[To Become a River of Stars] Dong Xiange - Chapter 52
Li Xuanci took some time to calm his breathing.
Shiliu lay collapsed on his bed, the tangled sheets pressed beneath her. Her slender legs, still trembling violently, had not yet closed.
Only that tender slit remained soft and plump, a small, pale mound like almond tofu, evoking an involuntary sense of tenderness.
Hidden within was a hint of red, silently betraying the damp, lingering heat of passion. After being subjected to his rough handling, it had not yet fully recovered.
Thick, viscous s*men filled her passage, clinging to the delicate folds and slowly, stickily dripping down, seeping into the crevice that had not yet fully closed.
The fluid, still warm with residual heat, scalded Shiliu’s tender entrance once again. She shuddered reflexively, and another wave of tears welled in her eyes.
“Bullying Shiliu… brother peed on Shiliu, brother is bad to Shiliu,” she babbled incoherently, her words clumsy as she poured out her grievances, though she herself didn’t fully understand what those grievances were.
Li Xuanci’s gaze finally shifted to her, heavy and intent. His eyes carried weight, but unlike usual, they were no longer cold and detached; instead, they were tinged with the lingering warmth of desire.
He grabbed her ankle with one hand, closing her legs together. The s*men smeared at her entrance made a mess, but he paid it no mind, merely uttering in a low voice, “Hold it in.”
Then, he seized her slender waist, forcing her to stay close against his side, and lay down, closing his eyes without another word.
Shiliu’s lower body was still a muddy mess, her skin damp with fine sweat, leaving her uncomfortable. She whimpered and squirmed, trying to fuss again.
But he pressed the back of her head, pulling her firmly into his embrace. Though Li Xuanci’s actions were ruthless, his body was warm and comfortable, enveloping her in his heat until her very bones seemed to relax.
She lay still for a moment, and eventually, unable to resist the heaviness of her eyelids, she quietly fell asleep.
Deep in the night, when all was silent, even the watchman had vanished from the dew-soaked stone streets.
A dull thud echoed in the dimly lit corridor of the inn. Li Xuanci glanced back at the small, curved shape nestled beneath the layers of bed curtains.
She really was sleeping soundly.
He closed the door securely, leaving the lightly molested but oblivious Little Shiliu to sleep peacefully in bed, and went to Jin Zhan’s room.
As a guard, Jin Zhan was technically on duty even while resting and slept lightly. He awoke before the second knock sounded.
Seeing it was Li Xuanci, he immediately bowed in respect, his mind racing to deduce what urgent matter had arisen.
Having served the prince for so many years, he knew His Highness was always strategically composed. A midnight visit like this was unprecedented. What matter couldn’t wait until he was summoned to the prince’s quarters, requiring the prince to come personally to his attendant’s room?
Yet, he dared not show any surprise on his face, merely bowing and awaiting instructions. Li Xuanci strode past him into the room.
Jin Zhan’s nose twitched slightly. What was that scent?
Before he could ponder further, Li Xuanci drew a thin scroll from his sleeve and placed it on the table, saying, “Find the person in this painting. Quickly.”
Jin Zhan took the scroll, unfurled it, and saw an exquisitely beautiful woman depicted with just a few simple brushstrokes, yet her charm was vividly captured.
His heart stirred, but he dared not show it, quietly acknowledging the order before lowering his voice to ask, “Should we… invite her here?”
He had almost blurted out “capture her,” but he was unsure of the situation. Moreover, this was the first time Li Xuanci had shown interest in a woman—even going so far as to personally paint her portrait, and of such a peerless beauty.
Jin Zhan’s years of experience as an elite guard told him that this was anything but ordinary. It was entirely possible that he might soon have a new mistress. Thus, he changed “capture her” to “invite her.”
Sure enough, Li Xuanci instructed, “Deploy the shadow guards. Report immediately upon discovering her whereabouts, but do not act rashly and risk alerting the enemy.” His eyes darkened as he added, “Also, compile a full report on any unusual activities in the prefectures and counties, no matter how minor.”
Even the shadow guards were being mobilized—this was clearly of extraordinary importance. Jin Zhan grew more convinced of his speculation and bowed in acknowledgment. Though he didn’t understand why they needed to investigate activities in the counties, he assumed it was likely related to the woman.
Li Xuanci stood and walked toward the door, one foot already across the threshold, when he paused. Jin Zhan, who had begun to straighten up, immediately bowed again.
This time, he received the most peculiar and baffling order of the night.
“After dawn, buy some snacks and toys that children like.” Li Xuanci paused before adding, “Choose things young girls would prefer.”
Then, without looking back, he left.
Jin Zhan remained where he was, his mind filled with questions. Was the prince planning to use these items himself, or were they for someone else? But… the woman in the painting didn’t seem that young.
Scratching his head in bewilderment, Jin Zhan began trying to recall what his nieces and young female relatives usually liked, sinking deep into confusion.