Behind the Mask - Chapter 15
Chapter 15: Medicinal Bath
A soft kiss met soft lips, growing warm.
In that instant, Chu Ye nearly forgot to breathe. She quietly lowered her eyes.
Bai Ning kissed the corner of Chu Ye's mouth once more before slowly drawing her lips away. But she didn't increase the distance between them. Her arms remained looped tightly around Chu Ye's neck as she gazed at her, their noses still touching.
Chu Ye blinked her eyes open and gazed quietly at Bai Ning. She felt as if something were about to leap from her chest. Her lips were still hot, carrying Bai Ning's unique fragrance.
They brushed their noses together, their gazes meeting with intimacy in the confined space, their breathing quickening involuntarily.
They paused for a moment.
Bai Ning asked her in a soft voice, "Have you learned how?"
Learned how...
Chu Ye was speechless. How could she speak of such things so matter-of-factly? In the next instant, her thoughts returned to Bai Ning's soft lips—such a light kiss did nothing to quench her thirst; on the contrary, it only made her feel more parched.
Bai Ning noticed Chu Ye staring at her lips. She took Chu Ye's hand and guided her fingertips to brush against her own.
Chu Ye traced the shape of Bai Ning's lower lip with the pad of her finger. Meeting Bai Ning's hazy gaze, she felt an inexplicable blush creep up her face.
Bai Ning pressed her lips together and smiled at her.
Chu Ye was utterly captivated by that gentle, affectionate smile. She moved her finger away and, unable to wait any longer, lowered her head to kiss her.
Bai Ning's heart pounded as she met the kiss, yielding to Chu Ye's eager, clumsy efforts. A tingling warmth shot through her heart and spread, and spread.
Chu Ye peppered kisses on the corners of her mouth and her lips, breathing into her mouth just as Bai Ning had "taught" her.
She couldn't explain why touching lips felt so wonderful, but she loved it. They had held each other naked before, yet kissing like this now brought on a different kind of blush and a racing heart, one that was even more intense.
"Ye'er."
"Mm." Afraid of crushing her, Chu Ye held Bai Ning and rolled over, so that Bai Ning was lying on top of her. They remained pressed tightly together as they moved, their kiss unbroken.
They sucked on each other's lips, tasting a sweetness neither had ever known.
Just as they were lost in passion—
A voice came from outside. "Miss, you haven't had your medicine today."
Nuan Hua was knocking, having brought the medicinal soup at the usual time.
At the sound of the knock, the two of them finally stopped. Chu Ye "woke" from her daze and was suddenly overcome with shyness. Unable to look at Bai Ning, she averted her face.
Bai Ning rested her head on Chu Ye's shoulder and couldn't stop smiling. She called out to Nuan Hua, "I don't feel like drinking it today. Take it away."
Worried about her health, Chu Ye said, "No, you have to drink it."
Bai Ning looked at her and immediately agreed. "Alright~ I'll drink it."
Chu Ye smiled, satisfied. Then she thought of something else, and her smile grew even sweeter.
"What are you smiling about?"
"I went to Linglong Workshop today, and Miss Yao San told me that once we saw each other, you wouldn't be able to stay angry with me." Chu Ye realized Miss Yao San had been right. She had originally thought Bai Ning would ignore her for days.
Bai Ning feigned coldness. "Who says I can't? You can sleep in the guest room tonight."
Chu Ye stared at her earnestly. "You just can't bear to."
Bai Ning sighed in resignation and pinched her cheek. "You knew I couldn't bear it, yet you still hid from me."
Chu Ye silently tightened her embrace, admitting her fault. "It won't happen again."
That evening, Chu Ye made sure Bai Ning drank her nourishing medicinal soup before holding her as they fell asleep.
With the person she longed for in her arms, they both slept soundly that night, a peaceful and dreamless slumber.
Bai Ning woke later than usual. When she opened her eyes, the pillow beside her was empty, and her heart instantly felt just as hollow. "Ye'er..."
She sat up in bed and looked around. "Ye'er."
Chu Ye was already up. Hearing Bai Ning's voice, she hurried to the bedside and sat down. "What's wrong?"
Bai Ning's eyes focused on her face. "I thought you had left again."
Chu Ye lowered her head. "I've been here all along."
"You're not allowed to go anywhere for the next few days. You have to stay by my side and keep me company." A rare note of willfulness crept into Bai Ning's voice.
"Alright, I won't go anywhere. I'll stay with you while you recover and get well." Chu Ye found this side of the Second Miss rather endearing.
Bai Ning frowned and asked, "And once I'm well, you'll leave, won't you?"
"No." Chu Ye shook her head and said earnestly, "I'll stay with you. I'll stay for as long as you want me to."
Bai Ning: "You're not lying to me?"
Chu Ye said nothing, only smiling as she leaned in and pressed a kiss to Bai Ning's lips.
She was always a quick study when Bai Ning was the teacher.
On the pretext of recuperating, Bai Ning announced she would be staying at the Bamboo Manor for a while.
Madam Bai doted on her daughter. The Bamboo Manor was a residence she had purchased a few years prior. It was quiet and secluded, perfect for Bai Ning's convalescence.
When Chu Ye heard Bai Ning's plan, she asked, "Why go to the Bamboo Manor? Are you worried I'll be bored? I'm never bored when I'm with you."
Chu Ye didn't know how to make witty remarks; every word she said was true.
Bai Ning smiled. "At the Bamboo Manor, no one will disturb us. Don't you want to go?"
"I do." No one to disturb them, just the two of them—how could Chu Ye not want that?
She had passed the Bai family's Bamboo Manor before. It was also on the outskirts of the city, not far from her own small house. Chu Ye's eyes brightened. "Can I take you to see my elder sister?"
Seeing Chu Ye practically blooming with joy, Bai Ning smiled as well. "Alright."
For this trip to the Bamboo Manor, Bai Ning brought only a few personal maids and servants. It was a great deal more freedom than she had at the Bai Manor.
Once they left the city, the road was lined with dense, tall bamboo, a vibrant sea of green.
Chu Ye had to admit that Jingzhou had its own pleasant sights. Xizhou had no bamboo forests as beautiful as this.
In the afternoon, Chu Ye brought over a horse. It was only a few li from the Bamboo Manor to her elder sister's small house, so they would arrive quickly.
Nuan Hua was naturally worried when she heard Bai Ning was going out with Chu Ye.
"She'll protect me."
"Of course I will," Chu Ye replied confidently, holding the horse's reins.
Nuan Hua was worried, of course, but she also thought it was rare to see her mistress so happy. Once she was married, she wouldn't have such freedom. She didn't try to dissuade her further, only fussing over Bai Ning and telling her to wear warmer clothes.
Chu Ye helped Bai Ning onto the horse.
Bai Ning settled onto the horse's back with some effort. The horse stamped its feet, and the unsteady movement made her nervous. She looked at Chu Ye in a panic. "Ye'er."
Chu Ye mounted as well, settling behind Bai Ning and wrapping her arms around her. She spoke right next to her ear, "I'm holding you. You won't fall."
Bai Ning was instantly reassured. She glanced back at Chu Ye and, with a smile, softly commanded, "Hold on tighter."
"Alright," Chu Ye agreed. If others hadn't been present, she would have wanted to kiss her again.
The steady clop of hooves echoed as they rode together through the tranquil bamboo forest. Early spring had arrived; nameless flowers bloomed among the trees, and birds chattered lively.
Bai Ning closed her eyes, letting the fresh breeze caress her face. There were no high walls here; the air itself felt unrestrained. A small smile touched her lips as she seemed to feel the same sense of freedom that radiated from Chu Ye.
Chu Ye stole a glance at Bai Ning's face and smiled as well. Bai Ning always seemed happier when they were together, a fact that made Chu Ye feel a little proud.
The horse trotted onward, carrying them through the woods as if they could leave all their troubles behind.
Chu Ye greedily held the woman in her arms. Perhaps it was because everything felt as beautiful as a dream, giving her a weightless feeling, as if she couldn't quite grasp it.
She reminded herself of her wish to take Bai Ning to see the snowy plains on horseback. Today felt like half that wish had come true. This was already wonderful; she should learn to be content...
When Chu Ye brought Bai Ning back to the small house, Chu Lan was sitting in the courtyard, a pile of shaved bamboo strips beside her. The new spring bamboo was pliable and soft, perfect for weaving small trinkets.
The sound of hooves approached from a distance.
Chu Lan knew at once it was Chu Ye returning on horseback. After losing her sight, her hearing had become exceptionally sharp. She listened a moment longer and realized Chu Ye had brought someone else with her.
Chu Ye helped Bai Ning dismount, then led her into the courtyard, calling out excitedly to Chu Lan, "Elder Sister, guess who I brought?"
Chu Lan stood up. "Did you bring Second Miss Bai?"
Chu Ye laughed. "How did you know?"
"That's easy. You're only ever this happy when you're talking about the Second Miss," Chu Lan said bluntly.
Bai Ning glanced at Chu Ye.
Chu Ye grew flustered. "I... am not."
"Elder Sister, I often hear Chu Ye speak of you. Have your eyes been any better lately?" Bai Ning asked, greeting her.
"They're better, thank you for your concern, Second Miss." Chu Lan couldn't make out Bai Ning's features, but from the sound of her voice, she was certain she was a beauty as gentle and warm as jade.
"Elder Sister, are there any pastries left?"
"Yes, they're in the house," Chu Lan said, starting to go inside to fetch them.
"I'll go." Chu Ye hurried ahead of her. She looked at Bai Ning. "My elder sister's pastries are delicious. You didn't get to try them last time."
Chu Lan was embarrassed by the direct praise. "This girl has no sense of shame."
Chu Ye went inside.
Bai Ning found herself envying the bond between the two sisters. Though not related by blood, it was clear that Chu Lan doted on Chu Ye.
"Elder Sister, please sit," Bai Ning said, helping Chu Lan to her seat.
Chu Lan nodded with a smile. "Back on the snowy mountain, we have you to thank for saving Ye'er's life. We still haven't properly thanked you."
"She saved my life as well."
"Mm, perhaps this is your fate," Chu Lan sighed, then added, "I hear from Ye'er that you treat her very well. The moment she returned, she couldn't stop talking about your kindness."
Bai Ning laughed softly. "It's only right."
Chu Lan was silent for a moment. "How could it be 'only right'? You are the young lady of a renowned scholarly family, and she is just a girl from the countryside. You had no reason to treat her so well."
"No..." Bai Ning smiled. "Ye'er and I get along, so of course I should treat her well. As for worldly prejudices, there's no need to pay them any mind."
Chu Lan smiled, relieved. "Second Miss Bai is truly worthy of her reputation as the most talented woman in Jingzhou. You speak with reason."
Just then, Chu Ye came back out. Seeing Chu Lan and Bai Ning chatting so congenially, she asked, "What are you two talking about?"
"Just making small talk with your Second Miss," Chu Lan said with a smile.
Bai Ning's expression was subtle upon hearing this.
"Elder Sister..." Chu Ye knew Chu Lan must have been embellishing things again. She turned to Bai Ning. "Have some pastries. Each one is a different flavor, you should try them all."
Bai Ning looked at the spread. "How can I possibly eat all of this?"
"Then just eat half of each, and I'll eat the rest," Chu Ye said.
"You..." Bai Ning shot her a look. And in front of Chu Lan, no less.
Chu Ye was amused. It was rare to see the Second Miss get flustered.
Listening to their cheerful chatter, Chu Lan sat quietly to the side, a smile on her face, but a shadow of sadness in her eyes.
"Elder Sister, you have some too."
"I won't. You two go ahead." Chu Lan simply lifted her teacup and took a sip.
Seeing her weaving with the bamboo strips again, Chu Ye asked with a smile, "Elder Sister, are you missing Sister Meng Zhu?"
Meng Zhu. At the sound of the name, Chu Lan accidentally pricked her finger. She paid it no mind and didn't answer Chu Ye's question.
...
By evening, after having dinner with Chu Lan, Chu Ye and Bai Ning returned to the Bamboo Manor. The sky was already dark by the time they arrived.
After a long day, Bai Ning was exhausted. Back in their room, she leaned against Chu Ye, drowsy and ready to fall asleep.
"Shall we get washed up and rest?" Chu Ye regretted rushing to take Bai Ning to see her sister and making her ride a horse. After such a tiring day, her body must be exhausted.
Bai Ning was feeling lethargic and didn't want to move.
A moment later, Nuan Hua came in. "Miss, the medicinal bath is ready. A good soak will help with your fatigue."
"Mm."
After Nuan Hua left.
Seeing how tired she was, Chu Ye whispered, "If you really don't have the strength, I'll carry you."
Bai Ning paused for a second, then gave her a languid smile. "Alright."
When Nuan Hua saw Chu Ye carry Bai Ning into the bathing chamber, she guessed her services wouldn't be needed that night. Watching the way they were together made her feel inexplicably shy. The two of them were "inseparable" all day long; how could one not let one's imagination run wild?
The tub was already filled with hot water, which steamed and gave off a faint medicinal aroma.
Chu Ye set Bai Ning down. "I'll go out now. I'll wait right outside. Call me if you need anything."
But Bai Ning said, "You'll join me."
Chu Ye was struck dumb.
"I don't have the strength to bathe myself," Bai Ning said, her breath soft. "It's not as if you haven't seen my body before. What is there to be shy about?"
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