Passion and Waiting

Since that month, Lu Buwei arrived as promised, frequently visiting the Queen Mother's palace.

King Zheng of Qin was still young, but he was by no means naive. One day, he issued a royal decree: The last three days of each month would be designated for the Queen Mother and the Prime Minister to discuss state affairs. All unresolved matters of the month must be clarified before the last three days.

Zhao Ji, with her eyes twinkling, glanced over the decree and, with a light smile and a delicate laugh, said, "This little rascal is really learning quickly. He truly thinks he is the master of the Great Qin now?"

Lu Buwei's expression turned solemn as he said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, please be cautious with your words. The King is growing wiser with each passing day and is no longer the same as before."

Ignoring him, Zhao Ji coiled around him like a water snake and said in a seductive tone, "Let's put state affairs aside for now. Come, let me see if the Prime Minister still has the vigor he had in the past."

Lu Buwei's eyes flickered with a hint of embarrassment, "Your Majesty..."

But Zhao Ji was relentless. Her soft hand had already slipped inside his robe, and she said, "Call me Zhao Jie."

Unable to resist her teasing, Lu Buwei's blood began to surge.

However, during their intimate moments, Lu Buwei often found himself unable to perform. No matter how Zhao Ji tried to please him, it was all in vain.

Zhao Ji was sweating profusely with frustration, while Lu Buwei just stared blankly at the ceiling, his eyes vacant as if his mind was wandering far away.

"What's wrong with you? Could it be that you... no longer desire me, this withered flower?" Zhao Ji was both anxious and angry, her voice trembling with sobs as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Lu Buwei sighed deeply but remained silent, only holding Zhao Ji tighter, as if trying to merge her into his very being.

Yet, when they finally fell exhausted and asleep, Lu Buwei would suddenly become vigorous in his deeper dreams.

In her sleep, Zhao Ji felt her body being tossed about violently, sometimes burning with intense heat, and at other times feeling like she was drowning in a flood.

In the morning, as the sun rose, the two walked together in the mountains.

Zhao Ji's cheeks blushed as she playfully slapped Lu Buwei and scolded, "You scoundrel, are you suffering from some kind of 'early morning madness'? Last night's toss almost killed me."

Lu Buwei's brows furrowed, as if burdened with countless worries. He sighed deeply and said, "Zhao Jie, our situation is not sustainable. As the King grows older, you are the Queen Mother and I am the Prime Minister with immense power. How can we face the gossip of the world with such a clandestine relationship?"

Zhao Ji laughed even harder, her voice as clear as a silver bell, "Are the Queen Mother and Prime Minister not human? Back in the days, Queen Dowager Xuan had affairs with many court officials, and no one dared to say a word. As for the King, once he takes over the governance, I will marry you openly, the powerful minister, and become a couple of immortals. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Lu Buwei's face turned pale, his lips moved as if he had a thousand words to say, but he didn't know where to start. In the end, he only managed to force a smile, "Zhao Jie, don't be absurd. This matter... needs to be carefully considered. We must have a foolproof plan to ensure our safety."

"Foolproof my ass!" Zhao Ji's eyebrows furrowed and her eyes widened, "It's just a life! Rather than being strangled to death by these heavy crowns and robes, I'd rather resign from office with you and roam the five lakes and four seas like Fan Li and Xi Shi. Wouldn't that be as carefree as a fairy?"

Lu Buwei remained silent, his eyes flickering uncertainly. He left without uttering another word.

From that day on, Lu Buwei did not set foot in the Queen Mother's palace for more than half a year.

Zhao Ji was anxious and restless, like an ant on a hot pan, but she was helpless. She could only send her trusted eunuchs back to Xianyang to urge him repeatedly.

However, each time, Lu Buwei made various excuses to evade. He claimed to be busy with state affairs and unable to spare time, or said he was ill and unfit for travel...

Zhao Ji knew in her heart that these were just excuses.

But she still forced herself to believe and understand.

She kept telling herself that Lu Buwei, as the powerful Prime Minister, had to assist the young King and deal with the complicated state affairs. He must be extremely busy and overwhelmed with work.

Yet, her physical longing grew like wild grass, uncontrollable.

After several months, Zhao Ji felt like a flower that had lost its moisture and was withering rapidly.

One day, while combing her hair in front of the mirror, she was so frightened by her own reflection that she screamed. Strands of white hair had appeared at her temples, fine wrinkles had crawled around her eyes, her face was pale as paper, and she looked like an old woman in her twilight years!

"What has happened to me? Is this still the charming and beautiful Zhao Ji?" she muttered to herself in front of the mirror, tears rolling down her face like broken beads.

She cried for her fleeting beauty, her unfortunate destiny, and the injustice of fate.

Born with a stunningly beautiful appearance, she was doomed to endure the torment of longing, to stay alone in this cold and empty chamber, and to suffer from sleepless nights.