At this moment, both their hearts pounded wildly.

He was completely stunned.

The soft sensation on his lips momentarily plunged his mind into confusion, though his body faithfully responded first.

Completely ignoring her command to “not move,” his arms encircled her, holding her tightly.

She angrily struggled twice, but he managed to squeeze out two words with great difficulty: “Someone’s coming.”

Fu Lingchuan had already reached the door.x

Fine then, if they were putting on a show, they might as well make it convincing. She immediately stopped struggling and wrapped her arms around his face, her tongue secretly advancing, kissing him even more enthusiastically.

It wasn’t entirely an act. In the quiet depths of night, she occasionally recalled the sensation of their lips and teeth intertwined, that heart-pounding feeling, that desperate intimacy.

Truly, it was only occasionally.

But that didn’t prevent her from thoroughly enjoying herself now.

Even knowing Fu Lingchuan would appear any moment, she still reached out and wrapped her slender arms around his neck, holding him tightly.

The harder she held, the more “Yu Linlang” relaxed, simply withdrawing his own hands.

So when Fu Lingchuan stepped in, the first scene he witnessed was her from above, embracing Gu Gengqing’s younger son, kissing him passionately, as if sucking sweet nectar, while the latter seemed somewhat awkward, not knowing where to place his hands.

It felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured over his head, yet what bubbled up was vigorous rage. Before Fu Lingchuan’s mind could process it, he had already rushed forward in a single stride, reaching out to separate them.

“Changle!” This explosive shout made the water in the cups tremble continuously.

Feng Miaojun reluctantly released her lord. Fu Lingchuan could even hear the “pop” as their lips parted. She stepped back, avoiding Fu Lingchuan’s palm, her delicate face still flushed: “State Preceptor, are you going to lay hands on me?”

“You… how could you…” Fu Lingchuan dared not look at her anymore, fearing he might lose control in his fury. He suddenly glared at Yu Linlang, his gaze seemingly able to devour people. “Get out!”

“Yu Linlang” took a step outward, but Feng Miaojun grabbed his arm, saying in a captivating voice: “What are you afraid of? Be a good boy and listen, and you’ll be rewarded.”

Her words were extremely flirtatious.

Fu Lingchuan’s eyes bulged with rage: “Changle, don’t be foolish. You are the ruler of a kingdom…”

“I am the ruler of a kingdom, what’s wrong with favoring a man?” She sneered, “I still have the three palaces and six courts to fill.”

Fu Lingchuan was furious beyond control and could no longer restrain himself. He thrust his sword toward Yu Linlang.

He couldn’t harm the Queen, but killing a man she had taken a fancy to wasn’t difficult.

In his rage, his sword qi extended over three feet, enough to disembowel Yu Linlang. However, how could Feng Miaojun sit idly by? From her wide sleeve emerged the Star Sky Awl, deflecting his attack with one move, while her other awl pointed directly at his carotid artery.

In an instant, they exchanged seven moves. Sword energy crisscrossed the small room, even tearing the wall hangings.

Chen Dachang rushed in from somewhere, standing protectively in front of Feng Miaojun.

Just then, a resonant “clang” was heard. Fu Lingchuan retreated two steps, while Feng Miaojun stood holding her awl.

Chen Dachang shouted: “State Preceptor Fu, you dare raise your hand against the sovereign!”

Feng Miaojun lifted her chin slightly, her face full of arrogance. “Mind your status, State Preceptor!”

A piercing cold spread from where she stood to all sides. Within moments, the once warm room had turned into an ice cellar. Walls, tables, chairs, and even the flowers in the corner were covered with a thick layer of frost.

Yu Linlang exhaled white mist.

Shocked by this cold, Fu Lingchuan suddenly came to his senses.

What was he doing? Attacking the Queen?

If this got out, it would be grounds for the world to condemn him!

He deflated at once, retreating two steps, and said through gritted teeth: “Your Majesty is magnanimous. I overstepped my bounds.”

Disappointment flashed in Feng Miaojun’s eyes, gone in half a second: “You may control state affairs, but you have no right to manage my personal life. If you dare interfere, I’ll chop off your hands!” These words were stern and fierce, but when she turned to smile at Yu Linlang, it was like a gentle spring breeze. “The palace is boring. Accompany me to see the snow; I know a nice place.” The palace was full of Fu Lingchuan’s eyes and formations; she needed a quiet place to confer with him.

“Yu Linlang” responded with a “Yes,” and supported her as they turned to leave.

He didn’t need to look back to know that Fu Lingchuan was staring at his back, his gaze like knives and swords, wishing to stab a few holes in him.

Chen Dachang stayed last to cover their retreat, preventing Fu Lingchuan from attacking again.

After the three left, Fu Lingchuan’s chest was still heaving. With bloodshot eyes, he backhanded the solid sandalwood desk, shattering it to pieces.

Flying Waterfall Manor was located forty li east of Wuseier City, built alongside a cluster of waterfalls.

There were twelve waterfalls of various sizes here, some magnificent, some delicate, some flowing through ravines, others displaying grand scenery.

In spring, summer, and autumn, one could admire the flower seas, bamboo forests, and splashing pearls of water; in winter, the water froze, yet the waterfalls still maintained their rushing torrential appearance, as if the most spectacular moment had been frozen in the crevice of time for people to appreciate.

Flying Waterfall Manor was royal property, off-limits to outsiders. The finest pavilion was built on the cliff, facing the waterfall with a deep pool below. One could enjoy the beautiful icy waterfall view sitting in the corridor.

Outside it was the dead of winter, but inside the pavilion was warm with a subtle fragrance drifting about.

They arrived in two separate carriages. Upon entering the warm room, handmaidens helped them remove their cloaks and brought fruits and warming stoves. Feng Miaojun waved her hand: “Leave us.”

The servants withdrew, closing the door for them. “Yu Linlang,” who had been standing behind her respectfully, didn’t waste a second. He stepped forward, reaching out to embrace her slender waist.

She was prepared and with one sidestep was four feet away.

But just as she steadied herself, her vision blurred. That person had somehow followed like a shadow, extending his arm, his hands not changing their target.

Feng Miaojun raised her fine eyebrows and lightly shouted: “Stand back!” A fist shot toward his face.

She had brought him here to discuss serious matters.

The force of her punch was fierce; if it truly landed, that handsome face would surely be flattened.

The man dodged with a tilt of his head and sighed: “How cruel.” Though she was beautiful, she was a rose with thorns, a kitten with unclipped claws. Each time before getting close, he had to disarm her defenses first—he wondered if this counted as a form of flirtation.

With one push, he caught her delicate fist, then moved to pinch her neck, but a slight breeze rose from below—she had unhesitatingly raised her foot to kick him.

She still showed some restraint, not aiming for his vital areas, only kicking at his knee joint.

Yun Ya had to step back.

Feng Miaojun breathed a slight sigh of relief, standing firmly, she said: “No touching. I have something to—”

Before “say” could leave her mouth, a tremendous force transmitted from his palm, invading her eight extraordinary meridians through her fist.

That force was fierce yet incredibly familiar. Simultaneously, the Mark of the Divine Turtle at her dantian emanated a shocking suction, attempting to drain all her spiritual energy.