Chapter 38: Beast

Chapter 38: The Beast

Qiao Wan encountered the scholar twice in one day. The previous time, he had championed her at Heyi Lou, proclaiming her "heart for the common people." Now, seeing her emerge from the pleasure house, a wave of guilt washed over her. She quickly averted her gaze and slipped into the carriage.

Though luxurious, the carriage was stifling. Leaning against the swaying wall, Qiao Wan felt the suppressed heat surge back, leaving her with a hollow ache. She bit her lip hard, terrified of making an undignified sound.

When the coachman called out "Whoa," she didn't hesitate, pushing the door open and bailing out immediately, unable to bear another second with Mu Chi.

Mu Chi remained seated in the carriage, idly rubbing his knuckles, his expression grim as he watched Qiao Wan walk away without a backward glance.

In front of that male attendant at the pleasure house, she had blushed and sweated, lazily letting him wait on her. Yet, in his presence, she bit her lip until it turned pale without a peep.

*Just great.*

"Back to the estate," Mu Chi snapped irritably when the carriage didn't move, his voice laced with ice.

The coachman's hand trembled on the reins as he shot a helpless look at Si Li, who signaled him not to drive.

Si Li, gathering his courage, approached the carriage window and whispered, "Young Master, Princess Changle is still under the influence of the drug."

Mu Chi thought of Qiao Wan's words in the pleasure house and sneered, "What does that have to do with me?"

Si Li could only back away silently, gesturing for the coachman to proceed.

The carriage moved forward slowly.

Mu Chi remained silent, but his mind was filled with images of Qiao Wan's dazed, desire-filled eyes.

The *Hehuan Incense* would wear off after the scent was no longer inhaled, taking about the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn. But the *Yinyang Powder* was potent—unless one endured six hours of agony or sought balance through yin-yang union...

Qiao Wan had always been self-indulgent, lazy, and bold, never one to suffer willingly.

Between toughing it out and finding someone to relieve it, it was anyone's guess what she'd do...

Mu Chi's hands clenched unconsciously, his jade-like knuckles clean and slender, the cold blue veins on the back of his hands standing out sharply.

*

Qiao Wan hurried back to her courtyard, not even noticing her hairpin was coming undone in her disheveled hair.

Before entering her bedchamber, she said to Yicui, who had hurried after her, "Yicui, prepare several buckets of cold water and some herbal tea to cool down."

Yicui nodded and hurried off.

Qiao Wan rushed into her bedchamber and grabbed the cold teapot from the table, gulping its contents.

The heat in her chest was briefly relieved, but soon a new wave of warmth surged, leaving her parched again.

She couldn't help tugging at the collar of her robe, trying to dispel the heat, but it was no use.

A knock came from the door.

Assuming it was Yicui and the maids with the cold water, Qiao Wan said hoarsely, "Let them in."

But there was no further sound from outside.

Qiao Wan frowned in discomfort, drank another cup of cold tea, and managed to stifle the restless heat before getting up to open the door. "Let them—"

Her words were cut short as the door opened. In an instant, a strong arm wrapped around her, the door slammed shut with a bang, and she was swept backward swiftly until her back hit the screen beside the bed.

The impact made her frown. "How dare you—"

Her voice broke off abruptly.

She stared in shock at Mu Chi, who had suddenly appeared in her room, then glared at him, furious. "What are you doing here?"

But a wave of heat rose in her chest, softening her tone and stripping it of any authority.

Mu Chi's grip on her paused, but anger surged again at her earlier words. "What did you just say, Princess?"

"What does it matter?" Qiao Wan, feeling the cool energy emanating from him, couldn't help wanting to get closer. Yet, she was frustrated by her lack of self-control and kept pushing him, trying to make him leave. "You've already got your men posted at my courtyard gate. What more do you want? Spying on me in my bedchamber—"

Her words were cut off again as her lips were abruptly crushed against his. Qiao Wan stumbled back in shock, hitting a footstool and falling backward onto the soft bed.

Mu Chi pinned her, his cool, crisp scent enveloping her completely. She felt the heat in her chest seeming to cool.

Qiao Wan's consciousness grew hazy, and she instinctively leaned toward that cold fragrance.

But when her mind briefly cleared, and she saw the breathtakingly beautiful eyes before her, she suddenly came to her senses and pushed him away, her voice hoarse. "Mu Chi, get off me..."

Mu Chi easily restrained her movements, looking down at the woman beneath him. Her flushed cheeks, her eyes dark with desire, were dazzlingly bright and warm.

It was as if her warmth was thawing his cold, corpse-like body.

Mu Chi's breathing suddenly grew ragged, and he couldn't help but lean down to chase that warmth.

Qiao Wan, her hands pinned, raised her knee and kicked Mu Chi forcefully.

Without even looking, Mu Chi caught her ankle. Only when he felt the soft, smooth skin unbound by shoes or socks did he still, his eyes dropping.

Perhaps from struggling, Qiao Wan's clothes were disheveled, and her shoes and socks were nowhere to be seen.

Her alabaster ankle was easily held in his palm; the sight was undeniably erotic.

Mu Chi's Adam's apple bobbed, and the corners of his eyes gradually reddened.

Even though she was the one under the influence of the aphrodisiac, he felt even more out of control now.

"Mu Chi, you bastard!" Qiao Wan thrashed fiercely in his grasp, kicking angrily. "Get out! Get out of here!"

Mu Chi's hand shook slightly as he finally looked at Qiao Wan. "And then? Who does the Princess want to come in?" His tone carried a faint, murderous intent.

Before entering the room, she had said, "Let them in." Who were "they"?

She really wouldn't endure even a bit of suffering!

"Anyone but you! Anyone can come in!" Qiao Wan, unable to break free, kicked out wildly in his grasp. "Get out! Anyone would be better than you—"

"Qiao Wan!" Mu Chi barked sharply, tightening his grip on her ankle. After a long moment, he suddenly laughed, his eyes cold. "Sharp tongue. It seems confining you to your bedchamber isn't enough."

"I should chain you to the bed. Only then will you be still."

"A small, exquisite black gold shackle would fit your ankle perfectly!"

"Mu Chi, you bastard!" Qiao Wan fumed. "Do you think I'm some kind of pet, a little creature you keep?"

Mu Chi's smile froze, and his grip on her ankle stiffened.

A pet, a little creature...?

He had thought it was merely a monster.

Qiao Wan also sensed something. In her previous dream, Mu Chi... he had truly been shackled by chains around his ankles, locked in a dark, damp dungeon for more than a decade.

Qiao Wan pursed her lips and looked at Mu Chi, but the next moment, her vision went dark as a sharp pain pierced her lips.

Mu Chi's eyes were wide open, his hand pressed against her neck, his gaze filled with abyss-like darkness and chaos. He stared at her expressionlessly, frantically devouring her breath, his teeth gnawing at her lips, trembling slightly. Several times, he seemed on the verge of biting down hard, devouring her completely, yet he held back in rage.

Qiao Wan lay frozen on the bed in shock. For the first time, she saw in Mu Chi a deathly stillness and a maddening turmoil.

There was nothing else beyond that.

Only now did Qiao Wan realize that when he truly became serious, she was utterly incapable of resisting.

She clenched her lips tightly, unsure whether from fear or something else, blinked, and tears started flowing for no reason.

Mu Chi's lips touched the warm teardrops and froze.

After a long moment, he slowly lifted himself up and looked at the woman before him.

Qiao Wan gazed back at him through tear-blurred eyes, asking in disbelief, "Mu Chi, do you like me?"

Mu Chi's body stiffened, his red lips releasing rapid breaths. The darkness in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by chilled astonishment.

The palace door was gently knocked twice. Yicui's soft voice came from outside: "Princess, everything you requested is prepared. Just now, someone from Princess Zhaoyang's estate came by and brought you some supplements."

Mu Chi jolted back to his senses. Seeing the absurdity and hint of mockery in Qiao Wan's eyes, his gaze gradually cooled.

*Like her?*

*How could he possibly like a spoiled, unreasonable little princess like her?*

*Just an hour ago, she was in the Flower Pavilion, almost getting intimate with another man!*

*It was just...*

*It was just...*

Mu Chi frantically searched his mind for an answer and suddenly recalled what Si Li had once said: ordinary men, when aroused, would feel lust.

He was no different.

"Mu Chi..."

"No." Mu Chi snapped, cutting her off, his Adam's apple moving. After a long pause, he plucked a gold hairpin from her hair, stood up, walked to the table, poured a cup of tea, and expressionlessly slashed his wrist, drawing blood. Blood dripped into the tea. He turned and walked out.

Qiao Wan remained lying on the bed, breathing rapidly. She heard Yicui's panicked voice outside and the fading footsteps before slowly sitting up, straightening her collar, and wiping her face haphazardly. "Bastard."

Yicui entered carrying a cup of cold tea. "Princess, the cold water is ready..."

"No need." Qiao Wan supported herself as she walked to the table, picked up the tea mixed with blood, and drank it in one gulp.

Since the illness on the way to Chu Zhou and the night of the palace coup when Mu Chi made her drink his blood, she had guessed that this beast's blood must be a treasure.

Indeed, the heat in her core no longer surged violently. Though it didn't dissipate immediately, it became bearable.

"Princess, are you alright?" Yicui asked worriedly, noticing her slightly reddened eyes.

Qiao Wan rubbed her eyes and sneered, "I'm fine. Just deceiving the beast!"

Then, as if remembering something, she asked, "Someone from Princess Zhaoyang's estate came?"

Yicui quickly nodded. "They brought many supplements, saying they were thanking you for the jewelry you sent last time."

Qiao Wan understood.

Yicui hesitated before asking softly, "The Spring Banquet is in a few days. Will you still attend?"

At the Spring Banquet, there was no hierarchy. All ladies and gentlemen could ride horses, shoot arrows, and enjoy themselves freely.

In previous years, the princess had loved such joyful occasions, and she was always the center of attention.

But this year... Yicui thought of the changes this year and couldn't help but worry.

Qiao Wan's mind stirred, then she recalled the guards who had been stationed at the mansion entrance now posted at her courtyard gate. Unable to hold back, she cursed again, "Asshole!"

*

By the time Mu Chi returned to the Mu residence, the sky had darkened.

Si Li only saw his master take a cold bath before heading to the study.

After that, he didn't emerge the entire night.

At midnight, Si Li gathered the nerve to bring some midnight snacks into the study. He found his master sitting alone in complete darkness, lost in thought, his entire being devoid of life, as if detached from the world.

The next day, when Si Li returned to the study, his master was still sitting in the same spot, the snacks untouched.

He remained like this for three days and two nights.

Si Li could guess it was related to Princess Changle, but mentioning it to his master now would likely make himself a target.

Just then, a subordinate came to report: "The Flower Pavilion has been sealed. Steward Si, would you like to review it once more?"

Si Li paused for a moment before nodding in agreement.

In the study.

Mu Chi remained seated behind the desk, his expression impassive and unreadable.

Even after two days without sleep, aside from his pale complexion and cold limbs, he showed no other signs of abnormality.

Si Li had once said that ordinary people would feel dizzy, with headaches, and fatigue after just one sleepless night.

But Mu Chi couldn't even feel the headache that should follow a night without rest.

*Monster.*

It had been too long since he actively recalled those past experiences.

The past where he was locked in a dungeon like... a stray animal.

In the past, even those who spoke most euphemistically had vanished without a trace.

Yet Qiao Wan—though he often felt like choking her—he could never bring himself to do it.

"Master, Chancellor Wen requests an audience." Around evening, a guard's voice came from outside the door.

Mu Chi's eyes finally flickered. He looked up as Wen Xun entered, holding a memorial.

"Master Mu," Wen Xun handed the memorial to Mu Chi. Inside was also a letter. "An envoy from Great Qi has arrived. They expressed gratitude for Princess Zhaoyang's filial piety and understanding regarding the delay of the marriage arrangement. They promised to send envoys bearing lavish gifts in May to personally welcome Princess Zhaoyang."

Mu Chi remained motionless, unclear whether he had heard Wen Xun's words.

Wen Xun paused, then added, "The Crown Prince of Great Qi's move appears to be conciliatory, but in reality, it reflects deep dissatisfaction with the Li Kingdom's delay of Princess Zhaoyang's marriage. May is likely the final deadline," Wen Xun said. "It would be wise for Master Mu to start making plans soon."

Mu Chi still did not speak, merely lowering his gaze to the letter beside him. The handwriting on the letter was strikingly similar to his own, though frail and lacking strength.

Li Muxuan's handwriting.

It seemed he truly wished to hasten the marriage to the so-called 'chosen one.'

He truly desired to seize the world.

Qiao Qingni.

"Master Mu, Princess Zhaoyang is also waiting to hear back from you..." Wen Xun reminded him softly, seeing his silence.

Mu Chi's hand, holding the letter, paused for a moment before he responded in a low voice, "Understood."

Wen Xun waited a few moments before finally turning and leaving.

The vast study was once again left with only Mu Chi inside.

Mu Chi continued to stare at the handwriting on the letter, letting out a soft, sarcastic chuckle after a long while.

He had planned for years and was so close to achieving it.

But in the next moment, Mu Chi's expression tightened, and an unnameable exhaustion surged within him.

In the past, merely recalling those memories or thinking of Li Muxuan would unleash uncontrollable bloodlust and hatred.

When Si Li entered, he saw a faint trace of confusion in Mu Chi's eyes. He paused, then bowed and said, "Master."

Mu Chi came back to himself and responded indifferently.

"The Flower Pavilion has been shut down. I took the opportunity to investigate the events of the past few days," Si Li said, watching Mu Chi's expression carefully. "The Joy Incense is a fragrance regularly kept at the Flower Pavilion, used only to set the mood for guests. It does not cause loss of consciousness."

*To set the mood.*

Mu Chi's expression darkened.

Si Li hurriedly added, "As for the Harmony Powder that day, it was used by that young courtesan in an attempt to raise his status and leave the Flower Pavilion. He slipped it to Princess Changle without her knowledge."

Mu Chi frowned.

*She hadn't drunk that tea seeking pleasure?*

Seeing a slight shift in Mu Chi's expression, Si Li continued, "I also questioned the madam of the Flower Pavilion. She said that when Princess Changle first entered, she requested a young courtesan who was good-looking, refined, gentle, obedient, and who could play the qin..." Si Li paused for a moment, coughing lightly. "...But for some reason, when the qin was mentioned, Princess Changle fell silent and went directly to the chamber, seeming in noticeably lower spirits than when she entered."

Hearing this, Mu Chi was momentarily stunned before asking after a long pause, "What was she getting at?"

Si Li glanced at his master, feeling that he already understood but was still questioning him for some reason. He steeled himself and said tactfully, "Princess Changle first met you, Master, in such a pleasure house. At that time, you..."

What he left unsaid was that he felt Princess Changle had been looking for a courtesan who resembled Mu Chi.

Mu Chi looked up, cutting Si Li off with a chill in his voice.

Si Li quickly bowed his head. "Forgive me, Master."

Mu Chi fell silent for a long moment before finally uttering an "Mm," waving his hand to dismiss Si Li.

Si Li accepted the order and, as he was leaving the study, remembered something. "By the way, Master, the maid named Yicui asked the day before yesterday if the guards could be withdrawn for the Spring Banquet the day after tomorrow."

Mu Chi frowned deeply but said nothing.

Si Li did not press the matter, knowing his master had his own considerations, and left.

A long time later, Mu Chi finally rose in the dead silence and walked to the latticed window. The half-open window let in gusts of cool wind, causing his snow-white robes to flutter, giving him an ethereal, almost demonic appearance.

Had Qiao Wan entered the Flower Pavilion truly seeking... the "him" from the Songzhu Pavilion?

The image of her lying teary-eyed on the bed that day flooded his mind. Mu Chi's expression tightened, and a surge of endless exhaustion washed over his suddenly relaxed spirit, yet the icy coldness of his body kept him sharply alert.

*

That night.

Qiao Wan lay in bed, a jade-inlaid jewelry box carved with a phoenix resting beside her pillow.

Although Si Li had not yet responded to her inquiry about attending the Spring Banquet the day after tomorrow, she was excitedly trying on luxurious garments and jewelry.

If she could indeed go to the Spring Banquet, she refused to appear shabby and become a laughingstock.

She wanted those people to know that even as an unloved, confined, and fallen princess, she could still wear the most beautiful clothes and the most extravagant jewelry.

Eventually, Qiao Wan selected a few incredibly lavish and priceless pieces from the exquisite items sent by Yuxiu Pavilion. She had Yicui apply her makeup and put her hair up in an elegant style.

The more she looked, the more reluctant she was to take them off. It was only late at night, under Yicui's urging, that she finally went to bed. Yet, she could not resist keeping the jewelry box beside her, holding it close as she slept.

After about an incense stick's time, Qiao Wan gradually fell asleep.

She dreamed again, this time of the Spring Banquet from a few years ago.

Back then, she was still Princess Changle, the most 'pampered' daughter of Qiao Heng, and everyone gathered around to praise her.

At the Spring Banquet, there was an archery competition. Even if she missed the target, someone would always clap and laugh, saying, "Princess Changle's archery is impressive, only off by a hair."

Qiao Wan couldn't help but smirk with satisfaction.

But the next moment, the bright and sunny Spring Banquet suddenly turned gloomy, with dark clouds and a snowstorm. She felt as if she were buried in an icy wilderness.

Qiao Wan's eyes snapped open, her breathing rapid, and a chill still emanating from beside her.

She paused, realizing her arm was indeed being faintly touched by limbs cold as ice, and a faint, cool scent wafted from the side.

Qiao Wan's expression was dazed for a moment before she slowly turned her head.

Mu Chi had appeared in her bedchamber at some point, without even disturbing Yicui in the outer room.

He was huddled on his side beside her, occupying very little space. His pale cheeks looked like snow and moonlight in the darkness, and his entire body was cold like frost.

He was quietly resting with his eyes closed, shadows of exhaustion under them.

Qiao Wan's eyes widened in shock, most of her sleepiness vanishing. She lifted her foot, about to kick him.

"You know you can't touch me," Mu Chi said without opening his eyes, only his nearly transparent lips moving, his voice raspy with tiredness.

Qiao Wan's foot froze mid-air, and she glared at him angrily. "What are you doing here?"

Mu Chi's long lashes fluttered like a butterfly's wings twice before he slowly opened his eyes, a lingering trace of sleep in them.

In the past, he could only sleep when he was completely alone. Having someone beside him would make him agitated and unable to rest.

But at some point, the nighttime cold had grown unbearable.

Now lying beside Qiao Wan, the warmth from her body felt warmer than even scorching flames, and he found himself gradually falling asleep.

"Mu Chi!"

"Haven't you treated me this way before?" Mu Chi said slowly.

Late at night, just because of a nightmare, she would order someone to wake him and then command him to sleep beside her.

Qiao Wan froze. Aside from the idea that "he liked her," it dawned on her belatedly that Mu Chi was likely retaliating for how she had treated him in the past.

Indeed, animals were petty.

"Bastard," Qiao Wan muttered, still drowsy. She was too tired to argue further and shifted inward to put more distance between them, but her head accidentally bumped against the vanity case on the inner side.

Rubbing her forehead, she pushed the case farther inside.

"What is that?" Mu Chi suddenly asked.

"Gold-wired red..." Qiao Wan started to answer reflexively but then remembered his past robber-like actions. She clutched the case to her chest. "None of your business."

Mu Chi watched her movements. His guards had reported that she had been selecting outfits for the spring banquet earlier that night.

Given her vain and lavish personality, what she valued so much now must be some exquisite hairpin or jewelry she planned to wear at the spring banquet.

Mu Chi closed his eyes dismissively but then jerked them open, staring fixedly at the canopy above.

Among the pile of items Qiao Wan had given him was a "gold-wired red bean hairpin."

The red bean was meticulously carved from vivid, translucent jade, like a drop of blood hanging on a simple gold hairpin.

*Was she planning to wear it?*

*Just like that mandarin duck hairpin from before.*

Mu Chi's breath hitched.

In the past, he had found it merely annoying, but now, for some reason, a strange feeling welled up inside him.