A Fox Spirit Between Her Thighs - Chapter 20

In previous years, the Empress Dowager would deliberately begin conversations during the Spring Hunt Banquet, using gentle words laced with hidden barbs to subtly probe the leanings of various factions. This year, however, her attention appeared to be elsewhere. Whenever someone tried to steer the conversation in a pointed direction, she would quietly suppress it. Li Yao sensed that the more peaceful everything seemed, the more likely something significant was about to occur.

The Empress Dowager was a woman of exceptional cunning. Once merely a palace beauty, she had risen to the pinnacle of power. When Emperor Wen fell gravely ill, the principal consort of the Third Prince’s household, who had always been in good health, died mysteriously before the emperor’s death. The First Prince had died young, and the Second Prince, who had been named Crown Prince, became embroiled in accusations of witchcraft just as Emperor Wen’s condition worsened. The scandal led to his disgrace and eventual death. Within six months of conferring a posthumous title upon the Crown Prince, Emperor Wen passed away. The Third Prince, both accomplished in civil matters and military affairs, rose to power in response to the people’s will. Each of these incidents occurred with perfect timing and flawless execution, almost certainly orchestrated through the Empress Dowager’s design.

Li Yao looked up at the broad, blue sky. Wisps of white clouds floated gently overhead, the atmosphere tranquil and unhurried. Yet within the serenity of the palace, change could come in the blink of an eye.

The banquet began during the hour of Chen. By the hour of Si, the spring sun had grown fiercely warm. Even those seated beneath the eaves could not escape the rising heat. The white fox, naturally cloaked in thick fur, was panting heavily, looking utterly exhausted.

Knowing that Ning Yan was uncomfortable, Li Yao found a pretense to leave the garden and took her to a secluded linen storage room. Once inside, she closed the door. Understanding her intention, Ning Yan transformed into her human form.

The storage room was already remote and pleasantly cool, making it an ideal retreat. Now unburdened by her fur and without any clothing, Ning Yan felt even more at ease.

Although the interior was dimly lit, her skin seemed to glow. Her figure, alluring and softly defined, stirred desire in Li Yao’s gaze.

Li Yao moved closer, embracing the bare figure. Her lips, still tinted with rouge, latched onto Ning Yan’s soft chest, her mouth nursing the tender tip with hunger, like a child drawing sweet nectar.

This act, laden with passion and temptation, might have overwhelmed most. However, Ning Yan observed how Li Yao’s cheeks puffed slightly with each suckle. The childish appearance clashed hilariously with her usual elegance and fine attire. The contrast made Ning Yan laugh quietly.

No one would ever expect the graceful and dignified princess to engage in such indulgent behavior in a hidden corner. Yet if Li Yao was being wanton, then Ning Yan was even more so. As a fox spirit, she lived by no human laws or customs. Everything she did was guided purely by her own whims.

The continued teasing sparked her own arousal. Moisture began to form between her thighs. Her desire now ignited, she guided Li Yao to lift her head. Their lips met again. Her tongue slipped into Li Yao’s mouth, exploring and entwining with hers.

Wrapping her arms around Li Yao’s neck, she pressed their bodies tightly together. Their chests met, and she lifted one leg to wrap around Li Yao’s hips. With subtle movements, she ground herself against her, the soft hair between her legs grazing the fabric of Li Yao’s clothes. Occasionally, it brushed against her sensitive bud.

While they continued kissing, exchanging breath and warmth, Li Yao held her close with one arm around her waist. Her other hand caressed her full breast, fingers alternately squeezing and relaxing, until the soft flesh pressed out between them.

She suddenly gripped tightly, causing Ning Yan to let out a low moan.

“Mm…”

That soft, sultry sound delighted Li Yao. She loved hearing Ning Yan moan with pleasure. The sensation sent a thrill through her. Just as she was about to press Ning Yan down onto a wooden crate, a voice called out.

“Li Yao?”

Irritated, Li Yao paused and waited quietly to see whether Li Yan would leave. Ning Yan frowned, her gaze following the slowly approaching shadow outside.

She recognized the figure. This person often stared too long at Li Yao. It always made Ning Yan deeply displeased.

As a thousand-year-old fox spirit, the ability to see through walls was a trivial skill for her. She saw Li Yan approaching the door, clearly about to enter. Without hesitation, she kissed Li Yao again, resuming their passionate embrace.

The door swung open without ceremony. Sunlight spilled into the room, revealing Li Yao locked in a kiss with a naked woman.

Li Yan did not avert her eyes or retreat. Instead, she turned her gaze away and coughed lightly to signal that they should stop.

Li Yao pulled back and turned slightly, shielding Ning Yan from view. Her expression was calm, neither embarrassed nor angry. With perfect courtesy, she said, “Greetings, Princess Royal.”

Only then did Li Yao fully understand why Ning Yan had been annoyed earlier at the banquet. It was also clear why she had chosen to reveal their closeness in front of Li Yan. Her heart swelled with tenderness. It appeared that Yan’er was beginning to understand the nature of love.

Li Yan had heard a few days earlier that Li Yao had taken a favored consort. She was not surprised by her cousin’s preference for women. What puzzled her was how Li Yao had managed to bring someone into the imperial palace and hide her in the linen storage. However, she had no interest in investigating such minor matters. She had come to Li Yao in private for a more serious reason.

Facing outward, Li Yan spoke, “Chun’an, may I speak with you elsewhere?”

Li Yao turned and gestured for Ning Yan to remain and wait quietly. Although clearly annoyed, Ning Yan was not unreasonable and obediently gave her assent.

Hmph. She possessed the ears of a fox. She would listen carefully to whatever they planned to say.

Li Yao walked beside Li Yan. After they had taken about twenty steps, Li Yan finally spoke slowly. “What is your opinion of the current emperor?”

To criticize the emperor was a grave crime. Li Yao raised her eyes and looked at her cousin silently, as though unsure of the intent behind the question.

As if already expecting her silence, Li Yan gave a faint, bitter smile before continuing. “Our father died suddenly. Li Lu ascended the throne in haste. Even before he became emperor, he had a reputation for being arrogant and self-indulgent. Now, with complete power, he has thrown himself into debauchery. He builds opulent palaces, gathers countless concubines, and squanders resources with no restraint. The national treasury is nearly empty. Two years ago, the dikes at Linjiang fell into disrepair. Local officials reported the danger early, but funds were never granted. This spring, heavy rains overwhelmed the weakened structures. The floods claimed the lives of tens of thousands. Those who survived lost their homes and families. With no harvests, they either became refugees or turned to banditry.”

Li Yao continued to listen in silence. Li Yan went on to describe how foreign threats loomed at the borders. The emperor had placed his favored concubine’s uncle in charge of the military. That man embezzled funds and withheld rations, leaving the army starving and weakened. The troops struggled merely to defend the cities. “With so many disasters, both at home and abroad, the Great Wu Dynasty is in a dire state. The people live in constant suffering. Tell me, should the rightful heir be upheld, or should power be given to one who is truly capable?”

Emperor Hui’s death had left few heirs. The Empress Dowager had only one child, a daughter named Li Yan. Li Lu, though born to a concubine, had been raised by the Empress as her own. Despite their titles of mother and son, their bond was tenuous. Li Lu’s incompetence was plain to see. The Empress Dowager, a woman of extraordinary intellect, had long been dissatisfied with him. Li Yan, on the other hand, was learned, resourceful, and possessed the strategic mind of her mother. The difference between the two was as stark as night and day. The Empress Dowager had always hoped that her own child might one day wear the crown. Yet traditions forbade a female ruler, and no suitable opportunity had arisen.

Over the past seven years, Li Lu had not only failed to achieve anything but had also steadily destroyed the prosperity built during Emperor Wen’s reign. Discontent ran deep in both the court and the people. In this time of upheaval, the Empress Dowager saw her chance to dethrone him.

Li Yao was a princess with no command over troops. Even if action were taken, her role would be limited. She did not understand why Li Yan had chosen to share such important matters with her. Still, she could sense the intent behind her cousin’s words. Rather than answering directly, she responded with deference. “The Princess Royal is both wise and skilled in strategy. You are truly suited to lead.”

This response told Li Yan all she needed to know. She was pleased and said, “There is currently an opening in the court for a female official. I know you are well-versed in the classics and possess rare talent. In a few days, you will be appointed as a Civil Affairs Inspector and sent to Linjiang to assess the conditions of the people.”

With that, Li Yao finally understood the reason behind their conversation. There had never been a female emperor in history. In order to pave the way for one, a female official must first be introduced to the court. This would set a precedent and make a future ascension less jarring. Even so, the path ahead would undoubtedly be fraught with danger.

Li Yao pressed her lips together. Her mother had never said it plainly, but by urging her to attend the banquet, she had hinted at this very path. Now, fully understanding both her mother’s intentions and Li Yan’s plan, she accepted the charge and said, “I will not fail in what the Princess Royal has entrusted to me.”