Transmigrating into a book, seducing him to rise to power

At night, darkness enveloped the earth like a thick black silk.

Jun Zechen came to Xiyan Palace at Ling Yue's request.

In fact, even if Ling Yue hadn't asked him to favor Su Jingyao, Jun Zechen had never intended to neglect Su Jingyao in this lifetime.

In her past life, due to his impulsive actions, Su Jingyao suffered all kinds of mistreatment in the Eastern Palace.

He only learned of Su Jingyao's death several days later, but being naturally cold-hearted, he wouldn't show much concern for a woman he already disliked.

Therefore, he still doesn't know whether Su Jingyao's death was related to Ling Yue.

Even if he were to deal with the Su family in the future, Su Jingyao, having already married into the Eastern Palace, should not be implicated.

Moreover, he hadn't yet figured out exactly how to deal with the Su family in this lifetime...

The Su family in his previous life firmly stood on the side of the conservatives, becoming the biggest obstacle to his unification of the world.

Should I resolve this issue beforehand, or wait until after I ascend the throne?

Jun Zechen unconsciously turned the ring on his hand, which gleamed with a dim light in the night.

His eyes were as deep as the sea, and his unreadable emotions surged like a dark undercurrent, making him look somewhat frightening.

Jun Zechen's departure from Xiyan Palace last night was not solely due to Ling Yue's request, but also due to his own long-standing habits.

In his previous life, he disliked staying overnight in the palaces of the imperial concubines and also disliked the imperial concubines staying in the Qianqing Palace.

These were his deepest principles and bottom lines, like an invisible barrier that separated him from the complexities of the harem.

After his rebirth, Jun Zechen found it difficult to change his habit of sleeping in the same bed with both Ling Yue and Su Jingyao.

He felt both familiar and unfamiliar with Ling Yue, which kept him emotionally detached.

Therefore, Jun Zechen preferred to come to Xiyan Palace rather than go to Qiluan Palace.

Ling Yue's intimate manner made him feel uncomfortable all over. Every glance and every movement made him feel as if he had returned to those complicated and tangled times in the past. He simply could not let his feelings return to the pure state of his youth.

Upon entering the bedchamber, Jun Zechen remained silent.

His sharp eyes spotted Su Jingyao intently playing chess at a glance.

He approached silently from behind, raising one hand slightly to signal the palace servants beside him to be quiet.

The moment Miaoyun saw His Highness the Crown Prince, a hint of panic flashed in her eyes. She instinctively wanted to bow, but was stopped by His Highness's sharp gaze.

She was immediately at a loss, standing next to her master, her heart in her throat, not daring to breathe.

Su Jingyao was completely absorbed in the chessboard, thinking about her next move, and was completely unaware of anything unusual around her.

So Jun Zechen stood quietly behind her, watching her play chess with focused attention.

Su Jingyao didn't know whether Jun Zechen would come today. Based on her guess from the book before entering the East Palace, Jun Zechen probably wouldn't come.

Although Jun Zechen's attitude last night didn't exactly show that he liked her, he didn't explicitly reject her either.

I originally thought Jun Zechen was a "simple big boy", but I never expected him to be so mature and have such a firm will. Last night, we spent the night together, and he was not swayed in the slightest by the matter of the bed.

Since that's the case, they have to find another way; at the very least, their communication can't be limited to the bedroom.

Chess is Su Jingyao's most proficient skill among the Four Books and Six Arts. Her other talents can only be considered to be a jack-of-all-trades or master of none, and she has not cultivated them in depth.

Faced with the elusive Jun Zechen, perhaps the only way is to gain his appreciation through talent, and then gradually win him over through other means...

Jun Zechen watched for a long time, and couldn't help but marvel inwardly.

He had never expected that a fifteen-year-old girl could possess such remarkable chess skills.

"Your chess skills are quite good."

A faint voice suddenly sounded behind her, and Su Jingyao's delicate body trembled slightly. She immediately stood up and bowed to him.

"This concubine greets Your Highness."

She lowered her head slightly, not daring to look Jun Zechen in the eye.

"Please sit down."

Jun Zechen's voice remained calm as he sat down opposite her, looking at her with a composed gaze.

"Next game?"

Su Jingyao sat down again and smiled.

"Since Your Highness is in the mood, I am naturally willing to play chess with you."

Su Jingyao skillfully rearranged the chess pieces, her slender fingers gently picking up a white piece, while Jun Zechen decisively took the black piece.

The two began to take turns placing their pieces.

When playing chess, Jun Zechen's deep eyes were like a deep pool, always focused on the moves on the chessboard, not missing any subtle changes.

Su Jingyao dared not slack off in the slightest, putting aside all her little thoughts and concentrating intently.

However, Su Jingyao, who was originally very confident in her chess skills, became tense as more and more pieces appeared on the chessboard.

Every step I took was nerve-wracking.

She couldn't help but look up at Jun Zechen, who seemed to have everything under control, and a sense of defeat welled up in her heart.

Unexpectedly, his chess skills were so advanced. Su Jingyao was able to beat her father at home. Her father was a chess master who could play chess with the current emperor and "lose" very well.

Su Jingyao felt she couldn't win, and inexplicably felt a little annoyed.

"Your Highness's chess skills are superb; I'm already being forced into a losing position. Can't Your Highness give me a break?"

Su Jingyao's soft voice rang out, seemingly carrying a hint of complaint, yet also a hint of coquetry, as she looked at Jun Zechen with expectant eyes.

Jun Zechen has lived for decades, but he never expected to be able to find a worthy opponent in chess with a young girl today.

Among the courtiers, there are very few who can play chess with him for half an hour.

"I never let others win when I play chess."

He was very pleased to have finally found someone who could make him fully concentrate on playing chess, and the girl didn't deliberately let him win.

"Your Highness, you have been busy with state affairs during the day, and it is late at night. Let me help you change your clothes."

You won't let people play? Then don't play.

"I'm not tired, let's continue."

Su Jingyao met his unquestionable gaze, pursed her luscious lips, and puffed out her pink cheeks.

Then, in a fit of pique, he placed a white piece, but the place where he did so was practically a death sentence.

Jun Zechen slightly raised his eyelids, his eyes revealing a cold indifference.

"You've got guts."

For so many years, no one has dared to disobey him.

Su Jingyao just felt that playing chess with him like this, with Jun Zechen remaining calm and emotionless the whole time, was really boring.

Surely a few minor transgressions wouldn't be enough to make Jun Zechen so angry.

Having some dissatisfaction now might actually allow me to communicate with him more, and perhaps even break the awkward silence.

Su Jingyao blinked her bright, large eyes, feigning innocence.

"It was my mistake. Shall I try again?"

Her voice was soft and gentle, and her face carried a touch of deliberate innocence.

She said it on purpose, knowing very well that Jun Zechen was obviously extremely serious about playing chess and would never allow a take-back.

But now that she has made her move, the situation is almost certainly doomed to defeat, and Jun Zechen really has no need to continue playing.

Jun Zechen stared at her innocent eyes for a long time; it was the first time a woman had ever made him suffer.

He turned the thumb ring, seemingly lost in thought, and got up from the couch.

"Help me bathe and change my clothes."

"Yes."

Su Jingyao responded docilely.

Jun Zechen walked towards the inner room connected to the sleeping quarters, and Su Jingyao followed closely behind, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

Miaoyun had already sent someone to fetch hot water, and soon the bathtub was filled with steaming hot water, the steam rising and making the whole room seem a little hazy.

Su Jingyao stood aside and helped him change his clothes.

The candlelight in the inner room grew even dimmer. Jun Zechen lowered his head slightly, his gaze falling on her as he watched her carefully and meticulously unbutton his robe.

She no longer tried to seduce him as she had the night before; her focused and well-behaved demeanor made her seem much more pleasing to him.

Perhaps because he knew she was good at chess, Jun Zechen's eyes showed a hint of appreciation, and his impression of her improved considerably without him even realizing it.

Jun Zechen calmly stepped into the bathtub, splashing a few water droplets.

Su Jingyao slowly took off her outer garment, revealing only a high-waisted ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress). Her fair and tender arms were thus fully exposed, gleaming alluringly in the dim light.

He then took off his shoes and walked barefoot up the steps.

The bathtub was placed in a circular recess. After Su Jingyao got in, she sat behind Jun Zechen, picked up a soft handkerchief, and gently wiped him.

Before marrying into the Eastern Palace, these were all things Su Jingyao had to learn. She thought she wouldn't need them at all, since in her mind, Jun Zechen would never touch her.

At this moment, looking at Jun Zechen with his eyes closed, resting and enjoying himself, I truly understand what it means to have all the people of the world as royal slaves.

This kind of condescending and oppressive feeling is really unpleasant.

"Your Highness, how was my strength?"

Su Jingyao's voice was soft.

"suitable."

Jun Zechen's reply was brief and indifferent, his eyes still closed.

"Does Your Highness have a favorite flower scent?"

Su Jingyao's tone seemed to convey anticipation.

"no."

His tone was completely flat.

Su Jingyao was about to lose the conversation. If he weren't the future emperor, who the hell would pay attention to him? Su Jingyao suppressed her dissatisfaction.

Silently telling herself that this was a sugar daddy, a walking treasure trove and source of power, and that for the Su family and for her own future, everything was worth it.

Su Jingyao's voice became even sweeter.

"Your Highness's face seems a bit dry. I have some floral ointments and lotions; if Your Highness doesn't mind, may I apply some for you?"

Her voice grew increasingly soft and sweet, with a hint of ingratiation.

Jun Zechen hummed in agreement.

Su Jingyao dabbed some flower ointment with her small hand and gently moved it across his face, her face involuntarily moving closer to Jun Zechen's.

Fingers coated with floral ointment seem to possess a magical quality, feeling smooth and comfortable to the touch.

The woman's breath, light and gentle, like orchids and musk, stirred ripples in Jun Zechen's heart, which had been as still as water.

He opened his eyes, his thick, long eyelashes trembling.

His dark eyes instantly locked onto the flawless face before him.

Even without makeup, her face was as beautiful as a peach blossom, and the steam from the hot water added to her ethereal beauty.

Su Jingyao paused for a moment when he suddenly opened his eyes, his bright, star-like eyes meeting his gaze. She lowered her curled eyelashes, trying to hide her shyness, and continued to apply the ointment.

When Jun Zechen saw her shy expression, his eyes darkened, as if a flame was burning in them.

A string in my heart was gently plucked.

"Have you taken a shower?"

His voice became slightly hoarse, revealing an indescribable languor.

Hearing his question, Su Jingyao seemed not to understand and instinctively shook her head, "No...no."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jun Zechen's hand, which was resting on the edge of the bathtub, naturally wrapped around her waist and pulled her into the tub.

"Your Highness."

Su Jingyao let out a soft cry, her voice filled with surprise and shyness.

Her dress was instantly soaked, clinging tightly to her body and outlining her graceful curves.

Her loose hair clung wetly to her cheeks and neck, water droplets sliding down her strands.

She sat on Jun Zechen's lap and felt a sharp pain...

Su Jingyao became even more shy, her face instantly turning red. She lowered her head, not daring to look up at Jun Zechen.