29: Summer nights are intoxicating with the aroma of wine

At night, the darkness was like ink, shrouding the entire Northern City Manor.

Situ Jun walked upon the starlight-dappled ground, quietly entering Nangong Xue's courtyard.

The lanterns in the courtyard swayed gently in the night breeze, casting mottled light and shadows, adding a touch of haze and mystery to this quiet night.

Xu Lian had long been waiting in the courtyard, a gentle smile on her face as she lightly stepped forward to greet him.

She reached out to push open the inner courtyard gate and quietly dismissed the Guards in the outer courtyard.

These Guards were well-trained and did not hesitate at Xu Lian's command. They closed the outer courtyard gate and quickly withdrew, making this space instantly more private.

Xu Lian knew well that tonight would be another night filled with romance and passion; such arrangements were essential to avoid being discovered by others.

As soon as the gate closed, Situ Jun could no longer restrain the desire in his heart. He pulled Xu Lian into his arms, and hot kisses fell like raindrops.

Xu Lian was caught a bit off Guard by this sudden passion. She felt her breathing gradually become difficult and only managed to break free with effort, saying coquettishly:

"Hurry and go inside. If the Madam sees you being so improper later, she won't let you come here again."

Her cheeks were flushed with a rosy hue, like peach blossoms in spring, making her look even more charming and moving.

Situ Jun smirked, his eyes full of indulgence and desire:

"Isn't it because I missed you, Aunt Xu? Hehe."

As he spoke, ignoring Xu Lian's feigned struggle, he took her soft, jade-like hand, and the two of them walked into the living room together.

Inside the living room, a table full of sumptuous food and wine had already been prepared.

Nangong Xue sat elegantly in a chair. Seeing the two of them walk in so intimately, especially when Situ Jun's restless hand lightly patted Xu Lian's plump buttocks, a hint of bitterness couldn't help but rise in her heart.

Since Xu Lian had shared skin-to-skin intimacy with Situ Jun, she had become increasingly radiant, her whole body exuding the charm of a mature woman.

If the Bei Batian were to see the current Xu Lian, he probably would have taken her into his chambers long ago.

She still remembered when the Bei Batian first saw Xu Lian; his burning gaze had landed on her curvaceous body without any concealment.

Especially after learning that Xu Lian was her wet nurse, the possessiveness in his eyes grew even stronger.

If Xu Lian hadn't been a maid then, dressed plainly, she probably would have been called to attend the Bei Batian's bed long ago.

It had to be said that among the many women in the West Courtyard and North Courtyard, only Su Yunniang could rival Xu Lian's proud figure.

"What are you two being so lovey-dovey for? Hurry over and drink."

Nangong Xue's tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction as she urged them.

Xu Lian gently broke free from Situ Jun's hand and, with light steps, went forward to pour wine into their glasses.

Situ Jun looked at the equally beautiful and moving Nangong Xue and greeted her with a smile:

"Hello, Madam Nangong. I just haven't spoken to Aunt Xu for a few days, hehe."

Nangong Xue glanced at him, her heart filled with helplessness and sorrow.

She thought secretly to herself, 'Can't you two be intimate somewhere I can't see? Don't you know it hurts me to watch, and that I also long to be favored by the Manor Lord?'

"Sit down."

Nangong Xue said, picking up the wine Xu Lian had just poured and downing it in one gulp, trying to use the alcohol to extinguish the unhappiness in her heart.

Seeing her such bold action, Situ Jun couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, muttering to himself:

"Could this Nangong Xue be a drunkard?"

"What are you looking at me for? Drink! Did I call you here just to watch me drink?"

Nangong Xue's cheeks flushed due to the alcohol, and she said coquettishly.

Her eyes held a hint of displeasure and boldness as she stared straight at Situ Jun.

Situ Jun laughed and said:

"Of course not. Tonight, I will certainly accompany the Madam and drink to our hearts' content."

"You said it. Aunt Xu, pour the wine. Neither of you try to slack off; however much I drink, you two must drink the same."

Nangong Xue's face turned serious as her gaze swept over the full wine cup in front of Situ Jun, her eyes carrying an unmistakable air of authority.

Situ Jun understood and downed his glass without hesitation.

As time passed, the three of them became more talkative.

In this warm and slightly ambiguous atmosphere, their consumption of alcohol also continued to increase.

After the three of them emptied several wine jars, Nangong Xue's eyes were already blurred with intoxication, a misty haze in her gaze.

Xu Lian was much the same; although her consciousness was still clear, she was already swaying, and if she were asked to walk, she probably wouldn't be able to take a single steady step.

Relying on his Cultivation and improved Physique, Situ Jun was in a slightly better state than the two of them.

Seeing that it was getting late and both of them were half-drunk, he suggested ending the drinking for the night.

"Situ, please help take the Madam back to rest. I'm so drunk I can't even walk, so I can't take her back."

Xu Lian stood up with difficulty, her body swaying, and she quickly held onto the table, asking Situ Jun for help.

"Alright, you sit for a while. I'll take the Madam back first."

Situ Jun said, getting up and walking to Nangong Xue's side, gently helping her up.

Nangong Xue was heavily intoxicated; her whole body was limp, she had no strength at all, and she leaned completely into Situ Jun's arms.

Situ Jun helped her walk a few steps and found it quite strenuous, so he suggested:

"Madam, since you can't walk right now, shall I carry you back?"

Although Nangong Xue's body was weak and limp, a trace of clarity remained in her mind. Hearing this, she was momentarily stunned.

She was the Manor Lord's concubine; if word got out that she let a man other than the Manor Lord carry her, what would happen?

For a moment, her heart was filled with conflict and hesitation.

"Madam, just let Situ carry you back. There are no outsiders in this room to see."

Xu Lian saw Nangong Xue's concerns and spoke up to persuade her.

She knew that Nangong Xue had a deep resistance to such behavior that violated etiquette, so she used the excuse of there being no outsiders to try and break through her mental defenses.

"Then... alright."

Nangong Xue hesitated for a moment and finally nodded, her face burning, though whether from the wine or from embarrassment, she didn't know.

Situ Jun felt a surge of secret joy, but on the surface, he maintained a gentle smile:

"Then, please excuse my presumption."

With that, he bent down and picked Nangong Xue up.

Being held in his arms, Nangong Xue was extremely flustered, her eyes darting around, not knowing where to look.

Feeling Situ Jun's strong arms and warm embrace, Nangong Xue's heart beat even more violently. A sensation she had never felt before welled up in her heart, making her lonely soul daze for a moment, and she even began to feel infatuated with this feeling.

She unconsciously looked up at Situ Jun.

Seeing his handsome features, resolute gaze, and the charming masculine scent exuding from him, Nangong Xue's eyes became even more blurred. She quietly rested her head against Situ Jun's chest, her face full of bashfulness.

Situ Jun felt the delicate body in his arms was incredibly soft, and a faint fragrance lingered around his nose, causing the blood in his body to boil instantly. His arms unconsciously tightened their hold.

Especially feeling that soft touch against his chest, his mind began to wander, and he almost lost control.

Not long after.

Situ Jun carried Nangong Xue to the bed in her bedroom, gently laid her down, and thoughtfully covered her with a blanket.

He secretly swallowed his saliva and said:

"Then, Madam, please rest well. I'll be going now."

"Mm."

Nangong Xue responded softly, her voice carrying a hint of shyness and reluctance to let him go.

Situ Jun stepped out of the room, the fire in his heart burning fiercely, and he couldn't wait to find Xu Lian to help extinguish it.

Returning to the living room, Xu Lian saw Situ Jun walk in with such haste, and a shy yet charming smile appeared on her face.

Before she could even speak, Situ Jun picked her up and walked directly into the side room next to the living room.

"Go to the side room outside the courtyard..."

Situ Jun paid no heed to Xu Lian's suggestion.