Chapter 318 - 318: I Think I Like You
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Ever since the Empress Dowager was reprimanded by the Emperor, she had become more obedient.
The nanny in charge beside her also played the greatest role. When the time was right, she would give her psychological counseling.
Perhaps it was because the headache that had plagued her for ten years had finally disappeared, but the Empress Dowager had also become more and more kind.
The incident of casually killing palace maids and eunuchs would no longer happen.
The palace maids and eunuchs were very grateful to Qin Zhenzhen and took special care of On the 20th day after Qin Zhenzhen’s arrival at the palace, she approached the Empress Dowager with a humble request. Her husband, Su Bin, was eager to pursue his studies, and she also had to tend to her responsibilities in Meijiang Prefecture City.
Surprisingly, the Empress Dowager did not pose any obstacles in her path. Instead, she readily granted Qin Zhenzhen’s plea and even generously bestowed upon her a collection of gold, silver, and precious jewelry.
The Emperor had long relinquished any interest in Qin Zhenzhen, considering the abundance of attractive women within the palace. Moreover, he recognized her as a woman not to be trifled with—someone who possessed an almost divine protective aura. Those who treated her kindly found themselves blessed, while those who harbored ill intentions swiftly suffered the consequences.
A stark illustration of this principle was the fate of the Jiang family, whose centuries-old legacy crumbled in an instant.
Still, the Emperor chose to exhibit favoritism toward Qin Zhenzhen, bestowing her with a lavish assortment of gold, silver, and jewelry as a token of his goodwill.
Qin Zhenzhen returned from the palace, her hands laden with opulent treasures.
The old eunuch from earlier escorted her to the entrance of Su Bin’s residence.
As before, Su Bin enveloped Qin Zhenzhen in a warm embrace, right in front of the observant old eunuch. “My dear wife, I’ve missed you so much!”
Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t help but feel an intense rush of intimacy, causing her cheeks to flush. She softly chided him, “What’s gotten into you? There’s no need to put on an act anymore!”
Aware that the Emperor had long lost interest in her, evident in his consent for her to leave the palace, Su Bin offered a gentle rebuttal, “Better to be cautious.
Pretending isn’t too difficult, and it’s rather pleasant, isn’t it?”
This charade proved far easier than their previous encounters, and the sensation was not entirely unwelcome.
Almost ten days had passed since Qin Zhenzhen’s last visit. It would be disingenuous to claim there was no reaction within Su Bin as he held her once again.
Recollections of their previous intimate encounter stirred within him, but he swiftly released Qin Zhenzhen, unwilling to embarrass himself.
During the evening hours, Su Bin broached a sensitive topic with Qin
Zhenzhen, saying, “We may need to share a bed tonight.”
He explained, “Sleeping in separate rooms could potentially stir unwarranted suspicions if word of our arrangement were to leak.”
Qin Zhenzhen nodded without hesitation. “Of course, that’s not a problem.”
Fear didn’t factor into her equation. They were simply sharing a bed, and she possessed the absolute capability to fend off any unwanted advances from Su Bin.
After all, Su Bin was a frail scholar, while she was a resolute woman. Consequently, if any awkward situation were to arise, it would be Su Bin who ended up feeling embarrassed, not her.
Qin Zhenzhen’s composed demeanor sent Su Bin’s heart into a frenzy, causing his cheeks to flush. However, he had resolved to confront his feelings for Qin Zhenzhen tonight.
Summoning his courage before they settled into bed, Su Bin confessed, “Qin
Zhenzhen, I… I believe I have feelings for you.”
Surprisingly, Qin Zhenzhen remained unperturbed. “Is it feelings of the heart or merely physical attraction?”
With a crimson face, Su Bin responded, “I have feelings in my heart. Physically… I do find you attractive.”
Qin Zhenzhen shook her head. “No, you’re simply physically attracted to me.”
She added, “Physical desire can easily be mistaken for affection, especially in situations where a man is in close proximity to a young woman..”
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