The Lady General’s Absolute Indulgence - Chapter 3

Outside, the wind battered against the windowpanes, but inside, Huaian had already lit a charcoal fire. The room was warm and cozy, bringing a surprising sense of peace.

Wan Ning stood in the center of the room, feeling somewhat at a loss. She carefully observed her surroundings: the bed was neat and clean, and a few books were stacked by the headboard.

Although this man is heavily bearded, Wan Ning thought, he has a tall, upright build, and the room is kept so orderly. He must not be a crude person.

Huaian pretended not to notice Wan Ning’s surreptitious glances. She pulled another quilt from the cabinet and spread it on the bed, saying indifferently, “There is only one bed in the house. If you don’t mind, we’ll have to make do for the night.”

In truth, Huaian didn’t care. Raised as a boy and growing up among soldiers, she had long ago developed a detached view toward the traditional strictures between men and women. If the girl minded, Huaian could easily sleep on the floor; after all, she planned to let her leave in the morning.

Wan Ning pursed her lips. Though he seemed cold, she felt an inexplicable sense of trust in Huaian. She shook her head obediently. “It’s… it’s fine.”

After washing up, Wan Ning lay down on the innermost side of the bed, curling herself into a tiny ball. She remained perfectly still, terrified of causing Huaian any inconvenience.

When Huaian prepared to turn in, she saw the little bundle huddled against the wall and found it somewhat amusing. She wanted to tell the girl there was no need for such tension, but remembering she was still presenting as a man, she figured the girl’s caution was only natural and let it be.

Just as Huaian was about to blow out the lamp, a distinct grumble broke the silence of the night.

Embarrassed, Wan Ning pulled the covers higher over her head. She hadn’t eaten all evening and was famished.

Huaian understood immediately. Recalling how thin and frail the girl had looked that afternoon, she felt a pang of pity. Choosing her words carefully, she said, “The thing is… I have a habit of eating before bed. If you aren’t too tired, you could get up and join me.”

A light mist clouded Wan Ning’s eyes. In all her life, only her mother had ever cared if she was cold or hungry; only her mother had ever considered her feelings.

Wan Ning slowly climbed out of bed, her eyes rimmed with red as she whispered shyly, “Thank you.”

As Huaian turned to head to the outer room, a soft voice called out behind her: “My name is Shen Wan Ning. What is yours?”

The voice seemed to possess a certain magic, making it impossible for the usually cold Huaian to ignore. As if under a spell, Huaian replied in a low voice, “Lin Huaian.”

Cradling her quilt, Wan Ning whispered the name to herself, finding it exceptionally pleasant and comforting.

Huaian moved with practiced efficiency—washing the pot, boiling water, and tossing in some noodles, even adding an egg.

Wan Ning hurriedly threw on a robe to help. When Huaian turned around, she saw an unguarded Wan Ning; her collar was slightly open, revealing a slender, fair neck that invited wandering thoughts.

Huaian’s gaze darkened involuntarily, and a faint flush crept behind her ears. She cursed herself inwardly for her lack of composure. She had seen countless beauties in the capital; why was she getting flustered over a little girl she had just met?

Unaware of Huaian’s inner turmoil, Wan Ning asked softly, “Brother Lin, let me help you tend the fire.”

Huaian didn’t answer. Instead, she walked back into the bedroom, brought out her own thick outer robe, and draped it over Wan Ning’s shoulders. Looking down at the girl’s misty eyes, she spoke with a tenderness she didn’t even recognize in herself: “Be careful not to fall ill. Also, don’t call me ‘Brother Lin.’ Just call me Huaian.”

Wan Ning felt as though she had suddenly fallen into a warm embrace. The oversized robe was filled with Huaian’s unique scent—a pleasant aroma of ink. She looked up blankly at Huaian and realized that, despite the beard, Huaian was actually quite handsome.

Huaian naturally pinched Wan Ning’s fair cheek. The skin felt surprisingly soft. With a half-smile, she said, “A-Ning, no need to help. The noodles are ready.”

A rush of heat flooded Wan Ning’s head; she felt like she was being boiled alive. When her mother called her “A-Ning,” it felt affectionate, but hearing it from Huaian’s lips felt infinitely more intimate, making her heart race.

Startled by her own strange thoughts, Wan Ning scrambled to the table and sat down obediently.

The two ate in silence, both preoccupied with their own thoughts. When they finished, Wan Ning insisted on washing the dishes.

Huaian picked up a book to pass the time while she waited. When Wan Ning finished her chores, she saw a tall, upright silhouette—a high hair crown, a lean waist. Even in simple undergarments, the man radiated an innate nobility.

This was the first time Wan Ning had been so close to anyone other than her mother. Facing Huaian, she felt as if her heart no longer belonged to her—it felt ready to jump out of her chest at any moment, and her face burned crimson.

“Huaian, I’m going to sleep now. You should rest early, too,” Wan Ning said softly. Without waiting for a reply, she bolted to the bed and ducked under the covers.

Huaian shook her head. The little ingrate, she thought. I sat here waiting for her, and she just says goodnight and hides.

Returning to the bedroom, Huaian saw that Wan Ning had only the top of her head peeking out. She truly worried the girl might suffocate herself.

Initially, Wan Ning stayed tucked away, facing the wall. But once she fell asleep, perhaps seeking the warmth from Huaian’s side, she began to burrow into Huaian’s arms, sobbing quietly in her sleep.

Huaian guessed the girl was having a nightmare. She gently pulled Wan Ning close and patted her back soothingly. A little crybaby even in her sleep, she thought helplessly. She wondered what hardships the girl had endured. To be sold by her family suggested her parents had little love for her. If she had encountered someone else today, a girl with her looks… there was no telling what she would have suffered.

At that thought, the atmosphere around Huaian turned cold. Just imagining this girl being held by someone else made her want to break that person’s hands.

Amidst these wandering thoughts, Huaian suddenly felt two soft mounds pressed firmly against her. Small, delicate hands clutched her waist tightly. Tears still clung to the girl’s beautiful face, and small sobs escaped her rosy lips.

Gazing at Wan Ning, who was leaning on her with total reliance, Huaian’s gaze deepened. You brought this on yourself, she thought. As if possessed, she leaned down and captured those small lips. First with a gentle lick, then, unsatisfied, she coaxed her teeth apart to taste deeper. The flavor was exceptionally sweet.

Wan Ning felt as if she had been tossed into the sea, struggling for breath. She could only cling to the driftwood beside her. Though the seawater was cold, her body felt scorching hot.

Entwined in each other’s breath, Huaian didn’t pull away until Wan Ning let out an involuntary moan.

Huaian stared blankly at Wan Ning’s swollen lips. What am I doing? she wondered. Hadn’t she fled to this mountain village because she realized she felt attraction toward women? Now, taking advantage of this little thing’s vulnerability… how was she any different from the rakish young lords in the capital?

Lin Huaian, you are shameless, she cursed herself.

As she sat in a daze, Wan Ning snuggled closer into her arms. Huaian silently straightened the girl’s clothes and patted her back once more. Fine, she thought. I’d better let this little girl leave early tomorrow. Otherwise, I’m afraid I won’t be able to control myself.