Chapter 10: Biting the Tongue to Commit Suicide
Gan Qiongying was utterly stunned. Just moments ago, he had been perfectly fine—how could he be vomiting blood in the blink of an eye!
She even forgot to maintain her facade, her face showing genuine panic as she rushed forward anxiously, asking, “What’s wrong with you?”
Could it be that he was so enraged it had affected his heart?
In novels, it often mentioned that extreme anger could easily lead to vomiting blood or something similar…
But it would have been better if she hadn’t approached. The moment she rushed forward, the Consort vomited even more violently, blood spilling from his lower lip as if gushing from a spring!
Moreover, he himself began to struggle frantically, his entire face flushed red. Although his limbs were bound, he twisted like a madman just to put distance between himself and Gan Qiongying.
The blanket slipped off during his struggle. He curled up his limbs, shrinking into the corner of the bed as if driven to the brink of despair, on the verge of madness, desperately pleading for a sliver of hope. His throat emitted muffled, gurgling sounds.
Only upon closer listening did she realize it was the sound of blood choking his windpipe.
And as he opened his mouth, deep in his throat, mixed with blood, he choked out a few words: “Stay away!”
It was only then that Gan Qiongying realized with horror—it wasn’t rage affecting his heart at all. He had bitten his tongue to commit suicide!
Damn!
Was it really necessary?!
She truly hadn’t intended to do anything… How could she have driven the Consort to bite his tongue and commit suicide?
Gan Qiongying immediately stood up and ran outside, not even bothering to put on her outer robe, shouting to the outside, “Someone! The Consort is injured! Quickly summon the mansion physician!”
Soon, a crowd rushed in. Gan Qiongying, wearing only a snow-white inner garment, said to the first maid who entered, “First, untie the Consort and help him dress.”
Lihua, who had been huddled in the corner of the bed and had nearly bled a river in that short time, looked up at Gan Qiongying upon hearing this.
Seeing what seemed like genuine concern in her eyes, Lihua even felt a bit dazed.
If she was capable of such coercion, why bother putting on this act?
Soon, with the assistance of her maid Silver Moon, Gan Qiongying put her outer robe back on, tied her hair into a simple bun, and was escorted to the outer chamber.
Silver Moon, with her delicate hands, brought Gan Qiongying a bowl of soft, well-cooked rice porridge, accompanied by a few refreshing side dishes. While urging Gan Qiongying to eat, she softly advised, “The Consort has a fiery temperament. It’s not advisable for the Princess to force him.”
Gan Qiongying listened without saying a word.
She hadn’t expected Lihua to truly be such a fiery steed, capable of biting his tongue to commit suicide. How painful that must be!
And based on what she knew from the plot, Lihua was supposed to be a soft persimmon, easily manipulated—beaten, insulted, and enduring everything without complaint.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been tormented to death. According to Manyue’s description, just before she transmigrated, Lihua was still a little white rabbit.
How did it come to be that in her hands, with just a slight touch, he started kicking up a fuss!
Thinking of Lihua’s resolute act of biting his tongue and vomiting blood, Gan Qiongying felt nothing but frustration. In her anger, she devoured her food, drinking two large bowls of rice porridge and emptying all the plates and bowls.
With her stomach full and her body warm, the “rescue” inside was nearly complete.
The two mansion physicians, both quite elderly, came out to report on Lihua’s condition to Gan Qiongying. Carrying their medicine boxes, they were about to kneel, but Gan Qiongying, sitting there, raised her hand to excuse them from the formalities.
One of the older physicians, with frost already showing at his temples, stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, “Reporting to the Princess, the Consort’s body is unharmed. The amount of blood lost is not significant, and the injury to his tongue is only half a finger’s length. The bleeding has already stopped. With ten days to half a month of rest and recuperation, he will be able to eat and speak normally.”
Upon hearing this, Gan Qiongying nodded. Slumped in her chair, she felt drowsy after eating and had a strong urge to rub her belly and lift her legs, even if it meant propping them on the stool without a care for her appearance.
But she couldn’t. Poise—she had to maintain her poise at all times.
So she merely nodded expressionlessly, turning slightly toward Silver Moon and saying, “Reward them.”
“Thank you, Princess,” the two mansion physicians chorused their gratitude before retreating from the room one after the other.
Silver Moon saw them out and returned moments later.
Upon returning, she handed a packet of medicine to Gan Qiongying, bowing respectfully as she said, “Princess, this is medicine I obtained from Physician Xue. If Your Highness is still in the mood tonight, I can have someone administer it to the Consort.”
“This medicine is called ‘Ascent to Immortality Elixir.’ It has excellent warming and nourishing effects and causes no harm to the body. After taking it, one feels as if ascending to the realm of immortals,” Silver Moon paused, glancing at Gan Qiongying’s expression before continuing, “Its effects can arouse a man’s vigor. It is said that, in a dazed state, he may see the one he loves and willingly engage in joyful union with them.”
Gan Qiongying, who looked listless but was actually just sleepy from overeating, thought to herself:
Well, well.
When Silver Moon had earlier advised her against forcing the Consort to submit, she had thought that Princess Duanrong, this villainous supporting character, had finally found a decent person by her side.
But who would have thought this delicate, slender-browed maid would turn out to be the kind whose sweet appearance belied a ruthless heart?
She had gone and procured medicine behind her back. Even with the Consort in such a state, she still wanted to force it down his throat.
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Would Gan Qiongying lose her temper?
No.
Good servants, they were all her good servants.
Given her circumstances and her persona, servants like this were exactly what she needed—no need for moral principles, just loyalty to her.
Those genuinely kind-hearted subordinates were more likely to cause trouble.
Initially, after hearing her advice, Gan Qiongying had planned to sell her off, but now that she had brought the medicine… she would transfer this Silver Moon from the outer courtyard to her side tomorrow.
Of course, she couldn’t actually be so beastly as to drug the Consort.
Gan Qiongying stared at the medicine packet in Silver Moon’s hand, pondered for a moment, then sneered sarcastically, “Do you think this princess is incapable of making the Consort willing on her own?”
Upon hearing this, Silver Moon immediately dropped to her knees with a thud, kowtowing as she said, “This servant misspoke! Please forgive me, Princess!”
Silver Moon had acted on her own initiative, taking a gamble.
She was betting that she could win the princess’s favor, allowing her to move from the outer courtyard to the inner quarters and gain more authority—only then could she save the person she wanted to rescue.
Even if she lost the gamble, as she had now, she had no regrets.
She prostrated herself, waiting for the cruel and tyrannical Princess Duanrong to punish or even execute her.
But after a long while, she heard the person seated above say, “Rise. Consider your intentions noted. Keep the medicine for now.”
Silver Moon let out a heavy sigh of relief, stood up, and expressed her gratitude.
Gan Qiongying looked at her and smiled. “Your name is Silver Moon? You have a pleasant appearance. Go find Manyue tomorrow and have her transfer you to serve by my side.”
Upon hearing this, Silver Moon clasped her hands tightly together, trembling with nervous excitement to the point of turning pale.
Suppressing her joy, she said in a shaky voice, “Thank you, Princess.”
Gan Qiongying extended her hand lazily and said, “Attend to me as I rest.”
Silver Moon immediately stepped forward, took Gan Qiongying’s hand, and led her into the inner chamber. After washing up, she helped her undress.
The Consort lay on Gan Qiongying’s bed. After some hesitation, Silver Moon whispered, “Princess, do you truly intend to share the bed with the Consort tonight?”
Gan Qiongying met her gaze and saw the little maid’s eyes brimming with concern.
She let out a light laugh, brimming with arrogance, and said to the figure behind the bed curtain, “It’s fine. I doubt he’d dare to kill me.”
“Go ahead.”
Silver Moon said, “This servant will keep watch in the outer chamber tonight. If you have any orders, just call for me,” and then left.
Gan Qiongying, with her long hair cascading down and wearing her inner garments, lifted the bed curtain once more.
She glanced at the Consort sleeping on the inner side, his face pale and lips tinged with blue as if already asleep, before finally climbing into her own bed.
What a long, exhausting day.
So, so tired.
Life really is tough.
But the savory porridge and side dishes tonight were truly delicious.
Lying in bed, she felt deeply fatigued, on the verge of drifting into a sudden slumber.
But she couldn’t—she had to make things clear.
So she turned on her side, reached out, and pressed the back of her hand against the Consort’s cheek. Upon closer inspection, his cheek was slightly swollen, likely from a swollen tongue.
What a ruthless man.
A paragon of chastity and fierceness.
Gan Qiongying inwardly mocked, but aloud she said, “I know you’re not asleep.”
She rolled over, propping her head up with an elbow on the pillow, while her other hand shamelessly caressed the Consort’s face.
She wasn’t actually lustful, but without playing the part, the act couldn’t go on.
As long as she appeared captivated by the Consort, most of her current troubles would resolve themselves.
So she let her hand slip like a snake into the Consort’s inner garment, following the collar.
Lihua finally dropped the act, his eyes snapping open sharply as he glared at Gan Qiongying and grabbed her wrist.
Gan Qiongying tried to pull away but couldn’t break free. Meeting Lihua’s sharp, shame-filled gaze, she couldn’t help but laugh.
In the story, Lihua was practically a pushover who’d endure bullying without a word. Who would’ve thought she’d accidentally provoke his temper this way?
His face was merely gentle and plain, but up close, his fiery eyes shone as brilliantly as a galaxy.
Gan Qiongying gave up struggling and looked at her “wealth god,” saying, “Why are you so nervous? I just like you.” …and your money.
Lihua pressed his lips together. Having grown up in the streets and mingled with all sorts, he was adept at disguise, yet in front of Gan Qiongying, he inexplicably couldn’t keep up the act.
“Besides, we’re a couple bestowed by His Majesty. It’s only natural for me to share a bed with you. Are you defying the imperial decree?”
To achieve her goal, Gan Qiongying didn’t forget to stay in character as “Princess Duanrong.”
She clasped Lihua’s hand in return, her thumb lightly stroking the back of it.
“Do you want me to report to His Majesty that you refuse to share a bed with me, forcing him to issue an edict for you to comply?”
Lihua’s expression nearly cracked as he glared at Gan Qiongying. In his entire life, he had never met someone so shameless!
However, his face wasn’t suited for overly nuanced expressions, though his ears uncontrollably flushed red—half from anger, half from embarrassment.
He paused, pulling his hand from Gan Qiongying’s grip, and took a deep breath. But with his tongue injured, he couldn’t speak at all; the slightest movement in his mouth sent a piercing pain through him.
Lihua merely shot Gan Qiongying a disdainful look, unable to hide his contempt.
His disdain was, of course, directed at Gan Qiongying’s words.
Like?
With over a hundred male consorts in her rear courtyard, how much was her “like” worth?
She was only trying to humiliate him because he refused to yield.
Gan Qiongying looked at Lihua, at his ears flushed pink against fair skin, and at the slightly different shade of his neck compared to his face. She lazily lowered the arm propping up her head and rested it on her own arm, her gaze intensely focused.
For some reason, she sensed a hint of sarcasm in Lihua’s demeanor and understood what he meant.
She replied lazily and slowly, “Is the Consort bothered by the men in the Princess Manor? Could it be jealousy?”
Lihua: “…”
Gan Qiongying shifted slightly forward, trying to get a clearer look at Lihua’s face, but he tensed up and moved a large step backward at her movement.
Seeing this, Gan Qiongying raised an eyebrow but didn’t advance further, afraid he might bite his tongue or do something drastic in his nervousness.
So she simply lay there, watching Lihua, and said, “I already told you, if it bothers you, I’ll slowly send those people away.”
In truth, it wasn’t just those men. The Princess Manor, originally a temporary palace, had over four thousand servants—far too extravagant. To cut costs and increase revenue, she needed a reason.
And the person before her was the perfect excuse.
After all, in the original storyline, Gan Qiongying was a fickle-minded, love-obsessed fool who would do anything when infatuated with the male lead, Zhongli Zhengzhen.
If she “obsessed” over someone else now, wouldn’t any action she took still fit her character?
“What exactly are you sulking about?” Gan Qiongying said. “Could it be that you don’t think I’m beautiful enough?”
She curled her lips into a smile at Lihua, her phoenix eyes narrowing into fine hooks at the corners. Princess Duanrong’s appearance was undoubtedly beautiful—the kind of captivating, radiant, and bewitching beauty that stood in stark contrast to the pure, aloof heroine of this book.
Yet Lihua remained expressionless.
Gan Qiongying said, “You refuse to share a room with me. Could it be that your heart belongs to someone else?”
Say it, God of Wealth! I can make it happen for you!
Li Ye’s breathing grew heavier, but he couldn’t speak. The rhythm of his breaths, however, conveyed his anger and disdain.
Who would have thought that after so many years, almost no one could discern his true emotions? Yet he genuinely couldn’t bring himself to hide his contempt for someone as shallow, promiscuous, and scheming as Princess Duanrong, who even attempted to force herself on him.
Seeing his furious, heavy breaths, Gan Qiongying paused before adding, “Or are you trying to stay out of trouble, keep your distance from me, so you can divorce me later?”
“Dream on!” Gan Qiongying feigned malice. “Whether you’re willing or not, once you married into this family, you belong to me, Gan Qiongying, in life and in death!”
Thus, Gan Qiongying declared, “Starting tomorrow, you’ll move into the Princess Manor. We’ll eat together, live together, and go everywhere together.”
This wasn’t a suggestion—it was an order.
Upon hearing this, Lihua glared at Gan Qiongying, his expression practically wishing he could strangle her.
But Gan Qiongying laughed again, this time genuinely, coaxing him, “Good husband, be obedient. I’ll treat you well.”
Very, very well.
Lihua shuddered at her calling him “good husband.”
Satisfied that she had finally managed to deceive him with her mix of truth and lies, Gan Qiongying softened her tone even further, coaxing the God of Wealth, “My maid will fetch medicine for me tonight. Once I force it down your throat, even if you’re a wild stallion, you’ll turn into a little lamb. Even if you’re a fierce wolf, you’ll become my dog, completely at my mercy.”
Upon hearing this, Lihua’s lips twitched, and a vein throbbed violently at his temple in agitation.
Gan Qiongying said, “But rest assured, I don’t enjoy playing with the kind of half-dead, unwilling games. I want you to be willing and conscious when you share intimacy with me.”
“Before you are willing, I won’t do anything to you.” Gan Qiongying finally gave Lihua a reassurance.
“So I’m only asking you to eat, live, and go everywhere with me. Is that too much?”
Her expression was exactly like that of the real Princess Duanrong—proud and reserved, her eyes seeming to say, “Once you eat, live, and go everywhere with me, you’ll eventually fall in love with me.”
Aside from cooperation, this was the best way for Gan Qiongying to tie the God of Wealth to her.
Through a mix of genuine and feigned threats, coaxing, and persuasion, she watched as Lihua gradually relaxed after hearing her words. Gan Qiongying knew she had succeeded.
“Stop overthinking and sleep,” Gan Qiongying said, closing her eyes and turning over as she covered her mouth to yawn. “You should at least believe that I won’t go back on my word.”
Indeed, Princess Duanrong was a noble phoenix, and she disdained the idea of breaking promises.
Gan Qiongying fell asleep first. Although Lihua had earlier held a knife to her throat and even attempted to bite off his tongue in a desperate act, Gan Qiongying truly wasn’t afraid he would harm her.
His eyes were so clear and transparent, like a lake whose depths could be seen at a glance, without a single trace of impurity. How could he possibly be a villain?
To put it plainly, his eyes held the kind of clear foolishness only seen in twenty-first-century college students.
Such a person couldn’t be a ruthless criminal.
Thus, Gan Qiongying slept peacefully.
Lihua watched her fall asleep, listened as her breathing grew steady, and observed how her usually gloomy and mocking brows and eyes gradually softened into harmlessness as she relaxed. Yet, he himself dared not let his guard down.
He had never shared a bed with anyone before. Even though the bed was absurdly large, the breathing of the person beside him was impossible to ignore.
Gan Qiongying, however, was different. She had slept in dormitories and could fall asleep even with someone playing a movie nearby. Moreover, she had drunk two large bowls of porridge in the evening, feeling full and long unable to resist sleepiness.
Thus, Gan Qiongying slept soundly through the night, while Lihua stayed awake until dawn, not only because his tongue hurt but also because he had no idea how to handle Gan Qiongying’s sudden “affection.”
Especially in the middle of the night, when Gan Qiongying turned over, her arms flailing about until they finally found something to latch onto, and she wrapped herself around it.
If Lihua hadn’t been able to discern her breathing patterns and known she wasn’t pretending to sleep, he would have thought she was doing it on purpose!
Was she trying to climb all over him to sleep?!
Lihua broke free and pushed her away four times.
Four whole times.
Yet, before long, she would wrap herself around him again, even throwing a leg over him, pouting as she breathed, her warm breath spraying against the base of his neck, sending shivers down Lihua’s spine.
He desperately wanted to get up.
But he remembered her threat: eat, live, and go everywhere with her.
As long as he complied, she wouldn’t force him.
So Lihua endured it.
His nerves remained taut all night, and as dawn approached, he knew the torment was about to end.
With his mind finally relaxing, he couldn’t help but succumb to exhaustion and fall asleep.
Thus, the next day, when the sun was already high in the sky, Gan Qiongying woke up first and opened her eyes to find Lihua’s face magnified before her.
His brow was slightly furrowed as he lay on his side, holding Gan Qiongying tightly in his arms.