FBC – Chapter 26 A Slow Approach

Mu Junyan bent down, clamping her delicate chin between his fingers.

“What difference is there between being my son’s woman and being my concubine? My son is young and has a bright future, yet you’re here seducing an old man like me. What exactly are you after?”

Gu Hua muttered inwardly, If I told you I have another motive, would you even help me?

Men like Mu Junyan hated scheming and manipulative women the most.

So of course, she could only act like she admired the Lord Duke and was willing to serve him out of devotion.

She’d win him over little by little, and then… slowly make her move.

Gu Hua softly said, “You probably won’t believe me, but even though I come from humble origins, I’ve never dared to dream of marrying a good man. Still, I didn’t want to share a man with my older sister. But I couldn’t escape her and my concubine mother’s control. Before I entered the manor, I was forced to sign slave documents. Wherever I run, I’m considered a fugitive slave.

I just want to live openly and with dignity. I don’t want to scurry around like a rat in the gutter, surviving on scraps.

I may be just a young girl, but I know that if I must offer myself, I should at least offer it where it’s worth something. You, my lord, are a man of great standing. If I follow you—when you ride to war for the nation—I’ll share in that honor.

And when you return, I’ll be here to serve you gently and tenderly, easing your burdens. I don’t do this just for myself. I do it for everyone in the Duke’s manor—for the people you protect with your life. When I think of that, nothing else matters anymore.”

Mu Junyan: “…”

This little mouth sure knows how to talk.

Gu Hua noticed the slight shift in his gaze and boldly raised her hand, gently brushing his thigh.

Mu Junyan said nothing, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly.

He grabbed her mischievous little hand.

Though he’d been drunk that night, the sensation of her smooth skin still lingered on his fingertips.

Unable to bear the intensity in his eyes, Gu Hua nestled her face into his large palm.

Mu Junyan looked at the girl’s flushed ears, a rush of heat surging through his veins, shooting straight down.

The touch of her soft cheek ignited a blazing fire within him.

The Mu family was a noble clan, with high officials serving for three generations—renowned as the number one martial family.

Mu Junyan had been raised under strict discipline since childhood and believed that women should be gentle and proper. He had never even spared a glance at women who threw themselves at him.

Besides, having spent most of his life in warfare, he rarely encountered refined women.

Yet strangely, when Gu Hua took the initiative so boldly, he didn’t find her offensive—or wanton.

Instead, he was oddly intrigued.

He really wanted to see how far this daring little girl could go while fully sober, facing the fearsome and notorious Lord of Yong.

She was still young, and her seduction was subtle—teasing yet restrained.

Mu Junyan reached out, lightly brushing her exposed pale neck, his warm fingers sliding down her spine.

“You’re still young. I’m already twenty-eight. It won’t be easy for you.”

His words carried hidden meaning.

Gu Hua trembled under his touch, her face burning red, eyes shimmering with a seductive glow.

“…I’ll get used to it slowly,” she whispered. “At your age, my lord, it’s only right to have a woman by your side.”

Her voice, slightly hoarse and soft as a feather brushing the heart, immediately stirred Mu Junyan’s desire.

He raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying I’m old?”

Gu Hua quickly shook her head. “No, no.”

She bit her lip, looking conflicted. “It’s not that you’re old… It’s that you’re very, very strong. It might be a bit… hard on me.”

Mu Junyan’s Adam’s apple rolled. “Then what should we do?”

Gu Hua’s ears were bright red, her enchanting eyes full of hesitant allure. “If I come to the study a few more times… I’ll get used to it.”

Her soft words ignited Mu Junyan’s fire with just a few lines.

He narrowed his eyes, fingers trailing across her delicate face, stopping at her moist, pink lips and gently rubbing.

With his other hand, he pulled out her hairpin. Her black hair cascaded down instantly.

“Come here.”

His low, husky voice trembled with suppressed primal desire.

Gu Hua’s heart clenched. She obediently clung to his leg and slowly climbed onto him.

The candle on the desk still burned.

Under its glow, Mu Junyan looked at the beauty before him—dimly lit, radiant and alluring.

And so incredibly obedient. Timid, yet brave. A pitiable little thing.

Mu Junyan’s throat tightened.

With a sweep of his long arm, he pulled her onto the soft couch. His scorching kiss fell, dizzying her, leaving her breathless before he finally let her go.

Tonight, the man hadn’t been drinking.

Only now did Gu Hua understand what it truly meant to fall into a tiger’s den—and what true strength and vigor felt like.

In the depth of early autumn night, the cold wind blew outside, but the room was hot and steamy, sweat gliding over flushed skin.

The entire night passed. Gu Hua didn’t want to move a muscle. She was so exhausted, she couldn’t even open her eyes and soon drifted off.

Mu Junyan, robed, walked out the door. Zhou Zhilan, waiting outside, quickly brought in a copper basin.

Lighting a candle, Zhou Zhilan caught sight of the girl lying sideways on the soft couch, her snow-white back exposed. The marks on her arms made her blush deeply.

She had mentally prepared herself but didn’t expect the Lord to be this intense.

Could a delicate little girl like her even endure this?

Outside the room—

Chiyu approached quietly and said, “My lord, the Marquis Gu’s household sent a message tonight. They want the young madam to bring the second young lady out tomorrow.”

Mu Junyan: “Bring her where?”

“Not back to the manor. To Yichun Courtyard.”

Mu Junyan snapped his head around, his whole body turning cold. “Selling her off?”

Chiyu hesitated for a moment. “Not quite. They’re sending her to a young master.”

Mu Junyan’s face darkened.

Zhou Zhilan walked out carrying the basin and quietly asked, “My lord, should I send the young lady back to Yayu Pavilion?”

“Prepare the healing decoction,” Mu Junyan said, turning back into the room.

Zhou Zhilan opened her mouth, glanced at Chiyu.

Chiyu turned around.

This is beyond me.

Zhou Zhilan sighed softly and went to prepare the medicinal bath.

Gu Hua’s face was flushed red, still facing the wall.

She hadn’t expected Mu Junyan to call Zhou Zhilan in to clean her up, and the embarrassment made her want to dig a hole and hide in it. She could only pretend to sleep while Zhou Zhilan worked.

Hearing firm, steady footsteps approaching, her eyelashes fluttered—but she stayed “asleep.”

Mu Junyan looked at the marks on her body, his eyes darkened.

He’d need to be gentler next time.

The little girl’s skin was too delicate—it bruised at the slightest touch.

Seeing her back twitch slightly and her shoulders stiffen—

Pretending to sleep.

Mu Junyan leaned down, bracing himself with one arm, wrapping the other around her from behind. He lifted her chin, gently turned her face, and bit her earlobe.

“Ah!” Gu Hua gasped, turning to glare at him.

What is he, a dog?!

“You dare glare at me?” Mu Junyan’s lips curved into a rare smile.

The little girl had glared at him twice now.

Even docile kittens have claws.

Gu Hua was briefly stunned by his smile, her gaze fixed on him.

He was so handsome.

His sword-like brows slashed into his temples, eyes deep as cold pools—bright, piercing. His high, defined nose gave him a heroic air.

On normal days, his aura was too oppressive to notice his looks.

“You think I’m good-looking?” he asked.

Mu Junyan was oddly pleased by the admiration in her eyes.

Gu Hua flushed, lips curving into a shy smile. She turned over, stretched her jade arms around his neck.

“Mm, no man in the world looks better than you.”

Mu Junyan chuckled, pinching her delicate nose. “Another trick your stepmother taught you to please men?”

Gu Hua’s smile stiffened, her face slightly pale as she withdrew her arms from around his neck.

Mu Junyan knew she didn’t like to talk about Concubine Pei.

After all, she regarded her as a mother.

Her own mother had personally ruined her—how could she not feel resentment?

“My lord, let me up,” Gu Hua said, pushing at him.

“You want Gu Wanru to find out?” Mu Junyan suddenly asked.

Gu Hua froze, staring at him.

His expression… like he was genuinely asking for her opinion.