Transmigrated into a Scummy Alpha Playboy in Ancient Times - Chapter 128

The bridal procession made its way out of the palace. Shen Xingyue and another distant imperial relative, pulled in to make up the numbers, rode ahead on horseback, while a lively band of musicians followed behind with drums and flutes.

Inside the sedan chair, Xiao Guban’s hands trembled with nervousness. At the same time, she was a little anxious—how was Sister Xuan doing on her end?

Back at the Zhou residence, a servant had already reported the progress of the bridal procession. As Shen Yining and the others approached the Su residence, a smaller bridal sedan had been prepared for Zhou Zixuan. According to custom, the bride’s feet were not supposed to touch the ground. But given the noble status of the Crown Princess, the Zhou family had arranged for a small sedan to carry the bride out after the Crown Princess arrived. The servants would lift the bridal sedan and carry her out directly.

The bridal procession came to a halt at the Zhou residence gates. Shen Xingyue dismounted and went to call for Xiao Guban, only to find her younger cousin sweating nervously.

Shen Xingyue smiled. “Your Highness, let’s go. Once we bring out the Crown Princess Consort, we can head back to the palace.”

“A-Alright. I… I’m coming,” Xiao Guban said, taking a deep breath before stepping down from the sedan chair and leading the welcoming party into the Zhou residence, which was bustling with joy.

Xiao Guban greeted Zhou Zixuan’s parents with a respectful bow. “Father-in-law, Mother-in-law.”

“Your Highness, welcome,” Zhou Yuanzhen and his wife quickly returned the courtesy and welcomed Shen Yining and the others inside.

As Shen Yining entered the room, she caught sight of Zhou Zixuan behind a red bridal veil. Xiao Guban clasped her hands tightly, clearly flustered, and stammered, “S-Sister Xuan… I’ve come to take you back to the palace.”

Zhou Zixuan was just as nervous. On one hand, she was thrilled to be able to see her beloved every day from now on; on the other, she was reluctant to leave her parents. And deep down, she was uncertain about life in the palace. Her little piggy was sweet now, but what about a few years down the line? What would happen once she ascended the throne? Would there be others by her side? What would she do then?

But even with so many thoughts swirling in her mind, only one word left her lips: “Alright.”

Zhou Zixuan made to step into the small bridal sedan waiting in her room, but Shen Yining hurriedly stepped forward to stop her.

“Aren’t I supposed to carry Sister Xuan out myself?”

Zhou Yuanzhen quickly interjected, “Your Highness, you are of noble status. How can we let you personally carry her?”

“But don’t commoners carry their brides themselves? I can do it,” Xiao Guban replied earnestly. At that moment, she didn’t think of herself as a Crown Princess. She was simply a Yuan cultivator wanting to bring her beloved home.

Zhou Yuanzhen hesitated. He wasn’t sure whether it was appropriate for the Crown Princess to carry the bride. Shen Xingyue, however, laughed and said, “Since Her Highness is willing, let’s go with her wishes. What do you think, Grand Preceptor Zhou?”

After another moment of hesitation, Zhou Yuanzhen nodded. “Then we shall follow Her Highness’s wishes.”

Now that she had permission, Shen Yining suddenly hesitated again. She and Sister Xuan had always interacted with respectful propriety. Would it be inappropriate to suddenly scoop her up like this?

Shen Xingyue couldn’t help but laugh at her cousin frozen in place. She gave Xiao Guban a light push toward Zhou Zixuan. “Come on, why are you shy around your own bride? Hurry, go on, carry her!”

With that push, Xiao Guban stumbled right up to Zhou Zixuan. Still flustered from being called “your bride,” she blushed furiously.

Scratching her ear nervously, Shen Yining finally whispered to Zhou Zixuan, “Sister Xuan, I’m going to pick you up now. Just hold on to me and stay steady, okay? Don’t worry—I’m strong. I won’t drop you.”

Zhou Zixuan’s ears turned bright red. Her cheeks, though hidden beneath the red bridal veil, were flushed with color as she shyly replied, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Shen Xingyue stood to the side, her brows slightly raised in amusement. These two were so pure—just the thought of the lift had them both blushing!

Fearing they might miss the auspicious time for returning to the palace, Shen Xingyue leaned over again and urged, “Your Highness, do hurry. If we delay any longer, we’ll miss the lucky hour.”

Seeing her cousin still frozen in place, Shen Xingyue leaned in once more and whispered in her ear, “It’s easy—one arm around the waist, the other under the knees. Go on.”

Xiao Guban blushed and glanced again at Shen Xingyue. Shen Xingyue gave her a playful wink, which finally gave her the courage to move closer. She gently placed one arm around Zhou Zixuan’s waist and, in a soft, shy voice said, “Sister Xuan, I’m going to pick you up now. Hold on tight.”

With that, she bent down and slipped her other arm under Zhou Zixuan’s knees, lifting her smoothly into her arms.

Even though Zhou Zixuan knew Shen Yining would carry her, she was still startled. She quickly wrapped her arms around Shen Yining’s neck to keep herself steady.

Shen Yining’s face turned bright red from the close contact, but her steps were firm and steady, even more so than when she first arrived. After all, the person in her arms was the one she cherished most in the world. She spoke gently, “Don’t worry, Sister Xuan. I’m right here.”

Zhou Zixuan replied in a soft voice, her ears glowing red, “Okay.” She could feel the warmth from Shen Yining’s body through her hands and wondered, was her little piglet even more nervous than she was?

Seeing that Xiao Guban was finally walking out with her bride in her arms, Shen Xingyue smiled and followed closely behind.

Zhou Yuanzhen’s face also showed a rare smile. The Crown Princess had chosen to carry his daughter out herself, following traditional folk customs. That alone was enough to show how much she valued her. Zhou Yuanzhen finally felt a bit of relief. His daughter and the Crown Princess had grown up together and shared deep feelings. Even if other kunze entered the palace someday, at least the Crown Princess would never treat his daughter unfairly.

Zhou Zixuan’s mother, Jiang Zhe, quietly covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief and began to weep.

“Once she enters the palace, there will be many things we can no longer decide. She’s marrying into such a noble household… I just hope Xuan’er will be alright,” she said softly.

Zhou Yuanzhen gently patted her back to comfort her. “Her Highness has already shown such sincerity today. She won’t treat Xuan’er badly. Don’t cry. We don’t want others to see and laugh at us.”

Jiang Zhe nodded slightly and said nothing more.

While they were speaking, Shen Yining had already brought Zhou Zixuan steadily to the bridal sedan. The attendants quickly laid down the steps. Shen Yining carefully placed Zhou Zixuan inside and helped her sit properly.

Zhou Zixuan immediately let go of Shen Yining’s neck, almost as if she had been burned. She lowered her voice and said, “I’m sorry. That was improper of me.”

“I was a little improper too,” Xiao Guban replied nervously. With Zhou Zixuan’s face still covered by the red veil, Shen Yining couldn’t see her expression clearly.

Once the two were seated properly, Shen Xingyue, who was leading the way on horseback, signaled for the wedding procession to start the journey back to the palace.

Along the way, many curious citizens came out to watch. The welcoming procession soon passed through the palace gates and headed straight for the Eastern Palace.

When they arrived, Shen Yining leaned close to Zhou Zixuan and spoke softly by her ear, “Sister Xuan, I need to carry you one more time. Just hold on to me like before.”

Zhou Zixuan, her ears turning red again, reached out and gently wrapped her arms around Shen Yining’s neck. Shen Yining placed one hand around her waist and the other under her knees, then carefully lifted her from the sedan and stepped down.

She carried Zhou Zixuan all the way to the bedchamber and said gently, “Sister Xuan, I’m going to set you down now. Sit tight.”

After that reminder, Xiao Guban carefully placed her on the edge of the bed. Then she stood nearby, still blushing, not quite sure what to do next.

After a moment’s hesitation, she sat beside Zhou Zixuan and spoke softly, “Sister Xuan, the palace maids are just outside the room. If you get hungry or thirsty, just call them. I’ll have to go to Liangyi Hall soon to host the court officials. Please take care of yourself while I’m gone.”

“Alright, Your Highness. Don’t worry about me,” Zhou Zixuan replied quickly.

Then, she heard her little piglet say, “Sister Xuan, that veil looks heavy. Why don’t I help you take it off? We still have a whole day ahead, and wearing it too long will be tiring.”

Zhou Zixuan’s neck was indeed feeling a bit sore. But tradition said the groom had to lift the veil for good luck. Blushing, she answered softly, “Then I’ll trouble Your Highness. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be proper.”

“Alright, then… then I’m going to lift the veil now,” Xiao Guban murmured to herself, though her hands were trembling, and her heart was pounding wildly. She took a few deep breaths, then gently grasped the corner of the red veil and slowly lifted it. The moment the fabric was raised, she saw the person she had been longing for.

Shen Yining’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at Zhou Zixuan. Her ears turned slightly red. She thought Zhou Zixuan looked even more beautiful in her bright red wedding dress and with the exquisite makeup she wore today. Shen Yining couldn’t take her eyes off her.

Zhou Zixuan felt a little embarrassed being stared at so directly by her little piglet. She coughed lightly and said, blushing, “Your Highness, don’t you still have things to take care of? You should go.”

That finally brought Xiao Guban back to her senses. “Oh… alright. Let me take this off for you first.”

She thoughtfully removed the wedding headdress from Zhou Zixuan’s head and set it aside. Then she added, “If you’re tired, lie down and rest. Don’t feel awkward. This will be your home too from now on.”

Seeing how sweet and considerate her little piglet was, Zhou Zixuan’s smile deepened. She reached out and lightly tapped the tip of Shen Yining’s nose. “Alright. Don’t worry about me. Just go. I’ll be here waiting for you.”

Shen Yining wasn’t sure whether it was because Zhou Zixuan touched her nose or because of her gentle smile and voice, but her heart felt like it had been soaked in honey. She couldn’t stop smiling as she replied, “Then I’ll try to come back early.”

Blushing, the young Crown Princess left the bedchamber, her steps light and cheerful, almost like she was floating. Shen Xingyue was still waiting outside. Seeing Xiao Guban looking so overjoyed, she pulled her over with a grin and asked in a hushed voice, “Why are you so happy?”

Xiao Guban giggled and leaned in close to whisper in Shen Xingyue’s ear, “Sister Xuan just tapped my nose, hehe.”

Shen Xingyue coughed lightly and glanced at her cousin, who was glowing with innocent joy. She didn’t have the heart to tease her. Just getting her nose tapped was enough to make her this happy? What would happen if she actually got intimate tonight? Would she be so excited she’d end up running laps around the imperial city?

Shaking her head in amusement, Shen Xingyue grabbed Xiao Guban and led her toward Liangyi Hall.

The wedding banquet had already been going on since noon and would last into the evening. By the time Shen Xingyue and Shen Yining entered the hall, the officials were already well into the feast.

Shen Xingyue had thoughtfully arranged for all of Xiao Guban’s wine to be replaced with plain boiled water. She was worried that if her cousin got drunk, she wouldn’t be able to handle Zhou Zixuan later.

Fortunately, Shen Yining’s noble status kept the ministers from pushing her to drink too much anyway.

Shen Xingyue had been busy all morning and was starving. As soon as she sat down, she started eating roasted lamb, polishing off half a bowl before she finally slowed down and ate at a more relaxed pace.

Shen Kaiyuan and Ye Yuran sat at the jade banquet table with smiles on their faces. Their youngest daughter had finally grown up.

Shen Kaiyuan looked over at Shen Xingyue and saw her peeling shrimp for herself. He chuckled and shook his head.

By late afternoon, several officials were already drunk. Some had to be helped away by palace attendants, while others stayed to eat and chat. The banquet didn’t end until night had completely fallen and the hall began to clear out.

Xiao Guban hadn’t touched a drop of real alcohol and instead ended up with a stomach full of water.

As they were leaving, Shen Xingyue couldn’t help but tease her. “Your Highness, remember what I told you that day? Don’t be shy. Time to go.”

“I… I’m not shy,” Xiao Guban mumbled. But as she walked away, her steps were awkwardly mismatched again.

When Shen Yining stepped into the bedchamber, she saw Zhou Zixuan resting against the side of the bed. Zhou Zixuan quickly stood up when she saw her return.

“Your Highness, you’re back?”

“Mm. I wanted to come back early to keep you company.” As soon as Shen Yining finished speaking, the tips of her ears turned red. She quickly changed the subject. “Have you eaten yet?”

“I have,” Zhou Zixuan replied quickly.

The room fell into a brief silence. Shen Yining, still blushing, remembered that they hadn’t yet had their nuptial wine. She walked over to the round table, poured two cups of wine, and brought them over to the bed with a flushed face.

“Sister Xuan, we haven’t drunk the nuptial wine yet,” she said softly, ears burning with embarrassment as she looked away.

Zhou Zixuan couldn’t help but smile at how shy her little piglet was. “Alright, Your Highness. Give it to me,” she replied gently.

She reached out and took one of the cups.

Shen Yining sat down beside her, still blushing. She glanced at Zhou Zixuan, then nervously intertwined her arm with hers, lifting the cup to drink the wine together.

Afterward, she placed both cups back on the round table and returned to sit beside Zhou Zixuan again. Too timid to speak, she peeked at her out of the corner of her eye, her heart racing.

Zhou Zixuan had been nervous as well, but seeing how much more anxious Shen Yining seemed, she couldn’t help but smile. Was this really a Yuan cultivator? Her little piglet was even more bashful than she was.

Seeing Shen Yining so flustered, Zhou Zixuan was suddenly tempted to tease her. After all, when Shen Yining was injured, she had playfully asked for a kiss.

Zhou Zixuan cleared her throat and said, “What are you thinking about, Your Highness? Your ears are so red. You didn’t blush at all when you asked me to kiss you that time.”

“I… I thought I was dreaming then,” Shen Yining muttered, covering her face with both hands. Her entire face, even down to her neck, had turned red from embarrassment.

“So you were having naughty dreams? Were you trying to take advantage of me in your sleep?” Zhou Zixuan smiled and continued to tease her.

“N-no, I was just afraid I’d never see you again. That’s why… I asked for a kiss,” Shen Yining replied softly, her voice as tender as cotton, making Zhou Zixuan’s heart ache a little.

Zhou Zixuan gently reached out and patted the top of Shen Yining’s head. “Don’t say that. We’re married now, aren’t we? How could we not see each other?”

After a while, Shen Yining gathered her thoughts. She remembered that she was the Yuan in this relationship. It was their wedding night, yet it was Sister Xuan who had been comforting her. She took a deep breath, slowly lowered her hands from her face, clenched them together in her lap, and looked at Zhou Zixuan. As if making up her mind, she shuffled a little closer.

Zhou Zixuan noticed the movement and felt her own ears grow warm.

Shen Yining glanced at her again, then, cheeks burning, quickly leaned over and gave Zhou Zixuan a kiss on the cheek. Afterwards, she gripped her hands tightly and looked away, too nervous to meet her gaze.

Zhou Zixuan was briefly stunned by the kiss. When she turned to look, she saw her little piglet bowing her head, clearly shy.

Since they were now married, Zhou Zixuan thought there was no longer any need to worry so much about etiquette. She gently poked Shen Yining’s cheek with a finger and asked with a teasing smile, “Your Highness, you kissed me—are you just going to leave it at that?”

Shen Yining let Zhou Zixuan poke her face a few more times before finally lifting her gaze. She smiled and tried to explain herself, “I’m not ignoring you, Sister. It’s just… it was my first kiss, and I was a little shy.”

As she spoke, she remembered Shen Xingyue’s advice: she needed to be a bit bolder and take the lead. If both of them were too shy, they’d really just end up sitting by the bedside all night.

Shen Yining’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Zhou Zixuan, her gaze unknowingly falling to her soft pink lips. She recalled the picture book she had secretly read. She worried it might be too forward, but then again, wasn’t kissing part of a wedding night? Her heart started to race with anticipation.

Zhou Zixuan could feel the intensity of Shen Yining’s gaze and immediately realized where she was looking. Her neck flushed a deep red, and she quickly looked away, too embarrassed to meet her eyes.

Seeing that Zhou Zixuan was also getting flustered, Shen Yining took a deep breath. Without overthinking it, she reached for Zhou Zixuan’s hand and leaned in to kiss her. The moment their lips touched, Shen Yining felt her heart nearly stop. Zhou Zixuan’s lips were soft and warm. Although she had only planned to brush them gently, her instincts took over, and the kiss deepened.

Zhou Zixuan hadn’t expected her little piglet to suddenly become so bold. The kiss left her a little breathless. Sensing this, Shen Yining pulled back slightly to let her catch her breath before moving in to kiss her again.

Zhou Zixuan’s lips were soft and sweet, even better than the milk cakes Shen Yining loved. For a moment, she couldn’t stop herself. Only when Zhou Zixuan gently pushed at her shoulder did she finally pull back, wrapping an arm around Zhou Zixuan’s waist to help steady her.

“Sister, you’re so sweet,” Shen Yining said, eyes shining. “Even sweeter than my favorite milk cakes.” Her gaze dropped from Zhou Zixuan’s eyes back to her lips.

Zhou Zixuan felt as though she’d been soaked in warm water. Her legs had gone weak from the kisses. Seeing Shen Yining move closer again, she raised a hand to gently hold her back. Resting against Shen Yining’s chest, she whispered, “Your Highness, don’t be so impatient. We haven’t even washed up yet.”

Looking down at the soft, delicate Zhou Zixuan in her arms, Shen Yining felt an itch in her heart. Still, she managed to calm herself down and responded gently, “Alright. I’ll have them prepare the water so we can rest early, Sister.”

After speaking, she couldn’t help but lean down and plant another kiss at the corner of Zhou Zixuan’s lips. She pressed her own lips together, feeling like even that still wasn’t enough. With her delicate sister curled up in her arms, she had absolutely no resistance.

Zhou Zixuan could see how impatient her little piglet was. She chuckled and lightly pinched Shen Yining’s cheek. Resting her face against her shoulder, she whispered, “There’s no need to rush, Your Highness. We have plenty of time together.”

Shen Yining thought about it and realized she was right. Since she had come back early, they could wash up now and have more time to… talk in bed later.

“Alright. I’ll do as you say,” she answered obediently.

Clearing her throat, Shen Yining called for Chang Le, the chief attendant of the Eastern Palace. “Go and have everything prepared for washing. The Crown Princess and I want to rest early tonight.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Chang Le replied quickly and went to make arrangements. Soon, everything was ready—hot water, toiletries, and clean clothes.

Since it was their wedding night, their sleepwear had also been specially prepared. Both sets were red silk, light and sheer enough that whatever was worn underneath could be clearly seen.

Zhou Zixuan removed the ornaments from her hair, washed up, and under the care of her maid Chun’er, changed into the gauzy sleepwear. Her face was glowing red as she climbed into bed and quickly pulled the quilt up over herself. She even reached out and drew the bed curtains closed.

Xiao Guban changed into a matching set of sleepwear as well. After making sure the braziers were burning strong and the room was cleaned up, she finally lifted the curtain slightly and got into bed.

Zhou Zixuan, of course, felt her get in. Her fingers tensed slightly. Even though she loved Shen Yining, even though she knew what was coming, she still couldn’t help but feel nervous. She had heard that forming a soul bond was painful, and she didn’t know whether her little piglet would be gentle with her.

Shen Yining lifted the blanket slightly and slipped in, her face still flushed with shyness. Seeing that Zhou Zixuan had her back turned, she scooted closer and whispered softly, “Sister, I’m getting in.”

“Mm,” Zhou Zixuan replied in a quiet voice, saying nothing more.

Shen Yining lifted herself slightly to look at Zhou Zixuan and saw that her cheeks and the side of her neck were tinged a deep red. She leaned in and gently kissed the tip of Zhou Zixuan’s ear, making her body tremble slightly.

“Don’t be scared, Sister,” she said softly. “I’ll be gentle… I won’t hurt you. Sister Xuan, may I hold you?”

As much as she wanted to, Shen Yining still chose to ask, in case Zhou Zixuan was too nervous. They could always take their time.

While she was lost in thought, Zhou Zixuan gave a small nod with her eyes closed.

In Shen Yining’s mind, it was like fireworks exploded all at once. Her smile grew uncontrollably as she carefully reached out and embraced Zhou Zixuan from behind, resting her chin near her shoulder. To soothe her nervousness, she kissed her ear again.

Zhou Zixuan felt soft and warm in her arms. Shen Yining held her tightly, gently kissing her cheek as if to ease her tension. After a while, she coaxed Zhou Zixuan to lie down, though Zhou Zixuan still kept her eyes closed from shyness.

Shen Yining leaned in to kiss the corner of Zhou Zixuan’s lips, then spoke in a soft, slightly pouty voice, “Sister, look at me… am I not pretty? Do you not like me anymore?”

Zhou Zixuan, embarrassed as she was, couldn’t stand hearing her little piglet sound so pitiful. She opened her eyes and looked at her—only to find that the little pig had clearly picked up a few tricks, smiling sweetly and cheekily at her.

“Your Highness has learned to be naughty,” Zhou Zixuan said with mock annoyance, pinching Shen Yining’s cheek.

Shen Yining responded with another kiss on her cheek, eyes fixed on her with unwavering affection. “Sister Xuan, I want you to wrap your arms around my neck. Will you?”

Zhou Zixuan blushed even more, but seeing the eagerness in her little piglet’s eyes, she couldn’t bear to refuse. Holding back her shyness, she gently looped her arms around Shen Yining’s neck.

Shen Yining beamed, full of joy, and leaned in to kiss her lips again. “You’re always so good to me. I love you most, Sister.”

Zhou Zixuan felt like her arms were burning. Where had her little pig learned to say such sweet things?

Just as she was about to lift her gaze and reply, she was caught in another deep, fervent kiss. Her arms were still wrapped around Shen Yining’s neck, and it felt for all the world like she was the one pulling her in for the kiss. That thought made Zhou Zixuan flush all the way to her ears.

The kiss lingered until both of them were nearly breathless. Shen Yining finally pulled away slightly, brushing kisses along the corners of her lips. “You taste so sweet… sweeter than any milk cake I’ve ever had.”

Zhou Zixuan had never heard anyone speak to her like this. Her face was burning. She gently pushed her little pig away and murmured, “Your Highness, don’t be so hasty.”

“I’m not rushing,” Shen Yining answered, her voice soft but sincere. “I’m just telling the truth. I really like you.”

Her gaze never wavered as she stared deeply into Zhou Zixuan’s eyes.

Zhou Zixuan opened her mouth to scold her little piglet again, but before she could get a word out, Shen Yining kissed her again—and whatever she meant to say disappeared from her mind. At that moment, there was nothing left but Shen Yining.

After a while, holding Zhou Zixuan close, Shen Yining gently kissed her forehead and asked in a soft voice, “Sister Xuan… should we form our soul bond tonight?”

Zhou Zixuan was so exhausted from all the kissing that she didn’t even have the strength to sit up. They were already married, and forming the bond was the natural next step. Her gaze, misty and full of emotion, met Shen Yining’s as she gave a small nod. “Let’s do it.”

Shen Yining’s eyes lit up instantly. Just as she was about to help Zhou Zixuan turn over, her cheek was suddenly pinched by Zhou Zixuan’s fingers.

Zhou Zixuan pinched her little piglet’s cheek a few more times, then gave her a serious warning. “You must not be so reckless again.”

“I understand. I promise I’ll be good,” the young Crown Princess replied, blinking innocently as she looked at Zhou Zixuan with an expression of pure sincerity.

But Zhou Zixuan was still filled with doubt. She didn’t quite believe her little piglet was as innocent as she looked. Reaching out again, she gave Shen Yining’s cheek another pinch and asked, “Your Highness… before we married, did you have any other kunze?”

“Of course not. You’re my first, Sister—and you’ll be the only one,” Shen Yining answered, moving closer with a slightly aggrieved look.

Zhou Zixuan heard her words and saw the wronged expression on her face. Her heart softened as she reached out to caress Shen Yining’s cheek. “I thought maybe you had someone before… otherwise, how are you so practiced?”

“I— I just didn’t want to hurt you. So I asked Cousin Xingyue for advice. She taught me a lot,” Shen Yining confessed, blurting everything out without hesitation. She had no guilt at all about selling out her cousin!

“I see,” Zhou Zixuan replied softly. “But you’re not allowed to learn anything strange, alright? You mustn’t pick up bad habits.”

“I won’t. I’ll only listen to you, Sister Xuan,” Shen Yining quickly promised with a smile.

Now that she knew her little piglet had no one else, Zhou Zixuan, though still shy, slowly turned over. Moving her hair aside, she lowered her voice and said, “You can begin.”

It was Shen Yining’s first time seeing a bonding mark. She released the scent of her own soul—fresh and green, like the fragrance of spring grass—and the entire room was soon filled with that gentle scent. Just as she was about to lean in and bite down, she remembered Cousin Xingyue’s advice.

Blushing, she reached out first and gently touched the soft skin of Zhou Zixuan’s nape. She even gave it a small, deliberate rub, causing Zhou Zixuan to nearly let out a quiet gasp.

Feeling that Shen Yining wasn’t planning to stop there, Zhou Zixuan held back her discomfort, her voice shaking slightly as she warned, “Don’t be reckless…”

“I’m not,” Shen Yining replied seriously, even as her hand misbehaved. “I just want it to be more comfortable for you when we bond.”

Her tone was honest and sincere, though her actions said otherwise.

While gently coaxing Zhou Zixuan, Shen Yining leaned in and kissed her. A moment later, the scent of orchids filled the room—the final sign of a successful soul bond. Shen Yining had bonded with Zhou Zixuan, and her heart couldn’t have been more full.

For a Yuan, there would only ever be one kunze to bond with in their lifetime. And now, she belonged to Sister Xuan.

“Are you tired, Sister? Do you want to rest for a bit? I can pour you some water,” Shen Yining offered considerately.

But Zhou Zixuan, having just turned over, shot her a look.

So much for pure and innocent. She had actually let herself believe the little pig was shy and sweet. But thinking back to how Shen Yining had acted during the bonding, Zhou Zixuan could only feel her face flush all over again.

“Don’t be mad, Sister. It didn’t hurt that much, right? See? That method worked.” Shen Yining explained it all with a straight face, as if she hadn’t just taken full advantage of the situation.

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