Chapter 52 He didn't wait for her to come and greet him after court...

"Yiyi, no!"

In a secluded and quiet courtyard.

Wei Xuan suddenly sat up, reached out his hand, and grabbed something.

In the end, all he held onto was air.

His chest heaved, and cold sweat poured from his forehead.

"You silly child, doesn't Yiyi stay with you day and night? Why are you having nightmares?"

The old lady sat in her armchair and gave Lan'er a wink.

Lan'er stepped forward and sat down on the edge of the bed. She scooped up a spoonful of medicine and held it to Wei Xuan's lips. "The doctor said that the gauze on his eyes can be removed in another half month. At that time, Xuan's eyes will be completely healed."

The medicine was brought to Wei Xuan's lips.

Through the white veil, Wei Xuan could vaguely see the outline of the girl beside him and smell the fragrance of lilies on her body.

Every word, every gesture, every movement was a reflection of his emotions.

But Wei Xuan felt empty inside. He sat blankly on the couch for a long time without opening his mouth to drink the medicine.

"Now that you've gotten what you wanted, why are you so shy?" The old lady gripped her dragon-headed cane tightly. "Why don't we do as your mother wishes? Seven days from now is an auspicious day. You and Yiyi should get married and consummate your marriage as soon as possible, so you won't be so anxious and indecisive."

"This...how can this be?" Wei Xuan came to his senses, his ears burning slightly and his throat stiff.

Although they are currently on the run.

But ultimately, he was unwilling to rush into marrying Xue Lanyi.

"No matter what, we should wait until our son's eyes are better before preparing the betrothal gifts and welcoming Yiyi into our family."

"The situation is special right now. We finally found this secluded place and have some peace and quiet, so we can focus on preparing for the wedding."

If the second son catches up, we'll have to endure another bumpy escape. How long will your marriage be delayed? This place is certainly better than hastily getting married on a bumpy road, isn't it?"

Seeing that she couldn't persuade Wei Xuan, the old lady gave Lan'er a wink: "Why don't we ask Yiyi what she thinks?"

Wei Xuan glanced sideways at him.

Even though their eyes were separated by a white veil, the girl sitting an arm's length away blushed and said shyly with her eyebrows lowered, "I...I'm willing."

The girl's voice was like a spring breeze blowing through a lily bush.

Gentle and sweet.

Wei Xuan was speechless for a moment.

The old matriarch clapped her hands upon seeing this, "That's right! Xuan'er, you're not getting any younger, it's time to continue the Wei family line to be worthy of our ancestors."

Joyful sounds echoed in the room.

Lan'er's cheeks flushed red, and she nodded slightly, carefully taking Wei Xuan's hand.

The moment the fingertips touched the back of Wei Xuan's hand, Wei Xuan instinctively pulled his wrist back.

Lan'er's hand hung in mid-air.

Everyone was astonished, and the air froze.

Wei Xuan rubbed his hand that had been touched, sitting there stiffly.

“I…I was thinking that Ah Hong is Yi Yi’s only family. If we get married in seven days, even if he can’t come, I should still send him a letter to let him know.”

Wei Xuan reached for the paper and pen on the pillowcase with both hands. "Ah Hong will definitely be happy to know that Yi Yi is getting married to me."

Wei Xuan smiled brightly.

The Ahong Mu Qinghong he mentioned was Xue Lanyi's cousin, the Crown Prince.

They are currently recuperating in the deep mountains and dense forests of the western border, while Mu Qinghong is in a city a day's walk away from them.

Mu Qinghong couldn't show up, but for such a big event as her sister's marriage, the bride's family had to be informed, otherwise it would be impolite.

Wei Xuan blew a bone whistle, and a falcon flew into the deep mountains, then left with the message, flying beyond the western border.

The rain outside intensified, with dense raindrops pounding against the thick jungle, creating a cacophony of sounds from all directions.

His falcons had loud cries and sharp eyes; even in the dense rain that obscured visibility, their minds remained clear and their targets distinct.

The storm from the west continued to sweep into Shengjing.

The sudden rain pounded against the glazed eaves of the Golden Palace, cascading down in a continuous stream.

The water in the outer courtyard square was already above ankle level.

Wei Zhang stepped out of the Golden Palace and leaned on the railing to look down.

In the misty fog, the palace, which usually boasts golden bricks and green tiles, can only be vaguely discerned in outline.

Like wild beasts lurking around the imperial palace, ready to pounce at any moment.

Wei Zhang stood atop the platform, his robes fluttering in the wind.

"Congratulations to the young master on his successful succession to the title."

At this moment, Peng Chao, dressed in armor and beaming with joy, walked toward Wei Zhang, cupped his hands in a salute, and said, "Your humble servant misspoke; from now on, I should address you as Duke."

This morning at court, His Majesty issued an imperial edict ordering Wei Zhang to immediately inherit the title of Duke of Zhenguo.

Many officials, such as Peng Chao, who were close to Wei Zhang, were also promoted.

This significant promotion was clearly paving the way for Wei Zhang to become the Grand Secretary.

Peng Chao and others naturally felt honored.

"The cabinet has been vacant for a long time, and a decision will surely be made this summer."

Wei Zhang remained silent, only a hint of sarcasm flickering at the corner of his mouth.

The Emperor's decision to have him inherit the title at this time was not necessarily a preparation for him to become the Grand Secretary; it was more likely that the Emperor intended to remove him from the court.

With war about to break out in the western border, capable generals are being promoted or transferred. His Majesty probably intends to send the Duke of Zhenguo to the front lines to oversee the battle.

After all, the Wei family were military generals, and the title of Duke Zhenguo was meant to protect and safeguard the country.

Moreover, Wei Zhang had also followed the Western Expeditionary Army in its campaigns and had made many military achievements, so it was reasonable to send him to the western border.

Mu Qingyun and Shen Jinglan have clearly grown too big for their britches and are planning to go solo.

Over the years, he has made great progress in the imperial court and has even learned to be cunning and manipulative.

Wei Zhang casually rubbed the peeling vermilion paint on the railing with his finger bones.

A gust of wind carrying a downpour swept through the corridor, and Peng Chao felt a chill run down his spine.

Only then did he realize that Wei Zhang had not smiled at all since stepping out of the Golden Palace.

His earlier congratulations now seemed rather awkward.

Peng Chao couldn't understand Wei Zhang's thoughts, and changed the subject with trepidation, "The rain was too heavy today, and the newly paved imperial road ordered by His Majesty was washed away."

The dragon totem carved in the center of the long steps was newly repaired half a month ago and cannot withstand wind and rain.

After days of torrential rain, the dragon's claws were soaked and cracked, and a red-headed centipede slowly crawled out from the crack.

The dragon claw broke off.

Wei Zhang glanced at it casually, but didn't respond. He simply beckoned to Peng Chao and said, "Go and tell the Crown Prince of Western Qi: The longevity tablet for the Crown Prince on the border is three times thicker than the incense ash in the Western Qi ancestral temple."

"this……"

Peng Chao actually stayed in the western border for three years.

He knew that Wei Zhang was not exaggerating at all.

Thanks to Xiao Cheng guarding the border, the people of Western Qi enjoyed peace and stability for many years.

The people on the border offered sacrifices and praise to their eldest prince, far surpassing that for the crown prince of Western Qi.

How could the crown prince of Western Qi possibly hold onto his position as the Eastern Palace?

Wei Zhang's words were a reminder to the Crown Prince of Western Qi to stop the eldest prince from attacking Dayong again.

After all, the more military achievements the eldest prince makes, the more precarious his position as crown prince becomes.

As long as the war between Western Qi and Western Qi ceases, Wei Zhang will naturally not need to go to the western border.

As for other people and other matters, we'll discuss them one by one after we've resolved the troubles in the western border.

Wei Zhang glanced at the crimson-gold throne in the Golden Palace with great interest.

Peng Chao responded and hurried off to handle the matter in the rain.

The rain in Shengjing was getting heavier and heavier, and as soon as I stepped into the rain, I was immediately soaked to the bone.

Such rain is rare in recent years.

Many officials' families handed over bamboo hats to the palace, and the officials left one after another.

The Golden Palace became empty.

Wei Zhang stood there, hesitant to leave.

Light, graceful footsteps sounded behind me.

“The view from here is truly unique.” A tall, elegant man stood beside Wei Zhang, fiddling with a Bodhi bead.

He exuded a faint sandalwood scent.

Wei Zhang glanced sideways, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and said, "I wish to share this with you."

"It's my pleasure." Pei Xiuyuan bowed in return.

The two stood side by side, gazing out from under the eaves.

Although this place is not as tall as the Zhaixing Tower, it is located on the central axis of Shengjing, and its view is unmatched by any other place.

Who doesn't enjoy climbing to a high place and looking out into the distance?

Pei Xiuyuan observed silently for a while, then beckoned his subordinates to come forward.

"A few days ago, a few of my men went to the western border and caught a few golden-scaled fish."

I have heard that the Duke of Wei loves raising fish, so I specially sent this as a gift to him. Please do not refuse it.

His subordinate then presented a glass jar to Wei Zhang with a bow.

Several fry swam happily in the fish tank, unaware that they were already trapped like turtles in a jar.

Wei Zhang glanced at it indifferently, nodded and thanked him, "I am ugly, so please don't frighten the little fish. I will trouble you to take care of it for a while longer, and when the fish are in large groups, I will go and collect them myself."

“In that case, I will keep an eye on the fish for the Duke and await your good news.” Pei Xiuyuan nodded in return and they exchanged a glance.

Both of them had a smile in their eyes.

At this moment, someone from Pei Xiuyuan's residence also came to deliver rain gear.

Pei Xiuyuan gestured for him to join him: "The Duke is not wearing a bamboo hat, would you like to come along?"

"It's alright, someone from the manor will come to pick you up later." Wei Zhang also gestured for Pei Xiuyuan to go first.

Around noon, Pei Xiuyuan changed into a straw hat and, without lingering, bid him farewell.

With Pei Xiuyuan gone, only Wei Zhang remained outside the Golden Palace.

Qingyang stepped forward and draped a cloak over Wei Zhang's shoulders. Behind him, watching the departing Marquis Pei, she said, "Can we really trust Marquis Pei to watch over the Old Madam and Wei Xuan? After all..."

Pei Hou was the old lady's nephew.

"It's alright," Wei Zhang said calmly.

Right now, he has to deal with the Emperor and the Western Qi, as well as a group of court officials who accuse him of protecting Princess Zhaoyang.

I'm swamped with all sorts of things.

The matter of pursuing the former crown prince is beyond our capabilities, and the time is not yet ripe. We have a good understanding of how to entrust the task to Pei Xiuyuan.

Wei Zhang raised his hand. "Let's go to the Governor's Office."

"Here you go!" Qingyang quickly handed over an oil-paper umbrella.

Wei Zhang frowned.

Qingyang bowed and said, "This subordinate was inconsiderate and did not prepare a bamboo hat. Please forgive me, Your Excellency!"

Normally, Aunt Xue lived in the courtyard house. Although she couldn't show her face in public, whenever there was a heavy rain, she would always instruct Granny Liu to bring a straw hat and wait at the palace gate.

Over time, Qingyang also came to believe that whenever it rained, someone would bring rain gear.

This time, he didn't take the heavy rain seriously.

But even after the court session ended, he still didn't see Granny Liu.

Therefore, he could only bring two spare oil-paper umbrellas from the carriage to pick up Wei Zhang.

Qingyang awkwardly opened the umbrella, hunched over, and gestured for her to proceed with trepidation.

Without uttering a single word, Wei Zhang strode into the rain.

Qingyang hurried and caught up with Wei Zhang.

It wasn't until evening, when the lanterns were lit, that Wei Zhang returned to Chong'an Hall.

The rain had lessened a bit, but he was already soaked through from going to the capital to the government office and back.

As he entered, his black cloak was dripping water all the way.

At that time, Xue Lanyi was sitting by the window of her dormitory, writing with a pen.

Ever since Su Yin told her about Wei Xuan, her mind has been in turmoil.

It must be said that no one is perfect.

Even though reason tells her that the current situation is good for Wei Xuan, the thought of another woman by his bedside, whispering to him, dreaming about the future with him, and even preparing for their wedding torments Xue Lanyi's heart.

Unfortunately, she couldn't show her sorrow.

Last night, Wei Zhang warned her to act as usual, otherwise, tonight would likely be another storm.

Xue Lanyi felt a slight pain in her lower abdomen just thinking about that domineering manner.

So she found a few booklets to distract herself.

Holding the pen with my wrist suspended, my mind wanders elsewhere.

A drop of ink fell on the paper and smudged.

Xue Lanyi hurriedly wiped it carefully with her embroidered handkerchief.

A soaking wet cloak was tossed onto the low table, pressing down heavily on her books.

Xue Lanyi suddenly raised her head.

The tall man blocked her entire view.

Wei Zhang's red robe was soaked through, clinging to his body, and his already robust chest rose and fell, making him appear even more vigorous.

His hair ornament was soaked through, and raindrops streamed down his sharply defined face, dripping from his chin and landing on Xue Lanyi's embroidered shoes.

He had a tense expression, clearly unhappy.

Xue Lanyi thought she was taking up his desk and getting in his way, so she quickly pulled out the wet books and tried to make room for him on the low table.

The wet belt pressed down on the back of her hand again.

Rainwater seeped through the gaps in my fingers and soaked into the entire book, blurring the words on it.

Xue Lanyi didn't know why he started to torment her in different ways as soon as he came back.

Already feeling depressed, she dared not and was too lazy to argue with him, and silently went to collect the other four books that were laid out on the daybed.

The official's hat fell down, spun around, and soaked the other four books as well.

Xue Lanyi opened her mouth in anger, but in the end she just kept quiet and swallowed her words. She walked up to him and curtsied, saying, "If I have done anything inappropriate, please enlighten me, Your Excellency."

The imperial edict authorizing Wei Zhang to inherit the title has already reached his residence.

From now on, his path to success will reach new heights.

Xue Lanyi's desire for her old friend to leave safely and to find an opportunity to escape is now extremely difficult.

She had to endure it until he lowered his guard against her.

But when she spoke these words with her eyes lowered, Wei Zhang not only gave no hints, but his expression darkened even more.

Xue Lanyi's knees were sore and trembling from bending over.

Wei Zhang ignored her, so Xue Lanyi had no choice but to get up herself. "This concubine will help the Duke undress."

The moment her fingertips touched his collar.

Wei Zhang swung his hand away.

His movements were casual, but because of his distinct and slender joints, it was as if a stone had hit Xue Lanyi's hand.

Xue Lanyi felt a dull pain on the back of her hand and gasped.

Wei Zhang brushed past her and went to bathe behind the screen.

His murderous aura was so heavy that the light-footed Xue Lanyi was pulled off balance and stumbled, leaning against a low table and standing there blankly.

As Qingyang carried the basin of hot water past Xue Lanyi, he secretly glanced at the raging storm outside.

Xue Lanyi had been absent-minded all day and only now realized that the water in the yard was almost up to her ankles.

Wei Zhang didn't bring a straw hat and got soaked in the rain all day.

No wonder...

Worried that he would use this as an excuse to make trouble again, Xue Lanyi took the basin of hot water from Qingyang and went into the inner room.

Inside the screen, mist swirled.

Wei Zhang was standing in front of the clothes rack, his back to her as he undressed.

Perhaps because his back had been soaked in rainwater all day, it had turned a faint white.

Xue Lanyi steeled herself and walked up to him again to loosen his belt.

Wei Zhang grasped her hand.

This time the force was slightly greater, the tiger's mouth like an iron clamp, giving off a sense of "keep away, strangers."

But if she really doesn't get close to him, will he let her go?

Xue Lanyi knew it was impossible.

"I...I gave it to you..." Xue Lanyi endured the pain, her cold, watery eyes glancing through the crack in the window.

A straw hat soaked with rainwater hung under the corridor.

"Perhaps... Mother's eyesight is failing, and she missed Grandpa's carriage."

Wei Zhang's eyes narrowed slightly, then a hint of mockery appeared on his face.

His carriage blatantly bore the sign of the Duke's Mansion, and the horses pulling it were warhorses returning from the Western Frontier.

In the entire city of Shengjing, there is absolutely no one like it.

Besides, there are only two roads we travel back and forth on weekdays, how could we possibly mistake one for the other?

The straw hat was clearly something she had just hung under the eaves, trying to get by.

Wei Zhang opened his mouth.

“That’s what I originally wanted to say!” Xue Lanyi spoke first, “but after thinking about it, I still don’t want to deceive you.”

Wei Zhang was too perceptive; he noticed her lie before she could even utter it.

Xue Lanyi had no choice but to take the initiative and find another way.

Xue Lanyi pulled a finger from his palm, her slender, white fingertip stroking his powerful tiger's mouth.

"Give me a little more time, and I will try my best to turn myself back into Xue Lanyi, okay?"

She looked up at him intently, “The fact that he has regained his memories is irreversible. I’m not a saint; I can’t just remove Li Zhaoyang from my body overnight.”

Wei Zhang's eyes darkened.

"But... it's also a fact that I'm already yours, and it's also a fact that we've been together for three years and made vows of eternal love."

Wei Zhang's brows furrowed more and more tightly. Just now, he was hiding his anger, but now he just stared at her lips without blinking, and no emotion could be seen.

Xue Lanyi continued, "Some left, some were injured, and now it's just the two of us left. Eventually, things will return to normal. I just need a little time to get back on track."

She took his hand and pressed it close to her cheek, her soft breath spraying onto his palm. "Half a month, give me half a month. If I make any mistakes after half a month, I'll let the Duke decide."

The two looked at each other through the fog, which was sometimes thin and sometimes thick.

Her eyes held the stars; Wei Zhang had painted many stars, but none were brighter than this one.

“My lord…” she called softly in the enclosed space.

Like a feather gently brushing against the tip of the heart.

Wei Zhang's breathing became shallow and labored. After a moment, he withdrew his hand, saying, "Sweet words are useless."

He put his hands behind his back, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the warmth of his palms.

"Why don't you tell me what crime I committed against my lord today, and how I should atone for it?"

Xue Lanyi choked.

He truly is vindictive and impervious to reason!

He could have sent someone back to retrieve the straw hat, or borrowed one from a colleague, or bought one on the street...

Is the capital city so vast that it is not missing a single straw hat belonging to a duke from another state?

Why must we wait for her to deliver it?

She didn't send it, yet he wore his soaked official robes all day and then questioned her about it. Wasn't that just being unreasonable?

Xue Lanyi could only grumble in her heart, but had to admit her guilt aloud, "I have served my lord poorly, and I shall be punished with fifty strokes of the cane and made to face the wall for one night."

Wei Zhang grunted in agreement. "Go and close the windows tightly."

Wei Zhang was about to punish her.

The Duke's family was a military family, and the rulers used for discipline were thicker than sticks; they were used to strike the knees, not the palms.

Xue Lanyi suffered greatly last night and is still unsteady on her feet. How could she possibly endure such punishment?

Her legs ached, but under his unquestionable gaze, she still dragged her stiff steps and closed the window.

The last ray of light in the room was taken away.

Only a single candle pierced through the thin gauze of the screen, casting shadowy light in the cramped space.

She moved toward him as if carrying a thousand pounds.

Finally, I walked to the foot of his elongated shadow, shrouded in his gloom.

Xue Lanyi took a deep breath, closed her eyes slightly, and straightened her back as if facing death.

Wei Zhang stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at the girl in front of him. Her long eyelashes, glistening with moisture, were drooping, trembling violently, and her breathing was rapid.

At such close range, even the fine downy hairs on her cheeks were so clear, rising and falling with her breath.

Wei Zhang suddenly stepped forward, and she subconsciously took half a step back, but dared not retreat too much.

Therefore, there was almost no gap between the two.

Xue Lanyi nearly fell backward due to his imposing presence.

A strong arm wrapped around her slender waist, and Xue Lanyi's head slammed forward, burying itself in his chest.

His chest muscles, which were not wearing a shirt, were even more intensely hot.

Wei Zhang wrapped his arms around her shoulders again and buried his head in her neck.

Her shoulders were thin and narrow, and in his arms she was like a kitten or a rabbit, unable to break free and not daring to struggle too much.

Her hand quietly rested on his chest, her cheek forced against the spot where his heart was beating.

"You, you...I..."

Wasn't the plan to punish her?

Why are they hugging?

She could clearly feel him getting hotter and hotter, while Xue Lanyi's own body was getting colder and colder, and a bad feeling welled up in her heart.

She avoided the breath that kept brushing against her neck, but finally couldn't help pushing him away. "Wei Zhang, I... I can't take it anymore. How about we do it tomorrow..."

Before he could finish speaking, the force that had been binding him suddenly loosened.

Xue Lanyi was surprised to gain her freedom so easily and staggered back half a step.

Wei Zhang stood firmly in place. "What about tomorrow?"

A faint smile played at the corners of his lips, devoid of any lust.

Xue Lanyi choked, not understanding what was going on.

But soon the chilly dampness all over her body made Xue Lanyi realize that her clothes were completely wet.

She stared at Wei Zhang in horror, but Wei Zhang walked calmly toward the bathtub, his body already dry.

All the rainwater splashed onto Xue Lanyi's body.

She shook her head; her hair was covered in rainwater that he had wiped away.

Xue Lanyi suddenly realized that he hadn't been hugging her, but punishing her.

He wanted her to share the hardships with him.

However, this approach is too naive...

A word popped into Xue Lanyi's mind, but she didn't dare to say it aloud. She just glared angrily at Wei Zhang.

Wei Zhang had already leisurely sat down in the bathtub.

Xue Lanyi is guilty of ignoring him today, but her attempt to deceive him is an even greater crime.

Fortunately, she pulled back from the brink.

Her willingness to tell the truth and genuinely repent is a form of progress.

He glanced at the girl, whose hair was soaked and clung to her cheeks, and tapped the edge of the bathtub. "Come in and wash yourself clean. What kind of behavior is this, all filthy?"

Xue Lanyi: "..."

It was already the hour of Wu (戊), and Xue Lanyi had already washed and bathed.

But now we have to clean it all over again.

Having no reason to refuse, she took off her clothes and took a bath.

She was actually quite nervous. She sat opposite Wei Zhang the whole time, and didn't dare to make any big movements while bathing, for fear of arousing his interest.

However, Wei Zhang was somewhat absent-minded tonight. He simply took a bath and then got up to change his clothes.

Xue Lanyi felt as if she had been granted a pardon. After helping him change his clothes, she went to the outer room to tidy up the clothes that had been left on the couch.

Wei Zhang brought back a lot of official documents and intended to go to his study to handle official business.

As I passed by Xue Lanyi, I glanced at the soaked books.

He recognized the familiar handwriting and frowned. "An account book?"

"yes."

Xue Lanyi nodded and laid out the blurred accounts in a row, covering the entire Luohan couch.

Didn't Wei Zhang instruct her to handle the affairs of the inner quarters a few days ago?

Xue Lanyi had no interest in handling the matter, and gradually the accounts piled up like a mountain.

Now that Wei Xuan has left, she feels empty inside, so she takes out the accounts and organizes them to try and distract herself.

Who would have thought that Wei Zhang would cause such chaos as soon as he returned to his room, destroying all the account books?

Xue Lanyi stepped aside to let him see the already soaked account book more clearly. "This is the Duke's account for the year. I would be grateful if you could reorganize it when you have time, sir."

The accounts for a whole year, five and a half finger-thick ledgers, are not something that can be reorganized in a day.

He stared blankly at Xue Lanyi, who bit her lip and looked at him innocently.

Wei Zhang caught the barely suppressed smile on her lips.

A gloating smile.

Xue Lanyi was clearly pretending to be nervous and protecting the books, but in reality she was provoking him to throw his wet clothes all over the account books.

He ended up shooting himself in the foot.

Very good!

Wei Zhang's gaze darkened.

Feeling guilty, Xue Lanyi avoided his gaze and bent down to straighten the crumpled pages of the book. "Master, you'd better hurry. The account books will be needed for the succession banquet in a few days... Ah!"

Before she could finish speaking, an arm wrapped around her waist from behind.

Without saying a word, he went to the study.