Chapter 4: Follow Me, and Your Husband Will Flourish

Chapter 4: Follow Me, and Your Husband Will Flourish

Yan Xin looked at him in astonishment.

Jing Yuanzhao, Yan Wanwan's husband-to-be, the eldest young marshal of the Jing family from the Governor's Mansion in City Yi. The military government of Commander Jing Feng, who oversaw four eastern provinces, was headquartered in City Yi.

Thus, City Yi remained untouched by war, with its bustling harbor, maintaining an air of sophistication and stability. Despite the continuous warfare amongst warlords, City Yi retained its vibrant nightlife.

The Jing family firmly held onto their territory.

A decade later, when Jing Feng was promoted to the position of Supreme Commander of the Army, his eldest son, Jing Yuanzhao, succeeded him as the Commander-in-Chief of the four eastern provinces.

City Yi remained peaceful.

Eventually, Jing Yuanzhao gained control over the southern power, making the President nothing but a puppet. He was determined to conquer both the north and south of the Yangtze River, unifying all of China under his rule.

As such, he spent very little time at home and was mostly occupied with military affairs.

He had married Yan Wanwan and showered her with wealth and status. However, due to his busy schedule, their encounters were scarce, and they had no children together.

Yan Xin had heard plenty of rumors about Jing Yuanzhao.

But they were only rumors; she had never actually met him in person.

It was said that he was ruthless and bloodthirsty, with a notorious appetite for women.

It was also rumored that during his leisure time, he would visit the boudoirs of popular singers or engage in tea and dance sessions with prominent ladies vying to become his concubine.

Strangely enough, though, he never took a concubine.

He seemed to hold Yan Wanwan in high esteem, granting her a unique position in his life.

—Given the turmoil in Yan Xin's own marriage, she didn't quite understand the dynamics between Yan Wanwan and Jing Yuanzhao.

All she knew was that Jing Yuanzhao's mother was a formidable figure and didn't particularly favor Yan Wanwan.

Every time Yan Wanwan was upset by her mother-in-law, she would vent her frustration on Yan Xin.

Until later, Yan Xin befriended a prominent lady.

This influential lady was Jing Yuanzhao's mother's adopted daughter, essentially his sister; she was married to Tang Bai, the Chief of Staff in the military government.

This lady could always overpower Yan Wanwan, and that's when she finally quieted down.

"Commander," Yan Xin's heart fluttered slightly.

She had actually run into Jing Yuanzhao directly!

In the prison, the inmates called him "Commander." Yan Xin wasn't oblivious to its meaning; she had been deliberately ignoring it.

The Jing family had five sons.

She just hoped that this person wouldn't be Jing Yuanzhao.

—Given Jing Yuanzhao's brutality and irrationality, Yan Xin dared not manipulate Yan Wanwan's marriage.

She didn't wish to be killed by Jing Yuanzhao.

Originally, with the Yan family's status, it was impossible for them to form any alliance with the Governor's Mansion.

After Yan Wanwan's trip to City Guang, she returned tanned, and suddenly, Jing Yuanzhao proposed marriage to her.

Something must have transpired between the two of them.

Despite having such a powerful husband backing Yan Wanwan, she would still torment Yan Xin.

Even with her rebirth, Yan Xin faced numerous obstacles. The thought sent a chill down her spine.

Jing Yuanzhao crossed his legs, exuding elegance intertwined with a touch of recklessness. "Since you know who I am, don't defy me. Light my cigarette."

Yan Xin snapped back to reality.

She grabbed the matchbox, struck a match, and held it delicately with both hands.

Her hands were slender and fair, with wrists as pure as snow. Illuminated by the small orange flame, they seemed like a piece of jade adorned with colors, tempting one to take a bite.

Jing Yuanzhao felt a sudden tremor in his body, an inexplicable itch stirring in the depths of his heart.

He leaned in, originally intending to light his cigar with the flame, but at the last moment, his lips brushed gently against her wrist instead, offering a soft kiss.

The cigar landed in the palm of her hand.

Startled, Yan Xin dropped the match, extinguishing it. The cigar slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor.

Jing Yuanzhao lifted his head, his dark eyes piercing as they locked onto her.

Emotions swirled beneath his gaze, seemingly fueled by intense anger.

Yan Xin was taken aback. "I'm sorry, Commander. Let me retrieve it."

She bent down to pick up the cigar.

It had rolled under the coffee table, and she knelt on the smooth floor, reaching for it.

She wore a vintage outfit - an ivory white, simply adorned, cross-collar blouse, a light purple embroidered dress with purple piping, and a pair of embroidered shoes adorned with vine patterns. The ensemble exuded elegance and refinement.

Yet, she was blessed with a strikingly seductive face.

This face was too alluring, inciting wicked thoughts in others.

Her apricot-shaped eyes were flushed, feigning composure, but her moist, shimmering gaze gave away a timid air. Her plump, crimson lips contrasted against her nearly translucent fair skin.

Kneeling to reach for the cigar, the back of her dress tightened around her waist, revealing how slender it was—so delicate that one could hardly hold onto it. The fabric over her chest hung heavily, accentuating an enchanting curve.

Jing Yuanzhao's Adam's apple rolled slightly.

Before Yan Xin could rise, her spine suddenly sank as a man's hand pressed against her back.

She was startled.

Jing Yuanzhao pulled her close, encircling her waist with ease. His arm naturally passed through the front of her body, half-embracing her.

Yan Xin held her breath, not daring to exhale for a moment.

And so, Jing Yuanzhao lifted her up like this.

In the process, he touched everything he was supposed to touch.

He was quite satisfied.

As he had imagined, where she should be delicate, she was exquisitely so, and where she should be full, she was firm and tenderly sweet.

"Sure enough, you're a well-trained little wife," he whispered against her cheek, their bodies close, his hot breath stirring her skin. "Stay with me for three months, and I'll secure a position for your husband at City Hall."

Yan Xin seethed with anger. "You scoundrel!"

Jing Yuanzhao chuckled. "I've always been one."

"You...you're desperate. I'm married, and my husband won't agree to this." Yan Xin's face paled.

Those eyes, filled with either fury or fear, betrayed a hint of uncontrollable tears.

Those tears robbed her of any intimidation, instead making her eyes shimmer invitingly, fueling an irresistible urge to press her down onto the bed.

He wanted to see her disheveled and weeping, like a peach blossom drenched in rain.

Imagining the scene, Jing Yuanzhao couldn't control himself; his whole being seemed to be ablaze.

He held her tightly and boldly pushed against her.

Yan Xin's face was as pale as paper.

"Yan Xin, I've never been one to force others. There are countless women in this world who would willingly be with me," Jing Yuanzhao said with a smile. "Go back and discuss it with your husband. If he agrees, let him personally bring you here."

Yan Xin trembled with anger. "You're going too far!"

"Survival of the fittest – that's a principle you should understand," Jing Yuanzhao said, gently rubbing her lower back. "In a few days, when I find a new delicacy, I won't want you anymore. Even if you beg on your knees, I won't spare you a glance."

He released her.

"You're about to get engaged!" Yan Xin seethed. "I'm Wanwan's older sister, your future sister-in-law!"

Upon hearing this, Jing Yuanzhao didn't show any annoyance; instead, he chuckled. "So rest assured, I won't claim you. After I'm done with you, you'll return to your husband, my sister-in-law."

Far from being ashamed, he felt a subtle excitement stirring within him.

Yan Xin stood there, trembling from head to toe.

In her previous life, she had never stumbled upon the pastry shop, nor had she crossed paths with Jing Yuanzhao.

She didn't know him, had no idea how to deal with him.

Jing Yuanzhao is malicious; he will not end up with a reputation for rape.

He intended to have her husband personally deliver her to his bed.

He turned and left to attend to himself.

In the room, Yan Xin's body trembled like a sieve, unable to find a moment's peace.

Later, a maid brought in paper and writing tools, asking her to compose the prescription for treating the Commander's migraines.

Yan Xin wrote it down.

She asked the maid, "When can I go back?"

The maid kept her gaze lowered. "Young Commander didn't say."

"Please ask for me, Sister," Yan Xin said, taking off the gold bracelet from her wrist and pressing it into the maid's hand.

This golden bracelet had been given to her by her grandmother, weighing a full tael and adorned with a brilliant red ruby that was worth a fortune.

The maid accepted it, slightly surprised, but her demeanor softened significantly.

Everyone loved money.

"Alright, I'll inquire," the maid agreed.

In the evening, the maid brought Yan Xin her dinner with a much friendlier attitude. "I asked for you. Young Commander said he'll let you go once he takes his medicine and confirms that he's fine."

"Does Young Commander always keep his word?" Yan Xin inquired.

Housemaid: "Of course."

She then chuckled. "Don't worry too much. Our Young Commander isn't lacking in women's company."

Yan Xin's heart was still in turmoil.

As the sky darkened, she opened the door and saw four armed adjutants standing in the corridor, one before and three behind.

She closed the door again.

The courtyard was under strict surveillance, with guards posted every few steps. There was no way she could escape.

But what should she do?

Would the Jiang family come looking for her?

If they found their way to the Yan family, would her grandmother be worried about her?

The next morning, the housemaid came upstairs to serve breakfast.

After breakfast, the maid brought her a radio and two books.

"You can pass the time listening to the radio or reading. You know how to read," the maid said considerately.

Yan Xin expressed her gratitude.

"I'd like to make a phone call," she told the maid.

The maid declined her request.

"Our telephone in this small residence is a private line. It's not for making outgoing calls," the maid explained.

Yan Xin asked, "Has Commander Jing felt better after taking his medicine?"

"The Commander has gone out. He's usually quite busy," the maid replied.

For the next three days, Yan Xin stayed there.

Jing Yuanzhao returned every day but didn't go upstairs again.

Unaware of the situation outside, Yan Xin was anxiously consumed.

On the fourth day, Jing Yuanzhao ascended to the upper floor.