Chapter 35 Can she withstand contraceptive medicine?

Chapter 35: Can She Handle the Contraceptive Pill?

More intense and passionate!

At this moment, their position had just rounded a small hill, avoiding the sight of others. The wind blew across the wilderness, and the surroundings were quiet, leaving only the sound of their lips and teeth mingling.

The man's intense presence completely enveloped her, burning like a flame. She was trapped in the fire, with no escape.

The Li Eagle, now free, had already run off, leisurely munching on the fresh spring grass, its tail swaying.

Jiang Congyan's view was no longer of the clear blue sky or the green grass but only the man's sharp, deep brows and the intense desire in his eyes.

...

"Tuo Baxiao..." Jiang Congyan struggled to speak these words, "No..."

"Let... let me go..."

Her voice was broken, as if she couldn't catch her breath, and her usually cold voice was now hoarse and broken. Not calming but instead pulling the man deeper into the abyss.

Especially when she called his name, it sounded so good!

Tuo Baxiao paused, raised his head, and glanced at her, but this glance nearly made him lose control.

The girl's snow-white skin was flushed red, her eyes brimming with soft tears, a crystal teardrop hanging at the corner of her crimson eye, ready to fall. Her pale pink lips were swollen from the pressure, glistening with a tempting red.

At this moment, she was no longer the cold and pure figure she had been but rather like a fallen fairy compelled to succumb to earthly desires.

Her soul remained noble and holy, but her body was being manipulated by him, which gave Tuo Baxiao a peculiar sense of excitement.

He leaned down again, and Jiang Congyan turned her head, trembling as she tried to push him away. "No, not here, please..."

Tuo Baxiao couldn't hear her; all her words sounded like the most arousing whispers to him.

He easily grabbed her wrist and moved it aside, kissed her red, tempting lips again, about to go further, but he was met with a pair of terrified black eyes.

The girl's frightened eyes reflected his excited face, a look so intense that even he felt a bit unfamiliar with himself.

He paused, staring into those eyes for a long time, and finally, the haze in his gaze dissipated somewhat, as if he had just remembered what he had been doing. His greenish-blue pupils moved.

Jiang Congyan had one arm wrapped around her chest, her clothes disheveled, looking at him with tears in her eyes.

A cool breeze blew by, carrying the scent of grass and trees, finally dispersing the entwined aura between them.

Tuo Baxiao became much clearer. Looking at her again, she was indeed terrified, her whole body trembling, and for the first time, her clear, glass-like black eyes looked at him with fear.

He glanced around; although there was no one in sight, the sky was high and the land vast, with no cover in sight. It really wasn't the place for such intimate acts.

His rational mind knew it was wrong, but his body was about to explode.

Tuo Baxiao took a deep breath, staring at her for a long time, his expression conflicted, the green light in his eyes flickering repeatedly, making Jiang Congyan's heart race, afraid that he still wouldn't let her go.

She would rather be embarrassed, praying in her heart that someone from the team would worry about their safety and come looking for them, which might break the current situation.

The girl looked utterly helpless, her snow-white skin glistening with dew, her clear, watery eyes pitiful, making one want to bully her mercilessly, until she shed crystal tears, until she begged for mercy.

Tuo Baxiao's heart pounded like a drum, evil thoughts stirring, but a thread of reason held him back like a string on a zither.

Jiang Congyan saw his lips getting closer and closer to hers, and in despair, she closed her eyes, the teardrop at the corner of her eye finally falling.

A burning sensation pressed against her eyelids, her heart numb with despair.

But the sensation disappeared instantly, and the grip restraining her vanished too.

Tuo Baxiao kissed her eyelids one last time, then suddenly rolled away, his chest heaving with ragged breaths.

The man who had been pinning her down finally moved away, and Jiang Congyan was in disbelief. It took her a while to regain her senses. Shaking, she opened her eyes and scrambled to the side, but her limbs were weak and drained from the struggle. In her haste, she nearly fell to the ground.

Once she put some distance between them, she quickly pulled up her shirt, which had slipped down her arms.

Her hands trembled uncontrollably, and she fumbled several times before finally getting her clothes back on.

Her hair bun had come undone, and the white fabric on her back and arms was smeared with grass stains and green juice. She quickly tried to clean up, but a closer look revealed the marks were still there.

She gripped the collar of her shirt tightly, her heart still pounding.

She had been terrified. The man had lost control, and his actions made her fear he was about to...

No matter what, she could never accept it.

Luckily, he hadn't stooped that low.

Jiang Congyan took a moment to collect herself, then tucked the loose hairpins into her sleeve. Only when her heart stopped racing did she dare to look at him.

He was still sprawled on the grass a few steps away, limbs splayed. His bronze face was still flushed with desire, his eyes shut, brows furrowed, lips tight, and jaw clenched. As for his lower body...

She quickly looked away after a fleeting glance.

She didn't dare call out or make a sound, and even her breathing was shallow.

She wished she could disappear into the trees or blend into the grass, just to avoid his notice.

But she couldn't leave either. The man was far more perceptive than she'd thought.

Jiang Congyan stood silently to the side, keeping a wary eye on him. After what seemed like forever, her legs ached, and finally, the man exhaled deeply, his sharp phoenix eyes opening abruptly.

He sprang to his feet and turned to face her.

Jiang Congyan's heart clenched, and she instinctively looked down, revealing only a glimpse of her pale neck.

Tuo Baxiao noticed and, after a pause, said, "Relax, I won't touch you."

Jiang Congyan stayed quiet. She didn't trust him.

He'd promised her earlier that he wouldn't cross the line before reaching the royal court, but in the heat of the moment, he'd forgotten everything.

Tuo Baxiao couldn't bear her silence, so he stepped closer and tilted her chin up, making her flinch and turn away.

"Are you angry?"

"I really couldn't help it," he defended himself. "You're just too beautiful."

"Besides, I stopped in the end."

So I’m supposed to thank you, is that it?

Jiang Congyan lowered her eyes, her soft gaze tinged with grievance.

Tuo Baxiao gave in, "I promise I won't touch you again."

Jiang Congyan turned her head away, brushing off his rough fingers, "I want to go back." Her voice remained hoarse.

"Alright, alright," Tuo Baxiao readily agreed.

In her current state, no matter what she said, he would probably agree.

Tuo Baxiao put his index finger to his lips and let out a soft whistle, and the Li Eagle in the distance obediently trotted back.

"Let me help you mount the horse."

The phrase 'mount the horse' brought back unpleasant memories, and Jiang Congyan resisted.

She now realized that Tuo Baxiao's offer to let her ride the horse had been a trap all along, and she had unwittingly jumped into it with joy.

She was like someone who was sold down the river but still helped count the money.

Seeing her biting her lip and not moving, Tuo Baxiao guessed her thoughts and said, "Don't worry, I won't behave like I did earlier."

She still refused to nod, so he added, "Though it's not far to the camp, it's still a few hundred steps away. Do you want to walk back?"

"I'm just concerned you might not have the stamina, and it would take a long time to walk back. I don't mind delaying the journey, but I'm afraid others might think something."

"You!"

What would they think? It's all your fault!

Jiang Congyan shot him an angry glare. His words were utterly shameless, and he was even threatening her.

Seeing this, Tuo Baxiao poured oil on the fire, "Your hair is a mess, and your skirt is stained with grass. You surely don't want others to see you like this, do you?"

Jiang Congyan's face flushed with anger, wishing she could smash his mouth.

Her anger only enhanced her beauty, and Tuo Baxiao couldn't help but fantasize again.

Worried she might truly ignore him, Tuo Baxiao softened his tone and coaxed, "Mount the horse, I won't ride with you."

Jiang Congyan glanced at him, skeptical of his words.

But before she could speak, the man hoisted her by the waist and set her back on the horse, then led the reins back.

He had long legs and strode quickly, indeed several times her speed.

On the way, his conscience caught up with him, realizing how outrageous his actions had been, and he tried to make amends, "When we reach the royal court, I'll gift you a Jade Lion."

A beauty like her deserved a snow-white steed.

Jiang Congyan held onto the saddle, letting her body adapt to the rhythm of the Li Eagle, and ignored him, looking straight ahead.

Hmph, after such an outrageous act, he thought he could win her over with a mere trinket.

Not hearing any response, Tuo Baxiao glanced back at her and saw that although her face was calm, he could still sense her anger.

His attempt to make amends was not accepted, but Tuo Baxiao wasn't annoyed; instead, he found it quite interesting.

Even in anger, she possessed a unique allure.

In the relationships he had seen on the grassland, men usually held absolute leadership, and women could not resist their men, or else fists would fall on them.

Tuo Baxiao wasn’t fond of this kind of relationship; it was no different from bossing people around, and he couldn’t get into it. Plus, his mom had been treated like that... In short, he detested it.

But now, she showed him something different.

Sometimes, he’d get annoyed that she was too distant and unwilling to get close to him. Yet, more often, he found a whole new kind of thrill in it—nothing like the rush after a victory, but even more addictive.

Everyone else was scared of him, but not her.

Not only was she unafraid, she even had the guts to lay down the rules and would get angry with him, ignoring him.

He loved her this way!

Now, he was totally hooked on this feeling.

——

Chigan Balie was blown away when he saw the king take that Han woman to touch the Li Eagle. When the king actually let her ride it, he almost lost it.

He knew the Li Eagle’s cocky and wild streak all too well. Not to mention that Han woman— even he got tossed.

The fact that the Han woman stayed on had to be because the king ordered the Li Eagle. It had to be.

Even after the two of them and the horse disappeared from view, Chigan Balie kept glaring at the field.

General Modolou came over, took a look, and saw Chigan Balie’s bloodshot eyes. His scarred, fierce face looked almost pitiful with all that rage.

General Modolou was so shocked he almost stumbled.

"Strange, truly strange. You'd actually show such an expression?" General Modolou said in total disbelief, like the sun had risen from the west.

Chigan Balie shot him a bloodshot glare, too proud to talk to this half-breed.

General Modolou just snorted and glared right back.

After a long while, Tuo Baxiao came back into view, leading Jiang Congyan, who was seated on the Li Eagle.

Seeing this, Chigan Balie got even more worked up.

He instinctively stepped forward, then suddenly froze.

General Modolou understood, "You're jealous, aren't you?"

Having his thoughts exposed, Chigan Balie turned to glare at him, gritting his teeth, "The king let this Han woman ride the Li Eagle!"

"Only the king is supposed to ride it!"

General Modolou couldn’t comprehend his anger, "The Li Eagle is the king's horse. The king can let whoever he wants ride it. The king gave everyone a chance back then. I think you're just jealous because you couldn’t ride it yourself."

Chigan Balie's anger deflated like a punctured balloon.

Yes, the king had given them a chance.

When the king first tamed the Li Eagle, the generals below were all envious. This was a rare and extraordinary steed, and they asked the king if they could borrow it for a ride.

The king was not stingy at all and generously said, "If you can tame the Li Eagle by your own skill, I will let you ride it as much as you want!"

Many tried, but none succeeded.

Chigan Balie also tried, but he was thrown off shortly after jumping onto the horse's back.

Thus, everyone knew that the Li Eagle was a sacred horse that only submitted to the Prince. No one else could make the Li Eagle bow its proud head.

But now, the Prince not only allowed that Han woman to ride the Li Eagle but also held the reins for her!

This was a task for servants! Chigan Balie couldn't accept it.

It wasn't just jealousy; he couldn't accept the Prince's excessive devotion to a Han woman.

How could the wise and mighty Prince be so entranced by a woman?

As the Prince drew nearer, General Modolou saw that Chigan Balie was still glaring wide-eyed. Although he disliked him, he dragged him away.

"Do you want to provoke the Prince again?" he warned.

Chigan Balie, speechless, was led away by General Modolou in a daze.

Tuo Baxiao knew Jiang Congyan valued her dignity, so he deliberately chose a less crowded path on their return, hurrying. She rode on the horse, and the crowd didn't dare to look too long, so they didn't notice much abnormality, only taken aback by Tuo Baxiao's affection for her.

Only Xie Shao stiffened.

His sharp eyes instantly caught that she was different from when she had left earlier, especially her eyes, now glistening with moisture, and her cheeks still bore an unnatural flush.

Recalling the scene where Tuo Baxiao had mounted the horse and taken her away, it was easy to infer what followed.

Tuo Baxiao had never concealed his lustful gaze toward the princess. As a man, Xie Shao naturally understood his intentions.

On the first night after leaving Chang'an, he had heard that Tuo Baxiao had gone to see the princess. Fortunately, he hadn't stayed long, but now...

This was inevitable. From the day the edict was issued, the princess was fated to become the Prince of Mobei's wife, and he was to escort them safely.

That was the reason he was standing here today.

The princess, radiant as the moon, should have been a noble lady high above, untainted by worldly dust. Any common man's approach would defile her, but the Prince of Mobei had forcefully pulled this moon into his arms, making her his personal treasure.

After masquerading as a gentleman for so long, he had finally given in to his primal instincts, toying with and shaping the moon.

Thinking of this, Xie Shao struggled to breathe.

Upon returning, Tuo Baxiao helped her down, and Jiang Congyan immediately retreated into the carriage.

Ruo Lan, ever perceptive, noticed something was amiss. After seeing Tuo Baxiao off, she followed into the carriage. Seeing Jiang Congyan's state, she was first shocked, then both angry and worried.

"My lady..."

She had been fine when she left, but upon returning, Ruo Lan noticed that the lady's hair was disheveled, several hairpins had fallen out, her eyes were red as if she had been crying, and her lips were swollen. Looking further down, there were several red marks of varying shades on her slender, pale neck. Her clothes were wrinkled, stained with grass juice, and there were a few stray grass blades that hadn't been cleaned off. As for below the collar, she didn't dare to think further...

The lady had clearly been wronged!

"My lady, did he..." Ruo Lan hesitated.

She wanted to ask if Tuo Baxiao had forced her, if they had gone that far, but she was afraid the question would hurt the lady's feelings.

Jiang Congyan understood her meaning and shook her head, whispering, "I'm fine." But her voice was hoarse.

Ruo Lan felt relieved but was still angry.

Although it was inevitable that the lady would eventually consummate the marriage with him, she was the rightful wife. The Prince of Mobei should have demonstrated proper etiquette and respect, not treated her like a mere concubine.

The current social climate was poor, with many nobles indulging in debauchery and openly engaging in intimate acts with their concubines in front of others. But who were they, and who was the lady? How could she be treated so lightly?

Next time, she wouldn’t let the young lady go out alone with Tuo Baxiao again.

"My lady, let me help you freshen up," Ruo Lan said, suppressing her anger.

"Not now, I just need some time alone."

Jiang Congyan wasn’t in the best mood, but she didn’t hate Tuo Baxiao that much. She knew he wasn’t trying to humiliate her.

She was just caught off guard and felt trapped, like a bird in a cage.

Though it was forced, she had resolved to step into this cage herself.

Tuo Baxiao’s earlier kindness and protection had made her think they could be equals, but this was just an illusion. Whether in terms of status or power, Tuo Baxiao had absolute dominance over her.

They were never equals, so she shouldn’t have let herself think that way.

Sticking to the plan and staying rational was the right thing to do.

As for what happened today... Jiang Congyan unconsciously touched her swollen lips. It wasn’t a big deal—she should’ve expected it, right?

Jiang Congyan took a deep breath, pushing all her chaotic feelings down. Her face returned to its usual calmness, and only then did she ask Ruo Lan to help her tidy up again.

She put on a high-necked shirt that just covered her neck. As for the swelling on her lips, it would have to subside slowly.

As Ruo Lan combed her hair, Jiang Congyan spoke up, "Auntie, from now on, let A Chun and A Fei take care of these little things. You’ll be taking over Wen Yu’s duties managing the team, so you’ll be busy."

Ruo Lan’s hand holding the comb paused, her fingers clenched together, and she instinctively retorted, "My lady, I’m not tired, I can manage."

"I’ve been with you since the day you were born, and I just want to look after you. I’m afraid A Chun and A Fei won’t be as attentive, and you won’t be comfortable."

Jiang Congyan turned half her body, held Ruo Lan’s hand, and looked at her seriously. "We’ll adjust to the little things soon enough. Besides, they’ve been with me for a long time, so it won’t be uncomfortable. Auntie, you’ve looked after me for seventeen years. I know you’re worried about me having any accidents, but I’ve grown up now. The real danger now isn’t my weak health, but the knives and shadows of power struggles."

"I don’t have many people I can rely on, and you’re the one I trust most. So, if you want to help me, don’t waste your time on these small things. Instead, join me on this high platform and fight alongside me."

Ruo Lan opened her mouth but couldn’t find the words to argue.

She looked at the young lady with a complicated expression, then finally nodded.

"Don’t worry, my lady, I’ll handle it."

Jiang Congyan smiled and said, "Yes, I believe in you, Auntie."

Ruo Lan wasn’t just any servant. She came from the Zhou family of Long County, though not a prominent clan, her elders had once served in the court. Unfortunately, they were demoted by the previous emperor, and on their way back home, the family encountered bandits.

The Liangzhou escort taking Zhang Yiniang to Chang’an happened to pass by and saw the bandits. The Zhang family soldiers couldn’t let the bandits wreak havoc under their noses, so they immediately charged into battle. Unfortunately, they were too late, and the entire Zhou family, more than twenty people, were brutally killed by the bandits. Only Ruo Lan, who was less severely injured, survived.

Losing her entire family nearly broke the ten-year-old Ruo Lan. Zhang Yiniang, kind-hearted, couldn’t leave her behind and took her in, arranging for her to be treated, intending to find her a place once her body and spirit had recovered.

Under her care, Ruo Lan indeed overcame the pain of losing her family. When she heard that Zhang Yiniang planned to send her away, Ruo Lan immediately knelt before her. "My lady, you saved my life and avenged my family’s blood feud. Zhou Ruo Lan has no way to repay you, but I am willing to be your servant and serve you for life!"

Zhang Yiniang hurriedly refused. She had saved Ruo Lan without expecting anything in return. She would have saved anyone who had been slaughtered by bandits.

She quickly explained her situation to Ruo Lan. Although she was the daughter of the Marquis of Liangzhou, once she stepped into Chang’an, she would be like a bird in a cage, and she might not be able to protect those around her. Staying with her was not a good choice.

But Ruo Lan was determined to follow her.

"If I can give my life for my lady, I’ll do it!" she said, her voice choked with tears.

The Marquis of Liangzhou, known for his bravery and benevolence, was revered by countless people. Ruo Lan, saved by his daughter and with her family’s blood feud avenged, had no other thoughts in this life but to repay her lady.

Zhang Yiniang couldn't resist Ruo Lan's insistence and eventually agreed to let her stay, but she didn't treat Ruo Lan like a servant. Instead, she took her along with Jiang Huai, and the three of them studied and had fun together.

Ruo Lan was very intelligent, and her knowledge and skills far exceeded those of a typical steward. Yet, over the years, she never considered anything else but staying by the lady's side. Back then, she couldn't protect the lady, but now she was resolved to protect the young lady, even at the cost of her own life.

She valued Jiang Congyan more than her own life; Jiang Congyan was the sole pillar of strength in her world.

Jiang Congyan fully understood Ruo Lan's feelings. She couldn't change her, nor did she want to. Perhaps, everyone needs something to believe in to keep going after immense grief.

In the evening, the group arrived at a military town. Xie Shao had already sent word to have several courtyards vacated for their stay, though the main force remained camped outside.

After A Chun and A Fei had tidied up the rooms, Jiang Congyan instructed Si Zi to summon Zhang Fu.

"Miss, are you feeling unwell?" Si Zi asked nervously.

Jiang Congyan gently shook her head, "No, just call him over."

Si Zi, puzzled, went to fetch him.

Soon, she returned with Zhang Fu.

Zhang Fu also assumed Jiang Congyan might be feeling unwell and came quickly, bringing his medical kit.

Jiang Congyan sat on the low couch in the main hall. Several bright oil lamps on the bronze flower branch stand beside her highlighted her fair and smooth skin, and she looked quite well, not as if she was unwell.

"Please have a seat, Zi Yi," Jiang Congyan invited with a gesture.

Zhang Fu sat down opposite her.

"Miss, you summoned me. Is there something the matter?" he asked.

Jiang Congyan didn't answer directly but looked at Si Zi, "Go stand guard at the door and don't let anyone approach."

Si Zi, being simple-minded, didn't grasp what the young lady was planning but obediently closed the door and stood guard outside, arms crossed, ensuring no one approached.

Zhang Fu was on edge; the young lady was being so serious...

Seeing his increasingly grave expression, as if facing a great enemy, Jiang Congyan smiled and said lightly, "Zi Yi, don't be so nervous. I just want you to check my pulse."

Taking such precautions just to check a pulse?

Zhang Fu was skeptical but took out the pulse pillow and placed it on the table between them, "Please rest your wrist here, miss."

Jiang Congyan lifted her wide sleeve and placed her slender right wrist on it.

Zhang Fu directly pressed his fingertips on her pulse.

In this era, the separation between men and women wasn't strict, and there wasn't a strong sense of chastity as in later times. Normal interactions under proper etiquette didn't require avoidance. Moreover, the Zhang father and son had treated her countless times, so there was no need to be overly concerned about such trivial matters.

Zhang Fu concentrated carefully on her pulse, his expression steady. After a moment, he withdrew his hand and said, "Miss, your pulse is steady, and your body is fine."

Jiang Congyan nodded, withdrew her wrist, and then looked at him, "If that's the case, Zi Yi, do you think I can withstand contraceptive medicine?"

She spoke calmly, her tone even, as if discussing an everyday matter, but it startled Zhang Fu, who widened his eyes in shock, momentarily speechless.

He should have known! The young lady being so serious couldn't just be about checking her pulse. Having been tricked countless times, he still didn't learn and kept being deceived by the young lady's seemingly simple and calm demeanor.

Zhang Fu looked annoyed, his hand under his sleeve clenched into a fist.