After Becoming a Succubus, I Was Offered to My Mortal Enemy - Chapter 41

Chapter 41

“Ayuan, Chiyun has already left. Stop hiding from me.”

Ning Yuan was hiding in her room, listening to Sikong Xue coaxing her so cautiously; the corners of her mouth couldn’t help but curl upward.

She opened the door and said, “Who’s hiding from you? I was just proactively avoiding you both so you could talk about things I shouldn’t hear.”

Sikong Xue said, “Ayuan, there is nothing you cannot know. From now on, I will have no secrets from you. Everything in this manor is yours.”

Previously, thinking she was a foreigner, Sikong Xue had people watch her daily. Now that she knew it was Ayuan, what need was there for defenses?

Ning Yuan whispered, “Who wants your things?”

Sikong Xue knew now that Ayuan was saying the opposite of what she felt; she couldn’t just go along with Ayuan’s words anymore.

“It is I who insist on giving them to you.”

Even if Ayuan didn’t want them, Sikong Xue wanted to give her the best in the world.

Thinking about how Ayuan would shut her door whenever she threw a tantrum or hide away whenever she was shy, Sikong Xue couldn’t help but say, “Ayuan, we are about to be married, and… can we live in the same room from now on? That way, it won’t be as much trouble for the servants to clean the manor.”

Before knowing it was Ayuan, Sikong Xue had sent her to the West Court, the furthest place from her. Upon learning it was Ayuan, she hurriedly arranged for her to stay in the courtyard closest to her. Now… she truly didn’t want to be apart from her. After five years of pining, Sikong Xue only feared that upon waking, Ayuan would have left her again.

Ning Yuan’s face flushed as she turned away, not looking at Sikong Xue.

“No, no. Even if we are to be married, we aren’t married yet. How can we live together so early…”

If her mother knew they were doing this, she would definitely be unhappy. Back when she was betrothed to Yuchi Jin, Yuchi Jin would come to the manor from time to time. At that time, Ning Yuan’s mother, Ning Huaiwan, was somewhat displeased. Once, Ning Huaiwan called Ning Yuan to the study and said solemnly: “Ayuan, although you and the Little Commandery are betrothed, you are not married yet. The two of you must know propriety.”

At that time, Ning Yuan understood nothing. She didn’t know why her mother was displeased, only saying helplessly: “Sister A-Jin and I haven’t been too intimate…” When Yuchi Jin came to her manor, they only drank tea and admired flowers, or sometimes played the qin together. Beyond that, there was nothing more.

Now that Sikong Xue was speaking like this, Ning Yuan couldn’t help but feel nervous. She and Sikong Xue had already been very intimate.

Ning Yuan said to Sikong Xue, “If Mother knew we were like that before being married, she would definitely be angry.” Ning Yuan was very obedient to her mother and was unwilling to do anything that would make her unhappy.

Sikong Xue said, “But Ayuan, have you forgotten? When you were little and came to the Grand Commandant’s manor, you would stay directly in my room when you were tired from playing. Back then… Auntie Wan never scolded us.”

“That… that’s different.”

When she was a child, she only did that because she found it fun to snatch Sikong Xue’s quilt. If they slept together now, it would be different.

Just as Ning Yuan was thinking of how to explain, she was pulled into Sikong Xue’s arms. Ning Yuan’s heart rate accelerated unconsciously, and she said shyly, “Sikong Xue, if you keep doing this, I’m moving to the Grand Commandant’s place.”

Sikong Xue said with some dejection, “Ayuan, in a few days I must go south to inspect the floods for the Emperor. I won’t be able to see you for many days. These few days, I want to spend more time with you.” Having finally recovered what was lost, Sikong Xue truly couldn’t bear to be apart. However, there were certain things she had to attend to in person.

Hearing that Sikong Xue was going south, Ning Yuan thought of her family and said urgently, “Can I go with you?”

Sikong Xue lightly stroked Ning Yuan’s back and said, “Ayuan, on this trip I intend to stop by Lingnan to see Old Madame Ning. I want to pave the way first, lest Auntie Wan and the Old Madame be unable to contain their grief upon seeing you. If you come with me, it might be inconvenient.”

Ning Yuan said, “You can have me follow you in disguise; I promise not to reveal my identity. Sikong Xue, please let me go see my mother.”

Hearing Ning Yuan speak like this, Sikong Xue couldn’t help but soften her heart. Perhaps Yin Chiyun would know the art of disguise and could let Ayuan dress as an ordinary maid to go with her. That way, she and Ayuan wouldn’t have to be apart. However, bringing Ayuan along would mean more guards would be needed for the journey. Also, she didn’t know if Ayuan could stand the damp heat of that region. Worrying about Ning Yuan’s health, Sikong Xue began to consider whether she should bring a trusted physician along.

Just as Sikong Xue was about to agree, she heard Ning Yuan say, “Sikong Xue, just agree. If you agree, I’ll agree to live with you.”

Sikong Xue, who had been thinking of how to bring Ayuan along, felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over her the moment she heard Ayuan say this.

“Ayuan!” Sikong Xue released Ning Yuan, her eyes suppressing anger. “Caring for your family and doing the things you want me to do—these are things I do willingly. Even if you didn’t marry me, even if you wanted to leave me, I would still care for the Ning family just as before. I am good to you not for that kind of reason. Although I wish to be with you forever, if you are unwilling, I will never force you.”

How could Ayuan think of her like that?

Ning Yuan opened her mouth; she could feel that Sikong Xue was truly angry. But why was Sikong Xue angry? Ning Yuan hooked her finger around Sikong Xue’s and coaxed her cautiously: “I’m not unwilling to be with you.”

Sikong Xue threw off Ning Yuan’s hand, gripped her shoulders, and said seriously: “Ayuan, if there is something you want, you can tell me directly. As long as I can do it, I will help you. But do not always think of using this kind of thing as a transaction with me. Do you really see me as the kind of person who takes advantage of others’ vulnerability?”

Her hesitation just now was only to think of a more thorough plan. How did it turn into “needing to submit to her” in Ayuan’s eyes before she would agree? She wanted to be with Ayuan, but she hoped Ayuan truly wanted to be with her, rather than treating it as a trade.

Last time, Ayuan didn’t know her identity was exposed, so Sikong Xue was only sad. But this time, Sikong Xue was truly angry.

Ning Yuan said urgently, “I didn’t mean it that way, I just…” Before she could figure out how to explain, Sikong Xue turned and left.

Watching Sikong Xue’s back, Ning Yuan only felt at a loss. What did Sikong Xue’s words just now mean? Ning Yuan truly couldn’t understand.

When it was time for dinner, Sikong Xue still hadn’t appeared. Ning Yuan sat before a table of food, finding it tasteless.

Xiaqun asked worriedly, “Is the lady unable to eat because of the summer heat? Should I have the kitchen make something more refreshing?”

Ning Yuan shook her head and said, “No need to bother.”

Xiaqun said, “How can that be? If the Master finds out you didn’t eat tonight, she will definitely be worried.”

Ning Yuan asked, “Sikong Xue… how is she now?” Sikong Xue was angry; she wondered if she had eaten properly. Hearing from Yin Chiyun that Sikong Xue had fallen ill because of her, she feared skipping dinner would harm her health.

Xiaqun said, “The Master likely has matters to handle; she has been in the study the whole time. Only Sister Songyan is serving her closely; we don’t know how she is.”

Ning Yuan thought for a moment and went to the kitchen personally. She asked the cook, and upon hearing that Sikong Xue hadn’t eaten yet, she said, “You all go out; I want to cook personally.”

The cook heard this and said nervously, “Eldest Miss, many things are already prepared. If there’s something you want to make, let us do it.”

Ning Yuan said, “I just want to brew a bit of porridge for Sikong Xue. I won’t secretly poison it; why are you guarding against me like this?”

The cook said helplessly, “My Eldest Miss, naturally we aren’t afraid of you poisoning it. It’s just that if you hurt yourself, the Master will certainly blame us.”

Ning Yuan remembered burning herself when she made white sugar cakes before; Sikong Xue had been fierce with her then. Ning Yuan said, “How could I be hurt so easily?”

In the end, Ning Yuan drove everyone out. She washed some rice, put it in the pot, and added some water. Then she crouched on the ground, constantly adding firewood to the stove. Ning Yuan thought the fire had to be large for it to cook quickly. It was so late; if Sikong Xue didn’t finish her meal, it would definitely hurt her stomach.

But she soon felt something was wrong. Out of nowhere, a burnt smell came from the pot. Ning Yuan lifted the lid and saw the rice had scorched to the bottom.

“What happened? I clearly added plenty of water.” Ning Yuan had thought brewing porridge only required putting rice and water in a pot and heating it up. How was even brewing a bowl of porridge so troublesome? Fortunately, she hadn’t planned on making anything too complex, or she might have actually set the kitchen on fire.

The cooks outside smelled the burn and, worried something was wrong, forced the door open together. Ning Yuan stood there, staring blankly at the porridge in the pot, completely baffled. The cook saw that Ning Yuan wasn’t injured and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“My good lady, the fire for brewing porridge must be low, and you must use a spoon to stir it, otherwise the rice will scorch to the bottom.”

Ning Yuan gave an “oh” and said, “Then I’ll brew another pot.”

The cook advised, “Better let us do it. How would you know how to do these things? The Master will be very happy just knowing you had the intention.”

Ning Yuan refused to listen and insisted on doing it personally. She wanted to apologize to Sikong Xue; she had to do it herself to be sincere. With several cooks accompanying her, she finally finished the porridge. This time, under their guidance, she sliced some beef into the porridge and added a few side dishes. The porridge was stewed soft and smelled wonderful.

Ning Yuan was actually getting hungry from the smell. If she weren’t trying to coax Sikong Xue, she would have wanted to eat the whole pot herself. After all, she hadn’t eaten dinner either.

Ning Yuan carefully carried a bowl of porridge and had someone lead her to Sikong Xue’s study. Songyan was waiting outside. Seeing Ning Yuan, she felt a sense of relief. The Master had been gloomy all afternoon, seeing no one and eating nothing; Songyan didn’t dare ask too much. Now that Ning Yuan had brought a bowl of porridge, no matter if it tasted good or not, she would surely be able to coax the Master into eating it.

Songyan opened the door for Ning Yuan. Sikong Xue thought it was a subordinate coming in; she frowned and was about to scold when a flicker of joy flashed in her eyes upon seeing Ning Yuan. Why did Ayuan carry it personally? She wasn’t afraid of being tired.

Sikong Xue was just about to rise and take it when she remembered she had just had a row with Ayuan, so she suppressed the joy in her heart and asked, “What are you doing here?”

Ning Yuan carried the brewed porridge to Sikong Xue. Seeing Sikong Xue’s cold face, she tested the waters: “I heard you haven’t eaten yet. I was worried about your health, so I brewed some porridge. Sikong Xue, I know I was wrong. Can you please stop being angry?”

Although Ning Yuan didn’t understand why Sikong Xue was so angry, she still wanted to coax her into eating. In truth, Sikong Xue had long stopped being angry with Ayuan. Or rather, she had never truly been angry with her. She was only angry at herself for failing to care for Ayuan and failing to make Ayuan willing to trust her.

Now that Ayuan was here to apologize, Sikong Xue was so joyful she wanted to hug her immediately. But since Ayuan was rarely willing to coax her, Sikong Xue wanted this beautiful moment to last a bit longer. Sikong Xue tried hard to press down the corners of her mouth, pretending to be cold as she said, “Understood.” As she spoke, her eyes remained fixed on Ning Yuan’s hands. After confirming that she hadn’t burned them, she finally felt at ease.

Ning Yuan’s lovely brows furrowed unconsciously. Why is this Sikong Xue so hard to coax? She had already bowed her head and admitted fault; why was Sikong Xue still acting cold? If Sikong Xue still didn’t forgive her, she was definitely going to get angry. She had skipped her own meal to come and apologize; how could Sikong Xue treat her like this?

Ning Yuan suppressed her displeasure and said, “Sikong Xue… A-Lin, stop being angry. Eat something.”

Sikong Xue saw Ning Yuan holding the tray. Worried she would be tired, she said, “Put it down first.” Sikong Xue thought to herself that as soon as Ayuan said a couple more soft words, she would stop her act. She loved hearing Ayuan speak to her so softly and loved hearing Ayuan call her A-Lin.

But Sikong Xue hadn’t expected Ning Yuan to slam the porridge onto her desk and say, “If you won’t eat, then don’t! Better for you to starve to death!”

Ning Yuan turned and left the study, lifting her skirts to walk quickly through the corridor. She had coaxed Sikong Xue like that, yet Sikong Xue was still sulking. Since Sikong Xue was being like this, she would never coax her again.

Ning Yuan rubbed her own stomach; it was hurting a bit. Only now did she realize that when you care for someone, you actually forget that you are still hungry. Hearing footsteps behind her, though she knew it was Sikong Xue, Ning Yuan didn’t turn back once. She bit her lip and tried to quicken her pace, but her wrist was gently caught by a warm palm.

Sikong Xue caught up and said, “Ayuan, today was my fault. I shouldn’t have been like that to you.”

Ning Yuan tried to pull her hand back, but it was held tighter. The person’s fingertips brushed against her wrist seemingly unintentionally, bringing a slight itch.

“Ayuan, the moment you pushed open the door, I wasn’t angry anymore.” Sikong Xue guided Ning Yuan’s hand and pressed it against her own heart. The heartbeat beneath her palm was rapid and heavy. Ning Yuan turned her face away with a light snort and said, “You mean you were angry all afternoon? All that time, you were angry with me?”

“I was annoyed at myself all afternoon. It’s my fault for not being good enough to you, which led to you saying those things. I’m angry that while I can’t bear to see you suffer grievances, I have let you suffer so many.” Facing Ayuan, Sikong Xue only felt self-reproach. “Ayuan, don’t be unhappy anymore. I will eat every bit of the porridge you brewed.”

Ning Yuan said, “Of course you have to eat it all. I worked hard to make it for you; if you dare not eat it, I will definitely not forgive you.”

Ning Yuan wanted to say more, but she was interrupted by a sudden sound from her stomach. Why did it growl now? In an instant, crimson spread from her cheeks to her neck; Ning Yuan was so embarrassed she wanted to hide. Losing her composure like this in front of Sikong Xue, Sikong Xue was bound to laugh at her.

Sikong Xue’s gaze softened instantly. “You haven’t eaten dinner?”

Ning Yuan said nothing. Sikong Xue said, “With an empty stomach, why did you come to coax me first?” Being coaxed by Ning Yuan like this made Sikong Xue extremely joyful.

“Who… who was coaxing you! I was just afraid you’d starve to death, and then there’d be no one to take care of me later.” Ning Yuan’s mouth was stubborn, but her heart had softened.

Sikong Xue pulled her into her arms and whispered into her ear: “Ayuan, don’t do this in the future.” Ayuan was so thin; Sikong Xue truly felt heartache.

Ning Yuan’s voice was incredibly soft: “If you hadn’t made me angry, why would I have come to this?” Before she could finish, she was picked up. With her feet leaving the ground, Sikong Xue carried her through the moonlit corridor. It was dark outside and she couldn’t see clearly, but upon returning to the study, she saw Ayuan had turned red.

The person was placed on the soft couch in the study. Sikong Xue sat beside her and said, “What snacks do you want? I’ll have someone prepare them.”

“Whatever. As long as you don’t make me angry, anything is fine.” Ning Yuan looked at the somewhat cold porridge on the desk. Thinking of it being her first time cooking and fearing it wouldn’t taste good, she said, “Forget it, you shouldn’t eat that porridge after all.”

Sikong Xue picked up the bowl and said, “This is what you made for me; how could I not eat it? Only… Ayuan, don’t do it again in the future. If you burn yourself, my heart truly aches.”

Although the porridge was cold and didn’t have any special flavor, it was made by Ayuan’s own hands for her; Sikong Xue drank it completely clean.

Support