However, while kissing her, she couldn’t reach him. Not wanting to surrender, she struggled for control but remained fixed in place as confusion set in under his lead. She wanted more, shifting from resistance to demand.
Extreme emptiness and restlessness alternated. Gu Lianchang struggled in a deep sea until he found an insurmountable edge. In pain and shame, he slapped the fish tank, breaking it. Red carp flowed out, their tails slapping the ground.
When the water splashed, he took her away. She slightly opened her eyes, her look penetrating: “Supervisor…” But he couldn’t give her what she wanted.
Gu Lianchang had never hated as he did now. He held her tightly in his arms and flashed into the room. The doors and windows were tightly closed, and the curtains drawn. Ruan Ning successfully pressed him down, eagerly tearing off his robe. Skin touching skin, softness and heat stimulated each other. She wanted to conquer him, making him obedient forever. When her hand reached down, Gu Lianchang grabbed her and flipped her over.
“Sleep,” his voice was hoarse, filled with entanglement and a hint of trembling. He lowered his head, avoiding her gaze, offering comfort through gentle touches. Ruan Ning noticed even such a strong man had a fragile side, which made her feel tender. She obediently hugged his waist, rose slightly, and pecked his lips, softly saying: “I’m tired too, stay and sleep with me.”
She pulled him down and nestled into his chest. The night was deep, and she soon breathed evenly, exhausted from her struggles. Gu Lianchang kissed her smooth shoulder, filled with complex emotions. She could have chosen anyone, yet she chose him. Although their relationship began as a transaction, their encounters had seeded genuine feelings. He hated pity, but her obedience brought a bittersweet taste.
He kissed her behind her ear again, holding her tighter. Expecting another sleepless night, he was surprised to gradually fall asleep listening to her steady breaths.
The next day in court was another verbal battle, with Prince Jin joining in to support the empress selection. Both sides cited classics and arguments, fighting without a clear winner. On the third day, the Fifth Prince Wei Ying, as the discoverer of the imperial edict, came to court to be questioned.
