Volume One, Chapter Two: A Night of Passion

Gu Nanxiao’s anger surged within him at these words; he was utterly fed up with living a life dictated by others. He halted abruptly, casting a sharp, cutting glance.

Eunuch Li instinctively shrank back but then mustered his courage to plead once more:

“You are the Empress Dowager’s own grandson; she has your best interests at heart. There are rumors throughout the capital that though you have passed your twentieth year, you have never touched a woman. Either you are afflicted with some ailment, or you have a preference for men.

“Your father’s concubine spreads slander everywhere, claiming you lack the ability to produce an heir and so cannot inherit the title of heir apparent. You must not allow others to tarnish your reputation.

“Moreover, even the secondary wife chosen for you is the legitimate daughter of an official family; she would never disgrace you. Perhaps you should consider this…”

The Empress Dowager was the only person in the world who truly cared for him, and he could not bear to defy her any longer.

Furthermore, the machinations of that concubine and her two illegitimate sons were truly loathsome, and he had no desire to fall prey to their schemes.

With these thoughts, Gu Nanxiao snatched the wine jug from Eunuch Li’s hand. Flicking off the lid with his finger, he drank its entire contents in one gulp.

Then, he hurled the shattered porcelain to the ground, stepping over the broken shards and strode briskly toward the gate.

By the time Eunuch Li reached the gate, all he could see was a lone figure disappearing into the distance. He immediately called out sharply, ordering the attendants:

“Hurry and prepare a carriage! The Empress Dowager insists on hearing this with her own ears. If you fail her, you’ll lose your heads!”

***

At the Yongwang Residence

Because Yunxi was to attend the master’s rest that night, she was allowed only a single bowl of gruel before being sent to Gu Nanxiao’s bedchamber.

She sat poised by the bedside, watching from sunset until nightfall. Her mind raced with plans so intense she barely noticed the aches from her earlier plunge into the lake.

Just as she began to think Gu Nanxiao would not return, the sound of the maids and guards greeting in unison echoed through the courtyard. Then, the bedroom door was forcefully thrown open by a tall man.

Unfazed, Yunxi rose and knelt to pay her respects. Yet when no dismissal came, she boldly raised her eyes to meet his.

In his upturned, almond-shaped eyes, glazed with a drunken flush, a wild, beast-like desire gleamed.

***

Though the man’s demeanor was off-kilter, he still bore the aura of noble bamboo and flourishing spring pines.

Gu Nanxiao’s striking visage made Yunxi breathe a quiet sigh of relief; at least he was not one of those bloated sycophants. His appearance was worthy enough to share a moment of intimacy.

After a long ride at full gallop, his blood was boiling. Seeing such a stunning woman only inflamed his desire further.

Without a word, he approached and roughly pulled Yunxi to her feet. Angered by the rumors that plagued him, he violently began tearing at her clothes.

Yunxi noticed that though his face was cold, there was no lecherous or sinister look in his eyes. Seeking some relief for herself, she decided to gamble on the man’s conscience.

With calm dignity, she spoke softly: “I know you do not consent willingly, but today’s events are not my fault.”

Gu Nanxiao was taken aback by her audacity. Unlike others who cowered before him or ogled him with lustful, repulsive eyes, she held herself with grace and composure. This diluted his disdain considerably. Moreover, she had a point.

Though born into an official family, she had been reduced to a shadowy concubine’s maid, no doubt harboring much resentment.

Two people both manipulated—why harm each other? After a pause, Gu Nanxiao’s grip softened. His hoarse voice ordered, “Undress yourself.”

It was her first time in such a situation; even with her strong composure, she felt embarrassed. As she hesitated, fumbling with her garments, Gu Nanxiao abruptly scooped her up and laid her on the bed, then eagerly leaned over.

Yunxi saw that he was like a wild youth, driven by primal instinct, biting her like a savage beast. She had to rely on her scant theoretical knowledge to gently guide him.

Though initially awkward, men, after all, are born knowing how to propagate. Soon, Gu Nanxiao found his rhythm.

Pleasurable sounds echoed through the room until two hours later, when they finally subsided.

At last, the heat within him dissipated. He looked down at the woman who had fainted on the bed and then glanced at the neat rows of teeth marks on his shoulder, a faint, almost imperceptible smile flickering in his eyes.

He rang the bedside bell and summoned an elderly maid to bring water. After the bath was filled, other maids came to wrap Yunxi in blankets and carry her away.

Just as their hands brushed her, Gu Nanxiao frowned and stopped them. Dismissing the servants, he personally carried Yunxi to the bath barrel.

***

He had her lean against him as they both sat in the wooden tub. Scooping hot water, he poured it over their bodies.

At first, the washing was proper, but soon his calloused hands began to wander over her satin-like skin. Before long, she was awake.

Yunxi opened her eyes groggily and blushed crimson at their intimate position during this shared bath. Uncomfortable, she twisted to escape his fiery touch.

Her resistance annoyed Gu Nanxiao. Being favored was her fortune, he thought. Without mercy, he grasped her jaw, turning her face to his, and kissed her firmly.

Eunuch Li, hearing the renewed sounds of pleasure, waved them off and returned to the palace to report. Passing Gu Nanxiao’s attendants, he smiled wryly and teased:

“Young people are always two-faced—resisting at first, only to savor the taste later.”

Mo Yu lowered his head silently, saying nothing. What could he say witnessing the scene? If his master had some restraint, he might have found words to argue back.

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