The Flirtatious Beauty Decides to Steal the Princess - Chapter 31

The cool ointment slowly spread over Fu Qingyin’s somewhat terrifying back through Wen Ying’s fingertips. This time, Fu Qingyin finally settled down, lying obediently on the bed, her eyes half-lidded like silk.

Wen Ying, cheeks burning, finished applying the medicine for Fu Qingyin and then sat there holding the ointment, unsure of what to say.

Fu Qingyin sat up and took Wen Ying’s hand, pulling out a handkerchief to gently wipe away the remaining ointment from her fingers.

As she cleaned them, her voice was soft: “Thank you, little Wen Ying.”

This gentleness, unlike the earlier unfamiliar, seductive demeanor, gradually steadied Wen Ying’s nerves. She stretched out her foot and kicked Fu Qingyin lightly.

“Fu Qingyin! What were you doing just now?!” Wen Ying was both startled and fearful, with a hint of bashfulness she hadn’t even noticed herself. The warmth from earlier still lingered on her cheeks.

Fu Qingyin thoroughly enjoyed Wen Ying’s weak kick, as if indulging a kitten playing with her. But this only made Wen Ying even more flustered.

“Little Wen Ying is too thin. Later, I’ll fatten you up, alright?” Fu Qingyin’s words were half-teasing, half-serious as she stared at Wen Ying’s delicate face, her mind filled with thoughts of their future together.

The reason Fu Qingyin could tease Wen Ying so recklessly today was simply because she was about to leave the palace. The next time they met, things might not be so harmonious.

Wen Ying shook her head and turned away, sulking as she refused to look at Fu Qingyin. That fragile back view made Fu Qingyin’s heart ache. She slowly moved closer, wrapping her arms around Wen Ying from behind.

“Don’t be afraid, little Wen Ying. I’m here.”

“Qingyin-jie!” Wen Ying suddenly spoke, her clear eyes turning to gaze at Fu Qingyin’s stunning face. This time, she didn’t space out instead, there was something almost bewitching in her expression.

“What is it?” Fu Qingyin was surprised by this side of Wen Ying those captivating eyes, so clear they made one want to ruin her.

Wen Ying cupped Fu Qingyin’s face. “Did you just, kiss me?”

Fu Qingyin stiffened all over. She hadn’t expected Wen Ying to ask such a question outright, assuming she would stay shy and avoid the topic.

Now, how should she answer? On the surface, Fu Qingyin appeared calm, but only the fist clenched beneath the blanket betrayed her inner turmoil.

Fu Qingyin had always been the one teasing Wen Ying she never imagined the day would come when Wen Ying would leave her speechless.

Seeing Fu Qingyin silent, Wen Ying tilted her head and repeated the question. Though her cheeks were still flushed, she was far less flustered than Fu Qingyin.

“Yes.” Fu Qingyin didn’t know how long she struggled before finally admitting it. She watched Wen Ying’s face intently, not daring to miss even the slightest change in expression, afraid she might see disgust.

Wen Ying lowered her head, deep in thought as she recalled the romance novels she’d read. Then she looked up, suddenly like an elder sister offering sage advice: “Women in this dynasty can marry. Since you kissed me, you have to marry me. Otherwise, no one will want Wen Ying anymore.”

The moment these words left her lips, Fu Qingyin’s mind went blank with a deafening roar.

Wen Ying’s meaning!!

Was for her to marry her?

Fu Qingyin tightened her embrace, fervently kissing Wen Ying’s neck and forehead, eager to mark every inch of her with her own traces.

In the end, it was Wen Ying who, in her fluster, tugged open her own clothes, revealing a glimpse of her delicate skin that abruptly halted all of Fu Qingyin’s movements.

“Be good, Wen Ying, put your clothes back on first.” Fu Qingyin closed her eyes, fumbling to refasten Wen Ying’s outer robe before opening her narrow, alluring eyes again.

Wen Ying was puzzled. If Fu Qingyin’s earlier kisses had been leading to that, then why had she stopped at such a perfect moment? Could it be that she didn’t like her full, rounded chest?

Dejected, Wen Ying lowered her head, completely unaware of the wild thoughts swirling in her mind.

Fu Qingyin watched as Wen Ying’s expression shifted from confusion to self-doubt, and finally to a downcast gaze.

“What’s that little head of yours imagining now?” Fu Qingyin’s husky voice was laced with desire as she reached out to tousle Wen Ying’s hair. “Wait until our wedding night, and then I’ll kiss you properly, alright?”

Fu Qingyin was no saint every time she saw Wen Ying, the pounding of her heart reminded her just how long she had yearned for her. But the decisive moment was approaching: victory or defeat. If she couldn’t guarantee Wen Ying’s happiness, she refused to take her prematurely.

If she lost to Emperor Wen, wouldn’t that only make things harder for Wen Ying?

Fu Qingyin had considered many things. She didn’t want to drag Wen Ying into such a predicament, nor did she know how to explain it to her.

Wen Ying nodded vaguely. If Fu Qingyin said so, there must be a reason. She shouldn’t be too impatient.

Realizing what she had just been thinking, Wen Ying suddenly flushed crimson. How could she be fantasizing about the wedding night just from a few kisses?

Flustered, she scrambled to her feet to leave, but Fu Qingyin caught her wrist and pulled her back. Her voice was still rough with restrained emotion. “Stay with me a little longer, alright?”

If she failed, Fu Qingyin would perish alongside her homeland she would never cling to life in disgrace.

Which meant this might be the last time the two of them could be together like this.

Night fell like a heavy curtain. Outside, palace lanterns had been lit by the maids, leaving only a few candles by the bed to dimly illuminate the scars on Fu Qingyin’s back.

Wen Ying’s heart softened. After tucking Fu Qingyin in, she sat beside her, cradling her cheeks in her hands.

The small stool had been thoughtfully padded by Fu Qingyin. As Wen Ying settled onto it, she suddenly laughed. “I was just thinking about when we first met, how I came to read you stories. Who’d have thought we’d end up more like characters from one of those tales?”

Fu Qingyin nodded. She had never imagined she would fall for a woman. Though Wen Ying’s feelings weren’t entirely clear yet, what did it matter?

If possible, Fu Qingyin wouldn’t mind keeping Wen Ying by her side forever. She could give her anything except her freedom.

“True. If my little Wen Ying weren’t still injured, I’d have you read to me again those parts you’re too shy to recite.” The moment Fu Qingyin said it, Wen Ying knew exactly what she meant, her face burning red.

Fu Qingyin loved seeing Wen Ying blush, it filled her with a quiet, profound happiness. But she never dared tease her too far, always ending it with a gentle ruffle of her hair.

Wen Ying snorted, looking at Fu Qingyin’s somewhat pale cheeks, and decided not to press her further. She simply asked, “What are you planning to do after leaving the palace this time?”

Wen Ying knew Fu Qingyin wouldn’t stay with her in the princess’s residence, it seemed she had greater matters to attend to.

Fu Qingyin was momentarily at a loss for words but managed to maintain her composure. “I might go see my mother and visit other countries,” she replied.

This wasn’t a lie, but after saying it, Fu Qingyin felt a flicker of fear. What if Wen Ying secretly reported this to Emperor Wen? Everything would be over.

But Wen Ying only nodded innocently, assuming Fu Qingyin was simply homesick. She even expressed sympathy: “Though I have a home, I no longer have a mother to visit.”

Wen Ying spoke optimistically, yet the revelations from that day in the empress’s palace resurfaced in her mind. She, too, wanted to avenge her mother, but she was self-aware.

Alone and powerless, how could she possibly contend with her formidable father when she couldn’t even outmaneuver an ordinary palace maid?

A trace of sadness crept into Wen Ying’s expression, though she tried to hide it. Fu Qingyin noticed immediately. She now understood that the topic of mothers was a wound Wen Ying couldn’t overcome.

Back then, who had killed Wen Ying’s mother? Yun Chu hadn’t named any specific consort but had spoken of Emperor Wen with indignation.

Yet these were merely Fu Qingyin’s speculations. She wouldn’t dare gamble with Wen Ying’s mother’s memory, even if she was already gone. Fu Qingyin loved Wen Ying and would respect everyone she held dear even Yun Chu, who disapproved of her.

When Sang Zhi entered to replace the candles, Wen Ying had already fallen asleep beside the bed. Her peaceful face was etched into Fu Qingyin’s gaze, and Sang Zhi had never seen her mistress look so tender.

“Quiet,” Fu Qingyin whispered, raising a hand to silence even the sound of Sang Zhi’s footsteps. Sang Zhi obliged, tiptoeing carefully to avoid disturbing her master’s precious charge.

After replacing the burnt-out candle, Sang Zhi pulled out a crumpled letter from her sleeve. “This just arrived,” she murmured into Fu Qingyin’s ear before withdrawing.

Fu Qingyin picked up the envelope, her slender fingers slowly unfolding it. The contents seemed to ease her mind, and she exhaled deeply before holding the letter over the candle flame. It burned to ashes, which she then dropped into a basin of water beneath the bed.

The basin was already stained with Fu Qingyin’s blood. The letter dissolved into smoke, leaving only wisps of ash behind.

Wen Ying frowned in her sleep, shifting positions. The adorable sight brought a rare smile to Fu Qingyin’s lips, softening something deep within her.

“Why did you kill my mother? Why?”

Some time later, Wen Ying suddenly began sweating profusely, her body trembling as she cried out in her sleep. Her arms flailed wildly, startling Fu Qingyin awake. She quickly grasped Wen Ying’s hands, calling her name repeatedly with patience.

“Little Wen Ying, I’m here. You’re having a nightmare. Wake up!”

Fu Qingyin didn’t know how long she whispered those words before Wen Ying finally calmed. Her clothes were drenched in cold sweat, and the moment she opened her eyes, tears spilled out.

She didn’t know how to explain it to Fu Qingyin, only wanting to hold onto him. Fortunately, Fu Qingyin didn’t press for answers, simply embracing Wen Ying quietly, waiting for her emotions to settle.

“It’s alright.” Fu Qingyin’s voice was so gentle it was instantly soothing. Wen Ying quickly calmed down, collapsing weakly into his arms like a spent force.

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