Chapter 18 Reward: "Your looks are not bad, why not become my concubine..."

This guess came to Jiang Xu's mind almost naturally, leading him to imagine even more scenes that could not be known to others.

Such a delicate and beautiful voice, if it were in another dream, it would be just as intoxicating, right?

His breathing became slightly heavier without him realizing it, but in an instant, he returned to his considerate demeanor. "Your body needs some care. Perhaps taking the medicine will alleviate some of the discomfort." Just then, a guard came in to deliver the medicine.

It was Jing Yin; Shi Wan was now quite familiar with him.

The medicine cup was in Jiang Xu's hands. The rising medicinal aroma wafted through the bed curtains. After a short while, Shi Wan's vision brightened slightly. The curtains were removed, and she could see the person in front of her carefully blowing on the cup to cool it down.

It was as if they were dealing with something extremely precious.

This realization undoubtedly put Shi Wan in a much better mood, and she said in a slightly raised tone, "Let the medicine cool down for now."

"What's wrong?" Jiang Xu suddenly looked over. "Are you afraid of taking the medicine?"

Shi Wan was surprised by how thorough this person's investigation was, and she was momentarily embarrassed. "Wh-what?" Seeing him feed her the medicine, she subconsciously took half a spoonful into her mouth and swallowed the medicine.

Unaware that in Jiang Xu's eyes, her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she had a somewhat guilty expression, which was quite different from her usual demeanor.

The medicine, though dark in color, strangely smudged the woman's lips, giving them a touch of life, as if she had suddenly come to life from a painting.

Jiang Xu stopped looking again.

This time, the two were also very close.

Having even done the most intimate things like lips touching, they gradually lost some sense of safety.

It seemed that even their breaths had been exchanged several times without them realizing it.

After asking so many questions and going back and forth several times, the man was losing patience, but he still persevered. "How can you get better if you don't take your medicine?" He looked up, staring into Shi Wan's eyes, and pushed the spoon forward a few inches. "Drink some more."

"Or... do you perhaps want me to feed you?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Wan quickly looked away, subconsciously focusing on his lower lip, but her thoughts involuntarily drifted far away.

She had already started the conversation, but the other person didn't get the point, so it wasn't really her fault, was it?

If nightmares were to come true, it would be even more terrifying, hence this matter...

Coming to her senses, she quickly shook her head. "I was feeling a bit weak just now, so I didn't want to take my medicine so soon." After speaking, she quickly took the medicine cup and drank it in small sips. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

If Jiang Xu really gets into trouble, it has nothing to do with her.

It wasn't her place to save them.

Taking care of yourself is the most important thing.

......

*

The eminent monk Xuanmin had passed through Jichuan a few days prior and had since been detained at Yun'an Temple. Under the guise of a brief rest and hospitality, it was in reality nothing more than a disguised form of house arrest.

However, the monks at the temple treated him with great courtesy, and Xuanmin knew that the fault did not lie there, so the two sides got along peacefully for several days.

This morning, a bald-headed guard came to see him and said that their king wanted to see him.

"The King"?

In the entire north, there is probably only one person who deserves such a title.

Almost the instant Xuanmin thought this, there was a gentle knock on the door, followed by a short knock before the door was opened from the inside.

Jiang Xu wore a light blue straight robe with a plain white satin ribbon tied around his waist, which accentuated his temperament, but it was undoubtedly not in line with his usual attire.

His cool-toned clothes made his features appear even more profound; upon closer inspection, he possessed both the elegance of a scholar and the agility of a warrior.

It could be said that the moment the other party entered dressed like this, Xuanmin already understood what he was up to.

Compared to other thugs, this guy at least put on a disguise, but that was all.

Coming to his senses, Xuanmin stood up and bowed, "I have long admired the name of the Prince of Jingbei."

Jiang Xu invited him to sit down and got straight to the point: "I have often heard of your deeds, Buddha. Since it is the summer retreat, I thought of killing two birds with one stone and invited you to have a chat."

It is now late May, the perfect time for the monks to settle in the temple and practice.

Where you practice, isn't it all the same?

Jiang Xu's smile became even warmer. "Aside from Linghua Temple in Luoyang, Nanyuan, there is Yun'an Temple in Jichuan. However, the scenery here is pleasant, the distance is short, and there are hardly any insects or ants."

"That way you won't break the precepts." He coaxed patiently, his words full of thoughtful consideration for the other party. After laying the groundwork, he said, "I am so sincere, I wonder if the Buddhist disciple can feel it?"

To describe the act of robbery—directly blocking the road and placing someone under house arrest—in such an artistic way...

This Prince Jingbei...

He doesn't seem to be as physically aggressive as the rumors suggest.

They are quite eloquent and flattering.

Xuanmin returned the greeting and said, "Amitabha." After speaking, he remained silent.

Jiang Xu had heard his subordinates' report beforehand and had anticipated this situation, but his patience only lasted for a few words. Now that he had finished persuading them, he immediately wanted to use his old tricks again.

The people of Nanyuan revere Taoism, and countless Taoist priests have followed one after another, openly declaring it to be the orthodox religion.

If no one challenges him, wouldn't he be at a disadvantage?

It's just that this bald guy doesn't know what's good for him.

Inside, no one spoke for a long time.

After a moment, Jiang Xu said, "Buddha has a well-thought-out plan, but the road to Nanyuan is far too long."

"Instead of making a fuss, it's better to settle down in Jichuan and set off again when summer ends."

What do you think, Buddhist disciple?

Although the other party spoke kindly, they would absolutely not let them pass.

Xuanmin knew what was going on. After pausing for two breaths, he finally said, "Who in the North doesn't know the King's compassionate heart?"

He extended his hand in a curtsy, saying, "In that case, this humble monk will trouble you."

*

In early June, the air in Jichuan was filled with the smell of dust after being exposed to the sun, and there was a hint of dryness.

Since Shi Wan fainted at Yun'an Temple, she has enjoyed special treatment upon returning to her residence.

He not only took great care of his food, clothing, and lodging, but even those servants who used to make sarcastic remarks to amuse him never appeared before him again.

Her thoughts returned, and she stared at the man who was blowing on her medicine to cool it down, softening her tone as she said, "Your Majesty is very busy, why don't you go and attend to your duties?"

That way, I won't have to be around her all the time, just watching her drink her medicine.

Jiang Xu's expression remained unchanged. "This box has been here for almost half a day. Aren't you going to open it and take a look?"

Shi Wan followed his gaze and saw the ancient bronze box. She vaguely remembered the loud thud it made when the guards carried it into the house.

Such heavy gold jewelry would require her to secretly send someone to exchange it.

Shi Wan said in a soft voice, "The things bestowed by His Majesty are naturally of the highest quality."

"I reckon these things, when converted to cash, are worth more than a thousand gold pieces, right?"

Both of her words were flattering, but to Jiang Xu, they now sounded agreeable.

"Since you know I care about you, you should let me reap some benefits sooner rather than later." He leisurely finished feeding her the last mouthful of medicine, and before Shi Wan could swallow, he gently wiped her lips with his thumb.

A brief touch between their fingertips sent a jolt of electricity through them.

This person suddenly appeared, changing into a bamboo-green robe with silver intertwined branches, as if he had deliberately dressed up for some purpose.

But... what major events have happened recently?

Seeing Shi Wan's blushing face, Jiang Xu felt even more pleased with himself.

His guess was right!

Wan'er had feelings for him, and her feelings were quite deep.

Not only do we spend every day together, but I also dream about him.

Jiang Xu felt even better when he thought about her admission a few days ago.

He did indeed dress up deliberately today, for her.

At first, Wan'er seemed to be still in low spirits and didn't notice this, which frustrated and surprised him.

Fortunately, he managed to get her attention back by using a little trick.

At this moment, Wan'er's gaze was quite direct, as if it carried a heat that could ignite everything. With the blinking of her eyelashes, it swirled from her face, spread to the surroundings, and then stopped at a certain point.

Jiang Xu seemed to sense something and gently pressed his back molars.

Instinctively, the body exhibited some disgraceful reactions.

Shi Wan had been paying close attention to Jiang Xu's every move, and at this moment, she almost immediately realized that something was wrong.

Unexpectedly, her hair stood on end, and her heartbeat slowed down.

She tried to cover her tracks, feigning ignorance as she asked, "Your Majesty, are all the items in these boxes a gift to me?"

Jiang Xu kept looking at Wan'er.

But this time, he suddenly grew tired of this ambiguity.

If you have feelings for him, why have you been playing hard to get?

The man's tone was ambiguous, even carrying a hint of displaced anger that he himself was unaware of: "Aren't you short of money?"

When given a reward tailored to her tastes, Wan'er could only see these inanimate objects.

The most important person is being left out in the cold, while they pretend to be stupid.

If it weren't for the fact that she hadn't yet recovered...

Jiang Xu slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, trying to suppress certain reactions in his body.

Even though he had suspected it before, Jiang Xu was still filled with frustration when the fact was presented to him again.

As a result, there was also some inexplicable resentment.

If he were penniless and just a pauper, then Wan'er would definitely choose someone else.

That really shows they have a clear purpose.

"Since you're so short of money, how about I show you a way out?" Before Shi Wan could answer, he said, half-jokingly, "It's only natural for a man to spend money on his woman."

"Come and become my concubine?"