After taking the medicine, Jiang Ruan had intended to rest early on the bed, but once there, she found herself unable to sleep. An inexplicable restlessness took hold of her. Despite the cold winter, she didn't feel the chill; instead, a fine layer of sweat broke out on her forehead.
At first, she thought it might be due to the medicine and didn’t pay it much mind. She merely turned over and tugged the blanket down slightly. Yet after a while, the heat only intensified. Not only that, but an unfamiliar surge of desire began to stir within her. She vaguely guessed what might be happening, though the idea seemed absurd. She tried to sit up, but the slightest movement left her body strangely weak and pliant.
"Xiao Shao," Jiang Ruan called out softly, and the sound of her own voice startled her—it was unexpectedly sultry and sweet, dripping with allure.
Hearing her, Xiao Shao lifted his gaze. The sight of Jiang Ruan gave him pause. He set his book aside and walked to the bedside, sitting down. Though his expression remained cool, concern seeped into his voice as he asked, "What’s wrong?"
Noticing the deep flush on her face, he frowned and reached out to touch her forehead. His fingers were long and icy, and the moment they brushed against her skin, Jiang Ruan couldn’t suppress a sigh of relief. The reaction startled her—she felt too embarrassed to face him. Yet her body betrayed her reason; feverish all over, she instinctively leaned toward his cool touch.
"You—" Xiao Shao suddenly withdrew his hand and instead grasped her wrist to check her pulse. Jiang Ruan trembled, and Xiao Shao stilled for a moment, as if realizing something. His dark eyes fixed on her, and from his expression, Jiang Ruan could guess what he had discovered. Shame and embarrassment flooded her, yet she couldn’t suppress the urge to press closer to him. She bit her lip hard, struggling against the fire raging inside her.
Xiao Shao released her wrist, his voice calm and detached. "I’ll call Xia Qing over." Despite his composed tone, a trace of anger lingered beneath. Whoever was behind this—whether a prank or something more sinister—had gone too far, treating Jiang Ruan’s well-being so carelessly.
"Xiao Shao." She grabbed his sleeve. She hadn’t used much strength—her entire focus was on battling the flames within her, leaving little energy for anything else. Xiao Shao paused and turned back. "It’s nothing serious," he reassured her. "Just a mistake in the prescription."
He was still trying to comfort her, but Jiang Ruan, half-lidded and dazed, felt as though she had split into two. One part of her was drowning in unfamiliar sensations, while the other remained painfully aware of everything. The young man before her was clad in his usual black robes, his already aloof demeanor further encased in frost, as if he had renounced all worldly desires. It was hard to imagine a man so indifferent to passion. Yet now, his handsome features—his tightly pressed lips, his slightly furrowed brows—looked utterly... delicious.
Delicious? Clutching his sleeve, Jiang Ruan forced out three words with great difficulty: "Don’t go."
"Don’t worry." Xiao Shao still didn’t seem to grasp her meaning. Seeing her unsteady, he sat back down on the bed, his voice firm. "I’ll return soon."Jiang Ruan was somewhat annoyed. She had already made herself so clear, yet Xiao Shao remained this obtuse. At this moment, her entire body burned like hot iron, and the moment she drew near Xiao Shao, the cool, refreshing aura emanating from him made it almost impossible for her to resist pressing herself against him. In fact, Jiang Ruan did just that. She wrapped her arms around Xiao Shao’s neck and rubbed against him restlessly.
A faint blush immediately rose on Xiao Shao’s fair, handsome face. He wanted to push Jiang Ruan away and said, “Be good, let go.” The next moment, he felt someone slam heavily into him. Caught off guard, he was knocked onto the bed, and immediately after, a soft body pounced on top of him.
Jiang Ruan struggled to prop herself up, glaring at him fiercely. Her face was already flushed red from the effects of the drug, her eyes so seductive they seemed to drip with allure, and her voice melted into a puddle of sweetness. Yet she still mustered all her strength to roar, “I told you not to leave!”
But no matter how loud she was now, to Xiao Shao’s ears, it only sounded like coquetry.
Xiao Shao quietly stared at Jiang Ruan, who was lying on top of him, his voice calm and indifferent. “Do you know what you’re doing?”
Jiang Ruan’s gaze was as fierce as a starving wolf, yet it was paired with a breathtakingly beautiful face—her eyes moist like a little fox in the woods. Anyone but a saint would surely be moved. Xiao Shao’s body was indeed cool, and lying against him felt like pressing against a block of ice. Jiang Ruan let out a satisfied sigh. Of course, she knew what this meant. Her relationship with Xiao Shao had become unusual ever since the poison was cured, but she had always been slow to warm up. If left to her own pace, who knew how long it would take. Besides, she and Xiao Shao were already husband and wife. More importantly, she didn’t reject the idea of being more intimate with him.
Xiao Shao was too much of a gentleman. Unless she gave her consent, he would never take the initiative to propose sharing a bed. And given her temperament, she would never bring it up either. Might as well take advantage of this moment—it felt like giving herself an out. If she missed this chance, she didn’t know if she’d ever have the courage to be this proactive with Xiao Shao again.
Rarely were her thoughts so clear at a time like this, yet the moment she met Xiao Shao’s calm, dark eyes, she suddenly felt as if she might be sucked into them. Jiang Ruan steeled her heart, suddenly curling her lips into a smile. “This,” she said, then raised her hand and yanked off Xiao Shao’s belt with all her strength.
Xiao Shao’s body stiffened, the suspicious flush on his face growing even more pronounced. For some reason, the cool body beneath her no longer felt as cold as before. Jiang Ruan straddled him, looking down at him imperiously. “You and I are husband and wife. I’m just doing what a wife should do.”
Xiao Shao’s long lashes trembled slightly. His gaze was sharp, but his tone was gentle. “A Ruan, you won’t regret this?”Jiang Ruan didn’t speak, slowly leaning down to gather her courage and take a bite at his neck. She had always been a person who knew restraint; the effects of the drug weren’t as intense as imagined—at least not as severe as the last time. But now, she was half-playing along with the opportunity. Fortunately, her face was already flushed, masking any unusual emotions.
Xiao Shao narrowed his eyes, his entire body tensing as if coiled tightly, while Jiang Ruan continued to nuzzle against his neck like a mischievous kitten. She had little experience, relying mostly on what she’d learned from the illustrated manuals before entering the palace in her past life. She kissed him haphazardly, her hands fumbling as she tried to recall what else to do. Before she could remember, her hand was caught in a cool palm.
Jiang Ruan propped herself up slightly, puzzled. But she hadn’t expected that, with her snow-white skin and delicate features, leaning over Xiao Shao with her arms supporting her, her raven-black hair cascading behind her—save for one mischievous strand falling over her face—her enchanting eyes and tempting lips would make her seem like a malevolent spirit who had stumbled into the mortal world, every movement captivating and soul-stealing.
Jiang Ruan had always known she was beautiful, and she assumed she must look decent now. But she hadn’t anticipated Xiao Shao’s reaction. His gaze was deep, his dark eyes brimming with emotions so intense they seemed ready to consume her. She paused, then suddenly, as if to provoke him, pinched his waist. Immediately, she felt his body tense. Just as she was inwardly gloating, the next moment, the world spun—their positions reversed. Xiao Shao loomed over her, one hand braced beside her pillow. His expression was cool, his dark eyes like an unfathomable abyss, now churning with unfamiliar emotions. His breath was scorching, an overwhelming sense of danger radiating from him.
Jiang Ruan sensed something was off. Xiao Shao seemed entirely different from usual, and under his direct stare, she felt a rare flicker of guilt. She struggled to push him away, but she had no strength left. Already drenched in sweat, her feminine allure unconsciously seeped through, the charm in her eyes utterly disarming. Xiao Shao’s voice suddenly turned hoarse, as if he was restraining something with great effort. "Don’t move," he said.
Jiang Ruan froze, not daring to move again. She had originally intended to get this over with quickly, mustering her courage for this bold move. But now, she was in too deep. Nervousness had long since drowned out her earlier passion, and the closer they got, the more lucid she became.
Just as she hesitated over what to do next, Xiao Shao suddenly sat up—had he decided to stop again? A strange sense of disappointment flickered in Jiang Ruan’s heart. But then she saw him take off his boots and outer robe before turning back to meet her despondent gaze. He paused, then couldn’t help but laugh.
Jiang Ruan was stunned, then immediately annoyed at being caught. Why should she feel disappointed? As if she were coveting Xiao Shao’s beauty! Just as she was about to find an excuse, Xiao Shao leaned in again. Her body stiffened, and the next moment, her lips were sealed by something warm and soft.Jiang Ruan could clearly hear the sound of her own and Xiao Shao's heartbeats. Perhaps in both her past and present life, she had never done anything so intimate with anyone. The kiss was exceedingly long, and by the time he released her, Jiang Ruan could only gasp for breath, her body already limp and pliant.
Now that her lips had been kissed, they appeared even more luscious, as tender and beautiful as crimson cherries in May. She leaned her head back slightly, her raven-black hair cascading over the scarlet pillow. Her eyes were alluring, her brows arched, her lips red and teeth white—truly a peerless beauty in this world.
Under his gaze, Jiang Ruan’s face grew even hotter, yet she didn’t want Xiao Shao to notice her fluster. She thought to blow out the lamp, but the moment she shifted slightly, Xiao Shao pressed closer again. His expression was unlike his usual cool detachment.
Though she had weathered countless storms in both lifetimes, matters of love between a man and a woman were still entirely new to her. Unfamiliar and nervous, the bold provocation from earlier had completely dissipated. But there was no turning back now—there was no way she could ask Xiao Shao to stop at this point.
Since she couldn’t call for a halt, and Xiao Shao’s teasing was unbearably tormenting, Jiang Ruan gritted her teeth and said, "You... hurry up."
Xiao Shao paused slightly in surprise. The lamp was still lit, and his face—truly the ruin of nations and the downfall of men—was illuminated, his deep eyes gleaming like stars. He murmured, "A Ruan."
Jiang Ruan pinched his lean waist fiercely, giving him a resentful look. "I... I’m ready. Hurry up."
Xiao Shao smiled faintly, his voice calm. "A Ruan, it’s too late for regrets now."
...
It was like the silent bloom of a red plum in winter—vibrant and dazzling, as if the entire world had narrowed to this single blossom, its beauty striking deep into the heart of the beholder. The petals trembled delicately, shy yet bold, bringing an unexpected splendor to the harsh cold of winter. The snowflakes were cold and crystalline, the plum blossoms enchanting and passionate—a match made in heaven, a sight that would leave anyone breathless. Yet they bloomed quietly in the night, unseen by the world, their intimacy a secret beauty.
The sounds of passion in the dark seemed to carry far beyond the room. Even in the frigid winter, the chamber burned with fiery ardor. A once-in-a-lifetime encounter, the most intimate union—it all culminated in this single night. As if all past grievances and barriers had vanished, the two became one in the most honest way. The darkness and sorrow of her past life, the endless pain hidden in her heart, the secrets she could never voice—after tonight, it all seemed to change. From now on, there would be someone standing by her side, sharing her joys and sorrows under the name of husband and wife. It was an unfamiliar journey, yet one filled with anticipation.
Xiao Shao rolled off Jiang Ruan, his body glistening with sweat after such an intense night. Jiang Ruan lay on the bed, wishing she could simply bury herself in the pillows and blankets at the memory of her own boldness. To think she had been so forward the first time—Xiao Shao would surely find it amusing in the future.
Xiao Shao gently stroked her long hair and said softly, "I’ll have someone bring water in.""No need." Jiang Ruan blurted out in urgency, then felt somewhat awkward meeting Xiao Shao's gaze. Yet asking for water now would undoubtedly announce to the entire residence what they had done today. She wasn't accustomed to exposing herself so openly to others, especially regarding such intimate matters. But looking at her sticky body, not washing up would be unreasonable, leaving her momentarily conflicted.
Xiao Shao gave her a thoughtful glance and nodded. "I'll fetch it. Are you... still in pain?"
He had immediately discerned Jiang Ruan's concerns, his words considerate. Yet mentioning pain instantly brought back the vivid memories of their earlier intensity. "No," Jiang Ruan answered quickly, only to feel a dull ache between her legs the moment she spoke. She couldn't help but grumble inwardly—Xiao Shao, who usually appeared so aloof, had transformed into an entirely different person in bed. His martial training truly gave him astonishing stamina. Even with her usual endurance, she had struggled to keep up. And the man had been downright wicked, insisting she cry out. In this lifetime, she had never felt so humiliated. Xiao Shao was truly a wolf in sheep's clothing—who would have guessed from his usual demeanor?
Xiao Shao couldn't help but quirk his lips slightly, speaking slowly, "Alright, I'll brew the medicine." He lingered on the words "brew the medicine," as if they carried profound meaning, all while maintaining an utterly composed expression.
Jiang Ruan choked back a response, recalling that bowl of medicine—both the catalyst and the downfall of today's events. She had initially thought the medicinal effects would make things proceed smoothly, that it wouldn't be a big deal. Who knew that once the effects wore off, things would spiral so wildly out of control? Thinking back now, it was truly mortifying. The Brocade-clad Guards in the residence had notoriously sharp hearing—they might have even caught the sounds from their chamber. The thought alone made Jiang Ruan flush with embarrassment and indignation.
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