Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 54

54: “I’ll Wait for the Day You’re Willing…”

Yu Nanqing was momentarily stunned, finding Xiao Qiling quite difficult to please. The moment she woke up, she hurried to apply medicine for Xiao Qiling, yet Xiao Qiling was still dwelling on those messy matters.

It was indeed her fault last night, so Yu Nanqing restrained herself, softening her voice as much as possible: “I was reckless last night. I’m here to apply medicine for you, so please don’t make a fuss.”

She pointed at the jar of ointment that had rolled to the edge of the pool.

Xiao Qiling glanced at it. “I’m not injured anywhere.”

Yu Nanqing knew Xiao Qiling was embarrassed. After all, for the dignified Prince Ning, such matters were indeed hard to speak of. Understandingly, she lowered her voice sincerely: “I was reckless last night. If Your Highness is upset, you can scold or hit me once you’ve recovered, but for now, will you let me apply the medicine there?”

Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Xiao Qiling, hoping her sincerity would be understood, waiting for Xiao Qiling to say, “Alright, go ahead.”

Xiao Qiling slowly shifted her gaze back, seemingly puzzled by Yu Nanqing’s logic but respecting it. After a moment, she said lazily, “I don’t want any medicine.”

Yu Nanqing was taken aback but, with her good temper, asked directly, “What would it take for Your Highness to let me apply the medicine?”

Xiao Qiling smiled faintly, resting her chin on Yu Nanqing’s shoulder, her breath teasing her ear. “I’m afraid of the pain.”

Yu Nanqing’s mind was filled with the image of a delicate Xiao Qiling, who she had taken advantage of all night, completely forgetting how Xiao Qiling had endured an arrow during a hunt without flinching.

But the medicine had to be applied, especially to such a private area.

Applying it directly might be inappropriate. According to the novels, shouldn’t she first arouse Xiao Qiling’s emotions to ease the discomfort before applying the medicine?

Otherwise, it would hurt, wouldn’t it?

Blushing, Yu Nanqing whispered, “How about I kiss Your Highness?”

Xiao Qiling hadn’t expected such boldness, a flicker of surprise in her eyes that quickly faded.

Three hours had passed, and she had mostly regained her senses. Yet, faced with Yu Nanqing’s eager affection, Xiao Qiling felt as if she were still in a daze.

After all, she and Yu Nanqing weren’t truly connected in heart. Yu Nanqing’s attitude was softening—she would tease and even get jealous—but she wasn’t at the point of throwing herself into her arms.

Especially after what happened a few hours ago.

Curious to see what Yu Nanqing was up to, Xiao Qiling smiled playfully. “I’m weak from the poison, and this medicinal bath calms the mind. I don’t have much strength, so please bear with me, Qingqing.”

Lost in guilt, Yu Nanqing reached for the ointment jar by the pool. As she nearly grabbed it, her knee slipped, startling her, and she clung to Xiao Qiling’s neck.

Xiao Qiling brushed the water from Yu Nanqing’s face, looking apologetic. “The pool is slippery. I didn’t sit steady. Are you alright?”

Yu Nanqing, using what little rationality remained amidst her guilt, sensed Xiao Qiling was deliberately making things difficult.

But her patience was endless today. Pouting slightly, she hid her displeasure and said softly, “Your Highness, please sit steady, or I can’t reach the jar.”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Alright, I’ll try.”

This time, Yu Nanqing was cautious, pressing Xiao Qiling’s shoulder to prevent another “slip.” Her white inner garment was soaked, clinging transparently to her arm as water dripped. Her slender fingers finally reached the jar.

She checked inside—thankfully, the ointment hadn’t spilled. As she reached for some, Xiao Qiling’s warm breath grazed her neck. “Did water get in the jar? Forget it then.”

Her words were heart-wrenching. Yu Nanqing quickly reassured, “It’s fine, Your Highness. No need to worry.”

She scooped out some ointment and set the jar down. At that moment, Xiao Qiling, who had just said “forget it,” lightly kissed the base of her ear.

The warm, moist lips brushed against her, sending a tingling sensation through her, and she gasped.

“Your Highness…”

Xiao Qiling tilted her head calmly. “Hm?”

Yu Nanqing bit her lip, swallowing her urge to tell Xiao Qiling to behave. Perhaps it was an accidental brush, or maybe she had pressed against Xiao Qiling’s lips, and she couldn’t dodge?

Gesturing to the ointment, she shyly said, “Your Highness, I’m going to apply the medicine. If you’re scared, close your eyes.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t respond or close her eyes, staring at Yu Nanqing’s lips with a hint of resentment.

Yu Nanqing understood instantly and slowly leaned in for a kiss.

Xiao Qiling’s lips carried the cool, herbal scent of the bath, drifting into Yu Nanqing’s nose. Trying to arouse Xiao Qiling to ease the application, she kissed clumsily, licking and sucking.

Xiao Qiling let her take the lead, even opening her lips cooperatively when Yu Nanqing’s tongue ventured forth, indulgent and patient. Though Xiao Qiling barely moved, Yu Nanqing felt herself melting, barely able to kneel, struggling not to collapse onto her.

Her ointment-covered hand reached into the water, pausing on Xiao Qiling’s arm. Beneath the surface, her trembling fingers were visible, the ointment dissolving into the water.

Her light-colored eyes held Blum with emotion, Yu Nanqing released her lips, panting softly, her voice reminiscent of last night’s fervor. “Wait, the ointment’s dissolving again.”

Xiao Qiling glanced at her hand with pity. “No matter, there’s plenty in the jar.”

Yu Nanqing struggled to catch her breath. “Hold on, Your Highness.”

She scooped more ointment, watching Xiao Qiling’s expression closely, her brow furrowing with concern.

Why was Xiao Qiling so unresponsive?

No change in expression, no rise in temperature—how could she apply the medicine like this?

Seeing her distressed look, Xiao Qiling’s hand touched her forehead. “What’s wrong?”

Yu Nanqing pursed her lips, on the verge of tears. After a long pause, she whispered, “Am I that bad?”

Xiao Qiling froze. “Why do you say that?”

“I kissed you for so long, and you didn’t react.”

Xiao Qiling’s pupils contracted, and after a moment, she burst into laughter. “What kind of reaction were you expecting, Qingqing?”

“At least some shortness of breath,” she said.

Xiao Qiling nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe you didn’t kiss me hard enough.”

Yu Nanqing reflected, “But I tried so hard.”

She was practically out of breath!

“Shall I try then?” Xiao Qiling teased, adding, “But I’m weak, so you’ll have to bear with me.”

Yu Nanqing eagerly agreed, scooping more ointment and closing her eyes. “Alright, you try.”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze lingered on her closed eyes, a royal possessiveness stirring within her. Smiling softly, she leaned in, her voice gentle. “Alright.”

The bitter herbal taste mingled between their lips. As Xiao Qiling cradled her head, Yu Nanqing whimpered, tilting her head back. Her breath was short, unlike Xiao Qiling’s steady rhythm. Her ointment-covered hand slid from Xiao Qiling’s shoulder, clinging desperately as if drowning.

Her mind went blank, forgetting the medicine entirely. The ointment dissolved again in the water as she gripped Xiao Qiling’s shoulder, her delicate frame trembling like fragile porcelain.

Their breaths synchronized, Xiao Qiling’s kisses trailing from her lips to her neck, lingering on a faded mark on her collarbone.

In a daze, last night’s foggy memories unfolded—cool fingers gliding over her, clothes falling like petals, Xiao Qiling’s soft, husky voice whispering in her ear.

Xiao Qiling’s kisses were cool and restrained, yet Yu Nanqing had pressed herself closer, chasing her lips when she pulled away.

Her legs gave out, and she sank onto Xiao Qiling’s lap, the water lapping at her shoulders. The memories grew clearer—Xiao Qiling leaning close, their noses nearly touching, sweat beading on her forehead, her voice strained with restraint. “Still uncomfortable?”

Yu Nanqing saw herself eagerly clinging to Xiao Qiling, who stepped back, lifting her robe and bending down to kiss her, making her realize what had truly happened.

No wonder she felt no discomfort, and Xiao Qiling was calmly soaking in the bath. It wasn’t Xiao Qiling who had been taken advantage of—it was her.

A sharp sensation in her chest was soothed by a soft tongue. Yu Nanqing opened her eyes. “You…”

Xiao Qiling met her gaze, her voice as calm as ever. “Weren’t you trying to arouse me, Qingqing?”

Yu Nanqing’s breath quickened, and she pushed Xiao Qiling’s shoulder lightly, her voice trembling. “N-no.”

Her wavering tone, with its teasing lilt, sounded more like flirtation than protest.

Especially with those seemingly delicate yet controlling hands resting on her waist, full of implication.

Yu Nanqing felt a twinge of fear.

Even communicating with a sober Xiao Qiling was manageable, but with her poisoned and unpredictable, she didn’t dare take the risk.

As Xiao Qiling leaned closer, Yu Nanqing tensed, her eyes filled with panic.

Xiao Qiling noticed, pausing thoughtfully. Then, with a playful bite to her ear, she asked, “Have you remembered last night, Qingqing?”

Sweat glistened on Xiao Qiling’s brow, her crimson peach-blossom eyes drawing Yu Nanqing in like a whirlpool. Her strong hands gently rubbed her back, soothing her.

Yu Nanqing closed her eyes, silent.

Xiao Qiling kissed her damp eyelids, nose, and tight lips, asking with each kiss, “Do you like this, Qingqing?”

The sensations made her tremble, a mix of physical response and fear of the unknown.

As Xiao Qiling’s fingers reached her waistband, Yu Nanqing tensed, her lashes fluttering, her cheeks flushed. Xiao Qiling smiled. “Seems you do.”

Her kisses returned to last night’s spots, teasing through the fabric. Yu Nanqing bit her lip as Xiao Qiling’s low voice asked, “And this, do you like it?”

Xiao Qiling read her reactions clearly, her teasing questions making Yu Nanqing feel trapped and shy.

Silently, Xiao Qiling began to undo her waistband. Yu Nanqing’s breath hitched, her eyes shut tight, her fingers digging into her thighs.

She felt her body respond to Xiao Qiling’s touch, but overwhelming fear made her tremble.

There was no joy, only the urge to flee.

Xiao Qiling must be acting this way because of the poison. Sober, she wouldn’t be like this.

Yu Nanqing tried to reassure herself.

As Xiao Qiling’s hand pressed against her waist, she relaxed, accepting her fate, trembling but resigned.

It’s fine.

They’d been married so long, and Xiao Qiling was good to her. This was just what couples did.

It’s fine. She was just a little scared, but she’d get through it.

Seeing her trembling lashes, Xiao Qiling thought she was resisting.

But then Yu Nanqing untied her own waistband, the thin garment floating on the water, revealing her pale shoulders.

Xiao Qiling looked away. “You…”

Yu Nanqing bit her lip, pressing closer. “Just… be gentle.”

Xiao Qiling’s heart shook.

She hadn’t meant to go this far. Even when Yu Nanqing was drugged, she couldn’t bear to take advantage.

She’d only meant to tease her for climbing into her bath and offering to touch her so boldly, stirring her desire.

But Yu Nanqing’s submissive acceptance doused her fire like winter’s chill.

They weren’t ready for this. Yu Nanqing hadn’t even responded to her love.

Xiao Qiling gazed at Yu Nanqing’s compliant yet vacant expression, so unlike her usual spirited self.

She stopped.

Yu Nanqing opened her eyes, confused. “Not continuing?”

Xiao Qiling took a deep breath, pulling Yu Nanqing’s clothes back up and tying the waistband tightly, as if to stop herself from changing her mind.

Leaning in, she kissed her lightly. “This bath isn’t good for you to soak in too long. Go up.”

Yu Nanqing nodded, climbing out, then turned back. “Aren’t you coming, Your Highness?”

Xiao Qiling pressed her tongue against her teeth, suppressing her urges. Smiling, she said, “I need to keep soaking, or the physician will scold me.”

Yu Nanqing let out an “oh,” picked up the ointment jar, and sealed it. A breeze from the window chilled her wet clothes, snapping her back to reality.

Turning slowly, she said hesitantly, “So… you’re really stopping?”

Xiao Qiling’s dark hair spilled over, her crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. “What, disappointed, Qingqing?”

Yu Nanqing froze, realizing Xiao Qiling was letting her go. Blushing, she glared. “Don’t laugh!”

Xiao Qiling pressed her lips together but couldn’t stop laughing, her voice filling the room with joy far greater than any physical desire.

She preferred this lively, expressive Yu Nanqing. Physical pleasure paled in comparison to her spirited gaze.

Flustered, Yu Nanqing started to leave.

Xiao Qiling called out, “Not going to wear something else?”

Yu Nanqing realized her soaked inner garment was all she had. “Where’s another one?”

Xiao Qiling pointed lazily at the screen. “My robe’s there.”

Yu Nanqing grabbed Xiao Qiling’s robe and inner garment, hesitating briefly before taking both.

Let Xiao Qiling go out in her undergarments.

She dressed in front of Xiao Qiling, smugly saying, “I took them all.”

Xiao Qiling laughed. “What about me?”

“You’ve got plenty of guards. They’ll bring you clothes,” Yu Nanqing said proudly, tears still fresh on her face, already forgetting her earlier distress. “One robe would show my wet clothes, so I need both…”

Her words cut off as Xiao Qiling’s hand grazed her ankle.

Her smugness vanished, and she softened her tone. “I’ll wear one and leave the other for you, alright?”

Xiao Qiling beckoned her closer.

Yu Nanqing clutched the robe warily.

“Scared of me?” Xiao Qiling asked.

Yu Nanqing nodded, then shook her head. “Not exactly.”

“Then why?” Xiao Qiling’s smile faded, her tone serious. “Do you dislike me or the intimacy?”

Dislike intimacy? It felt good.

Dislike Xiao Qiling? Impossible.

But together, it scared her.

“I just…” Yu Nanqing struggled for words, then gave up. “I’m still young.”

Barely two years past coming of age, too young for this.

Xiao Qiling sighed, at a loss. “Did you remember everything from last night?”

Yu Nanqing’s voice was faint. “…Yes.”

“Are you uncomfortable?”

“…No.”

Relieved, Xiao Qiling teased, “So you liked it?”

Yu Nanqing almost nodded, then shook her head. “No! Not at all!”

The loss of control was terrifying… but also thrilling.

Xiao Qiling nodded, frowning in thought.

Feeling guilty for rejecting her, Yu Nanqing mumbled, “Kissing is okay.”

Xiao Qiling blinked. “Kissing’s okay?”

Yu Nanqing nodded quickly and turned to leave.

Xiao Qiling called out lazily, “What about the rest? Try it more, and you’ll get used to it?”

Realizing her honesty had backfired, Yu Nanqing, knowing she couldn’t win, threw the robe at Xiao Qiling’s face. “In your dreams!”

Xiao Qiling laughed brightly as Yu Nanqing hurried away.

“Yu Nanqing.” Xiao Qiling called softly.

Ten steps away, safe, she turned. “What?”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes met hers, utterly serious. “I’ll wait for the day you’re willing.”