The Slender Waist-Chapter 346 - 243 Catching Cheaters in Pairs

Li Sangruo swallowed the fishy taste at the back of her throat and sat down at the head of the table.

With a sweep of her robe, shadows grew dim beneath her eyes.

She said, "Madam, are you drunk?"

Feng Yun lifted her delicate and radiant face, smiling.

"The fame of Autumn Osmanthus Wine is well deserved, I’ve indulged in two extra cups, Your Highness, please forgive me..."

As she tipped her head back, the neckline of her dress loosened slightly, revealing a hidden red mark beneath the collar, a stark contrast against her soft skin, as if someone had gnawed on her, hinting at the wildness of a man’s passion on her body...

Li Sangruo’s gaze darkened with barely suppressed rage, her smile strained as she turned and reprimanded Fang Fucai.

"Madam has a taste for fine wine, why haven’t you brought out my treasured selection to offer her? You cur, if the hospitality is lacking, I will hold you accountable."

Fang Fucai, with a greasy smile, repeatedly begged for mercy and quickly brought over a jug of wine, which he placed on the table with a bow, then personally poured a full cup for Feng Yun.

"Madam, please."

Being served wine personally by a Temple Attendant of the Empress Dowager, what an honor was that for a General’s wife?

If Feng Yun refused, it would be seen as disrespect towards Empress Dowager Li.

Feng Yun curved her eyes, "This servant thanks the Empress Dowager."

Just as she was about to take the cup, a warm, large hand extended to stop her.

Pei Jue shook his head, "Madam."

Feng Yun’s lips curved slightly.

"Since it’s a gift from the Empress Dowager, General, allow me this indulgence."

While others were trying every possible way to refuse the forced drinks, she was eagerly asking for wine...

Pei Jue’s brow furrowed as he watched her cat-like languid manner, wanting to see through her, but in those moist eyes, aside from a disconcerting warmth, there was nothing.

Her lashes quivered as her voice floated lightly.

"General?"

It almost sounded coquettish.

Pei Jue withdrew his hand imperceptibly.

After drinking a cup of wine, Feng Yun seemed a bit tipsy and weak.

After sitting for a moment, she stood up to change clothes with Xiaoman hurriedly coming over to assist her.

The floral hall of Cuiyu was originally designed for hosting guests; following it was a garden encircled by rockeries. Going forward for dozens of steps, there were several chambers, specially reserved for distinguished guests to change clothes and freshen up.

Maid-servants led the way, and Xiaoman carefully supported Feng Yun as they went.

Once inside the room, with no one else around, Feng Yun composed herself, her previous smile gone, her gentle tranquility erased.

In its place was a face of chill severity.

"Xiaoman, close the door, and let no one come in."

Xiaoman paused, "Miss, what are you planning to do..."

"Just do as you are told." Feng Yun had no time to explain as she lifted her skirts and walked further inside.

The room was fragrant, prepared with cleansing agents, and extravagantly furnished, even more organized and spacious than an ordinary wealthy family’s bedroom.

Instead of making use of the facilities, Feng Yun surveyed the area, checking doors and windows.

-

Wei Zheng had drunk quite a lot tonight.

After losing face that day, he had no desire to chat with his colleagues, exchanging trivial pleasantries, and sat alone with a somber face, brooding over his drink and pondering his fate.

The Autumn Osmanthus Wine lacked the scent of osmanthus, but tonight it seemed especially intoxicating...

His mind was hazy as his nostrils suddenly caught a fragrance.

Servant girls were attending at the feast, and one kneeled down slowly, calling him as the head of the Imperial Cavalry Division.

Wei Zheng glanced at her, then shifted aside, allowing the servant girl to serve him tea...

Whether it was his formidable reputation as the head of the Imperial Cavalry Division or his stony, fierce demeanor, the servant girl’s hands trembled as she held the tea. Wei Zheng’s brow knitted slightly, about to speak, when the girl accidentally spilled the tea on his clothes.

"Division Head, I beg for mercy." The servant girl trembled with nervousness, her face pale with fear.

Wei Zheng waved his hand dismissively, impatient, and stood up to leave.

With the guests dressed so lavishly, such incidents were common, and he thought nothing of it, leaving the floral hall to be led by a servant to change clothes.

The servant girl remained silent throughout.

Wei Zheng, occupied with his thoughts, didn’t notice they had gone quite a distance until the door opened and the servant girl stepped back. Walking inside with the help of his inebriation, he realized something was amiss.

There was someone else in the room.

This chamber unexpectedly connected to the next...

A thin wooden screen partially obscured the figure of a woman, her silhouette vague, enveloped in fragrant air.

Wei Zheng instinctively pulled aside the screen.

The woman looked at him with a cold expression, not even blinking.

"Has Division Head Wei not held his liquor well?"

Her provocative words jolted Wei Zheng into alertness.

"Madam, why are you here?"

Feng Yun’s eyes were cold, "That is my question for Division Head Wei. What favor has Empress Dowager Li granted you?"

Wei Zheng looked at the woman before him with surprise and an awkward discomfort.

"Madam..."

Before he could finish, his face changed color.

A burning sensation was creeping up from his lower abdomen; he had initially thought it was the wine’s heat, but on closer reflection, it felt wrong. His blood surged downward, his vessels reversing their course as if insects were gnawing at his insides...