The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 182: A Sinister Appearance

Chapter 182: A Sinister Appearance

The young maid stifled a groan, her eyes widening in terror as she gazed at Zhong Mingyu.

Yet, no sound escaped her lips, and there was no trace of blood on her chest as she collapsed to the ground with a resounding thud.

Zhong Mingyu’s hand bore a hint of blood, the still-beating heart within her grasp.

She discreetly covered it with her sleeve before swallowing the entire organ.

In an instant, her countenance seemed to grow even more alluring.

She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, a satisfied smile playing on her lips as she remarked, "A woman’s heart is delicate and delectable."

A handmaiden emerged from behind the curtain, casting a glance at the lifeless body of the maid on the floor before speaking, "Once you are married, you cannot indulge in such impromptu feasting."

Zhong Mingyu sighed, "Indeed, it is a dilemma."

The handmaiden, Lan’er, suggested, "If it proves too difficult, perhaps you should reconsider marrying him. There are nine Consorts in the capital now, and if she were to discover our secret, our situation would become perilous."

Zhong Mingyu scoffed, her eyes filled with disdain, "She is merely a young girl with slightly advanced mystical arts. Is she truly worth your apprehension? I have been in her presence before, and she couldn’t discern a thing."

Lan’er’s expression eased upon hearing this.

Indeed, they had cultivated their powers for many years, possessing extraordinary strength. As long as the realm of immortals remained closed, they had nothing to fear.

However, they were still creatures of the supernatural, and the slightest slip-up would render them unwelcome in the mortal realm.

After a moment of hesitation, Lan’er continued, "Sister, perhaps it would be best to let it go. He is no longer the person he once was, and your paths now diverge. He is unlikely to sacrifice his life for you in this lifetime."

"He will!" Zhong Mingyu’s face changed, her gaze fixed fiercely on Lan’er.

"He will fall in love with me once more. We made a pact to be devoted spouses for eternity. I haven’t changed, and neither has he."

"But he has already drunk the soup of forgetfulness and crossed the Naihe Bridge," Lan’er persisted, undeterred. She wanted her sister to face the reality.

Restless and anxious, she felt that staying in the capital was becoming increasingly dangerous.

"He said that even if he drank the soup of forgetfulness, as long as he sees me again in the next life, he will love me once more, and we will be a loving couple," Zhong Mingyu turned away, her expression icy.

"Stop saying any more. Dispose of the body."

Lan’er knew her sister’s stubbornness and fell silent, refraining from further words.

As supernatural beings, they relied on human skin to conceal their otherworldly aura, lest monks and Taoists catch a glimpse of their true nature.

However, maintaining the appearance of fresh human skin required consuming hearts.

For now, they could still conceal their true selves within the Zhong residence.

But once they married into the Lu family, they would have to venture out in search of sustenance.

Zhong Mingyu was clearly immersed in her happiness.

She gazed at the vibrant red bridal attire on the rack, her smile shy and tender. "Regardless of how many lifetimes pass, I will marry you as your wife."

Anyone who dared to obstruct her would meet their demise.

The impending nuptials of the Lu family had set the entire household into a frenzy of activity.

This union, arranged by the parents, left Lu Zheng with no particular fondness for the maiden, Miss Zhong.

However, he vowed that once Miss Zhong became his wife, he would treat her with utmost respect and love until their twilight years.

Having already secured an official position, Lu Zheng currently served in the Hanlin Academy. As the son of the current Prime Minister, he was determined to excel in all his endeavors, ensuring that he does not bring shame upon his father’s name. However, with his own wedding approaching, he decided to temporarily set aside his current responsibilities.

As he prepared to leave the palace gates, he coincidentally encountered Ye Siheng and Nanli. The two had just paid their respects to the Empress in the Fengxi Pavilion.

"Ninth Prince, Princess," Lu Zheng greeted them with a respectful bow upon seeing them.

Ye Siheng nodded slightly, "You are to be wed tomorrow, why are you still attending to palace duties today?"

"There are some matters that require my attention," Lu Zheng replied.

Ye Siheng had inquired about the three of them within the court and had received numerous praises. It seemed that this year’s top three scholars were indeed chosen wisely.

However, Nanli continued to gaze intently at Lu Zheng, her eyes unwavering.

Ye Siheng noticed this and felt a tinge of jealousy. Leaning closer, he whispered in her ear, "What captivates your attention so?"

Shielding her gaze with her hand, Nanli softly responded, "There is an unusual aura about him, something he seems to have recently acquired."

"What kind of unusual aura?" Ye Siheng asked, puzzled.

Nanli shook her head, "I cannot discern it clearly."

Ye Siheng found it rather peculiar that there was something she cannot perceive. Nonetheless, their whispered conversation made Lu Zheng feel somewhat awkward. Just as he was about to excuse himself, Nanli spokes up, "Young Master Lu, allow me to draw a talisman for you."

"Hmm?" Lu Zheng momentarily failed to comprehend.

"It’s free," Nanli added, fearing his refusal.

Lu Zheng’s heart trembled, "Could it be that I have been tainted by something impure?"

He felt a sense of unease, especially since his wedding is imminent. He cannot afford any mishaps at this crucial juncture.

"It is not impurity," Nanli reassured him, "but let me draw a talisman to ensure your safety."

Without hesitation, Lu Zheng nodded and accepted her offer.

In the capital’s noble circles, they only trusted the Ninth Princess.

Even if Nanli became a princess, she still carried her cloth bag, which Ye Siheng had ordered the embroiderers to create in various colors and styles, allowing Nanli to switch them according to her outfits.

From her cloth bag, she retrieved the Tianxing Brush, channeling her energy as she swiftly draws a talisman on Lu Zheng’s body. Then, with a wave of her hand, she embedded the talisman deep within him.

Initially, Lu Zheng felt no discernible change. However, as the talisman took effect, he sensed a warm energy gathering within him, as if his yang energy was being consolidated.

He breathed a sigh of relief and quickly expresses his gratitude to Nanli, "Thank you, Ninth Princess."

"No need for thanks," Nanli waved it off.

She rarely encountered such an aura, which attracted her curiosity as well.

Once they were inside the carriage, Nanli remained silent, her gaze lowered as she ponders something.

Ye Siheng, observing her, decided not to disturb her.

Suddenly, a flash of insight crosses Nanli’s mind, and she exclaimed, "I know!"

Her sudden movement caused her to lose balance within the carriage and she fell into Ye Siheng’s embrace.

His scent of cedarwood instantly enveloped her, causing her heart to flutter and her cheeks to blush.

She quickly tried to regain her composure.

However, Ye Siheng held her in his arms, placing her legs over his lap, allowing her to sit comfortably.

The two of them shared an intimate and ambiguous moment.

Nanli glanced at him quickly, "What are you planning to do..."

"A’li, we are already married, husband and wife," Ye Siheng’s voice was gentle, his eyes filled with a smile, "Is it not permissible to embrace each other?"

Nanli was straightforward and no longer shy, so she simply sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Yes, as you say, my husband," she addressed him, "There seems to be a demonic aura on Young Master Lu."

"A demonic aura?" Ye Siheng was taken aback, recalling the tree demon outside Luoyang City and the harm it caused to numerous innocent women.