The Dog Emperor Has Gained Telepathy - Chapter 09 【9】

Chapter 09 【9】

【9】

Crash—

The sharp, piercing sound of shattering porcelain suddenly erupted within Yonghe Palace. All the palace servants inside the hall trembled as they knelt, not daring to make a sound.

His Majesty actually held her hand? And held it all the way?

Seated on the rosewood throne, Gu Guifei, dressed in purple robes, was so furious her face turned pale. Her trembling finger pointed at the young eunuch in blue robes kneeling on the floor: Are you certain you saw clearly?

The young eunuch pressed himself against the floor, cautiously replying: Absolutely certain! Not only did this humble servant see it, but all the palace staff on duty in the Hall of Mental Cultivation saw it clearly. It was His Majesty who actively reached out his hand to Lu Jieyu.

The word actively made Gu Guifei feel even more distressed. In the two years since she entered the palace, she had tried countless methods to get close to His Majesty, yet he had always maintained an aloof, ascetic demeanor that kept everyone at a distance.

She had even suspected whether His Majesty had some hidden ailment, so she secretly added that kind of blood-tonifying medicine to the soup sent to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. When the medicine took effect, she clearly saw His Majesty’s reaction—his cold, pale face flushed crimson, his narrow eyes dazed.

But when she actively threw herself into his arms, he pushed her away without any courtesy, as if seeing some venomous snake or ferocious beast, even forcibly enduring the medicine’s effects to scold her: Get out.

That night happened to be in the depths of winter, with heavy snow falling. His Majesty took several cold baths before the medicine’s effects finally subsided.

The next morning, the decree of Guifei confined for three months, never permitted to set foot in the Hall of Mental Cultivation again arrived at Yonghe Palace—if not for her aunt, father, and brothers pleading together, she would certainly have been deposed by His Majesty and sent to the cold palace. If it were any other consort, she might have been executed on the spot.

Recalling that unspeakable past, Gu Guifei couldn’t help but tighten her grip on the coral bracelet in her palm. Her aunt had clearly told her that His Majesty kept his distance due to psychological trauma from his childhood experiences, not because he truly disliked her. But now… how could he be willing to get close to that Lu Zhiwan?

Could it be that Lu knows medicine, or has some other exceptional skill?

Sitting silently with a grim expression for a long time, Gu Guifei waved for Suyi: A few days ago, my elder brother sent some premium West Lake Longjing tea. Go to Changchun Palace and invite Du Jieyu and Beauty Zhao to join me for tea tasting.

Suyi understood her meaning: This servant will go at once.

Listening to the retreating footsteps of the palace maid, Gu Guifei silently pinched a coral bead, a cold glint flashing through her charming fox-like eyes.

Her aunt was too soft-hearted, enduring Emperor Xian’s Zhen Guifei for decades until Zhen Guifei herself died young from illness, finally tasting sweetness after bitterness. She refused to be as passive as her aunt—before that Lu woman could become the next Zhen Guifei, she needed to take preventive measures.

***

Lu Zhiwan remained unaware of the various sinister changes brewing in the rear palace. For now, she sat in the carriage, listening to the lively shouts coming from the streets outside the window. She particularly wanted to open the window and get a good look at this ancient scenery, but with the moody living ancestor sitting across the carriage, she didn’t dare make any rash moves.

Seeing the black-robed man leaning against the carriage wall, appearing to be resting with closed eyes and drowsy, yet his large hand held hers, occasionally squeezing and kneading it as if playing with some stress-relief toy, Lu Zhiwan still couldn’t resist cautiously asking: Your Majesty, where are we going?

The large hand squeezing hers paused for a moment. The emperor with his dark hair and jade hairpin still kept his long eyes closed, his tone indifferent: You’ll know when we arrive.

Oh. He might as well have said nothing. How boring.

As if hearing her inner thoughts, the man before her suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze slowly turning toward her: Are you afraid of cats?

Cats? Why would I be afraid of them? Lu Zhiwan was taken aback for a moment, her bright dark eyes blinking lightly. Your Majesty, why do you ask?

Just curious.

Xiao Jingting closed his eyes again, leaning lazily against the carriage wall. It’s best that you’re not afraid.

Lu Zhiwan pondered his words, vaguely guessing—was he taking her to pet cats? In modern dating, cat cafés were quite popular spots. Could it be that this Great Xing Dynasty had something similar? Their leisure activities seemed quite rich indeed.

After another half-hour of smooth travel, the carriage stopped before a residence with a plaque reading Jinli Garden.

Staring at the exquisitely built mansion, Lu Zhiwan clicked her tongue in surprise. So they really were here to pet cats—but this cat café was far too luxurious!

Xiao Jingting tilted his head, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over her fair profile. Why have you stopped?

N-nothing. Lu Zhiwan snapped back to reality. Knowing they were here to pet cats eased her nervously pounding heart, and her tone grew noticeably lighter. Your Majesty, do you like cats very much?

I do.

What a wonderful coincidence! This concubine also adores cats. Lu Zhiwan flashed Xiao Jingting a sweet smile. To think that on only our second day, we’ve discovered a shared interest. It seems this concubine and Your Majesty are truly fated.

Xiao Jingting watched her for a moment upon hearing this, his thin lips curling in a faint, ambiguous smile. Then you should like them even more when you see them later.

This estate was likely the emperor’s private residence—deep and vast, with few buildings and mostly open spaces, hardly resembling a place for people to live.

Lu Zhiwan followed closely behind Xiao Jingting. After walking about twenty paces inward, strange roars faintly echoed from ahead.

Lu Zhiwan’s willow-leaf brows furrowed slightly. Your Majesty, do you hear something odd?

Xiao Jingting’s expression remained utterly unchanged as he strode forward calmly. No.

Really? Lu Zhiwan pricked up her ears and listened again. This time, there was no sound, and she chuckled awkwardly. Then this concubine must have misheard.

Though she said this, as they continued forward, she unconsciously drew closer to the man in front of her.

Xiao Jingting noted her subtle movement, his dark eyes flickering briefly, but he said nothing more.

After walking further in, a tall wall appeared before them, featuring a vermilion iron gate flanked by two rows of guards and a red-robed eunuch who clearly held some authority.

Upon seeing the visitors, the red-robed eunuch hurried forward with a beaming smile. This humble servant welcomes Your Majesty.

Turning to Lu Zhiwan, he greeted her cheerfully: This must be Lady Lu? This humble servant is Chen Jinxi, chief steward of Jinli Garden, paying respects to my lady.

Lu Zhiwan smiled politely. Steward Chen, there’s no need for such courtesy.

After a brief exchange, Chen Jinxi stepped aside, respectfully guiding them inside.

Xiao Jingting stepped through the iron gate, casually asking, How are the cats today?

Your Majesty need not worry—the little ancestors are all doing well. Chen Jinxi grinned. Usually, Yihua and Erhua would be resting at this hour, but perhaps they knew Your Majesty was coming to visit, so they’re still awake. Would Your Majesty like to see them first?

Xiao Jingting didn’t answer immediately, instead turning to Lu Zhiwan. Would you like to see Yihua and Erhua first, or go see Xiao Caiyun?

Lu Zhiwan was taken aback for a moment. He actually kept so many cats? Well, a cat was a cat—what difference did it make which one she looked at? She offered an understanding smile. This humble consort will follow Your Majesty’s lead.

Then let’s go see Yihua and Erhua. If we’re any later, they might be asleep and won’t be able to play with you. As Xiao Jingting spoke, he raised a hand to signal Chen Jinxi. Open the door.

Chen Jinxi acknowledged the order and glanced at Lu Zhiwan with newfound admiration. Who would have thought this delicate-looking Lu Jieyu would be so bold?

Soon enough, the group arrived before the gate of another tall and splendid courtyard.

Lu Zhiwan surveyed her surroundings, taking in the scattered, independently built courtyards, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—how the times had changed, where humans lived worse than cats. These feline residences were even more spacious than her own Liuxia Pavilion.

As she pondered, Chen Jinxi had already opened the gate and bowed to make way.

Xiao Jingting looked at Lu Zhiwan. Go on in.

Yes. Lu Zhiwan curved her eyes into a smile and followed beside Xiao Jingting as she stepped across the threshold.

Under the vast sky and drifting clouds, sunlight bathed the enclosed grounds beyond the high walls. Ornamental rocks stood in elegant formations, a clear pond shimmered, and lush greenery flourished—spacious yet serene.

This layout felt somewhat familiar?

Lu Zhiwan furrowed her willow-leaf brows, but before she could figure it out, a bestial roar suddenly erupted from ahead.

Her heart trembled. The moment she lifted her gaze, two massive tan-yellow figures lunged toward her like lightning—ROAR!!!

Lu Zhiwan: ???

When she finally registered that the two golden shadows streaked with black stripes were, in fact, tigers, her delicate face turned deathly pale. Her blood ran cold, and she lacked even the strength to scream, let alone flee. All she could do was widen her eyes, silently conveying her inner terror to the man beside her—Aaaaaaah, tigers! Did you fucking see that? Tigers! Two of them!

In stark contrast to her shock, Xiao Jingting calmly approached the two large tigers. Yihua, Erhua, come here.

As if understanding him, the two enormous tigers drew closer, rubbing their fluffy, round heads against his palm while emitting contented rumbles from their throats.

Lu Zhiwan: …!!

So, the dog emperor’s true identity was actually a Disney princess who could communicate with animals?

Seeing her still rooted to the spot like a wooden chicken, Xiao Jingting lazily lifted his eyelids. Didn’t you say you liked cats? Why are you still standing there? Come and pet them.

Lu Zhiwan’s temple twitched, her expression control slipping: …

For fuck’s sake, whose cats are this big?!