Chapter 074: Female Sovereignty 15

“Brother… Elder brother, how… how could you just read such books?!” Liu Qingyun’s face was flushed scarlet.

Liu Qingfeng burst into hearty laughter, slapping his thigh. “Why not? You’re about to be wed—there are things you ought to understand.”

“What things ought I to understand?” At that moment, Master Liu entered from outside, noticing the book on the floor. “How can books be so carelessly tossed about?” He bent down to pick it up.

“Father, allow me,” Liu Qingfeng quickly grabbed the book before his father could reach it.

“You rascal, your mother cherishes books as her life. If she saw you mistreating them, you’d be reciting the family teachings for days.” Master Liu, unaware of the book’s contents, shook his head in resignation.

Liu Qingfeng simply grinned.

Master Liu noticed his younger son’s flushed cheeks and asked in concern, “Qingyun, are you feverish again?”

“Father, I’m fine. I just got excited seeing my brother,” Liu Qingyun replied.

“You spent the whole day in the palace. Did you see Her Highness, the Crown Princess? How is she?” Master Liu asked.

Liu Qingyun’s mind conjured the image of that pale face, those cracked lips—the warmth at the edge of her mouth and the delicate softness still lingered.

“She’s in good spirits,” Liu Qingyun answered, lowering his head slightly. “But her leg is injured and will need a long rest.”

“As long as she’s well enough. I’ve had your favorite dishes prepared—I’ll have them sent over to you,” Master Liu said gently.

“Father, have the kitchen bring some wine as well. I want to have a good chat with my brother,” Liu Qingfeng interjected.

Master Liu glanced at him. “Your younger brother’s health is frail, he can’t drink. Let the kitchen prepare tea for you instead.”

Liu Qingfeng sighed. “…That’s fine, thank you, Father.”

With that, he slipped his arm around his brother’s shoulders. “Let’s go back to your room.”

Back in Liu Qingyun’s small courtyard, Liu Qingfeng released his brother and, still nervous, pulled out the book from his robes. “Thank goodness Father didn’t see it.”

Otherwise, he’d be beaten within an inch of his life.

“Father doesn’t allow us to read these kinds of books?” Liu Qingyun frowned slightly.

“It’s fine—you need to study now more than ever,” Liu Qingfeng winked, chuckling. “You wouldn’t want Her Highness to find you lacking, would you?”

Liu Qingyun: “???”

Liu Qingfeng continued, “I’ve heard that in the palace, the princesses have a host of male companions from childhood. To gain favor, these companions devote much effort to these matters. If you don’t study well, on your wedding night, the Crown Princess might find you unsatisfactory, and could end up resting in one of their rooms instead.”

“But Her Highness doesn’t have any male companions,” Liu Qingyun mused.

…

Liu Qingfeng paused. “So, do you want to read it? I specially picked out the most popular one for you.”

…

Liu Qingyun hesitated, eyeing the book. “Maybe… I’ll have a look.”

Liu Qingfeng’s lips twitched; his brother’s words belied his true intentions—he clearly wanted to read it.

He handed over the book.

The food and snacks arrived swiftly, and after several cups of tea under the moonlight, Liu Qingfeng regarded his younger brother with a touch of melancholy—his beloved brother was soon to marry. “Qingyun, do you truly wish to marry the Crown Princess?”

“I do,” Liu Qingyun nodded. “I really like her.”

“You know, aside from our country and Starlight, which honor women, the other nations value men. There, men’s rules are fewer—the life could be better. Don’t you want to see what it’s like elsewhere?”

“Before I met Her Highness, I thought so too,” Liu Qingyun played with his cup, his tone steady. “After meeting her, all I want is to be by her side every day. Her status doesn’t matter to me.”

Well, he was clearly smitten. Liu Qingfeng could only sigh.

That night, Liu Qingyun leaned against his bedpost, candlelight flickering. He traced the delicate silver spoon in his hand, his eyes filled with longing and heat. He lowered his head, his lips softly touching the cool metal. “Yu elder sister…”

After a while, he placed the spoon in a wooden box by the bedside, carefully positioning it next to his pillow, his gaze shifting to the book beside him.

His look was hesitant and curious, tinged with shyness.

He recalled his brother’s warning—he might be found wanting.

He picked up the book and opened it.

Upon seeing the vivid, meticulously drawn illustrations within, his face nearly bled with embarrassment.

The next day, Liu Qingyun’s complexion was pale, dark circles under his eyes, and his steps unsteady—clear signs of a sleepless night.

“Qingyun, did you not rest well last night? Perhaps you should delay your visit to the palace another day,” Master Liu said, concerned.

“Father, I’m fine,” Liu Qingyun shook his head. “I want to visit Her Highness.”

Seeing his determination, Master Liu could only acquiesce.

Liu Qingyun rode in the carriage, which rocked gently. He leaned against the wall, resting his eyes.

In truth, he hadn’t read much of the book before sleep overcame him.

He simply couldn’t go on, and when he finally slept, his dreams were filled with those scenes.

In his dreams, Yu elder sister… Thinking of this, Liu Qingyun’s face reddened again, and he couldn’t help but cover his itchy nose.

Le Yixian noticed that her little darling was acting odd today, sneaking glances at her when he thought she wasn’t looking, only to dart his gaze away in flustered panic when she caught him.

He even kept his distance when speaking, unlike yesterday’s tender, hand-feeding moment.

Could it be… yesterday’s boldness had frightened him?

Le Yixian pondered silently.

With her leg broken, she couldn’t move. The summer sun was warm and the air somewhat muggy, so her attendants carried her out to the waterside pavilion.

The cool mist off the water eased the heat.

Liu Qingyun chose a seat directly opposite Le Yixian.

He picked up a grape, turning it over and over in his hand.

Le Yixian couldn’t help but laugh.

Her laughter caught Liu Qingyun’s attention; he looked up at her in confusion.

“If you didn’t like what I did yesterday, I won’t do it again,” Le Yixian said, her eyes narrowing slightly.

First, she’d ease his guard, then gradually draw closer and slowly warm him—she was determined.

“No,” Liu Qingyun shook his head, “I… I didn’t dislike it.”

He lowered his head and continued, “I actually thought it felt quite nice.”

Le Yixian: “…”

She was stunned for a moment, then broke into genuine laughter, her eyes arching in delight. She beckoned to him, “Would you like to try again?”

Liu Qingyun looked at her, his cheeks slowly reddening. He rose and shuffled over in small steps, “Then, this time… can I also… also…”

His last words were barely audible.

Le Yixian’s smile deepened as she looked up at him. “Of course.”