Chapter 019: Showing Gratitude

After learning the news, Mu Shengsheng quietly sighed. Poor Miss Su—she would have to remain a widow for Fu Er.

Tianshu explained, “His Highness has already promised her. She only needs to observe the three-year period of mourning at the Zhen Guo residence. If she wishes to remarry afterward, he will help find her a suitable match.”

Since Miss Su was willing, and Lan Xun had arranged everything properly, Mu Shengsheng had nothing more to say.

She had to properly thank Lan Xun for resolving such a huge problem for her. After this, she would no longer need to worry about being forcibly married off posthumously!

That evening, Lan Xun returned from the palace. He was still in the study, busy reviewing documents, when Mu Shengsheng brought him her calming tea once again.

The large study doors were wide open, seemingly waiting for something.

Carrying the tea, Mu Shengsheng entered the room. This time, she remembered to close the door tightly behind her. After all, what she was about to do was too embarrassing to be seen by anyone outside.

She placed the tea before Lan Xun.

“Your Highness, please have some tea.”

Lan Xun paused in his work, glancing at the tea and then at Mu Shengsheng. Suddenly, he asked, “You didn’t add anything to the tea for me, did you?” Otherwise, why did he always dream of disturbing things after drinking it?

Mu Shengsheng hurriedly shook her head. “Of course not. Shengsheng hasn’t lived enough yet—how could I dare harm the Regency Prince?”

Lan Xun was thirsty anyway, so he poured a cup and drank. The liquid soothed his throat a little.

The man did not intentionally look at her, but from a distance, her fragrance wafted faintly to him. It was different from before—a sweet, rose-like scent, pleasant beyond measure. Coupled with her new clothing, smooth hair, and glowing skin, Lan Xun immediately realized she had bathed.

When did she bathe—today or yesterday?

Images of her bathing seemed to flash before his eyes, stirring his imagination.

He immediately held his breath, unwilling to inhale the intoxicating fragrance any further.

He asked, “Did you come to see me for something?”

Mu Shengsheng walked along the edge of the desk, step by step, until she reached Lan Xun, and then, as if by habit, sat lightly in his lap.

Lan Xun had wondered why Mu Shengsheng always needed to be in his arms whenever she saw him—so clingy. But her body was weak, and she easily tired standing, so wanting to sit or lean against him seemed understandable.

The contrast between the tall, broad-shouldered man, like a mighty eagle, and the petite, delicate girl resting in his arms was striking. Her pale fingers brushed his handsome features as she spoke in a soft, melodious voice:

“Your Highness has helped Shengsheng so much. I no longer need to worry about a posthumous marriage. I don’t even know how to properly thank you.”

“What could you do to thank me?” The man remained composed, sitting still, no longer avoiding her. It almost seemed as if he were awaiting his due reward.

“Well…”

Without hesitation, Mu Shengsheng lifted herself slightly, cupped his face, and kissed him on the lips.

The clash of heat and cold mingled instantly.

Her lips, cold like spring snow, gradually melted against his. She was eager, like a newborn seeking nourishment—clumsy yet passionate.

Sure enough, a single kiss allowed Mu Shengsheng to feel a rush of energy coursing through her body, and her life was extended by five days.

She had already realized roughly how it worked: hugging Lan Xun once prevented the day’s life from being deducted, and a single kiss added five days. If she kissed him three times, that would accumulate to half a month of life.

Having achieved her goal, she withdrew with a small, secretive delight.

Her chest heaved, cheeks flushed with satisfaction, and she shyly smiled: “How is that?”

She truly should thank Lan Xun properly—without him, she wouldn’t have survived this long.

The sweet, soft sensation lingered on her lips, spreading through her body, and before Lan Xun could savor it, Mu Shengsheng once again turned away, leaving him wanting.

It felt like a thousand ants gnawed at his insides. No matter how much he reminded himself to stay rational, he couldn’t calm himself.

His beastly eyes lingered on her cherry lips, and in a deep, hoarse voice, he said with authority:

“Mu Shengsheng, you’re playing with fire. Do you believe that I could take you right now…”

In truth, Mu Shengsheng had wondered: if hugging Lan Xun could extend a day of life, and a kiss five days, how many days could more intimate acts grant?

She had accidentally seen a painting once—a misunderstanding with a book Zisu bought—and had some vague knowledge. Just imagining it made her blush, and given her weak body, she could never endure it.

She quickly shook her head, dismissing the thought. Feeling the man’s predatory gaze, she drew her shoulders back—trying to avoid him, yet a hint of temptation lingered.

She lowered her head, shyly saying, “I am after all the legitimate daughter of the Marquis’s household. I know propriety and modesty. I cannot engage in illicit acts. Besides, even if I wanted to serve Your Highness, you know my condition. My body could not bear it…”

Lan Xun lowered his head, the scent of her hair filling his nose. She leaned softly against him, fully clothed, yet as if nothing separated them. He could almost imagine her body beneath the fabric, just like in the dream.

Hot sweat rose on his neck, veins bulging. His patience was at its limit, ready to explode at any moment.

He raised his hand, exerting as much self-control as he could, only to adjust her slipping sleeve, covering her fair skin.

Then, with his fingertip, he lifted her small chin, making her meet his gaze. In a hoarse, commanding voice, he said:

“Now that you know your own condition, do not tempt me again. Or you will die on my bed…”

“…”