Chapter 2, The Drunken Imperial Concubine

If it is said that Xiong Xing'er’s beauty is dazzling enough to greatly undermine a woman's self-esteem, then the beauty of "Imperial Concubine" has reached a level that is simply unattainable in reality

The "Art of War" by Sun Tzu states, "Lure them with benefits, take advantage of their confusion, prepare for them with substance, avoid them when they are strong, provoke them when they are angry, humiliate them when they are arrogant, tire them when they are at ease, and separate them when they are close." These few phrases are more than sufficient to deal with the two of them. In October, as if presenting a treasure, he recited the military strategy in detail to Xiong Xing'er.

It is now 7:30 PM on a Saturday. Although it is a city, the suburbs tend to be tranquil at this hour. The street where the convenience store is located is relatively lively, with a residential area nearby, where couples stroll hand in hand along the street. Cars pass by, and a few slightly dirty and thin cats and dogs wander aimlessly.

Ah, by the way, I bought some medicine specifically for treating bruises and injuries for you... I truly apologize for earlier. Upon hearing Prince Jin's lament, October, who had been focused on the cards, suddenly seemed to remember something, hurriedly took out the ointment and handed it to him, repeatedly bowing in apology with great remorse.

This left Lin Shiyue, who was devoid of talents and interests in learning, but was utterly infatuated with historical palace intrigue dramas, suddenly finding an outlet for her surging emotions

This was seen on a variety show called "Lion Star King"! I found it quite entertaining, it aired yesterday, and I went to buy it today to help set a trend!

However, it was already too late; before October could cover its eyes, the girl's entire upper body clothing had fallen down... revealing... a completely flat chest!

She is a man

Could it be that ... ... could it be that ... ...

"I didn't expect you to be quite useful," Xiong Xing'er leaned closer to October and asked in a lowered voice, "Is there any secret to it?"

In the first match, Xiong Xing'er achieved a complete victory, and she continued to dominate in the second and third matches. In the third match, she lost to Xiao Chi, and in the fourth match, she had a draw with Jin Taizi. However, starting from the seventh match, Xiong Xing'er did not win again, while Jin Taizi unexpectedly sailed smoothly.

Taking advantage of their momentary surprise, October pretended to be fierce as she half-pulled, half-dragged the intoxicated noble consort out of the encirclement, quickly running towards the convenience store ahead. It was only when a few thugs dispersed that she let out a long sigh of relief and released her.

In October, her mind was a blank, and although she opened her mouth, not a single word came out. She merely turned around with trepidation, gazing at the utterly disheveled bed, and the window, which had originally been closed, was now open, with the curtains rolling like waves.

Oh, beautiful lady, are you feeling very dizzy? How about I take you to a nice place to rest for a while

Ah? Ointment?" Jin Taizi was taken aback upon hearing this, and it was only at this moment that he finally looked at Shiyue with a proper gaze.

Xiong Xing'er's dangerously intense gaze made Shiyue shiver involuntarily, and she quickly nodded her head like a chick pecking at grains, "Mm, I will definitely comply."

Then I will go upstairs to sleep first, and I will leave the tidying up of the living room to you. After playing cards all night, Xiong Xing'er is also yawning continuously

In October, he hurriedly called the girl to wake up, but she showed no response, merely turning over and breathing evenly. In a moment of urgency, he had no choice but to pull her up, only to find that the girl's partially slipped clothing slowly slid off her body like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.

In October, I was in a daze for half a day, as if my soul no longer belonged to me, and I murmured in response: "I saw a male mouse jump out of the window and escape"

Xiong Xing'er scolded, "October, what on earth are you up to?"

The rules dictate that higher-ranking cards suppress lower-ranking cards, for example: the Emperor governs the Empress, the Empress governs the Concubine, the Concubine governs the Princess, and the Princess governs the Maid... This continues in the same manner, analogous to the theory in a standard deck of playing cards where the King is greater than the Queen, and the Queen is greater than the Jack.

Hey! Hey!

... ...

Impossible! How could it be...

It really is true that giving a little color leads to opening a dyeing house! I will go see what she is up to!

In October, startled by a sudden fright, I hurriedly grabbed the bed sheet and covered the precious Imperial Concubine as if she were a priceless treasure, then quickly picked up the bag and ran downstairs

Director, have you purchased the drinks? I have found her! Please come quickly to help!

Article 4 of the dormitory regulations: No outsiders are allowed to enter the dormitory without the permission of Xiong Xing'er

In October, I hurriedly climbed the stairs and burst into Xiong Xing'er's room. The person on the bed was still asleep, the morning light casting upon her face. Although her makeup had smudged, she was still as beautiful as Aphrodite.

After taking just a few steps outside, she noticed a girl in a pure white floor-length dress leaning against a utility pole, surrounded by a group of small-time delinquents who were eyeing her with ill intent. The girl was quite tall, her head bowed low, with long hair obscuring her face. From a distance, there was a strong smell of alcohol, and her drunken body seemed to be slumped helplessly against the pole.

With a thud

Cautiously avoiding the three people in the living room who were engrossed in playing cards, October pulled the girl into the room shared by herself and Xiong Xing'er like a marionette.

Xiong Xing'er rolled her eyes and added: "However, since you have officially become a member of the cat house, I must inform you of the house rules! First, Xiong Xing'er is always right; second, Shi Yue is responsible for the public hygiene of all areas, including my room; third, Shi Yue is in charge of laundry and cooking..." Xiong Xing'er paused and raised her voice, "And there are two most important rules. First, absolutely no outsiders are allowed to enter the cat house; second, absolutely no one is allowed to approach the innermost room on the second floor. If these two rules are violated, the consequence is summed up in one word—death!"

Xiong Xing'er glanced at her, quite pleased with October's performance: "Not bad, not bad, you are quite perceptive of the situation."

She stomped up the stairs, trying to enter her room, but October blocked the door, not allowing Xiong Xing'er to come in, her entire face scrunched up as if she were about to cry: "Xing'er, wait a little longer, just a little longer."

Struggling to drag the girl onto the bed, she carefully helped the girl untangle the messy long hair that obscured her face, her hand involuntarily paused in mid-air.

Xiao Chi's expression changed slightly, appearing somewhat unnatural

In an instant, it seemed as though the entire world melted away in the enchanting radiance of this person

Xiong Xing'er asked in a cold tone, "What on earth is going on?"

Ah, I cannot look, it is inappropriate to gaze!

Xiong Xing'er shot her a glare and stubbornly declared "Queen": "I don't need your input when playing cards"

Lin Shiyue was startled and panicked for a moment. Although she realized that the drunken girl was in danger, she was just a girl with no strength to bind a chicken, while her opponents were several burly men. How could she possibly help her?

Unbeknownst to which nerve had misfired, she inexplicably assisted the girl in rising from the bed, positioning her legs in a lotus pose, resembling a Bodhisattva. She gazed intently, reverently admiring the other's grace, and with each passing second, her heart surged with an even greater impulse to worship in utter devotion.

"No!" October quickly explained: "What I mean is that you should rest in the living room for a while, and I will go upstairs to help you make the bed."

At that moment, the "Noble Consort" sitting on the bed seemed to have fully awakened from her slumber. She gazed at the scene in the room, gently curling her lips into a smile, her eyes, like stars in the dark night, narrowed slightly. With an expression that seemed amused, she glanced at the stunned October, then opened the window of Xiong Xing'er's room. With a graceful step of her long leg, she stood on the windowsill.

The so-called palace intrigue cards are somewhat similar to other playing cards. However, instead of numbers, they feature various positions within the palace.

Seeing that Xiong Xing'er was about to play a queen card, October couldn't help but exclaim: "Be prepared. It's better to play the left one first." The card to the left of the queen card in Xiong Xing'er's hand was a talent card.

Xiao Chi simply nodded at Lin Shiyue, his narrow eyes squinting slightly as he smiled gently

October, lost in thought and standing still, was suddenly jolted back to reality as the door was forcefully swung open by Xiong Xing'er

Prince Jin grimaced as he rubbed his arm, which had been pinched painfully by Xiong Xing'er. Upon hearing her words, he quickly put on a smile reminiscent of a president meeting the public and waved casually at October, saying: "HI! I am Prince Jin, others simply call me 'the Prince!'"

Ah, by the way! Lin Shiyue suddenly seemed to remember something, she turned back to a pharmacy next to the convenience store, and after a while, she walked out with satisfaction, retracing her steps back to the cat shelter

This "Imperial Concubine" ... ! ... is truly, truly too dangerous !

It is as if an invisible pebble has been thrown into the heart of Prince Jin

What, are there actors filming nearby? It can't be that coincidental...

What is what, I do not understand. In any case, you just stand behind me and watch me fight, and use your so-called military strategy to tell me what to do

A few days ago, while helping Xiao Chi wash socks, I accidentally dyed one of Xing Er's dresses. Not only did she not blame me, but she silently took the dress away. Three days ago, the foot of my bed suddenly broke, and I felt very embarrassed to squeeze in with Xing Er for three days. Every morning, I would wake up to find that Xing Er had covered me with the blanket while she herself was curled up, freezing... She is truly a tolerant, kind-hearted, and loving girl. Although it seems a bit different from what my father said, there are actually two boys living here as well, but they are also very friendly and decent. Three days ago, the foot of my bed suddenly broke, and I felt very embarrassed to squeeze in with Xing Er for three days. Every morning, I would wake up to find that Xing Er had covered me with the blanket while she herself was curled up, freezing... She is truly a tolerant, kind-hearted, and loving girl. Although it seems a bit different from what my father said, there are actually two boys living here as well, but they are also very friendly and decent. Hmm! My father was right; it is truly my fortune to live with such excellent people!

Is there a mistake? Suddenly, like a ghost, the bad elder emerges to ruin good deeds!

Oh no, if I don't take care of her, she will definitely be entangled by someone again. In October, I looked around cautiously and finally decided to take her back to the cat shelter

Strong yet evasive. In this round, I pass. In October, having received permission from Xiong Xing'er, I couldn't help but smile broadly, my cheeks flushed with excitement, displaying a loyal demeanor as if I were eager to kneel down and serve Xiong'er like a devoted servant.

That person vanished like air

The noble consort gently parted her delicate, flower-like lips, yet emitted a deep and magnetic voice: "Farewell, dear little girl"

A line of alarming red characters flashed in my mind

Two boys passed by them, whistling at them with a lewd expression on their faces

Without any support, the girl, reeking of alcohol, fell to the ground in the blink of an eye

Her eyes are slightly closed, and her thick eyelashes resemble a cluster of black feathers, gently resting on her flawless skin. Her rosy lips are delicate, as if they have just bloomed like a flower, radiating an enchanting glow under the soft moonlight outside the window. A few strands of black hair, like flowing glossy ink, cascade over her neck and exquisite collarbone, which are revealed from her neckline. The inky strands contrast beautifully with her luminous fair skin illuminated by the light, exuding a captivating and irresistible allure. Additionally, several longer strands of hair flow down along the collar and chest.

Alright, no problem

Xiong Xing'er shot him a glance and said, "Let's treat a dead horse as if it were alive."

I have been extremely bored these past few days... Come, come, come, I shall teach everyone a recently learned game! The deck of cards that Xiong Xing'er took out from her bag is about the same size as ordinary playing cards, but it is made with greater craftsmanship. The back features a meticulously painted blue-and-white dragon and phoenix design, while the front displays figures dressed in ancient attire, such as emperors, consorts, and ministers.

Only Xiong Xing'er remained enthusiastic. Seeing that others had stopped playing, she had no choice but to take her winnings and count the money again, surprisingly finding that she had gained an additional 160 yuan

As a girl, I find myself unable to resist ... . ... No wonder those few ruffians just now wouldn't leave her alone.

"Well done, from now on you will be my person." Xiong Xing'er said joyfully, her brows dancing with delight as she patted Shiyue's shoulder with a carefree expression

A few people sat down to start playing cards. In October, like a little palace maid, stood quietly beside Xiong Xing'er, watching intently. However, gradually, October began to discern some patterns. Whenever Xiong Xing'er had a bad hand, her face would show disappointment and frustration, and her play would lack vigor. Her style of playing cards was always to launch a fierce attack at the beginning, but in the end, she would leave all the small cards in her hand. Xiao Chi was the most steady, yet suspicious, playing his cards very cautiously, advancing step by step; Prince Jin played the most unpredictably, sometimes taking desperate measures, while at other times losing opportunities due to excessive caution. Her style of playing cards was always to launch a fierce attack at the beginning, but in the end, she would leave all the small cards in her hand. Xiao Chi was the most steady, yet suspicious, playing his cards very cautiously, advancing step by step; Prince Jin played the most unpredictably, sometimes taking desperate measures, while at other times losing opportunities due to excessive caution.

After two rounds back and forth, unexpectedly, the situation took a sharp turn. No matter how good the cards of Prince Jin were, they were all played out. In the end, the last card, the Concubine, was suppressed by the three ladies of Xiong Xing'er, leaving only the eunuchs and palace maids.

Your outfit is quite strange, has COSPLAY started to become popular for dressing in ancient costumes? Truly reminiscent of the drunken concubine, exceptionally alluring

Hey, girl... which card do you think is good

In October, upon seeing the sign, my eyes lit up. I eagerly gazed at Xiong Xing'er a few more times.

"I see you have already lost your soul, let me help you regain it! Alright, you have been here for so many days, and although you may already know each other, I will now let you formally introduce yourselves to one another." Xiong Xing'er turned around with great momentum, casually gesturing towards the two boys, and lightly pointed at the confused Shi Yue, "Jin Taizi, Xiao Chi, Lin Shiyue."

In the midst of October, when sparks were flying in the mind, the "girl" slowly opened her dreamy eyes, locking her gaze directly onto the wide-open eyes of October

Three people battled through the night, as the sky gradually brightened and the morning birds began to sing. Xiong Xing'er appeared like the God of Wealth, not only winning back all the money but also making a small profit. Xiao Chi's face, which had initially been as steady as Mount Tai, grew increasingly sour, and ultimately he could no longer continue, saying, "I’m out, I’m going to sleep"

"Think of a way quickly... Lin Shiyue, hurry up!" She pressed her fingers hard against her temples, and suddenly an idea struck her. Gritting her teeth, she rushed forward, grabbing the stumbling girl and shouted, "Why are you still here? The director is looking for you everywhere! He'll be here any moment, come back to the set with me! The next scene is about to start filming!"

A word meaning death suddenly popped into my mind, marked with a large red cross. In a hurry, October ran in front of Xiong Xing'er, blocking her, and smiled sheepishly: "Xing'er, why aren't you playing anymore?"

"Xing'er, why are you so desperate to seek help? Are you giving up on yourself by letting this girl play for you?" The Crown Prince had good luck in this round and proudly played a Concubine card.

Unaware of the smile at the corner of Xiong Xing'er's mouth, Jin Taizi, full of confidence, snapped his fingers and said: "No Problem!"

"Jin Taizi, who are you cursing? I have already decided to bring October's income under my command. When you say October is a dog leg, rephrasing it means a dog's leg, isn't that just cursing me, Xiong Xing'er, as a dog?" Xiong Xing'er kicked Jin Taizi hard.

The street in front of the small villa, turn left at the intersection, and after approximately ten minutes, there is a 24-hour convenience store.

Xiong Xing'er rolled her eyes downstairs

I... I apologize. The Crown Prince, feeling unclear and unwilling, hesitantly offered his apology

A few delinquents were somewhat skeptical, yet they did not dare to step forward and intervene hastily

As she spoke, in October, she tried to let go of her hand, but unexpectedly, the girl fell back to the ground, her body completely limp.

Just as Xiong Xing'er stepped onto the first step, October suddenly woke up—Heavens! The noble consort is lying on my bed!

The prince's eyelids could probably be propped up with a toothpick; he yawned several times, feeling a sense of defeat as he lost money, and echoed, "I want to sleep too." After saying this, he began to clear the table

In the next round, October refrained from speaking, having played two rounds. Prince Jin had a favorable hand, while Xiong Xing'er hesitated due to not receiving a stronger hand. Her fair and slender fingers fidgeted with the cards in her hand, caught in indecision

The originally disdainful and arrogant gaze met in mid-air with the concerned and sincere gaze of October

I never expected that the people in the dormitory, whom I had never met before, would be so kind to me

Hurry up! Xiong Xing'er impatiently tapped her fingers.

Thank you. October looked at the queen-like Xiong Xing'er with some excitement

October has completely left me in awe

Isn't this exactly the card I have recently become fascinated with? I didn't expect Xiong Xing'er to like this as well; we truly have a telepathic connection

Ah

A face so beautiful that it seems almost untouched by the mundane world

In October, carrying a heavy bag, she walked happily while talking to herself. Although it was night, she seemed to be enveloped in warm sunlight.

"October! What are you screaming about without my permission?"

The layout of the city resembles countless jigsaw pieces interlocked together, with clear connections forming a dense network

October quickly stood up straight, respectfully bowed to them, and greeted with full energy: "I am pleased to meet you all, my name is Lin Shiyue, and I look forward to your guidance from now on"

Hey. Be careful! October helped her up, brushed off the dust from her clothes, and tidied her slightly messy hair. "Are you okay..."

Xiong Xing'er narrowed her eyes dangerously and silently twisted the Crown Prince Jin's arm, causing him to cry out in pain: "Why are you twisting me?"

He involuntarily took the ointment handed to him by October, yet avoided Lin Shiyue's intense gaze, scratching his head with a slightly flushed face: "Hey, thank you..."

"What are you looking at? There is only you here, girl." Xiong Xing'er impatiently held the card up in front of October, "What card do you think is good?"

Here she comes! With a flurry of small, hurried steps, she rushed breathlessly to the front of the crowd, presenting the drinks with both hands

"What does it matter to you whether I play or not?" Xiong Xing'er said unhappily: "I just gave you a little bit of leeway, and you think you can take over the whole operation, right?"

"What is so unusual?" The Crown Prince's attention was suddenly drawn to the playing cards, and he beckoned Xiao Chi to sit beside him at the tea table

"Unfair!" Jin Taizi slammed the table and stood up, "Lin Shiyue! Do you understand the principle of silence while observing a game? If you are going to share the secret with Xiong Xing'er, you should be fair and tell both me and Xiao Chi as well!"

"Why haven't you apologized to October yet!" Upon hearing Xiong Xing'er say this, Jin Taizi's eyes widened, as if he were meeting Xiong Xing'er for the first time.

Although I am very worried about "Your Highness the Concubine," I am eager to take the drink back to Xiong Xing'er: "Can you still go home by yourself?"

However, apart from suppressing each other based on the size of the cards, the most interesting aspect is the combination with the strategies of "palace intrigue." For instance, in terms of card size, the consort's card is greater than that of an ordinary concubine, equivalent to a King being greater than a Queen. However, the situation of "the consort being greater than the ordinary concubine" is not permanent; when three ordinary concubines come together, they can surpass a single consort! Three cobblers can combine to form a Zhuge Liang—this is the charm of "palace intrigue cards!" Yet, the situation of "the consort being greater than the ordinary concubine" is not permanent; when three ordinary concubines come together, they can surpass a single consort! Three cobblers can combine to form a Zhuge Liang—this is the charm of "palace intrigue cards!" To achieve ultimate victory, it is not crucial to have a good hand from the very beginning; the truly exciting part lies in how to turn the tables and transform the mundane into the extraordinary!

Four eyes meet. After a while, there is no conversation.

Startled, in October, she suddenly came to her senses, her face flushed bright red

As a result, Lin Shiyue truly became Xiong Xing'er's lucky goddess, and in the following rounds, Xiong Xing'er won every match.

Xiong Xing'er slammed her door and shouted angrily: "This is my house, October! Are you tired of living?"

In October, he cautiously took two cans

As Xiao Chi and Jin Taizi were about to leave, they both clicked their tongues and remarked, "Women, their faces change faster than the pages of a book"

Lin Shiyue stared blankly at Xiong Xing'er, then began to look around.

What are you pretending to be shy about here

How... how is this... actually... flat!

I... in October was startled by Jin Taizi, and before I could say anything, Xiong Xing'er interrupted: "October! If you say anything today, don't expect to stay in the cat house." Faced with such a threat from Xiong Xing'er, October tightly shut her mouth.

"Dog leg!" Jin Taizi grunted in anger.

"Xing'er, I did not scold you!" The Crown Prince winced in pain, recalling the same issue with Xiong Xing'er, and immediately forced a smile, saying, "I just misspoke."

Suddenly, October let out a deafening scream, covering its mouth as if the heavens were collapsing and the earth was splitting apart

Although he and Xiong Xing'er both transformed into Mr. Panda and Miss Panda, Lin Shiyue, who had slept soundly for several nights, exuded a refreshing aura, generously displaying a bright smile that revealed a set of sparkling teeth. With a head of neat short hair and a round face adorned with a pair of gentle, dew-like eyes, she resembled a little daisy touched by morning dew, radiating a pure and fresh charm that invites closeness.

Xiong Xing'er took the drink and pulled the tab, seeing Shiyue standing there in a daze, she couldn't help but scold: "Aren't you going to drink? If you're not going to drink, then forget it!"

Perhaps only the description of "the six palaces' makeup pales in comparison" in ancient poetry can rival the beauty of the "Noble Consort"

"I am sorry for ... ..." In October, he hurriedly and respectfully placed a can of cola in her hand, then wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve

"So, do you dare to bet with me? Ten yuan per game, this will make it more exciting." Stealing a glance at Prince Jin's cards, Xiong Xing'er subtly curved her lips upward, preparing to win some money from this wealthy young master to buy some cosmetics or something similar

In October, there was no response, and her face was filled with an expression of bliss as if her soul had left her body. She kept silently repeating in her heart: This jar is for the noble consort, no, no, both jars should be for the noble consort. As long as I can see her, I would be completely satisfied even if I neither eat nor drink

A rogue is teasing the noble consort

Xiao Chi observed that the two individuals wore enigmatic smiles, exuding a sense of detached ease as mere spectators

Ah, gazing at the face of the "Noble Consort", I was completely entranced, having entirely forgotten about the drink!

Hahaha! I have won again... Oh no! The exuberant Crown Prince, beaming with joy, was so excited that he began to dance with his hands and feet, only to inadvertently strain his injured area, causing his thick eyebrows to furrow immediately.

"Why is it taking so long?" Xiong Xing'er lifted her eyelids, casting an impatient glance at her, and raised a hand

In this match, due to Xiong Xing'er eliminating the queen early on, the subsequent momentum was insufficient, and she quickly lost to Xiao Chi

Raising her head gracefully, Xiong Xing'er looked at Lin Shiyue with eyes that seemed to shoot out two small daggers, saying: "I didn't expect you to be quite greedy."

"October, where are the drinks you bought?" Xiong Xing'er's impatient voice shot up from the living room below like a command.