248: The official road sped along

The carriage galloped along the somewhat deserted Official Road, its wheels grinding over gravel with a rapid clatter, leaving the tranquility of Qingshui Town and the confusion of the refugee tide far behind, leaving only the rising dust to gradually disperse in the wind.

Inside the carriage, Situ Jun sat with his eyes closed in deep thought, his fingertips unconsciously stroking a Transmission Jade Pendant, a look of gravity flashing between his brows.

The secret rumors of the Nether Crow Cave Mansion and the unusual movements of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce intertwined repeatedly in his mind. Behind the spread of the Poisonous Miasma, there seemed to be a larger conspiracy hidden, one capable of stirring up the winds and clouds. Every point of suspicion was like a tangled thread waiting to be unraveled.

“Husband.”

A soft call sounded from his side. Hua Hanxiang looked at his tense jaw and the fatigue he couldn't hide in his eyes, a fine thread of pity welling up in her heart.

She quietly moved closer, her soft hand gently covering the back of his slightly cool hand, her voice as soft as the stream water of a Jiangnan spring day:

“You've been worrying and laboring all the way. Why not rest for a while?”

Situ Jun slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling on her face full of heartache, and the gravity in his heart seemed to be softened slightly by warm water.

He turned his hand to hold hers, his palm transmitting warmth, and said gently:

“It's fine, just some trivial matters that need to be sorted out.”

“In my eyes, my husband's affairs are never 'trivial'.”

Hua Hanxiang shook her head gently and reached out her slender fingers to press with moderate force on his throbbing temples, the warmth from her fingertips seeping through his skin:

“Seeing how you handled the refugees and the Chamber of Commerce just now, with such clear logic and a balance of kindness and authority, my heart... is filled with admiration.”

Her voice was full of undisguised adoration, mixed with a trace of heartache she couldn't hide.

After a pause, a hint of playful coquettishness appeared in her eyes, yet her tone remained serious:

“Husband, you always push yourself too hard. Have you forgotten? Our Dual Cultivation method can naturally calm the mind and focus the Qi, and it can also help you restore your spirit. Perhaps your thoughts will be even clearer afterward.”

Situ Jun was taken aback, then immediately understood her intention.

The complementary technique the two of them practiced could both increase their Cultivation and soothe their minds, but being in a galloping carriage at this moment was truly not the best time for practice.

But as he looked at the expectation and concern in Hua Hanxiang's eyes, and saw her serious little face so close at hand, her long lashes slightly lowered and her expression focused, it was as if relieving his fatigue was the most important thing in the world right now.

The softest part of his heart was gently touched. His heart, which had grown cold and hard due to schemes and crises, quietly melted in one corner.

He scanned the carriage and was about to say something when he saw Hua Hanxiang raise her hand to form a hand seal, spiritual light flickering at her fingertips.

Three pale green talismans flew from her palm and were firmly attached to the roof and the left and right walls of the carriage. The moment the talismans landed, a layer of transparent light film quietly enveloped the entire carriage, instantly cutting off the sound of the wind and horse hooves from outside.

This was a Soundproofing Formation she had practiced in her early years. Though not complex, it was enough to ensure that not a single sound from inside the carriage would leak out.

“This way, Husband won't have to worry about being overheard, right?”

Hua Hanxiang's cheeks were slightly flushed, her tone carrying a bit of playful teasing, but her body leaned even closer. Her clear, cool fragrance swirled around Situ Jun's nose, tugging at his heartstrings.

Situ Jun looked at her reddened earlobes, unwilling to let her affection go to waste.

He exerted a little force with his arm and pulled her into his arms.

Hua Hanxiang gave a soft cry and tumbled onto his lap. Two clouds of crimson immediately rose on her cheeks, but she didn't struggle at all. Instead, she leaned obediently into his embrace, her fingertips unconsciously twining around the tassels on his lapel, her small movements full of shyness.

“Silly girl.”

Situ Jun let out a low laugh, his chin gently rubbing against the top of her fragrant head, his tone full of doting:

“Following me to Nanjiang, you've been wronged.”

“I'm not wronged.”

Hua Hanxiang looked up, her eyes bright and shining with a bit of stubborn sweetness:

“Husband has the people in his heart and possesses deep wisdom and strategy. Being able to accompany you is already a blessing. How can you say I'm 'wronged'?”

As she spoke, she seemed to feel it wasn't enough and added a small whisper, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz yet incredibly firm:

“In my heart, Husband is the best. No matter what, I am willing.”

This blunt and passionate admiration was like a warm fire, making Situ Jun's heart warm. He couldn't help but tighten his arms, holding her even closer.

Just then, the carriage rolled over a protruding stone. During the slight jolt, Hua Hanxiang gave a low cry, and her whole person pressed even more tightly into his embrace.

With the warm and soft beauty in his arms and her clear yet enticing scent swirling around his nose, Situ Jun's gaze gradually deepened.

He lowered his head, his gaze falling on her red lips, which were slightly pursed due to nervousness. Those lips were like newly blossomed petals, tender enough to invite picking.

His fingertips gently stroked her cheek, his thumb caressing her smooth and delicate skin. His movements were full of obvious tenderness and a gradually rising desire.

Hua Hanxiang felt the heat in his gaze, and her heart rate suddenly accelerated, her cheeks turning so red they almost seemed to drip blood.

She shyly lowered her eyelashes but did not dodge. Instead, as if bewitched, she slightly tilted her face up, delivering herself even more completely to him.

It was a silent invitation, hiding a heart full of trust and expectation.

Situ Jun no longer hesitated and lowered his head to capture those two soft lips.

This kiss carried the desires accumulated over several days and a suddenly rising affection, deep and lingering. Hua Hanxiang responded shyly but seriously, her small hands tightly clutching the fabric on his chest, her fingertips trembling slightly.

The air inside the carriage seemed to be ignited, the temperature rising abruptly.

Situ Jun's palm gently stroked her slender back. Through the thin fabric, he could clearly feel the softness of her body and her slight tremors.

His kisses gradually moved down, lingering on her fair neck, leaving ambiguous damp marks.

Hua Hanxiang couldn't help but let out a weak moan, her body going completely limp, like a pool of spring water melting in his arms.

In her blurred consciousness, she only felt herself being firmly enveloped by his aura. It was a kind of tenderness with a strong sense of possessiveness that made her sink into it and feel even more at ease.

“Hus... Husband...”

Her voice was broken, carrying a moving, delicate panting, especially clear in the silent carriage.

Situ Jun pulled back slightly, his forehead against hers, his breathing also somewhat hurried.

He looked at her misty, watery eyes and her red, swollen lips. A scorching fire burned in his eyes, and his voice was incredibly hoarse:

“Hanxiang... is it okay?”

Hua Hanxiang met his eyes, which were full of desire and restraint, and all her shyness turned into continuous affection.

She gently bit her lower lip, blushed, and nodded very slightly. Then she buried her burning cheek deep into the crook of his neck, her hot breath falling on his skin.

This silent permission completely broke Situ Jun's self-control.

He used force with his arms to pull her even tighter into his embrace, and his kiss fell again, more intense than before.