The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 191

Nanting Courtyard

What Xiao Bingying feared most right now was Cheng Xi leaving her. She knew exactly what kind of person Cheng Xi was. If she chose to stay, Cheng Xi would certainly grant her wish, but her staying didn’t mean Cheng Xi would stay with her.

In the Haichao Kingdom, although Xiao Bingying was together with Cheng Xi, she held no power and possessed no official title. She was merely a guest behind the curtain¹ in the Princess’s Estate. Though she nominally commanded this military expedition, it was only because Cheng Xi was present; the actual power rested firmly in Cheng Xi’s hands.

            

Otherwise, Cheng Feng would never have allowed Xiao Bingying to lead the army.

Even though Xiao Bingying had helped Cheng Feng seize the throne, he had granted her no official ranks or noble titles simply because she was a woman. Even the relationship between Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi was kept strictly obscured from the public eye.

Yet within the royal palace of the Haichao Kingdom, many knew that their princess favored a woman.

            

Rather than calling her Cheng Xi’s guest behind the curtain, it was more accurate to call her the royal family’s canary²—a pet bestowed by the King of Haichao upon his younger sister.

What troubled Cheng Xi most, however, was that outsiders remained oblivious. There was an endless stream of suitors, along with foreign nations eager to secure a marriage alliance with the Haichao Kingdom, constantly sending signals to that effect.

Xiao Bingying had never doubted Cheng Xi’s affection for her, but she still worried that one day, Cheng Xi might grow tired of her.

            

Looking at the woman before her, whom she loved to the very marrow of her bones, Xiao Bingying felt utterly inferior. It had always been this way. Years ago, Cheng Xi had also fallen into the mud, but she was still not someone that Xiao Bingying—a person who had lived constantly in the darkness and swamps—could ever match. She knew she was unworthy of Cheng Xi, yet she clung to her, refusing to let go.

“Don’t ignore me…” Xiao Bingying’s eyes brimmed with grievance.

She hadn’t agreed to stay, so how could Cheng Xi ignore her?

            

“I’m not ignoring you. I’m just worried that you’ll leave me,” Cheng Xi confessed her true feelings. If she wanted to ignore Xiao Bingying, how could she still allow her to get this close?

“I won’t. I won’t leave you.” How could she ever bear to leave?

The two gazed at one another. After a few moments of silence, Xiao Bingying reined in some of the emotion in her eyes and said softly, “You know I’m no good at sweet words. But whatever I can do for you—as long as you want it, I will do it.” It wasn’t just the things Cheng Xi asked for; even the things she left unspoken, Xiao Bingying would stand in her corner and fight for them.

            

“I know. I’ve always known.” Cheng Xi raised her hands to cup Xiao Bingying’s cheeks. How could she not know? Xiao Bingying was a quiet, reserved person, but she had never once done anything to disappoint her.

Their flickering gazes intertwined for a moment before Cheng Xi leaned in of her own accord, kissing her lips. The softness of her lips ignited the craving deep within Xiao Bingying’s heart. The touch of their tongues was intoxicating, but just as Xiao Bingying tried to take it a step further, Cheng Xi pushed her away.

Slowly pushed back, Xiao Bingying looked at Cheng Xi in confusion. Just as she thought Cheng Xi was still angry, Cheng Xi’s lips curled into a smile. “Hurry up and bathe. I’ll wait for you.”

            

Xiao Bingying’s eyelashes fluttered. Her gaze shifted from Cheng Xi’s captivating face, her peripheral vision catching a glimpse of a far more expansive landscape. Skin as pale as the root of a scallion, resembling a piece of flawless white jade—it made anyone who saw it swallow hard. “I’ll go right now,” she said.

Xiao Bingying could hardly wait. She helped Cheng Xi pull up the covers, took a quick bath inside the tent, and hurried back to the bedside.

Although the setup here was simple, it had been prepared specifically for the two of them, lacking none of the necessities.

            

Clad only in her nightclothes, Xiao Bingying parted the bed curtains, meeting Cheng Xi’s expectant gaze. She quickly kicked off her boots and climbed onto the bed, yet she still dared not act with the wanton abandon of a lecher³.

As Xiao Bingying lay flat on her back, steadying her breathing, Cheng Xi leaned close.

Cheng Xi reached over with a slender, porcelain-white arm, resting it across Xiao Bingying’s waist and covering her clasped hands. Watching Xiao Bingying turn her head, she pressed her lips against hers. Kissing her gently, she slowly settled her body over Xiao Bingying’s.

            

Intoxicated, Xiao Bingying kissed her back. She wrapped her hands around Cheng Xi’s slender waist, only then realizing that Cheng Xi was completely bare.

Xiao Bingying’s eyes widened slightly as a warm current rippled from her heart. Soon, her heated palms began to wander upward…

Their kisses were as lingering and tender as always. The distinct, feminine fragrance Cheng Xi carried with her completely enveloped Xiao Bingying’s body.

            

Soon, Xiao Bingying slid further down the bed, taking the newly proximate softness into her mouth, drawing out a trembling moan from the woman above her.

The night was still young, and the military camp remained brightly lit. Inside the allied Commander-in-Chief’s tent, the faint rustling sounds were muffled beneath the blankets. The breathless gasps and sweet moans of a woman echoed softly, contained entirely within the warmth of the bed curtains.

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The Grand General’s tent.

            

When Qu Sheng finished her bath and stepped out, Lin Xizhao quickly wrapped a towel around her, then draped a thick outer garment over her shoulders.

Qu Sheng smiled. She said nothing, content to let Lin Xizhao fuss over her.

Lin Xizhao rubbed the towel over her, drying the beads of water from Qu Sheng’s skin. Qu Sheng kept her head bowed the entire time, gazing at Lin Xizhao’s features—features that pleased her in every conceivable way—and struggled to suppress the clamor in her own heart.

            

Just as Lin Xizhao finished drying her off and helped her into her nightclothes, Qu Sheng reached out, pulling Lin Xizhao into her arms and pressing her against her body.

“My wife smells wonderful tonight.”

Qu Sheng’s gaze roamed as she whispered the sultry tease. Caught off guard, Lin Xizhao stumbled for a second. Looking up and seeing Qu Sheng leaning in for a kiss, she raised a hand to press against her lips, blocking her. She gave her a reproachful glare. “I had them prepare some food. We’ll rest after you eat.”

            

Over these past few days of their return journey, they frequently made long stops along the way. Qu Sheng had taken full advantage of this free time, refusing to let her rest at night.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng raised her free hand and pressed it over the fingers Lin Xizhao had placed against her lips. With her eyes slightly narrowed and a wicked smile playing on her face, she flicked her tongue out, repeatedly tracing the palm of Lin Xizhao’s hand.

The warm, damp, and ticklish sensation made Lin Xizhao instinctively try to pull back. But the moment she tried, Qu Sheng pressed her hand down even tighter…

            

It was only a kiss on her palm, but Lin Xizhao felt as if Qu Sheng’s touch was wandering all over her body. She froze for a second, her eyelashes dropping in embarrassment. She didn’t dare look at Qu Sheng anymore, but the less she looked, the sharper the sensation became. It wasn’t until her breathing grew slightly ragged and she finally glanced up that Qu Sheng released her hand with a wicked smirk.

Even though she let go of her hand, she kept her arm wrapped securely around her waist. Bending her head, she captured those soft lips, greedily drinking her in to satisfy her current desires.

By the time Qu Sheng finally eased back, Lin Xizhao was breathing heavily. Looking at Lin Xizhao’s flushed cheeks, Qu Sheng was about to say she would skip the meal, but Lin Xizhao pushed her away first. “Eat first,” she said, practically fleeing across the room.

            

Watching Lin Xizhao’s flustered retreat, Qu Sheng’s lips curled up, and she followed her with a chuckle.

Lin Xizhao had the servants bring in the food and served Qu Sheng a few dishes. Taking the bowl, Qu Sheng recounted her attempt to make Xiao Bingying stay earlier that day.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xizhao looked up. “Perhaps we should give her some time.”

            

Xiao Bingying naturally wanted to return. Now that the dynasties had changed, restoring her identity would be child’s play for Qu Sheng and the others. The problem was that Cheng Xi was the Princess of Haichao; trying to bring her back as well would likely take some significant effort.

Early the next morning, the allied reinforcements from the various kingdoms departed, and Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi also prepared to leave.

Lin Xizhao looked at Xiao Bingying and hugged her goodbye. “Uncle Zhao and Auntie are in Shoulin. Do you want to take a detour to see them?”

            

Xiao Bingying pressed her thin lips together. She glanced back at Cheng Xi beside her, then looked at Lin Xizhao. “I am still leading an army. Once I return the troops, I will request orders to come back and visit them.”

Lin Xizhao nodded, her eyes free of any blame or disappointment. She knew Xiao Bingying missed them dearly, but she was a general now and could not act recklessly.

“Give them my regards. Tell them that their unfilial daughter, Bingying, will definitely come to see them.” A trace of guilt flickered in Xiao Bingying’s eyes.

            

“Alright. I will pass on the message.” Lin Xizhao’s gaze was gentle but tinged with reluctance to part. After parting today, who knew when they would meet again.

Seeing that Lin Xizhao and the others had finished speaking, Qu Sheng turned her gaze to Cheng Xi, who was standing to the side with lowered eyes. “Princess Cheng Xi, please express my gratitude to your elder brother for his assistance. Once I have everything arranged here, I will make a personal trip to the Haichao Kingdom.”

Hearing this, Cheng Xi looked up. She glanced sideways at Xiao Bingying, who seemed just as stunned by Qu Sheng’s words.

            

Seeing that Xiao Bingying was apparently unaware of this plan, she replied to Qu Sheng, “Alright, I will pass it on.”

Qu Sheng nodded. Stepping closer to Lin Xizhao, she cupped her hands in a salute. “Military affairs press heavily. Please forgive this Qu Sheng for not seeing you off further.”

Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi returned the salute simultaneously. “We will part ways here.”

            

With that, the two turned and walked toward the waiting warhorses. Taking the reins from the soldiers, they swung into the saddles and looked back at Qu Sheng and the others one last time.

There were no words this time. Both sides bowed their heads in acknowledgment. Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi tugged on their reins, turned their mounts, and galloped away.

Following them were the soldiers of the Haichao Kingdom.

            

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng returned to their tent but did not linger for long. Qu Sheng ordered the camp to be struck. Stopping and starting along the way, they arrived in Shoulin five days later.

The massive army set up camp in an orderly fashion. Riding a dark brown warhorse with Lin Xizhao in her arms, Qu Sheng led a squad of soldiers to the residence—Nanting Courtyard.

Having received the news well in advance, the entire Qu family had come out of the estate to welcome them. Lin Xirui had arrived earlier, and Lin Xikuan had also been there for a few days. Zhao Dian’s injuries were mostly healed; he and his wife stood outside alongside the Qu family, awaiting the triumphant return of the Qu family’s youngest female general.

            

Qu Sheng looked at the crowd gathered at the estate gates, then glanced down at the woman in her arms. She dismounted first, then turned back and lifted Lin Xizhao down.

The crowd gathered around. Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao exchanged formal greetings with everyone one by one before being ushered into the residence by the throng of people.

Qu Jinian had still not woken up. Qu Ting’s consciousness seemed to have recovered somewhat, but he remained unable to speak.

            

Surrounded by the welcoming crowd, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao first went to visit Qu Jinian. They listened as Liu Wuxiang, who had been treating him all along, explained Qu Jinian’s condition.

“Administering a harsh dose of medicine is an option, but the risks are too great. This old man feels that given Marquis Qu’s age, there is no need to risk his life just to wake him up sooner,” Liu Wuxiang advised.

As long as Qu Jinian rested like this, he might wake up next month, or perhaps next year. But his body had been dormant for too long, and coupled with his previous injuries, he was ill-suited for aggressive treatments.

            

Over the days since Jin Yunfei had returned, she had been caring for Qu Jinian non-stop. When she heard Liu Wuxiang say there were risks to using strong medicine, she refused to agree to it under any circumstances.

Being able to see him was already a blessing from the heavens. If he were to lose his life just because they wanted him to wake up sooner, it was better for him to just stay asleep. At least she could still look at him every day.

Qu Sheng looked at her mother. Seeing the worry written all over her face, she also dismissed the idea. Afterward, she went to see Qu Ting.

            

Though Qu Ting could not speak, he had put on quite a bit of weight since arriving. Qian Shuangying tended to him every day. Her mindset was just like Jin Yunfei’s: at least she could see Qu Ting now, and she still held out hope that he would wake up.

“Thank you for all your hard work, Third Sister-in-law,” Qu Sheng said, expressing her gratitude to Qian Shuangying.

The Qu family valued loyalty and deep affection, and their sisters-in-law were no different.

            

“What kind of nonsense is that?” Qian Shuangying shot her a look and laughed reproachfully.

In truth, Qu Sheng had been trying to convey another layer of meaning. Qian Shuangying was still young. If she no longer wanted to stay by her Third Brother’s side, Qu Sheng would not force her to.

Even though she knew how deep Qian Shuangying and Qu Ting’s feelings ran, she still had to say it to give her the choice.

            

With the entire extended family gathered, the welcome banquet in the dining hall was incredibly lavish. The Lin family, the Zhao family, and Qian Shuangying’s relatives had all come over as well.

Ever since Lin Xizhao returned, Qu Zhimu had been clinging to her constantly, forcing even Qu Sheng to take a back seat. Lin Xizhao held the little girl. Though it was a familiar routine by now, she still made sure to keep an eye on Qu Sheng’s mood.

When Qu Sheng got jealous, she didn’t care about a person’s age. Back when Qu Zhimu still couldn’t speak, she had secretly been competing with the little tyke.

            

“Aunt, eat this.” Using a hand that still couldn’t grip chopsticks properly, Qu Zhimu struggled to pick up a tiny piece of food and brought it to Lin Xizhao’s lips.

Lin Xizhao turned slightly, took the food into her mouth gently, and ate it. Qu Zhimu stared unblinking at her lips. Seeing her swallow, the little girl asked in an expectant, sweet voice, “Is it tasty?”

“Mhm, very tasty. It’s crispy and a little sweet.” Lin Xizhao wasn’t dismissive at all; she even described exactly how it tasted.

            

Hearing this, Qu Zhimu broke into a wide grin. “Aunt likes it.” As she spoke, she tried to grab some more and held it up to Lin Xizhao’s lips.

She was sitting high up, and all her favorite dishes were laid out right in front of her, yet she kept ceaselessly feeding Lin Xizhao instead.

Sitting off to the side, Qu Sheng shot them periodic glances. Lin Xizhao had barely eaten a few bites of the food she had served her.

            

The group ate their meal. Before long, Zhao Jiayu pulled her daughter over to her side. As she did, she whispered to the girl, “Your Little Aunt is about to eat someone.”

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this. Lin Xizhao could only laugh along helplessly, glancing up to shoot Qu Sheng a reproachful look.

Held in her mother’s arms, Qu Zhimu’s eyes were filled with confusion, but upon hearing Zhao Jiayu say that Qu Sheng was going to eat someone, she also turned to look at her.

            

Amidst the crowd’s laughter, Qu Sheng’s expression remained perfectly normal, but the tips of her ears had turned red. Being jealous of a toddler—she, as an aunt, was indeed a bit too ‘protective of her food⁴‘.

Lin Xizhao lowered her head and started eating the food Qu Sheng had served her. Qu Sheng then shamelessly picked up some more and placed it in Lin Xizhao’s bowl. Their eyes met. Even in front of everyone, the deep love passing between them was so obvious and flamboyant that anyone could spot it at a single glance.

Ultimately, Lin Xizhao’s skin was still somewhat thin. After exchanging a few glances with Qu Sheng, she lowered her eyes, pretending to just continue eating. But she knew full well that she didn’t mind Qu Sheng’s possessiveness in the slightest.

            

Watching her Aunt eat the food her Little Aunt served, Qu Zhimu turned her big, round eyes to her mother. It was as if she were asking: why was her Little Aunt allowed to feed her Aunt, but she wasn’t?

After dinner, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao returned to their own courtyard. Qu Sheng had drunk some wine, and Lin Xizhao was also slightly tipsy. The moment they stepped inside, Qu Sheng swept Lin Xizhao up into her arms.

Carried toward the inner room, Lin Xizhao gazed at Qu Sheng, her expression bashful. Qu Sheng caught her look and immediately bent her head, kissing Lin Xizhao’s soft, glistening lips.

            

She kissed her as they walked further inside. Upon entering the inner chamber, Qu Sheng set Lin Xizhao down on the edge of the bed. They simply stood there, pressed flush against each other, and continued kissing.

Yes, she was jealous. That jealousy hadn’t faded yet.

Scorched by the fiery kiss, Lin Xizhao’s breathing turned ragged. Just as she struggled for air, Qu Sheng’s kisses began to trail downward—across her porcelain-white neck and behind her delicate ears—while her fingers ceaselessly stroked her softness.

            

A soft moan escaped Lin Xizhao’s throat as she indulged Qu Sheng’s brazen liberties. They were home now. Over the past few days, in order to let Qu Sheng get a good night’s rest after handling military affairs during the day, she had barred her from any nighttime intimacy, promising that once they returned to the estate, she could do whatever she wanted.

As the kisses gradually coaxed out the heavy desire in both their hearts, Qu Sheng’s trailing fingertips slipped beneath Lin Xizhao’s undergarments.

“Eldest Miss, Miss, Second Master asked Eldest Miss to come over for a moment.”

            

An ill-timed knock sounded at the door. The maid outside relayed the message: Qu Jixian wanted to see Qu Sheng.

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “We’re trying something new today. My wife will definitely love it.”

            

Lin Xizhao: “…”

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