Chapter 94: A Scene in a Play

Chapter 94

A Scene in a Play

Last night, Kang Wang had to admit to himself that Young Miss Mu had satisfied him greatly. He had once gone through reckless phases in his youth, plucking many flowers along the way, but no one had ever stirred the same feelings in him as she had. There was a tender warmth when her slender arms wrapped around him, when her sweet breath brushed against his cheek, and when she unknowingly moaned, pressing her body closer to his.

Thinking of this, Kang Wang raised a hand to cover his face in shame. It was her first night, and he had subjected her to such intensity. His slightest movement caused the woman in his arms to stir as if she was about to wake. He remained still for a long while, waiting until her breathing returned to its steady rhythm. Her delicate lips parted slightly, and she nestled her cheek against his broad chest, seeking warmth. Her inky black hair spilled across the pillow, and she slept deeply from exhaustion.

Her bare body was covered in the marks of his kisses. The lingering scent of passion filled the air around the bed. He pulled the blanket and carefully slipped out of bed. The once pristine white sheets were now stained with the blood of her virginity and the remnants of their lovemaking, scattered everywhere.

He felt too ashamed to face her. She had only wanted him to take her virginity, but he had taken advantage, indulging in her beautiful body for half the night like a thief stealing a flower. Kang Wang still remembered her confused expression when he continued to devour her as she tried to pull away.

He quickly dressed and left the room.

When Mu Rongying awoke, there was a maid waiting beside the bed. This was the first time the servants had ever seen a woman spend the night in Kang Wang’s bedchamber. Though they didn’t know who she was, she must have been important to him. The maid respectfully handed a cup of medicine to Mu Rongying.

"His Highness instructed that you drink this, Miss."

It must have been a contraceptive...

Mu Rongying felt bitterness in her throat. What had she been expecting? She had only wanted to repay him and asked him to take her virginity. It wasn’t as if he intended to take her as a consort. How could he allow her to bear the offspring of a royal? Even though she understood the reasoning, she couldn’t help but feel sad. Still, she kept her expression calm, accepting the cup of medicine with a smile.

"Thank you. Could you prepare a bath for me?"

Her body ached, and she felt uncomfortable. The maid obeyed and left the room. Mu Rongying then rose from the bed, wrapping the blanket around her bare body. Her slender legs trembled as she made her way to the window. She poured the medicine out and returned to sit on the bed.

She knew she shouldn’t have done that. Kang Wang didn’t want her to become pregnant, and she should have respected his wishes. But if she had the chance to become a mother in this life, she wished to carry his child. She bore no ill intent. Even if they were to part, at least she would have their child to remember him by.

The maid returned, followed by a large group of attendants carrying water tub and hot water, steadily filling the room with thick steam. They gathered around Mu Rongying to assist in her bath. Although the marks on her body made her feel somewhat embarrassed, the attendants were well-trained and pretended not to notice, allowing her to suppress her embarrassment.

Once she had bathed and dressed, breakfast was brought in. Mu Rongying ate, barely tasting the food, her mind preoccupied with worries about who the Mu family would send.

After the meal, Chunmei was finally led inside. She had only realized at dawn that her young miss wasn’t in the room. After questioning the servants that Kang Wang had assigned to guard her, she learned that Mu Rongying had left the guest quarters the previous night after Chunmei had put her to bed. Chunmei had been too afraid to go looking for her in Kang Wang’s chambers and had anxiously waited since morning. It was only after Kang Wang had ordered it that she was brought to see her young miss.

As soon as Chunmei saw her, she knew what had happened. She had served her young miss for a long time, and they were as close as sisters. Mu Rongying didn’t want to return to the Mu family, and it seemed she had developed feelings for Kang Wang. Her decision wasn’t unexpected.

“Miss...”

Chunmei called out to her with a trembling voice. Mu Rongying stood as if to walk toward her but winced and sank back into her seat. Chunmei quickly rushed over, kneeling and holding her young miss’s hands.

“How are you, Miss?”

Chunmei’s eyes brimmed with tears, knowing how much courage it must have taken for her young miss to make such a decision.

“I’m fine. Has anyone come from the Mu family yet?”

Mu Rongying shifted the conversation, though what she truly wanted was to ask about Kang Wang. Since waking up, she hadn’t seen him, and she wondered if he was deliberately avoiding her. Perhaps he found her shameful and brazen.

“I’ve not heard of anyone arriving, Miss. We should return to the guest quarters quickly.”

Chunmei felt that the longer they stayed in Kang Wang’s chambers, the more it would damage her young miss’s reputation, even though it was already too late. Mu Rongying nodded, feeling increasingly embarrassed at the thought of Kang Wang avoiding her. She wanted to leave as soon as possible.

“His Highness has ordered that once you’re ready, you should meet him in the front hall, Miss,”

One of the attendants reported from the side.

Mu Rongying’s hands, which Chunmei held, instantly grew cold. A flicker of worry passed through her beautiful eyes, and her cheeks flushed. She quietly acknowledged the message and then softly instructed the attendant,

“Please lead the way.”

Chunmei helped her young miss walk, noticing how difficult each step seemed for her. She moved awkwardly, as if trying to suppress the pain. Chunmei caught a glimpse of a kiss mark behind her ear and blushed, knowing full well what her young miss had gone through.

The servant at the door informed Kang Wang that Mu Rongying had arrived. Chunmei supported her as they entered. When Mu Rongying attempted to kneel in greeting, she winced and nearly lost her balance. Chunmei quickly steadied her, noticing from the corner of her eye that Kang Wang had abruptly stood up.

"You may leave now."

Kang Wang walked over and stopped in front of them, gesturing for Chunmei to exit. She bowed before retreating from the room.

Once they were alone, Kang Wang spoke to Mu Rongying in a gentle voice,

"How are you feeling?"

Hearing the concern in his voice, Mu Rongying felt a stir of emotion. Without lifting her head, she replied,

"I am fine, Your Highness."

Kang Wang reached out and touched her sloped forehead.

"Mm, since you took the medicine, you should be alright."

Mu Rongying felt even more ashamed upon hearing this.

"The medicine..."

"It’s a special concoction given to consorts on their first night. Your body...isn’t used to it yet...so you might catch a fever."

Mu Rongying felt even more embarrassed, realizing she had misunderstood his intentions.

"I...I didn’t drink the medicine. I wasn’t careful and spilled it."

Of course, Kang Wang could see through her thoughts. His lips curved into a faint smile, but he chose not to expose her lie.

"I’ll have them bring you another dose. This time, don’t spill it,"

He teased, his tone lighthearted. Mu Rongying lowered her head even more, mortified. Kang Wang, finding her endearing as she bowed her head so low it nearly touched her chest, gently guided her to sit on a cushion.

"Let’s talk about what happened last night."

Mu Rongying looked up, her eyes reflecting a resolute determination. She had already decided not to trouble Kang Wang, so she quickly spoke up,

"Your Highness, please do not worry. What happened was merely a performance, a scene in a play in which you participated. If the Mu family arrives today and they don’t take me back, Mu Rongying will not demand any position or status, Your Highness."

Kang Wang’s gentle gaze flickered with confusion before turning cold in an instant. His lips tightened."Very well! Let it be as you say."