Her heart softened. Though still upset by Zong Jun's lack of apology, she didn't push him away.

Seeing the beautiful woman in his arms, eyes downcast and unmoving, Zong Jun was overjoyed. Maintaining a facade of drunken drowsiness, he took the opportunity to trail his touch across her body, peeling back her sleepwear to press his lips against her smooth, fragrant shoulder, sucking gently. His touch sent shivers down her spine, her legs tangling around him as she unconsciously rubbed against him. He captured her lips in a deep kiss, his hands cupping her br3asts, kneading them gently.

"Yaoyao," he murmured, his voice husky against her ear as he tangled his tongue with hers, "You don't know how much I've missed you these past few days, Yaoyao... Have you missed me?"

You brute, Yao Ji thought, her body flushed with warmth and tingling from his touch, her eyes hazy. You probably haven't missed me, just my body. The thought deepened the blush on her cheeks as Zong Jun lowered her onto the bed and removed her undergarments. She had missed him too, his gentle caresses and the possessive passion he displayed in their intimate moments.

"Hmm?" Zong Jun's gaze fell on a red mark on the delicate skin of her inner thigh. "How did you get this scrape?"

Yao Ji sat up slightly to look. "Probably from riding."

Her skin was sensitive, and she had been riding every day. It was just a minor abrasion, and if Zong Jun hadn't noticed it, she wouldn't have either.

Zong Jun bent his head and licked the reddened skin, his voice filled with concern. "Those servants who went with you, how did they take care of you? They're useless." He added, "Next time you go out, don't ride too far. Winter is coming, and the wolves might come down from the mountains looking for food. They could hurt someone."

Yao Ji's heart swelled with warmth at his concern. She nodded obediently. "I know." She took his arm and gently shook it. "Don't worry, I just wander around. Sometimes I go to see Moroha."

"Who?"

Unaware of Zong Jun's furrowed brow, Yao Ji replied innocently, "Moroha."

"You go see Moroha every day?"

Yao Ji finally sensed the shift in his tone, and a flicker of anger sparked within her. "Is there something wrong with that? Are you… suspicious of me?"

That hadn't been Zong Jun's intention. He simply felt that Moroha, being a criminal sl4ve, was not suitable company for Yao Ji. Her association with him could lead to gossip, and who knew what harm Moroha might inflict upon his wife? But Yao Ji's words ignited his anger. "Is that how you see me?! Han women are supposed to be virtuous and obedient. It seems you haven't learned even the basics!"

His words were harsh, implying that she was being unfaithful. Tears welled up in Yao Ji's eyes, and her lips trembled. Seeing her cry, Zong Jun instantly regretted his outburst. He embraced her, kissing away her tears. "I…" He wanted to apologize, but the words caught in his throat. He had never apologized before, and the words simply wouldn't come.

Seeing his hesitation, Yao Ji's heart turned to ash. Tears streamed down her face as her shoulders shook with sobs. She pushed him away, dressing herself as she cried. "Go away! Leave me alone… you brute! I hate you… I never want to see you again…" Zong Jun tried to hold her back, but she pushed him away with all her might and stormed towards the tent flap. "You brute, I hate you!"

Seeing his gentle approach wasn't working, Zong Jun's expression hardened. "Stop! Don't you dare walk out of here!"

Yao Ji met his anger with her own. She lifted her chin defiantly. "I am a princess of the Great Yan Dynasty! If this marriage is unbearable, then it's over!"

With that, she flung open the tent flap and disappeared into the night.