Chapter 51

I watched the object, thrown into the water, sink slowly amidst the spreading red and foam, muttering a sigh.

"The water is getting murkier and murkier, even those close to me can't be trusted anymore..."

According to what was revealed later, the maid named Susu, who had been brought out by Shiniang from her master's household, although not as close as the head maid Nian Nu, who would die for her, was still a trusted companion who had been through many experiences together. Yet, she had also turned out to be a problem.

Although the results of their interrogation were unknown, this incident did not spread widely, but it cast a shadow over the few people who knew about it.

However, it seemed that all the bad luck had been used up in the unexpected assassination attempt, and the rest of the journey was uneventful. Although there were some people and small boats that appeared, peered, or followed the main ship for a while, they easily gave up or were shaken off.

Therefore, the anticipated attacks and casualties did not actually occur; only some wild ducks and waterfowl were accidentally killed or injured.

After these events, my relationship with Shiniang seemed to have grown much closer. After all, not many people could walk the line of death twice in one day.

This also changed the attitudes of those around us. For example, they spoke to me more politely and respectfully, and were more willing to explain and answer questions about things I was interested in.

In addition, I had the privilege of directly entering her private space, except during her rest time.

"They say you know how to read water patterns and star movements..."

The woman, leaning on a soft couch, looked much better.

However, due to the damage to her stomach and intestines from the medicine, she could only drink thin porridge, so her voice was still weak.

"I know a little, just a little..."

I answered habitually.

"Then what don't you know?"

"Well, that's hard to say..."

I said "modestly."

"It's just that my interests and hobbies are a bit broader, of course, I can't do things like giving birth and raising children, which are natural talents of women..."

"You are really boastful..."

She giggled, and the movement in front of her made my eyes flicker.

"But with your talents, wouldn't it be a waste to just be a doctor?"

Hmm, when did I become so easily flustered? I replied casually,

"There's an old saying, 'If you can't be a good prime minister, be a good doctor.'"

I noticed that she was dressed more casually today, with a loose inner robe that revealed a deep cleavage and the ties of her dark pink undergarment.

"Is there such a saying? I've never heard of it..."

She seemed to chew on a word softly and then suddenly said,

"What if you can't even be a good doctor?"

"Then I'll be a rebel, at least a great rebel with ideals and aspirations, who vows to change the world."

"Then your skills will certainly make you an extraordinary rebel."

She smiled again.

"Too much praise, too much praise..."

To be honest, I enjoyed this attitude of being a well-informed modern person, appearing profound and mysterious to the ancients.

The various situations I had been in before made me feel stifled for a long time. Although bowing my head and squatting was a good listener, it was more of a one-sided audience, lacking the interactive affirmation that brings a sense of achievement.

So, I took the opportunity to joke and talk nonsense, slightly opening up in front of her.

Unfortunately, she avoided deeper personal topics and instead brought up the topic of recruitment, hinting that if I joined her master's household, there would be opportunities to get close to even better women.

"The best talents in our household, with your abilities, you will have a vast stage to show your talents, not just the role of a doctor, toiling and laboring."

Well, such an idealistic and dedicated girl is the most troublesome and hardest to move.

However, at that moment, I couldn't help but fantasize: if I could demonstrate enough value to her master, wouldn't I be able to treat you as a plaything, enjoying a life of riding you morning and night, without any shame or restraint?

As for the lack of emotional foundation, that's not important. As long as I work day and night, I can surely change your heart.

That night, when it was deep and quiet, the door of my cabin was suddenly knocked on. I opened a crack and saw a person wrapped in a cloak, like a ghost, which could easily startle someone.

"Mr. Xia..."

With a soft call, the cloak was lifted, revealing a pretty face. It was Nian Nu, who had come to visit me at night. I was surprised and was pushed into the room.

Then the cloak slipped off, revealing her graceful and well-endowed figure, wrapped in a thin spring robe and skirt.

Her usual appearance, blending in with Shiniang, only revealed a certain charm and grace when alone.

"This is a small token of gratitude from my sister..."

Her face was flushed as she leaned towards me.

"Gratitude for what?"

Coming to my cabin at midnight dressed like this, I had some idea of her intentions but still pretended to be clueless.

"For the repeated rescues..."

"Can't you repay me yourself? Why sacrifice someone else?"

"Of course, it's my own choice."

She said firmly,

"My sister has her own mission and cannot do this for you."

"You are truly loyal..."

I narrowed my eyes, feeling a bit angry and indignant.

"Then can I do whatever I want?"

"Feel free to do as you please..."

She said somewhat out of control.

"Since you don't want to involve my master, please don't纠缠 my sister anymore."

"Is this your own decision, or someone else's command?"

I looked at her stubborn expression and had my answer. Suddenly, I felt a bit disinterested and waved my hand.

"Go away..."

She turned to leave but found me blocking the door.

"What do you want now?"

Because I suddenly remembered that I almost did something that modern people would consider inhumane, which is unacceptable.

"Um, I've changed my mind."

"Or, can you explain this to her?"

She lowered her head, her eyes coldly glancing at me.

"Since that's the case, I'll accept her kindness... consider it even."

Rather than getting entangled, I decided to take what I could get.

"But, I don't want to cause any deaths or complications."

To be honest, I don't want to find out years later that I have a child out there, coming to me and saying, "Do you remember Nian Nu by the Huai River?" and causing a family drama. After all, the ancients had no way to do paternity tests.

"So, um, we can find another way to fulfill your mission."

I stepped back and sat down, my gaze lingering on her well-defined and well-proportioned figure.

"Take off the obstructive clothes first."

She hesitated, her face showing a mix of sorrow, resentment, and other emotions. She bit her lip and untied the knot on her skirt, the loose edges spreading like a flower bud, filling the room with the warmth and scent of a woman.

"Take it slow..."

I comforted and admired her as she hesitantly removed her outer robe and shoulder wrap, revealing the large, smooth, and white skin that only the wealthy could afford.

Then she gracefully untied the knot at the back of her neck, making her figure even more prominent, creating two shallow peaks under the silk.

Suddenly, she seemed to think of something and froze.

"If you don't want to, you can leave."

I looked at her unhappy face and urged her in an impatient tone.

So,

When the last piece of obstructive clothing on her upper body fell to the ground like a withered autumn leaf, I whistled. I didn't expect her to have such real assets.

The full, ripe fruit in her arms, unable to withstand the pressure, formed irregular shapes, full of a tempting and beautiful allure.

Without hesitation, I reached out and, with a low exclamation, gently held the edge she couldn't protect. Then, with my fingertips, I slowly pushed away her arms and the last bit of restraint, enveloping the quietly standing peaks and the whole swaying outline.

As I gradually progressed, the warmth and heartbeat of the woman transmitted to my senses. I even felt the tiny bumps on her white skin rise, and then I leaned close to her ear.

"You still have a chance to regret it..."

This sentence seemed to trigger a switch in her body. She suddenly let go and lunged forward, wrapping her arms around my neck and clinging to me tightly.

"I absolutely... will not regret it..."

It seemed she was seeking some compensation and courage from me, and she almost whispered it in my ear, with a voice full of determination.

"Alright, you can start..."

I caressed her trembling body and skin, slowly guiding her to lower her head to my excited area.

"Start with the basics."

She turned her face in disgust but was turned back by me.

"Do you still want to regret it?"

Then I was enveloped in warmth.

"Mm, very good."

After a moment, I took a deep breath, unconsciously caressing her tear-streaked and sweat-soaked face with one hand and fondling the irresistible object with the other. I continued to guide her body movements, fully enveloping and squeezing me, like waves.

Until she couldn't help but gag, I looked into her eyes.

"It's okay, we have plenty of time."

Then I suddenly turned to the person hiding in the bed, pretending to sleep but peeking out like a silkworm.

"If you want to watch, just watch openly, no need to be sneaky."

As the sky was about to brighten, she left my cabin with a face full of fatigue and collapse. The release of long-suppressed pressure and emotions made her walk lightly and refreshed.

I spent the whole night repeatedly touching her hair, face, and body, leaving various marks on her. From a modern legal perspective, she was still in a state of attempted.

This way, she could still find a good family to marry and it wouldn't affect her future marriage. She might even thank me for adding some fun and skills to their life.

As for our future relationship, it didn't matter anymore because we were about to reach Yangzhou as the water gate was in sight.