Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 50: Shyness

At first, Qi Yan’s kiss was still somewhat inexperienced. His lips covered hers, carrying a faint coolness and a crisp, refreshing fragrance.

His lip bead first brushed against hers, inching slowly to the side. Wei Zhen kept her eyes tightly shut, not daring to look at his expression, while a flush of red gradually rose on her snow-white face.

At this moment, they still retained a shred of reason.

Yet it was precisely this remaining shred of reason that made the moment even more torturous—like knowingly walking into a tiger’s den, or stepping off a cliff’s edge despite being fully aware of the fall. They lingered at each other’s temples in an illicit embrace, prepared to plunge together into the abyss.

The sound of wind, the sound of hoofbeats, the rustling of trees—everything faded away.

In their world, only their scorching breaths remained.

The girl’s breathing was shallow and soft, while the boy’s was husky and deep. The two entangled, sticky and indistinct, dissipating into this small, enclosed space.

His voice had always been pleasant to the ear, but now, with emotion stirring, it carried a low, husky ambiguity—like grains of sand grinding against the heart.

For a moment, it felt as though her soul had been struck, her entire being tingling with a numbing sensation.

She completely lost her strength. The hand that had originally been pressing against his chest instantly turned weak and pliant, her attempt to push him away more akin to a hesitant invitation.

Their lips, inexperienced, brushed together in an unfamiliar dance, their breaths tangling in disorder.

Under his kiss, Wei Zhen’s rationality began to crumble.

She opened her misted eyes, already brimming with a sheen of moisture—not out of grievance, but out of overwhelming shyness. Her gaze locked with his lingering one, both of them seeing the surging tide of emotions within each other’s eyes.

When their lips briefly parted, Wei Zhen barely had time to catch her breath before she saw his gaze approaching once more.

“Wait a moment…” But even this fleeting protest was quickly swallowed.

As the sound of hoofbeats neared, the force on his lips suddenly deepened, carrying a fierce sense of conquest.

His hands cupped her cheeks, and his long eyelashes fluttered softly against her skin, sending a tingling sensation spreading outward. Her heart trembled along with it, her body lightly quivering in his arms.

She could hardly endure such an intense kiss—one so passionate and entangled, one that brought forth all the hidden longing and desire within her. Her blood began to boil.

She lifted her hands, pushing against him.

In truth, he had not completely restrained her. If she exerted just a little force, she could push him away in an instant.

And yet, in the end, those soft hands merely settled against his neck, slowly tightening their hold around him.

Even she could not control herself, sinking deeper and deeper into this moment.

The last time they kissed, it had been nothing more than a fleeting brush, barely touching before being interrupted. This time, they were still at risk of being discovered at any moment, yet neither of them showed any intention of stopping.

The girl’s lips were sweet, carrying the faint scent of grass. His lips traced the shape of hers bit by bit, kissing her until her eyes turned red at the corners, her breath coming in short gasps, and the rims of her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

He hesitated for a moment, wondering if she was unwilling. Then he quickly realized—it was not that she was unwilling, but rather that she was too overwhelmed by emotion, barely able to hold herself together.

Her gaze was hazy, her body sinking into the grass, her long raven-black hair in disarray, framing a face of breathtaking beauty. She gazed up at him, looking so delicate and pleading, utterly bewitching.

Faced with such a sight, what man could possibly remain unmoved?

Wei Zhen’s hand, still wrapped around his neck, absentmindedly traced the shell of his ear. It was an unintentional movement, but the softness of her touch made Qi Yan freeze, his entire body heating up.

Wei Zhen: “Mm…”

Even she could not understand—why had his kisses grown even more forceful?

This kind of relentless, domineering, and suffocating embrace made her heart race uncontrollably.

His Adam’s apple pressed against her slender neck—a distinct, masculine mark—moving up and down against her skin, sending tingles through her limbs.

“Are you afraid of being discovered?” His voice was hoarse.

Wei Zhen’s ears felt numb, her lips aching and weak, leaving her with no strength to respond.

Her rationality had completely collapsed. Anxiety and fear, sweetness and exhilaration—countless emotions chased each other in her mind. He kissed her with such fervor, such intensity, drowning her in his breath. The dangerous thrill coursed through her veins, pushing her closer and closer to the edge.

His lips brushed against hers as he asked, “Do you want to continue?”

Wei Zhen murmured, “What if we’re discovered?”

Whether the sound of hoofbeats had faded or were still approaching, she could no longer tell. The small world formed by the surrounding green grass had become her entire reality.

The wind swept through the grass. He kissed her again and again, lips and tongues entwining, their breaths burning, as emotions surged like an unstoppable tide.

Sunlight filtered through the clouds, sometimes bright, sometimes dim. In front of her was only a vast shadow—his tall frame looming over her, blotting out the sky.

Finally, she could bear it no longer, turning her face away to gasp for breath.

His cool fingertips lifted her chin, tilting her face back toward him.

She trembled as she called out, “Qi Yan…”

That soft, delicate voice spilled from the depths of her throat.

And then she felt his palm, resting on her waist, suddenly tighten. Even through the fabric, his warmth seared into her skin, making her shiver.

Her fingers clenched into her palms, only to be pried open by his strong grip, each of her fingers slowly unfurling and moving aside. Her lips parted slightly, her voice laced with supplication—completely unaware of what such a sight meant in a man’s eyes.

That slender waist lay entirely within his grasp.

Qi Yan’s pitch-black eyes scrutinized her, his palm locking around her waist as he pressed down once more. The smooth fabric of her clothing bunched in his grip, outlining her graceful curves.

Wei Zhen tilted her head back to receive his scorching kisses, struggling to keep up. Her lips, once pristine, were now smeared and disheveled, as though they had been trampled over.

But how could she push him away? If he even slightly lifted his body, she would only cling to his neck, afraid of being seen.

While she was drowning in emotions for him, she also watched him gradually sink deeper. His once-bright eyes were now heavy-lidded with languor and allure, golden light illuminating every ounce of tenderness within them.

That taut body, pressed tightly against hers, let her feel his own trembling—proof that he, too, was unraveling for her.

This was his answer to her earlier question: What if they were discovered?

Since escape was impossible, they might as well keep kissing.

And if they were not discovered—then why not indulge just a little more?

He kissed her fiercely, pressing her down into the sea of grass. The world stretched vast and empty, with no one to witness them in this hidden corner, where they rendezvoused, where they entwined, where they kissed again and again.

When their lips finally parted, Wei Zhen’s cheeks were flushed deep red. She felt as though she had just walked through a burning fire, panting in his arms, listening to the floating heartbeat in the air—unable to tell if it was his or her own.

Qi Yan reached out to smooth her disheveled hair, but she dodged. It took a long while before she finally recovered.

“Did those two horses leave?”

Qi Yan replied, “They left. They didn’t notice us.”

Wei Zhen hummed softly, slowly sitting up, only to meet his dark, still-smoldering gaze.

She turned her face away to avoid his eyes, but what she saw instead was the flattened grass beneath them.

Her mind was a blur. She pressed a hand to her burning cheeks, a cool breeze easing the heat in her chest.

Shyness surged within her. She didn’t want to stay here a moment longer. “Let’s go.”

Qi Yan’s voice was husky. “Mm.”

They stood up from the grass. Wei Zhen’s steps were unsteady, like she was walking on clouds, dazed and lightheaded.

After such an intimate kiss, she had no idea what to say to him.

The last time they kissed, how had they brushed past it?

Qi Yan had been the one to say—let’s pretend it never happened.

And this time?

Qi Yan went to fetch the horses, while Wei Zhen waited beneath the trees, watching from a distance.

He walked to his horse, untying the reins. When he looked back, he saw Wei Zhen biting her lip, her gaze avoiding his.

Wei Zhen averted her eyes, stepping into the stirrup and mounting her horse.

The next moment, her wrist was seized, and she was yanked down into his embrace.

“Last time, you acted like nothing happened after the kiss,” Qi Yan murmured, lowering his head. “And this time, are you planning to just brush it off again?”

His voice deepened. “Hmm?”

Wei Zhen lifted her head and saw those usually calm and serene eyes, now filled with an ambiguous passion. She didn’t know how to speak, turning her head away to gather her words, but he pulled her back in one swift motion.

He clenched his fist and pressed it against her waist, drawing her into his embrace. His lips descended upon hers once more.

Unlike the kiss on the grassy field, which had been deep and lingering, this time, his lips barely brushed against hers, speaking between kisses. “Have you forgotten how I kissed you just now? If you’ve forgotten, then we’ll do it again.”

“Mm—” Wei Zhen was held by the back of her head, forced to tilt her face upward to receive his kiss.

The flower trees swayed, shedding their intoxicatingly beautiful petals, which fluttered down around the two of them.

He kissed her, allowing her a brief moment to catch her breath and gather her thoughts, but soon, he captured her lips once more, pressing her for an answer through the kiss.

The rich fragrance of flowers spread between their lips and tongues. Wei Zhen’s eyelashes trembled as she raised her hands to push him away.

In the end, she surrendered.

When he finally gave her another chance to breathe, she lifted her flushed face and said, “I didn’t pretend nothing happened.”

She raised her hand to hook his, intertwining their fingers tightly together.

With this, she responded to his words from earlier.

Wei Zhen didn’t know if this was the answer he wanted. What were they now—ambiguous companions, or could they be considered lovers?

Qi Yan grasped her hand in return and said, “We’re both covered in grass bits. Let’s go to the lake and wash up.”

By the lakeshore, Wei Zhen scooped up a handful of water to wash her face. In the reflection of the lake, she saw her own flushed complexion.

She was utterly mortified, feeling that she was probably the only young lady in the world who could be kissed by a gentleman to the point of going weak and unable to walk.

She let the cool lake breeze wash over her face for a while, finally allowing some of the redness to fade.

But the trouble was, soon enough, they would have to share a horse again.

Wei Zhen looked at Xingye Ju, wanting to say something to ease the awkwardness when she suddenly noticed the sword hanging from the saddle. It didn’t seem to be the one he had been carrying a few days ago.

She asked, “Where’s your original sword?”

Qi Yan replied, “The previous one? This one was only recently replaced, but it still doesn’t feel as comfortable as my very first sword.”

That very first sword had been lost on the journey of the diplomatic marriage. On the night they were ambushed by bandits, it had sunk to the bottom of Luoshui Lake.

The young man stroked the horse’s mane, gently smoothing its fur.

It had been a passing remark from him, but Wei Zhen kept it in her heart.

The two of them rode together on a single horse back toward the group. This time, Qi Yan held her directly, his movements no longer as restrained as before. Yet Wei Zhen still felt entirely uneasy. Even though they had already done things only lovers would do, she still wasn’t used to it.

She held onto the reins, comforting herself—between men and women, it was always the gentleman who should take the initiative, so it was fine for her to be a little shy.

When they finally returned to the place where they had parted ways with Gongsun Xian and Ji Wo, those two were still nowhere to be seen, lost in their own romantic wanderings in the forest.

Wei Zhen dismounted, casually walked over to a tree, sat down, and cupped her face, waiting for them to return.

Before long, a black dot appeared in the distance within the woods. Wei Zhen saw the two of them riding side by side, their horses almost pressing against each other.

Gongsun Xian spotted Wei Zhen and hurriedly distanced herself from Ji Wo.

Ji Wo reined in his horse and, seeing Wei Zhen, asked, “What’s wrong, Princess? Why is your face so red?”

Wei Zhen touched her face, trying to come up with an excuse when Qi Yan spoke first: “His Highness took Miss Gongsun away, leaving the princess alone with me. She was extremely displeased and has been waiting here for quite some time.”

His blatant ability to lie with a straight face made Wei Zhen feel utterly inadequate in comparison.

She merely said, “Mm…”

Ji Wo quickly apologized, feeling somewhat guilty, and then turned to Qi Yan. “The princess has always had an excellent temper. How could she find it unpleasant to be with you? Even if you’re not used to interacting with young ladies, you should still be a little more considerate.”

Qi Yan was silent for a moment before nodding. “His Highness is right.”

Then he added, “I truly wasn’t considerate enough. Next time, I will be more gentle and cherish her more.”

Wei Zhen pressed her lips together, which were still slightly red from the kissing. Seeing him speak so seriously with Ji Wo, her heart itched, but she couldn’t say anything.

She only said, “Enough, let’s not talk about it anymore. Let’s go back.”

The sunset painted half the sky red, enveloping the four of them in its glow.

When they returned to the outskirts of the hunting grounds, the others were tallying up their game. Having spent half the day in the woods, their group had only managed to hunt a few rabbits. In reality, even those few rabbits had been caught by Qi Yan just now, merely to keep up appearances for Wei Zhen.

Fortunately, with so many people around, they managed to pass it off as Ji Wo being unskilled in riding and archery, thus dragging Qi Yan down. No one suspected anything.

After the gathering dispersed, Qi Yan still personally escorted Wei Zhen back to the palace gates.

As her accompanying guard, it wasn’t unusual for him to take extra care of her. In the eyes of the Jin people, it wouldn’t seem out of place. However, after what had happened in the meadow, Wei Zhen remained cautious.

She was just about to remind him to be more careful and not get caught when Qi Yan spoke first. “You must be tired after today. Get some rest. Tomorrow night, I have time—I can come find you.”

The words “tomorrow night” entered Wei Zhen’s ears, and she looked up in confusion.

“Has Miss Wei already forgotten?” Qi Yan saw her puzzlement and leaned down slightly from horseback, his nose nearly brushing against hers. The sunset reflected in his dazzling eyes.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to discuss the zither score with me?”

His eyes curved into a slight smile. “For that, you still owe me a favor.”

Wei Zhen was stunned. After everything that had happened today—letting him kiss her however he pleased—he still wanted her to repay another favor?

How exactly was she supposed to repay it?

Qi Yan said, “I’m on duty during the day, so I’m only free at night. If you don’t need me, I won’t come.”

Of course, Wei Zhen needed him to come. She said, “When you come, don’t alert anyone. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Qi Yan straightened up. “Naturally.”

Wei Zhen watched as the young man rode off in a swirl of dust before turning back to step over the threshold.

Yet, as she walked inside, a thought struck her—after today, their relationship had changed. They were no longer so excessively restrained.

Then tomorrow night, how would they interact?

The scene of their passionate kiss on the grass surfaced in her mind, making her feel uneasy.

She suddenly had no idea how to face the upcoming… tryst.

Ji Wo: “Oh? A man and a woman alone together at night… to look at a zither score?”