Volume 2 Chapter 15 - Hua Jin"s Coming-of-Age Night
After a long time, the eunuch w.a.n.g from the Weaving Bureau finally arrived. His slow demeanor made Leng Jiu frown slightly; she had a feeling that the outcome would not be satisfactory.
Sure enough, w.a.n.g respectfully greeted Leng Jiu and said, “Replying to the Empress Dowager: Eunuch Fu asked me to convey his message. He said he had nothing valuable to offer you, so he left Eunuch Lu for you to deal with. He also requested that you spare him a complete corpse for the sake of his years of service to you, for which he would be extremely grateful.”
Leng Jiu felt like she was about to spit blood. This old fox had made her efforts futile! However, this did indicate that Eunuch Fu and Lu Chang were not considered her enemies; they had a support system, a reason she definitely would not kill Lu Chang. As for the specifics, she would have to investigate on her own.
After Du Heng conducted his investigation, he reported back that Prince Xuan had returned hurriedly to his fief due to an incident and had not had time to report to the Emperor. He did not elaborate on what he was doing there.
Leng Jiu breathed a sigh of relief and then sneered, “Indeed, disasters last a thousand years!”
The incident was suppressed, and no one knew about it, including why Long Yue Li had left.
As Leng Jiu stepped outside, she heard laughter and saw two palace maids teasing Kano, one of whom was Xiang Ming. Kano, unable to tolerate their teasing, climbed the only large tree at the gate and jumped to a height of five to six meters.
“Hey! Kano, come down. We won’t tease you anymore. We have meat for you!” one maid coaxed.
Kano remained perched on top, refusing to come down! Xiang Ming suddenly smiled and, like a swallow, quickly flew up and grabbed Kano before it could react, landing safely. Kano screeched in anger, scratching Xiang Ming’s hand before running away.
“Ugh!” Xiang Ming hissed, revealing three clear scratches on her hand. She covered her hand and turned around, only to see Leng Jiu standing at the door, and she curtsied slightly, “Empress Dowager!”
Leng Jiu smiled at her, “Are you from the Hua family?”
Xiang Ming was not surprised by the question and replied calmly, “I am not surnamed Hua. My mother was a disciple of Madame Hua, so I have learned some of the Hua family’s light skills.”
“Oh?” Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly, “From today on, you are promoted to a second-rank maid and will serve in the hall with Zi Yu!”
Xiang Ming was a bit surprised and looked up, “Does the Empress Dowager dare to use me?”
“Why wouldn’t I dare?”
“I am the master’s spy!”
Leng Jiu replied seriously, “Rest a.s.sured, I will keep an eye on you!”
Zi Yu looked speechless; the conversation between the two sounded rather strange.
The day of departure came quickly. Although Lan Xiang had treated the three days like thirty, time eventually pa.s.sed, and their return date arrived. Long Yi had considered keeping Lan Xiang, but she was resolute about leaving. Once she moved out of Leng Jiu’s residence, Long Yi no longer troubled her.
As expected, Lan Ze came to bid farewell to Leng Jiu. After their previous kiss, they had not met again. Now, seeing him again, Lan Ze seemed somewhat awkward, but Leng Jiu was calm and chatted with them normally. She even presented Lan Xiang with a coral and jade hairpin, which was very suitable for a young princess like her.
Lan Xiang, though intending to come back secretly, couldn’t help but shed tears, “I’ll miss you!”
Leng Jiu waved her hand dismissively, “Enough! If you keep crying, I might just throw you out.”
Lan Xiang glared at her through her tears, “Can’t you say something nice?”
Leng Jiu wasn’t going to comfort her and handed a box to Lan Ze, “Have a good journey!”
Lan Ze took the box with care, “Take care of yourself as well!”
There was nothing more to say or give. The two stood up, bid farewell to Long Yi, and left. Leng Jiu didn’t go to see them off. Farewells are inevitable, and even the closest people part ways; they will reunite eventually, so there’s no need to be overly sentimental.
Once they left the capital, Lan Ze opened the box from Leng Jiu, finding a freshly picked orchid inside, with dewdrops still on it. He smiled and carefully put it away, thinking it was the best gift he had received.
With Lan Xiang and Lan Ze gone, Leng Jiu found the palace quieter. After being cooped up for half a day, she decided to go out and visit Gong Yuwei. She hadn’t seen him for many days since that incident, and she wondered how he was doing.
As she walked onto the street, she was briefly stunned by the sight of many shops selling lanterns and Spring Festival couplets, the red couplets covering the stalls. It dawned on her that New Year’s Eve was approaching!
Arriving at the Prime Minister’s residence and about to knock on the door, she was surprised when the door opened from the inside. Gong Yuwei stepped out, and they met face to face.
Gong Yuwei, who had been expressionless, seemed slightly surprised and pleased to see Leng Jiu, “Xiao Jiu!”
Leng Jiu noticed his formal attire and smiled, “Are you going out?”
Gong Yuwei nodded, “My injury has healed in the past few days, so I can’t stay at home any longer. There are many matters piled up during my rest that need to be dealt with in these days.”
Leng Jiu wasn’t too disappointed. Hearing that his injury had healed made her feel better, “Then you should go quickly! I’ll just wander around.”
“Be careful yourself!” Gong Yuwei advised before heading toward the prepared carriage.
Leng Jiu watched him board the carriage and then turned to leave. She kicked a small stone and walked casually, only for a carriage to suddenly block her way. She looked up and realized the carriage seemed familiar.
Sure enough, Gong Yuwei emerged from the carriage, walking towards her. For the first time, he took the initiative to hold her hand and said, “These are trivial matters; no need to rush. Let’s go back to the residence.”
Leng Jiu blinked and smiled brightly, “Yuwei! You’re so cute!”
Gong Yuwei, holding Leng Jiu’s hand, walked back, his face slightly flushed, “A man shouldn’t be described as cute!”
“But you’re just so cute!” Leng Jiu leaned closer, her eyes curving with her smile.
Gong Yuwei couldn’t help but smile slightly at her beaming face. When they entered the Prime Minister’s residence, he took her to the garden. Leng Jiu was surprised to see that the garden, which had been lush before, was now mostly cleared. Many trees had been moved, and the soil was refreshed with dozens of plum trees planted. The trees already had buds the size of rice grains, promising a beautiful bloom.
Gong Yuwei looked at her and asked, “Do you like it?”
Leng Jiu nodded, “Of course I like it! But didn’t I say there was no need to make changes? You planted plum trees instead of peonies!”
Gong Yuwei, seeing her pleased expression, felt a warm sensation and tightened his grip on her hand, “The flowers will bloom in half a month. When you come then, you can drink wine and enjoy the plums.”
Leng Jiu hugged Gong Yuwei’s waist and gave him a firm kiss on the cheek, “You’re the best, Yuwei!”
Gong Yuwei’s face immediately turned red, and he cleared his throat, turning his head away, “If you like it, that’s what matters.”
Leng Jiu didn’t let go and kept hugging him. She enjoyed being close to him and saw his flushed cheeks and ears. She couldn’t resist teasing him, lowering her voice with a pout, “Yuwei, don’t you like me kissing you?”
Gong Yuwei turned around in a panic, “No, it’s just… I…”
Leng Jiu looked down, hiding her smile, and murmured, “If you don’t like it, just say so. I won’t kiss you anymore!”
Gong Yuwei was fl.u.s.tered, realizing he had failed to express his feelings properly. He liked her very much but was unsure how to convey it and felt embarra.s.sed. “Xiao Jiu! It’s not that I don’t like it. I’m just not used to it!”
“Really?” Leng Jiu looked up with wide eyes, showing a worried and hurt expression.
Gong Yuwei gently touched her face, “Really! I would never lie to you!”
Leng Jiu smiled and lifted her head, “Then give me a kiss to prove it!”
Gong Yuwei froze, unsure how to react, “Xiao Jiu! We’re outside!”
Leng Jiu ignored him, “I already kissed you!”
Gong Yuwei had no words. His extensive knowledge fell short against Leng Jiu’s teasing. He was always left speechless, especially with such ambiguous topics that stirred his heart.
Seeing Gong Yuwei hesitate, Leng Jiu’s smile faded, and she turned away, ignoring him.
Gong Yuwei quickly panicked and grabbed her hand with a firm grip, pulling her back. He then closed his eyes and kissed her on the forehead, the kiss so light and fleeting that it was like a dragonfly landing on water. Even this brief kiss made Gong Yuwei’s face turn as red as an apple!
Leng Jiu stopped teasing him and smiled contentedly. She enjoyed being cared for and pampered. She took his hand and walked with him to a pavilion, sitting down. “Don’t worry! No one saw us. Even if someone did, they definitely wouldn’t say you’re being inappropriate with me. They’d just say I’m the one being forward with you!”
Gong Yuwei managed to calm his racing heart and tried to change the subject. He picked up Leng Jiu’s right hand, now free of bandages with only pinkish scars remaining. Seeing this, his heart softened, and he asked gently, “Does it still hurt?”
“It doesn’t hurt anymore! It’s almost healed, and in a few more days, these marks will be gone!” Leng Jiu said cheerfully, not wanting Gong Yuwei to feel upset.
However, seeing Leng Jiu injured for his sake made Gong Yuwei feel distressed. He ran his finger lightly over the scar and murmured, “It’s my fault for being so useless. I couldn’t even protect you properly!”
Leng Jiu could tell he was getting caught up in self-blame. She clasped his hand and said, “Do you think it’s embarra.s.sing for a man to be protected by a woman?”
Gong Yuwei lowered his head and replied, “It’s not about embarra.s.sment; it’s about being incapable.”
“Fool!” Leng Jiu chuckled lightly and pinched his face. “You study statecraft and work for the welfare of the country. You’ve become a prime minister at such a young age—how could you be incapable? In my heart, you’re already the most outstanding man. Not knowing martial arts isn’t something to be ashamed of. No one knows everything; if they did, they’d be G.o.ds, not humans!”
“That day, when he was determined to kill you, and you couldn’t fight back, would you have considered that not being capable? If you had died, who would I cry for?”
Gong Yuwei sighed as Leng Jiu’s words, half-praise and half-affectionate, comforted him. “But you were injured and almost seriously hurt!”
Leng Jiu smiled, “I’m not a fragile flower; you don’t need to worry about me getting hurt. I’m tough! As for whether I was seriously injured or not, look at me—I’m perfectly fine. Don’t dwell on things that didn’t happen. Worrying too much will only make you age faster!”
Realizing he couldn’t argue with her, Gong Yuwei gave her a handkerchief-wrapped small package and said, “See if you like it!”
Leng Jiu opened it to find a small jade gourd, emerald green and the same size as the one she had given him. It looked charming, and she smiled, “Is this for me?”
Gong Yuwei awkwardly touched the jade gourd around his waist. “If you like it, it’s yours.”
Leng Jiu accepted it, lifting it by its string and placing it around her neck. “I like it very much. Help me put it on!”
Gong Yuwei turned around, and Leng Jiu had already moved her hair to expose her fair neck, which was very tempting. Gong Yuwei’s face flushed again. In the past, he hadn’t even looked at women’s faces, but now…
Suppressing his racing heart, he carefully looped the string around Leng Jiu’s neck and tied a knot. His nervous hands brushed against her smooth skin, making his heartbeat quicken.
After fastening it, Leng Jiu looked at the jade gourd on her chest and tucked it into her collar. “This way, no one can see it!”
Seeing her actions, Gong Yuwei felt his face flush as he thought about the jade gourd against her skin and was at a loss for words.
The entire afternoon, Gong Yuwei stayed with Leng Jiu. They didn’t engage in anything overly intimate, just talked simply and occasionally showed affection. They didn’t mention Long Yue Li, and the atmosphere was very warm.
As dusk approached, Leng Jiu had to leave. Gong Yuwei wanted to escort her but was refused. Their ident.i.ties were sensitive, and he didn’t want to make things difficult for her, so he only saw her to the door before parting ways.
Watching Leng Jiu walk away, Gong Yuwei withdrew his reluctant gaze. His demeanor shifted from a hazy warmth to a cold clarity. “Uncle Xiang, to the study!”
“Yes!” Uncle Xiang sighed inwardly, seeing the sudden change in Gong Yuwei. Only when Miss Jiu was around did the master have any warmth; sometimes, he could barely believe it was his master who was so shy and helpless. But once Miss Jiu left, the master became like an iceberg, and the transition was so rapid that he struggled to keep up. He didn’t know what exactly was between Miss Jiu and the master, but he secretly wished she would visit more often or even marry the master so that he wouldn’t be so cold and distant. He preferred a master who showed some life.
As Leng Jiu left the Xiang residence and walked back to the General’s Mansion, she was surprised at how quickly time had pa.s.sed. The day seemed to have flown by without her noticing. Being with someone she liked, even without doing much, made time feel insignificant. Thinking of Gong Yuwei’s shy and speechless moments filled her with joy; she cherished his helplessness.
While lost in thoughts about Gong Yuwei, Leng Jiu didn’t notice Hua Jinzhi approaching.
On a powerful, muscular horse, a young man in deep black attire sat, his features as striking as a painting. His face was stern, though it did nothing to diminish his handsomeness. The women by the roadside looked at him, their faces flushed with admiration. What a handsome young man!
The horse halted before Leng Jiu. She stood still as he sat on the horse. They stared at each other quietly; her eyes were calm and smiling, while his held a depth of complexity and heaviness, as if he had experienced much.
Finally, Leng Jiu broke the silence, looking at his leg. “Is it healed?”
Hua Jinzhi said nothing but suddenly cracked his whip, urging the horse to gallop past her. He reached out and pulled her onto the horse, then yanked the reins sharply. The horse reared up and spun 180 degrees before racing toward the city gate.
At this moment, the city gate was closing, with only a narrow gap left. Hua Jinzhi showed no intention of stopping. The horse leaped over the barrier, and just as the gate was about to close, it burst through, heading swiftly toward the outskirts of the city.
The wind howled in their ears, and Leng Jiu could hardly keep her eyes open. She knew Hua Jinzhi needed to vent his emotions and didn’t stop him, instead holding onto his neck and burying her head against his chest.
This gesture seemed to ease Hua Jinzhi’s anger slightly. He reined in the horse and used lightness skills to gently set Leng Jiu down on a gra.s.sy field. Without saying a word, he began to kiss her furiously, with anger, sadness, desire, and loneliness mixing together, creating a torrent of emotions.
Leng Jiu sighed inwardly, wrapping her arms around his neck and responding pa.s.sionately to his kisses. Hua Jinzhi’s aggressive kisses gradually softened, his emotions becoming less intense as he focused on the long-awaited kiss.
After an indeterminate time, Hua Jinzhi reluctantly pulled away, kissing along her lips and cheeks down to her collarbone, lightly nipping her skin.
Leng Jiu, feeling uncomfortable, gently lifted his head and pecked his lips twice. “Do you feel better now?”
Hua Jinzhi didn’t answer but lowered his head to capture her lips once more, kissing deeply.
Leng Jiu kissed him back, then flipped over, pinning him beneath her. One hand rested on his shoulder, while the other slipped into his clothing, soon touching his smooth, elastic skin. Her touch was teasing and affectionate, tracing over his bare chest and ribs. As she felt his body shift from stiff to relaxed, Leng Jiu smiled slightly, her hand sliding down to his well-defined abs. After a few circles, she continued downward until Hua Jinzhi’s hand caught hers, stopping her.
Leng Jiu looked at him. The sky had darkened, but his eyes still shone brightly. She leaned down and kissed him again. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”
Hua Jinzhi pulled her hand away, the pa.s.sion in his eyes fading to coldness. “Are you this way with them too?”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow. “Them?”
“Long Yue Li and Gong Yuwei. Don’t think I don’t know anything!” Hua Jinzhi said with a hint of anger.
Leng Jiu lay back on the gra.s.s, propping her head up with one hand and idly playing with the gra.s.s in front of her. “Are you questioning me now?”
Hua Jinzhi’s anger flared. “You’ve been with them like this. Why are you provoking me?”
Leng Jiu’s eyes grew cold. “If I remember correctly, I was very clear about this in the bamboo forest at the palace. This is your choice. Now you come to question me—it’s quite laughable, isn’t it?”
Hua Jinzhi’s heart tightened. He knew it, but he didn’t want to remember. He had controlled his anger and jealousy for so long; how could he continue to endure it?
He closed his eyes deeply, took a breath, and his voice came out hoa.r.s.e and pleading. “Can’t you just want me alone?”
Leng Jiu sat up and looked at him seriously. She gently touched his face, her voice cold and resolute. “I’ve said this before: keep that bit of affection, but don’t give more. I don’t want it, nor will I accept it. If you’re willing, we can continue like this; if not, I’ll always give you the freedom to leave. It might be painful to leave now, but it’s better than becoming entangled and unable to escape.”
Hua Jinzhi’s eyes were filled with sorrow as he gave a bitter smile. “Is this how you feel about them too?”
“Yes,” Leng Jiu affirmed with a nod. “Whether it’s Long Yue Li or Gong Yuwei, I’ve been very clear. It’s the same with you.”
Hua Jinzhi turned his gaze to the pitch-black night sky, remaining silent. The two fell into a heavy silence.
Leng Jiu lay back on the gra.s.s, staring up at the stars emerging in the sky. Her voice was cool. “Have you made up your mind?”
Hua Jinzhi’s body tensed, and he slowly turned to look at her with a lifeless gaze. “Is this how badly you want to get rid of me?”
Leng Jiu smiled lightly. “When did I say I wanted to get rid of you?”
“Isn’t this what you want me to say—to leave or give up? You don’t want to bear my feelings or my heart, so you’re forcing me to withdraw. This way, you don’t have any guilt or fault. Everything is my own fault, my own sentimental folly, and I am just the dirt you’ve walked on, while you remain the exalted empress!” Hua Jinzhi’s agitation grew, and his whole body trembled with emotion.
Leng Jiu looked at him calmly. “I have never denied your existence or looked down on you. I just want you to see yourself clearly and see me clearly, then make your own choice. I won’t force you; I am only waiting for your answer.”
Hua Jinzhi clenched his fists and asked, his voice trembling, “What if… I don’t let go?”
“That is your choice. I won’t interfere.”
Hua Jinzhi sneered. “So, am I just like them?”
Leng Jiu sat up. “You are you, and they are them. Each person is unique and special in their own way. How could they be the same?”
Hua Jinzhi’s emotions relaxed slightly but he couldn’t help but be sarcastic. “So what are we? A kept man? A lover?”
“A kept man?” Leng Jiu chuckled. “A kept man wouldn’t have the privilege of expressing anger or acting spoiled like you. As for a lover, I don’t need one of that sort. Men here are not so pathetic!”
Hua Jinzhi remained silent, clearly still struggling with his feelings. Leng Jiu, exasperated, leaned over, wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and kissed his brow and the tip of his nose, sighing, “I never knew men could be so difficult to soothe. If I wanted a kept man, I’d choose someone handsome, gentle, and kind. Choosing you, a proud and fiery dragon, is no different from seeking punishment.”
She nestled closer into his embrace, “I don’t know what love is, but I have special feelings for each of you. Each person is unique, and I treat each one seriously, even using patience I’ve never had before to soothe you. I don’t understand what it means to be ‘the one’ or to be a virtuous wife. So don’t expect such demands from me. You can’t give that, and I can’t do it.”
She brushed her hand over his brows and eyes, “From the first moment, you’ve had this proud, unyielding temper. If I had known there would be so much trouble, I shouldn’t have entangled with you. I might as well have died at the hands of the a.s.sa.s.sins!”
Hua Jinzhi finally showed some emotion, glaring at her with a mixture of anger and frustration.
Seeing this, Leng Jiu smiled lightly, “There you go again. But I actually like your proud nature and your spirited, fiery moments. It’s much more appealing than when you’re angry!”
Hua Jinzhi’s frown relaxed slightly, easing a bit.
Leng Jiu, at her wits’ end, leaned in close to his ear, gently biting his earlobe with her red lips, and slid her hand up his thigh. Her voice was seductive, “I heard you’re injured on your thigh. Let me see it, shall I?”
Hua Jinzhi’s body trembled, and he pulled her back, his face a mix of anger and deep helplessness. “You just know how to tease me!”
Leng Jiu wrapped her arms around his neck, eyes twinkling, “When did I tease you?”
Hua Jinzhi wanted to be angry, but the intense fire he had felt earlier had vanished, replaced by a sense of helplessness and even a hint of satisfaction. Despite his earlier intentions to question and be resolute, he found himself unable to stay angry.
Staring at the enchanting figure in his arms, he was torn between the desire to strangle her or die with her. Yet, looking at her, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Her tenderness had extinguished his anger, making him feel as if she were a wicked fairy.
Furiously, he kissed her lips, “I don’t care. What’s my compensation?”
Leng Jiu’s eyes sparkled, and she playfully twirled her fingers over his chest. “How will you deal with it?”
Hua Jinzhi’s heart raced, and he lifted her, leaping onto a horse with her, his face breaking into a mischievous smile. “That’s what you said!”
Leng Jiu wasn’t afraid of what he might do, only relieved to have pacified this demanding man. Sighing internally, she realized that after Gong Yuwei and Long Yue Li, another persistent person had appeared. Men in this world were incredibly clingy. If there were more like them, she might as well end it all!
Hua Jinzhi rode into the woods, startling a flock of birds, and continued through the trees until they stopped in the center of a grove. Leng Jiu saw a grand residence hidden behind the trees, its outline visible in the deepening night. The building was clearly not simple.
Hua Jinzhi’s horse galloped straight to the large gate, which opened immediately. He rode in directly, heading straight for the center.
Several maids with emotionless faces acknowledged Hua Jinzhi’s arrival with slight nods, then respectfully lowered their heads, lighting the way with lamps before disappearing.
Hua Jinzhi dismounted, picked up Leng Jiu, kicked open the door in the center, and walked inside.
The moment Leng Jiu was carried into the room, she was struck by the overwhelming red decor. Everything—curtains, drapes, furniture, carpet, and even the large bed—was in bright red. The most surprising thing was the two enormous red wedding candles just lit. Leng Jiu, though she hadn’t experienced an ancient wedding, had heard of such things. She twitched her eyelids and asked, “Is this for you to marry someone?”
Hua Jinzhi carried Leng Jiu to a side door, which also had red decor, revealing a flower-petal-shaped bath filled with steaming water and flower petals. Hua Jinzhi placed her in the water and then looked at her with eyes shining like stars, a mischievous smile on his lips. “I prepared this for my coming-of-age day. I was supposed to bring you then, but you were drunk. Since you’ve given me the freedom today, I’ll make up for the coming-of-age ceremony!”
Leng Jiu laughed, realizing that he had planned this long ago, not just a cup of wedding wine, but a genuine coming-of-age ceremony. She wouldn’t refuse such an invitation, so she undid her dress and, with a seductive glint in her eyes, said, “Shall we?”
Hua Jinzhi’s expression changed, and he leaped out of the water.
Leng Jiu laughed in the water, then enjoyed a relaxing soak. She reflected on how, despite having no desires when she was a virgin, her sensitivity and pa.s.sion had increased after being with Long Yue Li and Hua Jinzhi. She wasn’t sure whether this was good or bad.
After half an hour, with her skin reddened from the hot water, she emerged from the pool and noticed a garment on a nearby screen. It wasn’t really a garment but a sheer red veil, completely transparent. Wearing it, she felt it was more like an ancient version of seductive lingerie. Unbothered by modesty, she put on the veil and walked out of the room barefoot.
By the time she entered, Hua Jinzhi had already changed into a red-gold outfit and was sitting there. His hair was styled with the hairpin she had given him, and his eyes flickered as he watched her approach.
Hua Jinzhi turned around as he felt her approaching. His eyes widened and his face flushed upon seeing her in the sheer veil. “What’s with this outfit?”
Leng Jiu lifted her sleeve, “Isn’t it what you prepared?”
Hua Jinzhi’s blood rushed to his head, his rationality consumed by desire. Though her figure wasn’t exaggerated, every part was perfectly proportioned, and her clear and captivating beauty made it impossible to look away. The transparent veil made her look like an ethereal being from a book. His enhanced vision captured every detail, making it even harder for him to control himself.
Before Leng Jiu could reach him, Hua Jinzhi had already swept her into his arms, pressing his lips against hers in a pa.s.sionate kiss. His eager hands roamed her body, and the touch through the veil, along with the fragrance of flower petals, drove him wild with desire.
Leng Jiu embraced his neck, returning his kisses with pa.s.sion. Her hands undid his belt, and soon their clothes were scattered across the floor, from the table to the large bed.
He pressed her onto the bed, removing the veil from her body, exposing her delicate, pink skin and perfect curves. For Hua Jinzhi, it was the first time he had seen such a beautiful, alluring female form. He believed she was the most beautiful and tempting of all women.
His kisses were relentless, exploring every untouched part of her body, sending shivers through him with each touch.
Leng Jiu, now aroused, endured his pa.s.sionate and urgent kisses. Sometimes the intensity caused her slight pain, but it only added to the excitement, causing her body to writhe and moan.
Seeing her with a face full of sensual desire and eyes so soft they seemed to be on the verge of tears, Hua Jinzhi could no longer restrain his desires. He took her completely, and the exquisite feeling seemed to draw his soul out with each thrust, piercing his heart with each movement.
Leng Jiu clutched his strong arms, opening herself to his intense pa.s.sion and affection.
After a storm of pa.s.sion, Hua Jinzhi, sweating slightly, lay on top of her, thoroughly satisfied. He had finally become a man, her man.
Breathing heavily, he tenderly kissed her flushed cheek and, in a hushed voice, said, “Sister Jinghua!”
Leng Jiu narrowed her eyes and gently brushed his face. “Call me Leng Jiu, don’t call me Leng Jinghua!”
“Leng Jiu?” Hua Jinzhi asked, puzzled, but then obediently called out, “Sister Jiu!”
Leng Jiu pinched his face. “Why add ‘sister’?”
Hua Jinzhi’s face turned slightly red as he leaned closer. “I like calling you that. It feels more intimate than calling you just by your name.”
Leng Jiu chuckled and leaned in to kiss his lips. Suddenly, she mischievously asked, “You were so skilled just now. It didn’t seem like your first time?”
Hua Jinzhi looked embarra.s.sed and took a while to reply quietly, “People say if a man is no good on his first try, women might be disappointed, so I read a lot of books and even asked for advice…”
He cleared his throat awkwardly, unable to continue. Leng Jiu found his discomfort amusing and laughed heartily. “Haha! No wonder!”
Hua Jinzhi, his face still flushed, waited for her laughter to subside. After she finished laughing, he couldn’t help but ask softly, “Just now… were you comfortable?”
Leng Jiu turned her body against his, then rolled over to pin him down. With a jade gourd on her neck touching his chest, she bit his lip and said, “It was very comfortable! It was your turn earlier; now it’s mine.”
Hua Jinzhi’s eyes widened slightly, looking confused and incredulous, but his emotions quickly submerged under Leng Jiu’s kisses and caresses. Though Leng Jiu was not a perfectionist, she paid great attention to enjoyment, especially in bed. She liked to make herself and her partner feel pleasure and preferred to take control rather than pa.s.sively endure.
Hua Jinzhi, still inexperienced, was easily overwhelmed by Leng Jiu’s seduction and soon left utterly spent.
As he looked at Leng Jiu, drenched in sweat, her eyes hazy with love, he marveled at how pleasant it could be to be with a woman in such an intimate way.
Leng Jiu lay sated on top of Hua Jinzhi, looking like a contented cat, lazy and enchanting.
Hua Jinzhi held her tightly, feeling as though he were in a dream, the closeness of their skin making everything feel surreal.
Leng Jiu’s hand slid under the covers to gently caress his thigh, eventually reaching the scar from his injury. Although it had healed, the scar remained. She gently touched it. “You fool, did you enjoy hurting yourself?”
Hua Jinzhi grabbed her mischievous hand. While he enjoyed it, he didn’t want to tire her out. He lifted her off him, embraced her, and buried his head in her neck, muttering, “When I saw you with him that day, I felt uncomfortable. I didn’t see you in the palace, and you didn’t come home at night. I knew… I couldn’t accept it and kept thinking of bad things, but I never expected it would lead to this!”
Leng Jiu’s fingers, green and slender, wove through his hair as she sighed. “Don’t do such foolish things in the future, understand?”
Hua Jinzhi looked up from her shoulder, his lips slightly pursed as he stared at her. “Wasn’t it that day you were unwilling to take out the black jade? Why did you give it later? Did my father and that person threaten you?”
Leng Jiu flicked his forehead, noticing a new quality in his appearance—his youthful naïveté was gone, replaced by a new, seductive charm. Was it because he had become a man? She smiled and raised an eyebrow. “Even if they hadn’t asked, I wouldn’t let you become a cripple. How ugly that would be. I only asked your father for a favor; it wasn’t about threats!”
Hua Jinzhi’s last bit of displeasure faded upon hearing this. At this moment, he was content just holding her. However, he noticed something cool against his back.
Hua Jinzhi pulled Leng Jiu’s hand to see the cherry blossom bracelet on it. He recognized it immediately. His expression changed. “Did Long Yue Li give this to you?”
Leng Jiu smirked and lifted his chin. “Jealous?”
Hua Jinzhi raised his hand to remove it, but then remembered its purpose and hesitated. His gaze fell on her neck, narrowing his eyes. “Is this from Gong Yuwei?”
Leng Jiu rolled her eyes and pinned him down. “Oh, you jealous little thing!”
She bit his lip and then kissed him affectionately. “Tonight, I’m entirely yours. What’s there to be jealous about?”
Hua Jinzhi grunted in response, turning his head away, clearly sulking.
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow, pretending to get up and said coldly, “Fine! If you want to be jealous, then continue. Since you’re not ready to make up, I’ll just leave!”
Hua Jinzhi turned abruptly, glaring at her angrily. Then he flipped over and pinned her down, gritting his teeth. “You promised tonight was up to me. Where can you run off to?”
Leng Jiu, too lazy to argue with the spoiled brat, directly wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. The red blanket was pulled over, and the night continued with pa.s.sionate intimacy.
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