Chapter 99, The Finale: Pei Muwei, you...you've gone too far...
In the third year of Xingfeng, at the time of the Spring Equinox, all things began to revive.
Several major events have recently occurred in the capital, causing the price of tea in teahouses to skyrocket from three coins to seven coins. However, this soaring price has not dampened the enthusiasm of the people of the capital to gather and discuss the matter.
The first tragedy was the death of Princess Nianyi, who was on her way to marry into the Canglang tribe. She tragically contracted a deadly illness halfway through the journey. This untimely end for a beautiful woman caused widespread sorrow and regret throughout the capital. Even the noblewomen who had previously mocked Xie Nianzhi softened their tone upon hearing the news, recalling some of her former kindness.
The second matter concerns a change in the court. Prince Chun was deeply affected by the sudden death of Princess Nianyi. After the funeral, he wrote a letter requesting to resign and returned to Jingzhou with his wife and children. He then devoted the rest of his life to his study, continuing his long-cherished wish to compile classics.
The third incident, however, was a romantic affair, and also the most talked-about topic among the common people—after the Prince Chun's family left the capital, their vast mansion was entrusted to a distant niece of the Prince's wife. Many people coveted the mansion's location and tried to inquire about its true nature under the guise of paying their respects, but were all turned away at the door by this Miss Chu, for a simple and clear reason:
She was newly widowed and it was inconvenient for her to receive guests.
There's always gossip around a widow's door, let alone a young, beautiful widow who also possesses immense wealth.
Legend has it that on a dark and windy night, a drunkard stumbled and fell outside the Xie family's old residence. In his dazed state, he caught a glimpse of a dark figure nimbly vaulting over the high wall.
The drunkard was instantly sobered up, hesitating whether to report to the authorities or if he was seeing things. He could only huddle in the corner and wait patiently. It wasn't until the sky began to lighten that the side gate of the mansion creaked open and a distinguished-looking man walked out.
The drunkard hiding in the corner peeked out and saw a young woman, more beautiful than a fairy, leaning sleepily against the door, urging the man to leave quickly so as not to miss the appointed time.
But the man was not satisfied. He held the young woman in his arms and refused to let go for a long time until the young woman got angry from being bullied. With her face flushed and tense, she slammed the wooden door shut with a loud bang.
The man showed no anger, but merely chuckled indulgently before mounting the fine horse brought by his attendant and galloping away.
When this story spread, it sparked much discussion. People said that the beautiful young widow in the Xie family's old house was promiscuous and often met her lover secretly late at night.
Soon after, a self-proclaimed charming young master, unable to contain his desire, secretly climbed over the wall in the middle of the night, hoping to kiss her and taste the beautiful widow's intoxicating pleasure.
To everyone's surprise, the mansion, though seemingly ordinary on the outside, was as heavily guarded as a border fortress inside.
The moment the playboy set foot on the ground, he was swarmed by guards, bound hand and foot, and escorted to the Dali Temple overnight. Within three days, the entire Earl's mansion was investigated and exiled to Beiting.
From then on, those纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy families who were dissolute and dissolute) who harbored improper thoughts about the young widow living in the Xie family's old residence all gave up their ideas.
Clearly, this beautiful young widow has powerful connections, and they're powerful figures with influence far and wide.
That night, the Xie family's old residence was filled with a warm and fragrant atmosphere.
Two overlapping figures could be vaguely seen through the primrose-yellow gauze curtains.
On either side of the rosewood canopy bed, there is a lifelike magpie carved. The craftsman's skill is superb, turning the rosewood into a pair of spirited birds on intertwined branches.
They faced each other, heads slightly tilted, and as the bed swayed gently in rhythm, the pair of carved wooden magpies, each with its own hidden meaning, chirped melodiously, like birds singing softly, adding a touch of spring to the woman's delicate moans inside the tent.
Silence gradually returned to the tent. A slender, jade-like arm tremblingly reached out from behind the gauze curtains, trying to pick up the golden bell placed on the small table. Before her fingers could even touch it, another strong and powerful arm pulled her back into the tent without warning.
"Are you... ever going to stop?"
Chu Yueyuan's dark eyes widened slightly as she glared at the "important person" above her, her voice slightly hoarse: "Get out!"
Pei Muwei chuckled softly, his dark phoenix eyes reflecting the young woman's delicate face. He lowered his head, rubbed his nose against her still-damp cheek, and pretended not to understand, asking, "Niannian, what do you want to go out?"
Chu Yueyuan's face turned even redder, and she was so angry that she wanted to bite him hard.
But she also understood that taking a bite at this moment would only pique his interest, and it would be impolite not to reciprocate.
She wasn't going to fall for it, and gritted her teeth, saying, "I want hot water."
The man patiently coaxed her, his cool voice becoming intoxicating once tinged with desire: "Nian Nian, have you forgotten? Today is the sixteenth, there's no court assembly, so you can have two sessions."
Upon hearing this, Chu Yueyuan became even more furious. Pointing to the blush on her fair skin, she argued forcefully, "Just now, here too, weren't you..."
She took a deep breath: "In short, tonight... counts as twice."
Pei Muwei looked in the direction she pointed, his eyes darkening slightly. He kissed her gently yet unreasonably: "What's outside doesn't count. Only what's actually given to His Highness counts..."
The light gauze curtains moved on their own without any wind, swaying gently once more, and the two sandalwood-carved birds chirped in response.
When I woke up again, it was already broad daylight.
After washing up, Chu Yueyuan chose a light green silk dress with butterfly embroidery and put it on. Her black hair was loosely tied into a bun, adorned with only a few light-colored velvet flowers. The bun fell lazily over her shoulders, like a willow tree in bloom, inadvertently revealing a touch of charming allure.
During breakfast, Jin Tong said cheerfully, "Yesterday, Eunuch Wang sent over several more sets of wedding attire. I heard they were made by the Imperial Textile Bureau over several months. Your Highness, after your meal, take a look. You're sure to find something you like this time!"
Seeing this couple, who had gone through so much hardship, finally become a couple, and thinking about how she would be able to enter the palace again and keep Xu Mama and Yu Luo company, Jin Tong was overjoyed from the bottom of her heart.
Chu Yueyuan frowned almost imperceptibly and responded faintly.
After the meal, several ladies-in-waiting entered in single file, carrying vermilion lacquered trays displaying the wedding attire and phoenix crown.
The embroiderers from the Weaving Bureau were highly skilled, and the wedding dresses they sent this time were extremely ingenious. The phoenixes embroidered with gold thread shimmered in the sunlight, and the pearls inlaid on the belt were all the size of longan, with a warm and full luster. The nine-dragon and nine-phoenix crown was even more exquisite and luxurious than the one she wore when she married Emperor Shang.
Chu Yueyuan glanced at the vermilion tray, lowered her eyes, took a sip of tea, and said calmly, "Put it away for now, and I'll try it again when I have time."
Jin Tong expressed his confusion, "Isn't this exactly the time I have?"
"Does Your Highness not like these wedding attire?"
A woman typically only gets married once in her life, so she naturally takes it very seriously.
Although Chu Yueyuan had been married once before, she had absolutely no choice in that marriage. From her wedding dress and phoenix crown to her pearl-embroidered shoes, everything strictly followed the regulations of the empresses of the Great Qi Dynasty. On her wedding day, she was like a puppet, manipulated at will.
For this wedding, she seemed to pay extra attention to these details. She spent three months choosing her wedding dress alone, and still hasn't made a decision.
Chu Yueyuan shook her head: "Go and tell Eunuch Wang that I am very satisfied with the wedding dress that was sent this time, and there is no need for the Weaving Bureau to go through the trouble of making any more changes."
"This servant will go right away."
Jin Tong bowed and led the maids out of the inner room from the fish restaurant.
A clear, sharp sound came from outside the window; it was Pei Muwei practicing his sword in the courtyard. On days without court assemblies, he would stay there.
Inside, a wisp of sandalwood incense rose gently from the burner. His usual black cloak embroidered with gold dragons hung on the shelf. On the desk, several memorials and her unfinished storybook were stacked together. On the chessboard with purple bamboo and white silk cover, there was still an unresolved game.
Everywhere you look, there are traces of his life with her.
Chu Yueyuan leaned lazily against the chaise lounge, gently waving the peony-patterned gauze fan in her hand. Her gaze slowly swept over the scene in the room, and an indescribable peace and satisfaction welled up in her heart.
It seems that the only difference between her and him is their official title, but in reality, they are no different from an ordinary couple.
However, the man valued this title highly and wanted to give her the most prestigious status on their wedding day.
Chu Yueyuan did not want to return to the palace, even though her only family was there, as well as Xu Mama, who was skilled in cooking, and Xiao Yanzi, Yu Luo, Bao Luo, and others who were loyal to her.
But she yearns for freedom even more, just as her name symbolizes: kites soaring to the sky, fish leaping in the abyss.
She wanted to be a kite, not a phoenix.
She also wanted to be with him.
The jade beaded necklace made a crisp sound, and Chu Yueyuan came back to her senses, looking up to meet the man's deep and affectionate phoenix eyes.
Pei Muwei was dressed in a moon-colored, dark-patterned casual robe today, with a jade crown binding his hair and a plain jade hairpin. He had just returned from practicing swordsmanship, and in addition to the faint scent of sandalwood, he exuded a sharp and masculine aura.
He wiped his hands clean with a damp cloth, took the teacup Chu Yueyuan handed him and drank a few sips. After putting down the teacup, he gently cupped the back of her head and leaned down to kiss her lips.
He adored this tender intimacy, though it wasn't as passionate and intense as in bed, but it allowed him to savor the lingering tea fragrance on her tongue, see her gently trembling eyelashes, and feel her breathing gradually become disordered with his deepening rhythm.
He loved her terribly, inside and out.
When the kiss ended, Chu Yueyuan's breathing became slightly erratic, her cheeks flushed, and she secretly regretted that she was so easily aroused by his teasing. She quickly drank two sips of tea to calm her racing heart.
Pei Muwei sat down behind her, stretched out his long arm, and pulled her into his embrace.
He lowered his head again, gently kissed the woman's hair, and inhaled her fragrance, casually asking, "Why doesn't Your Highness want to try on those wedding dresses?"
Chu Yueyuan lowered her eyes and said calmly, "You were such a scoundrel last night, I was covered in... I don't want them to see me."
"Then allow me to assist Your Highness in changing."
"Forget it. If Pei Qing were to handle it, I'm afraid these wedding dresses would never be worn again."
Chu Yueyuan had always believed the man's lies, but her clothes didn't stay on her body for long before he tore them off and used them as padding, eventually turning them into a crumpled mess.
As she was pondering, the man lifted her chin with his fingers, sending it crashing into his deep, dark eyes that seemed to see right through people.
Pei Muwei frowned, his tone slightly somber: "Does Your Highness regret it?"
Chu Yueyuan's eyes flickered slightly. She felt she could no longer hide that secret, so she pursed her lips and said softly, "I have something to tell you...it's about Yun'er..."
She revealed the secret of Xiao Yun's background, from the initial knowledge she learned from Eunuch Su about Emperor Shang's hidden illness, to the various tests she conducted against Pei Muwei out of suspicion, and finally, the whole truth that Zhao Qiming revealed to her before his death.
After Chu Yueyuan finished speaking, she stared quietly at the man with her bright eyes, waiting for his reaction.
Although a hint of surprise flashed across Pei Muwei's eyes, he was more concerned with getting Chu Yueyuan to reveal the reason behind all of this than with Xiao Yun's background.
He looked at her calmly: "What do these things have to do with your unwillingness to marry me?"
"I don't want to enter the palace and become the empress."
Chu Yueyuan finally spoke, and immediately felt a sense of relief.
She didn't want to be empress, but he wanted to be emperor. Xiao Yun didn't have the blood of the Xiao family, so she told Pei Muwei about this so that he could achieve his goal more smoothly.
But she still refused to enter the palace.
Pei Muwei stared into the woman's resolute gaze, his brows furrowing slightly. After a moment of silence, he said in a deep voice, "Your Highness understands. If Your Highness is unwilling, then there is no need to enter the palace."
Chu Yueyuan felt not relieved when she relaxed, but rather empty inside.
Yes, a man's ambition is to rule the world. She may choose not to enter the palace to become his empress, but there are plenty of noble ladies in the capital who are willing to become his empress one after another.
She was too greedy, just like her mother.
Chu Yueyuan laughed at herself inwardly, forcing back her tears, because it was too embarrassing.
But Pei Muwei cupped her face in his hands, his gaze focused, as if trying to see the woman's current appearance clearly, his low, husky voice revealing an unprecedented tenderness:
Niannian, do you love me?
"I love you." Chu Yueyuan said firmly, her love for him was completely untainted by any ulterior motives.
Pei Muwei smiled faintly, her tone becoming increasingly tender: "If I didn't become emperor, would you be more fond of me?"
Chu Yueyuan: ....
She stared at him blankly, her watery eyes filled with incomprehension and confusion. If he didn't become emperor, then who would?
Pei Muwei chuckled at her bewildered expression and kissed her slightly parted red lips hard.
The kiss was exceptionally long and tender, so warm that Chu Yueyuan's heart almost melted.
Outside the window, the shadows of trees swayed, and the bright sunlight streamed through the carved window frames of the dormitory, scattering dappled light across the floor and quietly flowing around the two of them.
Chu Yueyuan stared blankly at the smiling man with phoenix eyes, and hesitated, "You... really don't want to be emperor anymore? But... then who will be?"
Pei Muwei raised his hand, brushing aside the stray hairs near the woman's pink cheek, and said calmly, "Didn't the tutor at Zishan Hall say recently that His Majesty's studies have improved quite a bit?"
Chu Yueyuan blinked her bright eyes: "You mean... let Yun'er continue to be emperor? But he is, after all, the bloodline of my sister and Imperial Physician Zhao, not the Xiao royal family..."
"What I want is to put someone who has no blood relation to the Xiao family on the dragon throne."
Pei Muwei's eyes darkened. Back then, he fought his way back to the capital from Beiting, all for the purpose of uprooting this corrupt and filthy dynasty. As long as the person sitting on the dragon throne was not a member of the Xiao family, it didn't matter who it was.
Moreover, what could be more ironic for the Xiao clan than allowing Xiao Yun, an "outsider," to become emperor?
He lowered his eyes to look at the woman in his arms, his gaze softening unconsciously, and asked in a low voice, "Niannian, now...would you like to be my wife?"
Chu Yueyuan didn't answer, but smiled sweetly, her eyes overflowing with joy. She reached out and hooked her arm around his neck, kissing him first, giving him her answer in the most direct way—she was willing.
———
In Sweetwater Lane, the old plaque of the Xie family mansion quietly fell down, and a new plaque was erected in its place. The two characters "Chu Residence" painted with gilded lacquer shone brightly in the sunlight.
Not long after, the area in front of the Chu residence was completely transformed.
The vermilion gate was adorned with double happiness characters, and a pair of enormous red lanterns hung high above the lintel. The stone lions flanking the gate were draped in red and decorated with large silk flowers around their necks. Red carpeting covered the stone steps, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the street. Passersby couldn't help but turn their heads and whisper among themselves.
"Is Lady Chu from the Xie residence getting married?"
"Why even mention the Xie residence? This mansion has changed hands. It's said that at a palace banquet, the young emperor saw Lady Chu and felt a strong connection to her because of her resemblance to the late Empress Dowager. He made an exception and bestowed upon her the title of Lady, a rank comparable to that of a prince!"
"I see lanterns and decorations in front of the door. Is Lady Chu getting married again?"
"It is not a remarriage, but a marriage proposal! As the first duke in the Great Qi in a hundred years, the title should naturally be passed down through generations."
"Tsk, I wonder which family's young man is so fortunate to have climbed onto the golden phoenix in one fell swoop!"
"Oh, last month you said that this Lady Chu was frivolous and wanton, a spring swallow that throws itself into every man's arms! Now that she's been made a duke, you've changed your tune. I'm afraid you want to hurry home, dress up your scholar son properly, and send him to the duke's mansion to be a concubine, right?"
Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.
The people of the capital eagerly awaited the wedding day.
The wedding of the first duke of the Great Qi was indeed incredibly grand, with all the guests being high-ranking officials of the third rank or above, and it even alarmed the emperor.
The procession stretched like a dragon, and joyous music filled the sky. All eyes were on the groom, who sat upright on a snow-white horse. His red robes blazed like fire, and the gold-embroidered python pattern shimmered in the sunlight, making him appear tall and straight, like a jade mountain.
At this moment, the man's usually aloof phoenix eyes softened with a touch of tenderness and a hint of a smile amidst the joy.
When the officials under the porch saw the groom, they immediately lifted their robes and bowed, shouting "Your Majesty!" The onlookers were stunned, only to realize that this handsome groom who was willing to marry into the family was actually the powerful regent!
Then... how stunning must Lady Chu be to be able to make the Regent condescend to marry into the family?
The auspicious hour had arrived, and the vermilion gate slowly opened to both sides.
First to cross the vermilion threshold was a dazzling figure in bright yellow. The young emperor, devoid of any imperial majesty, skipped and hopped excitedly, clutching the red silk ribbon in his hand. He looked up and called out excitedly to the bride at the other end of the ribbon:
"Mother!"
The two words landed crisply, and all the officials present lowered their heads, their expressions unchanged, as if they had not heard anything.
The bride, wearing a phoenix crown adorned with filigree and pearls, and a brocade wedding gown with gold trim, walked out gracefully. In one hand she held a red silk ribbon, and in the other she held a silk fan with peony vines.
Above the fan, a pair of peach blossom eyes are revealed, with slightly upturned corners and clear pupils. The eyes sparkle like shimmering spring water, radiating charm. The allure of that single glance is a beauty that even the most skilled painter in the world could not capture.
Xiao Yun handed the red silk to Pei Muwei, reminding her before letting go, "The Regent and I have agreed that you will marry the Empress Dowager tonight, but I will sleep with her..."
Before Xiao Yun could finish speaking, he was hurriedly dragged away by Eunuch Wang and Granny Xu.
Chu Yueyuan raised her eyes and looked at the man holding the red silk with her. He had an unyielding smile on his lips, and his gaze was focused and tender, as if she was the only one in his world.
He leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear, his voice clear and gentle: "Your Highness, please."
Chu Yueyuan smiled, her bright eyes crinkling: "Okay."
Outside the main hall, the banquet had already been laid out neatly, with delicacies laid out and the aroma of wine filling the air. However, apart from the young emperor seated at the head of the table, none of the guests dared to sit down rashly until the master of ceremonies announced "The ceremony is complete," and the bride was sent to the bridal chamber. The officials raised their wine cups to congratulate the regent on his successful marriage.
In a corner, several cabinet ministers secretly began to plot:
"After the Regent returns to court after his wedding, I hope you will all do me the favor and allow me to submit a memorial beforehand, stating that the southern river embankments are in dire need of repair and require funds from the court..."
"The construction of the river embankment can be postponed, but the rampant banditry in Huzhou is an urgent matter. I should be the first to submit this memorial!"
"Alas, I think you all don't need to fight over it. Now that the phoenix has returned to the parasol tree and the dragon has been nourished by the spring waters, its ferocity has greatly subsided..."
The minister who was trying to mediate the dispute glanced meaningfully at the regent, who was raising a glass with his guests not far away. The man had a smile on his lips and a rare gentle and pleasant expression between his brows.
"It doesn't matter which comes first; let me submit the memorial regarding the repair of the canal transport system first..."
Inside the bridal chamber, everything was lavish and beautiful.
On the window frames, auspicious patterns of "the phoenix and the dragon singing in harmony" and "the twin flowers in perfect harmony" are carved with gold foil. Sunlight from outside shines through the gaps between the gold and red, casting shimmering gold light on the ground.
The rosewood carved canopy bed was covered with a bright red brocade wedding quilt, the cover of which was embroidered with lifelike mandarin ducks playing in the water with colorful gold thread, and precious styrax was added to the quilt and pillows, so that a faint fragrance wafted in the room.
Chu Yueyuan sat on the couch, her head adorned with a heavy nine-dragon and nine-phoenix crown made of pure gold and inlaid with magnificent jewels, which weighed down her neck. The tassels hanging down her forehead obscured her vision.
The wedding attendant standing to the side smiled broadly: "Princess, please wait patiently for another two hours. Once the Prince has finished entertaining the guests and returned to drink the wedding wine with you, the wedding ceremony will be complete. At that time, this old servant will personally remove the phoenix crown for you, and then you can relax."
As soon as the matchmaker finished speaking, the door was pushed open, and a man in a bright red robe strode in.
"Oh dear, Your Highness..."
The matchmaker was greatly surprised. She had been in the business for over thirty years and had handled countless weddings of princes and nobles. Even princesses of noble birth had to sit quietly in the bridal chamber on their wedding night, patiently waiting for their husbands to finish entertaining the guests, in order to show their dignified and generous nature as newlyweds.
She had never encountered a groom who rushed over in such a hurry, leaving all the guests behind.
Pei Muwei placed the mahogany food box on the table, then took three steps at a time to walk to the red tent, sat down next to the woman, and gently removed the heavy phoenix crown from her head.
Chu Yueyuan felt a sudden relief on her head. When she looked up, she met the man's burning gaze. The rouge on her cheeks added a touch of glamour to her face.
She glanced at the astonished servants on either side, gently bit her lip, and whispered a reminder: "Why did you come here? The Emperor is in a high spirits today, and Granny Xu alone probably can't persuade him. If you're not in the main hall to keep things under control, what if the Emperor gets too excited and says something nonsensical in front of all the officials..."
Pei Muwei picked up the Hetian jade cup from the tray, placed the wine cup in her hand, and said in a clear voice, "Your Highness, please drink the Hetian wine first, and then I will go back to the front hall to take care of the Emperor."
Seeing the determined light in the man's eyes, Chu Yueyuan went along with his wishes.
She held the wine cup, leaned slightly towards him, and their arms intertwined like two mandarin ducks entwined. When she lowered her eyes, she saw the sandalwood prayer beads on the man's wrist and felt his cool breath brush against her forehead. She slowly drank the wine he offered to her lips.
The matchmaker, who was standing to the side, was dumbfounded. She quickly recited blessings for the couple, wishing them a long and happy marriage, the birth of a son, and many more children to come, and announced that the ceremony was complete.
The wine was rich and warm, spreading from her throat and making Chu Yueyuan's cheeks slightly hot.
After finishing his drink, Pei Muwei did not immediately pull his arm away. Instead, taking advantage of the intimate position, he brought his thin lips close to her ear, his deep voice carrying a warm breath that struck her heart directly: "Your Highness, you have finally... become my wife."
After speaking, his thin lips, still carrying the scent of wine, pressed down on hers.
Even though they had kissed countless times, each kiss still brought a thrill to their hearts. Now, under the red canopy, the woman, bathed in the glow of the sunset, proclaimed that she was now his wife. This new identity made their kiss even more passionate, intoxicating and intoxicating.
Chu Yueyuan's cheeks flushed red. Seeing the palace servants around her bow their heads and retreat, the man's kisses grew even more lingering. She quickly pushed against his chest, half-shy and half-annoyed, and said:
"Hurry up, the guests in the lobby are still waiting for you."
Pei Muwei reluctantly released her lips, gazing at the woman's fair and rosy face, his phoenix eyes smiling: "The food box contains your favorite dishes, Madam. Remember to eat them while they're hot, so you won't be too weak tonight..."
How could Chu Yueyuan not understand the man's hidden meaning? From a treacherous minister in the court to her husband by her side, this man had become increasingly insatiable and greedy.
She blushed and nodded, urging, "Go quickly!"
No sooner had they seen off the swaggering evil dragon than they were greeted by the adorable little golden dragon.
Xiao Yun pushed open the door and came in, loudly proclaiming that he wanted to consummate the marriage.
"Mother, you look so beautiful today, except the rouge on your lips isn't applied well; it's all over the place..."
Jin Tong handed over a handkerchief and said with a smile, "When I came over just now, I saw General Meng encouraging a group of military officers to pour wine for the Regent. The Prince was in a particularly good mood and accepted everyone's drinks. Judging from the way he was doing it, it was going to go on until late at night."
Xiao Yun rolled his big eyes and volunteered, "Then I will sleep with Mother tonight. Ever since Mother left the palace, she has never slept with me again."
Chu Yueyuan took the handkerchief, wiped the rouge off her lips, smiled, pinched Xiao Yun's rosy cheek, and said softly:
"Your Majesty, please have your meal first. I will play shadow puppetry with you later."
"Great!"
After dinner, dusk fell.
Although no curtains were prepared in the bridal chamber, the bright light from several pairs of thick mandarin duck candles made the room even brighter. Chu Yueyuan then ordered two more pairs to be added, making the room even more well-lit.
On the newly painted pepper wall, the outlines of the shadow puppets were reflected in exquisite detail. As the strings were gently pulled, the painted figures on the wall came to life, vivid and lifelike.
Xiao Yun was still young. Since leaving the palace at dawn, he had been playing and jumping around all day. He forced his eyelids open to watch a shadow puppet show for a while, but finally couldn't resist the sleepiness. His little body slumped to the side and he fell into a deep sleep on the couch covered with a bright red brocade wedding quilt.
Chu Yueyuan looked at Xiao Yun, who was sleeping soundly, and a happy smile appeared on her lips. She told Jin Tong and Granny Xu to take him to the guest room to sleep.
The lights in the room were too bright, and she was about to extinguish a few candles when Pei Muwei, who had returned to the bridal chamber, wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
His crisp scent, mingled with the rich aroma of wine, enveloped her without warning. His low, husky voice carried a hint of intoxication: "Folk tradition says that if the wedding candles burn all night, the couple will be loving and devoted for life. My lady, there's no need to extinguish them..."
Chu Yueyuan turned her head and met his deep eyes. Those dark eyes reflected the flickering candlelight, and the emotions surging within them seemed even more intense than the flames before her, burning hotly and searing into her heart.
Her eyelashes trembled slightly, she bit her crimson lips, and her voice revealed a hint of shyness: "But this... is too bright."
Pei Muwei hooked her chin, a smile playing on his lips, and coaxed her gently, "It's better if it's brighter, so that your husband can see it more clearly."
The elaborately embroidered wedding dress slid down and piled up on the ground, revealing the woman's fair skin, which resembled pearls wrapped in silk, and was bathed in a warm glow in the candlelight.
The flickering candlelight cast two intertwined figures onto the pepper wall, like inseparable puppets in a shadow play. With each slight tug of the invisible strings, the two were pulled closer together, making it impossible for them to separate.
Chu Yueyuan had never found candlelight so annoying. The light mercilessly outlined every detail: how she was helplessly leaning against the table, how the bulging veins on the man's arm demonstrated his domineering control, and how beads of sweat dripped down his chin... She could only plead with the man to come to the bed, but in return she received even more shameless conditions.
"Pei Muwei, you...you've gone too far!"
"Since the lady has already been convicted, then let your husband... be as unrestrained as he can be."
The article is now complete!
-----------------------
Author's Note: ****Dear reviewer, I've revised it six times. I just wanted to give readers a perfect ending. This is the final chapter, the grand finale. Please be lenient with your work.****
After two months, I have finally finished this story. I am very grateful to the readers who have accompanied me, thank you for your comments, your support, and to the readers who have been following along. I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I'll probably write an IF side story, a story where the male lead didn't force the issue. It won't be long, just around 40,000 words.
My next book is going back to my old profession: a woman disguised as a man, the Imperial Advisor versus the Grand Tutor! Love after marriage.
I tend to have a lot of drafts saved up. I hope that interested readers will click into my column and bookmark the next book, "After Elopement with the Emperor, the Grand Tutor Came After Me".
Your support is my motivation, inspiration, and spiritual pillar during my writing period! Thank you so much!
The text is as follows:
Chu Weijun disguised herself as a man and lived in seclusion in a temple for many years until the world was at peace and a new emperor ascended the throne. She finally learned the whereabouts of her long-lost younger brother.
She immediately went to the capital to participate in the selection competition for the Imperial Preceptor.
On the day of the competition, she looked up at the handsome and noble man sitting on the crimson-gold dragon chair, and her expression changed slightly.
A Taoist priest standing nearby gloated, "Grand Tutor Wei despised monks the most. Years ago, when he was being pursued by rebels, he sought refuge in an old temple, but the monks there were blind to his worth and refused him entry!"
The blind Chu Weijun: ...Don't ask, the answer is I regret it now.
Coincidentally, the man also recognized her. His narrow phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, and he said with a half-smile, "Immortal Chu, we meet again."
From then on, Chu Weijun became the Grand Preceptor of the Great Qi, helping the man overthrow the court, persecute loyal officials, and becoming a demonic monk hated by everyone.
What was originally a deal where I would take advantage of your skills and you would take advantage of my power was abruptly disrupted by an unexpected event.
At the Qionglin Banquet, she and the man were afflicted with the Seven Emotions Gu. When the poison took effect, they were engulfed in flames and nearly lost their will to live. The two stumbled and fell into a side hall, their prayer beads scattered and their monk's robes half-undone. Seeing that she could no longer hide the truth, she held his hand tightly and gritted her teeth as she made three demands:
First, blindfold them.
Second, lock your hands.
Third, she... he.
That night, the brocade curtains were drawn low, making it airtight, and the clanging of iron chains continued until dawn, as if a wild beast had been imprisoned and could not be freed.
The Seven Emotions Gu, as the name suggests, requires seven treatments to neutralize its poison.
Chu Weijun: I cried... How am I going to get through the remaining six times?
Male protagonist's perspective:
Wei Yanfu was a ruthless warlord in a chaotic era. He was the Grand Tutor Wei, who held the emperor hostage to command the feudal lords. He was the Nine Thousand Years Old, feared by everyone in the court. He was obsessed with power and had a cold heart.
It is said that monks do not lie, do not covet gold and silver, and do not concern themselves with worldly affairs, but the little national teacher he appointed is a smooth talker, greedy for money and profit, and also has homosexual tendencies!
No problem, he only needs to use the Jade-Faced Imperial Advisor's mysterious tongue to eliminate dissidents and seize the throne.
In the end, he was not only deceived in love, heart, and body by the young imperial advisor, but the advisor even eloped with a younger and more handsome emperor!
When they met again, Wei Yanfu almost didn't recognize the face that haunted his dreams every night. As his long fingers brushed her meticulously cultivated hair, a hint of obsessive malice seemed to permeate his shimmering eyes: "How can the Imperial Preceptor, this bodhisattva, only save half of the people...?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com