Chapter 258: 258: Matters of Expediency

Words : 1538 Updated : Oct 3rd, 2025

Chapter 258: Chapter 258: Matters of Expediency Zhan Xuerou nestled tightly in Si Jun’s embrace, looking up at his affectionate gaze. “Your Highness, will you always be kind to Rou’er?” Zhan Xuerou asked with tears in her eyes. Si Jun caressed her smooth cheek and said, “What foolish things is Rou’er saying? All my efforts are so that one day you can become the most distinguished woman in Nanjin.” Zhan Xuerou stared into his eyes, which seemed sincere, but she still dwelt on what Si Jun had said to Mu Yan at the hunting ground that day. Though she was far away and couldn’t hear clearly, she felt that the person Si Jun mentioned as being of one heart with him was Zhan Lan. Thus, she felt slightly discomforted and coyly chastised, “Your Highness, I’m wholeheartedly devoted to you, simply wishing for your well-being, so please do not betray Rou’er’s intentions.” Si Jun hugged Zhan Xuerou and pinched her waist, breathing hotly on her neck, “You are already mine, I will only love you for this life.” Zhan Xuerou’s cheeks flushed red; after their tiff back from the hunting ground that day, Si Jun had wept and poured out his true feelings. Zhan Xuerou couldn’t hold back and, driven by fiery passion, she did that kind of thing with Si Jun. They had carried on with their indiscretion in broad daylight, and upon returning home, Zhan Xuerou, fearing Qin Shuang would discover it, had even pricked her arm with cinnabar to create a fake virginity mark. Si Jun began to untie her sash and said, “Rou’er is indeed tender as water, just hearing your voice intoxicates my heart.” Zhan Xuerou resisted half-heartedly, “Your Highness, we’re also engaged, and I’ve given myself to you, when will you marry me?” Si Jun’s hand wandered beneath her clothes, smiling as he said, “I shall do it as soon as possible.” Before long, whimpering and panting sounds emanated from within the room. Qiuyue stood close by, stealthily eavesdropping, blushing with embarrassment. Zhan Xuerou, usually so dignified and graceful, seemed like a different person in such matters, utterly wanton. If it weren’t for Meng Ling falling ill, she really wouldn’t want to be here covering for Zhan Xuerou. After Zhan Xuerou left, Si Jun sat on the bed, his gaze shifting, as Zhan Xuerou satisfied his masculine pride. Zhan Xuerou admired him, was docile and easy to please, and actually had genuine feelings for him, willing to offer her true heart. However, the current imperial court’s situation was changing rapidly, and Mu Yan becoming the Regent King completely disrupted his plans. Did Mu Yan genuinely like Zhan Lan? Or was he like Si Jun, wanting both love and power? He fancied Zhan Xuerou, but he cherished her family’s influence even more. Thus, effectively making a fait accompli was also to lock down Zhan Xuerou’s heart. As long as she threatened with her life, Beicang and Qin Shuang would soften their hearts, and the day his father the Emperor passed away would be the day he would seize the throne. Si Jun, after dressing, looked at the disheveled bed and smiled; Zhan Xuerou indeed knew how to please a man in bed, seeming so innocent yet inherently lascivious. This trait fascinated him. Si Jun got up, and Hei Yu knocked on the door from outside, “Master, I have returned.” “Come in!” Si Jun said, seating himself at the desk. Hei Yu nodded to him and said, “Master, please give your command.” Si Jun stood up and seeing Hei Yu’s travel-worn appearance, pulled out a chair for him, concern in his voice, “Hei Yu, sit down and speak.” Hei Yu sat down and looked at Si Jun, “Master, good news. Among the four great houses, both the Xue and Li families are willing to support Your Highness with all their might, as long as when the time comes for you to ascend to the throne, you fulfill the promises made to them.” Si Jun patted Hei Yu’s shoulder, “Good, very good!” His eyes grew dark with intent as he continued, “Right now, our biggest obstacle is the Regent King, Mu Yan.” “Master, I crossed hands with Mu Yan in Phoenix City years ago. If I hadn’t used Soft Bone Powder to injure him, he might not have been an easy match. He’s stronger now than ever before, and I worry...” “I understand. Mu Yan must have a weak spot. We will watch and prepare for everything. I don’t believe he is without flaws. Once he is dealt with, everything else will be easy.” “Master, General Zhan Lan’s relationship with Mu Yan seems to be quite extraordinary, and yesterday’s rumor that Mu Yan went to the Heavenly Prison to carry out a jailbreak, and carrying a blood-soaked Zhan Lan on his back in Ding’an City has indeed caused quite a stir.” Si Jun sneered, “Zhan Lan, I always feel that because of our past affection, she wouldn’t treat me so heartlessly. I will devise a plan to make her work for me.” Hei Yu nodded, “Yes.” Hei Yu knew Si Jun well, knowing that as long as he was sincere, no one could resist being moved by his genuine passion. Si Jun narrowed his eyes, pondering: How to bring Zhan Lan back to his side? With the help of Zhan Lan, he would have nothing to worry about. Si Jun, smelling the cloying scent of the powder from Zhan Xuerou’s body on his own, bathed and changed before setting out. He had found out where Zhan Lan lived and arrived at the front door of her residence. The carriage stopped, and a servant went forward to knock on the door. Shortly after, Xiao Tao came to open the door and asked, “May I ask whom you are looking for?” Si Jun alighted from the carriage with the demeanor of a humble gentleman, and the servant said, “Miss, our master is His Highness King Wei, who has come to visit General Zhan, hearing she was injured.” Xiao Tao glanced at Si Jun and declined, “I’m sorry, but my lady is unwell and is not receiving guests.” Mrs. Li was sunbathing in the courtyard and heard their conversation, immediately standing up to look towards the gate. This young man, dressed in azure, his head adorned with a jade crown and as gentle as warm jade, was King Wei. Wasn’t he Rou’er’s fiancé? Why is he visiting Zhan Lan! Mrs. Li’s face fell at once, pricking up her ears to listen to their conversation. Si Jun looked warmly at Xiao Tao and said, “Would you please deliver this to General Zhan.” Si Jun took out a delicately crafted box from the carriage and offered it to Xiao Tao. Xiao Tao, looking at the man before her who smiled at her warmly as a gentle breeze, was momentarily stunned. This King Wei seemed like a good person, genteel and refined. She rejected him with a smile, “My lady does not accept gifts from strangers, please return!” After speaking, Xiao Tao closed the door from inside and bounced back into the yard. Her lady had warned her, to be wary of men who suddenly show great kindness and to be careful of hidden intentions behind their goodwill. Xiao Tao was well aware that such a noble young man would certainly not show such a smile to just anyone. He must be trying to bribe her, hmph, no way! Si Jun’s hand froze in mid-air; he had not anticipated that even a mere maid in Zhan Lan’s household could be so insolent. He had personally come to visit Zhan Lan, yet she had cast him out like this. “Let’s go!” Si Jun left with a cold face, thinking to find another opportunity to get in touch with Zhan Lan. Xiao Tao returned to the house and reported the incident to Zhan Lan in detail, to which Zhan Lan replied with a smile, “You did well! From now on, when you see this man, just say what I told you, ‘Don’t see him!'” “Yes, Miss!” Xiao Tao was elated at being praised and happily peeled sunflower seeds for Zhan Lan to eat. Zhan Lan lay in bed feeling quite uncomfortable and decided to stand up and walk about, stretching her shoulders. The medicines from Alchemist Qi truly were effective. Her external injuries were healing quickly. Suddenly, Zhan Lan heard the Hidden Guard blowing the secret whistle, signaling someone’s arrival. She opened the door and peeked out, seeing a graceful young man in white pacing underneath her building in the alleyway between her own and Mu Yan’s courtyard. Dressed in a white robe as pale as the crescent moon, his figure was slender and upright, with a white jade flute hanging at his waist. His gait was leisurely, like an orchid in bloom, pure and untouched by worldly dust. The youth’s crow-black hair danced in the wind, and suddenly, he looked up at her, his exceedingly handsome face adorned with a simple and sincere smile.

Chapter 258: 258: Matters of Expediency

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