Chapter 34
From the moment the wedding ceremony began, Murong Qiufeng’s mind had been almost blank. Shangguan Ye’s actions left him unable to think clearly. It wasn’t until he was placed down on something soft and released from that embrace that he began to regain his senses, feeling a strange reluctance to leave it.
He heard Shangguan Ye’s low chuckle and saw his hand playing with the red veil’s tassels. His hands, though not particularly beautiful and a bit rough, exuded a sense of strength. Remembering the feeling of being held by those hands, dry and powerful, gave him an inexplicable sense of security, as if those hands could encompass the entire world.
Murong Qiufeng held his breath, his heart pounding in his chest. Even if he was confused, he knew where he was now. His hand touched the smooth, slightly cool silk quilt, and he felt so tense that he could barely breathe. Facing death wouldn’t make him blink, but the current situation made him unbearably nervous.
He thought Shangguan Ye was going to lift his veil, but instead, Shangguan Ye just played with the tassels without making any further moves or saying anything. The room was so quiet he could hear the crackling of the red candles.
He knew Shangguan Ye was standing right beside him and had a sense that he was being watched. His hands trembled slightly under his sleeves. This silence was more torturous than a storm. He clenched his fists, ready to take a gamble.
But before he could lift the veil and reveal the truth, Shangguan Ye suddenly acted, letting go of the tassels and walking away. Murong Qiufeng watched the gilded red boots move away step by step, his courage dissipating again, leaving him bewildered.
Just as he was starting to come back to his senses, he saw the boots return, approaching him once more. Then, the veil was gently lifted.
It happened so suddenly that by the time the veil was completely removed, he still hadn’t fully reacted. His eyes unintentionally met those deep, black eyes filled with laughter and tenderness, which then drew closer, and a coolness brushed his lips.
Although it was just a light, fleeting touch, Murong Qiufeng felt as if he had turned to stone, his mind going blank.
Shangguan Ye smiled like a fox who had stolen a chicken, gently stroking Murong Qiufeng’s face, deliberately ignoring his stunned expression. “Although I’m reluctant, it’s not the right time yet. My dear, bear with it for now. Tonight, in the bridal chamber, I’ll properly compensate you.” He then kissed him lightly again before turning and leaving.
As he left, Shangguan Ye sighed inwardly, regretting the missed opportunity. Tonight still required a performance, wasting this precious bridal night.
However…
Shangguan Ye lightly touched his lips with a finger, a wicked smile forming. No matter, the prey was already in the lair; there would be plenty of time to savor it.
Murong Qiufeng had no idea when Shangguan Ye left. The shock was so overwhelming that it took him a long time to come back to his senses. When he did, his entire face turned red like it was bleeding, then quickly turned pale.
Unconsciously touching his lips, he felt the lingering cool, soft touch, his heartbeat quickening with an unexplainable sensation.
Even though he knew he was seen as Shangguan Ye’s princess, a woman, he couldn’t change the fact that he was a man. As a man, being kissed by another man…
Murong Qiufeng closed his eyes in helplessness and bitterly smiled. Now, even if Shangguan Ye didn’t pursue the matter later, he couldn’t face him again. He was suddenly grateful that, after tonight, he wouldn’t want to see him again, avoiding the need to confront him.
The dragon and phoenix candles flickered, the light harsh in the broad daylight.
Murong Qiufeng sighed, looking around the bridal chamber. The red wedding decorations felt glaring and ironic, as red as blood, hoping that no blood would be shed after tonight.
He moved to the dressing table, deftly removing the phoenix crown and letting his black hair fall. He took off the outer garments, remaining in his inner skirt. The effects of the medicine were still present, forcing him to maintain this appearance. He tore a red tassel to tie up his hair, resolving to die with dignity if it came to that.
Outside, the moon hung high, the surroundings lit by the red glow of lanterns, driving the night into the corners.
He listened to the time being called out, feeling a growing calm. At this moment, Qiuyun and the others should have left. He hoped they could escape the kingdom quickly; he couldn’t guarantee how much time he could buy them.
The door creaked open, followed by light footsteps.
Murong Qiufeng knew who it was, the scent of alcohol quickly filling the air.
Taking a deep breath, he was about to turn when hands wrapped around his waist from behind. His back pressed against a warm chest, shoulders weighed down, hot breaths near his ear, the scent of alcohol strong.
His body stiffened once more, all his mental preparation crumbling, leaving him frozen.
Shangguan Ye, eyes glazed with drunkenness, a glint of cunning and amusement flickering, brushed his lips against Murong Qiufeng’s pale neck, then playfully nibbled on his earlobe.
Murong Qiufeng trembled, fully snapping back to reality, instinctively struggling to turn around and push Shangguan Ye’s chest, urgently saying, “My lord, I am… mmph…”
His words were swallowed by Shangguan Ye’s kiss.
Murong Qiufeng tasted the alcohol, his mouth overwhelmed, mind spinning yet abruptly clear. Eyes wide with shock and resistance, he remembered—this was a man holding him. The physiological and psychological aversion made his spine tingle with cold. Summoning his strength, he pushed Shangguan Ye away.
Their lips parted, leaving a thin string of saliva.
Murong Qiufeng, unaware of Shangguan Ye’s reaction, clutched his chest, wiping his mouth with his sleeve, breathing heavily before looking at Shangguan Ye. Their gazes met, and he saw the cold gleam in Shangguan Ye’s slightly narrowed eyes, his heart sinking.
Shangguan Ye’s irritation stemmed from Murong Qiufeng’s wiping action. Though he understood it as a normal male reaction, it still displeased him, making him want to press him down again and make him surrender.
Murong Qiufeng took a deep breath, his lips stinging, voice hoarse. He didn’t know how to reveal his identity in this awkward situation, wishing he could just end it all.
