Chapter 95: Extra · A Shared Path
After her spanking, Fang Jian spent a day lying on her stomach, finishing her rest day on the couch. The next day, she still had to get up for the morning court session. A day of recovery had helped a lot, but her walking posture was still a bit awkward. Gao Yunqu watched her and laughed, making Fang Jian both shy and flustered.
"My lord!"
"Alright, alright, I won't laugh."
"Is it noticeable?"
"Not unless one looks closely. Don't worry," Gao Yunqu reassured her, then couldn't help but laugh again. "Have you learned your lesson? Will you dare to do it again?"
"My lord!" Fang Jian was mortified, stomping her foot in frustration. She accidentally aggravated her injury and winced in pain.
Gao Yunqu cleared her throat, suppressed her smile, and asked, "How about taking a day's leave?"
"I can't. There's something at the office today that I must attend to; it can't be postponed," Fang Jian sighed.
Gao Yunqu then said, "I've had A'yuan prepare the carriage. I'll give you a ride today."
"I suppose that's the only way. But if people see, they'll start gossiping again."
"Let them. Once you submitted that memorial, what wasn't true became true anyway. It's better to be open about it. Let's go."
Fang Jian was only being a little petulant in front of Gao Yunqu. Once she stepped outside, she was once again the calm, reliable, and imperturbable Lord Fang, showing no trace of what had happened. She endured until she reached her duty office, closed the door, and leaned against the desk, standing for a short while before starting her work.
Near noon, Xie Min came to see her with a document from the Ministry of War to ask about some official business. Fang Jian remained standing while she spoke with her. After a moment's thought, Xie Min guessed what had happened and winked at her mischievously. "Got a spanking?"
"Is it that obvious?" Fang Jian was a little nervous.
Xie Min smiled. "Not really, but have you forgotten what I used to do? I know best about the right measure when hitting someone."
Fang Jian touched her forehead and sighed, "As long as it's not obvious."
She moved to look at the document Xie Min had spread on the desk. Xie Min stepped forward to support her, and Fang Jian leaned her weight on her hand. Xie Min let out a soft hiss. Fang Jian looked down and saw the red marks on her wrist.
Fang Jian gave her a peculiar look. "...You two play pretty rough, huh..."
Xie Min pretended nothing had happened, shaking her sleeve down to cover her wrist, but the tips of her reddening ears betrayed her.
Fang Jian said with great interest, "I thought you were the dominant one. I didn't expect Sister Guiyuan to have the upper hand."
Xie Min had already composed herself and said with perfect ease, "She wanted to, so I just played along."
"Oh..." Fang Jian's tone was full of meaning.
Xie Min felt a little embarrassed and retorted, "Someone your age who still gets spanked doesn't seem to have any right to talk."
This time, it was Fang Jian's ears that turned red. The two old friends teased each other for a while before setting aside their playful mood.
Xie Min asked seriously, "It seems Lord Gao doesn't approve of you stepping forward now."
"Mm," Fang Jian nodded.
"Then what will you do?"
"I'll wait and see. I've taken the beating, and I've entered the game. With the attacks falling on me, it will be easier for her to make a move." In truth, Fang Jian hadn't thought it through either. Gao Yunqu's spanking had made her afraid to act rashly again, but she had a vague feeling that this matter would not be detrimental to Gao Yunqu.
Xie Min acknowledged this and didn't pursue the topic, turning instead to discuss official business with her.
A few days later, Fang Jian was back to her lively self. The Ministry of Revenue was busy, and she often had to work late into the night. It was already late when she returned from duty this day. Xiuzhu came out to greet her and told her that her lord was waiting for her in the study.
Fang Jian's steps faltered. She glanced at Xiuzhu and asked uneasily, "I haven't done anything wrong recently, have I?"
Xiuzhu said hesitantly, "Probably... not?"
Fang Jian entered the study, trembling with apprehension. Gao Yunqu was waiting for her.
"You're here? Come, sit." Gao Yunqu's voice was level, betraying no emotion.
Fang Jian obediently sat down in a nearby chair.
Gao Yunqu had felt some regret after spanking Fang Jian that day. She was used to forging ahead on her own, and she was used to the tacit understanding with which Fang Jian coordinated with her. But she had forgotten that what Fang Jian could see was not the same as what she could see. If she didn't say anything, Fang Jian had to rely entirely on guesswork, and it was common to guess wrong. To punish without teaching is cruelty. In recent years, she had grown accustomed to Fang Jian's perfect timing and had forgotten that she was supposed to be her guide.
Gao Yunqu did everything well, but this was also her first time loving someone, and she was still learning how to be with an intimate partner. She thought for a few days and decided to lay things out and speak clearly with Fang Jian about their respective paths forward.
Her fingertips tapped lightly on the desk as she chose her words. "A'jian, I am indeed preparing to start implementing the Merit Evaluation System. Her Majesty and Chancellor Fan are of the same mind."
Hearing her speak of official business, Fang Jian sat up a little straighter and listened attentively.
"Your timing wasn't wrong, but I don't want you to get involved right now. Your path should be steadier; don't be greedy for a momentary shortcut," Gao Yunqu said.
Gao Yunqu had seen right through her, and Fang Jian felt a little embarrassed. "I just wanted to move a little faster, to share some of your burden."
Gao Yunqu looked at her, her gaze as gentle as water. "A'jian, I know your intentions, but I must still tell you: in the imperial court, you can't seek speed; you must be steady. You are still so young, and you're not without your own vulnerabilities. Being subjected to constant attacks will not be good for your future."
Fang Jian knew what Gao Yunqu was referring to. It was a fact that she had risen by clinging to Gao Yunqu, and there were also flaws in the scheme to bring down Lu Songnian. If these two matters were brought to light, it would be enough to unseat her. She took Gao Yunqu's words to heart and carefully reviewed her own actions.
Gao Yunqu continued, "Furthermore, Her Majesty is aware of our relationship. If you and I both hold high positions, what will Her Majesty think? Right now, Her Majesty trusts us and may find us useful. But what if Her Majesty withdraws that trust?"
Gao Yunqu's words exploded in Fang Jian's ears like thunder. She had forgotten. The two of them becoming one was not just a matter of two people and two hearts. In the eyes of those with ulterior motives, it could be seen as the merging of two factions, the birth of a new clique.
Seeing her unease, Gao Yunqu comforted her, "Her Majesty is broad-minded and certainly wouldn't think that way. But as her subjects, we cannot grow arrogant from favor. We must also know when to advance and when to retreat."
Fang Jian was undoubtedly confident. She had always been a step ahead of her peers, and her career since entering the court had been smooth. Unconsciously, a sense of pride and arrogance had grown within her. Only now, with Gao Yunqu's sharp wake-up call, was she jolted awake. She stood up and stood respectfully with her hands clasped. "My lord, I was wrong."
Gao Yunqu beckoned to her. "Come here. I never taught you these things, so how can it be your fault?"
Fang Jian moved closer, standing before her and leaning against the desk. One stood while the other sat. Their eyes met, and a tender affection flowed between them.
Gao Yunqu took her hand, kneading it gently, warming her ice-cold fingers. She continued, "Besides, it's perfectly normal to have different political views in the court. You don't have to change your stance to align with mine."
Fang Jian tilted her head. "Is that not right?"
"If I'm not mistaken, you support a complete cadastral survey, don't you?"
"Don't you support it, my lord? Like what we did in Chuzhou—to resurvey and register all the land under heaven, then redistribute it to the common people. Isn't that a good thing?" Fang Jian was puzzled. In Chuzhou, Gao Yunqu's methods had been swift and decisive, no less so than Fang Jian's. They had worked together very well.
Gao Yunqu smiled. "I do support it, but not now. In Chuzhou, the timing, geography, and popular support were all aligned. That's not the case in other prefectures. Just as I said about your career, this matter must be handled steadily, not rushed. You have to overturn the roots, not just simply cut the blades of grass on the surface. Otherwise, when the wind blows, they will grow back. This will take a very long time. Don't be impatient. Every step must be taken with stability."
"Then why did you tell me to act according to my own thoughts?"
"People change. Young, radical officials will grow old and conservative. The court always needs young, energetic voices. Say what needs to be said. The evolution of thought is also a crucial part. Just remember not to lose your composure or your direction."
"And what about you, my lord?" Fang Jian squeezed Gao Yunqu's hand. She could hear the earnest hope in Gao Yunqu's voice, but she was not just Gao Yunqu's student or junior; she was the person who loved Gao Yunqu deeply and wanted to advance and retreat with her.
Gao Yunqu chuckled. "Me? Haven't you seen? I am that aging, old official. The groups we belong to are different. My colleagues and I will slowly become more conservative, more steady. We will be the unshakeable mountains. We must be the cornerstone of this court, to hold this ship steady. No matter how much of a ruckus you all make, as long as we are here, the ship will not capsize. In this process, attacks and arguments are inevitable, but as long as everyone is exerting their strength towards a bright future, it is a good thing."
Fang Jian was a little sad. "So, you and I will still be on opposing sides in the court?"
"Different paths, but the same destination. Our origins dictate that we must walk different roads, but as long as we are heading towards the same goal, our paths will eventually merge."
Fang Jian knelt down and pulled Gao Yunqu into her arms, holding her tightly. She whispered in her ear, "Alright, I understand. I'll remember."
Gao Yunqu gently patted her back. "This is also why I don't let you discuss politics at home. You should judge and decide for yourself, not listen to me completely."
"Based on my own views, is it okay to attack you? Won't you be angry?"
"You can come home and coax me." Gao Yunqu's ambiguous breath tickled Fang Jian's ear, making it turn red.
"How long must we walk these parallel paths?" Fang Jian sighed.
She had said it casually, but she didn't expect an answer from Gao Yunqu. "Seven to ten years."
Fang Jian was surprised. She released her, pulled back, and looked directly into her eyes. "Why seven to ten years?"
Gao Yunqu said, "During that time, I need to complete the full implementation of the Merit Evaluation System and completely revitalize the entire court's administration. During this period, I will hold you back. I won't let you advance too quickly. You must have some patience."
"And after that?"
Gao Yunqu smiled. "After that, it will be your turn to act freely. By then, everyone, from top to bottom, will be of one mind, and the road will be smooth."
Fang Jian thought for a moment and felt something was not right. "At that time, can you and I hold high positions together?"
"Ha, I can't hide it from you," Gao Yunqu paused, then smiled. "When that time comes, I will resign from my post."
Fang Jian was shocked. "Wh-what? My lord, you'll only be in your forties then, in the prime of your life, and your seniority would be enough to enter the Council of State... Why would you..." Her voice trembled. "Is it to make way for me?"
"A'jian, I entered the court at twenty and have not slacked for a single day. Nearly thirty years is enough. If this matter of clarifying the administration can be completed, I will be content with my life. I can rest a little." Gao Yunqu said with emotion, "I get tired too."
"But you've given so much, my lord. To not reach the position of first rank is too much of a pity." Fang Jian was unwilling to accept Gao Yunqu's explanation. "Her Majesty won't allow it either."
Gao Yunqu didn't want to say too much on this matter. She waved her hand. "Forget it. We'll talk about resigning when the time comes. But it's true that it would be difficult for me to handle the cadastral survey. Yanghui and the others, which of us doesn't have a huge family clan? And who can sort out the tangled web of connections between clans? Rather than face a dilemma, it's better to leave it to you all. You come from humble origins, so you have fewer constraints."
"The burden is heavy and the road is long, A'jian. Don't just look at me. The end of my road is already in sight, but your roads have a long, long way to go."
Fang Jian looked at her, speechless for a long time. She reached out her hand to Gao Yunqu. Gao Yunqu instinctively took it. With a firm pull, she brought Gao Yunqu to her feet. Gao Yunqu stood before her, and Fang Jian looked into her eyes. Within them was a deep affection, mixed with expectation and emotion, as profound as the vast sea, seeming to pull one in. Fang Jian yielded to this attraction, drew closer to Gao Yunqu, embraced her, and kissed her. She couldn't describe her feelings at that moment. Her heart was filled with too many things, overflowing, seeping into every meridian.
This kiss was light, lips pressing against lips, tongues dancing together, delicate and gentle. It was a mutual touching and drawing near, not a plunder by one side. The candlelight flickered, casting two shadows with intertwined necks. Fang Jian liked this kind of kiss. Compared to passionate lovemaking, everyday kisses revealed more tenderness.
She held Gao Yunqu and turned, letting Gao Yunqu lean against the desk. With a slight lift, she had Gao Yunqu sit on the desk. She stood between Gao Yunqu's legs, tilting her head up to kiss the corner of Gao Yunqu's lips. Gao Yunqu sat on the desk, looking down from above as Fang Jian pressed in, her kisses teasing, now close, now distant.
In the gaps between pecking kisses, Fang Jian spoke intermittently, her warm breath puffing against Gao Yunqu's neck. "I understand everything you said, my lord, but I still feel unhappy." The ten years that separated them were not just a difference in time and experience. Some things could not be caught up to, could not be compensated for. They were destined to never truly stand shoulder to shoulder.
Gao Yunqu caught her hand and guided it to her own waist, saying softly, "Then let's do something to make you happy..."
Fang Jian applied some pressure with her hands, cupping her waist. Her two hands fit perfectly into the slight hollows of her waist, and just caressing it through the fabric was enough to make one linger. Her kisses began to grow fiery, kissing Gao Yunqu until her eyes glazed over. Gao Yunqu's hands rested on Fang Jian's shoulders for support, enjoying Fang Jian's intimacy.
Unconsciously, Fang Jian's hands untied the sash of her robe and slid inside. The skin of her waist was delicate, hidden beneath the robe, one of the most secret and sensitive places on Gao Yunqu's entire body. Just a light touch made Gao Yunqu's shoulders and back tense, as waves of tingling numbness washed over her. She frowned slightly, fighting the instinct to pull away.
Fang Jian moved closer, pressing tightly against her. As her hands roamed, the robe loosened, and her naked body became faintly visible. Gao Yunqu let out a soft hum, wrapping her arms around Fang Jian's shoulders and burying her head in her neck. In return, Fang Jian's kisses landed on her neck. The tip of her tongue licked over the pulse in her neck, restraining itself as it moved downward, and bit down on her shoulder. Gao Yunqu cried out in pain, a muffled grunt, but she endured it without pushing her away. Instead, she held on even tighter, her fingers clutching the fabric on Fang Jian's back so hard her fingertips turned white.
Fang Jian's bite was extremely hard. When she released it, she tasted the faint tang of blood. Her rough tongue licked over the teeth marks, a gentle, soothing gesture. The trembling pain gradually transformed into a tingling itch under this licking. Pain and pleasure were likely two sides of the same coin; otherwise, how could the bud of desire sprout from pain?
The tone of Gao Yunqu's panting changed. Unlike her usual decisive or steady way of speaking, at this moment, Gao Yunqu's voice carried a rare coquettishness. Her moans went straight to Fang Jian's heart. Her hand moved down, and using the slick wetness as lubricant, she pressed down on the small nub at the top and began to rub.
Her sensitive, vital spot was captured. Gao Yunqu couldn't help but arch her back, her breathing growing more rapid. The loose robe hung on her, but it couldn't conceal the amorous scene at all. Fang Jian played with her hand while kissing her, the kisses fine and dense, filled with infinite tenderness, landing on her brow, her lips, her neck.
A knuckle squeezed into her passage, enveloped by warmth. Fang Jian probed the inside, not neglecting the outside either. Stimulated both inside and out, Gao Yunqu let out long, alluring gasps. Fang Jian's kisses lingered on the bite mark from before, licking and sucking, deepening the color of that small patch of skin. Gao Yunqu felt a dull ache, but the continuous pleasure from below, intertwined with the pain, assaulted her reason. The pain seemed to become a part of the ecstasy.
It wasn't long before she suddenly tightened her grip on Fang Jian's clothes again. A sound she couldn't suppress escaped through her clenched teeth. Her body tensed to the extreme, then relaxed all at once with a gush of fluid. Fang Jian slowed her pace but continued to move in and out, her thumb stroking the small nub intermittently. Having just come, the nub was extremely sensitive and couldn't bear the teasing. Gao Yunqu took a deep breath and reached out to press down on Fang Jian's wrist. Fang Jian obediently withdrew her hand.
Gao Yunqu sat on the desk with her legs spread, her hands braced on the edge. Her abdomen softened as she panted intermittently. Slick fluid still seeped from between her legs, her entrance opening and closing. Fang Jian stepped back a little, quietly admiring this version of Gao Yunqu.
Gao Yunqu took a moment to recover, then raised a hand to touch the mark on her shoulder. She spoke, "Did it leave a mark?" Her voice was husky and hoarse, yet held a doting tone.
Fang Jian chuckled. "It's on your shoulder, no one will see it."
"Have you calmed down now?" Gao Yunqu looked up at her helplessly.
"What if I say I haven't?" Fang Jian retorted provocatively.
"A'jian~" Gao Yunqu called out, drawing out the sound.
Fang Jian didn't reply. She moved in to hug her, kissing her once more. Caught off guard, Gao Yunqu was kissed until she was dazed. Desire surged up again, and her vision blurred. Fang Jian led her down from the desk. She was a little weak, and her legs buckled when her feet touched the ground, causing her to hang onto Fang Jian. Fang Jian waited for her to recover before continuing, kissing her while pushing her towards the window. Entangled, they bumped open the window shutters. There was no one outside, only the silent night in the courtyard.
Fang Jian pressed Gao Yunqu against the window frame, making her lean over and hold onto it. Gao Yunqu placed her hands on the windowsill, lowered her waist, and raised her hips. Fang Jian pressed against her from behind, her hand sliding up from her abdomen to her chest, cupping a hanging breast.
"A'jian?" The breeze from outside blew away some of the fog in Gao Yunqu's mind. She turned her head to call Fang Jian. "There's no one in the courtyard, but Xiuzhu and the others are just outside..."
Fang Jian leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Then how about you be a little quieter, my lord?"
"You..." Gao Yunqu thought about it seriously and felt it would be difficult. She could be uninhibited with Fang Jian, but she still had to maintain her dignity outside.
Hearing this, Fang Jian straightened up, turned, found a writing brush, and held it out to Gao Yunqu.
Seeing that she was determined, Gao Yunqu could only resign herself to it and bit down on the shaft of the brush. Just as she had it between her teeth, Fang Jian's fingers pushed inside. The passage was still wet, and entry was almost without resistance, pushing straight to the deepest point. A jolt of pleasure shot through her, weakening her hands and feet, and she almost couldn't keep her grip on the brush. Gao Yunqu squeezed a pleading sound from her nasal cavity, muffled and indistinct. Fang Jian caught her sliding body and began her plunder.
Gao Yunqu's robe was still wrapped around her, but it only covered a small part of her waist and back. The posture of holding the window frame made her shoulder blades protrude slightly, the curve of her back exquisitely beautiful. Fang Jian's free hand pressed on her waist, then traced the concave line up to her shoulder blade. Her hand played with the skin on her back, the force light but somewhat itchy. Her other hand moved in and out at a steady pace, her thigh pressing against her own hand, bumping it inward again and again.
Gao Yunqu gripped the window frame tightly, furrowing her brow and letting out soft whimpers.
"Do you want it, my lord?"
"Mmm..." Gao Yunqu nodded, making a sound from her throat around the brush.
"Then will you beg me, please?" Though Fang Jian was in control, her voice, as she asked, was cautious, as if she were the one making an invitation.
Gao Yunqu bit down hard on the brush and whimpered twice. It was unclear whether it was a refusal or agreement. Not getting the answer she wanted, Fang Jian's fingers began to thrust forcefully, pumping rapidly and stirring up ambiguous, wet sounds from within. This wave of pleasure rose quickly, making Gao Yunqu dizzy, and a satisfied nasal hum escaped her.
Just as she was about to climax, Fang Jian stopped. Gao Yunqu was terribly uncomfortable, her eyes turning red. She had often played this game herself, so she naturally knew what Fang Jian wanted to hear. She swallowed the saliva that had pooled in her mouth, freed a hand to remove the brush, and a soft call rushed out impatiently: "A'jian... A'jian..."
Fang Jian loved the way she called her name at times like this. It was completely different from her usual tone, carrying pleading, a hint of tears, and an invitation. It was a voice asking for satisfaction, for pleasure to be bestowed; a voice willingly placing herself in a subordinate position, asking for Fang Jian's control. Such a sound could easily drive Fang Jian into a frenzy.
Fang Jian moved faster, her other hand cupping a soft breast, her lips and tongue on a shoulder blade. The stimulation made Gao Yunqu's scalp tingle, and she could barely suppress her voice. In the gaps between thrusts, she stuffed the brush back into her mouth. Her reason was instantly devoured. Her muffled moans and the wet sounds of fingers moving in and out harmonized perfectly.
A burst of white light made Gao Yunqu's vision swim. Her limbs were weak, supported entirely by Fang Jian. In this position, Fang Jian spoke to her.
She said, "I know all of your expectations, my lord. To be dedicated to one's duty, to be down-to-earth, to have lofty aspirations, and to aim to be a forerunner. I remember them. You first, then me. The ideal of a harmonious world is advanced a step further through you and me. Can this, too, be considered walking shoulder to shoulder?"
Gao Yunqu's muscles clenched around Fang Jian's fingers, the soft flesh sucking her deeper. She had just been released twice, yet she was still insatiable. But her reason had returned. She panted as she answered Fang Jian's question. "How could it not be?... This road is so long and so difficult... If it can be realized through us, then for a thousand autumns and ten thousand generations to come... when future generations speak of the Restoration of Yongxing, they will not be able to avoid our names!"
"Mmm..." Fang Jian's tears fell, dripping onto Gao Yunqu's back. She choked out a sound of agreement. She had once watched Gao Yunqu's back as she climbed ever higher, and had thought she could never catch up. But Gao Yunqu had said there was no need to chase that illusory shadow; she was right here. They didn't have to be completely identical, nor did they have to yield for each other. They could freely do what they wanted to do, because they were walking the same path, clearing away thorns and brambles. Different routes, but they would reach the same destination. They might not be able to stand as complete equals in the great hall of the court, but in the praises of a thousand autumns and ten thousand generations to come, they would forever be side by side.
Author's Notes
There are two forms of an ideal: one is that I realize the ideal, and the other is that the ideal is realized through me, even if it means sacrificing my life. From the TV series "The Righteous Path in the World is Vicissitudes."
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