With my sister-in-law at the temple
“You’ve suffered today, and the whole of Kyoto will know about this tonight. I’ll keep you company, and no one will say anything,” Zhang Chunfeng explained, snuggling into the covers and embracing Li Xiuman.
Winters here are really cold. There's a heater in the house, but it's only warm under the blankets. Lee Soo-man feels cold even with half his arm out.
"It's so cold here. Do you usually feel cold in winter?" Lee Soo-man asked, changing the subject.
"Of course it's cold. The house is too big, and I'm all alone. I can't sleep at night because of the cold," Zhang Chunfeng said, feigning pitifulness.
Lee Soo-man tugged at the quilt, then thought of what had happened that day.
"How could so many people know about what happened in our own home?"
"There are no secrets that stay hidden forever. We are no longer ordinary people; countless eyes are watching us."
Lee Soo-man sighed inwardly, then thought, "So, does that mean you've been watched for three years?"
What he said, what he did, who he met, even where he ate what, and where he frequented were all thoroughly investigated. Being constantly watched like this was pure torture. Even an honest man like Lee Soo-man, thinking about how everyone would gossip about everything he said, truly wished he could just live the rest of his life as an ordinary citizen.
Zhang Chunfeng nodded, "Yes, when I first became the top scholar, I was watched by many high-ranking officials because they formed cliques and factions, each with their own protégés. I had to choose which side to take. If I made a mistake then, I could lose my fifth-rank position in an instant. Later, when I was promoted, I had to be even more careful. Those above me were afraid that I would do too much and steal the credit from others, while those below me were afraid that I would do too little and have a bad life following me. Later, when I became the Grand Secretary, I thought I was finally free, but in reality, the Empress was watching me, and all the officials below me were watching me. The Empress wanted me to make a mistake but also didn't want me to make a mistake, and so did all the officials."
This was the first time in her life that Zhang Chunfeng had so frankly revealed her situation in the palace. Usually, when she spoke of her pitiful state, it was simply to ask Li Xiuman to pamper and protect her; but today, she spoke of it with utmost seriousness.
“Sister-in-law, since you came with me, you have truly had no say in anything. Everywhere is a dangerous shoal, and sometimes I also…” Zhang Chunfeng paused for a moment, “I am not afraid of stirring up trouble in the court, but it is easy to dodge open attacks but hard to guard against hidden arrows. As it is today, you have been injured again.”
Lee Soo-man understood the worry in Zhang Chunfeng's words. He had only heard Zhang Chunfeng talk about things in the palace before, but seeing it in person today, he realized that those people had so many different faces.
Duan Qingshan has one face, Zhao Yong has two faces before and after Zhang Chunfeng's arrival, and the little eunuch beside Zhao Yong really makes black into white.
He was just a villager; how could he have seen so many different kinds of people in such a short time?
“This injury is nothing, I just don’t like the way that person looked at me,” Lee Soo-man corrected, mentioning that Jo Yong treated him like he was nothing.
Zhang Chunfeng's fingers slowly rubbed against Li Xiuman's earlobe. "I need to think about his matter carefully and handle it slowly."
Lee Soo-man nodded, but then remembered Jo Yong's suggestion earlier that day.
"Spring Breeze, but he said that if you agree to his request, you will be...the emperor." Lee Soo-man spoke the last two words in an extremely low voice.
If even a whisper of it were overheard, the person would be beheaded.
Zhang Chunfeng still smiled, "Sister-in-law, don't mention this matter again. Changing dynasties is not so easy. It's a one-way street. Once you start, it's like entering hell with no way back. Have you ever heard the saying, 'When a dynasty prospers, the people suffer; when a dynasty falls, the people suffer'? Now is a prosperous age. Why should I change the world into that state for my own selfish reasons?"
"Besides, I love my warm sister-in-law more than the cold throne." As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Chunfeng squeezed one leg into Li Xiuman's bed.
"Spring Breeze!" Lee Soo-man hurriedly pressed down, "We were just in the carriage during the day, so let's say goodbye today."
Zhang Chunfeng said with a grin, "It's mainly because my sister-in-law's skin is so fair, I always wanted to leave some marks to prove that it's mine."
Lee Soo-man remained silent for a while before bursting into laughter.
"Only village dogs mark their territory by urinating everywhere like that," he explained with a laugh.
Zhang Chunfeng wasn't annoyed. He vigorously rubbed Li Xiuman's skin with both hands, causing Li Xiuman to groan twice in pain.
"Then I'll be a dog crawling on my sister-in-law."
"You! You've also studied the classics, how come this is on your mind all the time? Go to sleep." Lee Soo-man said helplessly.
Zhang Chunfeng was also helpless. It wasn't that she thought about Li Xiuman all day long, but Li Xiuman was really fair and soft. Every night she would try to hug him for a while, but when she hugged him, she would unconsciously start to rub him. As she rubbed him, Li Xiuman would make a sound that was both reluctant and welcoming, which instantly ignited the fire in Zhang Chunfeng's heart.
"Spring Breeze, I'm really not feeling well, you should lie down," Lee Soo-man pleaded again.
Zhang Chunfeng also considered the bumpy journey, so he let go of Li Xiuman, and the two lay down to sleep.
"Alright, starting tomorrow, I'll take my sister-in-law to Jingshan Temple near Kyoto to pray for my brother's well-being." Zhang Chunfeng said before going to sleep.
The next morning, Zhang Chunfeng led Li Xiuman, Xiao Sui, and Xiao Jiu to Jingshan Temple.
Xiao Jiu was extremely excited because she didn't have to go to school today. However, before her smile could last long, Zhang Chunfeng said, "Although you don't have to go to school today, you still have to take the monthly exam at the end of the month. You still need to catch up on all your homework when you get back."
Xiao Jiu immediately pouted, "I'm thirteen years old and I've only been in school for one year. How many years will I have to go to school? When will it end!"
“If you study diligently, you can do it in a few years. Look at me, I passed the imperial examination at the age of sixteen and haven’t studied since,” Zhang Chunfeng replied.
Xiao Jiu shook her head and pouted at Li Xiuman, "Brother, Chunfeng is a child prodigy, but I'm not. Doing homework only makes me suffer."
Lee Soo-man patted Xiao Jiu on the shoulder, "If you don't like school, you have to say something you like. You can't just be idle after you stop studying, can you?"
"I want to be a carpenter!" Xiao Jiu answered readily.
Zhang Chunfeng chuckled, as if he had thought of something. "There was indeed an emperor in history who loved carpentry. This is a good idea. If you like, you can try making one yourself after school."
Xiao Sui quickly spoke up, "I want to go to school too."
"You're only three years old, why are you going to school? You can learn a few words at home first." Xiao Jiu pouted. "You're actually happy to go to school, you're such a child."
Xiao Sui wouldn't have it, and rubbed against Li Xiuman's legs, even trying to rest her head against Li Xiuman's chest.
Zhang Chunfeng reacted quickly, pulling Xiao Sui towards Xiao Jiu, while he leaned half his body against Li Xiuman's chest.
Lee Soo-man glanced at Jang Chun-feng, who was leaning smugly against him, but ultimately said nothing.
Jingshan Temple boasts beautiful scenery, and the Great Immortal enshrined within is highly praised for his exceptional wisdom and spiritual power.
The group got off the carriage and slowly walked up.
Zhang Chunfeng first noticed the Buddha statue's majesty, then took Li Xiuman's hand and headed towards it. Xiao Jiu, being only thirteen, found the Buddha statue beautiful at first, but then realized the rest were all the same. She immediately pressed Xiao Jiu down and made them both kneel and kowtow three times.
"I'll take Xiaosui to play in the back," Xiao Jiu said, and then left with Xiaosui.
Zhang Chunfeng found an abbot, lit three thousand lamps, and offered them all to Zhang Chuntian. He then led Li Xiuman to kneel down in front of the prayer mat.
The two were kneeling when Zhao Yong suddenly led his men into the temple.
"Spring Breeze," Zhao Yong called softly.
Zhang Chunfeng immediately felt unlucky, but the host said that the lanterns had not been lit yet and she could not get up. She thought that she already owed Zhang Chuntian enough, and since she had come to pray for blessings today, she should finish the ceremony. So she kept her hands clasped together and did not look at Zhao Yong.
Zhao Yong looked at Zhang Chunfeng, who was kneeling on a prayer mat with his eyes slightly closed and hands clasped together amidst the wafting incense smoke. He felt that Zhang Chunfeng was truly an immortal descended to earth, even more pleasing to the eye than the various gods enshrined in the temple.
He winked at the eunuch beside him, who immediately placed a lamp that would burn eternally next to Zhang Chunfeng.
“I know that Chunfeng is the result of my mother and brother’s prayers. Since Chunfeng dislikes that monkey, I found someone to bring this eternal lamp. Inside is a relic of a high monk, which should be beneficial to your family.”
Li Xiuman also heard Zhao Yong's words. He had never seen the legendary relic, but he felt quite ashamed. Zhao Yong had completely forgotten Zhang Chuntian's death. Back then, he hadn't ridden his horse, so why would he need to find any relic?
Zhang Chunfeng caught a faint, eerie fragrance. She didn't believe in gods or demons, and had never seen a relic before, so she assumed the fragrance came from one and unconsciously sniffed. She also found the scent unusually strong, which made her feel nauseous.
After forcing himself to finish kneeling and lighting the three thousand lamps, Zhang Chunfeng got up and hurriedly pulled Li Xiuman out of the main hall.
Standing outside and taking a breath of fresh air, Zhang Chunfeng suddenly opened his mouth and gagged.
"Spring Breeze, is your stomach upset?" Lee Soo-man asked in a panic.
Zhang Chunfeng shook his head, "The relic just now had a strong fragrance that made me nauseous."
"I didn't smell anything. Would you like some water?"
Zhang Chunfeng waved his hand, "Never mind, taking a walk and breathing some fresh air might make me feel better."
"Spring Breeze, how long are you going to ignore me?" Zhao Yong caught up and asked.
Since learning of his elder brother's death yesterday, Zhang Chunfeng has felt an extreme dislike for Zhao Yong.
"Your Highness should return quickly. This morning I submitted a memorial requesting His Majesty to bestow a marriage between Your Highness and the daughter of the Minister of Revenue. I fear His Majesty is already about to agree. If you return early, you may still be able to stop it."
Zhao Yong was shocked. "What? The daughter of the Minister of Revenue? Who is she? You! You're actually going to push me onto someone else?"
Zhang Chunfeng ignored him and suddenly felt his footsteps light and unsteady.
Seeing Zhang Chunfeng's pained expression, Zhao Yong strangely stopped worrying.
"Spring Breeze, I'm not going back. You don't look well. I always have a physician with me. Shall I have someone take a look at you?"
Zhang Chunfeng shook his head, but felt the nausea in his heart transform into a feeling of annoyance.
It was as if her heart was on fire, forcing her to reach out and forcefully pull at the front of her clothes.
Lee Soo-man panicked too, "Chun-poong, are you feeling unwell, or are you nauseous?"
"No, I'm fine, let's go," Zhang Chunfeng said, forcing himself to stay upright.
Zhao Yong rushed to Zhang Chunfeng's side. "Chunfeng, I was only worried about you. My physician is right here. Come with me to the side room to rest."
As Zhao Yong spoke, he reached out to take Zhang Chunfeng's hand.
As he interacted with someone's fingertips, Zhang Chunfeng suddenly frowned and flung Zhao Yong away.
"Is it you?" Zhang Chunfeng asked, and both Zhao Yong and Li Xiuman were taken aback.
"Spring Breeze, I don't know what you're talking about." Zhao Yong smiled and tried to pull Zhang Chunfeng along again.
"Zhao Yong! You are the Crown Prince, yet you drugged me! Do you have no shame at all?" Zhang Chunfeng demanded sharply. Just now, when Zhao Yong raised his hand to hold hers, she happened to see that he was wearing a pink undergarment under his sleeve.
On one occasion, Zhao Yong deliberately used the pretext of illness to lure Zhang Chunfeng to take care of him. At that time, he was wearing a pink undergarment, the pale pink color highlighting his fair skin like pearls. Zhao Yong was still timid then, and although his clothes were flamboyant, he didn't dare to actually make any moves towards Zhang Chunfeng. At most, he would secretly tug at the jade pendant on Zhang Chunfeng's waist and beg her to stay with him a little longer.
Zhang Chunfeng had reminded Zhao Yong that, as the crown prince, his attire should conform to the rules. How could a crown prince wear a pink undergarment to seduce others? Yet Zhao Yong wore it to the temple today, clearly indicating he came prepared.
"Spring Breeze, I... I didn't!" Zhao Yong shook his head. "How could I do such a thing? How could I treat you like this?"
Zhang Chunfeng wouldn't listen. Now he realized that the aphrodisiac was hidden inside the relic, and Zhao Yong, as the crown prince, certainly wouldn't do it himself. But those around him were smarter than him, and it seemed that this idea was Zhao Yong's, and that if the little eunuch was sent to do it, the little eunuch would be the one to suffer if something went wrong.
"This is a temple, and you want me to do that kind of thing with you!" Zhang Chunfeng shouted angrily.
Zhao Yong shook his head again, "Chunfeng, I really didn't, how could I?"
He reached out to pull Zhang Chunfeng, but Zhang Chunfeng suddenly raised his hand and delivered a crisp slap to Zhao Yong's face.
"Your Highness!" the little eunuch cried out in a panic.
Zhao Yong was slapped back two steps, seemingly unable to believe that Zhang Chunfeng would hit him!
“Your Highness the Crown Prince has committed such a vile act. I, as the Crown Prince’s tutor, am truly useless. I should also punish myself.” With that, Zhang Chunfeng suddenly drew the curved sword from the guard beside Zhao Yong and slashed the sharp blade down his left forearm.
"spring breeze!"
"spring breeze!"
Blood gushed out, causing Li Xiuman and Zhao Yong to shout in unison.
Li Xiuman looked at Zhang Chunfeng's bleeding arm and frantically tried to bandage it.
Zhao Yong, disregarding the pain in his own face, hurriedly went to check on Zhang Chunfeng's wound.
"Spring breeze, are you in pain?"
"roll."
Zhang Chunfeng said coldly. At this moment, another eunuch ran over, "Your Highness, Your Highness, His Majesty wants you to return to the palace to discuss the marriage!"
Zhao Yong's expression changed again. The news had come so quickly! He was already planning to discuss marriage so soon!
The young eunuch urged Zhao Yong to return quickly.
Zhao Yong, however, was still looking at Zhang Chunfeng. "I will leave the physician with you."
Zhang Chunfeng supported Li Xiuman, whose vision was completely red. Zhao Yong's drug was far too strong; this fool couldn't even control the effects of the drug. He must have used countless drugs in the ever-burning lamp, and she had inhaled all of them. Now, her whole body felt like it was being crawled on by countless ants.
She couldn't feel the pain in her arm at all. The stab was just to keep herself awake, but the drug was too strong. It hurt when the skin was cut open, and now her whole body was still burning hot.
The physician bandaged Zhang Chunfeng's wounds, but had no way to resolve the aphrodisiac effect.
"Your Majesty, I am incompetent. You may have soaked in cold water, or... performed that act, but there is truly no solution." The physician bowed and took his leave.
Lee Soo-man shook his head. "In this cold weather, wouldn't soaking in cold water be deadly?"
“Sister-in-law, let’s go back first,” Zhang Chunfeng said, his eyes fixed on Li Xiuman’s exposed neck.
Lee Soo-man noticed Zhang Chunfeng's gaze. He knew Zhang Chunfeng was in pain at the moment. After all, Zhang Chunfeng's face was burning red, his breath was misty, and there were large beads of sweat on his forehead. How could he be comfortable?
But both of them knew that this was a temple. Today, they had come to pray for Zhang Chuntian's well-being, and if they were to do *that* here, they feared they would be swept away by lust and could never turn back.
Zhang Chunfeng had only taken two steps when she was panting heavily. Her mouth was dry and it seemed as if all the moisture in her body was being evaporated.
“Spring Breeze, Spring Breeze, you…” Li Xiuman didn’t know what he wanted to ask. The temple was in the suburbs, and judging from Zhang Chunfeng’s current state, he probably couldn’t even go down to the temple, let alone return home.
Having no other choice, Li Xiuman found a side room and asked Qiu Xin to take Xiao Jiu and Xiao Sui back first, while he had someone fetch cold water to wet his handkerchief.
He unbuttoned Zhang Chunfeng's clothes, but fearing the room was cold and Zhang Chunfeng would catch a chill, he only removed half of Zhang Chunfeng's clothes. His hands were red from the cold water from the wet handkerchief.
The temple was located on a mountain, and the side rooms didn't have the warm basins found in the Zhang residence. Li Xiuman's hands were icy cold. Just as she was about to place the handkerchief on Zhang Chunfeng's forehead, she remembered that Zhang Chunfeng was currently so hot. What if the sudden stimulation from such a cold handkerchief caused him to catch a cold?
"Spring Breeze," Lee Soo-man called out again.
Zhang Chunfeng didn't even reply.
Li Xiuman placed his cold hand on Zhang Chunfeng's forehead. Zhang Chunfeng was feeling hot all over, but suddenly felt a chill on his forehead. He hurriedly grabbed Li Xiuman's hand and kept pressing it against his face.
Li Xiuman suddenly realized that the handkerchief was too cold to be directly stimulated, but his own body was on the warmer side, so he could help Zhang Chunfeng cool down.
Thinking about how he tore off his clothes, he felt a chill in the room and his skin broke out in goosebumps. Li Xiuman shivered and hugged Zhang Chunfeng, whose furrowed brows relaxed slightly as he felt the coolness.
This method worked at first, but Zhang Chunfeng's body grew hotter and hotter over time. Li Xiuman didn't know how long the medicine's effects would last; he only knew that fevers in the village usually couldn't be left overnight, as children's brains would be damaged if they had a fever all night.
Zhang Chunfeng is the Grand Secretary; if he's lost his mind...
"Spring Breeze, can you hear me?" Li Xiuman asked, shaking Zhang Chunfeng.
Although Zhang Chunfeng was hot, the cool breeze had cleared her mind a bit, and she nodded.
Lee Soo-man bit his lip, "Chun-feng, how about we..." Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Chun-feng's head tilted to the side as if she had fallen asleep.
"Spring Breeze, Spring Breeze!" Lee Soo-man exclaimed in surprise. He could hear him speaking just a moment ago, but now there was no sound!
Lee Soo-man cupped Zhang Chunfeng's face in his hands, calling out to her repeatedly, but Zhang Chunfeng remained unresponsive, her peach blossom eyes tightly closed. This suddenly reminded Lee Soo-man of how, when Zhang Chuntian died, he had also called out her name repeatedly, but Zhang Chuntian never opened her eyes again.
Lee Soo-man's heart sank to the bottom of the lake. He had lost his father, mother, husband, and mother-in-law in this life. The only people connected to him in this world were Zhang Chunfeng, Xiao Sui, and Xiao Jiu.
He has spent his whole life losing, and he can no longer bear the pain of losing.
Without a second thought, Lee Soo-man leaned down and kissed Zhang Chunfeng's lips. He kept biting Zhang Chunfeng's lips, but Zhang Chunfeng didn't respond at all!
Tears streamed down Li Xiuman's face as he desperately tried to stop himself from taking the medicine. He began to hate himself. If he had known the drug was so poisonous, why had he been so stubborn? He had done this a hundred times already; he should have just given Zhang Chunfeng the antidote sooner.
He cried, kissed, and called Zhang Chunfeng's name over and over again, until finally he gave up.
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