Chapter 34: Dinner in the Peony Garden

As dusk fell, the Peony Garden was illuminated by the evening glow, adding a touch of tranquility and beauty.

Shen Yuling had long been seated in the peony pavilion.

After Feng Moheng returned to the residence, she sent someone to invite him to dinner.

Once Feng Moheng happily agreed, she instructed the kitchen to bring out the Northwestern delicacies she had specially prepared for him.

However, her invitation to Feng Moheng was also to prevent Quan Minghe from knowing and going into a rage.

Shen Yuling had already devised a plan, even preparing her explanation.

She would say that Feng Moheng wanted to have dinner with Liu Jingyi privately.

She was just helping to cover for him, as Liu Jingyi happened to be in the Peony Garden as well.

Thinking this way, Shen Yuling relaxed a bit.

She pondered over her plan, occasionally smiling as she gazed at the evening scenery of the Peony Garden.

Surrounding the pavilion were lush flowers and plants, creating a natural green barrier around it.

Not far outside the pavilion, there was a peach tree.

At this time, the peach blossoms were in full bloom, with soft pink petals hanging from the branches. As the gentle breeze blew, the petals danced lightly, truly a breathtaking sight.

Feeling the gaze on her from behind, Shen Yuling’s smile became more pronounced, carrying a hint of deep meaning.

Before long, she saw Feng Moheng striding in.

Shen Yuling hurriedly stood up to greet him.

Her small hand naturally reached out.

Feng Moheng also skillfully took her hand.

The action was smooth and natural, as if they had performed such intimate gestures countless times.

“Husband, today I had all the servants in the Peony Garden sent away, even my personal maid is not by my side.”

“So… only I will serve you dinner today.”

Shen Yuling said playfully, detailing her arrangements.

Feng Moheng held her hand and sat down with her.

“Just to my liking.”

Shen Yuling smiled as she introduced the dishes prepared for dinner.

“These dishes are from the Northwest and the Western Regions. Although they may not be as exquisite as the cuisine in Qianjing, they have their own unique flavors. Husband, do give them a try.”

Feng Moheng nodded with a smile.

“Good, I missed the food from Yuling’s hometown last time; I must savor it properly today.”

The two enjoyed their meal harmoniously.

As for Liu Jingyi, from the moment Feng Moheng stepped into the Peony Garden and entered the pavilion, she watched them through the window of the Peony Pavilion.

Feng Moheng wore an extremely gentle smile as he naturally took Shen Yuling’s hand.

Liu Jingyi felt as if she had been struck by lightning.

Her eyes were filled with malice as she bit her teeth in anger.

So, Feng Moheng had been deceiving her all along!

The way they looked at each other, perhaps they had already developed feelings for each other.

But Feng Moheng still said he only loved her in front of her.

Liu Jingyi’s gaze fixated on the two, who were seated closely together.

Shen Yuling animatedly shared stories from the Northwest with Feng Moheng.

Occasionally, they would drink from the same cup.

Feng Moheng would also tease Shen Yuling playfully from time to time.

This made Shen Yuling blush, and she unconsciously leaned into Feng Moheng’s embrace.

Liu Jingyi couldn’t hear exactly what they were saying.

But the sounds of laughter and their sweet interactions were already enough to fill her with resentment!

Why?

What had she done wrong?

Had Feng Moheng fallen for Shen Yuling on their wedding night?

Or was it because of the assassination attempt on the cliff, where Shen Yuling saved him, that changed his view of her?

Or perhaps…

Was there an inherent attraction between the male and female leads?

Liu Jingyi’s mind was swirling with countless questions.

But now, she could only suppress herself.

If it were modern times, she would have rushed up and beaten the couple.

But now?

They were the legitimate married couple, while she was merely a concubine deceived by the man.

No, it wasn’t deception.

She had seduced the male lead and voluntarily became his concubine!

Shen Yuling and Feng Moheng had nearly finished their dinner.

She picked up a handkerchief and leaned forward.

With care, she wiped the corner of Feng Moheng’s mouth.

At this moment, their faces were so close that they could almost feel each other’s warmth, Shen Yuling’s breath lightly brushing against Feng Moheng’s face.

The warm breath subtly teased his heartstrings.

Feng Moheng stared at her quietly.

His gaze was deep and fervent.

Shen Yuling raised her eyes and noticed the intensity of his gaze.

She couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes.

“Why do you like staring at me so much, Husband?”

Feng Moheng did not respond immediately.

He reached out an arm and wrapped it around her waist.

With a slight force, he pulled her onto his lap.

The intimate position made Shen Yuling’s cheeks flush slightly.

Feng Moheng pressed his lips together.

In a low, rich voice, he said, “After looking for a long time, I find it hard to look away.”

Shen Yuling was pleased with her appearance, and upon hearing this, she proudly lifted her chin.

Then, she leaned closer to Feng Moheng, an air of mystery surrounding her.

“Before I married you, I had a wish. Can you guess what it is, Husband?”

“Oh? What is it?”

“I wished for my beloved to be handsome, with starry eyes and sword-like brows, and a face as beautiful as jade that would evoke pity.”

Shen Yuling’s eyes sparkled with longing, as if she had become the girl filled with beautiful hopes beneath the tree of fate.

“When I saw you on our wedding night, I knew that the gods must have taken pity on me, this little girl who traveled thousands of miles to Qianjing, and thus fulfilled my wish.”

Shen Yuling smiled sweetly, her eyes full of bliss.

Feng Moheng was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled lightly.

The laughter echoed in the pavilion, carrying a note of joy.

He lowered his head, mischief dancing in his eyes.

He teased, “No wonder my wife was so affectionate that night, hugging and flirting with me.”

Shen Yuling shot him a glare, playfully hitting his chest.

“Don’t say that!”

Feng Moheng leaned in close to her.

At this moment, he could clearly see her translucent skin.

Her lips were a delicate pink, her nose elegant, and the faint red at the corners of her eyes was enchanting.

She was simply too beautiful.

Feng Moheng’s heart raced uncontrollably.

In a moment of impulse, he slowly closed the distance between them.

Lowering his head.

Gently.

Their lips met.

Shen Yuling seemed taken aback by his sudden move, or perhaps she didn’t want to kiss him in broad daylight; she instinctively tightened her jaw and leaned back slightly, trying to pull away.

But Feng Moheng remained calm, patient.

His lips lingered against hers, kissing and caressing her inch by inch.

The gentle yet insistent actions were impossible to resist.

Gradually, Shen Yuling felt her body soften, losing the strength to resist.

Her tightly clenched jaw unconsciously loosened.

Feng Moheng took the opportunity to deepen the kiss with a hint of assertiveness.

For a moment, the pavilion was filled with the faint sound of swallowing.

The kiss was passionate and lingering.

After a long while, they finally separated, their eyes still holding the lingering affection, gazing into each other’s eyes.