Yun Wan felt like a drowning person, the thin air stolen by the man, only for him to return it in steady breaths when she gasped for relief.
His fierce kiss was like a storm, relentless and overwhelming, battering her petal-soft lips with an intensity she could hardly endure.
A rosy flush spread across her porcelain skin. Yun Wan’s delicate eyes fluttered shut, the corners tinged with red and glistening with moisture. Her fine brows arched slightly, as if hiding a hook—soft, alluring, and utterly captivating.
Emperor Jingxuan’s gaze burned with desire and dark intent. One broad palm cradled the back of her head, while the other gripped her impossibly slender waist, pulling her closer as he deepened the plunder of her lips.
Only when Yun Wan’s tongue grew numb and she nearly fainted did Emperor Jingxuan finally release her.
Their tightly pressed lips slowly parted, though a silvery thread between them remained—proof of their lingering connection.
The emperor allowed her only a brief moment to catch her breath before his arms tightened around her again, lifting her effortlessly onto his lap.
The hard wooden bench beneath her was replaced by his scorching, unyielding body. Yun Wan shifted uncomfortably, only to freeze in shock as she realized—
She knew exactly what it was.
But how had he become aroused so quickly? Wasn’t this too… sensitive?
Emperor Jingxuan took in her reaction with dark amusement, his voice a low, husky murmur laced with promise. "This fire was lit by my lady—naturally, it falls to you to extinguish it."
As he spoke, his hand slid from her waist to her lower abdomen, fingers splaying possessively before pressing down with deliberate force.
The unyielding pressure forced their bodies flush together, the friction of their clothing sending waves of sensation through her. Yun Wan shuddered as an electric thrill shot through her, like countless feathers brushing her skin, igniting wave after wave of tingling pleasure.
Her straight spine melted, and she collapsed against his chest, her pearly teeth sinking into her crimson lips. A look of disbelief flickered in her misty eyes.
She had actually…
Suppressing his own urges, Emperor Jingxuan lowered his head, studying the beautiful woman in his arms—her face flushed, her body trembling with desire. He traced a finger along her heated cheek before pressing a kiss to the corner of her eye.
A low chuckle escaped him. "There’s no need for alarm, my lady. This is perfectly natural—"
Yun Wan, scarlet-cheeked, cut him off. "Your Majesty, please stop talking!"
Her flustered, almost childish attempt to deny what was happening only amused him further.
It proved she wasn’t indifferent to him—at the very least, he could scent the sweet, heady fragrance of her arousal.
She was affected.
The realization sent a surge of triumph through him, softening the sharp edges of his usually cold expression.
And when excited, he found himself craving her lips again.
So he took them.
Starting from her eyes, he trailed kisses down her face until he reclaimed his current favorite—her soft, yielding mouth.
Again?
Yun Wan’s barely recovered lips were subjected to another ruthless assault.
Thankfully, he showed some restraint this time, releasing her quickly.
Still, she gasped for air, trying to steady her spinning head.
Emperor Jingxuan clicked his tongue. "Has no one ever taught you how to breathe during a kiss?"
Yun Wan shot him a glare, her voice laced with irritation. "My husband—mmph!"
Anticipating words he didn’t want to hear, the emperor silenced her with another searing kiss, ensuring she couldn’t voice any sharp retorts.
Yun Wan: "......"
This was nothing like Lu Fenglan.
Her husband had always been gentle—frail and short of breath, never this rough or impatient.
He preferred fleeting kisses on her forehead or cheeks, never this… invasive, relentless nibbling.
A simple press of lips, yet this man made it feel like a battle!
The flickering candlelight cast their entwined shadows on the floor, the room silent save for their ragged breathing.
Then—footsteps approached.
Yun Wan stiffened like a startled bird, pushing against him in panic. "S-Someone’s here."
That voice—it was Chun Tang, Consort Shu’s maid!
Emperor Jingxuan frowned but didn’t release her. "Ignore them."
When no response came, the maid outside hesitated, then stepped closer, raising a hand to knock.
The sound of nearing footsteps sent Yun Wan into a frenzy.
If Chun Tang opened the door and saw the emperor here—
A sharp rap echoed through the room. "Third… Mistress Yun? Are you there? This servant is Chun Tang, sent by Consort Shu to deliver a gift."
Remembering Yun Wan’s current status, she quickly corrected herself.
Yun Wan’s heart leapt into her throat, but Emperor Jingxuan still refused to let go.
In desperation, she bit down.
A muffled grunt escaped him, his eyes darkening dangerously—but he released her.
Avoiding his gaze, Yun Wan whispered urgently, "Your Majesty, this is Consort Shu’s maid. I must see her. Please, stay silent."
Clasping her hands pleadingly, she gave him a look that screamed, Please, please cooperate!
With a cold snort, Emperor Jingxuan loosened his grip, reluctantly conceding.
The moment she was free, Yun Wan scrambled off his lap, hastily smoothing her robes and hair. Taking a deep breath, she moved to the door.
Opening it just a crack, she rubbed her eyes, feigning surprise. "Chun Tang? What brings you here?"
She then yawned slightly, offering an apologetic smile. "Forgive me, I dozed off while reading. You must have been waiting."
Chun Tang, suspecting nothing, bowed respectfully. "You’re too kind. This servant arrived at an inconvenient time."
She presented a lacquered box. "Her Ladyship asked me to deliver this palace token. She meant to give it to you earlier at Changchun Palace, but His Majesty’s arrival made her forget."
"With this, you may come and go freely in most areas of the palace."
"And this jewelry box is also a gift from Her Ladyship. Please accept it."
Given the value of the items, Consort Shu had sent her personal maid to deliver them.
Yun Wan accepted both boxes, their weight substantial in her arms. "Thank you for your trouble, Chun Tang. Please convey my gratitude to Her Ladyship."
Chun Tang smiled and nodded, about to leave when she paused, her gaze lingering on Yun Wan’s lips.
"Your mouth…" she ventured hesitantly.
In the fading twilight, Yun Wan’s face was flushed, her hair slightly disheveled, and her cherry lips swollen and red—undeniably alluring.
Chun Tang blinked, her own cheeks warming at the sight.
Yun Wan’s pulse spiked. Touching her tender lips, she sighed ruefully. "The evening mosquitoes were relentless. I forgot to lower the bed curtains and paid the price. How embarrassing."
Chun Tang nodded sympathetically. "Do you have ointment? If not, I can send some later."
Yun Wan assured her she did.
Chun Tang: "In that case, I shall take my leave and not disturb you any further."
"Safe travels, Miss Chun Tang."
