Playing With

"Giggle, you really are a clever one."

"You're so sharp—tell me, should this princess reward you with something?" Sitting atop Yang An, Qin Guo'er swayed slightly while toying with a dagger in her hand.

Just let me go home, alright?

Yang An really wanted to say that.

But he had a feeling.

If he actually said it, he’d never make it home.

Forcing an awkward smile, he replied, "This humble one could never repay Your Highness’ kindness in a lifetime. I dare not ask for any further rewards."

"That won’t do."

Qin Guo’er’s voice dripped with sweetness. "You’re mine now, and this princess is always generous to her own. I must reward you. But what should I give you?" She tapped her chin in exaggerated thought.

Yang An’s heart pounded, terrified she’d suddenly declare—

Your reward is a stab from this dagger.

Too afraid to speak, he could only watch her profile in tense silence.

But as he waited…

Unconsciously, Yang An found himself captivated by the princess’s beauty.

Her jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, framing her porcelain-white face.

Her luscious red lips pursed slightly, like rubies nestled in snow—utterly mesmerizing.

Putting aside her wicked personality…

Even Yang An, who was currently grinding his teeth in frustration, had to admit:

This woman was too beautiful.

Like an abyss—dangerous at a glance, ensnaring anyone who dared look, trapping them forever in her allure.

The phrase "radiant enough to outshine the world" fit her perfectly.

Even this close, Yang An couldn’t find a single flaw in her exquisite features.

Her fair, blushing cheeks were smoother than the finest jade.

Her phoenix eyes burned with vitality.

And those tempting lips—so plump and red, it made him wonder how they’d taste. Would they be sweet…?

"I’ve got it! How about letting you taste my rouge?"

Just as Yang An was lost in thought, Qin Guo’er noticed his gaze and smirked, pointing at her lips.

Yang An: !!!

Lan, standing nearby, turned to stone.

Screaming internally: Your Highness, PLEASE think this through!

That’s NOT something you just offer people!!!

Aside from Manman, the other palace maids all jerked their heads up in shock before immediately bowing again, muttering, "We saw nothing, we heard nothing…"

Yang An snapped out of his daze, stunned.

Wait… is this for real?

But before he could lose himself completely, rationality kicked in. This has to be a trap.

Just as he was about to politely decline—

Qin Guo’er tossed the dagger aside.

Leaned down.

Her silky black hair spilled over Yang An’s cheeks, tickling his ears—

And his heart.

Staring straight into his eyes, she whispered, "Well? Do you want it or not?"

Their foreheads were nearly touching.

Yang An was engulfed in the intoxicating fragrance radiating from her body, even feeling the warmth of her breath as she spoke.

Faced with such flawless, breathtaking beauty—

Yang An repeated to himself:

Don’t fall for it! She’s toying with you! I’d sooner trust the First Emperor than her! Trying to trick me? Hilarious!

…

But what if it’s real…?

Desire stirred deep inside him. Those sweet, red lips were like an oasis to a parched traveler in the desert. His throat tightened.

Before he knew it—he nodded.

…

Moments later, Yang An was handed a box of rouge—identical to Qin Guo’er’s.

Staring at it, his face darkened.

Are you KIDDING me?!

He felt like a rock was lodged in his throat, choking him with sheer frustration.

Meanwhile, Qin Guo’er was doubled over in laughter, gleefully patting Yang An’s forehead.

"Go on, eat it! Why aren’t you eating?~"

This damn woman!

Yang An was fuming.

Right now, he felt like nothing more than the princess’s plaything—

Twisted and turned however she pleased, completely at her mercy.

Humiliating.

Infuriating.

A heat surged in his abdomen.

Those plump, tempting lips only made it worse—his skin prickled with restless energy, as if he’d been drugged.

He was losing control.

Anger and recklessness flared.

Fortune favors the bold.

Live fast, die never.

Screw it—I’m going for it!

With a burst of strength, Yang An shot up like a spring, lunging for Qin Guo’er’s lips—

Only to be stopped mid-air by a single, delicate finger pressing against his forehead.

"Dog. What do you think you’re doing?"

Qin Guo’er’s eyes glinted dangerously.

Yang An: "…"

Under the weight of her overwhelming power, all his fiery impulses vanished. He flopped back onto the rug, instantly surrendering.

"Just… adjusting my position. For Your Highness’ comfort."

Qin Guo’er blinked.

Then burst into laughter, clutching her sides.

"HAHAHA! You’re adorable!"

Her chest—already barely contained by her dress—shook with each giggle as she pinched and squeezed Yang An’s cheeks like a reward.

Humiliation. Utter humiliation.

Never in his life had Yang An felt so degraded.

Tears welled in his eyes as he swore an oath:

Remember this day. When I’m strong enough to beat her—I’ll pay her back tenfold.

After laughing herself breathless, Qin Guo’er finally wiped her eyes and plopped back onto her cushioned chair.

"Alright, enough fun. Let’s get serious."

She propped her chin on one hand, eyeing Yang An.

"Since your mouth is as clever as your heart—explain. How did my esteemed scholar Yang An single-handedly kill two ninth-rank martial artists and a gang of thugs?"

‘Scholar? She knows I took the imperial exams!’

‘She’s investigated me!’

Though he’d expected this, Yang An kept his composure as he stood.

"Just… luck, really."

Qin Guo’er tilted her head, unimpressed.

"Seems I wasn’t clear enough. Let’s cut to the chase—you’re a Talent Awakened. What’s your gift?"

Yang An: "…"

How does she know everything?!

His Talent—[Demon Sovereign’s Blessing]—was his greatest secret.

The cornerstone of his survival in this world.

He hadn’t even told his sister or brother-in-law.

Sure, Qin Guo’er had saved his life.

Without her, he’d have died alongside Wang Gou’er and Zheng Huaiyi.

But this woman was too unpredictable.

Good or evil? Friend or foe? He couldn’t tell.

No way was he revealing his trump card.

So he opted for half-truths.

Putting on a proud front, he said, "Your Highness is as sharp as ever. Nothing special, really—just a combat boost. About five times stronger, that’s all."

Clutching a bag of pastries tightly…

With cheeks puffed out like a little squirrel, Manman glanced at him and then lowered her little head to continue eating.

Qin Guo'er looked at Yang An with an even deeper smile.

There was a dark crimson glow in her eyes. "You unruly dog, so wild and hard to tame. It seems I still have to teach you a lesson."

Just when Yang An felt a chill down his back.

Outside the main hall.

A maid reported, "Your Highness, Lin Yeping, the military governor of Yunzhou, requests an audience."

Lin Yeping?

Hearing this name.

Lan frowned. "He came so soon. Lin Yeping is no fool. Your Highness, should we drive him away?"

"Driving him away would make us seem guilty. Besides, it wasn't me who killed Lin Yeping's son. Why should I be afraid of him?" Qin Guo'er said to Yang An, "Right, Scholar Yang."

Yang An: …

Yes, it was he who killed Lin Hao.

Lin Yeping was the military governor of Yunzhou, in charge of all military affairs in Yunzhou, with an army of one hundred thousand under his command. Yang An didn't dare to meet him at all. He quickly asked Qin Guo'er for permission to leave. "Since Your Highness has a guest, I'll take my leave first."

After saying that, Yang An was about to run outside.

Qin Guo'er called him back with a smile. "Don't go. Stay here."

Stay here?

Stay my ass!

Yang An was not only afraid that Lin Yeping would find out that he had killed Lin Hao and send troops to wipe out his family. He was also afraid that Princess Anle would sacrifice him to save herself and just throw him to Lin Yeping as a scapegoat.

Yang An didn't dare to stay in the princess's mansion at all.

His mind worked very fast, and he immediately said, "How inappropriate this is. Your Highness is extremely noble. If I stay here and someone sees me, it might damage Your Highness's good reputation."

"Clap, clap, clap."

Qin Guo'er clapped her hands. The female officials Zhu and Ju, who were standing on both sides of the main hall, lifted the curtains. With a whoosh, warm-colored crimson gauze descended from above the central hall.

It blocked Qin Guo'er, Yang An, and everything in the main hall. From the outside, one couldn't see anything clearly.

Yang An: …

Qin Guo'er said, "Any more problems?"

"No... no."

"If not, stay here quietly."

"… Yes."

With the maid's summons, after a short while, the sound of footsteps came from outside, getting louder and louder.

It was like an angry cloud pressing towards here!

Lin Yeping had arrived.

Although there was a curtain separating them, Yang An was still afraid of being seen by him. He hid beside Qin Guo'er's large seat.

"What a coward."

Qin Guo'er glanced at him and scolded.

I'm just a weak scholar. What kind of courage can I have? If I were a prince, I'd be braver than you!

Yang An secretly rolled his eyes.

Soon, Lin Yeping was led by the female official to the outside of the main hall and was about to step inside.

"Stop!"

Dong'er and Qiu'er, the twin sisters.

Raised their hands to block him in front of him.

There was a cold glint in Lin Yeping's eyes as he swept a glance at them and took back the step he had taken. Wearing a magnificent suit of armor, without bowing, he shouted towards the curtain in the main hall, "Please forgive me, Your Highness. I'm wearing armor and can't perform the proper salute."

"This guy Lin is coming with ill intentions, Your Highness."

Lan said coldly.

Qin Guo'er didn't care.

Hiding beside her, Yang An saw that at this moment, Princess Anle seemed to have changed into a different person. She was as cold and aloof as a fairy living in the Nine Heavens and the Jade Pond.

There was not a trace of the look she had when she was teasing him just now.

Behind the curtain.

Qin Guo'er said indifferently, "General Lin, you're in charge of one hundred thousand brave soldiers and have so many affairs to attend to every day. Why do you have the time to come to me?"

"Of course, it's about my son."

Enduring the pain of losing his son, Lin Yeping asked in a deep voice, "My son died in Yunling Mountain yesterday. I heard that Your Highness went on an outing to Yunling Mountain yesterday. I've come here specifically to ask if Your Highness knows any clues?"

Sure enough, he came for Lin Hao's matter!

Yang An's heart immediately rose to his throat.

He stared closely at Qin Guo'er's profile, afraid that with just one opening of her small mouth, she would push him out to take the blame.

Seeing through Yang An's thoughts.

Qin Guo'er was a bit unhappy. She kicked him to the side and then casually said, "General Lin, you've probably asked the wrong person. I didn't go to Yunling Mountain yesterday."

Yang An let out a sigh of relief.

Her Highness the Princess is still loyal. I won't call her a bitch anymore!

Hearing this, Lin Yeping got angry.

In the entire Yunzhou City, there were not many people who could and wanted to kill Lin Hao.

Princess Anle was one of them!

Moreover, it was because Lin Hao went to Yunling Mountain to look for her that he lost his life! If it weren't for the lack of direct evidence, Lin Yeping would almost be certain that the murderer was her.

Now, hearing her say that she hadn't been to Yunling Mountain!

Such blatant lying! It was simply too much!

Lin Yeping raised his head, his eyes blazing like fire.

As if he wanted to burn through the curtain.

He almost gritted his teeth and said, "I have definite information that yesterday in Yunling Mountain, besides my son, only Your Highness and a scholar who was as weak as a chicken went there!

"Why do you say you didn't go?!"

"Why are you lying?!"