Chapter 17: Taking Without Asking
Her Majesty was delighted with the birth of the imperial eldest daughter, and the entire nation celebrated. The court was jubilant for a time, and there were fewer vexing matters. In the early stages of her pregnancy, Her Majesty had dealt harshly with those who clamored in opposition over the issue of the imperial eldest daughter's status, and the Council of State had tacitly approved. In the later stages, tormented by the pregnancy, she became capricious and moody. The court officials dared not step out of line, fearing they would incur Her Majesty's displeasure. By a strange twist of fate, the entire court seemed to Wei Qi to be experiencing a long-lost period of peace and calm.
Gao Yunqu seized this opportunity to vigorously implement her reform measures in the Censorate, causing great misery to the old officials accustomed to shirking their duties. Lu Songnian and his allies also became much more restrained. The Conservative and Reformist Factions actually managed to maintain a delicate balance.
After a period of rest, Wei Qi began to manage state affairs again. Wei Zhi held A'xi and played with her off to the side, refusing to help her elder sister any longer. She had served as regent for Wei Qi for several months and had lost a great deal of weight. Now that Wei Qi was well, she was naturally unwilling to continue suffering such grievances. Wei Qi asked her to help look after the infant, and she found she could get along well with the child.
With Wei Zhi running to the palace all day, Cui Miao was somewhat neglected. She wasn't annoyed, however, and went back to the Imperial Academy to spend time with Fang Jian. Fang Jian's policy essays were getting better and better. Cui Miao looked through some of them and felt a twinge of anxiety; it seemed she had been left far behind by Fang Jian without even realizing it. She looked at Fang Jian, who was carefully choosing her words as she wrote. Her back was straight, her expression composed, and every character she wrote was done with immense seriousness. Cui Miao waited until she finished writing before asking, "Linshen, isn't your birthday coming up soon?"
"Hm?" Fang Jian calculated in her head. Her birthday was in the first month, so it would be soon after the new year. "I suppose it is."
"Aren't you looking forward to it? Once you have your Capping Ceremony at twenty, you'll be an adult." Cui Miao was two years older than her and had already passed that age.
"I'm already an adult. The year I became a Provincial Graduate, my teacher gave me a courtesy name," Fang Jian answered seriously.
"That's different. This is the Capping Ceremony," Cui Miao said, blinking.
Fang Jian thought for a moment, guessing it was a difference in their backgrounds, and explained, "In the countryside, not everyone holds a Capping Ceremony. The rituals are complicated, and for a commoner's family, just getting by is difficult enough. Where would they find the extra money and time to hold a Capping Ceremony for their child? If I were still at home, my parents would probably just cook a nice meal to celebrate my birthday."
The custom of this dynasty was not to specifically celebrate birthdays for children and young people; it was mostly the elderly who celebrated their longevity. But the year of capping was different. This age signified a person's transition from child to adult. From then on, they would be treated as an independent adult, expected to support themselves and bear responsibilities. Families of officials would hold a grand Capping Ceremony for their coming-of-age children to announce their adulthood to relatives and friends, while in the countryside, it was mostly celebrated within the family.
"So that's how it is." Cui Miao came to a sudden realization. "No matter. When the time comes, I'll give you a grand gift to congratulate you on becoming an adult."
Fang Jian had become a Provincial Graduate at eighteen and received a courtesy name from her elder. Her parents had also celebrated her birthday for that year in advance. She had tacitly considered herself an adult since then, so she didn't have the same anticipation for the Capping Ceremony as Cui Miao. But she still thanked Cui Miao sincerely.
After the new year, it was the eleventh year of the Yongxing era. One day, Gao Yuan sent someone with a message for Fang Jian, saying that Gao Yunqu wanted her to return to the residence that evening. Gao Yunqu rarely summoned her back specifically. Fang Jian was a little surprised and returned early after her studies. When she arrived at the residence, Gao Yunqu had not yet returned from her office. So she went to bathe and change into casual clothes. By the time she returned to the main hall, Gao Yunqu was back.
"Lord Gao, you summoned me?" Fang Jian bowed and asked.
Gao Yunqu appeared to be in a rather good mood. She waved her hand and said, "It's nothing. No rush. Come, let's dine together."
Fang Jian followed Gao Yunqu into the hall, where Gao Yuan had already prepared a banquet.
"Lord Gao?" Fang Jian was a little puzzled. "Is there some happy occasion today?"
Gao Yunqu gave her a surprised look. "You don't remember yourself? Today is your birthday."
Fang Jian's mind went blank, and she stood frozen on the spot.
"What are you standing there for? Come and sit." Gao Yunqu beckoned to her. "You can have a couple more cups today. From now on, you're an adult."
"Lord Gao..." Fang Jian sat beside her, listening to Gao Yunqu's gentle words, feeling dizzy as if she were floating on clouds. Gao Yunqu had remembered something she herself had forgotten.
Gao Yunqu had a few more cups of wine and was slightly tipsy. Looking at Fang Jian's jade-like, gentlemanly appearance, a sense of joy welled up in her heart. She suddenly seemed to understand the satisfaction and pride of seeing a fine young talent flourish in her own courtyard.
After the meal, Gao Yunqu was a bit unsteady. Fang Jian helped her to the bedroom. The servants had already prepared hot water. Fang Jian helped her undress and let her soak in the water.
"A'jian, don't be in a hurry to leave. Wait for me a moment." Gao Yunqu had sobered up a little, her voice coming through the steam.
"Alright." Fang Jian thought for a moment and decided to wait for her in her bedroom.
Gao Yunqu bathed quickly, dressed, and perfumed herself, feeling refreshed. In contrast, Fang Jian had already removed her outer robe and was waiting for her in just her middle clothes.
Gao Yunqu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "That's not what I meant. Go back and put your clothes on."
Fang Jian's face flushed red. She passed through the connecting door and went to her own bedchamber. When she came out again, Gao Yunqu was waiting for her in the outer room.
"Come here." Gao Yunqu beckoned to her. She was neatly dressed and sitting in the main seat. Fang Jian walked over and stood before her.
"Kneel here." Gao Yunqu pointed to the floor in front of her.
Fang Jian did as she was told, raising her eyes to look at her. Her eyes sparkled brightly, like stars.
Smiling, Gao Yunqu pulled out the wooden hairpin holding up her hair. Her soft, dark hair cascaded down, draping over her shoulders. Gao Yunqu tidied her hair, then took a wooden comb from the table beside her and began to tie it up again.
Fang Jian realized what was happening.
Gao Yunqu's movements were gentle, not hurting her in the slightest. A smile played on her lips the entire time, a picture of delight. They were extremely close. Fang Jian could smell the faint fragrance on her. Fang Jian closed her eyes slightly, feeling Gao Yunqu's fingers moving through her hair, occasionally brushing against her scalp, which made her tingle a little.
Gao Yunqu looked at the young person before her, head bowed. The wretched youth from that day in the rain had slowly grown by her side into the person she was today, like a piece of uncarved jade that, after countless carvings, was beginning to show the faint glimmer of a precious artifact. She slowly tied Fang Jian's hair, gathering every strand together meticulously atop her head. Even the fine, stray hairs were carefully smoothed down. She examined her handiwork, nodded in satisfaction, and then took a small jade crown from a box on the table and placed it on Fang Jian's head.
"On this auspicious day of a fine month, I first bestow upon you the ceremonial cap. Cast aside your childish ambitions, and cultivate your adult virtues. May your life be long and blessed, and may you receive great fortune.1" Gao Yunqu's gentle voice was not muddled by the wine; every word was pronounced clearly and with immense solemnity.
There were no guests, no grand banquet, no witnesses, and it wasn't even the formal procedure for a Capping Ceremony, but in that moment, Gao Yunqu solemnly offered her blessing. A refined person, unyielding through a hundred trials, polished and honed, at last becomes an adult.2
Fang Jian heard the encouragement and expectation in her words, and her eyes easily reddened. She stood up, took two steps back, straightened her robes, and performed the most solemn of bows.
Gao Yunqu accepted the bow, then rose and returned it. Afterwards, she smiled and called to her, "Come, have a few more drinks with me."
"Lord Gao, are you very happy?" Fang Jian sat opposite her. Gao Yunqu had already started drinking by herself.
"Of course, of course," Gao Yunqu replied cheerfully. "There is a jade tree in the courtyard. How could one not be delighted?"
Fang Jian pressed her lips together, her smile a little shy. Gao Yunqu rarely praised her so directly. Her heart felt as if it were soaking in warm water—soft, warm, and wanting to draw closer to her.
She held the wine pot and waited by her side to pour for Gao Yunqu. Gao Yunqu was not actually a good drinker. After a few cups, she was already a bit dizzy. Seeing she was drowsy, Fang Jian took the initiative to help her to the bed, removing her boots and untying her robes. When she finished and turned back, Gao Yunqu was already asleep. Fang Jian covered her with the quilt, then knelt by the step of the bed, quietly watching Gao Yunqu's sleeping face.
After a very long time, she straightened up, leaned over, and gently kissed the lips of the one she loved. It was like sugar, like honey, so sweet her heart felt like it would melt, so nerve-wracking her limbs felt weak. It was a brief touch. She licked her own lips and gave a silent, soft laugh, her heart filled with endless joy and happiness.
Lord Gao, today is my birthday. I took this without asking, as a celebratory gift. You won't blame me, will you?
Author's Notes
- From the Book of Etiquette and Rites - The Capping of an Officer.
- "There is a refined gentleman, like cut, like filed, like carved, like polished." From the Book of Odes - Airs of Wei - Qi Ao.
Extra · Temptation
(Takes place after the capping in Chapter 17)
Gao Yunqu was extremely busy on a daily basis. The matters requiring her attention at the Censorate were piled as high as a mountain. She also had a very dedicated personality; once she started something, she had to do it well. She spent a great deal of time on official business, returning home later and later, sometimes even spending the night in her duty room.
Fang Jian missed her, and since the Imperial Academy was not strict, she often returned to the Gao residence to stay. Just as when she had first arrived, she would prick up her ears, paying attention to any movement next door. The moment she heard a sound, she knew Gao Yunqu had returned.
She opened the door and walked into Gao Yunqu's bedroom. Gao Yunqu had just returned, her mind still on official business. She was leaning against a small couch in the outer room with her eyes half-closed, resting. Hearing the sound, she glanced at Fang Jian before closing her eyes again. Fang Jian approached her, knelt down, and removed her boots and socks. Gao Yunqu then drew her bare feet up onto the small couch, curling her whole body onto it.
Fang Jian asked in confusion, "Lord Gao, the servants have already prepared the water. Aren't you going to bathe?"
"In a little while." Gao Yunqu's voice was laced with exhaustion.
Fang Jian's heart ached for her. She also got onto the couch, gently gathered Gao Yunqu's upper body into her arms, let her head rest on her lap, and began to massage her temples. Gao Yunqu adjusted herself into a comfortable position. The faint scent from Fang Jian's body enveloped her, pulling her away from her burdensome official duties.
Fang Jian undid her hair knot. The tightly bound hair loosened, and her fingers massaged with just the right pressure, moving from the temples upward, deep into her hair. The tense scalp gradually relaxed under her touch. The invisible weight she carried seemed to fall away, and her soul felt light, briefly escaping from dreary reality.
Gao Yunqu let out a sigh of relief, feeling a bit more energetic. She patted Fang Jian's knee, signaling her to stop, then sat up, loosely tied up her long hair, and got off the couch to go to the bathing room.
The warm water caressed her skin, bringing another wave of relaxation. By the time she got out, Gao Yunqu felt much more at ease. Draped in her middle clothes, she entered the bedroom. Fang Jian was lying on the inner side of the bed, her back to her.
She's probably already asleep. Gao Yunqu thought, extinguishing the candle and getting into bed. Her hand landed silently on Fang Jian's cheek. The skin was as delicate and smooth as a young woman's. She suddenly remembered that it had been some time since she had taken a good look at Fang Jian. It was too dark to see clearly, so her hand traced along her cheek, unconsciously caressing it.
She had only intended to touch Fang Jian, but her fingertip near the corner of her lips was suddenly enveloped in warmth and moisture. Gao Yunqu's heart skipped a beat. Following the flame that flared up within her, she pushed her fingertip a little further in.
The lips and tongue were soft, the teeth obediently retracted, as they took her finger in. She teased the soft lips, caressed the neat teeth, and then, moving deeper, pressed down on the nimble tongue. Before she had done anything, the tongue actively wound around her finger, licking and sucking. The warm, soft sensation enveloping her finger made her heart burn, and drove her deeper. The mouth took in her entire finger, lips wrapped around the base, the tip almost touching the back of her throat, causing a physiological urge to gag. Her breathing grew heavy. Gao Yunqu withdrew her finger a little to let her recover, then inserted another. Both fingers were taken in, sucked and pulled inward bit by bit. The tongue licked and enveloped the fingers, making lewd sucking sounds that were exceptionally clear in the dark night. Perhaps she heard it herself, as the licking sounds stopped. The tip of her tongue pressed against the fingers, trying to push them out, but the fingers were not yet satisfied. They separated slightly to capture the soft tongue. The surface of the tongue was rough. The pads of her fingers pressed against it, rubbing gently, then stirred it. With a larger movement, a churning sound could be heard, causing both shame and vexation. This continued for a good while, until a soft moan escaped from her throat, and the fingers finally withdrew from between her lips and teeth.
Gao Yunqu used her glistening hand to cup Fang Jian's jaw, turning her to face her. Fang Jian followed her movement and turned her body, but kept her eyes tightly shut, her cheeks burning red.
Gao Yunqu wiped the moisture from her fingers onto her face, feeling her scalding cheek. She couldn't help but find it amusing. "Open your eyes. If you dare to do it, why don't you dare to admit it?"
Fang Jian obediently opened her eyes, but didn't dare to look at her. She lowered her gaze and shrank into herself, a blush spreading from her cheeks to her neck.
Gao Yunqu made no comment, sitting to the side and watching her with great interest by the moonlight. Fang Jian waited a short while. Seeing no movement from Gao Yunqu, she glanced up at her furtively, then quietly reached out and hooked her dangling little finger.
The two of them, one sitting and one lying, were both as still as mountains, as if they could stay that way until the end of time. But hidden beneath their robes, two fingers touched. One actively wound around the other, first tapping and touching, then slowly stroking, plucking, and intertwining. The spot where their fingertips touched seemed to be seared by an extraordinary heat, and that small patch of skin throbbed, sending the invitation throughout her entire body.
Gao Yunqu was a little surprised. Usually, Fang Jian was the receptive one, her actions entirely dictated by Gao Yunqu. Today, she was being uncharacteristically proactive. She turned her hand and grabbed her mischievous fingers, pinning her palm to the bedding to stop her from moving. At the same time, she looked at Fang Jian. Fang Jian still looked as if she would die of shame and vexation, not daring to meet her gaze, a complete contrast to the boldness of her lips, tongue, and fingers.
Gao Yunqu released her hand and patted her waist, guiding her to relax and open her body while teasing with a smile, "Where did you learn all this?"
Fang Jian followed her movements, opening herself up, and replied shyly, "Well, does Lord Gao like it?"
"I like it. I like it very much." Gao Yunqu's body covered hers. Kisses rained down, clothes were tossed aside one by one, and their two bodies met in honest nakedness. As her fingers buried themselves deep inside her, Fang Jian let out a sigh of satisfaction, and then her breathing was thrown into disarray by the ensuing storm.
Just as she was about to reach her peak, Gao Yunqu suddenly pulled her hand out. Fang Jian clamped her legs shut, but couldn't stop her withdrawal. In her urgency, she grabbed Gao Yunqu's wrist. Gao Yunqu was surprised by her boldness today, but showed no mercy. She pushed her hand away and continued to withdraw, wiping the slick, sticky fluid from her fingertips onto her sensitive inner thigh. Fang Jian was left hanging, her eyes red as she rubbed against her, begging her to continue. She turned on her side, clamped Gao Yunqu's leg between her own, and pressed her lower body against it, trying with choked sobs to satisfy herself, her wetness smearing all over Gao Yunqu's leg.
Gao Yunqu held her, pulling her closer, and whispered in her ear, "Feeling very bold today, are we?"
"Lord Gao... sob..." Fang Jian could barely hear what she was saying, her tearful response muffled.
Her fingers squeezed back into the passage. The moment they entered, the emptiness was filled, and her mind, muddled by desire, cleared for a moment. But it was only for an instant. The fingers had entered, but they remained still.
"So bold. Why don't you tell me what to do?" Gao Yunqu's voice fell upon her ear, full of temptation.
"No... I was wrong... Lord Gao..." Fang Jian's voice was soft and pleading, tinged with helplessness.
"I, on the other hand, think it's a fine idea. What does A'jian want me to do?"
"Move... just move..." Fang Jian was so embarrassed her whole body burned. With her eyes closed, she could say anything.
Gao Yunqu complied with her words and began to move her hand, but after a short while, she stopped again. "And then?"
"Don't stop... don't stop..."
"Ngh... faster..."
"Softer... ah..."
Gao Yunqu truly followed her words, her lips brushing against the side of her face, a touch-and-go contact, feeling her temperature. Her ambiguous breath fell by her ear. "So, is it soft? Or hard? Fast or slow?"
"Lord Gao... I beg you, spare me... sob..."
"Hm? Crying again? Am I bullying you?" Her fingertips moved deep and shallow, her voice laced with a pleased laugh.
"No... you're not... I..."
Gao Yunqu kissed away the tears on her cheeks. With a deft twist of her hand, she made Fang Jian's body tense up. She arched her head back, revealing her long neck, her teeth clenched, but she couldn't suppress her charming, pleasant moans and gasps.
Fang Jian was pushed to her climax, crying. As she came down, her limbs went limp, and she hugged Gao Yunqu.
"Are you made of water? Every time, water flows from above and below." Gao Yunqu, somewhat exasperated, wiped away her tears and held her, comforting her.
Fang Jian buried her head in her chest, her voice a little muffled. "Doesn't Lord Gao like it?"
"Of course I like it. I like A'jian no matter what."
At times like this, Gao Yunqu was uncharacteristically gentle, almost enough to make Fang Jian drown in it, to sink irretrievably. Her heart, which had just calmed down, began to stir again. Something pushed her to reach out and place a hand on Gao Yunqu's waist. For the first time, she touched Gao Yunqu from a different perspective. The supple, smooth skin seemed to have a magical power, drawing her to press against it, to caress it, to explore.
Her furtive touches tickled Gao Yunqu. She rolled onto her back, pulling Fang Jian up to rest her head on her shoulder. Fang Jian's hand slid past her waist and came to rest on her abdomen. The feel of her lower abdomen was different from her waist. Fang Jian shyly retracted her hand, then mustered her courage to touch it again. Then Gao Yunqu caught her hand.
"What are you doing?" Gao Yunqu's words held a hint of exasperation and indulgence.
As if encouraged, Fang Jian summoned her courage, propped herself up, and, blushing, whispered in Gao Yunqu's ear, "Lord Gao... don't you want to? I can also..."
Gao Yunqu laughed softly, pushing her shoulders to press her back onto the bed. "No need. I'll take it myself."
Before Fang Jian could react, she covered her again, kissing her until she was dazed. The words from just now still echoed in Fang Jian's mind. How... how will she take it?
Gao Yunqu's hand traveled downward, caressing Fang Jian's thigh for a moment before lifting one leg and resting it on her shoulder, leaving Fang Jian wide open. Then she lowered her body, pressing their two secret places together.
"Ah..." Fang Jian cried out in surprise. This was an unprecedented experience. Her vision exploded, and her scalp tingled.
Gao Yunqu thrust her hips, colliding with her. The petals, slick with fluid, rubbed together, creating a different kind of sensation. Fang Jian was enveloped by a warmth unlike any before. Her body was still sensitive, and the slightest friction was enough to make her feel like she would die from pleasure. She clutched the bedding beneath her, waves of pleasure washing over her, each faster than the last. Gao Yunqu fumbled for her hand, clasped it tightly, and pulled her closer, not allowing her to escape, then quickened the pace of her grinding.
Their wet fluids mingled. The pressure squeezed out even more spring water. It was impossible to tell whose was whose. It coated the place where they joined, then flowed down their buttocks and legs, seeping into the bedding and soaking a large patch. The scene was a mess, and utterly lewd.
Fang Jian was quickly sent to her peak again, crying out softly as she gushed. But Gao Yunqu was still in the heat of the moment. She reached out and clasped her waist, demanding she press even closer. Her scorching palm landed on her waist, making Fang Jian tremble.
Her gaze was hazy. She heard Gao Yunqu's heavy gasps and moans, a sound completely different from her usual elegance. It was filled with desire, swept up in the tide of passion, single-mindedly chasing supreme pleasure. All worries seemed to cease to exist, leaving only the two of them in that moment. Gao Yunqu's breathing suddenly grew heavier. She ground against her a few more times at an accelerated pace, soaring to the heavens. After her release, she slowed down, but still remained pressed tightly against her.
Fang Jian reached out and grabbed Gao Yunqu's wrist, her hand tracing up the sweat-slicked arm. Gao Yunqu released her waist and lowered her leg. Her palm slid up the curve of her back, scooping her up into an embrace. They were entwined, their sweaty bodies pressed together, their hearts still pounding violently. Fang Jian sat on Gao Yunqu, her body limp, supported entirely by her. She obediently let Gao Yunqu bury her head in the crook of her neck, and her own hand circled around to gently stroke her back, just as Gao Yunqu always did for her.
Gao Yunqu composed herself for a moment, then lifted her head and kissed Fang Jian's jaw from below. Her voice was a little hoarse. "Why were you so intent on seducing me tonight..."
Fang Jian pressed her cheek against her sweat-dampened forehead. "I... I wanted to make you happy..."
"Very happy," Gao Yunqu chuckled, her chest vibrating. Fang Jian's chest was pressed tightly against hers, and she too felt that tingling vibration.
Gao Yunqu turned, lying down and bringing Fang Jian with her, placing her on a less messy part of the bed. She then got up and off the bed herself.
"Lord Gao?" Fang Jian was getting drowsy, but she instinctively hooked her finger.
"It's nothing, I'm going to clean up." Gao Yunqu picked up her middle clothes and draped them over herself. Fang Jian sighed in relief and let her go.
When Gao Yunqu returned, Fang Jian was already asleep. She wiped her down a little, got into bed, held her, and closed her own eyes, sinking into sleep.
The road ahead was long and uncertain. While it was important to press forward, it was also fine to stop and admire the flowers and scenery. The affairs of tomorrow could wait for tomorrow.
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