Gu Linchao narrowed his eyes, the girl's beautiful body falling into his gaze. He was stunned for a moment, then his phoenix eyes darkened frighteningly, but he tried his best to restrain himself. He lowered his head and kissed the girl's forehead, his voice low and husky as he coaxed, "Nongnong, don't be afraid..."
Wen Nongnong wasn't that scared at first, but after hearing what he said, she felt a little scared, especially by the astonishing thing she had just caught a glimpse of, which made her calves tremble.
She should have known better than to be so curious. Back in the dilapidated temple, she had already sensed that Gu Linchao was incredibly wealthy, but she never expected him to be this wealthy.
Gu Linchao saw the fear and dread clearly written in her eyes. He paused, his brows furrowing, and raised his hand to stroke her sweat-dampened face. "Why are you so scared?"
Wen Nong Nong gave him a somewhat indescribable look. Didn't he know why she was afraid?
Anyone would be scared, okay?
She swallowed hard, whether to bolster her courage or to comfort herself, she couldn't help but say, "I... I'm not scared, really, not scared at all..." It's just a small thing, she could grit her teeth and get through it.
To prove her words were true, she suddenly reached out and clung tightly to his shoulders and back, then leaned in and kissed his chin. Remembering what the Empress Dowager had said, she moved to his ear and kissed him again, then whispered, "Your Highness... I... I'm ready."
A strange feeling suddenly swept through his body, and Gu Linchao's phoenix eyes darkened frighteningly.
Seeing the girl clearly nervous yet trying to act brave and fearless, striving to accept him, he couldn't help but find it amusing and stopped rushing, even though he was feeling extremely uncomfortable at the moment.
He reached out and touched her hair, lowered his head and kissed her face, then slowly kissed her lips.
...
The red curtains hung low, and the girl's hoarse sobs drifted through them, signifying that tonight she would transform into a woman.
After an unknown amount of time, everything finally calmed down.
The pillowcase was covered with the girl's tears and sweat.
Wen Nong Nong drifted off to sleep, her fair and pretty face still bearing traces of tears.
Gu Linchao raised his hand to wipe it away for her.
Looking at the girl who had fallen into a deep sleep, he felt guilty and heartbroken, but there was nothing he could do.
He thought he had been very careful, but she kept crying, clearly in a lot of pain.
She was already delicate, and when she cried like that, he felt bad too.
But by then, things were already halfway done...
Thinking of this, he frowned. Could it be that his method was wrong?
For the first time in his life, a trace of distress flashed across Gu Linchao's handsome face.
What should he do to make her feel comfortable?
He thought for a long time but still couldn't come up with a solution. However, he couldn't help but think of the booklet that Wang Houde had given him earlier. Perhaps, when he returned to the manor tomorrow, he should ask Wang Houde to find him some books to read.
Thinking of this, he pursed his lips.
After a moment, he sighed softly and pulled Wen Nongnong into his arms.
The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Gu Linchao woke up.
Looking at the girl still fast asleep in his arms, a hint of tenderness appeared between his brows.
He stared at her for a long time before getting up and getting out of bed.
Outside, Granny Zeng had been there for a while. Seeing that the room was quiet, and thinking that the prince and princess were still sleeping, she didn't dare to disturb them.
Not long after, she heard the door open and turned around to see Gu Linchao walking out.
Upon seeing her, Gu Linchao was taken aback. "Granny?"
Granny Zeng said with a smile, "Your Highness, this old servant has come to retrieve the handkerchief on the orders of the Empress Dowager."
Gu Linchao frowned slightly but said nothing. He turned around and went back into the house, handing the white handkerchief from last night to Granny Zeng.
After checking her over, Granny Zeng bowed and said, "This old servant takes her leave."
Gu Linchao said, "Granny, wait a moment."
Granny Zeng stopped in her tracks. "Does Your Highness have any orders?"
Gu Linchao hesitated for a moment, then said, "Nongnong is very tired. Please ask the nanny to prepare some nourishing soup for her."
Upon hearing this, Granny Zeng smiled and said, "This old servant understands. I will go and personally prepare some red date and chicken soup for the Princess. Does Your Highness have any other instructions?"
"Nongnong is still sleeping, don't let anyone come and disturb her," Gu Linchao said again.
Granny Zeng nodded and said with a smile, "Your Highness, rest assured, this old servant will not allow anyone to approach the side hall."
Relieved, Gu Linchao glanced at the closed door before leaving Jingci Palace and heading towards the Chaoyi Hall.
When they arrived at the gate of the Imperial Council Hall, they ran into Xiao Yan.
He looked like he hadn't woken up yet, but he immediately perked up when he saw Gu Linchao walking towards him from the direction of Jingci Palace.
"Hengzhi, did you stay at Jingci Palace last night?" He stepped forward and scrutinized him.
"Hmm." Gu Linchao clenched his fingers and responded casually.
"What's wrong? Is the Empress Dowager feeling unwell?" Xiao Yan asked immediately, then became worried again. "No, I have to go see her after court is over."
Upon hearing this, Gu Linchao quickly stopped her, saying, "The Empress Dowager is not uncomfortable, but she prefers quiet lately and cannot stand noise. You'd better not disturb her."
Xiao Yan looked at him suspiciously, "Is that really true?"
"Mm," Gu Linchao replied.
Xiao Yan expressed disbelief, "But I just went to the palace to see her two days ago, and she was in very good spirits. And since she's alright, why did you suddenly stay overnight in the palace? Aren't you usually very reserved?"
Gu Linchao frowned slightly, almost imperceptibly. Why hadn't he been this perceptive before?
He was about to make up an excuse when he saw Wen Shiqing and his son Wen Tingyun walking over in the distance. He paused for a moment and then went to greet them.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
