Ten Months On

Chapter 6: That Night

A/N: Some mature descriptions (not in detail though)

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Su Chen's efforts all came to naught in her eight month of the contract.

She was restless. The deadline of the contract was dawning yet Sun Rui did not deign to look nor acknowledge her. She knew with her looks that seducing him was probably the worst plan for her. In fact, it would risk her entire plan and pushed her towards death. But even the most hardhearted employer would not be ignorant of the positive changes in his residence?

When before, Sun Rui's reputation was neither bad nor good, now, every citizen was aware of the kind Ninth Prince. Her weekly free medical clinics that serves the poor and food stalls that provided meals to the widows, homeless and unwanted people in society had bolstered his reputation.

His Flying Phoenix Restaurant quickly gained new heights of fame as news of the delectable cuisine filtered through society. In fact, many ministers dined at the restaurant and provided a good source of intel for the prince.

Surely the officials would have mentioned such things to Ninth Prince in court? Yet the Ninth Prince showed no difference in his manner towards her.

It was the night after the Emperor's birthday banquet.

His Majesty was pleased by the rumours about Ninth Prince that he hinted several times that he would be giving the Crown Prince Position to Sun Rui.

Despite being giddy at the news, Su Chen felt restless that night. She soon propped herself up for a walk around the residence and found herself in front of Sun Rui's room.

Steward Mo was shocked at her appearance and seemed afraid for some reason. But did not make an effort to stop her.

Before she could knock on the door, she heard the sounds and passionate cries of a young maiden.

Her hand stopped abruptly and she felt like she had turned to stone.

That voice... That voice?

When did she...?

***Mature***

"Ah! ah! Rui-gege please... Please no..."

"Su Li..."

Grunts enanated from the room as Steward Mo's face burned. From embarrassment or shame, one did not know.

Su Chen remained there, still as a statue until the sound of spring stopped.

Then she heard sobs from the room.

"We shouldn't be doing this. Sob. Sob. I should not be doing this in Jie Jie's home."

Weak cries were muffled soon after.

"Li-er. I promised you the position as my only Wang Fei. You know I have loved you for all these years. How could I bear to part from you?"

"But... But to do this shameful thin-"

More passionate sounds ensued.

***Mature part ends***

"Li-er, this is your home. Nothing is shameful about this. I will be responsible for you."

Su Chen was struck by their words.

"Li-er, you will be my Empress. Only you deserved to be by my side as the Mother of all. Only you."

Su Chen almost collapsed.

She realised how foolish she had been.

Her hard work had become a gift that Sun Rui had planned for Su Li.

All the efforts she had placed was seen as mere contributions to Su Li's future. That her hard work to bolster Rui Wang's reputation was merely providing a stepping stone for Su Li to be an Empress.

It was then that she snapped.