Chapter 31 (First published on Jinjiang Literature City)

Chapter Thirty-One

Pei Zan made no mistake.

He made the right choice.

Lin Rong touched her lower abdomen, lost in thought.

She was a little scared, not realizing she could eat so much.

Lin Rong's whole body was tense, and her toes were curled up like a few slightly curled lotus petals.

Even in such a difficult and challenging situation, Pei Zan still had to bend down.

Pei Zan's warm chest pressed against Lin Rong's slender back.

The close bond between blood relatives was so intimate that Lin Rong felt completely at a loss.

Lin Rong was unable to withstand the force.

She tried to push Pei Zan away while simultaneously trying to steady herself on the edge of the bucket.

But then her knee slipped, and Lin Rong fell downwards instead.

She stood there dumbfounded, tears streaming down her face.

I felt so deeply seated that I dared not move.

The next moment, Pei Zan's long, slender white fingers reached out from behind, caressed her chin, turned her pointed chin, and kissed her full, cherry-like lips.

"Lin Rong, open your mouth."

Pei Zan lowered his thick, dark eyelashes and called out to Lin Rong in a clear, gentle voice.

Perhaps it was because he was a superior who looked down on everyone, and he naturally possessed an imposing aura. Lin Rong was momentarily stunned, and actually complied with his wishes.

Pei Zan swept the girl's soft tongue away, pressing it down to lick and suck, tasting and stealing every breath from her mouth.

Lin Rong was held in Pei Zan's arms, and that suffocating feeling instantly overwhelmed her. She couldn't breathe and was forced to swallow everything Pei Zan gave her. Her hot breaths mingled with his, and they whispered sweet nothings to each other like a pair of lovers entwined in tender affection.

But Lin Rong's neck was really sore from tilting her head like that.

Lin Rong desperately wanted to avoid Pei Zan's kiss, so she turned her head away with all her might.

Just when she thought she had escaped, Pei Zan took Lin Rong's small earlobe into his mouth and bit it in the next instant.

The man's hot lips and tongue enveloped Lin Rong's earlobe, his wet saliva soaking into that tender flesh, licking it until it glistened and turned slightly red.

Lin Rong felt dizzy and lightheaded, her breathing was trembling, and a tingling sensation ran down her spine.

She couldn't say whether she felt comfortable or uncomfortable.

Lin Rong opened her almond-shaped eyes, which were shimmering with moisture, and slowly accepted it.

Lin Rong felt that this time it was not as unbearable as before, and she seemed to be able to endure it much more.

This time, he was somewhat understanding and did not bully or oppress her fiercely.

Although Pei Zan had little experience in this matter, having only tried it with Lin Rong, he was inherently wicked and unscrupulous, and once he got what he wanted, he wouldn't let it go easily.

Pei Zan would deliberately use his long, slender fingers to probe into Lin Rong's lips.

He stirred Lin Rong's delicate tongue wildly, smearing her glistening saliva all the way to the base of his fingers.

While Lin Rong was fiercely twisting him, he lowered his head and kissed the plum blossom birthmark on the girl's shoulder.

Pei Zan had a strong ambition to control the whole situation. He tried to amuse the girl in his arms and coax her to relax and not be too afraid, so that neither of them would get the better of him.

Perhaps it was because Lin Rong's submissive and obedient demeanor that Pei Zan's cold eyes were tinged with a seductive spring-like passion.

Half an hour later, Pei Zan released his anger once.

He praised Lin Rong for being sensible, brushed aside her sweat-dampened hair, and whispered in her ear.

"In a few days, I will take you to Luzhou to attend a banquet and meet guests."

Lin Rong was soaking wet and extremely exhausted, barely able to open her eyes.

She asked in a hoarse voice, puzzled, "Seeing guests?"

Pei Zan saw that she was small and soft, curled up in his arms like a harmless white rabbit.

Pei Zan, feeling a mischievous urge, raised his hand and caressed Lin Rong's cherry lips, saying, "Let's meet the Wu family woman from Luzhou... This woman will be my future wife."

Upon hearing this, Lin Rong was slightly taken aback, unsure of what to say.

Perhaps it was Lin Rong's dazed appearance that made her so endearing, that Pei Zan softened his voice and offered a word of comfort.

“You don’t need to be afraid. She’s just a legal wife and can’t bully you. I also warned her beforehand that she wouldn’t dare to act recklessly and that she would be tolerant.”

Pei Zan was wary of Lin Rong becoming spoiled and unwilling to make too many promises, but he also felt that she was too dull-witted to have any thoughts of competing for favor. He feared that she would be devoured by someone in the future without even realizing it.

Pei Zan never made promises to anyone, and seeing Lin Rong so timid, he found it quite amusing.

Pei Zan gave a slight twitch of his lips, his long, narrow phoenix eyes fixed on her. "Lin Rong, if you are obedient, I will naturally protect you."

How dare a mere member of the Wu family interfere in his family affairs?

It should be noted that Pei Zan held the military power of five prefectures and wielded immense influence, while the Wu family was in decline and had merely offered up a small, impoverished prefecture by chance when Pei Zan was waging war.

For example, the Wu family was pragmatic and knew when to advance and retreat. They had previously provided troops and supplies, offering timely help. Pei Zan remembered their kindness and relinquished one of his wives' positions to support the Wu family's descendants.

This marriage alliance with the Wu family is merely a stopgap measure to maintain stability.

It remains to be seen whether Pei Zan will allow Lady Wu to remain in the inner quarters a few years from now, given the changing circumstances.

After all, Pei Zan did not want the Wu family to become too powerful, so he would not give Wu's offspring.

Given the current turbulent situation and the critical juncture of rebellion, Pei Zan would not risk losing more than he gains by deliberately breaking off the engagement and antagonizing the Wu family.

Wu Chong was certainly not stupid; he knew that this marriage was nothing more than a favor bestowed by Pei Zan.

They dared not allow Lady Wu to act arrogantly and domineeringly in the Pei household, to manage the household affairs and control the finances.

They offered their daughters only hoping for a smooth marriage and to establish a familial alliance with Pei Zan.

If that's the case, how can a wife who has no power over the household control the concubines favored by her husband?

As long as Pei Zan protects Lin Rong, he has no fear that she will be bullied by the main wife.

Pei Zan believed he had treated Lin Rong well and arranged everything that Lin Rong was worried about properly.

Lin Rong should be deeply grateful for such kindness.

But his few words were like a bolt from the blue to Lin Rong.

Lin Rong didn't care whether Pei Zan would get married or not; what she feared was that from now on, she would be imprisoned in the inner quarters by Pei Zan and become a concubine, living her life at the mercy of the mistress and husband.

That's terrifying.

Lin Rong knew, of course, that it was because she was young and still considered pretty that she had won Pei Zan's favor.

If her beauty fades and his love wanes, Pei Zan will surely discard her like a fish eye and cherish someone else as a pearl.

A concubine who has fallen out of favor is less than a blade of grass; she will slowly wither, rot, and die in the Pei family's backyard...

She didn't believe Pei Zan's sincerity, nor did she covet his favoritism; she simply didn't want to be trapped in a wealthy family compound.

Lin Rong made up her mind that she would escape as soon as possible before Pei Zan's wife entered the house.

As all the illusions of intimacy and pleasure faded, Lin Rong came to her senses and was no longer bewitched by Pei Zan's tenderness.

The water in the bathtub had cooled down, and Lin Rong remained immersed in the pool, not daring to leave.

She thought of the snow filth left in her lower abdomen.

They didn't dare to do those things in front of Pei Zan.

Lin Rong blinked her dry almond-shaped eyes and whispered to Pei Zan, "Later, could you please trouble the young master to prepare a bowl of contraceptive soup for me?"

Pei Zan closed his eyes slightly, his gaze darkening.

Lin Rong was startled by Pei Zan's cold gaze; she didn't know what she had said that had displeased the young master.

She was uneasy, and explained softly, "I know that before the mistress enters the household, concubines and maids cannot give birth to illegitimate children first, otherwise it would be a great disrespect. I will have to make a living under the mistress in the future, so I must be careful and not break any taboos."

Lin Rong had at least served as a maid in the Pei household, and even if she was dull-witted, she knew that the mistress had not yet entered the household, so how could she possibly have given birth to illegitimate children? This was the root of all trouble for the family, and such a sycophantic woman would surely be severely punished by the mistress.

Moreover, Pei Zan is very strict and would not make an exception for the sake of a concubine.

If Lin Rong were to become pregnant by accident, he might force her to have an abortion in order to save face for his wife.

Lin Rong had witnessed how her concubine suffered an abortion; after taking a bowl of medicine, she was in so much pain that she could tear the bedding apart. How could she dare to harbor any illusions?

It's better to prepare early than to suffer later.

After all, Pei Zan had his fun, so why would he care whether she lived or died...

Lin Rong doesn't want to get pregnant, and she can't get pregnant.

Children born to concubines could only call their mothers "auntie" and had to be raised under the care of their legal mothers.

Lin Rong didn't want her child to live such a hard life. Besides, she also wanted to escape. As long as she didn't have any ties or children, she might be able to escape one day if the defenses of her home were neglected.

Lin Rong lowered her head, and her words were gentle and considerate, perfectly tactful, and even extremely thoughtful.

But for some reason, Lin Rong's determination to avoid having an heir caused Pei Zan to feel displeased.

Pei Zan praised in a cold voice: "Lin Rong, you are very well-behaved... Don't worry, I will have the physician prepare your medicine."

Lin Rong breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on her face: "Thank you, young master!"

The girl's eyes shone like stars; she was overjoyed to learn that she could drink a bowl of contraceptive soup.

Pei Zan's dark eyes gradually turned sinister as he quietly glanced at Lin Rong.

Lin Rong felt relieved. After serving Pei Zan, she planned to get up and get dressed.

Before she could climb out of the bathtub, a strong arm suddenly appeared, wrapped around Lin Rong's slender waist, and pressed her tightly back into his arms.

Water splashed everywhere.

Lin Rong suddenly sat back down on Pei Zan's lap.

She sensed something amiss and called out in confusion, "Young Master?"

Pei Zan lowered his head, turned Lin Rong's face, and forced her to tilt her head back for a kiss. The man's fierce nature was revealed, and he took her deep breath. Only when Lin Rong was panting did he raise his finger and gently stroke her moist, red lips.

Pei Zan whispered seductively, "What's the rush... It's just a bowl of contraceptive soup. You can drink your fill later."

Lin Rong's almond-shaped eyes widened in fear and unease; she understood Pei Zan's meaning.

This fellow is clearly saying that if he wants to drink soup, what difference does it make whether it's once or several times? Let him have his fill before he gets dressed and drinks his medicine.

Lin Rong wondered, somewhat confused, if Pei Zan was angry?

Before Lin Rong could figure it out, she had already been pulled into the man's arms.

Pei Zan acted ruthlessly, showing none of his previous tenderness.

This happened three times, until 1:15 AM, when Pei Zan finally felt satisfied and let Lin Rong go.

Before long, it was dawn. Pei Zan still had military affairs to attend to, so he did not stay overnight in the tent. After changing his clothes, he left the main tent.

Only Lin Rong staggered out of the cooled water.

Her legs went weak and her arms were limp; she almost collapsed to her knees.

Lin Rong took out the ointment, applied it to the finger marks on her body, and then changed into a brand new dress.

When the contraceptive soup was delivered to the tent, Lin Rong endured the bitter taste and drank it all in one gulp.

She was exhausted and decided to wash her face and go back to sleep.

But as Lin Rong stared at the basin of cold water, she suddenly became lost in thought.

Lin Rong thought of the exhilaration of riding a horse across the plains, and then of the chill of that vast, azure lake…

She couldn't swim, she was afraid of water, and she dared not hold her breath underwater, so she couldn't escape death.

If Lin Rong is a good swimmer... has she already dived into the lake? Has she evaded Pei Zan's capture? Has she already gained her freedom?

Lin Rong remained silent.

She took a deep breath, lowered her head and held it, burying her face in the water.

It was submerged in water for more than ten breaths.

Lin Rong raised her head again and struggled out of the water.

Lin Rong's hair was soaked, and glistening water droplets rolled down her cheeks. She held onto the washbasin, panting heavily.

Author's note: Tuesday's update =3=

I usually correct my words, and I refresh the page every other day.

Honey, give me a chance, don't rush me to pursue my wife yet.

I haven't written the plot yet, and I haven't finished writing it. Please let me write it slowly. (I know you'll all run away after reading this, and if I don't write it well, I'll be left alone, looking around in confusion, and getting scolded...) So don't panic!

If you're unhappy, you can leave or put it aside, it's all fine!! You don't need to tell me specifically!!! I can accept that QAQ

Let me finish writing slowly; we'll strive to make the whole book enjoyable!

Although I don't want to give away any spoilers, I can only say that there won't be any plot involving wives and concubines in the harem. You might not actually marry the wife, but this plot is very important... I won't give away any more spoilers. It's more enjoyable for everyone to keep reading. I also implore you not to guess the plot, just watch me slowly write it down. Thank you!

Finally, if you're feeling even more tired, you can check out Crispy Corner's "Pregnant with My Ex-Husband's Brother's Child" (...that one might be a bit more of a pure romance...and Pei Zan is a bit more of a stalker...).