Chapter 56: Holding the Moon in the Water (4) Intimacy.
Time flies. That afternoon, the emperor arrived in disguise, without too many ceremonial guards, only with a few personal guards.
The emperor slowly entered the Pu Garden and looked up to see Meng Xuanli and Lu Guanque walking together in the corridor. Lu Guanque's steps were slow, and compared to his previous bedridden appearance, he looked much more lively.
As the two were talking, they caught sight of the emperor out of the corner of their eyes, looked at each other, and walked over hand in hand.
"It seems that Doctor Yu's medical skills are indeed superb. You have recovered quite quickly." The emperor took a seat in the hall, his eyes swept over Meng Xuanli, and finally fell on Lu Guanque.
Lu Guanque bowed slightly and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine now, but I still need to recuperate for a few days."
The emperor nodded and took up the teacup, but didn't drink immediately. He was silent for a moment, his eyes deep and sharp, a scrutinizing look that reflected the doubts of an emperor.
Meng Xuanli lowered his eyes, and in the silence, he could feel the scrutiny from his superior.
"Lu Guanque." The emperor put down his teacup and said in a steady, unwavering voice, "You know the reason for your serious injury, and I know it too."
Lu Guanque's expression remained unchanged as he replied respectfully, "This was my negligence. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern."
The emperor waved his hand, interrupting the polite remarks he was about to make. He looked at Meng Xuanli with a complicated expression and spoke calmly, "I used to think she was a burden to you, and even considered killing her."
"Because every time something happens involving her, you'll be in danger. Last time, you fainted, and this time, you almost lost your life."
Meng Xuanli's hands fell to his sides, feeling heavy, as if weighed down by the sea. The emperor had come to the palace today, bringing up old matters again. What could be his intention?
Lu Guanque's eyes were clear, and he was about to open his mouth to refute, but the emperor changed the subject: "However, after experiencing this incident, I have seen things more clearly."
His eyes flickered between Lu Guanque and Meng Xuanli, and he smiled faintly: "You two, one unwilling to be outdone, the other willing to throw away life and death, you are a perfect match."
"Everything I did before was for your safety. Now that I see that you two are so affectionate, I am relieved."
Lu Guanque raised his eyebrows and looked at Meng Xuanli. When he met her eyes, he found that she, like him, was a little surprised by the emperor's words.
Seeing the two of them exchanging glances, the emperor pursed his lips, stood up, and walked over to Lu Guanque. He patted his shoulder, his tone casual yet profound, "Now that you're getting better, there are some things you should consider."
"You've been married for two or three years now, and there have been constant turmoil. Now that you've talked it out, it's time to settle down. This huge Duke's Mansion needs some more popularity. I'm still waiting to celebrate your child's full moon."
After the emperor finished speaking, he saw that neither of them said anything, smiled inwardly, and turned to leave.
The atmosphere was silent and subtle, and no one took the initiative to speak. Lu Guanque quietly stepped forward and silently shook Meng Xuanli's hand. Her hand was a little cold.
The emperor's words were like the wind blowing across the lake, leaving only calm after the ripples. Because of the estrangement and separation in the past, the issue of the child had almost never been truly addressed between her and him.
Rain began to fall outside the window, clouds and mist swirled around, blurring Meng Xuanli's vision. She had been silent for a while because she didn't know how to face Lu Guanque. Although he hadn't mentioned the child, she understood that he must be very upset because of the birth control pills.
That night, the moon did not appear. After Lu Guanque finished bathing, he put on a loose white middle-length robe, his dark hair slightly damp and shrouded in moisture, and walked into Chengju.
It was quiet outside, with only the faint sound of water coming from inside.
He followed the sound, lifted the curtain, walked around the screen, and saw Meng Xuanli sitting in the misty bathtub with his back to him.
Water vapor was rising, and her long black hair was wet, sticking to her fair and slender shoulders and neck, giving her a hazy and fragile beauty.
Lu Guanque didn't walk over directly, but looked at her quietly. In the past, they were sometimes busy, sometimes estranged, and sometimes concealed, and there were rarely such peaceful moments.
After a long time, he walked over quietly. The wind blew, and Meng Xuanli probably noticed it.
She didn't look back, her body tensed slightly, then relaxed. She hugged her knees, looked up at him, and remained silent.
Lu Guanque lowered his head slightly and spoke to her: "Do you need help?"
Meng Xuanli nodded, the warm water wrapped around her body. She pointed to her lips and said, "Here."
Lu Guanque put his arms around her smooth shoulders and neck from the front, lowered his head, and pressed his lips with a fresh breath against hers.
Meng Xuanli closed her eyes, feeling his warmth and touch. Because the water was warm, her cheeks flushed, her tongue burned, and her eyes moistened as he kissed her.
Seeing that she did not resist, Lu Guanque's heart moved slightly. He gently held the back of her neck with one hand and carefully supported the side of her face with the other hand.
Drops of water slid down her eyebrows, cheeks, and collarbone, falling into the water with a slight sound.
After a long moment, Lu Guanque pulled away and stared at her, his eyes filled with surging affection and longing. He rubbed her delicate skin with his thumb and whispered, "Ali..."
"Let's forget the past and live a good life from now on."
Meng Xuanli's shoulders and neck flushed, and he nodded, his voice a little hoarse with emotion: "Okay."
Lu Guanque said no more and lifted him up from the water. Water splashed everywhere, and she let out a soft cry and wrapped her arms around his neck.
In the familiar dimness, he carried her towards the bed. The gauze curtains moved slightly, blocking out the moonlight and coolness outside, while the warmth of their mutual warmth permeated the curtains.
Meng Xuanli lay on his back, and there was no longer any of the previous testing, estrangement, or anger between them. This time, there was only sincerity and acceptance.
Lu Guanque had just recovered from his injury, and although his movements were extremely cautious, they were still full of unquestionable possession.
Meng Xuanli looked at him. His shoulders and neck were clear, his face was rosy, and the lust in his eyes was like running water, slowly flowing into her heart.
She suddenly thought that ever since she made things clear that time, Lu Guanque seemed to be completely different from before. Whether it was usually or now, he would ask her about her feelings over and over again, and would only do such a thing after she nodded.
The caress of their fingertips, the lingering of their lips, the entanglement of their hearts... everything was proceeding slowly and steadily. They were in tune with each other, and in this way, they reaffirmed each other's existence and declared their beautiful future.
Sweat soaked his forehead, and his panting was intertwined in the tent. Meng Xuanli's eyes were misty, and in the vast ocean, he held him tightly.
After a long time, the sea water slowly receded. Lu Guanque did not leave immediately, still lying on her, burying his face in her neck.
Meng Xuanli felt the violent rise and fall of his chest, the aftermath of which was magnificent. Her cheeks flushed red as she rubbed his black hair, feeling a sour and soft tranquility.
She raised her weak hand and stroked his sweaty back, her fingertips sliding over the scars, her mind moving slightly: "Lu Guanque."
"What's wrong?" His voice sounded a little unreal.
"Nothing, just calling you."
The night was deep, and the air within the tent was filled with the laziness and intimacy that followed passion. They didn't speak again, and Meng Xuanli was held in his arms, quietly listening to his gradually calming heartbeat.
Over and over again, Meng Xuanli closed his eyes drowsily and gradually fell asleep.
#
As May passed, the air of early summer became increasingly intense, the grass and trees in the courtyard were lush and fragrant, and the sun became noticeably warmer.
But Meng Xuanli's body was still stuck in winter. It was fine during the day, but at night, especially when she was about to fall asleep, she felt like she had fallen into an icy cave, her limbs cold and chilly, making it almost impossible to sleep.
That night, Lu Guanque held her tightly in his arms, trying to pass on his warmth to her. He lowered his eyes and asked softly, "Now? Are you still cold?"
Meng Xuanli curled up and nodded: "Maybe it's because I have a cold constitution, coupled with excessive worry in recent days."
Lu Guanque's health gradually improved under the care of Imperial Physician Yu, so he could feel the unusually low temperature of the person in his arms even more clearly. He suppressed his doubts and whispered, "Your hands and feet are frighteningly cold. Don't sleep yet. I'll get some hot water."
Meng Xuanli closed his eyes and said "hmm".
When Lu Guanque returned and lifted the curtain, he saw Meng Xuanli's huddled figure, her face pale and sweat dripping from her forehead. He quietly embraced her from behind. Meng Xuanli slowly opened her eyes and mumbled, "Lu Guanque, I feel even colder now that you've left."
As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Guanque picked her up and held her sideways, letting her sit on his lap. Meng Xuanli leaned her face against his chest, frowning, as if in pain.
"I won't leave." He trembled, "Be good, open your eyes and look at me, don't fall asleep yet."
Meng Xuanli hummed sullenly, "I'm not going to sleep."
Lu Guanque held her feet. Her ankles were slender and her toes were cold, like ice that could not melt in the hot water.
Meng Xuanli curled her toes and tried to pull them back, but Lu Guanque held them tighter. She shook her head, "Don't do it. It will be fine tomorrow."
"Hold me to sleep."
Lu Guanque frowned, but said nothing when he saw her like this. He packed everything up and hugged her in bed. He subconsciously felt the warmth of her fingers, and the coolness of their touch dispelled his sleepiness.
The next morning, Lu Guanque sent someone to invite Doctor Yu over, only asking him to check his pulse and see if Madam was showing any signs of chills.
Doctor Yu arrived quickly, carefully examining Meng Xuanli's pulse and asking about her daily diet and sleep. Meng Xuanli answered all of her questions, but when she mentioned her menstrual period, her voice dropped slightly, and she was a little uncertain.
After a long pause, Imperial Physician Yu stroked his beard, his expression somewhat solemn. He glanced at Lu Guanque, who looked concerned, and spoke carefully, "Madam's pulse is weak and thready, her hands and feet are cold, and her menstruation is irregular. This is a sign of long-term invasion of evil cold, which is depleting her vital energy."
Lu Guanque pressed on, "A cold evil invasion? Where did it come from? She's been very careful about her diet and daily routine."
Imperial Physician Yu glanced at Meng Xuanli, paused, and slowly said, "This cold isn't entirely external. From my observation of Madam's pulse, it seems to be due to long-term use of cold medicines."
He paused, speaking slowly and clearly, "I wonder if Madam is still taking contraceptive pills since last time?"
The inner room suddenly became quiet.
Meng Xuanli was stunned, her eyelashes drooping, hiding her emotions. After a moment, she shook her head: "After Doctor Yu's last reminder, I no longer need it."
"Then how long did it take before this?" Lu Guanque's voice was light and without any blame.
Meng Xuanli raised her eyes, looked at him, and recalled: "...on and off for more than half a year."
She had only wanted to draw a clear line between them and not have any deeper ties with him, but she had not noticed that the drug would cause such long-lasting and profound damage.
Seeing her guilt, Lu Guanque reached out, gently held her fingers, and shook his head, indicating that it was all over.
His gaze shifted, his tone returning to calm. "Doctor Yu, since this is the root cause, how should we treat it? Can it be cured?"
Imperial Physician Yu nodded, "Don't worry, Duke. Madam is young and has a strong constitution. She is not incurable. However, this illness didn't develop overnight. It will take time to treat. We need to warm the meridians to dispel the cold and nourish the Chong and Ren meridians."
"I will prepare a prescription for you right away, along with acupuncture and moxibustion. You should slowly recuperate and your condition should improve over time."
"Thank you, Imperial Physician." Lu Guanque nodded.
After a while, they were the only two left in the inner room.
Lu Guanque walked over to Meng Xuanli and sat down, wrapping her cold hands in his palms and rubbing them gently.
He asked in a low voice, "Where did you buy the medicine?"
Meng Xuanli leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "The people who sell medicine are all people I trust." She shook her head and said affirmatively, "They treat me very well and will not harm anyone."
"Maybe my health is weak. Listen to the doctor and rest for a few days. Maybe I will get better."
Lu Guanque hugged her tighter, his chin rubbing against the top of her head, without saying a word. He understood her situation and the choices she had made, but he felt sorry for her for having to endure so much alone.
However, doubts crept through his heart like an undercurrent. Although he was not familiar with pharmacology, he knew that even if the contraceptive drug had a cold nature, it would not be so serious.
Is there something else fishy going on here?
Lu Guanque hugged her tighter, but a thought occurred to him. He naturally trusted Imperial Physician Yu, but it would be safer to consult a medical expert.
-----------------------
The author has something to say: The pace is quite fast, and the torture will start in the next chapter.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
