"Your Majesty, how did you know it was me?"
"I know every inch of my consort’s body by heart."
"........"
Slender fingers trailed along his bare back, moving from his shoulders to his shoulder blades, then tracing the line of his spine with reckless abandon. Every touch ignited sparks, as if she were a brazen arsonist setting fires wherever she pleased.
When her fingertips dipped into the water, they were swiftly captured by a large, scorching hand, halting her movements.
Emperor Jingxuan’s voice was hoarse as he turned to pin her with an intense gaze. "What is my consort doing?"
Steam curled around them, and droplets of water slid down his long neck, past his Adam’s apple, over the taut, sun-kissed expanse of his chest, before vanishing from sight.
Yun Wan’s throat felt inexplicably dry.
She averted her eyes. "I was counting the scars on Your Majesty’s body."
Emperor Jingxuan straightened, his well-defined muscles becoming even more pronounced as he deliberately displayed them to Yun Wan.
The scars etched across his skin varied in length and shade, a testament to both strength and a rugged beauty.
The hand gripping Yun Wan’s wrist grew restless. His thumb brushed lightly against her pulse, his tone low and suggestive. "And has my consort finished counting?"
The featherlight touch sent a shiver through her palm. Yun Wan curled her fingers slightly and shook her head slowly.
She had only counted the ones on his back—the rest were hidden beneath the water, out of sight.
With a slight tug, Emperor Jingxuan pulled Yun Wan halfway toward him, their bodies now dangerously close. Water soaked through her robes as his arm encircled her waist, his gaze darkening. "Why not come closer and count properly?"
Under his burning stare, Yun Wan shed her outer garment and stepped into the tub, settling onto his lap.
The weight of her sent a jolt through him. His expression tightened, lips reddening, eyes blazing with a hunger that threatened to consume her whole.
Yun Wan pressed a hand against his chest, her eyes glinting with playful defiance. "Your Majesty mustn’t move. I haven’t even begun counting yet."
The coy glance she shot him—half-scolding, half-teasing—sent his blood boiling, the beast within him straining against its leash.
His grip on her slender waist tightened. "Then my consort should hurry."
But Yun Wan took her time, her fingers gliding slowly and tenderly over each scar, lingering as if afraid to hurt him.
She had never paid much attention to these marks before, nor pondered their origins. Yet now, as she traced them, Princess Yongshou’s words echoed in her mind:
"Those were left behind during his years guarding the northern borders."
Even someone as formidable as him must have suffered when these wounds were fresh.
Noticing the sorrow in her eyes, Emperor Jingxuan caught her hand and smiled. "Did they frighten you?"
These scars had been part of him for years—once symbols of pride, now laid bare before her. For the first time, he felt the urge to hide them.
Yun Wan shook her head, leaning down to press a kiss to the long scar across his shoulder. "These are Your Majesty’s medals of honor, proof of your sacrifice for our kingdom. They are not frightening at all."
Emperor Jingxuan’s breath hitched, his eyes alight with exhilaration. He didn’t know what it felt like to fall from heaven into hell, but the reverse—this soaring joy—was now unmistakable.
In an instant, restraint shattered. He pinned his beloved consort against the edge of the tub, devouring her with fervor.
Yun Wan wrapped her arms around his neck, surrendering to the storm.
Then, a sudden chill jolted her back to awareness.
Looking down, she saw him slide a jade ring from his finger. Confusion flickered in her eyes. "What… are you doing?"
Emperor Jingxuan supported her waist with one hand while the other guided the ring downward, until it disappeared beneath the snowy fabric of her undergarment. He exhaled in awe.
"So this is how my consort stole this ring from me all those years ago?"
"Hidden so deep—no wonder you never noticed."
Nestled snugly against her, the ring became one with her. For a moment, Emperor Jingxuan envied the little trinket.
Meeting his wistful gaze, Yun Wan flushed crimson from head to toe.
This man!
Outside the chamber, Yue Ya and Fuling exchanged glances—one delighted, the other concerned.
At this rate, would their mistress’s health hold? / Would the palace soon welcome joyous news?
———
Sui woke early, dressed neatly, and went to the main hall to find Yun Wan.
But the doors were shut tight. As he tiptoed to knock, they suddenly swung open, and he stumbled forward, colliding with a pair of long legs.
The owner of said legs paused, then lifted the small intruder by the collar. "What are you doing here so early?"
Sui craned his neck. "Your Majesty? Where’s Mother?"
"Quiet. She’s still asleep."
Emperor Jingxuan carried the boy away like a stray kitten.
Sui dangled midair, limbs flailing like a swimming puppy.
"Your Majesty, why does Mother always sleep late when you’re here?"
The emperor set him down and looked down imperiously. "Because I have nightly duties, and your mother stays up to keep me company."
"Even Your Majesty has homework?" Sui’s eyes widened in astonishment.
"Naturally."
"Did you make Mother do all your work while you slept?"
That would explain why His Majesty looked perfectly rested while Mother was exhausted.
Sui’s tiny face radiated skepticism and accusation.
"........"
Emperor Jingxuan’s expression darkened.
Before he could retort, Jiang Fusheng swooped in, scooping Sui up and hurrying away. "Young master hasn’t eaten yet, has he? A growing child needs breakfast! Let’s go!"
In a whirlwind, man and boy vanished.
Emperor Jingxuan snorted, folding his arms.
In the dining hall, Jiang Fusheng personally helped Sui wash his hands and served his meal.
Sui picked up an emerald-hued pastry with his chopsticks. After finishing it, he noticed Jiang Fusheng watching him with a doting smile. "Eunuch Jiang, do you want one too?"
He generously offered another.
Jiang Fusheng was so moved he nearly wept. "This servant isn’t hungry, but thank you, young master."
Sui tilted his head. "Then why were you staring?"
"I was just admiring how grown-up you are, eating all by yourself without fuss. It gladdens this old heart."
Sui puffed out his chest. "Of course! I’m big now."
Jiang Fusheng’s eyes brimmed with affection.
Sui returned to his meal, but when only one pastry remained, he hesitated. "Are you sure you don’t want it?"
His hopeful gaze could melt stone.
Jiang Fusheng’s gratitude swelled like a river. "Then… this servant humbly accepts."
Such kindness—truly worthy of a young prince.
He took the pastry with reverence, savoring each bite as if it were the finest delicacy in the world.
Meanwhile, Sui patted his full belly and sighed in relief.
Any more, and he’d burst.
