Nanli acted swiftly, diving underwater to deliver a lethal blow to the intruder. But when she noticed he was wearing a dark robe, she hesitated slightly.
Why does this flower thief look a bit like her husband?
That moment of pause allowed Ye Siheng to swim right up to her. The water was clear, and he could see her figure, his gaze darkening with desire.
Nanli recognized his face and couldn’t help but twitch her mouth in surprise. It truly was her husband. She reluctantly reined in her murderous intent and decided to pull him up to the surface.
However, Ye Siheng had already wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her into his embrace. She felt soft and delicate against him, igniting his desires. He leaned in for a kiss.
Nanli found herself swept away in the moment. Yet, she managed to keep her wits about her and pushed Ye Siheng away, forcing them both to the surface.
They were both not accustomed to holding their breath, and the short time felt insignificant. But afterward, Nanli’s lips were slightly swollen from the encounter. Ye Siheng’s desire still lingered; he wanted to pull her closer and savor the moment again.
Nanli, not one to be underestimated, placed her hand on his chest and said, "Have you forgotten what you promised me before?"
Ye Siheng paused, his expression darkening as he felt a surge of hatred for the woman who had distracted him. He took a deep breath and buried his head in her shoulder, feigning a tone of petulance, "I remember, but A’Li, please help me."
Having already shared an intimate moment, his yearning for her had only intensified. Of course, this desire was unique to her alone.
Nanli rolled her eyes and said, "I haven’t scolded you yet; why did you suddenly appear and scare me?"
Ye Siheng awkwardly chuckled, "It’s my fault. I didn’t expect you to be bathing."
With his robe half-unfastened, the sight was tantalizing. Nanli swallowed hard, wrestling with her thoughts before finally saying, "You can go back up now."
"I don’t want to," Ye Siheng replied stubbornly. "You won’t help me, but I can help you."
Nanli’s face flushed bright red, and she shot him a glare, "When did you become ?"
"I mean no harm. I’m just wet, so I thought I could help wash your hair. Where did your thoughts wander?" Ye Siheng replied earnestly.
The water in the bath was warm, and the rising steam blurred his features, making him even more alluring.
Nanli huffed, "I’ll just consider it a misinterpretation. I can manage myself, thank you."
She believed he could be resolute and resist temptation, but he had too many schemes up his sleeve, and eventually, it might be her who couldn’t hold back.
"No way. As your husband, it’s my duty to help you wash your back and hair," Ye Siheng insisted.
"..." If he wanted to take advantage, he might as well say it directly instead of putting on airs.
He removed his obstructive clothing and genuinely began washing her hair, his touch gentle and not painful. However, their earnestness was bound to ignite some flames of passion.
After half an hour, Nanli was utterly exhausted, and it was Ye Siheng who carried her out of the bath.
Wrapping her in a water-absorbent outer garment and wringing out her hair, Ye Siheng felt invigorated. When he saw her struggle to walk, he quickly said, "You’re tired. Let me carry you out."
Nanli shot him a fierce look, "I’m just tired in my hands, not my feet."
Ye Siheng chuckled, his charm radiating, "Then let me rub your hands."
Looking at the unsightly bath, Nanli replied, "No need. You should wash the bath first."
"..." Ye Siheng stared at the sizable tub in silence.
The bedroom was empty but warm, thanks to the heated floor. Nanli drew a cleansing talisman, and instantly, her hair and body were clean and dry.
But upon looking at herself, even without their intimate union, many marks were left behind. Her ears flushed red, and with a sigh, she began rummaging through the cabinet to dress properly, covering herself up tightly, and then called for Rainbow to come in.
"Have the kitchen prepare a meal with nine dishes, and make it quick."
Rainbow, ever attentive, replied with a hint of mischief in her smile, "Princess, I went out earlier and instructed the kitchen. Everything is ready, just waiting for you to eat."
As a top-ranking maid, she knew when to disturb and when to hold back.
Nanli’s expression stiffened momentarily before she finally said, "Then bring out the dishes."
After sleeping for more than half a month, her Dantian had recovered, but her physical strength had waned. Now, she felt famished, with her front pressed against her back.
The food had been kept warm in the pot, and it was still hot when served.
Noticing Ye Siheng was absent and hearing some noises from the bathing area, Rainbow asked, "Princess, what is the prince doing?"
"Cleaning the bathing area," Nanli casually replied.
"What?!" Both Rainbow and Chunbao were astonished.
A prince cleaning a bathing area? If this got out, not only would the prince lose face, but they, as his maids, would also be ridiculed for not doing their jobs despite receiving silver--clearly not loyal servants!
Knowing Nanli’s temperament, Rainbow realized the princess had spent many years in the outside world and felt the need to handle many matters herself.
After their marital encounters, the bedding was already changed by the time they came in, rendering them unnecessary.
Rainbow said seriously, "Princess, we are your accompanying maids. You can leave these tasks to us; there’s no need to feel embarrassed."
"Indeed, princess. Before your marriage, the matriarch and the matron taught us well," Chunbao chimed in.
Nanli understood this era’s customs but felt embarrassed, not wanting anyone to see the aftermath of their intimate moments. She could only explain, "The prince is jealous; he insists on doing this himself, so don’t feel burdened."
Rainbow and Chunbao exchanged glances and then looked in the direction of the bathing area, showing no signs of doubt.
Indeed, this was the prince’s temperament.
After Nanli finished eating, she waited a while longer before Ye Siheng finally emerged from the bathing area.
He wore only underpants, a thin outer garment draped over him, and his belt was not properly fastened, exposing his collarbone.
The half-covered chest made Nanli glance at him before immediately turning her head away.
Seated comfortably on the couch with a book, she found him squeezing beside her, despite the ample space available.
His presence was intoxicating, distracting her senses.
He stretched out his hand, appearing a bit aggrieved, "Look, my hands are red from washing."
Yes, they were indeed red.
But upon touching them, they were still warm, indicating he wasn’t afraid of the cold.
But this touch was too much; he tightly grasped her hand, "A’Li, you don’t feel sorry for me."
"..." Nanli took a deep breath, "Are you a reincarnated fox spirit?"