"Alright..." Nan Zhiyun's face flushed slightly; she felt she had just asked a foolish question.
"I've already had someone deliver clothes today. I'll go get them for you." Yu Jingchen released Nan Zhiyun's hand. It was clear this had been prepared in advance.
Nan Zhiyun watched as Yu Jingchen took out clothes from a small cabinet nearby. Everything was prepared, even undergarments...
"Let's go." Yu Jingchen took Nan Zhiyun's hand and led her to the outdoor hot spring. Although this hot spring was naturally formed, Yu Jingchen had later had screens and shelters installed around it.
Yu Jingchen set Nan Zhiyun's clothes aside and was about to help her undress, but...
"Your Majesty, should we do this together?" Nan Zhiyun asked. Yu Jingchen knew what she was concerned about and found it amusing.
"Is that not possible? Are you still shy, Yun'er, even now?" Yu Jingchen said.
"...Okay." It was true; they had to take this step eventually. They had seen each other before anyway... it was just like that... perhaps...
Yu Jingchen removed all of Nan Zhiyun's clothes, leaving her only in her undergarments.
"If you're too embarrassed, Yun'er, you can just stay like this," Yu Jingchen said, not forcing her. Nan Zhiyun was a little surprised. But she was not very strong-willed, so she actually planned to continue this way.
Yu Jingchen saw Nan Zhiyun fumbling a bit and felt helpless, so he carefully helped her down. When Nan Zhiyun first entered, she found the hot spring quite comfortable; the temperature was just right. Nan Zhiyun submerged herself in the water and quite enjoyed it.
"Is Your Majesty going to come down now?" Nan Zhiyun asked. The pool was quite large.
Yu Jingchen did not answer her. He directly began to unbutton his clothes. Nan Zhiyun's face turned red at his actions, and she guiltily averted her gaze.
Yu Jingchen saw Nan Zhiyun's reaction but said nothing. As soon as he entered the hot spring pool, he naturally embraced Nan Zhiyun.
"Does Yun'er know that the possibilities are greater in the water?" Yu Jingchen suddenly said something Nan Zhiyun didn't quite understand.
"What?" she asked.
Before Yu Jingchen could answer, Nan Zhiyun found her clothes being unfastened. Nan Zhiyun bit her lip, knowing what was about to happen. However, it was in the water... Nan Zhiyun was a little scared. Yu Jingchen knew she was nervous, so he guided her slowly.
Yu Jingchen kissed Nan Zhiyun's lips, kissing her deeply. His hands moved beneath the water, unrestrained, their bodies pressing close.
...
The calm surface of the hot spring rippled with splashing water.
More than an hour later, Yu Jingchen carried the limp Nan Zhiyun out of the hot spring, dressed her, and dried her hair. It was getting late, and they needed to return for a banquet.
"Your Majesty~" Nan Zhiyun's voice was like a cat's purr.
"Good girl. If you're tired, just sleep. I'll wake you when we arrive," Yu Jingchen said tenderly, looking at Nan Zhiyun.
"Mmm~" Nan Zhiyun was truly exhausted.
Yu Jingchen carried Nan Zhiyun away. Those waiting outside had been expecting them for a while. Upon seeing the Shu Consort being carried out by the Emperor, they knew what had happened. Tsk, the way she looked so weak and soft all over; His Majesty was truly relentless.
"Let's go back," Yu Jingchen ordered. He then mounted his horse, holding Nan Zhiyun horizontally in his arms, carefully protecting her.
"Yes," Xing Lai replied impassively. The banquet should be starting soon.
Yu Jingchen rode his horse slowly all the way, as Nan Zhiyun was asleep. By the time they returned to the hunting grounds, everyone had already arrived. They all watched as His Majesty dismounted, carrying Nan Zhiyun. That Shu Consort...
"Your subjects welcome Your Majesty!" A group of people quickly rose from their seats to pay their respects.
Yu Jingchen, holding Nan Zhiyun, calmly took a fox fur cloak from a palace attendant and draped it over her. He then carried Nan Zhiyun to the highest seat and sat down.
"Everyone, rise," Yu Jingchen said in a level tone.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Everyone stood up again and then returned to their seats.