Queen O's Timid Fugitive A - Chapter 27
27
The night was deep, and the moon hung high in the sky.
The emperor, claiming to be unwell, arrived late, sitting on the main seat like a twilight tiger. One leg was bent, resting on the edge of the chair, while the other was tucked beneath his robes. Though he wore a majestic dragon-embroidered robe, it appeared loose and disheveled. His prominent cheekbones held up his sagging skin, giving him an air of both age and solemnity.
The previously lively atmosphere turned oppressive at some point, though no one could pinpoint when. Despite the emperor’s earlier insistence that they could act freely, with his stern face presiding over the gathering, who would dare to truly let loose?
Even the eldest prince, who had been clinging to his wife, instinctively stepped back, maintaining a palm’s width of distance, no longer pressed so closely. The others were even more restrained.
Jiang Ciqing, who had returned to the hall, had intended to slip into a dark corner to avoid the troublesome socializing. However, not long after, she was summoned to the emperor’s side, where she was met with a barrage of concern.
“You know, Ciqing, the tonics have never stopped coming…” She leaned slightly toward him, pouting like a petulant younger relative complaining about an overly talkative elder.
“It’s not that I’m forcing you to take medicine, but your health…” Liang Ji, clearly pleased with her demeanor, sighed helplessly, like an elder worried about a younger family member.
“It was an accident last time.” Jiang Ciqing retorted.
“An accident that left you bedridden for a week? Another one, and will you be down for a month?” The emperor shot her a mild glare, his tone turning serious. “I’ve had them prepare a batch of tonics for you. Don’t forget to take them home later.”
Jiang Ciqing’s face fell, and she reluctantly protested, “I still have plenty at home…”
“A gift from an elder cannot be refused.” Liang Ji said sternly, invoking an ancient saying.
Forced to accept, Jiang Ciqing pursed her lips and said no more. Her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the S-rank Omega, who was quite popular, now dancing with the handsome fifth prince.
Admittedly, though the fifth prince was an A-rank Alpha, his dancing was rather stiff. His posture was rigid, and he misstepped several times, needing reminders from the Omega in his arms.
“Not going to join them?” The emperor, ever considerate, teased with a glint in his narrow eyes.
“No, I’d rather not.” Jiang Ciqing replied quickly.
Beneath his blanket, the emperor’s finger tapped against his knee, and he casually remarked, “That Chu family girl isn’t bad.”
Jiang Ciqing froze, then hurriedly stammered, her expression flustered and embarrassed, “I have no interest in her.”
The emperor chuckled. “I’m not clueless. You’re nineteen now…”
“Nineteen doesn’t mean anything! I… I’m not thinking about that yet,” Jiang Ciqing interrupted, her face flushing red. She even blurted out “Uncle,” a term she hadn’t used in ages, pleading with the emperor to drop the subject.
Liang Ji was in high spirits, pointing a withered finger adorned with a ruby ring at her, laughing, “It’s not something to be ashamed of. If you like someone, just tell your uncle, and I’ll issue a decree for you.”
“I really don’t like her…”
Their banter was interrupted by the third princess, who approached with a smile and chimed in, “Who’s the lucky lady Ciqing has her eye on?”
Jiang Ciqing, both anxious and exasperated, turned and snapped, “Your Highness, watch your words!”
Far from being offended, Liang Anchen first bowed playfully to Liang Ji, then turned back to Jiang Ciqing, teasing, “You’re keeping it so tightly under wraps before you’ve even married her. On your wedding day, are you going to wrap her in a quilt?”
The conversation was getting more outrageous by the second. Jiang Ciqing was so frustrated she couldn’t speak, her grip tightening on the teacup specially prepared for her by Liang Ji’s orders.
Liang Ji finally stepped in with a laugh, waving at the third princess. “You know Ciqing’s health isn’t great. Don’t tease her too much. If she wants to keep it private, let her. On her wedding day, you can say whatever you want.”
This wasn’t mediation—it was practically sealing the matter. Jiang Ciqing immediately protested, “Your Majesty!”
“My apologies, I’ll stop.” Liang Anchen, ever the quick-witted daughter, caught her father’s hint and smoothly backed off, ignoring Jiang Ciqing’s objections.
Jiang Ciqing opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words.
Liang Ji laughed heartily and turned to his daughter. “What brings you over here?”
“Just wanted to chat with Father.” Liang Anchen replied.
The previous topic was dropped. Jiang Ciqing composed herself, her gaze lowering to the teacup, unwilling to join in their display of familial affection.
After some small talk, the conversation circled back to Jiang Ciqing’s marriage. Liang Anchen adopted a shy demeanor and tentatively asked, “Father, what do you think of Xu Fusheng?”
Liang Ji paused, his smile fading, and replied lightly, “You’re still young.”
Young?
The third princess was already twenty-five, six years older than Jiang Ciqing. Though late marriages were common on the Imperial Star, it was rare for an Alpha of royal bl00d to remain unmarried at twenty-five. The eldest prince, at her age, already had a pregnant wife.
Jiang Ciqing showed no reaction, her head still bowed, staring at the dark liquid in her warm teacup. The reflection in the water was hazy, hiding the emotions in her eyes.
Liang Anchen hadn’t expected her father to brush her off with such an excuse and was momentarily speechless. The emperor continued, “Marriage is not to be rushed. I’ll look into it for you.”
With that, further discussion was pointless. After a brief pause, the third princess respectfully agreed.
“Alright, take Ciqing to have some fun,” the emperor said, his eyes half-closed as if exhausted. With a wave of his hand, he prepared to leave.
“Yes,” both responded in unison.
As the emperor departed, the third princess turned to Jiang Ciqing. “Ciqing…”
“No need to worry about me, Your Highness,” Jiang Ciqing replied immediately. Perhaps due to the earlier exchange, Liang Anchen’s mood seemed subdued, and her usual warmth toward Jiang Ciqing was absent. Jiang Ciqing, too, had no interest in lingering, so after a brief exchange, they parted ways.
The crowd’s attention shifted. The emperor had only stayed briefly, and aside from the third princess, who approached him, only Jiang Ciqing, favored by the emperor, had been called over for a few words. Though Liang Ji’s authority wasn’t as imposing as past emperors, as long as he sat on the throne, his every move drew scrutiny.
Unable to slip away, Jiang Ciqing became the center of attention once again. Barely a few steps forward, she was surrounded by four or five people.
Jiang Ciqing forced a smile, mustering the energy to deal with them.
Perhaps because the emperor had left, the band at the edge of the hall struck up a lively tune again.
Her gaze drifted to the S-rank Omega, whose stamina far surpassed others, still dancing tirelessly.
Jiang Ciqing shifted her steps, subtly avoiding two Omegas who approached her. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Miss Chu approaching, skirt in hand.
Her polite smile stiffened.
As a refined heir of a noble family, bound by etiquette, her earlier boldness had been driven by an Alpha’s possessive instincts. After cooling off in the corridor, she regretted her impulsiveness.
She wiped her hand on the fabric of her robe. Though it was just a fleeting touch when passing a glass, the young Alpha still felt as if lavender-scented pheromones clung to her, impossible to shake off, intensifying her regret.
Excusing herself from the group, she hurriedly headed toward the washstand.
Not far away, Chu Huaixi, who hadn’t yet reached her, clenched her teeth again.
Splash!
The gilded white porcelain faucet was forcefully turned on. Jiang Ciqing stood before the mirror, brows furrowed, looking as if she were facing a fifth- or sixth-tier magical beast.
The sound of rushing water drowned out the occasional music from the hall. Her calloused fingers, vigorously scrubbed, turned faintly red. The Omega’s pheromones were persistent, impossible to fully wash away.
The earlier foam was rinsed off, and she squeezed more soap into her palm, scrubbing meticulously from wrist to fingertip.
Her gaze fell on the intricate lines of her palm, her thoughts drifting. She recalled how her mother, laughing with her mom, had once held her hand and sighed, “Our little Ci’s palm lines are complex. Her love life will be quite a journey.”
Her mom had playfully swatted her mother, scolding, “Jiang Wendao, don’t talk nonsense. Our Ci will surely be a devoted and loyal Alpha.”
Jiang Ciqing lowered her eyes, then clasped her hands together, scrubbing harder. Soon, thick foam enveloped her hands.
“Is the head of the Jiang family so displeased with that hand she wants to scrub it raw to vent her frustration?” A teasing, melodic voice, unmistakably unique, interrupted her.
Jiang Ciqing’s back stiffened. Before she could turn, she was embraced from behind. The familiar scent of tequila enveloped her, as bold and undeniable as its owner, yet softened by an irresistibly warm body that made it impossible for the Alpha to resist.
“Xu Fusheng,” she warned in a low voice, her hands pausing under the running water.
This wasn’t a place for fooling around—someone could walk in at any moment.
“Hm?” The Omega leaning against her shoulder responded lazily, her warm breath brushing Jiang Ciqing’s earlobe.
In the mirror, Jiang Ciqing’s face flushed crimson, her spine as rigid as a young bamboo stalk. Yet the Omega, seemingly oblivious, continued her provocative demeanor, pressing Jiang Ciqing against the porcelain counter. Water droplets splashed onto her robe.
For the first time, Jiang Ciqing cursed the overly bright lighting that let her see her own flustered expression in the mirror. She hurriedly lowered her eyes, her throat bobbing subtly. The faint scent of bamboo drifted out, mingling honestly with the tequila.
Silver and black hair intertwined. If Jiang Ciqing turned her head, she could taste the softness she’d been longing for. But she kept her head down, muttering, “Why isn’t Miss Xu dancing anymore?”
The Omega didn’t answer, her striking, carefree eyes glinting with amusement. She reached out, covering Jiang Ciqing’s hand with her own, her slender fingers slipping between Jiang Ciqing’s, gently closing around them.
“Does the head of the Jiang family know how to wash her hands?” she teased softly, her red lips brushing unintentionally against Jiang Ciqing’s burning earlobe, deepening its flush.
Water flowed over their joined hands. With patience, Xu Fusheng guided her, washing away the lingering lavender scent and marking her with the distinct imprint of tequila.
“Brandy doesn’t taste great—too sour in the aftertaste. The head of the Jiang family should sip lightly and avoid overindulging.” Xu Fusheng said pointedly. Then she stepped back, cool air rushing into the space between them, leaving Jiang Ciqing’s sweat-dampened back uncomfortably sticky.
The culprit, wiping her hands with a tissue, walked away in her high heels, the sound of her steps fading into the distance.
Only then did Jiang Ciqing dare to look up at the mirror.
Her mother had been right.
She could hear her heart pounding like a drum.