Chapter 3 Extra 1: The Couple's Relationship Mode (Part 2)
They traveled north, both wearing summer dresses and light shirts when they set off, adding layers as they went. By the time they reached Xiangcheng, it was nearly September, with clear skies and crisp air, though slightly chilly in the mornings and evenings.
Bai Hua sent a letter to Xiangcheng in advance, but the journey was long and difficult. Even though her best friend Gu Junman knew the date of her departure, it was hard to estimate the exact date they would arrive.
Bai Hua was thrilled to be reunited with her best friend whom she hadn't seen for many years. She eagerly awaited the journey, and now she was about to enter the city.
At this moment, my feelings are actually the most complicated.
Bai Hua wondered if the two would feel awkward when they met again, and whether they would still be as close as before. To describe this complex emotion, it might be similar to feeling apprehensive about returning home.
The carriage slowed down as it followed the long line of people to enter the city for inspection.
Xiangcheng is a border fortress and a key border defense location. Routine checks upon entering the city are much stricter. Compared to other cities where entry is more casual, the procedures for entering Xiangcheng are much more complicated.
For example, pedestrians' backpacks and bags must be checked one by one, and travelers in horse-drawn carriages must disembark and walk into the city. Their chests and boxes must also be opened and inspected to prevent thieves and criminals from taking advantage of them.
The line is still long, and it will obviously take some time before we get to them.
Bai Hua sat in the carriage, opened the curtain and looked into the distance. She saw the two characters "Xiangcheng" carved on the blue stone plaque at the top of the city gate. The characters were as clear as if they had been carved by a knife and axe. The strokes were like long spears sweeping across the land. It was both solemn and majestic, yet it also conveyed the desolation of the border region.
The city bricks and gates before us have withstood a century of wind and rain, stained with the blood of generations of border guards, and still stand strong today.
Bai Hua couldn't help but feel a deep sense of respect.
As they approached, Bai Hua, not wanting to be treated specially, was about to get out of the carriage for inspection when the soldiers at the city gate saw them through the carriage curtain. After glancing at them briefly, they were surprisingly accommodating and let them pass directly.
Bai Hua was filled with confusion and looked around but could not find Junman anywhere.
Just as they were hesitating, several soldiers dressed in armor and wearing bronze helmets appeared out of nowhere and stood in front of the carriage.
The other party treated them very politely and led them to a pavilion to rest. The leading soldier told them, "The general's wife has instructed that if distinguished guests enter the city, please rest here. Please wait a moment, and the lady will be here soon."
Bai Hua sat in the carriage, turned her head, and asked in confusion, "How did you recognize us as distinguished guests?"
The sergeant bowed slightly and replied truthfully, "My surname is Kong, but you may call me Sergeant Kong, Madam. The General's wife instructed us to pay close attention to carriages coming from the south. If the passengers are a young man and a young woman, and they are both handsome and have an impressive bearing, they are distinguished guests to be welcomed. Just now, you two were being routinely checked at the city gate. I knew at a glance that you two must be the guests that Madam wanted to welcome, so I came to greet you while sending someone back to the General's mansion to inform Madam."
Upon hearing this, Bai Hua said, "Actually, there's no need for a special announcement. Going directly to the General's Mansion would save us a lot of trouble."
The sergeant looked somewhat troubled: "We can only obey the orders of the General's wife. Please wait here patiently."
After saying that, he instructed his men to bring some good tea.
Bai Hua saw this and thought to herself, "Junman is really living a grand life as a general's wife; her words carry weight."
She and Ning Jue exchanged a glance and reached a consensus to get off the car.
The two got out of the car and took the opportunity to stretch their legs and backs.
During this period, she and Ning Jue spent most of their time in the train carriage. To be honest, she was almost sick of the train rides. It wasn't because she felt uncomfortable that she wanted to vomit, but because she was completely fed up with the feeling of being jostled around.
If she hadn't learned to ride a horse beforehand, and occasionally galloped along with Ning Jue when the weather was nice, she really didn't know how she would have endured this long journey.
It's been so long since I've felt this sense of grounded stability.
After a short while, Gu Junman hurriedly arrived at the teahouse.
Upon seeing Bai Hua, she was overjoyed, her eyes shining even brighter. However, she didn't rush over in a panic. Instead, she looked at Bai Hua and hesitated for a moment.
The two looked at each other calmly for a moment, then Bai Hua stood up from her seat and waved to Gu Junman with a smile.
Only then did the latter realize that what she was seeing was real. Coming to her senses, she took a step forward, stood in front of Bai Hua, and excitedly hugged her.
"Huahua...it's been a long time." Gu Junman's voice was a little sad.
Bai Hua's tone was lighter: "Long time no see, Junman."
It's been three years already...
Once inseparable best friends who shared everything and had no secrets from each other, three years have passed. Due to the inconvenience of sending letters, they have had little contact with each other and missed many opportunities to listen to and confide in one another.
She was unaware of the grief of her parents' death, nor of the pain of giving birth to her daughter.
Even the future husbands they both fantasized about when they were young have never been formally introduced to each other. Back then, they both volunteered to be strict vets for each other when choosing a husband.
Looking back now, it makes one sigh with regret, lamenting the impermanence of life.
Fortunately, the threads of affection were never truly broken. Even after a long separation, the estrangement was only momentary. After a close embrace, all the distance vanished, and all that remained was a familiar sense of warmth.
Gu Junman loosened her grip slightly and looked Bai Hua up and down, saying, "Hua Hua, you're still so beautiful and slim, unlike me. My figure has become plump after giving birth to my daughter. Do you think I've changed a lot?"
Bai Huahui took Gu Junman's hand, looked her up and down, and shook her head, saying, "What changes? I was just about to say that. You don't look like a married woman who has given birth at all. Your face is still fair and plump, as tender as ever. In my opinion, no matter how fierce the cold wind is on the frontier, with General Meng Yu taking such good care of you, our beautiful Gu can still look as radiant as ever."
Hearing her teasing, Gu Junman blushed. Considering that Ning Jue was still there, she quickly signaled to Bai Hua not to speak recklessly.
Bai Hua covered her mouth and chuckled, enjoying seeing her blush.
Seeing her so confident, Gu Junman stopped hiding her intentions and poked Bai Hua's forehead, saying directly, "You little Bai Apeng! Come here, let me see how you've changed since you got married. Your face is more rosy and radiant, and your figure is more charming and graceful. You're truly a newlywed, all lovey-dovey couple."
"Gu Qingqing! What are you saying!"
The two were clearly used to joking around in private, and in their haste, they called each other by their childhood nicknames.
Married women are not subject to the same strict rules as unmarried young ladies. As the matriarch of the family, it is not considered improper for the two women to be a little tough and assertive in their words.
Kong Wuzhang had led his men out to wait early on. Inside, only Ning Jue was observing. He was sensible and left the teahouse without saying a word, seeking a quiet place for himself.
However, unexpectedly, this trip led to a disaster.
Although Bai Hua and Gu Junman were verbally abusive, they both cared about each other. Having not seen each other for several years, they naturally had a lot to say in private. So, they hit it off and agreed to sleep together that night.
Ning Jue, who was notified at the last minute, had no room to offer any suggestions. No matter how unwilling he was, he had to watch helplessly as his wife went to someone else's bedroom, while he could only stay alone in the general's mansion's villa.
...
General Meng has been busy with border defense affairs lately and has not been in Xiangcheng for the past few days. Gu Junman has some free time, and apart from occasionally coaxing the children, she spends most of her attention on Bai Hua.
She extended her hospitality by leading Bai Hua and Ning Jue on a leisurely stroll through the streets and alleys of Xiangcheng, allowing them to experience the local customs and traditions. Later, she took them out of the city to see the nearby battlefields and historical sites, letting them experience the unique solemn atmosphere of the northern frontier.
Bai Hua had a great time, but she was also tired. She spent the next few days resting and did not leave the General's Mansion.
She and Gu Junman were almost inseparable again, just like when they were children, and they could have fun together even without going out.
Bai Hua brought Gu Junman many gifts, including several pieces of exquisite and rare fabric. Gu Junman was skilled at making clothes, so the two of them would often get together during the day to measure, cut, and sew clothes for each other, laughing and joking around.
Ning Jue, naturally, became the one who was neglected.
He had been thoroughly unhappy at the General's Mansion these past few days. He had no interest in Xiangcheng, and he found the historical sites and cultural relics even more boring. It was a desolate place, constantly battered by sandstorms. What was there to see or do there? He had little interest in it, but Bai Hua was thoroughly enjoying herself.
Ning Jue observed Bai Hua and Gu Junman's close interaction over the past two days and couldn't help but suspect that Bai Hua wasn't genuinely interested in Xiangcheng, but rather wanted to learn more about it because it was where Gu Junman lived.
Everything else aside, what Ning Jue couldn't understand the most was how the two of them could have so much to talk about, talking for two nights in a row, and insisting on sleeping together for several days in a row...
Ning Jue deliberately wore his displeasure on his face, looking sullen and unhappy. Bai Hua, if she weren't blind, would definitely be able to tell.
However, when the two met, Bai Hua noticed something was amiss and simply smiled and coaxed him, saying that if he felt bored, he could go to the back garden to practice his swordsmanship by himself. The environment there was quiet and elegant, which would be convenient for him to improve his swordsmanship and enrich himself.
Practicing swordsmanship continuously...
Listen to what he said.
Ning Jue was so angry that he laughed. Just as he was about to say something more, Gu Junman, this uninvited guest, appeared again and got in his way.
The two of them always had something to do. Bai Hua brought a lot of pearls, so the two of them selected pearls they bought from Fujian merchants and strung them into various exquisite bracelets.
Ning Jue watched coldly, thinking those bracelets were really ugly.
He was dissatisfied, extremely dissatisfied.
Is Bai Hua really going to coax him like that? Her sincerity is far too limited!
One day, Ning Jue happened to run into the wet nurse of the general's mansion. She nodded politely to him as a greeting, and then prepared to step aside. Ning Jue thought for a moment, then stepped forward with a stern face and blocked her way.
The other party was taken aback and surprised.
Ning Jue asked directly, "Does your child not sleep with his mother at night, yet he doesn't make a fuss?"
Upon hearing this, the wet nurse took a moment to realize that the child Young Master Ning was referring to must be her young mistress.
She quickly put on a smile and replied truthfully, "Yes, our young lady is very well-behaved. She rarely cries or fusses, and she doesn't always want her mother to hold her. She can also sleep soundly when she sleeps with me at night. Because of this, our lady is spared a lot of hardship as a mother."
Ning Jue replied indifferently, "Is that so?"
The wet nurse nodded, oblivious to Ning Jue's displeasure, and continued to rub salt in the wound.
"It's also because the young master is easy to take care of. Otherwise, the two ladies wouldn't have the time to have private conversations every night. We can all see that the ladies have smiles on their faces almost every day when the two guests come to the mansion. It's clear that they are genuinely happy."
Ning Jue didn't want to hear that, and only asked, "When will she make a fuss? Such a young child will always have times when she doesn't listen."
The wet nurse didn't think much of it, nor did she suspect that Ning Jue could have any bad intentions. So she honestly explained, "He will cry when he is hungry, but I take good care of the young master, so this usually doesn't happen."
Ning Jue paused, then asked, "When will your general return?"
The wet nurse replied, "I don't know the specifics, but he should be back within two or three days. We have distinguished guests at home, and the madam sent someone to the camp to urge the general to return home to greet them."
After learning the situation, the wet nurse left, and Ning Jue's mood improved somewhat.
In two or three days, General Meng will return. When Madam Gu and her husband meet again after their brief separation, she should be able to return Hua'er to him.
...
These two dishes are not common in the Central Plains region and only occasionally appear at some grand court banquets, but they are considered to be relatively common local delicacies in the Northwest region.
Compared to the bland meat soup, the aroma of freshly roasted meat wafted through the courtyard, much more enticing.
Camel meat is cut into small pieces and thin slices, skewered on roasting forks and grills, and roasted until half-cooked. The aroma wafts far and wide, and the flavors of cumin and pepper enhance the freshness, making it incredibly tempting.
The four of them sat down at the table for a meal, meeting each other in a formal yet relaxed manner and exchanging pleasantries.
General Meng rose and raised his cup to Bai Hua, saying, "I've often heard Junman mention you before, Madam. Today I have the honor of meeting you. I'd like to offer you a toast."
Bai Hua hurriedly stood up and said politely, "General, you are too kind. I have long heard of your heroic demeanor. I am fortunate to see you today. You are indeed handsome and dashing, worthy of being called the God of War of our Great Yan."
Ning Jue glanced at her indifferently from the side.
Unaware of what was happening, Bai Hua lowered her eyes after speaking, looking at the large bowl of wine beside her, and couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive.
She hesitated as she reached out, but before she could touch the wine glass, Ning Jue picked up the wine bowl first.
He also stood up and said to General Meng, "My wife can't hold her liquor, so I'll drink for her."
Meng Yu readily agreed. He looked at Ning Jue with admiration in his eyes: "Very well. I have long heard of Young Master Ning's superb swordsmanship and have long wanted to get to know him. Today, we are fortunate to meet. It is a pity we did not meet sooner. Let us have a drink together."
Ning Jue smiled and said, "One cup is not enough. Let's drink until we're drunk."
Both of them were delighted, and after speaking, they raised their glasses together, tilted their heads back, and drank it all in one gulp.
Meng Yu poured Ning Jue another cup of wine, and Gu Junman advised from the side, "Don't drink so fast, be careful not to hurt your stomach. Why don't you eat some meat first to line your stomach? I know Hua'er has never eaten camel meat before. Let's try something new today and see if it suits her taste."
As he spoke, he added some dishes for Bai Hua.
Bai Hua took a bite and found the meat tender and flavorful, indeed quite unique.
She took the opportunity to show concern for Ning Jue, saying, "This meat is delicious and chewy. Husband, try some. Junman is right. Don't drink too much and hurt your health. Besides, you don't drink often. Don't drink too much and feel unwell."
Ning Jue responded with an "Mmm," and then said, "It's just one cup, it's nothing serious, don't worry."
The four of them ate and chatted. At first, Gu Junman and Bai Hua talked a lot, keeping the atmosphere at the table lively. Later, Ning Jue and Meng Yu gradually became more familiar with each other. After a few cups of warm wine, they became more enthusiastic, their initial awkwardness dissipated, and they talked a little more.
Meng Yu said, "I heard that Young Master Ning used to serve under the Great General and was highly valued. Now he has resigned and is traveling around. He is really living a carefree life."
Ning Jue smiled and said, "I was born into a humble family and am used to being free and unrestrained. I can't stand the official hat on my head."
Meng Yu took a sip of wine and said, "I wonder if Young Master Ning has any other lofty ambitions yet to be realized? Young Master Ning is highly skilled in martial arts. If you could serve as a general on the border and protect the peace of the common people, you would surely achieve great things. This way, you can stay away from the treacherous power struggles of the court and still put your skills to use. It is a good way out. I really admire your abilities, so I am taking the liberty of asking if you could consider staying in Xiangcheng for a while longer and come with me to the military camp to take a look."
Ning Jue offered Bai Hua a cup of wine, glanced at her, and politely declined, saying, "General, you misunderstand. My departure from the capital is not because I despise the power struggles in the court, but because my heart has never been set on power, and I certainly do not possess the noble spirit of serving the country and its people with compassion for all living beings that you, General. I do not want to take on responsibilities, and I abhor causing trouble. For the rest of my life, the only person I wish to protect is my wife. As for others, I am afraid I cannot care about them."
This is a blatant rejection.
Ning Jue's idea of sacrificing the lives of the people for the sake of one person contradicted Meng Yu's. Since that was the case, Meng Yu did not force him to do anything and did not try to persuade him anymore.
Bai Hua slowly chewed the food in her mouth. After listening to the conversation between the two, she was naturally moved.
But she didn't turn around. In front of Junman and General Meng, she was too embarrassed to look at him at that moment.
Gu Junman put down her chopsticks thoughtfully, then spoke up: "Xiangcheng is a border town, where sandstorms rage year-round. It's a far cry from the comfortable life in the capital. General, please don't try to persuade others to stay. Even if Young Master Ning agrees, I will stop him. I don't want to see Hua'er end up like me, unable to see her husband every day, and being feared by the Emperor for her military power, unable to enter the country without being summoned, and unable to easily reunite with her family in the capital."
If she hadn't been drinking, Gu Junman wouldn't have so easily revealed these innermost thoughts.
Perhaps it was because Bai Hua was there that she felt she had her family by her side and could confide her grievances without worry, which is why she vented her frustrations with those words.
Meng Yu looked at his wife, feeling somewhat guilty, but because he was tongue-tied, he could only ask, "When have you stopped seeing me?"
Gu Junman looked at him and replied with some emotion, "Lately, you've been going to the military camp for ten days or half a month at a time, without sending back a single letter. Your mind is full of fortifications and soldiers' drills, and you don't think about home at all. I hope that the general can learn from Young Master Ning and take more care of the family, and take care of me and Sheng'er."
With outsiders present, Meng Yu found it even harder to say anything gentle and comforting. After a moment of silence, she said with difficulty, "I understand."
Gu Junman lowered her eyes and let out a soft sigh.
Bai Hua hesitated whether to offer some advice, but then caught a glimpse of Ning Jue out of the corner of her eye. Seeing him shaking his head at her, she had no choice but to give up.
After dinner, Bai Hua noticed that Junman was in low spirits and decided to personally take her home.
However, just as she stepped out of the main hall, Ning Jue suddenly stopped her.
He said, "General Meng and Miss Gu had a bit of an unpleasant conversation just now. They should have something to say to each other in private, so you shouldn't go over there. Now that General Meng is back, do you still want to sleep in the same room as Miss Gu? We can't be so tactless."
Bai Hua felt something was off after hearing this.
No sense at all...
Who exactly is he referring to?
Bai Hua watched Junman's departing figure, her gaze somewhat troubled: "But I'm still a little worried about Junman."
Ning Jue: "Then it's not too late for you to go and check on them tomorrow during the day."
Bai Hua hesitated: "Then tonight..."
Ning Jue immediately picked up where she left off: "Of course you'll sleep in the same room as me. What, are you going to keep ignoring me?"
Look at his aggrieved expression. If he weren't drunk, given his domineering nature, how could he show such a vulnerable look?
Bai Hua was puzzled, but also felt soft-hearted.
During this period, she was unaware that she had indeed spent very little time alone with him.
Seeing Junman walk away ahead, and General Gu quickly following behind, Bai Hua felt relieved and decided not to disturb her.
Ning Jue remained standing there, eagerly waiting for her reply.
Bai Hua looked Ning Jue up and down with amusement, her eyes slightly teasing, and said, "Husband, you're being a bit clingy these days."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Jue suddenly stepped forward, raised his arms, and hugged her tightly. The two bodies pressed together, becoming inseparable in an instant.
He whispered in her ear, his breath hot and clear, "If I didn't stay this close, how could I be considered clingy?"
Bai Hua's heart raced, and her earlobes itched.
However, worried that servants or guards might come over to the main hall, she felt embarrassed to hug him back and instead stayed there to be affectionate with him.
So I had no choice but to coax gently, "Okay, okay, you can stick to me all you want. Let's go back to your room, okay?"
Ning Jue's eyes were somewhat dull, probably due to being drunk. His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were also cloudy.
He doesn't usually drink much; in fact, his alcohol tolerance has always been average. Just now, he and General Meng drank two whole jars of wine, which is a rare amount for him.
After a moment's thought, Ning Jue understood Bai Hua's implication and asked her to confirm, "Really?"
"What?"
“Sleep in the same room as me…”
Bai Hua smiled and nodded, then took his hand and led him forward: "Of course it's true, you lead the way, okay?"
She felt like she was coaxing a child, but this was the most effective way to coax a drunk man.
Ning Jue gave a soft "hmm," took her hand in return, and led the way.
...
The detached courtyard of the general's mansion, where guests were entertained, was elegant and quiet, with grand houses, and its layout was similar to that of the main courtyard.
Upon seeing the two arrive, some of the maids on duty in the courtyard came forward to greet them, but before Bai Hua could speak, Ning Jue raised his hand and brushed them away.
"You may all leave. There is no need for night watch or service. No matter what noises you hear at night, you do not need to come out."
Upon hearing this, the two mature maids exchanged glances, then, as if understanding each other, they nodded and took their leave with meaningful looks in their eyes.
Bai Hua lowered her head, feeling truly embarrassed.
Once inside, Bai Hua lowered the door latch and helped Ning Jue to sit down on the couch.
She stood in front of him, puffing out her cheeks, and couldn't help but complain, "What were you saying just now? What kind of noise was that? Saying things like that makes people think all sorts of things."
Ning Jue seemed puzzled: "Isn't that the truth?"
Bai Hua pursed her lips, sighed, and thought to herself, what is there to argue with a drunk person?
Hot water had been prepared in advance in the bathroom. Bai Hua smelled the alcohol on him and asked, "Would you like to take a shower first?"
Ning Jue countered, "Will you come with me?"
Bai Hua was worried that the two of them would start arguing in the bathroom and get out of control. She was also afraid that the maids outside would eavesdrop on what they had just said. So after thinking about it, she shook her head and refused.
"I'm not going in. You wash yourself, and I'll wash after you're done."
Ning Jue looked thoughtful, then shook his head and said, "Then I won't wash."
Bai Hua said helplessly, "Don't act like a child."
Ning Jue looked at her without saying a word.
Bai Hua thought of a way and said to him, "I don't like the smell on you. If you wash it off, you can hold me to sleep tonight. If you don't wash it off, then we'll sleep separately. It's your choice."
Ning Jue pursed his lips, looked at Bai Hua, and simply got up: "I'll go wash up."
Bai Hua smiled but remained silent, her beautiful eyes glancing at Ning Jue's hurried departure as he walked away. She secretly thought to herself, "This method of dealing with him really works."
About half an hour later, the two of them finished washing up and went to bed.
Ning Jue went to bed early, while Bai Hua took a little longer to dry her hair.
As soon as Bai Hua lay down on the bed, Ning Jue skillfully turned to his side, embraced her, and then gently placed his right arm on her lower abdomen. He slowly lowered his chin to her neck, inhaling the faint fragrance of her hair with satisfaction.
“Hua’er…” He closed his eyes and called her with emotion, as if he were moved. After calling her, he shrugged and gestured to her, “Do you want to smell me? Check if I still smell of alcohol.”
At that moment, he was so close to her that she didn't even need to consciously smell him; her breath was already filled with his scent, which was very refreshing.
Knowing she disliked the smell of alcohol, he probably used a lot of bath beans to cover it up, and then rinsed her several times. Although the smell of alcohol couldn't be completely eliminated, it was now so faint that it could be ignored when smelled close to her.
Bai Hua, unperturbed, relaxed and said, "I'd say it's barely acceptable."
Ning Jue smiled, his shallow breaths spraying onto Bai Hua's earlobe. He guided her through a tingling sensation from her ear to her whole body while his palms roamed freely over her breasts, taking care of both sides.
Bai Hua's face flushed instantly, her breathing became heavy, and her body tensed up even more, but she did not want to push away the troublesome hand.
She had to admit that after all she had been with him, her body's instinctive reactions were too real. Whenever he provoked her, before her reason could return, her desire would be awakened. She didn't like this uncontrollable and impulsive self, yet she loved the absurd pleasure of being entangled with him.
This shameless secret was buried deep in her heart, and she would never tell anyone, including Ning Jue, especially Ning Jue.
Do you like it?
"..."
Bai Hua's face stiffened for a moment, afraid that he would see through her thoughts.
She hesitated before asking, "What?"
Ning Jue smiled: "Do you like me treating you like this?"
Bai Hua didn't understand why Ning Jue was always so keen to ask her about her feelings in bed. Did he think that doing so would give him a greater sense of accomplishment?
But she was determined not to answer.
Ning Jue didn't press the matter and continued climbing, but switched hands and then said softly, "Hua'er, my heart is burning uncomfortably right now, do you want to touch it?"
Bai Hua: "I... no, that's because you drank too much. If you really feel unwell, why don't you go outside and throw up?"
Ning Jue sighed, "Give me a massage."
It seemed too heartless to refuse, so Bai Hua thought for a moment and then reached out through the gap in his open clothes to gently massage him.
Bai Hua initially thought he was feeling unwell because of the alcohol burning his stomach or indigestion, but as she continued massaging him, she suddenly realized something was wrong.
The more she touched him, the hotter his chest became, and his eyes grew darker, his breathing became heavier.
"Husband, what's going on? Something doesn't seem right... Should we send someone from the General's Mansion to find a doctor?"
"No need for now."
Ning Jue was much calmer. He clenched his fist and tried to use his internal energy to expel the evil fire from his body. However, this not only failed but also had the opposite effect.
He had just begun to circulate his internal energy when all the burning heat in his body suddenly gathered in his lower abdomen.
The burning sensation was unbearable, and he felt an overwhelming urge to release it. He gritted his teeth, completely unable to control himself, and his mind was in turmoil.
Bai Hua was at a loss. Worried, she threw off the covers and got up. Seeing his unwell appearance, she quickly said, "Could it be that you ate something bad? In addition to drinking alcohol, you also ate a lot of meat tonight. Could it be that something in it upset you? Could it be because of the camel meat?"
Bai Hua's words reminded Ning Jue.
If the problem lies in the diet, the cause might not be the camel meat, but rather that large bowl of fresh venison soup.
He had completely forgotten that venison is a powerful tonic with remarkable effects in nourishing the kidneys and calming yang.
General Meng seemed to casually mention at the dinner table that the deer hunted today was only a mature male deer, and that male deer are the most nutritious.
Ning Jue instantly realized everything, and at the same time regretted that he shouldn't have acted impulsively. Forcibly circulating his energy just now was tantamount to doubling the effects of the venison, like pouring several buckets of hot oil on top of a raging fire, crackling and popping, creating a wildfire-like conflagration.
"We can't wait any longer. You look like you've been poisoned. I'll go find a doctor for you right away." Bai Hua said, getting dressed and getting out of bed.
Ning Jue's Adam's apple bobbed heavily. He opened his eyes, raised his hand to grab Bai Hua's wrist, and said in a deep, hoarse voice, "Hua'er, don't go. I know what happened. Don't worry, I'm not poisoned."
Bai Hua followed up on the guess: "Is it because the alcohol had a strong aftereffect?"
Ning Jue shook his head and replied, "The alcohol plays a very small role; the key is not in it."
Bai Hua hurriedly asked, "What exactly happened?"
Ning Jue didn't explain with words, but instead guided her wrist and slowly pulled it down to her abdomen.
Bai Hua's eyes widened involuntarily. Ning Jue met her gaze and pressed his hand against the back of hers, letting her feel it firmly.
"this……"
"It's about that bowl of venison soup. Venison has a nourishing and aphrodisiac effect, but I was careless just now and forcibly exerted my power, amplifying its effects. Hua'er, I'm afraid tonight will be unbearable. If you're not here, I'm afraid I'll suffer to death."
Upon hearing this, Bai Hua was stunned and at a loss for words. She wanted to say something, but she could clearly feel the iron hardness under her hand, and the heat on it was constantly burning her palm. Thus, the facts were obvious, and she had no way to doubt the truth.
Ning Jue sighed hoarsely, looking pained: "Hua'er, I feel so bad."
Bai Hua was truly flustered, and hurriedly pulled her hand back as if she had been burned: "I, I don't know what to do. Usually, when we're together, it's like we're dying, but today's situation is different. You, you might lose control, I'm afraid... afraid..."
Ning Jue: "What are you afraid of?"
Bai Hua blurted out: "Afraid of dying."
Ning Jue looked bewildered: "How could you die? I've never heard of such a way of dying."
Bai Hua said honestly, "Haven't you read any traditional storybooks? Some stories describe it this way."
In her haste, she let something slip.
However, it was too late to make amends. Ning Jue looked her over, and Bai Hua quickly lowered her head in embarrassment, feeling extremely awkward and unable to meet his gaze.
"Hua'er is indeed well-read, but I've never heard such a story before. Why don't you recommend it to me, Hua'er, so I can read it?"
Ning Jue, as expected, did not let her off the hook.
Bai Hua's cheeks flushed red, and she raised her hand to cover his mouth.
However, just as she covered it, she suddenly let go, and her scalp tingled as Ning Jue licked her palm!
"you……"
"If Hua'er won't help me, then stab me with your sword. I need some other sensation to suppress this burning desire in my abdomen, even if it hurts." After saying that, he pointed to the Qingying Sword beside the bed.
Hearing him say this, Bai Hua felt a pang of pity. Seeing him in such pain, she felt equally anxious.
"Hua'er, be good, stab me."
No, that won't do.
Ning Jue seemed to be unable to bear it any longer, tossing and turning on the bed in agony, his forehead and nose covered in sweat. He kept his eyes tightly closed, his chest heaving violently, as if he were being burned every moment.
Bai Hua couldn't bear to watch any longer and made a decision in her heart.
"I'll help you."
After speaking, without waiting for Ning Jue's response, she got off the bed, lowered the curtains, extinguished the candlelight, and went back to bed. She took the initiative to kiss Ning Jue's forehead to briefly soothe his restlessness. Then she took off her skirt, leaving only her blouse, and faced him honestly.
She pulled Ning Jue's hand and let him put his arm around her waist. As their breaths mingled, she leaned in and passionately kissed him.
Ning Jue frowned, clinging to his last shred of restraint, and with difficulty managed to call out to her, "Hua'er."
Bai Hua's eyes were brimming with tenderness as she murmured, "Today I am willing to offer myself as a sheath to receive your sword. Sword and sheath, you... and me."
The surging heat instantly enveloped her tightly, and she rose and fell in the fierce torrent, not knowing where she would be swept away. However, no matter where she drifted, she knew that tonight would be difficult and challenging.
...
In another room, Meng Yu used a lot of persuasion to finally get his wife to listen to him.
Seeing that Junman's attitude had softened slightly, Meng Yu quickly assured her, "I will definitely send you letters on time when I go to the camp again. Or, why don't you just hand the child over to the wet nurse and come with me to stay in the camp for a couple of days?"
Gu Junman: "What kind of parents are these? I'm not going. Just keep your word and send letters back on time."
Meng Yu quickly replied, "Definitely."
Gu Junman noticed that Meng Yu's face was slightly flushed and asked in confusion, "General, you have such a high alcohol tolerance, why are you blushing a little today?"
Knowing why, Meng Yu explained, "It must be because of the venison. Actually, I originally planned to have a martial arts contest with Young Master Ning after the meal. I practice spear techniques and would like to ask him for advice on swordsmanship, but when I thought that circulating my internal energy would activate the effects of the venison, I had to give up."
“This…” Gu Junman, being from the North, was naturally aware of the nourishing effects of venison. Thinking of something, she quickly said, “Young Master Ning seems to have eaten quite a bit of venison. I forgot to remind Hua’er.”
"What reminder?"
"Venom is very nourishing, Young Master Ning ate quite a bit just now, I'm worried..."
"Don't worry, madam. This is a private matter between husband and wife. Isn't it unnecessary for you to worry about it? Besides, don't you even look at your own husband?"
Gu Junman didn't understand what she meant by that: "What do you mean by 'caring about you'?"
"I've eaten quite a bit of venison myself. Why don't you, Madam, personally verify whether the nourishing effects of venison are truly as good as they claim?"
"you……"
Gu Junman was about to scold him when Meng Yu took her arm and said, "Madam, I really missed you terribly after we were apart for a few days. Let's stop talking about others and focus on our own business, okay?"
Author's Note: [Peeking while covering face]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
