Chapter 90 Finale
◎Everyone who lives life with heart deserves to be the most perfect protagonist in his or her own story.◎
Chu Yufu cried for a long time, so long that the red candle on the table burned down to the length of a thumb. She cried until her temples throbbed with pain, and then she fell into a deep sleep, curled up in the corner of the bed, covered in the quilt.
The sound of the clappers at the hour of Chou could be heard from afar, and the charcoal brazier in the house occasionally made a soft crackling sound.
Chuyi, who was originally lying beside Chu Yufu's pillow, suddenly moved his ears, opened his eyes smartly and looked up towards the door. After carefully sniffing the scent coming from outside the door, he tilted his head in confusion and stared at the door without blinking.
The door slowly opened under its gaze, and a dark shadow walked in with a cold wind. It stopped behind a white stone bead curtain about ten feet away from the bed.
Chuyi was silent for a moment. After seeing who was coming, he immediately shook his tail like a windmill. He rushed to the other person's legs, grabbed the boots with his little paws, and purred coquettishly.
Chu Yufu slept uneasily. Although Chuyi's noise was not loud, it still woke her up.
"...Chuyi? What happened Chuyi?"
She struggled to lift her red, swollen, and stinging eyelids, and murmured in a hoarse voice, but the moment she looked up, she froze.
Behind the white stone bead curtain, a tall, handsome figure was outlined in the cold moonlight. She was so familiar with that figure that her heart suddenly tightened and skipped a beat.
Tears welled up again without warning, blurring everything in front of her eyes, but she bit her lower lip tightly, not daring to raise her hand to wipe them away.
She had had this dream more than once, and every time she moved, she would wake up. When she opened her eyes, she was left alone to face the deep emptiness and immense despair.
Please, let this dream last a little longer, let her look at it a few more times, maybe after some time, she won't dream of such a clear face anymore.
But don't dream about it all the time. It would be too cruel to open the wound again and again and face the loss when you wake up alone.
Just when she was about to cry to death, the dark shadow moved.
A bony hand lifted the bead curtain, walked step by step to the bed, knelt on one knee on the footstool, stretched out a slightly cold hand, wiped the tears from her face, and coaxed her in a low voice.
"Be good, don't cry... I'm back."
His cold hands were a little rough, and his fingertips were covered with calluses from years of martial arts training, but his movements were incredibly gentle.
Chu Yufu was stunned. She raised her hand tremblingly and gently touched the cheek of the person in front of her.
! Cool
Being able to touch it...isn't a dream!
All the strength in her body seemed to be drained away in an instant. Her raised hand slid to the man's collar and then clenched tightly. All the grievances, fears, despair, and the joy of regaining what she had lost all surged into her heart, and she burst into tears.
"Why, why did you come back just now! Woo——"
Pei Yue held her tightly in his arms, stroking her back with one hand and supporting her neck with the other, and showered her with countless soothing kisses on the top of her head.
"I'm back. I'm not afraid anymore, Fu'er. I'm not afraid anymore."
But after not seeing her for over a month, the young lady had lost a considerable amount of weight. She was as thin as paper, and felt light and fluttery in his arms. Her once rosy face was now the size of a palm, making her tearful eyes look startlingly large. He held her carefully, fearing that a little more force would crush her.
Those scalding tears, how could they fall on the pillow? They clearly fell on his heart, crying so hard that his internal organs ached.
He held the tear-stained face of the person in his arms with both hands and kissed her red lips. This kiss was heavier, deeper, and more random than usual, but only in this way could he feel at ease.
Chu Yufu raised her arms and wrapped them around the man's neck, closed her eyes and kissed him back hard.
If someone asked her at this moment, do you love him?
She thought it must be love. If not love, how could there be so many lingering thoughts? Perhaps her heart knew where love and warmth were long before she knew it.
Leaning in the broad, familiar embrace, she finally calmed down and asked in a hoarse voice, "What's going on? Didn't you say you couldn't get in touch? Why did you suddenly come back... Are you leaving again?"
The man sat on the edge of the bed, and it seemed that he had no intention of taking off his clothes and going to bed.
"Hmm." Pei Yue put his hand on the side of her face, and his thumb gently stroked the red skin under her eyes.
"I haven't lost contact. I just teamed up with His Highness to set up a trap from the beginning to lure the snake out of its hole. The army has already sneaked back to the camp outside the capital in batches. Dawei sent a message saying that you were too sad and crying hard, so I came back to see you. I have to leave before dawn." He said in a low voice.
He had learned a few days ago that she was pregnant, and he was both surprised and worried. For the sake of the greater good, he had to endure it. When he received the message by carrier pigeon today, and learned that she was crying so hard, he could no longer bear it. It felt like a dull knife had cut a piece out of his heart. He could no longer care about anything else and rushed here overnight.
Upon hearing this, Chu Yufu punched him hard and complained with a nasal voice, "Well, you'd rather tell Dawei than tell me a word! Do you know how I've been going through this past month? Do you know how sad I am?"
As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes again.
She didn't want to cry, but she seemed very fragile tonight, and her tear glands seemed to be out of control.
Pei Yue held her hand, wrapped it in his palm, and kissed it on his lips: "If you knew the inside story, you wouldn't be so tormented and sad. It's difficult to be completely truthful. If you want to deceive those eyes in the dark, you have to do the whole thing."
This makes sense. These past few days, she went to the Duke's Mansion whenever she had time, always worried and forcing herself to smile. To those who cared, these were all evidence that something had indeed happened to Pei Yue.
She sniffed: "Did Dawei also tell you that I'm pregnant?"
Pei Yue nodded, a gentle smile spreading in his deep eyes, and his big hands gently and lovingly stroked her still flat belly through the quilt.
"So when you came back this time, were you worried about me... or him?" Chu Yufu's eyes were red and a little sour. She pursed her lips and pointed at her belly.
Pei Yue chuckled softly and leaned over to kiss the corner of her wet eye: "Of course I'm worried about you. The little guy is so troublesome, making you vomit so hard. Wait for him to come out... If it's a girl, it's fine, but if it's a boy, I must scold him severely to vent my anger for you."
Chu Yufu burst into laughter, her eyes curved into crescents.
The haze in her heart was swept away, and a strong sense of fatigue surged over her. She couldn't help but yawn. She was really too tired recently...
Pei Yue laid her flat on her back, carefully tucking in the quilt. He patted her back through the quilt with his large hands, "Go to sleep. The Second Prince already knew last night that His Majesty was about to pass the throne to the First Prince, and he'll be desperate soon. Everything will be settled in three days at most. Stay home and take good care of yourself. Don't go out."
Half asleep and half awake, Chu Yufu tugged at the hem of his clothes and replied vaguely, "Okay, I'll wait for you to come home..."
At dawn, cold rain and snow began to fall from the sky, and fine ice particles hit the window frames with a crackling sound.
Chu Yufu slept soundly in the warm, soft quilt, the corners of her mouth curling up unconsciously. It was not until almost noon that she slowly woke up.
She tilted her head and grabbed the mandarin duck jade pendant that had been placed beside the soft pillow. She rolled around on the bed with the quilt in her arms, then shouted hoarsely, "Lanzhu—"
The person who pushed the door open was Yinsuo.
Yinsuo came in with a copper basin filled with warm water and said, "Sister Lanzhu's eyes are swollen like peaches. I brought her an ice towel so she can rest for a while."
She walked closer, rolled up the bed curtains, looked at Chu Yufu's equally red and swollen eyelids, and hissed softly, "Madam, how about I get you an ice towel to apply?"
Chu Yufu got off the bed, looked at herself in the mirror, and couldn't help but smile bitterly: "Okay."
The handkerchief washed with well water was left to dry in the cold wind on the porch for a while and then it froze to half-hardness.
She lay back on the bed, Yinsuo put a handkerchief on her eyes, then turned around to open the food box that had just been delivered from the kitchen, and placed the side dishes one by one on the nanmu round table.
The dishes were all plain, including stewed winter bamboo shoots, cabbage and tofu stew, stir-fried mustard greens, and radish and rice oil soup. The only dish with a hint of meat was the egg yolk pastry.
The egg yolk pastry was brushed with egg liquid and baked until crispy, and filled with sweet and sticky red bean paste and oily salted egg yolk. It was made specially for the lady by the kitchen.
Yinsuo came to the bed with a plate in his hand. "Madam, the kitchen has made some egg yolk pastries. Could you smell them? Can you eat some?"
As the smell of red bean paste and salted egg yolks approached, Chu Yufu's stomach started to churn. She couldn't help but dry heave and quickly waved her hands, saying listlessly, "I don't want to eat it. You and Lanzhu can share it."
Yinsuo agreed and quickly put the snacks far away.
The ice towel had to be applied for at least half a quarter of an hour. Yinsuo took out the clothes that Madam would wear and draped them on the screen. He caught a glimpse of the dish of egg yolk pastry that had caused trouble, and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Madam, what does it feel like to be pregnant?"
Chu Yufu raised her hand and placed it on her lower abdomen, thinking for a while: "Well... actually, there is nothing special feeling." There was a hint of confusion in her tone that she couldn't explain.
Perhaps because of the recent changes and the exhaustion she felt, she found that she didn't have the huge excitement of becoming a mother that she had expected. To be more precise, she often even forgot that she was pregnant.
Apart from the nauseating morning sickness, her life didn't seem to have changed much because of this sudden news. She was still the same person, not transformed by the arrival of a new life.
If it weren't for the happy pulse on her wrist and the sudden nausea, she would even feel that pregnancy was still a long way off.
"I see." Yinsuo scratched his head, not quite understanding, and suddenly an idea struck him. "Hey, Madam, haven't you been missing the almond cakes from Xiangrunzhai? How about I go buy some later? You have to eat something."
It was true that she hadn't eaten properly for a few days. Thinking of the snacks in Xiangrunzhai, Chu Yufu drooled a little. However, just as she was about to nod in agreement, the man's low voice rang in her mind: The second prince will force the emperor to abdicate soon.
Thinking back to the plot in the original book, it’s been quite chaotic outside lately!
Her heart trembled, and she quickly shook her head: "No need! I'm afraid things are not peaceful outside recently, so try not to go out. Later, ask Yun Xing to go to the Chu family and give Grandmother a message. Tell her that I'm afraid the situation outside is about to change, and tell her to close the doors and be extra careful. And let the servants be alert."
"Well..." she added, "Don't tell grandma about my pregnancy yet, so she doesn't worry for nothing."
She had also considered bringing her grandmother to the Pei Mansion for temporary shelter. But firstly, her grandmother might not agree to come; secondly, Aunt Bai and her fourth sister were still at the Chu family, and she couldn't bring all the women of the Chu family here at once, as it would be too conspicuous.
My grandmother has always been a person of strong opinions. Once I pass on the message, I'm sure she will make arrangements early.
Yinsuo nodded and took note. Figuring the time was up, she stepped forward, gently removing the ice handkerchief from Chu Yufu's eyes, and helped her sit up. While arranging her nightgown, she chatted, "Madam, speaking of the changing times, I'm reminded of Madam Zhu, the one who was in charge of the groceries in the kitchen the other day."
"Mother Zhu is complaining that there are suddenly a lot of new faces around here. They look like bad people and are always fighting and causing trouble. The vegetable vendors have to rush out of town as soon as they finish selling their vegetables, and they don't dare to stay a moment longer. She has to get up earlier than usual to do her shopping, and she doesn't get enough sleep. She complains a lot."
Chu Yufu stood up, slowly walked to the table and sat down, picked up the chopsticks, and said softly: "It's okay, it will be fine in a few days."
…
Just as Pei Yue said.
On the third day, before dawn, a dazzling firework whistled straight into the sky and exploded with a bang. The whole capital city instantly exploded. The sounds of smashing, killing and screaming came from all directions, breaking the silence of dawn.
The lights in Pei Mansion were instantly bright. Dawei led his elite troops to rush to the main gate and the corner gates. Under the courtyard wall, there were shadows of people, and one person stood solemnly every twenty steps, patrolling and guarding back and forth.
When Empress Wu and the third princess hurriedly put on their clothes and rushed to Anle Garden, the guards from Duke Xin's Mansion sent by Madam Shen also arrived with a group of people.
Queen Wu stepped forward, frowning and asking, "What's going on? Why is there such a commotion outside?"
The general clearly recognized the Empress and clasped his hands in a bow. "Your Majesty! Late last night, the Second Prince launched an attack on the palace! He also sent troops to infiltrate the palace, intending to abduct Her Majesty and the Princess, in an attempt to force the First Prince to relinquish the Crown Prince's throne! However, his attack was in vain, revealing that the Empress and the Princess had already left the palace. The Second Prince, desperate, has ordered the thieves lurking in the city to riot, intending to use the chaos to shield his escape!"
Empress Wu gasped and tightened her grip on the handkerchief, "This evil creature! How dare they do such a heinous act...!"
The third princess asked anxiously, "Are my eldest brother and father okay?"
The household general replied in a deep voice, "Your Highness, don't worry. Your Highness has already contacted General Pei, and the army has rushed to the palace to protect you and quell the rebellion!"
Lan Zhu's eyes suddenly lit up when she heard this. She trembled with excitement and couldn't help but grab Chu Yufu's hand beside her, crying with joy: "...Madam, General, General!"
Chu Yufu bit her lip and held her hand tightly.
"All we have to do is guard our home well. Once the palace is stabilized, the army will definitely come to suppress this group of scoundrels as soon as possible."
The Duke of Xin's Mansion brought twenty elite warriors, all of whom were arranged to guard Anle Garden.
Soon, cries and sounds of smashing and vandalism could be heard from the surrounding neighboring residences. Then, the heavy main gate and west corner gate of the Pei Mansion were also violently rammed. The heavy banging sounded like drums, shaking everyone's heart.
Fortunately, the mansion had been prepared. Thick crossbars had already been firmly fixed behind the door, and no matter how hard the outsiders rammed it, the door remained unmoved. Seeing that ramming the door was fruitless, the people outside prepared to climb over the wall with a ladder.
Want to climb over the wall? That's even harder. The soldiers guarding the inside have sharp eyes. As soon as a shadow emerges from the top of the wall, they will strike with a knife. Screams and the sound of falling to the ground can be heard from time to time.
Listening to the commotion outside, Empress Wu smiled, patted Chu Yufu's hand, and asked gently, "Are you scared?"
Chu Yufu shook her head, thinking of the past half month's experience, and breathed a sigh of relief: "Compared to this, I am more afraid that my general will not come back."
The Third Princess leaned against the door and burst out laughing when she heard this: "The friendship between Madam and the General is enough to write a touching storybook."
When the sky brightened and the golden sun rose high in the sky, the rapid and orderly sound of horse hooves mixed with the sound of military drums and trumpets echoed through the streets and alleys.
Soon, everything outside returned to calm.
The door of Pei Mansion slowly opened.
Pei Yue, clad in blood-stained black armor and holding his helmet, strode into the palace. He walked straight to Empress Wu, knelt on one knee, his armor clanging. "I'm sorry that I'm late in protecting you. I frightened you and your Highness."
Empress Wu hurriedly raised her hand to support him and said with a smile, "General Pei, please stand up quickly!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Pei Yue stood up and looked over the crowd at the beautiful figure standing beside the princess.
He strode up to Chu Yufu and said, "I'm back."
Chu Yufu's eyes were already blurred with tears, and all her worries disappeared at this moment. She didn't care that she was in public and walked forward to give him a hug.
Unexpectedly, the moment she got close, a strong smell of blood came from him. Her face suddenly changed, she covered her mouth and took a step back.
"vomit!--"
"Fuer——"
"lady!"
Everyone was startled and rushed over with screams. Pei Yue's face turned pale and he wanted to rush forward to help, but Lan Zhu, who was quick-eyed and quick-handed, stopped him with open arms.
"...General, you should go wash up first. My wife is pregnant now and can't stand the smell of fishy things!"
The Third Princess held Empress Wu's arm and covered her mouth with her hands, laughing. "Oh my! I was expecting to see a heartwarming scene like a couple hugging and looking into each other's eyes with tears! What a shame!"
Looking at the chaos, Queen Wu couldn't help laughing and shook her head.
-
At the end of December, His Majesty issued an edict announcing to the world that the eldest prince, Jiang Jingyan, was appointed Crown Prince and would reside in the Eastern Palace. The second prince, Jiang Jingyi, had a history of misconduct, forming cliques for personal gain, and defying human ethics, and was exiled to the Imperial Mausoleum for life to reflect on his mistakes.
Perhaps out of consideration for the royal family's reputation, his crimes were not listed in detail, but being exiled to the imperial mausoleum was basically lifelong confinement.
On New Year’s Eve, every household lights up.
Brilliant fireworks bloomed on the banks of the Imperial River, and the colorful light was reflected on the sparkling river surface, like broken silver and flowing gold, like a dream.
Chu Yufu, wrapped in a snow-white mink fur coat, leaned in Pei Yue's arms, standing on the highest attic in the mansion, looking at the fireworks feast from afar.
She looked at the illuminated houses in the distance and said, "Those rebels have one good thing: they only target officials and wealthy families, and don't bother with the trivialities of ordinary people. So they haven't caused too much harm to ordinary people."
Pei Yue chuckled when he heard that, and gently rubbed his chin against the top of her soft hair. His warm hands reached under her mink fur coat, resting on her soft belly and stroking it carefully: "Speaking of this, there's something I forgot to tell you."
"What?" Chu Yufu leaned lazily on his chest and looked up at him.
"Ren Yu is dead."
"Ah? Brother-in-law?" Chu Yufu's eyes widened slightly. "How did he die?"
"On the night of the riot in the capital, he stayed at Zuifeng Tower in the west of the city. While fleeing in panic, he encountered a group of desperadoes who were taking advantage of the chaos to loot. He was beaten to death on the spot. It was two days before the Ren family found his body."
Pei Yue paused and added, "Your eldest sister is now clamoring for a divorce and wants to become a nun in a Taoist temple."
"...Then my father and stepmother will be so angry that they will die." She never thought that things would develop in this direction.
A gust of cold wind blew, lifting the hair on her forehead. Pei Yue raised his hand, carefully put on her hood, and led her downstairs to the attic: "The wind is strong, let's go down. Well, I heard that Shuangshuang is sick because of anger..."
"Your morning sickness has improved a lot over the past two days. When Xiangrunzhai opens, I'll have someone buy you some almond cakes. I'll have some old duck soup stewed in the kitchen tomorrow to nourish you."
Chu Yufu held his dry, warm hand in return, intertwining their fingers, her brows curved: "Okay."
Huge golden fireworks exploded in the night sky behind them, showering down meteors. Red lanterns hung throughout the mansion cast a warm glow across the white snow.
When she reached the stairs, Chu Yufu stopped, looked back at the bright night sky, and smiled sweetly.
Everyone who lives with heart deserves to be the most perfect protagonist in his or her own story.
-End of Text-
【Author’s words】
I'm so happy to be typing this late at night, and I'm grateful to all my readers for their support. I'll be updating the sequels in the next two weeks, covering topics like Aunt Bai's story, daily life during pregnancy, and daily life after marriage. I've done my best, but there are definitely still many shortcomings. I hope you'll forgive me. This isn't serious literature, just a good laugh! I dedicate this to everyone who takes life seriously. We are all the protagonists of our own lives and deserve the most satisfying ending! [Pink Heart]
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