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In the backyard of the governor's mansion in Wu'an City
Hot springs
Dai Chengfeng had originally intended to take a simple bath, but the current governor's mansion, after several expansions and renovations by Dai Xuan, was completely different from what it had been three years ago.
Dai Chengfeng had no idea where anything was, so he asked a maid for directions. From her, he learned that Dai Xuan had spent an exorbitant amount—ten thousand golden spirit coins—to carve through the mountains and channel a natural hot spring into the estate.
As a result, Dai Chengfeng ended up here…
"Damn, such extravagance. I've never been this extravagant myself. Feeding you to the dogs would still be too kind a fate for you!"
Wearing only a bath towel, Dai Chengfeng lounged in the hot spring, relishing the comfort, and closed his eyes once again.
Half an hour later, outside the hot spring:
"Last night, when I had the maids bring water for my bath, I overheard them talking about a hot spring in the backyard. It was just too late last night to check it out."
"So…"
"Early this morning, I came looking for you."
Dugu Yan pulled Ye Lingling along, her face brimming with excitement. "You know, back in Tiandou City, we don't have this luxury. The last time I soaked in a hot spring was years ago."
"Now that I think about it, I miss it…"
As she spoke, Dugu Yan's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Ye Lingling nodded vigorously, her big eyes narrowing slightly, filled with eager expectation. "I was honestly surprised when you mentioned it this morning. After all, there aren't any volcanoes beneath Wu'an City, are there?"
The two excitedly chatted as they eagerly approached the entrance to the hot spring.
There, two maids stood silently guarding the door. The older one appeared to be around forty or fifty, while the younger one seemed even younger than Ye Lingling.
When they noticed Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling approaching, the younger maid immediately spoke up: "Esteemed mistresses, inside the hot spring…"
But before she could finish, the older maid swiftly clapped her hand over the younger maid's mouth.
"What about inside the hot spring?"
Seeing their strange actions, Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan stopped in confusion. They pointed toward the hot spring and curiously asked.
The older maid smiled warmly, bowed slightly, and said respectfully: "Mistresses, Xiao E was just saying that the hot spring has been meticulously cleaned and freshly filled with clear water."
"You may enjoy yourselves to your heart's content, and we will guard the entrance for you."
"So that's how it is. You've worked hard."
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling exchanged a smile, their excitement growing even more as they happily dashed into the hot spring.
Once the two girls disappeared from sight, the older maid finally released her hand.
"Auntie, why didn't you let me tell them that His Highness is still inside?"
Little E frowned slightly, worry evident on her face. "If His Highness gets disturbed and gets angry, we'll be in big trouble."
The older maid gently shook her head, her eyes twinkling mysteriously as she smiled. "Little E, you're still young and don't fully understand His Highness's temperament."
"His Highness has always been broad-minded. How could he get upset over something like this?"
"Moreover, these two ladies were brought here by His Highness himself."
"Just wait and see. Perhaps this month, our monthly stipend might increase…"
As she spoke, the older maid looked hopeful.
"Oh…"
Xiao E gazed at the older maid's ambiguous expression, nodding half-understandingly. Though still somewhat uneasy, the older maid's words reassured her a little…
Silently, she prayed that His Highness wouldn't mind this unexpected "interruption."
---
Buoyed by excitement, Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling stepped into the courtyard housing the hot spring.
Before their eyes stretched a large pool, its surface shrouded in mist. In the center stood rock formations and floating stones, surrounded by lush bamboo and vibrant flowers. The environment was stunning, almost like a fairyland.
"It's so beautiful…"
Ye Lingling softly exclaimed, her eyes brimming with joy.
Dugu Yan walked to the edge of the hot spring and dipped her hand into the water. "Wow, this hot spring looks so comfortable."
Her delighted exclamation rang out, clear and melodious.
Without hesitation, she quickly began undressing, her movements free of any bashfulness.
Her jade-like feet emerged first—small, delicate, and perfectly shaped, like carefully crafted works of art.
Next, she grabbed a nearby towel and wrapped herself in it.
Beneath the towel, her long, slender legs peeked through, their lines smooth and elegant. Her skin, moistened by the steam, glowed faintly pink, delicate and alluring.
"Lingling, hurry up!"
"Oh~"
Ye Lingling shyly responded, blushing slightly as she removed her clothes.
When she wrapped herself in the towel, her movements were careful yet unable to hide her porcelain-like skin, which shimmered faintly, drawing the eye irresistibly.
Her legs were straight and well-proportioned, her collarbone pale and refined…
Soon, the two cautiously stepped into the hot spring.
"Hmm~"
The warm water enveloped their bodies, and both sighed contentedly.
Dugu Yan stretched her legs languidly, her long, graceful legs swaying gently in the water. They were crystal-clear, almost translucent, with veins faintly visible beneath the surface. Droplets of water fell, creating small ripples.
Ye Lingling reclined halfway in the hot spring, her eyes lightly closed, her swan-like neck tilted back slightly. Her silver hair, veiled in mist, took on an ethereal beauty.
"Lingling, your shoulder blades look so beautiful…"
At this moment, Dugu Yan leaned closer, her fingertips lightly brushing Ye Lingling's fair shoulder, her eyes filled with admiration.
Already a bit shy, Ye Lingling blushed even more under Dugu Yan's touch.
"Yan'er, you're teasing me again."
With that, she playfully pushed Dugu Yan's hand away, pretending to be indignant as she scooped up some water and splashed it at her.
Dugu Yan reacted quickly, dodging to the side, though a few strands of her purple hair were still dampened.
The wet strands clung to her rosy cheeks, adding an extra layer of allure.
Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng, who had been lounging deep in the hot spring, vaguely heard some commotion.
Slowly opening his eyes from his drowsy state, he realized that the mist obscured Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan's view—but for someone like him, who possessed the ability to perceive through the smallest details, the mist was no obstacle.
In an instant, he was greeted with a breathtaking sight. His eyes widened in astonishment, and he swallowed hard.
"I specifically had people guard the entrance… How did this… such good fortune come about?"
However, Dai Chengfeng wasn't the type to indulge in voyeurism. He deliberately cleared his throat twice.
"Cough, cough…"
"The noble ladies of Tiandou City seem to have developed quite the novel habit of barging into baths uninvited."
Instantly, Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling stopped their playful antics and exchanged a panicked glance. "Lingling, did you hear… Dai Chengfeng's voice?"
"I… I think I did."
Upon confirmation, both nervously swallowed, the movement of their pale necks clearly visible.
"Could it… could it just be our imagination?"
Then, stiff as machines, they slowly turned their heads toward the direction of Dai Chengfeng's voice.
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