Chapitre 259: Chapter 257: Empress Dowager, This Isn't Right_1
"Junior of the Zhu Clan, Zhu Zhuqing, pays respects to the Empress Dowager."
"Xu Ran pays respects to the Empress Dowager."
Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing had wound their way around the imperial palace several times before finally arriving at the empress's palace.
Once into the depths of the Imperial city, it's like entering a vast ocean, no wonder in ancient times there were so many tales of infidelity among the imperial physicians and guards in secret affairs.
Such an oppressive atmosphere, deep within the palace, emotions suppressed, the favored imperial concubines fare well, but those not favored by Emperor Dai are left to suffer in silence. If the suffocation becomes unbearable, finding a man to confide in and receive some comfort isn't bad either.
"Zhu Qing, Xu Ran, have you arrived? Why the formality? You should call me 'Auntie'."
Through the sheer curtain, Julia eyed Xu Ran, her beautiful eyes glittering with intelligence.
She was somewhat surprised.
In the deep confines of the palace, one could not move freely. However, it was this kind of quiet and secluded environment that had honed her sharp skill in judging people. Although Xu Ran was still young, she saw grand potential and endless possibilities in him.
With one glance, she saw that Xu Ran was extraordinary.
Indeed, he was a descendant of their Zhu Clan, truly a man of talent.
"Auntie," Zhu Zhuqing, upon seeing this, released her hold on Xu Ran and ran directly behind the curtain, affectionately sitting atop Julia's couch.
"My little Zhu Qing has grown so much." Julia fondly stroked Zhu Zhuqing's head, and the two began to exchange warm greetings behind the curtain.
Xu Ran stood outside, his gaze directed toward the area behind the curtain.
Through the thin veil, Xu Ran could only vaguely make out Julia's figure; this queen was not from Zhu Zìháo's line. Julia was merely Zhu Zìháo's cousin, yet she had firmly secured the position of queen, which indicated she was no ordinary person.
Due to the Zhu Clan's superior genes, Julia's figure was also outstanding, not the least bit inferior to "Zhu Zhuyun" and the others. Through the thin veil, Xu Ran could make out Julia's incredibly graceful and exquisite figure. The incense burner sent pure fragrances wafting through the air, adding to the hazy allure of Julia and Zhu Zhuqing in front of it.
Especially the continuous female voices exchanging words, Zhu Qing's was clear and pleasant, while Empress Julia's was evidently more coquettish and enticing. The frequent tender and clinging tones were somehow captivating.
If an audiophile were here, they might find it unbearable.
Worthy of being the queen of a nation, her skill at capturing the thoughts of men was tight; no wonder she was favored by Emperor Dai, her tactics were indeed extraordinary.
Xu Ran yearned to extend his spiritual power to probe forward, but he found that when his spiritual power reached the veil, it couldn't penetrate further. It was as though some treasure was blocking his spiritual power's probe.
With the Dai family having presided over the Xingluo Empire for so many years and being part of the Imperial family with countless treasures, it wasn't unusual.
"Xu Ran, Auntie is calling you inside to give you some instructions; I'll leave first and wait for you outside." After a while, Zhu Zhuqing came out from the inside and said to Xu Ran.
At that moment, looking through the veil, Empress Julia was already half-reclining on the bed, seemingly a bit tired… However, that well-proportioned, curvaceous body behind the veil had a hazy allure that was fatally attractive to men.
"Xu Ran, come in," said Julia after Zhu Zhuqing left.
"Yes." Xu Ran bowed from the outside, then took steps, slowly walking towards inside.
Damn!
This infuriating haze is really…
Xu Ran had reason to suspect Julia was intentionally seducing him, but after much thought, he found no reason for it. If Empress Zhu wasn't interested in Emperor Dai, it was unlikely she'd be interested in him, whom she had just met.
At this moment, besides feeling a bit ticklish within,
Xu Ran also had a sense of caution; he suspected that Empress Zhu was trying to entrap him.
But as for the specific reason, he couldn't figure it out.
"Cough cough."
"Xu Ran pays his respects to the Empress Dowager."
Xu Ran once again bowed respectfully, at this moment Empress Zhu, with her jade-like hand supporting her exquisite cheek, wearing a phoenix crown and a robe embroidered with phoenix patterns, reclined sideways as she faced Xu Ran, her voluptuous body sprawled out.
This scene couldn't help but remind him of the previous Gu Yuena.
However, Gu Yuena's beauty was that flawless and untainted kind, free of any imperfections.
Empress Zhu, on the other hand, exuded a beauty that was noble, charming, and uniquely graceful.
It was a unique kind of beauty; although Gu Yuena was much more beautiful than Empress Zhu, the slightly flawed beauty of Empress Zhu was attainable and equally captivating.
"Giggle. So this is the Zhu Clan's rising star, the exceptional talent? Why does it seem he's as afraid of me as a girl is of a tiger?" Julia said with a tender laugh, her charming body undulating with her laughter, and a scent purer than that of the incense burners wafted through the air.
"Cough cough..." The corner of Xu Ran's mouth twitched as he looked at Julia's charming state. Was he being a coward? No, he was worried about being trapped.
"Sit down," Julia said as she drew her beautiful legs together, making space for Xu Ran.
"Oh, okay." Xu Ran sat on the edge of the bed, looking at Julia. He, Xu Ran, had never felt so passive before, and this feeling left him at a loss.
No matter when, even if it was Gu Yuena, he wasn't tricked by her and followed his own thoughts. But now...
Before Xu Ran had time to think it through, a pair of white, flawless legs were placed straight on his knees.
"Give your aunt a massage; I've been feeling a bit tired lately," Julia's voice sounded. At this moment, her gaze curiously watched Xu Ran, and seeing his restraint, she smiled knowingly.
What did it matter how strong a genius was in her presence?
Xu Ran, the genius from the Zhu Clan, and she too was born into the Zhu Clan; it was naturally her duty to keep this unparalleled talent for the Zhu Clan.
However, Davis was the Great Crown Prince, the future emperor of the Xingluo Empire, and her own son; she absolutely could not tolerate Xu Ran threatening his position.
"Empress Dowager, this isn't appropriate," Xu Ran said awkwardly, looking at the shapely legs wrapped in the imperial dress, seemingly without any longing.
This, this was definitely not the time to be moved.
This was the most powerful woman in the entire Xingluo Empire.
If Emperor Dai were to be angered, truly, there would be no place for him in the Xingluo Empire.
He wasn't unencumbered now, without any ties; he couldn't just go wherever he wished. But he still had Zhu Yun, the Zhu Clan...
"What's wrong with it? I am also of the Zhu family; you are a younger generation of my Zhu family. What's wrong with a bit of intimacy between elder and younger family members?" Julia said, her enchanting eyes flickering with a coquettish light.
"It's nothing," Xu Ran shook his head and said no more. He took hold of Julia's legs and began to practice the Art of Massage. Since Julia didn't care, there was no need for him to care about anything either.
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone