Chapter 131 Your Highness, hold me tight in your hand!
With his back to the door, Chen Liangyu stepped into the water and immersed himself in the low elm barrel.
She avoided the wound under her ribs as much as possible, only resting her uninjured arm on the edge of the bucket. Water droplets slid down her wet, dark hair that clung to her neck and disappeared into the water.
The inner room, connected to the kitchen, occupied most of the room with a heated kang (a traditional heated platform bed). The firewood in the kang was burning brightly, making the small inner room very warm and even a little dry.
The rising steam melted most of the frost flowers that had formed on the small window in the inner room, blurring the clear profile of Chen Liangyu's face.
Xie Wenjun closed the door behind her, walked behind Chen Liangyu, and looked down at her broad and relaxed back.
She removed her heavy brocade cloak, revealing only her palace attire; the soft armor covering her was still slightly cool from the heat.
Xie Wenjun's fingers stopped on Chen Liangyu's shoulder.
Chen Liangyu's breath hitched slightly. She could clearly feel the sudden rise in temperature of her skin beneath those cool fingertips.
Chen Liangyu neither turned around nor let go of her hand.
She even leaned back slightly, making the brief, soft touch even clearer.
"Don't move."
Xie Wenjun rolled up the sleeves of her palace dress high, fastened the button loops at the edges of the sleeves, and tightened and secured the cuffs.
Xie Wenjun inserted her fingertips into Chen Liangyu's hair, sometimes pressing hard on acupoints, and sometimes gently scratching, lightly brushing over the sensitive area above her temples and ears.
Even following that hidden spot behind the ear all the way down, almost touching the water's surface.
Chen Liangyu leaned back comfortably, letting out a satisfied groan.
When Xie Wenjun massaged the back of Chen Liangyu's neck, her fingertips inevitably brushed against that unusually sensitive indentation.
The curves that lift the shoulder blades undulate on the water's surface.
"Hmm!"
A suppressed groan escaped uncontrollably from Chen Liangyu's tightly pursed lips, short and deep, with a hint of startled hoarseness.
Xie Wenjun was too familiar with this body; she handled it with ease.
The house was dimly lit, with only a small window covered with thick, rough paper letting in a hazy glimmer of sunlight. A sliver of flickering firelight pierced through the crack in the kitchen door, casting blurry shadows on the muddy floor.
The dimness blurred the boundaries just right, but suddenly sharpened the senses.
Xie Wenjun could even clearly feel the instantaneous tension in Chen Liangyu's back muscles, and her heart pounding just as fast as his own.
"Is Your Highness doing well in Yongdu?"
"It's alright."
If it's okay, then it's not really good.
Chen Liangyu said, "Yongdu has dispatched the Jianren Division to keep an eye on our movements. The Emperor has already become suspicious, and there will eventually be a confrontation."
Xie Wenjun said calmly, "This day will come sooner or later."
Xie Wenjun picked up the gourd ladle and scooped up some warm water.
The water didn't pour straight down, but rather flowed slowly from Chen Liangyu's head, following Xie Wenjun's wrist movements with a deliberate, gentle flow.
The sound of dripping water masked some subtle noises.
Chen Liangyu's fingernails dug even whiter against the rim of the elm barrel.
She said, “The Emperor has no capable people around him. Indeed, there are many officials, but very few talented people who can support the country and govern the world. The Emperor once wanted to appoint Yan Bo as prime minister.”
Xie Wenjun said, "You also think it's time to send someone to the Emperor's side."
Chen Liangyu nodded.
"In your opinion, who should be sent to the Emperor's side?"
Chen Liangyu said, “Of my maternal grandfather’s four students, my father and Uncle Lin have passed away, and Yan Boning would rather hide in a remote and harsh place to repair the river than get involved in the court’s disputes. Only Jiang Bojin still has a breath left. Jiang Bojin is arrogant and boastful, but now he is crippled and has been living in the wilderness for many years. His arrogance has been worn away. It is not impossible for him to wholeheartedly serve Your Highness.”
Xie Wenjun said, "This person has no father or mother, no children, and acts as he pleases. He is not fit for any important task."
"He's very concerned about his image."
"Is the monk Jingjue from Taihuang Temple in Your Highness's hands?"
Chen Liangyu reached into his military uniform draped over the earthen bed and pulled out a piece of paper. "The monk Jingjue's secular name was Zhushan. He was originally a wine seller. During the Rebellion of the Five Kings, he was forcibly conscripted into the army by Prince Fengde. Later, he was promoted by Jiang Bojin to be his deputy general. He is also the only one of Jiang Bojin's four deputy generals who is still alive."
The records were not difficult to find, but the years were too long. Chen Liangyu asked someone to look through military registers from twenty or thirty years ago before he found the record of the monk Jingjue having served in the army.
"If Your Highness truly finds Jiang Bojin unfit for service, why detain the monk Jingjue?"
The bodies of the missing imperial guards were found at the foot of the cliff behind Taihuang Temple. The case was not difficult to solve, and Yongdu quickly posted a reward notice. However, the monk Jingjue was still nowhere to be found.
In Yongdu, it wasn't hard to guess who could hide the monk Jingjue so well. However, no one dared to search his residence or question him.
Xie Yuan was also wary of this.
Xie Wenjun reached out, but instead of touching her, she gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Chen Liangyu's forehead with a tenderness that bordered on pity.
"You can't hide it from me."
That was exactly what she meant.
Send Jiang Bojin to Xie Yuan's side.
Chen Liangyu always shared her sentiments and insights.
“But this person is difficult to use. He is unpredictable and not one of our trusted confidants. I dare not use him recklessly.”
“I have a way to make Jiang Bojin obey Your Highness’s orders.”
Chen Liangyu sat up a little and said, "Your Highness, we are essentially the same kind of people."
She understood the myriad thoughts and complexities within her heart, and knew the intricacies of her inner world. She was used by her, and she was also used by her.
There's no need for them to be so wary of each other.
Xie Wenjun understood that she was trying to comfort Chen Liangyu for asking an unnecessary question so early in the morning. She poured a gourd of warm water down Chen Liangyu's wet back and long hair.
The water flowed slowly down the grooves of Chen Liangyu's neck and shoulder blades, clinging to the skin of his lower back, winding out an ambiguous wet trail.
An uncontrollable heat surged up from deep within my body.
Chen Liangyu's throat bobbed, and the fingers resting on the rim of the bucket curled slightly.
"Your Highness..."
Her voice was hoarse, carrying a languid quality born from some kind of burning desire. She tilted her head slightly, and her damp hair slipped down with the movement, revealing a small section of her gracefully shaped neck.
Xie Wenjun's gaze was involuntarily drawn to that section of skin. Her fingertips, as if possessing their own will, reached out and brushed across that smooth skin, wiping away the water droplets on Chen Liangyu's neck.
Instead of removing her hand, she traced it along her smooth, warm back, straight down to her tight lower back.
"I told you not to move!"
Xie Wenjun ordered him to lean closer.
Chen Liangyu could clearly feel the person behind him getting closer.
Her waist instinctively shrank inward, and she turned her head quickly, almost instinctively.
Chen Liangyu grabbed Xie Wenjun's slender wrist, causing water to splash and wet the front of her palace dress.
Her hand tightened suddenly.
The sudden force caught Xie Wenjun off guard, and her body was pulled forward.
Water droplets dripped down Xie Wenjun's wrist and landed on Chen Liangyu's collarbone, causing a slight shiver.
In the dim light, their eyes suddenly met.
Xie Wenjun saw Chen Liangyu's exceptionally smooth and firm waistline in the dim light of the heated kang room, and the smile in her eyes that was a mixture of surprise and understanding.
An ambiguous atmosphere instantly exploded in the small, steamy space.
Chen Liangyu slowly, very slowly, loosened her grip on Xie Wenjun's wrist, but her hand did not completely withdraw. Instead, it slid slowly upwards along Xie Wenjun's smooth forearm with a teasing, probing force.
It eventually settled on the inside of her slightly cool elbow.
The thin calluses on my fingertips gently circled over that delicate, sensitive skin.
This silent groping is more invasive than the previous grip.
Chen Liangyu finally turned around and faced her directly. Her eyes gleamed with an undisguised desire to possess her.
Then, Xie Wenjun plunged into the water amidst a sudden splash.
Chen Liangyu kissed him urgently and deeply.
The gold thread binding her body had been removed at some point and was left on the ground outside the elm barrel.
Compared to the hot springs in the palace, this wooden tub was far too small to accommodate two people bathing together.
They could only cling to each other and wrap themselves up tightly.
"Your Highness."
Chen Liangyu held her waist tightly, his voice low as a whisper.
"...Do you want to?"
Xie Wenjun responded to her.
“Ah Li, I really want to…” Xie Wenjun looked up, “…I really want to hold you in my hands forever.”
"good."
Chen Liangyu turned her head slightly, her warm lips almost brushing against Xie Wenjun's slightly undulating collarbone.
A layer of wheat straw was laid on the earthen kang (heated brick bed). On top of the straw, a newly made indigo-printed goose down quilt was piled fluffily at the end of the kang.
The bedding was spread out, and Xie Wenjun was pushed down onto it.
The soaked palace dress fabric was piled up on the rim of the elm barrel, half-submerged in water.
The earthen bed was heated, and a dry, warm current wafted over my face.
Chen Liangyu stood high above, her hair still damp, the dripping water droplets cool. She stopped a step away, her gaze fixed intently on Xie Wenjun.
Then he placed his hand in Xie Wenjun's palm and asked her to hold it tightly.
"Your Highness, hold it in your hand, hold me tight."
When cool water drips onto the nape of your neck, the coolness spreads along your skin.
Xie Wenjun curled her fingertips slightly.
Her gaze unconsciously followed the water droplet sliding down, watching it leave a small damp patch on her warm skin.
She gripped that hand tightly, pulled Chen Liangyu towards herself, and cradled half of her cheek.
Chen Liangyu was tightly held in Xie Wenjun's hand, their palms clasped together, but it was clear that Xie Wenjun was the one being controlled and manipulated.
She was willing to be briefly controlled by Chen Liangyu.
Go and be with her.
"Ah Li, come closer."
Closer still not enough! Xie Wenjun put one hand on her neck and stroked the hollow of her neck.
Chen Liangyu kissed her, his body involuntarily pressing against hers.
The straw rustled against the down comforter, like the soft sound of wind blowing through a haystack.
...
The tangible heat burned Chen Liangyu's skin inch by inch.
She felt a little dizzy.
Chen Liangyu did not make any further excessive moves, but maintained a detached posture, touching her again and again, and then leaving.
"Has Your Highness missed me these past few days?"
The warmth of the heated kang seemed to make the chill of the North feel even thicker.
Chen Liangyu's physique possesses a perfect balance of strength and wildness honed on the battlefield.
Her body temperature was suffocating.
The fingertips were sticky. "Your Highness, you missed me."
Her voice had an almost seductive magnetism: "Your Highness, tell me, tell me."
Xie Wenjun's gaze lingered on Chen Liangyu's shoulders and neck. "I miss you so much," she said, her breathing ragged and drawn out. "I think of you day and night."
The air inside was so cold and dry that it was suffocating.
Chen Liangyu propped herself up on her elbow and brushed aside Xie Wenjun's wet hair that clung to her face. That almost imperceptible touch made Xie Wenjun pale with fear more than any direct assault.
"Don't do that."
Xie Wenjun's eyes were wet, and she closed them, saying, "Don't be like this, A-Li."
Chen Liangyu asked, "What else?" She still refused to sneak in.
She chuckled lightly, "I did nothing."
Chen Liangyu didn't pause at all, as if she hadn't heard. But her fingertips lingered there longer, applying even less pressure, yet carrying an undeniable possessiveness.
She looked down at Xie Wenjun with her eyes lowered.
Water droplets dripped from the ends of Chen Liangyu's hair.
Xie Wenjun felt as if she had been gently pinched, her breath catching for a moment before she slowly let go, leaving a cool and refreshing aftertaste.
Xie Wenjun finally slowly opened her eyes. The moisture blurred her vision, but her dark eyes accurately captured Chen Liangyu, who was standing right in front of her.
Her hair was disheveled, wet, and slightly curled, and her clean face now looked graceful and alluring.
Her eyes held the limpidity of autumn water, her gaze rippled with clear waves.
Xie Wenjun deeply loved the woman before him. Even though she was currently plotting something malicious and refused to give him a proper resolution.
Xie Wenjun raised his hand and grabbed Chen Liangyu's neck, pulling her down and pressing his lips to hers, demanding a kiss.
In the instant Chen Liangyu's consciousness relaxed, Xie Wenjun disregarded everything, grabbed Chen Liangyu's buttocks, and forced her into penetration...
Chen Liangyu: "..." That's bold.
Xie Wenjun's hands were often holding books; they were slender and delicate, yet a faint crescent-shaped callus remained at the base of her ring finger, worn from the pen. When she gripped Chen Liangyu's hand, the force she exerted was unexpectedly firm.
The love of youth is like a sudden gust of wind within the palace walls. She once tiptoed after it, reaching out to grasp it, but only grasped emptiness between her fingers. That gust of wind swirled through the palace path and disappeared.
At the time, it was just a mirage, vanishing in an instant.
Little did they know that the joy hidden in their eyes and brows had already been silently and deeply ingrained in their very bones.
At that moment, she finally caught her.
This time, the wind stopped, and the people were still there.
The heat from the heated kang (a traditional heated brick bed) rose up from beneath her, making the surrounding temperature seem to rise suddenly. Mixed with the body heat close to her, the gradually quickening rhythm caused a thin layer of sweat to appear on Xie Wenjun's temples and shoulders.
“Ah Li…”
“Ah Li.”
...
She called the name over and over again, as if she wanted to shout out all the words of her life.
The straw stalks rustled softly beneath them, their sound amplified in the cramped, dimly lit space.
Xie Wenjun's thoughts gradually became blurred and blank.
She tilted her head back and raised her waist.
The moment the string snapped completely, Chen Liangyu hugged her even tighter, letting Xie Wenjun bury her face in his neck and sob softly.
Author's note: Thank you for reading this far!
Please take my song back to your home, and please leave your nutrient solution behind.
The chapter is locked. It's 10:40 PM. This is the first time I'm revising the text!
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At 3:30 a.m., the third revision of the document
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At 9:40 AM, the fifth revision of the document.
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Stop locking it, it's beyond repair. If you lock it any longer, the plot will become disjointed. Deleting one sentence requires rewriting a whole paragraph to make the story coherent. Let's stop here!
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