Chapter 72: She Couldn’t Laugh Anymore.

Chapter 72: She Could No Longer Smile.

Jiang Congyan hurriedly covered her legs with her hands, but what could her slender arms really hide? Her skirt already covered everything up, but if a man's thoughts were indecent, no amount of clothing could stop him from imagining.

She almost wished she could just knock him out.

The events of last night... Jiang Congyan hadn't forgotten, of course. She might not remember what happened afterward, but she remembered the first two hours clearly.

At first, the man hadn't removed her skirt, only pulled off her underclothes, which already embarrassed her somewhat. Later, she didn't know where he had picked up these new moves. He used to just charge ahead recklessly, with her legs resting on his waist, but last night he actually grabbed her legs and placed them on his shoulders.

Then, he paused for a moment, and she glanced at him, confused, only to find him staring intently at her.

On the bedside table, a warm yellow candlelight spread across, with no bed curtains, the light falling directly on her snow-white, pink-tinged skin. A thin layer of moisture, glowing like a crystal-clear flower in the candlelight.

He stared unblinkingly, his green eyes deep, like a lurking predator.

She felt as if she were on fire, frantically trying to cover herself, but he held her limbs tightly, rendering her immobile.

She had never felt so ashamed, nearly crying from the humiliation. Perhaps seeing her truly distressed, the man finally stopped staring and just thrust into her with force.

She didn't want to think about last night, but now the man was looking at her that way again, his gaze fixed on her legs once more, and those shameful memories came flooding back.

Jiang Congyan could no longer keep her composure and didn't want to deal with the man. She stood up and made her way to the inner chamber.

Just as she turned around, a large hand suddenly gripped her waist.

Her neck swayed, and her back hit a warm wall.

Then another hand wrapped around her, completely enclosing her, leaving no room for escape.

"Are you angry?" the man asked, leaning down close to her ear.

The hot breath made the skin on the back of her neck prickle with goosebumps, both hot and itchy. Jiang Congyan tilted her neck but still couldn't escape the man.

"No," she said.

"Really not?" The man picked up a strand of hair from her chest and played with it.

"No."

"Stubborn," the man chuckled and scolded.

"It was my fault first, so I should apologize to the king."

Listen to this, still saying she's not angry, but Tuo Baxiao was a bit confused.

He loosened his grip slightly, turning her shoulders to face him. Her face was indeed very cold.

"I was just looking, is that not allowed?" he shamelessly said, then added, "If you want to look at me, you can look as much as you want, for as long as you want."

"..."

Jiang Congyan's expression worsened, her shoulders trembling.

Who wants to look at you? What's there to see? So ugly, shameless!

She was so angry, clenching her fists and hitting his chest.

The man let her vent for a few hits, then grabbed her fist, "I'm not hurt, but your hand is turning red."

"..."

Seeing her tense expression, Tuo Baxiao hugged her tighter and pinched her face. "Alright, you deliberately provoked me earlier, and I played rough last night. Let's call it even; no more anger."

Hearing this, Jiang Congyan's expression softened.

Indeed, she had acted impulsively and wrongly, and now that Tuo Baxiao was not holding a grudge, she felt a sense of relief.

Perhaps he would change in the future, but for now, he cared for her. Since that was the case, she would manage their relationship well.

She would never do such reckless actions again. On the contrary, if he didn't initiate such thoughts himself, she would strive to maintain their relationship and never give anyone else a chance.

"Alright." Having thought it through, she no longer resisted his embrace, leaning her face against him and returning his embrace.

He stiffened, his muscles tensing instantly.

"..." She quickly withdrew her hand in surprise.

Jiang Congyan looked up, pushed him away, and shot him an angry, reproachful look.

She really hadn't done anything. The atmosphere between them was harmonious, and she just wanted to give him a light hug as a response, but he reacted like this.

People say that humans are constantly aroused all year round, but she thought he was in heat 360 days a year, 12 hours a day.

Wasn't last night's exhausting night enough?

He even blamed her for not being enthusiastic. If she were more enthusiastic, wouldn't she be completely worn out?

Seeing her disdainful look, Tuo Baxiao cleared his throat and averted his gaze. "I didn't mean to. I wasn't a lustful person before, otherwise, I would have had many wives and concubines long ago. It's just that I met you, you're so graceful and lovely..."

"Shut up!" she snapped.

Tuo Baxiao laughed softly and hugged her tighter.

As long as he didn't do anything else, Jiang Congyan allowed it.

Everyone has their own aesthetic preferences. Her appearance was regarded as attractive among the Han Chinese, but not everyone liked her delicate type. Some preferred cheerful and vivacious girls, while others liked charming and alluring ones. As for the Xianbei's aesthetic, it was quite distinct.

They generally preferred robust and spirited girls. The harsh conditions of the grasslands required that only those with strong bodies could survive, and the risks of childbirth were lower. Many of them found her too thin to be attractive, even disliking her frail figure.

But Tuo Baxiao seemed to be especially fond of her appearance, more in line with Han Chinese aesthetics.

Maybe this preference came from his Han Chinese mother?

Actually, she was quite curious about what kind of person his mother was, but since Tuo Baxiao never brought it up, she didn't dare to ask.

Having reconciled, Tuo Baxiao returned to her place to sleep that night.

Exhausted from the previous night's activities, she was in no mood for anything tonight, and Tuo Baxiao, guessing her attitude, surprisingly didn't pester her.

After dinner, Jiang Congyan retreated to the study, as was her habit, to rest and read.

Tuo Baxiao followed her.

Jiang Congyan picked up a book, sat on the couch, leaned gently against his shoulder, opened the book, and began reading to him.

These days, if they weren't too busy, they would spend time like this after dinner. She would read to him, and he, who initially did it to pass the time, gradually became serious, even taking the initiative to select books—mostly military strategies, historical texts, and some contemporary political essays.

He recognized quite a few Chinese characters and could read on his own, but he preferred to listen to her read aloud. Her light, delicate voice was a delight to him.

Jiang Congyan had subtly observed that he didn't dislike Han Culture, but he wasn't particularly fond of it either. It seemed more like he found the knowledge useful for solidifying his rule, which was why he was willing to learn about it.

However, using corresponding methods to govern and making Han Culture the cornerstone of the state's ideology were two entirely different levels. This meant they would have to abandon their original beliefs and adopt a completely new system.

Reform was never an easy endeavor, especially when it involved cultural ideologies and state systems. A single misstep could lead to disaster.

She wasn't sure if he was already showing signs of reform, so she didn't ask too much. They had been married for barely a month, and even counting the time on the road, it hadn't been four months yet—far too short.

The fact that he was willing to listen to her read now was a positive sign. Through this subtle influence, he might one day come to accept it.

In addition to reading the books he wanted to hear, Jiang Congyan occasionally read a few poems.

Literature serves as a vessel for human emotions and is an indispensable part of culture. To understand the soul of a nation, one must delve into its literature.

In the past, when the man was eager for amusement, he would urge her to go wash up after she had read for half an hour. Today, with nothing else to do, she read a bit longer, but her throat started to ache after a while, so she couldn't continue.

She had slept until the afternoon and felt refreshed after washing up, so she decided to practice her handwriting. She called A Fei in to help her prepare the paper.

Back in Liangzhou and Chang'an, when she stayed in, she would spend her time reading and practicing calligraphy. After the marriage edict was issued, she was busy preparing for the journey north. There was no chance on the road, and upon arriving at the royal court, there were too many matters to attend to. It had been a long time since she had properly practiced her handwriting.

"If you're tired, go ahead and sleep," she said to Tuo Baxiao. "I'm going to practice my handwriting for a while."

"I'm not tired," the man replied.

Jiang Congyan looked at him, somewhat confused. According to A Fei, he hadn't rested much after sending her back and had gone out to discuss official matters during the day. After the hours of exertion yesterday, how could he still not be tired? Was he made of iron?

She felt a bit envious. She had never had such good energy and stamina. If she were even half as strong as him, she would be grateful.

If he said he wasn't tired, then so be it. She let him be.

A Fei had already set out the ink, brush, paper, and inkstone, and had lit a few extra lamps. Jiang Congyan didn't need her to stay and serve, so she sat down at the table herself, rolled up her sleeves, and began grinding the ink.

Tuo Baxiao followed her, bored with nothing to do but unwilling to let her out of his sight.

"Shall I grind the ink for you?"

Hmm... fine. Jiang Congyan handed him the inkstick.

She had only heard of "red sleeves adding fragrance," but what was this? A "blue companion"?

If this were to spread in Liang State, it would probably be ridiculed. Only Tuo Baxiao didn't care about such worldly opinions and did as he pleased.

Jiang Congyan thought of this and smiled, but the next second, her smile faded.

With a "crack," the inkstick broke.

"..."

Her gaze lingered on the inkstick for a few seconds before shifting up to the man's face.

He looked surprised. "I didn't use much force. It just broke on its own."

"...Right, it just broke on its own for no reason," she said with a forced smile.

Tuo Baxiao looked slightly embarrassed. "Your things are as delicate as you are."

Jiang Congyan took a deep breath and decided not to argue with this human-shaped brute.

"Go away, I'll grind it myself."

Tuo Baxiao didn't move. It was just grinding ink; he knew how to do it.

He picked up the other half, gripping just a small piece at the bottom with his strong fingers, and started grinding again with a "grind grind."

The ink stick, now shorter, no longer broke.

Jiang Congyan watched his rough movements, her temple throbbed.

After a while, the ink became thick, and he spread his hands, "Go ahead, write."

She hesitated.