The two spent a passionate time together, and engaging in the act above water seemed to enhance the mood even more. Despite the grand size of the boat and the absence of servants, Qingge couldn’t shake the feeling that the colorful lanterns swayed with each movement.
Who would have imagined that Ning Wang, who was always composed and in control of every situation, would show such intense passion during intimate moments?
Qingge closed her eyes slightly, allowing her mind to go blank. She told herself not to think, to simply immerse herself and enjoy the moment.
Ning Wang, however, lowered his gaze to the woman in his arms. The fervor and intensity had left her delicate face flushed hot, a radiant red hue blooming across her soft, fair skin, with a fine sheen of sweat gradually seeping out.
Ordinarily, he valued cleanliness to an almost obsessive degree, tolerating no exceptions—not even for himself, as he bathed twice daily. Yet now, looking at his wife’s rosy cheeks and rolling beads of sweat, he found the sight unexpectedly endearing.
He leaned closer, and a faint fragrance greeted him as he brushed his firm nose lightly against her damp skin, which was softer than silken tofu.
Qingge felt his touch and, knowing his fastidious nature, softly suggested, “Your Highness, shall I bathe first?”
But Ning Wang refused, his voice low and hoarse as he murmured near her ear: “Once again.”
Qingge’s face grew hotter as she tried to deflect, “I’m tired.”
Ning Wang wrapped his strong hand around her slender waist. “So fragile? Then it seems you need more practice.”
Qingge didn’t want him to touch her body, but when she instinctively tried to pull away, he tightened his grip.
“If my Wangfei’s body is too weak,” he said, his hand slowly tracing her waist, “how will you manage the manor and bear me an heir?”
Qingge forced herself to relax, but Ning Wang still noticed her tension. He seemed slightly surprised. “Your body, however, is rather firm.”
Unlike the delicate build of many women, her waist, though slender, was layered with a taut, athletic firmness.
Qingge’s heart clenched upon hearing his casual comment. She knew this detail could easily expose her. Fortunately, while Ning Wang was sharp and perceptive, he mostly only interacted with men. Lacking prior experience, by all accounts, he wouldn’t know what a woman’s body should feel like.
So, calming her beating heart, Qingge feigned nonchalant as she explained, “Back in my natal family, we sisters often played cuju1 together. It’s a popular pastime among the womenfolks, so I naturally had to practice as well.”
Ning Wang nodded lightly. Then, as if enlightened, he leaned down toward her ear.
Qingge felt the heat radiating from her ear as his cool breath enveloped her. Then she heard his low, murmured words, and her face instantly flushed.
She bit her lip and responded vaguely, “Perhaps.”
Ning Wang chuckled softly, his laughter low and resonant, carrying a captivating quality. As his calloused thumb gently traced the smooth, toned lines of her body, his mind briefly returned to the intoxicating pleasure she had brought him just moments ago.
He was now very satisfied with this marriage. What had started as a reluctant union to cement an alliance had turned out to be an unexpected blessing: beauty, intellect, lineage—she had it all. Even their intimacy was perfectly harmonious.
Except for her, he had never been intimate with women. His mother consort had arranged many women to serve his physical needs before, but he had rejected them at a glance, finding them repellent.
Stroking her smooth skin again and again, he suddenly spoke up, “The Duzhong Royal male flower was specifically requested by Ye Min. It’s true they would be of use to him, so this prince couldn’t refuse. But you mind it so much, and this matter has indeed been handled poorly. I owed you an apology.”
Qingge was slightly surprised; she hadn’t expected Ning Wang to bring this matter up again. She vaguely sensed that while he might have mentioned it casually before to appease his Wangfei, this time, he might actually be sincere.
With Ning Wang’s prideful nature, even if he had been wrong, he would never normally lower himself to admit it. Furthermore, with him noticing the firmness of her physique earlier, if she were to continue harping on about the lost herb, it might incite not only his displeasure but also his suspicion.
“It was never truly about the object,” spoke she. “What use would I even have for such a rare herb? I was simply curious and wanted to have it, but when Steward Sun denied my request despite your promise, how could I not feel displeased?”
She looked up at Ning Wang, her voice soft and gentle. “I’m now married to Your Highness. At home, women obey one’s father, and after marriage, obey one’s husband. Naturally, I wish to assist Your Highness in making Yuning prosper together. To be treated in such a way right after my arrival hurt my pride, and that’s why I felt so upset. But since Your Highness has now condescended to address the matter, I promise to no longer dwell on it.”
“Don’t overthink it,” said Ning Wang. “You are the legitimate daughter of the Xiahou clan and a wife granted by imperial decree. This prince, of course, will hold you in high regard and give you your due respect as my Wangfei. From now on, not only will all matters of the inner yard be entrusted to you, but the revenues from my fiefs will also be handed over for you to oversee. You shall have the full authority.”
Hearing this, Qingge couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement. Ning Wang’s fiefs were numerous and the tax profits were high. Managing these incomes would be an extremely lucrative responsibility, giving her ample opportunities to act as she saw fit.
“Since Your Highness has spoken so, this consort has no further complaints. From now on, we shall work together as a husband and wife, supporting each other.”
Ning Wang watched Qingge as she spoke, her face tilted upward, her expression both docile and tender. The sharp elegance of his features softened further, radiating a warmth that was almost intoxicating. “Right, you are my wife, and I am your husband. As your husband, it is only natural that I treat you with respect.”
The melodious tone of his voice lingered in her ears, and Qingge had to admit it was so pleasant it made her ears tingle.
Then, in a deeper voice, she heard him adding, “Let’s do it once more, so my Wangfei can give me an heir sooner.”
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LOL insatiable
ahhhh my heart I just know they’re raising us high to devastate us with the drama of the reveal and I’m extremely excited and trepidatious
I kind of find this endearing