Chapter 9: Currying Favor

Jiang Wu had sought out Chu Ling three times, only to be blocked from his study each time. It was a difficult situation; with Chu Yan in the picture, the already unpredictable Chu Ling had become even more mercurial.

For the sake of her own freedom, Jiang Wu came again on the fourth day. She calculated that she had been grounded for seven days, with twenty-three remaining. If she could see Chu Ling today and humble herself enough to trade for those twenty-three days of freedom, it would be a fair bargain. If Chu Ling avoided her again today, she would lose another day of freedom, and she would have to weigh her options carefully. At worst, she could just have Yang Zhou write her more letters.

That was right—she could still correspond. Thinking of this, and recalling Chu Ling’s explosive anger from the other day, Jiang Wu felt a shiver of fear. As she turned these little schemes over in her mind, she saw Chuyi walking toward her from a distance. She was already bracing herself to hear the usual "The Master is busy, please return, Madam," and was even preparing to let out a sigh of relief.

Instead, Chuyi said, "Madam, the Master is waiting for you. Please, go in."

Jiang Wu often felt that Chu Ling could read her mind. It had to be true; otherwise, why would he always act in direct opposition to her? When she was enthusiastic, he would avoid her, but just as she was about to retreat, he would become interested.

Fine. After giving herself a pep talk, Jiang Wu entered the study. Chu Ling was sitting at his desk, not even lifting his head as she entered. Jiang Wu could only stand to the side, secretly observing the man as he wrote. In truth, there were times when she could understand how she had once been so hopelessly infatuated with him.

He was truly born with such handsome features. Even at his current age, his every gesture remained noble and elegant. Moreover, despite his tall stature, he retained a lean waist and broad shoulders; he was neither frail nor burdened with the bloated, greasy quality of other middle-aged high-ranking officials. She could guarantee that there were no shortage of women in the capital who envied her.

But who could know the bitterness hidden beneath?

As she was thinking this, Chu Ling’s voice finally came: "Something on your mind?"

Since she was already here, she naturally had to achieve her goal. She lowered her head slightly, and when she raised it again, she wore a smile. "My lord, I saw that you were working too hard, so I specifically asked the kitchen to brew some soup for you to restore your vitality." As she spoke, she gently placed the food box on the desk.

She observed that Chu Ling’s expression softened slightly, and she felt a secret triumph at her own cleverness. As expected, this face of hers was meant to be used this way. Since she was benefiting from Chu Yan’s presence, she decided to be magnanimous and not complain about the peach tree.

Chu Ling did not remain stubborn this time. He took the soup Jiang Wu served and actually tasted it.

Jiang Wu stared at him, expecting that under her gaze, Chu Ling would soon feel uneasy and ask what was wrong, allowing her to unleash the repertoire of words she had prepared. But how could Chu Ling be uneasy? He remained expressionless under her gaze, not even casting a glance in her direction. Seeing that he was about to set the bowl down, Jiang Wu lost heart and had to take the initiative herself.

"My lord."

"Hmm."

"Looking at you now, you truly are like a jade tree in the wind—as handsome as Pan An, with such a remarkable spirit." Jiang Wu used every complimentary term she could muster, save for "a gentleman like jade," which she reserved for Mo Yangzhou in her heart and dared not use recklessly.

Because there had been no buildup, the words sounded abrupt. Chu Ling raised his eyelids, his gaze finally shifting to Jiang Wu as his thin lips parted: "Now?"

Jiang Wu realized her mistake and quickly corrected herself: "No, I have always felt this way; it is just especially true today." She widened her stiffening smile. "I am simply lamenting how fortunate I am to be your wife. With your heroic and formidable nature, surely no woman in this world could resist you."

As she spoke, she lowered her head "shyly," though in reality, her expression was crumbling, and she felt nauseated by her own words. *I must endure this!* She had wounded this man’s pride the other day, and now, no matter what, she had to make up for it. She had to make him believe that when Chu Yan returned, she would not refuse him.

In truth, Jiang Wu had deep doubts about whether that would actually happen. Would anyone still like Chu Ling after truly knowing him? But since Chu Ling was so good to Chu Yan, perhaps... he would?

She felt that Chu Ling’s mood seemed to have improved. He leaned back in his chair, adjusting to a comfortable position, looking very much as if he were waiting to watch her perform. Although this demeanor was annoying, at least he was no longer terrifying.

After encouraging herself once more, Jiang Wu reached out with a trembling hand and touched Chu Ling’s shoulder, her touch as hesitant as if she were stroking a tiger. "Would you like to rest for a moment, my lord?"

She barely managed to get the words out. The seductive invitation, riddled with implications, was delivered with such nervousness that it lost all allure, sounding instead like genuine concern. Jiang Wu could hardly bear to watch herself.

Fortunately, Chu Ling did not mock her; he simply gestured toward his lap. Jiang Wu understood and carefully sat down. The man’s body was steady, not shifting in the slightest as she adjusted her position. Once she was settled, she lowered her head, sitting as still as a little quail. For a moment, neither of them made another move.

It wasn't until Chu Ling’s hand rested on her waist that he spoke. "Didn't you want me to rest?" He sounded unhurried. "Why aren't you moving?"

As he spoke, his hand on her waist tightened, as if urging her. Jiang Wu dared not delay any longer; she turned and kissed Chu Ling’s lips.

The man smelled of pine, and his lips were surprisingly soft. Jiang Wu tried her best to comfort herself: even if he was rotten to the core, he was at least gilded on the outside. She forced herself to soften her body.

Having been husband and wife for so many years, Jiang Wu was not an innocent girl. While she actively seduced him with kisses, her hands were not idle either. When the man’s hand, which had been restraining her waist, finally began to shift, it paused after slipping beneath her skirt. Jiang Wu could feel his breath hitch for a fleeting moment.

"Playing with yourself?"

His voice was deeper, raspy and obscure, his gaze unfathomable. Jiang Wu blinked; she did not know that her eyes, damp with moisture, made her pupils appear even darker. To the man, she looked so innocent that he wanted to defile her. She had only been thinking that since she would have to do it herself anyway, she felt more sensation without Chu Ling.

Of course, she could never say that aloud. Instead, she leaned closer against his chest, whispering into his ear, "I was thinking of you," her soft body pressed seamlessly against him, her sweet, pink lips breathing like orchids against his ear. "Every day, for these past few days."

A flame seemed to ignite in the man’s deep eyes. As his movements turned rough, Jiang Wu bit her lip to keep from crying out. Chu Ling seemed to laugh—Jiang Wu wasn't certain, but she caught a faint chuckle from his throat before he spoke.

"I will waive your confinement."

Jiang Wu’s heart leapt with joy, and just as she was about to thank him, his next words followed: "If you still have the energy to leave the house."

The man finally looked directly at her, his beast-like aura making Jiang Wu realize with a jolt that something was terribly wrong. She felt the urge to flee, but his grip on her held her fast, allowing no room for retreat.

The frenzied kiss was entirely different from the light, tentative touch she had initiated moments ago. Deprived of fresh air, Jiang Wu’s mind became too muddled to think, leaving her only able to see the cold yet insane look in his eyes, which spelled out two words:

"Death wish."

Yes, this misfortune was one she had brought upon herself.