A Fox Spirit Between Her Thighs - Chapter 19

The Imperial City’s Forbidden Garden required an official token for entry. Without one, it was impossible to enter freely. Ning Yan had to reveal her true form to accompany them into the palace. In order to conceal her unusual features, the violet hue of her eyes was changed to a more ordinary color.

The palace eaves rose magnificently, and the vast courtyard had already been arranged with blooming flowers in full display. Around the perimeter of the banquet seating, hundreds of blossoms flourished in vibrant competition. Anyone sitting among them would feel as though they were immersed in a sea of flowers. The setting was ornate and grand. Red silk was laid along the fragrant walkways, guiding the noblewomen who arrived right on time.

It was often said that people could be more beautiful than flowers.

Walking alongside Princess Consort Mu was a young woman in the bloom of her youth. Her lips were as red as berries, and her teeth shone white like pomegranate seeds. Her hair was arranged in elegant swirls of cloud and mist. She wore a splendid gown of deep orange-red, trimmed with golden thread along the collar and cuffs. A vivid pattern of phoenixes extended from her chest down to the hem, and her long, layered skirt swept the ground in graceful folds. She exuded remarkable elegance and nobility.

What captured even more attention was the white fox walking obediently by her side. Its ears stood tall, and its eyes sparkled with awareness. It moved with feline grace, each step light and precise. Its swaying tail followed smoothly behind. The girl and the fox looked like immortal companions from a painting, equally enchanting whether seen from near or far.

Li Yao offered her respects to the Empress and then took her seat, holding Ning Yan in her arms. Underneath the wide sleeve of her robe, her fingers began to absentmindedly stroke the soft, snowy fur on the fox’s chest. She soon found a tiny raised spot and mischievously began to press and rub it.

The small sensitive bump was teased, and the little fox let out a faint sound of protest. Irritated, she bit Li Yao’s hand. What happened on the bed was one thing. Out in public, she needed to at least maintain some decorum!

Although Ning Yan did not bite hard, her sharp teeth caused a brief sting on Li Yao’s slender finger. Li Yao furrowed her brows slightly. She then curved her lips into a smile and spoke in a gentle, coaxing voice. “Be good, Yan’er. I will stop teasing you.”

Only then did Ning Yan let go of her hand. Her expression was filled with haughty pride. She tilted her head back to look into the dark eyes above her. Then she pulled the hand down to her belly and tapped it with her paw, indicating that she wanted to be petted there instead.

Li Yao smiled in amusement and followed her request, gently rubbing her belly. She then raised her other hand and reached for the fox’s ears.

Fox ears were highly sensitive. When they detected an unfamiliar presence, they instinctively flattened. However, when the fox realized it was Li Yao’s hand, it let its guard down and made no move to resist.

Li Yao used her thumb and forefinger to gently stroke the edge of the triangular ears. The silky fur was so pleasing to the touch that she did not want to stop.

“Where did Princess Chun’an acquire such a delightful fox? It is truly fascinating,” remarked Consort Li from across the table. She had been watching the white fox resting in Li Yao’s lap. Its spirit was lively, yet it remained well-behaved. It lay quietly, allowing its master to pet it at will. Such an intelligent and obedient creature made her envious. “Are there any others like it? I would very much like to keep one myself.”

Normally, if Consort Li made such a request, some flattering official would offer up a similar animal immediately. However, she happened to be dealing with Li Yao. The Li family was not known for handing things over lightly. Even the smallest plant or tree would not be easily given away, let alone a beloved companion like this fox.

“A woman’s body is naturally of yin nature,” Li Yao replied. “However, I was born with excessive yang energy, and my health has been frail since childhood. A respected master advised me to raise a creature of extreme yin to help balance my energy. If Your Grace were to keep such a lascivious creature, it might bring you harm instead.” As she spoke, Li Yao glanced briefly at Consort Li’s stomach.

Consort Li had been in the palace for five years and had yet to bear a child. In her early years, she had captured the Emperor’s favor with her beauty. Her powerful family helped her secure the title of consort. Yet she remained childless. Each year brought new women to the harem, each more beautiful than the last. Even with her exceptional dancing and impeccable timing, the Emperor’s interest would eventually fade. Without a prince of her own, her title would become empty. Among the Empress and the four principal consorts, only she and the Empress had not produced children. As the primary wife, the Empress was protected by tradition and law. The other consorts were not so fortunate. In a few years, when the princes grew older and vied for power, her status would become precarious. Consort Li had gone to great lengths over the years to compensate for her uncooperative womb. Now, with one comment, Li Yao had rendered her speechless.

Li Yao had spoken with perfect poise. It was true that she had been sickly since childhood, and her improved complexion made it believable that the white fox had played a role in her recovery. Her explanation appeared faultless on the surface, yet it carried an unmistakable implication. Consort Li was left flustered, unsure how to respond. Pressing further would only damage her own dignity.

Everyone else continued their conversations without any change in expression. Only the mood near Consort Li grew tense. At that moment, a eunuch’s voice rang out.

“The Empress Dowager has arrived—”

“The Princess Royal has arrived—”

Everyone immediately stood and offered formal greetings. “May the Empress Dowager live ten thousand years. May the Princess Royal live a thousand years, a thousand times over.”

The Empress Dowager slowly took her seat at the high dais. Her expression was calm and kind. “All of you may rise,” she said.

She looked around the hall and noticed Li Yao among the attendees. Her face lit up. “So Chun’an is here today as well. How is your health?”

The Empress Dowager and Princess Consort Mu both belonged to the Nalan clan. Long ago, Princess Consort Mu had first married the Seventh Prince. To strengthen the clan’s influence, the Nalan family arranged for a beauty to be given to the Third Prince. After the death of Emperor Wen, the Third Prince took the throne. His official wife passed away, and his secondary consort was elevated to Empress. Upon the death of the next Emperor, that same woman became the Empress Dowager.

The once-young beauty had ascended step by step until she held the highest seat in the palace. The Empress Dowager remembered that Princess Consort Mu had once supported her rise and, because of that shared history, she treated Li Yao with special kindness. The noble title of Princess Chun’an had been personally bestowed by the Empress Dowager.

Li Yao gave a graceful bow. “Thanks to Your Majesty’s blessings, Chun’an has recovered and is in good health.”

Princess Consort Mu followed her daughter’s lead and stood as well, her face full of joy. She explained, “This child was so eager to pay her respects that, the moment she felt better, she insisted on coming to greet Your Majesty. She often remembers how you used to braid her hair when she was a child.”

Childhood memories often disarmed even the most guarded hearts. The banquet continued in a cheerful and relaxed manner. Guests shared poems and stories about the beauty of spring flowers and autumn moons. The atmosphere was filled with elegance and joy.

Li Yao, having long been confined indoors due to her poor health, had spent years studying books of history and classical literature. Her knowledge ran deep. When she offered a few poetic verses, they were modest enough not to draw attention, yet they revealed her scholarly depth.

Seated beside the Empress Dowager was Princess Royal Li Yan. She noticed that Li Yao was deliberately keeping a low profile. Her expression turned thoughtful, and she gave a subtle smile. Then she raised her wine cup in a toast to Li Yao.

Li Yao picked up her own cup from the table and returned the gesture across the room. She drank the clear wine.

In her arms, Ning Yan had noticed that Li Yan’s gaze lingered on Li Yao with a subtle and ambiguous look. A faint sense of jealousy rose in the little fox’s heart. She did not know why it bothered her so much, but it left her irritated and unhappy.

In her displeasure, she raised her paw and slapped Li Yao’s leg several times. She behaved much like a spoiled puppy demanding its master’s attention.

Her claws were retracted and her paw pads touched lightly without force so Li Yao did not feel any pain. She set down her wine cup and used her free hand to cradle the little fox’s head. Seeing the annoyed expression, she asked with some confusion, “What is the matter?”

“Aow!” Ning Yan let out a dissatisfied cry. Her brows were tightly furrowed.

Foxes, after all, were known to be jealous creatures.