Chapter 40

Xiao Jingheng's fingertips gradually increased in force.

He didn't seem to be applying medicine, but rather trying to rub something off Song Zhao's back.

Like those patches of purplish bruises.

"Ow..."

Song Zhao lightly bit her lip and let out a soft moan. Her body also shook uncontrollably along with his increasing force.

Xiao Jingheng could see very clearly,

the ointment smeared on the bruise, but didn't take away the color of the bruise. On the contrary, because he had used too much force, it left an even deeper red imprint on the bruise.

This showed that the bruise was not fake, and Song Zhao's intention to protect him with her life was also true.

Xiao Jingheng let out a short breath, and only then stopped doubting Song Zhao.

On the contrary, he felt even more guilty towards her in his heart.

When helping Song Zhao treat the remaining bruises, Xiao Jingheng's movements were very gentle.

While applying medicine, he also gently blew on the wounds.

After completely applying the medicine, he lowered his head and lightly kissed the back of Song Zhao's neck.

Song Zhao had her back facing him, so he couldn't see her expression at this moment.

He only heard her ask somewhat frustratedly,

"Your Majesty, my back looks terrible, right..."

"Nonsense." Xiao Jingheng didn't hesitate at all to cut her off. His warm palm was gently rubbing her back, "My beloved consort was born delicate and beautiful. Even with bruises on her back, they look like red flower petals. It just pains me to see them."

His lips moved down from Song Zhao's jade neck, wandering above her fragrant shoulder. Then he used his low voice to say:

"I apply medicine on you every day. I believe it will soon recover as before, flawless beautiful jade."

"Your Majesty..." Song Zhao's voice was even weaker. Looking from behind, even her earlobes seemed to be blushing through, extremely charming. Yet how could he have known?

At this moment, Song Zhao was using the softest voice to say the most shy words.

But there was a trace of a smug smile at the corner of her lips.

Like a hunter who had perfectly captured high-quality prey,

and was about to gather firewood and have a full meal.

Xiao Jingheng's kiss gradually changed from restrained to crazy.

His hand also slowly shifted from Song Zhao's back to the spring scenery in front of her.

Song Zhao seemed a little panicked.

Her soft boneless hands clasped the bulging veins on the back of his hand.

"Your Majesty...I'm afraid I'm not very convenient today..."

As soon as she finished speaking, the man gently pinched her cheek and slowly turned her head back.

With their noses touching and breaths intertwining,

Xiao Jingheng stared at the peach flush gradually appearing on her cheek, the corners of his mouth hooked up in a playful smile,

"I remember your period is not in the next two days."

"The bruises on my back hurt even with slight pressure. I'm afraid I won't be able to lie flat for several days."

"It doesn’t matter." Xiao Jingheng moved forward and lightly bit her lips. "You can be on top, so I can look at you."

Song Zhao was extremely embarrassed, and her entire upper body's fair skin was covered with a thin layer of red. Xiao Jingheng just loved seeing her like this.

He firmly grasped Song Zhao's slender waist, pulling her an inch closer to himself, and kissed her uncontrollably.

But right at this exciting moment, they were disturbed by the sound of knocking on the door.

Jiang Deshun's respectful voice came from outside:

"Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress and Consort Chen have heard about Your Majesty’s dangerous incident in the imperial garden today. Now they have each prepared some nourishing soup in the Chaoyang Palace waiting for you. What do you think..."

It was as if Xiao Jingheng had been poured with a bucket of cold water. How could his face look good?

He suppressed his anger and yelled at the door:

"Who was the big mouth that told them about this?" It was obvious who it was. When Xiao Jingheng was holding Song Zhao back to Yaohua Palace today, weren't they bumped into Consort Yao at the palace gate?

But of course Jiang Deshun couldn't gossip about Consort Yao’s deeds at this time.

He could only bite the bullet and say he didn't know.

Song Zhao secretly observed Xiao Jingheng's expression.

He was in the mood and of course didn't want to leave.

Even if he had to leave, he wouldn’t miss the chance to be intimate with Song Zhao first.

But if she kept him now, wouldn’t it be offending the Empress and Consort Chen at the same time?

Song Zhao was not stupid.

She only wanted this man’s guilt towards her, not his body.

So she nestled in Xiao Jingheng's arms, obedient like a rabbit, and said:

"Today’s incident was indeed dangerous. I was worried about you. The imperial consorts must also be worried about Your Majesty. Your Majesty has already accompanied this lowly concubine for so long today. It’s not good to keep Her Majesty the Empress and Consort Chen worried."

Xiao Jingheng was silent for a moment and said, "Very well, you were also frightened today. I am also reluctant to toss you around. You should rest early and recuperate. I will come to see you again tomorrow after morning court."

After comforting Song Zhao and seeing her fall asleep, he reluctantly left.

Song Zhao had just lied down sideways on the bed to rest, when there was another crisp knock on the door outside.

"Miss, have you rested?"

When Song Zhao heard Xiao Fuzi's voice, she got up, wrapped herself in a coat and said, "Come in."

When Xiao Fuzi entered, she handed a white porcelain medicine bottle to Song Zhao and said:

"This medicinal powder was specially prepared by this slave for miss. It can help miss’s bruises disperse faster. The imperial doctor prescribed the 'Golden Blood-Activating Powder' for you. That medicine is expensive and has a magical effect on just-formed bruises. But it is not so effective on bruises that have already spread out."

Song Zhao put the white porcelain medicine bottle aside with an indifferent expression: "You are thoughtful."

Xiao Fuzi smiled and was about to withdraw, but turned back when she reached the door. She looked embarrassed, "Miss, this move of yours is really too dangerous. With new injuries on old ones, you have really suffered."

Song Zhao smiled nonchalantly. "If I don't act convincingly, how can I deceive His Majesty? Moreover, if I had messed up the act in front of His Majesty, let alone favors, I might not even be able to keep my life."

Xiao Fuzi said, "In fact, His Majesty treats Miss very well already. Miss really doesn't need to use her own body as a bargaining chip."

Song Zhao said, "Who doesn't His Majesty treat well in your eyes? At the call of the Empress and Consort Chen, didn't he also rush to leave? Which woman in the harem doesn’t have looks and status? How long can the favor sought by feminine charms last?”

She swung the white porcelain medicine bottle in her hand and smiled smugly, “On the other hand, just a few bruises can make His Majesty think that I risked my life to save him, and make him pay more attention to me. It was really worth it."

Then she suddenly looked up at Xiao Fuzi, "You did a good job with your tasks today. You grasped the timing of the falling rubble very accurately and retreated cleanly without leaving any evidence behind. I really didn’t put my trust in the wrong person."

(Happy Lantern Festival, my beauties! There will be no updates during the holidays, so let me wish you another happy new year! Also, happy new semester!)