Chapter 7

After dinner, the two of them slowly entered the bedroom around 9 PM.

“Your Highness, it’s still early. How about we play a game of chess?” Su Jingyao asked with a soft smile and warm eyes.

Jun Zechen nodded slightly. He didn’t play much chess anymore since he had won against his father a year ago and thought no one in the palace could beat him.

But since it was still early, playing a game of chess seemed like a good way to pass the time.

They both sat down on opposite sides of the couch, and Miaoyun carefully brought the cherished Hetian jade Go set and placed it on the table between them.

Su Jingyao smiled and waved her hand, signaling for Miaoyun and the other maids to quietly leave the room.

Now, only Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen were left in the room.

Jun Zechen picked up a black stone, surprised by its quality. As a skilled Go player, he immediately recognized it as top-grade Hetian jade. He then picked up a white stone, also made of excellent mutton-fat jade.

“Where did you get this Go set?” he asked softly, looking at her.

“My brother knows I love Go, so he gave it to me on my fifteenth birthday,” Su Jingyao explained.

“The black stones are made from 181 Hetian jade pieces, and the white stones from 180 mutton-fat jade pieces. Each one feels smooth and flawless. I’ve always treasured it,” she added with a smile.

“Your brother must care a lot about you. Hetian jade is rare, and carving such perfect stones would take a lot of effort. I also have a Go set made of Hetian jade, but it’s not as good as yours,” Jun Zechen said, absentmindedly touching the stones.

“If Your Highness likes it, I’d be happy to give it to you,” Su Jingyao offered.

“This is a gift from your brother. I can’t take it,” Jun Zechen replied, dismissing her offer.

“Let’s start the game,” he said.

Su Jingyao nodded and suggested,

“I prefer the white stones, Your Highness can play with the black ones, is that alright?”

“Sure,” Jun Zechen smiled slightly and took a black stone.

The game began, with Jun Zechen playing the first move with the black stone, and Su Jingyao quickly following with the white stone.

At first, their moves were gentle, especially Jun Zechen’s, as he didn’t want the game to end too quickly, thinking that Su Jingyao’s skill might not be that great. But as the game continued, he became more serious and his moves became more aggressive.

Su Jingyao noticed his change.

As the game went on, her voice took on a slightly playful tone.

“Your Highness’s ‘flying move’ is so clever, I’m almost out of moves.”

Jun Zechen was impressed by her skills.

“I didn’t expect you to be so skilled at Go,” he said.

Su Jingyao’s white stones formed a strong defense, and if he didn’t attack soon, she would start to take over his territory.

“Looks like I have no choice but to escape now,” Su Jingyao said, making a clever move to get out of his trap.

Jun Zechen usually didn’t talk much during games, but whenever Su Jingyao showed difficulty, she would playfully complain, which distracted him and softened his attacks.

“Your Highness, my white stones are almost gone,” she said, trying to divert his attention.

Jun Zechen couldn’t help but feel a little affected by her playful tone, and he unconsciously eased his attack.

They continued playing, and Su Jingyao remained focused, her moves swift and clear. She was slowly gaining control of the game.

Her smile grew wider as she realized she was about to win.

Jun Zechen looked at her with admiration.

“You are quite a clever woman.”

He hadn’t expected to lose.

He continued to watch her moves, impressed by her skill and finesse.

“I usually never lose, except when I play against my father. Today, I underestimated you, but I’ll win next time,” Jun Zechen said, feeling a competitive spirit rising in him.

Su Jingyao responded humbly,

“I’m not a traditional player. If I hadn’t kept distracting you, I wouldn’t have won. Your skills are far better than mine.”

“It’s alright. I’ll make sure to win next time,” Jun Zechen said with a smile.

After an hour of playing, Su Jingyao softly said,

“Your Highness, it’s getting late, it’s time to rest.”

Jun Zechen nodded.

Su Jingyao blushed slightly, her cheeks turning a soft pink, like a ripe peach.

Jun Zechen noticed her blush but didn’t understand why. He waited for her to speak.

After a moment of hesitation, Su Jingyao gathered the courage to speak.

“Your Highness, may I assist you in undressing?”

Jun Zechen frowned slightly, instinctively replying,

“I can do it myself.”

Su Jingyao’s face fell, and her eyes showed a hint of hurt.

She softly said,

“I’ve overstepped. I understand if you dislike me. I won’t ask again, please forgive me.”

Jin Zechen watched the woman’s sad and hurt expression, feeling a bit of sympathy for her.

He spoke softly, “I didn’t mean it that way.”

He wasn’t sure why he felt this way, but maybe it was because he had gotten used to having Ling Yue by his side. With other women, he would instinctively push them away.

But looking at this woman with her head down, he began to feel bad. Had he been too harsh in rejecting her?

“You don’t need to comfort me, Your Highness. I understand. If you don’t need my help, I will…”

“Did I ever say that? Is this how a side consort behaves?”

Jin Zechen’s gaze focused on her, filled with emotions he couldn’t quite explain.

Su Jingyao looked up in surprise, confused by his words.

Then Jin Zechen closed his eyes and spread his arms, signaling that he was allowing her to come closer.

Realizing he accepted, Su Jingyao smiled, pleased with his response.

She took a step toward him and gently placed her hand on his waist, untying his belt and hanging it on a nearby rack. She then carefully took off his outer robe, and Jin Zechen stiffened as he felt her touch through his clothes.

He kept his eyes shut, trying to control his reactions.

After she had removed all his outer clothes, leaving just his inner garments, Su Jingyao stood before him.

Jin Zechen looked at her, his gaze lingering on her curves, his feelings mixed between attraction and discomfort.

Su Jingyao smiled slightly and gently took his hand, leading him to her dressing table.

“Your Highness, please sit and wait for me, would that be alright?” Her voice was soft and pleasant.

He sat down in front of the dressing table, still unsure of what she was planning, but obediently followed. Su Jingyao returned with two servants, Miaoyun and Miaoxue, each holding a basin of water.

Miaoxue placed the basin at Jin Zechen’s feet and carefully removed his shoes. He dipped his feet into the warm water, enjoying the comfort.

Miaoxue placed another basin nearby and quietly stepped back.

Curious, Jin Zechen asked, “What are you doing?”

She explained, “While we were playing chess, I noticed your dark circles under your eyes. You’ve been so busy with court matters that you haven’t rested well. I have some ointment to help, would you like me to apply it?”

Surprised, Jin Zechen nodded in agreement.

She took a jar of purple ointment and carefully applied it under his eyes, her movements light and gentle. They were very close, and Jin Zechen could hear her soft breathing, feeling the warmth of her presence. He could even see the small hairs on her face shining in the candlelight.

Su Jingyao finished applying the ointment and softly suggested,

“Your Highness, you need to attend court early tomorrow. Your beard has grown a bit. Let me trim it for you.”

Relaxing into the comfort of the moment, Jin Zechen nodded in agreement, trusting her completely.

Su Jingyao gently applied a softening cream around his lips, preparing to trim his beard. This was the first time a woman had done this for him, as he was used to his servant An Shun taking care of it. Ling Yue, who was carefree, never bothered with such details.

Su Jingyao’s hand was soft and smooth, like silk.

As she applied ointment to his face, Jin Zechen felt very relaxed and enjoyed it. He closed his eyes and smiled slightly without realizing it.

Seeing this, Su Jingyao thought to herself,

“This is the first time I’ve served a man like this. I really don’t believe there’s any man who wouldn’t like this kind of gentle care.”

She then skillfully took a razor, thin as paper, and began shaving his beard.

Once done, she took a towel, soaked it in a water basin, wrung it out, and gently washed his face.

After everything was finished, they slowly walked to the bed.

This time, Jin Zechen chose to sleep on the outside, and Su Jingyao slept on the inside. They both covered themselves with thin silk blankets and fell asleep peacefully.

The candlelight flickered, and it was a rainy season, so the sound of rain began outside.

Suddenly, there was a loud thunderclap, and Su Jingyao woke up, startled. She covered most of her face with the blanket, holding it tightly, her body trembling slightly.

Jin Zechen also woke up because of the thunder. When he noticed her shaking, he couldn’t fall back to sleep, since he was a light sleeper.

He frowned slightly and asked softly, “Are you scared?”

Su Jingyao, surprised by his question, replied softly,

“Your Highness, I want to go to the side hall.”

“Why?” he asked, confused.

“I’ve always been afraid of thunder since I was little. I just want to go to the side hall and have Granny Li stay with me.”

Her voice was almost inaudible, and she sounded embarrassed, worried he would think she was being overly sensitive.

“If you go now, what will people in the palace think? If the Empress finds out, won’t she blame me because of you?” Jin Zechen said calmly.

“But… I’m scared,” Su Jingyao replied quietly.

She turned around, looking frightened and upset, making her seem especially vulnerable in the dim candlelight.

“Come here.”

Su Jingyao hesitated for a moment, unsure if he meant what she thought he did. She carefully moved closer, holding his strong arm tightly, as if it was her only comfort.

When he didn’t reject her, Su Jingyao felt a little relieved. She snuggled into his blanket, resting her head on his shoulder.

She softly said, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Jin Zechen didn’t understand why he was so gentle with her. Maybe it was because of her kind and pure nature, or because of her innocence that made him feel sorry for her.

Su Jingyao, feeling the warmth of the man beside her, slowly relaxed and fell back to sleep.

But Jin Zechen couldn’t sleep.

Her soft body next to him felt like a sweet torture, making him feel warmer.

She smelled faintly sweet, like an irresistible charm, and he wanted to hold her close and sleep with her.

The more he resisted, the harder it became to sleep. Finally, he couldn’t stop himself, and he gently pulled her into his arms, holding her close.

Surrounded by her warmth and sweet fragrance, he finally fell asleep.

Su Jingyao, asleep in his arms, smiled with satisfaction. Wasn’t she supposed to be the delicate, pampered girl from a noble family?