Chapter 24: A Peerless Beauty

"Take this!"

A handkerchief of snow-white brocade silk was thrust before Xia Qiqi.

Xia Qiqi raised her eyes, only to see Chu Hanxiao dressed in a brilliant red, narrow-sleeved wedding robe embroidered with dragon motifs. With his jade belt and golden crown, his features possessed an almost breathtaking, dangerous allure. Such a stunningly handsome man—if he were in the modern world, he would undoubtedly be a top-tier celebrity!

Xia Qiqi stared, dumbfounded. If he were actually just a bodyguard, she would have found a way to whisk him away when the time came to run!

Under her predatory gaze, Chu Hanxiao faltered slightly. His cold, clear eyes instantly shifted, the slight curve of his lips turning into a look of mockery.

"Did your governess not teach you?"

His voice was icy, his gaze like a soul-snatching tether that nearly pulled Xia Qiqi’s spirit right out of her.

"She did teach me, but..." Xia Qiqi regained her composure and sighed softly, her tone heavy with helplessness. "Being but a lone woman, it is simply impossible for me to manage on my own."

Having said this, she deliberately struck the pose of a delicate, pampered maiden, knitting her brows and biting her vermillion lip.

Chu Hanxiao nodded. Xia Qiqi was right; the crimson mark on the virginity cloth was indeed impossible to produce by her hand alone. And Nurse Jingfang, who served the Empress, was waiting to take the evidence back to the palace to fulfill her duty.

Chu Hanxiao frowned slightly and released his grip, letting the pure white cloth slide gracefully onto Xia Qiqi’s lap. "Have your attendant maids teach you."

Scum. Absolute scum! For something as intimate as this between two people, he was actually telling her to find a way herself! So, he just didn't want to consummate the marriage? Fine!

Supported by the anger in her heart, Xia Qiqi felt that the Prince of Jin before her was no longer so terrifying. Recalling the scene caused by Princess Zhaoyang at the hall entrance earlier, she quickly formed a plan. Since the Princess had already sparked a misunderstanding, she might as well use it to make Chu Hanxiao lower his guard.

Once the moon was obscured or after he had had a bit too much to drink, she would simply pounce! As for the task of consummation assigned by Steward Yan—once was enough! This way, she would only need to survive in the Prince of Jin's mansion for seven months before returning to the Prime Minister's estate to collect her money and leave.

However, she really ought to think carefully about what measures to take so that the old fox Liu Yuanqing wouldn't dare to silence her easily! Once that was settled, she could take Chuntao and Xiao'ai and live a leisurely life, tending to flowers and playing with birds!

***

Having made up her mind, Xia Qiqi slowly raised her head, looking directly at Chu Hanxiao with a bashful expression. "Your Highness, you saw it just now... Zhaoyang, she..."

As the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister’s household, speaking such words was truly embarrassing. Looking shy was only natural! Sure enough, Xia Qiqi saw Chu Hanxiao’s expression soften significantly.

After a brief pause, she continued, "This wedding today is not only a helplessness for you, but also something I could not avoid."

Chu Hanxiao nodded. "I have no intention of consummating this marriage with you." Xia Qiqi’s words had echoed his own sentiments. Marrying Liu Mingyu as his consort was certainly not his choice! He and Wen Shizhi had discussed the Emperor’s decree to take the eldest daughter of Left Prime Minister Liu Yuanqing as his legal wife several times. According to the laws of the Great Liang, all princes and grandsons must marry before coming of age and leave for their fiefs afterward. Because he had long controlled the Imperial Guard Commandery, he had already become a "solitary" king in the court. Thus, even after a full year in his fief, he had yet to marry. This had caused the Emperor and Empress great distress.

It happened that at a banquet held by the Emperor for his officials at the beginning of the year, Left Prime Minister Liu Yuanqing, emboldened by wine, had proposed to the Emperor in front of all the civil and military officials that his most beloved daughter, Liu Mingyu, be betrothed to the Prince of Jin. The Emperor and Empress were overjoyed and issued the decree immediately, as if fearing the Prime Minister might wake up sober and regret the offer!

However, upon hearing the news, Wen Shizhi had remarked that Liu Yuanqing must have done it on purpose. To be so eager to marry off a daughter known for her virtue among the capital's elite to the "solitary" Prince of Jin surely meant there was a grand scheme at play. Now, having witnessed Princess Zhaoyang confronting Liu Mingyu, Chu Hanxiao suddenly realized the true reason for Liu Yuanqing’s haste!

Xia Qiqi watched the subtle changes in Chu Hanxiao’s face and felt a secret joy. She lowered her head, remained silent for a moment, then took a deep breath. Gathering her courage, she looked up at him again. This time, her eyes were filled with earnestness, and one could even see the faint shimmer of tears.

"I have failed the Princess’s deep affection, and naturally, I do not wish to consummate the marriage with you either, but..."

Chu Hanxiao’s expression shifted slightly before returning to his usual detached calm. "But what?"

"But my father is the Left Prime Minister of Great Liang, a loyal subject of His Majesty. I do not wish for my personal affairs to turn my father into a laughingstock in the capital. Therefore, I beg Your Highness to grant me a favor, for the sake of my father’s dignity."

A flash of confusion crossed Chu Hanxiao’s eyes. "What kind of favor?" He felt that the Liu Mingyu before him had said a great deal, yet also nothing at all. He couldn't grasp what she was aiming for.

But... why did her eyes always flash with a hint of cunning? It was remarkably similar to the person on the roof! Moreover, every time she spoke, he caught a faint scent of agarwood.

Xia Qiqi slowly rose from the wedding bed. Her already loose robes slipped to the floor, and under the flickering candlelight, her delicate, curvaceous figure appeared incredibly graceful beneath the sheer gown. She walked lightly to Chu Hanxiao’s side and draped her jade-like arms over his shoulders. "I dare to ask Your Highness to undress and rest."

Chu Hanxiao looked down. The woman before him seemed to transform into the woman he had encountered on the roof that day. Her brows were like crescent moons, and curled, thick eyelashes were adorned with tiny droplets of moisture formed by the rising heat. It gave him an urge to kiss her, to kiss away those droplets. A wave of heat began to spread rapidly through his body.

"How dare you!" Chu Hanxiao turned his head abruptly, struggling to suppress a restlessness he had never felt before.

"Sleep in the same bed," Xia Qiqi whispered, standing on her tiptoes, her vermillion lips finally reaching behind Chu Hanxiao’s ear. "Not to consummate the marriage—that is the favor I am asking for!"

A tingle of numbness washed over Chu Hanxiao, and his gaze involuntarily fell upon her fair skin. The sweet, seductive voice in his ear made the restlessness he had just suppressed rise once more. His body began to grow hot. The faint scent of agarwood became richer and more intense...

"You..." Chu Hanxiao asked in a hoarse voice, "Is it you?"

"Your Highness, it is time to rest."

The enchanting voice sounded again. Chu Hanxiao finally lost his restraint. He gripped Xia Qiqi’s wrists tightly and slowly leaned his body toward her.

Wasn't she unwilling to consummate the marriage? Why did she change her mind in an instant? Men, after all! Xia Qiqi sneered inwardly, though her face remained soft and alluring.

However, Chu Hanxiao’s strength was overwhelming, forcing her to take a small step back. She bumped into the table, spilling some of the nuptial wine, the fragrance of which filled the air. In the midst of the confusion, Xia Qiqi drew the short blade hidden in her sleeve.

"You are courting death!"