Chapter 12

Chapter 12

When I first married Cheng Wenting, he was a graceful, elegant young noble, standing as straight and refined as a jade tree.

Now, his handsome face had gained the imposing aura of a high-ranking official, along with a chilling coldness. He was still young, with eyebrows shaped like crescent moons and eyes as bright as the morning star. Yet, his slightly pursed lips betrayed a hint of heartless indifference.

The current Minister of Ceremonies stood before me in his purple official robes, asking where I felt unwell. His expression was normal, his voice calm.

Beneath my chemise, however, my body couldn’t help but shrink back. I was startled to find that I was actually somewhat afraid of him.

Submissiveness, caution, weakness, obedience… it turned out these traits had long been etched into my very bones. The realization made me feel a profound sense of sorrow.

I didn’t know how to answer him. Standing before me, he towered over me, truly like the heavens themselves. After a moment of thought, I looked up at him and said, “Li Shiyin said I have a heat rash. I’ve applied some ointment, so it should be fine now, but I’m not entirely sure. Husband, could you take a look for me?”

Keeping my eyes lowered, I slowly unfastened my chemise in front of Cheng Wenting.

As I stood there with my upper body bare, he watched me with a calm gaze. My heart shrank again, and a wave of biting cold washed over my back. Yet, I summoned my courage and met his eyes.

I saw the corners of Cheng Wenting’s mouth curve slightly into a faint, ambiguous smile. He was so clever; he must have known this was my desperate, last-ditch effort.

Tears began to well up in my eyes. The smile at the corners of his mouth deepened, carrying a hint of playful interest. I held back my tears and simply looked at him, letting him scrutinize me.

After a long silence, he finally moved, spreading his arms wide.

I knew what it meant. My husband was waiting for me to undress him. He was willing to stay tonight.

Whether it was charity or pity, as long as he was willing, it was supposed to be a great honor for me.

I stepped forward and reached out to unbuckle the belt of his official robes. Cheng Wenting stood tall and straight before me, like a tree of fine jade. My lowered gaze was as focused as my hands, both fixed intently on his belt. But I knew he was watching me, unmoving, observing every detail.

The moment the belt came loose, I looked up and our eyes met. His eyes were as deep as the sea, calm and rippleless, showing no trace of hidden desire.

And yet, he reached out and gently stroked my face.

Cheng Wenting’s voice was just as it had been years ago-warm and refined, as if filled with affection. He called to me, “Yuan Niang.”

The tears in my eyes fell instantly, like two pearls from a broken string. He looked down at me while I stood there, dazed. Cheng Wenting’s palm was warm, his thumb brushing against my cheek as he leaned down.

In the next instant, I took a small step back, avoiding him.

It was a movement I didn’t even understand myself. Subconsciously, I turned my face away, dodging his kiss. When I snapped back to my senses, I looked at him with eyes full of terror.

Cheng Wenting remained leaned over, his breath mingling with mine as he stared at me without blinking. A cold sneer slowly curled onto his lips. Beneath his suppressed fury, his eyes gradually turned bloodshot.

Then, he straightened his back and gave me a cold, indifferent slap across the face.