[Urban] Passion, Infatuation (Complete) - 4-6

☆、21. Reconciliation

His eagerness to cultivate a good relationship with Gu Jingtang stemmed from his desire for Gu Jingtang's secret guards. Secret guards were originally exclusively for the king and answered only to him. Having this group of assassins would be akin to possessing the throne. However, Gu Jingtang had no interest in this, and being from the South China Sea, they would be more helpful to his future plans.

Gu Jingtang, in turn, needed to utilize the numerous brothels owned by this idle prince. Brothels were havens of pleasure and also places where secret information could be easily obtained. At that time, Gu Jingtang was struggling to find his true enemy, and it was then that Gu Jingtang made contact with him, made some deals, and the two have been mutually beneficial ever since.

The man had heard some rumors about the daughter of the destroyed kingdom of the South Sea Kingdom. Although the Western Night Kingdom had a vast territory, most of it was hilly and mountainous, with limited arable land. Economically, it could never compare to the South Sea Kingdom. While the Western Night Kingdom also bordered the sea to the west, the currents were vastly different, resulting in significantly lower catches. Furthermore, the majority of the population of the Wanqi Continent was concentrated in the Central Plains, Eastern Peak, and the South Sea Kingdom.

Therefore, the Western Night Kingdom harbored great ambitions for expansion. However, the interests of the Central Plains, Eastern Peak, and the South Sea Kingdom were intertwined; attacking one would provoke all three, which was always disadvantageous for the Western Night Kingdom. Fortunately, he knew of a prophecy in the South Sea Kingdom. He used this prophecy to plunge the South Sea Kingdom into internal strife, preventing it from attending to the other two kingdoms. Without food support, the Central Plains and Eastern Peak were no longer a threat.

He learned that Gu Jingtang had adopted a baby girl who had survived the calamity. He wasn't sure if this girl was the daughter of the destroyed kingdom, but if there was a possibility, he wouldn't let the opportunity slip away easily. Therefore, he made a pact with Gu Jingtang that when the woman of the destroyed kingdom appeared, she must be handed over to him for upbringing and to learn all the skills to seduce men. Even though the South China Sea Kingdom forbade women to participate in politics, the influence of her influence could rival that of a woman in power.

To effectively place this pawn, several years of training and falsifying her identity were necessary to ensure she was beyond reproach, allowing him to truly place her in the political center of the South China Sea Kingdom and reap the benefits.

That's why he wanted Gu Jingtang to hand her over as soon as possible; the earlier she was trained and sent to the South China Sea, the sooner his plan could be implemented. He never expected this kid to know how to negotiate with him. This meant that this woman was extremely important to him, so important that he was considering letting her slip out of his control. This state of affairs, which was beginning to spiral out of control, needed to be adjusted properly and brought back to the original track.

He was the second son, never having been qualified to inherit the throne of Xiye. He was resentful, and his ambition extended beyond the throne of Xiye. The position of King of Xiye was a foothold; by securing Xiye and controlling the South Sea, the entire Wanqi Continent would be his.

To ensure the plan wouldn't go wrong, he had secretly placed people around him to monitor him. He had also written a secret letter a few days ago, and although Gu Jingtang replied, the letter didn't clearly specify when the person should be sent to his arranged residence. Therefore, he had to come in person, only to discover this intriguing situation.

"One year! If you don't agree, our previous agreement is null and void!" Gu Jingtang insisted on not giving a reason; the fewer people who knew about this, the better.

The man smiled broadly at Gu Jingtang and said, "Could it be that, as the spies reported, you've fallen in love with that woman? Didn't you swear to me before that no woman could catch your eye? I never expected that in just a few days, this woman would have you so infatuated that you've forgotten our agreement." If that were the case, then don't blame him for disregarding their relationship and doing things that neither of them wanted.

"That's none of your business. A year from now, I'll let you take her away." Gu Jingtang had already shaved half his head; there was no reason not to finish. Besides, he wasn't sure if the detoxification process would have any effect on Shui Qing. At least with Cheng Yu here, he felt more at ease.

The man narrowed his eyes in slight anger. Gu Jingtang was uncompromising on this matter, and the two remained deadlocked for a while. The man lowered his eyes and said lazily, "Fine! Do whatever you want. However, for the next year, the daughter of a destroyed nation is still the daughter of a destroyed nation, understand?" Seeing Gu Jingtang nod his head forcefully, he knew that the matter of the daughter of a destroyed nation was temporarily resolved. At this moment, the man touched the ring on his hand, as if he had thought of something, and asked, "Are your three disciples trustworthy?"

Gu Jingtang was taken aback. "What's wrong with them?"

Seeing Gu Jingtang's puzzled look, the man didn't say a word, but simply waved his hand and said, "I'm tired. You can go out now."

Just as the two were facing off, a figure was hiding outside the door, having overheard most of their conversation. He had already made some decisions in his mind, and when he heard that Gu Jingtang was leaving, he vanished in a flash.

After Mo Chengyu carried Shui Qing back to her room, Xiao Zi quickly prepared a basin of hot water. Shui Qing couldn't touch water in her current condition, so Xiao Zi wrung out a towel several times and used it to wipe her body clean.

Just as she finished wiping, Gu Jingtang walked in from outside. Their eyes met; although they had just seen each other, they had been holding onto small things for days, and now that everything was resolved, they seemed a little nervous and uneasy.

"Xiao Zi, you can go downstairs first," Gu Jingtang said, standing at the door, deciding to break the awkward silence.

Seeing that their interaction was starting to return to normal, Xiao Zi couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. She quickly took the basin of water out of the room, not forgetting to close the door so the two could talk more openly.

Gu Jingtang looked at Shui Qing somewhat helplessly, like a shy young man unsure how to approach the woman he loved. Shui Qing sat on the bed, looking down at her hands, wondering why he wasn't coming over yet. Was she, the shy girl, going to have to speak first again?

Just as she was wondering how to begin, Gu Jingtang had already squatted down beside the bed, lifted her feet, and examined them carefully for a while. He said, "Saving people shouldn't make you forget your own body. Does your foot still hurt?"

"No, it doesn't." Shui Qing shook her head shyly. Her small feet looked even smaller in his large hands, and his intense gaze made her feel like her privacy was being invaded. She felt a flutter in her heart and wanted to pull her feet back.

☆, 22. Deep Affection (Limited)

Gu Jingtang gently held her small feet, as if protecting a fledgling bird that had accidentally fallen from a tree, afraid that he would crush her if he used too much force. His gentle little actions made all the grievances she had accumulated over the past few days involuntarily turn into tears.

"Why are you crying?" Gu Jingtang quickly hugged Shui Qing and gently patted her, coaxing her softly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to neglect you these past few days."

"Waaah... then, why didn't you come to see me?" Shui Qing asked, choking back tears. She hadn't been eating or sleeping well these past few days, her whole heart was with him.

"I..." Gu Jingtang held her soft little hand, carefully considering how to answer so as not to worsen their hard-won relationship. After thinking for a while, he slowly said, "It's not that I didn't want to come to you, it's just that I didn't know how to explain it clearly, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to comfort you... Qing'er, I haven't had a good time these past few days either!"

"Jing... I missed you so much!" Shui Qing hugged Gu Jingtang tightly, as if doing so could eliminate all the grievances, dissatisfaction, heartache, pity, and anxiety she had felt over the past few days. She sobbed and cried, "Do you know how much I hate waiting for you? I hate not having your warmth by my side. I hate waiting alone in the dead of night. Promise me, no matter what happens between us, don't ignore me anymore! Okay? Okay?" She raised her red, tear-stained face, her eyes glistening with tears, and sniffed hard through her little nose, looking pitifully at Gu Jingtang.

"Qing'er, I promise you... I won't let you be alone, whether you want me to stay by your side or not." Gu Jingtang listened to her cries with heartache. Seeing her like this, even the most hard-hearted person couldn't refuse. Although she didn't know that he was doing the most unforgivable thing to her, she only begged him not to ignore her. She didn't know that in the future he might want to protect her, but she didn't want to see him.

"Jing...I love you..." Hearing Gu Jingtang's confession, Shui Qing's tears vanished, replaced by overwhelming love. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his head closer, and offering her sweet, soft lips.

Gu Jingtang was stunned, not expecting Shui Qing to express her love at this moment, especially offering her lips so readily. He quickly recovered, pulling Shui Qing close and taking the initiative to suckle her lips, his tongue exploring her mouth, licking her teeth, scraping her oral cavity, and teasing her delicate tongue.

In an instant, a fire surged between them, tugging at each other's clothes, yearning for the other's complete openness. The touch of their skin sent shivers down their spines, their tongues dancing together, weaving a beautiful melody.

"Mmm..." Shui Qing murmured softly, her seductive voice melting hearts and igniting a raging fire in the man's heart. Gu Jingtang gently parted their intertwined lips and tongues, one hand caressing the round, red nipples, the other moving to the thick forest between her legs, gently probing the moist entrance, lightly kissing the corner of her mouth, and whispering, "Qing'er, is it alright?"

Shui Qing nodded shyly. Their clothes were half off, and she was almost naked. His fingers were teasing her sensitive flower, and one could almost hear the squelching sounds. Her body, deprived of lovemaking for many days, craved him more than she could imagine.

With Shui Qing's consent, Gu Jingtang instantly stripped them both naked, laid her on the bed, spread her long legs, and placed himself between them. His hot, hard penis hovered at the entrance of her flower-like opening. Her long, black, lustrous hair was spread across the bed, contrasting beautifully with her snow-white skin, making her look like a celestial being, her purity and allure enhanced by his presence.

"Jing... ah... come in..." Shui Qing moaned softly. The source of her pleasure was the gentle touch on her vulva. The burning heat made her feel warm yet powerless. More fluid flowed from her vulva, trying to extinguish the astonishing heat, but only made her feel more empty and helpless. One hand gently caressed her breasts, while the other moved between her legs, grasping the man's hot, hard penis and automatically inserting it into her vulva. The fullness of pleasure made her involuntarily wiggle and sway her buttocks.

"Oh... Qing'er can't wait any longer, oh... so tight, so small, it feels so good..." Gu Jingtang roared and began to thrust his hips vigorously, moving in and out of her tender, wet little hole at his own speed, feeling the pleasure of the contracting flesh walls gripping her, each thrust rubbing against every inch of her body, her little hole flowing out more and more fluid with each movement of his penis.

"Ah... Jing... um... harder... ah ah... Qing'er wants more... ah... um..." Although it hurt a little at first, after the hot and thick penis had been thrusting in and out a few times, her little hole had gradually adapted, beginning to hold the penis thrusting inside her, her two snow-white, slender legs unconsciously wrapped around the man's waist, her hands lightly wrapped around the man's neck, pulled his head down, and stuck out her little tongue to lightly lick his lips.

"Qing'er, you little slut, you've become so horny after only a few days without me... Doesn't your husband need to pamper Qing'er and fill her empty, thirsty little hole?" Gu Jingtang murmured as he returned the kiss. He noticed that Shui Qing seemed uncomfortable with his lewd words. Whenever he uttered a few during lovemaking, she would involuntarily flinch, and her little hole would involuntarily contract.

"Ugh... I didn't... Ah..." Shui Qing retorted in a soft, delicate voice. The man's penis thrust and poke around inside her flower-like opening, deliberately stimulating the sensitive spot, making her feel numb and tingling all over. Her delicate body trembled slightly, and she cried out in louder moans, "Ah... so deep... um... Jing, be gentle... ah ah... harder... ah... um... touch there more... ah ah..."

☆, 23. Self-deception (limited)

"Qing'er is so wanton... the more wanton you are, the more your brother will cherish and love you..." Gu Jingtang heard Shui Qing's increasingly charming and delicate moans, and he actively swayed his body, his thrusting movements becoming even more unstoppable.

"Ah... ah... um... ah ah..." Shui Qing was unable to speak from the thrusts, only able to express herself with increasingly wanton cries. Her body was being violently pounded and thrust into, each thrust reaching deep inside, the man's strength making it impossible for her to breathe.

"Qing'er, I never want to let you go in this life! No matter what unforgivable things I do to you in the future, it's all because I want to stay with you forever. Qing'er, promise me you won't leave me." Gu Jingtang squeezed her heaving breasts tightly with both hands, his lower body thrusting rapidly into her flower-like opening, about to overflow. In this chaotic moment, he wanted to hear her promise, to find redemption, to lessen his guilt and reluctance, in the face of the great harm he would bring her in the future.

"Ah... Jing... um... I promise you... ah... as long as it's not intentional deception... um... Qing'er will never leave Jing's side... ah... love Qing'er with all your might... um... ah..." Although Shui Qing didn't quite understand Gu Jingtang's words, she was willing to do anything for him, as long as he loved her, didn't abandon her, and didn't use her with ulterior motives.

Inside the room, passion raged, with soft moans and the sounds of flesh colliding echoing outside. The other four men in the manor, with their keen hearing, could hear the lewd sounds and were aware of most of the couple's lovemaking and whispered sweet nothings. Each of them harbored their own thoughts about the couple's relationship.

The mysterious man listened with a faint smile. This pair of lovers actually dreamed of a lifelong union, unaware that a year later, Gu Jingtang would not only be unable to keep her by his side, but would also personally hand his beloved woman over to him, to be molded into a woman destined to overthrow the South China Sea Kingdom.

The thought of witnessing a woman heartbroken and filled with resentment as her beloved man sent her away, facing an uncertain future with pain and despair, and then what kind of woman she would transform into, filled him with anticipation.

Luo Shaoyi was meditating in his room, his mind supposed to be calm and peaceful, but upon hearing the seductive moans, a slight, inexplicable tremor appeared on his usually cold expression. However, he quickly regained his composure, as if nothing had happened.

Mo Chengyu and Pei Chen, in the alchemy room, exchanged glances, sighing as they carefully monitored the fire in the furnace. Their two failed attempts at refining pills had severely delayed them beyond their master's deadline. If they weren't finished in time, the consequences wouldn't be as simple as sweating it out in the sweltering heat.

However, the most pressing issue wasn't this; rather, the two men were already burning with desire at the sound of the woman's alluring voice, and the sweltering environment only fueled their rage. They were no longer just drenched in sweat; sweat was pouring down their faces like rain.

"Second Senior Brother, hurry up and think of something! If this keeps up, we'll both turn into dried-out corpses!" Pei Chen kept drinking water, trying to replenish lost fluids and cool his body to relieve the heat. However, these actions didn't seem to solve the problem.

"What can I do? Rush in and stop them? Go ahead if you want, don't drag me down with you!" Mo Chengyu rolled his eyes. His master liked to sleep with Shui Qing, could he just rush into their room and yell, "Stop it!"? He wasn't asking for trouble.

The thought of that scene made Pei Chen tremble. He shook his head violently and said, "I don't want it either!" Resting his chin on his knee, his eyes fixed on the fire, he asked, "Second Senior Brother, is there any medicine that will make me feel less uncomfortable?"

Mo Chengyu added two pieces of firewood, adjusted the fire, then got up and went to the medicine cabinet. He took a bottle and tossed it to Pei Chen, saying, "Take one if you want."

Pei Chen happily opened the bottle, poured out a pill, and quickly swallowed it. Soon after, he clearly felt the swelling subside, and the burning sensation in his body disappeared. His eyes widened as he looked at Mo Chengyu and said, "Second Senior Brother, why didn't you bring out something so good sooner? I had to keep drinking water; I almost suffocated!"

"Don't you feel anything when you hear the sounds outside?" Mo Chengyu asked casually. Pei

Chen listened intently. Although Shui Qing's voice still made his heart itch, he felt no movement in his lower body. He nodded vigorously and said, "I really don't feel anything."

"Oh." Mo Chengyu smiled faintly.

Seeing the smile on Mo Chengyu's lips, a glimmer of light suddenly flashed in Pei Chen's heart. He pointed at him with a trembling finger and asked in fear, "Second Senior Brother, you didn't give me some weird medicine again, did you?"

"How rude! What do you mean by weird medicine? These are my treasures. If you keep talking nonsense, don't come to me for medicine again." Mo Chengyu glared at him again. Although he couldn't be called a divine doctor, the pills he refined were top-notch!

"Then tell me quickly! What are the effects of the medicine you gave me!" Pei Chen was so anxious that he didn't care about honorifics anymore. Now he only wanted to know what the effects of the medicine were. After all, he had suffered many times before. If he didn't find out, he would be the one who suffered in the end.

"It's nothing much, just abstinence medication that will keep you from getting an erection for a while." Mo Chengyu spoke as if he were spitting out a remedy for a cold. He wanted to find someone to test the drug's effectiveness anyway, and if a volunteer was willing to be a test subject, why not?

"How long is 'a while'?" Pei Chen hoped it wouldn't be a lifetime.

Mo Chengyu lowered his head and thought for a moment, then said, "Hmm… let me think… when I was doing this, I was asked to help some young girls prevent lecherous thieves. If I remember correctly, it was about a year."

A year!

"No—" Pei Chen cried out, completely stunned by those two words. After breaking his vows, although his desires weren't particularly strong, he still went to a brothel once a month, spending two or three days there. The girls all praised him highly, and eventually, he became the object of their bets, seeing which girl could resist his advances the longest.

Now, if he can't even last a year, it's tantamount to a fatal blow. What's the point of him living like this?

Mo Chengyu saw Pei Chen's petrified statue, and the words she hadn't finished saying were swallowed back down. Anyway, in Pei Chen's current state, even if there was an antidote, this stone statue wouldn't listen. This child is hopeless! After being played by him for so many years, how could he still be so stupid as not to know that he would be foolish enough not to refine the antidote?

☆, 24. In

the pavilion in the small pond, Shui Qing leisurely lay on a recliner, watching a patch of colorful flowers blooming in the distance, vying for beauty. A gentle breeze blew, rippling the water's surface, dispelling the summer heat, making her, who was already a little tired, even more drowsy.

Just as she was drifting off to sleep, a lazy male voice came from above her head, "Miss Shuiqing?"

Shuiqing was startled, her eyes widening as she stared at the man before her. She hurriedly got up and moved to the other side of the pavilion, maintaining a distance before cautiously and politely greeting him, "Greetings, Young Master Mu." Mu

Yi was somewhat displeased with Shuiqing's distance, but still calmly bowed, saying, "Thank you for saving my life the other day, Miss."

"You're too kind, Young Master!" Shuiqing curtsied, saying, "Anyone who saw this would lend a hand."

"Yes, anyone would help..." Mu Yi's lips curled into a contemptuous smile. In his world, there were no such people. They were all eager to have one less adversary; why would they be so anxious to find someone to save him?

Shuiqing could hear the disdain in his tone. She thought that everyone's life circumstances were different, and the people they encountered were different; it was simply a difference in values. She didn't feel it was right to comment, and simply smiled without saying a word.

Shui Qing had never closely examined Mu Yi before, but now, seeing him, she noticed his confident demeanor, handsome yet rugged features, and similar build to Mo Chengyu. More importantly, while his clothing was simple, it exuded an air of nobility, suggesting he was of wealthy or high social standing.

He had been staying at the manor for over ten days, and thanks to Mo Chengyu's treatment, he seemed to have contracted a strange illness. However, thanks to Mo Chengyu's skillful treatment, his condition had stabilized. Logically, this man should have left, but he lingered, and even Gu Jingtang, who disliked idlers, showed no intention of driving him away. Perhaps

Gu Jingtang was quite familiar with Mu Yi, which was why he tolerated this unrelated person staying. The three senior brothers had seen this man every year or two, knowing only that he had an inseparable relationship with their master, but unaware of his true background. Since Gu Jingtang felt there was nothing wrong with him, they had no reason to object and could only let him remain at the manor.

Therefore, Gu Jingtang felt that she was different from the original Fu Xue, and it might be inconvenient for her to live in the same courtyard with a group of unfamiliar men. So, her courtyard and Xiao Zi's courtyard were particularly independent, but only separated from theirs by a single gate. They only met when necessary, and rarely interacted, all to give Shui Qing a private space.

After all, she and Xiao Zi were the only women in the manor, and the four of them might not be home at the same time. Leaving two vulnerable women alone raised some safety concerns. Moreover, it was uncertain how long Mu Yi would stay, so he had to temporarily keep Shui Qing in her own courtyard.

Her leisure activities these past few days had been in this pavilion, enjoying the cool air, admiring the flowers, and feeling the breeze. Although the pavilion was located outside the two courtyards and was a public area, the men knew this was where Shui Qing usually stayed, and they tried to avoid going there.

Gu Jingtang had already informed the others in the manor, so Mu Yi couldn't possibly be unaware of this. Therefore, his presence here was not unintentional, but rather a deliberate search for her.

Shui Qing stood silently to the side, not wanting any chance to get close to this man. She didn't know why she felt a strange fear of him. Was it because he might be someone of high status, or because although his demeanor seemed relaxed, she could still sense an inexplicable pressure and power in his eyes? Regardless, her reason, emotions, and intuition all issued a serious warning: avoiding contact with this man was the best course of action.

Mu Yi could see Shui Qing's unease and asked softly, "Miss Shui Qing seems quite afraid of me?"

"Young Master Mu is overthinking it," Shui Qing replied casually, but inwardly she was anxious about how to get him to leave, or how she could leave herself, all because this man had the misfortune of blocking the only way out of the pavilion.

"Am I overthinking it? Or does Miss Shui Qing think I'm not a friend worth having?" Mu Yi chuckled and walked step by step towards Shui Qing.

"Young Master Mu, please have some self-respect." Seeing Mu Yi standing before her, lightly scooping up a lock of her hair and smelling it, she resisted the urge to slap him. She first retrieved her hair from his grasp, glared at the man, and inwardly grumbled, wondering if he knew anything about respect.

Mu Yi, seeing Shui Qing's actions, didn't get angry but instead smiled. Taking advantage of her momentary lapse in attention, he grabbed her slender waist, tightening his grip and trapping her against him. Looking down at her slightly angry, flushed face, his fingers gently tracing her delicate cheeks, enjoying the smooth touch of her skin, he chuckled and said, "You expect me to have self-respect after what you just did? Now, shouldn't you call me a lecher?"

"Young Master Mu, please let me go!" Shui Qing tried to push him away, but couldn't budge an inch. This man looked thin and weak, yet he was stronger than her.

"Shui'er, I couldn't help myself!" Mu Yi said, lowering his head to kiss her lips.

"Mmm..." Shui Qing pushed the man's shoulders with her small hands and pounded his chest. She turned her head left and right, trying her best to break free from the man's restraint. However, she found that no matter what she did, she could not make the man's lips leave her lips, nor could she leave his embrace.

Mu Yi had only intended to test what kind of charm a woman could possess that made Gu Jingtang forget him, and why she could make him so infatuated. Unexpectedly, the moment he kissed her lips, it was like a bee seeing a flower brimming with nectar, forgetting its purpose and instinctively drawing everything from those two pink lips.
Author's Note:

☆, 25. Fleeing in Disarray

Just as Mu Yi was lost in his reverie, a crisp slap rang in his ear, and the next second he felt a stinging pain on his left cheek. He froze for a moment, then quickly regained his senses. He had never imagined being treated like this by a woman, and his eyes instantly filled with murderous intent as he glared angrily at the ungrateful woman before him.

He had originally intended to teach her a lesson, but upon seeing the misty tears welling in her large, bright eyes, his anger vanished instantly, replaced by a pang of heartache. He cupped her face in his hands, gently wiping away her tears with his thumbs, and said, "I won't apologize."

Hearing his words, Shui Qing's tears fell even more profusely. She angrily pushed him away, frantically wiping her mouth with her sleeve, her large, watery eyes glaring fiercely at Mu Yi, and said, "Please leave, young master!" Knowing she was a woman of Jingtang, he still did this and dared to say such things.

Seeing the look of disgust on her face, Mu Yi tried to wipe away the mark he had left on her. A surge of anger rose within him. He grabbed her chin with one hand. "I kissed you, is that so shameful?"

Shui Qing brushed his hand away and sneered, "A friend's wife is not to be trifled with! Consider today's incident as being bitten by a mad dog. Don't mention it again." She pointed to the only path leading out of the pavilion and said coldly, "Please, sir. I won't see you off."

"No one has ever dared to say such things to me. Do you know what the consequences will be?" Mu Yi said through gritted teeth. This was the first time someone had called him a mad dog, and to his face no less. Such a person could only end up dead.

"Young Master Mu, please leave." Shui Qing didn't even want to answer, her attitude firm as she demanded that he leave immediately. She hated this kind of arrogant person; he had no idea what respect was!

Mu Yi, instead of being angry, laughed. He grabbed Shui Qing's wrists and pinned her against a pillar in the pavilion. Looking down at her at close range, he said, "You're really stubborn. This is the first time someone hasn't been afraid of me. You... you're starting to pique my interest."

Shui Qing couldn't help but shiver. His words were a huge disaster. When a man is interested in a woman, but the woman has no feelings for him, it's a complete catastrophe.

Mu Yi stroked Shui Qing's cheek and continued in his characteristically languid tone, "It's a waste for a beautiful woman like you to stay in this wilderness. Don't let my appearance fool you; my family business is quite successful. Although it can't compare to the luxury of the palace, it's enough for you to enjoy a lifetime of wealth and honor. Are you interested in leaving with me and returning to the capital?" As he spoke, he slid his hand down to her neckline, gently opening her bodice to reveal a peach-colored bra underneath. The high, full curves made him unable to resist gently kneading them through the bra.

Shui Qing's hands were bound. She listened to the man's words, frustrated by her inability to break free. She trembled with anger, cursing him inwardly for his arrogant tone, as if he thought she was some ordinary, promiscuous woman who only cared about money. And what was with his hands?! Why was he groping her breasts while he was talking?!

"Excited by my favor?" Mu Yi arrogantly declared, responding to Shui Qing's cowering. He had never failed to get the woman he wanted, and she was just an ordinary woman. Could such a woman really destroy a nation?

"Excited my ass! Get your hairy hands off me!" Shui Qing shouted. Did this man not understand human emotions? Her face was so sour, and her resistance so strong, yet he thought she was excited because of his favor!

Mu Yi was truly dumbfounded!

In the Western Sea Kingdom, a woman's virtue is highly valued, and for a young girl to swear like that was something he had never seen in his life. At least, a woman of royal lineage or related to the royal family was expected to prioritize elegance and virtue. Every woman's behavior had to be within certain limits, otherwise it would be considered impolite and bring shame upon the family.

Taking advantage of Mu Yi's momentary daze, Shui Qing knew it was a good opportunity to escape. She quickly broke free from his grasp and forcefully pushed him away, then dashed out of the pavilion.

Mu Yi hadn't expected Shui Qing to push him away so suddenly, and he stumbled backward. Fortunately, behind him was the chair where Shui Qing had been lying, with a soft blanket as a cushion. When he fell, he landed right on it and wasn't hurt, just a little frightened. He couldn't sort out his thoughts for a moment and could only watch Shui Qing's fleeing figure, her body like a fluttering butterfly. A feeling he had never experienced before welled up in his heart, and he couldn't control himself for a long time.

☆、26. Following the natural course of events,

Shui Qing hurriedly ran back to her room, quickly closing the door behind her. Gasping for breath, the thought of almost being assaulted terrified her, causing her legs to buckle and she collapsed to the floor, knees bent, arms tightly clutching her knees. It took her a while to catch her breath and regain her composure.

The situation had been incredibly dangerous for her; she had almost been raped by a strange man, pinned between him and a pillar, her legs forcefully spread apart by his thighs. Being a petite woman, she was practically straddling his thighs, her inner thighs and most private parts almost pressed against his hard erection.

Normally, she wouldn't have panicked, but when her breasts were attacked, she could clearly feel a hard object between her legs. Moreover, the man's eyes were exactly the same as Jing Tang's when he wanted her—filled with desire, but even more blatant and predatory than Jing Tang's.

Just from those few words, it was clear that Mu Yi was a dangerous man. When he first stepped into the pavilion, he seemed to be probing her, treating her like a rare animal kept in a zoo. After his forceful kiss, however, his attitude changed, transforming him into a hunter, eager to capture her.

Regardless, every move he made seemed to have ulterior motives in her eyes. She needed to find a way to avoid him these days. According to a woman's intuition, this man was the one who would threaten her peaceful life.

"Qing'er, are you in your room?" Gu Jingtang gently knocked on the door, interrupting Shui Qing's thoughts.

"I'm here!" Hearing An Xin's voice, Shui Qing quickly stood up, but didn't notice that her legs were still weak and limp. She accidentally fell to the ground, her cute little bottom slapping against the floor. A sharp, tingling pain made her involuntarily spit out a few tears.

"Qing'er! Are you alright?" This time, Gu Jingtang pushed open the door and saw Shui Qing lying on the ground, groaning in pain. He didn't know where she was injured and could only squat beside her, anxiously watching.

Shui Qing was in so much pain she couldn't speak; her whole body was numb and immobile, feeling almost crippled. Coupled with the harassment she had just experienced from Mu Yi, negative emotions welled up inside her. She slowly pouted, her face contorted, and suddenly burst into tears like a child.

For a moment, Gu Jingtang panicked. Should he pick her up and comfort her, let her cry, or go out and call Mo Chengyu to check on Shui Qing's injuries? None of these actions seemed appropriate, yet he had no choice but to act. This dilemma made him appear somewhat comical.

After crying for a while, Shui Qing sniffed her already red nose, looked up at Gu Jingtang's dumbfounded and helpless expression, and couldn't help but laugh.

Hearing Shui Qing laugh, Gu Jingtang felt a great sense of relief. Looking at her red, tear-streaked face, he wiped away the tears with his fingers and asked with a pang of pity, "Does it still hurt?"

Shui Qing shook her head, sobbing, pouting, and stretched out her hands as if to be hugged. Gu Jingtang smiled, gently picked her up from the ground, and carefully placed her on the bed, saying, "Should I have Chengyu come over?"

Shui Qing lay on the bed, feeling the pain had subsided, but remembering that a woman's most important part is her waist, she obeyed his advice and had Chengyu take a look.

Mo Chengyu, following her master's orders, gave Shui Qing a brief examination. She wasn't seriously injured, but her waist injury shouldn't be underestimated. He advised them to avoid sexual activity for the next few days to allow her overworked body to rest. Before leaving, Mo Chengyu taught her master a few acupressure techniques to help Shui Qing recover faster.

Gu Jingtang listened attentively and asked a few key questions, quickly mastering the massage techniques. After seeing Mo Chengyu off, he returned to his room and found Shui Qing nearly suffocating under the covers. He quickly pulled her out, saying, "Don't suffocate."

Shui Qing bit her lip shyly. Mo Chengyu had heard all their lovemaking these past few days, and she said coquettishly, "It's all your fault! He actually knows we...every day...how annoying!" Thinking of Mo Chengyu's teasing expression earlier, she was now too ashamed to face anyone. How could she go out in public like this?

"What are you afraid of, Qing'er? Lie down first, I'll massage you." Gu Jingtang first pulled off Shui Qing's clothes, letting her lie half-naked on the bed. He poured some medicinal wine into his hand, rubbed it in his hands to warm it, and then gently pressed it onto her back and waist. While massaging her slender waist, he said, "We're not doing anything immoral. Do you think Qing'er doesn't like it?"

"Hmm... I'm not afraid, it's just that if other people find out about this, it might be a little..." Shui Qing comfortably squinted her eyes. The man's large hands were warm and had just the right amount of strength, slowly easing the pain in her waist. The tingling and comfortable feeling was like being in warm sunlight, making her gradually feel drowsy. She said softly in a lazy tone, "Jing Tang, a little lower... um, right there... it feels so good..."

Gu Jing Tang smiled as he looked at Shui Qing's completely trusting appearance and said, "You're still using that voice to seduce me. Aren't you afraid that I'll lose my beastly nature and ignore Cheng Yu's warnings, and devour you completely?"

Of course, Shui Qing wasn't afraid of any danger. As long as it involved her, Gu Jing Tang would be more careful than he was with her. She yawned quite a bit and murmured, "...I'm not afraid." As soon as she finished speaking, a satisfied smile appeared on her lips. Unable to resist the comfortable massage, she sank into darkness and began to snore softly.

Gu Jingtang chuckled as he listened to her sweet snores. After finishing his last bit of work, he gently covered her with the blanket, took off his coat and shoes, and lay down, pulling her into his arms. Remembering her panicked expression earlier, he wasn't sure what had happened, so he decided to wait until she woke up to find out.

Right now, her health was more important. He wasn't sure whether he should let her get pregnant soon or not. The year was almost up, and regardless of whether Shui Qing had cured him of the poison, she would inevitably be taken away by Mu Yi. His mind was still in turmoil; he'd leave the decision to fate.

☆、27. Detoxification (Limited)

"Ugh...no more...ah...Jing...let me go...ah...I can't take it anymore...ugh...I'll die..." Shui Qing moaned intermittently, her voice trembling with sobs. As soon as the man lifted the ban, he dragged her to the room, stripped her naked without a word, and pinned her to the bed, doing whatever he pleased.

She had already climaxed countless times, but the man showed no sign of gratification. Now, she was completely powerless, letting the man do as he pleased, pushing her to orgasm again and again.

"Jing...ah...slower...ah...be careful of the baby...ah..." Shui Qing lay helplessly on the bed, the man on top of her like a ravenous beast, demanding without restraint. Her body, made even more sensitive by pregnancy, could feel extraordinary pleasure with just a gentle touch, making her unable to bear his size and heat.

"Qing'er, I can't stop... Oh... I've been holding back for months, let me enjoy myself this time. Don't worry, it won't hurt the baby." Gu Jingtang was covered in sweat, thrusting forcefully into the woman's delicate flower. He hadn't touched Shui Qing for months since the day she was injured.

Her back injury wasn't serious; it healed completely after a few days of rest. However, on a perfect night, just as they were about to make love, Shui Qing suddenly vomited on him without warning, startling him so much that he immediately called for Cheng Yu.

Unexpectedly, Cheng Yu diagnosed that Shui Qing was already two months pregnant. He advised her to avoid intercourse in the early stages, and to gradually reduce and lightly engage in intercourse after three months of pregnancy.

Therefore, Gu Jingtang endured for two months. Although he knew he should treat her gently, his body wouldn't obey him, thrusting wildly and relentlessly. Her once pink labia were now red, swollen, and frothy under his unrestrained thrusting, yet his penis continued to withdraw and thrust in, showing no mercy to the poor flower.

"Ah...ah...ah ah..." Shui Qing's body went limp, even her moans were weak and intermittent.

"Qing'er's body is still exactly the same as before...no! It's even tighter, smaller, and more sensitive than before...oh...I haven't even ejaculated yet, and Qing'er has already come several times." Seeing the woman beneath him in this state, the man felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction, especially since she was bewitched because of him; it was a unique honor for a man.

"Ah...I hate it...um...ah...um...I can't take it anymore...ah...um..." Shui Qing clutched the fabric beside her, twisted into a ball, so wrinkled it was almost unrecognizable. Their joined parts were already a wet, sticky mess, a testament to the intensity of their lovemaking.

"Qing'er, just bear with it a little longer...I'm almost there too..." Gu Jingtang calculated that an hour had passed. Now, he subtly channeled all the poison in his body into his pent-up ejaculation point, thrusting wildly dozens of times until Shui Qing climaxed. Then, he opened his mouth wide and ejaculated all the hidden poison into her womb.

Finally ending this seemingly endless lovemaking, Shui Qing didn't even have the strength to move a finger. She lay on the bed, panting heavily. After Gu Jingtang ejaculated all his essence, he turned over, held her in front of him, and stroked her sweaty back with his large hands.

Shui Qing rested her head against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. Her small hands slowly drew circles on his muscular chest as she said in a coquettish voice, "Today you almost made me breathless, and it felt different from usual. It was a little hot and a little painful."

Gu Jingtang's body stiffened slightly, then he chuckled and said, "It's been too long since your little mouth has tasted me, that's why I miss it so much."

Shui Qing didn't notice Gu Jingtang's slight change and still felt shy at his lewd words. She raised her small fist and gently punched his chest, saying, "You're too indulgent, and you're blaming me!"

"What can I do! It's Qing'er who poisoned me. If I don't touch you for a day, I'll go crazy from missing you so much. This time you actually made me endure for two months. I'm only doing this because of the child in your belly. I haven't broken all your bones yet, which is already very self-disciplined." Gu Jingtang pinched her pink buttocks with his large hand and pressed her hard against his lower abdomen, letting her know that what he said was true.

However, everything went so smoothly that Gu Jingtang was somewhat apprehensive. One of the conditions for curing the poison was that the child in Shui Qing's womb had to be his. To prevent her from conceiving a child with all three of them, Fu Xue had already added some infertility-preventing drugs to their food on her sixteenth birthday.

Afterward, he pestered Shui Qing every day to confirm that the child was his. Later, he thought that this poison was not only vicious but also utterly immoral. To cure the poison, the person might not have to harm the woman they loved, but they would have to kill their own child first. Since this was an unavoidable pain, he could only try his best to compensate Shui Qing during this period, giving her beautiful memories to ease the pain of losing her child.

Shui Qing, both ashamed and embarrassed, pounded his chest. Just as she felt a little better, the man grabbed her and made her straddle him. His thick penis immediately plunged in completely, and he maliciously thrust his strong buttocks upwards a few times. His large hands cupped her two full breasts, and he laughed, saying, "I was a little too fast just now. This time, let's take it slow. Qing'er can't sleep tonight. She has to help me burn off the pent-up energy from these past few months of hard work and endurance."

"Ah... Jing, you... um... you want to kill me... ah... all night... ah... I'll really die... ah ah..." Hearing Gu Jingtang's words, Shui Qing knew that tonight would be another difficult yet ecstatic night. Although she had heard of men with extraordinary fertility, she really didn't want to meet a man like this. She had only rested for a short time, and he had already recovered, and was even more swollen and erect than before, seemingly becoming more and more vigorous with each battle.

"Don't worry, Qing'er will only feel like she's in heaven..." Gu Jingtang had just finished detoxifying, and both his body and mind felt incredibly relaxed. He even felt like he could go on all night without stopping. How could he easily let her go just because of Shui Qing's sweet and pleading words?
Author's Note:
Waaah~ I should have posted this yesterday,
but I unexpectedly got gastroenteritis.
Although I didn't vomit, I did have diarrhea.
What's worse, I had stomach cramps and bloating. I felt
much better after taking medicine yesterday, so
I'm posting this today. The rest... um... tomorrow! (Flying away)

☆, 28. Happiness (Limited)

"Qing'er, move! Sitting won't be comfortable." This time, Gu Jingtang decided to let Shui Qing take the initiative. He gently patted her fleshy buttocks, telling her not to just sit, but to start moving as well, so that they could enjoy the ultimate pleasure once again.

"Ah...this is so embarrassing...um...you're bullying me...ah...I hate it...ah um...Jing's big cock is so big...ah ah...it feels so good...ah...ah..." Shui Qing tingled and twisted her body, her small hands supporting herself on the man's chest, her little buttocks slowly moving up and down, swallowing and releasing the thick, hard male root, enjoying the man lying beneath her at her own pace.

"Oh...Qing'er is doing so well...keep moving faster...ah...Qing'er is so tight and small inside...it feels so good...shake harder..." Gu Jingtang cupped her two soft breasts with both hands and kneaded them vigorously, his male root buried in the warm, tender little hole, enjoying the pleasure of the tight, squeezing flesh walls, and the pleasure brought by the thrusting and friction. With the rhythm of the woman's body, he occasionally thrust his hips upward a few times, allowing himself to penetrate deeply into the little hole.

"Ah... Jing, it's so deep... um... ah... I'm so weak... ah... Jing, help me... ah..." Shui Qing pleaded breathlessly, her upper body limply leaning forward on the man, her hips still swaying involuntarily.

Although she could enjoy the sensation of his penis thrusting into her most desired spot, she had to resist the increasingly intense pleasure while moving her body up and down. This continuous movement was exhausting, especially since she had already been brought to orgasm several times by the man, and she simply didn't have enough energy left to finish this round.

"Qing'er is too weak to keep wiggling her little bottom, this is really not convincing." Although he said that, he still rolled her over and laid her on the bed, raised her legs and placed them on his shoulders, put a soft cushion under her buttocks, gently stroked her slender legs with his large hands, and began to swing his lower body wildly back and forth, "Qing'er, use more force... oh... yes, just like that, squeeze... squeeze me hard and break me..."

"Ah ah... Jing... um ah... faster... ah ah... deeper... ah... that's it... um... so good... ah ah..." Shui Qing's whole body was limp as the hard male blade penetrated her little hole. As the frequency of the male root's thrusts became more and more intense, her small hands couldn't help but touch her breasts, her slender fingers pinching and kneading the tips of her nipples, sometimes pushing them upwards, sometimes squeezing and rubbing, sometimes scraping with her fingertips, teasing her body to the fullest, making her erect nipples bloom in the most beautiful posture.

"Oh... Qing'er... Qing'er..." Gu Jingtang was so overwhelmed with pleasure that he didn't know what to say. He just instinctively thrust his hips, inserting and withdrawing his penis again and again. The area where the two were joined was already wet, and the slapping of their flesh turned the fluid into white foam, which splashed around them.

"Ah... Jing... Ah... Slower... Ah... Faster... Mmm... Slower... Mmm... Deeper... Ah... Oh... My flower feels so numb and tingly... Ah... Faster..." Shui Qing felt that the penis was thrusting too vigorously, so she gasped and asked for it to slow down. But when the penis slowly thrust in and out, she felt an unbearable itch in her vagina and asked for it to go faster in a soft voice.

"Does Qing'er want me to go fast or slow...?" Gu Jingtang chuckled, clearly feeling the flower passage begin to contract rapidly. He knew Shui Qing was about to reach another climax. This time, he stopped teasing her, increased the speed of his thrusts, and intensified the force of his penetration, making Shui Qing beg for mercy: "Mmm... Jing, let me go... Ahh... I'm almost there... Ahh... I'm there... I'm there... Ah—" The climax made her arch her body involuntarily, her small hands squeezing her breasts out of shape, her fingers tightly pinching her nipples, her body trembling rapidly.

"Ah..." The man groaned regretfully, and the climaxing flower gushed a stream of fluid onto the tip of his penis. Gu Jingtang was caught off guard, and the intense stimulation made him lose his grip. He thrust his hips deep into her flower, entering a world of bliss with Shui Qing, and spewing his hot male essence into her flower.

Gu Jingtang breathed heavily, withdrew his penis, and slowly lowered his legs from his shoulders. His legs, which hadn't been together for a long time, were now wide open, and he watched as the semen he had ejaculated slowly flowed from her swollen vulva. A surge of heat rushed to his lower abdomen, and his previously semi-erect penis revived. However, seeing Shui Qing's limp and powerless state, even if he desperately wanted to release, he wouldn't take advantage of her at this moment.

Gu Jingtang first took a thin blanket from the side and covered Shui Qing tightly. Then he got out of bed, went outside to instruct Xiao Zi to prepare bathwater, returned to the room, wrung out a towel from the basin, and went back to Shui Qing's side. He lifted the blanket and gently wiped the marks of their lovemaking from her body.

"I'll do it myself." Shui Qing had regained some strength and quickly reached for the towel, but Gu Jingtang was one step ahead, saying, "Qing'er, lie down obediently. I can do this little thing." He pressed her little hand down and continued the unfinished task at hand. After several repetitions, Shui Qing finally felt a little refreshed.

"Master, the bathwater is ready." Xiao Zi's voice came from outside the door.

"I know, you can go and rest now." Gu Jingtang replied indifferently.

"Yes, Master. This servant will take her leave."

Gu Jingtang listened to Xiao Zi's footsteps fading away, then got up and picked up Shui Qing, saying, "Soaking in some hot water will make you feel better." He went to the small room at the back of the house, gently placed her in the bathtub, and picked up a bar of soap to gently wash her.

The warm water instantly relaxed her body, easing her aching muscles. Shui Qing comfortably closed her eyes, resting her head on the edge of the tub, enjoying the man's care. Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind. She opened her beautiful eyes and looked at the man, asking, "Jing, do you prefer a boy or a girl?"

☆, 29. In the very last

pavilion in the pool, there was a long bench for reclining. Gu Jingtang held Shui Qing, who was eight months pregnant, sitting there quietly enjoying their time together. Occasionally, their brief conversations broke the silence, adding a touch of intimacy and warmth.

Gu Jingtang thoughtfully stroked Shui Qing's bulging belly. As the due date drew closer, the baby's heartbeat grew weaker. Mo Chengyu seemed to suspect that the child might not survive until birth. Although he wanted to speak up, he didn't know how to explain it to Shui Qing.

Mo Chengyu privately spoke with him, sharing her thoughts about the fetus in Shui Qing's womb. The fetus was already formed, making abortion impossible, but the chances of stillbirth were high. Few mothers could bear such devastating news after ten months of pregnancy.

Although Gu Jingtang had anticipated this outcome, hearing it from others still stirred a nameless sadness within him. He instructed Mo Chengyu not to let Shui Qing know, promising to handle the situation once the child was born.

Despite this, as Shui Qing's pregnancy progressed, Gu Jingtang's heart grew heavier. He maintained a composed demeanor in her presence, watching Shui Qing's increasingly radiant smile as she wove beautiful dreams of a future family of three. Hearing her descriptions felt like a knife piercing his heart.

Gu Jingtang asked casually, "Qing'er, what if... I mean, what if, you or the child, you could only save one of us? Which one would you want to keep?"

Shui Qing was startled. She now realized that although the medical care in this world wasn't too bad, compared to modern medical technology, the process of childbirth for women was a matter of life and death in an instant. One wrong move and two lives could be lost. However, if such a situation really happened, as a mother, she would naturally want to save the child. But she was different from others. "Save me!"

"Why?" Gu Jingtang asked in surprise. Don't most people want to save the child they've carried for ten months? Why would someone want to save their own life?

Shui Qing touched her belly and smiled, saying, "Logically speaking, I hope both the child and I can survive. If only one can live, I'd rather it be me. A child who loses their mother may experience many deficiencies in their life. The father might neglect them, the stepmother might neglect them, causing the child to grow up resentful that their mother didn't live a good life. A child who loses their mother doesn't necessarily have to live a bad life. Like peasant women, they give birth to many children throughout the year. Some die young, some are miscarried. Of course, they feel heartbroken for these children, but they also have other children to care for. They will definitely be strong."

"Qing'er, this example isn't quite right! This is your first pregnancy, how can you compare yourself to those peasant women?" Gu Jingtang chuckled. His analogy of Qing'er was really a bit inappropriate.

"I haven't finished speaking yet!" Shui Qing pouted, annoyed that he had interrupted her. "Of course I know this is my first time giving birth, and I know all the dangers of childbirth. But, Jing, you are the person I love most in this world. You also said that I am the one you cherish most here. If I die, you won't be able to live on your own. The baby has Cheng Yu and the others to take care of it, so there's no fear of it not surviving. It's just you. I'm worried that without me, you'll lose your will to live. So, no matter what, you have to save me first. Although I care a lot about this child, I care about you even more."

"Qing'er..." Gu Jingtang hugged Shui Qing tightly, his heart filled with emotion, yet he didn't know what to say.

"However! I think Jing is worrying too much. The baby isn't growing very smoothly right now, and my second senior brother also said that my body is definitely capable of giving birth to a healthy baby." Shui Qing smiled sweetly. Since finding out she was pregnant, she had been taking good care of her body and conserving her strength. Besides, there was a highly skilled doctor here, and as long as an experienced midwife was brought in, the baby would definitely be born safely into this world!

"Better safe than sorry. I don't want to be caught off guard and make the wrong decision, which I'll regret for the rest of my life." Gu Jingtang gently flicked Shui Qing's nose and said affectionately, "But knowing Qing'er's thoughts, I'll know how to handle any emergencies that might arise."

Shui Qing wrinkled her nose and said coquettishly, "Tsk! How could Jing think of such an ominous thing? You should think that I and the baby will get through this smoothly, and then, after the postpartum period, when the baby is older, we can take the baby with us to do more things."

"Yes...we can do it together..." Gu Jingtang replied quietly. He knew that this situation would never happen. After she gave birth, the child died, and the postpartum period was over, she would have to go back to Xiye with Mu Yi and become a pawn of Xiye Kingdom, preparing to destroy the most powerful Nanhai Kingdom in the Wanqi Continent.
05-26

☆、30. Buried

"Ah—ah—I don't want to give birth—ah ah—ah—"

"Madam, push!" A rather old and deep female voice encouraged Shui Qing, who was giving birth. "I can already see the baby's head. Madam, push harder, the baby will be out soon! I'll count to three,

and then you push." "Hmm—ah—ah—" Shui Qing tried her best to listen to the midwife's instructions, pushing her stomach every time she heard three, but no matter how hard she pushed, the baby was stuck in the birth canal and wouldn't come out.

"Madam! Push a little harder..." The midwife knew that Shui Qing's strength was almost at its limit. If she didn't give birth this time, both mother and child would be in danger.

A shrill scream came from inside the room. Gu Jingtang's heart twisted several times with each scream. He paced anxiously back and forth outside the door, almost leaving a dent in the ground. Five hours had passed since Shui Qing started having contractions, and he was really worried that Shui Qing wouldn't make it through this.

Seeing his master pacing back and forth, Mo Chengyu's eyes were already blurry. He couldn't help but remind him, "Master, please don't worry. I've already given Miss Shuiqing some tonics beforehand. She'll definitely have enough strength to give birth smoothly."

He had his other two disciples ordered to boil water and take care of everything. As for Mu Yi, he had already returned to Xiye Kingdom several months ago to prepare for Shuiqing's arrival.

"But..." Gu Jingtang was still worried. At this moment, he heard Shuiqing's shrill scream again, and he was so frightened that he almost couldn't stand up. He rushed to the door and shouted, "Qing'er, are you alright?"

"Jing, you big bad guy... Ah—it's all your fault... It hurts so much—I don't want to give birth anymore... Ahh—" Shuiqing gasped for breath. The repeated excruciating pain made it almost impossible for her to breathe. In this era, painless childbirth was not common, and she even had the urge to utter harsh words.

"Qing'er, save your energy! After you give birth, you can do whatever you want with me." Gu Jingtang quickly tried to calm Shui Qing

down. At this moment, he was stuck outside the door, unable to do anything but worry anxiously. Suddenly, Shui Qing let out a cry of agony she had never heard before, then fell silent. Gu Jingtang panicked and kicked the door open. He rushed in and saw Shui Qing's pale face, immediately grabbing her hand.

"Qing'er..." Her barely rising and falling chest nearly drove him mad. When he touched her nose, he found she was still breathing faintly, guessing she had fainted, and he relaxed considerably.

At this moment, the midwife said in a trembling voice, "Master, this...this child..." She held a blackened baby in her arms; no matter how much she patted it, the baby showed no signs of life.

"The child..." Gu Jingtang quickly took the child, took out a heavy money bag from his bosom and placed it in the midwife's hands, saying, "Thank you for your hard work, madam. This is just a small token, please accept it. As for the child, I will explain to my wife myself. Please take care, madam." "

Yes, thank you, sir!" The midwife thanked him happily. She had delivered babies for many years and had encountered many deaths, but this time she was able to receive such a generous reward. Presumably, this child had a secret, and she knew what the meaning behind this money was.

Gu Jingtang smiled faintly and called out, "Chengyu, please escort Grandma carefully. Remember to make sure she gets home safely."

"Yes, Master." Upon hearing her master use the word "please," Mo Chengyu felt a pang of sorrow for the old woman. Seeing the midwife emerge from the room, she quickly went to greet her, gently taking the midwife's hand and saying, "Grandma, this way please."

After watching Mo Chengyu escort the midwife out, Gu Jingtang carefully wrapped the baby in a swaddle blanket, then called his two other disciples over, saying, "Shaoyi, is the firewood ready?"

"Yes, Master."

"Pei Chen, have you prepared everything I asked for?"

"It's placed together with Senior Brother's firewood."

"Very good. Now, have Xiao Zi come over and help Qing'er tidy up. You all stay here to help Xiao Zi. I have some things to take care of, I'll be right back." Gu Jingtang carefully carried the child and leaped out.

Gu Jingtang quickly arrived at the firewood Luo Shaoyi had prepared. He gently lifted the swaddling cloth, looked at the child's face, now blackened, and softly stroked her cheek, tears welling in his eyes. He said, "My dear daughter, I'm so sorry. I longed to hold you, who could cry and laugh, but fate played a cruel joke on me. First, I was infected with a strange poison, and I thought I would end my life, but then I met your mother."

Gu Jingtang gently wrapped the child in the cloth again, examining her carefully. "Your mother was a very beautiful and innocent person who redeemed my heart, which had been plunged into darkness. Even bearing the guilt of killing my son, I wanted to spend my life with her." "I'll spare no expense, daughter. You'll probably blame your father, won't you? But I'm willing to bear it all."

Gu Jingtang gently placed the child on the firewood, wiping away his tears with his large hand. He picked up a torch and lit it around the firewood, saying, "My dear daughter, I've named you Gu Qiaorou. I hope you grow up to be a gentle and obedient child. Also, remember to find a better family in your next life. Don't be my daughter again. I'm not a good father; being my daughter will only bring suffering. I don't want your mother to see this situation, so I'm the only one who can see you off. You won't blame me, will you?" As the fire grew stronger, the last tear was gradually dried by the flames.

When the fire was completely extinguished, leaving only embers and white ashes, Gu Jingtang silently picked up his daughter's ashes bit by bit and placed them into the jar. After he finished, he silently covered the jar and held it tightly to his chest without moving.
Author's Note:
Dear readers~~
I have some big news to announce:
"Love in the Buff" will officially go live on September 14th!!
I'm usually pretty reliable when it comes to writing,
so please feel free to jump in!!!
Thank you all so much for your support these past few days.
Whether or not you continue reading after it goes live, I
still welcome you to come to my chat room for a chat.
To all my continued supporters,
I will write even better stories to repay you!
Love you all (kiss~)

☆, 31. Farewell

Gu Jingtang blew on the spoon to cool the medicine, then held it to Shui Qing's lips, saying softly, "Qing'er, drink one more sip."

"Ugh..." Shui Qing couldn't help but feel nauseous, quickly grabbing the spittoon beside her and spitting it in. She wiped the filth from her mouth with a handkerchief and said, "Can I not drink anymore? I'm about to throw up from this chicken soup." "

No, you must follow the proper postpartum care routine, otherwise you might develop health problems later." Gu Jingtang insisted that Shui Qing finish the bowl of chicken soup in her hand. Childbirth takes a lot of energy, and it's important to replenish it properly.

"But I really can't drink anymore..." Shui Qing frowned as she looked at the chicken soup right in front of her. Now, let alone drinking it, even the smell made her want to vomit.

"Qing'er just threw up everything she ate, so you absolutely have to finish this bowl!" Gu Jingtang said firmly, even though he knew that eating the same food for almost a month straight, no matter how delicious it used to be, would eventually become satiating and disgusting.

"Jing..." Shui Qing's beautiful eyes glistened with tears as she called out to Gu Jingtang in a coquettish tone.

"Qing'er, it's not that I want to be so cruel, but for your health, I have to force you to drink it even if you don't want to."

"I won't drink it!" Shui Qing stubbornly turned her head away today.

"Qing'er!" Gu Jingtang's tone turned stern, causing Shui Qing to pout and tears to stream down her face. She sobbed and retorted, "You're being mean to me! I finally gave birth, but I haven't even seen the baby for a single day! You said the baby wasn't feeling well and needed careful care, and that I had to be in confinement and couldn't take care of the baby myself. You said you'd bring the baby to see me and hold me when the baby was feeling better."

"I..." Gu Jingtang only managed a single syllable before Shui Qing interrupted him, "What 'I'! If the baby can't come, I can go see the baby myself! But you used the confinement excuse to keep me locked in the room, and now you've made me eat until I'm about to throw up! What do you want from me?!" With that, she pulled back the covers and wrapped herself tightly in them, lying on the bed, turning her back to the man, not wanting to see him again.

Gu Jingtang looked at the quilt on the bed and sighed deeply. "Sigh... I know! Can Qing'er finish this bowl of soup?" At this point, it was impossible for him to keep it a secret. Now he could only hope that Shao Yi could buy a child outside and return safely.

Shui Qing lifted a corner of the sheet, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Gu Jingtang, scrutinizing his expression to see if he was lying. After a while, she slowly sat up, reached out her small hand, picked up the bowl from his hand, and began to drink the soup in small sips.

However, her eyes were fixed on the man, as if asking why he hadn't gone out to bring her the baby.

Gu Jingtang resignedly watched as Shui Qing finished all the soup in her bowl. He took the empty bowl, glanced at the sky, and said, "The baby should be asleep now. Qing'er, do you want to rest for a while? I'll tell you the result later."

Hearing that she could see her baby, Shui Qing's tears instantly turned into smiles. She obediently nodded and automatically lay down. Before Bi, she reminded him, "Remember, I need to hold the baby, otherwise tomorrow… hmph, I won't be so obedient."

Shui Qing woke up groggily, not knowing how long she had slept. She saw that it was already dark, and only an oil lamp flickered on the table. Feeling thirsty, she got up and went to the table. Picking up the teapot to pour some tea into her cup, she realized there wasn't a drop. She

thought of calling Xiao Zi, but decided she could handle this herself. So she put on her cloak, wrapped herself up tightly, and carrying the teapot, opened the door and headed towards the kitchen.

Halfway there, she suddenly overheard someone talking, and it seemed they mentioned her name. Filled with curiosity, she couldn't resist secretly eavesdropping.

"Didn't you buy one?" Gu Jingtang, suppressing his anger, questioned Luo Shaoyi. He couldn't afford any mistakes in achieving his desired result.

"Master, in order to return within a month, I've searched every possible area, but unfortunately, there's no woman who became pregnant around the same time as Junior Sister." Luo Shaoyi was also in a dilemma. Even if he found a woman who became pregnant around the same time, they might not sell him the child, and he couldn't very well leave the money and secretly take someone else's child, even though his master might very well want him to do so.

"How am I supposed to explain this to Shui Qing! She desperately needs to see the child. I've used up all my excuses. Am I supposed to just say our child died at birth?" Gu Jingtang roared. He wouldn't accept such an explanation. Even if they stole it from somewhere, they had to find an infant within the next few days.

Gu Jingtang had barely finished speaking when they heard the crisp sound of shattering ceramic. The two quickly turned to look at the source of the sound, only to see Shui Qing standing frozen by a pillar, her face pale. Seeing her expression, Gu Jingtang knew she had heard everything they had just said. He stood awkwardly before Shui Qing, awaiting the impending collapse of their relationship.

Shui Qing's face was pale, her eyes filled with tears. In the blink of an eye, tears streamed down her face, and she asked in a lifeless voice, "Tell me, what were you talking about just now?"

Seeing Shui Qing's feigned strength, Gu Jingtang knew the truth could no longer be concealed. He slowly explained the whole story: the midwife had successfully delivered a baby girl, but she couldn't survive her first breath and died shortly after birth, her face turning blue. Since she had just given birth and couldn't afford to be emotionally affected, he had secretly cremated the child and buried her in the back mountain.

He wanted to tell her the truth at the most opportune time, but the words wouldn't come out. That's why he thought of sending Shao Yi to buy a baby, but Shui Qing accidentally stumbled upon the whole thing.

After hearing Gu Jingtang's story, Shui Qing's eyes went from misty to utterly empty. Suddenly, she slapped him hard across the face and began punching him repeatedly with her fists. Tears streaming down her face, she cried out, "What is your heart made of? I haven't even held my child yet! My child… Waaah… My child… Why wasn't it me who died, but that child who hadn't even had a drop of his mother's milk!" "Qing'er

…" Gu Jingtang tried to embrace Shui Qing, but she pushed him away. "Don't touch me! How could you treat me like this! Give me back my child! He's so small, he hasn't even opened his eyes to see this beautiful world yet, why? Why won't you let me see him one last time!"

Gu Jingtang looked at Shui Qing's desperate cries, as if she wanted to shout out all the resentment and pain in her heart. However, he couldn't utter a single word of comfort. This ending was entirely his fault.

As soon as the child was born, he hurriedly took the tiny body away and quickly cremated it. Watching the little body turn into ashes, he scooped up the child's last form with his hands, then silently walked to the back mountain and built a comfortable home for the child with his hands, sincerely praying that the child would never come to his side again, and that next time he would remember to be reborn into a better family so that he wouldn't encounter a father like him.

"Qing'er, your body is still very weak, you can't get too excited!" Gu Jingtang saw that Shui Qing had lost her mind by crying. She couldn't catch her breath, and he rushed forward to help her in a panic. The next second, Shui Qing vomited blood. Before she fainted, he only heard her say, "Since your love is resolute, my heart is conflicted."

In the following months, Shui Qing's condition fluctuated. After her last deep sleep, she woke up and forgot that she had lived here for a year, forgot that she had ever had a child, and forgot her relationship with Gu Jingtang.

Although she had forgotten her past, her health improved significantly, and under the guidance of her master and three senior brothers, she gradually reconstructed her previous life.
Two months later, with tears in her eyes, she bid farewell to her master and three senior brothers, boarded a carriage, and left this place of origin. She followed Mu Yi to a secluded manor, where she prepared and trained for Mu Yi's future plans.

A year later, in the capital of the South Sea Kingdom, the largest brothel was holding a grand courtesan pageant...
Author's Note:
Oh wow wow~~~ This is the last chapter of the free version.
Starting tomorrow, it will be a paid version .
For those interested in knowing what will happen to Shui Qing,
please continue to follow "Love's Enchantment"!

☆、(10 Fresh Coins)32. Courtesan Selection

"Oh dear! My dear lady! How can you be so leisurely! I beg you to hurry up and get ready, the time is almost here!" Dressed in bright red and purple, Granny Li couldn't help but shout when she saw Shui Qing still lying on the bench, leisurely reading a book.

"Granny Li, don't panic!" Shui Qing didn't even look up, just calmly reassured her.

"Miss Shui Qing! It's not that I'm in such a hurry to urge you, but Young Master Mu is waiting for you at the brothel right now. With this back and forth, I'm worried that you won't have time to get ready." Granny Li always felt like a eunuch when dealing with this kind of person, so anxious that her originally black hair was almost turning white.

"Oh! I understand." Shui Qing casually closed her book, gracefully stood up, gently brushed her hair aside, and then slowly smoothed it with her fingers. Finally, she let out a soft breath, looked at Li Mama's dazed expression, and covered her mouth slightly, chuckling, "Li Mama, you should close your mouth. After all these years, how come you're still like this?"

Li Mama quickly covered her mouth, which was wide open again. It was really no wonder; Shui Qing was a rare enchantress in this world. Her oval face was smaller than the palm of an adult man's hand, with delicate and well-defined features, thin and thick willow eyebrows, large, almond-shaped eyes with slightly upturned corners, a small and delicate straight nose, and naturally pink lips. Anyone who saw her would think she was a charming and beautiful woman.

These weren't even the most intoxicating aspects. Her slender figure, full, rounded breasts, delicate waist, soft, boneless hands, full, pert buttocks, and long, shapely legs, along with her jade-like skin and graceful curves, radiated a captivating charm at all times.

Although she didn't intend to seduce anyone, even the simplest gestures were enough to drive men wild. However, a woman who could seduce men wasn't the most powerful; what was truly powerful was that even women couldn't resist her influence. Even she, who had seen so many women of all shapes and sizes, couldn't help but succumb to Shui Qing's unique allure.

"Please don't laugh at me, Miss Shuiqing!" Granny Li blushed slightly. This young lady had only been studying for a year. While she couldn't claim to be proficient in all the arts, she was certainly on par with some noble ladies. Coupled with her beauty and figure, she had made appearances at several large gatherings over the past year, showcasing her skills and leaving a deep impression on many men.

This courtesan pageant was merely a gimmick; naturally, Shuiqing would be the ultimate winner, while the other girls would mostly be supporting characters. However, even if they didn't win the title, they were all considered top contenders and would undoubtedly attract many wealthy but not necessarily powerful patrons in the future.

This win-win situation, coupled with the thought of the money rolling in, made Granny Li's makeup almost crack with a smile. Shuiqing, of course, knew Granny Li's intentions. Fulfilling the mission entrusted to her by her master and Young Master Mu was the most important thing; money was merely a byproduct of the process.

"Alright! I should go see Young Master Mu. Tell Xiao Ju to prepare hot water for me; I need to take a bath later." Shui Qing checked herself and, finding nothing amiss, instructed Granny Li as she headed towards the brothel.

Upon arriving, Shui Qing's legs suddenly gave way. She stood blankly at the doorway, staring at the ornately decorated door, as if she could uncover many untold secrets within.

"Come in when you're here," a lazy male voice came from inside. Without asking who she was, he demanded she enter, his tone suggesting he already knew who was outside.

Shui Qing puffed out her cheeks, reluctantly reaching out her small hand to push open the door. She saw the man sitting leisurely at the table, looking at her with a half-smile, slowly savoring the sweet taste of the fine tea.

"Why do you have such a sour face when you see me?"

"Are you really going to push me out to be the top courtesan?" Shui Qing plopped down next to Mu Yi, pouting as she questioned him. The thought of being surrounded by a bunch of men and stared at like a monkey tonight made her feel utterly dejected.

"If you don't want to be one, that's fine too," Mu Yi said calmly.

"Really?" Upon hearing that she didn't have to be the top courtesan, Shui Qing's rare girlish charm returned. She happily grabbed Mu Yi's hand, "Brother Mu, is what you said true?"

"Yes." Mu Yi nodded, then immediately poured cold water on Shui Qing's enthusiasm, "In that case, Brother Mu has no reason to keep you by my side. I'll have to send you back to your master."

"What!" Shui Qing screamed. She didn't want to go back there!

For some reason, she always felt out of place in this world. She felt no familiarity with the people she had lived with since childhood. Although her master and three senior brothers treated her very well, for some reason, seeing her master's face always caused her heartache, while seeing her three senior brothers felt nothing. She felt as if she had become someone else after a serious illness.

Finally, she met Brother Mu, who took her away from her long-standing home. Although his initial goal was to train her to become a woman who could bewitch all men, during this time, Brother Mu also brought her an unexpected warmth. However, sometimes, seeing the way Brother Mu looked at her filled her with a sense of fear.

But the longer they spent together, her feelings for Brother Mu changed. Her initial fear of his occasional, unusually languid gaze turned into shyness. Because during her studies, the girls teaching her about love and relationships told her that this was the look a man gave a woman, the kind that meant he wanted to drag her into doing many bad things.

Throughout the year, Brother Mu was extremely protective of her. Just in case, she practiced her bedroom arts only with him. Several times he was almost unable to resist, but at the crucial moment, he forcefully pushed her away. At first, she thought Brother Mu was a gentleman, but in the end, she couldn't help but resent him as a clueless fool.

Although Brother Mu said that her first time should be saved for the most crucial moment, she wanted to give it to him anyway. There were many ways to fake a virginity, and she diligently practiced her bedroom arts; even the girl who taught her said that her body would absolutely prevent a man from knowing if it was his first time.

☆、(10 Fresh Coins)33. Prince and Noble Son (Part 1)

Shui Qing quickly climbed onto Mu Yi's lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, nestled her face against his chest, and shook her head vigorously, saying, "I don't want to go back! Brother Mu can't abandon me!"

Mu Yi stroked her soft, shiny hair and gently comforted her, "Shui'er, it's not that I don't want you, it's that you said you don't want to be the courtesan. If Shui'er doesn't become the courtesan, she's not Brother Mu's good girl. Since she doesn't want to be, how can we achieve our goal? Only when Brother Mu has achieved all his goals can he feel at ease being with you."

Shui Qing lowered her head and didn't say anything. Even though she was so close to Brother Mu, she couldn't touch his deepest heart. It seemed that there was an area that was untouchable, a sore spot that no one could enter and soothe. If her demands exceeded his tolerance limit, Brother Mu would use a method of retreating to advance, forcing her to obey his opinions, almost like a puppet, allowing him to mold and shape her as he pleased.

Shui Qing pouted, looking like she was about to cry. Hadn't their time together been enough for him to cherish her? Did he really have to give her precious first time to some unknown man? Was she really only fit to be a tool in his heart? But no matter what, the one who falls in love is always the loser, so she

could only silently swallow her bitterness. "Brother Mu, I will try my best to become the most beautiful courtesan!" Shui Qing nestled her head in his neck, rubbing against him and inhaling his unique scent, as if this could offer some comfort to her uneasy heart.

"I know Shui'er is a good girl. It's getting late, we should get ready. Shui'er must dress up like a fairy today and bewitch everyone, understand?"

"Mm." Shui Qing obediently got up from his lap, hesitated for a while with her head down, and finally looked innocent and aggrieved, timidly saying, "Brother Mu, I..."

"Hmm?" Mu Yi responded softly. Shui Qing was a lively girl, and it was rare for her to leave her words unfinished.

"It's nothing." Shui Qing shook her head slightly, her waterfall-like black hair swaying in beautiful arcs, and revealed a beautiful smile, saying, "I just want Brother Mu to sit in the private room today and watch my performance attentively, okay?" After all, on the day she was chosen as the courtesan queen, she would have to choose one of these people to give her virginity to, and Brother Mu had already chosen that person. She was just going through the motions so that no one would have anything to say about her.

"Of course," Mu Yi replied with a chuckle. He would definitely attend today; at least until he caught the real big fish, he couldn't let Shui Qing have any flaws.

Nighttime should be a quiet time of stillness, when all activities should cease. However, Wan Yan Lou defied the natural order, the entire building brightly lit, welcoming the upcoming courtesan selection.

The courtesan selection wasn't held every year; it only happened when five or more of the newly selected virgins at Wan Yan Lou were qualified to become the courtesan. Only then would Granny Li announce that Wan Yan Lou would choose the most deserving girl from these rising stars.

Over the years, the courtesans chosen by Wan Yan Lou gained not only fame but also fortune. Within Wan Yan Lou, the chosen courtesan possessed special privileges, including the ability to choose her own clients. Granny Li wouldn't force the courtesans to accept clients, so they almost always remained faithful to the same man, ultimately becoming concubines of nobles and enjoying wealth and luxury.

The reason these nobles chose courtesans as concubines was not merely because of their beauty, but more so because each possessed numerous skills, was a confidante, and knew how to please men. With their reputation as courtesans, they were poised, courteous, and adept at adapting to any situation when meeting guests. At home, they offered various delightful experiences in the bedroom, providing different pleasures every night.

Moreover, those chosen by the courtesans to become their lovers were rare talents of the time. This mutually beneficial arrangement allowed both men and women to reap the greatest benefits. Therefore, each courtesan selection at Wan Yan Lou attracted many powerful, wealthy, and talented young men.

After all, to be selected for the Wan Yan Lou courtesan selection, one must first possess certain qualifications. This was also Mu Yi's purpose in cultivating Shui Qing: through the courtesan selection, she could gain the favor of these powerful figures, making them her subjects, and ultimately, entering the harem of the South Sea Kingdom, step by step, making her the mother of the nation.

Just before the performance began, Mu Yi slowly entered the private room. This room was secluded yet offered a panoramic view of the entire venue. Normally, Wan Yan Lou wouldn't open it; only on specific occasions, when specific people visited, would Granny Li order it opened.

Mu Yi looked at the people below. The more important figures present included the son of a great general, the grandson of the Right Minister, the son-in-law of the Left Prime Minister, the Eighth Prince, the Sixteenth Prince, the Third Prince, the Fourth Prince, and the First Prince, who was likely to ascend the throne in the coming years. Although these people appeared relaxed and leisurely, their seating arrangements revealed subtle unease among them.

While the South Sea Kingdom seemed peaceful and prosperous, its political forces were still secretly vying for power. In recent years, the South Sea King's health had been declining, and rumors circulated that he might not survive the year, causing long-hidden forces to begin to stir.

The Eighth Prince and the Sixteenth Prince each ruled their own territories. The Right Minister favored the Eighth Prince, while the Left Minister favored the Sixteenth Prince. The Eighth Prince was closer to the First Prince, while the Sixteenth Prince harbored an unspoken preference for the Second Prince. These two factions had been locked in a power struggle for years since the King of the South Sea ascended the throne, vying for dominance in politics, business, and even women. This long-standing rivalry had created distinct divisions between them in various areas.

The First Prince, born to the current Empress, was the rightful heir. From a young age, he displayed exceptional talent and intelligence, making him highly valued by the King of the South Sea and ensuring his unshakeable position as heir.

Compared to the power struggle between the Eighth Prince and the Sixteenth Prince, the First Prince seemed indifferent. It is said that he intended to cultivate his own faction, which was mainly composed of the son of a general. The two were born in the same month and year. At a palace banquet many years ago, the two little devils became friends after a fight and formed an inseparable bond. They can be said to be best friends since childhood. The Third Prince and the Fourth Prince were born to the same mother as the First Prince, so they were naturally close to their brothers.

☆、(10 Fresh Coins)34. Noble Son of the Prince (Part 2)

The right of succession to the throne of the South Sea Kingdom is not based on age, but is inherited by the legitimate heir. The King of the South Sea Kingdom was not originally qualified to inherit the throne, mainly because the original crown prince was incompetent and arrogant, which caused the civil and military officials to complain. Although he married the daughter of the former Right Minister who was both talented and virtuous, he still could not win back the hearts of the people. If it were not for the national lineage, no one would support or have faith in this crown prince.

The current King of the South Sea, originally ranked fourth, possessed a hidden brilliance. Although his intelligence surpassed that of the Crown Prince, due to the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, he was destined to remain a prince. He was to marry the then-Queen, who is now the Queen. The two always treated each other with respect, not because the Queen was unworthy, but because he originally intended to marry a court official. However, due to national customs, the Queen had to meet certain qualifications. In front of the entire court, this woman, though beautiful and talented, was unwell on the day of the competition and lost slightly to the Queen in the musical contest.

Originally expecting his beloved woman to win, the King of the South Sea felt a pang of regret and had to settle for second best, marrying the winner as his first wife and his beloved woman as a concubine. Although most people expected the two women to be enemies, surprisingly, they got along quite well.

On one occasion, the crown prince committed a grave offense, prompting long-discontented ministers to propose his removal. Although the former king initially hesitated and tried to defend the prince, the prince then did something unforgivable, making it impossible for the former king, who had initially intended to protect him, to suppress the public's opposition.

However, the national system could not be abolished, so the former king sent someone to the altar to consult the Holy Maiden. The Holy Maiden replied that while the national system could not be abolished, fate and human affairs differed; the removal of the crown prince was necessary to stabilize the South Sea. Therefore

, the former king ordered the succession of his eldest son to the current King of the South Sea. Shortly after the abdication, the former king suddenly fell seriously ill and died, and the former crown prince hanged himself. At the time, many rumors circulated about the king's death, including that the current King of the South Sea, having obtained the crown prince position, secretly eliminated both of them for his own benefit, thus securing his throne.

Although unfavorable rumors swirled, no one voiced any opposition. On one hand, the King of the South Sea had an outstanding political record, and on the other hand, the Queen's family was the daughter of the former Left Prime Minister. At that time, his throne was still unstable, and given the former Left Prime Minister's upright and incorruptible character and popularity in court, he strongly supported the King of the South Sea. Therefore, even if those below had doubts, they did not express dissent.

Thus, while there was no romantic love between the two, there was a bond forged in shared hardship. Although he did not love her, he secured his throne because of her, and to make amends for his past actions towards the Queen, he made her Empress, and she bore him three sons, thus solidifying his position. Meanwhile, the woman he truly loved became the head of the Imperial Consorts, second only to the Queen in rank.

However, not everything went according to the King of the South Sea's wishes. At least, the birth of a prince could not be accurately predicted. The Queen and Consort Lin gave birth to princes only one day apart. From a young age, the two brothers displayed exceptional intelligence and had their own set of views on imperial matters. However, the system of establishing the legitimate heir as the crown prince was the South Sea Kingdom's rule. Although the King favored the second prince, the eldest prince was virtuous, intelligent, and deeply loved by the people. The King had no reason to depose the legitimate heir

and establish a son of a concubine. Compared to the Eighth Prince, who supported the eldest prince as the chosen one, the Sixteenth Prince, who supported the second prince, had a different opinion. Although the second prince knew he was on par with his elder brother, he had no desire to compete. However, the long-standing grudge between his two uncles forced him into this quagmire.

Mu Yi coldly observed the people exchanging flirtatious glances. Thinking of the potential changes Shui Qing might bring to the South China Sea Kingdom, he couldn't help but scoff. These people were still fighting over such insignificant matters, oblivious to the South China Sea Kingdom's potential path to destruction.

Just as Mu Yi was observing his targets, a man wearing a black half-mask and a black cloak slowly entered the hall. His appearance drew everyone's attention, including Mu Yi's; he didn't seem to be on his list. He then beckoned to a servant standing nearby, instructing him to have Granny Li investigate the man's background.

Mu Yi gently stroked his chin. Although he couldn't see the man's face clearly, his distinctive attire left a deep impression, and his aura was extraordinary, standing out among these nobles and suggesting he was also someone of immense wealth and status. Unfortunately, this person's intentions were unclear. If he were to disrupt the courtesan selection process and hinder his plans, his long-planned scheme would face significant changes, a result he could not tolerate. He was determined to ensure Shui Qing gained the Crown Prince's favor.

Just then, Granny Li announced the official start of the courtesan selection. The girls who might be chosen would take turns showcasing their talents, while the young men below would receive a piece of paper with the girl's name written on it. These young men would then evaluate the girls' beauty and talents, awarding them with three different scores: Excellent, A, and B.

After all the girls had performed, Granny Li would have the papers collected, the scores calculated, and the winner of the day's courtesan announced on the spot. The courtesan would then choose the man to spend her virginity tonight.

Of course, Granny Li also noticed the unknown man in black below. Before receiving Mu Yi's instructions, she had already sent people to investigate privately. After all, this courtesan selection was for extremely wealthy and powerful guests, and everyone who came would have an invitation. She absolutely could not allow any scoundrels to infiltrate and ruin Wan Yan Lou's reputation.

However, with the time for the courtesan's performance approaching, Granny Li could only take it one step at a time, letting the less important girls go first. The most urgent task was to find out the man's identity. If he disrupted Young Master Mu's plan, Granny Li would be unable to atone for her sins, even if she went to see him with her head.

Seeing that Die'er was ready, Granny Li gave the order. Die'er took a deep breath and began to perform her best. Even if she didn't become the courtesan this time, as long as her ranking wasn't too bad, she could still become a star of Wan Yan Lou and have a limited selection of the customers she wanted, instead of ending up with a pair of jade arms being used as pillows by a thousand men.

☆、(10 Fresh Coins)35. The courtesan is not Shui Qing!

Die'er's dance performance was graceful and elegant, like a butterfly fluttering in the air. The final step drew thunderous applause. Die'er smiled broadly, bowed in thanks, and stepped lightly off the stage.

At this moment, the servant in charge of the audience reminded the gentlemen to write down their rough estimates of Die'er's dance on a small piece of paper beforehand, so they wouldn't forget to score her when the other girls performed.

Soon, the servant announced the next girl. This year, the courtesan's quality was even better than in previous years, raising their expectations even higher, and the gentlemen below gave her even more enthusiastic applause.

"Found out?" In a secluded room, Mu Yi asked lazily and seemingly casually, but his eyes were coldly fixed on the people below.

"Young Master, this appears to be the Fifth Prince of the Northern Plains Kingdom, but no one knows what he looks like. It is said that this prince was born extremely ugly, so the King of the Northern Plains Kingdom ordered that the Fifth Prince must wear a mask and never remove it." The servant replied respectfully. Fortunately, before this man in black entered the Wan Yan Tower, he had his accompanying guards waiting outside. He used a little trick to get these guards to leak some information so that he could report back to the young master smoothly.

"The Northern Plains Kingdom... interesting." Mu Yi tapped his fingers lightly on the table, pondered for a while, and then chuckled to himself.

He remembered that no visiting cards had been sent to the Northern Plains Kingdom. After all, the Southern Sea Kingdom was separated from the Northern Plains Kingdom by the Central State Kingdom, and had almost no contact with the Southern Sea Kingdom. This time, he actually managed to obtain a visiting card and even appeared in front of everyone in a grand manner. Presumably, his real intention was not what it seemed.

Mu Yi beckoned the servant to come closer, whispered a few words in his ear, and the servant quickly acknowledged and withdrew.

The ambitions of Zhongzhou and Dongyue towards the South China Sea are no secret. Now, hearing the news of the South China Sea King's declining health, their armies are already stirring, seemingly plotting to invade the South China Sea upon his death. Like a mantis stalking a cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, and behind the oriole, the eagle of Beiyuan is also watching intently. As the hunter, he must be patient and seize the opportune moment while the eagle, oriole, and mantis are busy fighting each other, to bring them all under his control.

On stage, the lively performances continued, creating a great commotion. Finally, it was Shui Qing's turn to perform. The moment the servant mentioned Shui Qing's name, the young masters below were already excited by the previous performance, shouting and clapping enthusiastically. Some of them had seen Shui Qing before and longed to see her, determined to obtain her invitation by any means necessary. Some were simply intrigued by rumors and came to see if she was as alluring and seductive as the rumors suggested.

Regardless of their motives, Shui Qing received exceptional treatment upon her arrival, which meant Mu Yi's plan was half successful. The other half was to let Shui Qing develop on her own. After a year of training and taming, it was time to slowly close the net. The

previously noisy venue fell silent instantly. The moment these young men saw Shui Qing, they were all speechless and unable to move.

A woman with flowing black hair, loosely tied back with a ribbon, and exquisite makeup made her already outstanding features even more radiant. Her eyes were alluring, her lips cherry-like, and she wore a red gauze dress with thin long sleeves that accentuated her fair skin, making it appear even more delicate. Her alluring figure was faintly visible as she swayed her slender waist and moved slowly from behind the curtain to the front.

Shui Qing arrived at her designated spot, her gaze sweeping over everyone below the stage. She gave a gentle bow, and slowly parted her lips, speaking in a voice as melodious as a nightingale's: "Thank you, gentlemen, for coming. Shui Qing will present you with a dance. If there is anything you are not satisfied with, please forgive me."

Shui Qing raised her small hand, and the music began to flow gently. At first, her movements were only in her fingers, slowly moving to her palms, then her wrists, and finally her arms. Little by little, she seemed to awaken like a celestial maiden from a stone sculpture, her entire body moving slowly and gracefully. Her supple, boneless figure blended almost seamlessly with her long, thin gauze dress. It was unclear whether it was the ethereal quality of the gauze or her own divine presence that created her captivating and enchanting dance.

However, every glance, every gesture, was like that of a bewitching enchantress, slowly stirring the hearts of every man present, causing them to gradually succumb. At first, her movements were somewhat conservative and reserved, but as the music rose and fell, and the climax approached, she danced with increasing allure and passion, her seductive actions making the men in the audience's blood boil.

However, not a single man made a move; they were all captivated by Shui Qing's dance. Although they knew in their hearts that she was dancing for everyone present, they couldn't help but feel that every movement was performed for him—a love that was obsessive, passionate, and single-minded.

Finally, at the height of the music, Shui Qing spun around several times without stopping. When the music stopped, her movements stopped abruptly, the two movements perfectly synchronized. Everyone present forgot to breathe, and forgot that her performance was over.

Shui Qing smiled slightly, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. She gently waved her long sleeves, gracefully leaning forward. Her face, flushed from the intense activity, made her look like a peach blossom, adding to her allure. Suddenly, applause erupted, reminding everyone that Shui Qing's performance was over. The next second, thunderous applause and cheers nearly lifted the roof off Wan Yan Lou. The

increasingly uncontrollable scene made the servants standing nearby sweat profusely. Fortunately, Shui Qing quickly withdrew, calming the crowd's almost frenzied enthusiasm. It was time to consider the situation and select the courtesan of the year.

The wait for the announcement was often the most agonizing. Although everyone was certain that Shui Qing would win the title, the other girls were equally impressive in both talent and beauty. It was clear that Wan Yan Lou truly deserved its reputation as the best in the world, offering top-notch selections in both quality and quantity.

After a while, the servant received the list of winners. When he saw the names on it, his expression turned strange. He looked suspiciously back at the stage, and it seemed that the list in his hand was the final result. The servant loudly announced, "The winner of the Wan Yan Lou courtesan title is, Miss Die'er..."

☆、(10 Fresh Coins)36.

After the list of courtesans was announced, the whole audience was in an uproar. Shui Qing, who was originally the popular choice, was not on the list. Everyone started to complain, and for a moment, all the men in the audience started to jeer, suggesting a recount.

One by one, everyone was getting excited, and the servant was about to lose his temper. At this moment, Granny Li came out from backstage, holding a gong in her hand, and struck it hard. The clear and loud sound of the gong drew everyone's attention to the source of the sound, and they all fell silent without realizing it.

"Gentlemen, please let Ah Fu finish announcing the list. If there are any questions, please raise them with Wan Yan Lou." Granny Li said in a strong voice. Seeing that everyone had calmed down, she gestured for the servant who was standing aside to continue.

"The winner of the Wan Yan Lou courtesan competition, besides the newly announced Die'er, is Shui Qing, who also scored the same as the previous winner. The next rankings are..." The servant announced the winners and continued with the next rankings, but the crowd had long since lost interest in the announcements, buzzing with discussion about this unique double-championship phenomenon.

Despite this brief hiccup, the courtesan selection process concluded successfully. The courtesans began choosing their patrons from the last-ranked contestant.

With princes and nobles present, many felt they had no chance of winning and preemptively claimed the virginity of these women. Even without the title of courtesan, their virginity and the very qualification to participate in the competition were enough for these ordinary people to boast about for a long time.

After everyone had made their choices, Granny Li led the two newly dressed courtesans—Die'er and Shui Qing—to the stage to choose their partners for the day, bringing the atmosphere to its climax.

Both Die'er and Shui Qing had their faces remade; one was stunningly beautiful, the other delicate and frail, each with their own strengths. Standing together, they were evenly matched. Moreover, Die'er already knew that these men's true intentions weren't for her, especially since Granny Li had told her to choose carefully before going on stage.

Although the courtesan had the right to choose her partner, and men came here to spend money and enjoy themselves, she also had the right to refuse. However, in front of everyone, a courtesan who was rejected could only swallow her pride. Although she could still choose someone else, men would always have reservations. If one man didn't want a courtesan, another man might accept her. A proud nobleman wouldn't want to pick up what others didn't want. If she didn't choose the right person, it would greatly affect her future status.

Of course, Die'er wouldn't choose a prince or nobleman. Their eyes had been fixed on Shui Qing since they entered the arena. Although she believed her talent and looks were no less than Shui Qing's, the men who wielded power and wealth seemed utterly powerless against Shui Qing's unique femininity. This was why Granny Li had advised her to choose carefully. While she herself desired to rise in rank, there was a more attractive courtesan ahead of her, and she had to weigh her own worth. Die'er

picked up the nameplate reserved for courtesans, walked to a certain spot below the stage, and handed it to a man who wasn't a high-ranking official but was still a promising young man, the son of a high-ranking official. Fortunately, this man wasn't particularly interested in Shui Qing, and with princes and noblemen ahead of him, it wasn't a loss of face to be favored by a courtesan comparable to Shui Qing. He happily accepted the plaque.

Next was Shui Qing's choice. There were two princes, three eldest princes, the left and right prime ministers, and the son of a general. Apart from the first five, the others were just there to see who this woman who had captivated them would choose. After all, Shui Qing had performed several times at the residences of various officials, so it would be almost impossible for them to have no interaction with her. Moreover, the five men had special identities, and Shui Qing had heard of them even if she had never met them.

Holding the plaque in her slender hands, Shui Qing gracefully and alluringly descended the stage. The crowd held their breath. Shui Qing first approached the Sixteenth Prince, pausing briefly. Everyone assumed he had been chosen, but to their surprise, Shui Qing merely gave a soft hum, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, and apologized to the prince. She explained that she had slightly twisted her ankle and hoped he wouldn't mind. Since the beauty had spoken, the Sixteenth Prince couldn't be too harsh and could only force a smile to maintain his composure.

Next, Shui Qing went to the Eighth Prince, pursing her lips and pausing for a moment. This time, the Sixteenth Prince's expression darkened further, while the Eighth Prince looked smug, seemingly convinced it was his turn. However, Shui Qing hesitated to present the plaque to the Eighth Prince, leaving him unsure whether to extend or lower his hand, a somewhat comical situation.

Shui Qing smiled sweetly at the Eighth Prince and apologized. She had just twisted her ankle and it seemed to be starting to hurt, which was why she had paused at the Prince's place. She hoped the Prince would forgive her.

Seeing this, the Sixteenth Prince laughed loudly. As long as Shui Qing didn't choose the Eighth Prince, her mortal enemy, he would be happy to see her choose either of them. Hearing the Sixteenth Prince's laughter, the Eighth Prince waved his half-raised hand, accepting the beauty's apology with a smile. He then withdrew his hand, clenching his fist under the table, secretly thinking, "I'll remember this!"

Shui Qing, observing the expressions of the Eighth and Sixteenth Princes, knew that the rift between them was deepening. She secretly rejoiced; the greater the grudge between them, the more opportunities she would have.

Afterwards, Shui Qing walked up to the First Prince, her delicate figure and timid demeanor prompting her to slowly extend her small hand. Everyone more or less understood why Shui Qing had approached the two princes first—at least before choosing the First Prince, to give the two elders some face. However, Shui Qing's small gesture seemed to have a deeper meaning in the First Prince's eyes. When she presented the token, the First Prince gave her a half-smile before taking it.

When Li Mama saw Shui Qing's actions, she was startled and broke out in a cold sweat. Fortunately, it ended peacefully in the end. She then instructed the servants to greet the guests and invite the other girls out, continuing the fervor following the courtesan selection, making the men even more willing to spend money. The more they were immersed in the girls' embrace, the more prosperous her business became!

The thought of wealth rolling in made Granny Li's lips curl into a wide smile. She cheerfully instructed the girls to use every trick in the book to ensure all the men's attention remained focused on the Wan Yan Lou (Ten Thousand Beauties Pavilion).
05-26
☆、38. "I only ask that you love me for a lifetime

" The room, filled with the glow of incense, was filled with a hazy atmosphere. When the First Prince entered, he saw a beautiful woman sitting shyly on the bed, dressed entirely in a purple gauze dress, her white bodice subtly revealed, presenting a pure yet alluring posture.

The First Prince smiled, a smirk playing on his lips. He had seen Shui Qing at many ministerial and palace banquets, finding her dance and her polite yet slightly seductive manner of interacting with others very intriguing.

Although he had visited Wan Yan Lou many times and even witnessed a couple of courtesan pageants, his aloofness from women was well-known. None of the previous courtesans had dared to so boldly present their names to him. Only this woman, who first deepened the rift between his two uncles, then coquettishly presented her name to him with an expression that suggested she would be heartbroken if he didn't accept, piqued his interest greatly.

He only visited Wan Yan Lou to drink and chat, never inviting any women to sit beside him. Those who invited him, however, would only embrace a woman, yet see his righteous demeanor and show no interest whatsoever. Therefore, his behavior was undoubtedly "notorious" in such a place of pleasure.

Moreover, the two of them hadn't exchanged a single word, merely nodding in response when introduced by others. He didn't believe Shui Qing had never heard of him. If she knew and still dared to choose him, this woman either had ulterior motives or was truly in love with him. Whatever the reason, her beauty and talent truly intrigued him. Even though he had never been with any girl at Wan Yan Lou before, he was willing to make an exception for her.

Shui Qing's heart pounded. Although she had been trained to conceal her true feelings, she still couldn't suppress the fear and helplessness she felt when a woman was about to expose herself to a man.

But what puzzled her most was that the eldest prince, from the moment he entered the room until now, had simply sat at the table, quietly sipping his fine spring tea, seemingly oblivious to her waiting by the bed.

Granny Li and the other girls' teachers all said that once a man smelled aphrodisiac incense and saw a woman's barely concealed clothing, no man could resist; he would immediately pounce on her, strip her naked, and dominate her. Could

it be that this eldest prince was impotent? No, that's not right. Although I've heard the Crown Prince is indifferent to women, he does have a few maids who share his bed. The royal family always sends an experienced girl to a man's coming-of-age ceremony to teach him and give him a chance to learn. Brother Mu has also invited the girl who previously taught the Crown Prince to teach him how to please him. According to this girl, the Crown Prince isn't incapable.

Since he's not making a move, they can't just stare at each other all night. It seems only she can take the initiative. Shui Qing, with a graceful sway, sat beside the Crown Prince and said sweetly, "May I pour you a cup of wine?"

The Crown Prince glanced at Shui Qing and nodded slightly.

Shui Qing smiled charmingly and happily poured a cup for both of them. Holding the cup respectfully to the Crown Prince's lips, she said, "May I serve you?"

Looking at the shy woman before him and smelling the fragrant wine, the Crown Prince didn't refuse and opened his mouth to let her feed him.

Seeing that the Crown Prince was willing to let her serve him, Shui Qing happily picked up her chopsticks, took some side dishes from the table, and continued to feed them to him. The Crown Prince ate them as well

. This went on for several rounds, with wine and side dishes. Feeling somewhat full, the Crown Prince gestured to stop Shui Qing, saying, "You eat too."

Shui Qing looked at the Crown Prince with some surprise, then resumed her normal behavior, slowly eating the side dishes.

Seeing her blank expression, the man realized she wasn't as suddenly curious as he had imagined. He asked, "How old are you?"

Shui Qing was startled again, but remembering that some men seemed particularly interested in girls of a certain age, she honestly replied, "I'm seventeen."

The Crown Prince nodded and asked again, "Why did you sell yourself to the Wan Yan Brothel?"

"This…" Shui Qing stammered, seemingly unable to speak.

Seeing her troubled expression, the Crown Prince didn't urge her, but simply watched her silently.

Shui Qing bit her lip, her bright eyes welling with tears. In a soft, tearful voice, she said, "Over a year ago, I lost my memory for some unknown reason. Destitute and desperate, I unfortunately fell seriously ill. Fortunately, Granny Li's kindness saved my life. To repay Granny Li, I sold myself to her." For

the lie to be convincing, it had to be a mixture of truth and falsehood. Her amnesia was real, her serious illness was real, and selling herself to Granny Li was real; only her poverty and desperation were false. Her background was meticulously planned by Brother Mu, and even with the Crown Prince's resources, he couldn't uncover her true identity. Brother Mu had made her memorize this entire story, and she had to be filled with immense grief whenever she thought of it, so that her words would be believable.

"Your Highness, my background is not important at all. I ask for nothing, only that Your Highness allow me to settle down here and live out my life peacefully." Shui Qing sensed that the First Prince didn't seem genuinely interested in asking about her past, but rather testing her. At this moment, she wasn't sure if the First Prince was truly as intelligent, resourceful, and shrewd as rumored. Without a firm grasp on his abilities, she decided to speak less, soften her stance, and reduce the First Prince's suspicion.

However, Shui Qing's behavior did not make the Crown Prince lower his guard. Living in an environment of flattery and deceit, he found her reserved demeanor even more suspicious. A courtesan who chose him as her patron, not asking to be a concubine but only for a quiet life, seemed unreasonable. But he didn't say much, giving Shui Qing a brief glance and saying, "Is your request so simple?"

Shui Qing replied resolutely, "I know I can't be the principal wife, but I only hope my man will be devoted to me. Since entering the palace would mean seeing my man with other women, I'd rather stay in Wan Yan Lou and wait for my man to come. Here, I can pretend my man only loves me."

Author's Note:

Ahhhhhhh, Shui Shui broke her promise again…

I don't know why, but there's absolutely no passion between these two.

Ahhh… Tomorrow, tomorrow there will definitely be some steamy stuff!

Finally, Shui Shui will be a little down these next few days.

After all, seeing her name not on the list,

it's a lie to say she's not disappointed at all.

Sigh... But I'll still write what I need to write...

Don't worry, everyone.

☆、39. First Night (Limited)

The Crown Prince's eyes narrowed, as if some of Shui Qing's words had touched a nerve. Suppressing his emotions, he said, "That's too much to ask. No one can guarantee a lifetime of love."

Shui Qing tilted her head, smiling knowingly, and said, "So, I said I don't ask for anything. Just let me live a peaceful life in Wan Yan Lou, that's enough. I know that the Crown Prince will be the ruler of the country in the future, and the harem can't only favor one person. I don't want to enter the harem to compete with other women. I only ask to wait for the Crown Prince's arrival outside the palace."

The Crown Prince looked at Shui Qing with burning eyes, suddenly stood up, picked her up, strode to the bedside, gently placed her on the bed, and with a gentle wave of his hand, untied the knot tied around his waist. The purple gauze on his body draped over his sides, and his snow-white bodice contrasted with his peach-colored skin.

Shui Qing watched the man's actions shyly. The Crown Prince's hands gently lingered on her arms and waist, finally reaching her delicate neck. He untied the straps of her bodice, slowly rolling up the fabric until her two soft, white breasts were gradually revealed. A sudden coolness caused the nipples to harden.

Upon seeing this sight, the man felt a surge of heat in his lower abdomen, his gaze deepening. Shui Qing couldn't bear his gaze and instinctively covered her chest, but the man was faster. One large hand grabbed her slender wrists, pulling them above her head. He lowered his head, opened his mouth, and took one nipple into his mouth, slowly sucking and licking it. His other free hand kneaded the other breast, slowly but passionately igniting her hidden desires.

The pleasure of being licked made Shui Qing slightly raise her upper body. A familiar yet strange feeling lingered between her legs—a sense of emptiness, discomfort, and above all, a burning desire. She couldn't help but kick lightly, her small mouth uttering seductive moans, "Ah… Your…Prince…I feel so strange…"

"Yuan…" The First Prince slightly released her sweet nipples and spoke softly.

Shui Qing looked at him suspiciously, somewhat confused about what he had just said.

"My name, I want to hear you call my name," Sima Yuan patiently explained. Sima was the royal surname of the South Sea Kingdom, and Yuan was his given name. However, ordinary people couldn't directly address a member of the royal family by their given name; only she was an exception, and he was willing to make an exception for her.

"Yuan…" Shui Qing looked at Sima Yuan with hazy eyes and called out softly in a tender voice.

The soft voice sounded like heavenly music to Sima Yuan's ears. He growled softly and quickly tore the bodice off her body, throwing it to the ground. As Shui Qing watched the bodice fall like snowflakes, a strange emotion welled up inside her. This man was about to become her subject, her mission had taken another step forward, but why did she feel a sense of emptiness and bitterness in her heart?

Just then, Sima Yuan seemed to sense her distraction. He looked up and met her gaze, asking, "Have you changed your mind?" He didn't lack women, nor did he like to force women. If it wasn't consensual, he didn't want to continue.

Shui Qing quickly lowered her eyes and shook her head, saying, "No, I'm just at a loss about this..."

"Don't worry, I've got you covered." Sima Yuan gently stroked Shui Qing's delicate cheek with his fingers, lifted her small chin, and accurately kissed her luscious pink lips.

"Ah..." Shui Qing hadn't expected the man to suddenly kiss her lips. A slight surprise caused her lips to part slightly, and the man took the opportunity to extend his tongue into her mouth, licking the sweet saliva inside.

Sima Yuan praised inwardly; her lips were indeed as sweet as he had imagined. The moment they touched, he felt an attraction that made him unwilling to let go. When her small mouth parted, it was as if giving him permission to enter. He attacked without hesitation, stirring and gently sucking on her small, cute tongue. At first, her shy little tongue retreated and dodged, but slowly it began to follow his pace, playing and frolicking with his tongue.

The man's large hands were not idle, of course. With the dance of her tongue, his large hands kneaded her full breasts into various shapes, his fingers pinching and rubbing the nipples. The slight pain gave Shui Qing's body a new experience, and a lot of fluid secreted between her legs. The unfamiliar yet comfortable feeling made her unable to help but let out a soft moan like a kitten.

The man's lips and hers had been locked together since their first touch, but his hands roamed over her body, tending to her breasts before moving downwards. Shui Qing's lower body was completely unprotected; she was only wearing a long-hemmed tube top covered by a thin purple veil. So, when he tore away the only fabric that could be considered covering her, only the veil remained, barely concealing her exposed skin. However, this veil was almost transparent, and the man's fingers rubbed back and forth between her vulva and the veil. This caused her already moist vulva to flow even more nectar. After a few strokes, the veil was soaked, clinging even more to her skin, making it easier for the man's fingers to stimulate her trembling labia.

"Ah… Yuan… no…" Shui Qing shyly squeezed her legs together, but this was completely useless, only drawing the man's hands closer to her vulva.

"Your little mouth isn't honest," Sima Yuan said in a low, husky voice, holding his nectar-covered fingers up to her face. "Look, it's so wet..." He wasn't in any better shape. Hearing her increasingly seductive moans, his already hard, sensitive penis, rubbing against the fabric, couldn't help but begin to secrete clear fluid. It was ready to pounce, leaving her no chance to refuse or back out.

"Don't do this..." Shui Qing shyly turned her face away. She knew this was normal, but when a man so brazenly displayed the product of his private parts before her, the thin, silvery thread connecting his two fingers indicating that she, too, had a normal reaction to his touch,

this realization left Shui Qing somewhat bewildered. She didn't love Brother Mu, so why was she aroused by another man's advances? Was she not the chaste woman she imagined herself to be, but a wanton woman who would respond to any man?

Sima Yuan saw Shui Qing pursing her lips, her expression a mixture of shyness and helplessness. Her body, however, responded exceptionally well to his caresses, indicating a desire for him. Yet, her heart seemed to be struggling; for every step he took forward, she would retreat slightly, only to quickly move closer again. What kind of woman was she? Regardless, she had successfully piqued his interest.

☆, 40. Deflowering (Limited)

Shui Qing forgot her masters' teachings: a man's desire to conquer a woman only increases when she slightly rejects him. This easily manipulated nature of men meant that the girls at Wan Yan Lou almost always used a game of feigned attraction to bewitch men.

This method was especially effective on noblemen; their pride only allowed them to refuse others, never allowing women any chance to refuse them.

Men derive pleasure from conquest, while women use subtle tactics to gain a man's favor. That's just how love between men and women is; there's no right or wrong, only who has the better skills to get the other person to give their heart first.

Hearing Shui Qing's refusal, Sima Yuan narrowed his eyes, remaining silent. He released his hands from her body, removed all his clothes, returned to the bed, spread her long, slender, snow-white legs, and positioned himself between them, looking down at her.

No matter how many inanimate objects or pictures Shui Qing had seen before, now that a real man was displaying his erection before her, although somewhat unreserved, she couldn't help but stare shyly and curiously.

"Satisfied with what you see?" Sima Yuan asked with a smile.

He hadn't missed a single glance from Shui Qing. From the moment he loosened his belt, her eyes had been fixed on him. When he was completely naked, although he heard her gasp and lightly cover her eyes with her hands, her bright eyes peeked through her fingers.

Shui Qing nodded and then shook her head. The items her maids had given her were supposedly replicas of men's penises, but seeing Sima Yuan's now, it seemed different in size from what she remembered. The tip was rounder and larger, the shaft longer and thicker, appearing even larger than those inanimate objects.

Sima Yuan was very pleased to see Shui Qing nod, but the next moment, seeing her shake her head, he was very dissatisfied. Although he wasn't a man who enjoyed sex, the experienced palace maids who had taught him only showed amazement and joy upon seeing it. He had even had his bedchamber attendant accompany him for a night when needed, and she hadn't reacted like this.

"Not satisfied?" Sima Yuan asked somewhat displeased.

Shui Qing sensed the displeasure in Sima Yuan's tone and realized she had made a grave mistake. She quickly shook her head and clarified, "I'm very satisfied, but it's a little different from what I've seen before."

"Have you seen others?" Although she knew Wan Yan Lou was a brothel, and that their training included not only inanimate objects but also showing the girls several real-life demonstrations to prevent them from being too overwhelmed on their first time and leaving the customers disappointed, Shui Qing replied,

"I've only seen some jade dildos and horn dildos that the girls bring, but Yuan's seems to be larger than any I've seen. I'm worried that Yuan might break it." Shui Qing's voice trailed off, and by the end, she was so embarrassed that she covered her face with her hands.

Hearing Shui Qing's words, Sima Yuan felt much better. Seeing her shy, girlish appearance, he was even more delighted. He took her hand, looked at her passionately, and said, "Don't worry, I'll try my best not to hurt you."

"Mm." Shui Qing nodded, her face flushed. Although she had heard that some men enjoyed seeing a woman in pain during her first time, and although she wasn't sure if Sima Yuan was like that, his willingness to comfort her first showed he was a gentle person.

"It will hurt at first, just bear with it." Sima Yuan's lower body pressed against her entrance. The previous caresses had already made her quite wet. Moreover, Wan Yan Lou would give the girls some aphrodisiacs and burn aphrodisiac incense in their rooms on their first night, to help them get into the mood faster. Otherwise, some impatient men would make these girls unable to get out of bed for days afterward.

Shui Qing smiled beautifully, reached up and wrapped her arms around the man's neck, and said in a sweet voice, "Yuan... I believe you."

Upon hearing her words, Sima Yuan quickly captured her lips, his tongue pulling hers along. One hand gently kneaded her full breasts, while the other grasped his own large member, its tip continuously thrusting into her pink vulva, rubbing against her sensitive clitoris, occasionally gently probing in and then withdrawing.

"Mmm... um..." Shui Qing had originally thought the man would enter quickly and brutally pierce her virginity, but she hadn't expected him to tease her like this. Her initial anxiety was now replaced by heightened tension, and with each thrust, she noticed her vulva secreting more and more fluid, and her body felt increasingly empty, as if it needed something to fill it.

"Be good...wait a little longer, it's not wet enough yet." Sima Yuan's suppressed voice murmured in Shui Qing's ear. Although it sounded like soothing, it had a special tingling sensation, not to mention his increasingly wicked actions.

"Yuan...hurry up...I want it..." Although Shui Qing had learned a lot, she had never had any practical experience. How could she compete with Sima Yuan, who had experience? The frustration of the man lingering outside made her unable to resist raising one long leg and wrapping it around the man's waist, vigorously swaying her hips, trying her best to let the thick male desire enter her little hole as much as possible.

"Don't move around, or you'll be the one who gets hurt." Sima Yuan gritted his teeth and warned in a low voice. Originally, he wanted her to reach orgasm first so that it wouldn't hurt too much when he broke her virginity, but this little woman didn't appreciate it at all, and actually twisted around randomly, almost making him lose control and thrust deeply to the bottom.

"Mmm... Yuan... Ah... Faster..." Shui Qing groaned in dissatisfaction. Now controlled by desire, she only wanted more and more pleasure. Realizing the man didn't want to satisfy her at all, she stubbornly raised her other leg, wrapping her legs around his waist and forcefully pulling back, allowing the thick, hard penis outside her to plunge in completely.

"Ah..." Sima Yuan hadn't expected to enter Shui Qing's body like this. Although he felt a slight resistance, it felt like countless tiny mouths were sucking at his desire inside, the pleasurable sensation making him involuntarily exclaim in praise. "Ah!

It hurts... Waaah... Yuan... No more... Get out... Get out quickly..." When the huge penis pierced the membrane inside her vagina, her body felt as if it were being violently torn apart. Shui Qing couldn't help but cry out. Although she knew losing her virginity would hurt, no one had told her it would hurt this much!

☆、41. The Enchanting Valley

Sima Yuan saw Shui Qing crying with teary eyes and felt a pang of reluctance. Although he wanted to listen to her, she hadn't recovered from her discomfort yet, and abruptly withdrawing would only cause her more pain. He could only kiss away her tears while gently comforting her, saying, "Don't cry... I won't move. Take a few deep breaths, and it won't hurt anymore."

"No... You said you wouldn't hurt me, you lied!" Shui Qing was in so much pain that she forgot he was a noble person. Pouting and with red eyes, she launched into a tirade against Sima Yuan.

Sima Yuan was also helpless. She had just led him deeper into the secret path, and now she was blaming him. However, seeing her pitiful appearance, he still felt a pang of reluctance and said, "Okay, I lied. Does it still hurt now?" Actually, the pain was only momentary; they had already done enough foreplay, and the recovery time wouldn't be long.

Shui Qing pouted, realizing it didn't hurt as much as at first. Her passage was completely filled; the originally wrinkled flesh was smoothed by the thick, hard penis, and she could clearly feel the burgeoning life force and trembling within. The tingling pleasure made her involuntarily twist her hips slightly.

"Don't move!" Sima Yuan's forehead was already beaded with sweat. He had endured enough; if she continued to twist like this, he couldn't guarantee she wouldn't feel the pain again.

"But... um... inside..." Shui Qing stammered, trying to describe it, but didn't know how to explain her situation. However, her vagina automatically contracted, as if helping her answer this unknown question.

"Oh... you little vixen, you've forgotten the pain once the wound heals, and you're already eager to have it?" Sima Yuan was almost forced to surrender by the suction of her vagina. He growled fiercely, his large hands encircling her slender waist, and he began to thrust his hips violently, moving in and out quickly.

"Ah... Yuan is so big... um... so hot and so thick... ah... it's so full inside... ha ah... I feel so good... ah..." Her small hands wrapped around the man's neck, her legs encircling his waist, her lower body almost suspended in the air, letting the man's thick and hard penis rub against her tender vagina. The thick shaft made the large head of the penis slam into her uterus with each thrust, and when it was pulled out, it was as if all the air inside was being sucked out. If you listened carefully, you could almost hear a popping sound.

"Oh...you little vixen! Watch me fuck you to death!" Sima Yuan panted heavily, thrusting his hips forcefully. He was almost speechless from the very beginning, the passage of her flower path was like a winding, meandering road, making it difficult for him to penetrate. Her tight, narrow, tender hole sucked and gripped him tightly. He never expected that a virgin, besides her innate advantages, could have such skill through training. Indeed, Wan Yan Lou's teaching of the girls was not careless at all; no wonder it was the number one brothel in the world.

"Mmm...Yuan...harder...ahh...it feels so good...mmm...so comfortable...ah...Yuan, fuck me to death...ah...ah..." Shui Qing's increasingly lewd cries and increasingly seductive posture were the best aphrodisiac for men. The obscene words were like a melting bone to men, and their lustful dragons grew thicker and fiercer, constantly thrusting in and out of her already wet tender hole.

The missionary position, seemingly insufficient to satisfy Sima Yuan's desires, suddenly withdrew his raging member, lifted Shui Qing, and laid her face down on the bed, raising her snow-white buttocks. Looking at her still-drip-dripping vulva, he guided his still-dripping member to her tender opening, thrusting his hips forcefully once more, savoring the tightness of her vagina.

"Ah...so deep...mmm...Yuan...be gentle...ah...ah...mmm..." The man's frenzied thrusting nearly sent Shui Qing flying forward. She quickly braced herself against the headboard, the movement creating a bow-like curve in her body, pulling on her abdominal muscles and making the already winding passage even more convoluted.

"Oh... Xiao Qing's little cunt is so amazing! The more I thrust, the tighter it gets, and the more water flows, oh... so good... Xiao Qing, is it good for Brother Yuan to thrust into you?" The male organ was already difficult to move in and out of the powerfully contracting and tortuous flower path, and now, because of the position, it was even more difficult to enter and exit. However, this made it more challenging, which made his thrusting speed and force wild, like a beast that had lost its mind, only thinking about conquering this beautiful cunt.

"Ah ah... so good... Brother Yuan is thrusting into Xiao Qing so comfortably... um ah... Brother Yuan is so amazing... ah ah... Xiao Qing is about to... um ah... be broken by Brother Yuan... oh... ah... Brother Yuan, be gentle... ah um... Xiao Qing can't take it anymore... ah ah... ah..." Shui Qing's long, beautiful black hair was draped over her snow-white body, swaying with the rhythm of lovemaking, creating beautiful ripples, with a kind of bewitching yet pure charm, reflected in the man's eyes, bewitching him to thrust even more fiercely.

"Xiao Qing can take it!" Sima Yuan lay sprawled on Xue's back, his hands gripping her swaying, full breasts, squeezing them hard, his fingers pinching her already hard nipples, while his lower body relentlessly thrust into her already swollen and red vagina.

"Ah... Brother Yuan... um... don't squeeze... ah... Xiao Qing's breasts hurt so much... ah... Brother Yuan, squeeze Xiao Qing's breasts again... um... so good... ah... Brother Yuan, be gentle... ah... squeeze Xiao Qing harder... ah... ah..." Shui Qing felt both pain and pleasure. Although the man's initial squeezing hurt, once the pressure eased, she felt unsatisfied and eagerly begged him to continue. She kept calling for him to stop, then begging for more, until finally she herself didn't know whether she wanted him to continue or stop.

"Xiao Qing's moans are so seductive, Brother Yuan loves to hear them. Shout louder, be more wanton, and Brother Yuan will be happy, making Xiao Qing feel like she's flying to heaven." Sima Yuan originally thought his desire had reached its peak, but hearing Shui Qing's lewd words, it seemed to be growing stronger. He

originally thought that a woman being too lewd was not a good thing, but Shui Qing's transformation changed his mind. He had unearthed the most lewd side of a pure virgin, training her into his own exclusive slut. This gradual conquest was an irresistible pleasure. No wonder some men don't like mature women who have been through many battles, but only like untouched virgins.

Author's Note:

☆, 42. Indulgence (Limited)

Shui Qing discovered that the enormous dragon that had already stretched her to the limit had become even more magnificent. Her little hole could no longer bear it, and she cried out in a delicate voice, "Waaah... no... ah... stop... um... Brother Yuan is too big... ah... my little hole is so swollen... ah... Xiao Qing is about to burst... ah... um..."

"Not bad! Whether it's this dishonest little mouth on top or this already wet little mouth below, Xiao Qing really wants it!" Sima Yuan pounded on her flower hole again and again, whether he was pushing from bottom to top, or ramming from top to bottom, slowly poking around, or fiercely thrusting deep inside, every thrust made her groan uncontrollably. Hearing the woman's cries for mercy, the man was even more unable to stop riding on her tender flesh.

"Ah... Brother Yuan... Hmm... Xiao Qing can't take it anymore... Ah... Ah... Ah... I'm... I'm coming... Ah... Ah ha... Ah..." Under the man's frenzied thrusting, Shui Qing reached her climax with a soft moan, her flower hole releasing a lot of alluring juices, which poured onto the tip of his lustful dragon.

"Oh... So good, such a sensitive little hole, you came after just one thrust... Does Brother Yuan feel good when you thrust into Xiao Qing? Oh... It's so tight, so good... Brother Yuan hasn't come yet... Harder... Let Brother Yuan and Xiao Qing come together." Sima Yuan roared in a low voice, his head filled with a lot of lustful juices, and it felt like countless hands and mouths were tightly sucking on his thick lustful dragon inside her little hole. Even with the woman's continuous contractions during her climax, he still couldn't stop the soul-stirring friction pleasure.

"Ah... Brother Yuan, you're inserting... Mmm... Xiao Qing feels so good... Ah... Mmm... Xiao Qing wants Brother Yuan to feel good too... Ah..." Shui Qing didn't know what Sima Yuan wanted her to wait for, but he made her feel so good, and she wanted him to feel good too. Her upper body was limp and collapsed on the bed, but her abdomen was supported by the man's large hands, and her buttocks were high to welcome the man's thrusts from behind. Her vagina, still wet from her orgasm, was being fiercely penetrated by the man, and the throbbing that hadn't subsided gradually accumulated again with the man's thrusts.

Hearing Shui Qing say this, Sima Yuan became even more excited and demanded everything from her body. Seeing that she was already limp and powerless, he turned her over and made her lie on her back on the bed. In the process of turning, his lustful dragon remained inside her vagina.

Sima Yuan looked at Shui Qing's flushed face, her delicate appearance so endearing, and an inexplicable emotion welled up within him. His massive member, buried deep within her, was relentlessly squeezed, the pleasurable sensation causing him to once again cup her snow-white buttocks, his hips thrusting continuously, pumping his enormous member into her tender opening, repeatedly penetrating and withdrawing.

Shui Qing lay on the bed, somewhat dazed, her small mouth uttering intermittent soft moans and cries. Although she knew her strength was nearly exhausted, the contractions of her vagina were unwavering. With each thrust, her sensitive body was ablaze with desire once more, her moist, swollen vagina insatiably absorbing his thick, engorged member.

"Ah...ah...um...ah...um...ah..." Shui Qing felt numb and tingly from the penetration, her whole body waiting for the man to bring her to another climax. The man's fierce thrusting made her two snow-white, round breasts sway beautifully, and her slender fingers gently pinched the little red berries at the tips, which swayed and outlined a charming curve with the man's rhythm.

"Little Qing, you little slut, you think Brother Yuan isn't fucking you hard enough, so you're playing with your own breasts? Is that it?" Watching Shui Qing caress and fondle her own breasts, Sima Yuan suddenly felt that she seemed to enjoy physical pleasure more than he had imagined. The thought that her true nature might be that of a wanton slut, he couldn't help but blurt out contemptuous words, insulting the woman beneath him while thrusting into her increasingly tight and tender hole.

"Ah...no...um...it's because Brother Yuan is fucking...ah...Little Qing feels so good...um...Little Qing couldn't help but...ah...squeezing her own breasts...ah...Brother Yuan is squeezing them so good...ah...ah..." With a pair of large hands covering her chest, Shui Qing's hands became unsure of what to do, so she could only wrap her arms around the man's neck, pull down his head, and offer her fragrant lips, sucking and kissing him while moaning and whimpering.

"You little slut... oh... the more I thrust, the tighter... the wetter... is Xiao Qing a little whore who just wants Brother Yuan to fuck her...?" Sima Yuan had completely lost his usual elegance and self-control; now he was just like any other man, wanting to hear the woman's moans and lewdness beneath him.

"Ah... Xiao Qing is... ah... a little whore who just wants Brother Yuan to fuck her... ah ah... Brother Yuan is going to fuck Xiao Qing to death... ah ah..." Shui Qing had completely surrendered to the pleasure of sex. No matter who the man on top of her was, as long as he could give her more pleasure, she would say whatever he wanted, do whatever he wanted.

Inside the room, the man and woman's heavy breathing and moans continued, the spring scenery was vibrant, and Mu Yi, standing outside the room, had a face as cold as snow in winter.

From the moment Sima Yuan entered the room, he had been standing outside listening to the sounds inside. Although there wasn't much noise at first, when the increasingly seductive moans came from inside, his hands unconsciously clenched into fists. Knowing full well that the more lewd the sounds inside and the longer they lasted, the deeper Sima Yuan's infatuation with Shui Qing was, making the plan easier to execute,

that was his rational thought. But a different voice inside him kept clamoring against reason, saying that he could have possessed this sweet body first; the lewd moans were his alone; and he would lead her to paradise. Now, for his ambition, he was forcibly pushing her out, sending her into the arms of another man, letting him ride and pound on her as he pleased.

"Master?" Ming looked at his master, whom he had grown up with, with some worry. Other girls had done similar things before, but he had never seen his master specifically come to observe, let alone have such a grim expression. He couldn't help but worry that Shui Qing's influence on his master was far deeper than he imagined; if this continued, his master's plan would definitely be a major concern.

"Are you worried about me?" Mu Yi asked coldly.

"I dare not." Sensing his master's displeasure, Ming quickly apologized. One could guess at one's master's thoughts, but not question them.

"Is that so?" Mu Yi's tone was laced with sarcasm, then he sighed softly, put his hands behind his back, and turned to leave.

Ming watched his master turn and leave, then quickly chased after him. Before leaving, he glanced at the room again and couldn't help but sigh, "Love is truly unpredictable. I hope that this time, Master won't act too emotionally."

☆, 43. Holding on (Part 1)

for three days! Three whole days! The two people in the room hardly stepped out of the door except for necessary physiological needs.

If it weren't for the fact that Sima Yuan had to return to the palace to handle affairs today, he would have wanted to drag Shui Qing to continue making love in bed. He never thought he would be such a lustful person, but if the object of his affections wasn't Shui Qing, he wouldn't have become like this.

Shui Qing lay naked and limp on the bed, a thin silk blanket barely covering her waist. Her small hands clutched a corner of the blanket, pressed against her cheeks, her face flushed with the shy blush of someone who had just been loved. Sima

Yuan dressed himself and looked at the woman slumped on the bed. Although the blanket barely covered her body, her beautiful figure, the faintly visible pink nipples, and the traces of lovemaking between her legs, all appeared somewhat hazy and mysterious in the soft light. A surge of heat rose in his lower abdomen, but remembering the important matters he had to attend to that day, he reluctantly looked away.

In high spirits, Sima Yuan sat on the edge of the bed, his large hand slowly caressing her snow-white skin, which was almost covered with various red and purple hickeys. In the past three days, through his "training," Shui Qing had transformed from a pure and lovely little girl into an alluring and delicious enchantress, and he almost wanted to bury himself deep inside her and never leave.

"Ugh, no... I can't take it anymore..." Shui Qing protested coquettishly. Her body was so sensitive that even a light touch from a man could easily arouse her desire. Unfortunately, she had hardly rested in the past three days. The moment she opened her eyes, she was being pleasured by a man beneath her. Wave after wave of orgasms made her faint again and again. In the endless cycle of consciousness and unconsciousness, she now felt powerless to even move a finger.

"In front of me, you don't need to call yourself a slave." In the Wan Yan Lou, the girls were strongly required to call themselves slaves because their status and position, relative to these men, were like slaves that could be bought with money. However, Sima Yuan did not regard Shui Qing as a girl from Wan Yan Lou, nor did he like the way she distanced herself and appeared lifeless when she referred to herself as a slave.

He preferred Shui Qing to occasionally refer to herself as "I" when expressing her feelings or feeling indignant, at which time her little face would shine, or when she called herself "Xiao Qing" while he was in a state of passion beneath her, and coquettishly begged him to take her hard.

"Your Highness, this will make Granny Li..." Shui Qing was about to explain that referring to herself as a slave was a rule of Wan Yan Lou, but Sima Yuan pressed his finger against her red lips. He shook his head and said, "I know the rules of Wan Yan Lou, but I don't like hearing this kind of address. I won't force you to change it when we're outside, but when it's just the two of us, I'll call you Xiao Qing, and you'll call me Yuan or Brother Yuan, understand?"

Shui Qing wanted to say something, but for some reason, she didn't like this demeaning way of addressing herself at all. Since Sima Yuan said she didn't have to use this strange address, she was happy to relax and said with a sweet smile, "Okay! Brother Yuan, Xiao Qing understands."

"Good girl!" Sima Yuan pinched her pink cheeks affectionately, and seeing her pink little mouth, he lowered his head and gave her a deep, passionate kiss. Shui Qing naturally reached out her small hands to hug the man's neck, pulling her closer and closer to him.

The silk blanket covering her was quickly swept off the bed by the man. His large hands gently kneaded her two soft, full breasts, rubbing the erect nipples in circles. Shui Qing let out a low breath, her soft voice sweeping over the man's heart. The man's kiss deepened, his swollen lower body making him eager to take her again.

Just as his hand reached her waist, he heard the servant outside urging him that it was getting late. Sima Yuan reluctantly released Shui Qing's lips, his forehead pressed against hers, taking several deep breaths. Finally, he reluctantly lifted himself up, his fingers gently tracing his swollen lips, and said in a hoarse voice, "I'll be right back. You've been exhausted these past few days, remember to rest well."

"Mm." Shui Qing curled up shyly, thinking about the events of the past few days.

Sima Yuan picked up the silk blanket that had fallen to the ground and covered Shui Qing with it. He looked at her lingeringly for a few more moments before getting up and leaving the room to return to the palace to handle important matters.

"Miss Shui Qing, would you like to take a bath?" The maidservant waiting outside asked softly. She knew that Shui Qing was currently the most sought-after courtesan at Wan Yan Lou, and if she didn't serve her well, she would be punished by Li Mama by being made a low-ranking prostitute. Shui

Qing looked at the marks on her body and felt sore all over, and replied softly, "Yes, I want to take a bath. I'll close my eyes and rest for a bit. Wake me up when you're ready."

"Yes." The maidservant hurriedly rushed to the kitchen to order hot water to be boiled and went to the small room next to Shui Qing to prepare the bathing supplies the young lady needed.

To maintain the youthful beauty and fair skin of the girls at Wanyanlou, Granny Li was extremely strict about their bathing procedures, using only the finest items. The aim was to preserve their girlish skin so that once guests experienced their exquisite pleasure, they would have no desire for girls elsewhere.

Just as the maid was busy to the point of exhaustion, a mysterious masked man dressed entirely in black suddenly appeared in Shuiqing's room. He gazed intently at Shuiqing's sleeping face, then his gaze moved downwards. She was only wrapped in a thin silk blanket, the smooth fabric almost clinging to her alluring body, revealing the shape of her nipples clearly. Her legs were almost completely exposed, revealing a glimpse of her thick black forest and pink vulva. His expression behind the mask

seemed unable to conceal his thoughts; upon seeing this bewitching sight, he couldn't help but let out a soft gasp. His voice wasn't loud, but it was still audible upon closer listening. Fortunately, everyone outside was busy, and Shui Qing was fast asleep inside. Almost no one noticed the uninvited guest in Shui Qing's room.

At this moment, the mysterious man stood blankly by the bed, staring at the sleeping beauty, seemingly considering his next move. Just as he hesitated, hurried footsteps sounded outside. The maidservant, who had gone out, returned and stood outside the door, knocking and calling out, "Miss Shui Qing, the hot water is ready."

Author's Note:

☆, 44. Holding Her

Hostage (Part 2) Hearing the maidservant's voice, the man saw Shui Qing gradually waking up. He quickly took out a packet of powder from his pocket and gently blew it onto her face. She drifted back to sleep.

The man quickly lifted her from the bed, held her close, and leaped out of the window. A window sash opened and closed, and the room returned to silence, as if no one had ever been inside.

"Miss Shuiqing?" The maid outside called for a long time but didn't hear Shuiqing's voice. She was worried that if the hot water cooled down and the young lady caught a cold while bathing, she would surely be beaten ten times by Granny Li.

After calling for a while longer, the maid had no choice but to gently push open the door and go in. Looking around, she couldn't find Shuiqing. She began to panic. She had clearly heard Shuiqing's voice just now, so why couldn't she see her now?

The maidservant quickly surveyed the room and saw a tattered piece of the silk blanket she had just brought to Shuiqing's room that morning, hanging from a window. A chill ran down her spine, and the worst-case scenario flashed through her mind. She grabbed the tattered fabric and rushed out the door, shouting, "Granny Li! Something terrible has happened! Shuiqing is missing!"

Upon hearing the maidservant's words, Granny Li decided to suppress the news of Shuiqing's abduction for now. Calmly, she mobilized her men to search for Shuiqing. Although she had ordered a silence, everyone in Wanyan Tower probably knew the news. Granny Li only hoped to rescue Shuiqing before the news spread.

The man in black carried Shuiqing away from Wanyan Tower and quickly took her to a nearby mansion. As the saying goes, the best way to hide a leaf is in the forest. He didn't intend to take her away from the city; instead, he brought her to his residence. Given his status and position, this mansion was undoubtedly the best hiding place. Furthermore, the manor is poorly staffed, consisting entirely of trusted men brought from the country, so Shui Qing's whereabouts are unlikely to be leaked.

"Prince, this young lady?" An old steward, who had served him for many years, looked suspiciously at the prince carrying a woman back. Although his duty didn't require him to ask further, the prince's decision to take the woman to his room left him no choice but to inquire.

This prince, because of his ugliness, wore a mask year-round. He was also cold-hearted and short-tempered, showing little tenderness towards women. As a result, even though he was past marriageable age, no woman was willing to marry him.

The prince wasn't particularly interested in men either; sometimes, he wouldn't summon any maids to his bedchamber for years. Eventually, the steward almost suspected the prince of being homosexual.

Although the king had considered bestowing a marriage upon him, either the woman refused to comply, or the prince sternly rejected her. In the end, the king abandoned the marriage proposal to the fifth prince. After all, the fifth prince wasn't the heir to the Northern Plains Kingdom, so whether he had an heir was less important.

"The Crown Prince's current new love," the man replied simply, gently placing Shui Qing on the bed. Turning to the old steward, he said, "Now prepare a basin of hot water for me; I need to cleanse her."

The prince was going to cleanse a woman! The thought stunned the old steward, rendering him speechless and unable to move. He was both surprised and delighted. Surprised that a prince who had always been waited on was willing to cleanse a woman, even though she was another man's woman; delighted because it meant the prince didn't dislike women, but simply couldn't find the woman he wanted.

"Go quickly," the man urged again, seeing the old steward still standing there motionless.

"Yes," the old steward quickly regained his composure, hurriedly leaving the room to complete the prince's instructions.

The man removed the black cloak covering her. To prevent Shui Qing's exposure, he had covered himself with his own clothes along the way, but the cloak seemed too stuffy; the silk blanket clinging to her body was now soaked with her sweat and semi-transparent.

The man swallowed hard, reaching out to tear off the only piece of clothing covering her body. His gaze darkened when he saw the marks of lovemaking etched on her snow-white skin.

He knew how much the Crown Prince of the South Sea Kingdom doted on Shui Qing, because he eavesdropped outside every day, occasionally seeing them by the open window, on the table, by the door, or by the pillar—they made the most of every spot in the room.

He wanted to turn away like Mu Yi, to ignore what they were doing, to forget what they were doing inside. But he couldn't. His legs felt frozen; he stood there, listening and watching. Every time he heard her screams and excited moans, he felt an urge to rush into the room, throw the Crown Prince out, and pin this woman down, to see if she would react the same way under him.

But he couldn't! His status forbade him to do such a thing; he could only silently watch it all unfold.

Fortunately, the Crown Prince and Mu Yi had left Wan Yan Lou today, and she had fallen into a deep sleep due to exhaustion. He had only intended to see her closely to express his longing, but upon hearing the maid's voice and seeing her gradually awakening eyes, he impulsively drugged her and brought her back.

When he came to his senses, he found himself back in his own quarters. Wan Yan Lou was likely in chaos, and he might be accused of kidnapping. But the thought of having her all to himself, even if he could only hide her in the shadows, made him feel that his actions were not wrong.

"Prince, the water is here," the old steward called from outside the door, holding a basin of hot water in both hands.

The man came out of the room, took the basin from the old steward, and said, "This is none of your business, you may leave." Just as he was about to turn and go back inside, he heard the old steward hesitate and say, "Prince, this young lady really shouldn't be here..."

"Is there a problem?" the man asked, somewhat displeased.

"I'm just worried about the important figures behind this young lady..." The old butler knew the prince was feigning ignorance. He could also see that this young lady held a special place in the prince's heart, but the people behind her were truly someone they couldn't afford to offend!

"Just have the men below keep their mouths shut, and there won't be any problems." The man finished speaking, turned, and closed the door, preventing the old butler from saying anything more.

☆, 45. Hostage Situation (Part 2)

The man wrung out a towel and gently wiped Shui Qing's body, careful not to hurt her delicate skin with too much force. After finally cleaning her, he took a bottle from the cabinet, poured out a white ointment, and carefully applied it to her body.

After a short while, a thin layer of ointment covered the red and purple marks on Shui Qing's body, and she looked much better than before. He gently covered her with a blanket, looking at her still-sleeping face, his eyes revealing a long-unseen smile.

The man slowly got out of bed, went to the window, and exhaled a long breath. While cleaning her body, a burning heat had surged in his lower abdomen. When he applied the ointment and heard her soft moans of pleasure, he felt an immediate urge to press himself against her and have passionate lovemaking.

However, for her sake, he restrained himself, went to the window to get some fresh air, suppressed his burning desire, and gazed at the rocky mountains and flowing water outside, pondering trivial matters to divert his attention from her.

Several hours passed—

Shui Qing slowly opened her eyes, finding the sunlight outside had turned a dim yellow. Looking at the unfamiliar carvings on the ceiling, she couldn't recall when her room had been renovated.

Shui Qing yawned and sat up, scratching her head, still unable to remember. Suddenly, she felt a chill on her chest, looked down, and quickly covered her chest with her hands. Fortunately, before she could remember why she was naked, she managed to suppress the urge to scream.

She clearly remembered her last memory being that the maid was preparing hot water for her, after which she drifted off to sleep. In her dream, she seemed to hear the maid telling her to bathe, but her eyelids were too heavy, and she had no recollection of actually taking a bath.

However, she didn't feel any stickiness or discomfort on her body, and the previously red and purple areas had begun to fade. She was probably too exhausted; the maid couldn't wake her and had to help her, and thanks to the maid's thoughtfulness, she got a good night's sleep.

But… where were her clothes? She only had a blanket to barely cover her naked body, but she couldn't stay wrapped in a blanket all day!

What struck her most strange was the room. The layout was completely different from the furnishings of Wan Yan Lou. Wan Yan Lou was decorated in a luxurious style, and although her room wasn't overly ornate, it was still rather simple compared to this room.

She wrapped the blanket tightly around herself and slowly got out of bed, but couldn't find her embroidered shoes. So she walked around the room barefoot, observing where she was.

The more Shui Qing looked, the more uneasy she felt. This wasn't Wan Yan Lou at all!

She rushed to the door, trying to open it with all her might, but found it wouldn't budge. She pounded on the door with her small hands, shouting, "Is anyone home? Let me out!" After banging for a while, there was still no response. In her anxiety, Shui Qing stretched out her foot to kick the door.

But as soon as she did, she regretted it! She had forgotten she wasn't wearing shoes. Knowing full well which side would hurt the most when her bare foot hit the wooden door, she squeezed her eyes shut, expecting the pain, only to find her foot had missed its mark. She lost her balance and fell forward.

"Ah!" Shui Qing screamed in terror, not daring to open her eyes. She was truly in for a world of trouble. She had thought she would hit the door, but she hadn't even touched it before she was about to fall forward, not even needing to open her eyes to face an even more miserable fate.

Suddenly, she touched a pillar and quickly grabbed it to support her falling body. After the initial shock, she noticed something strange about the pillar; it seemed warm and had a perfect balance of firmness and softness. She cautiously opened one eye and saw only darkness. Curious, she reached out and patted the pillar, only to hear a gasp above her. Startled, she looked up and saw a person wearing a black mask, completely concealing their face, staring at her with an eerie gaze.

The man, hearing the noise from Shui Qing's room, rushed from the front yard. He had locked the door from the outside, fearing Shui Qing would wander off upon waking. However, as soon as he opened the door, he saw a long, pale leg kicking towards the door. Fortunately, he reacted quickly, dodging the kick, but he forgot that Shui Qing couldn't pull back the force. She screamed and fell forward. Startled, he quickly reached out and caught her.

Unexpectedly, this little woman was quite bold. Finding herself unharmed, she dared to flirt with him. He initially wanted to stop her, but seeing her bewildered and stunned expression, he suppressed a laugh and asked, "Are you alright?"

A deep, husky voice came from behind the mask, like the resounding beat of a deep drum echoing in a valley, steady and resonant in her ears. She felt she had heard this voice somewhere before, but couldn't quite place it. She only knew that it made her feel an unknown unease rising from somewhere within her body, and the word "danger" flashed through her mind!

Shui Qing steadied herself and said softly, "Thank you, young master. May I ask you to release me?" "

Are you sure?" the man asked again, suppressing a laugh.

"Yes." Shui Qing rolled her eyes inwardly. They were so close, and her voice wasn't quiet; even a deaf person should have heard her!

"Just don't regret it later." The man released his hands from her waist, raising them slightly to show his innocence.

"Thank you, sir... Ah!" Shui Qing tried to pull away from the man's embrace, but after only a slight step back, she screamed and grabbed the large pillar in front of her.

Shui Qing, blushing, nestled her head against the man's chest. She had just let go when she realized the blanket she had been wrapped in had fallen to the ground. She had completely forgotten that she hadn't tied it properly, only holding onto a corner of the blanket. In trying to save her life, she had let go, leading to this predicament.

"Didn't you want me to let go? How did it turn into you hugging me?" The man said with a clear smile. This girl seemed just as reckless, making a decision without understanding the situation.

"You!" Shui Qing wanted to curse, but the situation forced her to swallow her anger, and she said softly, "Could you please close your eyes, sir?"

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