Chapter 22: The Desire of Passion

Returning to Lichuan Manor, Beigong Qiyi sent Xi Mo back to the Idle Retreat, while she herself headed straight for the Ballad Pavilion. As soon as she entered her chamber, she was met by a maid with a troubled look, and from the inner room came the faintest sound of moans. Beigong Qiyi arched her long brows and pushed open the door.

On the grand, intricately carved brown wooden bed, three people lay side by side. Beigong Juechen’s dark robe hung loosely from his shoulders, revealing a vast expanse of flawless white skin. Two women, both delicate and graceful, reclined on either side of him; one was feeding him a bright red cherry. At the sound of someone entering, both women started in alarm, but upon seeing who it was, they offered him sweet smiles.

Beigong Juechen lifted his gaze, his dark green eyes as cold and severe as ever, devoid of any desire. His hand traced idly over the soft skin of the woman beside him as he asked, “Is something the matter?” Beigong Qiyi gathered her thoughts and walked over at a measured pace, tossing her over-robe carelessly onto the bed before lying beside them. She smiled. “It’s nothing serious.”

Beigong Juechen nodded, nudged the woman perched on his shoulder, and murmured, “Go attend to the Young Master.” The woman nodded obediently, slipped off the bed to remove Beigong Qiyi’s shoes, then climbed back up and nestled herself close in his arms. Beigong Qiyi glanced at Beigong Juechen, smiled, and drew the woman closer. She wore nothing but a sheer pink gauze robe that did little to hide her nudity; if anything, it made her all the more alluring.

Beigong Qiyi pinched the woman’s chin, letting his other hand wander lightly along her bare back. “What’s your name?” he asked with a smile. The woman, bashful and coy, met his gaze and whispered, “My name is Xin’er.” Meanwhile, the other woman had already straddled Beigong Juechen’s thighs, completely unclothed. Beigong Qiyi narrowed his eyes. “Do you know how to give a massage?” Xin’er blinked in surprise, then nodded. Having recently survived an ambush, Beigong Qiyi’s shoulders ached for relief. Seeing her assent, he said, “Then give my shoulders a rub.” Xin’er dutifully circled behind him and set her slender, delicate fingers to his shoulders, kneading with careful pressure.

Beigong Qiyi closed his eyes in contentment and let out a low sigh. Beside him, the sound of a woman’s sultry gasps and moans filled the air. Beigong Qiyi cracked his eyes open just enough to see the woman astride Beigong Juechen,