Chapter 412: Chapter 172: Turning the tide, both secured! Empress: Jiang Yuchan, did you sleep with Chen Mo?_2
She looped her arm around Ling Ningzhi’s, pulling her assertively through the gates of the Chen Mansion.
"I just bought some new fashionable underwear. I brought sets for you and Zhixia each. Since you’re here, you should try them on later."
"Th-thank you, Auntie."
Ling Ningzhi’s nature was aloof, not adept at socializing with people.
At first, the warm attitude was something she was not quite used to.
But the longer they spent time together, the more she could feel that rare warmth. He Yuzhi didn’t have any airs of an elder, treating her entirely like family.
If they truly became family in the future...
Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad?
The thought suddenly popped into Ling Ningzhi’s mind.
She promptly shook her head vigorously, dismissing the absurd idea.
"Zhixia is the legitimate daughter-in-law of the Chen Family. Auntie is kind to me because I am Zhixia’s friend."
"Moreover, Zhixia trusts me so much. How could I do anything to wrong her?"
Ling Ningzhi bit her lip gently.
Through these life-and-death experiences, the mark Chen Mo left on her heart became increasingly clear. Yet, her heart also endured torment, with reason and emotion constantly tearing at her, leaving her at a loss on what to do.
"By the way..."
At that moment, He Yuzhi spoke up, "Zhixia happens to be here too. She’s been in a bad mood lately. You should comfort her well later."
Ling Ningzhi frowned, "What’s wrong with Zhixia?"
He Yuzhi sighed helplessly and said, "Didn’t that brat Chen Mo tear up the marriage contract? Although both families recognize the marriage, the incident became widely known in the Capital City, inevitably stirring some gossip. The Shen Family cares about their face, so Shen Xiong wanted to go into the palace to ask the Empress for a decree to bless the marriage."
"But unexpectedly, the Empress was furious and sternly reprimanded Shen Xiong. It seems the marriage will be postponed for now."
"Since learning about this, Zhixia has been despondent, unable to even eat..."
He Yuzhi couldn’t understand why.
The Chen and Shen families, one civil and one military, marrying would strengthen the Imperial Consort Faction’s influence both in and out of the court.
She could understand if the Empress disagreed, but why did Consort Yu react so intensely?
"..."
Ling Ningzhi knew the reason but didn’t dare to say it out loud.
She couldn’t possibly tell He Yuzhi that the Imperial Consort had been tormented to the point of wetting the bed by her son...
That would surely frighten her to death!
The two walked through the courtyard, along the corridor to the East Wing.
As they reached the room door, He Yuzhi suddenly sensed something, her expression slightly stiffening before a strange look appeared.
"Ahem, never mind, we can’t really help with this anyway. Let Zhixia be alone for now; don’t disturb her," He Yuzhi said, clearing her throat.
Ling Ningzhi shook her head and said, "Although Zhixia seems carefree, she is actually very perceptive and detailed. She’s deeply in love with Chen Mo. With such an incident, she’s surely feeling sad."
"Even if I can’t be of help, simply being a listening ear may relieve her emotions somewhat."
With that, she walked forward and knocked on the door.
He Yuzhi quietly took a few steps back.
"I tried to stop you, so this has nothing to do with me..."
...
Inside the room.
Chen Mo leaned against the headboard of the huanghuali wood canopy bed, smiling at the girl in front of him.
Shen Zhixia wore a silk nightdress, with two thin straps hanging over her fragrant shoulders, a proud chest pushing her collar high.
The back was completely open, her smooth back resembling sheep’s fat white jade, flawless, and from the side, one could see a hint of curvature...
At that moment, she sat in a duck-style position, kneeling on the bed with her slender legs curled, toned yet fleshy.
"Mmph!"
Shen Zhixia covered her lips with a delicate hand, her cheeks flushed, her eyes filled with shame and annoyance.
Chen Mo tilted his ear and asked, "What did you say? I couldn’t hear you clearly."
Gulp~
Shen Zhixia’s throat moved, pinching him with her slender hand, angrily saying, "Brother, you did that on purpose! You’re so bad!"
Chen Mo raised his hand to gently caress her pretty face, his thumb brushing over her red lips, smilingly saying, "Lady, your memory is quite poor. You’ve already forgotten what to call me in private?"
"H-husband~"
Shen Zhixia’s face grew increasingly rosy.
Every time Chen Mo called her "lady," her bones felt a bit weak.
She gently parted her red lips, biting her finger, her wet eyes filled with deep affection.
Chen Mo’s breathing quickened.
This girl is getting really skilled now!
Shen Zhixia had a pair of bright, deer-like eyes that imparted an innocent and pure look... Whenever she looked at him, he found it hard to keep his composure.
"Brother, I’m really happy~"
Shen Zhixia leaned against Chen Mo’s chest, gazing infatuatedly at his handsome face.
Although the Empress didn’t grant the marriage, it was no longer important to her. Even without a formal marriage, mediators and matchmaking, so what?
The promise written in the Creation Gold Contract was more ingrained than any ritual.
"The reed twists like silk, but a solid rock doesn’t move... in poverty, you won’t abandon me, in nine deaths, you won’t regret..." Shen Zhixia murmured softly, "Brother, I really like you."
"You just said, you should call me husband."
"But I’m shy..."
"Say it wrong again in the future, and there’ll be a spanking, okay."
"Brother."
"?"
Shen Zhixia lifted her plump bottom, biting her lip, and said, "I said it wrong, how come you haven’t spanked, brother?"
Chen Mo’s mouth twitched.
This girl is becoming more and more exasperating.
Slap——
The raised hand fell, causing ripples.
"Mmh!"
Shen Zhixia moaned, her pretty face becoming even redder.
Her legs gently rubbed together, as she leaned close to Chen Mo’s ear, her breath like orchids: "Brother, I want more..."