Chapter 25: Married a Seductress

Xie Yao did not hide the letter from Zhao Ying, and Zhao Ying saw it clearly.

“What does this mean?” Zhao Ying frowned, her voice filled with shock.

Xie Yao’s expression was calm as she reassured her. “It’s just an invitation. I already know who sent it.”

Using Zhao Ying as a messenger was clearly a way to avoid being discovered openly.

“Are you truly all right?” Zhao Ying still looked worried.

Xie Yao hugged her lightly. “Don’t worry.”

“By the way, there’s something I’d like to ask for your help with.” Xie Yao had barely finished when Zhao Ying chided her gently, “Between you and me, what’s the need for such words? Just say it. If the Zhao family can do it, we won’t refuse. And if we can’t, we’ll still think of a way.”

Xie Yao turned and went into the inner room, bringing out a sheet of paper filled with notes. She handed it to Zhao Ying. “Please remember these names and addresses. Then, quietly help them through their difficulties.”

Zhao Ying vaguely understood and quickly began memorizing. Though she had no idea how Yao-yao could know about people and matters thousands of miles away, she didn’t press for details.

“I’ve memorized it. Don’t worry,” Zhao Ying promised seriously. “I’ll arrange this personally. No one will hear a word of it, not even our parents.”

“Sister Ying, you’re so good to me.” Xie Yao was truly moved.

On that paper were only addresses and surnames, because she herself did not know more specifics. She only remembered them from her past life, names she had overheard Xiao Ning and Song Wenbo mention.

Two years later, all of these men would shine brilliantly in the imperial examinations.

Since she had chosen to resist fate, she needed to start cultivating her own power.

The sisters chatted for a while, until outside the sky grew heavier and the rain began to fall in large drops.

Zhao Ying left quickly; the meaning was obvious.

The downpour worsened, thunder rolling as night fell.

Zhuqing watched her mistress flipping through a medical text. “Your Highness, should I go invite His Highness over?”

“No.” Xie Yao was absorbed in a page that bore creases, almost identical in content to the one she’d read before.

She finished, put the book aside, and then climbed into bed. “All of you, leave.”

When Xiao Ji arrived, thunder was booming.

He had braved the storm, his shoes and robe soaked through, and only when he reached the brightly lit main hall did his hurried steps finally slow.

The courtyard was silent. Only the main chamber shone with light.

Entering, he heard no sound.

After a pause, he walked toward the bed, lifted the gauzy curtain, and saw Xie Yao huddled in the corner, pale-faced, hugging her knees in fear.

“Your Highness…” Her voice trembled with tears, but her eyes brightened the instant she saw him. She flung herself into his arms.

Once again, he caught her full against him as she sobbed, “I thought Your Highness wouldn’t come.”

Xiao Ji froze and then slowly raised a hand to pat her back. “Forgive me. I came late.”

Only after a long while did he gently push her away.

But their embrace had soaked her thin underclothes with his rain-drenched robes, clinging tightly to her body.

That half-concealed view was more stirring than if she had been bare before him.

Her eyes and her figure were wet, vulnerable, and inviting.

Xiao Ji’s body reacted instinctively. His gaze darkened, throat working. “I’m drenched. I’ll bathe first.”

“Your Highness, so am I.” Her voice was soft, unthinking.

“…”

His head snapped toward her. But he saw only clear, innocent eyes.

She… she didn’t understand at all. She didn’t know those words held another meaning.

Xiao Ji inhaled sharply. “I’ll have ginger soup brought.”

He spun on his heel and strode out.

Was this truly a crown princess he had married?

No, she was a seductress.

—

Outside, rain and thunder raged. Inside, Xiao Ji deliberately bathed in cold water. Surely it was because of the dinner dishes earlier; that’s why his body burned with heat low in his belly.

He dressed again, even adding a layer over his thin inner garment. His Crown Princess was still a sheltered young lady, so she wouldn’t notice.

“Your Highness.”

Xie Yao slipped her arm through his. “Can I… sleep beside you tonight?”

“No.” He refused at once. “If you’re truly afraid, I’ll have Young Lady Zhao keep you company.”

“Never mind then,” Xie Yao gave up gracefully. “Sister Ying has already retired. I shouldn’t disturb her.”

She lay down facing him, her bright eyes fixed on him where he lay on his back.

Her gaze was hot, impossible to ignore.

Just as she stared, the world went dark as his warm hand came down over her eyes. His deep voice rumbled, “Sleep.”

She blinked.

Her long lashes brushed against his palm, tickling. His hand twitched upward instinctively.

Another crack of thunder.

Xie Yao startled, then burrowed straight into his arms, clutching him tightly.

And that was when she noticed something.

She wasn’t an ignorant maiden. She had been forced, in her past life, to watch Xiao Ning and Song Wenbo’s debauchery countless times.

She knew enough to recognize the change in Xiao Ji’s body.

He was not impotent.

Before she could process the revelation, he quickly pulled her off of him. He seemed about to say something, then only managed, “I am here. Don’t be afraid.”

This time, Xie Yao behaved, curling obediently at his side. His body heat burned against her.

Only one thought circled in her mind: If Xiao Ji is potent, why doesn’t he touch me?

Could it be… that he simply didn’t like her?

But his body told another story.

With these thoughts tangling in her head, she drifted off to sleep.

Soft fragrance warm in his arms, Xiao Ji, however, could not sleep at all.

—-

By morning, when Xie Yao woke again, Xiao Ji was already gone.

She thought of her discovery last night and sighed softly.

“Your Highness,” Zhuqing said as she helped her wash up, “this morning Yuyan reported that Princess He Yi has again sent people to invite you.”

“Tell her I’ll attend.” Xie Yao’s lips curved coldly. She wanted to hear what nonsense Xiao Ning would spew this time.

—-

At Princess He Yi’s residence.

When her maid reported, Xiao Ning was lounging lazily on a soft couch. Around her stood several men: one kneading her shoulders, one pounding her legs, one massaging her feet, and another feeding her grapes by mouth.

Among them was Song Wenbo.

His clothes hung loose and untidy. At the words “Crown Princess,” hatred flashed in his eyes.

He had learned from the princess that it was Xie Yao who had recommended Ye Ping’an.

The disgrace he had suffered in the capital; he blamed it all on that wretched woman!

“Your Highness,” Song Wenbo said with tender flattery, “are you truly going to thank her?”

“Of course.” Xiao Ning’s lips curved in a cruel smile. “The Crown Princess saved this palace’s life. Naturally, this princess must give her a very, very special thanks.”

She hooked a finger under Song Wenbo’s chin, her eyes sweeping across the other men. “When the time comes, all of you better perform well.”

Translator’s Note: Forgive me for posting irregularly as I am stuck with studies too and I am trying to completely atleast half of this novel in draft so that I can put up schedule chapters.