Chapter 344 Rebellion
Dou Wenyi dared not be complacent any longer. "However, if you don't go to the other concubines' quarters, those court officials will start gossiping again..."
Pei Siyan knew she was worried about him, and the feigned fierceness in his eyes vanished instantly.
His fingertips gently brushed against Dou Wenyi's loose black hair that fell over her shoulders, his movements so gentle that looking at her was like looking at a priceless treasure.
What do I care what others say?
He chuckled softly, his breath brushing against her ear, "In this life, I, Pei Siyan, only recognize you as my wife, and only wish to nurture this delicate flower of yours. Yi'er, rest assured, my promise to you will never change."
His cold, handsome face was hidden in the hazy light and shadow, obscuring his features, but his eyes were burning with tenderness.
Dou Wenyi's cheeks suddenly flushed red, and a sweet feeling welled up in her heart, mixed with complex and surging emotions. In the past, Xie Guidu had resisted and defended himself when faced with Xue's coercion.
But he never addressed the root of the problem. Xue's annoyance became too much for him, so he simply walked away.
Sometimes it's for official business, and sometimes it might be an escape.
She was alone in the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence, and often wouldn't see him for months at a time.
But Pei Siyan had to face things that were far more complicated and a hundred times more important than his. He was also a mortal, and the world was so vast. He was not only her husband, but also the emperor of the Great Zhou. He had to give an account to his court officials and be responsible to the people of the Great Zhou!
He also had to restrain his ambition and desires, refrain from indiscriminately killing innocent people, and work diligently to become a wise ruler.
He was born to be an emperor, yet she tried to restrain him with the love of an ordinary mortal. Occasionally, she would wonder if she was being too harsh.
Dou Wenyi leaned into his strong arms and hugged him, her eyes welling up with tears. "He just knows how to make me happy."
Her voice was muffled and choked with sobs.
He ran his calloused fingertips through her hair, massaging it intermittently. "So delicate! Why are you crying? Be careful, the little one in your belly will cry along with you."
Hearing him say that, Dou Wenyi forced back her tears, "Sanlang, do you feel tired?"
"Of course it's hard work. Didn't you say you wanted me to train more capable people to share the burden with me? I'm working hard, so Yi'er, you alone are enough for me. To others, I am an emperor, but to you, I am just your husband, your Sanlang."
"I would gladly spend every day with you."
He paused, his voice slowing down, carrying an undeniable solemnity, "This vast land, without you by my side to see it, is nothing more than a bland and uninteresting wasteland to me."
These words were so heavy and sincere that Dou Wenyi momentarily forgot to joke.
She looked up, and his deep eyes clearly reflected her stunned and absent-minded appearance.
What she saw was no longer the emperor who strategized in the court and commanded the awe of his ministers, but her husband, Pei Siyan.
Just then, light footsteps came from outside. A palace maid brought in a steaming bowl of plain noodles. The broth was clear, the noodles were thin, and a few bright green scallions were sprinkled on top. The aroma instantly filled the air.
Pei Siyan personally took the Ru kiln porcelain bowl, tested its temperature, and then carefully handed it over. "Eat quickly, aren't you hungry? Next time I'll take you to Fanlou to eat crispy fish. You won't throw up if you eat fish now, will you?"
Dou Wenyi smiled slyly, picked up a mouthful of noodles with her chopsticks, blew on it, and began to eat slowly and deliberately.
The most ordinary noodles seemed to surpass all delicacies at this moment.
Pei Siyan watched her eat with gusto, her cheeks puffed out slightly, like a satisfied hamster, and the last trace of gloom in his heart was completely blown away.
After she finished eating, he thoughtfully used a silk handkerchief to carefully wipe the corners of her mouth.
"Sanlang, what's troubling you tonight?"
He pulled her back into his arms, stroking her waist, and said calmly, "We've found where the Anguo Duke's money went. They invested it all in Quanzhou. Over the past ten years, they've built hundreds of ships for long voyages and even a well-disciplined pirate army."
"The Duke of Anguo may have started preparing for these things as early as ten years ago. The rampant pirates and Japanese pirates in Quanzhou are more or less related to them."
Dou Wenyi was slightly taken aback, and suddenly understood why he couldn't sleep at night.
Pei Siyan continued methodically, "The remnants of the Eldest Princess's forces should have been taken over by Xie Guidu; they've already colluded with each other. In addition, Wanyan Tai of the Northern Di won't live long, but he's gathering troops for a final counterattack."
Her heart suddenly raced; it really was a situation of both external and internal troubles!
The sea was vast and boundless. No wonder Xie Guidu could not be found in the territory of the Great Zhou. Had he gone to sea to become a pirate?
What she found most unacceptable was Xie Guidu. In his previous life, he was a renowned minister who defended Tianning City. How could he have fallen to such a state?
Pei Siyan patted her head. "Don't worry, don't we have an inside man?"
Dou Wenyi's eyes lit up, and she became especially expectant. "Zheng Zhilong? He wasn't exposed?"
Pei Siyan smiled warmly, “The eldest princess is dead. He is exceptionally capable and has overcome one setback after another. According to seniority, it’s time for him to be promoted. Even Xie Guidu has to rely on him and treat him differently.”
"And what about Princess Fu'an?"
"I don't know." Pei Siyan shook his head.
By this time, the sky was beginning to lighten. Pei Siyan glanced out the window, kissed her forehead, and said, "I'll hold you and sleep a little longer. I have to get ready for the morning court session soon."
Dou Wenyi nestled in his arms, softly humming in agreement, feeling his steady and powerful heartbeat, and indulging in this domineering yet tender affection that belonged only to her.
All the court intrigues and the criticisms from the officials seemed to be kept out of the moment by the warmth.
If it were possible to grow old with him, it would seem like something to look forward to.
——
Meanwhile, the sun was setting in the west, casting a golden glow on every corner of Dongjin Island. Fishing boats returned from their voyages, the air filled with the smell of fish and the sea.
A man knelt before Xie Guidu and said respectfully, "Young master, we have searched everywhere but have not found the princess."
Xie Guidu lowered his eyes for a long time, "Where is the ship that left the island today?"
The man looked ashamed and stammered, "Today's ships are all cargo ships heading to Quanzhou. The princess... may have really managed to sneak onto one of the cargo ships and go back."
Xie Guidu's eyes were deep and unfathomable. "Where is Mr. Zheng? Please invite him over."
The eldest princess is dead; if Princess Fu'an goes back, she will only be walking into a trap.
Did she really think that Pei Siyan would let her go because of her meager blood ties?
How naive!
If we're going back, we'll fight our way back!
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