Chapter 19: Jing Yuanzhao Kissed Her On Sight

Chapter 19: Jing Yuanzhao Kissed Her On Sight

In the main courtyard of the Jiang family, Eldest Master Jiang Zhiheng presented the box to Eldest Madam.

"Go and apologize to Yan Xin," the master instructed her.

Eldest Madam was also astonished. "She actually managed to save the Governor's Mansion's young brother-in-law?"

"How could it be fake?"

Pausing for a moment, the master continued, "The Governor's Mansion's eldest young marshal might have taken a fancy to Yan Xin."

"What?"

"I inferred as much from his tone," said the master.

Eldest Madam's mouth gaped slightly, disbelief etched on her face.

But she quickly regained her composure.

Indeed, with Yan Xin's seductive appearance and figure, it was only natural that men would be drawn to her.

She asked her husband, "What should we do?"

The Head Master replied, "Be adaptable. If the Young Commander just wants a fling, then cover it up for him; if he intends to take her as a concubine, have her divorce Xiao Si immediately."

"No!" Eldest Madam declared.

The Head Master frowned. "What did you say? The Jing family could crush us like an ant without a second thought. You have no right to tell Commander Jing 'no'."

"Yan Xin can't get a divorce. Once she leaves, we won't gain anything, Husband," Eldest Madam argued. "But we can offer her to the Young Commander for his pleasure."

The Head Master pondered. "You make a valid point."

Throughout history, offering one's wife was not an uncommon practice, especially if it pleased those in power.

A wife was different from a courtesan.

"A daughter-in-law represents the dignity of the Jiang family," she continued. "With that status, the Young Commander will find her even more alluring."

This taboo held an irresistible allure for men.

"The divorce truly can't be allowed," the Head of the House said.

Eldest Madam responded, "I'll gauge people's opinions at the banquet the day after tomorrow. If Commander intends to take her as a concubine, then we should hurry and send Little Fourth overseas."

Once abroad, she wouldn't be within the country's jurisdiction, making divorce impossible.

The longer this matter dragged on, the more benefits the Jiang family could reap from Jing Yuanzhao.

The Head of the House didn't say anything further.

He couldn't sleep that night, his thoughts growing increasingly exhilarated.

If this daughter-in-law became the Commander's intimate companion, would the Jiang family then have exclusive control over a dock?

Currently, owning a dock was a surefire path to wealth.

The Jiang family was in the shipping business, possessing a total of ten ships. Normally, goods passed through multiple layers of exploitation before reaching them, leaving little profit left by the time they got their hands on it.

With a dock, the situation would change dramatically.

Not only for smuggling various daily necessities, but also for opium and arms trafficking – these were highly lucrative ventures that brought in immense profits each day.

Jiang Zhiheng's thoughts burned with anticipation, wishing he could immediately hand Yan Xin over to Jing Yuanzhao.

As for Eldest Madam, she had another plan in mind.

Ideally, Yan Xin should become pregnant. That way, she could manipulate her and keep her firmly within the family's grasp forever.

This child must belong to the Jiang family.

In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the Governor's Mansion's grand banquet.

Yan Xin donned the cheongsam that the Governor's wife had gifted her.

A black silk cheongsam, crafted from exquisite fabric, draping elegantly to accentuate her slender waist and rounded hips. Silver threads embroidered a few roses onto the dress, not stealing the limelight but adding a touch of brilliance instead.

The Governor's Mansion dispatched a car to greet her at the entrance.

Eldest Madam led Zhang Qingya, the First Lady, and Yan Xin to the banquet.

The adjutant approached, "Miss, please proceed to the front vehicle."

As the adopted daughter of the warlord's wife, it was appropriate for the adjutant to address her as "Miss."

Yan Xin nodded in acknowledgment.

Madam Jiang and the others entered the following car.

Zhang Qingya glanced at Yan Xin.

For some reason, she felt uneasy.

Yan Xin opened the car door and peered inside, her expression subtly altering.

On the opposite rear seat, a man was seated.

With his legs crossed, the man's slender legs were encased in black trousers, exuding an elegant and refined air. His white shirt featured a Windsor knot, while his jet-black hair framed his face.

He turned his face slightly towards her, his eyes deep and unfathomable in the shadows.

Yan Xin's breath caught in her throat.

Jing Yuanzhao spoke, "Get in."

Yan Xin hesitated.

Jing Yuanzhao continued, "Do I need to come down and carry you, little sister?"

Startled, Yan Xin hurriedly got into the car and closed the door behind her.

The aide asked for Jing Yuanzhao's instruction, who then ordered them to drive.

Inside the car, there was a faint, crisp scent of tobacco from the man's cuffs – it smelled pleasant.

Yan Xin held her breath.

Since her rebirth, the only change in her life had been Jing Yuanzhao; and this man held too much power. Yan Xin was unsure what he might bring into her life.

She had to admit that she was indeed nervous around him.

Lost in her thoughts, Jing Yuanzhao suddenly reached out and pulled her into his embrace.

Yan Xin was startled. "You..."

Jing Yuanzhao gave a crooked smile. "What? Little sister, shouldn't we be a bit closer, don't you think?"

His lips brushed against the side of her face. "Little sister looks stunning today, like an ethereal beauty."

Yan Xin pushed against his chest as hard as she could. "Don't do this!"

Jing Yuanzhao chuckled softly. "Do you know how charming and adorable it is when a woman says 'don't do this'?"

Yan Xin's face turned pale.

She glared at him. "Let me go!"

Jing Yuanzhao held her waist tightly, refusing to release her. "Yan Xin, have you completely forgotten what I said last time? You were supposed to discuss with your man and accompany me, but now you want to be my foster sister?"

Yan Xin glared at him fiercely, her eyes trembling slightly. "Jing Yuanzhao, I saved your uncle!"

She called out his name.

Her voice was soft and alluring.

The way she pronounced "Jing Yuanzhao" carried an enchanting charm.

"Yes, you've done our family a great favor. I'll treat you well," he said with a smile.

Then, he captured her lips in a kiss.

The aide was driving, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

Yan Xin couldn't escape, nor did she dare make too much noise.

She struggled, but he skillfully held her chin, causing her to yield under the ache, allowing him to deepen the kiss.

He kissed her, entwining their tongues.

Yan Xin was both panicked and furious, taking a while before she could push him away.

She was too fair. Young and plump, her cheeks bore a slight blush, like creamy, delectable porcelain.

Jing Yuanzhao couldn't resist the urge to devour her.

"I can't let this happen," Yan Xin's eyes began to brim with tears. "Let me go. I saved your uncle, and you're engaged to my sister."

"I haven't had my fill yet," he whispered, gently biting her earlobe. "Give in to me, let me satisfy my hunger, and I'll release you."

"No."

"Why not?" he asked. "I'm far more capable than your husband, I promise you'll find happiness with me."

Tears cascaded down Yan Xin's cheeks.

Jing Yuanzhao kissed away her tears, tasting their salty bitterness.

He chuckled again. "Don't cry. Come to my bed and weep for me slowly. I have the skill to make you shed tears."

Yan Xin closed her eyes, allowing her tears to flow freely, almost dampening the collar of her garment.

Jing Yuanzhao held her close, nestling her against his chest.

He stroked her hair gently and tenderly.

She smelled delightful.

Not just a hint of the muskiness of urushi, but also a unique fragrance that was inherently feminine - warm, pure, and utterly addictive.

His desire for her was insatiable.

Desperate as his means might be, he was determined to consume her.

Thus, he held her closer and whispered in her ear, "Yan Xin, unless you come to my bed, your position as the foster daughter of this Governor's Mansion will be tenuous."

He was issuing a threat.

If you're so eager to curry favor with the elite, you should be willing to put in more effort.

Even with her merits, she couldn't escape his grasp.

Yan Xin began to sob softly.

After a long while, she nestled her face against his shoulder, her voice barely audible, "Just once, okay?"

Jing Yuanzhao felt a sudden thrill in his heart, as if his entire body was ablaze again.

She was yielding.

Excellent. Perhaps tonight, he could pin her down on the bed and watch her cry.

"Sure," Jing Yuanzhao smiled.

Once they had started, wouldn't there be more to come?

This young woman was still too naive, unaware of a man's nature.

"So," she lifted her face, her tear-stained eyes glistening as she looked at him, "there's something I want to know. Please tell me the truth."

"What is it?"