Chapter 50: Let me be with you day and night.
The meditation hall inside the Buddhist temple is simple. Once the door is closed, the candlelight casts a pair of shadows on the door, and the long night flows quietly by.
Yuezhi stood somewhat helplessly by the door. Pei Heng led her to sit down on the bed in the inner room. Neither of them spoke for a moment, and the atmosphere was subtly tense.
Pei Heng spoke first, his voice very soft, as if afraid of disturbing her: "If you don't mind, elder sister, just like when you were little, you can lean against the headboard and rest for a while, and I... I will stay by your side."
Those were quiet moments that the two of them particularly enjoyed.
To save money on charcoal and candles, the two often huddled together for warmth, sharing a single candle.
At that time, Yuezhi was busy with her work, so she would let him lie on her lap, gently pat his back, until he fell asleep peacefully.
Yuezhi was silent for a moment, then nodded gently. She sat further into the bed and leaned back slightly against the soft pillow at the head of the bed.
Pei Heng hesitated for a moment, not daring to sit on the bed. Instead, he sat on a footstool, slowly bending his knees, just like when he was a child, and leaned his upper body weight on her knees, as if nestled on her soft legs, his posture filled with a devout reverence.
She finally allowed him to get close.
He was overjoyed, but his smile was restrained, disappearing with a faint smirk.
Concerned, he asked, "Is it because the bed in the meditation room is too hard that you can't sleep well? If I had known it would disturb your rest, I wouldn't have asked you to accompany me to the Buddhist temple."
“It’s not about the bed.” Yuezhi sat on the headboard, leaning against the soft pillows, her legs stretched out to the edge of the bed, dangling down to the floor at the knees. The folds of her skirt blended with the young man’s dark hair that fell across her lap.
Hearing his voice, she felt much more at ease. In the deep darkness, she was no longer alone; there was Pei Heng, a face she knew intimately and could easily recall.
"Perhaps it's because I've been sleeping too quietly, and I feel a little uneasy."
She murmured to herself, recalling the days after her husband's disappearance when she was heartbroken. The pain and sorrow made her feel drowsy every day, sometimes sleeping and sometimes waking up, but not quite unable to sleep.
After arriving at Baoguang Temple, Pei Heng's presence eased her sorrow and improved her spirits, making it difficult for her to fall asleep.
"Then my elder sister will sleep here with me." Pei Heng greedily inhaled her fragrance, his arm hanging under the bed carefully smoothing the hem of her skirt.
Such intimate contact, not between a princess and her consort, but between him and his elder sister, is truly something to cherish.
When she was happy, her heart leaped with joy, and she softened her voice when she spoke, half coquettish and half pleading.
"I still regret that my elder sister came to the palace to keep me company that day. She coaxed me to sleep and then left. When I woke up, I didn't see my elder sister, and I felt disappointed for a long time."
Upon hearing this, Yuezhi felt a pang of sadness.
People always complain that he has changed, but no one stays the same forever. He hasn't completely changed his nature; he just hides his fragile and delicate thoughts, which he usually can't express. Only in a rare quiet and unconventional place like this can he reveal a little bit of his feelings.
Her cheeks flushed. "If I sleep here, where will you sleep? We can't possibly sleep in the same bed, that would be improper."
Upon hearing this, Pei Heng's eyes lit up. He slightly raised his eyes to look at her slightly flushed cheeks in the candlelight, and knew that she was touched and her attitude towards him had softened considerably.
"Your Majesty, you sleep on the bed. I will sleep on the soft couch in the outer room."
"No, that won't do. I'm the one who's bothering you, so how can I take up your bed? I'll sleep on the soft couch instead."
"Why are you being so polite with me, Your Majesty? Have you forgotten that I have been on the battlefield for years and never pick and choose where I sleep? Tonight, with Your Majesty here with me, I can sleep soundly no matter where I sleep."
He spoke so earnestly that Yuezhi could no longer refuse.
"The fireflies in the mountains tonight are truly beautiful." As if afraid he would change his mind, Pei Heng suddenly changed the subject and said in a low voice, "But when I look at the candle on the table right now, I also think it's very pretty. I wonder if it's because my elder sister is here."
When you see the people you want to see, your mood improves, and naturally everything seems pleasing to you.
Yuezhi knew his feelings, so she neither responded nor objected.
Her hands, hanging by her sides, felt a little numb. She instinctively reached up to stroke the top of his head, her fingertips weaving through his dark hair and sliding down his back.
Through a thin shirt, she gently stroked his warm body, secretly surprised.
Previously, Yuezhi had no idea that he had such thoughts. She saw him as no different from a child, and when she touched his body, she only knew that he was sturdy. But now, the sensation in her hands seemed to be magnified countless times.
His back muscles were thick and broad, rising and falling slightly with his breathing, containing a deep and heavy sense of power. With a little pressure from his fingertips, one could clearly feel the taut, well-defined muscle lines underneath, as solid as a wall, yet exuding a vibrant heat.
His broad shoulders were muscular and bulging, filling the thin silk shirt to the brim, the curves exuding the robust strength of youth.
“Aheng…” Her voice was gentle, filled with a complex mix of relief and emotion, “You have really grown up.”
“Back then you were only this tall, and you would hide in my arms.” She raised her hand to gesture, then lowered her head and sighed with a smile, “Now you are a man who can shoulder the responsibilities of the world.”
"Hmm." Pei Heng exhaled slowly.
Even before she touched his back with her delicate hand, a thin layer of sweat appeared on his forehead. His truly mature area was much firmer than muscle.
But as she said, he was now a man, no longer a naive young man who would panic at the slightest impulse, so he suppressed his surging desires while chatting with her casually.
In this agonizing yet pleasurable endurance, he managed to suppress his inner rage.
The two chatted about trivial matters: whether the vegetarian food at the Buddhist temple suited their tastes, which parts of the temple they hadn't yet visited, when they would go to the main hall to offer incense the next day, and what kind of clothes they should wear...
Setting aside those sorrows, struggles, and unspoken ambiguities for the time being, I felt exceptionally calm and fulfilled.
The candle flickered softly, and outside the window lay a tranquil night.
Pei Heng's voice gradually lowered, carrying a sense of tranquility after exhaustion.
Yuezhi's hand unconsciously brushed against the strands of hair that had fallen onto her skirt, feeling his real presence through touch—the only warmth she felt in the darkness.
This moment was as peaceful as a winter night several years ago, but for both of them, both physically and mentally, it was different from before.
After an unknown amount of time, a heavy weariness overcame her, and Yuezhi yawned and gradually fell asleep.
The room was unusually quiet, with two steady breaths mingling. The last bit of candlelight went out in the flowing wax, and bright moonlight shone through the window paper.
Pei Heng slowly got up from the bedside.
In the moonlight, he gazed at Yue Zhi's sleeping profile, his eyes growing increasingly deep and dark.
She lay limply in the shadows of the bed curtains, her long eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath her eyes. Her face was fair with a rosy glow, and her lips were slightly pursed, completely unguarded.
Pei Heng swallowed hard, his heart pounding.
He held his breath, slowly leaned down, and placed a gentle kiss between her brows, then pulled away.
Her ears turned slightly red, and her heart pounded wildly in her chest. Seeing that she was not disturbed, she had a further thought. But when her eyes fell on her red lips, she couldn't help but recall the countless hot and humid nights in the past.
The slight urge to get an erection made him feel guilty. He had just been reminiscing about his past relationship with his sister, but now he was overcome by lust, as if he were tasting forbidden fruit.
He clutched his chest, savoring the indescribable thrill and satisfaction alone, and ultimately did not kiss her again.
He stood quietly by the bed, watching her for a long time. The moonlight moved slowly outside the window, and his gaze greedily traced her sleeping face, wanting to etch this moment into his heart forever.
After a long while, he finally picked her up and laid her flat on the bed, covering her with a quilt.
The night was quiet, as if nothing had happened.
*
The Buddhist temple was shrouded in a thin mist in the early morning. Sunlight and birdsong from the mountains pierced through the hazy mist, waking the sleeping beauty.
Yuezhi lazily turned over, the embroidered quilt she touched still carrying a faint scent of ambergris.
The young man's outer robe was spread on the quilt covering him, but he was no longer in the room; he had gone to the study next door to review memorials long ago.
Yuezhi's heart skipped a beat, and then a complex and indescribable emotion welled up in her chest.
Last night's fragmented confessions, his gentle responses, the touch of her fingertips caressing his body, the peacefulness of his deep sleep... all carried an inappropriate intimacy.
She covered her face in annoyance.
Was it because her husband had disappeared, leaving her heartbroken and lonely with nowhere to place her feelings, that she clung to Pei Heng as a lifeline?
At first, I just didn't want things to get too tense with him, but now we've gotten too close and lost our sense of propriety.
She hurriedly got up, folded the robe that smelled of ambergris and placed it on the couch. Like a thief, she quietly called a maid to help her with her simple makeup, hoping to sneak back to her own quarters while there were few people around in the early morning.
To her surprise, as soon as she stepped outside, a royal guard greeted her: "Your humble servant greets the princess. May the princess be well."
Yuezhi's face flushed instantly. She mumbled a reply, telling him to dispense with the formalities, and quickly walked past them, her heart pounding.
She clearly felt several pairs of eyes following her back, filled with surprise and curiosity.
As she stepped out of the courtyard, the young general's teasing voice rang in her ears again, "It was so quiet last night, did the princess get a good night's sleep?"
Yuezhi felt guilty, but she couldn't tolerate others making wild guesses about her relationship with Pei Heng, so she stopped in her tracks.
"General, be careful with your words. There is a difference between men and women. Even the Emperor doesn't ask about my private affairs. Why are you asking? Be careful, or I will punish you for speaking disrespectfully."
Duan Yunting had never been afraid of anyone except Pei Heng. He originally thought that since the two of them had gotten married, he had come to stir up some excitement, but the weak and blind Princess Ning'an didn't buy it.
He hurriedly knelt down to apologize, "This humble general knows his crime and will never dare to speak nonsense again. Please forgive me, Princess."
Seeing how quickly he admitted his mistake, Yuezhi didn't pursue the matter any further.
He walked quickly with his maid to Yinian Hall, and only when he heard a little monk chanting sutras while striking a wooden fish did he slow down slightly.
She didn't want others to speculate about something between her and Pei Heng, but little did she know that the emperor, beaming with joy, had sent someone to the kitchen of Baoguang Temple early in the morning to prepare breakfast for her.
Yesterday, it was Miss Huachun, who served the princess, who came to deliver the meal. Today, it was the chief eunuch from the emperor's side who came in person. How could anyone with a discerning eye not know the difference?
The old woman who was guarding the house came down for her meal and learned about the incident.
Back in the nunnery, now heavily guarded and manned, I could vaguely hear Changsun Xuanrong, who was imprisoned inside, clamoring about things like "a vile concubine who brought ruin to the country," "a vile woman who bewitches people," and "a lowly palace maid," and so on.
The old women who had been guarding the nunnery for ten years knew best what kind of person Changsun Xuanrong was.
The more she likes someone, the less of a good person she is; the deeper she hates someone, the more of a good person she becomes.
"During the meal, I overheard a young monk say that no one was in the monastery where the princess was staying last night, but this morning someone saw the princess coming out of the courtyard where the emperor was staying."
"His Majesty is truly devoted to this princess. I heard that not long after the princess's marriage, her husband had an accident. His Majesty has been very attentive and caring, sending imperial physicians, guards, and imperial troops to the princess's residence. He is even more devoted to her than to the concubines in the harem."
"That's true, but our emperor has been on the throne for almost half a year, and not a single person has entered the harem yet."
“Who says otherwise?” Granny Yi gestured for everyone to come closer and lowered her voice, saying, “If you ask me, the relationship between the Emperor and the Princess is more than just sibling affection. Who knows, it might just blossom into something more serious one day.”
"The princess is quite pitiful, she's pregnant, and her husband is... His Majesty is young and promising, and deeply in love with her. If things can really work out, she'll be someone to rely on."
"I think it's pretty much a done deal. Just you wait and see, once the princess gives birth, this title will be finalized."
"Is she a concubine? Or a high-ranking official?"
"At least a Noble Consort! His Majesty's ambitions are probably even greater than for the Empress's position..."
As the group was engaged in a heated discussion, the newly added guards outside the courtyard remained silent. However, Changsun Xuanrong, who was inside the nunnery behind them, suddenly went berserk and started kicking the door again, hurling insults at them.
"A mere palace maid, not even worthy to carry my shoes, dares to dream of becoming a Noble Consort? What is she anyway, daring to climb up to my son? Once I get out, I'll make her know what it means to be unworthy of one's position and to face certain disaster!"
"You sharp-tongued old women, how dare you presume to know the king's heart? My son's thoughts are not something you can fathom. Your nonsense will be punished; I will cut out your tongues."
The old women exchanged glances and rolled their eyes.
Before she learned that Pei Heng had ascended the throne, Changsun Xuanrong pretended to be more indifferent to fame and fortune than anyone else. Now, even though she was not yet the Empress Dowager, she was already abusing her power.
The old women were only responsible for keeping a close watch on her. They were relieved that the Emperor had been with the Princess last night and should be in a good mood, so that the escape of Changsun Xuanrong would not implicate them.
With the Emperor's grace in mind, they could only swallow their anger for the moment.
Not long after, Jinbao, who was by the emperor's side, arrived with two eunuchs carrying a tray covered with a white cloth.
The three entered the nunnery, and the nuns obediently closed the door. They heard banging and crashing inside, followed by a few whimpers of struggle, which quickly fell silent.
Jinbao led his men away, leaving without a trace of dust, leaving behind Changsun Xuanrong, who had fainted on the floor inside the house.
The nannies were both curious and afraid, fearing they might witness some of the emperor's unspeakable secrets. Half an hour later, when Changsun Xuanrong woke up, they all breathed a sigh of relief.
She didn't die, she just became mute.
Whether being unable to speak is a blessing or a curse for her is unknown.
But for the old women, it was finally some peace and quiet. They could live many more years by hearing fewer vicious words.
They all bowed in the direction where the emperor was at that moment, expressing their gratitude for his benevolence.
*
Half of the seven-day retreat has passed, and the weather is getting clearer day by day. After the morning mist dissipates, the sky is as clear as a jewel.
In the main hall of the Buddhist temple, the emperor and Princess Ning'an knelt side by side on prayer cushions, offering incense and praying for blessings.
After the ceremony, Pei Heng naturally turned to help Yue Zhi up, and the two walked out of the main hall. As they descended the steps, Yue Zhi also placed her hand on his arm, without feeling anything amiss.
Perhaps because she had been in darkness for too long, she felt fear and unease when she couldn't feel real people, but being by Pei Heng's side gave her a long-lost sense of peace.
She tacitly allowed him to harbor feelings for her, and she also stepped outside the boundaries between siblings, enjoying his company.
"Elder sister, actually..."
Hearing his somewhat hesitant words, Yuezhi quickly realized what he wanted to say. Her heart skipped a beat, filled with panic and a secret flutter of excitement.
She didn't interrupt, and amidst the lingering chanting from the hall behind her, she listened to his sincere plea, "Your current condition cannot be without someone caring for you. If you are willing, let me... let me stay with you day and night, okay?"
Just like he said, he wanted an opportunity.
Yuezhi stood in front of the pavilion, the mountain breeze blowing in her face, but it couldn't dispel the heat rising in her throat.
The young man's eyes burned as he stared at her flushed neck. A slight tickle crept up her earlobe, making Yuezhi both shy and nervous, and she gripped his arm even tighter.
"Aheng, I understand your feelings, but... I need some more time. Can you let me think about it some more?"
A hint of disappointment flashed in Pei Heng's eyes, but it was quickly covered by tenderness. "Okay, I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."
She gently released her, and Huachun, who was serving behind her, immediately stepped forward to take her raised hand.
Yuezhi walked along the path below the pavilion, her mind in turmoil with every step.
To agree or not to agree?
Princess Ning'an's name has already spread throughout the capital. Her husband has been missing for only a month, and she has already turned to another man, who is none other than her nominal younger brother. Such a scandalous and unconventional act will surely draw scorn and gossip throughout the capital.
But she really liked Pei Heng's thoughtfulness and gentleness. It wasn't that she liked him as a person, but rather that she liked the fulfilling feeling of no longer being alone and helpless.
Thinking about it this way, agreeing to his request would satisfy my own selfishness, but it would also betray his sincere heart.
As I slowly walked along the quiet path, my thoughts drifted away.
Suddenly, the maid let out a short scream!
"Who goes there?!"
Several sharp whooshing sounds came from the air. Yuezhi heard rustling sounds from the bushes around her and felt a bone-chilling cold. She tried to run with Huachun, but the assassin who rolled out of the bushes pushed Huachun away. Yuezhi instantly lost her sense of direction and didn't know where to go.
"Ah!" She crouched down and hugged herself tightly, the piercing sound of clashing weapons ringing in her ears.
"Assassins! Protect the Emperor! Quickly, protect the Emperor!" The guards' roars and the sound of chaotic footsteps rang out.
Assassins and guards fought fiercely around her, the sound of blades slicing through the air was close at hand. Yuezhi had nowhere to escape and could only squat helplessly in place, fearing that a sharp blade would come from somewhere and take her life in the next second.
At the critical moment, a figure in black rushed from behind, holding a sword in one hand, bent down and pulled her into his arms, then spun around.
Yuezhi panicked and tried to push him away, but a familiar voice came from beside her ear, "Don't be afraid, Your Majesty, it's me."
The sound of a sharp blade cutting through flesh was dull and terrifying. Yuezhi quickly hugged his neck tightly, shrinking into his arms and not daring to move.
The assassins came with great force, numbering at least a dozen, and chose to commit their crime on such a narrow mountain path. They deliberately started with Yuezhi to disrupt the situation and lure the emperor, who was under the heavy protection of his guards, out.
Pei Heng didn't take these assassins seriously. Although they were skilled in martial arts, they all came straight for him and didn't want to get entangled with the guards. Instead, they were defeated one by one.
He dispatched two assassins with two sword strikes, and with Yuezhi in his arms, though his movements were somewhat slow, he still managed to fight back and forth with the two assassins in front of and behind him.
He pierced through the assassin in front of him and then held the blade to the neck of the assassin behind him.
All the assassins around him were killed, and Pei Heng interrogated the last survivor in his hands, asking, "Who sent you?"
"You dog emperor, you'll never..."
Before he could finish speaking, a sword pierced his throat.
Pei Heng knew that the He family was involved, the eldest prince was involved, and it might even involve the woman who had not yet been caught—they were going on and on like this, so there must be some kind of support behind it.
He threw down his sword and summoned Duan Yunting. "Investigate where these people gathered from, how they infiltrated, and how they knew that I and the princess were here. Even if you have to turn the entire Baoguang Temple upside down, you must find out the truth. If you still can't find out this time, you don't need to stay by my side anymore."
Duan Yunting led the Imperial Guards to guard the outer perimeter. When he arrived, the assassins were already fighting with the guards. He killed two assassins and was still covered in blood.
Upon hearing the emperor's order, knowing he was angry, he quickly knelt on the ground, saying, "This humble general obeys the decree."
Duan Yunting led a portion of the Imperial Guards down, while Cheng Yuan sent half of his guards to clean up the corpses.
The air was filled with the unpleasant smell of blood.
Yuezhi didn't dare to breathe. She had never seen Pei Heng so decisive and uncompromising. That roar just now had scared her so much that her heart almost jumped out of her chest.
Pei Heng realized he had been a bit too angry, so he cleared his throat, gently put her down, and held her arm, asking anxiously, "Are you alright? Is anything bothering you? Does your stomach hurt?"
Yuezhi shook her head. "I'm fine, you don't need to worry about me. But you, are you hurt?"
Pei Heng chuckled, revealing a hint of arrogance, "How could such a petty thief possibly harm me?"
Yuezhi leaned against him, just as she calmed down, she became anxious again, "Huachun, where is Huachun? It looks like she was pushed off the mountain!"
“Princess, don’t worry. We have found Miss Huachun. She rolled down the slope and fainted. She suffered only minor injuries and is otherwise fine,” the guard at the bottom of the slope called out in reply.
"Then let's leave here quickly." The once quiet and secluded path had become a hunting ground for assassins to hide and launch attacks, and Yuezhi didn't want to stay here for even a second longer.
"Mmm." Pei Heng bent down to hug her.
Yuezhi noticed his movement as he hugged her from the side and awkwardly flinched back: So many people are watching...
"This place is dangerous. I'll carry you and we'll get there faster."
After hearing his explanation, Yuezhi felt she was being pretentious and nodded in agreement.
Just as Pei Heng was about to pick the person up, he saw a little monk coming up from the mountain path. The imperial guards on the outer perimeter were about to persuade him to leave when the little monk bowed respectfully to thank them. As he stood up, he took out a crossbow from his sleeve.
The arrowhead points directly at the moon and gardenia.
Pei Heng caught a glimpse of the approaching arrow out of the corner of his eye. Pushing Yue Zhi aside would cause her to fall down the mountain path and get injured. In a flash, he stood up almost without hesitation and spread his arms to shield her.
"Aheng?" Yuezhi didn't wait for him to hug her, but felt a gentle, warm breath on her face.
The young man groaned softly as the arrow pierced his chest from behind. With the slightest movement, blood welled up in his throat.
"emperor!"
"Quickly, summon the imperial physician!!!"
The Imperial Guards restrained the young monk who had committed the crime, the guards surrounded Pei Heng and Yue Zhi, and the rest began a large-scale search of the mountain.
The noise around her made Yuezhi feel dazed. She grabbed Pei Heng's arm with both hands and felt his body gradually pressing down on her, like a collapsing mountain, almost suffocating her.
"Aheng, what's wrong..."
She gasped frantically until her hand, which had slipped down to his lower back, touched his clothes, which were soaked with warm liquid—blood, blood.
"Aheng, don't move, I'll hold you up... The imperial physician will be here soon, you'll be alright." Yuezhi murmured softly, her eyes gradually welling up with tears, a bitter feeling rising in her heart.
His forehead rested on her shoulder, his breathing heavy, his chest trembling with pain, which also tore at her heart as if it were being ripped apart.
She managed to support his weight and not fall, intending to be his support, but the sight of blood flowing through her palms shocked her so much that she couldn't stop crying, wetting her beautiful face.
"Imperial Physician! Why hasn't the Imperial Physician arrived yet!"
"Aheng, don't die. I already have no husband, I don't want to lose you too..."
She cried so hard that her voice reached Pei Heng's ears, who was in so much pain that he was about to faint. The young man, who had suffered countless injuries and was no longer easily moved by pain, had his eyes wet with tears because of the frantic concern in his ear.
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