The Dog Emperor Has Gained Telepathy - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Hold you? The deep voice seemed tinged with a trace of surprise.

This concubine’s body is soft, it should be quite comfortable to hold…

Lu Zhiwan quite enjoyed hugging plush toys to sleep—their softness gave a sense of security. Though she didn’t know if the emperor lacked security, judging by his habit of holding hands, he probably didn’t mind physical contact with her.

Your Majesty, why not give it a try? Lu Zhiwan softened her voice: After all, there’s no harm in trying…

Silence fell between the bed curtains again. Just as her heart was pounding with anxiety, the hand pressed against her forehead finally moved away.

If I recall correctly, you’re from Yuezhou?

The topic shifted too abruptly, making Lu Zhiwan pause in surprise. Why was he suddenly asking this? Filled with confusion, she nodded: Yes.

Xiao Jingting: I didn’t know the customs in Yuezhou were so… liberal.

Lu Zhiwan: … So he was setting her up for sarcasm.

But having been half-involved in the entertainment circle, she might lack many things—but not thick skin. Such minor sarcasm didn’t bother her at all, especially since she was currently maintaining her lovesick persona: Your Majesty misunderstands. It’s not that Yuezhou customs are liberal. This concubine used to be quite reserved and conservative, but after meeting Your Majesty, I’ve changed considerably. I wonder if Your Majesty has heard the saying: when one admires someone, they can’t help but want to be close to them? This concubine believes that’s exactly my situation…

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingting ultimately couldn’t resist reaching toward her face.

He pinched her cheek—not thick.

He touched it—not warm either.

Had this woman been frightened out of her wits by Dahua and Erhua, or had she perfected the art of speaking nonsense with a straight face?

The delicate skin of her cheek still retained the warmth from the man’s fingertips. Lu Zhiwan coquettishly protested, What is Your Majesty doing?

Xiao Jingting rubbed his thumb and forefinger without responding. Just as he was about to tell her to lie back down and sleep properly, he recalled her words: There’s no harm in trying.

If he didn’t mind holding her hand, then perhaps embracing wasn’t unacceptable either?

Considering this, Xiao Jingting pressed his thin lips together. After a moment, he reached toward the faint, petite silhouette beside him.

Having received no response from him for so long, Lu Zhiwan had already given up hope. She was just thinking of something to say to save face when suddenly an irresistible force pulled her by the shoulder—

The embrace came so suddenly and at such an awkward angle that her nose directly collided with the man’s firm chest. The pain made her yelp immediately, tears springing to her eyes. Couldn’t this brute have given some warning? What if her nose got crooked from the impact!

What’s wrong? The man’s magnetic voice came from above. Due to their proximity, Lu Zhiwan could clearly feel his warm breath brushing against her forehead—ticklish and inexplicably making her cheeks burn.

It’s… it’s nothing. Though she complained inwardly, she didn’t dare actually voice her grievances. Lu Zhiwan tilted her head slightly. As the pain in her nose gradually subsided, she realized how stiff their current embrace was—completely different from an intimate couple’s snuggle. She felt like a hostage being kidnapped by Xiao Jingting, about to be squeezed to death at any moment.

Your Majesty, this isn’t how you hold someone. Lu Zhiwan squirmed within his solid arms, trying to adjust their position: Please loosen your grip a little. It’s too tight—this concubine can hardly breathe.

Xiao Jingting’s jaw tightened slightly. From the earliest memories he could recall, aside from the cats of Jinli Garden, he had never held another living creature…

The sensation in his arms now felt both unfamiliar and novel to him.

His arms stiff, he followed the instruction of the person in his embrace and loosened his grip slightly. Soon after, the soft, fragrant form of the woman nestled more comfortably and snugly into his embrace.

This warmth and fullness stirred an indescribable emotion within him. He hadn’t expected her to feel so pleasant to hold, despite her delicate and petite appearance.

Your Majesty, how do you feel?

… Xiao Jingting lowered his head slightly, his chin brushing against the woman’s soft hair. The faint, elegant scent of her cosmetics wafted into his nostrils, causing his breath to hitch slightly.

His arm around her shoulders tightened, and his voice deepened: Acceptable.

Acceptable? Lu Zhiwan tilted her head, her ear pressing against the man’s chest.

After a brief silence, the corners of her rosy lips couldn’t help but curl upward. Such a tsundere! If it’s merely acceptable, why is his heart beating so fast?

Just as she was about to speak, hoping to coax the man into taking things further, the large hand resting on her shoulder suddenly slid downward along her body.

Wherever that scorching palm passed, it made Lu Zhiwan’s breath catch. Had this embrace unlocked some hidden talent in him for intimacy, making him a natural?

As her heartbeat grew increasingly frantic, that hand came to rest on her slender waist, gripping it firmly.

Lu Zhiwan held her breath and waited patiently for a while. When he made no further moves, she couldn’t help but frown and call out softly, Your Majesty?

The hand at her waist gave a light but firm squeeze. Hearing her let out a delicate gasp, Xiao Jingting closed his eyes and replied indifferently, If you keep talking, I’ll send you to Jinli Garden to keep Xiao Caiyun company. She’s about to give birth and needs someone to watch over her at all times.

Thinking of that little leopard, currently suffering from prenatal anxiety and exhibiting strong maternal instincts, Lu Zhiwan: … Very well, she would shut up.

That night, Lu Zhiwan felt as if she were being roasted by a large furnace, sleeping heavily and uncomfortably throughout.

When she woke the next morning, the long-limbed furnace was gone. Only Qiurong Gugu greeted her with a cheerful smile: If you’re still tired, Noble Lady, you may sleep a while longer. His Majesty has specifically decreed that, unless there are special circumstances, you no longer need to pay respects to Gu Guifei at Yonghe Palace.

No more morning greetings? This was wonderful news!

The joy in Lu Zhiwan’s heart was no less than when she had been promoted two ranks just the other day. She was about to feign modesty with an Ah, is that really appropriate? when Qiurong Gugu continued: His Majesty has also bestowed Lihfeng Palace upon you as your new residence. Lihfeng Palace is located not far behind the Hall of Mental Cultivation. In the future, it will be much more convenient for His Majesty to see you or summon you for attending the emperor at bedtime compared to your previous Liuxia Pavilion. To receive such favor from His Majesty, it seems your good fortune is only just beginning, Noble Lady.

Two pieces of good news in one morning left Lu Zhiwan feeling somewhat lightheaded.

Although she hadn’t slept well last night, held tightly by the emperor, the rewards were so generous that not only was one sleepless night worth it—she’d gladly stay up every night for this!

Too excited to even consider going back to sleep, she threw off the covers and got out of bed, eager to see her new residence.

Just as Qiurong Gugu had said, Lihfeng Palace was advantageously located, only an incense stick’s walk away from the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Though not as spacious and magnificent as Gu Guifei’s Yonghe Palace, it was far more luxurious than Liuxia Pavilion. The main hall was bright and open, the side chambers orderly and well-arranged, with an overall elegant and classical style. The courtyard was planted with vast stretches of crabapple and hydrangea, blooming vibrantly in the April weather. Pink and white flowers intertwined amid flitting orioles and dancing butterflies, creating a scene full of vitality.

By the time Lu Zhiwan arrived, Xia He had already organized most of the palace with the servants. Now that her rank had been elevated, her residence upgraded, and the number of attendants increased from five to fifteen.

After Xia He led the other fourteen servants in paying respects to Lu Zhiwan, they accompanied her on a tour of the new residence.

Master, we’ve truly weathered the storm and found better days! With no outsiders around, Xia He didn’t conceal her joy in the slightest, smiling at Lu Zhiwan with tear-filled eyes. With His Majesty’s favor, no one will dare bully you anymore.

Lu Zhiwan couldn’t bear to see others cry in front of her, especially girls. As Xia He wept, she too felt a lump in her throat. Remembering the honest, ill-fated original host who had met her demise in the depths of the palace, a wave of melancholy washed over her.

Master and servant gazed at each other, steeped in sentimentality for a good while, until a servant’s announcement came from outside the hall: Master, Beauty Zhao from Changchun Palace has come to pay her respects.

Beauty Zhao? That fellow townsman of the original host—what was she doing here?

Lu Zhiwan initially intended to refuse the visit, but as the words reached her lips, flashes of the original host being bullied by Beauty Zhao crossed her mind—though the deceased was gone, it didn’t mean the wrongdoer could live free of guilt and consequences. The suffering once inflicted upon others ought to rebound someday.

Slowly smoothing her sleeves, Lu Zhiwan spoke: Let her in.

Hearing this calm command, Xia He was momentarily stunned. Lifting her eyes, she saw her master’s fair face, which had worn a frivolous expression for days, now solemn and serious. Whether it was due to her changed status or her splendid attire, her graceful brows and eyes carried an unprecedented air of dignity and nobility.

Was this still the same master she had served since childhood? Xia He’s mind wandered in a daze until Lu Zhiwan glanced at her again. She then snapped back to attention, quickly lowering her gaze in acknowledgment before turning to relay the order.