Chapter 8: His Majesty Plays Rogue
After driving everyone away, Chen Dingyao was still a little reluctant, so she put her arm around Chan Zhen's waist and wanted to continue what she had been interrupted for. But seeing Chan Zhen turning her face away in her arms, she knew that she was resisting, so she had no choice but to let her go.
Don't rush things, there is still a long way to go.
Zen Zhen had never been so close to anyone before. Even though she knew she would eventually serve him, she still needed some time to adjust. She silently took a step back, putting some distance between them, her eyes wary, afraid he would get excited and try to flirt with her again.
Chen Dingyao smiled faintly and stopped forcing it. He naturally let go of the previous incident.
"Where were we talking about originally?" He paused and thought for a moment, then continued, "I heard that you were originally from Yuezhou?"
Chan Zhen nodded and said, "My hometown is indeed Yuezhou."
"I have never been to Yuezhou. Why don't you tell me about your hometown?" When the emperor toured the south, he would only stop at prosperous places like Yangzhou. Whether in his past life or this life, he had never been to Chan Zhen's hometown in person.
He was curious about what kind of environment and climate could produce a woman like Zenzhen.
Chan Zhen was silent for a long time before she replied, "I have never left the house since I was in my boudoir, and I don't know much about Yuezhou."
Before she was eight, her only memory was of that small courtyard, where her mother held her hand and waited at the gate, day and night hoping her father would come home. After she turned eight, her father took her home, only to lock her in another, larger courtyard. Looking up, she could only see the sky, divided into squares. As for the clamor and bustle outside, it had nothing to do with her.
Hearing her answer, Chen Dingyao felt a surge of pity. Yes, a man like Song Ming, still obsessed with clinging to power even when his daughter was critically ill, was simply unfit to be a father. If it weren't for his final provocation in her previous life, Chan Zhen might not have died so early.
Recalling the appearance of Chan Zhen when he passed away in his previous life, a hint of coldness flashed across his eyes. If Song Ming was not Chan Zhen's biological father, he would definitely make him live a life worse than death.
However, although he had thousands of murderous thoughts in his heart, he did not show it on his face and remained dignified and gentle.
"That's fine. To be able to raise a girl like you, Yuezhou must be a land of outstanding people and beautiful scenery. This place is not far from Yuezhou. I can take advantage of my southern tour to visit your hometown."
Chanzhen looked up at him, wanting to speak but stopping herself. She didn't want His Majesty to go to Yuezhou. Given her father's personality, if he knew His Majesty was visiting, he would definitely try every possible means to curry favor with His Majesty. Although no one in the Song family held an official position, they were wealthy in Yuezhou and had deep ties to local officials. There was no guarantee that an official would actually introduce him to someone.
After much hesitation, he finally spoke: "Your Majesty, Yuezhou is just a small place and cannot bear your great presence."
Chen Dingyao sensed a lack of nostalgia for her hometown in her words, and after a moment's reflection, he understood the reason. Chan Zhen probably didn't want to return to the Song family. After all, in his previous life, he had promoted the Song family, but ultimately failed to please her. Instead, the Song family's rise to prominence brought her much infamy.
Chan Zhen's background was still a problem. He could have given her the title of consort and queen, and he could have single-handedly warded off the objections of the court officials. However, for long-term planning, Chan Zhen still needed a strong maternal family, and the Song family was not worthy of the position of a patriarchal family.
He must plan ahead.
"Then let's not go. I think Yangzhou is the most prosperous place in Jiangnan."
Putting aside his thoughts for the moment, he turned to Chan Zhen, a smile in his eyes, "I have long wanted to see the beautiful scenery of Yangzhou in March. Chan Zhen, are you willing to accompany me?"
Zen Zhen's heartbeat quickened, and she asked with eyes wide open in surprise, "Can I have you?"
She had long wanted to escape from this small courtyard that trapped her and go out to see how big the world was and how beautiful the beautiful rivers and mountains were.
Chen Dingyao looked into her bright eyes and spoke in a deep voice.
"Whatever you wish for, I will grant it."
Chan Zhen's heart fluttered slightly. His Majesty's gaze was so gentle, his tone so profound, as if he held her at the top of his heart, and she was almost flattered. But he was the Son of Heaven, always surrounded by beautiful women. Although Chan Zhen knew she was beautiful, she didn't overestimate her own abilities and think that her beauty could win the Majesty's heart at first sight.
To which women had His Majesty spoken such sweet nothings? She had no idea. When her father and mother were deeply in love, they must have exchanged sweet nothings, but what was the final outcome? Her mother died alone in that small courtyard. Her father, upon learning of the tragedy, shed no tears and never mentioned her name again.
She knew that she shouldn't have any delusions, so she lowered her eyes to avoid the fiery gaze.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
His Majesty was full of motivation and immediately took Zenzhen back to his room to freshen his hair.
Since he was traveling incognito, he had to change out of any attire that didn't suit commoner standards. He removed his overly solemn black robe and donned a green shirt instead. He also replaced the dragon-shaped ornament that symbolized his imperial status with an ordinary jade pendant with a cloud pattern. He looked less majestic than usual and more gentle.
Guo Kai was so anxious that he was fuming. He tried to persuade him earnestly, "Your Majesty, please at least bring Commander Fang with you. What if someone outside bumps into you and Miss Song?"
Chen Dingyao was very excited. "Don't worry, I will protect her."
He is not a weak scholar who cannot lift anything with his hands or shoulders. When he was young, he fought in the battlefields in wind and rain. Taking the heads of enemy generals among thousands of people was no problem for him. How could he not protect his woman?
"Oh, my," Guo Kai almost covered his face with his hands. "I'm not worried about Miss Song, I'm worried about you, Your Majesty. But seeing how eager Your Majesty is, I'm afraid he's gone too far. He's trying every possible way to be alone with Miss Song. No other concubine in the palace is as eager as you."
After Chen Dingyao finished getting ready, he turned around and saw Chan Zhen already ready, waiting for him silently by the door, head bowed, looking very well-behaved. She had hardly made any changes, except for a pair of more comfortable and easy-to-walk embroidered shoes.
"Have you been waiting for a long time?" He strode forward with a smile on his face.
Chan Zhen raised his head upon hearing this, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. Didn't His Majesty say he was going on an incognito tour? Why was he dressed so extravagantly to attract attention?
She shook her head: "I just sorted it out."
Chen Dingyao carefully examined her from head to toe, and then instructed Guo Kai, "Find me a veil hat."
His Zen was so beautiful that he would definitely be coveted by lustful men when he walked on the street. He felt furious just imagining the kind of covetous gazes he would see.
This is my person, and I will not allow anyone to interfere.
Chan Zhen didn't resist. She knew how eye-catching her appearance was, and it would be best if she could avoid trouble by wearing a veil.
While waiting, Chen Dingyao's eyes never left her. Suddenly, he remembered something and smiled meaningfully. He casually said, "Since we're going on an incognito tour, we naturally have to be more discreet about the title."
Chan Zhen didn't know what he was planning, so he just said obediently, "I will obey your Majesty."
His smile deepened: "In that case, there is no need to call me Your Majesty in public."
If not Your Majesty, then what? Zen Zhen looked at him in confusion.
"I grew up in the imperial palace, but I don't know how ordinary wives address their husbands outside their homes." His tone was slightly coaxing. "Chanzhen, can you explain this to me?"
Zen Zhenduo's face turned red and he took a step back unconsciously.
Seeing her retreat, Chen Dingyao took a step forward, pressing her, and asked, "I'm really curious, Chanzhen, how do you want to address me?"
Zen Zhen lowered his head in panic, avoiding his fiery gaze. His lips moved several times but he still didn't dare to say anything.
Chen Dingyao didn't press any further. Chan Zhen was timid by nature, and if he pressed her too hard, she would shrink back, which would be counterproductive. Seeing her face flushed and embarrassed, not daring to meet his eyes, he chuckled softly:
"Husband, or Yao Lang, which one do you choose, Chan Zhen?"
Chan Zhen was driven to the edge, feeling somewhat ashamed and annoyed. He almost wanted to roll his eyes at him, but the thought that this scoundrel was His Majesty deflated him. After a long pause, he finally made a decision, speaking in a whisper: "Yao... Yao Lang."
Always better than my husband.
Hearing the name "Yao Lang" from her mouth, Chen Dingyao was overjoyed and could hardly restrain his desire to rush forward and embrace her. Yao Lang, he had only been called that by his mother when he was young. In his previous life, until his death, Chan Zhen had only coldly called him "Your Majesty", and no matter how much he threatened or induced him, he never changed his words.
Being called like this by the beloved woman, I felt so happy in my heart that it seemed as if it was worth it to be reborn in this life just for her to call me "Yao Lang".
"Zen Zhen." Infinite tenderness welled up in his heart, but he didn't know where to start. For a moment, he was excited like a young boy. "From now on, call me this."
Chan Zhen, however, refused to speak a second time. She didn't know His Majesty's true name, but the title "Yao Lang" must have been incredibly intimate. Not to mention that she hadn't yet truly become his woman, even the ladies in the palace wouldn't dare address him that way, would they? It was fine if he liked her now, but his heart could change. If he grew displeased with her, calling her "Yao Lang" would only confirm her transgression.
"Your Majesty, it's getting late." Zen Zhen turned away and changed the subject.
Chen Dingyao's eyes darkened and he sighed with some regret, but then he thought that there would always be a next time after the first time, and at least it was much better than Chan Zhen's attitude towards him in the previous life.
"Then let's go." He took the veil from Guo Kai and put it on Chan Zhen, covering her face tightly.
The ten-mile Yangzhou road in the spring breeze is not as beautiful as the rolled-up pearl curtain.
It's no wonder Yangzhou is known as the most prosperous place in the south of the Yangtze River. Along the streets, shops are clustered together, and pedestrians are thronging shoulder to shoulder. Compared to the solemnity of the imperial capital, Yangzhou has a more down-to-earth atmosphere.
To avoid being bumped by pedestrians, Chan Zhen was practically carried in His Majesty's arms as they walked. She had no time to pay attention to His Majesty's hand on her waist, her eyes fixed on the bustling city around her, her expression filled with joy.
Chen Dingyao held her in his arms all the way, guiding her away from the crowds. When he ascended the throne, he was still young and energetic, having organized numerous southern tours before, and he had long since grown tired of the scenery of Jiangnan. It was at this time in his previous life that he had simply assigned the responsibility of the southern tour to Yun Yi, partly to train Yun Yi's abilities for the succession, and partly because he was weary. But traveling with Chan Zhen was an unprecedented experience.
Looking at her excited expression, the scenery along the way that had already been familiar to her became new and interesting.
Chan Zhen's attention was attracted by a small shop on the roadside. The items displayed in the shop were not expensive, but just clay dolls made by hand. These dolls had different shapes and were no different from each other. Each of them stood vividly with a festive smile on its face.
The shop owner was a smart man. Seeing that the two men were dressed in elegant clothes and had extraordinary demeanor, he quickly greeted them with a polite smile on his face.
"Young Master and Young Lady, take a look. Is there anything you like?"
Chan Zhen first looked up, wanting to ask His Majesty's opinion. After all, His Majesty was the one who could make the decision. Although she liked them, His Majesty was of noble birth, and she didn't know whether he would like them or not. He didn't know whether he would think these clay dolls were too crude and unworthy of his status.
But the emperor reached out and picked up a doll with great interest, motioning for her to see it: "Zhenzhen, what do you think of this?"
Chan Zhen took a closer look and found that the emperor's vision was surprisingly the same as hers. She also took a liking to this boy at first sight. He had chubby cheeks and was bowing, looking very naive.
"I also have a crush on this doll. I don't know why I always feel very close to it, but also very pitiful."
Seeing that she was reluctant to let go, Chen Dingyao's smile faded slightly, and bitterness surged in his heart.
The first time he saw the baby, he thought of Yuan Zhao, the child he and Chan Zhen had lost in their previous life. Chan Zhen had a difficult time giving birth to Yuan Zhao, so Yuan Zhao had always been weaker than an average child. He and Chan Zhen took great care of Yuan Zhao and finally raised him to the age of three, but a cold took him away unexpectedly.
He often thought about how his relationship with Chan Zhen had improved somewhat since Yuan Zhao was born. In the long run, they might finally resolve their differences and grow old together as equals. In his new life, although Yuan Zhao hadn't yet arrived and Chan Zhen had no memories of his past life, he still felt a special connection with the child.
"How about buying this?" Although he asked in a questioning tone, he paid directly.
The shop owner looked at the huge ingot of silver and was at a loss, "Sir, you don't need so much."
Chen Dingyao looked calm and said, "The extra ones are a reward for your craftsmanship."
Zenzhen took the clay doll from him, holding it in his palm. The more he looked at it, the more he liked it. He almost couldn't bear to look away. But it was not convenient to do it on the street, so he had to put it away for the time being.
"Let's go look somewhere else?" Chen Dingyao suggested.
Zen Zhen nodded, and when he turned around, he bumped into a very familiar figure in his sight. He was also dressed in green like His Majesty, and his eyes were fixed on them for who knows how long.
At the same time, Chen Dingyao also noticed where her gaze was going. He looked over and saw that it was a strange young man. The smile on his face immediately disappeared, and his expression turned cold. He narrowed his eyes slightly, and looked the man up and down with a sharp and critical gaze, and a trace of suspicion surged in his heart.
Who is this? It seems like he's an acquaintance of Zen Zhen.
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