Unparalleled Beauty

Chapter C066 pt2

Xiangluan Courtyard

Wushuang lay there for a long while before she felt her heart, which had been pounding like a drum, finally calm down.

Her body was covered in sweat, and his was as well. A peculiar, exotic fragrance permeated the air, masking the strange odor.

After a long while, she pushed him, but he did not budge. Instead, he seized her slender, white wrist, kissed it a few times, and then pressed her down again.

And then, he began again.

"What's gotten into you today?" Wushuang's voice was hoarse.

In the past few days, he had to go out on business every night, only returning in the middle of the night, which had given her a few days of respite. But these past two days, he had been like a madman, tormenting her all night long.

"I'm tired, I want to sleep," she pleaded softly.

He pressed his forehead against hers and said, "Then sleep."

But how could she possibly sleep like this?! She bit his shoulder in frustration, leaving a clear tooth mark.

He feigned a gasp, but his eyelids did not even flutter.

"Have you not noticed the difference?" Ji Yang could not help but ask.

Of course, she had noticed, but how could she possibly ask about such a thing directly? She stammered, her cheeks flushed with shame. He leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Then, do you think this Prince is much more impressive?"

Wushuang's face turned even redder, and she could not utter a word for a long while.

"Speak quickly."

"If you don't speak, you won't sleep tonight."

Wushuang believed he was capable of such a thing, but she was truly too embarrassed. She buried her face in the quilt, but he pressed her down so she could not hide. She then pulled a piece of clothing from the side to cover her face, and finally whispered, "Your Highness is exceptionally brave and unmatched in the world."

Her reaction made Ji Yang laugh. He lowered his head and bit her lips through the small garment covering her face, then rolled over and picked her up.

"Very well, I will spare you tonight."

***

The next day, Wushuang missed the time for breakfast. After she got up, she heard that Prince Wei had come by, but upon hearing that she was still asleep, he had left.

The weather was gradually turning cold, and now the underfloor heating in Xiangluan Courtyard had been lit. In her previous life, the Lady Fengtian's mansion also had underfloor heating. Once it was lit, it was as warm as spring. However, when people were warm, they tended to become lethargic. After getting up, Wushuang leaned against the Luohan bed, doing needlework, yawning as she worked, and constantly wanting to go back to sleep.

However, it was almost time for lunch. These days, Prince Wei would come to her place for lunch every day, so she had to hold on until after lunch before going back to sleep.

When Prince Wei arrived, Wushuang was still sewing the sleeve in her hands.

Before a new bride married, she had to make clothes for her husband for all four seasons to bring to his family. Before the wedding, Wushuang had worked on it sporadically, only completing two sets. She had only finished half of the winter clothes. These past few days, she had been taking them out to continue working on them, and she still had one sleeve left to finish.

The base was ink black, and the fabric was cloud satin, which already had its own patterns, so there was no need to bother thinking about embroidering any designs.

"What are you doing?"

"Making winter clothes for Your Highness."

When Wushuang spoke, she hadn't felt anything amiss, but once the words were out, she realized they were meant for Ji Yang, while standing before her was Prince Wei.

She became unconsciously flustered and changed the subject, saying, "Your Highness, please sit down and have some tea. I'll have them prepare the meal."

Prince Wei sat down, and Wushuang went outside to instruct Linglong and the others. When she returned, she saw Prince Wei sitting on the other side of the Luohan bed, examining the sleeve from her sewing basket.

She quickly walked over and took the sewing basket away.

"Your Highness, there are needles in here. Be careful not to prick your hand."

Prince Wei glanced at her. Wushuang, with her head lowered, didn't dare look at him. After taking the items away, she felt truly awkward upon returning. She sought to make conversation, saying, "Your Highness, the weather is growing colder. This concubine has a piece of fine black fox fur. Once the clothes are finished, would Your Highness like this concubine to make a hat for you?"

Prince Wei said indifferently, "As you wish."

At this moment, the meal was brought in. Steam rose from several large food boxes, and Fusheng was directing the servants to set the table.

The two went to eat. Usually, they would exchange a few words during meals, but today, it was unusually quiet.

Fusheng, glancing at one and then the other, wondered what was going on. Just now, His Highness had been busy, but upon seeing the time, he had come over before finishing his work. Why was it now… were they having a lovers' quarrel?

After the meal, Prince Wei left.

Wushuang's original drowsiness had vanished. She picked up the sleeve and sewed a few stitches, feeling truly uneasy. She then instructed Meifang to fetch the piece of black fox fur.

After the fur was brought and cut, she looked at the sleeve beside her, then put the fur down and continued to sew the sleeve.

Linglong, seeing the Princess Consort's fuss, didn't know what was wrong with her. She had just heard the Princess Consort say she wanted to make a hat for His Highness, but weren't the clothes and hat both for His Highness? What difference did it make which was made first?

Of course, it was different!

In any case, Wushuang spent the entire afternoon not only finishing the sleeve she had been working on, but also sewing the hat.

The fine black fox fur was glossy and smooth, without a single stray hair. Lined with a layer of fine cotton, it would be both comfortable and warm to wear.

Thinking of how Prince Wei usually paid attention to his appearance, she had Linglong find some gemstones, large ones suitable for setting on the hat. After comparing the stones, she decided that a sapphire set in a red gold base was most suitable, and she sewed this sapphire onto the hat.

Indeed, after it was sewn on, it looked different.

Only then did Wushuang breathe a sigh of relief, and she had Linglong pour her a bowl of tea, which she drank in one gulp.

Unknowingly, it had grown dark outside.

Wushuang asked about the time; it was already you hour (5-7pm), three quarters past. Usually, Prince Wei would have already come for dinner, but today, there was no sign of him.

Should she send someone to inquire?

After thinking about it, she wasn't hungry yet, so she decided to wait a little longer.

But after waiting and waiting, he still didn't come. Wushuang sent someone to ask, only to learn that Prince Wei was not even in the mansion.

Logically, it was normal for Prince Wei not to be in the mansion. After all, he was not a woman, and he was busy with official duties every day, but Wushuang felt that something was strange.

Wushuang ate her dinner alone and was just about to go to sleep when someone suddenly arrived.

It was little Douzi, Fusheng's apprentice, who also served by Prince Wei's side. He probably knew that Wushuang had sent someone to inquire earlier, so he had made a special trip.

"His Highness has returned, Princess Consort, please do not worry." As he spoke, little Douzi revealed a hesitant expression, "It's just that…"

"What is it?"

"It's just that His Highness seems to have drunk too much outside, and appears to be intoxicated."

As little Douzi spoke, he stole glances at Wushuang.

Wushuang naturally saw this. She knew the kind of people who surrounded Prince Wei; they would not utter a single unnecessary word. If they spoke, it surely held meaning.

Was this Chamberlain Fu hinting that she should make a visit?

Wushuang pondered. She indeed should go. She was Prince Wei's Princess Consort, and they were newly married. It was only proper that she care for her husband's health.

She called for attendants to help her change. As it was already dark, she did not bother with elaborate adornments, still wearing her everyday clothes, only changing her shoes and draping a thick cloak over herself.

As expected, little Douzi was overjoyed to see that she was willing to visit Prince Wei. He held a lantern to light her way, and even told some witty jokes to amuse her. However, upon entering the courtyard gate of the study, little Douzi instinctively lowered his voice, which caused Wushuang to involuntarily hold her breath.

Inside, it was so quiet that not even a crow could be heard.

Though called a study, this place was more like Prince Wei's residence. The front was a study, and the back was a bedchamber. The light inside was dim. Two chamberlains stood in the corner. Wushuang had not noticed them at first, only discovering them when she drew closer.

Fusheng greeted her outside the bedchamber, and after a few polite words, said, "His Highness drank with others and had a bit too much."

"Then, has he drunk the sobering soup?"

"This old servant had someone prepare sobering soup, but His Highness has not drunk it."

Wushuang thought for a moment, and decided to go in and take a look. She could not simply turn away at the door.

The door closed behind Wushuang.

Prince Wei's bedchamber was like the man himself: understated and restrained, yet luxurious, and with a touch of elegance.

Wushuang did not look closely, and went to the bedside.

At this moment, Prince Wei was lying on the couch, his hair disheveled, tied up at the back. He wore a gray satin sleeping robe, lacking his usual composure and bearing, and possessing a hint of casualness.

For a moment, she was in a daze, and thought she was seeing Ji Yang.

Prince Wei's face was flushed, with sweat on his brow, and his eyebrows were tightly furrowed, as if he was uncomfortable. Wushuang looked around and saw a clean handkerchief on a nearby table. She took it and wiped his sweat.

"Your Highness, Your Highness?"

Prince Wei opened his eyes. They were somewhat clouded, and the corners were very red. His narrow eyes, with that red at the tail, were particularly striking, giving off a bewitching aura.

He frowned deeply, half-propping himself up. Several strands of hair escaped from his tie, falling beside his face.

He did not seem to recognize Wushuang.

"Your Highness, it would be best to drink some sobering soup before sleeping, to avoid a headache tomorrow."

Wushuang brought the sobering soup. Prince Wei did not move at first, but eventually drank it. She breathed a sigh of relief, helped him lie down, and tucked him in with the quilt.

Just as she was about to withdraw her hand, her wrist was suddenly gripped tightly.

Wushuang lost her footing and fell onto Prince Wei's chest. She struggled to get up, but her waist was held captive.

Her lips and tongue were filled with the scent of alcohol, scalding and burning. She tried to dodge, but could not escape, as her nape was firmly held.

Wushuang protested with muffled sounds, but to no avail. Her slender waist was tightly bound by iron arms, her soft body forced against his hard, solid frame, leaving not a single gap.

You... let... let go...

Mei Wushuang finally found her voice, her cheeks flushed crimson, as she gasped for breath.

His pupils were as deep as the sea, yet held a unique clarity. He chuckled, his voice low, "What? He is allowed, but I am not?"