Chapter 4 004 Watching him like a monkey
All she could see was the four-poster bed overhead. The man beside her was leaning down, sucking on her breasts, a tingling, itchy sensation spreading through her. The shoulder strap around her neck loosened, and his large hand pulled off her undergarments. She felt a cool sensation on his chest, and before she could react, his broad chest covered hers. It was as hard as stone, yet it radiated a fiery heat, not the heat of a stove, but a warm heat with an intense inner fire that Qingli found irresistible.
The strong, powerful heartbeat in her chest was clearly transmitted to Qingli, making her heart tighten as well. Hearing the sound of someone leaning over to listen at the door, she buried her face in her shoulder shyly.
Soon, the footsteps faded away, and she couldn't make out what they were saying down there, it was just a buzzing sound. But she could clearly feel the tense muscles of the person on top of her relax. Before Qingli could think anything, her lips were captured and sucked, occasionally lingering on her neck and earlobes. How could Qingli withstand such a strong attack? Her body had already gone limp.
The large, mischievous hand was still stroking her back, causing Qingli to tremble slightly. In her attempt to dodge, she unconsciously moved forward, perfectly fitting into his broad and strong chest. The other large hand slid down, supporting her soft and slender waist and pressing her into his embrace, as if he wanted to peel off her skin and bones and melt her into his body.
Qingli felt that the night was too hot to bear, which completely disrupted her usually calm mind. Like a delicate flower being hit by a storm, she had no control over her own life. Her throat was dry and burning, and she could only think about what else she could do. She couldn't help but bite her shoulder and found that the muscles were getting stronger and stronger. Her teeth ached from the effort, and she finally couldn't help but sob.
She couldn't deny that the physical pleasure she was experiencing at this moment had surpassed anything she had felt before, causing her to subconsciously resist it.
As if realizing she was distracted, he launched into another intense, relentless attack. His voice was sweet and soft, echoing in the narrow space of the four-poster bed, but it was not enough to evoke any pity from the person on top of him. It was as if the subterranean fire, boiling beneath the frozen layer, had finally broken through all the barriers and was about to unleash its destructive power to the fullest.
Qingli's consciousness was hazy, and she only felt captured by the wolf-like eyes, but in the end, she could not resist the exhaustion and slowly fell into sleep.
The east wing was pitch black. All the soldiers on the bunk were waiting silently with their eyes open. A small, crisp sound rang out, and the atmosphere in the room tensed. Qi Zhaoxin immediately got up and stood at the window. He used the tip of his knife to peek out through a crack. He saw the person who had come and waved behind him. Someone went to open the door to greet him.
The room was dark, and the bright moonlight filled the entire room. After getting used to the darkness, it was still possible to see clearly. Everyone on the communal bed sat up. Someone took over Qi Zhaoxin's job, and Qi Zhaoxin turned to look at Meng Qingshan. His tall figure cast a large shadow, and his face was hidden in the darkness, but there was something strange about him.
"Why are you only getting back now?"
Even the sounds of catching thieves inside the Prince of Dingxi's mansion had stopped, so Qi Zhaoxin had to ask anxiously.
"Something came up and I was delayed."
The reply was concise and to the point, even implying a reluctance to speak. Meng Qingshan lowered his eyes, his heart churning with a sense of unease and oppression, as if a bucket of water had been poured over a raging fire. The flames only waned for a moment before unleashing a torrent of energy that burned his heart with pain.
"Have you found it?"
"No."
"That's impossible." The message was brought back by scouts. They've been laying the groundwork for so long; could they have already alerted the enemy? That would be bad.
Meng Qingshan sat down on the stool and said, "Rongde has entered the door, but time is too tight."
Qi Zhaoxin breathed a long sigh of relief. They had signed a life-or-death agreement, determined to catch the suspect red-handed. If they failed the first time, it would only be more difficult next time.
Qi Zhaoxin suddenly slapped his forehead. "The Prince of Dingxi came tonight and said that officials from various territories would come to the mansion tomorrow to invite you, and you have already agreed."
The fact that the Prince of Dingxi came to the east wing to check on them, despite the thieves' presence inside the mansion, suggests that he was suspicious of them. Seeing that they were staying safely in the room, he said a few words to them. Meng Qingshan, who stepped forward to talk to them, was actually a servant in disguise.
The next day, Qingli was awakened by the dazzling sunlight. After a long and deep sleep, she lazily stretched and turned over before sitting up. However, the movement was too large, causing her brows to furrow. Jiang Yue heard the noise and came into the room, quickly pouring warm water and handing it to her. Qingli took a small sip, her voice slightly hoarse, "What time is it?"
"Madam, it's dawn."
Qingli was taken aback. She hadn't gotten up this late in a long time, but the warm sun bathed the room, making it bright and making her feel a little more relaxed. She suddenly felt lazy and lay back down, moving much more gently. This time, she didn't feel so uncomfortable.
Jiang Yue smiled gently, "Madam, shall we serve the meal now?"
Qingli has a small appetite and doesn't eat much. She didn't feel hungry, so she waved her hand and said in a slightly coquettish tone, "Jiang Yue, I don't want to eat. Let me lie down for a while longer."
When Jiang Yue got up to check, her dark eyelashes were already drooping, and she was sleeping peacefully. The warm light swept across her pink face, making it look moist and rosy. Her nose was straight, and her rosy lips were pouting. Jiang Yue tiptoed out and happened to run into Jiang Zhao, who was carrying hot water. The two greeted each other, and Jiang Yue asked Jiang Zhao to put the water aside. They went down the stairs hand in hand.
"Is Madam still not awake?" Jiang Zhao looked up and was pulled by Jiang Yue. If the Princess Consort found out that Madam was not awake by this time, she would probably be scolded again. He whispered, "She's awake, but she's fallen asleep again. She finally gets a chance to relax, so don't disturb her."
Jiang Zhao felt stifled living here, with everything done according to the rules. His wife was being bullied by those people and had been silent every day. When she finally mustered up a temper, she was more than willing to sit down with Jiang Yue on a stool and watch her do her embroidery. But she couldn't hold back her anger and muttered, "It would be better to go back to the manor."
The embroidery was suddenly thrown into the basket. Jiang Yue's eyes widened, and she glared at Jiang Zhao for a long time before gritting her teeth and saying, "Are you trying to kill Madam?!"
Pointing his finger at Jiang Zhao's head, he said with exasperation, "Back then, you abandoned the madam so quietly and exchanged her for a high-ranking official position and a generous salary. You can see what that meant. Why are you still rushing to do this? Besides, the madam is eager to reunite with her family. As her servants, we must not lose our resolve. If you want to go back, wait until the day we inform the madam, and she will send you back."
Jiang Zhao realized he had spoken out of turn, and grabbed Jiang Yue's sleeves with both hands, explaining cautiously, "I didn't intend to go back; I'm with Madam."
Seeing that Jiang Yue's expression wasn't so gloomy, he muttered, "It's just that she's always so sweet-talking, but when things go wrong, it's always the lady who has to bear the burden herself. It's disheartening."
Sweet words are everywhere.
Jiang Yue let out a long sigh, tinged with sadness. Both of them thought of the past, knowing that turning back was not a good idea, and that it was better for the lady to keep moving forward silently.
Laughter, clattering, and splashing water followed. Jiang Yue twitched her brows, tugged at Jiang Zhao's hand, and whispered, "Never mind. If you can lure them over there, we'll have an easy time."
Jiang Zhao also agreed, but he despised the methods of Madam Ling in the backyard. She sent a little maid to eavesdrop on the walls all day long. Last night, she made a scene half the night to catch a thief. After the matter was settled, the Prince of Dingxi came as instructed, but unexpectedly ran into Madam Ling, who was taking Ye Shangxue, at the corner. In the end, he coaxed her back to the courtyard. What Ye Shangxue? She didn't have such leisure and elegance.
Qingli had slept well, her face was fair and rosy, and she was incomparably beautiful. For lunch, the main kitchen made chicken soup wontons, and the aroma filled the air. She ate ten in one go, and her belly became round. She felt warm all over and suddenly asked, "When did the prince leave?"
Jiang Zhao and Jiang Yue paused for a moment. They didn't have the habit of keeping an eye on the backyard. They estimated for a moment, "Chen Shi (7-9 AM)."
Although Qingli asked, she didn't pay attention, nor did she notice the difference. Thinking of the commotion last night, she asked, "Did they catch the thief?"
"Probably not."
"Let's be careful these days and avoid going to deserted places." She was digesting her food in the house when she heard voices coming from downstairs, so she stopped.
"The Princess Consort has decreed that all ladies should come to Fanghua Palace this evening." It was Qiu Zhi, the Princess Consort's head maid, who spoke in an imperious manner. Ying Shui and Ying Yue responded respectfully, followed by the sound of Ying Shui going upstairs.
Jiang Yue deftly went to choose a dress. Since the local officials had brought their families to pay their respects, they could not outshine the princess. She changed into a willow-green pleated skirt and wore a jade snow lotus hairpin with a concentric bun hairstyle, which was fashionable at the time. The simple and clear hair made her stunning beauty less seductive. When she raised her eyes, she still made people gasp.
Qingli only brought Jiang Zhao with her. Seeing the bright lights ahead, she slowed down and her palms became sweaty. When she entered Fanghua Palace, she saw Qiu Zhi waiting on the side. Qiu Zhi looked a little impatient. She walked up to her, slightly bent her knees, and then raised her head and said arrogantly, "There are many guests at the moment. Madam, you should wait in the side hall."
Qiu despised the concubine's despicable methods and snorted coldly, but when she touched the concubine's face, her stunning beauty made her lose some of her arrogance.
Qingli glanced at him coldly, then turned and left. Qiu Zhi suddenly felt half of his body go numb. It was as if what he was so proud of was completely disdainful in her eyes. She was inexplicably indifferent. After a long while, she went to the main house with mixed feelings.
The side hall only had candlesticks burning in the corner, and no brazier was placed there. It was impossible to sit still inside. Qingli knew that this was just a way for the princess to torment her. She looked down on her but also hated her intensely. Sometimes she wondered how long the princess could endure it and what else she could do.
"Go back to Peach Blossom Pavilion and get a hand warmer." After leaving the side hall, there was a back door leading to the backyard. She was holding a hand warmer in her hands, but Jiang Zhao didn't have one. She took Jiang Zhao's hand, and it was already cold.
"How could I leave you here alone?"
Qingli chuckled lightly, her laughter short and sly. "Why did you leave us here, silly girl? Go on, or you'll get sick."
Jiang Zhao tilted his head and suddenly realized that the reason they were left here was simply to suffer, though nothing serious would happen. He told her to wait there and quickly stepped into the twilight.
Qingli looked around and walked to a round chair by the window. It was far from the candlesticks, and when she sat down, she was almost plunged into darkness. Looking out the window, she could see the vast sky. The crescent moon was hanging overhead, and the stars swayed and filled the sky. The twinkling starlight was shimmering, and the swaying branches cast dappled shadows. Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed by, and she immediately sat up straight.
Suddenly remembering the thief from yesterday, she couldn't help but feel nervous. All she could hear here was the lingering sound of music from the main hall. She figured she wouldn't even be able to shout before she was about to lose her life. She hesitated between running out to shout and trying to save herself.
"Oh no!" Jiang Zhao had just stepped out the door when the thief headed straight for the backyard.
Qingli's legs went weak for a moment, but she pushed open the door and went out. The hairpin pattern in her sleeve, which was digging into her hand, gave her a little courage. She chased after the dark figure and watched him jump into the Princess's courtyard. Then she hid in the rockery next to him. Her heart was pounding. She took two deep breaths and comforted herself that as long as she guessed that Jiang Zhao could go back, she would leave quietly.
The artificial cave was drafty. Qingli had left in such a hurry that she had left her cloak in the side hall. Her hands and feet were already a little stiff, but the rush of blood brought her excitement. She knew her own abilities and was not so righteous as to risk her life for the Prince's mansion. She just needed to wait quietly. She hoped that he could quietly amass wealth and then leave the Prince's mansion.
Watching him leap between different courtyards, she actually chuckled softly, a low, genuine joy. Her eyes shone brightly as she watched him like a monkey in the darkness. She was curious about what he wanted. Soon, he turned back and jumped into the princess's courtyard. Qingli heard a series of rapid footsteps and hid herself further into the cave.
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