The Noble Woman’s Guide On How to Tease One’s Husband

The Noble Womans Guide On How to Tease Ones Husband Chapter 108

Translated by: Oinkoink

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In less than the time of a lighted joss stick, the news that the Queen Mother inflicted distress to Ye Huaiyangs pregnancy spread throughout the imperial palace and outside the palace, likewise, the Queen Mother was thus killed by the deputy commander of the imperial guard, Ci Yuan, was also amongst it and these were spiritedly discussed for a short while.

As the head of the Imperial Hospital, Lu Heng rushed to Taiji Palace in the first moments. The palace was as warm as spring with the furnaces blazing. With quick paces, the cascading scarlet muslins were drawn back to the side layers upon layers where an obscure figure lay at the end, who seemingly heard the sound of footsteps, stretched out a slender white hand.

. Niang-niang[1]?

Somewhat hesitant yet afraid of delaying the treatment, he immediately asked Yueya to draw the silk thread* and carefully check the pulses. But as soon as his fingers pressed on it, he felt that something was not right this isnt a sign of miscarriage? Obviously, there is nothing wrong!

[T/N: * Suspended silk pulse diagnosis ]

Lu Heng was still astonished when the person inside spoke languidly, Physician Lu, have you seen Sister Yun recently?

have not met her.

On the day the city was breached, Xie Miao mobilized all the Xie familys resources to help Chu Jinglan clean up the mess. Bumping into him, Lu Heng knew that Xie Yun was not dead and felt relieved instantly yet what followed was emptiness, as if caught in an endless dark void that no matter how he struggled, only empty solitude greeted him.

Later, Xie Miao restructured his family businesses and served as the assistant minister for the Board of Revenue at the same time. Although the Xie family was not as glorious as before, they were still a stronghold for the prominent families. Hence, they still received many invitations but most of them were attended by Xie Miao with the sons and daughters of the Shu[2] branches while Xie Yun had not been seen.

There have been rumors outside that said she was disfigured by the fire so she never left the house and Lu Heng had asked Xie Miao about this but was rebuffed by him. Till now, he doesnt know what exactly is Xie Yuns situation, but his heart is in a perturbed state while his nights are restless. Remembering the appearance when she was scalded before, his chest seemed to be ablaze with torment again.

He cant let go and is unable to give up completely, so he doesnt know what to do.

Just at this moment, Ye Huaiyangs voice drifted out through the light canopy, You do know about her disfigurement.

Lu Heng was slightly shaken and the hand that clasped the silk thread unconsciously clenched tightly when he immediately questioned closely, Is it true? Is her condition serious? Is she still being treated?

Since you are so concerned, why dont you ask her yourself?

Such an apathetic sentence stifled Lu Heng terribly yet he just kept silent. As if all the spikes on his body had diminished with the revenge, he only spoke grimly after a long time, She is unwilling to see me the few times I visited her.

Bengong[3] will also be unwilling to see my beloved if Bengongs face is ruined. Did Physician Lu lose sight of this thought? Overflowing radiant in Ye Huaiyangs phoenix eyes shot straight at Lu Hengs hung head, But Bengong has sent someone to take a look. Her injury is rather critical but its under control. Just her state of mind is low and will take a while to assuage. Bengong has asked Xie Miao to keep a close eye on her, lest she do anything stupid.

The last two words were like a heavy hammer pounding on Lu Hengs heart, the dull pain was unbearable that he stood up and forgot himself.

She she will do something stupid?

Ye Huaiyang snorted and looked at him like a fool, The person she formerly longed for is not willing to approach her and now her face is disfigured like that, what else can she hope for? If Bengong also becomes totally disheartened, Bengong would wish to hang myself to death with a silk belt.

Lu Heng instantly turned pale.

But you can be rest assured. After this period of time, Bengong will choose a good marriage for her but not the prominent family of similar background. It is still possible to find a petty official from the royal court. As long as he is treating her wholeheartedly, it is still okay to have a poorer status.

Ye Huaiyang narrated her thoughts to herself, as if she didnt care about the feelings of the person outside, while he also forgot his original intention of coming here as he stood there dazedly like a woodenhead with unbearable pain in his chest. Just at this moment, a dark black figure hurriedly rushed into the palace and seemed extremely anxious.

Yanger!

Your Majesty?

Ye Huaiyang did not expect Chu Jinglan to come so quickly. She was just about to lift the canopy to get out of bed to meet him when he rushed in front of her like the frenzied wind and a slightly pale handsome face. The long shadow reflected from the palace lamp appeared stiffer like iron and the little palace maid standing beside him couldnt help but stop breathing as she had never seen him looking like this.

Yanger, how are you?

Chu Jinglan hurriedly wrapped his arms around the delicate figure on the bed. His shaking hands caressed all over her body, as if checking where went wrong. Ye Huaiyang grabbed his hand to place it on her belly and spoke in a soothing voice, Your Majesty, Im fine.

How could you be fine? So much blood was shed

Halfway through his speech, his mouth was gently pressed by Ye Huaiyang and the atmosphere turned instantly silent. When the quick-witted Yueya saw this, she immediately stepped forward to speak to Lu Heng, Physician Lu, please come with Nubi[4] to prescribe the medicine.

Lu Heng, who was in a trance, regained his senses at once and hastily bowed to excuse himself.

Chu Jinglan did not stop him because he had calmed down when he saw there wasnt much reaction from Lu Heng if something had happened to Ye Huaiyang, he certainly would not leave just like this. Once Lu Heng was far away, he turned his head to look at Ye Huaiyang again. There was still a gentle smile on his face but a turnabout on his person.

Perhaps the whole thing was a trap.

Thinking about this, Chu Jinglans heart almost jumped out of his chest with momentary fear. He couldnt help but reprimanded with a stern face, You are just too wilful! What kind of place is Hanzhang Palace? You still go there when youre pregnant! I wont have time to go grab you if something should happen! And you still dare to use miscarriage as a guise, are you happy to scare me to death!

Ye Huaiyang snuggled softly into his arms and stroked his chest, Arent I fine here, besides, I have never done anything without certainty. Even if there are still remaining traitors, with Ci Yuan and Gugu following closely, who can touch me?

Why didnt you tell me beforehand if you were so sure?

Ye Huaiyang replied lightly, Afraid that you will be worried and also fear that you will not allow it.

Im not worried now? The thunderous anger continued to drill in the ears, So what if she continued to live there? Why do you have to go to all the trouble for her? Not to mention having to endure all that pressure that doesnt belong to you!

My heart ached by the pricking thorn. Ye Huaiyang murmured, like a sweet spring that filled his heart, I dont want you to suffer the pain.

Chu JInglan felt a light tremble in his chest. He folded his arms to hug her tightly and spoke dumbly, Those are not important, your health and safety are most significant.

As if drinking honey after hearing these, Ye Huaiyangs smile was even sweeter.

Yes, Chenqie[5] knows. Please be rest assured Your Majesty, Chenqie will take good care of this little life, otherwise how can Chenqie grow old with Your Majesty?

Its good that you know. Chu Jinglan lowered his head and covered her mouth.

Ye Huaiyang was a little tired after tossing around for most of the day, so she lay on the bed and took a short nap. Chu Jinglan still had lingering fear recalling the scene described by the imperial guard when they reported, so he let Tang Qingfeng moved over the memorials from the Imperial Study Room and sat to review in the outer room where he would occasionally raise his head to look at the sleeping figure inside and felt an inexplicable peace of mind.

The afternoon passed by fleetingly.

Ye Huaiyang woke up just as the sun was setting in the west. The glorious large swath of sunset glow hung by the window and slowly changed into various shapes that made people feel joyous with just a glance. Getting out of bed, her whole body was warm while her face was rosy like a ripe peach.

Where is everyone?

She lifted the purple silk canopy and looked out where the nine-branch golden-twined lotus lamp shed faint yellow halos, Chu Jinglan still leaned over a table and read under it. He looked focused and handled everything in front of him calmly, displaying a regents bearing.

No matter how busy he is outside, Chu Jinglan never brings the political affairs back to Taiji Palace, thus Ye Huaiyang rarely sees him like this.

She didnt want to disturb Chu Jinglan while he was reviewing the memorials, so she moved slowly to the door to look closely at him and felt perfectly content this way. But how could such heavy footsteps elude Chu Jinglans ears? He sensed it almost as soon as she approached. As he looked at the source of the sound, he calmly placed a piece of paper at the bottom before getting up to meet her.

Why dont you sleep a little longer?

Had enough sleep. Ye Huaiyang curled her lips up and let him lead her to sit next to the imperial table.

Chu Jinglan fetched some warm water from the crystal jar and handed it to her. Watching her finish taking small sips, he then asked gently, Are you hungry? Ill let them summon the meals.

Not hungry yet. Ye Huaiyang glanced askance at the mountain of memorials piled up on the table then picked up the gold-washed ink-stick in passing and smiled at him, Your Majestys political affairs are laborious while Chenqie is not of much help and only has a barely passable ink-grinding skill. If Your Majesty doesnt mind, let Chenqie wait upon you by the side.

As soon as her words faltered, Chu Jinglan took the ink-stick out of her hand and threw it to Zhuo Jin, who was by the side.

This ink contains musk, its better for you to touch less. Seeing her appearance of being disdained and aggrieved, Chu Jinglan didnt know whether to laugh or to cry but to yield and said, If you really want to help, just sit here and help me stamp the seal.

Zhuo Jins jaw dropped hearing this and almost wanted to confiscate it.

These memorials were transcribed by the minister before eventually returned to the cabinet, which were all of vital importance yet Your Majesty had just casually given them to Niang-niang to stamp, what if there are mistakes!

He tried to offer a word of advice, Your Majesty, Niang-niang is now heavily pregnant and not advisable to be weary, why dont let Nucai[6] do it?

Chu Jinglan had yet to speak when Ye Huaiyang glanced over indifferently and said, No need, you can retreat.

Seeing that Chu Jinglan did not raise his head, Zhuo Jin had the answer at once. So he silently retreated outside the hall. As soon as the door closed, Chu Jinglan shot an amused glance at Ye Huaiyang and said, Your stance is getting more and more adequate.

Taking the heavy imperial jade seal out of the box, Ye Huaiyang snorted, Of course, my husband is the Emperor, how can I lose my part as the Empress?

Okay, okay, then request the Empress to please stamp those memorials for Us[7].

Smiling, Chu Jinglan picked up the purple jade writing brush to dip in some cinnabar before lowering his head to continue writing his reply while Ye Huaiyang browsed through one memorial after another with extremely serious expression by the side when soon her gaze stagnated all of a sudden.

The Western Region feudatory wants an audience?

Chu Jinglan did not raise his eyes and hummed lightly, without any joy or anger, Since the new Emperor has just been enthroned, the subjects from the small allegiance kingdoms are mandated to come congratulate in court but the purpose is hard to say.

After Chu Sanghuai took over the state affairs these years, he had messed things up that the relationships between Chu Country and the countries of the Western Regions were on the verge of breaking down too. These envoys said they are coming to congratulate but they are most likely here to check the new Emperors depth and even more so, they may want to take advantage to severely stab a knife to get rid of their vassal status of many years since the entire Chu Country has just undergone a devastation caused by the recent civil unrest.

Ye Huaiyang knew he could not reveal the exact details in front of the envoys at this moment, hence every aspect must be taken into consideration, especially keeping up the facade for the tribute ceremony and the opening banquet must be held grandly which will cost a lot of money. Thinking of this, she narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly and said, The winter plums in the imperial gardens are in full bloom which is timely to invite those noble ladies to come and enjoy the flowers.

The corners of Chu Jinglans mouth could not stop rising after hearing this.

She is going to entrap those major and small prominent families silver again.

What are you laughing about? Ye Huaiyang saw the teasing intent in his eyes and couldnt help but punch him lightly, I am the only one in the imperial harem and there is no way to economize anymore. If we dont take from those affluent families, where can we take from?

Im afraid these people will go crazy if there are a few more times. They will wonder why an Empress from the prominent family doesnt torment the poor faction, instead entraps them all day long?

Ye Huaiyang laughed and said, Thats because they dont understand. A married daughter is like spilt water* where the husband is put first and everyone has to stand back.

[T/N: (P chq de shu) something that cannot be retrieved]

Chu Jinglan could hardly suppress a smile but said, No need. Its really cold to leap around the garden during this cold weather while you still have to battle your wits and spunks with them. Even if you are willing, I am not. Anyway, Yuanshu and Xie Miao have recently impounded everything of the Wang family and King Tao mansion, and also seized a lot of silver from those corrupted officials in the Six Ministries. We will just improvise and use those first.

All right then. Ye Huaiyang leaned on his shoulder grudgingly but the abacus beads were pitter-patter crackling in her heart and a moment later, she said, I will invite again once the weather warms up.

She is still not giving up.

This time Chu Jinglan couldnt hold back anymore and burst out laughing, seemingly somewhat to his hearts content.

How did I marry such a mischievous sprite like you?

Ye Huaiyang laughed too, her face was full of craftiness, This is nothing. I still have other tricks. If it doesnt work, I can sell Zhenghe off. There should be a lot of noble ladies in Wangdu fighting to buy him, right?

You want him to get married, its probably harder than reaching the sky.

With her chin resting in one hand and lying on the table, Ye Huaiyang was silent for a long time as if mulling over some wicked ideas. Chu Jinglan was amused but paid her no heed. Seeing that the day was already dark, he called out and told Zhuo Jin to get the meals ready. He then went to the side to wash the ink stains on his hands. In the time of his departure, Ye Huaiyang quickly glanced at the paper that he put away just now. Merely a few rows of words which was actually a drawn up decree.

Appointing Meng Qi as the Minister of War.

Meng Qi was originally one of the top generals with stellar achievements in defending the frontiers and borders during the late Emperors reign. Coupled with the fact that there are not many credible people available now, it is reasonable for Chu Jinglan to promote him, but why is he hiding it? Afraid that she will feel depressed seeing it?

Ye Huaiyang thought to herself when Chu Jinglan called her over there.

Yanger, come and wash your hands.

She quickly put the paper back to its original place, raised her voice and answered, Coming.

[1] (Ning ning) a kind of respect for women in Chinese . It is generally used to address queens, concubines, princesses and other royal and aristocratic women.

[2] (Sh) children born from concubines

[3] (Bngng) the self-proclaimed master of the palace in ancient times

[4] (Nb) this servant / self-address of female maidservant

[5] (Chnqi) I, your servant (self-appellation of a lower-rank female)

[6] (Nci) bondservant, your humble servant, referring to oneself when addressing the royalty or ones master / slaves

[7] (Zhn) We/Us, used by an Emperor in proclamations instead of I

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