Chapter 34 Before she could think further, the man had already fiercely…

Chapter 34 Before she could think further, the man had already acted aggressively...

When Si Zi took A Mao to eat some porridge, washed up, and changed into clean clothes before bringing her in front of Jiang Congyan, Jiang Congyan realized that the child was actually a girl.

"My lady, you must be surprised too, right?" Si Zi exaggeratedly said.

God knows how shocked she was when she heard the news—no wonder the child refused to let the Imperial Guard take her to bathe in the river.

Jiang Congyan didn’t speak, carefully examining A Mao’s appearance under the bright candlelight.

It’s no wonder they had mistaken her at first. A Mao was skinny and undeveloped, looking like a child, but her brow and nose bridge were quite prominent, and her voice was deeper than that of an ordinary girl. Filthy and disheveled, it was hard to see her clearly, so everyone thought she was a boy.

Now that she was washed and cleaned and her hair was neatly combed, one could indeed see a hint of a girl’s appearance. However, her facial features were still quite strong, making her look boyish, and at first glance, she could still be mistaken for a boy.

Jiang Congyan suddenly remembered A Mao’s previous words—no wonder her mother wanted to flee with her and insisted on escaping back to the Central Plains.

For the bandits, the women they captured were not treated as people; they were property, tools for bearing children, labor to be exploited at will, and symbols of their martial prowess.

A Mao was a girl, almost twelve years old. Even without the village being attacked, in a few years when she grew older, she would still face the same fate of being mistreated. Her mother had seen this hopeless future and had risked everything to flee back to the Central Plains with her.

Being watched so closely by the lady, A Mao felt embarrassed and lowered her head. The lady was so beautiful, and the maids around her were also very beautiful. Could someone as humble as herself really stay by her side?

Suddenly, she lost her initial courage, and the deep-seated inferiority crept up, making her lower her head deeply like a trembling little animal.

Learning that she was a girl, Jiang Congyan softened slightly, and her tone became gentler than before. "From this moment on, you’ll stay by my side. Don’t be afraid. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask Si Zi and Aunt Ruo Lan. They’ll teach you. It’s too late today, so go with Aunt Ruo Lan to settle down first."

A Mao stammered, "Yes."

She really didn’t know how to serve a lady who seemed almost divine. Even speaking felt like it might disturb her.

Ruo Lan stepped forward, gently took her hand, and led her toward the lodging house where A Chun and A Fei were staying.

A Chun and A Fei were among the more trusted maids by Jiang Congyan’s side. With limited rooms in the lodging house, they had to share a room, which was still better than sleeping outside.

There was only a dim lantern in the corridor, casting shallow shadows of one tall and one short figure. As Ruo Lan led her, she said, "Our lady has a good temper and is kind to her subordinates. You don’t need to worry. Just do your duties well. Mistakes are understandable since you’ve just arrived. You can learn the rules slowly, but there’s one thing you need to remember from now on."

Ruo Lan’s earlier words were gentle, but the last sentence suddenly became serious, making A Mao nervous. She instinctively stopped in her tracks and stared at her blankly.

"Our lady will not tolerate betrayal under any circumstances!" she said.

The dim light only illuminated the outline of Ruo Lan’s face, not her expression, but A Mao could feel the weight of those words just from her tone.

She quickly swore her loyalty, "Auntie, I would never do anything to betray the lady."

Ruo Lan gently patted her head, her tone softening again. "Good, you must remember what you’ve said."

Then she escorted her to A Chun and A Fei’s room, instructing them to take good care of her. After checking around the lodging house and ensuring everything was settled without issues, she returned to Jiang Congyan’s room.

The night passed peacefully.

The next day, during a break, Jiang Congyan received some news—

Wen Yu had fallen ill.

After some thought, she asked Ruo Lan to take Zhang Fu to check on him. When Zhang Fu returned after the examination, his expression was somewhat strange. "Master Wen’s condition is not an illness."

Jiang Congyan raised an eyebrow, quietly waiting for him to continue.

Zhang Fu continued, "Lord Wen has been saying he has headaches and feels weak, but when I took his pulse, there were no clear issues. Perhaps it's just fatigue from the journey."

Travel fatigue doesn't usually show up like this. Over the past few days, he had treated many people—some suffering from acclimatization issues, others from physical weakness—and he could diagnose them all. But with Wen Yu, he saw no clear issues, yet Wen Yu insisted he was unwell.

Zhang Fu thought he might be pretending to be sick but didn't want to confront him directly, so he returned to report to the lady.

When Jiang Congyan heard this, she smiled with ease, her eyes sparkling with a captivating charm. Her pale skin shone in the soft spring sunlight, radiant as a blooming peony.

Zhang Fu saw her and couldn't help but think she was incredibly beautiful. He had been by her side for several years, seen her countless times, and even frequently discussed new medical treatments with her. He knew her well, but her natural grace and beauty still amazed him.

Even her simplest actions had a special elegance that others couldn't match. It wasn't just the beauty of her features but more of an innate aura, a quality that couldn't be imitated or captured in paintings. Thus, she had a beauty that could bring down kingdoms.

Zhang Fu was momentarily dazed, then heard her say, "Since Lord Wen is ill, let him rest and recover. However, with so many attendants and craftsmen in the entourage, the affairs are quite complex. If he agrees, let Ruo Lan take charge temporarily."

When Zhang Fu heard this, he suddenly understood something and widened his eyes at her.

Jiang Congyan just smiled at him without a word, as if everything was under her control.

Ruo Lan visited Wen Yu and quickly came back with good news, her face also beaming with joy. "My lady, Lord Wen has accepted your plan."

Jiang Congyan lowered her gaze and smiled softly. "He's a clever man."

Otherwise, why would she have specifically asked her father to include him in the wedding entourage before leaving the capital?

Seeing how well the lady and her servant worked together, only Zhang Fu remained in shock. Was it possible the lady had planned this all along, and Wen Yu's feigned illness was part of her scheme?

But throughout the journey, the lady and Wen Yu had barely exchanged a few words...

"What are you talking about?"

A deep, commanding voice suddenly cut in, accompanied by a large shadow.

Jiang Congyan looked up and saw Tuo Baxiao, her view momentarily shadowed.

At noon, the group had just come out of the mountain trail into a vast, rolling grassland. Everyone had stopped to rest and eat, and Jiang Congyan had stepped out of the carriage to stretch her stiff body. She was sitting on a white wool rug that Si Zi had spread out, having just finished her meal and tea.

She was sitting too low, and he was too tall. Looking up, she could only see his sharp jawline. Maybe because the light was behind him, he looked a bit dark.

However, Jiang Congyan didn't pay it much mind. She stayed seated and smiled sweetly instead of getting up to greet him, saying, "My king, you've arrived!"

She had gradually discovered that whenever she called him "king," especially in a softer tone, the man would become as happy as a cat getting its chin scratched. Perhaps all men were swayed by gentle words?

Sure enough, upon hearing her voice, Tuo Baxiao's expression instantly softened. Glancing at the remaining space on the rug beside her, he sat down beside her.

He had just finished bathing and grooming his beloved horse by the lake when he turned to see her smiling brightly at another man. This man was skinny and weak, but his face was passable, which made Tuo Baxiao feel very uncomfortable.

He was tall, strong, and treated her well. Why didn't she smile at him like that?

The rug was limited in space, and his large frame suddenly closed in, even his clothes brushing against her. The intense aura overwhelmed her, and Jiang Congyan felt somewhat uneasy. She wanted to move aside, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

She nearly fell into his lap but caught herself by placing a hand on his shoulder. Her dangling pearl earrings swayed gently, the light reflecting off them shimmering on her soft, fair cheek, creating a tender and charming appearance, her face as delicate as a flower.

Tuo Baxiao's breathing suddenly grew heavier.

"You’re avoiding me as soon as you see me, huh?" He deliberately pulled her closer to her soft, delicate skin.

Jiang Congyan lowered her head, straining to keep a small distance so she wouldn’t fully press against him. "...No."

"Then why did you move just now?"

"..."

His deep, striking eyes locked onto hers, as if he wouldn’t let her go until she gave him a satisfactory answer.

His hand was always so hot, the heat seeping into her skin, making her feel like she might burn. They were nearly encircled in his arms. His breath grazed the sensitive skin of her neck, making her feel a bit ticklish, and maybe even a blush was rising.

"I’ve just been in the carriage too long, and my neck feels a bit uncomfortable," Jiang Congyan said, her eyes still looking down.

Tuo Baxiao scoffed lightly, not buying her excuse but still concerned. "Very uncomfortable?"

A large hand moved toward her neck, about to pinch it, but Jiang Congyan quickly covered her neck with her own hand, afraid he might take advantage.

"It’s not that bad, just a little tired. It’s unavoidable," she said, rubbing her neck.

This was an unavoidable issue. No matter the pace, fatigue was inevitable. Tuo Baxiao was eager to return to the royal court. For the wedding party and craftsmen, he’d already slowed down as much as possible. When he arrived, it had taken less than two weeks.

Tuo Baxiao thought for a moment. If the carriage was tiring, maybe they could try something different.

"What about riding a horse?"

"Riding a horse?" Jiang Congyan’s eyes sparkled, finally meeting his gaze.

Tuo Baxiao’s spirits lifted too, gazing at her pale, flawless face. "Yes, have you ridden a horse before?"

Tuo Baxiao thought that a delicate Han noblewoman like her likely hadn’t ridden before, but her answer surprised him.

"I have."

Jiang Congyan’s eyes were even brighter now, like twinkling stars. "When I was twelve or thirteen, I learned to ride horses with my cousins. But my grandmother was worried about my health, so she only let me ride gentle ponies. So, my horsemanship isn’t that great."

Recalling those joyful days, her voice was soft, brimming with nostalgia. Her usual cool demeanor melted away, making her seem like a sweet girl next door.

Those were indeed her happiest years. Her health had improved, and she was no longer confined to the house. Her family was by her side, and together they did many things they wanted to do—earning money, comforting wounded soldiers, expanding the orphanage, researching new medicine and breeding, and making Liangzhou a better place.

They were busy and fulfilled every day, working towards their ideals.

So, she couldn’t bear to see the peace she and her family had worked so hard for years to achieve being shattered. She couldn’t bear to see the industries she had painstakingly built destroyed under the hooves of the barbarians. And she couldn’t bear to see them sacrifice themselves on the battlefield one day.

If a butterfly could cause a storm, could she, as a person, have an even greater impact on this world?

"I’ll teach you to ride a tall steed."

Tuo Baxiao’s proud voice pulled her out of her memories. She blinked her clear, moist eyes, showing a hint of anticipation. "Like the one you ride?"

"You want to ride it?"

Jiang Congyan nodded eagerly. "Can I?"

"Of course!"

Jiang Congyan couldn’t contain her delight.

She didn’t need to hold back. The man saw her like this, the soft flesh of her cheeks slightly puffed up from her smile, her fair skin tinged with pink, as tender as petals wet with dew, delicate and tempting, making him want to fiercely imprint his mark on this soft jade.

A fire flared up in his chest, and his eyes suddenly darkened.

Jiang Congyan didn't notice; she was too excited.

Men love horses, and women aren't any different.

Tuo Baxiao's steed was the tallest and strongest she had ever laid eyes on, standing a full head taller than the others, with sleek muscles and agile hooves. Just the sight of it filled her with awe. Such a magnificent steed—unless you were naturally afraid of horses, no one could resist its charm.

In her past life, heart disease kept her from any strenuous activity. Now that she was healthy again, she was eager to make up for lost time.

Unfortunately, back then, her health had just improved, and she was still young. Her grandmother kept a hawk's eye on her, afraid she might catch a cold or get soaked, strictly instructing the servants to watch her closely, not allowing her to overexert herself. Jiang Congyan was eager but powerless.

Now, with no one holding her back, Jiang Congyan was bursting with excitement.

Men love horses, and sometimes they can be downright possessive, allowing no one else to ride them. She hadn't dared to dream of it before, but now that Tuo Baxiao offered, she was over the moon.

If they had the internet back then, she'd definitely post a dashing photo of herself on horseback.

She nudged her arm, signaling Tuo Baxiao to release her, and was the first to get up from the carpet, urging him, "My lord, let's go."

Tuo Baxiao had never seen her so lively, and he found it endlessly fascinating. He deliberately stalled, not moving until the girl looked about to lose her patience, then slowly rose, taking her arm and leading the way.

Jiang Congyan didn't argue, just lifted her skirt and skipped ahead.

His steed stood at the head of the procession, grazing on the grass. The vast land stretched out, just starting to green with the first touch of spring. The sleek, black horse stood at ease on the grass, with no one daring to come near, radiating the dominance of a grassland king, much like its owner.

Jiang Congyan stopped two steps away, not daring to touch it directly. Horses, especially ones like this, can be temperamental and shouldn't be ridden lightly.

It was over two meters tall, and Jiang Congyan even had to look up to see it.

Its coat was pitch black, without a single spot. Just bathed, the water droplets had been shaken off, and its glossy coat shimmered like silk in the sunlight.

Its long, agile hooves and well-defined muscles on its legs and abdomen showcased the ultimate beauty of an animal's power.

A perfect piece of art!

Seeing Jiang Congyan approach, it flicked its tail impatiently, its large, lively eyes showing a haughty expression, as if saying, "Don't come near me, I have a bad temper."

"You're so beautiful!" Jiang Congyan praised.

The horse snorted, turning its head away from her.

"..."

Fine, be proud.

She turned to ask Tuo Baxiao, "What's his name?"

"Li Eagle."

"A black eagle?"

She understood immediately.

Tuo Baxiao nodded, looking at Li Eagle with a natural sense of pride, "Yes, his speed is as fast as an eagle in the sky."

"Li Eagle, it sounds great!" And very fitting.

"Li the Eagle." Jiang Congyan took another small step closer, softly calling his name.

Her voice was as clear as a mountain stream fed by melting snow. Upon seeing the animal she liked, she unconsciously softened her tone, adding a hint of sweetness to her usually cool demeanor, truly capable of stirring one's heart.

The man's emerald eyes churned with a brewing storm, casting a displeased glance at Li the Eagle.

Li the Eagle remained unmoved, glancing at Jiang Congyan before ignoring her again, pawing the ground impatiently.

"Li the Eagle?"

"Li the Eagle..."

Irritated by the persistent calls, Li the Eagle tossed his head and snorted a warning, signaling her to stay away.

Jiang Congyan looked slightly embarrassed.

"He only recognizes me as his master; no one else is allowed to touch him. I even groom him myself," Tuo Baxiao couldn't help but laugh as he saw her hit a wall.

He had put in a lot of effort to tame Li the Eagle, spending three full days before the horse finally submitted.

Jiang Congyan gave him a sharp look. "Then let me touch him." I'm not here to listen to you brag.

Seeing her now, like a child pleading for candy, Tuo Baxiao found her utterly adorable, wishing he could pull her into his arms and hold her tightly.

Suppressing the heat in his chest, he gave her a deep look and said, "If you hold my hand, he won't shy away."

"...Really?" Jiang Congyan suspected he was tricking her.

Tuo Baxiao puffed out his chest and extended his hand. "Of course!"

Though skeptical, she had no other choice, so she followed his instructions, taking his hand.

His palm was so large she couldn't fully grasp it, so she held onto two of his fingers, slowly guiding them towards Li the Eagle's cheek.

Tuo Baxiao grinned triumphantly.

So soft, so delicate.

Li the Eagle, seeing the woman's persistence in trying to touch him again, wanted to dodge as before.

"Li the Eagle!" Tuo Baxiao commanded.

Li the Eagle stopped in his tracks, his large, round eyes under long lashes showing his displeasure.

But he dared not defy his master.

Jiang Congyan finally succeeded in touching him, then promptly let go of Tuo Baxiao's hand.

Hmph, it wasn't about holding his hand; it still required his command.

Jiang Congyan gently stroked Li the Eagle's neck, then his face, trying to get him used to her scent, but it seemed to have little effect. Li the Eagle still paid her no mind.

What a temper!

She thought, if Tuo Baxiao weren't here, he might have kicked her away with a hoof.

As she moved her hand upward, her sleeve slipped, revealing a slender wrist, as delicate as a willow branch. Her snow-white skin starkly contrasted with Li the Eagle's glossy black coat in the sunlight. The girl's touch was so gentle, so careful, one could almost feel the tenderness of her fingertips. Tuo Baxiao was deeply stirred by the sight, his throat moving slightly, his phoenix eyes growing darker.

Jiang Congyan knew she couldn't win Li the Eagle over on her own, so she turned to Tuo Baxiao. "Li the Eagle is so proud, how could he let me ride him?"

Tuo Baxiao smirked, tilting his chin up. "My horse listens to me, no questions asked. If I say you can ride him, he’ll obey!"

Jiang Congyan gazed at him with awe. "Can I hop on now?"

Tuo Baxiao nodded proudly.

He guided her to the saddle, letting her grip it with one hand.

The Li Eagle caught on to their plan. This woman actually wanted to ride him! He got restless, tossing his head side to side, refusing to let her touch him. His sleek tail flicked back and forth nonstop.

Tuo Baxiao tugged the reins sharply and sternly commanded, "Li Eagle!"

The Li Eagle sensed his master’s real frustration. Though reluctant, he had no choice but to stay put, not daring to move anymore.

But his annoyance was written all over his face.

Jiang Congyan couldn’t help but chuckle. Even horses could be so expressive.

She grabbed the saddle again, ready to step into the stirrup, but...

The stirrup was way too high, practically at her waist level...

Jiang Congyan: "..."

How on earth was she supposed to climb up?

She glanced at Tuo Baxiao, silent, but her wide, pleading eyes said it all.

Tuo Baxiao noticed everything and knew precisely what she wanted, but he played dumb, waiting for her to sweetly plead.

Instead of helping, he feigned innocence and asked, "The horse is calm, so why aren’t you hopping on?"

"..." Jiang Congyan took a deep breath, secretly clenching her delicate fist.

You might look serious, but your eyes are giving you away.

She wanted to smack him, but the guy was tough as nails. If she hit him, he’d probably just laugh it off, thinking she was flirting. She forcefully suppressed this impulse.

Biting her lip, Jiang Congyan refused to let him gloat. She composed herself and said calmly, "I can’t manage it."

"Oh?"

"Since I can’t manage it, I’ll just skip the ride. A horse like this is way out of my league."

With that, she turned to leave, as if she had no regrets.

This caught Tuo Baxiao off guard. He didn’t expect her to be so straightforward.

He swiftly grabbed her with his long arm and pulled her close, encircling her shoulders, letting out a sigh from his throat. "I see your temper isn't small either, not willing to say a single soft word."

A bit regretful, but still doting.

Jiang Congyan remained silent.

It wasn’t that she was too proud to show any weakness. As a child, she had acted coquettishly countless times with her grandmother just to go out more. But Tuo Baxiao was different.

She had never been in a relationship, but some things were obvious even without experience.

The man's desire for her was all too clear. Every time he looked at her, it was like a wolf eyeing a rabbit, ready to pounce at any moment. In such a situation, if she really softened her voice and begged him as he wished, Jiang Congyan feared he might break the promise he made that night before they even reached the royal court.

She couldn’t be too warm toward him, but she also couldn’t be too distant, yet the man grew increasingly unsatisfied.

Jiang Congzhu’s thoughts were still wandering when she felt a sudden darkness followed by a burst of light. A powerful force gripped her waist and lifted her upward, and before she knew it, her feet were off the ground.

The sudden sense of weightlessness startled her, her heart contracting sharply, and she couldn’t catch her breath. By the time she regained her senses, she was already seated on the saddle.

It was Tuoba Xiao who had hoisted her up.

The entire process was fluid, as if she were a doll in his hands, seemingly weightless.

Jiang Congzhu was somewhat annoyed at his sudden action that had frightened her, but considering the man’s rough nature, she swallowed her words.

In any case, she was up now.

She was carried onto the horse, still sitting sideways.

She clung tightly to the saddle, cautiously lifting her right leg and shifting her body forward, finally straddling the horse.

The view from this height was indeed different; everyone below seemed shorter, even Tuoba Xiao, whom she usually had to look up to, could now be seen with a downward glance.

Hmph, in that case, she wouldn’t hold the earlier incident against him.

This was Jiang Congzhu’s first time riding such a large horse, and she found it novel but dared not move recklessly. She hadn’t yet gauged the Li Eagle’s temperament or how to control him; being thrown off would be no small matter.

She valued her life too much.

She carefully stroked the Li Eagle’s neck, feeling the hard, solid muscles beneath her touch. She ran her hand along his mane, trying to establish a bond with him.

The Li Eagle seemed to sense her timidity and began to show off again.

He threw his head back and let out a sharp whinny, stomping his hooves, ready to charge. Jiang Congyan’s heart leapt in alarm, but fortunately, Tuo Baxiao reacted swiftly, grabbing the reins with one hand while his other broad palm steadied her waist.

The man’s long and sturdy forearm, even wrapped in fabric, revealed smooth muscle lines, and his fingers gripping the reins were even more distinct and powerful.

“Hmm?”

He let out a displeased grunt, glaring sternly at the Li Eagle. His commanding presence surged forth, like a dam breaking.

“I am your master, and from today onward, she will also be your master. If you dare harm her, I will cut off your hooves. Understood? Li Eagle!”

He spoke in Xianbei, which Jiang Congyan didn’t understand, but judging from his tone, he was scolding the horse.

Sure enough, after the reprimand, the Li Eagle quieted down and stopped deliberately causing trouble.

“You can ride him now,” Tuo Baxiao said.

However, Jiang Congyan remained cautious. She didn’t take off at a gallop as he suggested but instead urged the Li Eagle to walk slowly, not venturing far and staying close to Tuo Baxiao.

After completing a small circle without issue, she picked up the pace a bit, though it was still painfully slow for the Li Eagle.

“Hyah!” she called softly.

Tuo Baxiao stood on the grass, watching the lady in her snow-white dress, the hem of her skirt spreading like soft clouds over the horse. Her eyes sparkled with delight, and the ribbon in her hair fluttered in the wind, catching a few brilliant rays of sunlight on her dark locks, like a celestial being descending from the heavens in a ballad.

He hesitated briefly, then narrowed his eyes dangerously.

“Want to go faster?”

Jiang Congyan heard his voice just as she circled back and passed by him. She shook her head, about to say this speed was enough, when a sudden rush of air enveloped her. First, a familiar hand closed over hers on the reins, and then she felt a strong, steady presence at her back as she was drawn into a searing embrace.

Tuo Baxiao jumped onto the horse!

With one hand firmly gripping her slender waist and the other clutching the reins, he forcefully squeezed the horse's belly with his thighs, and the Li Eagle surged forward like an arrow from a bow.

The horse jolted up and down, moving so fast it felt like she could be thrown off at any moment. Jiang Congyan was terrified, instinctively seeking support as she pressed back against the man behind her.

His arms wrapped around her, his solid chest like a fortress. Jiang Congyan finally felt a sense of security as she leaned against him.

The wind howled past her ears, her hair whipping wildly in the air. Jiang Congyan's vision blurred from the wind, seeing only streaks of green rushing past.

She tried to brush the hair from her face, but it was instantly tossed back into chaos. Some strands flew into the air, others sticking to her fair neck and cheeks.

Jiang Congyan finally steadied herself from the breakneck speed and instinctively turned to look at him, only to find herself completely at his mercy.

Tuo Baxiao gazed down at the beauty in his arms, her face flushed pink amidst the tangled strands of black hair, breathtakingly stunning. Her dark pupils sparkled, soft and beautiful, like a delicate flower battered by a fierce wind, utterly pitiable.

She was now in his arms, with no escape.

There could be no more perfect moment than this.

Without hesitation, Tuo Baxiao released the reins, his large hand cradling her cheek and neck, and he leaned down, covering the lips he had longed for day and night.

Jiang Congyan watched as the man's handsome face loomed closer until only his deep, jade-green eyes filled her vision, and then a scorching sensation touched her lips.

Even as he pressed against her, she felt dazed, as if everything were a dream.

Before she could think further, the man fiercely pressed forward.

Tuo Baxiao discovered her lips were even softer and more tender than he’d imagined, with an alluring sweetness that almost made him want to drown in it, to devour her entirely. Yet he also knew how delicate her lips were, so tender that even the slightest force could bruise them.

No, he couldn’t be too rough, or he’d bruise her delicate lips. But another voice urged him to be forceful, to make her speechless, to make her cry, to make her beg for mercy.

The mere thought of it thrilled him to the point of aching!

The mere touch of their lips wasn’t enough for Tuo Baxiao. He wanted more, he wanted to seize all her sweetness, only then could he quell the raging fire within him.

Without hesitation, he breached her fragile defenses.

Sensing his intensity, Jiang Congyan shut her eyes in fear, her body rigid.

She wanted to escape, but there was no way out.

Suddenly, a sharp clink sounded between their teeth. Jiang Congyan felt a sharp pain in her upper teeth, her delicate brows furrowing.

The Li Eagle, still irritated by the extra weight and without Tuo Baxiao’s control, acted up again, deliberately jolting.

Fortunately, Tuo Baxiao's control was impeccable, his legs gripping the horse's belly firmly.

The pain shattered the intimate atmosphere, and Jiang Congyan’s muddled thoughts cleared slightly as she pushed his face away.

The man lifted his head, parting as she wished.

Jiang Congyan had just sighed in relief when she looked up and saw his deep, almost mesmerizing jade-green eyes, with a fleeting flash of blood-red light.

The man looked down at her, a strange smirk flickering at the corner of his mouth, and her heart, not yet fully relaxed, was once again tightly gripped.

The next moment, the iron grip around her waist tightened abruptly, and her body was lifted into the air again, the world spinning as she tumbled onto the grass.

Before she could regain her balance, the man’s hot lips claimed hers again.