Having It Both Ways

With her little scheme exposed, Shangguan Yunying's cheeks immediately burned.

What she originally wanted wasn't this, but to have Gu Chengyin all to herself.

What woman, when facing the man she loves, doesn't hope that he belongs only to her, looks only at her, smiles only at her, and is gentle only to her?

But reality was cold.

Luo Zhao was right there.

An existence that couldn't be ignored just because one wanted to.

Originally, Shangguan Yunying was still conflicted, struggling with how she should face this.

It wasn't until Luo Zhao's return that she began to notice something was amiss.

Luo Zhao was moved.

Even though Luo Zhao herself probably wouldn't want to admit it.

Even though that affection was wrapped in layers of calculation, probing, and wariness, like a seed buried too deep, having to break through thick permafrost just to sprout.

But a seed is a seed after all.

As long as the temperature is right and the time comes, it will eventually break through the soil.

Therefore, monopolizing him was already impossible.

After Luo Zhao's repeated forbearance, Shangguan Yunying understood.

She couldn't have Gu Chengyin all to herself because Luo Zhao wouldn't let go.

Since that was the case, she would settle for the next best thing.

Since monopolizing him was impossible, then...

One husband and one wife.

This way, she wouldn't have to make the agonizing choice between Luo Zhao and Gu Chengyin.

This way, she could have them both at the same time.

Especially after what happened last night.

Shangguan Yunying was even more certain.

Luo Zhao definitely had feelings for Gu Chengyin.

It was just that these feelings were like frozen flames; they needed continuous pushing and repeated heating to melt the solid ice on the surface and reveal the scorching truth beneath.

And this matter could only be pushed forward by her, and only her.

She wanted to make these two people—who were always scheming against, probing, and guarding against each other—slowly get used to each other's warmth and gradually accept each other's existence through unavoidable intimate contacts time and time again.

Seeing that Gu Chengyin still wasn't moving, showing no intention of kissing Luo Zhao.

Shangguan Yunying fiercely urged:

"If you don't kiss Her Highness, I'll ignore you."

"And I won't give you..."

As she spoke, she cast a meaningful glance downward.

Gu Chengyin raised an eyebrow.

He certainly knew what Shangguan Yunying was hinting at.

"You're threatening me."

A sly smile appeared on Shangguan Yunying's face:

"Does it work?"

Gu Chengyin also smiled.

"It works."

Then, without further hesitation, he reached right past Shangguan Yunying.

He lightly touched Luo Zhao's lips, then immediately pulled back without the slightest lingering attachment.

Then he turned back to look at Shangguan Yunying.

"Can you forgive me now?"

Shangguan Yunying put on a stern face, feigning reluctance, but the corners of her mouth curled up uncontrollably.

"I'll reluctantly forgive you this time."

"Since that's the case, then..."

Gu Chengyin's gaze swept over Shangguan Yunying's nightclothes, intentionally or otherwise.

His meaning was very obvious.

But Shangguan Yunying shook her head decisively:

"No way."

"You're setting off tomorrow, you can't mess around!"

Saying that, she glanced at Luo Zhao and quickly whispered:

"When you get back, I'll come find you."

The intention behind these words was obvious; Shangguan Yunying was afraid he wouldn't return, and didn't hesitate to use herself as a promise for it.

Gu Chengyin reached out and gently hugged Shangguan Yunying.

"Don't worry."

"I will definitely come back."

"Let alone a Golden Core cultivator, even a Nascent Soul couldn't make me stay."

These words were a bit arrogant.

But Shangguan Yunying believed them.

She gave a soft murmur of agreement, buried her head in Gu Chengyin's shoulder, and took a deep breath.

Gu Chengyin smelled very good. It wasn't spices or incense, but a very clean, warm scent that made her feel at ease.

After a while, Gu Chengyin let go.

"I should go."

Shangguan Yunying nodded, not asking him to stay.

But just as Gu Chengyin was about to get up.

Shangguan Yunying suddenly pulled him back and took the initiative to kiss him.

This time, it wasn't the threatening instigation from before, nor was it a sly probe.

It was a kiss filled with all her reluctance to part and her worry.

Gu Chengyin froze for a moment, then reacted, wrapping his arms around Shangguan Yunying's waist, pulling her into his embrace, and deepening the kiss.

The candlelight cast the silhouette of their embrace onto the bed curtains, the shadows swaying gently on the wall like two vines leaning on each other in the wind.

It was a long time before the two parted.

Shangguan Yunying was panting slightly, her cheeks flushed crimson, but a firm light shone in her eyes.

She looked straight into Gu Chengyin's eyes and said, word by word:

"I will wait for you."

Those few words carried the weight of a thousand pounds.

Gu Chengyin reached out and rubbed her head.

"Okay."

Then he stood up and strode out of the bedchamber.

He didn't look back.

Shangguan Yunying sat blankly on the bed, silently watching Gu Chengyin's back disappear.

Only then did she sigh softly, preparing to lie back down.

At this moment, Luo Zhao's voice sounded from beside her:

"Yunying."

Very calm, very cold.

Shangguan Yunying's entire body stiffened.

She slowly turned her head to look at Luo Zhao beside her.

The latter had opened her eyes at some unknown point and was quietly looking at her.

There was no sleepiness in those eyes, no confusion, only a bottomless calm.

"Your... Your Highness..."

Shangguan Yunying's voice was a bit dry, only now remembering what she had just done.

Luo Zhao didn't speak, just looked at Shangguan Yunying.

Logically speaking, she should be very angry right now.

Because Shangguan Yunying had disobeyed the punishment; not only did she not let Gu Chengyin touch her, but she also took the initiative to kiss him.

But strangely, Luo Zhao didn't feel much anger in her heart.

Was it because of that kiss from Gu Chengyin just now?

The moment this thought popped up, Luo Zhao forcefully snuffed it out.

She was the dignified Crown Princess, how could she possibly care about that!

So Luo Zhao forced a calm facade and said:

"You are very greedy."

Shangguan Yunying's heart skipped a beat.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but Luo Zhao didn't give her the chance.

"You want to be my lady-in-waiting, and you also want to be Gu Chengyin's woman."

As Luo Zhao spoke, she slowly sat up, her long hair slipping down her shoulders with the movement, gleaming with a dark luster in the candlelight.

Her gaze fell on Shangguan Yunying's face. In that gaze, there was no blame, no anger, only a perceptive clarity:

"Isn't what you want a bit too much?"

Shangguan Yunying lowered her head, her fingers tightly gripping the brocade quilt.

It took a long time before she spoke, her voice trembling slightly, but mostly firm:

"Yes."

"I am indeed very greedy."

"I want Your Highness, and I also want Gu Chengyin."

"But that's because..."

Shangguan Yunying's voice paused, a hint of tears flashing in her eyes:

"I don't want to lose either of you."

Luo Zhao looked at her, looking for a long time.

"Never mind, we will talk about it when he returns."

She lay back down and closed her eyes:

"Go to sleep. Goodnight."

Shangguan Yunying froze for a moment, looking at Luo Zhao's profile as her eyes closed once more.

Then, she also lay down and said softly:

"Goodnight, Your Highness."