My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 49: Spoiled. 

　　His voice fell, and everyone left, closing the door behind them.

　　Yun Ling stood before him, pausing for a moment before reaching out to undo his belt and remove his bloodstained outer robe, carefully placing it aside. In the past, when she was a Lady-in-Waiting, the most she had ever done was help him loosen his outer garment.

　　His chest was broad, his abdominal muscles firm. The last time she had seen them was that night in the Cold Palace. Back then, he'd pretended to be a frail prince, but a frail person wouldn't possess such a powerfully built physique.

　　“What are you thinking about?”

　　His low voice sounded from above.

　　“I was thinking…” Yun Ling stopped, surprised at where her thoughts had wandered. 

        Really…

　　He must have guessed, otherwise he wouldn't have asked.

　　Apart from that night, they actually rarely had such... intimate moments.

　　“I was thinking about how Your Highness initially detested me, avoiding me like the plague,” she said truthfully.

　　Xie Jue: “Are you settling old scores with me?”

　　“Of course not,” Yun Ling shook her head good-naturedly, “I just suddenly remembered.”

　　“I did detest you initially, but I avoided you like the plague because…”

　　Yun Ling looked up, only to see him slowly lower his head, his nose brushing against hers.

　　“I was afraid that if I got too close to you, I wouldn't be able to control myself and finish what I didn't finish that night.”

　　Yun Ling's breath hitched.

　　He actually…

　　Not wanting to continue the conversation, she lowered her head and silently helped him undress.

　　Yet she heard him ask, “Why did you refuse just now?”

　　“Are you unwilling?”

　　Yun Ling shook her head. “No, I'm just afraid I won't be able to serve Your Highness well.”

　　Xie Jue's thin lips twitched. “Lady Yun has always been thoughtful and considerate, you—”

　　Suddenly, Yun Ling gently wrapped her arms around his waist, her face resting against his burning chest, and sighed softly, “It's really not that, I'm just... a little... shy.”

　　At this moment, it was best not to let him become suspicious.

　　And he was a man who couldn't be refused.

　　Xie Jue paused.

　　Then slowly raised his arms and embraced her.

　　Serving him in his bath was quite simple. Yun Ling simply helped him undress, then took his clothes from the suitcase and neatly placed them aside.

　　Before long, he was finished washing. The sound of splashing water ceased, and soon he emerged, dressed in clean clothes.

　　Yun Ling had already prepared the bedding. Seeing him come out, she carefully used a cloth to dry his hair.

　　Grand Eunuch An quietly had the bath tub carried away and closed the door.

　　The room was silent.

　　Yun Ling gently wiped his hair, neither of them speaking.

　　Just like those years in the East Palace.

　　Such a quiet scene of two people together was long overdue.

　　She didn't wear any strong perfume, but she had a sweet, soft scent that made one unconsciously sink into it little by little. He wouldn't allow himself to become captivated by a palace maid, so later he forbade her from attending to him.

　　He replaced her with another young eunuch, who was incredibly clumsy. He was displeased and intended to call her back.

　　But after she became a Shanggong, she had complained to him, saying she was very tired, so he hadn't asked her to return to his service.

　　“Your Highness, why did you return so late?”

　　He had been delayed the entire night. And why did His Highness conduct the interrogation overnight, as if he feared some unforeseen incident?

　　“Cao Zhiping is not the mastermind.”

　　The Crown Prince's words startled Yun Ling. “He isn't? Then why did he act in such a way, essentially taking the blame upon himself? Could he have been forced?”

　　“Correct,” Xie Jue said.

　　Cao Zhiping appeared to have orchestrated the plan to lure Xie Jue there, intending to kill the ‘Young Master Chen’ to cover up his crimes. However, the number of people he brought was quite limited, and he had already prepared himself to be killed by ‘Young Master Chen’. In doing so, he would solidify his role as the mastermind behind the silver case, and the imperial envoy investigating would have no reason to continue.

　　The case would be closed.

　　However, first, only a few dozen taels of the two hundred thousand taels of silver had been found at the Wu residence. Second, when Cao Zhiping realized he was failing, he even attempted to take his own life to confirm his guilt, fearing that the true mastermind would come to kill him if he didn't.

　　Xie Jue had rendered his arm useless, cutting off his means to commit suicide, and he also made Pei Yuan extract the poison from his mouth. The overnight interrogation was meant to prevent any lingering issues or cover-ups. However, despite interrogating him the entire night in prison, Pei Yuan was unable to get him to speak.

　　This indicated that the people behind Cao Zhiping must have a firm grip on his life and family as leverage.

　　“Cao Zhiping wants to die now, and the people behind him want him dead as well. But I cannot allow him to die.”

　　Yun Ling understood his meaning.

　　If Cao Zhiping died, the case would truly be closed, and his backers would no longer reveal themselves.

　　No wonder he said he wasn't sure how long he'd be staying in Dianji.

　　If she guessed correctly, now that Cao Zhiping was in the Crown Prince's hands, the mastermind would secretly send someone to kill him to eliminate future trouble.

　　“Your Highness, what do you plan to do now?”

　　“Wait for the rabbit to come to the snare.”

　　After drying his hair, Yun Ling softly said, “Your Highness has been up all night, you should rest. I'll go out and buy some things, I won't disturb you.”

　　Xie Jue closed his eyes and softly responded, “Mm.”

　　Yun Ling gently closed the door and left.

　　She told the guards on both sides that she was going out to buy some things, and they readily agreed, only assigning a Shadow Guard to follow her for protection.

　　The Dianji magistrate had already been apprehended, so there was no immediate threat, which is why Xie Jue allowed her to go out. The market was bustling with vendors, their calls echoing through the lively streets.

　　Yun Ling saw a clay figure maker, creating figures on the spot, each one exquisitely crafted. She became interested and decided to have one made.

　　The Shadow Guard didn't urge her to return as it was still early, but he hadn't expected her to linger until sunset, and she still showed no signs of returning.

　　He wondered why she was out so long.

　　Meanwhile, at the Golden Gate Inn.

　　Xie Jue woke up to find the sky already dark. He threw off his covers and sat up, rubbing his forehead. “Someone.”

　　Grand Eunuch An immediately entered and respectfully said, “Your Highness, what are your orders?”

　　“Why is it you?” Xie Jue frowned slightly. “Where is Yun Ling?”

　　“Lady Yun?” An Zhong was a little confused. “Didn't Your Highness allow her to go out and buy some things? Lady Yun... Lady Yun hasn't returned yet…”

　　“She hasn't returned in three hours?”

　　“...Yes.” Grand Eunuch An felt a chill run down his spine.

　　Could Lady Yun have... escaped again?

　　Xie Jue's face instantly turned cold. She had pretended to be considerate, carefully drying his hair—her manipulative charm had become increasingly refined.

　　“Someone, have Fei Xue lead a team—”

　　Before he could finish, a slender, graceful figure walked upstairs, wearing a veil that concealed her face.

　　Entering the room, she removed the veil, revealing a bright, fair face. She smiled gently, “I brought something for Your Highness.”

　　Xie Jue's expression darkened. “Where did you go? Why are you so late?”

　　“What's wrong?” Yun Ling blinked, “I asked an old man to make me two clay figurines, so I was delayed for a while.”

　　She then said with regret, “I originally wanted to go see a play, but thinking that it was getting late, I hurried back.”

　　Then she showed Xie Jue one of the figurines.

　　Xie Jue took the clay figurine, which was a perfect likeness of him, and placed it on the table. “It's very similar.”

　　He then got up, changed into a dark blue brocade robe, and without saying a word, grabbed Yun Ling's wrist and left the room.

　　Yun Ling followed behind him, “Your Highness, where are you taking me?”

　　Soon, the two of them arrived at the entrance of a theater.

　　“Didn't you want to see a play?”

　　They went up to a private room on the second floor.

　　The stage was alive with the sounds of yi yi ya ya singing, punctuated by occasional cheers and shouts of approval. Some generous patrons even threw money onto the stage.

　　A waiter brought in tea.

　　Yun Ling first scalded the cup with hot tea and poured it out. Then she refilled the cup with fresh tea.

　　From the stage, the singers were performing a song, “A beautiful time and scenery, alas, why must it be like this…”

　　Yun Ling slowly handed the tea to the man, asking softly, “Your Highness, were you just now suspecting me?”

　　Xie Jue's gaze was fixed on the window, and he didn't turn his head. “Yes.”

　　Her voice was tinged with grievance, “Suspecting that I wanted to run away?”

　　“Yes.” Xie Jue replied again.

　　Only then did he slowly turn his head, looking intently at her, his tone slightly cold, “Even I am surprised by my own suspicion.”

　　“Perhaps it's because for the past few years, my dreams have been filled with you leaving.”

　　Yun Ling's aggrieved expression froze for a moment.

　　“Come here.” He said suddenly.

　　Yun Ling got up and went over to him. As soon as she got there, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her hard, causing her to fall into his arms.

　　She tried to stand up, but he held her waist and sat her down on his lap, facing him directly.

　　Her face turned red.

　　In broad daylight, he was really… What if someone came in?

　　She struggled to break free, but he held her waist with one hand and held her cheeks with the other, preventing her from moving.

　　His eyes held an undeniable, predatory intensity as he leaned down, inch by inch. His prominent nose brushed against her own, paused, then he tilted his head and lowered his lips, forcefully claiming her mouth in a kiss.

　　His kiss was equally forceful, overwhelming. He held her lips, sucking on them, prying open her teeth, and surging into her mouth.

　　The sweet, soft sensation filled his mouth. The sounds of their lips and teeth meeting escaped their lips.

　　Yun Ling gradually found it hard to breathe, pushing against his chest with both hands. But he held her wrists with one hand, pulling her closer to him, deepening the kiss.

　　Only when a blush bloomed on Yun Ling's face and her resistance weakened did he slowly pull back.

　　Looking down at her swollen lips, Xie Jue's eyes were as deep and dark as the night sky. Holding her waist, one hand cradling her slender back, he lowered his head and buried his face in her dark hair, “Ah Ling, with your sweet words and captivating beauty…”

　　Yun Ling, held in his embrace, slowly caught her breath, her eyes filled with a misty moisture.

　　He tilted his head and kissed her lips delicately, repeatedly.

　　“You've coaxed me, and I can't escape.”

　　“...For these years, the more I hated you, the more I missed you.”

　　Yun Ling's eyelashes trembled as she tilted her chin, accepting his increasingly deep kisses.

　　He continued, “When I thought you were going to run away again, do you know what I was thinking? I was thinking…”

　　His voice was calm, yet it sent a chill down her spine.

　　“Disobedient women should be locked up for life.”

　　Yun Ling leaned against him, silent. She knew his agreement to let her go shopping was a test. How could she not?

　　His veiled threats of power were a constant, and she was used to them.

　　However, she had no intention of appeasing him. Without lowering her gaze, she said seriously, “Then, Your Highness, lock me up.”

　　Xie Jue frowned, looked down at her for a moment, then pulled her back into his embrace, letting out a cold snort.

　　“Spoiled.”

　　——

　　He was truly accustomed to being domineering and overbearing, even holding her hand tightly in public.

　　Along the way, they attracted various curious and judging glances.

　　She couldn't shake him off, no matter how hard she tried.

　　Yun Ling considered herself to be quite mild-tempered, yet he constantly provoked her emotional ups and downs, leaving her feeling utterly helpless.

　　Back at the Golden Gate Inn, Grand Eunuch An and his group had been waiting for a long time. They didn't know where the Crown Prince had gone, and were walking back and forth anxiously.

　　Seeing them return, Grand Eunuch An's face lit up.

　　Xie Jue had official business to attend to at the government office that evening and wouldn't be back until very late.

　　Yun Ling had barely sat down when she heard Grand Eunuch An say, “Lady Yun, the clay figure artisan you hired has arrived.”

　　The old man was too busy making clay figures during the day, and only had some free time at night to teach her.

　　In the backyard, the clay figure artisan shared his secrets with Yun Ling. “Your hands need to be steady and quick. Actually, there aren't really any secrets to making things; it's all about practice. My grandfather, when he taught me, didn't say much, just told me to practice…”

　　Yun Ling nodded. “Thank you, Master.”

　　She began to mold the clay, following his instructions.

　　She was a dedicated student. After listening to the artisan's advice, she practiced in the courtyard for a long time, unaware of the passing hours until the moon was high in the sky. Finally, she managed to create a somewhat presentable clay figure.

　　She carefully carved three characters on the back of the clay figure.

　　Then, she carefully put the figure away and went to the bathroom in the backyard to bathe and change, washing away the day's fatigue.

　　After traveling by boat and then being confined for a day, she hadn't been able to properly bathe or change clothes. As someone who valued cleanliness, this had bothered her, so finally having a hot bath was a relief.

　　After drying her hair and coming out from the backyard, she went upstairs to the second floor and found that the light was already on in her room.

　　She turned to Grand Eunuch An.

　　She had assumed His Highness would be staying at the magistrate's office tonight. When did he return?

　　Grand Eunuch An whispered, “His Highness returned half an hour ago. Seeing that Lady Yun was busy, he didn't have anyone disturb you.”

　　Yun Ling nodded and pushed open the door.

　　The room was brightly lit.

　　He had already changed into a moon-white sleeping robe. His long, slender fingers held a book, and he was leaning against the headboard, reading.

　　A strand of inky black hair fell onto his shoulder. His high, straight nose was softened by the candlelight, lessening his usual stern aura and revealing his exceptional handsomeness.

　　People were usually too terrified by his ruthless methods to dare look directly at, or even discuss, the beautiful face hidden beneath that ruthlessness.

　　“Is your work all finished, Your Highness?” Yun Ling asked with concern, pouring a cup of warm tea and handing it to him.

　　Xie Jue took the cup and sipped it lightly. The tea was slightly bitter and unpalatable; he showed his displeasure and set it aside unfinished.

　　“There's no good tea here, Your Highness, please make do,” Yun Ling took the cup and placed it back on the table. She then asked, “Did Magistrate Cao confess? Now that you have him by the throat, have you investigated his family? Perhaps that's a way to get more information.”

　　“I've already sent people to investigate.”

　　Yun Ling nodded.

　　She knew he had already considered everything she could think of.

　　It was getting late. Yun Ling paused, then asked, “Your Highness, shall we rest?”

　　Naturally, they would be sleeping in the same room tonight.

　　While she might have been nervous sharing a bed with him yesterday, but after a day and a night, she had calmed down considerably and felt much more at ease.

　　After their experience when he was poisoned, and their intimacy then, she no longer felt the need to be coy.

　　In the quiet, Xie Jue casually set down the book in his hands and responded softly, “Mm, come and rest.”

　　Yun Ling replied with a “Yes,” and went over to extinguish the two candles, leaving only one small lamp burning, casting a dim, yellowish light.

　　The pale moonlight streamed in through the window. Yun Ling removed her outer jacket and robe, leaving only her thin nightgown. She took out the silver hairpin from her hair, letting her dark hair fall loose.

　　She rose and went to the bed, noticing that he remained leaning against the side, his gaze fixed on her.

　　Had he been watching her all this time?

　　Yun Ling pursed her lips, feeling a slight blush creep onto her cheeks.

　　Normally, the woman would sleep on the inside and the man on the outside, but he remained motionless by the side of the bed. She didn't want to make him get up, so she walked to the foot of the bed, and climbed over his legs to reach her side.

　　But just as she got onto the bed, he suddenly sat up straight, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her up with strength. She found herself falling directly into his embrace.

　　Her entire body pressed against his chest.

　　Their hair intertwined, and their breaths mingled.

　　His strong arms held her tightly at the waist, and she could feel his breath right beside her ear.

　　Yun Ling tried to lift her head, her face flushed, and stammered, “Your Highness…”

　　In the dim candlelight, her fair little face was flushed with a barely discernible blush. Her shoulders were delicate, her slender brows slightly furrowed, and her bright almond-shaped eyes were glistening, like the autumn waters.

　　From the moment she entered, his thoughts had wandered from his book.

　　Once, he had detested her, this palace maid. But now, her every word, every action, every smile tugged at his heart. During the three years she was gone, a large part of his mind had been focused on her. He had been determined to find her, planning to inflict terrible vengeance on the woman who had deceived him. But now that he had her back, everything else seemed insignificant.

　　“Your Highness, please put me down... mm…”

　　She managed to utter a few words from her reddened lips, before he silenced her with a kiss.

　　Her words were lost in the meeting of their lips.

　　Xie Jue held her slender back, their hair entwined as their mouths moved together. Soft, muffled sounds filled the dimly lit room.

　　Yun Ling's chin was tilted upwards by his kiss, her eyes filled with tears.

　　She was breathing rapidly, unable to speak, leaning against his chest, feeling weak.

　　Xie Jue slowly lifted his head, leisurely licking the corner of her lips. His voice was slightly husky, and he spoke slowly, “Yun Shanggong, why aren't you struggling?”

　　His kisses were deep and intense, his breath overwhelming her, like being submerged in a deep, dark sea, unable to resist, with nowhere to escape.

　　Yun Ling struggled to regulate her breathing, “Your Highness... could you be gentler?”

　　Her swollen lips throbbed with a dull ache.

　　She didn't realize how soft her voice had become.

　　Xie Jue, holding her, suddenly turned over, laying her gently on the bed. His phoenix eyes were dark and unreadable, his jawline tight, as he lowered his head and pressed his mouth heavily against hers. He said in a low voice, “Right now, you should probably say less.”

　　The coldness dissipated from the dim room.

　　Xie Jue pinned her wrist, as white as jade, to the pillow, and leaned down to kiss her. At that moment, a soft knock came from outside the door.

　　Grand Eunuch An's voice could be heard from outside, “Your Highness... Lord Pei has arrived, saying he has urgent news to report, concerning Magistrate Cao.”

　　“Please, Your Highness, come quickly to the Magistrate's office.”

　　While saying this, he cursed in his heart, this Lord Pei really truly lacks awareness, and he only knew how to investigate the case all day long. But he also knew that this matter really couldn't be delayed. 

　　After what seemed like a long time, a low, cold, husky voice was heard from inside the room, “Enter.”

　　Grand Eunuch An pushed open the door and entered. He immediately saw the silken bed curtains drawn, completely concealing the bed within.

　　In the dim candlelight, the interior of the tent was shrouded in shadow, revealing only a vague silhouette.

　　The room was silent.

　　Grand Eunuch An quickly lowered his head and lit both lamps on either side of the room.

　　The Crown Prince, clad in loose moon-white sleeping robes, stepped down from the bed. Grand Eunuch An immediately presented a clean, dark-colored brocade robe and began to help him dress.

　　By chance, his gaze lifted, catching sight of the crimson marks on the Prince's neck beneath his collar.

　　Unable to look any longer, he carefully adjusted the sleeves and waist sash of the robe.

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