Chapter 157.1: Wangye, Don't Disgrace Me
Wangye, Don't Disgrace Me (1)
Under his burning line of sight, Jing Wan subconsciously wanted to shake off his hand, but naturally it was pointless.
What 'compared to the two of them staying in this sealed space the whole time, it was better to go out', clearly it was better to stay in the horse carriage. At least there, a certain person seemingly just hugged and kissed her, and didn't do anything more inappropriate. But now, this clearly was wanting to 'eat dry and wipe clean'. Jing Wan, at this time, really was a bit anxious, very much wanting to turn and escape immediately.
Her hand from beginning to end was held by him. Even if he didn't exert a lot strength, it still wasn't something Jing Wan was capable of breaking away from. She ultimately just lowered her head, pursing her lips, remaining silent, and didn't make any crazy movements like struggling with all her might.
This was the living Enma's territory. If he really wanted to do something to her, then even if she was able to escape from him, she still wouldn't be able to leave this courtyard. Moreover, the aftermath of a struggle will inevitably leave her in a sorry state. Even if he lets her out, then what? What awaits her will certainly be a crowd of spectators circling around, not only will her reputation sweep the floor, the Luo family will also lose all face. Like someone of his status, he probably won't allow for anyone to disobey him. If she really offends him, afraid she will only suffer even worse treatment.
Jing Wan although was flustered inside, she really wasn't at a loss, very rationally weighing the pros and cons. Afterwards, she gradually calmed down.
After calming down, she even idly thought of something else. She should've long thought of what might happen soon after, and also just treated it as part of the 'extreme pampering' process. In the eyes of these high status, power wielding men, other methods of 'pampering' were all supplementary. The real 'pampering' should be on the bed. Getting 'pampered' by them, that was one's good fortune cultivated from eight lifetimes!
In this moment, that bit of good feelings Jing Wan once had towards Li Hong Yuan shattered into pieces.
Since she didn't shake him off in the very beginning, then she won't have any other movements either. Her body's slight tremble also instantly disappeared. Through these reactions, one probably can guess the course of her thoughts. The flame in Li Hong Yuan's eyes extinguished. Clearly knowing the situation one might face with, yet still this calm and rational, was this the reaction a normal young lady of the boudoir should have? If unwilling, then she should want to escape without care of the consequences, and if she's willing, she ought to have bashfulness and nervousness coexisting———Li Hong Yuan once again added another compelling evidence to his previous guess[1].
Li Hong Yuan was never a good person to begin with. Even towards the person at the tip of his heart, when scheming, he also never held back. He admit, he wanted Jing Wan to the point of insanity, wanting to be close to her, wanting to have her tied to his side at all times. That's why, despite clearly knowing the misgivings in her heart, clearly knowing that his image in her heart was probably all the more unbearable, he still won't let her leave him. Everything else can all be talked over, and can all satisfy her, but only this alone, there was absolutely no room for discussion.
Li Hong Yuan knew what Jing Wan was thinking, but he won't give out any promises. His rotten reputation was as clear as day. The more sweet talk and honeyed words he said, the more it would be viewed as empty flowery words, and will only cause an opposite reaction. That's why, towards Jing Wan, at least before she wholeheartedly falls in love with him, many things all can't be said. He can only use his actions to tell her, using time to prove to her.
Li Hong Yuan pulled along Jing Wan's hand, sitting down at a low table, letting Jing Wan sit in his embrace.
If her eyes weren't wrong, this should be the mat cushion used for sitting kneeling. Directly sitting down on the 'ground' like this without the least bit of posture and manners, Jin Qinwang, where's your etiquette and upbringing?
Then, Jing Wan finally noticed the various in season fruits placed on the table...........
The bright red watermelon diced into thumb-sized pieces evenly, with the seeds carefully picked out, the vividly red-shelled lychee that appear to have been just plucked, the large and round cherries that appear very enticing, also the similarly cut and peeled glistening yellow pineapple, the plump and lustrous jet-black bayberry, the sparkling and translucent crystal grapes..........
(T/N: I only added pictures for lychee and bayberry because these are more uncommon fruits. Tbh I've never had bayberries before either.)
Lychee Bayberry
The majority's place of origin all weren't in the capital, and moreover, regardless whether it was the freshness preservation or the transportation, it was all considered very inconvenient. But these things all appear very fresh, not damaged at all, and one was further unable to smell the fermented smell from sitting too long.
Two servant girls carried over a basin of water and such items, orderly kneeling on the ground, having the basin of water lifted to a suitable height.
TN: All
Li Hong Yuan personally removed the things on Jing Wan's wrist, placing on a tray to the side, then pulling Jing Wan's hands to soak in the water. The water temperature was just perfect. Scooping the water, he had their two pairs of hands both washed. Then fetching the cloth, he had their wet hands wiped clean. All the way until the servant girls soundlessly left again, Jing Wan didn't even lift a single finger.
For the servant girls to be this calm, not even batting an eye, it can be seen that they were accustomed to this.
In reality, the servant girls were extremely shocked, just the living Enma's might was too strong, so unnecessary movements, unnecessary words, and even unnecessary expressions, that all can't be displayed on the surface in the slightest.
"Is there any you like?" Li Hong Yuan monopolized Jing Wan's waist with one hand. He hesitated a moment over the fruits, and then picked up a cherry, sending it to Jing Wan's mouth, "Have a taste."
Jing Wan turned to look at him. This place wasn't like the world of her past life; transportation is still very inconvenient. Exactly how much manpower, wealth, and physical resources did he spend to reach this step? "Did his Majesty bestow these to wangye?"
Li Hong Yuan's expression softened, the corner of his mouth carrying a gentle smile, "There aren't any in the palace. If imperial father wasted manpower and resources like this, the imperial censor can have him nagged to death.........."
Jing Wan thought to herself, to even dare casually use the word 'death' on his Majesty, he really didn't have any misgivings of taboos at all.
"To be able to do something this wasteful, aside from this prince, there's probably none other. However, for better or worse, still need to leave a bit of face for others, so these were all privately brought back by this prince's people." Li Hong Yuan randomly pointed to the cherries, lychees, and such, "These, along the way, lost quite a bit. By the time they reached the capital, not much were left, but for just you to eat, there's still more than enough." He once again had the cherry sent to Jing Wan's mouth, "Have a taste."
He said it like they were specially brought over for her, don't make her out to be like a demon consort[2] of sorts. However, regardless whether this was the case or not, right now, she wasn't in any position to advise him.
Jing Wan parted her lips, but before she bit into the cherry, Li Hong Yuan just seized the opportunity, shoving it into her mouth. His fingertips lingered in her mouth for a moment, sweeping the tip of her tongue. Seeing Jing Wan's eyes unconsciously widen, he very naturally had his fingers extracted, slowly moving to his own lips. Then, he extended his tongue and licked it, his two eyes fixedly staring at her from beginning to end.
Jing Wan couldn't help blushing violently, abruptly turning her head away. Bastard, will it kill you to not flirt?
The smile hanging on Li Hong Yuan's mouth became increasingly apparent, like he completely didn't notice Jing Wan's embarrassment. "Is it tasty?"
Jing Wan kept feeling that he wasn't asking about the cherry in her mouth, but rather.......peh peh, stupid finger didn't have any flavor at all, not the least bit tasty. She moved her mouth, and her mouth just overflowed with the unique sweetness of the cherry, a very pure flavor, quite praiseworthy.
Li Hong Yuan suddenly closed in again, kissing Jing Wan's lips, prying open her teeth, only leaving after a long while, and at the same time, taking away the cherry pit in Jing Wan's mouth. Turning his head, he had it spat onto the empty saucer on the table.
Seeing Li Hong Yuan picking up another cherry, Jing Wan directly used the handkerchief to cover her mouth, "Don't want to eat anymore."
Li Hong Yuan appeared quite regretful, directly having the cherry thrown into his mouth. He then moved the tray over and placed it by Jing Wan's hand, his intention very obvious. He won't do anything anymore, so just boldly eat what you like without worries.
Having something to do, distracting herself, even if just eating, was seemingly still better than 'staring face-to-face' with him.
Li Hong Yuan sure enough did as he 'said', just watching Jing Wan eat the whole time.
[1] See chapter 98 for LHY's guesses about Jing Wan
[2] This meaning along the lines of beauty is calamity, think of all the beauties that made regimes collapse because they led the rulers astray, or indulged in luxury.