Volume One, Chapter 9: Forced to Plead for Second Brother
From the moment she appeared before him as the Third Miss, her intent was to subtly reveal a flaw without raising alarm. Had she spoken as a maid, given his cautious nature, he would have quickly traced the clues and realized the newcomer on the wedding night was not Yun Xiang.
Yun Xi deliberately spoke unclearly to Madam Li to stir his imagination.
Since Ji Yu had not yet developed feelings for her, revealing too much too soon might make him skeptical, and with his temperament, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t vent his anger at being deceived on her.
She had to gradually sow seeds of doubt in his mind while convincing him of her innocence, winning his sympathy and affection.
Her natural scent was the perfect bait.
This idea came to her during her deliberate encounter with Ji Yu the previous day. Ever since the matron had given her medicine, a subtle fragrance emanated from her body. To mask it, Yun Xiang would daily scent her clothes with a similar perfume.
At first sniff, it was indistinguishable.
Yet, the fragrance from the spices faded quickly, and Yun Xiang’s guilt forced her to douse herself in heavy scent daily to cover it up. A keen nose could still detect the difference.
Yun Xi composed herself, but the thought of what tonight held made her heart race, her cheeks flushing crimson.
Before she could recover, Madam Li shot her a fierce glance.
Yun Xi steadied herself. “Madam Li, you know what to do about Hong Ying’s matter…”
Madam Li ground her teeth in frustration but had no choice but to agree.
Spring was just beginning in the capital, and the sun’s warmth was fleeting, soon swallowed by night.
That evening, a girl clad in a coral pink nightgown sat on the edge of a grand bed, moonlight caressing her skin like a silken veil, illuminating her alabaster complexion.
Yun Xi listened to the sounds of water from the bathing room, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she twisted the handkerchief in her hands.
Having met Madam Chen and then the He family today, she resolved firmly—since the He family never intended to treat Madam Chen kindly, she could not place her trust in them.
The eldest young master—she was determined to seduce him.
Lowering her lashes, they fluttered slightly.
From the moment she had followed the bridal procession to the Marquis’s residence, there was no turning back.
Her eyes shone with unwavering resolve as she rose and walked toward the bathing room.
As she neared, the sound of water grew louder, her youthful fingers tightening together.
Ji Yu was bathing, but as he raised his hand, a pair of soft arms suddenly encircled his shoulders. The girl’s dark hair spilled over his muscular chest, carrying a faint fragrance that lingered at his nostrils.
He was about to turn, but the girl pressed close to his ear and whispered a breathy tease.
That breath seemed to seep into his very being, stirring a restless thrill.
Deep within, Ji Yu felt an awakening desire.
Though he had heard her footsteps long ago, he merely wished to see her intent.
He hadn’t planned to come tonight, but recalling Yun Xiang’s sister from earlier that day, he had suddenly arrived at the main house.
Curiously, tonight she felt like the very same woman from their wedding night.
A lazy smile curved his lips as he turned back. His soft lips brushed against the flushed cheek of the girl behind him, who shivered in surprise, her arms sliding down to rest gently on his broad shoulder.
The warm droplets of water splashed on Yun Xi’s delicate fingertips, burning enough to make her fingers loosen their grip, yet a long, strong hand caught hers. Stumbling forward, her dainty chin struck his firm shoulder, pain bringing tears to her eyes.
As she tried to rise, the man suddenly stood from the tub and, before she could react, powerful arms lifted her horizontally, cradling her at the waist.
“Ah—” A brief, delicate cry pressed against his chest, like a kitten’s purr, making his heart ache with longing.
Ji Yu strode past the screen, unable to wait to carry her to the bed. Once outside the bathing room, he pinned his little wife against the door, his large hand tightly holding her soft fingers.
He felt the slight trembling of the girl before him, like a white rabbit trapped in a wolf’s den—pitiful, yet irresistibly tempting.
No wonder they say tender embraces are a hero’s tomb.
His senses were easily ignited, rough hands sliding along her graceful curves, leaving ambiguous traces in the still-wet skin.
Yun Xi was dizzy with desire, her whole body on fire.
Suddenly, she shrank back, her beautiful pupils widening.
Too thrilling…
Her entire body flushed like a crimson shrimp, instinctively pushing against the man’s shoulder, though to Ji Yu it was nothing but a tickle.
Hearing her kitten-like whimper, he smiled faintly. “Oh? What is it, my lady?”
“Hmm…”
That night, Yun Xi distinctly felt Ji Yu was gentler than on their wedding night, granting her some comfort, though the sensation still left her tender beneath.
When it was over, she lay on the bed, panting heavily, her body still tingling, trembling uncontrollably. Seeing her like this, the man’s eyes darkened with passion, only to be gently pushed away by her tearful refusal.
Ji Yu lifted a strand of her hair and leaned in to inhale its scent. His manner was far from lecherous, instead exuding a refined charm.
Had this been daylight, Yun Xi would have blushed deeply under his teasing.
It is said a man’s mood is at its best at night—and indeed, Ji Yu felt so. Although he found Yun Xi’s daytime self somewhat tiresome, he could not resist the allure of his clingy little wife at night.
He was not like this with everyone. Ji Yu was fastidious; he had no interest in others and never understood how she had captivated him.
Although Yun Xi could not read his expression clearly, she sensed his pleasure.
Recalling Madam Li’s words from earlier, she ignored her discomfort and braved speaking, “Husband, I wish to ask a favor…”
No reply came. Clenching the bedclothes, she pressed on, “My secondI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.