CH 50

If Yan Yan wants to, I don’t mind

“Say, Qin Qin, do you harbor affection for the Princess?” Song Shu Qing ceased her incessant chatter and fixed her gaze upon her sister, embracing her gently. “Just like she does for you?”

Upon hearing this query, Ming Qin was rendered speechless.

The notion had never crossed her mind before.

The little shadow guard had securely stowed the esteemed Princess in the innermost recesses of her heart, where she remained safeguarded against any malevolent intruders.

The weight and size of the treasure within grew with each passing moment, yet the shadow guard simply patrolled the perimeter, never entertaining the thought of unlocking the lid to peek inside.

The vigilant watchdog remained steadfast in her duty, devoid of any inkling of envy or greed.

Did she harbor such yearning for Yan Yan, a woman who exuded an aura of untouchable grace and beauty akin to a deity?

Ming Qin pondered this question, yet found herself at a loss for words.

For a fleeting moment, she couldn’t fathom the answer.

Song Shu Qing regarded the hesitant figure before her with unwavering eyes and posed her questions with patience. “Qin Qin, I believe there are three inquiries that require your contemplation at present.”

Extending three slender fingers from her right hand, she continued, “Firstly, do you harbor a desire to plant a kiss upon the Princess? Secondly, have you ever entertained the thought of tying the knot with her? And thirdly…”

Song Shu Qing hesitated for a moment, then spoke awkwardly, “Do you long to engage in intimacy with the Princess… That is, to make love with her?”

Despite one being as blunt as a mule and the other possessing a wealth of knowledge, she still felt a tinge of unease broaching such a sensitive topic.

“Contemplate it, Qin Qin. Figure out what you truly desire and don’t be foolish,” sighed Song Shu Qing.

If Qin Qin persisted in her naivety, it would only make her seem no different from those men in online articles and dramas who toy with women’s emotions and vanish without a trace.

Having the knowledge of the 21st century, if she were to fail in the emotional education of a young child, it would be a crushing defeat, wouldn’t it?

As Ming Qin returned from the brothel, she lay motionless on her bed, her gaze fixed upon the jade jar clutched in her hands.

Her mind was in disarray, as though she wished to exhaust every last thought she possessed in this one night.

Did she possess genuine affection for Yan Yan?

In the case of a sovereign or a companion, she would have undoubtedly replied in the affirmative. But what of the love that transcends those bonds?

Did she harbor a desire to kiss Yan Yan?

Yan Yan’s lips were always cool to the touch, yet they tasted tender and sugary. Yan Yan would envelop her arms around her neck and kiss her as though attempting to shatter her into a million pieces, eliciting a tantalizing hum from her throat that only deepened her infatuation.

The overpowering fragrance of Yan Yan’s peonies would permeate her senses, heightening the contrast between the coolness of her lips and the warmth of her touch. Even after their lips parted, the scent would linger in Ming Qin’s nostrils, a constant reminder of the intimacy they had shared.

Ming Qin enjoyed the sensation of being kissed by Yan Yan.

But did she wish to wed Yan Yan?

The truth was… she had no idea what common folk did once they tied the knot.

But if the question is whether she wants to stay by the side of Yan Yan for the rest of her life…

My answer would be a resounding yes.

I want to share in Yan Yan’s every joy and sorrow, and be her companion through every season of her life.

If Yan Yan extends her hand, I will take it without hesitation, and if she walks forward, I will follow her every step of the way.

This deep and sincere emotion has nothing to do with a mere marriage certificate.

As for the physical intimacy with Yan Yan…

Hmm.

I don’t know…

Although I have witnessed others in brothels finding pleasure in each other’s arms with fervent moans, I personally cannot comprehend the appeal of two perspiring bodies embracing.

But if Yan Yan wants it, I don’t mind.

If my touch can make Yan Yan tremble with pleasure, if her composed expression can transform into ecstasy, if the sound of my name on her lips can be filled with affection and yearning, then I am willing to go to any lengths.

I can learn everything.

As long as Yan Yan is content, the opaque world seems to illuminate like magic.

Could it be…

Is this sentiment what it means to have affection for someone?

Ming Qin sprang up from the bed, her mind still a whirlwind of unanswered questions. But amidst the confusion, she felt as though she had finally grasped the essence of it all.

Hurriedly, she descended the stairs and rapped on Song Shu Qing’s door, the noise echoing through the tranquil teahouse.

“What in the world is going on? Why are you making such a racket?”

Seeing her senior sister, clad in a single shirt with droopy eyes, Ming Qin couldn’t contain her excitement as she blurted out, “I’ve figured it out! I want to go to the capital!”

“Well done, I applaud you,” Song Shu Qing lazily clapped a few times, but then donned a dangerous smile and quizzed her, “But do you know what time it is?”

“Four in the morning,” Ming Qin replied dutifully.

“Four in the morning…”

Song Shu Qing gritted her teeth and balled her fist, almost swinging it in anger, “This is the time when puppies and kittens sleep, and it’s also the time when I need to sleep for beauty!”

“Get out!”

The door slammed heavily shut

Ming Qin was left crestfallen as she had expected some praise from her senior sister.

She could only touch her nose meekly and retreat back to bed.

On a chilly fall night, Ming Qin and Song Shu Qing arrived in the capital.

Even though the city gates were closed, the two 『former』 experienced shadow guards managed to enter the city by scaling the towering walls like bandits.

Song Shu Qing had only accompanied her junior sister out of concern, but she had not expected Ming Qin’s excitement to drive her to travel non-stop, without any rest, and exhaust the typically lazy Song Shu Qing.

Now, she regretted coming along.

“Now we can’t even get into the city, why the hurry, Qin Qin?” Song Shu Qing grumbled as she gasped for breath, holding onto her waist.

“Hmm? We’re not heading to the Imperial City,” Ming Qin replied, looking puzzled. Then, as if it were self-evident, she added, “We’re going to the Hidden Moon Tower.”

Song Shu Qing rolled her eyes at her younger sister’s words and tried to catch her breath, saying, “How could the Princess still be at the Hidden Moon Tower?”

Who would willingly return to the place that had kept them captive for six or seven years?

“The Princess must be there,” Ming Qin insisted.

“What makes you think that?” the woman asked helplessly, her legs still feeling weak from climbing over the city wall.

“Hmm? Intuition.”

With those words, Ming Qin leapt down from the high ground without hesitation.

Her black outer robe swirled in the moonlight as she dashed towards Hidden Moon Tower, her heart brimming with eagerness and anticipation, disregarding her senior sister who trailed behind her.

But upon reaching Changshou Street, the enthusiastic woman sensed that something was amiss.

It was just… quiet.

Not a single lamp illuminated the entire street, nor could she discern any faint breaths. Ming Qin’s innate perception of danger made her hair stand on end without any apparent reason.

Something’s off.

Her blood was boiling, and the scars on her body were throbbing.

As she turned the corner and saw the entrance of Hidden Moon Tower, she finally found the reason for her uneasy feeling.

Rage surged within her as she recognized the man standing before her.

“Xiao Tai!” she snarled through gritted teeth.