TSWRLM -Chapter 86 Not Just Kisses, But Daring to Bite

Shen Qingyuan had said he just wanted to say a few words, yet he kept pulling Chen Xi along, showing no sign of stopping.

Near the main gate, they ran into Zhang Pozi, who was in charge of looking after Mo Yunwan.

Zhang Pozi was holding several new outfits that the tailor had just delivered for Mo Yunwan. Seeing Shen Qingyuan, she immediately brightened and asked: “Master Shen, are you here to see Madam Wan? She’s been crying a long time today, waiting for you to come.”

Although Zhang Pozi had only been assigned to Mo Yunwan for a day, she already treated her like her own mistress.

“She is recuperating safely at your residence. I have other matters to attend to and don’t have time to visit her.”

Shen Qingyuan’s tone was cold. With that, he pulled Chen Xi away.

Zhang Pozi hurried to inform Mo Yunwan.

Hearing that Shen Qingyuan had arrived at the Liang residence but didn’t even look in her direction, Mo Yunwan’s eyes reddened.

Zhang Pozi quickly comforted her: “These years, Madam was not by Master’s side. It’s normal for him to be somewhat distant. Once you recover and grow closer to him, his thoughts will naturally return to you. After all, even this old servant can’t help feeling heartache seeing you cry.”

Mo Yunwan understood this, of course.

Though not a peerless beauty, she was delicate and charming. Her tears could stir pity in any man, and over the years, no man had been able to resist them.

But Shen Qingyuan didn’t even glance at her—who was she to show her skills to now?

Mo Yunwan pressed her lips together and grabbed Zhang Pozi’s hand: “Perhaps Master Shen is concerned that my body is no longer pure after these years of absence. Please have someone notify him at the courier station. Tomorrow, I am willing to undergo an examination to prove my innocence.”

“Madam, there’s no need to put yourself through this. Your spirit is strong. Everyone at the residence trusts you. In time, Master will believe you too.”

Zhang Pozi sighed.

For a young lady who had never experienced such things, being examined was extremely humiliating.

Mo Yunwan shook her head, eyes reddening further, yet her gaze was resolute: “No. I must make Shen Qingyuan see that I am innocent!”

Meanwhile, Chen Xi had been dragged out of the Liang residence by Shen Qingyuan and into the carriage.

She whispered: “Has Master found something important? I gathered quite a few clues at the Liang residence. I hadn’t noticed before, but I think I’m rather talented at investigating.”

Proud of herself, she was next startled when Shen Qingyuan asked: “So, in order to investigate, you were willing to give up Madam Shen’s space and squeeze into the servants’ room with a bunch of foul men?”

The last light of sunset faded, the night spreading dark as ink. The carriage interior was dim, and Chen Xi couldn’t make out Shen Qingyuan’s expression, only sensing his proximity. His presence was rare and cold, with an oppressive weight.

Chen Xi twitched. She had thought she was acting pragmatically, but hearing Shen Qingyuan say it like this, it felt as if she had been improper.

“Master, you misunderstand…”

She tried to explain, only to be interrupted: “Misunderstand what? You didn’t call someone else ‘Little Madam’?”

“……”

She had.

“If I hadn’t come for you, you wouldn’t have intended to squeeze into that room with them?”

“……”

She had indeed intended to do so.

Shen Qingyuan’s tone was serious and righteous. Chen Xi immediately lost her confidence and weakly said: “I didn’t mean to give up Madam Shen’s position. But Mo Yunwan’s emotions are unstable. A moment of inattention and she might try to end her life. If she died, someone would definitely exploit it. Wouldn’t that damage your reputation?”

“So, my reputation is harmed, and you wouldn’t want me?”

“Of course not,” Chen Xi quickly denied. “Whether your reputation is harmed or you are expelled from the Marquis’ residence, demoted, or exiled, I will always be by your side, never leaving!”

“Expelled from the residence, demoted, exiled? So you feel so insecure by my side?”

Shen Qingyuan’s voice dropped, seemingly wounded by her words. Chen Xi’s heart tightened, and she hurriedly said: “No, I think you’re amazing. You’ll solve this case thoroughly. Master, you have to believe me!”

Anxious, Chen Xi reached out to pull Shen Qingyuan.

She didn’t use much force, yet his whole body leaned toward her.

Back pressed against the carriage wall, she couldn’t move back. Chen Xi was completely trapped against Shen Qingyuan’s chest. The familiar scent of his soap reached her nose, and her lips brushed against his warm skin.

Chen Xi’s eyes widened, unsure what she had kissed. Next, something rolled across her lips, and then Shen Qingyuan’s slightly hoarse voice said: “The second time we met, Madam kissed me like this too. So this is what you like?”

There was a teasing undertone.

When he spoke, the movement of his Adam’s apple transmitted clearly through his lips to every limb of Chen Xi.

She had kissed Shen Qingyuan’s Adam’s apple.

Her face instantly burned. Realizing late, she understood she had fallen into Shen Qingyuan’s “trap” again.

But she hadn’t kissed him during their second meeting… had she?

Perhaps unwilling to be teased further, or emboldened by the dark carriage, Chen Xi hooked her arms around Shen Qingyuan’s neck and lightly bit his throat.

“We are married. What’s wrong with a kiss? I even dared to bite. What can you do to me?”

She finished the bite and provocatively added.

Shen Qingyuan didn’t respond or act further, only breathing heavier.

After waiting a moment with no reply, Chen Xi grew uneasy and touched his neck: “Master, why aren’t you speaking? I didn’t use much force… did I hurt you?”

Her fingertip barely touched him before Shen Qingyuan grabbed her hand: “Don’t move!”

His voice was rougher than before, and his exhaled breath hotter.

Chen Xi curled her fingers slightly: “Did it really hurt?”

“No.”

Shen Qingyuan released her hand, seated across from her, keeping distance. Before Chen Xi could ask further, he said: “No talking.”

“Oh.”

Chen Xi obediently shut her mouth.

She had thought Shen Qingyuan would return her to the courier station, yet the carriage stopped at the same clinic where Mo Yunwan had been treated earlier that day.

The clinic had long since closed. Shen Qingyuan knocked three times. The door immediately opened.

“Master Shen.”

A tall, strong young man opened it. He was extremely respectful to Shen Qingyuan, yet his gaze toward Chen Xi was sharp and piercing, like a hawk.

Shen Qingyuan again held Chen Xi’s hand and said in a deep voice: “She is my wife. You can trust her.”

“Madam Shen, forgive me.”

The man bowed instantly and stepped aside.

Chen Xi followed Shen Qingyuan inside; the door creaked closed behind them.

Inside, the clinic, once filled with medical apprentices, was now packed with over a hundred robust men.

Though dressed in simple short jackets, each was towering and broad-shouldered, wielding large blades, imposing and awe-inspiring.

The man who opened the door handed a token to Shen Qingyuan: “This is a tiger tally that can command the Xuzhou garrison. With Master Shen’s order, you can arrest the corrupt official Liang Weimin at any time.”

But hadn’t the emperor only sent thirty elite troops to assist with the case? Where had all these men come from?

Chen Xi stared in astonishment, too surprised to ask, while Shen Qingyuan didn’t hide anything. He squeezed her hand and said: “Did you think the Crown Prince only gives someone backing with words?”