Chapter 50: It feels like being burned by fire, I wonder if the skin is broken. [One + two updates]

Chapter 50: Like Being Burned by Fire, I Wonder if the Skin Got Scraped. [First + Second Update]

In this world, winning hearts is paramount.

Beauty fades, outward appearances are fleeting; everything is like a reflection in a mirror or the moon on water, transient and gone in an instant.

People often say, "Beauty fades quickly, and favor fades first"—a truth that remains unchanged through the ages.

Jiang Yunran grew up in Yixiang Pavilion, witnessing countless heartbroken men and bitter women, seeing through the fickleness of human hearts. She knew that all emotions change, but interests remain constant.

Her goal was not to become the one Jing Huayan loved most, but to become an indispensable partner, someone he could never cast aside.

Winning his heart meant earning Jing Huayan's trust.

Jing Huayan lowered his gaze to Jiang Yunran's hand. It was slender and fair, glowing like fine mutton-fat jade under the palace lanterns.

As an embroiderer, her hands were impeccable.

Jing Huayan did not respond immediately. Instead, he offered a rare word of comfort: "The past is gone for good; treasure what you have now."

Jiang Yunran smiled. "Yes."

She did not dwell on the topic further, merely accompanying Jing Huayan for the meal and making small talk.

As they spoke, Jiang Yunran suddenly said, "Today, when I entered Qianyuan Palace, I happened to run into several officials."

Jing Huayan gave her a meaningful glance.

"You didn't recognize them?"

Jiang Yunran pursed her lips. "I'm merely a commoner—how would I know the nobles of the capital?"

Jing Huayan smiled faintly and took her hand. "You may not know them now, but you will in the future."

Then he added, "They'll get to know you."

Jing Huayan smoothly changed the topic, but Jiang Yunran was not about to drop it.

She was full of flaws, riddled with holes, and Jing Huayan had long been suspicious of her. It would be impossible to dispel his doubts in such a short time.

In fact, this was for the better.

If one day he no longer felt the need to probe into her, there would be no way to turn things around.

Jiang Yunran put down her silver chopsticks and scooted closer to him. "Who were those officials? The one leading them was exceptionally handsome…"

Before she could finish, Jing Huayan pinched her waist.

"Don't you think he looks familiar?" Jing Huayan tilted his head, his dark eyes locked intently on her face.

Jiang Yunran's expression showed only curiosity.

"No," she said, lifting her gaze to meet his. She insisted firmly. "I do not know those officials."

Their eyes met, each seeing only the other's clear reflection.

Jing Huayan suddenly let out a low laugh.

"That was Baolin Ruan's father."

Jiang Yunran nodded. "No wonder Baolin Ruan is so beautiful—she inherited her father's looks."

Hearing this, Jing Huayan's smile deepened.

"No one holds a candle to my Beloved Concubine."

Even now, he had to tease her again.

Jiang Yunran's face turned pink, though inwardly she cursed him for being an old fox, holding out on her until she had to use all her cunning to get it.

The conversation had reached its limit. If Jiang Yunran pressed further, it would be overstepping.

But she was in no hurry.

After the meal, Jiang Yunran accompanied Jing Huayan for a stroll around Qianyuan Palace to help their food settle.

The evening breeze was gentle, the palace lanterns gave off a soft, hazy light, illuminating their path.

Jiang Yunran held Jing Huayan's arm, her voice clear and soft. Her eyes smiled, and she radiated an indescribable intimacy.

Jing Huayan listened attentively, his head slightly lowered. The handsome man and beautiful woman walking together formed a picture-perfect scene.

Liang Santai and Eunuch Little Liu were posted nearby, both feeling puzzled.

Eunuch Little Liu whispered, "Master, I've noticed that Selected Attendant Jiang has only met His Majesty once or twice. How can they be so familiar?"

Liang Santai glanced at him and said calmly, "You don't understand. This is what they call clicking instantly."

Eunuch Little Liu, usually cold and aloof as if he looked down on everyone, was very obedient in front of Liang Santai.

"Master, you are right."

Liang Santai thought of Jing Huayan's regard for Jiang Yunran and the Consort's bracelet still kept in the bedchamber of Qianyuan Palace. His mind was filled with countless thoughts.

But in the end, he only said, "It seems His Majesty is quite taken with this young mistress. Remind those below to treat her with respect and not slack off."

Eunuch Little Liu hurriedly replied, "Yes."

Elsewhere, Jiang Yunran chatted casually with Jing Huayan: "The moonlight is so beautiful tonight."

The Mid-Autumn Festival had passed, and it was now mid-September. In a few days, autumn would arrive.

The moon is full on the fifteenth, but even fuller on the sixteenth.

Jiang Yunran's hand rested lightly on Jing Huayan's forearm, soft as a cloud.

"Your Majesty, what do you want me to do from now on?"

She wanted to ask Jing Huayan what he needed from her, what role she should play.

Jing Huayan smiled faintly. "You need not do anything. Just be happy and be my Favorite Concubine."

Jiang Yunran blinked, then smiled.

She said coquettishly, "To be a Favorite Concubine, one must at least be a consort."

Jing Huayan's expression remained unchanged, but his voice lowered slightly. "What's the hurry?"

Jiang Yunran rested her head on his shoulder, leaning on him completely.

"It's not that I'm impatient, but my heart feels adrift, like it can't find solid ground," Jiang Yunran said softly. "Say I'm vain or delusional if you want, but being able to stay by Your Majesty's side now feels so incredibly wonderful that it all seems unreal."

"I'm afraid that one day I'll wake from this dream, and that castle in the sky will be burned to ashes, without a trace left."

Jing Huayan's footsteps came to a sudden stop.

Jiang Yunran straightened up, a little flustered. "Your Majesty, did I say something wrong?"

Jing Huayan lowered his head, looked deeply into her eyes. "What do you think?"

Naturally, she had said something wrong.

Because Jiang Yunran had done it on purpose.

She was testing how much weight her former self held in his heart.

But Jing Huayan did not answer, instead turning the question back on her.

Jiang Yunran looked up, blinked, and could only play ignorant. "I don't know."

"You'll find out eventually."

Jing Huayan did not press further. He took her hand again and said, "The wind's picking up. We should head back."

Jing Huayan had said he would make Jiang Yunran his Favorite Concubine, and that very night, he followed through.

He was working on state affairs in Danruo Hall. Lady Ruan's confinement had ended, and Auntie Xiaqing had already returned from Changchun Palace to oversee preparations in the bedchamber.

Jiang Yunran accompanied Jing Huayan in the study. She stood grinding ink while he reviewed memorials.

The entire study was bright as daylight, surrounded by numerous palace lamps, not the least bit dim.

The night breeze was cool, but the glow of the lamps added a bit of warmth.

Jiang Yunran would pause occasionally while grinding the ink, shifting her weight before continuing.

After Jing Huayan had reviewed just two memorials, she had already moved five or six times. He said, "You don't need to serve anymore. Go rest."

"Yes!"

Jiang Yunran immediately put down the inkstick and turned and left without a second thought.

Jing Huayan watched her hurried figure and, without realizing it, smiled.

Returning to the bedchamber, Jiang Yunran saw the familiar Xue Yan.

Xue Yan didn't know her well but remained respectful. "Greetings, Lady Jiang. I am Xue Yan, serving in Danruo Hall. Please let me know if you need anything."

Jiang Yunran said, "I'd like to draw a bath. Thank you."

Xue Yan gave a slight bow and led Qing Dai to get everything ready.

By the time Jiang Yunran had bathed and changed, it was past nine in the evening. Qing Dai had already left, and only Xue Yan remained in the bedchamber.

"Miss Xue Yan, do you have any books to read here?"

Xue Yan was a little surprised.

Wasn't it said that Selected Attendant Jiang was originally an embroiderer, couldn't read?

Jiang Yunran did not explain, only saying, "Pick a few with pictures for me, something I can follow."

As an embroiderer, how could she not know how to read? They often worked on elaborate embroidery with characters, and if they made a mistake on a single character, they had to start over.

At first, she didn't know, but with experience, she picked up recognizing characters.

Xue Yan was very considerate and brought her two books with pictures. Jiang Yunran took them and began looking through them slowly.

She was actually pretty tired, but since Jing Huayan had not yet returned, she was fighting to stay awake.

When Jing Huayan stepped into the bedchamber, he saw the beautiful woman in simple clothes leaning against the canopy bed. She was resting her chin in one hand while holding a book in the other, her eyelashes slightly lowered, her face peaceful in sleep.

Xue Yan gave a slight bow, and Jing Huayan waved her away.

Jing Huayan, having practiced martial arts for years, moved silently. When he reached Jiang Yunran's side, his gaze followed her dark hair down to her slender waist.

His breath caught, growing hot in an instant.

Jing Huayan bent down and gently took the book from her hand.

Jiang Yunran was jerked awake.

She snapped her head up and reached out to snatch the book back.

In that moment, her gaze was sharp, like a cornered animal showing its claws, revealing its fiercest side to an enemy.

She was alert, not weak.

Jing Huayan thought to himself.

"Were you asleep?" His low voice helped Jiang Yunran relax. "You've been waiting."

Jiang Yunran relaxed instantly.

She blinked and, in a flash, was once again the obedient, charming Selected Attendant Jiang.

"Your Majesty is back?"

Perhaps because she had just woken up, her voice was slightly hoarse, with a hint of a whine she rarely showed.

Jing Huayan's eyes darkened.

He sat directly beside Jiang Yunran, slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.

"It's late. Let's rest."

Jiang Yunran's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and her body trembled faintly.

As if nervous, as if shy.

"Yes."

As she spoke, she reached out to extinguish the candle.

A pair of strong, powerful hands firmly grasped her slender wrists.

Jiang Yunran was surprised. "Your Majesty?"

Her answer was Jing Huayan's passionate kiss. The next moment, she was pressed firmly beneath him on the canopy bed, completely under his control.

"No need to extinguish the lamp."

The man's burning hand trailed downward, lingering at the tie of her waistband.

Jiang Yunran's face flushed crimson; she instinctively grasped his hand but couldn't stop anything.

The delicate waistband was mercilessly torn open.

Her garment fell open, revealing a soft yellow underrobe beneath.

Jiang Yunran closed her eyes, seemingly overwhelmed with shyness. "This concubine is afraid."

Jing Huayan studied her intensely, slowly lowering his head until he paused at the small mole beneath her jaw.

In the next instant, his hot breath washed over her skin as he took the mole between his teeth.

Jiang Yunran couldn't help shivering.

This man's gaze and energy today were entirely different from before.

The him now was the true beast.

She reached out, still struggling to extinguish the lamp, but a powerful shudder racked her entire body.

"Ah!"

Jing Huayan lifted his head slightly, licking his lips.

He recaptured Jiang Yunran's hand and pressed it firmly onto the brocade quilt embroidered with phoenixes and peonies.

"Let it stay lit."

The exquisite underrobe, the hand-embroidered undergarment—each was stripped away.

Fingers roamed over her glistening pale skin.

Lingering at every small mole.

"Let Us count them."

"Count how many moles you have on your body."

Jiang Yunran clutched the brocade quilt tightly; in this moment, all her schemes and calculations melted away.

She could only focus on handling the man before her.

Until he was willing to let her go.

————

Letting her go was never going to happen.

This man was full of mischief; he had remembered every bit of her seduction over these past days.

And today, he returned it all.

The first time, Jiang Yunran thought it was over. Breathless, she tried to rise and find her undergarment, only to be pulled back ruthlessly into the whirlpool by the man.

The second time, she was too exhausted to move and could only sink her teeth into his shoulder.

That bite, however, only roused the beast anew, forcing her into an uncomfortable position for yet another round.

By the time it all ended, Jiang Yunran felt her legs might give out.

She was drenched in sweat, a complete mess, too much of a mess to even glance at.

"Y-Your Majesty..."

Jiang Yunran's voice was low and hoarse, her words coming in broken bursts.

It felt as if it had been burned raw; she wondered if her skin was rubbed raw.

How had his preferences changed so much after just a few months apart? He had never been so insatiable before.

Jing Huayan still held her slender waist, holding her firmly locked in his embrace. The heat of his body warmed hers, turning her pale skin a soft pink.

"What is it?"

Jing Huayan asked lazily.

His voice was deeper than usual, filled with rough satisfaction that made her shiver.

"How did you do it?"

Jing Huayan reached out, twirling an unruly strand of hair by her cheek around his finger.

Jiang Yunran knew what he was asking.

How she had become a virgin again.

One's appearance could change, their personality could change, but the marks on one's body could never be altered.

Every mole on Jiang Yunran's body was exactly as it had been before.

Jing Huayan was not blind; just by measuring her narrow waist, he could guess most of the truth.

He wasn't angry that she had faked her death to escape, nor was he enraged by her deception, because she had never lied to him—everything she had said was true.

What she intended to do, what she would do—she had never spoken a word about it.

If she never said it, how could it be considered deceiving the monarch?

Jing Huayan was truly a good ruler, perfectly reasonable.

Moreover, the fire had given him the perfect opportunity to act.

Without a word spoken, they understood each other perfectly.

A tacit understanding made by heaven.

Now, the only thing he was curious about was this.

Jiang Yunran couldn't help but let out a quiet, mocking laugh. Too tired to move, she hoarsely replied, "This concubine doesn't understand."

A moment later, Jing Huayan also laughed.

"If you don't understand, then you don't understand. It's not an important matter."

He suddenly rolled over, looking down at her.

Jiang Yunran wasn't wearing any makeup; her face only glistened with a thin layer of sweat and a rosy flush, and slightly red-rimmed eyes.

She had been crying.

Jing Huayan's eyes darkened.

Jiang Yunran shifted slightly and immediately let out a gasp of disbelief.

"Your Majesty... are you even human?"

If the mood hadn't been so charged, Jing Huayan would have laughed.

He lowered his head, cutting off her insensitive remark, and with a mischievous streak, continued to draw out her tears.

Only here would she cry.

The lampwick flickered twice before the canopied bed finally fell silent. Jing Huayan had the palace attendants prepare hot water, and moments later, he carried Jiang Yunran into the bathing chamber.

Jiang Yunran had already fallen asleep but was jolted awake as she was placed into the hot water.

As soon as she opened her eyes, she was met with Jing Huayan's well-built chest.

Suddenly, her eyes widened, and she reached out on instinct.

"Your Majesty..."

As soon as she spoke, she realized her voice was even hoarser.

Jing Huayan took her hand and guided it to his shoulder.

At the spot on his shoulder, there was a scar.

It ran from his collarbone down, disappearing down his back.

It was barely visible unless you looked closely.

During previous nights she attended him, the canopied bed had always been dimly lit, and Jing Huayan had been so overwhelming that Jiang Yunran had never noticed this scar.

Months later, during their first bath together, she finally discovered the wound.

Jing Huayan said dismissively, "An old injury, not worth mentioning."

Jiang Yunran still found it unbelievable.

Jing Huayan was the late emperor's legitimate eldest son, intelligent and exceptional since childhood, with the dragon's majesty and phoenix's elegance. His life had been smooth, never faced hardship, and he had never fought in a battle.

The scar did look old, not fresh.

But how did he get it?

And who would dare harm the imperial crown prince?

Jiang Yunran's fingers gently brushed over the scar as she suddenly asked, "Did it hurt?"

A strange warmth bloomed in Jing Huayan's heart.

He quirked a brow and smiled. "It did."

"I lost a lot of blood, and it took a long time to recover. But in the end, my luck held and I survived."

Jiang Yunran slowly withdrew her hand.

She looked up at Jing Huayan. "I'm glad you survived."

"Your Majesty is blessed; otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to turn your luck around."

Jing Huayan liked hearing that.

He took her hand, uncharacteristically gentle. "You as well."

Both had cheated death—they were sure to have better fortunes ahead.

The soft lamplight illuminated Jiang Yunran's jade-smooth skin. Her phoenix eyes were well-shaped and slightly upturned at the corners, always earnest and luminous when she looked at others.

Jing Huayan lowered his head and gently kissed her eyelids.

Jiang Yunran was stunned. The next moment, Jing Huayan lifted her out of the water and pulled her firmly into his arms.

Jiang Yunran: "..."

"Your Majesty..."

Jiang Yunran could barely think straight. "Your Majesty, shouldn't we change the water?"

Petals floated on the surface, and the scent of perfumed oils was heavy—they likely needed fresh water.

Jing Huayan chuckled softly and nipped at the skin at the nape of her neck.

He held a small piece between his teeth, gently worrying it.

"Ah."

Jiang Yunran's voice echoed in the bath chamber.

She could only speak in breathless fragments. "One last... time... please?"

"Alright."

"Beloved Concubine, don't worry."

It was indeed the last time, but it went on for a while.

By the end, the water had gone cold, and Jiang Yunran had no idea how she got back to the canopied bed.

She slept extremely well that night.

Jiang Yunran had never been so exhausted. She didn't even dream, sleeping straight through until daylight.

When she woke, it took her a long while to push herself up into a sitting position on the bed.

As soon as she moved, Jiang Yunran's face froze, and she looked down in disbelief.

This man...

She was still in a daze when Qing Dai's voice sounded from outside. "Miss, are you awake?"

Jiang Yunran tried to clear her throat, hurriedly wiped herself, found her underrobe at the foot of the bed, and struggled to put it on.

Qing Dai sounded puzzled. "Miss?"

Jiang Yunran said hoarsely, "Wait a moment."

That hoarse voice scared Qing Dai half to death.

Even Xue Yan, who had been serving in the Danruo Hall all along, was flustered—how had Lady Jiang gotten sick overnight?

Although neither of them had any experience, they still prepared a change of clothes and honey water for her throat for Jiang Yunran.

When Jiang Yunran got up, leaning on Qing Dai's support, she realized the sun was already high in the sky outside.

It was indeed quite late.

Jiang Yunran was a little embarrassed. After drinking a cup of honey water, her throat felt much better, and she turned to Qing Dai: "Why didn't anyone wake me?"

Qing Dai wasn't upset; she smiled and said, "His Majesty instructed us not to disturb you, my lady."

Jiang Yunran cursed Jing Huayan up and down in her heart before turning gently to Xue Yan: "Miss Xue Yan, could you, I need a quick bath."

"It's already prepared, my lady. We'll help you there."

Indeed, it wouldn't be easy for Jiang Yunran to walk there on her own.

She could only stay expressionless as two palace maids supported her into the bathhouse, too embarrassed to let them help any further.

Her face red, she shooed them out and began to wash herself.

After finally scrubbing herself clean, Jiang Yunran changed into fresh undergarments and felt much more comfortable.

Soaking in the tub for a while, she felt a bit better. Though her legs still ached, she could at least walk without help.

When she emerged from the bathhouse, Qing Dai began to help her dress.

Xue Yan said respectfully nearby: "My lady, the Imperial Kitchen has prepared breakfast. Please have some before returning."

Typically, lower-ranking ladies who had spent the night with the emperor could only stay in the Danruo Hall for an hour or two, and most were sent back to their own palaces after serving.

That Jiang Yunran could sleep comfortably in the Danruo Hall until morning and was advised to have breakfast before leaving was certainly an exception—a special favor.

Since it had been agreed upon with Jing Huayan beforehand, she wasn't the least bit nervous and simply sat down to eat.

One look told her the Imperial Kitchen had put in effort today.

Breakfast was usually not this fancy, but according to her taste, they had added a steamer of sweet BBQ pork buns, a steamer of taro cakes, along with chicken and wonton soup, millet and pumpkin porridge, and a few side dishes—refreshing and delightful.

Jiang Yunran took a bite of the BBQ pork bun and exclaimed, "This is delicious!"

Zhou Xiaqing happened to enter just then and, hearing this, smiled: "If my lady likes it, take some back with you. The Imperial Kitchen made extra steamers for you—His Majesty doesn't care for this flavor."

Jiang Yunran quickly set down her chopsticks and stood up: "Is that you, Madam Zhou?"

The round-faced, kindly madam nodded: "Indeed. Please, my lady, no need for formalities. Continue your meal."

She appeared to be in her thirties and seemed much kinder than she had been with Ruan Hanzhang before.

Clearly, Jing Huayan had given instructions.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yunran reduced her mental tally of curses against Jing Huayan by a hundred.

Apart from matters in bed, he was pretty thoughtful and knew how to treat those around him properly.

Jiang Yunran sat back down to continue her meal.

Her attitude was amiable, and she was polite. Aside from her hoarse voice, she seemed no different from the usual consorts.

Zhou Xiaqing, having served Jing Huayan for many years, knew how picky he was and could guess why he treated this Lady Jiang with special regard.

Men all liked women who depend on them completely—even the emperor was no exception.

Her mind racing, Zhou Xiaqing's smile faded slightly.

"The sedan chair is ready," she said. "After my lady finishes breakfast, Xiao Liuzi will take you back."

Jiang Yunran said: "Good, thank you, Madam. Please, go ahead."

After Zhou Xiaqing left, Xue Yan withdrew as well.

Qing Dai cautiously approached Jiang Yunran: "My lady, was His Majesty... rough with you?"

Jiang Yunran was startled: "Why do you ask?"

Qing Dai looked worried. She bit her lip and said: "My lady... the back of your neck is covered in bite marks."

"What?"

Jiang Yunran's hand, holding the chopsticks, paused slightly. She added those hundred curses right back.

Animal.

"It's nothing, not a big deal," Jiang Yunran said, blushing as she saw Qing Dai's concern. "His Majesty was just fooling around with me."

Qing Dai blinked, then understood.

She also blushed slightly.

"I'm glad you're alright, my lady. I was too afraid to ask before."

Jiang Yunran had her apply some cream to cover the marks on her neck before saying: "Even though you've said you don't wish to leave the palace, if you ever meet someone you like in the future, I will ask His Majesty to do you a favor."

Although the palace was filled with palace maids and eunuchs—not a real man in sight—the Qianyuan Palace was staffed inside and out by the Imperial Guard and the Jinwu Guard.

They were all the emperor's trusted men.

If she took a liking to anyone, it wouldn't be impossible to arrange a good marriage for her attendant.

But Qing Dai blushed: "I don't want that. I want to serve you forever, my lady."

Jiang Yunran smiled faintly: "Staying in the palace your whole life is rather bleak. The road of life is long—you should experience it all. If it doesn't work out, you can get a divorce and come back to the palace. Then I'll still want you as my head maid."

Jiang Yunran's eyes were dark, her tone resolute.

"Don't be afraid. I've got your back—you don't have a thing to worry about."