In the autumn garden, maple leaves adorned the trees above, while hibiscus flowers floated upon the water, creating an atmosphere of serene tenderness everywhere.
Mu Wan Yao, clutching her sore cheek where she had been bitten, widened her eyes and glared at Yan Shang.
She burrowed into his embrace, sharp-tongued and defiant: "Stink you to death, stink you to death!"
The actor: "……?"
Yan Shang smiled faintly.
Her eyes were filled with anger toward him, yet it was the first time in days that she had seen him sitting in the autumn sunlight, by her bedside. A strange flutter stirred in her heart.
Seeing his smile, Mu Wan Yao recalled their current situation and subtly retreated, refusing to let him hold her.
Yan Shang did not stop her. After calling her smelly, his gaze drifted imperceptibly toward the actor kneeling on the ground, who had stiffened upon realizing who this young man was.
Yan Shang leaned slightly toward Mu Wan Yao, his voice as calm and measured as ever: "What brings you home today?"
Mu Wan Yao lifted her chin slightly: "I came back to fetch something. Do I need your permission?"
Yan Shang smiled: "Not at all."
He inquired casually: "Were you listening to opera?"
Mu Wan Yao replied dismissively: "Mm."
Yan Shang: "Did you fall asleep while listening? Why sleep outside? What if you catch a chill?"
Mu Wan Yao thought to herself, why should I answer you?
Now fully awake, she remembered that the issues between her and Yan Shang remained unresolved. Impatiently, she tugged at the quilt and pushed Yan Shang: "Why isn’t Yan Erlang at the imperial city handling official duties today? It’s rare for you to return before sunset."
Yan Shang’s eyes darkened slightly. He pressed his lips together and stared at her for a long moment.
She hadn’t answered his question.
After mocking him, Mu Wan Yao turned to look at him and sensed something unusual about him today. He was usually this gentle, but lately, because of their quarrel, he had been humbling himself, pleading with her to move back into the residence.
Yet Yan Shang’s expression now was overly composed.
Just as Mu Wan Yao noticed the kneeling actor and was about to glance his way, Yan Shang shifted his upper body, his shoulder blocking her line of sight.
Yan Shang nudged her: "Go bathe. I’ll prepare water for you."
Mu Wan Yao: "Why should I bathe? I told you I’m going out again. Zilin..."
Before she could finish instructing the kneeling actor, Yan Shang gently interrupted: "No matter what you plan to do later, whether you’re going out or not, you must bathe first."
He leaned in, tilting his face so close it nearly touched hers. Holding her hand, he subtly brushed his thumb over the back of her hand.
His breath was soft as he whispered in her ear: "I’ll make you lotus seed porridge. Don’t rush off, alright?"
Mu Wan Yao’s ear tingled, the tip reddening as his lips briefly grazed it. It felt as if he had bitten her ear, then moved away as she blushed. Her hand remained clasped in his, held firmly.
Her heart fluttered with a tingling sensation. Her eyes grew moist as she looked at him uncertainly.
Yan Shang smiled at her, a smile that made her dizzy. She loved this restrained, gentle side of him, like a murmuring stream. He rarely laughed heartily, but his faint smiles always made her want to push him down and tease him.
Mu Wan Yao’s gaze flickered. Just as Yan Shang felt pleased that he still held sway over her, he saw the light in her eyes shift. She regained her composure, turning cold and detached.
Mu Wan Yao said carelessly: "I won’t eat anything you make."
Yan Shang stared at her.Mu Wan Yao tilted her face, giving him a sly smile. "What? Are you angry?"
Yan Shang held her hand, his thumb gently stroking her knuckles. The sensation made her shiver, and she quickly shook off his grasp.
Yan Shang lowered his gaze to her hand, no longer dwelling on the matter but making a concession instead. "Go bathe first."
Mu Wan Yao frowned.
She discreetly sniffed her collar, wondering just how strong the scent of alcohol on her must be for Yan Shang to repeatedly insist she wash up.
She had only drunk two extra cups of wine, and the actor's singing had been so soothing that she had dozed off on the couch for a while... Was it really necessary for Yan Shang to urge her to bathe?
—
The actor knelt on the ground, his heart racing with anxiety.
He watched as the handsome Imperial Son-in-Law, whom even men praised for his refined demeanor, coaxed the drunken princess to rise. Yan Shang supported Mu Wan Yao's hand, guiding her unsteady figure away.
Mu Wan Yao resisted Yan Shang's touch, so he released her and let the maids assist her instead. Nevertheless, the actor could tell there was affection between the princess and the Imperial Son-in-Law.
After Yan Shang had persuaded Mu Wan Yao to leave, he turned back to the actor, whose face instantly turned pale with fear.
The actor pleaded desperately, "Imperial Son-in-Law, you mustn't kill me... I was brought back by Your Highness. Your Highness praised my looks..."
Yan Shang's eyes narrowed slightly.
He had originally intended to deal with the actor later, after Mu Wan Yao had settled down, but now he abruptly changed his mind, his tone strange. "Did she really say you were good-looking?"
Fearing the Imperial Son-in-Law wouldn't believe him, the actor hurriedly swore an oath. "It's true! The first time I met Your Highness, she said I was handsome, as delicate as a young lady. She even praised my small frame, saying I looked beautiful with or without makeup."
Yan Shang stared at the actor, his gaze slowly scanning the other's features.
A heavy weight seemed to press on his chest. Initially, he had only suspected the actor of improper intentions, but now his doubts grew stronger.
He almost resented Mu Wan Yao.
And felt an anger he could barely suppress.
Yan Shang swept his robes aside and sat down, speaking gently to the actor. "Tell me in detail how you came to know Her Highness the Princess."
—
The actor was frantic with worry, fearing both death and the Imperial Son-in-Law's jealousy, which might lead to his expulsion.
Her Highness the Princess was so far above him, and she had no shortage of attendants. If he were driven out by Her Highness, which theater would dare take him in?
The actor was only a youth of fourteen or fifteen. Even though Yan Shang's attitude was gentle, he was so frightened he began to cry.
It was rare for Yan Shang to feel so agitated and impatient with someone.
His gaze remained cold as he looked at the young man, offering no words of comfort. Only when the other had cried enough did Yan Shang suppress his anger and speak as gently as possible. "Stop crying. Just tell me properly."
Meanwhile, Mu Wan Yao walked along the corridor, supported by Qiu Si. As the cool breeze blew, she grew increasingly uneasy.
She asked Qiu Si, "Was Yan Shang already here when I was asleep? Did he see something?"
Qiu Si lowered her head. "The Imperial Son-in-Law was standing at the courtyard gate, and I was behind him. I don't know what he saw, but I noticed the actor you brought back secretly holding Your Highness's hand and kissing it while you were asleep."
Mu Wan Yao's eyebrows shot up abruptly.
She looked down at the back of her hand, where her fair, delicate skin had nearly been rubbed raw by Yan Shang's earlier touch.First she was disgusted that her hand had been stealthily kissed by an actor, then she thought of Yan Shang's peculiar reaction... Mu Wan Yao let out a scornful laugh, immediately feeling relieved.
So someone was jealous.
How rare.
He was usually as detached as a saint, devoid of desires, yet he too could feel jealousy.
Mu Wan Yao muttered, "At least he's still human."
Qiu Si worried, "The Imperial Son-in-Law might misunderstand..."
With a smile playing on her lips, Mu Wan Yao said leisurely, "Ignore him."
—
Mu Wan Yao went to the bathing chamber to wash.
The bathing chamber was connected to her bedroom and had recently been renovated. Mu Wan Yao had ordered a hot spring pool to be dug, channeling live thermal water from the nearby mountains. Soaking here daily promoted blood circulation, invigorated her energy, and nourished her skin—immensely beneficial for her health.
Mu Wan Yao had always known how to enjoy herself. This pool catered to her preferences, and whenever she was at the Princess Residence, she indulged in it daily.
She had initially wanted Yan Shang to enjoy it too, to soak in the hot springs and nurture his health. However, the first time he saw the large pool she had created in the bathing chamber, he blushed deeply and adamantly refused to enter.
Mu Wan Yao had scoffed at his shyness, chiding him for being so reserved even in his own home.
Now, after being away from the Princess Residence for a month and returning to enjoy her bath, Mu Wan Yao leaned against the pool's wall, letting water cascade over her arms, and sighed contentedly.
Steam rose, mist swirling around like clouds. The beautiful maiden sat in the hot spring, her black hair like silk cascading over her snow-white shoulders. Her peaks were rosy and full, a breathtakingly magnificent sight.
Even Mu Wan Yao herself grew somewhat entranced staring at her own skin.
A male voice suddenly broke the silence, "Are you so captivated by your own beauty that you're admiring yourself?"
Startled, Mu Wan Yao didn't move from her spot against the wall, merely turning her head toward the voice. As the mist cleared slightly, she saw Yan Shang in brocade robes and a jade belt, crouching by the pool's edge, looking down at her.
His eyes were as dark and serene as midnight. His wide sleeves hung naturally, dipping into the milky water. The water soaked his robes, but he paid no mind, remaining crouched as he watched her.
Mu Wan Yao glared at him, "You've become so elusive lately, moving without a sound. You scared me to death."
Yan Shang's eyebrows lifted slightly.
He lowered his long lashes and said gently, "Scared you to death? How could that be? The entire residence is yours, only servants come and go, and your bedchamber is accessible only to maids. I should be the only man here.
"How could you possibly be frightened? Unless... you thought there was another man lurking about?"
Mu Wan Yao's eyes narrowed slightly.
She instantly understood what he was probing.
With a teasing smile, she said, "How would I know? Haven't I been away from the residence for quite some time? Isn't it only you living here? Shouldn't you know better than I if there are other men in the residence?"
Utterly relaxed, she leaned forward slightly, causing the water to ripple and the marks left by the steam to flicker in and out of view.
Yan Shang's gaze fixed on her. Mu Wan Yao's cheeks were flushed pink from the heat, and her eyes, shifting coquettishly, grew even more sly and alluring.
Water droplets rolled down her lashes like rain, clinging to the strands of hair pressed against her cheeks, then mingling with her hair as they were caught between her slightly parted red lips.
She was a natural-born enchantress.
Yan Shang stood up and strode gracefully into the pool. He didn't remove his clothes; his wide robes and sleeves were entirely submerged, the water rising to envelop his legs and waist.
Mu Wan Yao raised an eyebrow, "Wow."She watched him enter the water as he swam over to her. Without a word, Yan Shang bent down to embrace her, who was as smooth as a loach.
She had been smiling, but noticing the odd look in his eyes, Mu Wan Yao quickly covered his mouth with her hand just as his lips were about to touch hers.
His teeth bit into her palm.
Mu Wan Yao cried out in pain.
She flared up instantly: "Are you a dog? Biting me twice in one day? Do you really think I won’t get angry?"
Yan Shang lowered his gaze.
Instead of answering, he asked in return: "Why did you praise an actor for being handsome?"
Mu Wan Yao glanced at him.
She laughed: "So you’ve been asking around? Can’t it be that he’s genuinely good-looking?"
Yan Shang: "Is he better-looking than me?"
Mu Wan Yao lifted her face to look at him: "Are you that good-looking? I didn’t know that. Wei Shu is better-looking than you, you know?"
Yan Shang paused. Why drag Wei Shu into this?
She wrapped her arms around his waist and deliberately closed her eyes, saying: "You’re getting old."
Yan Shang leaned in closer, pressing against her, and whispered: "I’m not old. I’m still half a year younger than you, Sister Yao Yao. If I’m old, then Sister Yao Yao is even older. You’ll always be half a year older than me."
Mu Wan Yao’s waist was held tightly as he pressed her firmly against his chest.
Held by him, the steam enveloped them both, the water swirling around their bodies. His face was close to hers, and she felt her thoughts beginning to wander.
She loved his youthful body, his handsome face, his slender waist, and his jade-like elegance. After a month of quarreling, his closeness made her feel… truly hungry.
Until he ruined the moment.
He never called her "sister" normally, but now he chose to say it.
Mu Wan Yao gritted her teeth: "There are people who admire and love me. I’m beautiful and powerful—no need for you to worry!"
Yan Shang grabbed her hand and retorted: "And are there no admirers for me?"
Mu Wan Yao’s smile vanished instantly as she stared coldly at him.
Yan Shang softened his tone: "We agreed—I have only you, and you have only me. You can’t be with anyone else, not even an actor.
"I know princesses often act freely. But you can’t. Since you’ve entangled yourself with me, you can’t abandon me carelessly or go back on your word."
Mu Wan Yao raised her eyes, her tone sarcastic: "Who’s going back on their word? Can anyone compare to you? You couldn’t even get a month’s leave approved, and you have the nerve to make demands of me?"
Standing in the hot spring, Yan Shang looked at her seriously and said: "If I take leave, will you cut off all those messy relationships?"
Mu Wan Yao immediately scowled: "Are we talking about the same thing? I’m doing this for your own good—what’s your reason?"
Yan Shang: "Why don’t you explain that you don’t have messy relationships?"
Mu Wan Yao: "If you believe I’m that kind of person, then you’re the biggest fool in the world, the easiest to deceive. Court affairs can’t fool Yan Erlang—would you really believe such idle gossip?"
Mu Wan Yao blinked: "And what about Pei Qing? Do you remember him?"
Yan Shang’s jaw tightened: Pei Qing!
Mu Wan Yao deliberately provoked him, speaking slowly: "Didn’t you personally send Pei Qing to my side back then? If you could send him then, why can’t you handle a little gossip now?"
Mentioning Pei Qing now made Yan Shang feel extremely uncomfortable.
He said: "It’s not that I believe the gossip—it’s that I can’t tell anymore."
Mu Wan Yao was slightly taken aback.Yan Shang held her hand, his robes below the waist completely soaked, clinging uncomfortably to his body. Mu Wan Yao was impatient with his nonsense, yet he refused to let her go.
Yan Shang whispered, "Yao Yao, I am the biggest fool in the world. I just can’t figure it out... I don’t understand why you want an actor, why you praised him for being handsome.
"Why don’t you praise me? Why don’t you stare at me anymore? I think I’m better than an actor, better than Pei Qing, better than Wei Shu, better than Yang Si. Don’t you think so?"
Mu Wan Yao turned away, splashing water as she humphed, "I can’t be bothered with you!"
Yan Shang wrapped his arms around her waist. "Don’t go. You have to bother with me!"
Mu Wan Yao was lifted into his embrace, forced to tilt her head back and meet his dark eyes, which seemed to hold a plea.
Her heart wavered. She curled her lips and turned her head, unwilling to discuss it. "You’re foolish!"
He gripped her hand. "I’m not foolish!"
Yan Shang, uncharacteristically stubborn, insisted, "I’ve read more books than an actor, I have a better temper than an actor, I’m better-looking and taller than him. I’ve known you longer than he has. I’m a fifth-rank court official, equivalent to a chancellor, while he’s just an actor.
"I’m better than Pei Qing, Wei Shu, and Yang Si—and I treat you better than any of them! You married me because I’m good."
As he compared himself to others, Mu Wan Yao tried to maintain a stern expression but couldn’t help being moved by his endearing nature.
But, ahem, she had to restrain herself. To handle Yan Shang, she couldn’t afford to soften.
Suppressing a smile, she cast him a flirtatious glance. "I didn’t marry you because you’re good. I married you because you’re easy to bully."
Yan Shang paused, then said, "That’s still a quality of mine."
Mu Wan Yao blinked. "Say what you will."
He closed his eyes briefly, and when he reopened them, he murmured, "Yao Yao, I’m sorry."
Mu Wan Yao was bewildered by his sudden apology, but before she could react, he lifted her through her damp robes. Pressed against him, her legs weakened, and she nearly fell, only to be caught and held by Yan Shang.
He grasped her slender ankles, placing them around his waist.
Mu Wan Yao’s upper body nearly tipped backward, leaving her breathless.
Coughing in fright, she struck his shoulder. "What are you doing?! You’re insane, insane!"
Ignoring her, he bent to nuzzle her neck, his lips following suit.
His sudden dominance made Mu Wan Yao resist. She whimpered in refusal, angrily hitting him. When he kissed her, she bit him, drawing blood, yet he still wouldn’t let go.
He carried her to the pool’s edge and sat her down. Mu Wan Yao, choking on her own saliva, glared at him with red-rimmed eyes. He had only removed his belt, his robes still ink-splattered and tangled in the water. Cupping her delicate form, he lifted her, only to have his hand slapped again by Mu Wan Yao.
Mu Wan Yao: "No! I’m still angry with you!"
Yan Shang grew impatient. "I want to."
Mu Wan Yao arched her neck, torn between arousal and concealed fury. Her flushed face held a pouting expression, more coquettish than angry. "You’re forcing me..."
Yan Shang said, "Then hit me."
He added, "I just want this. It’s been so long, so long since we..."
Mu Wan Yao leaned against his shoulder. She truly intended to strike him, but her toes lightly brushed his waist, sending waves of sensation through her, drowning her like a flood.
Her hair was dark as ink, her skin fairer than jade.
His long eyelashes brushed against her face, tickling her heart like feathers.
Her eyes were thoroughly red, glistening with unshed tears.
It was broad daylight, and this was a complete mess.She was furious with Yan Shang. How dare he force himself on her against her will? What difference was there between him and all those detestable men in the world?
She should have refused him fiercely, cursed him harshly.
But Mu Wan Yao only cursed him at first, then stopped.
Emotions surged like tides, desires roared like floods. In the face of such intensity, who could remain pure and unmoved?
—
The bathing chamber was left in disarray, water from the pool splashed beyond its edges.
The water meandered, flowing all the way to the bedchamber. Wooden clogs made soft pattering sounds on the damp floorboards, the watery reflections shimmering with the fierce sunlight from outside.
The light danced upon the water.
Mu Wan Yao was wrapped in a quilt, lying face down on the bed in the chamber.
The young woman’s cheeks glowed with a soft pink radiance, her fair shoulders rising and falling gently. Her ink-black hair cascaded across the bed as she lay with closed eyes, exuding an air of lazy, sated allure.
Having been thoroughly satisfied, she was no longer angry or sarcastic.
Every part of her felt content.
She couldn’t help but think how true it was that quarrels at the head of the bed could be reconciled at its foot.
And as for that consistently gentle man, his occasional assertiveness—Mu Wan Yao inwardly admitted her own superficiality. She actually liked it when Yan Shang was forceful like this. Love needed this kind of passion.
She didn’t feel the slightest bit fickle: if she had felt nothing upon seeing Yan Shang’s body, then this marriage would truly be dull.
Mu Wan Yao glanced at the young man who, once out of bed, had resumed his refined and elegant demeanor.
As if the frenzy had never involved him at all.
Yan Shang sat by the bed, head bowed as he dressed, a slight frown between his brows. He was a gentleman as pure as the clear breeze and bright moon, and his noble aura had little to do with whether he was clothed or not.
He had just finished putting on his white inner robe when Mu Wan Yao wrapped her arms around him from behind, embracing his waist and slipping her hands inside. Yan Shang’s face flushed involuntarily, but he didn’t stop her, allowing her fingers to roam freely.
He loved her teasing.
Mu Wan Yao chided him softly, her voice slightly hoarse: “So, how was it?”
The shifting light fell upon the young man’s jade-like face. Yan Shang replied with restraint: “What do you mean, ‘how was it’?”
Mu Wan Yao leaned against his shoulder, her jade-like fingers tracing his cheek: “Do you believe now that I have no other men? It’s all because of those rumors outside that made our Yan Xiao Er so insecure.”
Yan Shang blushed, hesitating for a long moment before saying: “Was it wrong of me to act like that?”
Mu Wan Yao scoffed.
She said: “That’s no fun. Why always reflect on yourself afterward? Just enjoy it. It’s been a long time since you felt this good, hasn’t it?”
Her fingers slipped beneath his sash, stroking and kneading.
Yan Shang couldn’t help but laugh.
He whispered: “I’ll go ask my superior for leave today and come back to rest.”
Mu Wan Yao arched an eyebrow.
A blush spread across her cheeks as she turned to kiss his face, joking: “You must go. I sacrificed my charms—how can you not repay me?”
Yan Shang smiled but said: “This isn’t about repayment. I know you mean well for me. It’s just… it’s just…”
Mu Wan Yao: “You just love being busy, love taking on responsibilities. You never feel tired; as long as you can do something, help someone, you’re happy and feel worthwhile.
“Yan Xiao Er, have you ever thought that you’re too fond of sacrificing yourself for others? Is your life meant for others, to be entirely spent in service to them? This world isn’t yours; you’re not a god.”
Mu Wan Yao gazed at him: “Don’t always give and sacrifice for others. Think more about yourself.”
Yan Shang looked bewildered.He pursed his lips: "I know... but if I don't busy myself with these things, what should I do? I don't have anything I like, Yaoyao."
"I do these things because they make me needed. And I'm good at them. But if I didn't do these, what else could I do? If I spent all day with you, you'd probably find me boring."
He lowered his gaze: "I can't play the qin, I don't truly appreciate antiques, and I can't distinguish between fine and common teas. My painting is mediocre, and I know nothing of music."
"I..."
Mu Wan Yao said indifferently: "I like it."
Yan Shang turned his head.
Mu Wan Yao tilted her face, looking at him with curved eyes that seemed to both enchant him and be careless—
"I only want to play with you. It's not like this is your first day being like this, so why do you always panic around me? Why do you always want to be perfect? The perfect son, the perfect elder brother, the perfect official, the perfect lover... You even want to be the perfect husband."
"But Second Brother Yan, the truth is I'm not marrying you for some illusory version of your excellence. You think you have to be worthy enough of me. You want talent to match mine, temperament to suit mine, to mold yourself completely to my preferences... I've said many times, I like you exactly as you are now." You don't need to exhaust yourself like this. If marrying me is this tiring, I'd rather you didn't marry me at all."
She hooked her arm around his neck, pressing her forehead against his, her voice carrying a hint of allure: "Brother, you say I'm marrying you because you treat me well. But you're marrying me because you can't live without me either."
Mu Wan Yao covered her cheek, gazing at him affectionately: "Second Brother Yan, you don't have to be excellent in front of me."
"I don't love you because you're excellent."
"I love you because you're Yan Shang."
Yan Shang remained silent for a long time before saying: "...Are you trying to seduce me?"
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
She pretended not to hear Yan Shang's sharp observation.
Lifting her chin proudly and confidently: "I just want you to relax, to be happy. I really, really... want to see you at ease. I want to see you unconsciously lean toward me in your sleep, to hear you call my name when you're sick and confused. I'd even be happy if you got angry with me, I'd like it if you raised your voice at me... because that would mean you have temper too."
"Do you know how you look at me?"
Yan Shang blushed as he gazed at her, his hand caressing her soft, fragrant cheek.
The faint light outlined his profile. Having relaxed, his eyes smiled as he pretended not to understand: "How do I look at you?"
Mu Wan Yao: "You push me away, tell me not to touch you, but your eyes beg me to stay, your hands grip me begging for my touch."
Yan Shang was provoked into laughter: "More nonsense."
He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them, whispering: "Yao Yao, can I really be the unexcellent me?"
Mu Wan Yao firmly: "Yes."
Yan Shang: "I've never relaxed before..."
Mu Wan Yao: "Try. This time, really try seriously."
Yan Shang: "Alright, I'll try... Don't dislike me."
Mu Wan Yao opened her arms to embrace him, happily: "It's fine, Second Brother Yan. Follow me—I'm the best at relaxing, at being lazy, at having fun. It doesn't matter if you're clumsy, I like you just the way you are when you're awkward."
Yan Shang laughed.
He said: "Alright, then I'll go ask for leave later. Um, I'll ask for... five days, is that okay?"
Mu Wan Yao initially wanted to say five days was too short, but remembering this was the first time Yan Shang—who loved court affairs and wished he could work all day—had voluntarily proposed taking leave, she felt she should encourage him.
Mu Wan Yao quickly nodded in agreement.
Yan Shang then smiled with some happiness.Yet Mu Wan Yao hesitated again, murmuring, "I’ll ask for leave and go tomorrow instead."
Yan Shang was puzzled, "Why is that?"
Mu Wan Yao didn’t answer, only hooked her hand around his waist. He stiffened, and she lifted her damp eyes, gazing up at him with a smile.
Her radiance was dazzling, her smile enough to bewitch the soul and soften the bones.
Yan Shang’s slender fingers gripped the bedframe, his lashes trembling as he turned his face away.
Mu Wan Yao: "It felt too good just now—I want more. Can you still go on?"
Yan Shang: "In broad daylight…"
Mu Wan Yao snorted, taunting him, "In broad daylight, when I asked you to stop earlier, you wouldn’t. Now listen to me—I want Yan Xiao Er. I like Yan Xiao Er."
Yan Shang was speechless.
Her face was as innocent as a kitten’s, yet she pushed him down, pressing him onto the bed.
It had been a long time since she had forced him like this, and in that moment, she grew unusually excited. Yan Shang had no choice but to yield to her strength and lie back, though he held her hand, his voice trembling as he urged her not to go too far.
The afternoon light was warm, the room filled with a delicate fragrance.
As the sun slanted westward, the water on the floor tiles dried, only to grow damp again soon after.
Patches of shimmering moisture, like rain-soaked marshes, were clear and luminous—a time when the days felt just right.
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