Chapter 70: Epilogue

Chapter 70 - Extra

Within the tent, only Yu Xi and Fu Anyian were present, so she asked straightforwardly, "What happened?"

Fu Anyian did not hide anything from her as he shifted his weight to another hand, "We encountered a leopard. It was fierce and pounced fiercely. I wasn't careful and got scratched."

He spoke casually, as if the injury wasn't on himself. At that time, Song Mingyin and Lin Xuean were also there. Upon seeing his injury, they immediately ordered for him to be sent back and even invited imperial physicians to treat him.

Although Fu Anyian's expression was calm, Yu Xi was alarmed upon hearing this. Although she wasn't there, she could imagine how perilous the situation was. She had seen a leopard once when she was young, and its sharp gaze could intimidate an ordinary person into paralysis. Who would have the courage to fight it? Fu Anyian and his companions must have been terrified.

Yu Xi felt a chill down her spine, imagining what might have happened if Fu Anyian had failed to dodge. He might have lost his leg. She placed her hand over her chest in relief, thankful that the injury seemed minor.

She looked at his leg again, then lifted her head to look at him with concern, "How severe is it? Can you walk yet?"

Fu Anyian's eyes flickered slightly, his tone somewhat pitiful, "No, the imperial physician just said that I need to stay in bed for a few days before I can walk again."

Yu Xi acknowledged with an 'oh', then asked where the medicine was so she could change his dressing at night. Seeing her genuine concern, Fu Anyian's heart melted. The warmth he didn't feel during his previous injury was now fully realized, and he found it wonderful.

"It doesn't matter that I'm injured, what matters is that I can accompany you."

Yu Xi glared at him helplessly, forbidding him from speaking such words. "Your health is more important. If you can't accompany me, then don't. There will be plenty of time in the future; there's no need to worry about this moment."

Despite her words, Fu Anyian still desired to stay with her. He preferred the warmth of her company over the thrilling hunt.

Fu Anyian knitted his brows, propping himself up on one side, and drew her waist towards him. "I'll sleep in your tent tonight so it'll be easier for you to tend to me."

Yu Xi turned her head and smiled. His intentions were clearly written on his face as if she wouldn't notice. What convenience in caring for him – it was all just an excuse.

"Alright then."

As soon as she finished speaking, Fu Anyian called Wang Quan in and instructed him to pack his belongings. He was going to stay in the princess's quarters. Wang Quan acknowledged the order and promptly attended to it.

And so, Fu Anyian, under the pretense of his injured leg, moved into the same tent with Yu Xi without any qualms.

In the evening, Lin Xue'an and several officials came to visit him. Since Yu Xi was also present, the officials didn't stay long and soon returned to their own tents.

Before leaving, Lin Xue'an chuckled and said, "You were really injured at the right time."

Confused, Yu Xi waited until everyone had left before asking Fu Anyian, "What did Lin Xue'an mean by that?"

"Perhaps it's due to accompanying His Majesty on the hunting trip."

It was normal for someone to join the Emperor on a hunt, but Song Mingyin craved adventure. Rabbits and pheasants were not thrilling enough for him; he insisted on pursuing leopards and bears. Now that he was injured, Yu Xi and Zhao Yunzhou might be the ones assigned to accompany him.

If anything were to happen to the Emperor, they would be held accountable.

No wonder Lin Xue'an had expressed such concern.

Yu Xi sighed. She had indeed tried to advise Song Mingyin, but her brother was grown and had his own opinions now. He no longer listened to her, so she had given up trying.

"Well, it's time to change your bandages."

The man's relaxed expression brightened at the mention of her attending to his wounds, seemingly looking forward to it.

He stretched out his leg, pulling up his pant leg to reveal a slender yet muscular thigh, taut with strength and pulsing veins.

Yu Xi glanced at him before focusing on his leg, her gaze slightly awkward. "Don't worry, it won't hurt too much."

Unwrapping the cotton bandage, she saw the cuts on his leg. They weren't excessively deep, but they still required some time to heal completely.

Yu Xi gasped, unable to bear watching it. "Don't joke about your health like that in the future."

He looked at her with a gentle smile. "Mm-hm."

In truth, Fu Anyian had a rough idea of the severity of his injury the moment it happened. Thus, he was not anxious at all and could even afford to make light of the situation.

Yu Xi lowered her head to wring out the cloth, gently wiping his wound. Afraid that it would hurt, she observed his expression while cleaning it. Even though the injury was not on her, Yu Xi still winced as if the pain was hers.

After applying the medicine, she bandaged him again before pulling down his pants.

"There, don't apply too much pressure."

Fu Anyian gazed at her with tender eyes. As soon as she sat down, he suddenly hugged her, placing his hand on her lower abdomen and rubbing gently. "Shouldn't we start thinking about having a child?"

"Why bring this up now?"

Although his leg was injured, the rest of his body was unaffected. He was as affectionate as ever, his chin resting on her shoulder as his breath brushed past her cheek, warm and carrying the scent of pine.

"We're not getting any younger. It's time."

Yu Xi's face flushed slightly. The matter of having children was not up to her; she had no solution.

"It can't be rushed," Yu Xi turned around, looking him in the eye. "Anyway, it's not just my decision."

She scanned Fu Anian from head to toe, lingering for a few breaths, her meaning clear without words.

A low chuckle resonated within the tent, and he immediately retorted, "You should know if there's an issue with your husband."

Yu Xi huffed, her face still flushed as she replied irritably, "Then tell me, whose problem is it?"

Fu Anian glanced at the door, making sure nobody was around. He then scooped her up and laid her back down, instantly creating an intimate position with her beneath him.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked at him nervously. "Be careful of your wound."

Lowering himself, his voice deepened into a sultry tone. "It's definitely not an issue with us. I suspect it's the positions we take. A lack of variety might not be conducive to conception."

"In broad daylight, you're shameless." She pushed against him, but he was too heavy, remaining steadfast like a mountain.

Fu Anian laughed recklessly, becoming even more brazen. Knowing her bashfulness, he didn't expect her to turn crimson during their intimate moments, let alone be willing to change positions. Instead, she shyly tried to scoot away.

Despite her vexation, he always accommodated her, for fear that she might sulk and sleep in a separate room. Now that he was injured, she felt compassion for him, and thus, she intended to seize the opportunity.

The flickering candlelight cast an amber glow, softening the contours of his profile. His gentle gaze held a hint of amorousness.

His broad palm sought out her delicate hand, interlacing their fingers in an intimate embrace.

"It's night now, we can talk about it," he said reasonably, with a coaxing tone.

"Good child, let's try something different tonight. Allow your husband to teach you," he suggested.

Yu Xi felt a flush spread through her body. She tugged at her wrist, attempting to silence him, but her hand was firmly entwined, rendering her immobile.

"Stop talking. You're still injured, yet you're thinking of such things. Do you not care about your life?"

"I injured my leg, not that part," he drawled, his words laced with a bewitching quality.

Yu Xi was truly taken aback by him. How had she not noticed his shamelessness before? He seemed oblivious to modesty.

She turned away, pursing her lips in silence. Sensing his persistent gaze, she looked back at him, issuing a bashful warning. "I'm warning you, while you're still recovering, don't even think about it."

"What am I thinking about?"

The corners of the man's lips lifted, urging her to voice her thoughts.

She twitched her fingers, struggling with all her might. As she did, her soft flesh rippled, creating a captivating curve. Full and succulent, she resembled a ripe peach, sweetly alluring.

Unaware, Yu Xi pouted her rosy lips and glared at him, "You should be well aware of what you're thinking."

Fu Anyian released his grip, gently caressing her cheek, then leaned in to whisper something softly. Due to his words, Yu Xi bashfully yet angrily pounded him several times.

In response, the man laughed, his tone light and joyful.

-

Occasional roars echoed from the distant forest, sending chills down one's spine amidst the quiet night. Fortunately, campfires were scattered around the tent, deterring any fierce beasts from approaching.

Inside Yu Xi's tent, the candles had long been extinguished, leaving the space pitch black. The moonlight trickled in, barely illuminating the outlines of objects.

The crackling of flames was accompanied by faint, seductive whispers of a woman. Her sweet and coquettish voice stirred up a fiery passion in the listener.

Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders, falling both in front and behind her. The strands swayed back and forth, occasionally floating lightly, blending into the darkness of the night, barely noticeable.

Her skin was as white as snow, and her figure enchanting. The motion of going up and down was exhausting, leaving her without any strength.

If not for someone supporting her, Yu Xi would have collapsed long ago.

She slightly bent forward, her black hair cascading in front of her, concealing her delicate, reddened buds. She appeared like a bewitching spirit, ready to drain the life from her partner.

Yu Xi lifted her head for a deep breath, shaking her head wildly. "No, no, it's too tiring."

Her waist ached, and her legs felt weak. If she had known, she wouldn't have agreed. Now, she had brought this upon herself.

Curious, Yu Xi wondered how he could still have such strength despite his injured leg. Didn't his wound hurt?

Fu Anyian remained silent, his eyes glowing crimson with an intensity that seemed to devour. He tensed every muscle, focusing all his energy on his waist and abdomen, pushing upward with great effort.

After a long while, the tent returned to calm amidst their labored breathing. Only the gentle sounds of their synchronized breathing remained.

Satisfied, Fu Anyian's face was flushed, desire still lingering in his brows. Swallowing, he spoke in a hoarse voice, "Hmm, tell me, how many more times do you need before it's enough?"

Yu Xi was still recovering from the overwhelming sensations and didn't reply immediately. After a moment, she said, "Let's not talk about it. This isn't good. I don't want it again in the future."

"Why not? You were fantastic just now."

She covered his mouth to prevent him from speaking further.

With her slender waist, she swayed like a serpent, enchanting one's very soul.

Fu Anyian removed her hand and asked again, "How much water does the Princess drink in a day?"

She leaned against his cheek, replying weakly, "I mostly drink tea."

Upon her response, Fu Anyian chuckled, clearly not grasping the underlying meaning.

"No wonder."

"What do you mean by that?"

His warm embrace enveloped her as he whispered a suggestive remark, "You drink plenty... of water."

And you know how to... entice.

The intimate ambiance faded, and Yu Xi suddenly remembered his injury. She hastily asked, "Did the wound split open? Let me see."

Fu Anyian released her and lit an oil lamp. He examined himself first, "It's slightly opened. I'll have to trouble you again, my lady, to dress my wound."

Leaning lazily, she had no intention of moving or assisting him. Thus, she said, "You can dress your own wound. Oh, right, fetch some water while you're at it."

Upon mentioning water, Fu Anyian chuckled and gave an enigmatic 'oh,' "Princess, please wait a moment."

Yu Xi realized his intentions rather late and pouted, "You're so annoying."

He could just do it instead of saying it out loud. Why wasn't he ashamed when uttering those lewd jests?

Perhaps he was not ashamed, or else he wouldn't dare to act on them.

Yu Xi curled her lips, her delicate collarbone peeking through. She urged him, "Hurry up and go."

"But I need to fix my clothes first, or everyone will know if I leave like this," Fu Anyian replied.

"Fu Anyian..."