Chapter 115
The Noble Womans Guide On How to Tease Ones Husband Chapter 115
Translated by: Oinkoink
[T/N: (P jng) figurative for broken marriage]
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Even when the civil and military officials were having a break for the Spring Festival, Chu Jinglan, as the Emperor, was still constantly busy paying attention to the northern-west reports and also resolving the preparation for the early spring imperial examinations of which each was of utmost importance and could not be delayed.
Fortunately he didnt have to go to the morning court assembly these days and could accompany Ye Huaiyang to sleep more. Chu Jinglan felt inexplicably content to wake up and see her lying asleep in the crook of his arm every day.
Hmm
Seemingly sensing his passionate gaze, Ye Huaiyang opened her eyes slowly and revealed a languid smile when she saw the within-reach handsome face. Moving her body slowly, she suddenly realized she was still lying on his arm and felt surprised as well as distressed at once.
Did he cushion her for the whole night?
Propping herself up hurriedly, Ye Huaiyang said, I fell asleep dazedly but why dont you pull your hand out? Quick move it around, dont let the muscles and bones hurt by the pressure.
Its okay.
Smiling lightly, Chu Jinglan pulled his arm out slowly when he surreptitiously drew in a cold breath with just this movement. Hearing it clearly Ye Huaiyang rebuked him annoyingly yet laughingly, she leaned over gently to massage him. After the blood flowed smoothly, he gathered both his arms unexpectedly and trapped her between the bed.
What are you doing Ye Huaiyang giggled and shot a glance at the silhouettes of people entering the outer room successively then reached out to nudge his chest, Dont make trouble, they will see us.
Dare to tell Us[1] not to make trouble. You should be punished.
Raising the corners of his mouth, Chu Jinglan kissed her without listening to her protest. After several failed struggles, Ye Huaiyang could only let him do whatever he wanted. Hot tongue drove straight into the secret dampness and provoked inch by inch of boundless desire that made her gasp powerlessly and gradually softened into a puddle of water.
Hearing the sound of activities, those palace maids outside entered to wait upon them in freshening up but seeing such a scene, they dared not approach closer and stopped a dozen steps away with the water basins in hands. Obscured by the painted screen, the Empress most seductive moan was clearly heard and coupled with the dispersing delicate scent gathered in the hall, causing all of them to blush bashfully.
Indeed, His Majesty is usually busy with political affairs. He will get up just before daylight while Niang-niang[2] is still deeply asleep at that time. Fearing of waking her, he will usually just kiss her small face and leave. Now that there is plenty of time, perhaps they
The few people looked at each other and wondered if they should go prepare more hot water. Just then, Qu Fang arrived. With heads hung, they consciously moved to the side and soon heard her speak with the just right volume, Your Majesty, Niang-niang, Physician Lu requested for an audience.
Chu Jinglan paused with unfulfilled lust flashed through his eyes.
Today is only the sixth day of the first lunar month. Whats he doing in the palace instead of staying at home?
This old woman doesnt know either but he looks anxious. Perhaps he has something important to report to Your Majesty.
Chu Jinglan was silent for a moment before finally turning his body over and getting out of bed. He, however, didnt forget to wrap Ye Huaiyang up with a quilt so that she could lie down for a while more. But how could Ye Huaiyang still sleep after getting provoked like this? She was then seen gathering her bed clothes with grievances on her face. Supporting her back, she got up slowly and only called someone to come help her freshen up after her blushes had dissipated.
On the other side, Lu Heng was pacing back and forth in the side hall.
Even after the Spring Festival was over, the Xie family was still bustling about. More red lanterns and colored silk cloth were hung up, evidently this was nearing someones joyous occasion. Hence, Lu Heng couldnt sit still anymore and rushed to the palace with pent-up anxiety just to ask for one thing even during the holiday.
It was only a few steps from the main hall to the side hall. Chu Jinglan came in draped casually in a long woolen robe. As soon as he entered the threshold, Lu Heng was seen dropped to his knees and spoke urgently, Your Majesty, this Minister asks to decree a marriage.
Chu Jinglan was stunned and a little dumbfounded, You ran over here early in the morning simply for this?
Yes, this Minister earnestly requests you to decree this Minister to marry the second daughter of the Xie family, Xie Yun.
The two of them have been friends for many years and their friendship is so profound that they dont even need to treat each other as the monarch and his subject. But Lu Heng never expected Chu Jinglan would actually reject him on this matter.
Didnt Xie Miao accept a marriage for her? We are not going to do a bad deed of breaking up a pair of mandarin ducks.
Lu Heng was choked green in the face and merely short of pestering him with loud kowtows begging him to make the decree. Just at this moment, Ye Huaiyang walked in and laughed out lightly seeing Lu Heng behaving as such.
Why? Has enlightenment dawn on Physician Lu? Is it possible that the firecrackers during the Spring Festival bombarded and totally burnt to ashes those past disheartening emotions that were long in your head, when you finally realized that a beautiful woman is hard to pursue again?
So you all know Lu Heng pursed the corners of his mouth and felt extremely anguished.
Uh-huh, but its not too late now if you want to make it up. There was a wisp of overflowing slyness at the corners of Ye Huaiyangs eyes which was too fast to be detected, Bengong[3] can grant you the imperial decree.
Hearing this, Chu Jinglan looked at her helplessly what does this mischievous sprite want to do again?
Eyes brightened abruptly, as if finding a life-saving talisman, Lu Heng immediately kowtow to express his gratitude without demur, Thank you, Niang-niang!
Ye Huaiyang smiled brightly, turning around she walked to the imperial table and took out a bright yellow scroll before directly stamping her own phoenix seal then threw it to him and said, You dont need Bengong to teach you how to write, do you?
Without uttering a word, Lu Heng took the imperial decree then ran away with clothes and crown fluttering disorderly in the air, and appeared practically wretched. Where was the usual calm and meticulous chief of the imperial hospital?
Seeing this, a certain person at the back couldnt even stop laughing. Chu Jinglan stepped forward to stroke her back and said, Okay, you should stop too. Its time to go back for breakfast.
Ye Huaiyang nodded and followed him obediently. She looked extremely thrilled, as if hiding some kind of uncontrollable small intent.
Who knew she waited precisely the whole afternoon. After spending one hour playing with Lan-lan in the courtyard then nestling in the rocking chair with a book, Ye Huaiyang couldnt help but criticize how useless Lu Heng was when the news just came from outside the palace Xie Yun had defied the marriage decree.
In the huge front courtyard of Xie mansion where there should be throngs of people shuttling back and forth, no one dared to move closer at this moment. Lu Heng and Xie Yun were standing under the deserted and quiet spacious corridor. When the wind blew, pink petals twirled all over the body like fluttering butterflies that the quietly standing paper-cut silhouette appeared more indifference with gentleness yet firm.
Go back, Ah Heng.
No, I wont go!
Lu Heng threw aside the decree. The bright yellow silk cloth broke into a glaring trail on the plain ground and it was too late to scrutinize what was exactly written on it. The pair of well-defined hands grabbed her shoulders when a subtle dull pain gradually came, unknowing if it was because she was too thin in his grasp or he was too emotional that his strength was overly excessive.
Ive already told you that I wont marry you.
Feeling his heart stopped, Lu Heng took a few deep breaths with difficulty before saying, Yuner, previously I was blinded by hatred and only saw my own sufferings without realizing yours. I have never thought about how much torment you had suffered back then. Im sorry its all my fault, I shouldnt blame everything on you. I was too selfish
Ah Heng, those were already over and its needless to be mentioned again. Xie Yun looked at him with ripples of clear shallow water, seemingly having forgiven everything, You can now put your hatred away and move forward, which Im happy for you.
No, I simply cant move forward without you by my side . Yuner, marry me, Ok? I know your heart is still hurting, its okay for you to beat me and scold me, as long as you stay by my side
Xie Yun shook her head gently, I dont need you to make any amends. You dont owe me anything at all.
This is not making amends! Lu Heng shook her fiercely. His approaching handsome face was full of frenziness and grief, Yuner, I love you. I dont want you to marry someone else!
Xie Yun was slightly startled that her heart was like the depth of an ice lake that unexpectedly split open a crack. The pain that had been dormant for a long time welled up again and she couldnt help but clutch her sleeves tightly while her lower lip was bitten to the point of dripping blood. Seeing this, Lu Heng gathered her into his arms.
Yuner, trust me once more. Those nightmares are all over. No matter what happens in the future, I will never leave you and no one can hurt you again. We will still have our own children, your injuries will be fully healed and everything will be fine. Listen to me, okay?
Her line of vision gradually blurred, as if obscured with a layer of mist. Blinking her eyes, Xie Yun felt something cold streaking across her cheeks and instantly soaked Lu Hengs clothes. She wanted to take out a silk handkerchief to wipe, but his embrace was so tight that for a moment she couldnt retreat but trapped in this familiar warm arms and finally realized dully what he had just said.
Didnt you think that I had killed Uncle Lu how could you possibly still love me
Hearing this hesitating tone, Lu Heng instantly felt twisted-like pain. Tightening his embrace, he snuggled against her earlobe and said with certainty, Ive always loved you, Yuner. It was Xie Yuan who killed my father, not you. I shouldnt have put the blame on you.
She uttered with difficulty, What you said is true?
Its true, its all true. Looking at her obscured teary-eyed and choking sobs, Lu Heng wished he could smack himself several times when he hastily wiped her tears away, Ive walked out already. Dont leave me
She has never heard him speak such words.
They were both childhood sweethearts and Lu Heng was always the stronger one since childhood while Xie Yun used to rely on him. Every time when she got angry over their squabbles, even his coaxing was overbearing and not once was there an implication of pleading like today.
He really doesnt want her to marry someone else.
There was already a huge wave surged up in her heart which Xie Yun repeatedly suppressed but her tears still trickled down non-stop like the thread of broken beads. Lu Hengs heart was about to burst when he saw it. He couldnt help but ask himself what actually was he thinking at that time?
After a long while, Xie Yun gently struggled free of his embrace before bending down to pick up the imperial decree then handing it back to him and whispered, Ah Heng, youd better go back and think about it carefully again.
Lu Hengs face turned pale, You still insist on marrying someone else?
No. Xie Yun lowered her long eyelashes and spoke softly, I need to think about it too.
Not understanding her meaning, Lu Heng reached out wanting to pull her back into his arms again but she moved nimbly backwards to dodge. The lake-blue silk swept a pitch arc across the air, carrying the wind and lifted the layers of plum petals. Amidst the scattered flowering shadows, she glanced at him yearningly then turned and plunged into the winding corridor before quietly disappearing behind the corner.
He didnt chase after her but just tightly clenched the hands that still preserved her body warmth.
It doesnt matter if she does not trust him, as long as she is not marrying someone else, he has a lifetime to get her back.
[1] (Zhn) We/Our, used by an Emperor in proclamations instead of I
[2] (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.
[3] (Bngng) the self-proclaimed master of the palace in ancient times