Sister-in-law
Lee Soo-man pursed his lips, "Don't joke around, the cold has seeped into my bones and I'll need several days to recover."
Zhang Chunfeng didn't care and urged Li Xiuman to quickly take off his clothes and come up.
Li Xiuman was afraid of touching Zhang Chunfeng's legs, so after lying down, he let Zhang Chunfeng put his legs on his stomach without daring to move.
"Sister-in-law, hold me tight."
Lee Soo-man extended his hand and did as he was told.
Seeing how compliant Li Xiuman was, Zhang Chunfeng suddenly felt that his leg injury could wait several days.
She was already in mourning, and now she was injured, so she simply took leave to stay at home and not go to the court, and refused to see any guests.
She wouldn't get up in the morning, even when Lee Soo-man tried to stop her.
Xiao Sui called out "Dad" and "Mom" countless times outside. Every time Li Xiuman tried to get up, Zhang Chunfeng would immediately frown and complain of knee pain.
Since Lee Soo-man was no longer able to move, he asked his maid to take Xiao-sui out to play.
Around noon, Zhang Chunfeng lazily got up. The doctor from the manor was coming to change his dressing. Zhang Chunfeng usually pretended to be in pain, but changing the dressing was genuinely painful. Zhang Chunfeng lay in Li Xiuman's arms, burying his face in Li Xiuman's chest. Whenever the doctor moved slightly, Zhang Chunfeng would snuggle into Li Xiuman's arms.
She not only nuzzled against him, but also kept rubbing her nose and cheek against Lee Soo-man's chest. These past few days, because Lee Soo-man was also injured and Zhang Chunfeng's knees were not good, they only slept together in each other's arms at night.
Although Zhang Chunfeng didn't do anything at night, she insisted on rubbing Li Xiuman's chest every night, not only rubbing but also biting it back and forth. Sometimes Li Xiuman really suspected that Zhang Chunfeng had a hard life as a child and never had breast milk, which was why she was so interested in that thing and wouldn't stop until it was swollen.
Despite the thick winter coat, Zhang Chunfeng's rubbing and scraping still caused Li Xiuman to wince in pain. But seeing Zhang Chunfeng's scraped knees, Li Xiuman felt a pang of heartache, forgetting the pain in his own chest.
The dressing was changed at noon, and it needed to be changed again in the evening. For the evening dressing, Zhang Chunfeng didn't want the doctor to change it; she wanted Li Xiuman to do it for her. Li Xiuman's movements were gentle; whether unwrapping the gauze or changing the dressing, she always treated it like coaxing a child. After each dressing change, she would even pout and blow on Zhang Chunfeng's knee.
Zhang Chunfeng was coaxed into becoming even more like a child, resting his head on Li Xiuman's lap. While reading novels about the dramatic love stories of various men and women, he had his maid deliver Longjing cakes, braised chicken feet, and various fruits to eat.
When Xiao Jiu came down from school and saw Zhang Chunfeng like this, she immediately cried out with a mournful face, "Sister, break my legs! I'd rather not have legs and live the kind of life you're living."
"Xiao Jiu!" Li Xiuman said angrily, "How can you say that? Many ordinary people want to study but can't. I won't care if you study for a few more years."
Xiao Jiu pouted, then heard Zhang Chunfeng say, "Once you finish your studies and become the top scholar, you'll be able to enjoy the same feeling."
"No way. I used to envy my sister, but now I see that even as the Grand Secretary, I'm still subject to punishment. I'd rather be a carpenter who earns his own living. I'll do whatever it takes to earn what I'm paid for."
“Ha, what if they didn’t pay you and stole your goods? What if they didn’t like your goods and a conflict broke your wrist?” Zhang Chunfeng retorted. “This matter has to be viewed from both sides. It’s not that being the prime minister is bad. At least we have such a house and such food now.”
Xiao Jiu nodded, "But you were still punished, sister. You didn't do anything wrong, yet you were punished." Xiao Jiu was only a teenager, and her view of things was still based on right and wrong. She stubbornly turned her head to protest.
Zhang Chunfeng grabbed a handful of peeled melon seeds from Li Xiuman's hand, stuffed them into his mouth, and chewed them with relish.
"Don't rush, there's still plenty of time. Take your time and plan carefully."
Neither Xiao Jiu nor Li Xiuman understood the meaning of these words, and Zhang Chunfeng did not explain them either.
A few days later, Zhang Chunfeng suddenly said during a meal, "The Crown Prince will be getting married next spring, and we may have to move away from the capital."
"Huh? Moving?" Xiao Jiu asked in surprise.
Lee Soo-man also asked, "Chun-pung, I don't mind moving, but isn't your official position...?"
“It was my initiative to suggest it,” Zhang Chunfeng said. “As a subject, one must understand the Empress’s intentions. Because of Zhao Yong’s matter, I will have to leave the capital sooner or later. If I stay here, the Empress is afraid that Zhao Yong will cause trouble again. What if he really causes trouble on the wedding day?”
"Therefore, I voluntarily resigned from my position as Grand Secretary and volunteered to go to the Yellow River region to manage the Yellow River floods."
"The Yellow River?" Xiao Jiu tried hard to recall what he had learned in school. "So, we can't go home yet? We have to head towards the Central Plains?"
"Only those who retire can return to their hometowns, and I am still young, so naturally I will not be allowed to go home. Besides, the Jiangnan region has always been a coveted place for high-ranking officials. If I were to go to the Jiangnan region, the Empress would not approve it, and I would be suspected of colluding with her in corruption. Only the Yellow River has been flooding for years, so the Empress will definitely allow it."
Xiao Jiu didn't understand this sentence and kept asking questions.
Zhang Chunfeng had no choice but to explain that the Jiangnan region was wealthy, and high-ranking officials were eager to make a fortune there. As the Grand Secretary, Zhang Chunfeng had the duty to supervise all officials. If she were to go to the Jiangnan region, it would be seen as encroaching on the interests of other officials who were also trying to make a profit, and the Empress would suspect her of embezzlement.
Xiao Jiu shook his head after hearing this, saying, "To be an official requires so much consideration, I'm really suited to be a carpenter."
Lee Soo-man said softly, "Anywhere is fine, as long as our family can be together."
“Yes, as long as our family is together, that’s fine!” Xiao Jiu said.
"Yes, as long as Mother can let Father spend more time with me, I'm fine with anything," Xiao Sui said vaguely.
Zhang Chunfeng smiled slightly, his eyes fixed intently on Li Xiuman.
A thousand tender feelings were conveyed in their eyes.
“The Central Plains area is very poor. Life there will be nothing like it was in Kyoto. It’s the dead of winter now, so moving at this time is extremely difficult.”
Xiao Jiu laughed, "Sister, you're the only one among us who can't endure hardship. My brother and I both came from difficult times."
"How could that be? If you're used to living this kind of life, then I'll be used to it too."
"You can't even cook, and you need your brother to take care of you every day. How can you live a normal life?" Xiao Jiu retorted, leaving Zhang Chunfeng speechless.
She suddenly remembered that, from the perspective of a husband and wife, she had never cooked a meal for Lee Soo-man, nor helped with laundry or anything, nor had she ever massaged him. It was only after a long night of tossing and turning that Lee Soo-man was too weak to move that she carried him to the bathroom.
These past few days have been cold, and Lee Soo-man has been taking care of her every day, cooking for her, washing her feet, giving her massages, and even knitting her a scarf by hand.
Unfortunately, she didn't know how to knit scarves. Zhang Chunfeng pondered for a moment, "I'll cook a couple of dishes for this year's New Year's Eve dinner."
Lee Soo-man chuckled, "Spring Breeze, you want to learn to cook?"
Zhang Chunfeng squeezed Li Xiuman's hand, "Of course, I'll cook it for you myself."
Lee Soo-man felt a sweet warmth in his heart, but said aloud, "There's no need to force yourself; cooking is always a hassle."
Zhang Chunfeng made up his mind that he would secretly learn a few dishes and surprise Li Xiuman at the New Year's Eve dinner.
Seven days later, without the doctor saying anything, she could tell that there was absolutely nothing wrong with her knee. The broken skin had long since scabbed over, and apart from the unsightly red and purple color of the scabs, everything else was fine.
She still insisted that the doctor loosen the bandage around her neck.
At night, Zhang Chunfeng put his arms around Li Xiuman and started rubbing against him again.
After rubbing against him, he would pinch Lee Soo-man's chin and make him kiss someone. This routine was almost a daily occurrence for the two of them, and Lee Soo-man was already used to it, so he didn't resist and let Jang Chun-feng kiss him back and forth.
"Sister-in-law, I feel unwell," Zhang Chunfeng finally began to groan.
Lee Soo-man, slightly out of breath, said kindly, "Chun-feng, your knee is still wrapped in bandages, just bear with it a little longer."
Zhang Chunfeng rubbed his face against Li Xiuman's neck again, "I've endured it for seven days, sister-in-law, please be gentle with me."
Her tone was tender and sweet, with a charming ending, like a hook covered in honey, making Li Xiuman's mouth tremble slightly, yet he still couldn't utter a single "no".
Seeing that Li Xiuman neither agreed nor refused, Zhang Chunfeng knew in his heart that his idea would definitely succeed.
"Sister-in-law, come up here." Zhang Chunfeng said tactfully, but Li Xiuman blushed.
"The candle is still burning." Lee Soo-man said helplessly. Although this wasn't the first time he had taken the initiative, the room had usually been dimly lit. Today, with the candle still flickering, Lee Soo-man couldn't help but think that he was really going to be seen again.
"I haven't even had a proper look at you yet," Zhang Chunfeng pleaded, but Li Xiuman still hesitated.
He knew in his heart that, based on past experience, he would only be the appetizer if he went up, and in the end Zhang Chunfeng would have to hold him by the waist, and then Zhang Chunfeng would have to move his knee.
"Sister-in-law, just once tonight," Zhang Chunfeng said, as if she understood Li Xiuman's worries.
Li Xiuman pursed his lips. "Extinguish the candles." He said it, but then, fearing Zhang Chunfeng might disagree, he hurriedly added, "Extinguishing just one will do."
Zhang Chunfeng chuckled softly, "This isn't a business transaction. Since you've discussed it with me like this, I'll do as you say and turn one off."
Lee Soo-man got up and blew out a candle, making the room slightly darker. He blushed and carefully sat down without touching Zhang Chunfeng's knees.
Li Xiuman often wondered why Zhang Chunfeng was so fond of his body, even though he would be thirty-one this year. He had begged and cried time and time again, but Zhang Chunfeng still insisted on squeezing into his body. It was as if Zhang Chunfeng wanted to devour him, or split his body apart and stuff his whole body into his separated body, and then become one with him.
Zhang Chunfeng never kept his promises, and would only hold someone and sleep after the candlelight had gone out on its own.
The next day, seeing Li Xiuman's tired face, Zhang Chunfeng immediately decided to take Li Xiuman to relax. The two went to the famous Rouge Theater in Kyoto to watch a play.
Lee Soo-man had never specifically attended a performance before. In his early years, when he worked as a laborer in the city, he would sometimes pass by a theater and hear someone singing a few lines at the top of their lungs.
Today, sitting up in the small building, watching the performers on the stage dressed in their finest attire, I felt a slight sense of wonder.
"What a waste of such a beautiful day and lovely scenery! Whose courtyard enjoys such delightful pleasures..." The singer's voice was as melodious as a nightingale's.
Lee Soo-man was unaware of the story until the very end, when he realized it was such a tragic tale. His eyes welled up with tears.
When Zhang Chunfeng saw Li Xiuman crying, he quickly reached out, pulled her into his arms, and gently wiped away the tears on Li Xiuman's cheeks with his thumb.
"Why are you crying over opera?" Zhang Chunfeng comforted her, but suddenly heard a woman crying.
Zhang Chunfeng turned his head to look, and it seemed that someone was crying on the other side of the feng shui screen.
“It’s interesting that someone is crying as hard as my sister-in-law,” Zhang Chunfeng said, getting up and walking to the side.
She had only taken two steps when she encountered the woman emerging from the side screen.
The two looked at each other, both stunned for a moment.
"Lord Zhang?"
"Princess Mingzhu?"
The newcomer was dressed in a pale yellow robe, adorned with a jewel in her hair, her oval face flushed, and her almond-shaped eyes slightly red from crying. This woman was none other than Princess Mingzhu, the late emperor's younger sister, the current empress's sister-in-law, and Zhao Yong's aunt.
Despite being a close relative of the royal family, Princess Mingzhu held the official position of censor, but rarely attended court and mostly held sinecure posts. Zhang Chunfeng had been in mourning for a year and had not been to the capital, so the two had almost never met. They were both slightly surprised to encounter each other at the theater.
"Lord Zhang, you've come to watch the opera too?" Princess Mingzhu asked, her eyes naturally glancing at Li Xiuman behind Zhang Chunfeng. Li Xiuman, seeing an outsider, quickly stood up as well.
"Well, I haven't been feeling well lately, so I brought my sister-in-law to listen to the music," Zhang Chunfeng said, but he didn't intend for Li Xiuman to meet Princess Mingzhu. Matters of the court can't be kept secret, and Princess Mingzhu naturally knew about Zhang Chunfeng's big fight with the Crown Prince over his male wife. She knew that this person cherished Zhang Chunfeng very much, so she didn't mind the lack of greeting and etiquette.
"Just now, after the music ended, I heard weeping. I did not know it was the princess crying. I am truly offended."
Princess Mingzhu shook her head. "Love arises without knowing its origin and deepens with time. This play is truly moving." Princess Mingzhu turned her head slightly to look at the stage, as if she was still savoring the piece she had just heard.
Zhang Chunfeng smiled and said, "The princess is indeed a person of deep feelings and true character."
"Since Lord Zhang has also come to listen to this performance, he must be a man of deep feelings and true character."
Zhang Chunfeng smiled and continued, "Does the princess enjoy listening to music? I have been ill at home these past few days, so I can listen to music with the princess."
Princess Mingzhu was slightly surprised. She thought that she had never had any interaction with Zhang Chunfeng before, so why did Zhang Chunfeng want to listen to music with her? But then she saw that Zhang Chunfeng's face was really pleasing to the eye. She was listening to music by herself, and she was listening to music with Zhang Chunfeng, so why not?
She immediately agreed, and the two arranged to continue another day before parting ways.
For the next seven days, Zhang Chunfeng would always take Li Xiuman to the opera house to listen to music. After the performance, they would have some snacks with Princess Mingzhu, chatting and laughing until the New Year arrived.
Zhang Chunfeng has already submitted a memorial to the emperor and will head to the Central Plains after the New Year.
The Empress used the New Year's banquet as a farewell feast for Zhang Chunfeng, and granted Zhang Chunfeng special permission to bring Li Xiuman to the banquet.
When the banquet arrived, the Empress did not see Lee Soo-man.
"My dear minister, you're so stingy, hiding it all from me. I'd like to see just how handsome Lee Soo-man is that you're so captivated by him," the Empress teased.
Zhang Chunfeng sat on the right, a smile on his face. "Your Majesty, although my sister-in-law and I were granted a marriage by Your Majesty, we have not yet completed the wedding due to my mother's passing. My sister-in-law's status is probably still somewhat unchanged, which is why I have not brought her along."
"Is that really so? I thought you were keeping a mistress in a golden house, my dear minister." The Empress said, raising her wine cup.
"The Yellow River has flooded twice this year, destroying countless farmlands and villages. Minister Zhang has specially requested permission to share my burdens. I hereby drink this cup to wish you a safe journey."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Zhang Chunfeng raised her hand and drank the wine with everyone else. She noticed a burning gaze on her, but she didn't turn her head and drank the wine.
Zhao Yong had known for a long time that Zhang Chunfeng would be leaving after the New Year. Since the last incident, he had not seen Zhang Chunfeng for half a month. This meeting was probably the last one in the next few years.
Despite the constant well-meaning advice from the eunuchs around him, who assured him that Zhang Chunfeng would surely be his once he became emperor, Zhao Yong remained resentful.
"I have always admired Lord Zhang. This time, Lord Zhang has shared His Majesty's burdens. I wish Lord Zhang a speedy success and a return to the capital." The Third Prince approached Zhang Chunfeng and raised his cup in a toast.
Zhao Yong narrowed his eyes. The monkey he had given to Zhang Chunfeng last time had been given to his third brother. Was this man now trying to curry favor with Chunfeng?
Zhao Yong's anger had not yet subsided when he suddenly saw Princess Mingzhu also take a wine cup and approach Zhang Chunfeng.
Zhao Yong's alarm bells immediately went off. His third brother and aunt were both on good terms with Zhang Chunfeng, yet he himself had fallen out with her. Zhao Yong, who had previously scoffed at the idea of the throne, suddenly began to worry: if he couldn't become emperor, wouldn't he lose Zhang Chunfeng forever?
With such thoughts in mind, he didn't enjoy his meal at all.
When the banquet ended, Zhao Yong saw Zhang Chunfeng about to leave and immediately chased after him.
“Spring Breeze, I have something for you,” he called out.
Zhang Chunfeng got into the sedan chair without turning his head.
“Chunfeng, I’m just bringing you another gift.” Zhao Yong began again, but Zhang Chunfeng coldly instructed the maid, “Hurry up and leave, my sister-in-law is still waiting for me at home for our reunion dinner.”
From beginning to end, Zhang Chunfeng didn't give him a single glance.
Zhao Yong stood there, watching the sedan chair gradually disappear into the distance.
"Your Highness, it's late and the wind is strong, let's go back," the little eunuch whispered.
Zhao Yong clenched his fists, his fingernails digging into his palms.
"If I can't become emperor, will the spring breeze never belong to me again?" Zhao Yong suddenly asked.
"Your Highness, you are the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince doesn't become emperor, then who is?"
Zhao Yong sneered, his eyes, which had always been lazy, cowardly, and foolish, suddenly becoming as sharp as needles.
“Mother is not the Crown Prince.”
"Your Highness!" the little eunuch called out in a panic. Zhao Yong understood what the little eunuch meant, and without saying anything more, he clenched his fists and slowly walked back to the East Palace.
Before he even reached the bedchamber, snow began to fall. This snow reminded Zhao Yong of Zhang Chunfeng's blood-red robe amidst the white snow, truly a unique color in the world.
The young eunuch hurriedly tried to hold an umbrella for Zhao Yong, but Zhao Yong pushed him away.
His blood was boiling. The more he thought about Zhang Chunfeng, the more he thought about imperial power, the dragon throne, how his mother had killed his younger sister when he was young in order to win favor, how his mother had fed him extremely bitter medicine for the throne, which made him thin no matter how much he ate, and the three aunts who died after his mother ascended the throne.
No matter what, he was determined to ascend the throne, and Zhang Chunfeng would surely be his.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
