AFTER BEING MARRIED OFF TO A BLIND VILLIAN - CHAPTER 11

Chapter 11

Moonlight filtered through the cicada-wing gauze, casting a soft luminous glow over the ink-wash patterned white robe of the figure on the couch.

The intermittent sound of water from the bathing chamber penetrated the door, echoing almost clearly in his ears, sometimes like pearls dropping onto a jade plate, sometimes like a deep undercurrent surging. He could even judge from these subtle sounds what she was doing at this moment, imagining warm water flowing over her soft, delicate skin, staining her snow-white complexion a moist pink...

Yan Xuecui's fingers gripping the teacup tightened again and again until the tea had completely cooled. He tilted his head back and drained it in one gulp.

Yet that unfamiliar, scorching restlessness within him didn't subside. He pressed his brow, his usually maintained rationality nearly shattered by those faint sounds of water.

---

Chi Ying dawdled in the bathing chamber for a long while. Aunt Fangchun simply assumed that since this was her first time sharing a room with him, she wanted to wash more thoroughly. Smiling teasingly, she said, "If the Princess Consort keeps washing like this, you'll scrub your skin raw."

Chi Ying's fair cheeks were flushed red from the steam. She pressed her lips together and finally rose. "Help me dress and dry my hair."

She deliberately chose nightclothes made of thicker fabric. Having just finished bathing, her whole body was hot, and the heat on her face wouldn't dissipate, like a crabapple blossom at the peak of its bloom. Water droplets from her not-quite-dried hair fell, wetting her snow-tender skin, exactly like a rain-drenched crabapple, one branch of red beauty with dew condensing its fragrance.

Aunt Fangchun examined her carefully, sighing inwardly with emotion. If His Highness could see the Princess Consort like this, his eyes would surely be filled with amazement.

Chi Ying returned to the bedchamber only to learn that the Prince of Zhao had gone to another bathing chamber. While he hadn't returned, she couldn't retire to bed, it wouldn't be proper. Just as she was thinking of taking out her unfinished sachet to embroider a few more stitches, she saw Aunt Fangchun enter carrying an illustrated册.

Chi Ying's cheeks flushed red. "I haven't even used the fire-prevention illustrations from last time, how could I possibly learn so many more..."

Aunt Fangchun smiled. "These books today are rarely seen in public. This servant had to discreetly search many places through connections to purchase them. Won't the Princess Consort take another look?"

Chi Ying had no choice but to reach out and accept them.

She'd only turned two pages when the vividly sensual images made her pupils contract slightly. Only then did she understand why Aunt Fangchun said these books were hard to come by, the man in the illustrations also had his eyes covered.

But his blindfold wasn't due to blindness, but rather to pursue variations in carnal pleasure, to enjoy the ultimate sensory experience of each point of bodily contact with vision blocked.

Chi Ying stared at the place where tongues entwined. A surge of heat shot straight from her spine to her skull. Her cheeks instantly burned hot, and even her forehead broke out in a thin layer of sweat.

Perhaps the nightclothes really were too thick after all.

Fangchun hadn't expected her to choose these nightclothes tonight, this fabric was meant for the depths of winter. Now that the weather had warmed, this silk garment should have been put away.

"Why not change into that rouge-red nightgown instead?"

Chi Ying had worn that nightgown before. It was made of superior fabric from Nanchong tribute—soft in texture, thin as nothing, fitting perfectly against the contours of bone and flesh, revealing the curves of her waist and hips in full view.

How would this be any different from being naked before Prince Zhao...

Though Prince Zhao couldn't see, he could feel.

Chi Ying didn't dare think further. She shook her head and refused.

Aunt Fangchun could actually tell that beneath her shyness lay genuine resistance. She couldn't blame the Princess Consort—His Highness's reputation these past years truly hadn't been good. Young ladies in the capital all avoided the Prince of Zhao's manor...

These years, though the court seemed calm on the surface, the disputes and schemes among the several princes had never ceased. Prince Xuan, Prince Qing, Prince Rui, each one more troublesome than the last. Prince Ding had been such a noble and upright person, yet he'd been harmed by treacherous villains and died an untimely death. Prince Zhao had injured his eyes and was completely shut out from succession... In truth, everyone in the manor was holding back their rage. How could they not hate?

But they were merely women of the inner chambers—they had no say in court matters, much less the ability to avenge Prince Ding.

Now that Consort Zhuang had only this one son left, they naturally served him devotedly, loyal unto death. Having finally seen His Highness take a wife, they naturally anticipated the birth of a young master with all their hearts. For Consort Zhuang and for them, the servants below, it would be the greatest comfort.

Aunt Fangchun sighed. "Prince Ding passed early and left behind not even half a child. The burden on His Highness the Prince of Zhao's shoulders is heavy. Consort Zhuang has long hoped for his marriage and children. From now on, I can only trouble the Princess Consort to work hard in the bedchamber and bear a son soon. Her Ladyship's heart would surely find comfort..."

Chi Ying didn't know how to respond. Prince Ding's death was a devastating blow to the entire Prince of Zhao's manor. If it didn't concern her, of course she'd wish for Consort Zhuang to enjoy the happiness of children and grandchildren. But she was using a false identity, already guilty of deceiving the emperor. If she further deceived the Prince of Zhao and bore children, when the matter was exposed in the future, Lady Yin would certainly push all blame onto her. She didn't dare imagine what the consequences would be...

However, meeting Aunt Fangchun's earnestly expectant gaze, she could only suppress those worries for now and softly respond with a single "Mm."

That Aunt Fangchun received even this word from her filled her heart with immense joy. "Tonight this servant will be just outside. Whatever the Princess Consort needs, simply summon this servant."

Hearing these words actually gave Chi Ying some relief.

She'd originally worried that the Prince of Zhao might reveal his true wolf nature during the act. With Aunt Fangchun outside, she could feel somewhat more at ease.

Aunt Fangchun chatted with her a while longer before going to wait in the corridor.

Chi Ying didn't know if it was psychological, but she felt the Prince Zhao's bathing time was rather long—so long that she was growing drowsy. She simply sat on the couch and closed her eyes to rest for a moment.

Until the "tap tap" of a bamboo cane faintly approached, sounding almost like the beat of a drum marking time. Chi Ying's eyes flew open as she saw the man in plain white patterned nightrobes slowly enter the door.

Chapter 11 (Part 2/2)

Having just emerged from the bathing chamber, his entire body seemed to still carry warm, moist vapor. His collar hung slightly open, revealing a clearly defined collarbone that gleamed with a faint cold light. His sash was loosely tied at his waist, which only emphasized his broad shoulders and narrow waist, his tall, jade-like figure.

"My apologies for keeping the Princess Consort waiting so long."

The man slowly approached. The sandalwood incense was pure and clean. When he spoke, his voice was slightly hoarse, like a hook scratching at her heart.

Chi Ying's throat felt somewhat itchy. She swallowed before saying, "No, I wasn't waiting long. Is Your Highness retiring to bed?"

"Mm." Yan Xuecui handed her his bamboo cane. Chi Ying hastily placed it beside the bedside table, then saw him extend his arm, meaning he wanted her support.

It seemed her rushing forward to support him at Shouchun Hall during the day hadn't provoked his disgust after all.

Chi Ying took a deep breath and stepped forward to hold his forearm.

The moment she steadied him, she seemed to hear an almost inaudible sigh escape his lips.

Before she could puzzle out what this meant, she heard him ask, "Having waited until today to share a room, does the Princess Consort resent me for it?"

Chi Ying naturally didn't dare. If they could avoid consummating the marriage, she'd want nothing more. But these thoughts could only remain in her heart. When she spoke, it was in a soft, obedient tone: "Your Highness was recovering from severe injuries. I feared disturbing you, how could I dare harbor resentment? On the contrary, my cold dragged on for many days. I only hope Your Highness won't blame me."

Yan Xuecui said, "We are husband and wife. There's no need for such formality."

The two arrived before the yellow rosewood bed spread with bright red celebratory bedding. Yan Xuecui suddenly bent down, his fingertips carefully caressing the bedding embroidered with the Hundred Sons and Thousand Grandsons pattern, as if confirming the design.

Chi Ying's cheeks flushed a light pink. She inexplicably felt Prince Zhao could feel what it depicted. Though the stitching was fine and precise, compared to smooth brocade it still had slight ridges and valleys. He was accustomed to reading carved bamboo scrolls daily—he must certainly know what was embroidered on this bedding.

Soon Chi Ying saw the corners of his lightly pressed lips curve slightly upward, almost as if deliberate, to remind her that tonight was their wedding night, concerned with the great matter of offspring, extraordinary in nature.

Chi Ying said somewhat awkwardly, "Aunt Fangchun was very thoughtful. She went to such trouble with these arrangements, but..."

She paused slightly, and Prince Zhao prompted, "But what?"

Chi Ying glanced at his palm still wrapped in gauze and haltingly suggested, "I was thinking, Your Highness's palm burns have only just scabbed over. Perhaps it wouldn't be suitable... not suitable to exert too much force. Why not wait until Your Highness has completely recovered before performing this consummation ceremony?"

She'd mustered all her courage to finish these few sentences. After all, consummation was a major matter. She still didn't want to simply give away her pure body like this and develop a substantive relationship with the Prince of Zhao. If she could delay a few days, perhaps there would still be hope of leaving...

Chi Ying waited tremulously for his answer.

But Yan Xuecui merely smiled. "I would think Aunt Fangchun should have taught you, since I'm blind, there are naturally methods that don't require me to exert much force. Isn't that right?"

Chi Ying's face instantly flushed crimson. She didn't know how to answer. Indeed, in those illustrated books, the woman was on top more often, with no need for him to brace himself with his hands on the bedding...

Yet he sat down with an air of casual indifference. "However, what the Princess Consort says also makes sense. Bedroom matters can be intense, I cannot guarantee whether I'll use my hands when passion runs high."

Chi Ying: "..."

What kind of words were these... teasing her like this.

Images from those illustrations of the man kneading with his hands actually surfaced in Chi Ying's mind. A surge of heat quickly shot up her spine, her face reddening beyond recognition.

Yan Xuecui heard her disordered breathing and even sensed waves of heat emanating from before him.

How could she be so shy?

He found it rather amusing and said casually, "Since the Princess Consort is thinking of me, then let's forgo it today."

Chi Ying was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when she heard him ask, "Does the Princess Consort prefer sleeping on the inner or outer side?"

Chi Ying pressed her lips together tightly, looking toward the spacious bed. She wanted to sleep on the outer side—that way, if she discovered anything wrong with Prince Zhao, she could escape and call for help in time.

So she came up with an excuse: "I'll sleep on the outer side—it will be convenient for serving Your Highness with water or attending to nighttime needs."

Yan Xuecui saw through her thoughts but deliberately said, "I require no attendance at night. The Princess Consort should sleep on the inner side, lest I disturb you when I rise from bed."

Chi Ying was helpless: "..."

Since he'd already decided, why bother asking her?

On the gilt candle stand, the dragon and phoenix wedding candles burned high, casting warm yellow bright shadows on the gold-threaded bed curtains.

According to wedding night customs, these celebratory candles were to burn through the night. Prince Zhao was blind and probably couldn't sense light anyway. For her, whether it was bright or dark made no difference. She simply let it be and carefully moved to the inner side of the bed. The two of them settled in like this.

Chi Ying pressed herself as far inward as possible, almost against the wall, keeping a relatively safe distance from him.

But ultimately, this was the first time sharing a bed with a man, how could she not be nervous? She stared at the gorgeous embroidered brocade of the canopy, trying to make her breathing as soft as possible.

Since he'd said "let's forgo it," he surely wouldn't go back on his word.

Chi Ying waited a long while. Confirming that Prince Zhao had no intention of consummation, she finally relaxed slightly. The restless heat in her body receded, and gradually drowsiness came.

But she'd barely closed her eyes when she heard the man's slightly rapid, light panting beside her ear, as if forcefully suppressing something, even his breathing carrying a tremor of restraint.

Chi Ying's eyes flew open in alarm. She actually saw fine beads of sweat covering the man's forehead, veins rising on his neck, his palm gripping the cloud-patterned brocade bedding tightly as he struggled to compose himself. Yet his panting grew heavier with each breath.

Chi Ying had never witnessed such a scene. Her heart filled with panic and helplessness. She reached out to check if his forehead was feverish, but unexpectedly the man suddenly grasped her wrist in his grip.

TRANSLATOR: Guys, i just realized this book is rated 18, and i cannot continue posting it on my website. i am still trying to figure out what to do when we get to those chapters.

Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/

GLOSSARY

Characters

Chi Ying (池萤) - Female protagonist; concubine-born third daughter who substitutes for her legitimate elder sister in marriage to the Prince of Zhao

Yan Xuecui / Prince of Zhao (晏雪摧 / 昭王) - Male protagonist; blind prince with a dark reputation, suffers from touch-starvation condition

Chi Yingyue (池颖月) - Chi Ying's legitimate elder sister who was originally supposed to marry the Prince of Zhao

Countess Yin / Yin-shi (殷氏)- Chi Yingyue's mother; the legitimate wife who arranged the substitute marriage

Aunt Xue / Xue Yiniang (薛姨娘) - Chi Ying's mother; a concubine in poor health

Consort Zhuang (庄妃) - The Prince of Zhao's mother

Prince Ding (定王) - The deceased elder brother of Prince of Zhao

Emperor Yongcheng (永成帝) - The current emperor

Servants & Attendants

Xiangqin (香琴) - Chi Ying's maid, originally serving Lady Yin's interests

Baoshan (宝扇) - Chi Ying's maid

Aunt Fangchun (芳春姑姑) - Senior servant managing household affairs

Steward Yuan / Yuan-de (元德) - The Prince of Zhao's chief steward

Qingzhi (青芝) & Yintiao (银翘) - Maids at the manor

Qingze (青泽) - The Prince of Zhao's attendant

Physician Lin (林院判) - The physician treating the Prince of Zhao

 Locations

Prince of Zhao's Manor (昭王府) - The prince's residence

Shuyu Pavilion (漱玉斋) - Chi Ying's residence, formerly the Prince of Zhao's chamber

Yangui Tower (雁归楼)- The Prince of Zhao's current residence with a dungeon beneath

Shouchun Hall (寿春堂)- Consort Zhuang's residence

Changyuan Earl Manor (昌远伯府)- Chi family's declining noble household

Titles & Terms

Wang/Prince (王)- Imperial prince title

Wangfei/Princess Consort (王妃) - Wife of a prince

Dianxia/Your Highness (殿下) - Formal address for a prince

Niangniang/Your Ladyship (娘娘) - Formal address for an imperial consort

Di (嫡) - Legitimate-born (from legal wife)

Shu (庶) - Concubine-born

Substitute marriage (替嫁)- Marrying in place of another

Consummation/Yuan fang (圆房) - Completing the marriage ceremony through intercourse

Returning home visit/Hui men (回门) - Traditional bride's first visit to natal home after marriage

Cultural Items

Bamboo cane/scrolls (竹杖/竹简) - The prince uses these for mobility and reading

Incense (熏香) - Various types used for ambiance

Dragon and phoenix candles (龙凤喜烛) - Wedding candles

Phoenix seal (鳳印)- Symbol of empress status

Hundred Sons and Thousand Grandsons pattern (百子千孙图) - Auspicious bedding embroidery symbolizing fertility

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