Chapter 23 The Princess's Beloved Dog (The End) My little dog, my dearest…
After being with Pei Heng, Yuezhi felt that time was passing faster.
She no longer needs three meals a day; often one meal a day is enough. Yet, she has more energy than before, her hearing and eyesight are sharp, and her body feels much lighter.
Occasionally, she and Pei Heng would leave the protection of the ancient tree and travel to places near or far, listening to the little demons they passed tell interesting stories about the outside world, and gradually experiencing the taste of freedom from the constraints of mortal life.
Life is like a clear stream flowing across a meadow, gently flowing, peaceful and sweet.
Nourished by spiritual energy and with Pei Heng's meticulous care, Yue Zhi's face became increasingly refined and radiant, glowing with an inner radiance.
Pei Heng always maintained that sincere enthusiasm and vitality, surrounding her like the tireless sunshine.
They cultivated vegetable gardens in the cave, raised plump fish in the winding stream, and even built a small chicken and duck coop. They would eat fresh food as a treat, and occasionally trade with the nearby demons for some strange and unusual items.
There are silks woven from incorruptible silkworm silk, luminous pearls that glow without fire, beauty pills, and grain seeds that can absorb spiritual energy to grow spiritual rice... The coming and going is quite interesting.
In their spare time, the two tended the vegetable garden together, devoted themselves to cultivation, and also engaged in intimate moments of spiritual and physical union... This was the epitome of peaceful and idyllic life.
After a long time, Pei Yao returned from her travels.
She visited the grotto with bags full of gifts, all rare and precious items: dazzling jewelry, exotic spices, exquisite pastries, and all sorts of priceless treasures.
The three sat around the table, drinking tea and chatting. Pei Yao casually mentioned the changes in the mortal realm.
Changxu Kingdom has unified the world. Yulin Kingdom failed to achieve its marriage alliance and was trampled to the ground by iron hooves the following year, becoming the first country defeated by Changxu Kingdom.
That marriage alliance was just a pretext; Changxu Kingdom was merely using it to buy time and prepare its army.
Under the general trend of unification, the elite class of Yulin Kingdom was swept away completely. Whether they were right or wrong in the past, they were all buried in the wheels of history, leaving not even a speck of dust behind.
A trace of sadness flashed across Yuezhi's eyes, like ripples on the surface of water touched by a gentle breeze, but it quickly subsided.
She was no longer a mortal, and only when Pei Yao spoke of it did she realize that thirty years had passed since she ran away from her arranged marriage.
Thirty years have passed, yet she remains youthful and happy with Pei Heng. The world outside is in turmoil, but it has nothing to do with their little paradise.
Pei Yao came here today because she was curious about something.
Seeing that Pei Heng was captivated by a brightly colored embroidered ball on the table and staring at it intently, she picked up the ball and tossed it far into the open space.
"Woof!" Pei Heng cheered, instantly transforming into his original form, becoming a majestic and beautiful white dog. He happily chased after the ball and nimbly snatched it in his mouth.
The bells inside the embroidered ball made a clear "ding-dong" sound in his mouth. He rolled happily on the ground, revealing his soft belly, and pawing at the embroidered ball with his paws, enjoying himself immensely.
While Pei Heng was engrossed in his game, Yue Zhi turned to Pei Yao and softly asked the question that had been lingering in her heart: "Master Pei, Pei Heng and I have been together for so many years, why... have we never gotten pregnant?"
She wasn't particularly eager for children and originally wanted to let nature take its course, but after a long period of silence, she couldn't help but become curious.
Pei Yao put down her teacup and smiled knowingly: "It's inherently difficult for humans and demons to conceive; not being able to get pregnant is the norm. But..."
She looked Yuezhi up and down. She noticed that Yuezhi was elegant and graceful, and her appearance had not changed. However, her demeanor was even more gentle and kind. She knew that Pei Heng had not caused her any trouble, which was why she was so well-nourished.
“Your body has been nourished by the spiritual energy of the demon realm and Pei Heng’s aura for a long time, so it is no longer an ordinary mortal. In my opinion, you may have a chance in another twenty or thirty years.”
Immediately afterward, Pei Yao's expression turned serious. "However, there is something you should know. Demon beasts have powerful bloodlines and often give birth to multiple offspring at once. Although your constitution has changed, it is still unknown whether you can withstand the strain of nurturing demon cubs. Not long ago, a powerful demon with considerable cultivation exhausted her demonic power while giving birth and ultimately perished. Therefore, you must be cautious about the matter of offspring."
Upon hearing this, Yuezhi obediently nodded.
I didn't know that childbirth had these risks...
Just then, a tearful, aggrieved voice broke in: "Master is lying!"
The two turned around and saw that Pei Heng had transformed back into human form at some point and was leaning over to eavesdrop on their conversation.
His eyes were red and brimming with tears. He didn't even notice the embroidered ball he had been carrying falling to the ground. His voice trembled as he said, "Master said before that he wanted my wife and me to have a litter of puppies... I don't want my wife to die! I don't want the puppies anymore!"
Pei Yao rubbed her forehead, looking helplessly like she couldn't reason with a silly dog. She quickly stood up and said, "I was just teasing you. You two should discuss your own business. I'm going to find some fun. Goodbye."
The cunning fox made a quick escape.
In the bustling cave, glittering gold and silver jewels were piled up on the grass, unattended.
Yuezhi's heart softened. She stroked Pei Heng's soft silver hair and gently comforted him, "Aheng, I won't die."
Pei Heng shook his head vigorously, picked her up from the chair, and held her tightly in his arms like a child afraid of being abandoned.
He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his hot tears wetting her skin, his attitude resolute: "I don't want puppies, I only want my wife! I love you the most, and only you! I also want my wife to love me the most, and only me!"
The young man raised his tear-blurred face, eagerly searching for her lips. With salty tears in his eyes, he kissed her forcefully, trying to confirm her presence and regain a sense of security through this kiss.
Yuezhi was deeply moved by his pure and ardent love, and the fleeting thoughts about having children in her heart were also dispelled by this warm current.
She hugged him back and gently responded to his kisses until his emotions gradually calmed down. Then she whispered in his ear, "Okay, we won't have children. Just the two of us, we'll stay together forever."
Hearing her affirmative promise, Pei Heng's tense body finally relaxed. He gently nuzzled her cheek with his nose, humming softly, and held her tightly, refusing to let go.
*
As time passed, Yuezhi witnessed many strange sights she had never seen before in the demon realm.
The seasons here change irregularly. Occasionally, a demon beast undergoes tribulation, and a perfectly sunny day can suddenly turn into a torrential downpour. Sometimes, a demon beast successfully completes its tribulation, and wherever it flies, a shower of petals falls from the sky.
After a long time, Pei Heng successfully overcame his tribulation, his cultivation level rose to a higher level, and his beast form grew larger, making him the foremost demon king in the vicinity.
Yuezhi didn't feel that life was any different; it was still safe and comfortable, and Pei Heng was as clingy as ever.
Then, the snow season came.
The thick snow completely buried the ancient trees. The cave was a world unto itself. The stream still babbled, and the grass was covered with snow that was above the knees, like a thick white velvet blanket.
The original simple wooden house was gradually transformed into a brick and tile house by the two of them. The walls were coated with fish scale powder, which is waterproof and moisture-proof. A layer of purple spirit sand was added, and the light purple fine sand was faintly visible between the bricks and tiles, making the whole house warm in winter and cool in summer.
Now the house is spacious and large, with east and west wing rooms added, and a courtyard wall built to protect all the treasures inside.
Right now, inside the heated cage in the room, the lava rock is continuously radiating heat; it's so big, it'll last for half a month.
The room, dimly lit by the lack of sunlight, was illuminated by the luminous pearls embedded in the candlesticks. Yuezhi sat by the window in front of the embroidery frame, her fingertips holding silken threads as fine as hair, intently embroidering a gardenia that was about to bloom.
The melody flowing from the painting is a soothing guqin tune, "Mountain Dwelling Song," which she has listened to for over a century without ever growing tired of it.
For over a hundred years, from the initial novelty and curiosity, to today's skilled spinning, dyeing, and embroidery, even able to make soft armor that is impervious to water and fire with embroidery, life has been exceptionally fulfilling.
The silk threads spun from spirit silkworm silk, snow spider silk, and cotton she grew herself, through her skillful hands, became the clothes for her and Pei Heng, and also served as hard currency for exchanging goods with the surrounding demons.
Just as she was embroidering the turning point of the petals, the huge white dandelion at her feet suddenly stirred restlessly.
Yuezhi looked down, and Pei Heng was curled up at her feet. His furry body rose and fell gently with his breath. After becoming the Demon King, his original form became even more majestic. Even when he was lying down, he was almost as tall as her when she was sitting.
At this moment, the majestic demon king was humming softly in his sleep, as if he were having a nightmare.
Yuezhi put down her needlework, reached out and stroked his head, her palm sinking into his soft, fluffy fur as she gently rubbed it.
With this rubbing, Pei Heng groaned even louder.
He opened his eyes groggily, his clear, bright eyes misty with tears. He stood up unsteadily, took a steaming food box from his pouch, and placed it on the small table next to Yuezhi.
"Ugh..." He pushed the food box towards her with his nose, looking at her with a dazed expression.
Yuezhi was taken aback: "I'm not hungry."
Pei Heng stubbornly pushed the food box again, his tail wagging unconsciously, his voice hoarse from just waking up: "Eat first, we'll talk after you're full."
"What's wrong?" Yuezhi asked him, puzzled.
The big white dog shook its head, trying to clear its head, but only made its fluffy long fur even messier.
She murmured softly, "I think I'm in heat."
Yuezhi couldn't help but purse her lips and blush.
“It’s different from before…” Pei Heng tilted his head back and nuzzled her shoulder, his voice hoarse, “I can’t control myself a little.”
Seeing his expression, Yuezhi was overjoyed and gently patted his warm cheek: "Then go take a bath in the west wing first, and come find me after you're clean, okay?"
Even though he was in a daze, Pei Heng still habitually obeyed her, nodded, and walked out with somewhat unsteady steps. When he reached the door, he didn't forget to look back at her, his wet eyes full of dependence.
Yuezhi watched him disappear behind the door before turning around and sitting down at the small table, opening the still-warm food box.
Inside were her favorite sweet and sour fish, stir-fried bamboo shoots, and stir-fried pork, a large white steamed bun, and a small bowl of sweet osmanthus porridge.
She ate slowly and carefully, her heart pounding.
Many years ago, they discussed not having children, but they never grew tired of each other's love. A century has not diminished their initial excitement; instead, it has made their feelings even stronger.
Even he couldn't control his heat cycle... Yuezhi bit her chopsticks, her face burning with heat.
The sound of rushing water came from the west wing, mixed with Pei Heng's uncomfortable groans. After finishing her meal, Yue Zhi walked to the window and looked at the swirling snowflakes outside.
This heavy snow is likely to last a very long time.
Fortunately, they have plenty of time to take their time.
The gardenia on the embroidery frame was only half finished, the melody on the phonograph had changed to a more tender one, the lava rocks quietly radiated heat, and the light of the luminous pearl gently enveloped everything.
Yuezhi was held in Pei Heng's arms, her legs wrapped around his strong waist.
Pei Heng tilted his head back and kissed her deeply with his burning lips and tongue. His large hands clumsily and eagerly pulled open the ties on the side of her skirt, and the soft fabric rustled down.
The young man, with broad shoulders and long legs, walked to the edge of the large bed in a few steps. The two of them sank into the bed covered with a thick quilt, as if they were wrapped in soft clouds.
In the past, Pei Heng was always considerate and careful in taking care of her feelings during their intimate moments. But this time, it was like a sudden storm, coming on strong and leaving her nowhere to hide, only able to passively endure his greedy demands.
Pei Heng seemed like a different person, driven by primal instincts. His movements were urgent and full of power, and his eyes, which always carried a smile, were now filled with a deep desire that almost devoured her.
"Aheng, Aheng!"
Yuezhi felt like she was being tossed about in a whirlpool. She wanted him to calm down, but she couldn't lift her hand. All she could do was bite his neck, which was so close to hers.
Even the smallest act of resistance, like dry tinder thrown into a raging fire, ignites an even fiercer flame.
"My wife, call me again... I love it..." Pei Heng murmured, letting out a low, almost animalistic gasp, which became even more turbulent.
Several days passed, and the snowfall outside the window lessened, while the fierce wind and rain inside gradually subsided, turning into a gentle and lingering warmth.
Pei Heng held her tightly, burying his burning face in the crook of her neck, nuzzling her gently like a large dog seeking comfort.
Yuezhi felt weak all over, too lazy to even move her fingertips.
She vaguely thought that if Pei Yao hadn't frequently brought her that medicine, which improved her health, she probably would have fainted during that "catastrophe."
His burning embrace, his heavy breathing, and even the uncontrollable force all silently spoke of his unchanging, ardent, and pure love.
Yuezhi turned her head slightly and saw his forehead covered with sweat and his eyes closed. She sighed softly, smiled helplessly, and used the last bit of strength to wipe away his sweat.
Pei Heng sighed contentedly in her palm and hugged her even tighter.
No matter how fierce the wind and snow outside the window, or how long the days in the cave were, with him by her side, she never felt lonely for a single day.
Many, many years later.
The ancient trees remained verdant, and the cave was teeming with life. Following Pei Yao's example, Yue Zhi and Pei Heng packed simple belongings and set off to travel in the human world.
In a seaside town, the salty sea breeze carries a familiar yet unfamiliar atmosphere of everyday life.
Yuezhi, dressed in ordinary clothes, changed her appearance using a magical artifact. Beside her walked slowly down the street with a large, eye-catching white dog that had a憨厚 (honest and simple) smile on its face.
They learned from the storyteller in the teahouse that it was now the Zhou Dynasty.
The Kingdom of Changxu, the dynasty that belonged to the ancient Kingdom of Yuezhi, has long since sunk into history, a full five hundred years have passed.
There wasn't much sorrow for my lost homeland in my heart; instead, there was a sense of relief that everything had settled down.
They bought a new food box from the best restaurant in town, which contained a glistening roast chicken, crispy sesame cakes, tender braised pork trotters, and a plate of clear side dishes.
A man and a dog sat on the rocks by the sea, sharing food, while seagulls circled overhead.
Pei Heng rubbed his fluffy head against her palm and said that there were sweet fruits he had never seen before in the southern country, which could be reached by going down the coast.
Yuezhi was also very curious about what the fruits from foreign countries would taste like, and she enthusiastically began planning her route south...
In the span of three to five years, one can see all the mountains and rivers and taste all the flavors of life.
Finally, they returned to their home in the Ancient Tree Cave with a feast of delicacies.
In the early morning, the two sat side by side at the top of the tall tree canopy, with lush branches and leaves stretching out around them.
In the distance, the clouds were edged with gold, and a red sun was slowly rising. Its warm light dispelled the morning mist, bathed the entire mountain forest, and gilded everything in the world with a warm glow.
Yuezhi leaned on Pei Heng's shoulder and murmured softly.
"Ah Heng, thank you for coming to my side back then."
Pei Heng hugged her, rubbing his cheek against the top of her head, and smiled warmly, "I should thank my good wife for being willing to be my partner and spend my life with me, allowing me to have so many happy times."
Yuezhi smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Because you are my little dog, you bring me joy and companionship. You are my most beloved Aheng."
"I love my wife the most too!" Pei Heng grinned and hugged her tightly, as if she were a precious treasure.
Throughout endless time, my beloved is by my side.
A day feels like a thousand years, and a thousand years feel like a day.
I have nothing more to ask for but happiness and contentment.
[End of this article]
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