Halfway through Chu Yun's interrogation of the concubine, Xiao Zai realised that he was bluffing.
He was giving her rope to hang herself with, but she tied the noose around her own neck, admitting to what she had done, and not being convincing enough to deny what she hadn't.
Now, Xiao Zai couldn't help appreciating Chu Yun's cunning.
"Don't you feel guilty? She could be executed for the death of the Crown Princess," Xiao Zai asked, pressing the question into the hot skin of Chu Yun's neck.
He didn't know what answer he expected, or wanted to hear. But seeing the ruthless side of Chu Yun always sent a bolt of arousal through him. He could be merciless when he wanted to, which made his kindness, his compassion, and the rare glimpses of sweetness he allowed Xiao Zai to see, all the more precious.
"It won't come to that," Chu Yun said, grinning and stealing a breathless kiss from Xiao Zai. "But, it will make her desperate to save her own skin."
