A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated 1

31

"Kyaa!" Pingting gasped in surprise, as she was being pulled into his chest. Lifting her head, she could see his black eyes watching her playfully.

Chu Beijie had one arm over her, so she couldn't move. He lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Dangerous situation. How is My Lady going to counter it?"

His whisper gave her a shock, heart almost jumping out of her throat. She was a little scared, but for some reason, she also felt the impulse to smile. She frowned as she looked at him, "The victor will always decide the fate of the defeated, meaning that further annihilation is unnecessary?"

Chu Beijie wasn't convinced, and shook his head. "Where are the so-called-defeated, for I haven't heard any song of defeat yet?"

His mouth was very close to Pingting's neck and she could feel his breath. Unnerved, she seemed to shrink in his arms. In a delicate and charming voice, she asked, "Since ancient times, there have only been songs of victory. Since when were there songs of defeat as well?"

"You can sing the first and from thereon, it'll exist." Chu Beijie smiled threateningly, "If you don't sing, don't blame me if I annihilate you." He moved in to kiss her.

"Don't..." Pingting felt helpless because this person was just too cunning. She could only glare accusinglyat him.

Chu Beijie was temporarily stunned by her glare, but he wanted to kiss her so badly, so he continued to inch closer. That was when Pingting started to sing softly.

"Swallows bring fortune, but too much fortune brings damage. A joy to look, a joy to look..."

As expected, Pingting's voice was touching and Chu Beijie had closed his eyes, listening in appreciation. He only started to open his eyes several seconds after the song had finished. "From now on, you must never sing in front of others, as you evoke too much emotion and will end up breaking their hearts." He sighed twice, his happy expression turning serious. "You are too special to be just a maid from Hua Residence. Who are you really?"

This struck her like lightning. She accompanied her master several times onto battle, was a fair, honest military advisor, and knew battle tactics like the back of her hand. She had even indirectly fought against the famous Duke of Zhen-Bei, this very person in front of her, several times before.

Chu Beijie saw her pale face, feeling love and affection for her. Patting the hair on her forehead, he whispered, "Don't be scared, just tell me the truth. I'll definitely protect you. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Pingting gave a bitter smile.

If Chu Beijie knew that she was Gui Le's Jing-An Ducal Residence's Bai Pingting, he'd know that she was the one threatened to drown his Zhen-Bei's army. There was no possibility that he'd protect her if he knew that she knew all sorts of secrets about the House of Jing-An.

The consequences were unthinkable.

"Tell me." He stared intently into those black pupils, "I'll help you, whoever you are."

"I..."

"Tell me."

Pingting's eyes flickered towards Chu Beijie's eyes, which were supportive. She took a deep breath, "I was raised as a qin maid in the Prince, now King's residence in Gui Le."

Chu Beijie was stunned.

"Hong's real name is Yangfeng and I was brought into the Prince's Residence as a child. However, Prince Su really liked me and so I was taught to play qin so that I could entertain him when he drank wine in the gardens."

"Yangfeng?" Chu Beijie was a little curious, "Then how did you end up in the Hua Residence?"

Pingting lowered her eyes, sighing. "To be honest, I started to get really popular with my Master. Some people in Gui Le started to get threatened by my influence. I was stupid and naïve. Somehow, I got into deep trouble. I was supposed to die, but two of my friends helped me escaped, only to meet some human traffickers. That's how I ended up in Dong Lin and then... I met the Duke." She shrugged and gave a forced laugh, "A series of coincidences."

Chu Beijie studied her. "I was right. You really are from a royal residence." He knew all about the royal residential life and naturally, he was sympathetic. "Don't worry, I bet not even the Queen of Gui Le, but He Su himself can do anything about you."

For some reason, the tips of Pingting's ears went slightly red. Seeing how Chu Beijie was being so kind, she hurriedly lowered her head and bowed, "Thank you, Duke."

Chu Beijie smiled, "You can get up now." He helped her up, particularly paying attention to her hands. "These are good qin hands." He was tightly holding on to them now and probably wasn't going to let go.

Pingting wanted to hide, but she couldn't. It was like Chu Beijie was controlling her heart. She pretended to wipe her hands, but that didn't work either. "Duke..." but she was answered with a teasing smile. Her thoughts were a mess.

Chu Beijie released his hold when he had finally had enough of seeing her blush. "I heard you sing, but now I want to hear you play qin. Hong, no Yangfeng, play something for me."