He seemed to have calculated the time precisely. By the time he was done, it was already dark. The fishtail of Wanwan, which had just endured the tempest, gradually transformed back into human legs.
Wanwan's legs were so weak that he could hardly stand. He could only rely on his wrists hanging in mid - air and the iron chain to steady himself.
Sheng Jiu seemed quite satisfied. After it was over, he became gentler towards Wanwan. He gently pinched Wanwan's waist and said softly, "Sleep in the bed tonight. I'll carry you there."
Wanwan was already accustomed to such things and didn't want to make any futile resistance or struggle. Moreover, after what he had just been through, he really needed some rest.
Wanwan remained silent, which was tantamount to acquiescence. Sheng Jiu gently unlocked all the iron chains on his body and carefully carried him to the bed.
Wanwan was extremely exhausted and didn't want to parry with Sheng Jiu anymore. He lay on the bed, and soon drowsiness came over him. Without any resistance, he fell into a deep sleep. Half - asleep and half - awake, he felt as if someone was rubbing his wrist and whispering something gently in his ear.
The tone was so gentle that it made Wanwan feel as if he had passed through a different era.
Sheng Jiu looked at his peaceful sleeping face, then contentedly lay down beside him. He silently stared at Wanwan for a long time before gently putting his arm around his waist. Then the two of them fell into slumber together.
Sheng Jiu probably never thought that this might be the last time he would sleep so soundly.
The next day, Ming Lang woke him up.
He didn't originally plan to attend the morning court today, but he was called up anyway. He was told that something seemed to have happened. Sheng Jiu looked at the warm bed and his lover beside him, then reluctantly got up to change his clothes.
After dressing up, Sheng Jiu asked, "What's the big deal that can't wait and I have to attend the court today? Don't they know what day it was yesterday?"
Ming Lang was silent for a moment. "It seems that the Astrologer has calculated the woman who is a match made in heaven for Your Majesty."
Sheng Jiu opened his originally hazy eyes. After thinking for a while, he slowly asked, "Oh? Really?"
Ming Lang replied respectfully, "Yes."
Sheng Jiu sneered, "I don't believe there is such a woman who is a match for me. Well, the selection of concubines is already over. If he can't handle this matter well today, I'll deal with him too. It just saves me the trouble of finding an excuse."
Ming Lang kept silent.
After changing his clothes, Sheng Jiu looked back at Wanwan, then turned around and walked out of the bedroom.
When Sheng Jiu appeared, the court was still whispering. Maybe they were discussing who the so - called woman who was a match made in heaven for him was.
Sheng Jiu glanced at the black - robed man in the middle of the crowd. An inexplicable fierce look appeared in his eyes, as if filled with a hint of killing intent.
"I wonder what urgent matter you all have that you insisted I come to the court today. My newly - selected concubine suddenly died last night. I was busy all night."
"Astrologer, in the future, never let any woman with bad fortune enter the palace."
His tone was cold and slow, sending shivers down everyone's spines. All the ministers below were in a panic. It was already extremely difficult to remain calm under the emperor's nose, let alone think about these things that couldn't be pondered deeply...
The Astrologer hooked his lips indifferently and smiled. "Yesterday, I had to read so many fates that I might have been a bit careless. Please don't blame me, Your Majesty."
Sheng Jiu sneered, "It doesn't matter. I'm here today just out of curiosity. Where is this woman who is a match made in heaven for me that you've been talking about? Do you have a portrait for me to take a look at?"
The Astrologer smiled. "There's no need for a portrait, Your Majesty. I've already brought the woman here today. If Your Majesty permits, I'll have her summoned into the hall."
Sheng Jiu squinted his eyes slightly. He never expected that this man would act so quickly. But precisely because of this, he suspected something fishy.
Sheng Jiu waved his hand and said lazily, "Since you're so considerate, let's have her summoned first."
As the eunuch's shrill voice sounded, a graceful woman slowly walked into the hall. Her face was covered with a veil, but just from her figure, most of the men present were already captivated.
The Astrologer slowly said, "This is the daughter of Lord Li. She missed the concubine - selection yesterday because of her physical discomfort. Last night, when I calculated her fate, I inquired about this girl. I thought that when I mentioned it to Your Majesty in the morning court today, Your Majesty would surely be very interested. So I made an appointment with the girl in advance and brought her here early this morning for Your Majesty to see."
"Your Majesty, are you satisfied?"
Sheng Jiu squinted his eyes. He never expected that the woman brought by the Astrologer would be the daughter of a court official. He originally thought that the Astrologer would surely find one of his own confidants to stay by his side for their future actions. Who would have thought that he really found someone who was a match made in heaven...
Sheng Jiu glanced at Lord Li standing beside him and knew that this matter was probably true. He frowned slightly and sized up the woman standing below. Although he couldn't see her face clearly through the veil, her temperament and figure were extremely outstanding. Standing among so many civil and military officials, she showed no sign of timidity.
Sheng Jiu guessed what tricks the Astrologer might be playing, but now he couldn't easily refuse. Because two days ago, he had said in the court that all eligible daughters of civil and military officials should be sent for the concubine - selection.
If he flat - out refused at this moment, some of the court officials would surely start gossiping.
Sheng Jiu rubbed his temples with a headache. After thinking for a moment, he slowly said, "Remove your veil and come forward."
Hearing his voice, the woman paced slowly towards him. When she was sure that he could clearly see her features, she raised her hand and neatly removed the veil from her face.
She bowed gracefully. "Your Majesty."
This woman was indeed good - looking. At least she was among the top ones in the concubine - selection yesterday. Sheng Jiu reached out his hand and pinched her chin, asking softly, "Well, are you willing to enter the palace as a concubine?"
The woman bowed her head. "I'm willing to stay by Your Majesty's side and serve Your Majesty."
Sheng Jiu nodded in satisfaction. "You're quite obedient."
The woman looked up and gave him a charming smile.
Sheng Jiu was stunned. This smile seemed familiar. Where on earth had he seen it?