“Yes.” As Gu Qingtong walked, she thought about avoiding the limelight. What limelight was she avoiding? Since her adoptive father wouldn’t explain, she’d ask Jiang Shangheng later.
After lunch, she ordered some pastries and began packing. What could she pack? She just grabbed two sets of clothes and stuffed two plates of pastries, thinking it wasn’t much. Since Jiang Shangheng was taking her away, he surely wouldn’t let her go hungry or cold.
After dinner, Gu Qingtong still hadn’t seen Lü Guo and was wondering what Han Yue’an had sent her to do. Suddenly, she heard a sound at the window, and someone jumped in.
Gu Qingtong was startled but recognized him upon looking closely: “Young Master Jiang, why jump through the window when there’s a door?”
“You’re calling me Young Master Jiang again,” Jiang Shangheng smiled faintly and explained, “Your courtyard gate and room door were locked, so I could only jump through the window.”
“Couldn’t you just push the door?”
Jiang Shangheng’s mouth twitched, “Your adoptive father was too anxious and locked you inside without even notifying you.”
Jiang Shangheng didn’t answer further, glancing at her packed bundle, “You won’t need that. Just come with me.”
Before she could respond, he had already grabbed her, covered her mouth, and taken her out through the window.
It was past the hour of Shen, with dusk falling. Gu Qingtong could only widen her eyes and mumble through his hand.
Jiang Shangheng ignored her low protests, carrying her to the outskirts of the city before releasing her and mounting a horse-drawn carriage, which he drove himself.
Gu Qingtong sat behind him, lifting the curtain, “Shangheng, are we going to Xin Garden?”
Jiang Shangheng shook his head.
“Then where are we going?”
“To an inn in the next town.”
“Why an inn if we have somewhere to go?” Gu Qingtong moved to sit beside him and almost fell due to the carriage’s jolting. Jiang Shangheng quickly pulled her close to his embrace.
Here is the translated text in English:
“You’re referring to the last sentence, right?”
“The Crown Prince is now benevolent and wise, destined to be a brilliant monarch. I naturally must dedicate myself to protecting him. Moreover, if I could free you from that cage, it would be a doubly beneficial outcome.”
Gu Qingtong knew he was right, but still gave him a sideways glance.
Jiang Shangheng continued to smile, arriving at a small inn just as the sky turned completely dark.
When getting off the carriage, Jiang Shangheng had her change into different clothes, restyle her hair to partially cover her face, and apply unusual makeup. He changed his appearance as well, now looking like an affectionate young married couple. The inn’s attendant glanced at them and asked what kind of room they wanted.
Jiang Shangheng, not wanting to draw attention, casually requested a medium-grade room and had the attendant bring up some food.
Gu Qingtong was about to ask for two rooms, but before she could speak, Jiang Shangheng had already pulled her into the room.
“Shangheng…”
“Hmm?”
“We’re sharing a room?”
“Naturally.”
“We’re unmarried. Isn’t this inappropriate?”
“We’ll be sharing a bed eventually anyway. Isn’t it good to get a preview?”
“No…”
“Jiang Shangheng, what are you doing?” Gu Qingtong exclaimed, feeling startled.
“Just protecting you,” he replied softly, his voice laced with a hint of protectiveness.
Gu Qingtong’s heart raced, but she also felt a sense of safety wrapped in his embrace. “Thank you.”
They stayed quiet for a moment, listening to the sounds outside the room.
Eventually, they both drifted back to sleep, feeling the warmth of each other’s presence.
The next morning, the sun peeked through the curtains, illuminating the room. Gu Qingtong awoke first and quietly got out of bed, careful not to disturb Jiang Shangheng. She dressed swiftly, her mind still buzzing with thoughts of the previous night.
Jiang Shangheng stirred, stretching before sitting up. “Good morning, wife,” he greeted with a smile.
“Good morning,” Gu Qingtong replied, her cheeks flushing slightly.
As they prepared to leave for Floating Cloud Mountain, their hearts were filled with anticipation of the journey ahead, both for the adventure and the challenges that awaited them.
“Gu Qingtong completely didn’t expect him to actually make advances, and was about to shout when he covered her lips, blocking her voice.
Gu Qingtong tried to slap him, but Jiang Shangheng held her hand down, partially tearing her clothes to expose half of her snow-white shoulder.
Jiang Shangheng looked at her exposed shoulder, finding it extremely alluring, and laughed softly, covering her mouth: “There are people outside investigating. If we, as a married couple, don’t do something, we’ll arouse suspicion.”
“People are here?”
“Yes,” Jiang Shangheng responded, raising his voice, “My dear wife, you smell so good. I love you so much. Quickly help me remove my clothes.”
Gu Qingtong hesitated, reaching out: “Are the people outside still here?”
“Not yet,” Jiang Shangheng whispered, kissing her cheek and shoulder.
Gu Qingtong felt her body go soft, unconsciously removing his outer garment. Sensing someone was watching, she boldly wrapped her legs around his waist: “Husband, hurry. I… I can’t take it anymore.”
“Good, he’s finally gone.” Jiang Shangheng also breathed a sigh of relief, then truly collapsed onto Gu Qingtong’s body.”
Gu Qingtong pushed at his head buried in her chest.
Jiang Shangheng raised his head. Although covered by the blanket, he couldn’t see the other’s face, but his breathing gradually became heavy: “Qingqing…”
“Hmm?” Gu Qingtong could almost hear his intense heartbeat, and her own heart was also nervously thumping.
“I want to kiss you.” Jiang Shangheng breathed in the fragrance at her neck, cupped her face with both hands, and suddenly buried his head to kiss her lips.
Jiang Shangheng’s soft lips covered hers, his tongue tip not probing inside, just gently sweeping outside, a gentle touch filled with deep affection. Gu Qingtong’s long eyelashes fluttered twice, clear as spring water in the hazy moonlight, rippling. She couldn’t help but let out a soft moan, slightly parting her vermilion lips, and touched his lips with her tongue tip: like a subtle invitation, yet containing profound emotions.
Jiang Shangheng slightly opened his eyes. Her hair had already come undone during their performance, soft black hair spread across half the bed, covering half her beautiful face. Her eyes were misty, her cheeks flushed, her parted vermilion lips moving slightly, as if calling his name.
Gu Qingtong, softened by his tenderness, raised her hand to embrace his neck and kissed him herself.
This action, in Jiang Shangheng’s eyes, was such a direct invitation. He suddenly seized her lips, swallowing the sound at her mouth.
Gu Qingtong’s hand around his neck loosened, uncontrollably wandering on his back.
This kiss was lingering and passionate, as if the room’s temperature was gradually rising. Jiang Shangheng kissed her lips, gradually moving to her cheeks, earlobes, and his hand caressed her delicate shoulders.
At this moment, Jiang Shangheng was bare-chested. Gu Qingtong felt his strong, muscular build, but Jiang Shangheng seemed unsatisfied with kissing her shoulders, eyeing her open collar.
Jiang Shangheng swallowed, his tongue tip sweeping across her neck and collarbone. He let out a low growl and bit down.
Gu Qingtong moaned softly, realizing he seemed to have lost control, and that he was becoming increasingly large below. She quickly hugged his head: “Shangheng, don’t…”
Hearing her soft voice, Jiang Shangheng’s desire only grew stronger. The blanket slid off him onto the floor. Gu Qingtong lay beneath him, lips swollen, her body glowing pink in the moonlight.
