Surging Desire

After a playful exchange, Yu'er finally pretended to be sulky and led the way, with Lao Ai following closely behind. They passed through winding corridors, heading toward the Queen Dowager's chambers. The tall palace walls blocked the moonlight, leaving only a few palace lanterns swaying with a dim, golden glow, casting their elongated shadows on the ground.

Queen Dowager Zhao reclined lazily on a soft couch adorned with embroidered silk, her expression languid. She had no idea who tonight's visitor might be, only feeling the deep palace night enveloping her like a tide of loneliness. With slender, jade-like fingers, she plucked a crystal-clear grape and brought it to her crimson lips, chewing gently. The sweet juice burst in her mouth, yet it did little to ease the restlessness in her heart.

She let out a soft sigh, her breath carrying a faint, orchid-like fragrance that filled the air, tinged with an indescribable melancholy.

"Ah, when will this endless night come to an end…" Queen Dowager Zhao thought wistfully, her eyes growing distant as the weight of her solitude pressed heavier upon her.

Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind: "If only there were someone here now… even just to talk to."

At that moment, faint footsteps echoed from outside the hall. Her heart stirred. Could it be…? She instinctively straightened her posture, smoothing her disheveled hair, her eyes flickering with a mix of anticipation and unease.

"Your Majesty, someone seeks an audience," Yu'er's voice broke the suffocating silence from beyond the door.

Queen Dowager Zhao feigned composure, her voice soft but steady. "Who is it?"

"It's…" Yu'er hesitated, as if unsure how to proceed.

"Speak!" The Queen Dowager's voice rose slightly, carrying an air of authority, though her heart raced with speculation. Could it be…?

Yu'er smiled faintly and said, "It's… Lao Ai."

Queen Dowager Zhao was taken aback, nearly dropping the grape in her hand. That audacious man, the one who made her… heart flutter with both irritation and intrigue.

She suppressed the turmoil within her, though the corners of her lips betrayed her with a subtle, playful smile. Her heartbeat quickened. She was curious to see what tricks Lao Ai had up his sleeve tonight!

"Let him in," she said, her voice trembling faintly with an anticipation she could barely conceal, like a long-awaited rain finally about to fall.

Lao Ai, upon receiving the order, entered with uncharacteristic solemnity, his steps measured and almost reverent. He approached her couch silently, then knelt before her, performing a formal bow befitting a subject to his sovereign. Every movement exuded respect and submission.

"Your servant, Lao Ai, pays his respects to the Queen Dowager," he said, his head bowed low, his voice deep and resonant. "May Your Majesty enjoy eternal health and prosperity."

Queen Dowager Zhao did not respond immediately. Instead, she studied the man before her intently. His humble demeanor was a stark contrast to his usual arrogant and unruly self, and this contrast made her even more curious.

Her jade-like fingers tapped lightly on the embroidered couch, producing a soft, rhythmic sound, as if plucking at the strings of Lao Ai's heart or weighing the stakes of tonight's game.

Yu'er, standing to the side, observed everything with keen eyes. She glanced at her mistress's half-smiling expression and then at the kneeling Lao Ai, suppressing a chuckle. "These two," she thought, "one a peerless Queen Dowager, the other a bold and reckless impostor eunuch—every encounter between them is like flint meeting tinder, ready to ignite at any moment."

Yu'er's gaze met Queen Dowager Zhao's, and in that moment, they shared a silent understanding, their eyes reflecting mutual amusement.

Finally, Queen Dowager Zhao could no longer contain herself and let out a soft, melodious laugh. The sound was like the tinkling of silver bells, laced with a hint of allure, instantly dispelling the tension in the room.

Yu'er joined in, covering her mouth with her hand as she giggled. The laughter of mistress and maid intertwined, leaving Lao Ai, still kneeling on the ground, utterly bewildered.

He cautiously raised his head, stealing a glance at the Queen Dowager, only to see her laughing so heartily that her body trembled like a delicate flower. Her crimson lips, like blooming cherry blossoms, exuded an irresistible charm.

Lao Ai's heartbeat quickened involuntarily.