Chapter 75

Sang Yao placed the tray of pastries on Xie Yun’s desk. There were only six delicate pieces on it, showing that some thought had been put into the making and arrangement of the pastries.

Although Sang Yao’s family was not as wealthy as the Xie family, she had been a young lady for more than ten years and had never touched the kitchen. She couldn’t tell how the horseshoe cakes were made, but she could tell that they looked delicious.

Xie Yun glanced at the pastries and then at the unhappy face of the young girl. His eyes were playful as he said, “We’ll throw them away later.”

Sang Yao glanced at the horseshoe cakes. She could still smell a faint fragrance. It was a bit of a pity to throw them away. She said, “Forget it, let’s keep them.”

She thought for a moment and felt indignant. She said to Xie Yun, “I just saw her pulling down her neckline outside.”

She had only been married for a few days, and someone could behave like this when Xie Yun was married. What would it have been like when he was single? He must have seen a lot.

She looked at Xie Yun’s handsome face and thought to herself that this man looked aloof, but behind her back, he licked her peanuts every day, very indecently. Could that maid be trying to cater to his tastes?

Sang Yao shivered at the thought, feeling very uncomfortable.

Xie Yun’s hand was still on his cheek, and his gaze was fixed on the girl’s face as he said, “What’s wrong, are you angry?”

Sang Yao quickly said, “Who’s angry?”

She looked at Xie Yun and asked suspiciously, “Have you… experienced a lot before?”

Xie Yun had indeed experienced being deliberately seduced before, but after a rather cruel incident a few years ago, no one in the mansion dared to do such things to him again.

He was often busy outside, and his entourage knew his temperament. They rarely did things that would clearly offend him, except for that incident in March.

Even if they kept the pastries, they would have to throw them away this afternoon. Usually, when he was in the study, the maidservant would guard outside, and ordinary people couldn’t come in. Even if the maidservant wasn’t there, that person wouldn’t dare to intrude. He didn’t like to be disturbed, and even if she had asked, he wouldn’t have let her in.

So even if Sang Yao hadn’t come just now, it wouldn’t have affected anything.

Xie Yun seemed to ponder for a moment, then truthfully replied to Sang Yao, “Not much, just once in March.”

March?

Sang Yao thought about March. At that time, she hadn’t been familiar with Xie Yun, and they hadn’t even talked much. She pouted, then sighed softly, “What about her… that thing with you?”

Xie Yun recalled, “I had an important matter to discuss, so she dressed up and pretended to bring tea, moving slowly and provocatively, trying all sorts of ways to get close to me, which was very annoying.”

He added, “She even deliberately used a heavily scented fragrance, which got all over me.”

Sang Yao: “…”

How could he remember it so clearly? Sang Yao bit her lip and didn’t speak for a long time. She even felt that the tray of horseshoe cakes in front of her didn’t smell so good anymore.

But in fact, it wasn’t a big deal.

Xie Yun remembering or not didn’t matter to Sang Yao. She had already married into the family, coerced by him anyway. She didn’t care about his past.

If he went back on his word after resolving the matter with Rong Yan, she would divorce him. Let him lose face then.

After a while, Sang Yao, after struggling with herself, asked nonchalantly, “And then?”

Xie Yun didn’t know that in these short moments, the little beauty in his arms had already thought about divorcing him. He said lightly, “And then we got married.”

Sang Yao was stunned for a moment, then looked at the man’s face.

It took her a while to understand this in her mind. Her long, dark lashes blinked, and then her snow-white face flushed pink.

He hadn’t said much, but even after getting married, this man still had a cold demeanor. Sang Yao had told him from the beginning that she wanted him to be gentle, but even now, he was rarely gentle.

But sometimes, when he was a little softer, Sang Yao felt like her heart was going to jump out of her chest. She pointed at him, embarrassed, and said, “Who… who seduced you?”

She remembered how scared she had been at the time, afraid that she would spill the tea badly and be resented by him. She never expected him to have such thoughts.

“Besides, I didn’t use any perfume, and I didn’t even come near you. How could I get you all over me?”

Xie Yun looked unwilling to argue about this issue. He let Sang Yao sit in his lap, his hand gently pressing on her hip, and said lightly, “Miss Sang, please rest assured, I’m not interested in anyone but you.” He thought for a moment, then added, “If you’re willing, I don’t mind if you adjust your neckline in front of me.”

“So please stop being jealous for no reason.”

Sang Yao didn’t say anything for a long time, but she wanted to. She wasn’t jealous. But she felt it was hard to win an argument with him, so she let it go.

She looked at the small cake and felt that it wasn’t so annoying anymore. She said, “It’s just a maid who came to bring you cakes. I don’t mind.”

“I can do it too.”

“That day, that little cake, I really can make it.”

Xie Yun knew that Sang Yao was very skilled. She embroidered things that were always more delicate than others’, even the little rabbit on his desk was folded more beautifully than others’.

Her hands were also very tender, and her reactions were quick. Whatever he taught her, she learned it right away. She was very talented.

So when Sang Yao said she could do it, Xie Yun didn’t doubt it at all. He just said, “I know.”

But Sang Yao felt that Xie Yun definitely didn’t believe her. She said, “Don’t doubt it. I’ll show you tonight.”

After saying that, Sang Yao rescued her butt from Xie Yun’s hands and stood up, saying to him, “Let’s go, it’s time for dinner.”

★

Xie Yun thought Sang Yao was just saying it casually, but he didn’t expect her to really go to the kitchen at night. At that time, Xie Yun had just finished talking with Xie Yan and was about to go back to his room when Sang Yao appeared in front of him.

Her sleeves were rolled up slightly, and there was a little flour on her snow-white arms. She stood not far away, waving to him, saying, “Xie Yun, come over here.”

Jinglian stood behind Xie Yun. After resting for a few days, he was refreshed and patient with Xie Yun.

“This afternoon, I helped Xie Yun deal with a new maid. He really enjoys doing this kind of thing. It’s proof of the love their master and mistress have for each other. They are a perfect match, and he doesn’t allow anyone to try to break them apart!

Seeing this, Jinglian naturally suggested, ‘Young Master, I will take my leave so as not to disturb you and the mistress.’ Xie Yun ignored him, which usually meant he agreed in such situations.

But just as he was about to leave, Sang Yao smiled and said to him, ‘Jinglian, you should stay too.’

Miss Sang’s smile is truly beautiful, he thought happily.

But Xie Yun didn’t look too pleased. Jinglian felt a bit scared and followed behind Xie Yun, quietly explaining, ‘Young Master, I… can’t refuse the mistress, can I?’

‘Is it that hard to keep quiet?’ Xie Yun said coldly.

Jinglian fell silent.

The small kitchen was a bit messy, with maids helping Sang Yao tidy up. There was a plate on the table… They couldn’t tell what it was. Xie Yun and Jinglian both frowned as their gazes fell on it.

Sang Yao said, ‘That’s a failed product. I plan to throw it away later.’

She pointed to the steamer in front of her and said, ‘This time it will definitely work.’

Jinglian was overjoyed. He could finally flatter her openly. ‘Madam, what are you doing? I could smell the fragrance from outside just now.’

He pointed at the failed product on the table and said, ‘Madam is truly amazing, even the failed ones smell so good.’

Sang Yao felt embarrassed. ‘It’s not that great. It looks so ugly, I can’t bear to look at it.’ Jinglian quickly chimed in, showing how quick-witted he was. ‘But the master was just praising you for doing so well.’ He was really clever!

Sang Yao turned to Xie Yun, looking surprised, and said, ‘Really?’

Xie Yun, who had been silent, replied, ‘…Yes.’

Sang Yao ran over and sat across from Xie Yun, looking at the ugly dish with anticipation. She whispered, ‘If you want to try this, I won’t stop you.’ ‘Jinglian, you should try it too.'”

Xie Yun couldn’t find words to describe how ugly the dish looked.

He usually had a simple diet and wasn’t fond of pastries. Everything served to him was very delicate. This was the first time he had seen glutinous rice steamed into such an ugly appearance.

Under Sang Yao’s delighted gaze, Xie Yun hesitated for a long time, then raised his hand to pick it up. Because it contained a lot of water, it collapsed as he lifted it.

He took a bite.

Xie Yun’s face usually didn’t show much emotion. Seeing this, Jinglian also happily squeezed a piece. Since the mistress made it, he had to try it. He took a big bite.

After a moment, he stopped chewing. It’s hard to describe exactly—it had no glutinous rice flavor, nor any other taste, just a bit sour from the water inside.

In short, it was truly a failed product.

At that moment, Sang Yao exclaimed and turned to the stove behind Xie Yun.

Jinglian wanted to vomit. He looked at Xie Yun, who slowly finished the whole piece without any sign of resistance. Desperate, he looked at the half piece in his hand, and to avoid being punished, he reluctantly put it in his mouth.

Indeed, ugly in appearance, and not great in taste either. In short, it was a pastry that was the same inside and out.

At this moment, Sang Yao had already come over with a plate of much better-looking pastries, placing it in front of Xie Yun with a smile, saying, “This one must be delicious!”

He took another piece, briefly commenting, “Delicious.”

Sang Yao was very satisfied. She pointed to the failed product beside her, saying, “I steamed this one for too long, it’s not very tasty.” Jinglian thought, indeed. His shadow this month was all on this pastry.

However, Xie Yun said, “It’s not bad, actually.”

Jinglian silently pursed his lips, watching his master who never joked or gave face to anyone.

Xie Yun generously praised, “You’re very talented.”

★

Night fell, and when Sang Yao returned from Madame Xie’s place, Xie Yun was already half-lying on the bed after bathing. He was flipping through a yellowed ancient book, looking serious, occasionally frowning in thought.

Xie Yun was indeed a very self-disciplined person. After dealing with official documents, he could still find time to read and cultivate himself. This time, even when she came back, he didn’t embrace her as usual. Sang Yao had been a bit tired these days. Although she hadn’t learned anything new at night, she had been reviewing previous content.

In just five or six days, her face had become much thicker. She took the lead to bathe in the warm room. Coming out, she felt the candlelight in the room was dim and considerately asked, “Should we light another lamp?”

Xie Yun’s gaze moved from the book and looked at Sang Yao. She was wearing a white satin nightgown, her black hair hanging loose. The fabric was thin and it was obvious she wasn’t wearing anything underneath.

It was his request.

But not entirely. The weather in late August was hot and humid, especially at night, the room, even with the door opened, was still somewhat stuffy. She used to wear a thick undershirt at night to avoid sweating too much.

At first, when he didn’t allow her to wear it, she scolded him. Now, it was only two days later, and she could come out without him asking her to undress.

Although she still seemed a bit restrained.

In fact, Xie Yun was not a very patient person when it came to Sang Yao. From their wedding night until now, it had only been six nights. But it felt like a long time to him.

Xie Yun put the book aside and waved to her, “Come here.”

Sang Yao obediently walked over and skillfully kneeled on the bed, embracing him gently. She lightly brushed against him, offering a suggestion, “Next time, when it’s time for your meal, come back by yourself. Don’t wait for me to find you.”

Xie Yun just responded with a “Okay.”

As they spoke, Xie Yun handed her the book he had been reading and said, “The book you brought looks interesting.”

Sang Yao was startled, looking down at the book. The pages were open and it was still on the page Xie Yun had just read, with a sudden colorful illustration catching her eye.

She was different now from six days ago. Her small face wrinkled slightly, and she quickly covered it, panicking, “You, you, you were just reading this?”

It was the “secret book” her sister gave her, rumored to be able to control men. Xie Yun’s front was slightly open, revealing his smoothly contoured clavicle. He shamelessly said, “It was very enlightening.”

He pulled Sang Yao closer again, leisurely untying the strap at her side, then said, “Don’t be shy.”

Xie Yun held her waist and whispered in her ear, “Miss Sang, tonight we’ll practice a new lesson.”

He gently kissed the side of Sang Yao’s face, then, without waiting for her to speak, he held her chin and kissed her.

Sang Yao responded while feeling flustered. In the past few days, she had actually practiced many things with Xie Yun that she had never dared to think of before. She felt that her hands and mouth had already reached the limit of intimacy.

Yesterday, and the day before yesterday, she had almost been completely honest with him. It was the same method, but each time she kept the core of the original method while innovating in other aspects.

She felt that there was nothing new anymore.

The new content Xie Yun mentioned now only had one meaning left. That was the ultimate goal of their practice until now.

But Sang Yao wasn’t prepared for it yet.

It’s not that she couldn’t accept it, it just came as a bit of a shock. And she was a bit afraid it would hurt.

In her panic, she had already been stripped naked.

On another note, the reason she could calmly listen to Xie Yun and not wear an undershirt was actually because she found that wearing one seemed to serve no purpose.

Within a few breaths, Sang Yao’s hands could no longer embrace Xie Yun’s shoulders. With experience, she now understood very well what Xie Yun intended to do.

But she still blushed uncontrollably, feeling very uncomfortable. She couldn’t move, Xie Yun’s strength was too strong, she couldn’t resist. In her panic, Sang Yao could only look elsewhere to distract herself. She saw a little rabbit on the bedside table. It was the one she gave to Xie Yun that day.

Today she saw it in the study as well, placed conspicuously on the desk. At that time, she felt a little happy for some reason. Actually, she didn’t know why she felt happy, just like why she felt angry when she saw the maid today.

It was very strange. She had only spent six short days getting used to Xie Yun’s extremely intimate touches, and she could even openly expose her body in front of him.

She had never imagined it before.

For a long time, she had felt that she must get married, no matter to whom, it was a disaster she had to go through. But when Xie Yun mentioned it to her, she didn’t feel it was a disaster.

The further down he went, the more nervous Sang Yao became. She blurted out, “Is the new… practice… round…?”

Xie Yun said, “No.”

He reassured her, “But if you can’t accept it later, we can try again tomorrow.”

Sang Yao felt that there was nothing she couldn’t accept. She was no longer the innocent Sang Yao. There were also things in her mind that were not suitable for others to see.

She became more and more flustered, her gaze returning to the little rabbit, and then she stuttered, “Do you… like it? I can teach you how to fold it, I’m very good at folding this.”

Xie Yun’s hand touched her, and Sang Yao shivered all over, feeling like crying again.

She looked at the little rabbit, trying to distract herself, and said incoherently, “My… my brother Yang taught me when I was young…” Her voice trailed off.

Sang Yao suddenly realized she had said something she shouldn’t have. She quickly changed the subject, “I can fold many small animals, I learned from the nanny…”

But Xie Yun had stopped moving. He stared at her intently, his gaze dangerous. “What did you say?”

He still didn’t let go of her leg. Sang Yao was already nervous, and now she was even more so. She avoided his gaze and said, “I didn’t say anything…”

“I’m just talking nonsense.”

She really couldn’t understand why Xie Yun was so concerned about Yang Wenchuan. She could swear by the heavens and the earth that she had no other thoughts about Yang Wenchuan. They hadn’t even exchanged a few words.

Even when they were children, she was not yet seven years old, let alone remembering things, she couldn’t even remember Yang Wenchuan’s face. She just folded paper rabbits when she was bored, because she learned it early, so she was skilled at it. She could fold little butterflies, little snakes, but it had nothing to do with Yang Wenchuan. But Xie Yun just couldn’t stand her mentioning Yang Wenchuan.

Xie Yun really couldn’t stand it. He used to think Yang Wenchuan was very annoying.

And now, he found Yang Wenchuan even more annoying.

Xie Yun’s face darkened. Since Sang Yao gave him the little rabbit a few days ago, if he went to the study, he would take it with him to the study. When he returned to the bedroom, he worried about who would steal the little rabbit and bring it back, then take it back the next day.

After carrying it back and forth for several days, this thing

was actually taught by Yang Wenchuan?

He looked at the naked girl in front of him, who was stumbling to explain, and silently even had the idea of using public affairs to drive Yang Wenchuan back to Jiangnan. Xie Yun sat up, let her go, and just as Sang Yao was stunned, Xie Yun took the grass rabbit from the small table. Sang Yao still had mist in her eyes. She asked, “What are you doing?”

Xie Yun said, “Take it.”

Sang Yao obediently took it, and then looked at Xie Yun pitifully. Xie Yun held her again, and Sang Yao, holding the little rabbit, was very at a loss.

Xie Yun’s voice came from below, “Unwrap it and fold something else.”

Sang Yao didn’t want to do this at this moment, but immediately, she involuntarily gasped, her arms trembling slightly, and tears flowed even more intensely.

“Gently… be gentle, I’ll fold it, I’ll fold…”

Just now, Xie Yun hadn’t started well, but now that he had started, even speaking was torment for Sang Yao, let alone folding something.

But Xie Yun insisted on forcing her.

Sang Yao leaned against the bedding, crying and trembling as she tried to unfold the little rabbit. Several pieces of grass fell off midway.

Finally, to express her dissatisfaction, in this harsh environment, Sang Yao trembled with difficulty and folded a snake, the one she disliked the most, crookedly and twistedly.

Fifteen minutes later, Sang Yao lay on the bed with tears in her eyes, next to her arm was a grass-woven snake.

Xie Yun did not go to rinse his mouth but lifted the little snake gently and placed it on the small table, then embraced Sang Yao to kiss her.

Sang Yao wanted to avoid it, but she had no strength.

After a moment, she realized something.

Sang Yao took the initiative to whisper, “Let me touch you, don’t be angry.”

But Xie Yun was still unhappy. He said, “We’re not playing this tonight.”

Almost forgot, there was still the wedding night.

Just as Sang Yao began to mentally prepare herself, Xie Yun embraced her, his hands covering a place he liked very much, and then he said two words unmistakably in her ear.