Chapter 8: Beauty

The maidservants exclaimed, "The Ninth Princess has sunk!" I turned around and indeed could no longer see Yan Lin's figure on the surface of the lake. This was no trivial matter; if this deranged princess were to drown, I would surely meet a grim fate.

Perhaps having inhaled too much cold water, Yanlin still showed no signs of waking up. I clenched my fists and struck her chest forcefully; the area I touched was filled with astonishing elasticity, causing a stir in my heart. Perhaps it was only on this part of Yanlin that I could strike with such force, which was also somewhat a form of retribution for her earlier arrogance.

I finally saw Yanlin underwater; at this moment, she had completely lost her previous arrogance. Her arms were stretched forward, and her delicate body was continuously sinking downwards

Although there are many people in the Wangfu, apart from Yao Ru, no one dares to step forward to stop the willful antics of this headstrong princess. With only Yao Ru's strength, it is simply impossible to restrain Yan Lin, who is like a raging tiger.

Yao Ru let out a soft gasp, clearly surprised that a frail scholar like me could possess such a strong physique. Her delicate fingertips glided over the skin of my waist and abdomen, causing my muscles to tense up immediately. With Yao Ru's support, I stood up, my body fully revealed before her eyes

Yao Ru placed the tray in her hands on the stone table in front of me. In addition to bathing supplies, the tray also held two glasses of fine wine. Although I had experienced many situations, I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous in front of the ethereal Yao Ru

Tears filled Yan Lin's beautiful eyes as she pointed her fingers at my nose and exclaimed, "This lecher dares to publicly humiliate me!"

Outside the door, there was another loud "bang!" It must have been her kicking the door: "Lecher! I will skin you alive and pull out your bones to relieve the hatred in my heart!"

Thinking of Cai Xue warms my heart. These past two days, I have been in the Qi Wang Mansion, and she must be constantly worried about my safety. I instructed, "Mr. Sun, please do not tell Cai Xue about my injury."

Seeing that the first floor was already ablaze, if I did not leave now, I would surely be burned to death by this twisted princess within this small building

The Prince of Qi has already given Yao Ru to Your Highness, and from now on, Yao Ru will serve by Your Highness's side day and night. How could there be no opportunity? Yao Ru's words struck me deeply, and as I slowly turned around, I saw her gently biting her cherry lips, her head lowered in a shy manner. She was as beautiful as jade, resembling a lotus emerging from the water amidst the rippling pond.

I turned around, and Yao Ru was carefully washing my hair. Her delicate bosom occasionally brushed gently against my back. It was then that I realized her bodice had quietly been removed at some point, and at this moment, we were seeing each other with complete honesty

I confidently replied, "Rest assured, Lord Qi, I will certainly be able to accurately capture the queen's grace!"

Everything returns to silence, yet this silence allows me to sense the breath of death

Sun Sanfen said: "I am aware that even if I wanted to speak of these matters, I would find it difficult to express them!" Before leaving, he added: "Remember, within three days, do not engage in any sexual activity!"

At that moment, an angry voice shouted: "Jiu Mei! What are you doing?" It was Qi Wang Yan Yuanzong who had arrived promptly after receiving the news

Yan Yuanzong's expression immediately darkened upon witnessing the scene before him; the birthday of the Empress Dowager was approaching, and he had not anticipated that the congratulatory gifts would turn out to be like this

Do not! Yao Ru recklessly threw herself onto me, while Yan Lin kicked her several times.

Yao Ru, with tears in her eyes, rushed here and fell at Yan Lin's feet, tightly embracing Yan Lin's legs with her jade arms, weeping, "Ninth Princess! If you wish to kill, then kill me!"

Perhaps influenced by her surroundings in the Qi Wang Mansion, Yao Ru possesses a unique understanding of calligraphy, which surprises me; I did not expect that beneath her beautiful exterior lies a heart as refined as an orchid.

I arrived at the Misty Pavilion at the entrance of the Yan Yuan Sect, guided by four beautiful maidens. I felt somewhat disappointed, as I had hoped to take this opportunity to have a private conversation with Yao Ru, only to find that she did not come along.

Only then did Yan Yuanzong's gaze fall upon me. He sighed and, with a face full of remorse, helped me up: "Your Highness, it is of no concern. I apologize for the grievances you have endured!"

I want to kill you, you lecher! Yan Lin shouted through gritted teeth as she drew a short sword from her waist and advanced towards the Floating Cloud Pavilion

I pointed to my lower body and said, "Princess Nine, you have done a good deed!" Sun San sighed, put down the medicine box, and Yao Ru hurriedly poured him a cup of clear tea

Yan Yuanzong's brow immediately relaxed, revealing a look of joy: "Good! Tonight you will accompany me; you must observe carefully from the side and ensure to complete the portrait for Mother Empress before the banquet ends"

I stifled a yawn and was about to head towards the bedroom when I heard a delicate call from outside, uttered by Yao Ru

I walked through the crowd, and Yan Lin lay straight on the bridge surface, her eyes tightly closed. Her riding outfit was already soaked, outlining her exquisitely curved body. To be fair, if she were not of an unusual sexual orientation, she could indeed be considered a rare beauty.

Yan Lin shouted sharply: "Get away! I want to burn this bastard to death!"

The first floor consists of the hall and bathroom, the second floor is dedicated to the study for writing, and the third floor is my bedroom

Yan Lin saw Yao Ru maintaining me like this, and her heart was filled with both jealousy and hatred. She gritted her teeth and said, "Wretched woman! You truly have deep feelings for him. Very well! I will let you two become a pair of doomed lovers underground!" She swung her sword, aiming to stab Yao Ru in the back, and it seemed that Yao Ru was about to perish under her blade. I bit my lip and rushed over with all my strength, gripping Yan Lin's arm tightly, and the three of us became entangled in a struggle.

I laughed and said, "The maid given to me by Lord Qi!" Sun San shook his head helplessly. I knew that with his astute and discerning eye, he could certainly see what had transpired between Yao Ru and me

The bridge deck was already extremely narrow, and we lost our balance, crashing into the guardrail. With a startled cry from the two women, we plunged off the bridge and fell into the small lake. Although I am a good swimmer, I was caught off guard and still swallowed a mouthful of lake water. Yaoru and Yanlin were both not skilled in swimming and sank underwater one after the other.

I held Yaoru's delicate hand and said: "You go and make me a cup of tea; this matter I will handle myself!"

Sun Sanfen sighed, "Beauty is harmful to people!" He was clearly making this remark intentionally for me to hear

Prince Qi had already learned from the maid what had truly happened, and he glared at Yan Lin with anger: "I have overlooked your previous mischief, but today you actually intend to commit murder. This is truly a sign of your ingrained misbehavior. I will definitely report this matter to Father Emperor, and we shall see if he will still protect you then"

Yao Ru knelt down in tears: "Your Highness, Prince Qi... it is all the servant's fault, please punish me..." Seeing her pitiful appearance, like a pear blossom drenched in rain, I felt a pang of compassion in my heart. The gaze of Prince Qi turned towards me, and I knew he was waiting for my response

A chill ran through my heart, and I hurriedly closed the window. Yan Lin's voice was already echoing in the hall on the first floor. I rushed to the door, locked it, and then pushed the writing desk against it to barricade it from behind

Once the ink had dried, Yao Ru carefully tidied up this piece of work: "I will take it for mounting right away!" I nodded.

I removed my underwear, and Sun Sanfen looked at my injury: "It's nothing serious! Just a bit of swelling. I'll prescribe you some painkillers, and then apply an ice pack on it. You'll be back to normal in no time"

A gentle voice said: "You may go! I will attend to King Ping's bath!"

Yan Lin clearly possessed martial skills. As I saw her getting closer, I urgently fled towards the winding Jiuqu Bridge, hoping that the bridge's intricate terrain might slow her down. To my surprise, Yan Lin let out a sharp shout and leaped into the air, thrusting her sword down at me from above. In my panic, I could only awkwardly roll on the bridge, an extremely ungraceful maneuver that allowed me to narrowly evade her attack

As Yao Ru shed her red palace attire, her skin, as radiant as delicate snow, presented itself before me. Her figure could be described as perfect, with a light pink bellyband enveloping her alluring form. Her two long, glistening legs were deliberately brought together, an action that stirred the most primal desires within me.

Yao was crying while chasing behind www.hetushu.com, and the other maids in the Wangfu stood at a distance, not daring to intervene in such a scene

Upon hearing this, I suddenly realized that Yanlin was clearly jealous of the relationship between Yaoru and me. After all this commotion, this willful princess turned out to be a creature who did not love men. An inexplicable fear took hold of my heart. If it were merely anger over my insult to her maid, that would be one thing, but now she regarded me as a rival in love. Consumed by jealousy, it was entirely possible that she might kill me in a fit of rage. I silently lamented; had I known this was the situation, I would never have dared to accept the generous gift from Prince Qi.

Yan Yuanzong pondered for a moment and did not immediately agree. With the birthday banquet approaching, the Empress was busy with the arrangements for entertaining the officials, how could she find time to meet with me? He paced a few steps and asked, "Do you have confidence in completing my mother's portrait in a short time?"

I accepted the fragrant tea that Yaoru handed me, contentedly gazing at the longevity painting on the desk. The efforts of the past two days have not been in vain, as Yaoru obediently massaged my slightly sore and numb arms.

Yan Lin cried out loudly, "Wow!" Throughout her life, her seventh royal brother had been the most affectionate towards her. She never expected that today he would publicly reprimand her for a lecher. Yan Lin stomped her foot in anger and pushed through the crowd to run away. A few maidservants were about to chase after her, but were stopped by Prince Qi, who said, "Do not mind her!"

Then I heard an angry female voice say, "Yao Ru! Where have you been these days?" The voice sounded somewhat familiar, but I couldn't recall who it was at that moment. I pushed open the window and looked down, only to see a young girl in a red riding outfit gripping Yao Ru's arm, looking as if she was ready to demand an explanation.

The majority of onlookers were maidservants from the Qi Wangfu, most of whom were not skilled in swimming. Upon seeing the three of us fall into the water, they hurriedly went to find bamboo poles to rescue us

She nodded hurriedly and fled down the stairs. I gazed at her charming silhouette, revealing a hint of a smile. The more Yao Ru displayed shyness in front of me, the more it proved that she was beginning to feel something for me

I couldn't help but exclaim "Ah!" as my gaze met Yaoru's. Her face turned even redder, and her delicate hand began to tremble slightly. Facing such an unparalleled beauty was a torment in itself, especially since her slender hand was holding an ice pack against my most sensitive area. I involuntarily reacted again, and the already swollen area felt even worse, causing beads of sweat to form on my forehead.

I am contentedly nestled in Yaoru's warm embrace, her breath still rapid, clearly not yet calmed from the extreme pleasure I just brought her

As I burst out of the building with a few sparks, Yan Lin, who had been waiting there for a long time, swung her sword at me. I raised the flower rack with both hands to meet her short sword, but to my surprise, her short sword was extremely sharp. With a swift sound, it had already cleaved the flower rack in two. I discarded the flower rack and desperately ran away, but Yan Lin would not let me escape so easily; she pursued me with her sword raised behind me.

I lifted my head to capture Yaoru's soft and moist lips, sucking them forcefully. Yaoru's fragrant tongue was successfully caught by me, and her slender jade legs involuntarily curled up, wrapping around my waist. Her ten glistening toes curled tightly towards the light pink soles due to excitement. ... I embraced Yaoru's entire delicate body, her jade arms wrapping around my neck as she let out a delightful cry. This intense feeling of conquest excited me from the depths of my heart

The fire, fueled by the wind, quickly ignited the small building. I gritted my teeth; given the situation before me, I had no better choice. I pushed open the door and ran outside. It would be better to be stabbed to death by the perverse princess than to be burned alive by the fire.

The water temperature is very hot, the heat seeps into my body from every pore, and only then do I understand the meaning of Yaoru asking me to drink "Threefold Snow" before the bath. The contrasting sensations of coolness within and the scorching heat on the surface wash over my body, bringing an indescribable sense of pleasure from the depths of my heart

I let out a scream, and intense pain rapidly spread from my lower body to my entire being, causing my body to convulse. Yanlin was still approaching me with a kick.

A sudden thought struck me; this was precisely a good opportunity for me to meet Xiang Jing, and I must not let it slip away. However, I maintained a calm demeanor and said to Yan Yuanzong, "How about I paint a portrait of the Empress?" I am self-taught in calligraphy, but I learned the art of painting from the imperial court's designated painter, Kai Zhi, and I have deeply grasped the true essence of his techniques in sketching and coloring.

Yao Ru, dressed in a red palace gown, has her long hair styled atop her head, revealing a section of her snow-white neck. Her alluring curves extend to her fragrant shoulders, disappearing into the light veil

I am going to get some ice Yao Ru turned and left

Yan Yuanzong's eyes lit up; he was unaware that I was also skilled in painting. However, since calligraphy and painting have always been closely related, he soon became fully convinced: "This is excellent, but..." Suddenly, he thought of something and, with a hint of doubt, asked: "But you have never seen the Empress Mother, how can you possibly depict her unparalleled beauty?"

Yao Ru gently said: "Why does the King Ping not go upstairs to rest?"

After Sun Sanfen left, Yao Ru returned with a small bucket of ice, neatly packed in a white gauze bag, and came to my bedside. She asked with concern, "Does it still hurt?"

The four beautiful maidens responded and turned to leave, closing the bathroom door behind them.

I smiled at her with deep meaning and said, "Go quickly and come back quickly, I will be waiting for you up there"

As I left the bathroom, it was nearly dusk. In my memory, it was the first time I had spent such a long time bathing. The deep spring essence shimmered in Yaoru's beautiful eyes, and I knew she had completely surrendered to my body

I spent a day and a night contemplating the layout before finally deciding to put pen to paper. Yao Ru has always been by my side, transforming this monotonous time into something vibrant and enchanting.

Yao Ru began to weep silently.

"Your Highness..." she softly called, captivating my heart. If I were to persist any longer at this moment, I would surely be a fool. I grasped her delicate hand and suddenly pulled her into my embrace. Yao Ru let out a soft cry of 'Hmm!', and I held her warm and fragrant form tightly in my arms

During my time of great prosperity, I did not lack opportunities to be attended to by beautiful women during bathing. However, at that time, I was still young and unaware of matters between men and women. Since experiencing the pleasures of intimacy with Consort Zhen, I naturally developed many complex thoughts regarding such matters.

My complexion also changed slightly, as it seems that Yaoru was so focused on saving me that she lost the Hundred Longevity Painting. Fortunately, there are many people here, so it should not be difficult to retrieve it.

Four beautiful maidens led me into the bathroom, where I found a lotus-shaped bathtub already filled with crystal-clear hot water. One of the maidens said sweetly, "Your Highness, please disrobe!"

Yan Lin knocked on the door a few times, then stopped, realizing that breaking in was futile and finally giving up the effort. I wiped the cold sweat from my forehead, secretly relieved that as long as I could delay for a while until Prince Qi arrived, my life would be saved

She wore a pair of exquisitely crafted wooden clogs on her feet, with her glistening toes exposed, making her particularly captivating

This piece of calligraphy contains half of her credit; only when physical strength and energy are adequately relaxed can such a perfect work be created. I suddenly understand the true meaning behind Prince Qi gifting Yaoru to me

Suddenly, a terrified cry from Yaoru came from downstairs: "Your Highness the Princess! You cannot do this! It will cost lives!"

After finishing dinner with Yaoru, I began to write the Hundred Longevity Painting that Yan Yuanzong had prepared to present to Her Majesty, Empress Xiang Jing

Our skins brushed against each other inch by inch, and finally merged into one in this pool. The water lost its earlier tranquility, and the waves were violently stirred by our passion...

Several areas of the hall have already caught fire. I grabbed the flower stand beside me, using it to serve as a makeshift barrier.

I untie my outer garment in the water and dive beneath the surface. If I were to encounter such a willful and perverse woman in Dakang, I would certainly let her fend for herself, drowning in the lake. However, this is Daqin, and Yanlin happens to be the most favored ninth princess of Emperor Xuanlong of Qin.

I desperately held onto the desk, thinking back to how I had merely touched one of her maidservants at the Prince's residence, yet it felt as if we were sworn enemies.

Yan Lin angrily said: "Wretched person! You actually dare to defend him. Do you think I am unaware of the sordid dealings you have been engaged in here all this time?"

The longevity painting took me a full two days and nights of hard work. Now, with only half a day left until the birthday of Qin, even if I were to work tirelessly, I would not be able to complete it, especially considering the severe injury I have sustained.

I exerted tremendous effort to drag Yanlin onto the bridge, where a maid had already brought a blanket to wrap around her drenched body. Upon seeing me return safely, Yaoru forgot that others were present and threw herself into my arms, crying loudly. I gently stroked her shoulder, intending to offer some words of comfort, when the maids shouted in panic: "Is the Ninth Princess dead?" Two timid maids had already begun to cry out of fear. If Yanlin were truly dead, it seemed that all of us would likely face severe punishment.

Yan Yuanzong, seeing my expression, let out a disappointed sigh: "It seems that I, Yan, have no choice but to make further plans!"

Sun Sanfen looked at me and said only after she closed the door: "Who is she?"

With delicate fingers, she raised the fine wine and offered it to my lips: "Your Highness, please enjoy..." My gaze was entranced by her enchanting starry eyes, and I lifted the wine cup and drank it all in one go, a refreshing sensation sliding down my throat into my chest and abdomen

I took the opportunity to suggest, "This matter is not difficult; as long as Yinkong sees the Empress once, he will be able to capture her essence in his painting!" My statement was not an exaggeration. When I was twelve years old, at the time of Kaizhi's passing, he remarked that among the living, only I could truly inherit his teachings.

A maid found a corner of the Hundred Longevities Painting in front of the ethereal building, which had been reduced to ruins by a great fire; the other parts had long been consumed by the flames. Yao Ru was so frightened that her body lost all warmth, and I held her delicate hand to help her calm down

I exclaimed loudly: "Princess Nine! I have come to the royal residence at the invitation of Prince Qi, and it seems I have not offended you in any way!"

I made every effort to suppress the desires within me and smiled, saying: "I am merely staying temporarily in this royal residence; I fear that there may not be many opportunities to meet Miss Yao Ru in the future"

Yao Ru nodded with a flushed face, leaving the bed as if in a hurry.

From the situation inside the building, it is evident that Yan Yuanzong had long been prepared to retain me before my arrival

I solemnly wrote the final stroke on the rice paper, when Yao, behind me, let out a delicate cry, signaling that after two days and two nights of effort, I had finally succeeded in completing the task assigned to me by King Qi

Yan Lin once again lunged at me with her sword, and I rolled and crawled on the ground, desperately trying to escape. In my life, it was the first time I had been so thoroughly cornered by a woman.

I whispered, "Tonight, Prince Qi has invited me to the Qin Palace to celebrate a birthday. I fear I won't be able to return today!" Sun San nodded and said, "I am of no use staying here; I will return. Cai Xue is still waiting for your news"

My heart suddenly raced several times: "Yao Ru!"

After taking Mr. Sun's medicine for injuries, I indeed feel somewhat better, but it seems I will have to wait a while longer for a complete recovery. Yaoru's delicate face flushed slightly as she gently unfastened my trousers and applied the ice pack for me

Outside the door, Yao urged in a tearful voice: "Your Highness, the Prince Ping has only come at the invitation of Prince Qi to write; he has no other intentions!"

The ancients have said, "One should repay even a drop of kindness with a gushing spring." How can the gift of the stunningly beautiful Yao Ru from Yan Yuanzong be described as merely a drop of kindness? Although I harbor other motives, I cannot help but feel a deep gratitude for Yan Yuanzong's generosity. The best way to repay him is to prepare this gift well and please his mother.

During this period, Prince Qi Wang Yan Yuanzong has consistently refrained from disturbing me, perhaps in an effort to provide me with a relatively tranquil space to better create this painting of the Hundred Longevities

Sun Sanfen had a medicine box with him, from which he took out some wound medicine and placed it on the table: "Has the matter with Lord Qi been resolved? When will the young master return to the residence?"

I heard this and hurriedly pushed open the window, only to see Yan Lin throwing two torches into the small building. This small building is entirely made of wood, and with books scattered everywhere inside, it would catch fire easily.

Yan Lin's powerful kick truly left me in a difficult situation. With Yao Ru's support, I arrived at Wanghu Pavilion. At my request, Prince Qi sent Sun Sanfen from the Proton Mansion. Upon seeing my disheveled appearance, Sun Sanfen couldn't help but furrow his brows.

Yan Lin suddenly began to cough violently, and she spat out several mouthfuls of cold water. She pushed me forcefully in the chest, and caught off guard, I fell backward onto the bridge surface. Yan Lin stood up and kicked me hard in the groin, exclaiming: "Pervert!"

Yao Ru's delicate feet stepped into the pool, and my heart rippled like the water's surface. She reached out to undo the hairpin from my head, an action that made her ample bosom subtly visible. Under my burning gaze, Yao Ru's face flushed, and she softly said: "If the young master wishes to see Yao Ru, you can meet her every day from now on"

Yin Kong obeys the command! My heart is filled with joy. I initially thought the situation had taken a turn for the worse, but unexpectedly, an opportunity has emerged ahead. As long as I can seize this rare chance to get closer to the Empress, it should not be difficult to win her favor.

A loud bang echoed from the door, clearly indicating that Yan Lin had arrived outside.

I swiftly swam over, embracing her body from behind. I could not determine whether she was still alive. My right hand playfully pinched her nipple with force, and Yanlin's delicate body trembled slightly. Indeed, this willful princess's vitality was remarkably strong. I alternated my feet to push down, bringing her upwards.

I turned away, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. I must maintain my sanity; if I make a single misstep, I fear I will plunge into an abyss of no return. With Yaoru's beauty, no man could possibly remain unmoved. If there was ever a fateful connection between her and Prince Qi, then should I act recklessly, I would surely invite an unforeseen disaster

Yao Ru's delicate face revealed a faint smile as she finished another glass of fine wine, softly saying: "This wine is called 'Triple Snow', brewed from the snowmelt of deep winter." She approached from behind and gently unfastened my inner garment. My body was not as frail as it appeared; years of training had rendered it well-proportioned and strong, with full muscles and a graceful curve.

I touched her pulse; although weak, it was still present. With my right hand, I pinched her nostrils, while my left hand supported her chin. Taking a deep breath, I leaned down to press my lips against her cold cherry lips. Yanlin's cherry lips were plump and elastic, and kissing them had a somewhat enticing sensation.

I struck a few times, then leaned down to breathe into her cherry lips. Unexpectedly, Yan Lin suddenly opened her eyes. When she saw me leaning over her, my hands grasping her graceful breasts, and my lips pressed against her cherry lips, she was filled with extreme shame and anger. With a gasp, she sprayed a mouthful of cold water all over my face. I wiped the water off my face and joyfully said, "It's all right! It's all right..."

Writing a small-scale longevity painting is not difficult, but to inscribe one hundred longevity characters of varying sizes and forms on a piece of rice paper measuring about one zhang truly required considerable effort on my part

I intended to say a few polite words, but the pain in my lower body surged, rendering me unable to utter a single word. Yan Yuanzong immediately understood my condition and said to Yao Ru, "You help Prince Ping to Wanghu Pavilion to rest for a while, and find a doctor to treat him!" Yao Ru nodded with tears in her eyes, suddenly recalling something, her delicate face turning pale: "Oh no! That hundred longevity painting!"

Yao Ru discerned the meaning behind my words, her charming face suffused with a layer of bashful crimson. Over the past two days, we have spent countless unforgettable moments together upstairs

Two beautiful maidservants removed my outer garment and assisted me in sitting down on the stone chair in front of the bath. I was initially concerned that the stone chair would be cold, but to my surprise, it felt warm to the touch, like jade. This seemingly unremarkable chair was actually crafted from the warm and smooth material known as fiery cloud stone.

I embraced Yaoru's delicate figure and swam towards the bridge. With my assistance, Yaoru successfully climbed onto the bridge, her graceful body completely soaked by the lake water, revealing her alluring curves without reservation

The sound of me opening the window startled them, and both of them looked up at me in unison. At that moment, I could see clearly that the girl in red was indeed Princess Yanlin, the ninth princess of the Great Qin. I smiled and waved at her, but I saw Yanlin's charming face instantly turn as cold as ice, her beautiful eyes revealing a deep-seated hatred. Beside her, Yao, with her flower-like beauty, turned pale and kept waving her delicate hands at me, urging me to leave quickly