Yu Tingwan didn’t want to laugh.

The girl’s shoulders shook, and she tried hard to hold it in.

Then she stomped her foot.

It’s been a long time since she had spoken words of affection.

Yu Tingwan felt that she had been too lax these days.

It really was inappropriate.

She spoke softly, "Does your chest still hurt, my husband? Thinking about the immense pain you’ve endured, it pains my heart greatly."

As she spoke, she even nodded her head a bit.

Wei Zhao was silent for a moment, "Hasn’t my wound healed long ago?"

Yu Tingwan: "That doesn’t matter."

Wei Zhao: ...

I get it now.

Things that could be said have been mostly said.

She had run out of words.

But she still wanted to show it.

Yu Tingwan tried her best, reaching out to hold Wei Zhao’s face.

"Let me take a look."

Wei Zhao let her move as she wished.

To cooperate with Yu Tingwan, he even leaned down slightly.

"What do you see?"

Yu Tingwan: "Though sometimes you don’t act like a decent person, there are times when you’re quite presentable."

His hair was like ink dye, tied with a jade crown. His features were handsome, his posture erect, boasting both the grace and composure of a scholar and the heroic spirit of a military general.

His chest held deep thoughts, he acted nonchalantly, with hands stained by blood, yet knew compassion better than anyone, for the world was not easy.

Wei Zhao’s eyes reflected the pine trees by the side.

And the few houses behind.

As if he could contain a hundred rivers.

But evidently, at this moment, all that seemed eclipsed in his eyes were gradually becoming blurry.

However, Wei Zhao still approached, resting his forehead against hers.

"And now?"

Yu Tingwan’s heart skipped a beat, she heard herself say, "Now... there’s only me."

The light was ample, yet the tall trees were lush, and the dappled light and shadow gently swayed with the wind.

The next moment, Yu Tingwan just felt the world spin.

Her back was pressed against the tree trunk.

Wei Zhao looked at her in a way that felt different. He tightly grasped her waist, pressing her into his arms.

"Yu Tingwan."

"Hmm?"

His breath drew near.

Afraid she’d resist due to the location, he spoke with a tone of negotiation, his finger brushing against her soft lips.

"With the relationship we have, though this is outside, no one’s around. Kissing is not too much, is it?"

Yu Tingwan: "Came out just for this sort of thing?"

"Never would have guessed, husband, you play quite wild."

But she didn’t understand.

"Yet you’re rather conservative."

Her face did not blush, her heart did not race.

"Just a kiss, not dragging me into the cornfield, is there a need to ask?"

Wei Zhao: ...

Who else can spoil the mood like you do.

Yu Tingwan tiptoed and gave him a heavy peck on his lips.

"Alright, let’s go back."

Didn’t manage to pull him away.

Scorching kisses fell like a storm, engulfing her entirely, from the very start it was deep possession.

Too urgent, too intense.

Yu Tingwan’s breath was snatched away, her soul too.

After burning a stick of incense, as they resumed their journey, her lipstick was smudged, her clothes wrinkled, and several buttons off her collar were gone, her face flushed a vibrant red. Sensitive as she was, it seemed she’d experienced a fervent encounter.

Wei Zhao crouched in front of her, hoisting her onto his back, his steps steady, heading up the mountain. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Yu Tingwan worked hard to steady her breathing, looking back as the village grew smaller until it was almost out of sight: "Where to?"

"Taking you for a swim."

It seemed a bit rushed.

This early, yet.

Wei Zhao spoke faintly, "After all, I’m quite worried."

Yu Tingwan: "Worried about what?"

"It’s chilly when entering water at this time, but it’s alright, I can handle it."

After all, she wasn’t one to shy from hardship.

In deep winter, she could even break through thick ice to wash clothes with water and ice chunks.

Wei Zhao: "I’ve had a small pool set up over the back mountain."

Not large, but for teaching, it’s adequate.

"Built a furnace beside it, burning coal inside; the mountain spring water, clean as it is, brought through ceramic pipes, heated by the furnace, then flows into the pool. A sort of homemade hot spring."

"You won’t get cold."

Yu Tingwan nodded, indicating she understood.

But she didn’t quite get it.

"Then what is my husband worried about?"

Wei Zhao glanced at her, "We’re leaving in a few days."

"I know."

Soon there’ll be major developments in the Capital, many matters will require Wei Zhao’s presence for decisions.

Wei Zhao: "Swimming can be learned quickly, but some learn slow."

Yu Tingwan was silent.

Then she felt quite displeased.

She was sure she’d be the quick learner!

"My father always said, I’m quick-witted."

Wei Zhao, not knowing his limits, "But I doubt you."

Yu Tingwan: ???

She found a comfortable position, lying on Wei Zhao.

Softly.

"Considering you’ll teach me later, count it as being half a husband. I’ve always respected those who impart knowledge, so I won’t bicker with you."

Wei Zhao: "Then we’re quite improper."

Yu Tingwan: ???

Wei Zhao spoke plainly, "Have you ever seen a student who’d be kissed by a teacher to the point of weak knees?"

The pool was built inside a cave, not in the open air.

The cave was large; upon entering, warmth enveloped them.

Yu Tingwan took off her outer garment, went into a specially designated cubicle, removed her waistband, leaving only thin undergarments.

"Gave you three stones, and still lost?"

An unexpected voice suddenly emerged near her ear.

Yu Tingwan instinctively looked to the right, but saw nothing, just emptiness.

Yet the next moment, a clear picture appeared before her eyes.

It was dark outside, the room lit by lamps.

A man and a woman sat facing each other, the girl in the picture frowned deeply.

She wore a skirt embroidered with flowers, draped in a cloak of emerald silk, seemed unwilling.

"You’re insincere."

Wei Zhao: ?

"Falsely accused me?"

"Since your highness conceded, why not just lose to me?"

Others would be embarrassed to hear such words.

Yet Yu Tingwan said them with rightful confidence.

"Let’s have another round."

Wei Zhao leisurely leaned back, brewing tea with effortless grace, poured two cups, handing one to Yu Tingwan.

"No more, let’s rest early."

Yu Tingwan sipped her drink, speaking in a very small voice: "But I’m not yet satisfied."

Yu Tingwan held her cup, sipping slowly.

She couldn’t resist asking.

"Is my chess really that bad?"

Wei Zhao: "It’s quite good."

"Tell me the truth."

Wei Zhao: "This..."

Yu Tingwan: "I wouldn’t mind."

"I’ve heard plenty of criticism, it’s how I improve."

Yu Tingwan: "No need to spare your words."

Wei Zhao decided to indulge her.

But he was veiled.

"Playing against Fu Meng, you might not win."

The girl: ?!?

She flushed red with anger, feeling humiliated, and stood abruptly: "Fu Meng can’t even play."

She seemed unable to accept it, trying to regain her standing.

Yu Tingwan gathered the black and white chess pieces on the board.

"Again."

"Surely I’m just new to it, not yet proficient in its essence."

"My father always said, I’m smart."

Wei Zhao: "Spare me."

He leaned back, lazily reclining.

His slender fingers lifted, beckoning her with a playful air.

"It’s dark already, why play chess?"

Like a male enchantress.

"Isn’t playing with me better?"