Chapter 75 Chapter 75 A good husband in the family
The salty, damp sea breeze blew into the cabin, cooling Yuezhi's flushed cheeks.
The young man's words, half-coaxing and half-enticing, were still lingering in the air when she withdrew her hand, letting it hang by her side, and gripped the bed sheet tightly.
“Ah Heng, we are different…”
“You are of noble birth, and you are cultivating the ability to govern the country and bring peace to the world. I am just a poor woman with nothing in my eyes but money. Making a living through business is the best life I can imagine. How can I have the ability to stand by your side and share the storms with you?”
She turned her head to look at the shimmering sea outside the window, her voice filled with relief as she explained the turmoil in her heart and the chasm that stood between them.
"Since ancient times, the importance of matching social status has been emphasized. You think I am good now, but it's just because you're experiencing love for the first time. You only find it novel because you can't have what you want. If you were willing to set your sights on those noble ladies, there would be plenty of good ones for you to choose from."
"It's not that I hate you, it's just that we're different by nature. As time goes by, our love will fade away."
"Let's stop here. Once the important business is done, you can go back to your capital, and I'll look after my shop. Just keep this in mind, don't ask for too much."
She knew him too well. If he loosened his grip even slightly, countless temptations would follow. By the time she realized it, she might already be in the palace, and she would never have the chance to leave the capital again in her life.
That cage, piled high with gold and jade, will devour her youth and life, becoming her tomb.
Before he could finish speaking, a shadow suddenly loomed over him.
The young man suddenly grabbed her hands with an irresistible force, pushing her backward. Her back slammed against the open window, startling her so much that her eyes widened and the scream she was about to utter was choked back in her throat.
His lips covered mine without warning.
Without any gentle probing or preparation, filled with suppressed anxiety and anger, he pried open her teeth and penetrated her.
Yuezhi struggled instinctively, but her wrists were firmly fixed to the window, unable to move. Her resistance was completely swallowed by him, turning into a muffled sob between her lips.
“Ah Heng… um! You…”
The kiss was so intense, so lingering, it was almost suffocating. The ambergris scent emanating from his robes was thick and domineering, overwhelming all her senses.
At first, Yuezhi tensed up to resist, but his tongue swept across her sensitive palate, causing her to tremble helplessly. A trembling moan escaped her throat, and she tried to kick him with her legs, but they were easily pressed down by his bent calves, rendering her unable to move.
His breath was taken away, his mind went blank from lack of oxygen, and his body shamefully went weak little by little under his force, leaving him with no strength to resist.
Time passed slowly, and the sound of water filled her ears. Just when she was about to suffocate, Pei Heng stepped back a little, his forehead pressed against hers, his breath hot and heavy.
His dark eyes were fixed on her, his voice hoarse: "Were you still thinking about those things just now?"
Yuezhi bit her lip in grievance, her lips red and swollen, glistening with moisture. She looked so beautiful that he stared at her for a long time, but she couldn't utter a single word.
All her reason and considerations were shattered by the kiss, leaving her unable to compose a single complete sentence.
Pei Heng closed his eyes slightly, gently brushed his nose against hers, and said calmly, "I've thought about letting go. Before coming to Qingzhou, I had already thought that if you were heartless towards me, I would stay far away and watch over you, and never bother you again."
"But you weren't uninterested in me, were you?"
"Yuezhi, if you don't want to come back to the capital with me, I'm willing to stay here and live an ordinary life with you. We only live once, and nothing is more important than being with you, whether it's a throne or some kind of honor."
Hearing this, Yuezhi snapped out of her daze, a sense of horror washing over her. She quickly grabbed his shoulder, saying, "Don't say such things!"
She frowned deeply, seeing the stubbornness hidden beneath his gentle expression, a determination to achieve his goal that was more difficult to deal with than a cat or dog, making her feel flustered and confused.
“I’m afraid of you doing this, that one thought can turn everything upside down…” she sighed. “Give me some time to think about it.”
Pei Heng's eyes dimmed, clearly disbelieving this excuse to stall for time.
Seeing the undercurrent in his eyes, Yuezhi felt a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her. Hesitantly, she raised her slightly weak arm, gently wrapped it around his neck, leaned forward, and embraced him.
Pei Heng's body stiffened for a moment.
The comforting hug calmed the complex emotions swirling in my heart.
He closed his eyes, wrapped his arms around her back, pulled her into his embrace, rested his chin on her shoulder, and gently pressed his cheek against her neck, letting out a helpless yet pitiful breath, "Okay."
Yuezhi told him to wait, so he waited.
He will behave and show her his true feelings.
All the unspoken words and struggling emotions found a temporary place in this intimate embrace, slowly softening in the small, quiet cabin.
As the sun rose higher, a few wisps of clouds lingered in the clear sky after the rain, and a rainbow hung in the sky, dazzling and beautiful.
The brief peace between them was quickly broken by busy affairs after the ship docked. Pei Heng, Cheng Yuan, and the Yongding Marquis and his son disembarked to inspect the officers and soldiers and deal with the aftermath of the incident on the nameless island.
Yuezhi, protected by guards, boarded a carriage and left the dock. Looking back, she realized that there were only three official ships at the dock. Apart from the people disembarking from the official ships and the people from the Qingzhou government who came to meet them, there were no other civilians. It was assumed that the remaining official ships had docked at other ports, and the government had cleared the ports early to prevent the news of the suppression of the rebels from leaking out and alerting the enemy.
As Pei Heng said, Hu Yong must have had other people behind him who could mobilize so much iron ore and money.
She thought he would be busy for a while, which would give him some time to cool off and prevent him from focusing all his attention on her, making her feel soft-hearted and unsure of what to do.
They changed carriages midway, the guards left, and after a long and winding journey, they finally returned home.
She slept late after a day of anxiety, and when she woke up, she had to take a boat and a carriage. By the time she got home, it was already afternoon, the sun was setting, and she was so tired that her face was pale.
When the servants saw her return, they came up to greet her with concern.
"My lady is really back! While you were away, Madam Cui and Miss Huachun were so worried. They're still outside right now. I'll go and fetch them back right away."
"How are you feeling, my lady? Would you like something to eat? You've been missing for several days, and the two young masters have been missing you and crying every night."
"Before you disappeared, Guard Liang invited Doctor Su, but the two of them haven't shown up yet. Should we go to the government office to inquire?"
Despite her exhaustion and headache, Yuezhi still mustered her energy and gave them instructions one by one.
"Don't tell anyone about my return home. The authorities are investigating this matter right now, and leaks are strictly prohibited. I was able to come back so quickly because I had connections. When you go to see Xianglan and Huachun, you should also remind them."
"As for Jingyun, since Guard Liang invited him, he will surely take good care of him, so there is no need to worry."
After saying that, she went back to her room, drank a bowl of easy-to-eat rice porridge that the nanny brought her, changed into a soft nightgown, and went to the baby's crib.
The two children were tired from crying all day and were listless. But when they saw her, their eyes lit up and they stretched out their chubby arms, crying and whimpering, wanting her to hold them.
She picked up the two children one by one, placed them on her bed, gently patted their backs to soothe them until they stopped crying, and then pulled their soft, warm bodies into her arms.
The two little ones eagerly burrowed into her chest, and soon they parted her clothes, wrapping themselves up on either side, making smacking sounds.
Before entering, the nanny said that both children had already been fed and were still eating, but they missed her and urgently needed to relieve their anxiety about separation and the unease of their mother not being by their side.
The weight in her arms was substantial, and the unique milky scent and warmth of the children surrounded her. Yuezhi's heart, which had been wandering aimlessly, finally found a place to rest.
She held them on either side, gently humming nameless lullabies to lull the children to sleep, and gradually drifted off to sleep herself.
*
Late that night, soldiers silently surrounded the imposing stone lions outside the Yu residence, their torches flickering and illuminating the cold, hard faces of the soldiers.
Yu Shao returned home drunk, his steps unsteady, humming a tune. When he reached his doorstep, he saw the scene on both sides of the gate, and his drunkenness instantly sobered him up.
He staggered forward, drunk and acting out, shouting, "Who are you people? How dare you cause trouble in front of my Yu residence!"
The leading officer didn't bother with any more words, and ordered, "Take him down!"
With a wave of his hand, two soldiers immediately stepped forward, one on the left and one on the right, and twisted Yu Shao's arms, instantly putting cold iron chains around his wrists.
"Hey? What are you doing? Let me go! I'm rolling in money, I know the prefect! I..."
Yu Shao struggled and shouted, his fat body twisting and turning. Before he could finish speaking, a rag was roughly stuffed into his mouth, and he could only let out angry groans.
Soon, the concubines in the mansion were placed under guard in the courtyard, and several soldiers escorted Zhao Meier, who was disheveled and wearing only a nightgown, out of the backyard.
She had clearly been dragged out of bed, her face still covered in makeup, and she looked terrified. What made Yu Shao's eyes widen in horror was that three disheveled men were also dragged out after her!
He vaguely remembered that recently there had been several young, handsome guards and servants in the manor, and some of their faces matched those of the three men.
At this moment, their faces were ashen, they were trembling like leaves, their hands were shackled, their mouths were stuffed with rags, their belts were loosely tied, and their clothes were wide open. It was clear that they had been serving people just a second ago and had been arrested the next.
Yu Shao was so angry that his eyes turned bloodshot and veins bulged on his forehead. He tried desperately to rush over, but he could only glare at Zhao Meier and the three men beside her. He made a "woo-woo" sound but couldn't even utter a complete curse.
When Zhao Meier saw Yu Shao tied up like a pig, she was first stunned, then she forced a cold laugh that was even uglier than crying. She let out a "humph" from her gagged mouth, her eyes full of mockery.
The Yu family was sealed off by government troops, and the couple, along with their trusted servants involved in the case, were taken to prison.
In the cold, damp cell, the gags had just been removed from the two people's mouths when Yu Shao, like a raging wild boar, suddenly pounced on Zhao Meier!
He was obese and moved with unusual speed due to anger, swinging the shackles on his hands as he punched and kicked Zhao Meier.
"You slut! You whore! You shameless prostitute! You've disgraced the Yu family! How dare you cheat on me right under my nose! And three men at once!!" Yu Shao cursed and hit him, his whole body trembling with rage.
Zhao Meier was beaten until she curled up on the ground, protecting her head and face, but instead of begging for mercy, she laughed shrilly, her laughter sounding particularly jarring in the cell.
"I'm having an affair? Yu Shao, don't you know what kind of person you are! All looks and no substance. You have a bunch of concubines and mistresses at home, and you're still out there having a good time. Why can't I find someone to have fun with?"
She suddenly looked up, her face bruised, her eyes like poisoned knives, and spat at him defiantly.
"Where do you think your Yu family's money came from? Eighty percent of the mountains of silver in the accounts were earned by me! Without my connections, without me risking my reputation to pull strings, you would have been starving long ago! How could you support so many concubines and illegitimate children? How could you still act like a big shot outside?"
"You're talking nonsense!" Yu Shao was so angry that he wanted to hit him again.
Just then, the jailer came over and interrupted the two, taking them to the front for interrogation.
The prefectural judge, carrying documents, walked in with a cold face and slammed his gavel: "Yu Shao, Zhao Meier, you are suspected of colluding with the rebel king, selling smuggled salt, trafficking people, and transporting weapons. Each of these crimes is a capital offense punishable by the confiscation of your property and the extermination of your entire family! Confess the truth now!"
Upon hearing the words "death penalty," Yu Shao's legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground. He immediately pointed at Zhao Meier and shouted.
"Your Honor! I'm innocent! I know nothing! It's all that vile woman's fault! She's been using my Yu family's name to do all sorts of things behind my back! I've been kept in the dark; I'm completely innocent!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Meier scoffed, "You're happier than anyone when it comes to spending money, and you didn't hesitate to spend it when you were having fun with those lowly maids! Now that something's happened, you're trying to pin all the blame on me? You wish!"
Her hair was disheveled, but when she turned to the chief prosecutor, she appeared remarkably clear-headed and wise, speaking calmly.
"My lord, I did handle those businesses, but without his approval, how could a woman like me mobilize so many ships and men? Don't believe his nonsense. Putting aside everything else, just in the matter of smuggling salt, he has lured quite a few merchants in Qingzhou City."
Yu Shao's expression changed drastically: "Zhao Meier, that business belongs to your ex-husband, stop making baseless accusations!"
Seeing that the two were arguing again, the chief judge ordered the jailers to separate them and tie them to the torture rack. While one side was tied up with ropes, the other side continued to accuse and curse at each other without any regard for the consequences.
"It was you who acted as a go-between for the Sixth Prince in Qingzhou City, using business to build connections and raise money for him to support his private army!"
"Bullshit! You were the one who got jealous of my ex-husband's huge profits from smuggling salt, and begged me to find you a way in!"
"Weren't those missing people kidnapped by you? You said they were sent to the island to do hard labor!"
"Wasn't it you who coordinated the mining affairs with Huzhou? You're not unaware of the weapons transportation! You like to drink and carouse with them, don't they recognize you, you idiot?"
Zhao Meier gradually gained the upper hand. The truth had been exposed, and she had no way out. She also knew clearly that her uncle would not risk coming to save her.
Her family fell into decline, and in order to be a virtuous lady, she had to marry into a high-ranking family. Following her mother's wishes, she went to live with her aunt, but was secretly raped by her uncle. As a child, she had no idea how disgusting this was. She only knew that by offering her body, she could gain her uncle's favor, establish herself in the royal palace, and enjoy wealth and honor.
As she grew up, she became a soft knife in the hands of the Sixth Prince. Each of her husbands was someone he wanted to win over and use, and she had no say in the matter. Since she couldn't resist, she might as well live life to the fullest and die a quick and painless death.
The government secretly arrested people and exposed their clandestine businesses, so they naturally had evidence in hand. Sooner or later, they would turn their attention to the Sixth Prince. Killing them was just a small test.
Zhao Meier was exhausted from working so hard for others. After scolding Yu Shao until he was out of breath, she calmly confessed everything to the chief judge.
How did the Sixth Prince weave a vast network of relationships through the enormous profits of smuggled salt? Which local officials did he maintain close ties with? How did he use his power to suppress cases, secretly mine iron ore, and imprison people?
The interrogation on this side was not yet over, and on the other side of the torture chamber, Hu Yong, who was on the verge of death, could not withstand the torture and confessed intermittently.
He fled from the southwest to Lizhou and began working for the Sixth Prince last summer, imprisoning refugees and kidnapped people, forcing them to smelt iron, forge weapons, and coordinate with the Yu family's ships for transportation...
Each and every incident was recorded by the clerks, their ink dripping, filled with countless crimes committed by the Sixth Prince and his cronies.
*
Night had fallen over the western hills, and the morning sunlight streamed through the window lattice, gently illuminating it.
Yuezhi felt a slight wriggling in her arms and heard two soft hums like kittens in her ear.
As soon as she opened her eyes, she was met with the big, dark eyes of two little ones beside her. The two little babies instinctively snuggled into her arms, their little mouths smacking as they searched for food.
Yuezhi's heart instantly melted into a puddle of water.
She skillfully took the children in her arms, fed them, and watched them smack their lips contentedly, waving their little fists as they played. The peace and contentment in her heart dispelled the chaotic thoughts of yesterday.
She carefully changed the children's clothes, then washed and dressed herself in a simple dress before opening the door.
As she walked down the corridor, she saw Cui Xianglan and Huachun standing outside her window. When they saw her come out, they straightened up and looked her up and down with concern in their eyes.
"Yuezhi, you're awake?" Cui Xianglan spoke first, her voice softer than usual. "How are you feeling? Are you feeling unwell?"
Hua Chun quickly stepped forward, lowering her voice, her tone full of heartache: "I heard from the maid that you looked very unwell when you came back yesterday... During the days you were missing, were you... bullied by those wicked people?"
She asked hesitantly, afraid of hurting Yuezhi's feelings.
Yuezhi paused for a moment, then understood what they were worried about. Her heart warmed, and she shook her head.
As if afraid that she was suppressing her grievances, Cui Xianglan quickly stepped forward and added, "Don't be afraid! The prefect secretly sent a message last night saying that Yu Shao and Zhao Meier have been arrested and imprisoned. They have done all sorts of bad things, so they definitely can't escape!"
Seeing their tense yet indignant expressions, Yuezhi couldn't help but smile with relief, saying calmly, "I'm really fine, don't worry, I wasn't bullied."
Now it was Cui Xianglan and Huachun's turn to be surprised.
The two exchanged a glance, and Huachun cautiously asked, "But the way you came back yesterday..."
"I was tired, but I'm much better now." Yuezhi thought for a moment and revealed some details. "I was taken to the previous island, which was heavily guarded. Fortunately, some kind people protected me and prevented those thieves from harming me, so I didn't suffer any hardship."
She briefly mentioned her experiences on the island, cleverly omitting Pei Heng's presence and the details of their interactions.
Cui Xianglan and Huachun carefully observed her expression and saw that she had a rosy complexion and clear eyes, and did not look like she had suffered a great humiliation. They breathed a long sigh of relief and relaxed their tense shoulders.
"Thank God! It's truly the Bodhisattva's blessing!" Hua Chun said, clasping her hands together.
Cui Xianglan then took Yuezhi's arm: "It's good that you're alright! We were so scared! Come on, come on, Huachun and I have booked the best table at Zuixianlou to calm your nerves! The three of us sisters will have a good meal to get rid of the bad luck!"
Seeing her friend's sincere smile, Yuezhi's last bit of gloom dissipated, and she smiled and agreed.
The three of them smiled at each other, and went to the gate of the mansion to take a carriage. They then went to Zuixianlou Restaurant for a hearty meal, listened to two lively opera performances, and even visited a silk shop.
After a lively day of fun, we finally headed back home, satisfied, as dusk approached. We strolled along the long street in groups, with horse-drawn carriages following slowly behind.
On the way, Cui Xianglan whispered, "Guard Liang invited Su Jingyun to go hiking, and it's been so many days, but he still hasn't returned."
As she spoke, she covered her mouth and chuckled, "Only someone with Doctor Su's good temper could put up with Guard Pei's impulsive nature. Anyone else would have been driven to their knees by now!"
Hua Chun knew Pei Yao's identity and replied with a smile, "Guard Liang is indeed very energetic. At thirty years old, he can still go up mountains and down to the sea. He's always out and about, so it's inevitable that he'll get hurt. It would be safer to have Brother Su by his side."
Cui Xianglan: "It's reassuring to have such a good-natured man by my side, but in my opinion, a man should be responsible, have a strong temper, be able to handle things, and remain calm in the face of trouble. That's what makes a man reliable."
When this topic came up, Huachun smiled and lowered her head, "I don't have high requirements. I just want to find someone I can settle down with."
After the two finished their banter, they naturally turned the conversation to Yuezhi, who had been listening with a smile the whole time: "Yuezhi, don't just listen to us, what are your thoughts?"
Yuezhi was momentarily speechless, and the image of Pei Heng instantly flashed into her mind.
Her heart skipped a beat, her face flushed, and she quickly laughed to cover it up, saying vaguely, "I don't have any particular thoughts. I'm fine as I am now, content just living with the children."
Cui Xianglan and Huachun exchanged a glance, realizing that she might not have fully recovered from her previous experience, so they tactfully stopped asking and changed the subject with a smile.
Back home, the three of them went back to their own courtyards.
As Yuezhi walked, she stretched and yawned, and couldn't help but think: With such a big commotion caused by Wuming Island and the Yu family, the Sixth Prince's power in Qingzhou has been completely eradicated. As the emperor, Pei Heng will definitely return to the capital soon to take charge and handle the aftermath, right?
I've been out all day and haven't heard a single word about the Emperor's arrival. Has he... already left Qingzhou without a trace...?
Thinking this, the loneliness that had been suppressed by the daytime hustle and bustle began to seep out again.
She sighed softly and pushed open the door.
The golden rays of the setting sun shone through the window, bathing the room in a warm glow. In that warm light, the young man sat on the carpet, facing the door.
Two children wobbled around him, crawling from the carpet to his legs, sometimes grabbing his arm, sometimes trying to take the rag doll in his hand. The rough rag doll had loose threads, which he used to tease the children, like fishing.
He shed his brocade robes and jade belts that signified his status, wearing only an ordinary indigo blue casual outfit. His dark hair was half-tied up and half-draped with a simple sandalwood hairpin. Stripped of his imperial majesty, he appeared exceptionally... gentle and virtuous.
Yuezhi found her inappropriate feelings amusing; the scene before her was too heartwarming for her to bear disturbing.
Yan Qing reached for the doll in Pei Heng's hand with her chubby little hands, making urgent "ah, ah" sounds.
Pei Heng deliberately lifted the doll high, causing the little guy to struggle to stand up by supporting himself on his legs. The chubby little leg wobbled a couple of steps, grabbed the doll, bent his knees, and pounced onto Pei Heng's lap.
Yunxi was even more mischievous. She leaned on Pei Heng's shoulder and stood up, grabbing his loose hair with her little hands, laughing happily, and trying to stuff a strand of hair into her mouth.
Pei Heng was busy dealing with his son on the left while also carefully protecting his daughter who was pulling his hair beside him. He seemed a little flustered, but his handsome face was full of gentle and indulgent smiles as he coaxed his two little darlings to play.
He turned to look when he heard the door open.
Seeing Yuezhi standing stunned at the door, his gentle smile deepened, like the first melting of snow and the ripples of spring water, striking straight into her heart.
"You're back?" His voice was deep, with a natural sense of intimacy, as if he were an ordinary husband greeting his wife who had just returned home.
Yuezhi breathed a sigh of relief, her heart swelled with a hot and overflowing emotion, and her heart was beating very fast.
He's still here.
He didn't leave; instead, he took a break from his busy schedule, seemingly knowing she wasn't home, and came over to take care of the child.
Whether it was because they saw each other often in private, or because he had the patience to coax the two children into liking him, the two little ones were shy around strangers and didn't even want their nanny to sleep with them, but they were close to him, as if... instinctively knowing that he was their father.
Yuezhi stood at the door, looking at the young man and two playful children in the light and shadow. She felt her eyes well up with tears and her heart soften completely.
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