She didn't think much of it, assuming it was the maid's doing. After all, Yan Qingli couldn't possibly do this kind of work herself. Luckily, her hair was in good condition and didn't get oily even when she sweated. Otherwise, Qiu Lanxi thought Yan Qingli probably wouldn't have the patience to hold her.
Chun Su quickly brought over the hot porridge. Qiu Lanxi wasn't surprised. She couldn't possibly eat a lot of meat and fish when she was sick. Besides, her sense of smell was a bit impaired right now, and she could only smell the medicine up close. Her sense of taste was probably similar. Under these circumstances, everything tasted bland. Her persona didn't allow her to be picky.
However, Qiu Lanxi immediately spat out the first sip of the porridge, looking utterly dejected: "Did they put something wrong with this porridge?"
Qiu Lanxi felt that even bland and tasteless white porridge had become delicious at this moment. As a carnivorous beauty, she could go with the flow because of the environment, but what was the difference between this porridge and poison?
Yan Qingli: "It's a medicinal porridge prescribed by the imperial physician; it's good for your health."
She guessed that the medicinal porridge probably didn't taste very good, otherwise Qiu Lanxi, who was always gentle and docile, wouldn't have shown such a negative attitude. After a pause, she comforted her, "Just bear with it for a while, and you won't have to eat it anymore in a few days."
Yan Qingli didn't want to admit that she had asked the imperial physician to prescribe medicine specifically for Qiu Lanxi to recuperate. After all, the people in the Imperial Medical Bureau were highly skilled and would not normally treat other people. But now that they had been called out, wouldn't it be a waste to just use them to treat fever?
“But I can’t bear it,” Qiu Lanxi’s eyelashes were disheveled by tears, “Your Highness, I can’t eat it, just tasting it makes me want to vomit.”
Her emotions seemed to fluctuate greatly after she fell ill. Yan Qingli was surprised that she cried again. She curled her fingers slightly, and after a moment, she reached out and gently hugged her, saying, "Close your eyes and drink it all at once, like drinking water."
She shared her experience of taking medicine.
Qiu Lanxi wondered, did she need this kind of experience? Had Yan Qingli read all those romance novels about talented men and beautiful women for nothing?
Or did the other party realize that she was testing her limits?
--------------------
Author's Note:
Qiu Lanxi: I'm about to show off my skills!
Chapter 15
"But Your Highness, I don't want to eat." Qiu Lanxi looked at her pitifully with her tear-filled eyes.
Yan Qingli frowned slightly, unconsciously reaching out to take the porcelain bowl, but said, "This medicinal porridge uses a lot of precious resources. Wouldn't it be a waste if we didn't eat it?"
Noticing her movements, Qiu Lanxi's eyes flickered slightly. After discovering that Yan Qingli was the one sitting by her bedside when she fell ill, she felt that she had underestimated her own importance. Now, the other party's behavior only confirmed her guess.
Does this mean she can act more boldly?
Qiu Lanxi twisted her fingers and retorted in a low voice, "But Your Highness, if I eat and then vomit, isn't that a waste?"
Yan Qingli paused upon hearing this, raising her eyebrows in surprise. Since she met Qiu Lanxi, the other party had always been very sensible and understanding. Whatever she disliked, Qiu Lanxi would also dislike. She never expected that the other party would argue with her about such a matter.
Although she spoke hesitantly and lacked confidence, as if saying those words had exhausted all her courage, she still managed to say them.
but……
Yan Qingli said coldly, "You still have to drink it." After saying that, she ordered someone to fetch candied fruit. As if she felt that this was not enough, she added, "In my private treasury, there is a jade hairpin made of mutton fat."
At this point, she fell silent, but the meaning behind her words was self-evident.
However, this did not tempt Qiu Lanxi much. She lowered her head, seemingly shy, and said, "Your Highness, I don't want these."
Yan Qingli glanced at her and finally realized that she seemed to have revealed her true colors. However, she was usually very perceptive, but she only noticed it at this moment. After a moment of silence, she asked, "Then what does Qingqing want?"
"I..." Qiu Lanxi boldly looked at Yan Qingli, "Your Highness, if I finish eating obediently, how about you... give me a kiss?"
"…………"
Yan Qingli almost doubted that she had misheard. She subtly clenched her fingers, her emotions fluctuating slightly because of those words, but she quickly calmed down.
Qiu Lanxi didn't like her, Yan Qingli had no doubt about that. After all, a person's subconscious actions when they are asleep cannot be hidden from the person next to them. But she still made such a request. Obviously, it was because her inner insecurity made her want to find something else that could make her feel safe.
Yan Qingli looked at Qiu Lanxi, whose beautiful eyes held anticipation and admiration. The tiny bit of love mixed in was almost imperceptible, as if she herself hadn't even noticed it.
She couldn't help but think that if someone encounters a lifeline in adversity, even if the person involved is full of calculations, then in the other person's heart, that person must be special, right?
Yan Qingli couldn't help but scoff softly, then calmly withdrew her gaze: "Fine."
"Your Highness, you've agreed?" Qiu Lanxi blinked hesitantly, her bright eyes filled with surprise and delight.
Seeing that her emotions were heightened, Yan Qingli lowered her eyelids and said calmly, "If you regret it, you can change your request."
She seemed completely unconcerned. Even now, Yan Qingli still felt that her actions were solely for personal gain. After all, if she could appease the person, she could save herself a lot of trouble. Moreover, she was not a stingy person, and it was perfectly acceptable for her to agree to some reasonable requests.
"No, no need to change it." Qiu Lanxi blushed, and couldn't help but sigh when she looked at the medicinal porridge. Her moist eyes looked at her. "But Your Highness, I'm afraid I can't finish this medicinal porridge by myself. I'll have to trouble Your Highness."
As she spoke, she pinched her nose and opened her mouth: "Ah~"
Yan Qingli found it amusing and was truly amazed by her ability to seize opportunities. However, despite knowing all this, she did not refuse.
Because her eyes were closed, her long, messy eyelashes trembled uneasily, and her bloodless lips made the red, rosy lining of her mouth appear even more alluring.
Yan Qingli unconsciously rubbed her knuckles. The traces of Qiu Lanxi's force had faded quickly and she could no longer feel them, but the lingering warmth seemed to still cling to her.
Her eyes darkened slightly, but she didn't reveal anything and simply fed him spoonful by spoonful herself.
Qiu Lanxi was truly impressed by Yan Qingli, completely overturning her original assumption that he might be straightforward. After all, he didn't seem very straightforward, and his ability to be flexible shouldn't be to this extent.
In other words, her current situation is partly due to her usefulness to Yan Qingli, and partly because she has truly caught Yan Qingli's eye.
Thinking of this possibility, Qiu Lanxi's eyes, which were covered by her eyelids, couldn't help but move. She thought of several "good" ideas. She restrained her restlessness and obediently ate the hard-to-swallow medicinal porridge.
Qiu Lanxi never jokes about her own health. In fact, even if Yan Qingli disagrees, she will give herself a way out. Although the medicinal porridge doesn't taste good, it is good for her health, so she won't make things difficult for herself.
Yan Qingli fed her personally, his eyes slightly narrowed as he watched her lips open and close.
Is she really going to kiss him?
Yan Qingli had never truly been close to anyone in her life. Her husband had been living a life of widowhood for three years in the princess's mansion. Seeing that he was about to lose his temper, she finally managed to send him away. Before that, she had no interest in love. No matter how admirable others were, she only cared about their talents.
She admitted that she did like Qiu Lanxi's appearance, but just like her favorite paintings, calligraphy, and jewelry, she didn't think there was anything wrong with it; it was just that the object of her affection had changed to a person.
Therefore, Yan Qingli was inevitably hesitant at this moment, and as the medicinal porridge was almost finished, this anxiety became more and more obvious.
Qiu Lanxi said to kiss after eating, rather than kiss first and then eat, precisely for the purpose of "delaying the reward." During this waiting time, as long as Yan Qingli felt a little apprehensive and expectant, it would be a victory for her, because she had definitely never tasted such a feeling before, enough for her to remember for a long time and recall it from time to time. Even if it wasn't love at first sight, it could be beautified into love in her memory.
Finally, the bowl of medicinal porridge was finished. Qiu Lanxi glanced at her quietly. The other woman's features were indifferent, and it was impossible to tell her attitude towards what was to be done next.
"Your Highness..."
Qiu Lanxi called out hesitantly, then closed her eyes in embarrassment, twisting her sleeves with her fingers to make herself appear completely non-aggressive.
Yan Qingli's eyes held an inscrutable expression. She raised her hand and pinched Qiu Lanxi's chin, staring at her lips, which had regained some color. After a moment, she leaned down, her long eyelashes trembling slightly.
It was an extremely light kiss, an extremely slow kiss, as if the action was extremely difficult for her. She hesitated for a long time before finally letting the kiss fall, but before she could savor it, they were separated, as if the touch was something she had to do out of necessity, without any affection whatsoever.
But... she didn't specify where she had to kiss. There are so many places on a face to choose from, so why did she choose the lips?
Qiu Lanxi opened her eyes as if in shock, her voice sounding somewhat bewildered: "Your Highness, why...why did you kiss here? Doesn't it hurt?"
Chapter 16
Qiu Lanxi's words immediately silenced Yan Qingli, and a crack appeared on her otherwise calm expression.
Isn't it bitter?
Is it bitter?
Yan Qingli unconsciously pursed her lips. That kiss, as light as a dragonfly skimming the water, stirred ripples in her heart. However, if asked to recall it, she couldn't quite recall what it tasted like.
It's probably... bitter.
For some reason, she suddenly felt extremely displeased with Qiu Lanxi, giving her a cold glare. However, upon seeing her like this, Qiu Lanxi immediately burst into tears: "Your Highness, it's my fault..."
How could Yan Qingli not know that she was doing it on purpose? Of course she knew that Qiu Lanxi was afraid of bloodshed and death, but compared to the awe others had for imperial power, she was more afraid of the impact that power would have on her.
This is different from Yan Qingli's other friends, because her status and position will always take precedence over those emotions. Therefore, Yan Qingli is more comfortable getting along with Qiu Lanxi. She is smart, knows how to behave appropriately, and most importantly, she never thinks that she is superior to others.
Yan Qingli was never offended by this, but she was a little annoyed at this moment.
She cried again! Did she have no other options besides this one?
Yan Qingli met her gaze, seemingly unmoved. She felt that Qiu Lanxi was really pushing her luck, but Qiu Lanxi knew her too well. In just a few breaths, she lowered her eyes, tears sliding down her chin, leaving a wet patch on her clothes.
Finally, Yan Qingli closed her eyes tightly, and when she opened them again, she said calmly, "I couldn't taste it."
Yan Qingli is not someone who gives in easily. Even her father, the emperor, has been led astray by her more than once, so she certainly won't give up and compromise so easily now.
However, as a seasoned driver from the modern world, Qiu Lanxi was not at a loss for words. She stroked her soft lips with her fingers and asked in a considerate tone, "Would Your Highness like to try it again?"
She sincerely expressed her doubts, and her cheeks even flushed appropriately. Yan Qingli sneered. She suddenly realized that no matter what she responded, the other party would pull her into her area of expertise, and whatever she said would be wrong.
Yan Qingli got out of bed and decided to ignore her. Everyone has their own area of expertise. She wasn't good at these things, so she would just not take the challenge. Why bother trying to win?
Having calmed herself down, Yan Qingli regained her composure. Qiu Lanxi blinked, grabbed her sleeve, and softly called out, "Your Highness..."
Like a whispered complaint, a gentle murmur.
Even at this moment, she showed no sign of panic and continued to call her with ease.
In the end, Yan Qingli sat back down, feeling dejected.
Qiu Lanxi smiled and then casually brought up serious matters: "Your Highness, how long have I been asleep?"
Yan Qingli glanced at her: "Not long, just one day."
Qiu Lanxi nodded, not surprised. After all, such a minor illness couldn't possibly keep someone unconscious for long. She tugged at her collar and said shyly, "Your Highness, may I ask Chun Su to come over? I'd like to change my clothes."
“No need,” Yan Qingli frowned slightly. “You’ve already changed what you’re wearing.”
"But Your Highness, it's wet again, and it's not very comfortable to wear." Qiu Lanxi pointed to her clothes, which were soaked with tears. She had a slight tendency to cry uncontrollably, so she could cry whenever she wanted. However, this didn't come without its drawbacks. Her tears were so abundant that they seemed to flow endlessly, enough to wash her face.
Yan Qingli unconsciously shifted her gaze over there. The slightly tugged collarbone revealed Qiu Lanxi's collarbone, and she then noticed that in addition to the red mole on her shoulder, Qiu Lanxi also had one below her collarbone, exuding a delicate fragrance.
Her breathing became heavier, which was different from when she was being washed. At that time, Yan Qingli felt that it would be rather beastly for her to still have the interest to appreciate anything. Now, those suppressed desires surged out all at once and could not be suppressed.
Gently rubbing her fingertips, Yan Qingli couldn't help but wonder why she didn't have this strange feeling, even though she had examined her own body before.
Not wanting to think too much, Yan Qingli tightened her jaw and took the clothes out of the box. Qiu Lanxi took the clothes, thanked her, and thought strangely, "She doesn't seem to have seduced anyone, does she?"
Is it because she is too lethal, or because Yan Qingli's offense is weak and her defense is weak?
Qiu Lanxi was too lazy to think about it deeply. She didn't think she had the ability to turn someone gay. The other person seemed to have that tendency, but it seemed that he had never tried it. She didn't know if he hadn't found the right person or if he was unwilling to indulge himself.
Regardless, Qiu Lanxi was very satisfied with the result of her test. Yan Qingli was patient and resourceful, but she naturally had areas where she was not good at. In the future, she only needed to delve deeper into those areas.
As for whether I am straight or gay...
Qiu Lanxi felt that she had no choice. She had never been in a relationship in her previous life, so she couldn't say that she had any aversion to it. Even if she did, she could comfort herself. Anyway, she could just lie in bed from now on. Yan Qingli was so physically strong that there was no need for her to exert herself. If his technique wasn't good... Qiu Lanxi thought that she wasn't the kind of person who would keep things to herself. She could just let him practice slowly. After all, no one is born knowing everything. Everyone has to practice to become proficient.