TSFLIP Chapter 275

NO chapter 274, Chapter 275 continue from Chapter 273

The rumors of the Empress’s romantic escapades gained another chapter as Feng Guang shut herself away in her tent for days, refusing all visitors. Ever since that passionate encounter by the lake, Gu Yan had acted like an untamed stallion whenever they were alone. Though a man’s skill in such matters might bring a woman pleasure, the aftermath was something she simply couldn’t endure.

Sore back, aching legs, and the knowing, teasing looks of everyone around her—what stung the most was the unmistakable implication in their gazes: The Empress had been completely conquered by the Qin King. Nonsense! She was the Empress! If anything, she should have been the one conquering Gu Yan!

Having had enough of both the physical strain and the emotional toll, Feng Guang decided to embrace a period of abstinence. She even instructed Xiao Wo to fetch her a string of prayer beads from somewhere. When Gu Yan visited, he found her cross-legged on the bed, fingers slowly turning the beads, eyes closed, with an air of serene detachment.

Gu Yan smirked. “Your Majesty, what kind of play is this?”

“Amitabha,” she intoned, opening her eyes. Her gaze was distant and profound as if looking beyond the mortal world. In truth, she was simply zoning out. “I’ve been reading Buddhist texts recently and realized how many illusions plague this vast world. I’ve decided to pursue a period of clarity and reflection. Once I achieve enlightenment, I’ll transcend spiritually.”

Achieve enlightenment? That’s practically halfway to becoming a monk!

The truth was, Feng Guang didn’t fully understand the words coming out of her mouth. She only knew that speaking like this sounded lofty and impressive.

Gu Yan called out, “Xiao Wo.”

“Yes, my lord?” Xiao Wo entered the tent hesitantly.

His smile was enchanting yet harmless. “Since Her Majesty seeks to cleanse her mind and spirit, remove all meat from her meals. From now on, she will eat only vegetarian dishes.”

Xiao Wo glanced nervously at Feng Guang. “As you wish, my lord…”

Before the sentence was even finished, Feng Guang hurled her prayer beads at Gu Yan. He gracefully sidestepped, letting the beads fall to the ground.

Feigning surprise, he asked, “Your Majesty, have you already given up on enlightenment?”

“Gu Yan, you’re the worst!” Feng Guang shouted, hopping off the bed, all traces of her serene demeanor gone. She stomped her foot in frustration. “Are you trying to kill me by banning meat?!”

“Should I summon a monk to explain that those who follow the path of Buddhism do not consume meat?” he teased.

“People say, ‘The meat passes through the stomach, but the Buddha remains in the heart,’ don’t they?”

“True,” he replied smoothly. “Just as some monks drink wine and eat meat, there are also those who seek pleasure in brothels.”

Damn it! I walked right into that one!

Her face turned red as she searched for a retort, but she couldn’t find the words. Frustrated, she stomped her foot again and huffed loudly, her only way of expressing defiance.

Xiao Wo, having witnessed the scene, wisely slipped out of the tent. Watching the Empress and the Qin King flirt and bicker wasn’t something she wanted to get involved in.

Gu Yan approached the bed and gently caught Feng Guang’s ankle, adorned with its delicate anklet. “Your Majesty, stomping your bare foot with such force—doesn’t it hurt? I recall that you’re quite sensitive to pain.”

His playful smile hinted at memories of that day in the water when she had bitten his shoulder and cried out in discomfort.

Feng Guang’s face flushed from red to white. She tried to pull her foot away, but his grip was firm. Mortified, she yelled, “You scoundrel!”

“It’s fine if Your Majesty calls me a scoundrel. After all, such teasing between a man and a woman is quite… charming.” His lips curved into a soft smile, one that carried a warmth he didn’t usually show.

Feng Guang was momentarily stunned. Could he have fallen for her? Awkwardly, she asked, “Gu Yan, do you… like me?”

His tone was as calm as ever. “I suppose I do.”

Yes, he liked her. Quite a lot.