Chapter 127 Amidst the Clouds (Seventeen) Wei Yuanzhan, how dare you...
The flickering candlelight inside the tent cast the shadows of the two people onto the table, where they overlapped and blended together.
Wei Yuanzhan moved his palm away, his calloused hand caressing Zhi Rou's cheek as he looked at her closely.
Compared to him, she was as white as a peach kernel stripped of its brown skin, warm and soft to the touch. His gaze traveled from her tender face down her neck and collar, finally settling uncontrollably on her slender and supple waist.
Observing her like this, I finally understood why I always felt that something was different about her from the first time I saw her again.
She was no longer that chubby, frail child with only a fleshy face.
For the first time, she sensed a threat from Wei Yuanzhan. Although she did not resist, her heart was pounding like a drum.
A moment later, Zhi Rou turned her face away and pushed hard against his chest with both hands, breaking free from his restraint.
Suddenly, a large, strong hand reached out from her side, pulling her firmly back to her. The next instant, his hand gently touched the back of her neck, and his lips lightly covered hers, kissing her.
The flickering candlelight reflected in Zhi Rou's half-closed eyes, shimmering with a hint of emotion. Wei Yuanzhan's fingertips caressed her shoulder blades and waist, his delicate kisses traveling from her chin to her collar with gentle touches, feeling her body tremble slightly.
When his lips touched a soft red line, Wei Yuanzhan barely regained his senses and stopped his advances.
Even after he stopped, Zhi Rou's blood was still surging, and the lingering sensation made her cheeks burn red, as if they were on fire, almost melting her.
The wind made the curtains rustle.
He unconsciously touched her chin, his touch slightly upwards, as if trying to look into her eyes. Zhi Rou, however, thought he was going to use the same old trick again, and quickly turned her face away, refusing to let him kiss her.
This action was like that of a nimble fox. Wei Yuanzhan's heart skipped a beat, and a tingling, itchy feeling welled up in his chest. He managed to restrain himself, smiled slightly, and lowered his hand: "What were you trying to say just now?"
The first time she pushed him away, she had something to say, but he was too domineering and blocked her words.
Zhi Rou could hardly remember what she was thinking back then. She immediately fluttered her eyelashes, turned around, took a few steps back, and straightened her posture.
All around was quiet, and the bright lights illuminated her face, making the girl's delicate features stand out even more.
After an unknown amount of time, the flush on her face finally faded. Zhi Rou cleared her throat and said, "I'm really tired after a day of hunting. I need to go back and rest."
Before she could finish speaking, she had already lifted her leg, every little movement concealing her shyness.
Wei Yuanzhan chuckled softly and strode after him, saying, "I'll see you off."
One sentence made Zhi Rou stop in her tracks, turn around and stare at him: "Wei Yuanzhan, how dare you..."
What does he dare to do? Wei Yuanzhan wondered.
He turned his head to one side, tried hard to suppress the corners of his mouth, and then turned back, now with a serious expression: "The moonlight outside is just right, please allow me to see the Fourth Young Master off."
When Wei Yuanzhan arrived at Zhirou's tent, he was about to lift the curtain for her when a hand reached out from inside and gently parted the curtain.
Song Congzhao stepped out and raised his eyes. His gaze swept back and forth between the two of them, finally settling on Zhirou. He saw that she was dressed in men's clothing, with a copper-plated belt around her waist. From a distance, she looked like a dashing young man.
Where did they go?
Wei Yuanzhan was always courteous, never speaking in a way that suggested gentleness, and always maintaining proper decorum.
Zhi Rou frowned: "I ate too much at the banquet, so I went for a walk in the woods."
Seeing that she was unharmed, Song Congzhao didn't ask any more questions. He turned to Wei Yuanzhan and said, "It's getting late, Yuanzhan, you should go back too."
Upon entering the tent, the surroundings remained the same as in the afternoon, except that a royal bow had been added to the central arsenal. The candlelight illuminated its intricate patterns, revealing that the bow's ends were shaped like animal heads, each holding a piece of red jade in its mouth.
Zhi Rou showed no interest in the imperial gift, but Song Congzhao stared at it for a long time without saying a word.
Before she could speak, he suddenly spoke, his words filled with undisguised sorrow: "The last person to receive troops from His Majesty was General Chang, right after His Majesty granted him military power in the southwest."
Zhi Rou was slightly taken aback.
Song Congzhao moved to a cushion, rolled up his sleeves, and beckoned to Zhirou. After she sat down, he said in a low voice, "Do you know why I didn't want you to show your face in front of important people before?"
The last time she summoned Zhi Rou to the palace, Song Congzhao was extremely anxious. In addition to sending a letter to Wei Mingying, she even placed people in the inner court. If necessary, that person would lead Zhi Rou to escape through the old path and quietly leave the palace, never to return to the capital again.
After things calmed down for a while, he secretly sent people to protect Zhi Rou.
The bloodlines of the Chang and Ling families are clearly evident in her. Once the Empress sees her, she will surely become suspicious and will not give up easily. If it is confirmed that she is Chang Yu's daughter, she will only have one path: death.
Song Congzhao personally handled all the documents that could confirm Zhi Rou's true identity, so there wouldn't be any mistakes. However, if she and her brother revealed anything during their actions, even a god couldn't protect them.
Zhi Rou could guess her father's intentions, and silently pressed her chin down without saying a word.
Song Congzhao said, "His Majesty has taken notice of you, and you will probably be more constrained in your actions in the future. Yuan Zhan is a kind and honest boy, but his position is too tempting for others to climb. It is not a good thing for you to get close to him at present."
The Marquis of Yining's mansion is deeply rooted and powerful, now boasting two prominent members. Who in this world, driven by self-interest, wouldn't flock to it? What she needs least right now is the attention of others.
Upon hearing the last sentence, Zhi Rou felt a slight tremor in her heart, and her fingertips unconsciously clenched into a fist inside her sleeve.
Song Congzhao glanced at her for a moment, then changed the subject: "I haven't seen your brother visit these past few days. Is he alright?"
Lights were lit everywhere, making the tent as bright as day.
Zhi Rou turned her gaze back, thinking that she should keep it from her mother, so she also made up a lie in front of her father, saying half-truthfully, "He has made progress in the old case and is investigating along the clues. He is probably too busy to handle it these days."
Song Congzhao looked her over and understood. He shook his head with a wry smile: "Each one is more opinionated than the last."
Upon hearing this, Zhi Rou immediately felt somewhat embarrassed.
Before she could respond, he continued, “The Northern Li Kingdom has just quelled its internal strife and a new ruler has ascended the throne. I’ve heard that he has grand ambitions, and His Majesty fears that he might turn his troops south in the autumn. He is currently preoccupied with this and does not want any further complications. As long as His Majesty believes that your matter with your brother is not going to cause any major trouble, he will not waste his energy on it. At that time, you can act with much more composure.”
"My daughter understands."
After a moment, Zhi Rou slightly lifted her eyelids and asked, distracted, "Father, is the new ruler of Bei Li called En He?"
"I don't know about that. I only heard that he has a shallow foundation, but he is sharp-minded and is still a young man in his early twenties."
When the topic turned to the people and affairs on the frontier, Song Congzhao's hands, which were clenched on his knees, tightened again, before relaxing after a long while. He didn't elaborate further, glanced at the tent flap, and slowly stood up.
"His Majesty will be on an inspection tour tomorrow, and I will accompany him. You and your elder brother and sister should stay here. You may go out for a walk, but please do not cause any trouble."
"yes."
As soon as Song Congzhao left, before Zhirou could sit down again, the curtains were lifted and soft footsteps entered.
"What were Father and Fourth Sister talking about again? I was about to go in, but the servants stopped me outside, as if I were..." He swallowed the words of his anger and went to sit down at the table.
The candlelight illuminated Song Hanjin's cool and aloof features, her straight nose and sharp eyes.
Seeing this, Zhi Rou moved over, the corners of her lips curving upwards slightly: "It's already embarrassing enough that Father scolded me. If Sister is there, how am I supposed to face him?"
"So Fourth Sister is quite naive." Song Hanjin glanced at her indifferently, her voice laced with mischief, clearly trying to fool her.
Zhi Rou smiled, lifted one side of her robe and sat down next to her, changing the subject: "Where is Sister Jing Yao? I haven't seen her since we went into the mountains this afternoon."
Despite not being related to her or of any noble birth, she addressed her as "elder sister." Song Hanjin's nostrils twitched silently as she said, "I ordered Xinghui to take her to learn manners."
Zhi Rou frowned.
Song Hanjin could see what she was worried about, and she felt displeased. She also raised her eyes and said, "She was sent by the princess. Her background is unknown, and she may have some other intentions. Xinghui has always been loyal. Letting her go will definitely make her more careful than others."
Every word she said made sense. Zhi Rou understood that she was having Xing Hui keep an eye on Jing Yao, and also reducing the latter's chances of contacting her.
Since it was out of good intentions, Zhi Rou didn't want to offend her, so she didn't say anything more.
The tents were originally intended for temporary lodging during hunts, and were also used by the women to rest. They were located on the west side of the hunting grounds. Although called temporary tents, they were actually neatly arranged, much like small pavilions in the palace.
After Zhi Rou and Song Han Jin separated, she lay on the bed with the thin quilt covering her neck, and it felt as if she had been dragged into a burning embrace, with her neck feeling as hot as if it were branded with iron.
Zhang Huang kicked off the quilt and sat up. Just as he was about to pull Wei Yuanzhan out of his mind, Jing Yao's image crept back in.
Zhi Rou frowned, pondering for a long time without finding a solution. She simply got out of bed, dressed, and quietly left the tent.
There are no stars tonight, and the embers in the hearth glow faintly, occasionally crackling softly.
Suddenly a night breeze blew by, and the shadows of the leaves gathered and scattered on the ground. Jingyao stood under the tree, her sleeves folded behind her back, and looked up at the clear moonlight overhead.
The soft rustling of footsteps sounded from behind, but she seemed not to hear them. As the sound grew closer, she suddenly caught a familiar scent in the air—the smell of safflower. Startled, she turned around and saw Zhi Rou standing not far away, smiling as she looked at her.
"Can't sleep either, sister?" Zhi Rou approached step by step, took off the sachet from her waist, and handed it to Jing Yao. "Back then, I couldn't sleep at night, and you specially made this sachet to calm my mind. This is the one you gave me in Lancheng, and I've kept it ever since. The fragrance is still there, sister, why don't you try it?"
He raised his hand slightly towards her, and the faint scent of medicine reached her nose. She snapped out of her daze and quickly raised both hands to accept it.
Unexpectedly, she felt a warmth on the back of her hand. It was Zhi Rou who had grasped her hand and placed the sachet in her palm: "Third sister meant no harm. She wasn't targeting you."
Jing Yao raised her face, staring blankly at her. Sensing the friendliness in her actions, her eyes welled up with tears. She lowered her eyelashes and whispered, "I know."
The grass and fields here were lush and green. Although Zhi Rou had bathed and cleansed herself, she didn't seem to mind and sat down casually on the grass. She was exactly the same "Zhi Rou" that Jing Yao had met three months ago.
She looked up at her: "Has Huaixian treated you well? You've been staying at her residence for the past few months, sister?"
Jing Yao nodded, feeling ashamed that she should look up to her, and quickly sat down next to her, simply replying, "Your Highness has not mistreated me."
Zhi Rou stared at her intently for a moment, then looked back at the clear stream in front of her: "Sister hasn't replied to what I said during the day."
They didn't talk much during the day, and Jingyao was confused for a moment, but then she heard her voice, as soft as a spring, say: "Did you come to my side of your own free will?"
Upon hearing this, Jing Yao's back tensed involuntarily, her fingers clenched, and she didn't know how to respond.
Zhi Rou didn't urge her, as if it were just a casual remark between playmates. When neither of them spoke, she broke off a few blades of grass from the edge of her boot and began to weave something casually.
All that remained were the sounds of flowing water and mountain wind.
Jingyao glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, then slowly turned her head. As if sensing her gaze, she immediately turned to her side, and their eyes met.
Moonlight filtered through the leaves, dappling one's dark eyes like shattered jade.
Zhi Rou's eyes shimmered with a faint brownish hue, moist and clear, and Jing Yao inexplicably recalled countless days and nights on the grassland.
If it weren't for the benefactor's instructions, she really wanted to stay by Zhi Rou's side.
The light of the torches in the distance dimmed, and Jing Yao spoke in a low voice: "Zhi Rou, do you still remember when you first arrived in Bei Li, you plotted to join the army and return south to Yan? You asked me if I would like to go with you."
Recalling the past, Zhi Rou lowered her eyelashes and smiled, putting the little bird she had woven aside: "It's good that you didn't agree back then. The battle of Suyuan was dangerous. I was young and arrogant and thought too much. Fortunately, I didn't drag you down with me."
"No, Zhirou." Hearing her laugh, Jingyao didn't have time to think and just wanted to reveal all her thoughts to her.
"You are the bravest and most powerful person I have ever met. Even when there are thorns everywhere, you can walk a path that no one else dares to take. I like you very much, really... If it weren't for you, I would have died on my way to the marriage alliance. How could I have survived for so many years?"
“I have no relatives left in the world, no roots or origins, but you are different. Your parents and siblings miss you and hope that you will return home soon, safe and sound. If I were to go south with you then, I would only become an obstacle to you.”
"I absolutely do not want to be a burden to you."
Zhi Rou looked slightly surprised and stared directly into the other person's pure eyes. Her tone was almost like a vow.
"Zhirou, my feelings were the same then, and they remain unchanged now. Will you believe me?"
...
The next morning, a light drizzle soaked Wei Yuanzhan's robes. He rode his horse through the woods, as if he hadn't had enough fun the day before, and this morning he drew his bow and shot again. As soon as one arrow fell, he drew the bowstring once more.
The shadows of the trees swayed wildly for a moment, and a few green leaves swirled down, brushing against his shoulders and sleeves.
Changhuai chased after him, wondering how his master could be so energetic. He only stopped when he caught the white deer and brushed the dust off his shoulders.
Just then, the sound of horses galloping grew louder as they approached. As they drew near, Lan Ye dismounted, followed by several palace attendants: "Your Highness, His Highness wishes to see you."
Wei Mingying came here with the Crown Prince, and apart from the banquet last night, she has not had a private conversation with Wei Yuanzhan.
Right now, she was admiring something in the tent with her head down. Hearing the noise outside, she tossed the painting aside, pushed the table aside, and got up.
When Wei Yuanzhan entered, his subordinates all withdrew without resistance.
He strode to the center and took in his sister's face and spirit in a single glance, which put his mind at ease. He then knelt down on one knee and bowed to her.
There were only the two of them inside the tent. Wei Mingying saw that he was deliberately making this gesture, so she simply let him kneel for a while longer and did not tell him to get up.
Wei Yuanzhan hadn't changed out of his riding clothes; the tight belt accentuated his slender waist, and his robe was slightly damp, which only made him look exceptionally dashing.
Seeing that she did not respond, he raised his eyes to meet her gaze, his tone smiling but his expression resolute: "I wonder what Your Highness's command is? I would gladly face any danger without hesitation."
"Then you shall be poor with me."
Since Wei Mingying entered the Eastern Palace, the siblings' constant bickering has disappeared. However, every now and then, Wei Yuanzhan always acts like he's asking for a beating, as if he's deliberately provoking her.
"Do you know that last night, Madam Sun sent Mother a very generous gift?"
Wei Yuanzhan stood up and took two steps toward the chair. Upon hearing this, he raised his eyebrows, looking puzzled.
Wei Mingying said, "Yi Guogong Ji Zisun Siren, the current Minister of Revenue, is also the Crown Princess's younger brother. He has three sons and two daughters. His eldest daughter is already married, and his second daughter is just of marriageable age and has not yet been engaged."
At this point, Wei Yuanzhan discerned something, and whether out of impatience or something else, his clear face suddenly turned cold, and he remained silent.
The person who was just laughing and joking suddenly became indifferent. Wei Mingying knew him well, so she paused for a moment and carefully chose her words before speaking.
"When I entered the palace, I mentioned this matter to Her Majesty the Empress. Her Majesty's expression remained unchanged, but I could tell that she was not happy about this marriage, but she also did not want to interfere."
In the past, the Sun family assisted the second prince in ascending to the throne, and their contribution was considerable. Although the empress was displeased with the Sun family's current intentions, she could not refuse to offend them.
Wei Yuanzhan suddenly remembered that the last time he entered the palace, the Empress had advised him that if he had a girl he liked, he should get engaged as soon as possible.
That's how it is.
No wonder the Empress didn't appear during this year's spring search. It seems she tacitly approved of the Sun family's schemes, but hoped the Marquis's mansion would resolve the matter itself.
What does Mother mean?
"Mother naturally favors this Miss Sun, but Father has some reservations about her father. However, given Miss Sun's status and the fact that she is from a family of women, we cannot easily refuse her, lest we lose face."
In officialdom, what matters most is each other's appearance.
Wei Yuanzhan remained silent for a moment, his eyes revealing not much agitation, but rather a feigned composure. He stepped forward, gave a slight bow, and then turned and left.
After taking only two steps, Wei Mingying shouted, "Stop right there!"
Wei Yuanzhan turned his back to her and coldly withdrew his foot.
"what you up to?"
"Shall we go see Lord Sun?"
"I summoned you here today only to inform you of this matter, so that you may avoid it in the future. This marriage was a matter of careful consideration and discussion among the elders, and your father never intended to involve you. Don't you think it's extremely rude of you to ask to see Lord Sun so abruptly?"
She asked three questions in a row, each word like a spell binding Wei Yuanzhan. He clenched his fists and bit his cheek.
Wei Mingying stepped forward.
"Father said you were impetuous in your youth, and I think he's absolutely right."
Seeing that he remained unmoved, she moved slightly closer, trying to meet his gaze: "Are you angry?"
Wei Yuanzhan turned his head away, his voice full of helplessness: "Sister..."
She stepped back a little, and after a moment she heard him say again, "It's stuffy here."
"Alright, come with me for a walk."
As soon as she finished speaking, Wei Mingying walked to the tent entrance in her brocade boots, but the shadow behind her didn't follow. She turned around and chuckled, "What, are you going to see Fourth Sister?"
Upon hearing this, Wei Yuanzhan stepped forward, his brows still furrowed, and walked away, leaving behind a statement whose sincerity was hard to discern: "I'm not looking for her."
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