Chapter 42: Ambiguity

As Yang Xi continued his movements, Yang Yuhuan would tremble slightly each time he shifted his position.

For reasons unknown, after Yang Yuhuan’s body went through a series of tremors, Yang Xi arrived at the inexplicable conclusion that this woman in front of him must have been deprived of a man’s true affection for a very long time. Her body was so sensitive that it reacted to the slightest touch.

However, Yang Yuhuan did not realize that her physical reactions were betraying her secrets. As Yang Xi’s massage progressed, a numbing, tingling sensation continuously radiated from her lower back. Yang Xi applied just the right amount of pressure, focusing precisely on the areas where she felt the most aching and discomfort. At times, the pressure felt like needle pricks, causing an ache she could barely endure, but more often, it brought an indescribable sense of relief.

As the massage continued, the comfortable feeling persisted, and the soreness seemed to dissipate, replaced by an unspeakable sense of ease. Meanwhile, as Yang Xi’s hands wandered over her waist and toward her hips, Yang Yuhuan, who had left her physical desires suppressed for so long, underwent a strange transformation. Her legs couldn't help but press together, trembling slightly, and soon her entire body began to shake as if a current of heat were churning within her.

When Yang Xi massaged the sacral region, a sudden, indescribable tremor washed over her—the sensation was remarkably similar to the release of physical desire. Yang Yuhuan could no longer hold back and let out soft, uncontrollable moans. Her tremors intensified, and her legs felt as weary and heavy as if she had just finished a long run, yet her whole body felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction, and a flush of crimson rose to her cheeks.

Yang Yuhuan’s reaction startled Yang Xi, and he brought his hands to a halt. It seemed his earlier guess was correct: this woman had not enjoyed the pleasures of intimacy for a long time; otherwise, she would not have reacted this way to a simple massage. Of course, there was another possibility—that Yang Yuhuan’s body was naturally hypersensitive, reacting intensely to the mere touch of a man.

Yet, Yang Xi remained composed. Beyond the initial strange sensation and a sense of accomplishment at having such close contact with this legendary woman, the massage through her clothing did not stir any other peculiar feelings. Furthermore, as Yang Yuhuan was lying face down and silent, there was no exchange of gaze or words between them. Aside from his hands feeling a bit sore and tired, he had gained nothing else. As soon as Yang Yuhuan’s body gave a final, violent shudder, Yang Xi stopped his movements.

The massage ended, and Yang Xi rose from the edge of the couch. He spoke softly to Yang Yuhuan, who remained lying there with her eyes closed: "Aunt, try moving your body to see if the massage had any effect. Is your waist still aching, and can you get up?"

"Mm," Yang Yuhuan replied softly. She shifted her body, glanced at Yang Xi, and then closed her eyes again, remaining recumbent while rubbing her waist.

From the look in her eyes when she glanced at him, Yang Xi detected a hint of shyness. It seemed his intuition was correct; the woman’s body had indeed responded in a special way, or she would not have given him such a look.

He dared not say anything more, nor did he dare to do anything else. He stood with his hands at his sides, waiting for her instructions.

Yang Yuhuan lay quietly for a while before finally opening her eyes and gesturing for Yang Xi to help her up.

Yang Xi agreed and immediately stepped over. As Yang Yuhuan turned to her side, he supported her waist to assist her. Whether it was due to her earlier physical reaction or the intensity of the massage leaving her drained, her body felt limp and soft, forcing Yang Xi to use more strength to lift her. In such a situation, several unintended incidents were inevitable.

Yang Yuhuan’s garments were loose and low-cut; as she shifted her body, the front opened wide. Standing above her, Yang Xi had a clear, unobstructed view of the scenery before him. A pair of imposing, snowy mounds trembled, with the pink buds clearly visible. Following the deep cleavage downward, Yang Xi could even glimpse her smooth, flat abdomen.

This woman truly possessed an alluring figure, with enough capital to tempt any man. It was easy to believe that she had been even more stunning in her youth. Li Cunxu must have been deeply enamored with her, becoming despondent and dying young after his wife was taken by his own father. Li Longji, a man well-versed in the ways of women, had also recognized her as a peerless beauty upon their first meeting, disregarding ethics to snatch his own daughter-in-law.

Of course, Yang Yuhuan’s talents were also extraordinary; her accomplishments in music and painting were beyond the reach of ordinary people. But if she hadn't been beautiful, with such a devilishly enticing figure, how could Li Longji, a man who had seen it all, have been captivated by her, regardless of her talent?

When a man looks at a woman, he is first attracted by her appearance and figure. Especially in an era where love was considered a luxury, for a man like Emperor Li Longji to take notice, beauty and physique were the primary conditions, while talent and intelligence were merely embellishments.

After indulging in the sight and marveling at the woman's potent allure, Yang Xi shifted his gaze away. Once Yang Yuhuan was seated, he stepped back two paces and stood with his head bowed. Yang Yuhuan did not notice anything amiss. After sitting up, she twisted her body twice, and a look of pleasant surprise appeared on her face. "Four-lang, it really has some effect! It feels much more comfortable than before!"

Hearing this, Yang Xi breathed a sigh of relief. He looked at Yang Yuhuan directly and smiled: "Aunt, it seems I wasn't just boasting; this kind of massage really works. Actually, Aunt, you could have someone else apply a bit more pressure just like I did, and it will surely be healed in a few days."

"I've already tried, but it didn't work. None of the massages felt like today's," Yang Yuhuan said, looking at Yang Xi with a smile in her eyes. "It seems your technique is quite different from theirs. If you could massage me a few more times, perhaps I would recover. It’s a pity you don’t have the time, as you’ll be returning to Tongguan soon, and there are important matters to attend to in Chang'an."

"If Aunt needs me, I would certainly set aside other matters to treat you first! I still have things I need your help with, Aunt, so of course I must please you first!" Yang Xi did not look away, meeting her gaze. Unconsciously, he exuded a man's dominance and the aura of a man conquering a woman. In the end, it was Yang Yuhuan who could not withstand his stare and looked away.

As she averted her gaze, a blush appeared on her pretty face.

The air grew thick with intimacy, and Yang Xi felt his own heart rate quicken. Could this woman really have been deprived of a man’s touch for so long that she was, intentionally or not, revealing her feminine charm before him?

Just then, Xiaoyu hurried in after announcing herself, reporting that the Emperor had summoned Yang Xi urgently to discuss important matters.

Xiaoyu’s lack of tact shattered the intimacy in the room. Yang Xi immediately regained his composure, bowed to Yang Yuhuan, and said, "Aunt, the Emperor has summoned me; I dare not delay. I shall take my leave now."

"Go ahead, Four-lang. Do not worry; I will be there shortly," Yang Yuhuan said, her smile vanishing. She called out to Xiaoyu, "Xiaoyu, help me dress at once. I am going to see the Emperor."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Xiaoyu replied and immediately called for the other maids to begin grooming and dressing Yang Yuhuan.

Yang Xi took his leave and headed toward the Ziyun Pavilion, where Li Longji was staying.