“What are you talking about?”
Emperor Jingxuan strode in, still clad in his court robes, lifting the beaded curtain with a commanding presence. His deep voice carried an air of authority as he entered.
His gaze immediately locked onto Yun Wan, and without hesitation, he took the seat closest to her. Fuling, who had been chattering animatedly in front of Yun Wan, instantly fell silent, shrinking like a quail in his presence.
At the sight of him, Yun Wan was reminded of last night’s indiscretions and instinctively lowered her eyes, avoiding his intense stare. Softly, she replied, “We were discussing the person who knocked Fuling unconscious last night.”
She paused, glancing at Fuling before continuing, “How dare they commit such an act openly in the palace? It’s truly despicable. Thankfully, this girl is unharmed—otherwise, I would have carried the guilt for the rest of my life.”
A cold glint flashed in Emperor Jingxuan’s eyes. “This matter will be investigated. Do not trouble yourself over it, my lady.”
His sharp gaze then shifted to Fuling, who stood trembling beside Yun Wan. “As for this maid’s negligence,” he said icily, “I will overlook it out of consideration for my lady.”
Since Yun Wan wished to protect the maid, Emperor Jingxuan would not undermine her.
Fuling exhaled in relief. “Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Auntie!”
Realizing Yun Wan had deliberately interceded on her behalf, Fuling felt even more remorseful for her carelessness and resolved to serve her auntie with unwavering loyalty.
Emperor Jingxuan frowned, displeased by the informal address.
Quick-witted, Fuling corrected herself, “Thank you, my lady!”
The distinction between “auntie” and “my lady” was vast—one a familial term of affection, the other a declaration of allegiance. Fuling understood that from this day forward, she belonged to Yun Wan.
Yun Wan, however, paid little mind to whose person Fuling was. So long as the girl escaped punishment, she was at ease.
Before her lay a jade bowl with a few remaining cubes of almond tofu—creamy white milk curds sprinkled with crushed almonds and drizzled with golden honey, a sight to whet the appetite.
Yun Wan picked up a small porcelain spoon and brought a piece to her lips. The delicate tofu melted instantly upon touching her tongue.
The contrast between the milky-white curd and her crimson lips, now glistening with honey, made her mouth appear even more lush and tempting—an irresistible allure.
His focus fixed on the movement of her lips, Emperor Jingxuan casually inquired, “What is my lady eating?”
Yun Wan glanced down at the bowl. “Almond milk tofu,” she answered truthfully.
“I’d like some too. Feed me.”
Emperor Jingxuan leaned forward, his palms resting on his knees, his gaze unapologetically direct.
Feed him?
Meeting his scorching stare, Yun Wan’s fingers trembled around the spoon, her cheeks warming with embarrassment. Had he been a frail patient or a child, it might have been different—but to hand-feed a man as robust and imposing as a bull?
Hesitant, she bit her lip and reluctantly scooped a spoonful, extending it toward him.
The nearby attendants pretended not to notice, standing as still as statues—though the corners of their mouths twitched with suppressed amusement.
Noticing their reactions, Yun Wan’s lashes fluttered, and she withdrew her hand.
Emperor Jingxuan shot them a cold sidelong glance. “You are dismissed.”
Once the servants had retreated, he repeated his demand.
With no choice, Yun Wan fed him herself.
Emperor Jingxuan swallowed the bite whole, his eyes locked onto her as though it were not almond tofu he was devouring, but her. The look in his eyes was anything but proper.
After finishing the remaining dessert, he wore an expression of deep satisfaction. His long arm snaked around Yun Wan’s waist, pulling her tightly against him.
His body was unyielding, his embrace almost painfully strong. Yun Wan squirmed uncomfortably.
Noticing her discomfort, Emperor Jingxuan softened his tone. “Did I hurt you?”
“A little,” Yun Wan admitted quietly.
Her waist, still marked from his grip the night before, bore several faint bruises. By now, they had likely darkened.
It wasn’t entirely his fault—Yun Wan’s skin was as delicate as an infant’s, prone to marks at the slightest touch or pressure.
“Let me see.”
Without waiting for a response, Emperor Jingxuan took her wrist and pushed up her wide sleeve.
His gaze traced the traces he had left on her, and his expression stilled. A surge of possessiveness swelled within him.
These were his marks on her. The thought sent his blood boiling.
His voice was low and intense. “Are you unwell anywhere else?”
Yun Wan hesitated before shaking her head.
Emperor Jingxuan arched a brow. “Truly?”
She nodded earnestly. “Truly.”
Yet he countered, “I don’t believe you. My lady has been known to lie. I’ll have to inspect you myself.”
Before Yun Wan could protest, he swept her into his arms and carried her straight to the bedchamber.
His fingers, long and deft, dipped into a jar of ointment, scooping out a dollop of pearly cream. Gently, he applied it to her delicate petals, massaging in slow circles.
The tender flesh could hardly withstand the abrasion of his calloused fingertips. Within moments, the petals quivered like blossoms disturbed by insects, trembling helplessly.
Finding her reaction both pitiable and endearing, Emperor Jingxuan couldn’t resist lowering his head to press a kiss there.
Yun Wan gasped, tears springing to her eyes. Her fair cheeks flushed pink as she clutched at his sleeves, struggling in vain.
It was no use.
Time blurred. By the end, Yun Wan lay dazed and breathless, her lips parted, her tongue faintly visible like a stranded fish gasping on the shore.
In stark contrast, Emperor Jingxuan remained impeccably composed—every inch the dignified ruler, save for the sheen of moisture on his lips.
He wiped the wetness from his mouth with a thumb, his eyes dark with unrestrained desire.
One glance at him, and Yun Wan’s face burned. She turned away abruptly, presenting him with nothing but her slender, uncooperative back.
A low chuckle rumbled in his throat, thick with amusement. Emperor Jingxuan adjusted her skirts before pressing close once more.
Reclining beside her, he idly twirled a loose strand of her hair around his finger, his voice a lazy murmur:
“My lady’s fragrance is intoxicating. It seems my headaches have ceased since I’ve been near you.”
The offhand remark sent a ripple of alarm through Yun Wan.
She forced a light laugh. “Perhaps it’s the incense I use. I find it quite pleasant and often have Fuling burn a stick or two. Over time, the scent lingers.”
“If Your Majesty enjoys it, you might have your robes scented with it as well.”
Emperor Jingxuan’s brow smoothed. “Is that so?”
He had spoken casually, but her earnest explanation struck him as oddly defensive.
Studying her delicate profile, he sighed softly. “Do you know when the fragrance is strongest for me?”
Yun Wan tilted her head slightly. “When?”
A smirk curled his lips. “Last night, when I was buried inside you. The scent was so rich, I nearly lost myself in it.”
His tone was light, yet laden with implication.
Yun Wan froze, uncertain whether his words were mere teasing or held deeper meaning.
Either way, her cheeks bloomed with color, her eyes shimmering like water under moonlight.
