Chapter 15 Praying for Blessings: "Is this the sincerity you speak of?"
The kiss acted like an aphrodisiac, amplifying Jiang Xu's thoughts infinitely, along with a subtle hint of jealousy that lingered for a long time, refusing to settle down.
A heart was beating silently inside my chest, at a frequency that was completely erratic.
However, his expression was extremely indifferent.
It even gave Shi Wan the illusion that she had said something wrong.
Just moments before, the two had been kissing and doing something very intimate.
"You dare not?" Jiang Xu interrupted her. "Is this your so-called sincerity?"
His words carried a hint of sarcasm, and he still displayed some of the aggressive spirit he had shown when they first met, which immediately brought back some unpleasant memories for Shi Wan.
But clearly, she doesn't have the right to bring up old grievances right now.
Without much hesitation, Shi Wan suddenly leaned closer to T and quickly pecked his lips lightly.
Although Jiang Xu's expression was cold and indifferent, his lips were unexpectedly soft.
When they first kissed, Shi Wan's mind was still a little foggy. Now, the memories from moments before slowly unfolded, like a scroll slowly unfurling and spreading across her mind.
Her cheeks inexplicably felt hot. After quickly completing the task, she wanted to retreat, but Jiang Xu was almost right in front of her.
With a large hand, he gently covered the area, then suddenly pushed it away.
He was practically biting, a light, tingling sensation shooting up his spine, instantly reminding Shi Wan of the throbbing pain in her chest that she had been experiencing during her nightmares these past few nights.
The second kiss was even shorter. Jiang Xu rested his head on her shoulder, his body heat, hotter than the summer sun, slowly seeping in. Shi Wan couldn't help but shrug her shoulders slightly. After a while, Jiang Xu's body heat and his scent seemed to still linger on her body.
For a moment, Shi Wan felt inexplicably that she had been corrupted.
On the surface, she looked at him obediently, "Once is a coincidence, but twice will surely show my sincerity, right?" Perhaps because they had been intimate, her tone revealed a hint of coquettishness that she herself was unaware of.
Jiang Xu had seen many such power-for-sex deals, but when this deal fell to him, he felt an unprecedented...excitement.
He's not some greenhorn anymore.
That's really strange.
He beckoned with his fingertip, and seeing Shi Wan obediently bring her cheek closer, he felt even more smug.
Fine, let them have their desires.
It just so happens that she wants it, and it just so happens that he can provide it.
As for Wan'er, it wouldn't be unreasonable to wait until her interest fades before parting ways.
At least, she was a woman with some cleverness who wouldn't pester him.
The soft, fair skin of the young woman gently touched the palm of his hand. Unlike the rough texture in the military camp, Wan'er's cheeks were more like precious silk, light, soft, and expensive.
Fortunately, he could afford such an expensive item.
"I know that your actions are mostly expedient measures."
Shi Wan seemed displeased, raising her eyebrows slightly. "How does Your Majesty know that this servant is not sincere?" Seeing Jiang Xu glancing at her, she chuckled and moved even closer, and after a short while, she even slowly rubbed against him. "Your Majesty is only in your early twenties, yet you have achieved such merits. You should be remembered in history."
"And... Your Majesty is so handsome, which girl wouldn't be captivated by him?" She spoke these words with even greater sincerity, almost looking into his eyes as she uttered each word.
Her soft voice, tinged with the fragrance of flowers, was even sweeter and more alluring, stirring Jiang Xu's heart.
"Are all the women from brothels like this, trying to deceive people?" Jiang Xu's tone was ambiguous. He lightly pinched Shi Wan's face with his knuckles, paused for two breaths, and then released her.
Seeing the two faint red marks on her face as expected, he clicked his tongue inwardly.
No matter how much he tried to feign the elegance of a scholar, Jiang Xu couldn't shake off his long-standing vulgar habits.
for example......
These two red marks.
With skin so delicate, all he could think about was leaving that mark for as long as possible, much longer.
“Even if I say no, Your Majesty probably won’t believe me,” Shi Wan said softly. “But, regardless of whether Your Majesty believes me or not.”
"At this moment, I do want to comfort you."
"What do you want?" Jiang Xu remained noncommittal. Honest people always receive the treatment they deserve. "It can't be my love, can it?"
like?
She didn't want something that was constantly changing and useless.
However, this "love" is indeed the most suitable for occupying a commanding position.
"Your Majesty cares deeply for the people and is busy with your great cause every day. I see it all and remember it all." Shi Wan recalled the contents of the book and recited the few good points. "Your Majesty himself is also dashing and powerful. For all these reasons, I have long been secretly in love with you."
"But as you said, this servant does indeed have a request."
She smiled ingratiatingly, "As a human being, I'm bound to have desires~" Her tone rose, her eyes crinkling, just like a satisfied cat.
As Shi Wan spoke those few words, the mark on one side of her cheek gradually disappeared. Jiang Xu regretfully withdrew his gaze and softly hummed in agreement.
This means she should continue speaking.
Shi Wan continued, "This servant has long since run out of money and is now penniless... Wouldn't it be disgraceful for Your Majesty to be by your side?"
Now I'm trying to shut him up with the things he used to say.
Although he had expected it, when he heard that the other party was genuinely after money, Jiang Xu couldn't explain why he suddenly felt a sense of loss.
Coming to his senses, he asked, "How much do you want?"
So straightforward?!
Shi Wan choked back a sob, determined to go back and make the words "generous" on the register even bolder and larger. Her eyes sparkled, and she said softly, "This servant only asks for the salary she deserves, nothing else..."
"Don't want it?" Jiang Xu replied calmly.
“Well…” Shi Wan looked at him. In the flickering candlelight, her amber eyes shone even brighter. She seemed a little annoyed, her eyelashes blinking incessantly. Her expression was vivid, and she seemed to have a touch of coquettishness.
Jiang Xu could clearly see his figure inside.
Wholeheartedly, thoroughly.
He was the only one.
"Go find Uncle Wang." He looked away. "I'll give you an advance of three months' wages."
......
*
Shi Wan had always heard that Prince Jingbei acted swiftly and decisively, but when she actually faced him in person, she realized that the rumors had actually subsided.
It had only been a few days since the two had their conversation, but the news had already spread throughout the mansion. At the same time, the news that Jiang Xu was going to lead an expedition against the Turks was also frequently mentioned.
May 27th is an auspicious day for praying for blessings.
Early in the morning, Jiang Xu hitched up a carriage and headed to Yun'an Temple. As his attendant, Shi Wan naturally received better treatment and rode with him.
Near the outskirts of the city, the official road is lined with many small flowers of pale colors. A few flowers cluster together, mostly hidden among the lush greenery. As the wheels roll by, occasionally grass seeds get caught on the axle of the cart, leaving two deep marks.
A moment later, the mountain fog thickened, and a few rays of light slipped into the carriage curtain.
Shi Wan was extremely sensitive to heat, and the closer it got to the height of summer, the more irritable she became. Now, being in the same enclosed space as Jiang Xu only amplified the heat.
The man's hand rested on her skirt, hanging there quietly, yet its presence was extremely strong.
Like him, he is captivating and impossible to ignore.
Seemingly noticing her slightly reproachful gaze, Jiang Xu suddenly spoke up, "What?"
Shi Wan quickly placed her hand on the other person's hand. Instantly, a violent heat wave hit her, as if she were next to a giant fireball. She silently tried to pull her hand back, but the next moment, Jiang Xu held it.
Fine... let's just keep it that way.
Anyway, Jiang Xu has been tormenting her quite a bit these past few days.
Shi Wan sighed softly, "Now I just want to stay quietly, but has that already offended the King?"
"Your choice of words is becoming increasingly capricious and tricky these days." Jiang Xu retorted instead of answering, "I haven't even done anything yet, and you're already making accusations?"
However, at this moment, Wan'er was not so afraid of him, and even threw a little tantrum, which Jiang Xu was actually quite pleased with.
A cat with beautiful fur should always be taken out to be admired, shouldn't it?
If one is constantly afraid, one will miss the most important fun.
As if he had just thought of something, he said, "There are also some things for women in the temple. If you're bored, you can ask the abbot to tell your fortune later."
Nowadays, wars are frequent. Although there is no large-scale war in the vicinity of Jichuan, there are constant small-scale skirmishes.
Therefore, people are even more confused about their beliefs. Taoism and Buddhism coexist, but in the end, how can ordinary people recognize these things?
It's just a matter of worshipping at every temple and praying to every god one encounters.
Shi Wan had thought the other party wouldn't say anything nice, but it turned out to be a good intention. For a moment, a few subtle feelings welled up in her heart. "Your Majesty has important matters to attend to later, so please go ahead. I'll just wander around by myself."
Jiang Xu glanced at her, "Aren't you curious about what I'm seeking?"
"Of course, we returned in triumph." She chose a safe answer, focusing intently on her toes, but after waiting for a while, no one responded.
When Shi Wan quietly raised her eyes, she saw that Jiang Xu's expression was calm.
Upon closer inspection, there are some more...
A forced smile.
Why do you seem a little down?
Shi Wan was unsure of the other party's attitude, so she simply kept quiet.
The man's two fingers gently caressed and circled her wrist, easily enveloping it. His movements were extremely slow, yet his strength was considerable; in just a few breaths, a faint mark was left on Shi Wan's fair skin.
Whenever she said something Jiang Xu didn't like to hear, he would quietly stroke her, whether it was her wrist, her cheek, or sometimes even more.
It was no different from the fish meat on the cutting board.
Ironically, this person seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself, and the sheer interest in his eyes always sent chills down Shi Wan's spine.
The two fell silent for a moment.
Before long, we arrived at our destination.
The stone steps were covered with moss. As she walked uphill, Shi Wan, who was visiting such a solemn and dignified place for the first time, began to observe it silently.
Upon entering the main gate, a pair of stone Pixiu squat in front of the ochre-red screen wall.
Nature is quite wondrous. Although it is only a dozen miles away from the city, the climate is very changeable. And with the intermittent plum rains in summer, the entire Yun'an Temple seems to be surrounded by a fairyland.
Rainwater accumulates between the open fangs of the stone Pixiu, resembling a mirror-like pool. Even the bronze incense burner in front of the main hall inside the temple is as tall as half a person.
All of this was extremely new to her, and she was so engrossed in it that she was completely unaware that Jiang Xu had been watching her for quite some time.
He suddenly changed his mind and said, "Wan'er."
"You will come with me first and offer incense before you leave."
The drizzling rain dripped down, and the fog grew thicker, making the entire temple appear like a mirage floating in the incense smoke. For a moment, even Jiang Xu's words seemed to be hidden in the fog, appearing somewhat ethereal.
He still believes in this?
Shi Wan smiled and agreed, then followed them to the inside.
Inside the side room.
On the altar, gilded vases were arranged in a staggered pattern, and a tall Buddha statue looked down at the two of them.
In such a solemn occasion, Shi Wan was very careful, silently following Jiang Xu, kneeling and bowing according to etiquette, and adding some incense money after the offering.
The gold paint on the Buddha statue had faded somewhat, and Shi Wan's gaze unconsciously lingered on it. After a moment, she silently made a wish in her heart.
As she was pondering, she suddenly heard Jiang Xu ask her, "How is it?" Ever since he made things clear a few days ago, he had been using this subtle tone from time to time.
With a hint of blatant ambiguity and interest, the young monk Mi, who was about to speak, bowed and left, closing the door behind him as he went.
Shi Wan: "......"
Seeing that she was lost in thought, Jiang Xu continued, "What did you wish for just now?"
Shi Wan: "I pray that Your Majesty will return safely and that the soldiers will suffer fewer casualties." This was a correct answer, but it was certainly not what Jiang Xu wanted to hear.
He raised an eyebrow slightly. "Just these?"
“The Buddha is majestic, and it is proper to pray for important matters in the temple. As for the rest... those thoughts of young girls are not worth mentioning.” Shi Wan spoke cautiously, completely unaware that Jiang Xu’s gaze had once again fallen on her.
He had investigated many matters concerning Liushaotai. The name "Wan'er" was given to her by the Wu family, and at most it was just a stage name.
Although the two are not sharing a bed now, after such intimate contact, Wan'er should express her sincerity instead of trying to get what she wants by offering small favors.
Jiang Xu said meaningfully, "Since you've donated money for incense, you should at least let Buddha recognize your true form."
Shi Wan was startled, then suddenly realized something and looked up at him.
The man's eyes were dark and unfathomable, and his warm, aggressive breath gently touched her cheek. Being so close, Shi Wan was momentarily distracted.
I thought of the first time we kissed.
The next moment, the other person's voice drifted into her ears, along with a shadow that enveloped her.
"What do you want?" He slowly approached her, forcing her to step back. "What is your name?"
Every word he uttered sounded like flirting, yet his intense gaze seemed to pierce through her.
He showed a hint of resentment and frustration.
Jiang Xu gently stroked her face, pressing his thumb against her chin and brushing his fingertips against her lips.
His voice faded, "Only in this way can my wish be fulfilled."
A note from the author:
----------------------
Happy weekend! [Laughing]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com