Taohua knew she couldn’t expect Shen Zaiye to show mercy towards Zhao. Even though their relationship had been smooth and harmonious these past few months, he would not let sentiment interfere with important matters. Zhao’s national power had weakened, making it easier to conquer compared to Wu. Rather than nurturing a tiger that might become a threat, Shen Zaiye would certainly choose to strike first.
“This concubine has reviewed the original alliance treaty,” Taohua said with a smile. “Zhao and Wei joined forces, each providing troops and commanders. According to the troop ratio, the division of Wu’s territory was to be three parts to Zhao and seven to Wei, correct?”
Shen Zaiye released her and stood up to pour tea. “That’s right, but we didn’t discuss the details then. Wu’s territory includes both prosperous and barren areas. The specifics of how to divide it should be discussed when His Majesty returns.”
Feeling the space behind her, Taohua pursed her lips and curled up on the soft couch, falling silent.
Shen Zaiye lowered his gaze, deep in thought. Suddenly, he remembered to ask, “Where did your master go? I feel like I haven’t seen him for half a month.”
Taohua smiled, continuing to embroider the handkerchief in her hands. “He was homesick, so he said he’d return to Zhao for a visit.”
Shen Zaiye’s expression changed. He turned to look at her. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”
“Doesn’t my lord dislike my master?” Taohua blinked innocently. “So I didn’t mention anything about him to you.”
Shen Zaiye chuckled softly. He returned to the couch and trapped her between his arm and the wall, gazing at her intently. “You’ve been with me for so long, yet you still don’t trust me?”
Taohua shook her head quickly. “My lord misunderstands. This concubine trusts you the most!”
Her words sounded hollow. Trust him? Trust that he would let Qian Bai Mei return at such a crucial moment?
“His Majesty is returning from the campaign,” Shen Zaiye said, watching her. “He will pass through Zhao.”
Taohua’s heart chilled. She nodded blankly, her face paling. “This concubine trusts you and the emperor. You’re just passing through, nothing else.”
“I have something to do,” Shen Zaiye said, pressing his lips together. He reached out to touch her cold face. “I want to kill Zhao’s empress.”
Lü Shi? Taohua was surprised. “Why?”
Why kill the empress instead of the emperor? What purpose would that serve? Although Lü Shi controlled court affairs, she didn’t have the title of emperor.
“It’s because of you,” he said, his tone softening. He pulled her into his embrace, resting his chin on top of her head. “Don’t you have an important weakness in her hands?”
The poison? Taohua stiffened. After a moment, she asked, “Did my master tell you?”
“Don’t worry about who told me,” Shen Zaiye said. “Just tell me, do you want the antidote? Do you want Lü Shi dead?”
Taohua shook her head. “I want the antidote, but there’s no need for Lü Shi to die.”
“Why not?” Shen Zaiye raised an eyebrow. “I heard she and her daughter were quite harsh to you. Don’t you hold a grudge?”
“No matter how harsh, we’re still family,” Taohua said. “Using outside forces to deal with family matters seems excessive.”
This was just a polite excuse. The real reason was that she feared Shen Zaiye might use killing the empress as a pretext to send her father to heaven as well, which would be disastrous.
However, hearing this, Shen Zaiye’s face instantly darkened. “Outside forces?”
“Hm?” Taohua hadn’t reacted yet when she felt him release her. His face was as cold as ice, his eyes like daggers. “Am I still an outsider to you?”
This… Her calculating heart hadn’t dissipated, and barriers still existed between them. To be honest, he could still be considered an “outsider.” But seeing his genuine anger, Taohua quickly threw herself into his arms, hugging his waist and twisting coquettishly. “This concubine misspoke. Please don’t take it to heart! Your expression is truly frightening. Quick, smile for me!”
Shen Zaiye was truly angry, but seeing this little girl act as soft and cuddly as a kitten made him lose his resolve. His face remained stern as he said in a deep voice, “Think about it. You’ve been married to me for almost a year. How can you still consider me an outsider?”
“No, no,” Taohua waved her hands. “My lord is my most intimate person!”
Shen Zaiye: “…”
He snorted, his expression softening. He glanced at her and said, “Since I’m your intimate person, it’s only right that I get the antidote for you. As for the Zhao empress’s life, if you don’t want it taken, I’ll spare her.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Taohua smiled. Suddenly, she hooked her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lips.
Shen Zaiye was startled for a moment before curling his lips into a smile. He flipped her over, pressing her down onto the soft couch.
“There’s something I’ve always wanted to ask but didn’t dare,” Taohua said, resting her paws on his shoulders and gazing at him with sparkling eyes. “Do I have any place in your heart?”
Instead of answering, the man above her lowered his head and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Their clothes loosened, and broad daylight witnessed unlimited spring scenery on the soft couch, frightening Qing Tai into retreating.
“What does this mean, my lord?” Taohua submitted to his passion with a pitiful expression. “You won’t speak and you bully me like this?”
Shen Zaiye chuckled and looked down at her. “Are you a fool?”
His actions spoke louder than words, didn’t they?
“Then…” Taohua revealed a girlish coyness. “If one day this concubine’s life was in danger, would my lord care?”
He bit her lip lightly and glanced at her. “What do you think?”
Taohua relaxed and wrapped herself around him, saying sincerely, “Thank you for valuing me, my lord.”
Do women always like to overthink during intimate moments? Shen Zaiye pressed against her, finding it somewhat amusing. Since when had Jiang Taohua become so insecure? There were some things he didn’t say, but didn’t she already know?
Taohua closed her eyes, banishing distracting thoughts and immersing herself in their passionate encounter. They made love longer than ever before. Shen Zaiye was in a good mood, feeling that this little girl had grown dependent on him. When he left that night, the corners of his mouth kept turning upward.
The winter chill was intense. When he arrived at Floating Cloud Tower as promised, Xu Yangui and others were already waiting.
“It’s so cold,” Xu Yangui said, rubbing his hands and glancing at him. “Shouldn’t you be wearing thicker robes? Why are you still wearing this cotton robe with strange patterns?”
He couldn’t help but comment. This man was too contradictory, complaining about Jiang Taohua’s poor embroidery while stubbornly refusing to take off the robe.
Shen Zaiye waved his hand. “Let’s discuss business.”
A man nearby stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty has followed your instructions and is taking the route through Zhao. The third prince of Zhao is also returning with them. Lord Jiao has remained to guard Wu’s capital.”
“Very good,” Shen Zaiye said, spreading out a sheepskin map. He pointed to Zhao’s capital. “Tell them not to make any moves before reaching here, to avoid alarming our targets.”
(End of Chapter)