Ye Lan’s kisses trailed downward from the collarbone, pausing at the bright red heart on Mu Xi’s lower abdomen.
“This is my mark,” she looked up at Mu Xi, possessiveness flashing in her eyes, “You will always be mine.”
Mu Xi’s resistance gradually turned into weak, futile pushes.
Her mind told her to fight back, but her body betrayed her will.
The long-term effects of those Medicine Baths and Chun Medicine had made her body hypersensitive, as if she were a plaything tailored just for Ye Lan.
“Stop…” Mu Xi’s voice already carried a sob, though even she couldn’t tell whether it was from humiliation or pleasure.
Ye Lan grew even bolder, her lips and tongue wandering across Mu Xi’s body, hands kneading the chest that had become fuller from the Medicine Baths.
“But your body is saying ‘continue’,” Ye Lan chuckled softly, “Why deny your own desires?”
Mu Xi closed her eyes, tears sliding from the corners.
She hated her weakness, hated how her body so easily betrayed her will.
But what terrified her more was that, amid such torment, she actually began to feel a trace of pleasure.
“Look at me,” Ye Lan commanded, “I want you to remember who let you feel this way.”
Mu Xi was forced to open her eyes and meet Ye Lan’s gaze, filled with desire.
At that moment, she felt her last thread of resistance snap.
Instinct overcame reason in the end, and Mu Xi found herself unconsciously cooperating with Ye Lan’s movements.
Her hands no longer pushed her away, but instead wrapped around Ye Lan’s neck.
“That’s my good pet,” Ye Lan smiled with satisfaction, “You’ve finally learned to enjoy it.”
Mu Xi said no more, simply closed her eyes, allowing herself to sink into this indulgence.
She knew she was betraying her own dignity, but for this moment, she chose to let go of those heavy burdens and seek a brief respite in pleasure.
The night was deep, the moonlight flowing like water, quietly bearing witness to this forbidden intimacy.
Mu Xi’s last shred of reason told her this was only a temporary compromise, not eternal submission.
One day, she would find a chance to end all of this.
But for now, she could only drown.
The passion lasted until dawn, with the rising sun peeking over the horizon, and yet the two were still lost in the pleasures of entwined bodies.
Mu Xi was sore all over, her silver hair messily fanned out on the dark green Silk Bedding, the bright red heart on her abdomen rising and falling with her quickened breaths.
Her eyes had lost focus, and she could only let out faint moans with Ye Lan’s every movement.
“Master… enough…,” Mu Xi gasped, her voice hoarse and feeble.
Ye Lan leaned in, licking the sweat from Mu Xi’s neck, “I could never get enough.”
A gentle knock sounded from outside the door, interrupting Ye Lan’s movements.
“Who is it?” Ye Lan’s voice was tinged with clear displeasure.
“Boss, breakfast is ready,” the Maid’s voice came through the door, respectful and cautious.
Ye Lan sighed, finally letting go of the utterly spent Mu Xi.
She casually grabbed a silk robe and draped it over herself, long hair falling in wild disarray, yet her aura was undiminished.
“Wait,” Ye Lan said to Mu Xi, “Don’t even think about resting.”
She opened the door.
The Maid, seeing Ye Lan’s disheveled state, showed a flash of surprise in her eyes, but immediately bowed her head and handed over the tray.
“Prepare another serving,” Ye Lan took the tray, “I’ll be dining with Mu Xi in the room.”
“Yes, Boss.” The Maid bowed and quickly left.
Ye Lan closed the door and turned to look at Mu Xi on the bed.
Mu Xi was barely propping herself up against the headboard, her pale face tinged with unnatural flush, tears still streaking the corners of her eyes.
“You look as if you’re ill,” Ye Lan approached, placing the tray on the bedside table, “But I like it.”
Mu Xi wanted to speak, but Ye Lan pressed a finger to her lips.
“No saying you won’t eat,” a dangerous glint flashed in Ye Lan’s eyes, “You must eat. And I’ll feed you myself.”
Mu Xi wanted to refuse, but after an entire night of exertion, she had no strength left.
Her stomach protested; if not for the hunger, she would have already drifted off to sleep.
“Open up.” Ye Lan picked up a forkful of egg.
Mu Xi obediently opened her mouth, “Ah…”
Ye Lan fed her, watching as she chewed and swallowed, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.
“Good girl,” Ye Lan gently caressed Mu Xi’s cheek, “It seems I’ve found a way to tame you.”
Mu Xi remained silent, accepting Ye Lan’s feeding mechanically.
Her compliance was only a temporary strategy, but she had to admit, after a night like that, her will to resist had indeed faded somewhat.
“What are you thinking?” Ye Lan, ever sharp, noticed Mu Xi’s distraction.
“Nothing,” Mu Xi replied softly, “I’m just… tired.”
Ye Lan laughed quietly, “Tired? We’re only just getting started.”
Her hand slid restlessly to Mu Xi’s waist, “Finish eating, and you’ll have more energy.”
A knock sounded at the door again; the Maid had brought the second serving of breakfast.
Ye Lan took the tray, shut the door, and returned to the bed.
She picked up a piece of bread dipped in honey and brought it to Mu Xi’s lips.
“Try it,” Ye Lan’s voice was low and tempting, “It’s sweet.”
Mu Xi took a bite, the taste of honey spreading across her tongue.
She had to admit, it was quite good.
“See?” Ye Lan looked at Mu Xi with satisfaction, “Obey me, and you’ll be rewarded. Resist me, and you’ll only bring yourself more pain.”
Mu Xi lowered her eyes, unwilling to let Ye Lan see the conflict within them.
She had to wait, to bide her time for that one, fatal opportunity.
“Once you’re finished,” Ye Lan whispered, “we’ll continue.”
Mu Xi’s body shuddered involuntarily, a tremor born of both fear and anticipation.
She hated herself for reacting like this, hated how her body was beginning to get used to Ye Lan’s touch—perhaps even to crave more.
But her reason told her this was all due to the medicine and the training; it wasn’t the real her.
One day, she would break free from these shackles.
Just not today.
Not yet.
After breakfast, Ye Lan set the trays aside, her gaze burning as she stared at Mu Xi.
She reached out, brushing Mu Xi’s messy silver hair, fingertips gently twirling the soft strands.
“You’re covered in scent,” Ye Lan’s voice was low and sultry, laced with an undeniable command, “Go wash up first, then… we’ll continue.”
Before Mu Xi could reply, Ye Lan scooped her up.
Mu Xi, weak from exhaustion, could only slump limply in Ye Lan’s arms as she was carried toward the Bathroom.
Inside the bathroom, Ye Lan carefully placed Mu Xi into a tub already filled with warm water.
The bathtub was surprisingly large, enough to fit five to seven people at once.
A few rose petals floated on the surface, the steamy air suffused with the herbal aroma.
“These are all prepared especially for you,” Ye Lan took off her robe and stepped in naked, “They’re good for your skin.”
Mu Xi nodded drowsily, feeling the warm water wrap around her sore body, unable to suppress a contented sigh.
The temperature of the medicine was just right—not scalding, but enough to loosen tired muscles.
Ye Lan picked up a soft sponge, soaked it in water, and began gently washing Mu Xi.
Her actions were almost reverent, yet clearly marked by possessiveness.
“Turn around,” Ye Lan ordered, “Let me wash your back.”
Mu Xi complied, revealing her smooth back.