Chapter 73 [73] It turns out he was just spreading his wings! ...
【73】/First release
When the carriage of Prince Jing's mansion stopped in front of the Marquis's mansion, it happened that Marquis Changxin was on duty.
When he saw the palace carriage, Marquis Changxin was surprised that his daughter and son-in-law came back at this time.
Seeing that only his sullen-faced daughter got out of the carriage, Marquis Changxin was even more surprised: "What happened? Who made my little aunt angry?"
When Yun Ran saw the Marquis of Changxin, he saluted and said sullenly, "Who else could it be but Sima Jiu?"
Sima Jiu?
Marquis Changxin was stunned for a moment before he realized that King Jing was the ninth prince, indeed the ninth.
"Calm down first."
As Marquis Changxin led Yun Ran inside, he consoled her, "How did His Highness make you angry? Talk to your father. If he's truly wrong, your father will surely seek justice for you."
Yun Ran was furious on the way here, thinking that Sima Jing was simply heartless and the most unfaithful man in the world.
But now that she had arrived at the Marquis's residence and was questioned by Marquis Changxin, she calmed down and felt that her evil fire was somewhat inexplicable.
Sima Jing went to Jiangnan on business, not for pleasure, so it was indeed inappropriate to bring his family with him.
And if he didn't want to take it, then he didn't. Why would she be so angry? And she was imagining so many unnecessary things.
People can't even empathize with themselves half an hour ago.
"slowly?"
Marquis Changxin called out softly, his eyes filled with confusion: "What on earth is going on?"
Yun Ran couldn't explain the sudden emotion, so he just touched the tip of his nose awkwardly and said, "Daddy, if His Majesty sent you on an errand, would you take Mother with you?"
Marquis Changxin said: "It depends on the situation. If it's a nearby mission and you'll be back in a few days, then there's no need. But if it's a distant mission that could take years, I'll probably ask your mother to come along. With your sister-in-law taking care of the affairs, your mother can also go away."
Yun Ran: "What if he's gone for three months or six months, for example, to inspect the salt business in Jiangnan?"
Hearing this, Marquis Changxin still had something to wonder: "Your Majesty sent Prince Jing to inspect the salt industry in Jiangnan?"
Yun Ran hummed and kicked a pebble on the roadside with his toes. "I just received the imperial edict not long ago. I wanted to go with him, but he didn't want to take me."
Marquis Changxin laughed dumbly: "You came back just because you were angry about this?"
Yun Ran: “…”
Well, when you think about it calmly, it is a bit unreasonable.
But since she was already here, she couldn't afford to go back now.
"I miss Daddy and Mommy, too." Yun Ran looked at Marquis Changxin pitifully, "Daddy won't chase me away, will you?"
“How could it be!”
Marquis Changxin waved his hand and said, "I told you when you got married that no matter when or what happens, wherever your mother and I are, it will always be your home."
Yun Ran felt warm in his heart when he heard this, and his anger instantly disappeared.
After returning to Chunxuan Hall and meeting Zheng, Yun Ran told the whole story again. She even wondered if Sima Jing would think she was sick.
In the past, when he got angry for no reason, she thought he was sick.
Now the boomerang hits right between the eyebrows.
So when the eldest and third sisters-in-law heard the news and rushed over, Yun Ran did not mention the real reason why she returned home, but only said that she missed her parents.
Li Wanrong and Qian Sijin didn't think much about it. After all, the young couple were still sweet and loving during the Lantern Festival not long ago.
At night, the family sat down to eat together. Yun Shang kindly reminded Yun Ran: "Next time, bring Prince Jing back to eat with you. Otherwise, it will be lonely for him to stay alone in the palace. We don't need a pair of chopsticks from him."
Yun Ran: “…”
It would have been fine if I hadn't mentioned it, but as soon as I thought of Sima Jing having his meal alone in Shenliu Hall surrounded by ancient trees, I felt even worse.
Even the braised pork in the bowl doesn’t smell good anymore.
Seeing this, Zheng stuffed a chicken claw into Yun Shang's mouth. "Food can't fill your mouth? Prince Jing is busy with his work. Do you think everyone is like you, an uneducated playboy who only knows how to eat, drink and have fun?"
Yun Shang gnawed on the chicken feet with a look of grievance on his face: "I meant well, why are you lecturing me again?"
Yun Ran was eating the braised pork absentmindedly, but his attention was always on outside the house.
She was vaguely looking forward to it.
But I feel like I shouldn't expect it.
The unprecedented conflicting emotions made her feel upset.
So she only ate half a bowl of rice and put down her chopsticks: "I'm done eating. I'm going back to my room to rest. You guys eat slowly."
Zheng was astonished: "Is this how little you eat?"
Yun Ran forced an embarrassed smile: "I feel uncomfortable and just want to sleep."
Zheng knew her daughter had her period today, and the first day was always the hardest, so she nodded in understanding. "Then go back and rest. I'll have someone bring you a bowl of brown sugar egg custard later. It'll help you sleep."
Yun Ran agreed with a smile, said goodbye to his family, and returned to Ting Xiaxuan.
It seems that Xia Xuan still maintains the appearance she had before she got married, elegant and beautiful, with light pink curtains, colorful butterfly screens, and a full scent of cosmetics.
Yun Ran sat on the bed, but her mind inexplicably thought of New Year's Eve when Sima Jing accompanied her back to the Marquis' Mansion.
That night, it was also on this bed that he held her in his arms, saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new, wishing her a happy new year and good health.
That night, he took advantage of her drunkenness and acted like a rogue, holding her hand and doing whatever he wanted.
I should hate him, but why... I suddenly miss him so much.
No, no, I can’t think about it anymore!
She must have stayed with that vixen Sima Jing for too long, and was corrupted by love and lust, so her mind was full of distracting thoughts and her Taoism heart was disturbed.
Yun Ran shook his head vigorously to get rid of the uncontrollable and annoying thoughts, then crossed his legs on the bed and meditated and chanted.
When Qingling came in with the brown sugar egg custard, he saw that his young lady looked very focused and didn't dare to disturb her, so he quietly left.
After waiting for half an hour, he came in again with hot egg custard. The young lady had already fallen on the bed and fell asleep with the quilt in her arms.
Qing Ling: “…”
Well, it seems that this bowl of egg custard is destined to have no chance of entering the young lady’s stomach tonight.
Yun Ran has sufficient qi and blood, and has never had dysmenorrhea since her first period at the age of fourteen.
But during the Guishui period, it is inevitable to feel cold, especially when you are used to having a warm man in bed at night, and suddenly you have to sleep alone, the difference between cold and heat is very obvious.
Yun Ran curled up into a ball in his dream.
It was as if I was huddled naked in a corner of an alley where snow was blowing in the wind, my teeth chattering with cold.
Suddenly, a thick, fluffy fox fur cloak fell from the sky and wrapped her tightly.
The comfortable touch, the scorching temperature, the elegant fragrance, everything about it satisfied her. She instinctively raised her hands and hugged the cloak that kept her warm and covered her body tightly.
"So warm..."
She murmured, and her originally frowned brows slowly relaxed.
In the dim light filtering through the pale pink curtains, Sima Jing looked down at the little girl lazily nestled in his arms and sighed inwardly.
How could he feel at ease with her like this?
*
The next morning, Yun Ran opened his eyes in a daze and saw a slightly open solid chest.
Her skin was white and covered with scars, which made her look completely unattractive. Fortunately, she was used to it.
Now seeing the exposed chest, her first reaction was to pull his collar to prevent him from catching a cold.
After just the second pull, Yun Ran realized something was wrong.
Didn’t she return to the Marquis’ Mansion?
Why is there an extra person on the bed!
When she raised her eyes in surprise, she happened to meet the man's calm gaze. He opened his thin lips slightly, and even his voice was a bit lazy and hoarse as if he had just woken up: "Awake?"
Yun Ran: “?!”
Sima Jing: "After not seeing each other for one night, you don't recognize me anymore?"
Yun Ran: "You you you..."
Sima Jing: "Yes, your husband."
He teased her again! Yun Ran's surprise turned into embarrassment: "Why are you here?"
After asking this question, she realized that her legs were still on the man and her hands were still holding that narrow waist.
She retreated as if she had touched a burning charcoal, but her body was firmly held by the man and she could not escape.
"Last night when you were hugging me and rubbing against me, you didn't act like this."
Sima Jing looked at her sternly: "Are you planning to abandon me after having an affair with me?"
Yun Ran: "Who abandoned me after having an affair? Don't talk nonsense."
Sima Jing: "You, the fifth daughter of the Yun family."
Yun Ran: “…”
"I'm too lazy to talk nonsense with you, just let go——"
Yun Ran bumped his chest with her elbow: "I want to get up."
But I heard the man groaning in pain.
She was startled: "I didn't use much force, you...don't try to blackmail me."
Sima Jing: "It hurts."
Did it hit his old injury?
Yun Ran hesitated for a moment, then reached out to lift his underwear: "Where does it hurt?"
Sima Jing didn't say anything, just held her hand and pressed it against his heart.
Yun Ran was stunned. When he finally reacted, his cheeks suddenly felt hot and his heart was beating wildly.
"You lied to me again, scoundrel."
She wanted to pull her hand away, but it was held tighter, and a man's deep and pleasant voice rang out above her head: "Ranran, don't be angry."
Yun Ran paused, his eyelids slowly drooping: "I'm not angry."
Sima Jing: "Really?"
Yun Ran now realized that this was not a dream. Although she didn't know when Sima Jing had gotten into her bed, but...
"I'm not angry anymore."
She said, "Maybe my period came yesterday. I was emotionally unstable and lost my composure. Later, my father and mother also told me that inspecting the salt industry is not an easy job. The journey is long, and you have to deal with local officials. There are so many trivial matters. I'm afraid you can't even take care of yourself, let alone me."
Although she didn't think she needed his care.
Could it be that after half a year of prosperity, all the hardships of the previous ten years have been forgotten?
Later, it was her eldest brother Yun Yi who said, "Salt accounts for half of the world's tax revenue. Your Majesty has truly entrusted King Jing with an important task." Yun Ran became even more aware that this task was not as easy as she had imagined.
Anything involving money is bound to be a mess.
When she was still a little Taoist nun, she had heard the people of Yangzhou curse: "These corrupt officials, each one of them is so full of food that they have no idea how much money they have embezzled, and yet they continue to act tyrannically and bully others. Why doesn't God send down a thunderbolt to strike them to death!"
Although he didn't know which official they were specifically scolding, as the old saying goes, there is no official who is not corrupt. Yun Ran nodded and said, "That's right, kill the corrupt official."
What Sima Jing was about to do was to inspect all the financial offices in the Lianghuai region carefully, inside and out.
The eldest brother, Yun Yi, said, "This task may seem simple, but it is difficult to accomplish. If it is completed successfully, it will be a great achievement. If it is not... Your Highness is the emperor's younger brother, so he will not be severely punished. However, based on this incompetence, I am afraid that you will never be reused in the future."
The third brother Yunze, who will take the spring examination soon, is keeping "salt profit" in mind, and guesses that there will be related questions in this spring examination.
In short, since his father and elder brother, who had been officials for many years, had said so, Yun Ran no longer dared to underestimate this task.
"This is the first errand His Majesty has entrusted you with, and it's also a good opportunity for you to prove your abilities."
Yun Ran sat up from his embrace, her lush black hair draped like silk over her ivory-white undergarments. She lowered her eyes to look at the man lying on the bed, her clear features filled with calmness and understanding. "Go with peace of mind. Don't worry about me. I'll take care of myself."
A hint of surprise clearly flashed across Sima Jing's eyes.
Before coming, he thought that he would have to spend some time explaining the pros and cons to her and reasoning with her before he could coax her.
Unexpectedly, she comforted him and told him not to worry and to focus on his work.
Looking at the innocent and pure little princess in front of him, whose eyes were extremely clear and determined, Sima Jing gained a new understanding of her.
She is really nice.
Whenever he thought she was good enough, she would always let him know that she had more undiscovered advantages.
Such a good girl came to him and became his wife.
My chest suddenly felt beating fast.
He raised his hand and pulled the person into his arms——
"Sima Jiu!?"
Yun Ran was stunned. She was talking to him about something serious, so why did he suddenly press her down and kiss her?
Can you still speak properly?
"You...ahem...calm down."
She was breathless from being kissed, and in a trance, she felt as if the man beside her had turned into a ferocious and passionate wolfhound, only knowing how to pounce and bite her arms, not caring whether she could bear it or not: "I... I'm still having my period! You can't... um!"
His lips were blocked again, and the rest of his words were swallowed up by the greedy kiss.
I don’t know how long it took, but I finally breathed fresh air again. Yun Ran’s black hair was messy, his lips were red and swollen, his eyes were blurred, and he was panting.
Sima Jing beside her was also feeling bad.
Looking at the charming look of the young lady who was kissed until she was in a trance, his throat rolled twice, and he finally couldn't bear to tire her any more.
He pulled the quilt over her, got up from the bed, put on his robe and left.
Yun Ran listened to the sound of footsteps going away, then turned his head slightly and saw him enter the bathroom. What else could he not understand?
Her cheeks suddenly became even redder. Thinking of the hard boner that she accidentally touched with her leg during the passionate kiss just now, she bit her lip and thought to herself, he deserves it!
**
Now that the conflict had been resolved, Yun Ran didn't want to make her parents worry about such a small matter. After having lunch with Sima Jing at the Marquis' Mansion, she returned to the Prince's Mansion.
That afternoon, the Ministry of Revenue also delivered official uniforms and official seals.
As for when to report to the Ministry of Revenue, the eunuch said, "Minister Yang of the Ministry of Revenue said there's no rush. Qing will wait for the prince to be free and report in."
The careful flattery in his words shows how much the Ministry of Revenue respects this "living devil" who suddenly appears.
But Yun Ran thought that since he had already accepted this job, there was no need for special treatment.
If you do it, don't do it at all. If you do it, do it well. This is the basic morality in dealing with people.
It was not known whether Sima Jing listened to her words or was afraid that she would keep nagging him. The next day, he put on his official uniform and attended the morning court.
Although it was the first month of the new year, the winter chill had not yet faded. The morning mist spread over the imperial city, turning the vermilion-painted palace into a hazy silhouette.
At three quarters past the hour of Mao, officials dressed in court robes embroidered with bird patterns hurried to the Linde Hall. The white mist they exhaled as they walked was wrapped in coldness and was swallowed up by the thick fog as soon as it rose.
The palace gates hadn't yet opened, and along the long, winding path, the elderly officials, wrapped tightly in their sable coats, rubbed their hands in the warm stoves. The young Hanlin's court boots were frosted, and they slipped on the stone slabs, requiring the support of a colleague to keep steady.
The cold, damp mist seeped into people's collars, freezing the tips of their noses red. Officials awaiting the morning court session were either greeting each other in low voices, yawning, forcing themselves to sleep, or staring blankly at their toes.
Suddenly, someone exclaimed, and a chaotic noise buzzed in the crowd.
Marquis Changxin, who was yawning in the military officer team, also looked in the direction of the sound. When he saw the red-robed man walking slowly in the thick fog, his yawn was startled back.
What the hell is this?!
Or is he still asleep?
Marquis Changxin pinched his thigh hard and looked again. The man walking slowly towards him in the dim light was wearing a red robe and leather belt, with a handsome face. He was none other than his gentle and considerate son-in-law, King Jing!
Not only the Marquis of Changxin, but all the other officials present also looked horrified as if they had seen a ghost.
King Jing.
King Jing in official robes.
King Jing came to court early in the morning.
If you live long enough, you can see everything.
Sima Jing also felt the gazes from all directions. Although he didn't like it, it was unavoidable.
Now that he has decided to become an official, he will face more social interactions and contacts in the future, and he has to learn to adapt.
Sima Jing glanced around at the officials dressed in red and green, and saw that most of them had expressions of fear and astonishment, unable to dodge, but he did not feel the slightest bit of emotion in his heart.
After so many years, I'm used to it.
Just as I was about to find a quiet place, I heard two familiar voices calling out, "Your Highness."
When I raised my eyes, I saw Marquis Changxin and Dalang Yunyi.
The father and son were one scholar and one warrior, one wore a purple robe and the other wore a green robe.
Different attire and temperament, but the same warm smile: "Your Highness looks so smart in his official robes."
"Ran Ran has always said that you look great in a red robe, and it's true. When she sees Your Highness like this, she will surely be full of praise, right?"
Like sunshine dispelling the damp fog.
Sima Jing's gloomy brows also relaxed slightly: "When I left, she was still sleeping."
Marquis Changxin and his son nodded. "That's right. It's so early and cold, you need to sleep more. Eat more and sleep more to grow taller."
Sima Jing: “…”
They really are a family.
The father-in-law, son-in-law and two others started chatting, and the officials beside them couldn't help whispering when they saw this.
"I didn't expect King Jing to actually come to court? I was genuinely shocked when he walked over just now."
"Who says it isn't?"
"But judging by the way he spoke with the Marquis of Changxin and his son, he doesn't seem as aloof as people say."
"After all, he is his father-in-law and uncle. Even for the princess's sake, we should be polite to him. We are nothing. We should ignore him anyway."
Everyone agreed with this and just watched from afar, not daring to get any closer.
When the sound of bells and drums came from the depths of the fog, everyone straightened their hats and composed themselves, walking into the hall in the cold air.
"Your Majesty has arrived—"
"Long live our emperor!"
All the officials bowed and cheered loudly.
Emperor Wenxuan sat high on the dragon throne and said in a gentle voice, "No need to be polite, my lords."
When the ministers stood up and looked up, the eunuch beside them whispered in their ears, "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Jing."
Emperor Wenxuan looked down and immediately saw the tallest and most elegant figure among the officials.
Even if the top three winners of the previous two sessions stood not far away, they could not match one tenth of his brilliance.
Wherever he is, he is the center of attention.
The moon is surrounded by stars.
It was like this in the past, and it seems to be still like this now.
The long fingers on the armrest of the dragon throne could not help but clench. Emperor Wenxuan took two deep breaths and said, "If you have something to report, please do so. If not, please dismiss the court."
***
When Yun Ran woke up, he heard Qing Ling report that Sima Jing had gone to court, and he felt a little strange and uncomfortable.
No matter what, she thought, he was going to court and would have to report to the Ministry of Revenue later, so she would have a whole day of free time.
She immediately got up from the bed and resumed her morning exercises and lessons according to her previous regular schedule. After breakfast, she played with Fudouer for a while, then sat down at the desk, picked up the pen and ground the ink, and listed the luggage that Sima Jing would take with him on his long journey.
In three days, Sima Jing will be going on a long journey.
Although he had been to the far north before, the scenery and phenology of Jiangnan and the north were completely different. As a person who grew up in Jiangnan, Yun Ran could still provide him with a lot of advice and assistance in this regard.
After making the list, it’s time to purchase.
Yun Ran was busy and happy, and only returned home in the evening with a lot of bags.
"Carry all of these to Shenliu Hall and hand them over to Chief Steward Changchun so that he can organize them."
"Send these packages to Zhanlu Hall and give them to Madam Zhou. Have her register them for storage."
Yun Ran gave orders to the servants in a clear voice. He had been busy all day and his throat was a little dry. He was thinking of going into the house to have a cup of clove drink when he stepped into the courtyard. He saw a tall and graceful figure standing in front of the steps in the sky full of rosy clouds.
A bright red robe, with eyes and eyebrows like jade.
The thousands of rays of light could not compare to the corner of his robe.
Yun Ran was stunned, and his throat became hoarse.
How can someone in this world wear red so beautifully, brightly yet not vulgarly?
I can't figure it out.
But, I love watching it.
She stared at the man descending the stairs until he reached her. The elegant scent of camphor brushed against her face along with the evening breeze. Only then did she come to her senses: "Your Highness, you're back."
Sima Jing looked at her stunned expression, his thin lips curled up slightly.
"That's my turn to speak."
He asked, "Why are you back so late?"
Yun Ran said, "I, I went out to buy some things. I went to both the East Market and the West Market."
Sima Jing already knew it, but when he heard her say it, he just nodded faintly.
Seeing that he was silent and motionless, with no intention of moving away, Yun Ran couldn't help but wonder: "Is Your Highness going out again?" Sima Jing: "No."
Yun Ran: "Then what are you doing..."
Sima Jing narrowed his eyes and looked at her: "Don't you have anything to say to me?"
Yun Ran: "What?"
Sima Jing: “…”
Yun Ran: “……?”
Their eyes met for two breaths, and seeing that her eyes were confused and did not seem fake, Sima Jing was defeated.
He raised his sleeves and arms, then turned around slowly.
He paused again and looked at her intently: "Now."
Yun Ran was still stunned.
Until Sima Jing sneered and left in anger.
Chang Chun, who was hiding aside, quickly winked at Yun Ran, "Praise me! You should praise me! Aren't you usually very good at praising me?"
Yun Ran suddenly realized.
It turns out that he was just opening the screen!
"Your Highness, Your Highness, please slow down—"
She hurriedly grabbed the hem of her skirt and hurried to catch up. "The wind was so strong just now that I squinted my eyes. You look beautiful, especially beautiful! You are truly suave and elegant. I am completely captivated by you. From now on, I will never see sunsets bright enough, and I will never see flowers blooming. Your Highness is the most beautiful man in the world in my heart. For eternity, no one can compare to you!"
"Your Highness, please open the door."
“…This is my yard.”
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The author has something to say: Sima Jiu: Throwing a wink at a blind man. [rolling eyes]
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This chapter also draws a small red envelope~
The story has entered the middle and late stages!
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