CH 36

"Have you forgotten that I can see you?,” Cui Ti questioned and flashed a playful smile at Pei Xuan.

Being eighteen years old, Pei Xuan hadn't undergone the many different trials His Majesty made her experience. Although she appeared somewhat mature for her age, she still possessed an innocent charm of someone who had recently entered marital bliss. 

Upon hearing her wife's words, Pei Xuan’s fair complexion flushed, transforming into an adorable shade of light red. It was irresistibly cute and enchanting, drawing attention inexplicably.

Cui Ti gazed at her silently, bashfully unfastening the belt around her waist.

As her skirt fell down like a blooming flower, Pei Xuan was captivated, her senses entranced by her irresistible charm.

With slender legs, a slim waist, an exquisite figure, a well-rounded chest, a straight and graceful collarbone, and her hairpin removed, Cui Ti's long black hair cascaded down her back and she quickly wore a small robe and feeling embarrassed she asked, "Will you help me get in?.”

It would be too shameful to fall down by the bathtub because of her blindness.

She had delicate sensibilities and wouldn't allow such a mishap to occur.

At this moment, Pei Xuan awoke from her daze, her face flushed, and she gracefully guided her into the bathtub.

The bathtub was big, and soon the warm water enveloped them.

Cui Ti sat in the tub with a reserved posture, her back straight and her shoulders round as every detail was vividly captured by Pei Xuan's observant gaze. A sensation of tightness gripped Pei Xuan's throat, as if a swallow was caught, struggling to go down.

Prior to meeting Cui Ti, Pei Xuan had no idea how fatal attractiveness can be.

However, now that they had crossed paths, it felt like fate had intervened, sealing their destinies together and the sensation was truly extraordinary.

Pei Xuan herself possessed an exquisite beauty, a rarity in the world. Whether dressed in men's clothing, exuding handsomeness and elegance, or donning women's attire to captivate hearts, she had unwittingly become a source of amusement. Realizing the misunderstanding she had created, she blushed in embarrassment and asked naively, "Can you really see me?.”

Silence followed her question, leaving her dumbfounded, while Cui Ti reveled in sheer delight at witnessing this scene.

Having been married to the composed and strategic Pei Xuan in her previous life, Cui Ti had grown accustomed to her calm and collected nature.

As a result, she cherished the current Pei Xuan all the more, and the prospect of bathing together held no reservations. After all, she already belonged to her.

Despite feeling nervous, Cui Ti's lips curled up in a slightly conceited tone,"Are you still coming?.”

All she desired was to coax and playfully engage with Pei Xuan.

Pei Xuan trembled, her clothes being the only barrier between them as she stood naked before Cui Ti. Observing the tips of her ears ablaze with color, Cui Ti instinctively turned her face away, exclaiming with a soft "Oh”.

The atmosphere is full of warmth and an undeniable ambiguity. The mist rising from the water enveloped them, causing their cheeks to flush.

In that moment, the two embraced each other silently, their hearts intertwined in a world of their own.

As they kissed, there was an intimate connection that seemed impossible to break but as they parted, Pei Xuan, still overwhelmed by the unprecedented affection, expressed her surprise once more, "You can see me, even the splashes? Can you really see them?.”

Warm water trickled down Cui Ti's fingertips as she softly, hoarsely replied, "I can see them."

Pointing to the edge of the bathtub, Pei Xuan patted it excitedly, exclaiming, "Where is the tub?.”

Witnessing Pei Xuan’s smile, Cui Ti couldn't help but giggle. Overwhelmed with joy, Cui Ti embraced Pei Xuan, tenderly wrapping her arms around her neck and she whispered softly, "As long as you're here, I'll see it all. And when you're not, I won't."

Pei Xuan's heart swelled with affection, vowing, "Then I'll always be here."

The hibiscus-colored dress clung tightly to Cui Ti’s skin, soaked from the water. Pei Xuan slowly released her hold, wanting to see that adorable chest once more and she suggested, "Shall I help you untie it?"

Cui Ti responded with an affirmative "um" and lifted her arm, allowing Pei Xuan arm’s to pass the side of her ribs. Soon, the dripping garment was carefully placed in a nearby bamboo basket. 

Pei Xuan widened her eyes, taking in the modest yet clean surroundings. Cui Ti gazed at her intently, finding her intriguing. Whatever Cui Ti possessed, Pei Xuan had as well, just in different proportions yet she wanted to take a look at her. 

Cui Ti cherished the innocent Pei Xuan.

And she enjoyed being held in the palm of her hand.

"It's great that you can see me, but which immortal helped you? I want to thank her."

Cui Ti chuckled at Pei Xuan's naive remark. "Your words embarrass me. Immortals are beyond our reach. If I knew their names, wouldn't I be ascending to heaven?.”

In response, Pei Xuan’s fingertips gently massaged the soft flesh on Cui Ti’s chest, causing her body to involuntarily straighten up, and her blushing cheeks became even more noticeable.

Pei Xuan, skilled in the art of wordplay since childhood, possessed nimble hands. She smiled without saying a word, relishing the intimate moments with her beloved wife. 

Cui Ti was both captivated and flustered by her actions, torn between wanting to respond and wanting to retreat. Eventually, she leaned against Pei Xuan's shoulder, panting slightly, her eyes tinged with a hint of tears.

It's easier to pick up bad habits than to learn virtuous ones.

Without warning, Pei Xuan playfully pulled Cui Ti into an underwater kiss, causing water to splash and cascade around them. As they emerged from the water, gasping for air, pink petals clung to Cui Ti's hair and shoulders. She laughed and scolded, "Why are you being so sneaky?"

Pei Xuan flashed a mischievous smile. She was young and inexperienced, never having been so intimately close to another girl before, apart from rowdy boys. The sense of achievement she felt overwhelmed her, and she delighted in Cui Ti's scolding.

The word "childish" used to be far from Pei Xuan's image, but today, in this moment, Cui Ti had taught her a valuable lesson.

“Don't you find this enjoyable, wife?," Pei Xuan teased, prompting Cui Ti to cover her face and playfully kick her calf beneath the water.

The kick didn't hurt or tickle, but Pei Xuan interpreted it as Cui Ti acting like a child, “Wife!~ Wife!!~~.”

"Stop yelling." Cui Ti let go of her hand and replied.

In the bamboo basket, there was an additional garment embroidered with magnolia flowers.

Cui Ti opened her eyes wide and looked at her good 'husband' whose hand passed somewhere, and she said distressingly: "Fortunately, it won't take long to cover myself."

Pei Xuan’s hands were restless, and she initially tried to endure it. But later on, Cui Ti couldn't hold on any longer and mischief ensued!

Fortunately, the bathtub was of good quality, so it could withstand their vigorous antics.

Half an hour later, Cui Ti repeatedly begged for mercy, while Pei Xuan was in high spirits and asked with a smile, "Are you admitting defeat?.”

She acted like a mischievous child who had gotten her way.

In the empty backyard at night, Bai Tang, Shou and Rou, and the other servants went to sleep.

At this time, Pei Xuan emerged from the bathroom area carrying her delicate wife in her arms. Cui Ti was tightly wrapped in a large cloak, too embarrassed to even bury her face under it. Instead, she buried it in her husband's arms, causing Pei Xuan’s body to tremble slightly.

The bathroom area was conveniently located near the bedroom. 

Once they were back on the spacious bed, Cui Ti quickly pulled the brocade quilt covering her body and revealing her cute and lovely face, leaving Pei Xuan dumbfounded.

The two of them locked eyes for a moment, and then Cui Ti, who was blindfolded, mustered the courage to lift the quilt, inviting Pei Xuan.

"My lady, please tell me about that dream once again," Pei Xuan whispered, embracing Cui Ti from the side. 

Cui Ti leaned against her warm embrace, momentarily lost in thought. The dream wasn't just a dream; it was a glimpse of her past life, and her death, so she didn't know where to begin.

A tender kiss landed on the tip of her ear, expressing the emotions they had just shared. The desire surged within them once more.

Cui Ti quickly composed herself, resisting the allure of the person beside her, and turned to face her. 

"Is that all you want to know?," she asked.

"Yes," Pei Xuan whispered, planting kisses on her eyelids. "I want to know how I failed you in that dream, so I can learn from it and never be foolish again."

Cui Ti closed her eyes tightly, steeling her resolve. She held onto Pei Xuan's slender waist and said, "One time, you went out and came back completely drunk..."

After half-an hour, the night enveloped them in its mysterious allure, and as the storyteller drifted into peaceful sleep, Pei Xuan gently caressed her wife's beautiful jade-like back, listening to the rhythmic sound of her breathing.

In Cui Ti's dream, she was an alcoholic.

Could it be that such a coincidence truly existed in this world?.

Was that an unreal and surreal dream, or a reality that had once unfolded?.

…

During the day, she immersed herself in a collection of books within the Library Pavilion of the Imperial Academy. The legends and anecdotes recorded in those books were not all mere fabrications of the past.

Yet, the person who had caused harm to Cui Ti never revealed themselves. To this, Pei Xuan composed herself and resolved to protect her precious treasure.

"Now you know. So from this day forward, she will be your mistress. If I'm not around, you must protect her for me and ensure she doesn't encounter any danger."

A sword dangled from the belt of the girl dressed in black, her gaze fixed on the distance where Pei Xuan stood in a flowing white gown. The young girl possessed a natural beauty that made even the surroundings pale in comparison.

However, the young girl would now become Cui Ti’s unwavering protector, her sharpest sword!

The young girl nodded solemnly and said, "Do not worry, Mistress.”

Pei Xuan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and said, "Little Wolf, I entrust the love of my life to you."

The girl named "Little Wolf" felt her pupils quiver, and she pressed her lips together, not particularly good in words, "Yes!" she affirmed.

Little Wolf swore to never let anyone harm the young mistress!

“‘With you by her side, the heavy burden in my heart can always find solace," Pei Xuan remarked.

The Little Wolf gazed back at her unwaveringly, then swiftly vanished into the wind.

Four years ago, Pei Xuan had rescued her from the depths of a treacherous hunting ground. Before that, she could barely be considered human; she was akin to a child of the wolves. Pei Xuan's act of rescue had elevated her to a position even more illustrious than that of the Wolf King. 

She was duty-bound to fulfill every command, even if it meant sacrificing her own life.

However, Pei Xuan never expected that when she assigned the Little Wolf the secret task of safeguarding Cui Ti, within a mere two weeks, the Little Wolf would deliver an unexpected surprise.