The Villainess Always Wants to Cuddle With Me [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 22

Guan Qigui raised her eyes from the crowd, gazing at the radiant figure on the throne. In just two short months, she had undergone such a transformation, no longer the fragile, glass-like woman she once was.

Truly dazzling…

The Imperial Preceptor frowned upon hearing Guan Qigui’s name. Glancing down at the four kneeling figures, he noted that three were offering thanks. The remaining one must be Guan Qigui. Her dignified bearing suggested she was no mere pawn. This tributary prince…

The assembled ministers exchanged sidelong glances, their eyes filled with confusion. Guan Qigui’s name sounded both familiar and foreign.

One court official whispered, “Who exactly is this Guan Qigui? Her name rings a bell… I seem to recall the Lu Kingdom…”

Knowing what he was about to say, Li Yun quickly interrupted, “Indeed, it’s the one you’re thinking of. But I can’t understand why she’s being appointed Regent King…”

Ling Jun’s fingertips traced the warm jade, feeling the burning gaze fixed upon her. She knew Guan Qigui was watching her. Clearing her throat, Ling Jun declared, “Do any of you esteemed ministers have objections? If not, I shall…”

“This humble subject has an objection!”

Ling Jun tilted her head, her expression curious. “Oh?”

Xiao Mei leaned in to whisper urgently, “It’s Fang Qiancang, the Minister of Rites.”

“Everyone in our court knows that Guan Qigui is a tributary prince from the Lu Kingdom,” Fang Qiancang declared, his voice sharp and insistent. “I fail to understand why a foreign prince should participate in our nation’s governance! Moreover, Guan Qigui is a member of the Lu Kingdom’s Imperial Family. Allowing this would surely destabilize our court! Your Majesty! I urge you to reconsider!” His words struck at the heart of the assembled ministers.

This question not only voiced the ministers’ doubts but also echoed the Imperial Preceptor’s unspoken concerns.

Whether it was the ministers’ murmurs or the Imperial Preceptor’s inner thoughts, they all wanted to know: when had their Princess—no, their Empress—grown so close to a tributary prince from another kingdom?

Beside Guan Qigui, Qi Man and the others were stunned. The person they had spent the past month with was actually an Imperial Prince from the Lu Kingdom!

Ling Jun remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. “I am aware of your many doubts. But do you know that I owe my very existence to Guan Qigui’s repeated acts of salvation? Without her, I would have perished unnoticed in Changyang Palace long ago. Guan Qigui, why haven’t you offered your thanks yet?”

Fang Qiancang shouted loudly, “Your Majesty!”

“This matter brooks no dissent!” Ling Jun declared, her voice ringing with authority.

Having spoken so plainly, any further opposition to Ling Jun would likely draw the new emperor’s wrath upon them. Yet if they remained silent, the very foundations of the court would crumble… But resistance was futile; the new emperor was deaf to counsel. The assembled ministers exchanged glances, each looking to the others, yet none dared voice another word of objection.

Gazing upon the radiant new emperor before her, Guan Qigui felt ripples stir once more in the long-stilled lake of her heart. She knelt on one knee, her posture perfect in its formality, and declared with fervent sincerity, “By Your Majesty’s grace, from this day forward, this humble subject will serve only as Your Majesty’s Regent King.”

Ling Jun rose, clasping her hands behind her back. She smoothed the sleeves of her bright yellow robes, cleared her throat, and announced, “Court is adjourned!” With that, she turned to leave through the rear gate.

What does she mean, ‘only as my Regent King’…? Ling Jun’s ears flushed crimson, like the delicate pink blooms of ground plum blossoms. Lost in her thoughts, she fled the crowd, heedless of the path before her.

Seeing Ling Jun’s hasty departure without even taking her Mystic Staff, Xiao Mei cried out in alarm as the emperor nearly collided with the doorframe, “Your Majesty! Slow down! That’s not the way!”

A phantom-like figure flashed forward. Ling Jun’s forehead struck something warm and soft. Only the muffled groan that followed jolted her back to reality.

“Your Majesty, you were so lost in thought that you didn’t even watch where you were going. How could I possibly rest easy?” Guan Qigui gazed at the jade pendants tangled in the tassels of Ling Jun’s robe, gently untangling them.

Ling Jun was still pondering Guan Qigui’s inappropriate remarks during court. Now, being held in the arms of this beauty, the public display of intimacy…

“You! You have a glib tongue!” Ling Jun chided softly, her voice laced with feigned annoyance.

I can’t bear to watch this! Xiao Mei pressed her lips into a tight smile, glancing sideways to ensure they were hidden from view. Fortunately, the spot was shielded, so no one could see them.

Ling Jun looked up, her eyes meeting Guan Qigui’s deep gaze. She bit her lip and asked, “Why did you say those things earlier…?”

Guan Qigui blinked, feigning ignorance. “Which part?” Her eyes lingered on the golden phoenix and pearl earrings dangling from Ling Jun’s ears—they didn’t suit her at all. She needs to pick out some that complement her better.

“From now on, you’ll only be my Regent King…” Ling Jun truly loathed this act of hers. Who could tell if she genuinely didn’t understand or was merely pretending?

Guan Qigui raised an eyebrow and smiled. “That’s obvious… Sima Zhao’s intentions are as clear as day…”

“What ‘Sima Zhao’s heart’?! Is this how proverbs are used?!” Ling Jun’s ears burned crimson, the heat spreading to her cheeks. Flustered and indignant, she grabbed Guan Qigui’s lapels without thinking and snapped, “Who taught you to use idioms like that?!”

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but Your Majesty and the Regent King were taking it too far… too brazen! Xiao Mei didn’t know whether to advance or retreat, frozen in indecision.

“Ahem… ahem…” The Imperial Preceptor interrupted the trio. “Your Majesty, now that you hold the throne, you must exercise restraint.”

Hearing this, Ling Jun looked like a child caught sneaking a peek at the television. She hastily put some distance between herself and Guan Qigui, standing properly and saying guiltily, “Master…”

Seeing this, Guan Qigui raised an eyebrow and subtly edged closer. She’s going to stick to her like glue!

The Imperial Preceptor scrutinized Guan Qigui. Her eyes radiated an undeniable dominance, her delicate brows framed a heroic bearing… A sudden realization struck him, and he glanced involuntarily at the jade pendant at her waist, his shock intensifying. After a long pause, he finally said, “Your Majesty should return to the Hall of Central Harmony.”

At this, Guan Qigui thoughtfully took Ling Jun’s arm and led the way. Xiao Mei glanced at the Imperial Preceptor’s flushed face and silently followed behind.

Once the group had moved out of earshot, the Imperial Preceptor, who had been holding his breath for ages, muttered under his breath, “What utter impropriety!”

Hall of Central Harmony.

As Guan Qigui entered the Hall of Central Harmony, the Imperial Preceptor moved even closer to Ling Jun, his hand never leaving the emperor’s waist. Finally, unable to contain his anger any longer, he roared, “This is outrageous!”

At this outburst, Xiao Mei immediately dismissed all the maids and eunuchs, thoughtfully closing the door behind them as she left.

Guan Qigui clearly paid no attention to the Imperial Preceptor. She casually removed the heavy golden phoenix hairpins from Ling Jun’s ears, tossing them onto a nearby wooden table, and gently rubbed Ling Jun’s reddened earlobes.

“Qi Gui…” Ling Jun, unable to bear the persistent itching, grabbed Guan Qigui’s hand.

“This is utterly improper!” The Imperial Preceptor’s beard bristled with fury at the sight.

“Master… please let me explain,” Ling Jun pleaded, fearing the Imperial Preceptor might devour Guan Qigui alive if she didn’t offer some explanation.

Knowing Ling Jun’s temperament, the Imperial Preceptor strode to the grand master’s chair and sat down, fixing his gaze on Ling Jun’s eyes, waiting for her to finish speaking.

“I didn’t intend to hide the matter of the Regent King from you, Master. It’s a long story, but Qi Gui’s kindness to me is something I can never repay in this lifetime…”

Before Ling Jun could finish, the Imperial Preceptor interrupted coldly, “So you’re offering yourself in return? Foolish!”

Guan Qigui had long grown indifferent to such rumors, but now that Ling Jun had ascended to the throne as Empress, she found herself keenly interested in Ling Jun’s current thoughts. She studied her face intently, determined not to miss a single nuance.

Ling Jun pressed her lips together. “Master, I fear I cannot hide this from you. Qi Gui and I… we are mutually in love.”

After a long silence, Imperial Preceptor Wei Ming regained his composure. “This defies all societal norms.”

Guan Qigui narrowed her eyes at this, shooting him a sharp glare. He’s got some real nerve…

“I only know that under the rule of slavery, the people never dared to rebel because they believed it was the natural order,” Ling Jun countered. “Now you speak of societal norms, Master. But are today’s norms necessarily tomorrow’s?” Only those who truly understood her could grasp why the world was collapsing because of her. Ling Jun gripped Guan Qigui’s hand tightly, never regretting her love for this crucial figure.

Wei Ming was moved by Ling Jun’s words. Hearing such philosophical insights from the Empress’s lips, he clearly sensed that she had matured into a leader capable of standing alone. He smiled faintly. “Your Majesty’s decisions, and their future consequences, are your own burden to bear. I am pleased to see you have finally come into your own.”

Knowing that Wei Ming meant she would bear all future consequences of her decision, Ling Jun gazed at their clasped hands and smiled. “Qi Gui and I will share the same bed in life and the same coffin in death. I will bear the burden of the world’s misunderstanding.”

“This humble subject is deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s grace…” Guan Qigui felt her Second Princess had doubled in value, now worth her weight in gold. She found herself increasingly reluctant to let go of her.

Sharing the same bed in life, the same coffin in death… Wei Ming’s eyes glistened with moisture as he sighed. “Very well. Since your resolve is unwavering, I will not stand in your way. Remember, water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. I am weary. Rest well.”

“Master… thank you…” Ling Jun watched Wei Ming’s retreating figure, her heart warmed. Master must have agreed, she thought. Otherwise, with his stubborn mule-like temperament, he would have argued to the bitter end. Since he’s letting us go, he won’t interfere again.

Noticing Ling Jun’s distant gaze, Guan Qigui hooked her finger through Ling Jun’s sash and tugged, her fingertip climbing to Ling Jun’s full, alluring lips. “Your Majesty’s master has already left. Are you still looking?” she teased, a hint of annoyance in her tone.

Ling Jun snapped out of her reverie at the familiar scent, feeling intoxicated without wine.

“I spoke those words earlier without your permission,” Ling Jun said, frowning. “Do you mind?”

“This humble subject is overjoyed…” Guan Qigui replied, leaning in for a kiss—a kiss that was fiery, tender, and sweet. As their lips and teeth met, she felt a flicker of reality. It was as if this moment were real, and everything before had been nothing more than a fleeting dream.

“Ah…” Ling Jun gasped for air, seizing Guan Qigui’s restless hand. She felt as if she were about to faint from lack of oxygen. The sun was already high in the sky, and she hadn’t yet reviewed the day’s memorials.

Guan Qigui moved to kiss her again, but Ling Jun turned her head aside, whispering, “Qi Gui, I still need to review the memorials…”

Guan Qigui raised an eyebrow and glanced at the stack of memorials piled on the sandalwood table. “Are there this many every day?”

Ling Jun replied as she walked to her seat, “Most are just greetings. I can simply mark them with a circle.” She sat down and continued, “For the others that require a few lines of my response, I need to be more careful.”

Guan Qigui frowned slightly as she walked to Ling Jun’s side and picked up the inkstone from the table. “This humble servant will grind ink for Your Majesty.” Seeing Ling Jun bring a memorial close to her eyes, she asked, “Does Your Majesty review these alone every day?”

Ling Jun rubbed her eyes and shook her head. “Normally, Xiao Mei reads them aloud to me.”

Guan Qigui snatched the memorial from Ling Jun’s hand and glanced at it. “Jin He’an’s greetings memorial.”

After Ling Jun finished reviewing it, she reached for another. Guan Qigui caught her hand and took the next memorial, reading aloud: “Your Majesty, this humble servant Fang Qiancang reports on Prefect Tao Hanyuan of Lingzhou’s tax collection efforts. I believe he should be commended and widely praised, so that the officials in the capital may emulate his example. I humbly request Your Majesty’s judgment.”

After a moment’s thought, Ling Jun picked up her brush and wrote “Approved” on the memorial. “The Prefect of Lingzhou is indeed incorruptible. Fang Qiancang is generally a decent man, and his memorials are usually quite balanced. However, some court officials harbor reservations about the Prefect, perhaps because their attempts at bribery failed. I shall bestow upon him the character ‘Integrity’ as a token of my esteem.”

“That would be fitting,” Guan Qigui agreed.

As the crescent moon hung in the night sky, Ling Jun invited Guan Qigui to dine with her in the Hall of Central Harmony. These days, Ling Jun spent most of her time residing in this hall.

A torrential downpour erupted outside, the rain sounding like buckets of water being hurled against the ground, punctuated by occasional thunderclaps. Ling Jun tugged at Guan Qigui’s sleeve and whispered, “There’s thunder and lightning outside.”

Guan Qigui raised an eyebrow. “This humble subject is Your Majesty’s Regent King.” As if deliberately provoking her, she smiled sweetly and enunciated each word slowly, “君…臣…有…別.” With that, she turned and walked leisurely toward the door.

Tap, tap, tap.

A series of urgent knocks echoed from beyond the door.

Ling Jun, who had been fretting about how to keep Guan Qigui here, paused and said, “Enter.”

Xiao Mei led Anxin into the room. Anxin carried a tray and presented it to Ling Jun.

Xiao Mei cleared her throat. “Your Majesty, it’s time to flip the plaques.”

Flip the plaques?

Guan Qigui’s eyes narrowed, her fingers instinctively tightening around the jade pendant at her waist.

Ling Jun’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly lowered her gaze to read the characters on the plaques. Leaning closer, her cheeks flushed crimson like winter plum blossoms. This Xiao Mei…

Now that she understood the situation, Ling Jun adopted a conflicted expression and said with a coquettish smile, “Aiya, who should I choose tonight…? This one won’t do—their service is lacking. What do you think of this one, Xiao Mei?”

Xiao Mei covered her mouth with her hand and giggled. “This humble servant finds it suitable. Whatever Your Majesty chooses is naturally excellent.”

Ling Jun flipped the plaque over and declared, “Her.” Then, she called out to Guan Qigui, who was still standing at the door, “Since the Regent King is so busy with affairs of state, this humble one won’t see you off.”

Guan Qigui, already barely containing her anger, was further provoked by Ling Jun’s words. She flung her sleeves and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Bang!

“Quite the temper…” Ling Jun muttered, pursing her lips. “What are you standing there for? Go stop the Regent King!”

Xiao Mei quickly bowed and hurried to obey.

It was a rainy night, and Guan Qigui hadn’t gone far. Xiao Mei caught up to her and blocked her path, saying, “Regent King, please wait.”

Guan Qigui, still seething, ignored her and continued walking.

Seeing this, Xiao Mei called out again, “Your Majesty flipped your plaque tonight, Regent King! Shouldn’t you be preparing?”

Guan Qigui froze, turning back. “I only took office today. Where would a plaque of mine come from?”

Xiao Mei replied nervously, “Reporting to the Regent King, this servant urged the Imperial Household Department to make one urgently today.”

Guan Qigui raised an eyebrow and strode back into the imperial bedchamber.

“Lying to me?”

Equally flustered, Ling Jun grabbed the Mystic Staff and tried to flee. Guan Qigui caught her in a tight embrace, whispering in her ear, “Where does Your Majesty think you’re going? You flipped my plaque, and now you want to take it back?”

Ling Jun pushed her away. “I need to bathe…”

“Oh… this humble servant hasn’t bathed either. Let’s do it together, Your Majesty.”

Lu Kingdom, Tianyi Palace.

Luxurious and extravagant, the palace exuded an air of refined elegance. A peerless beauty reclined languidly on a chaise lounge, her posture half-lazy, half-seductive.

The ethereal beauty opened her eyes, her voice languid. “Oh? You say that sheep has become the Regent King of Rin Kingdom? Do you have proof?”

“This servant wouldn’t dare be negligent. Please see for yourself, Your Majesty.” Wan Sheng presented Xie Yu with a letter.

After a cursory glance, Xie Yu tossed the letter aside and rose to retrieve the Innocent Whip from beside the chaise lounge. With a cruel laugh, she lashed the kneeling Wan Sheng mercilessly. “Useless trash. I was planning to wait a while longer, but it seems she’s forcing my hand.”

The Innocent Whip’s barbed tip drew bloody streaks across Wan Sheng’s back, yet he dared not utter a sound.

“Send the Fragrant Entanglement Pill. Add it to her evening meal,” Xie Yu waved her hand dismissively. “Go.”

Dark clouds blanketed the Lu Kingdom’s sky, startling birds and beasts from their perches. Another sleepless night loomed.