Chapter 20: This Couldn’t Possibly Be the Fourth Prince’s Bed, Could It?

Ji Ci gently patted Dongfang Jibai’s back. "Alright, I just came out for a stroll."

She was entirely oblivious to Dongfang Jibai’s attitude toward her. Even after he took on human form, their only contact had been that accidental collision. Yet, ever since then, he had been watching over her.

Dongfang Jibai sniffed at her like a puppy. "A-Ci, I’m in pain. Please, help me." His voice was hoarse, filled with repressed restraint, and the veins on his neck stood out.

Only then did Ji Ci realize something was wrong. She grabbed his wrist, channeling her vital green energy into his body, and detected that the "Phoenix Bane" poison had flared up. Logic dictated that the poison shouldn't flare up this frequently—certainly not once a month. Something must have triggered it.

"A-Ci," Dongfang Jibai breathed, his warm breath fanning against her neck.

"What did you come into contact with today? Why did the poison flare up?" Ji Ci asked, gripping his hand.

"I don't know... it hurts, A-Ci." He seemed unable to comprehend her words, his scorching lips brushing aimlessly against her earlobe.

He pressed her against the rock wall, her back aching from the impact. The man’s knobby, well-defined palms clamped onto her waist with such force it felt as if he might crush her.

"There must be something near you that triggers the poison. We need to investigate thoroughly when we go back," Ji Ci said in a low voice, her tone carrying an undefinable emotion.

Dongfang Jibai nodded vaguely, then scooped her up and headed toward the canopy bed behind them. Upon seeing the bed, his brows furrowed. *This wouldn't happen to be the Fourth Prince’s bed, would it? Who knows if the sheets are even clean!* But there didn’t seem to be a better option now.

As Ji Ci was pinned beneath him, Dongfang Jibai kissed her wildly, murmuring, "My good A-Ci, please, help me."

*‘System, this requires extra pay. Double the points, or I’m not doing it,’* she screamed internally.

Dongfang Jibai’s movements faltered for a second. *Detoxification... is it just for the sake of the mission? Does Ji Ci actually accept me?* A moment of panic flickered in his heart. If it weren't for the system's mission, would she still let him touch her? The thought made his heart tighten, but it was immediately drowned out by a surge of overwhelming desire. *It doesn't matter. At least for this moment, she is mine.*

【Reward doubled: 200. Human form progress: 205/1000】

The system went offline. Ji Ci’s lips curled into a smile; she was getting closer to becoming human! She had to work hard.

***

With money as motivation, Ji Ci actually began to respond to him for a change. Dongfang Jibai knew it was for the points, but so what? She was still earning those points for him. Convinced by this thought, he gave it his all.

Shooting stars streaked across the sky, and dew dripped into the hearts of flowers. By the time the moon slanted to the west, Ji Ci was too exhausted to even lift a finger. As the morning light touched the earth, Dongfang Jibai finally fell into a deep sleep, holding her.

Ji Ci slept soundly in the crook of his arm, while Dongfang Jibai twirled a lock of her black hair around his finger. "Black looks better," he murmured, kissing her forehead.

Wrapping her in his cloak, he carried her through the woods. His burning chest pressed against her arm, and his heartbeat vibrated so strongly it made her eardrums tremble.

Back at the military camp, Bai Yi had been guarding the tent. He knew about the poison flare-up from the night before, and seeing them return safely, he let out a breath of relief.

"My Lord, the water is ready. I’ve bought a dozen new outfits for Miss Ji and placed them on your bed. Call me if you need anything; I shall withdraw."

"Wait," Dongfang Jibai called out. "Go into the city and get..." The words stuck in his throat. He couldn't exactly ask for a new canopy bed.

Observing his master’s fluctuating expression, Bai Yi ventured, "Does Miss Ji need something?"

"Buy some feminine necessities, and also, go buy a new canopy bed and have it placed in the city." Dongfang Jibai carried Ji Ci into the tent. Bai Yi was puzzled but obeyed.

Steam billowed from the wooden tub as Dongfang Jibai carried her inside. The hot water roused Ji Ci from her stupor; she saw him dabbing a cloth in the water, carefully wiping the red marks on her collarbone.

Seeing her open her eyes, his stern features instantly softened. "Did I wake you?"

Ji Ci stared at him blankly. Dongfang Jibai was handsome, and in this intimate atmosphere, he was even more alluring.

"Go back to sleep," he continued, seeing her remain silent. "After I finish washing you, we’ll rest for the day and begin marching tomorrow morning."

Ji Ci’s skin glowed against the rough, calloused hands of the man. She nodded, but as she closed her eyes, she opened them again, sensing something amiss. "What are you doing?"

"Be good, let me wash you." He kissed her forehead.

Ji Ci leaned against his chest, cursing the system in her mind. *‘System, is the male lead safe now?’*

【Temporarily, yes.】

*‘Then I’m going out to play. I won’t be back for a few days.’*

【Understood.】

Dongfang Jibai’s ears twitched; he had made his own plans.

***

"When you wake up, I’ll take you to the nearby city. I’ll buy you some clothes and whatever else you need."

Ji Ci’s eyes lit up; she had been wanting to go shopping. "Really? Let’s go now!" She stood up excitedly.

Dongfang Jibai looked up, his eyes darkening. *Is the little dumpling growing up?* He reached out and pulled her back into the water. His gaze deepened, and he traced the corner of her lip with a wet finger. "No rush. Let’s finish our 'business' first."

Ji Ci’s eyes widened. *Again? She remembered the system saying the poison was gone! She’d already gotten the reward! She wasn't doing free labor!*

"I’m hungry," she pushed him away.

"Alright, let's eat first."

After they finished, Dongfang Jibai called for Bai Yi. "Give me the money; I’ll go procure the items myself."

Bai Yi handed over two hundred taels in banknotes. Ji Ci leaned in to check the value and felt it might not be enough. She had already planted the seeds in her space, but they would take at least half a month to mature. She wanted to buy more drought-resistant seeds to plant in the borderlands.

"Bai Yi, do you have corn seeds here?" she asked.

"Corn?" Bai Yi searched his mind for what that might be.

"It’s about this big, with golden kernels," she gestured.

"Do you mean 'Six-Grain'?" Bai Yi asked. It was called that because it was a crop eaten in addition to the traditional five grains.

"Yes, that's it! Do you have any?"

"The yield is low, so few people plant it. If Miss Ji needs it, I can have someone find some."

Ji Ci frowned. That didn’t seem right; corn should have a high yield. It wasn't until she saw the corn of this era that she understood why the yield was considered low—the cobs were tiny, with barely ten kernels on each.

"Fine, just get some for me," she nodded.

Dongfang Jibai looked at Bai Yi, who felt completely bewildered. *Did I say something wrong? My Lord has been giving me the cold shoulder since this morning.*

"Let’s go." Dongfang Jibai straightened Ji Ci’s clothes and put a veil hat on her.