Discreetly, he glanced down.

His eyes widened.

No, it was red...?

Li Yu looked again.

Red—truly red!

Red high heels!

It was... the Ninth Concubine’s long legs!

His breath caught.

Sweat poured down.

So the last family dinner’s teasing was from the Ninth Concubine, not Zhu Zhuyun.

What a big misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, Zhu You and Davis were engrossed in discussing state affairs, completely unaware that under the table another kind of heat was rising.

Li Yu’s mouth twitched as he looked at the stately Ninth Concubine.

She immediately noticed his gaze and smiled, lifting a wine glass gracefully to her plush lips, sipping as if nothing was amiss. Yet a glint of meaning flashed in her eyes.

She didn’t keep staring; after a brief exchange of looks with Li Yu, she turned back to listen to Zhu You and Davis’s lively debate, occasionally interjecting.

So you’re the tormenting enchantress!

You hide it well.

Impressive!

Slip-up, slip-up.

Li Yu’s mind went blank momentarily.

He lowered his head to drink, concealing his embarrassment.

Now was no time for any commotion; formidable figures were present who could easily detect such signals.

Zhu You was an 89th level Soul Fighter.

The Ninth Concubine was rumored to be a Soul Emperor in her early twenties, a stunning beauty whose real age was probably twenty-seven or twenty-eight.

But what of that? Beauty and power should not torment one so.

Li Yu secretly lowered his hand to gently stroke the silky feet, signaling to stop.

The little foot trembled slightly and ceased.

But next, the movements grew bolder, and the other foot, clad in silk stocking, also joined in.

So brazen!

Unable to resist, Li Yu decided to learn to enjoy it.

The torment came from having to remain hidden, the overstimulation without release.

The pleasure was from her exquisite footwork.

He recalled the glimpses of the Ninth Concubine’s subtly transparent skirt revealing straight, snow-white legs and delicate feet—too much to bear.

Just then, Davis turned to Li Yu.

“Brother Li Yu, what are your plans?”

If Li Yu truly joined the Martial Soul Hall, it would be a great loss to the Xingluo Empire.

“Giggling,” the Ninth Concubine smiled coquettishly, “Prince, don’t trouble Yu’er! As the Zhu family son-in-law, he naturally won’t go against the family’s wishes, right?”

She looked pointedly at Li Yu.

Calling him “Yu’er” in a senior tone while her feet did not rest.

Believe me, I’ll accuse you of harassment.

But really... too stimulating...

Li Yu forced a smile, nodding politely to thank the Ninth Concubine for her “care.”

After a while, Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun left, full.

Li Yu was pulled by Davis and others to continue drinking and chatting.

Soon, Zhu You and the Ninth Concubine prepared to leave. Before departing, the Ninth Concubine smiled and generously extended her hand to Lu Feng.

“I’ve never formally introduced myself. I’m the Ninth Concubine of this household, surname Xu. Just call me Aunt Xu!”

“Aunt Xu!”

Li Yu politely responded, secretly feeling the softness of her hand in his palm.

He merely squeezed lightly, then quickly let go.

He exhaled in relief—the temptress was finally gone.

When shaking hands, he felt a small bundle slipped into his palm.

What scheme now?

Li Yu looked at the lithe figure of Aunt Xu as she walked away, her slender waist and ample curves swaying seductively, legs lifting gracefully.

He dared not look longer; her mature charm was both elegant and provocatively alluring.

After some time, Li Yu saw Davis off, then returned alone to the inner courtyard.

Only then did he take out the note Aunt Xu had given him.

It read: “Tonight, Rose Grand Hotel, Room 605.”

Heh!

A rendezvous, huh?

The Rose Grand Hotel in Xingluo City was the flagship of a chain, with branches in many places, including Soto City.

Li Yu understood Aunt Xu’s intentions when he saw those red heels—a beauty trap!

When Li Yu publicly supported Zhu Zhuqing and challenged the Xingluo Royal Soul Masters, the whole empire learned of his preferences, or, shall we say, weaknesses.

Such cunning women are hard to handle!

Li Yu pondered how to respond. Although he cared about gaining a body, he cared more about hearts and minds.

Far away in Zhao Wang City, Li Yu gazed at the da si ming who delighted him, lost in thought.

Li Yu recalled that in the story of Douluo, the Xu family replaced the Dai family as the new king.

Interesting!

As Li Yu returned to his courtyard, a shadow had already slipped into his room.

Zhu Zhuyun grew increasingly curious about Li Yu, sensing he must have a great secret, at least from the name he used publicly.

As Li Yu’s footsteps approached, Zhu Zhuyun impulsively jumped onto his bed, lifted the covers, and hid inside.

Upon entering, she smelled the pleasant sandalwood scent under the covers and sobered quickly.

What was I thinking? Hiding here was the worst choice.

But the door was opening. She only hoped Li Yu hadn’t noticed her.

Li Yu looked at those two towering peaks on the bed and wanted to laugh.

Stepping into the courtyard, he sensed someone inside; as his mental power expanded, the teasing little wildcat and her graceful figure appeared clearly before him.

“Qing’er! I didn’t expect you to be so forward!” Li Yu said, beginning to undress.

Soon he was naked, light off, climbing into bed directly, clutching the little wildcat and fondling eagerly, unable to wait.

No choice—the teasing in the dining room nearly made him bleed! If he hadn’t restrained himself, his nose would have bled.

You asked for this! Li Yu grasped those towering peaks forcefully and began tearing the tight bodysuit apart.

Zhu Zhuyun’s head felt like mush, unsure what to do, seemingly losing all thought, suppressing a faint cry.

She hesitated; Li Yu did not.

“Qing’er, it’s our first time tonight. I’ll be gentle.”

He licked her enticing earlobe; darkness held no fear for Li Yu.

Her short brown hair and flushed neck all marked the heroine’s identity.

Hiding under the covers, deliberately silent.

Interesting.

Then I’ll cooperate with you.

“Qing’er! I have a technique to help you break through and improve your constitution. Now, I’ll teach you,” he said while licking over her entire body, including the mysterious flower.

Reason told Zhu Zhuyun to stop Li Yu.

Her status was no ordinary one.

She was the Zhu family’s eldest daughter, bearing the family’s rise and fall.

She was the future Crown Princess, destined empress. If things got out of hand, the Xingluo Empire could erupt into chaos, harming her, the Zhu family, and Lu Feng.

At this moment, her heart was a tangle of emotions.

Among them was a trace of revengeful pleasure.

Since Li Yu appeared and boldly declared for Zhu Zhuqing, she had grown jealous of her sister.

In the spotlight, Li Yu openly challenged the entire Xingluo Empire just for Zhu Zhuqing.

Her so-called fiancé, Davis, cared only for profit; women were mere tools to him.

Now, on the night of Zhu Zhuqing’s engagement, she lay in Li Yu’s bed.

In a way, that satisfied her jealousy and balanced her mind.

But overall, Zhu Zhuyun felt she had suffered a great loss.

Her feelings were complicated.

Li Yu’s arrival had stunned not only Zhu Zhuqing but others as well.

Men’s tolerance for beauty is akin to women’s tolerance for handsome men. Li Yu was not just handsome; his aura was unlike any man on the continent.

He seemed to hold everything in his grasp, looking down upon all beings.

That was why Zhu Zhuyun was captivated by Li Yu.

Why did Li Yu stand up to challenge imperial power and not her?

“Yun’er! I’m coming in!” Li Yu whispered gently in her ear.

“Mm!” Zhu Zhuyun nodded instinctively.

A sharp pain brought Zhu Zhuyun back to full awareness, her eyes meeting Li Yu’s gentle gaze.

“You did this on purpose.” Zhu Zhuyun glared.

“Of course! Though you sisters look alike, your scent is different. Besides, you are more curvaceous!” Li Yu said, thrusting again.

A seductive sound escaped her lips.

“Why?”

“Because! I fell for you at first sight too!” Li Yu accelerated.

“Bad boy! Oh!~”

A purple mist swirled.

The entire Xingluo Empire was enveloped in a vast purple haze.

Room 605, Rose Grand Hotel

Xu Youwei stared out at the fading purple mist, feeling the passage of time.

“He probably won’t come, right?”

Disappointment crept into her heart.

Thinking of the young man’s embarrassed face, a faint smile appeared on Xu Youwei’s lips.

I want to devour him!

Even if not for the family, I would be willing.

Xu Youwei stood to leave.

“Ding ding ding!” A knock sounded.

Xu Youwei paused, then brightened.

She held her silky close-fitting dress, opened the door, but her joyful expression quickly faded. “What is it?”

“Our hotel informs all esteemed guests that the outside fog poses no health risks. Please rest assured!” The attendant bowed and explained.

“Understood!” Xu Youwei waved and closed the door.

“Ding ding ding!” Another knock came.

“What now?” Xu Youwei asked as she opened the door again.

“I’ve come to meet the celestial fairy!” Li Yu’s radiant smile appeared before her.

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