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However, Concubine Yang Jieyu didn't consider that with her figure, beauty, and temperament! Plus her special status as the Emperor's beauti
However, Concubine Yang Jieyu didn't consider that with her figure, beauty, and temperament! Plus her special status as the Emperor's beautiful Concubine! What man, soaking in the same tub with her, wouldn't have impure thoughts? Unless he was an impotent man! If the other party was a normal person, they absolutely couldn't ignore such a jade-like beauty!
"Pretend you saw nothing?" Wei Tingyu heard Concubine Yang Jieyu's words, then looked at her expression, which was clearly much more nervous than before! Those sparkling eyes certainly didn't lie, so he simply chuckled. "If Concubine Yang Jieyu saw nothing of me, then wouldn't I have come in vain?" Are you kidding? I came all this way specifically to find you; how can you pretend you didn't see me? Wei Tingyu found it amusing, but on the surface, he feigned a cynical demeanor!
"Youā¦ you cameā¦ specificallyā¦ to find meā¦?" Concubine Yang Jieyu was startled. She had subconsciously used her arms underwater to cover her chest, preventing this lecher from taking advantage of her. But upon hearing his words, her confusion surprisingly outweighed her fear. Especially when she heard Wei Tingyu call her "Concubine Yang Jieyu," meaning he knew her identity! If that was the case, why was this fellow still so bold? It clearly showed he was confident! Either this night's events would never be exposed, or even if they were, he wouldn't be afraid! Recalling how Wei Tingyu could mysteriously appear in her grand hall, passing through the Imperial City's layers of guards undetected, it was highly likely he believed the latter scenario. But she was different! The other party might not be afraid, but she had her maternal family and brother to look after! And her life was still only in her twenties; although she was confined in a cage, she wasn't so depressed as to seek her own death! So, for Concubine Yang Jieyu, keeping tonight's events a secret was her biggest goal right now!
"Indeed!" Wei Tingyu saw Concubine Yang Jieyu's eyes shift slightly and knew that this young woman was certainly pondering something, so he nodded and replied.
"What do you want?" Concubine Yang Jieyu saw that Wei Tingyu had so straightforwardly stated he had come for her, so she decided not to beat around the bush and asked directly. Although she was also afraid that Wei Tingyu would immediately demand a price she couldn't give, such as her bodyā¦ But after all, one must make an offer before one has the right to bargain!
"Before that, don't you want to ask who I am?" Wei Tingyu did not answer directly after hearing Concubine Yang Jieyu's words. Instead, he smiled and retorted. For this beauty who was clearly panicking internally but still feigning composure on the surface, if he didn't tease her, Wei Tingyu would feel like he had come in vain tonight!
"..." Concubine Yang Jieyu was startled, then her beautiful eyebrows furrowed slightly. It wasn't that she didn't want to uncover Wei Tingyu's true identity, but since this fellow had snuck into the palace at night while wearing a mask, he clearly didn't want others to know. If she asked too many questions, what if this guy silenced her? Or was he deliberately enticing her to ask this question, so he would have an excuse to kill her? But thinking that way, it seemed wrong! With his mysterious movements, if he truly wanted to kill her, why would he need such an excuse? He would just strike directly! Besides, what baffled Concubine Yang Jieyu was that she didn't seem to have offended anyone. Even though she was seemingly favored in the Harem, she had always been polite to the other concubines and had never made enemies! Oh well, oh well! My life is in his hands right now, so even thinking so much won't do any good! Might as well die knowing why! Thinking this, Concubine Yang Jieyu suddenly felt a sense of relief, and instead raised her proud, pale neck, looking at Wei Tingyu and asking, "Since that's the case, who exactly are you, sir? Dare you show your true face?"
Wei Tingyu watched Concubine Yang Jieyu's expression change as if she had undergone a heavenly struggle in just a few seconds, and he couldn't help but laugh directly. Concubine Yang Jieyu had a certain spirit about her, and besides the Empress Dowager and Empress, no one in the palace held a higher position than her. So, upon seeing this Jade-Faced Fox Gentleman seemingly mocking her, anger immediately flared in her heart. She's willing to risk everything, even pull the Emperor off his horse! This concubine has thought it through! I'm not afraid to die anymore! What else is there that I dare not do?! Thinking this, Concubine Yang Jieyu said nothing more and directly reached out to pluck the jade fox mask from Wei Tingyu's face. Even if she died, she would die knowing who this person was! When she went to the Underworld to complain, at least she'd know who her enemy was!
However, Wei Tingyu hadn't expected Concubine Yang Jieyu to be angered by his teasing words. Seeing this young woman's furious look as she prepared to remove his mask, he simply didn't stop her. But as Concubine Yang Jieyu reached out to remove the mask from Wei Tingyu's face, her body also leaned slightly forward, even sitting up a little! This slight exposure of her charms made Wei Tingyu stunned by the unintended glimpse! However, Concubine Yang Jieyu apparently didn't notice that she had revealed a hint of her charms, as her attention was entirely focused on the face before her.
When the jade fox mask was removed and placed aside, Concubine Yang Jieyu was completely stunned! Previously, based on Wei Tingyu's voice and physique, she knew he couldn't be very old! But with such formidable martial arts, he should at least be around thirty or forty! Yet, looking at this young man's face now, he was clearly even younger than herself! Perhaps his age was only similar to her brother Yang Xian's?
"You areā¦?" Concubine Yang Jieyu looked at Wei Tingyu's face and fell directly into memory, but no matter how much her mind searched, she couldn't find any fragment related to this face in any corner of her memory. Soon, Concubine Yang Jieyu confirmed that she truly didn't know this person before her!
"Concubine Yang Jieyu was just speaking of me, why have you forgotten so quickly?" Wei Tingyu, seeing that his true face was already known to Concubine Yang Jieyu, naturally didn't need to hide anything anymore. He leaned back casually, resting his arms lightly on the edge of the wooden tub, adopting a leisurely posture as he spoke.
"You were just speaking of meā¦" Concubine Yang Jieyu blinked, finally realizing now. "You areā¦ Marquis Jining?!" Only this was possible! Concubine Yang Jieyu looked at Wei Tingyu with a bewildered expression, asking in a slightly trembling voice. Although she knew the answer now, her rational mind dared not believe it. This Marquis Jining had such ability? To be able to move so freely, entering the Imperial Palace at night without anyone noticing? However, this question was clearly not for the present. Thinking this, Concubine Yang Jieyu immediately frowned, then looked at Wei Tingyu and scolded softly, "Bold Marquis Jining! How dare you trespass into the forbidden palace at night!" "Do you not know this is a grave crime punishable by extermination of your family?"
Wei Tingyu looked at Concubine Yang Jieyu's indignant expression, chuckled directly, and then said, "Of course, I know!" "However, my martial arts are formidable! This inner palace is no different from walking my own courtyard!" "Unlessā¦ Concubine Yang Jieyu wishes to report this Marquis!" "In that caseā¦ this Marquis will simply accept his fate!" Wei Tingyu finished speaking, then revealed a helpless expression, looking at Concubine Yang Jieyu, wanting to see how this young woman would reply.
"..." Of course, Concubine Yang Jieyu was also bewildered at this moment. She had never dreamed that Wei Tingyu would say such words. What did he mean, the Imperial Palace was like his own backyard to him? Could they be the same? The Imperial Palace housed the Emperor's women, while his backyard housed his Marquisate's wives and concubines! Was Wei Tingyu implying something? Was he setting his sights on the women in the Imperial Palace? Don't even mention it! Just looking at how this guy jumped into her bathtub without a word, this guess seemed very plausible. Thinking this, Concubine Yang Jieyu's face actually flushed slightly.
Of course, as for Wei Tingyu's other words about her reporting him and him just accepting his fate, Concubine Yang Jieyu felt that believing even one more word would make her a fool! Report him? Could she really report him? If she actually reported him, whether Wei Tingyu would accept his fate was uncertain, but she would certainly lose her life! So this guy clearly had her in his grasp! Wei Tingyu knew that as Concubine Jieyu, she would absolutely not allow tonight's events to be leaked, so she wouldn't just not report him, but would even help cover it upā¦
Looking at Wei Tingyu's smiling face, but with his eyes full of teasing, Concubine Yang Jieyu felt her heart almost explode with anger! Putting everything else aside, the other party had truly gotten a firm grasp on her regarding this issue! This feeling, so infuriating and utterly displeasing, was something Concubine Yang Jieyu was experiencing for the very first time.
"This concubine will naturally not go out and report you!" Concubine Yang Jieyu thought this and frowned, but still feigned an indifferent expression as she spoke. However, after saying this, she hesitated slightly and added, "Provided you do not behave disrespectfully towards this concubine!"
Wei Tingyu immediately couldn't help but laugh out loud. This woman truly knew how to put on airs! She had no leverage at all, yet she insisted on maintaining the haughty demeanor of a noble lady of the palace! And upon seeing Wei Tingyu's smile, Concubine Yang Jieyu's face immediately flushed. But at this moment, she had no choice but to continue this act, otherwise, wouldn't this fellow become even more arrogant? Of course, the best way now was to change the subject! Concubine Yang Jieyu's eyes darted, then she spoke directly.
"Since it is Marquis's late-night visitā¦ for what purpose is it?" Although this bathtub was clearly not suitable for discussing serious matters, she had no other choice. As long as Wei Tingyu didn't leave, Concubine Yang Jieyu simply didn't dare to stand up.
"What do you think, Concubine?" However, Wei Tingyu did not answer directly. Instead, he looked at her with a meaningful smile. What do I think? How can I think anything? You, bold Marquis Jining, actually broke into the inner palace at night, and even shared a bath with the Emperor's Concubine! All these actions are illogical; now you're asking me to guess your purpose? I'm not a madman like you! How could I possibly know what you're thinking? Concubine Yang Jieyu grumbled internally, then even rolled her eyes slightly, but the next second she immediately reacted. Hadn't she just been about to investigate the matter of her brother, Yang Xian? Moreover, the news from her maternal family stated that this matter was directly related to Wei Tingyu!
"Did Marquis specifically come to the palace to see me forā¦ my good-for-nothing brother?" Thinking this, Concubine Yang Jieyu frowned and looked at Wei Tingyu, then asked with a serious expression. Good heavens! The two of them were bathing together in a tub, and in such an ambiguous setting, this woman could actually put on such a serious expression and speak to him in a tone asking about serious matters? One had to admit, this scene was truly incongruous! But it was also quite thrilling! Because such a bold scenario, perhaps even the small films from the Eastern Island Nation wouldn't dare to shoot it like this!
"Indeed!" Wei Tingyu nodded and said, "It's clear Concubine is truly intelligent! You don't even need prompting to grasp the key point directly!" Hmph! Do I need praise from a lecher like you? Concubine Yang Jieyu cursed inwardly, but no hint of it showed on her face.
"Just for this small matterā¦ Marquis would break into the forbidden palace at night?" However, after getting the real answer, Concubine Yang Jieyu became even more confused.
"Isn't it because I'm worried that Concubine might hear your Yang family's message and believe one side, then slander me before His Majesty?" Of course, Wei Tingyu just casually made up an excuse. This statement was one-third true and seven-tenths false, but it was the easiest to deceive people because it made logical sense. Afraid I'd slander you, so you break into the inner palace at night, even risking extermination of your family? However, Concubine Yang Jieyu's face showed a direct expression of disbelief as she looked at Wei Tingyu. Even if she truly believed one side and directly complained about Marquis Jining to the Emperor, at most it would be a conflict between two nobles. The Emperor wouldn't possibly inflict severe punishment on the current head of a founding noble family for such a minor matter; otherwise, how could he unite the hearts of these nobles? But trespassing into the inner palace was undoubtedly a grave crime! How could Wei Tingyu willingly commit a grave crime that could lead to the extermination of his family for such a minor offense that would at most result in a few reprimands?
"Although His Majesty will certainly not impose a great punishment on my Marquis Jining residence for this matter!" Wei Tingyu, seeing the confusion in Concubine Yang Jieyu's eyes, naturally understood what she was thinking, so he spoke directly again. "However, this matter is not my fault! It was Concubine's brother, Yang Xian, who was aggressive first!" "This Marquis merely gave him a slight warning!" "And if Concubine were to believe her maternal family's one-sided account and truly resent me, whispering slanders into the Emperor's ear every dayā¦" "Then this Marquis wouldn't even be able to sleep peacefully!"
The moment Wei Tingyu's words fell, Concubine Yang Jieyu's face immediately changed. She naturally knew that "whispering slanders into the Emperor's ear" was impossible for her. After all, the Emperor didn't truly dote on her; he merely used her as a cover to deceive others! However, she couldn't explain this clearly to Wei Tingyu at the moment. Of course, the Emperor's care for the Yang family was only to make this charade more convincing; she certainly had no power to whisper slanders into the old man's ear!
"Ahem!" Concubine Yang Jieyu could only cough awkwardly at this thought, then looked at Wei Tingyu and said, "Marquis Wei, you underestimate this concubine! How could this concubine be such a petty person?" "However, regarding the grievances between you and Yang Xian, both sides have their own stories. How can this concubine know who is telling the truth?" "You say this concubine cannot just believe the Yang family's message, but I also cannot simply believe your words, Marquis!" Wei Tingyu heard this and didn't find it strange. There was no helping it; Yang Xian was Concubine Yang Jieyu's own brother, so her speaking this way was naturally in line with human nature and logic.
"However, what kind of person your brother truly is, Concubine, you probably know better than I!" Wei Tingyu blinked, looking at Concubine Yang Jieyu and smiling. "..." Concubine Yang Jieyu merely pursed her lips and did not reply. Because she, his own sister, was all too familiar with Yang Xian's way of doing things! However, hearing these words from Wei Tingyu's mouth, Concubine Yang Jieyu was still very suspicious. After all, from the moment he appeared before her, her impression of this Marquis Jining was squarely that of a lecher even more arrogant than her own brother! Just the act of daring to jump into a Harem concubine's bathtubāgive Yang Xian a hundred guts, and he wouldn't dare! So, at this moment, Concubine Yang Jieyu felt that the previous conflict between Wei Tingyu and Yang Xian was probably a dog-eat-dog farce! It was likely that they had both taken a liking to that Li family's beauty and sought to bring her into their homes! Her own brother, Yang Xian, might not be a good person, but this Marquis Jining, Wei Tingyu, was even worse!
"This concubine will naturally investigate this matter thoroughly!" Thinking this, Concubine Yang Jieyu immediately frowned, then looked at Wei Tingyu and said, "I will certainly not let Marquis be wronged!"
"In that caseā¦ many thanks, Concubine!" Wei Tingyu smiled and raised an eyebrow at Concubine Yang Jieyu, adopting a cynical expression. This scene only made Concubine Yang Jieyu even more indignant. This lecher was clearly still teasing her! Indeed, her concerns were not mistaken at all!