Chapter 85: Tease

Han Shuwei was rather displeased at being interrupted, but as she heard Xue Huaiyu repeat the question, she was taken aback. Xue Ao had sent Liu Chuyan a lavish gift?

Oh, that’s right—Second Master Xue had confessed to her in public, vowing never to marry anyone but her. Yet, for a man so arrogant and proud to fall for her cousin... Han Shuwei pursed her lips, turned to gaze intently at Liu Chuyan, and fell silent.

But with her cousin’s unparalleled grace and beauty, it was no wonder Second Master Xue had been captivated. Now that she was also a General’s adopted daughter, her status was extraordinary. Even those in Jinling who once looked down on her now sought her favor. For this, Han Shuwei was genuinely happy for Liu Chuyan.

As for herself, she could not see her own future clearly. As for Xue Tan, there was no use thinking of him—he would always remain in her heart, unreachable. As for others, she wondered if her father had anyone in mind. Since the day she sneaked off to the Xue household and was scolded, her father had become stricter than ever, shutting her indoors to study all manner of things. If not for Liu Chuyan’s coming-of-age banquet today, she wouldn’t even have been allowed out.

Even with her dullness, she sensed her father’s unusual intentions. All the etiquette she was learning followed the court’s standards—hardly anything a regular girl would need. Her father clearly intended to send her into the palace. Yet, given the current emperor’s ways, her father would not make such a move lightly. The only possibility... Linking this with how Prince Xin had visited their home recently, speaking cordially with her father and treating her with particular respect, she was even more convinced of her suspicions.

She had always thought Prince Xin to be just twelve or thirteen, never realizing he was actually a year older than she. Yet on the surface, she was nearly an adult while he still seemed a child. And that temperament of his—she could hardly bear it, nor would he ever take a liking to her. The thought of being paired with him, in love? She’d sooner die.

Dwelling on this, Han Shuwei let out a silent sigh.

Xue Huaiyu, seeing the despondency in her eyes and thinking she was upset at having been cut off, immediately clung to her arm. “Sister Shuwei, I got so caught up teasing Sister Chuyan, I didn’t think of you. I didn’t do it on purpose, don’t be upset with me, alright?”

Han Shuwei would never reveal her true feelings before Xue Huaiyu, nor could she speak of them before Liu Chuyan. She hadn’t even shared her thoughts with her own sister. So she simply pressed her lips into a faint smile.

Liu Chuyan guessed that Han Shuwei’s silence was not due to being overlooked by Xue Huaiyu. She was not one for petty grievances. Sensing something amiss and feeling they hadn’t spoken heart-to-heart in some time, Liu Chuyan wanted to ask her, but with the Xue sisters present, it wasn’t convenient. Glancing at Han Shujing, she noticed the same look of confusion—clearly, she too had no idea why her sister was troubled. Most likely, both had resolved to wait until after the banquet to speak.

Realizing her mood was casting a pall over the table, Han Shuwei quickly forced a smile and teased Liu Chuyan, “Cousin, what grand gift did Second Master Xue give you?”

Liu Chuyan did not shy from mentioning her connection with Xue Ao, yet she had no wish to make it public, especially since nothing was settled. Even among close friends, she preferred to wait until things were certain. She shook her head, “He didn’t give me anything. Don’t make such a fuss.”

“Impossible!” Xue Huaiyu pouted. “My second brother has been out all day these past few days. I asked Qin Yan and Qin Su if he was preparing your birthday present. They wouldn’t admit it, but their grins said it all—they’ve already tacitly agreed.”

In truth, Liu Chuyan had not received any grand gift from Xue Ao. She hadn’t even seen a shadow of him or any of his servants. Shaking her head, she jabbed Han Shujing’s arm, “Cousin, where’s your gift?”

Han Shujing knew she was helping her out of a tight spot and smiled sweetly, signaling the maid to present her gift, then nudged Han Shuwei, “Shuwei, hurry and give yours too, or our Xue cousins will outdo you.”

Han Shuwei, after much thought, hadn’t been able to come up with anything special, so she’d embroidered a set of pillowcases, a quilt cover, and a bedsheet with mandarin ducks frolicking in water for Liu Chuyan. Her needlework was far from expert, and she was genuinely afraid of being outshone by the Xue sisters, especially since she was Liu Chuyan’s blood cousin. She handed her gift over with some embarrassment and anxiety, “Cousin, I hope you won’t mind my humble offering.”

“How could I mind?” Liu Chuyan couldn’t help but laugh, lightly brushing her nose. She was about to have the maid put it away, but, fearing Xue Huaiyu would bring up Xue Ao again, she ordered all the Han sisters’ gifts to be brought out for the Xue sisters to see, diverting their attention.

Xue Huaiyu, still young and lively, saw that while the Han sisters’ gifts weren’t the most exquisite, their thoughtfulness was unmatched. She quickly had her maid bring forth her own gift, waiting eagerly for Liu Chuyan’s praise. Lin Jinghuan, who had been sitting quietly all the while, took the opportunity to present her gift as well.

Liu Chuyan accepted all their gifts, offering praise and thanks to each. Thus, the afternoon passed with tea and pastries, laughter and conversation.

By evening, the Han and Xue sisters had taken their leave. Liu Chuyan still saw no sign of a gift from Xue Ao and felt a twinge of disappointment. She touched a red-wrapped bundle on the table. That scoundrel! She’d not give him a present either, humph.

Even after supper, Xue Ao did not appear. Liu Chuyan grew worried. With his temperament, he would never forget her coming-of-age ceremony, and besides, Madam Xue had visited earlier. Could something have happened to him?

“Miss, what’s wrong? It’s your birthday today, yet you don’t seem happy,” Songling and Qinghe entered with food boxes, seeing her seated gloomily at her dressing table. Knowing she was troubled over Xue Ao, they tried to comfort her, “If something’s bothering you, tell us. We’re all here for you.”

Originally from the Han household, Songling and the others had their indentures held by Old Madam Han, so they used to call Liu Chuyan “Cousin Miss.” To mark Liu Chuyan’s coming-of-age, Old Madam Han had gifted her their indentures, effectively giving these girls to her. Thinking fondly of their loyalty, Liu Chuyan returned the indentures to them.

Naturally, Songling and the others were reluctant to leave her. Going home meant living in poverty, while staying with her meant good food, clothing, and shelter—and she never mistreated them. So, they gave the indentures back to her, choosing to remain in her service, though now addressing her as their mistress, since she was no longer a mere guest at the Han household but their true master.

Liu Chuyan had wanted to insist on their freedom, but knowing their families were poor and would certainly sell them elsewhere if they learned the indentures were destroyed, she yielded. Their bond thus deepened, and their words and actions grew more unrestrained.

“I don’t want to eat,” Liu Chuyan muttered, listless and unwilling, waving them away.

Songling smiled, motioned for Qinghe and the others to leave, then coaxed Liu Chuyan to the table and opened the boxes. “Miss, do you really not want to eat?”

“No...” Liu Chuyan began, but stopped short as she caught sight of the dishes. “West Lake vinegar fish, crispy fried bean curd skin, Dongpo pork, Longjing shrimp, cat’s ear noodles, vegetarian roast goose with glutinous rice, treasure crab, honey-glazed fire square...” She was overjoyed—these were all the famed delicacies of Hangzhou. So many dishes, no wonder they came in boxes and required several people to carry them in. “There’s no such authentic Hangzhou cuisine in Jinling, nor in the General’s Mansion. Where did these come from?”

“Miss, can’t you guess?” Songling’s eyes twinkled mischievously.

Liu Chuyan was stunned for a moment, then realization dawned. Was it him? But with so many dishes, how could she finish them all? If she didn’t, it would be wasteful. Yet, she couldn’t bear to call anyone else to share them—these were from Xue Ao, after all, and it couldn’t have been easy to gather so many specialties.

“There’s so much... how can I finish it?”

Seeing her frown and fret, Songling grinned, and while Liu Chuyan was distracted, slipped out quietly.

“If you can’t finish, am I not here to help?” Just as Liu Chuyan was caught in her dilemma, a voice startled her out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Xue Ao himself, and was both embarrassed and annoyed. “How dare you barge into my room again?”

Xue Ao ignored her protests and seated himself across from her, studying her lovely face. His girl was truly growing more beautiful by the day.

Her delicate features were finer than any porcelain doll, her skin fair and luminous. Her hair, swept up and trailing down her neck, revealed its graceful curve. The pale green embroidered dress she wore was crafted from layers of the finest gauze; even the slightest movement made her seem ethereal, like some celestial being. Her makeup was light, as befitted a coming-of-age ceremony, but the flush upon her snowy cheeks only enhanced her pure and captivating charm. She was his fairy maiden.

“What are you staring at...” Liu Chuyan, flustered by the way he gazed at her, lowered her head in embarrassment, but then glanced up, showing her displeasure at his boldness.

That bashful look, her eyes lifting beneath lowered lashes—she was heartbreakingly lovely. Xue Ao’s blood blazed with the urge to pull her into his very bones. To have her, to consume her, to make her his own.

“Xue—” She barely got the word out before he swept her into his arms, his grip tight around her waist, his hand cradling her head as his face dove toward hers.

He was kissing her again... Sparks shot through Liu Chuyan’s mind as she instinctively parted her lips, and he immediately took full possession. He had kissed her before, at the Han mansion, and she had once kissed him of her own accord at the Xue residence. But now, it seemed all the passion he’d held back was unleashed at once.

“Chuchu, close your eyes,” Xue Ao murmured, his right hand tracing up from her waist to her back, his tongue tangling with hers, his voice muffled and thick with desire—a plea and a command at once.

Liu Chuyan hesitated for a heartbeat, but as his arm tightened around her waist, pressing her close, she quickly obeyed and closed her eyes.

He was domineering—the way his tongue ravaged her mouth, drinking her in again and again, insatiable. Under his relentless assault, she grew weak, and if she hadn’t been sitting, she might have collapsed to the floor.

And yet, this overwhelming joy and delight was intoxicating. She loved this feeling. So she lifted her own soft tongue, exploring his mouth where he left space, tasting him, leaving sparks wherever she touched.

Xue Ao opened his eyes a fraction, catching a glimpse of her trembling lashes, her face flushed with shyness and uncertainty. Was his Chuchu daring to tease him?

Such a gesture was nothing short of inviting fire to consume her.