Chapter 90: With her exclamation, the good show has just begun. [Three updates]

Chapter 90: With her exclamation, the real show had just begun. (Third Update)

Jing Huayan was leaving the palace today and staying out overnight, so the Imperial Guard had started making arrangements first thing.

Though she couldn't see a soul now, Jiang Yunran was certain that at least around the Qionglin Residence, no fewer than two squads of imperial guards were already stationed.

Not just the Imperial Guard—the Golden Guard probably had also sent a security detail along.

But she wasn’t worried about safety; she was just somewhat dazed as Jing Huayan led her into Qionglin Residence. Even after standing still in the main hall, she was still trying to process it all.

This young emperor was truly a nonconformist.

Even if there was no morning court tomorrow, there were still the Imperial Diarists watching. Yet he dared to stay outside the palace so openly, even looking like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Jiang Yunran thought that if the Imperial Diarists were truly meticulous and recorded every word accurately, future generations reading about Emperor Yuanhui and how he did whatever he wanted would surely call him a reckless ruler.

But that was for later. If the imperial censors found out, they would probably be wailing and throwing themselves down in front of the Taiji Gate until they passed out.

Still, since he was the one who would be scolded, what did it have to do with her?

With that thought, Jiang Yunran suddenly felt much more at ease. She narrowed her eyes and even proactively hooked her arm through Jing Huayan’s.

"Let’s go. Did my lord get us a room?"

Jing Huayan was amused by her sudden change in attitude. He didn’t scold her, only explaining, "The courtyard of Qionglin Residence is spacious, with many independent multi-story buildings. We’ll stay in one of them today."

Only after passing through the clean and tidy courtyard and arriving at the building at the very edge did Jiang Yunran remark, "The owner here really knows how to do business."

"Naturally," Jing Huayan said, stepping into the building and looking around carefully. "Qionglin Residence is the largest inn in Qilin Alley. Besides guest rooms, it also provides a place to stable horses and store goods, and can even help deliver letters. Many merchants coming to Qilin Alley on business, as long as they are well-off, choose to stay here."

"In over a decade, Qionglin Residence has never had any incidents of theft or robbery. Its reputation for safety speaks for itself."

Jiang Yunran followed behind him, gazing up at this exquisite and clean little building.

The first floor had one bedroom and one elegant parlor. The outer parlor had a round table with stools for dining or conducting business.

Going up the narrow staircase, the second floor had two bedrooms and a small water closet.

It wasn’t very spacious inside but was exceptionally clean and tidy. Jiang Yunran looked carefully and saw that the bedding and washbasins had all been replaced, likely brought from the palace for the convenience of Their Majesties.

Given Jing Huayan’s particularness, this was only to be expected.

Of the two bedrooms, one was slightly larger, with a dressing table and bronze mirror beside it, as well as a large, bright window.

If opened in summer, the view would surely be delightful, with a gentle breeze.

The other could only fit a bed, but through a small door beside it, there was a tiny balcony.

Small as a sparrow, it had everything you needed.

Jiang Yunran asked curiously, "How much does a building like this cost per night?"

Jing Huayan told her, "Ten taels of silver."

Hearing the price, Jiang Yunran couldn’t help but whistle low.

"That's more than many commoners make in a whole year."

Jing Huayan sank into an armchair and said lightly, "Those who can stay at Qionglin Residence are either rich or noble. A building like this ensures safety, allows accompanying attendants to stay as well, and even has the parlor on the first floor for storing goods. For many merchants, though ten taels is expensive, it’s still considered a pretty good deal."

Jiang Yunran nodded. She looked around both sides and finally said, "Your Majesty, I want this room."

She liked rooms with large windows.

Jing Huayan was reasonable: "Alright. This one it is."

We?

When she heard those two words, Jiang Yunran didn’t think much of it.

It wasn’t until after she had washed up and changed, and returned to the bedroom, that Jiang Yunran realized something was wrong.

Because the emperor was only wearing a simple white under-robe, his belt loose, sitting casually by the bed, watching her with a relaxed air.

Jiang Yunran’s face flushed. She hesitated, "Your Majesty?"

Jing Huayan gave her no chance to refuse. He reached out, his long, sturdy arm pulling her into his embrace.

Caught off guard, Jiang Yunran fell squarely onto his lap.

"Hngh."

Jing Huayan raised an eyebrow and gave her a pinch.

"Good thing you’re slender," Jing Huayan adjusted her posture, lowered his head, and slowly found the collarbone hidden beneath her robes. "Otherwise, you might have hurt me."

Jiang Yunran stared at him, speechless.

Just as Jiang Yunran was about to refuse, he nipped at her skin.

Her voice was immediately choked back.

He was like a dog off its leash—there was no holding him back now.

It wasn’t until Jiang Yunran really couldn’t take it anymore that she managed to whisper, "Your Majesty, don’t… not here. We’re outside."

He peeled off her clothes, layer by layer.

Her pale skin glowed under the hazy moonlight.

Without the heavy curtains of their canopy bed to block the view, Jiang Yunran was now fully exposed under the moonlight.

Her jade-like beauty and snow-white skin...

Her dark hair cascaded over her pure white shoulders like a waterfall, seeming to flow straight into Jing Huayan’s heart.

As beautiful as a painting.

Jing Huayan’s breathing gradually grew heavier. His hands roamed restlessly over her skin, drawing shivers from her.

In the midst of this bewildering passion, he even thought, "The Ode to the Goddess of the Luo wasn't exaggerating. A goddess descended to earth, utterly peerless."

By the time Jiang Yunran was laid on the bed, her body was flushed red all over.

Patch after patch of red marks bore witness to his ardor.

Jiang Yunran tightly clutched the thin belt at her waist, not letting the man have his way.

"My Lord, no."

If they were in the palace, it might have been better.

The canopy bed offered privacy and a sense of security; even if the man sometimes went too far, it didn’t matter much.

But now, the bed was placed openly in the room, with no barriers around it, leaving everything exposed.

Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting a pure glow over the two of them. Even without any candles lit in the room, everything was perfectly visible.

Yet, even though Jiang Yunran was stronger than most women, she still couldn’t resist the man taking what he wanted.

A red plum blossomed before them, its color strikingly vivid.

So beautiful it was impossible to look away.

Jing Huayan’s eyes darkened, the veins on his neck clearly visible.

Suddenly, the man leaned down and parted his lips.

Jiang Yunran quickly covered her own mouth, to keep from making a sound.

This man.

Earlier in the day, he had asked her and she had refused, yet now he was insisting on having his way.

If that was the case, why even ask?

He’s nothing but trouble.

As if noticing her distraction, the man pressed harder. Soon, Jiang Yunran could only focus on the overwhelming heat.

Moving downward.

Her belt loosened, her collar in disarray.

Abruptly, a sound escaped Jiang Yunran’s throat.

"Ah, no, don't."

The sound spilled out, impossible to hold back.

Sweat dripped from her forehead, her skin flushed pink. Her hands were torn between covering her mouth and pushing him away, leaving her completely flustered.

"Why not?"

Jing Huayan lifted his head in the midst of it all, his tongue lightly tracing his moistened lips.

"Your husband sees that his wife is also enjoying herself."

This man—today, he had used so many different names for her, he had to try every one.

"Earlier, didn't you say," Jiang Yunran gasped for breath, "you wouldn't?"

Jing Huayan’s fingers were well-defined and strong.

He was serious.

After a moment, he asked, "Really no?"

Jiang Yunran’s face was redder than a cherry.

She couldn’t take it anymore.

How could he be this bad before they had even begun?

She didn’t dare look down.

"N-no."

Jing Huayan sighed.

He withdrew his hand and lowered his head.

"I never agreed to that."

"It was all the wife’s wishful thinking."

This time, Jiang Yunran could only cover her mouth.

Because she suddenly heard faint voices outside.

It must have been the other tenants from upstairs returning from dinner, chatting in the courtyard.

The intermittent voices made Jiang Yunran go rigid.

The moment she tensed, the man chuckled softly.

"You like this, don't you?"

Jiang Yunran bit her lower lip tightly, turning her head to the side, allowing the man to have his way.

The bright moon hung high, the sea surface appearing calm, yet beneath the shimmering ripples, turbulent waves rolled.

Wave after wave washed over, carrying away the sand on the shore, leaving only dark watermarks.

If one paused to look, they might see a small boat in the bay, swaying and drifting with the wind and waves, never ceasing.

Suddenly, a strong gust blew, causing the boat to rise and fall amidst the surging waves. Water droplets slid off the dark awning, crystal clear.

Once the storm passed, the wind ceased and the rain stopped.

Yet the boat continued to sway, trembling without end.

A moment later, the dark clouds dispersed.

Everything returned to calm.

Jiang Yunran gasped for breath, her lips marked red from biting. She slowly opened her eyes, teardrops tracing down the corners.

The man gently brushed her cheek, wiping away the moisture.

"Was it good?"

He lowered his head, intending to kiss her cheek.

But Jiang Yunran suddenly turned away, her face as red as peony dew. "Dirty…"

After saying this, she turned away suddenly, covering her burning face, too embarrassed to speak.

Jing Huayan gave a low laugh.

"Dirty?"

"But that's your own, Yunran."

"But I like it..."

Jiang Yunran couldn't help but gave his waist a hard pinch.

"Your Majesty, how can you be so shameless?"

Seeing her use him and discard him, turning cold and dismissive, Jing Huayan wasn't angered. He stared at the woman's slender back and sighed.

"Alright, I'll go show some restraint for a while."

Footsteps faded into the distance, the warmth beside her slowly dissipated, and the splash of water came from the outer washroom.

Such an everyday action, yet it made the heat on Jiang Yunran’s face persisted.

Soon, the man returned to her side.

A wave of fresh mint hit her as his deep voice sounded by her ear: "Well, are you satisfied, Your Majesty?"

Jiang Yunran pursed her lips and slightly turned her neck, wanting to steal a look.

But as soon as she moved, a pair of large hands took firm hold of her slender waist.

The man's palms were broad and powerful, with long, straight fingers, effortlessly wrapping around her slim waist.

"You’re pleased, Your Majesty, but I haven't even started yet," Jing Huayan nibbled on her ear. "Would Your Majesty grant me the favor of spending some time with me?"

What kind of script is this again?

Jiang Yunran felt a wave of heat. Just as she was about to respond, a tremendous force prevented her refusal.

How could the man let her back out?

Jiang Yunran felt completely pinned; the man's strength was astonishing, leaving her limbs unable to move.

The waves surged, this time with no calm in sight.

The earlier tenderness, affection, and devoted service seemed all for this moment of exhilarating pleasure.

First, a sweet treat, then seizing the feast.

Truly worthy of Jing Huayan, he had it all figured out.

Jiang Yunran was quickly pulled into the whirlpool. Because of the previous pleasure, her excitement and joy this time were even more intense.

So intense that she couldn't help making embarrassing noises.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty."

Jiang Yunran called to him, hoping for his mercy, begging him to slow down, not to be so urgent.

But her voice seemed like a lure for his soul, driving the man completely out of his senses.

In an instant, only one sound remained in the room.

Jiang Yunran lay on the bed, sweat dripping onto the delicate peony pattern, soaking it.

Her wrists were firmly held by the man, writhing and struggling over the peonies.

"Mmm."

With her gasp, the real show had just begun.