My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 55: This Time, Don't Bite The Lone Wolf

　　Xie Jue was hit by an arrow. Although he didn't care, the wound was quite deep, and he lost a lot of blood. His body was also weak and powerless.

　　He forced himself to cheer up and comfort her before saying to the outside, “Let them all get up.”

　　Outside the door, Fei Ying and the others expressed their sincere gratitude, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

　　Xie Jue's uninjured arm held her tightly in his embrace. He closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep again.

　　The room gradually fell silent, his steady, warm breath falling on her ear.

　　Yun Ling nestled quietly in his arms, her spirit already much calmer and more relaxed. She closed her eyes, almost falling asleep.

　　Suddenly, she remembered something. She opened her eyes, afraid of disturbing his wound, gently lowered his arm and got out of bed.

　　She had just asked Grand Eunuch An to help her boil some hot water.

　　When she reached the door, Fei Ying and the others, who had been punished, had already gone back.

　　Pei Yuan was personally on guard outside tonight. Seeing Yun Ling come out, he asked, “Lady Yun, why are you out? Did His Highness have any instructions?”

　　Yun Ling shook her head, “His Highness has already fallen asleep.”

　　Pei Yuan felt relieved.

　　Yun Ling looked at the moon in the sky, “Lord Pei, do you know who those assassins were?”

　　Pei Yuan shook his head, “Those assassins are all locked up in prison; their background is still unclear for now.”

　　However, Yun Ling already had a faint feeling in her heart.

　　Since her return from Pengshui County, she had been targeted by assassins. The Wu Youlong family had already fallen from grace and lost everything. They would not have the power to hire so many assassins to retaliate against her. The villagers of Wujiacun were even less likely.

　　The only reason was the amulet she dropped in Wujiacun village, which exposed her identity.

　　These people followed her to the post station but didn't even know the Crown Prince was staying there. Otherwise, they wouldn't have brought so few people. Therefore, they must not be Officials. Those who came to hunt her down were probably from the Lin family, trying to kill her to silence her.

　　This indicates that her parents' status within the Lin family might be quite high, otherwise, the news wouldn't have spread so quickly.

　　She had a general understanding that although the Lin family had produced several high-ranking officials in their ancestry, by the generation of the previous head of the Lin family, they had largely transitioned to commerce and were the wealthiest family in Yunze.

　　Their assassination attempt was not for power, but for wealth.

　　However, all of this was just her speculation. As for whether it was true or not, she would continue her investigation.

　　Grand Eunuch An brought over the boiled hot water, with clean towels inside, his face filled with anxiety, “Lady Yun, how is His Highness now? Is he alright?”

　　He was nearly frightened out of his wits when he rushed back with Lord Pei. For Lady Yun's sake, His Highness had been struck by an arrow in the shoulder, his entire arm covered in blood.

　　His Highness came to investigate the silver case, and yet was injured by assassins here in Yunze, so severely wounded. This will undoubtedly cause a major upheaval in the court.

　　Just who were those blind and reckless assassins? Their deed could bring ruin upon their entire clan!

　　Yun Ling understood Grand Eunuch An's panic and anxiety, and said softly, “Give me the water. Don't worry, His Highness has fallen asleep.”

　　Grand Eunuch An quickly handed it over.

　　With Lady Yun taking care of him, he naturally felt relieved. His Highness only needed Lady Yun's care at this time.

　　Yun Ling returned to the room, moistened the towel with hot water, and gently wiped his face and hands. Then, she got up and blew out the lamps on both sides, leaving only two for illumination.

　　After finishing, she went to bed and lay down beside him, her forehead resting against his arm, gradually falling into a peaceful sleep.

　　……

　　The first rays of morning sunlight streamed in.

　　Xie Jue woke up, feeling warmth beside him, a gentle and fragrant breath wafting towards him. 

　　Turning his head, he saw her curled up quietly beside him, peacefully asleep. Her long curled eyelashes cast shadows over her delicate features, her nose and lips rosy, and a faint blush appeared on her small face. Her slender waist sank into the mattress, exuding warmth and tranquility.

　　Xie Jue quietly watched her for a long time, reached out to pull her into his embrace, unable to resist leaning down to gently bite her red lips, savoring the moment.

　　In the warm room, the heat rose slowly within the bed curtains.

　　Yun Ling's eyes, which had been peacefully closed, slowly opened, her eyes moist. Entangled with his lips, lying in his arms, she was awakened by his kiss.

　　A lingering, wet kiss, even making a little sound, Yun Ling tilted her chin, continuously enduring it. Only after smelling the slightly bitter scent of medicine on him did she come to her senses, gently pushing his chest. “Your Highness, you're still injured…”

　　He couldn't maintain this position for long; what if it affected his wound?

　　Xie Jue's voice was a little hoarse. Ignoring her push, he simply said, “It's fine.”

　　Leaning down to kiss her again, a knock suddenly came from the door. Grand Eunuch An's respectful voice came from outside, “Your Highness, Imperial Physician Zhang has arrived to change your dressing.”

　　Xie Jue's movements paused, his cold brows furrowed in displeasure. (T/N: Stopped again. 😂)

　　Yun Ling had already gotten up by this time. She said to Grand Eunuch An outside, “Please ask Imperial Physician Zhang to wait outside for a moment.”

　　Grand Eunuch An: “Yes.”

　　Yun Ling took clothes from behind the screen and dressed herself, then tied up her long hair before going to open the door.

　　Imperial Physician Zhang entered carrying his medicine box. He untied the gauze on Xie Jue's shoulder, examined the wound, noting that the arrow wound was no longer bleeding.

　　After carefully changing the dressing and re-bandaging it, he stood up. “Your Highness, you must refrain from any physical exertion and focus on recovering.”

　　Xie Jue responded lightly, “Mm.”

　　After the dressing change, Yun Ling helped him change his clothes and wash up. Grand Eunuch An then had someone bring in breakfast.

　　Pei Yuan walked in: “Reporting to Your Highness, I heard that Your Highness was attacked. The officials of Zezhou are all waiting outside to see you.”

　　They would only offer flattering words of concern; Xie Jue had no mood to see them. His thin lips uttered three words, “Not seeing them.”

　　Originally, the matters in Yunze were to be handled and he would return to the capital in two days. However, now that Xie Jue had injured his shoulder, it was unsuitable for long-distance travel, fearing that the wound might burst open mid-journey. Nothing was more important than the Crown Prince's health; thus, they could only delay in Yunze for his recovery.

　　During this time, the assassins were kept in the Zezhou prison. They weren't interrogated.

　　In fact, Yun Ling already had a certain understanding; interrogation or not, the result would be the same.

　　She could guess that since she had discussed her background with the Crown Prince, Xie Jue had naturally guessed as well.

　　She needed time to think things through, and he wouldn't force her.

　　Yun Ling didn't know what she was hesitating about. Perhaps it was because the answer to the mystery of her origins, which she had searched for so long, was finally at hand. Or perhaps it was because her appearance immediately attracted an assassination attempt, implying that the underlying reasons were far from simple.

　　Since childhood, she knew she was abandoned, so she had always been accustomed to it and had never placed any expectations on so-called family. She didn't care.

　　But first being sold, then assassinated—what kind of heartless parents would do such things? Either her existence was a disgrace to her so-called parents, so they were eager to erase her. Or, her parents were already dead, and her existence threatened the interests of others in the Lin family. Whichever it was, it was difficult for her to accept all at once.

　　Because the Lin family couldn't tolerate her, was that why Master, knowing her origins, didn't tell her?

　　Yun Ling sat on the steps, quietly looking up at the moon and stars in the night sky.

　　They say that people who die become stars in the sky. Is the Master watching over her?

　　Can he give her an answer?

　　It's too complicated; she can't figure it out.

　　Because of these doubts, she suddenly felt reluctant to face the bloody truth that would be revealed.

　　The cold winter hadn't passed yet; the night, along with the biting wind, enveloped everything, as if it could pierce one's bones.

　　Even her hands and feet must be freezing.

　　Grand Eunuch An watched anxiously from behind; it was so cold, he was afraid that Lady Yun would catch a chill.

　　Turning back into the house, he saw the Crown Prince reviewing official documents. He whispered beside him, “Lady Yun seems rather troubled lately.”

　　“It's so cold outside, yet she doesn't come inside.”

　　Xie Jue's brows furrowed slightly. “She's troubled by that Lin family matter.”

　　She always has her own ideas; he doesn't need to interfere.

　　Lowering his head to look at the documents again, he suddenly slammed them shut in frustration. “Have her summoned. If she continues like this, she'll ruin her health.”

　　His deep phoenix eyes narrowed. “That Lin family...I want to see what tricks they're playing.”

　　Just a mere wealthy merchant from Yunze, yet they dared to attempt to assassinate her several times.

　　If they dare to upset her, it would be better to simply eliminate them all.

　　Grand Eunuch An quickly went out to summon someone.

　　“Lady Yun, His Highness is calling for you.”

　　Yun Ling snapped back to reality at his voice, only then realizing that it had already turned dark at some point; she had been lost in thought for so long.

　　That's how she always was; whenever she couldn't figure something out, she liked to look up at the moon. She'd get lost in thought.

　　She quickly stood up and asked, “Is His Highness feeling unwell?”

　　It shouldn't be; his wound had healed for many days, the scab had formed, and he had no problems with movement. They should almost be ready to return to the capital.

　　Grand Eunuch An just shook his head. “Lady Yun, you should go ask His Highness yourself.”

　　Yun Ling nodded and entered the room. Grand Eunuch An closed the door securely behind her.

　　Once inside the warm room with the brazier, Yun Ling realized her fingers were almost frozen stiff.

　　After warming and bending her fingers, she approached him and softly asked, “What's wrong, Your Highness?”

　　Xie Jue looked at her frostbitten nose, his expression darkening. “You're not afraid of the cold, are you?”

　　His tone was harsh and stern, but Yun Ling was used to it and wasn't afraid. She poured a cup of warm tea and put it to his lips, curling the corners of her lips, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I know my limits.”

　　Xie Jue didn't drink the tea; instead, he reached out and took her icy fingers in his. “You used to be calm and rational, saying you knew your limits, and I believed you. Now, is a mere Lin family really worth this much worry?”

　　Yun Ling was stunned for a moment.

　　Slowly putting down the tea, she pursed her lips. “It's not exactly worry, it's just that I can't figure it out.”

　　Unable to figure it out, she thought too much. People, sometimes, will have some pointless worries.

　　“Your Highness needn't worry; it's not a big deal to me. Your Highness is about to depart for the Capital tomorrow; tomorrow, let's interrogate the Lin family. Once the interrogation is complete, everything will be settled.”

　　If she really wanted to investigate, a single day would suffice.

　　She had been waiting for him to recover; now that they were returning to the Capital, she still needed to clarify her origins; she couldn't leave with a mind full of questions.

　　Xie Jue slowly lowered his head to look at her. “I hope you truly aren't worrying about it.”

　　“If you continue to hurt yourself like this, I'll simply kill everyone in the Lin family and be done with it.”

　　Yun Ling's eyes were fixed, stunned.

　　He really was always using his authoritarian threats, but this time, it strangely made her eyes feel a little sore.

　　She nodded. “Mm, I understand.”

　　Xie Jue's expression softened. He pulled her wrist, hugging her close, his large hand firmly grasping her fingers. “Are you cold?”

　　Leaning against his chest, Yun Ling tilted her head, gazing at him, slowly shaking her head. “I'm not cold anymore.”

　　Her eyes were bright and clear, innocent and gentle, making one's heart melt. Xie Jue completely lost his temper, holding her waist, he lowered his head and kissed her lips, sucking deeply. “Don't do this again…”

　　“…Okay.”

　　……

　　The moon hung high in the branches.

　　The streets outside were quiet; every household had fallen asleep.

　　The lights in the room were mostly extinguished; the embroidered canopy cast dim, yellowish shadows.

　　He knelt on the bed, his hands supporting her on either side, leaning down to kiss her intensely and repeatedly, causing her to lean back continuously until she lay on the bed, her hair scattered, falling on her thin, delicate shoulders and white neck.

　　During his recovery period, no matter where they were—the study, the bedroom, even the government office—he would kiss her. Ahem…

　　Yun Ling, initially shy, had almost gotten used to it; she could even leave calmly and without a heartbeat after a kiss.

　　He was like that, possessive to the extreme, even in his kisses.

　　He parted her lips, and Yun Ling, lost in thought, wrapped her arms around his neck, closing her eyes and kissing him. The brazier warmed the room; whether it was the heat or something else, beads of fragrant sweat appeared on her neck.

　　She thought they would sleep after the kiss, but as the kiss continued, she realized something was amiss.

　　These past days, while he was recovering, he only kissed her. But today…

　　A blush rose on her cheeks, even her tender ears turning red. She gasped, her eyes misty and watery. “Your Highness's wounds aren't healed yet.”

　　“They are,” Xie Jue mumbled against her soft lips, lust evident in his eyes. One hand forcefully held her chin, preventing her from moving.

　　She'd been sleeping in his arms every night for days. Could he really hold back any longer?

　　She was his Crown Princess; no one could stop him. He would formally crown her after their return to the capital. Therefore, Xie Jue was not so kind as to wait until after their wedding to consummate their relationship.

　　Back in the Cold Palace, they had done everything except the final step. And now, with her soft, yielding nature and gentle presence beside him, he truly couldn't control himself; he wanted to possess her completely, to absorb her into the very marrow of his bones.

　　The embroidered curtains were drawn on both sides, dimming the candlelight even further.

　　Their hair became tangled together.

　　The fragrant scent from her body filled the air.

　　Xie Jue firmly held her wrist against the pillow, leaning down to kiss her. His Adam's apple bobbed as he spoke in a low, husky voice, “This time, you mustn't bite me.”

　　……

　　Yun Ling not only bit him but did so quite fiercely.

　　However, this time he wasn't angry at all; he allowed her to bite without a word of threat.

　　Outside, the night was deep, and the moonlight flowed like water.

　　It was hard to tell how much time had passed.

　　A few maidservants brought in warm water from the prefectural office, sensing the subtle fragrance wafting from within the embroidered curtains.

　　With practiced efficiency, they poured the hot water into the tub and laid out the clothes. Only then, cautiously pulling back the curtains, did they catch sight of the scene within, their faces flushing crimson as they quickly lowered their heads.

　　“Your Highness, the water is ready. Should we help the Lady get up?” they asked respectfully.

　　Yun Ling lay in his arms, eyes closed, her hair damp at the temples, her small face flushed, her eyes red-rimmed, her whole body limp and about to collapse.

　　Xie Jue held her shoulder, simply saying, “Leave.”

　　The maidservant immediately responded with a “Yes.”

　　They quietly left and closed the door.

　　After the maidservant left, Xie Jue saw her drowsy, eyes closed, leaning against his shoulder. Unable to resist, he leaned down and kissed her slightly swollen lips again, his voice still husky. “Shall I carry you to bathe?”

　　Yun Ling shyly pushed him.

　　This time, she truly didn't have the energy to think about anything else.

　　……

　　Their departure from Yunze was imminent, and the matter of the Lin family needed resolving.

　　Since Yun Ling had made her decision, she wouldn't hesitate or worry anymore. She only wanted results.

　　The closer they got to the prison, the stronger the smell of blood became.

　　Stepping into the cell, they saw the assassins, already battered and near death after their torture, lying prostrate on the ground.

　　Pei Yuan barked, “Speak! Who sent you?”

　　The leader among them said, “We've said everything we know. We're just killers. Someone paid a hefty price for this young lady's life, and we simply did our job.”

　　“As for who it was, that's against the code. We never ask our clients' identities.”

　　Pei Yuan said, “So, you don't know?”

　　The leader of the assassins pleaded, “Please, kind sirs, we truly don't know anything else.”

　　Pei Yuan: “Since you can't recall, then let the torture continue. Rest assured, I have many more methods to make your lives a living hell waiting for you.”

　　The prison was immediately filled with pleas and cries of agony.

　　Xie Jue watched impassively, his expression unchanging, before suddenly asking, “How much were you paid?”

　　The wailing stopped abruptly.

　　The leader, head bowed, trembled as he replied, “Ten...thousand taels.”

　　Ten thousand taels—a truly astronomical sum. To buy Yun Ling's life, they'd spared no expense, explaining why so many assassins were assembled so quickly.

　　In Yunze, there weren't many families who could afford such a large sum.

　　The interrogation had reached its end. Further questioning would yield nothing more.

　　But Xie Jue already had a good idea.

　　Turning to Yun Ling, he asked, “Is there anything you want to ask?”

　　Yun Ling shook her head woodenly. There was no need to ask further. She turned and left the prison.

　　Xie Jue looked at the dying assassins, coldly ordering, “Bring the Lin family head here.”

　　“Within two hours, I want to see him.”

　　Fei Ying replied, “Yes.”

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