Chapter 61 [61] Protectorate Mansion
【61】/First release on Jinjiang Literature City
This was the second time Yun Ran saw Sima Jing wearing a red robe since their marriage.
On the wedding night, although he was wearing a wedding gown, I was not familiar with him at that time. I respected and feared him and did not dare to look at him closely.
But now, this person is wearing a red robe and jade belt, with black hair tied up lightly, black eyebrows and red lips. He is truly as bright as the sun, as elegant as brocade, and unparalleled in elegance and grace.
The "face expression" that she had just been thinking about was instantly thrown out of her mind. No young lady could restrain her smile when she saw this beautiful face.
Yun Ran is no exception.
Her eyes were bright, and she felt that Sima Jing's appearance was so good that even the most famous courtesan in Yangzhou City could not compare to him.
Just as he was about to say "Your Highness, you are so beautiful", the carriage moved.
Yun Ran's body shook, and she felt pain in her waist, back and legs all at once, waking her up from the beauty trap of the man in front of her.
No matter how good-looking he is, he's still a bastard!
The bright little face with light makeup became stern again. Yun Ran sat down next to the car door, keeping the farthest distance from Sima Jing as possible.
Looking at the little princess standing by the door with her plump and round head facing him, King Jing, who was in high spirits, said: "..."
Chang Chun's respectful voice came from outside the carriage, "Your Highness, are you ready to set off now?"
Sima Jing raised his voice slightly: "Let's go."
Soon, the carriage moved forward steadily.
Seeing that the man at the door still had his head back, clearly in a cold war with him, Sima Jing frowned.
After a moment of silence, he said, "Ran Ran."
As soon as Yun Ran heard the call, his shoulders and back tensed up as if in response.
When others called her like this, she only felt friendly, but when Sima Jing called her like this, her mind was filled with the memory of being held in his arms last night, being tormented by him with all his might, being bitten on the ear, kissing the neck, and calling her hoarsely -
"Ranran, be good."
"Ranran is obedient."
"Ranran, relax a little, it's too tight."
"slowly?"
"Stop calling me that!"
Yun Ran raised his hands to cover his hot ears, trying to drive away the messy images in his mind.
Seeing her look of embarrassment, Sima Jing understood why she refused to sit over.
It turns out I'm still shy.
He sat down by the door and put his arm around her shoulders: "You and I have been married for a long time. What happened last night is natural and proper. There is no need to be shy."
When Yun Ran saw him approaching, the big hand on her shoulder was warm. She could feel the heat even through her scarlet silk jacket. For a moment, her head turned pale and she felt ashamed.
"Don't touch me."
She still had her back to Sima Jing, covering her ears and closing her eyes: "I want to be alone."
Sima Jing: “…”
Logically speaking, they were a real couple last night, so they should be even closer today. Why is she distancing herself from him instead?
"slowly."
"I told you not to call me that."
"Why?"
“…”
Seeing that she was determined to be a coward, Sima Jing pulled her hands that were covering her ears and said, "If you turn your back to me again, I will kiss you."
As he spoke, he lowered his head and his tall nose brushed against the back of her white neck.
The gushing hot breath immediately brought back memories of last night in the bathtub. Yun Ran quickly shrank his neck and said, "Don't..."
Seeing this, Sima Jing smiled faintly in his dark eyes.
His long arms were still around her waist, and his nose was nuzzling hers: "Then speak nicely."
Yun Ran was tickled by him, feeling embarrassed and angry: "It's obviously you who didn't speak properly, let go!"
"No."
Sima Jing said, "Unless you tell me why you got angry with me as soon as I got in the car?"
He was already tall, and Yun Ran was petite with slender bones. Being surrounded by him from behind, it was like being wrapped in a heavy bearskin cloak.
She couldn't break free even if she tried, so she could only lower her head, bit her lip and muttered, "How dare you ask me? Don't you know what you've done?"
Sima Jing was silent for a moment, then frowned, "If you're referring to the Duke of Zhou's ritual, you agreed to it yourself."
I didn't drink any alcohol or take any Chinese medicine, and I responded in a sober state.
Sima Jing didn't think there was anything wrong with what he did last night.
Seeing him so calm, Yun Ran was choked for a moment. After a while, she gritted her teeth angrily: "It's true that I agreed, but you...how could you bully me like that?"
Sima Jing lowered his eyes.
Looking at the delicate face of the young lady in my arms, which was as red as blood, I recalled everything that happened last night.
It’s not unfair to say that he was bullied.
He felt sorry for her since it was her first time and there was a big difference in their body sizes, so he wanted to proceed step by step, like hugging and kissing, to let her get used to it slowly.
But he underestimated her loveliness and overestimated his self-control. When he heard her sobbing softly in his arms, his heart softened, but that part became harder.
The bad nature of a man is fully exposed in bed. His reason tells him that this is the behavior of an animal, but his desire drives him to possess more.
I can't stop at all.
He didn't stop being so unruly until she fainted from exhaustion in his arms.
This morning, when he was applying medicine to her, he saw the peach marks all over her snowy skin, and he realized how much he had lost control last night.
Even so, he almost lost his composure when applying the medicine.
"Why aren't you talking? Humph, you're feeling guilty, aren't you?"
Seeing that the person behind him hadn't said anything for a long time, Yun Ran became even angrier. He lowered his head to pry the hand around his waist and said, "Let go."
After prying open one finger, the man whispered, "I was wrong last night."
You admitted your mistake so quickly?
Yun Ran was stunned: "Do you really know you are wrong?"
"Um."
"Then tell me what went wrong?"
"Shouldn't have used so much force."
Sima Jing pursed his lips and said, "Next time, I'll be gentler."
Yun Ran was stunned for a moment, and her cheeks turned even redder.
What? How can you apologize like that?
“There won’t be a next time.”
Yun Ran continued to pry his hands apart, his cheeks burning as he muttered, "You're a liar. I won't trust you anymore."
Sima Jing: “…”
This was also his first time, and he had no idea about this matter, so he just relied on instinct.
That was his instinct, and he couldn't do anything about it.
He didn't argue anymore, but just held the person in his arms, thinking that he had to be more restrained tonight.
Yun Ran was a little puzzled when she saw that he suddenly stopped talking.
But she had already decided to ignore him today. If she took the initiative to speak again, wouldn't she be at a disadvantage?
She also wants to save face.
So she stopped talking and just sat there quietly.
Maybe she was too tired last night, and the man's arms were too warm. The quiet carriage was shaking, and before she knew it, she felt sleepy. She tilted her head and leaned on the flesh cushion behind her.
Sima Jing felt the relaxed soft body in his arms, and when he looked down, he saw the young lady in a scarlet jacket and skirt embroidered with rambutan patterns. Her eyes were lightly closed, her lips were slightly parted, and her breathing was even. She had already fallen asleep.
Can you fall asleep like this?
He laughed, and when his eyes fell on the pale blue under her eyes covered by a thin layer of powder, the smile in his eyes disappeared again.
Sima Jing supported Yun Ran's head with his big hand and adjusted it to a more comfortable angle. He took the black cloud leopard cloak beside him and covered her with it.
To make sure she was sleeping soundly, he supported his forehead with one hand and stared at the peaceful sleeping face in his arms for a long time.
This was probably the most generous thing God had done to him since he was five years old.
**
The Duke of Protectorate’s Mansion, Zheng Family.
Seeing that noon was approaching, but there was still no sign of the carriage from Prince Jing's mansion, the Duke of Huguo went to find his third sister, Zheng Yue'e, also known as the wife of the Marquis of Changxin, and asked, "Are you sure that Prince Jing and the Princess will come today?"
Zheng looked at the sun shining high in the sky, her brows furrowed slightly. "This is what Prince Jing's palace said this morning."
The wife of the Duke of Huguo said, "Master, don't worry. Today is the second day of the lunar year, and there are many cars and horses on the road. Perhaps they are stuck in the market."
The Duke of Huguo naturally did not dare to blame King Jing. After all, King Jing was willing to come and pay New Year's greetings to his uncle from his wife's family, which also brought honor to their Duke's Mansion.
But when he thought of the reclusive and solitary Prince Jing, the Duke of Huguo always felt a little resistant in his heart.
If he had a choice, he didn't want to have too much contact with King Jing.
But who could have imagined that the Queen Mother would randomly match her own niece with this prince.
The Zheng family is a large family with many branches, but in the direct line, Duke Protector of the Country Zheng Yi, his second brother Zheng Mian, and his third sister Zheng Yue'e are all born of the same mother. The three brothers and sisters have been close since childhood.
So even though the Duke of Protectorate was unhappy in his heart for the sake of his sister, he put on a friendly and welcoming attitude on the surface.
"Then let's wait a little longer." The Protector of the Nation's wife, Mrs. Xu, said, "Go to the kitchen and keep an eye on it. Don't let the food get cold."
Xu responded and was about to leave when she saw the housekeeper running over: "Here they come! Here they come! The carriage from the palace has entered the gate."
As soon as these words came out, the Duke of Huguo immediately straightened his expression and said, "Quickly call Dalang and the others, and follow me out to welcome the guests."
Seeing her eldest brother taking his nephews and nephews out to greet the guests, Zheng breathed a sigh of relief. She almost thought that her daughter and son-in-law would not come.
She did not go out to greet them, but returned to the main hall, accompanied her parents, and greeted them, "Your granddaughter and grandson-in-law are here to pay New Year's greetings."
The old man and old lady of the Duke of Huguo's mansion were both long-lived and healthy, with sharp ears and eyes. Upon hearing this, they nodded happily: "Okay, okay."
After about a cup of tea, there was a lively sound of talking outside the main hall.
The women in the room looked up and saw a pair of beautiful women in red clothes slowly walking out of the courtyard, surrounded by members of the Zheng family.
The tall young man had a handsome face, a dazzling red robe, and was extremely charming and suave.
The young lady in the red jacket beside him, with her cloud-like hair and flower-like face, was as bright as a spring flower and as bright as an autumn moon.
The two of them walked hand in hand. If you didn't know them, you would think they were a talented man and a beautiful woman from a storybook. They were truly the best match in the world.
Everyone in the hall stared in amazement, but Qian Sijin covered her lips and chuckled softly, "Look how well these two are getting along. They're both wearing red. If you didn't know better, you'd think they were some bride and groom."
When she spoke, everyone in the hall came back to their senses.
Looking at the young couple in red robes, they really look as happy as newlyweds.
Zheng had always regretted that Prince Jing did not come to welcome Yun Ran on her wedding day, and she did not see the couple wearing red robes. But today, her wish came true.
"Mother."
The first person Yun Ran saw was Zheng, who was sitting next to her grandparents. She exchanged a smiling look with her, and then took Sima Jing to pay her respects to the two elders who were sitting in the upper seats.
"Grandfather, grandmother, this is my son-in-law, His Royal Highness Prince Jing."
"This old minister/subject pays homage to His Highness."
Old Master Zheng and Old Lady Zheng stood up and saluted Sima Jing. Sima Jing gave them a small hand and said, "No need to be so polite, old ladies."
"The two elders are the princess's elders, and they are also my elders."
Sima Jing said, "Today is the second day of the Lunar New Year. I have come with the princess to wish you two a happy new year. I wish you both good health and a long and prosperous life."
When these words were spoken, not only Old Master Zheng and Old Madam Zheng, but everyone else in the hall could not hide their surprise.
Is this gentle, polite and calm handsome man in front of me really the cold, terrifying and difficult to deal with living devil as rumored?
Why do they look so easy to get along with and not scary at all?
Zheng Jia Liulang was about the same age as Yun Shang. Hiding in the crowd, he couldn't help but bump his cousin with his arm. "Fourth brother, is this really His Royal Highness Prince Jing? It can't be fake."
"Fuck you."
Yun Shang rolled her eyes at him. "I told you long ago, my brother-in-law is a truly exceptional talent, a man of unparalleled talent and bearing. There's no one in the entire city of Chang'an who's more outstanding. All that's just nonsense and lies. It's abhorrent that my brother-in-law has suffered so much for nothing!"
Zheng Jia Liulang clicked his tongue. Before, his cousin Yun had boasted to him about the King Jing's outstanding beauty, but he didn't believe it, thinking that his cousin was just trying to save face for his family.
After all, no matter how bad the situation is, he is still his brother-in-law. He can't just slap himself in the face and blame himself.
But now that he had seen with his own eyes the elegant and graceful Prince Jing, Zheng Liulang suddenly understood why there were rumors in the past that the late emperor and the empress dowager favored the youngest son.
Although His Royal Highness Prince Jing and the current emperor are born to the same mother, the difference in appearance is too obvious.
Even though Emperor Wenxuan was his brother-in-law, Zheng Liulang could not speak for the emperor against his conscience.
The young men were talking among themselves, and the women of the Zheng family were also whispering to each other. They were all amazed by King Jing's appearance and attitude.
Yun Ran and Sima Jing had arrived just in time for dinner, and now after paying New Year's greetings to the elders of the Zheng family, they were ready to sit down and eat.
Although they were juniors, they had noble status and naturally sat at the main table, with seats second only to the old man and old lady of the Zheng family.
Sitting opposite them were the Duke of Protectorate and his wife, the second wife and her husband, and the Marquis of Changxin and his wife.
As for the Zheng family's cousins, they sat at the secondary tables on the left and right with Yun Ran's brothers and sisters-in-law.
The feast was very sumptuous. Although the atmosphere was somewhat stiff and polite, far less relaxed and comfortable than at the Marquis of Changxin's Mansion, it was still harmonious.
While Yun Ran was eating, she also noticed that her uncle was very respectful to Sima Jing, so respectful that he didn't even dare to look Sima Jing in the eye.
That's a bit strange.
Although Sima Jing was a prince with a noble status, his uncle was the emperor's uncle and the emperor was his son-in-law.
Even his fourth brother, who was still a commoner, dared to talk to Sima Jing. Why was his uncle so afraid of Sima Jing?
Yun Ran frowned, feeling something was wrong.
"Why, the food is not to your liking?"
Sima Jing tilted his head and saw Yun Ran frowning. "If you don't like it, don't force it."
Yun Ran came back to his senses and shook his head: "No, these dishes are all delicious."
Fearing that Sima Jing would ask again, she quickly picked up some food with her chopsticks and put it into his bowl: "Your Highness, don't worry about me. Just eat more."
What a guy.
For some reason, everyone is staring at her today as if no one is around.
The third sister-in-law secretly winked at her several times, and who knows how she laughed at her behind her back.
After lunch, the young men prepared to play the game of tou hu (pitching pots and covers), while the women returned to the backyard and made an appointment to play grass fighting together.
Yun Ran also wanted to chat with her grandmother, aunt, and cousins. After all, they rarely met on weekdays, and it was a good time to get together during the Chinese New Year, which was a good time to exchange feelings and chat about gossip.
She said to Sima Jing, "If Your Highness doesn't want to play pot-tossing with my brothers, why don't you go back to the guest room and rest for a while?"
Sima Jing was silent for two breaths, then said, "I'll go with my uncles."
Yun Ran was surprised: "You want to play pot-tossing too?"
Sima Jing: "No?"
Yun Ran blinked, and for a moment she felt that the man in front of her seemed like a different person. After a long while, she said, "No, no, it's not possible. I'm just a little surprised. Your Highness has always disliked public life..."
Sima Jing: "Indeed, I don't like it."
Yun Ran: "So what are you doing?"
Sima Jing looked down at her: "Your brother is not an outsider."
Yun Ran was stunned for a moment, and then a ripple appeared in his heart.
"Yeah! My brothers are all very nice!"
Yun Ran no longer held a grudge against Sima Jing for his behavior last night. At least the man standing in front of her was not behaving like a jerk, and even made her feel warm inside.
She said, "Then Your Highness, go play with them! When it's almost time to go back, I'll send someone to deliver a message to you."
Sima Jing nodded lightly.
Yun Ran thought this might be Sima Jing's first time participating in a social gathering of young men. Before leaving, he grabbed his three brothers and earnestly warned them, "His Highness is quiet and not good at speaking. You must take good care of him and don't let anyone bully him."
The three Yun brothers: "......?"
Sister, do you want to listen to what you are saying?
Let alone the Duke of Huguo's Mansion, even the entire Chang'an family, who would dare to bully your Highness? Do you think your life is too long and seek your own death?
The three brothers were in mixed feelings and couldn't help wondering how much King Jing had to pretend in front of his sister to give her the illusion that she needed someone to take care of her.
No matter what, they eventually split into two groups and went their separate ways.
As soon as they entered the corridor in the backyard, Qian Sijin squeezed next to Yun Ran and held her affectionately: "It seems that you and your prince are really as sweet as honey. You even agreed to wear red together."
While eating, Yun Ran could see that her third sister-in-law had a lot of things to tease her about.
Now I finally got the chance, and sure enough, it happened.
"I didn't know he was wearing red today." Yun Ran's ears burned slightly. "I was surprised when I saw it before I left."
"Your Highness looks so beautiful in red, who wouldn't be surprised? You probably don't know that the moment you walked in, the Zheng family's little sisters all gasped."
Qian Sijin raised her eyebrows slightly and said with a smile: "I'm afraid everyone envies you for having such a handsome man."
Sima Jing's beauty was undeniable, and Yun Ran didn't deny it: "He has fair skin, so red really suits him."
The two sisters chatted for a while, and Qian Sijin got to the point: "Tell me about the time you saved someone in Mount Li!"
Yun Ran was surprised: "How did Third Sister-in-law know?"
"I was just saying that yesterday, that family came to your house to express their gratitude. The news has spread all over Chang'an."
Qian Sijin said coquettishly, "You're really tight-lipped. Even though something like this happened, I didn't hear you mention it on New Year's Eve. I didn't plan to come here today, but I left just to ask you about this."
Yun Ran said embarrassedly, "It's just a small matter that can be done with just a little effort. There's no need to mention it specifically."
"Jumping into an ice river in the middle of winter, is that a small matter? Sister, I think you really have a heart of a bodhisattva."
Qian Sijin sighed inwardly. If it were her, she would never dare to jump. Even if she did jump to save someone, she would definitely spread the news widely to gain a good reputation, so as to avoid being labeled as a shameless playboy climbing the social ladder.
Yun Ran finally couldn't stand Qian Sijin's questioning and told her what happened that day.
Li Wanrong and the young ladies of the Zheng family, who were walking in front and behind, caught a few words and came forward curiously.
Soon, Yun Ran was surrounded by them and they asked him questions one after another.
It was only then that Yun Ran realized that this matter had spread so widely in just one day.
When her cousins and cousins-in-law all praised her for being "kind-hearted" and "compassionate", she waved her hands and said "No way", feeling a little flattered in her heart.
Everyone was talking and laughing, and soon they arrived at the backyard.
The women sat and chatted, and the young ladies played a game of grass fighting. Yun Ran also played a few rounds, and then went to the bathroom under the guidance of Zheng's maid.
On the way back, she saw from afar a sturdy figure with broad shoulders and a thick waist walking through the moon-shaped door on the opposite side.
It was her uncle, Duke Protector of the State Zheng Yi.
Yun Ran couldn't help but stop.
The strange attitude of keeping a distance from Sima Jing when he saw him today also flashed through his mind, as did what his sisters-in-law had said: when the Zhaode Rebellion broke out, the Queen Mother Zhao fled with her two sons and was about to fall into the hands of the thieves. It was the uncle who came down from the sky and rescued the Queen Mother and Emperor Wenxuan, and escorted them all the way to Shu to reunite with the late emperor.
Because of this achievement, my uncle, who was a fourth-rank General of the Central Army at the time, was promoted to the first-rank Duke of Protectorate.
His legitimate daughter, Zheng Yuyan, was also hired as the queen and sat in the central palace.
Since the Zheng family's revival, they have become rich and prosperous today.
Since my uncle was an eyewitness, he must know exactly what happened back then.
Yun Ran thought for only two breaths before deciding to ask his uncle why Sima Jing was the only one left behind during the escape.
After all, if he had not been left behind that time, he would not have been held hostage by the enemy country and suffered heavy injuries.
After one stick of incense, I went to the study in the front yard.
Upon hearing that Princess Jing was seeking a meeting outside, the Duke of Huguo could not hide his surprise.
Why did this little niece, whom he was not very familiar with, suddenly ask to see him alone?
He stroked the teacup with his long fingers twice and said, "Please come in, Princess."
The servant quickly agreed and turned around to invite him.
The windows were bright and clean, the air was filled with the scent of sandalwood, and the Duke of Huguo sat quietly at the table, frowning in thought.
He heard the sound of gentle footsteps outside the door, and when he looked up, he saw his niece, with her hair piled high and a bright red dress, walking in gracefully. "Hello, uncle."
She greeted him openly and walked to the side without any fear and sat down. "I apologize for disturbing you, uncle."
The Duke of the Protectorate looked at his niece's familiarity and thought of his own sister as a child. His frown relaxed slightly and he said slowly, "Your Highness, it's a bit strange to say that."
After the servants brought fragrant tea and cakes and quietly withdrew, the Duke of Huguo looked at his little niece who refused to drink tea or eat cakes beside the couch and asked, "I wonder why the princess came here specially?"
Yun Ran didn't like beating around the bush, especially since his uncle looked like a smart man.
"There are no outsiders here, so I won't beat around the bush with my uncle."
Yun Ran said this, straightening his back. His clear, dark eyes fixed on the Duke of Huguo behind the desk. "Uncle, can you tell me why our Highness was left alone when the Queen Mother fled with His Majesty and Prince Jing?"
-----------------------
The author has something to say: I would like to recommend the pre-collection of "The Stupid Beauty's Flower Picking Story". If you are interested, you can collect it in advance.
[Insensitive Max Idiot Beauty X Noble and Unparalleled Scholar]
Chu Lingyi, with her fair skin, eyebrows and white teeth, is the most noble little princess of this dynasty.
The little princess liked beautiful clothes, delicacies, and especially beautiful women.
Any beauty she took a fancy to, regardless of her status, would be taken into her mansion.
At the Qionglin Banquet, the emperor entertained the newly-appointed Jinshi scholars.
The little princess sat nearby, chewing crab and commenting, "This batch of Jinshi (chew chew chew) is average looking (chew chew chew), far inferior to the (chew chew chew) beauties in my palace."
Until the third place winner Pei Ji appeared, wearing a red robe, a flower in his hat, and sword-like eyebrows, he was extremely graceful and handsome.
That night, in the emperor's palace.
The little princess: "Father, I want him!! Ahhhh I want him!!! I want him, I want him, I want him!! I want him, I want him, I want him!"
The emperor said: "Okay, okay, my dear girl, the ground is cold, get up and talk."
*
Pei Ji studied hard for ten years, and once he passed the imperial examination, he was chosen as a royal consort.
His colleagues all praised him for his good fortune, saying that he had double happiness and rose to fame overnight.
Thinking of Her Royal Highness Princess Zhaoyang, who was said to have ninety-nine stunning male favorites in her palace, Pei Ji sneered in his heart.
On his wedding night, he was handsome and unparalleled in his dazzling wedding attire, but his tone was extremely cold: "The Imperial Order cannot be disobeyed, but Your Highness, please know that I have no feelings for you."
Little Princess: "Okay, okay, don't talk for now."
Pei Ji: “……?”
The little princess blinked and said, "I really look better when I'm silent."
Pei Ji: “…”
Is there nothing else on her mind except male beauty?
*
Three years later, another Qionglin Banquet was held.
Pei Ji slowly peeled a crab for the princess: Your Highness, does it look good?
Little Princess: Huh?
Pei Ji: My eyes are almost glued to that Tanhua scholar’s face, why don’t you call him over to have a look?
Little Princess: Is it okay?
Pei Ji:)
#DoubleC, first marriage, then love sweet cookies
#The heroine is a pure beauty dog, with a max insensitivity, the kind that can't move when seeing a beauty
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
