Chapter Sixty: Heaven, Mistakes Made in the Midst of Hurry

After bathing, Yang Xi washed away the dust of travel before seeking an audience with Yang Yuhuan.

He was confident that Yang Yuhuan would see him, and he had already planned how to make his request and do something to please her. If he could win her favor, she would likely agree to plead his case before Emperor Xuanzong, even if it concerned matters of state.

The fact that military and national affairs had to be conveyed through a woman like Yang Yuhuan struck Yang Xi as a tragedy for the Tang Dynasty; Emperor Xuanzong was truly failing in his duties.

Yet, this was the reality. Yang Yuhuan wielded great influence over the emperor, and Yang Xi’s father, Yang Guozhong, owed much of his favor to being her distant cousin. Knowing when to adapt is the hallmark of a wise man. Yang Xi would not foolishly go against the tide; he would use whatever means necessary to achieve his goals, even if they were unsavory.

To his surprise, when he arrived at the Feishuang Palace where Yang Yuhuan resided, he was not immediately admitted because she was bathing in the hot springs. Feeling a pang of regret, he thought he had come too late—had he arrived earlier, before her bath, he would not have been delayed.

As he prepared to leave and return later, a charming young palace maid hurried out to escort him in.

Yang Yuhuan was still soaking in the hot springs and surely had not finished. Allowing him in now was unexpected. A surge of excitement rose in Yang Xi’s heart—could it be that the great beauty herself would receive him in the spring? If so, such a melodramatic scene might keep him awake with anticipation.

However, his hopes were dashed when he was led to the hall and found Yang Yuhuan reclining on a couch, not immersed in the water.

After Yang Xi bowed, before he could state his purpose, Yang Yuhuan spoke first: “Fourth Lord, you have just returned from Shan Commandery and have not yet rested. You come to see your aunt—do you have urgent matters to discuss?”

Her direct inquiry made Yang Xi a bit embarrassed to reveal his true intentions. Instead, he chuckled awkwardly and diverted the conversation: “Aunt, there is nothing pressing. It has been a long time since I last saw you, and I have missed you dearly. I also wondered if your back has healed, so after resting, I came to pay my respects. I did not expect to interrupt your enjoyment of the hot springs—please forgive me!”

Whether genuine or feigned, the sincerity mattered little. What was important was to please the woman before him and secure her assistance.

Moreover, Yang Xi did not dislike seeing Yang Yuhuan—in fact, any man would be glad to see her. Such a breathtaking beauty was a rare sight, especially in the military where women were scarce.

Hearing his words, Yang Yuhuan’s face brightened with delight, and she laughed softly. “I did not expect you to think of your aunt while battling on the front. I am truly pleased. The emperor has told me of your great victory at Shan Commandery, capturing it in a single night and defeating one hundred thousand rebels. The emperor is overjoyed, and I am proud of you! I had wanted to call you to Huaqing Palace to speak with you, but feared you would be tired, so I delayed. I was indeed soaking in the hot springs just now, but upon hearing you wished to see me, I rose immediately to welcome you.”

“Thank you for your concern, Aunt—I am truly honored.” Yang Xi glanced at Yang Yuhuan, whose complexion glowed with renewed beauty under the bright candlelight. Yet he still did not reveal his true purpose, instead patiently making small talk. “Is your health well, Aunt? The last time, when you hurt your back, I only managed to massage it once before rushing back to Tong Pass. I regret not being able to treat you further.”

Playing the family card with small favors to win her favor was Yang Xi’s current strategy.

Yang Yuhuan smiled warmly: “My back has healed, thanks to your thoughtful care. After you massaged me that day, I felt much better and was able to walk with assistance. Following your method for several days, I recovered completely. I never imagined you possessed such skills—how admirable! You are truly endearing.”

“Aunt, I learned it by chance, worried that martial arts training might cause injuries. It’s a way to treat oneself,” Yang Xi explained with a sheepish grin, wondering why she fixated on this topic.

Then Yang Yuhuan’s next words made his meaning clear.

“Today, accompanying the emperor to Huaqing Palace, the journey was rough and I am quite exhausted. My back aches terribly, and I feared my old injury might have flared up again, disrupting my sleep. I soaked in the hot springs to ease the pain and planned to have someone massage me afterward. I did not expect you to come at just the right time.”

Yang Xi understood immediately and responded, “If your back is hurt from travel, it must be treated carefully. I have no engagements tonight; allow me to massage you and ease your fatigue. Hopefully, I can help relieve your pain and prevent further injury.”

Though he spoke casually, strange and bold thoughts flashed through his mind. Yang Yuhuan’s request seemed to carry a deeper meaning.

Could there be some special intention behind it? Ha…

Seeing his readiness, Yang Yuhuan was pleased and readily agreed. “If you are willing to massage me, I would be delighted—just do not tire yourself.” She was genuinely sore from the journey and had instructed her maids to assist later, but upon learning Yang Xi had arrived while she bathed, she changed her plan.

Yang Xi’s skill far surpassed that of the palace maids; such an opportunity was not to be missed.

The comfort Yang Xi’s massage brought was indescribable. Yang Yuhuan enjoyed it, remembered it fondly, and was reluctant to let it end.

“Aunt, I am strong and have walked several hundred miles. I won’t tire easily,” Yang Xi said, rising. “Let me begin the massage.”

Indeed, soothing Yang Yuhuan and making her happy would pave the way for him to present his request, which she would surely not refuse.

Yang Yuhuan nodded and instructed the maid Xiao Yu and others to draw the curtains and wait outside, ready to attend if called.

Both harbored their own intentions, yet both were pleased to act in concert.

Several maids bowed and promptly drew the curtains, extinguishing some candles.

The chamber dimmed and felt more intimate, giving Yang Xi a sense of security and a subtle air of intrigue.

Perhaps Yang Yuhuan sensed it too, but she remained silent and motioned for Yang Xi to help her lie down.

He approached, supporting her gently. As he neared, a delicate feminine scent enveloped him, causing an involuntary shiver. His body responded instinctively.

Yang Yuhuan had been seated when he arrived, but to massage properly, she needed to lie back.

Surprisingly, Yang Xi noticed she wore only a thick nightgown with a bathrobe over it, seemingly without undergarments.

“Fourth Lord, please help me remove the outer nightgown,” she murmured, her breath fragrant and voice tinged with a subtle coquettishness.

“Yes, Aunt,” Yang Xi replied, extending his hands and awkwardly undoing the garment.

Nervousness disrupted his usual dexterity, so Yang Yuhuan moved slightly to assist.

As he fumbled with the ties, his hand accidentally brushed against the soft fullness of her right breast, the supple flesh pressing lightly against his palm.

Yang Xi froze, swallowing hard, but his hands continued their task.

The nightgown’s ties were tricky, and in his clumsiness, he turned a slipknot into a stubborn knot.

Forced to persist slowly, he grew anxious, fearing Yang Yuhuan might scold him for his awkwardness.

In his nervousness, an unexpected sensation startled him: his hand pressed against the very supple curves of her chest, confirming the softness and elasticity he had just glimpsed.

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