Chapter 75 The Quarrel

Yunzhu didn't expect that even though she was just giving a simple reminder, Xiao Mingzhang would find an opportunity to think of something like this.

But she stared intently into Xiao Mingzhang's eyes and, in front of so many people, did not refute him.

It wasn't because she wanted to save face for Xiao Mingzhang, nor for any other reason; it was simply because she herself didn't know how to answer this question.

Just a few days ago, Yunzhu firmly believed that her return to Xiao Mingzhang's side was only a temporary compromise, and that she would definitely leave Xiao Mingzhang and his side with Azhi in the future. The world is vast, and there is a place for her to go.

But what about now?

Now, Xiao Mingzhang has laid bare his true feelings before her time and time again, his words dripping with blood. Yunzhu wants to pretend nothing is wrong, but her heart seems unwilling to allow it.

Unable to answer Xiao Mingzhang, she could only slowly pull her hand away from his and get into the carriage first.

The carriage was heading to the yamen, and when Wuqi and the others saw Yunzhu get on, they all looked at Xiao Mingzhang.

Xiao Mingzhang shook his head, pointed at the carriage and made a gesture. After he got into the carriage, the driver obediently took Yunzhu back to the commander's mansion first.

Yunzhu dismounted from the carriage in front of the commander's mansion.

Seeing that Xiao Mingzhang also got out of the carriage with her, but showed no intention of going into the house, she belatedly realized that this carriage was not meant to take her home.

She then asked Xiao Mingzhang, "Are you going anywhere else?"

“Yes,” Xiao Mingzhang said. “It has been a long time since I’ve been to the yamen. Since I’m going out today, I’ll take a stroll around.”

Is this the first day out, and we're already visiting so many places?

When he gets busy, he neglects his health again. Yunzhu thought to herself, Xiao Mingzhang's personality really is the same as it has been for thousands of years.

She didn't say anything to stop him, but before going inside, she asked Xiao Mingzhang again, "Are you coming back tonight?"

"Huh?" Xiao Mingzhang asked, puzzled.

Yunzhu then said, "Your wound has scabbed over, so you still need to apply medicine, right? I happen to have some free time tonight... will you still come back?"

"Come back!" Yunzhu said, and even if Xiao Mingzhang didn't intend to come back, he would definitely rush back.

He couldn't help but smile at Yunzhu, and in front of everyone, he tried to grab Yunzhu's hand, but Yunzhu dodged him.

Yunzhu glared at Xiao Mingzhang warily.

Although that's what she said, she still found it difficult to act intimately with him in public, and she couldn't completely admit that she had accepted Xiao Mingzhang back.

She didn't say anything more to Xiao Mingzhang. After receiving the news that he would be coming home, she turned around and went into the house, leaving only her slender back view for everyone standing outside the door.

—

When Yunzhu returned to the commander's mansion, Mu Zhaozhi had already started her afternoon studies, while Ayan was practicing martial arts in the courtyard.

When Yunzhu returned, Ayan's face was tense, unlike her usual demeanor.

Xiao Mingzhang did not deliberately ask anyone to conceal the news of Prince Yi's death, so before an incense stick could burn, Ayan also learned that Prince Yi had indeed died.

Ayan stared intently at Yunzhu, and from her expression, she knew that Yunzhu had also learned of the matter.

She asked, "Was it really Xiao Mingzhang who did it?"

Yunzhu nodded.

Ayan couldn't wait to ask, "Then why did you go out looking so pale, Princess? Isn't this a good thing? It shows that Xiao Mingzhang really cares about Azhi!"

Yes, Xiao Mingzhang cares about Azhi, and Yunzhu now believes him completely.

But it was precisely this reckless concern that made her suddenly feel afraid early in the morning.

“Ayan…” Yunzhu wanted to tell Ayan about what happened this morning, and also to discuss the future with her. Coincidentally, Mu Zhaozhi suddenly ran out of the house at this moment.

"Mother!" She held up a painting in her hand and excitedly approached Yunzhu and Ayan.

Yunzhu took the painting from her hand and saw that it was a black and white ink painting.

The picture depicts a horse, and Yunzhu took a long time to recognize it.

"Master said this is painting!" Little Mu Zhaozhi showed her painting to Yunzhu and Ayan, looking up at them expectantly.

"Hmm..." Yunzhu was never stingy with praise for her daughter. After recognizing the horse, she said with satisfaction, "This was actually made by Azhi alone?"

"Yes!" Mu Zhaozhi answered loudly.

And Ayan, needless to say, said, "Azhi, you have such profound skills at such a young age. You will probably become a famous painter in the future!"

"Hehe!" Mu Zhaozhi shook her head. Even the most precocious little girl would be excited to hear such praise from her family.

Yunzhu and Ayan praised Mu Zhaozhi's painting extensively, and Mu Zhaozhi, holding her work, returned to her teacher with satisfaction.

Yunzhu glanced at the female master.

She was the most renowned female teacher in Liangzhou City. Yunzhu had already learned of this in the past few days. Although she was only in her forties, her outstanding students were not only in Liangzhou, but also throughout the entire northwest region of the country. Her poems were widely sung even in the border areas.

"Princess, what were you trying to say just now?"

As the sun was setting, Ayan decided not to practice martial arts anymore. Seeing Mu Zhaozhi enter the house, she sheathed her sword and asked Yunzhu what she hadn't finished saying earlier.

"..."

Yunzhu originally wanted to discuss it with Ayan again before making a decision, but after seeing Mu Zhaozhi's painting, Yunzhu suddenly made up her mind.

She said, "I'm thinking... maybe I want to stay by Xiao Mingzhang's side for a long time and try again with him..."

"What?!" As expected, Ayan's reaction was huge, which was exactly what Yunzhu had anticipated.

Yunzhu took Ayan's hand without hesitation and told her about her hesitation and struggle throughout the day.

But Ayan still couldn't understand.

She could understand why Yunzhu chose to temporarily return to Xiao Mingzhang's side for a brief period of peace; she could also understand why Yunzhu had developed new feelings for Xiao Mingzhang because of his recent actions. But she couldn't understand why Yunzhu would stay by Xiao Mingzhang's side if one day the Huan Prince's Mansion truly became the ruler of the world and she and her child were safe.

That's a pit of fire, isn't it? Even if Xiao Mingzhang is reliable, what about all the strategists under him? What about his parents? Can those people accept Yunzhu without hesitation, just like Xiao Mingzhang?

Not to mention that Prince Yi is now gone, and it is basically a foregone conclusion that Prince Huan's mansion will take over the country. If Xiao Mingzhang really becomes the crown prince, will the people of the world and the entire court be able to accept a woman from the Western Regions as their crown princess?

"Princess, don't let Xiao Mingzhang's sweet words cloud your judgment!" Usually, no matter what Yunzhu said, Ayan would support her, but on this matter, she didn't want Yunzhu to make such a decision.

She wanted Yunzhu to be extremely cautious and careful, because she couldn't afford to fall into the same trap twice!

"Ayan, I know what you're thinking..."

Yunzhu knew all about what Ayan had said. She also knew that she shouldn't be deceived by Xiao Mingzhang's momentary tenderness anymore. Going back to Xiao Mingzhang's side would be like going back to that pit of fire.

But Yunzhu couldn't quite describe how she felt.

She could truly feel Xiao Mingzhang's feelings for her, and deep down, she also had a strong urge to reciprocate those feelings.

Yunzhu guessed that this was probably her love for Xiao Mingzhang in the past.

She had loved Xiao Mingzhang so deeply before, so when she sensed the same sincerity again, she felt such a strong resonance deep within her heart.

She wanted to reciprocate this love.

"If you can survive on affection alone, why did the princess have to suffer these three years of torment?" Ayan knocked on Yunzhu's heart, each word striking the depths of her soul.

"According to Xiao Mingzhang's explanation, did he not care about the princess before? He did care, but what did his care bring the princess in return? It was the suspicion of the Huan Prince's mansion, and their desire to get rid of her as soon as possible. Has the princess forgotten the pain of the past, so she is going to repeat the same mistakes so quickly?!"

"Ayan!"

Yunzhu rarely yelled at Ayan, but at this moment, under Ayan's repeated questioning, she couldn't help but yell back at Ayan.

Ayan stared wide-eyed at Yunzhu, her gaze devoid of any fear.

Yunzhu also looked at her intently.

Having lived together since childhood, Yunzhu and Ayan had never truly argued.

They grew up together, came to the Central Plains from the Western Regions together, and fled from the Huan Prince's mansion. They endured more than 20 years of hardships together. Yunzhu never expected that she and Ayan would have a disagreement in a place like this.

Moreover, neither of them was willing to admit defeat.

The golden rays of the setting sun pierced through the leaves of early winter, and the only green tree in the courtyard suddenly rustled in the cold wind.

Finally, Yunzhu was the first to give in and succumbed.

With a sob in her voice, she asked Ayan, "If I told you that I know all these things, but I still want to try, would you still be willing to stay with me?"

Ayan did not speak.

She was still holding her sword. After listening to Yunzhu's explanation, she finally stopped looking at Yunzhu and turned to leave.

Ah Yan...

Yunzhu wanted to call out Ayan's name again, but seeing her resolute figure, the two words stuck in her throat and she couldn't say them in the end.

She watched Ah Yan's retreating figure as she hurried away from the courtyard, wondering where she was going and whether she would return that night.

—

Xiao Mingzhang returned to the commander's mansion as the moon rose in the evening.

He was supposed to stay at the yamen a little longer today, but because of Yunzhu's words, he returned to the commander's mansion just as dinner time was approaching.

Hearing that Yunzhu and Azhi had already eaten dinner, he didn't care about anything else, went back to his bedroom, picked up the ointment, and went straight to Yunzhu's door.

He knocked on Yunzhu's door.

Yunzhu quickly opened the door for him.

However, when she saw that it was him standing outside the door, the disappointment in her eyes was clearly visible and unavoidable.

Xiao Mingzhang paused, wondering who else Yunzhu was waiting for besides himself.

Clutching the ointment in his hand, he squeezed through the door and heard Yunzhu ask, "Why are you here?"

"Didn't you say you would apply medicine for me tonight?" Xiao Mingzhang retorted.

"..."

Yes, she almost forgot about that.

Yunzhu rubbed her sore forehead, glanced at the ointment in Xiao Mingzhang's hand, and said, "Let's apply the medicine first. After you're done, you can go back and rest earlier."

Xiao Mingzhang: "..."

Isn't it what he thought?

Xiao Mingzhang gripped the ointment tightly in his hand, but was reluctant to hand it over to Yunzhu.

He gazed at Yunzhu and slowly asked, "What happened this afternoon?"

"It's nothing serious." Yunzhu didn't want to tell Xiao Mingzhang about Ayan. If Xiao Mingzhang knew about her argument with Ayan, it would make him fully aware of her determination.

Although she had already made her decision, Yunzhu still didn't want Xiao Mingzhang to know so soon. She wanted to keep testing Xiao Mingzhang and let him experience the feeling of waiting in fear and trepidation.

Xiao Mingzhang was completely unaware of Yunzhu's feelings. When Yunzhu said it was nothing, he didn't press the matter further. However, when Yunzhu came over to take the ointment from his hand, he suddenly raised the ointment high, avoiding Yunzhu's hand.

Yunzhu looked at Xiao Mingzhang in surprise.

Xiao Mingzhang lowered his eyes, his gaze as innocent and pitiful as a reindeer's, and asked, "Today... may I have a kiss?"

"..."

Yunzhu doesn't really want to kiss Xiao Mingzhang right now.

She then said coldly, "If you don't want to apply the ointment, then go back by yourself."

"No, I'll apply it!" Xiao Mingzhang's attempt to act obedient hadn't yielded any benefits, and he even faced the risk of being kicked out. He immediately knew he had to behave.

He handed the ointment to Yunzhu, and as his fingers passed over her hand, he inadvertently touched the back of her hand and rubbed it several times.

But Yunzhu ignored all of this.

She watched absentmindedly as Xiao Mingzhang removed his outer garments in front of her, then absentmindedly looked at his bare chest. She dipped her hand in ointment, gently spreading it like a piece of emotionless wood, and applied it to his chest.

As Xiao Mingzhang watched Yunzhu's every move, he gradually realized that Yunzhu probably didn't have the same thoughts he had.

He didn't know what had happened to Yunzhu that afternoon, but was he really going to leave like this? He was still somewhat unwilling.

Having endured three years without experiencing the taste of love, Xiao Mingzhang was not about to let go so easily now that he was tasting its sweetness once again.

Seeing that Yunzhu had closed the ointment and was about to send him away, he didn't say a word, stopped asking Yunzhu's opinion, put his arm around her waist and pressed her against the table, and kissed her.

Yunzhu was startled by his commotion, and the ointment rolled onto the ground.

She tried to push Xiao Mingzhang away, but his kiss was so passionate that he immediately took away all her breath, leaving her no time to think about anything else and no way to push him away.

His lips and tongue swept through Yunzhu's mouth with the force of a whirlwind.

Slowly, Yunzhu's hands were clamped by him, and her raised arms were forced to hang around his neck.

Secret feelings are most easily born in a quiet room.

When Yunzhu was released, she could no longer catch her breath. Xiao Mingzhang held her waist with one hand and hooked her clothes with the other, his rough palm grinding against the smooth silk, as if touching the skin that he longed for endlessly.

The cloud pearl in his palm completely turned into a puddle of water.

"Yunzhu...I'll stay tonight...okay?" The kiss had been too long and too intense, and Xiao Mingzhang's breathing wasn't much more normal than Yunzhu's. He spoke haltingly, panting heavily with every step.

Yunzhu had no energy left to say anything bad. She leaned against Xiao Mingzhang's chest, wanting to nod, but suddenly, she heard Azhi's voice coming from the courtyard outside.

She exclaimed, "Aunt Yan! You're back!"

Immediately afterwards, it was Ayan's voice that answered her: "Mm."

The footsteps slowly approached Yunzhu's bedroom, and after a moment, Yunzhu heard a knock on her bedroom door.

It's Ayan outside the door!

Ayan said, "Princess, are you inside? I've thought about today's events carefully. Let's discuss them together!"

Yunzhu immediately came to her senses and grabbed Xiao Mingzhang's flailing wrist.