Chapter 106: Beneath the City Wall

**Chapter 106 Beneath the City Wall**

Since they last parted, the two had not been together for a long time.

A Wu was extraordinary by nature, and now, having been kept docile at home, she had become even more delicate and soft. The secluded path had long gone unused, and now suddenly experiencing the Jingxi Emperor's advances within the depths of the ancient city wall, under the chill of the cold wind, it felt entirely different.

This position overwhelmed her. She could only cling helplessly to his neck, tilting her face up with difficulty, making sounds halfway between pleasure and tears.

She wanted to beg for mercy, to say they should stop—after going so long without, who could handle this sudden intensity?

But of course, the Jingxi Emperor would not stop.

He had already dismissed his attendants, ensuring no one could hear or see. He wanted to hold his A Wu, take in her East Sea, and claim her right here.

Moreover, the moment he entered, the sensation was exquisite—moving slowly and deliberately, going deeper, surpassing all else in the world.

No man could stop at a moment like this.

The night wind grew fiercer, blossoms wildly battering the aged, darkened city wall. Within the majestic and ancient tower, amidst the weathered battlements, the tall, stern man cradled the delicate figure.

He was too vigorous, and poor A Wu dared not make a sound, only biting her lip to muffle herself, enduring the overwhelming pleasure.

The sea surged, waves churned, and in the hazy night, the rhythmic slap of oars against the water echoed with a damp heaviness.

Then, abruptly, everything seemed to freeze—the wind stilled, the waves halted.

This stillness lasted only a moment before a gushing spring poured forth, in wave after wave.

The Jingxi Emperor hadn't found his own satisfaction, but he restrained himself with great difficulty.

Maintaining their position, he lowered his gaze, relishing the subtle pleasure while admiring her dazed, bewitched expression.

Her small face was flushed, her eyes misty, reflecting the moonlight.

The wind lifted, and the soft strands of the maiden’s hair brushed against the ancient city wall—the harshness of battle and feminine softness merging strangely in this moment.

A profound love welled up in the Jingxi Emperor’s chest.

The distant sea belonged to him; the softness in his arms, his beloved.

He also thought of Lu Yunjian, of the Crown Prince—had she ever seemed this enchanting with them?

He lowered his head, kissing her soft hair, his voice hoarse as he murmured, "A Wu, guess who I met tonight?"

Still dazed, A Wu instinctively replied, "Who?"

The Jingxi Emperor gazed into her eyes. "Lu Yunjian."

At this, A Wu jolted, her eyes widening in shock as she stared up at him.

She didn’t understand—truly didn’t understand—how this man, already strained to his limit, could still feign gentleness, coaxing and holding her.

He was questioning her.

He was taking advantage—because now, her mind was foggy, her thoughts scattered, at her most vulnerable.

Then, the Jingxi Emperor remarked casually, "He told me many things about your past."

A Wu had never expected him to bring this up now. She wanted to know, yet feared it—perhaps more than anything, she wanted to escape.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her legs trembling as they hooked around the man's lean, muscular waist before gently coiling around him.

The Jingxi Emperor saw right through her: "Trying to come onto me? Tempt me into silence?"

His slightly cool fingers brushed against her cheek. "Running away?"

A Wu pouted, on the verge of tears. She thought he was being too harsh, yet also felt powerless—wasn't pillow talk supposed to be a woman's weapon? Why was she the one being played?

The Jingxi Emperor spoke in a voice devoid of emotion: "He said you once lusted after his looks, that you were utterly obsessed, even claimed you were head over heels for him."

As he spoke, the Jingxi Emperor suddenly thrust forward.

A Wu, already turned to jelly, completely fell apart, shaking uncontrollably and unable to withstand him.

He steadied the quivering little thing in his arms and continued, "He said you fell for him at first sight, that you were passionately entangled with him. Come, A Wu, tell me—was that true?"

He chuckled low in her ear, his laughter cold: "The woman in my arms, who has received my favor—actually lusted after another man’s body?"

A Wu’s eyes darted evasively as she murmured, "No, of course not!"

She'd never admit it—she absolutely refused!

The Jingxi Emperor lowered his eyelids slightly, slowly pressing forward, then withdrawing.

He could clearly feel her fear—so much so that she was instinctively pushing, squeezing, clamping down around him.

He sighed softly above her, "What’s wrong, A Wu? Gripping so tight."

Such crude words were unlike him, but A Wu, already reeling from the news about Lu Yunjian, could think of nothing else. Her mind was consumed by it.

She had no desire to bring it up, nor did she know how to face it.

After hesitating, she whimpered, "We did have something in the past..."

The Jingxi Emperor watched her carefully. "Hmm? And?"

A Wu: "But it's over now!"

Suddenly, she seemed to remember something and declared firmly, "Lu Yunjian has nothing to do with me anymore! We’re long past that! I’ve forgotten all about him!"

The Jingxi Emperor sighed again, softly. Under the soft moonlight, his gaze was as tender as early March snowmelt.

He bent his head, slowly and affectionately kissing the tip of her nose.

"Alright, I understand. Lu Yunjian was lying," his large hand cradled the back of A Wu’s head, "I’ll handle this matter."

Hearing this, A Wu finally relaxed, relief washing over her.

She thought—this was over. From now on, it would never be mentioned again.

But then, the Jingxi Emperor leaned down, his lips brushing her ear.

Since they were already face-to-face, tightly pressed together, even the slightest movement from him sent ripples through her—let alone now, as he bent even closer.

A Wu shook her head desperately, her tear-brimmed eyes trembling as she whispered, "No more, please?"

She had already had her fill—she didn’t want any more. But the man was still primed and ready, not yet satisfied.

She tried every move she knew, twisting her waist, hoping to make him give in.

The Jingxi Emperor naturally felt her quivering—her clenching, squeezing, sucking, her writhing body demanding more.

He let out a low, breathy chuckle. “A Wu, why are you so insatiable?”

In the past, such words would have made A Wu blush crimson, but now she had no time for modesty. Throwing caution to the wind, she shamelessly begged in a trembling voice, “Your Majesty, please give it to A Wu… A Wu needs it, give it to A Wu…”

Though a delicate and innocent young woman, her words were brazenly lewd. A vein pulsed at his temple.

Biting back his desire, he gritted his teeth. “But the thought of my sweetheart being with another man before me, having her body claimed by someone else… it unsettles me. Tell me, little one, what should I do?”

An unspoken tension erupted into the open, forcing a confrontation. A Wu’s mind went blank—she was utterly unprepared!

Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered, “What… should be done…?”

Jingxi’s gaze darkened as he watched her bewildered expression. Unable to resist, he gave her a teasing push.

A whimper escaped her lips; the tears clinging to her lashes trembled and slid down her pale, translucent cheeks.

“Wasn’t A Wu always best at honeyed words?” he murmured.

Honeyed words?

Amidst her dazed desperation, A Wu finally grasped the key.

Instinctively, she weakly flung her arms around his broad neck, gazing up at him with tearful, limpid eyes, and whimpered, “A Wu may have known other men, but none compare to Your Majesty… none measured up, none ever made A Wu feel like this… Your Majesty, Your Majesty…”

She scrambled for sweet nothings, then threw away all dignity with a moan: “It’s too—ah—big… A Wu c-can’t—”

The bright moon slipped behind the clouds, waves crashed violently beneath the city walls, and in the dim, secluded tower, the girl’s voice dripped with raw desire.

In that moment, if she asked for heaven or earth, it would have been hers—let alone a plea for mercy.

Jingxi’s strong hands held her firmly, his powerful frame leaning forward slightly—and then the floodgates broke.

*******

By the time it ended, A Wu was boneless and pliant, damp and limp against him.

She tried to stand, but her legs shook, her feet unsteady—she couldn’t support herself.

Without hesitation, he scooped her into his arms and wrapped her tightly in his cloak.

A Wu pressed against his chest and murmured, “Don’t… someone might see…”

He shielded her head with the cloak, his voice hoarse. “No one will.”

She clung to his narrow waist, rubbing against him as she softly protested. Even if unseen, they came up as two people—anyone could guess what happened when only one returned.

Still, she steeled herself. Shamelessness had its perks. She closed her eyes and buried her face in his chest.

His scent was pleasant. Though traveling lacked the refinement of court life, he was meticulous by nature, carrying a faint citrus fragrance—*bergamot?*

Whatever it was, it was refreshing. She burrowed deeper into his warmth.

He trained at dawn daily, his waist and abdomen firm, even hard—a contrast to her softness.

It only deepened her enchantment, making her toes curl helplessly in delight.

His stamina was incredible—he could hold her like this endlessly. She wished she could melt into him, like wax under his flame.

At last, Jingxi carried her down the steps of the tower, where a carriage stood ready below.

The Jingxi Emperor slightly bent his body to enter the carriage, then lifted her onto his lap so she straddled him.

A Wu wrapped her delicate arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder, pretending not to know what was going on.

Actually, the city wall wasn’t that far from their residence. When they finally returned to the room, A Wu suddenly remembered: “I should go back to my own room.”

She felt ashamed of herself for giving in so easily to his charm, but she didn’t want Ye Han or her brothers finding out about her relationship with the Jingxi Emperor. Somehow, it felt shameful, like she was sneaking around.

But of course, the Jingxi Emperor had no intention of letting her go. Earlier at the tower, she had gotten her way while he was far from satisfied.

At the time, he’d only let up out of pity for her discomfort. Now that they were back in the room, he intended to take his time with her, savoring every moment.

A Wu whined in protest—she wanted to leave.

She thought this was where they differed. She was content after just once, wanting to lounge in the afterglow, lie down, and fall asleep. But he could go at it again and again.

She pushed against his arm: “That’s enough.”

But the Jingxi Emperor firmly gripped her narrow waist: “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you these days. Be a good girl for me.”

A Wu whimpered. She didn’t want to obey, but she couldn’t help herself.

His ragged breathing reached her ears: “Mm, just like that. So good.”

***********

Even as he praised her, called her sweet, and said he missed her—his words and gaze tender enough to melt her—he moved fiercely and relentlessly.

She couldn’t take it anymore. Eventually, she fell into a deep sleep, half-conscious, still feeling him tending to her gently, murmuring in her ear—mentioning Lu Yunjian, telling her not to be afraid, saying he would handle everything and that she had nothing to worry about. He also spoke of her father and brothers, promising he would arrange everything properly.

A Wu barely registered his words. She wanted to tell him not to let her family find out about them—it would be too embarrassing—but she simply didn’t have the strength.

The next day, A Wu was woken by the sound of military drills outside. She opened her eyes to bright daylight and warm sunshine. The man beside her was already gone.

Soon, a young maid entered to help her get ready and serve breakfast.

The morning meal was freshly harvested lotus root porridge paired with fish cakes, which tasted delicious.

Just as she finished eating, the Jingxi Emperor walked in, dressed in full armor, his aura commanding.

A Wu couldn’t help but sneak a few glances at him curiously.

He smiled: “I went to review the troops this morning and just got back. Have you eaten?”

A Wu nodded. “Mm.”

The maid brought over the washing supplies. Having just completed drills, the Jingxi Emperor had a light sweat on his forehead.

After cleaning up, he wiped his face with a white towel and said casually, “In a few days, I’ll come by formally?”

A Wu blinked. “What?!”

Seeing her feigned confusion, he clarified, “To ask for your hand. To settle the dowry.”

A Wu gasped. “What?!”

The Jingxi Emperor continued, “Before, your uncle wasn’t here, and something felt missing. Now that he’s returned, it’s only right I pay respects and discuss the marriage arrangements.”

He added, “We’ll also exchange vows again before heaven and earth.”

A Wu: “…?!”

She sneaked a glance at him. "Did someone tell you something?"

No way? Ye Han wouldn't have told him that, would he?

Jingxi Emperor: "What is it? Why would I need someone else to say it? I just hope we can start over, by your hometown's customs."

He paused before adding, "I hope this time we can make up for everything we missed."

A Wu never expected him to say that. Truthfully, she was touched—her face even grew warm.

But... she remembered what her father had said and couldn’t shake her reluctance—or rather, she still wanted to push back a little.

So she muttered, "There’s no need..."

Jingxi Emperor: "No need?!"

He stopped wiping the sword and looked up at her. "Why no need?"

A Wu's gaze darted away, avoiding his eyes. "I didn’t say I’d marry you, did I..."

Jingxi Emperor silently watched her.

A Wu put on an act of indifference. "Let’s not talk about this now."

Jingxi Emperor: "Then what about last night?"

A Wu blinked, playing dumb. "Huh? Last night? What about last night?"

Jingxi Emperor laughed in disbelief and walked right up, looking down at her. "Don’t remember? Who clung to me all night and wouldn’t let go? Who begged for it like crazy?"

Truth was, though she pretended not to want it, once she got it, she couldn’t get enough. Had he not been so vigorous, she might never have been satisfied!

And now this greedy little minx wakes up and says this?

A Wu hung her head, looking sheepish.

Jingxi Emperor: "Hmm? Should I help you remember?"

A Wu stammered, "I remember..."

Jingxi Emperor said flatly, "Then shouldn’t you take responsibility?"

A Wu took a deep breath, then slowly reached into her sleeve, pulling out an object and thrusting it into Jingxi Emperor’s hand in one swift motion.

It was a silver ingot—ten taels.

Jingxi Emperor raised a puzzled brow.

A Wu inhaled sharply, then blurted out, "This is ten taels. That should cover it—keep the change!"

With that, she turned and took off like a shot.

Jingxi Emperor stared at the silver, stunned for a long moment before slowly realizing what it meant.

A Wu ran outside without a care, only to nearly run straight into Ye Han and Ning Sanlang.

Ning Sanlang: "What’s wrong, A Wu?"

Ye Han’s gaze, however, instantly fixed on A Wu’s face—flushed pink from her frantic dash.

His brow furrowed at once. “What happened?”

A Wu was mortified. After last night’s indiscretions had left her sore and drained, and then saying such things to the Jingxi Emperor this morning—now she—

She bit her lip and murmured, “It’s nothing.”

Then she slipped past them and ran off.

Ning Sanlang asked, perplexed, “Who offended her?”

Ye Han, however, slowly lowered his head and was quiet for a beat before saying, “It’s probably nothing.”