Chapter 41: The First Intimate Encounter

Yang Xi was indeed well-versed in the art of massage. This stemmed from his time in the elite special forces, where he and his comrades frequently suffered injuries—strained backs, legs, or arms were common occurrences. The military medics would treat them with massage, a method that proved remarkably effective; after a half-hour session, they could generally return to normal activity, and within a few days, they would be fully recovered. Eventually, he and his fellow soldiers mastered these techniques, utilizing them constantly during training and operations. These methods not only served to heal injuries but also helped alleviate fatigue and muscle soreness.

After a long day of training or missions, everyone would be exhausted, and by massaging one another, the fatigue would quickly dissipate.

Special forces soldiers were still human; their muscle structures were much like anyone else's, save for the superior physical condition honed by brutal training. Naturally, they grew weary and suffered injuries. When they were in the field, they often could not receive timely medical attention, let alone rest, so they had to find their own solutions. Almost every special operator possessed basic treatment skills, including massage, wound care, and even the management of gunshot wounds; their proficiency was quite high.

When Yang Xi heard that Yang Yuhuan had strained her back, his offer to perform a massage was almost subconscious. Yet, once the words left his lips, he realized it might have been inappropriate. After all, the woman before him was a highly esteemed and legendary beauty in history; could an ordinary man simply touch her? Still, the words were spoken and could not be retracted. Yang Xi did not bother to explain himself; he simply looked at her quietly, waiting for her to refuse.

He knew that his proposal was merely an attempt to curry favor with her, as he was currently in need of her assistance.

To his surprise, Yang Yuhuan’s reaction was unexpected. Upon hearing him, she looked pleasantly surprised and immediately asked, "Silang, do you truly know how to treat a back injury? You aren't just boasting to fool your aunt, are you?"

"Yes, Silang does possess the skill, and my technique is quite good!" Yang Xi felt a slight awkwardness, but he nodded in admission, adding quickly, "However, it may not be appropriate for me to massage you, Your Highness."

It was indeed inappropriate—the disparity in their status, the separation of the sexes, and the fact that he had come to the capital to handle urgent matters...

"What is inappropriate about it!" Yang Yuhuan chided gently, then continued, "My back has not healed for several days, causing me much inconvenience, and His Majesty has even punished the palace physicians because of it. If you can cure my back, I shall be very pleased, and His Majesty will surely reward you as well!"

Hearing Yang Yuhuan speak with such intimacy, much of Yang Xi's embarrassment and apprehension vanished. There was no one else in the room, which emboldened him. Furthermore, he had always been intrigued by Yang Yuhuan, one of the Four Beauties of history, and he intended to cherish, or even exploit, this opportunity for intimacy. He replied, "Since Auntie has requested it, then Silang shall give it a try! If I can help cure your back, I will be even more shameless in asking for your help in return."

"Then try it now. If it is effective and I can rise, I will accompany you to see His Majesty at once and put in a good word for you. Otherwise, I would have to lie here for a while longer, or be supported by others just to move," Yang Yuhuan said, flashing a brilliant smile at Yang Xi and gesturing for him to help her lie down.

In truth, Yang Yuhuan had tried massage before, but the palace maids lacked the strength and feared causing further injury, so those attempts were fruitless. While a man’s strength was naturally greater, few dared to treat her. Even if the eunuchs dared, they lacked the requisite force. Yet, she believed Yang Xi was not speaking empty words; he must have had experience to be so confident, lest he be exposed immediately. He had no need to flatter her in this way when other methods existed to win her favor.

Beyond the treatment, Yang Yuhuan harbored another thought, though she could not be certain if it was true. What was certain was that the vibrant, handsome, and imposing Yang Xi felt far more attractive than the elderly Li Longji or the middle-aged Yang Guozhong—at least from a woman's perspective.

As Yang Xi stood beside her, she could feel his masculine energy. He emitted an intoxicating aura that Yang Guozhong lacked, to say nothing of the aging Li Longji or the men she had known before.

Lost in her own wandering thoughts, she watched as Yang Xi approached and helped her lie face down.

As he reached out to steady her, Yang Xi felt his heart race. Though such a physiological reaction was unexpected for someone of his disciplined mind, it occurred nonetheless. Perhaps it was because she was a legendary beauty, and in reality, she was truly stunning enough to stir any man’s heart. Her voluptuous figure was enough to incite base desires; the physical contact inevitably triggered a psychological shift, which in turn manifested physically.

Even through her clothing, he could clearly feel her fullness; she was quite soft to the touch. When he accidentally brushed against her chest, the sensation was even more pronounced. Having practiced dance for years, she was fleshy but firm, with almost no excess fat.

Yang Xi believed that every part of her body must feel exquisite to the touch. Li Longji was indeed fortunate to be able to enjoy such a form every day.

With these stray thoughts, Yang Xi settled in. "Auntie, if you feel any discomfort or pain, please tell me; I may not have perfected my strength yet," he said, sitting beside her to begin the massage.

Yang Yuhuan murmured an acknowledgment and buried her face in the quilt, waiting for him to begin.

She certainly hoped his touch would bring her relief, and she anticipated that he might truly be able to heal her injury.

Yang Xi prepared himself, though he couldn't help but blatantly admire her figure. Even in her loose robes, the curve of her hips was largely apparent as she lay down, and he couldn't help but reflect that this woman's form was surely a masterpiece.

Feeling his focus waver, he quickly composed himself, took a deep breath, and began.

This was to be his first intimate contact with this beautiful woman!

To his surprise, the moment his hands touched her waist and he applied a modicum of pressure, Yang Yuhuan trembled as if she couldn't help herself, letting out an instinctive, low moan.

The soft sound was incredibly alluring, strikingly similar to the cries a woman makes at the height of pleasure, causing Yang Xi’s own heart to shudder.

How long had it been since he had heard a woman moan like that beside him? He had long missed the taste of a woman, and he found himself deeply nostalgic.