My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 93: If Line 6 - Then I Want Ah Ling To Be With Me Forever.

　　He first kissed her lips lightly, quickly and instinctively parting her lips, his tongue entering her mouth to tangle with hers. 

　　Wet, sticky, and overwhelmingly dominant. 

　　No matter the time or place, his forceful possessiveness never changed. 

　　The kiss lasted quite a while. When Yun Ling was almost breathless, she weakly pushed his shoulders, but couldn't move him. 

　　The temperature in the hall seemed to gradually rise, his arms around her waist tightening.

　　Just as Yun Ling was about to reach her limit, Grand Eunuch An's cautious voice suddenly came from outside the door, “Your Highness, Lord Pei has something to report.” (T/N: No matter which world, Pei Yuan still is Pei Yuan the party popper, haha. 🤣)

　　Xie Jue stopped. 

　　He looked down at her flushed face and glistening eyes. 

　　He had lost control. 

　　Xie Jue released Yun Ling, allowing her to stand. To the outside, he coldly said, “Get lost.” (T/N: Finally he snapped! 🤣)

　　Despite the calm tone, the words sent a chilling shiver down one's spine. 

　　“Yes.” 

　　Grand Eunuch An trembled and quickly retreated.

　　He inwardly cursed Pei Yuan, thinking how oblivious he was. Why couldn't he have waited until tomorrow to report whatever it was? It wasn't like it was urgent. 

　　And now he had been scolded as well. 

　　That Lord Pei was truly inflexible and old-fashioned. 

　　Meanwhile, back in the hall... 

　　After a while, Yun Ling's breathing had returned to normal. She noticed his lips were tightly pressed together. Although he held a memorial in his hand, his gaze had been fixed on the same page for a long time without turning. 

　　He also didn't say anything to her, seeming to avoid her. 

　　Could it be that he was embarrassed?

　　A strange thought suddenly occurred to Yun Ling. 

　　The Crown Prince of Great Jin (Da Jin), holding the power of the Empire, was always ruthless, decisive, and merciless. How could he possibly feel shy? 

　　When Yun Ling first met him in the Cold Palace, due to his dangerous situation, he had always been suspicious and distrustful of her, suppressing and forcing her. Because of her status as a palace maid, even if he felt something for her, he could only express it as aversion. 

　　He was a Prince, she was a palace maid. Their inherently unequal statuses meant that he could only forcefully take what he wanted. Even after he admitted his feelings for her and declared his intention to make her his Crown Princess, it was always an act of condescension from a superior position.

　　Because she couldn't resist, she had always been in a weak position before him. 

　　He had never shown any shyness in front of her. 

　　But now…

　　Yun Ling knew her husband so well that she could understand the meaning behind even his indifferent words. 

　　Therefore, she naturally saw the awkwardness in his current demeanor. 

　　Yun Ling thought for a moment. Despite his fearsome reputation, the Crown Prince was only eighteen years old this year. 

　　She had never seen him display this kind of youthful, proud, and shy behavior before. Seeing it now, she found it endearing. 

　　Who would have thought that Xie Jue could one day be associated with the word ‘cute’? Of course, this ‘cuteness’ was only in Yun Ling's eyes.

　　Others... wouldn't feel it at all. 

　　Yun Ling rarely saw him like this, and found it amusing. She couldn't resist teasing him. 

　　“Your Highness, why did you kiss me just now?” Yun Ling blinked, her tone slightly puzzled. “Didn't I compensate you already?” 

　　Xie Jue paused, his hand freezing. “...” 

　　After a moment, his thin lips twitched. “Your so-called compensation was to kiss me again? You're quite skilled at twisting words.” 

　　Yes, it was Yun Ling who had been forward first, saying she would compensate him, and then kissing him again. That wasn't compensation at all; it was just another instance of her being forward. 

　　Yun Ling immediately smiled, her eyes curving into crescents. “Oh, Your Highness discovered it.” 

　　It had been intentional.

　　Xie Jue's Adam's apple bobbed. He turned his head away, avoiding her gaze, and coldly snorted. 

　　But Yun Ling clearly saw his reddened ears. 

　　Yun Ling smiled sweetly, drawing out the last syllable. “So… Your Highness kissed me back, right?” 

　　Xie Jue slammed the memorial shut, suddenly standing up, as if unwilling to speak to her further. “Fine, I have things to do.” 

　　With that, he immediately turned and left without another glance. 

　　The smile on Yun Ling's face didn't fade. Truly, Muyun's temperament had been inherited from his father. 

　　So domineering, so proud.

    ——

　　Yun Ling and Xie Jue's relationship is no longer as cold as when she first came. 

　　He was both arrogant and awkward. Often, when Yun Ling hit the mark with something, he would order her not to speak further. If she persisted, he would silence her with a curt, “Bold!” 

　　Under the Crown Prince's authority, Yun Ling couldn't say anything more. 

　　But Yun Ling could see that his possessiveness towards her was growing stronger, and that he no longer avoided intimacy with her as much. 

　　It seemed he had accepted, or compromised on, certain things. But it wasn't obvious, or rather, he was hiding and struggling with something. 

　　However, his affection was hidden too deeply, and Yun Ling couldn't be entirely certain. 

　　Day by day, the pomegranate flowers outside the window bloomed brilliantly.

　　Night fell.

　　In the dim twilight, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, the vibrant pomegranate blossoms strangely seemed to carry a sense of fading twilight. 

　　Even though they were in full bloom. 

　　Yun Ling was pondering this when she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her head, as if the nerves inside were being tightly squeezed. 

　　The pain came suddenly and vanished just as quickly. It was like a warning. 

　　She rubbed her forehead. At that moment, Lǜshuǐ rushed in. “Your Highness, the Crown Prince has arrived. Grand Eunuch An said that His Highness drank too much at the banquet and is drunk…” 

　　Yun Ling immediately stood up and walked towards the door. As soon as she went out, she saw Xie Jue being supported by Grand Eunuch An. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes closed, and he reeked of alcohol. 

　　“How much did you drink?!” Yun Ling hurried forward to support him. 

　　She knew about the celebratory banquet in the Palace today, held after the purge of the opposing faction and the capture of King Dingyang. 

　　But she hadn't expected him to drink so much, much less get drunk.

　　This was something that would never happen to him. He was never one to drink excessively. 

　　She had him helped to bed, and instructed Grand Eunuch An to bring a bowl of sobering soup. 

　　“Yes.” Grand Eunuch An immediately withdrew. 

　　Yun Ling removed his boots and had a palace servant bring water to wash his hands and face. 

　　He reeked of alcohol, his long lashes covering his eyes as he slept soundly. His inky black hair was scattered, a strand falling across his flushed cheek. Yun Ling gently moved it away, her gaze fixed on him. 

　　His nose was high and straight, his lips a blood-red. His superior and handsome features were like those of a seductive demon from hell. 

　　Cruel and bloody, yet captivating. 

　　Beneath his cruel reputation, his handsome face was something no one in Great Jin dared to discuss openly. But he was undeniably a very beautiful man. 

　　Yun Ling quietly watched for a while, until Grand Eunuch An entered with the sobering soup.

　　Yun Ling took the bowl, placing it aside for now. She gently called his name, “Your Highness, Your Highness.” 

　　Although drunk, Xie Jue wasn't completely asleep. At the sound of his name, he slowly opened his eyes, the corners tinged with a faint redness. 

　　Yun Ling helped him sit up against the headboard, then sat beside him, lifting the sobering soup to his lips. “Your Highness, drink some. Otherwise, you'll have a headache tomorrow.” 

　　Xie Jue, even drunk, didn't seem much different from usual. His expression remained cold. The only difference was that he was much more obedient. 

　　Like a puppet, he did whatever Yun Ling told him to. He silently drank all the sobering soup she offered without a word of complaint. 

　　He was surprisingly easy to manage.

　　But Yun Ling still couldn't help but say, “Your Highness, really, why did you drink so much...?” 

　　“Your Highness always had such good self-control before, never overindulging. Drinking is bad for your health. Your Highness should drink less in the future.” 

　　Yun Ling chattered on. Xie Jue leaned against the headboard, his eyes fixed on Yun Ling. 

　　His deep eyes, veiled in a hazy drunkenness, were hard to read, but he was intently watching her. 

　　He obediently responded to everything she said. 

　　“Okay.” 

　　Yun Ling looked up into his eyes, sighing. “I hope Your Highness remembers this…” Before she could finish, she unexpectedly fell into a warm embrace. 

　　Her words trailed off. 

　　Xie Jue leaned down, holding her close, his face buried in her dark hair. His voice was low and husky, tinged with the effects of alcohol. “I will remember.”

　　Perhaps because he was drunk, his actions became unbridled and unrestrained. His straight nose was buried in her neck, his arms tightening around her possessively, as if he wanted to engrave her into his very bones. 

　　She hadn't expected him to be so clingy when drunk. 

　　It was rather...cute. 

　　Yun Ling rested her chin on his shoulder, returning his hug and curving her eyes. “It seems Your Highness is truly drunk. You're not avoiding me anymore, and you're even hugging me proactively.” 

　　Xie Jue nuzzled her dark hair with his nose. “Mm. Because I…” 

　　His low voice, close to her ear, showed no trace of drunkenness. “I like Ah Ling.” 

　　Yun Ling froze.

　　The smile froze on her lips, her breath catching. His calm voice was therefore all the more clear and profound, “A liking beyond my control.” 

　　There was no emotion, no inflection in his tone; he was simply stating a fact. 

　　Yun Ling suddenly raised her head, staring blankly at his face. 

　　His face was still flushed from the alcohol, but in those deep, clear eyes, there was clearly no trace of intoxication. 

　　Xie Jue leaned down and kissed her, his voice low and calm. “I like Ah Ling. Ah Ling has known this for a long time, hasn't she?” 

　　He had drunk too much; even after the sobering soup, he couldn't hold on and fell into a deep sleep. 

　　Yun Ling heard his breathing gradually even out, then slowly got up and went to the window. 

　　Today was the sixteenth, and the moon was full, hanging high in the night sky, clear and cold. As if telling her that everything should be complete.

　　But Yun Ling felt a strange ache in her heart. The words he'd spoken before falling asleep echoed in her mind: 

　　“From the moment I saw you on our wedding night, I knew I couldn't bear to hurt you.” 

　　“Before going to Qingzhou, I went to Dongcheng Mountain. I asked the National Master if there were any malevolent spirits at work, to explain why, in such a short time, I would become captivated by a woman I had only met a few times. And the National Master told me, there are no such spirits. If it's not malevolent spirits, then it must be—” 

　　“My own heart is at fault.” 

　　When he said that, his tone was calm, as if he had known it all along. 

　　So, he had actually fallen for her so long ago.

　　He had always been like this; rather than being restrained, it was more accurate to say that he was often incredibly clear-headed. This made Yun Ling suddenly recall their past, the year she killed Wang Dade to avenge herself, and Li Youfu tried to use it against her, only to be executed by Xie Jue himself. 

　　Even then, he had been the same, openly admitting his feelings for her. 

　　He was so intelligent, so perceptive; he had always seen clearly.

    ……

　　In the torrential rain, Yun Ling's vision was blurred; she couldn't even see the figure ahead, but she smelled the strong scent of blood in the rain. 

　　Only when he slowly approached did Yun Ling see clearly that the dark figure was her husband. He was clad in cold, iron armor, his body covered in blood. 

　　But he seemed not to see her, passing right through her. 

　　So this was a dream, Yun Ling thought. 

　　The scene suddenly shifted. Yun Ling seemed to be in the Imperial Palace. The rain was even heavier. In the pitch-black night, flames soared into the sky, soldiers from both sides clashed, falling one after another. The bright red blood seemed to dye the sky red.

　　This was...outside Qianqing Palace, the time when he killed the Third and Seventh Princes. 

　　The scene shifted again. Thousands of soldiers stood on either side. At a single command, the heavens and earth changed in an instant, both armies engaging in fierce battle. It was clearly a war between two countries. 

　　This was when he attacked Che Luo. 

　　Mountains of corpses, cries of grief everywhere, a scene of utter devastation. 

　　For the first time, Yun Ling clearly understood that the victory in war was bought with human lives and blood.

　　The scene shifted again, and Yun Ling saw him. He pierced the enemy general's heart with a spear, the warm blood splashing down his face, leaving a bloody streak on his jade-like complexion. Beneath his sinister gaze, he looked like a Shura from hell. 

　　The enemy general was already dead, but he still didn't let go, twisting the spear cruelly in the man's heart, making him suffer an agonizing death. 

　　His eyes held an indescribable ruthlessness and a chilling killing intent. 

　　Suddenly, an arrow flew from behind, aimed directly at his heart. 

　　“Xie Jue!” Yun Ling woke from the nightmare, a tear rolling down her cheek. 

　　Why would she dream of such things?

　　Her voice was filled with heart-wrenching sobs, her chest heaving violently in terror.

　　“I'm here.” His voice suddenly sounded beside her. “What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?” 

　　Yun Ling immediately turned to look at him. 

　　It was already dawn. After a night's rest, the effects of his drinking had worn off. 

　　But he clearly hadn't forgotten what he had said last night. Since he had already confessed his feelings, he no longer avoided her. He directly held her in his arms, his fingers wiping the cold sweat from her forehead. He asked again, “What did you dream about? Why were you calling out to me even in your dream? Or, did I do something?”

　　Yun Ling's chest still heaved, a lingering fear remaining. At his words, she paused. 

　　But how could she tell him what she had dreamt? It was a scene he hadn't yet experienced. How could she explain it? 

　　Tell him it was another him, from another world? 

　　Thinking this, Yun Ling shook her head. “Nothing. I just dreamt...that you were in danger, but it was just a dream, nothing to worry about.” 

　　“I see.” Xie Jue lowered his eyes, his tone softening slightly, and he didn't ask further. 

　　He didn't press her, and Yun Ling didn't mention it again. They seemed to have an unspoken agreement to avoid the topic.

　　Xie Jue was busy with state affairs and left early in the morning. 

　　Life in the Palace continued, day after day.

　　The pomegranate flowers in the courtyard bloomed even more vibrantly. He seemed a little unhappy this morning, so Yun Ling decided to cheer him up. She had some pomegranate flowers picked, and personally cooked some pastries, without adding too much honey, to suit his taste. Besides that, she also prepared many dishes, all his favorites. 

　　Lǜshuǐ smiled, “If His Highness knows the Crown Princess cooked personally, he'll be very happy.” 

　　Yun Ling smiled as well, arranging the prepared food and waiting for his return.

　　Yun Ling sat in the chair waiting for a long time, until nightfall, finally seeing him walk in from outside. She said happily, “Your Highness is back.” 

　　Xie Jue saw the food on the table and raised an eyebrow. “You made this?” 

　　“Yes.” Yun Ling handed him the chopsticks. “Try it.” 

　　She rarely cooked, and her skills weren't particularly good, let alone compared to the Imperial Chefs. 

　　Xie Jue sat beside her, tasting each dish. He nodded. “Delicious.” 

　　Yun Ling smiled. “Is it really delicious? Your Highness doesn't have to force yourself if it's not.”

　　Xie Jue: “I never force myself.” He picked up a piece of bamboo shoot. “Because you made it, it may not be exceptionally delicious, but it perfectly suits my taste, so naturally it's delicious.” 

　　Yun Ling watched him take another bite before saying, “Then Your Highness isn't angry anymore, right?” 

　　Xie Jue paused, then after a moment, pursed his lips. “When was I angry?” 

　　He was, though. 

　　Yun Ling was perhaps the person in the world who knew him best. Therefore, she could detect his joys, angers, sorrows, and happiness, even the smallest of emotions, instantly. 

　　Although he hadn't asked about the dream she'd had that morning, she could sense his mood had soured at the time. 

　　It was just that Yun Ling didn't know why he was unhappy.

　　Seeing him with pursed lips, Yun Ling silently sighed and personally picked some of his favorite dishes and put them in his bowl. 

　　Xie Jue curled his lips and ate all the dishes. 

　　He was easily appeased. 

　　After dinner, Yun Ling brought over the plate of pomegranate flower pastries. “These are made with pomegranate flowers. Your Highness, please try them. This time, I didn't add much honey, so they won't be too sweet.” 

　　This time.

　　Xie Jue's smile was shallow. He picked up a piece and took a bite. “Not bad.” 

　　It wasn't too sweet, indeed. She must have tried many times. 

　　Seeing him eat it, the smile in Yun Ling's eyes softened. “Your Highness, is there anything else you want?” 

　　If she could, she only wanted him to be happy. 

　　Even if everything was a vain obsession. 

　　Xie Jue put down the pastry, turned and looked at her. “Anything?” 

　　Yun Ling: “Of course.” 

　　Xie Jue's gaze lingered on her face for a long time before moving away. After receiving her answer, the smile at the corner of his lips disappeared, and he said slowly, word by word, “Then I want Ah Ling to always be with me.”

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