Cultivation: Starting from a Mortal Bone

"Ah? This... isn’t appropriate, is it?"

Qin Yu gasped, could the Empress Dowager’s reward be too...

"Alas, Ling’er hasn’t been able to sleep well lately and is quite weary. Today, spend some more time with her so she can rest peacefully for a while."

The Empress Dowager sighed softly, her eyes full of tenderness.

Qin Yu immediately understood the Empress Dowager’s words about rest, which naturally meant genuine repose and recuperation.

However.

He wouldn’t dare to follow the Empress Dowager’s instructions to directly hold Princess to sleep.

Instead, he gently supported her as they slowly walked towards the bedchamber.

The Empress Dowager followed behind them, her gaze falling on Qin Yu, growing more fond of him. He speaks the truth, honest and straightforward, and can relieve Little Ling’er of her ailments.

Wonderful!

If it weren’t for Qin Yu needing to return to accompany his beloved wife, the Empress Dowager truly wished he could stay in Jade Flower Palace forever.

Bedchamber.

Little Ling’er lay quietly on the bed, her small hand tightly clutching Qin Yu’s hand, unwilling to let go.

"You just sit there."

The Empress Dowager pointed at the bed and said.

Seeing Qin Yu’s restraint, wanting to refuse, the Empress Dowager simply walked over, pressed down on his shoulder, and let him sit down.

Little Ling’er seemed to sense the presence, her small head on the pillow instinctively moved closer, even lightly nuzzling.

"Qin Yu, I have something to ask you."

The Empress Dowager, with a mysterious air, closed the distance further between them, their breaths intertwined, almost audible.

"Hmm?"

Qin Yu felt a faint fragrance quietly invade his sensory world, his peripheral vision naturally fell on the neckline of the Empress Dowager.

Like a swan spreading its wings.

Long, fair, delicate, making one want to gently bite.

More uniquely, this Empress Dowager, like a Fairy in a cold palace, was always encircled with a subtle silver radiance, like the softest moonlight in the night sky, adding a touch of otherworldly, ethereal grace.

This scene, beautiful beyond human realm, stirred ripples in Qin Yu’s heart.

"Do you have any other games? Teach me first."

The Empress Dowager seemed unaware of Qin Yu’s unusual gaze, she carefully glanced at Little Ling’er, seeing her sleeping peacefully, she softly asked.

"Is the Empress Dowager looking to..."

"Absolutely, I want to defeat Little Ling’er."

Although the Empress Dowager was reluctant to admit it, these few days of consecutive defeats made her realize that even with Qin Yu imparting all his skills, she still couldn’t beat Little Ling’er at Gomoku.

If so, then let’s find another way!

"There are, but they are more challenging than Gomoku."

Qin Yu hesitated.

With the Empress Dowager’s... wisdom, it’s evidently unsuitable for her to pursue the path of chess.

If it’s anything else...

Qin Yu couldn’t help but bend slightly again, averting his eyes.

"What? Do you doubt my capability?!"

The Empress Dowager’s beautiful eyes widened slightly, full of defiance.

"Impossible, the Empress Dowager is astute and perceptive."

Qin Yu was embarrassed.

"I just appreciate your honest nature."

The Empress Dowager was delighted, her eyes crescent-shaped.

Perhaps after not seeing him for a while, her attitude toward Qin Yu was very cordial, not treating him as an outsider at all.

Qin Yu could only muster patience to explain the rules of Go and Chinese Chess to the Empress Dowager.

Listening to so many rules, the Empress Dowager was dumbfounded, this... was so much more difficult than Gomoku!

Just as Qin Yu thought the Empress Dowager would give up, she gritted her teeth and dedicatedly listened.

As long as I learn first, I will definitely beat Little Ling’er!

Qin Yu underestimated the Empress Dowager’s competitiveness.

...

Imperial Study!

"This silly auspice!"

The Empress gently rubbed her forehead, feeling quite exasperated by the Empress Dowager’s actions.

After this outing, there’s no doubt the Empress held Qin Yu in higher regard!

Hence, she said resources could be taken at will.

And everything in Jade Flower Palace hasn’t escaped the Empress’s perception, she naturally saw the Empress Dowager taking Qin Yu to the bedchamber.

Fortunately, Qin Yu always remained composed, showed no overstepping behavior toward Little Ling’er.

Although the auspice occasionally revealed elegance that ignited Qin Yu’s gaze, he promptly averted his eyes.

These small details slightly reassured the Empress.

Perhaps when the Empress saw Little Ling’er’s frailty, she felt a little guilty, leading her to refrain from stopping the Empress Dowager’s absurd behavior.

Now that Ling’er has rested, the Empress planned to finalize arrangements before going over.

Until it was almost sunset.

The Empress finished her matters and then headed to the Jade Flower Palace.

"Qin Yu, how could you block me!"

"No, stop, you can’t hit my cannon!"

"Trying to tempt me to eat your piece, I won’t fall for it!"

Just upon reaching the bedchamber entrance, the sound from inside made the Empress’s figure tremble, her expression changed suddenly.

What are they doing?!

"Bang!"

The Empress pushed open the chamber door, seeing Qin Yu and the Empress Dowager sitting across from each other, Little Ling’er had already woken, sitting beside Qin Yu, tightly clutching his hand.

And on the table between them lay a chessboard the Empress had never seen before.

"Your Majesty."

Qin Yu stood up, respectfully saluting.

"Your Majesty sister, you’re finally back."

Little Ling’er also stood up; she seemed to hesitate for a moment, still unwilling to release Qin Yu’s hand until the Empress approached, at which point she threw herself into sister’s arms.

Most exasperating for the Empress was that the Empress Dowager only acknowledged with a call, without looking up, focused on the game board, tousled brow.

Utterly engrossed!

The Empress stepped forward, a gaze swept, instantly captivated by the black and white pieces, distinct as the Chu River and Han Border.

This game is quite interesting.

"How do you feel?"

The Empress quickly focused her attention on Little Ling’er.

As for the anxious auspice...

The Empress suddenly felt as long as her earlier concerns weren’t realized, a little absurdity on her part could be tolerated.

After all, nature is hard to change.

Moreover, Qin Yu has discretion, wouldn’t act improperly.

This auspice couldn’t be foolish enough to offer herself up to be taken by others, right?!

"Ling’er is fine now, Your Majesty sister doesn’t have to worry about me."

Little Ling’er answered obediently.

Being beside Qin Yu had already balanced the Ice and Fire Dao Rhyme within her, after resting in the afternoon, her complexion had noticeably improved.

"That’s good then."

The Empress looked at Qin Yu, her eyes slightly softened.

If the Ancient Array hadn’t been disrupted making the situation somewhat uncontrollable, she wouldn’t want Qin Yu to leave the Imperial Capital.

"Empress Dowager, it’s getting late, Qin Yu should be going back."

Qin Yu then realized dusk had settled, promptly saluted, ready to leave.

[Ugh, I had saved so many Chapters, but of all times, I caught a cold now. I must strive to release ten Chapters, ahhhhhh]