Forced to Love (GL) - Chapter 32

Lingxi stood at the doorway. The warmth from her sword practice had already risen, but after hearing those words, it surged even higher.

She had practiced swordsmanship to calm her restless heart, yet now, not only had it failed to settle, but it had become even more chaotic.

She reached out her hand, fingers slightly spread, but immediately withdrew it.

Even when facing the Black Souls, Lingxi had never been this tense. Or perhaps it was because, when fighting the Black Souls, she had the resolve to kill, leaving her with enough control over the situation.

But now, she was facing Shen Shang. There was no place for a killing intent—only an irresistible obedience.

Night had deepened, and the lush courtyard lights flickered with the night breeze. When Lingxi looked up, she could not see the bright moon in the sky, only thick clouds obscuring her view.

Inside, the candlelight was faint, flickering as if it might extinguish at any moment.

Lingxi stood at the door, her silhouette cast into the room by the side light.

She was caught in a dilemma, unable to move forward or retreat.

“Come in.”

A voice suddenly came from within, like lightning and thunder appearing out of nowhere in summer, making the choice for her.

Her breath was heavy for a few seconds, and then the heat she exhaled dissipated instantly.

Lingxi raised her hand and touched the cold wooden door, producing a faint sound.

The door slowly opened, and the warm glow from inside spilled out, illuminating her as if casting a beam of light upon her.

Yet, the main seat directly ahead was empty. Lingxi instinctively lowered her head and bowed to the vacant seat.

“Your Highness, I heard you were looking for me.”

“Hmm, come closer.”

The voice came from the side, its tone calm and steady, the same as usual. Yet at this moment, it felt as if invisible tendrils were reaching out, intangible yet binding her hands.

“Yes.”

Lingxi straightened but did not raise her head. She slowly moved forward, following the voice.

As she navigated past chairs and potted plants, a faint fragrance grew stronger the further she went. A soft glow enveloped her, both real and unreal.

Suddenly, a beaded curtain fell before her, blocking her path.

Lingxi halted immediately, retreating half a step unconsciously.

“Your Highness, please speak.”

A voice from behind the curtain asked, “Am I a wild beast?”

“No.”

“Then why is the Prince Consort so hesitant?”

“I fear—”

Before Lingxi could finish, the voice interrupted her.

“As I recall, the rules of etiquette do not permit women to disguise themselves as men.”

“…I fear disturbing Your Highness’s rest.”

“Is that so? Did Su Rui inform you of why I summoned you?”

Lingxi did not know how to respond. Her body stiffened, unable to move.

Compared to the Black Soul’s corrosive torment, this was a far more insidious kind of suffering—not an immediate devouring, but a slow, relentless erosion that seeped into her very bones, breaking her apart bit by bit.

“Why are you still not coming over? Must I personally invite you?”

“Yes.”

Lingxi closed her eyes briefly, steadied herself, and when she opened them again, she had suppressed all emotions.

She reached out, lifted the beaded curtain, and stepped inside. Within was Zhao Qingsui’s sleeping quarters, adorned with a screen, a few paintings, and antique blue-and-white porcelain by the window. The lighting inside was brighter than outside.

Zhao Qingsui sat at a round table near the bed, propping her fair hand against her temple. She tilted her head slightly, watching Lingxi with clear, bright eyes, the corners of her lips carrying the hint of a smile.

But as Lingxi approached, she realized the expression was more like a half-smile, neither entirely friendly nor cold.

“Your Highness.”

Lingxi bowed to her.

“It is truly difficult to invite the Prince Consort in. From my door to here, it was only a few dozen steps, yet you made it seem like a thousand.”

“I would not dare.”

Zhao Qingsui glanced at her and said nothing. “Come closer.”

Lingxi took a step forward but instinctively lowered her head.

Zhao Qingsui found it amusing and tapped the map spread out on the table, making a crisp sound.

“Are there flowers on the ground? Look here.”

When Lingxi looked up, she immediately saw the detailed map before her. The capital’s name was circled prominently, but it occupied only a small section of the map. The rest was filled with scattered marks and winding roads beyond the capital’s borders.

This… was a map of the areas surrounding the capital?

“The mark you had Su Rui deliver to me—our shadow guards found the same one outside the city.”

Zhao Qingsui’s slender fingertip tapped the map, and Lingxi followed her gaze.

“Do you plan to use tomorrow’s canal inspection as an opportunity to launch an ambush?”

“The mastermind remains unknown. It is too early for an ambush.”

“Then Your Highness intends…?”

Lingxi met her gaze. The candlelight outlined Zhao Qingsui’s delicate features, and her loose hair carried an unexpectedly soft aura.

Zhao Qingsui did not answer immediately. She simply looked at Lingxi, her gaze flickering.

“I am willing to investigate,” Lingxi said, bowing.

“The Court of Judicial Review is too conspicuous. Your identity as Prince Consort makes it convenient for you to accompany me on patrol. I will assign shadow guards to assist you.”

“Yes.” Lingxi hesitated briefly and furrowed her brow slightly. “Your Highness, last time, someone attempted to poison the young prince during his birthday, clearly intending to assassinate you. They failed once—wouldn’t leaving the city now be too risky?”

“I believe Your Highness should not leave the city so freely at this time. More guards should be assigned to ensure safety.”

Zhao Qingsui tapped her fingers lightly on the table, then traced invisible patterns upon it while keeping her gaze fixed on Lingxi. After a while, she said leisurely, “You have a point.”

“Then, Your Highness—”

“But isn’t that what the Prince Consort is for?”

Lingxi’s slightly parted lips remained still. Suddenly, Zhao Qingsui rose from her seat, stepping closer.

When Zhao Qingsui reached out, Lingxi’s pupils contracted, and she instinctively wanted to retreat. But she was held in place by Zhao Qingsui’s gaze.

A moment ago, those slender fingers had been tapping the map, yet now, they had reached Lingxi’s neck.

The sound of fingertips brushing against fabric was light and delicate, yet extraordinarily clear in her ears.

“All the guards in the world cannot compare to the Prince Consort’s personal protection.”

“In all of Tai, only the Prince Consort holds a name that is both legitimate and unchallenged.”

Zhao Qingsui’s slow, deliberate words were like warm breath against Lingxi’s neck, spreading heat through her body.

In an instant, Lingxi’s neck flushed crimson.

She felt as if the surrounding air had been sucked away, leaving her breathless. And just then, Zhao Qingsui asked her,

“What does the Prince Consort think?”

Lingxi fixed her gaze ahead, searching for a point of focus. When she spoke, she found her throat unbearably dry.

“I will follow Your Highness’s command and protect you.”

“Hmm.”

Zhao Qingsui observed her reaction, a fleeting smirk appearing on her lips. Her fingers traced the straight collar of Lingxi’s robe, subtly brushing toward the neckline.

“That’s good. From now on, there is no need for the Prince Consort to return to her own chambers at night.”

“Your Highness, isn’t this—”

Heat radiated from Lingxi’s entire body, as if even her bl00d had turned scalding.

“In recent days, my father has heard idle gossip and summoned me to remind me that the Prince Consort has been too occupied with affairs at the Court of Judicial Review. He advised me to show you more concern.”

Lingxi immediately prepared to bow, but Zhao Qingsui steadied her shoulder.

“Your Highness has always treated me well. I am sure the Emperor will not believe mere rumors.”

“Of course, my father does not believe them. But he does disapprove of how little time we spend together.”

Zhao Qingsui’s tone was even, but when Lingxi met her gaze, the cold mist in her eyes had melted away.

“Surely the Prince Consort will not make things difficult for me?”

“I obey.”

Zhao Qingsui nodded slightly. “It is getting late. Let us rest.”