CH 56

The Gilded Cage Chapter 56

Drinking Soup (1)

The atmosphere in the room suddenly stagnated.

Xiao Kezhi's body was tense as he leaned over Chu Ning and supported himself with his arms above her head. He looked at her under the moonlight, as if wanting to unravel her or perhaps ignite her passion.

Since Xiao Kezhi did not answer, the eunuch outside the room wisely kept quiet.

Chu Ning finally freed herself from the silk handkerchiefs on her wrist. She couldn't help but gasp as she moved her arms. They had gone numb from being tied up.  Then, she whispered, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is awake. I should go back."

When she spoke, her eyes were still a little red. Tears glittered on her long lashes, threatening to drop.

"Why are you rushing back to serve him?" Their passion was forced to a halt, making Xiao Kezhi frustrated. The frustration turned into anger.

She was his nephew’s wife. He knew this fact from the beginning.

He never cared whether she was married. When he became interested in her, he never cared about her status. But now, when he saw her rushing to leave him to return to another man, he felt angry.

Chu Ning was rushing to return to the Crown Prince. She noticed Xiao Kezhi’s displeased expression and knew that she had to soothe him. Therefore, she looked at the silver moonlight on the floor and said, "I don't want to, but I have to go back."

Somehow, Xiao Kezhi’s anger vanished as he looked at her graceful and gentle profile.

But the unwillingness in his heart remained, clamoring that he must receive something in return.

Especially when she wore such a seductive and revealing garment. Whenever he thought of her going back like this, his chest felt constricted. Xiao Yu was not a monk. Furthermore, he would be leaving tomorrow. Even if he drank too much tonight, he would not let her go tonight.

Therefore, Xiao Kezhi gritted his teeth and ordered the eunuch standing outside, "Bring in some water and an undergarment."

Hearing him, Chu Ning vaguely guessed what he was planning. She turned to him quickly and whispered, "Your Majesty, why do you ask for these things?”

Xiao Kezhi didn't answer but turned her over forcefully, making her lie down on the couch.

"Your Majesty…"

She wanted to get up, but he pushed her back forcefully, making her lie down again.

His rough fingers rest on her back, at the edge of her garment.

She trembled slightly. Then, Xiao Kezhi grabbed the hem of her garment and pulled it hard, tearing the soft silk garment in the middle.

He pulled her up and threw the garment aside. Then, he gritted his teeth and said, "You are not allowed to go back wearing that shameless thing."

Chu Ning knelt on the couch with her back turned to him. Her long hair draped down her back. She looked like an innocent and helpless young lady.

"When they bring the garment, change into it by yourself.”

Xiao Kezhi felt jealous and angry. He lifted her hair and bit hard on the back of her shoulder. He slowly let go after leaving two rows of teeth marks on her skin.

"Your Majesty, I have brought the things." A voice announced from outside the room. It was Liu Kang this time.

"Come in," Xiao Kezhi answered and got off the couch. He blocked Chu Ning from Liu Kang’s line of sight with his tall and broad figure.

Liu Kang was also cautious with where he looked. After entering the room, he kept his head down and placed the tray he was holding. Then, he turned around and went outside. He stood with his back facing Xiao Kezhi and Chu Ning as he waited for their instructions.

He did not know who needed an undergarment, so he prepared one each. Both garments were in the most basic style.

Chu Ning took a glance and knew that the basin of water was not for her. Therefore, she tore a strip from her torn garment to wipe herself. Then, she took the smaller garment from the tray and put it on.  Xiao Kezhi kept watching her. She then got up from the couch and gathered her messy hair to one side while saying to Liu Kang, "Head Eunuch, if Cui He is here, can you ask her to come in and do my hair?"

Chu Ning guessed that it was Cui He who came to report that Xiao Yu had woken up. Chu Ning’s hair was a mess, and she needed to dress up. It would take up too much time if she were to do it by herself.

"Yes, Cui He is waiting outside." Liu Kang knew that Chu Ning had put on her clothes, so he turned around to light the lamp. He observed that Xiao Kezhi did not seem too pleased. However, he did not seem to oppose Chu Ning’s request. Thus, he answered Chu Ning, "I’ll get her to come in now."

After that, he opened the door slightly and whispered to someone outside to let Cui He in.

Cui He came in. She picked up the hair ornament from the floor and quickly stood behind Chu Ning. Then, she took a wooden comb from the tray and skillfully rearranged Chu Ning’s hair into a high bun before inserting the hair ornament.

Soon, Chu Ning was draped in layers of clothing, restoring her to her usual demure and gentle appearance.

Xiao Kezhi sat by the side quietly as he watched her. When she turned around to leave, he suddenly stood up and went to her. He touched the fabric covering the spot he had bitten and whispered, "Next time, I won't let you go so easily."

……

Chu Ning's gaze flickered, but she did not look at him. Instead, she curtsied and left without a word.

...