CHAPTER 38: CHAPTER 37: LOVERS’ BATH

"YarRuo, do you think the Emperor of the Yan Chi people will treat me well?"

"Princess, you are so beautiful, how could the Emperor not like you?"

As Concubine Lan, Yi Na moved from Kesha women’s tent to the Yan Chi Concubines’ area. The two maids accompanying her were the same two who danced with her at the performance; they had shared food and beds since childhood, understanding each other more than most, and were like sisters.

Listening to YarRuo’s praise, a slight smile finally appeared on Concubine Lan’s lips.

Within the smile, there was anticipation and also melancholy.

Concubine Lan didn’t want to marry far away to Yan Chi. No matter how wealthy Yan Chi Palace was, it couldn’t compare to the freedom of the Grassland. How happy was she in Kesha? Her mother was favored, and her father indulged her. As a child, she was very mischievous, often fighting with her half-siblings, and she was always the one being indulged, her father harshly punishing anyone who laid a hand on her. Not a single mark could be left on her skin.

She vaguely sensed that she was different.

When she grew older, she realized this difference was because she was the daughter to be gifted to the Emperor of Yan Chi.

"I heard the Emperor is excellent at riding and archery, but I think he’s no match for Sachu Ri," Concubine Lan said softly.

"Princess!"

Upon hearing Sachu Ri’s name, the two maids’ expressions changed, and they immediately stopped her.

Concubine Lan’s face showed sadness: "By the bonfire, I danced the same dance for him, even without music or singers. It was exactly the same dance. I don’t know if I will love the Emperor in the future, but at that moment, I only had eyes for him."

The maid advised, "Princess, let bygones be bygones."

Candlelight flickered on Concubine Lan’s brow, making her beauty glow like fire.

Before departing to the hunting grounds, her father noticed her reluctance and had asked her for her wishes—if she didn’t want to go, she would lose all her previous privileges. She loved the general on the Grassland but couldn’t give up the luxurious life prepared for the Empress-to-be.

Amidst endless worries and sorrows, she transformed from a small princess of Kesha into Concubine Lan, meant to offer herself to the Emperor of the Yan Chi people.

Henceforth she would enjoy boundless affection, yet far from her homeland.

Concubine Lan leaned by the window, lost in thought, constantly glancing at the doorway.

When the Emperor of Yan Chi arrived, she would comply to bed him, but she would also tell him that she was the most beautiful and free flower on the Grassland, now bloomed only for his eyes. He must cherish her; only then would her heart truly belong to him.

...

At this moment, Ying Lu prepared a massive wooden tub, ordering servants to fill it with hot water.

Xie Zhixing, feeling stuffy in the tent, used a screen to section off a part of the Grassland, turning it into an impromptu outdoor bath, with herbs burning nearby to deter mosquitoes. He worried she might be embarrassed to disrobe, leaving only a palace maid to attend her. Yun Jiao didn’t mind at all; she thought her figure was perfect. Those with pure thoughts had nothing to worry about, and those with impure ones should be the ones ashamed!

Beside the wooden tub, the Emperor in a loose robe let his hair down. The moonlight illuminated his face, his lips curled into a slight arc, exuding a unique elegance.

Yun Jiao didn’t understand such literary descriptions.

She only thought the guy looked as cool as an SSR card character in a game, definitely not cheap to acquire.

She looked at the Emperor, and the Emperor looked at her.

Her eyes were like the bright stars in the sky. As she blinked at him, he couldn’t help but wonder what was on her mind—certainly something he couldn’t anticipate. Seeing her dazed, he gestured her over: "Come here."

Yun Jiao trotted over: "Can I get in the water now?"

Xie Zhixing nodded: "The water is a bit hot, take it slow."

"I understand, my lord."

It was Yun Jiao’s first time bathing outdoors!

And on the Grassland!

She had never been to the Grassland, only seen it in pictures online, her most realistic experience being a VR headset tour. But now, she could step on the wild grass, smell its freshness, and feel the steam rising. She quickly sat in the wooden tub, and the next second was flailing around, like a little turtle tossed into hot water.

Xie Zhixing: "..."

Clearly she didn’t listen to a word I said.

In the next moment, time reversed, and Yun Jiao carefully stepped into the tub, gradually adjusting to the temperature. Xie Zhixing, without her hesitation, sat down with a solemn face. The water covered his chest, soaking his clothes, his impressive physique faintly visible beneath the water, giving Yun Jiao an eyeful.

The Emperor, when not present, she wouldn’t miss him.

Yet when such a handsome man suddenly appeared before her, she was totally captivated.

"My lord, shall I help you with your bath?"

Yun Jiao’s fingers itched to move.

Xie Zhixing glanced at her, a faint acknowledgment granting permission. No sooner had he agreed than her hands were on him. Taking a wooden ladle, she scooped water over his shoulders, droplets forming from steam, leaving his skin glowing even more under the moonlight.

"...Is this how you assist me in bathing?"

"How else should it be?"

Yun Jiao looked at him in confusion, then suddenly understood: "My Lord, you think I’m not doing it right! Well then, with that one word from you, as long as you don’t yell in pain or blame me, I’ll make sure to take good care of you today."

Whether it’s serving him or not, the Emperor never expected fairies to serve him.

"As you wish."

Xie Zhixing held her small hand in his.

Soft and small, it would be hard to hurt him.

"Alright then, let’s soak for a while first, my lord."

Saying this, Yun Jiao did indeed half-close her eyes, enjoying the pleasure of the hot bath.

Having eaten well before, her blood sugar rushed to her head, and she felt a bit drowsy, needing something to wake her up: "My lord, as long as you’re not angry, I can show you something amazing."

"Hmm."

Under Xie Zhixing’s indulgent gaze, she clasped her palms together in front of her chest. The subtle movements had an alluring charm. He swallowed slightly, watching her let water fill the gap between her palms, then press them together, spraying water onto his face.

...

The water that splashed onto the Emperor’s face slowly dripped downward, trickling into the hollow of his collarbone.

Xie Zhixing’s face remained stoic, but he was internally shaken.

I, bathed with a concubine and got splashed by water!

Yun Jiao eagerly grabbed his hand: "Here, my lord, this is quite simple, I’ll teach you."

For Xie Zhixing, it was indeed not difficult, learning with ease, though he was uncertain of its practical use. Yun Jiao, however, was enthusiastic: "In case one day you encounter an assassin while bathing, my lord, you could use this trick when unarmed."

Xie Zhixing chuckled: "Make the assassin laugh, perhaps?"

The two were very close, and as Yun Jiao was about to shift her hips, she suddenly realized that the Emperor’s Dragon Vein was awake.

Xie Zhixing felt a stir in his heart.

He was just about to pull her into his embrace when time reversed again, and the Dragon Vein went dormant.

Frustrated, he nearly lost his temper.

"My lord, we’ve soaked enough. Shall I serve you now?"

Just as Xie Zhixing was about to explode, the culprit approached with a bright smile.

"You go ahead."

He was curious to see how she would serve him.