Chapter Twenty-Nine: Lush and Alluring

Since that day when she went to the side hall to deliver medicine, Jasmine noticed a marked improvement in the princess’s mood. Each day, the princess would prop her chin and smile foolishly, clearly exhibiting the signs of a young girl in love.

Having mastered the act of delivering medicinal salves under the pretense of the Empress’s orders, the princess’s familiarity bred confidence—what began as a first visit soon became a second.

On this day, General Chang’an was practicing his boxing in the courtyard of the side hall. As the princess stepped inside, she was met with the sight of the general, bare-chested, his wound and shoulder wrapped only in gauze, wearing nothing but white underclothes. His robust chest and strong abdomen glistened with sweat that trickled down from his exertions.

Gu Li had not expected to witness such a shameful scene. Her cheeks blushed fiercely, and she immediately looked away, shyly reminding him, “General Chang’an…”

Lie Chang’an froze at the sound of her embarrassed and awkward voice, realizing what had happened. He hurriedly ran back to the inner chamber to dress, forgetting all protocol.

It was Jasmine’s first time seeing a man bare-chested, and she could not help but blush as well. “Princess, you insisted the eunuchs not announce us; now you know how embarrassing it is.”

Gu Li glared at her playfully. Only when Lie Chang’an emerged, fully dressed and bowing in greeting, did she steady her nervous heartbeat and walk forward.

This time, Gu Li brought only Jasmine, yet still used the Empress’s name to deliver nourishing medicine. She placed the tonic on the table, watched him tilt his head back and drink it in one swift motion, and smiled with satisfaction.

Just as she was about to speak, her gaze caught the faint blood seeping from his left chest wound. Instantly, she realized the injury had reopened due to his vigorous practice.

Gu Li’s eyes reddened with anger, and she clenched her delicate fists, scolding him, “How could you be so careless with yourself? The injury hasn’t healed, yet you’re practicing boxing. Look at your wound—it’s torn and bleeding!”

Lie Chang’an looked down and finally noticed the fresh blood. Only now did he feel a faint pain, but he raised his head and smiled lightly, unconcerned. “It’s nothing. Once I apply some medicine and re-bandage it, it will be fine.”

Hearing his nonchalant tone, Gu Li felt a mix of anger and concern. She quickly instructed Jasmine to fetch gauze and salve, then ordered him to sit on the stool. “Hurry, take off your shirt. I’ll change it for you.”

Lie Chang’an was taken aback by her kindness, stepping back to widen the distance and shaking his head hastily. “Men and women should not touch so freely—especially with your noble status, Princess. How could you…?”

“Don’t be so fussy.”

Gu Li, impatient with his objections, took his arm and pressed him onto the stool. “It’s not the first time I’ve treated your wound. What does it matter?”

Seeing her confident and unreserved manner, Lie Chang’an could not refuse any further and removed his outer garment.

If she had not seen, it would have been better. But now, the gauze beneath was soaked with blood, the wound torn and much more severe than before.

Gu Li’s hands trembled as she removed the gauze. Staring at the cruel, blade-inflicted wound, the vivid flesh and blood pained her heart.

Her eyes and forehead reddened as she suppressed the surge of distress and sorrow. Gently, she sprinkled the medicine onto his wound and softly comforted, “It will hurt. Bear with it.”

Such pain was nothing to Lie Chang’an, who had lived his life on the edge of a blade. Yet as he felt her trembling fingers and heard the quiver in her voice, his chest filled with emotions that could not be expressed.

He lowered his head and could see her skin, smooth as jade. She was naturally pale, with only a hint of rouge, and at this close distance he could see the fine, translucent fuzz on her face, tinged with a lovely pink glow, like a ripe peach that begged to be bitten.

Closer still, her long lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, her delicate nose led down to lips red and moist…

He wondered what it would taste like.

Suddenly, Lie Chang’an felt the air grow stiflingly hot; his breath quickened and his throat tightened. To avoid her noticing his discomfort, he leaned back slightly, yet the subtle fragrance lingering between them would not dissipate.

“Does it hurt very much?”

Seeing the sheen of sweat on his forehead and his hands clenched tightly at his sides, as if restraining some impulse, Gu Li thought she had hurt him, and looked up with concern.

Her bright, innocent eyes gazed at him, causing Lie Chang’an’s breathing to become even more rapid. He could only suppress his feelings, turn his face away, and reply in as steady a tone as possible, “It doesn’t hurt. Princess, please continue applying the medicine.”

Gu Li knew he must be in pain and quickened her movements, carefully bandaging the wound with gauze.

“Thank you, Princess.”

When the process was complete, Lie Chang’an realized his back was damp with sweat. But most importantly, that night he dreamed.

It was a dream of endless longing.

In the dream, she was even more alluring than she had been in daylight.

Upon waking, Lie Chang’an’s face was flushed, his breath rapid.