TFSRITA Chapter 77

Old Madam Qian followed the instructions and had just managed to help her put on the clothes when a familiar black figure appeared at the door.

He seemed somewhat disinterested today. Since the palace banquet, Yan Qing had noticed it, and now, away from the noisy crowd, the feeling of solitude was evident in his tall and upright figure.

His eagle-like sharp gaze was fixed on her, but it didn’t wander anywhere else; he simply stared into her eyes. With his pale lips slightly parted, his voice was low and husky, “Tonight, keep me company for the night watch.”

The author has something to say: It’s said that tomorrow will be quite thrilling~~~

Chapter 23

Yan Qing’s heart fluttered, feeling as though his gaze enveloped her completely.

The surrounding maids and court ladies, sensing the atmosphere, bowed and quietly retreated.

The inner palace was brightly lit, with numerous lights casting shadows that seemed almost ethereal, and the two stood there in silence.

Yan Qing faintly sensed that there was a glimmer of anticipation in Ji Yezhen’s eyes as if he hoped she would agree.

But how could she possibly agree?

Yan Qing hardened her heart and shook her head, “I want to rest.”

Ji Yezhen stepped forward with long strides and repeated, “Keep me company for the night watch.”

His tone was more insistent, losing a bit of the earlier hope, and the light in his gaze seemed to dim slightly.

His cold and gaunt face had his cheekbones tense, and his captivating peach blossom eyes blinked slowly.

However, Yan Qing wouldn’t be fooled by his demeanor. Even though they had been working together for over a month, she could not forget how he had treated her in the beginning. At that time, he had been shadowy and ruthless, brimming with brutality, as if he could tear her to pieces at any moment.

She shook her head again and took a step back. “I want to sleep! Get out!”

Ji Yezhen’s gaze darkened completely, but he did not leave. Instead, he smirked, a rebellious and wicked smile appearing as he took a bold step forward.

Yan Qing sensed something was off, but she was prepared. In a swift motion, she reached for the bedside and pulled out a red whip, mercilessly cracking it towards him.

The sound of the whip slicing through the air was clear, followed by a dull thud as it struck him.

Ji Yezhen felt a sharp pain in his waist, and his eyelids twitched. His expression grew even colder. As the next lash came, he sidestepped and firmly grasped the whip that came flying at him.

This whip was specially made for Yan Qing. Given her current limitations, having it allowed her to conserve energy and maintain her striking power.

Unfortunately, she had only practiced with it for a short time and was quickly subdued.

Yan Qing gritted her teeth and let go, the whip falling into Ji Yezhen’s hands. He merely flicked it aside and pressed down on her hip bone. With just a bit of force, she felt weak and slumped into his arms.

“Did you think you could beat me?” he said, looking down at her with a mocking expression.

Yan Qing turned her head and bit down on his arm, mumbling, “I’ll bite you to death!”

The pain in his waist made Ji Yezhen gasp, and the spot where she bit him throbbed more intensely. However, his expression softened slightly. He gently stroked her long, disheveled hair, allowing her to bite without resistance.

It continued until Yan Qing could no longer bear it; her teeth ached, and she released her hold.

When she looked up, she saw Ji Yezhen gazing at her with a dark expression. Their eyes met, and he chuckled, “Why did you stop biting?”

Yan Qing responded, “…Get lost!”

What a lunatic! The first time she bit him, he pushed her away and made her teeth ache for quite some time. Now he was asking her why she stopped.

Yan Qing’s temples throbbed, and her heart raced. She was so furious she wanted to beat him up, but with her hip bone trapped, she had no strength.

…

Seeing her stop moving, Ji Yezhen seemed a bit regretful. Though she was biting him, which was painful, it also brought him a sense of peace.

This was also why Ji Yezhen came here.

She was the one he had personally rescued from the brink of death, and in his heart, Yan Qing was special—someone he had given new life to. She had already become someone he cherished deeply.

Ji Yezhen picked her up and carried her outside.

Inside the palace, there was enough charcoal burning, but outside, it was cold. As soon as they stepped outside, a gust of chilly wind made Yan Qing shiver. Ji Yezhen paused, turned back, and wrapped her in a blanket. “Are you cold?”

“Get lost!” Yan Qing spat out a word through gritted teeth, turning her head away.

Ji Yezhen didn’t get angry. After confirming she was wrapped up snugly, he carried her away again.

They traveled from Lingyun Palace to a small, unfamiliar place.

The dilapidated house still carried the smell of decay and dust, but there was plenty of charcoal inside, making it relatively warm.

Ji Yezhen sat on a clean couch, holding her tightly, his gaze slowly returning to calm as he glanced at the two candles on the table. He spoke softly, “My mother said that on New Year’s Eve, we must keep the night watch. Will you stay with me?”

Yan Qing recalled that Ji Yezhen had not originally been a legitimate prince. His birth mother was merely a palace maid who had been mistreated in her early years. Later, the late emperor pulled him out because he felt the heir was straying, but as a result, his birth mother died shortly after, supposedly having taught her son poorly and committing suicide. But who would believe that?

It seemed he was thinking of his mother. Reflecting on this night, Yan Qing felt Ji Yezhen’s rare vulnerability and didn’t want to say anything hurtful. She closed her eyes, trying to fall asleep.

She knew nothing; she just wanted to sleep!

“Hoo~~” His gentle breathing filled the air.

Not receiving a response, Ji Yezhen didn’t mind. His rare vulnerability and good temper allowed him to continue speaking, “My mother didn’t want me to have the throne. She thought being an emperor wasn’t good at all. At that time, I thought it was quite nice. You see, now you are mine.”

“Sometimes, you really can be infuriating…”