Chapter 523: Calling to Account
After a bout of passion, several waves of springtime bliss, the lingering effects faded, and Lin Feng and Duan Xinye lay on the bed, silent for a time.
Duan Xinye's body still radiated a fiery heat, but it was not the fire of burning desire, but rather the fire of passion, its afterglow not yet dissipated. Her exquisite form was smooth as washed silk, as fair and tender as snow, enough to stir infinite desire in anyone who looked upon her.
Lin Feng's hand rested on Duan Xinye's body, tracing over every inch of her skin, the flame within him still unextinguished. Both of them had tasted the forbidden fruit for the first time. Duan Xinye, driven by the effects of the drug, had craved relentlessly, while Lin Feng, a martial cultivator with an exceptionally strong physique, was able to give continuously. Both savored that transcendent, immortal-like sensation.
At this moment, Duan Xinye's body shifted slightly. She burrowed into Lin Feng's embrace, burying her head and body in his chest, overcome with boundless shyness. She did not even dare to look at Lin Feng now, shocked that she could have been so wild.
Lin Feng held her tightly, his eyes filled with tender affection.
"Xinye, you won't blame me, will you?" Lin Feng suddenly asked in a low voice.
After all, this incident was an accident, not something Duan Xinye had wished for; she had been forced into it by the drug.
Duan Xinye rubbed her head against Lin Feng's chest, shaking it repeatedly. How could she blame Lin Feng? Even without this accident, she would have belonged to him sooner or later. Besides, Lin Feng had only done it to save her.
If Lin Feng had not been there, she would have regretted it for the rest of her life. She dared not even imagine the consequences.
"They all suspect I did it. Don't you?" Lin Feng asked softly.
Duan Xinye stirred in his arms, then lifted her head. Her watery eyes held only the word "love," and the lingering blush on her face made her exceptionally stunning.
"Don't say it couldn't be you. Even if it were, I would still accept it," Duan Xinye said softly, her deep affection completely unconcealed in her beautiful eyes.
Lin Feng let out a long sigh and held Duan Xinye's body even tighter. With a wife like this, what more could a man ask for?
If not for Meng Qing, perhaps Lin Feng would have poured all his love into this noble yet utterly unassuming, pure and deeply affectionate beauty.
"Lin Feng, will you marry me?" A dreamy voice came from Duan Xinye's lips, causing Lin Feng's gaze to freeze. He felt an immense weight pressing down on him.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." Seeing that Lin Feng did not answer, Duan Xinye quickly added, her small voice unable to hide the disappointment, as if tears were about to fall.
That single voice made Lin Feng's heart ache. He had already been so intimate with Xinye, yet she still sought no fame or gain, even apologizing. Duan Xinye was, after all, a noble princess. And this matter would likely spread quickly. If he did not marry her, how could she face the world?
"I will. I definitely will." Lin Feng held Duan Xinye's body tightly, a resolute glint flashing in his eyes. How could he, Lin Feng, let down this beautiful and tender princess?
Duan Xinye had already given him everything she could.
Standing up, Lin Feng lifted Duan Xinye's body, making her gasp softly. Then she saw him carrying her toward the hot spring pool, and her face flushed again as she buried her head.
She was going to bathe with Lin Feng. The thought filled her with shyness.
...
Early morning. A ray of sunlight shone on the cliff face and the stream.
Outside the stream forest, many people had gathered, their expressions ugly and filled with murderous intent.
Among them were Second Prince Duan Wuya, Yue Tianming, and a group of guards exuding powerful auras—black-robed guards.
Their eyes were all fixed on the stream valley, on the direction of the cliff face.
They knew, and yet did not know, what had happened in the cave dwelling deep within the valley. But for them, it would have been better not to know. Knowing only made their hearts feel as if ten thousand ants were gnawing at them, an unbearable agony. Especially for Yue Tianming. The noble and beautiful princess, betrothed to him, had spent the night with another man. How could he be happy now? His face was only cold and dark.
In the distance of the stream forest, others were also watching, their eyes glaring angrily into the depths. Many of these people harbored admiration for the noble and beautiful princess. It was impossible for them not to have impure thoughts. But now, they all knew that the noble and beautiful princess had been defiled by Lin Feng. How could they not be angry, jealous, and hateful?
Lin Feng was too hateful. They wished they could tear him into a thousand pieces for sullying the princess's chastity.
"All of you, get lost!" At this moment, an icy shout rolled out. It was Duan Wuya's voice.
They saw Duan Wuya turn around, his eyes coldly fixed on them, filled with rage. It made them all tremble with fear. Feeling the coldness in Duan Wuya's pupils and the faint murderous aura emanating from him, many people lifted their feet and quietly left, not daring to stay any longer.
Duan Wuya was at the height of his anger. The matter of Princess Duan Xinye had already spread. The royal family's face was damaged, and Princess Duan Xinye's reputation was tarnished. How could Duan Wuya tolerate them watching the spectacle? He drove them all away.
As the crowd left one by one, the stream forest became exceptionally quiet, with only the sound of flowing water, carrying a hint of serene beauty. But Duan Wuya and Yue Tianming had no time to appreciate or savor it. They only stared at the cave dwelling.
They did not forcefully barge in or shout angrily, since Duan Xinye was inside besides Lin Feng.
After waiting for a while, light footsteps sounded, causing Duan Wuya and Yue Tianming's pupils to contract. They looked over and saw two figures slowly walking out of the cave dwelling.
Who else could it be but Lin Feng and Duan Xinye?
By now, Lin Feng and Duan Xinye had changed into fresh clothes and were neatly dressed. Duan Xinye had regained her noble and moving aura, draped in a princess's robe. On her face, there was a unique luster—the luster of a girl becoming a woman—which seemed to add even more beauty, a captivating beauty.
Lin Feng was wearing a long robe, his eyes bright and spirited, full of vitality, the glow on his face very pleasing.
This only made Yue Tianming's expression even darker and more terrifying, as if he were grinding his teeth.
Especially since the two were leaning together, hand in hand, full of affection and happiness.
"Elder Brother!" Duan Xinye called out to Duan Wuya, her voice soft and slightly shy.
"Xinye, go inside first. I have something to discuss with him." Duan Wuya stared coldly at Lin Feng and said.
"No, Elder Brother. This matter cannot be blamed on Lin Feng. He didn't know either, and he only did it to save me. He has no fault at all. It is all my fault." Duan Xinye defended Lin Feng.
This matter could be taken lightly or seriously. If Duan Wuya wanted to convict Lin Feng—drugging a princess and defiling her—the crime would be severe.
"Go inside." Duan Wuya repeated, making Duan Xinye's expression stiffen.
Lin Feng took Duan Xinye's hand, squeezed it tightly, and said with a carefree smile, "Xinye, go inside. Nothing will happen."
Duan Xinye looked at Lin Feng, then at Duan Wuya, and nodded slightly. She added, "Elder Brother, don't make things difficult for Lin Feng."
After saying this, she lifted her steps and re-entered the cave dwelling.
Duan Wuya stared coldly at Lin Feng, saying nothing, only a suffocating pressure spreading through the air.
Besides Duan Wuya, the black-robed guards and Yue Tianming also enveloped Lin Feng with cold, murderous auras, making it feel as if a great mountain were pressing down on him. These people were all very strong; not one was weak.
"Lin Feng, you are quite skilled. Now my imperial sister's heart is completely with you," Duan Wuya said coldly.
"Does Your Highness think I was the one who administered the drug?" Lin Feng asked calmly, ignoring Duan Wuya's coldness.
"You know best in your heart whether it was you or not. Moreover, you are the one who benefits the most. Setting aside whether you administered the drug or not, now that you have taken both my imperial sister's person and her heart, and this matter is known throughout the city, tell me, where is the royal family's face to be placed? And where is my imperial sister to put hers?" Duan Wuya continued to rebuke.
If this matter spread, both the royal family and Duan Xinye would lose all face. And the royal family placed great importance on face and dignity.
One could say that for the sake of "face" alone, they had ample reason to deal with Lin Feng. Even if the drug was not administered by Lin Feng, he had still defiled the princess. At least in the eyes of others, it was defilement.