Chapter 28: Shou Ta Yi Bing "A Tale of Love and Loyalty"
FlamingoBees
Translating Chinese Historical Dramas for your enjoyment... and mine! :)
Shou Ta Yi Bing "A Tale of Love and Loyalty"
Chapter 28:
Empress
At the hour of Hai (around 9 PM), theHan Ning Palace was filled with mist.
Pei Qing had dressed and heard the voice of Zhi Lan from outside the screen, “Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived.”
In the past, upon hearing this, Pei Qing would merely smile faintly, then order someone to fetch Xiao Ji’an from Xuyang Palace and instruct the kitchen to prepare a light, appetizing supper. But now, upon hearing this, she felt a shiver.
The day after the state funeral was the enthronement ceremony, followed by the coronation ceremony. While the enthronement went off without a hitch, the coronation ceremony was marked by the man beside her wearing a sullen expression from start to finish, which frightened the eunuch who was announcing the decree.
Though the court officials were shocked, upon further reflection, many understood the will that declared the transition from brother to brother.
A child under five as Emperor was a troubling prospect. Not only were foreign nations eyeing them with intent, but even within the country, it was uncertain how much chaos and bloodshed might ensue.
However, if the fierce and domineering Prince Nan Chuan were to ascend the throne, it would be different. While Emperor Wen had his strategies and Emperor Wu had his might, Prince Nan Chuan, though not as cruel as rumored, still had his own formidable presence.
Moreover, this Nan Chuan Prince seemed to be not as entirely ruthless as the stories suggested. His steadfast defense of the palace, holding his ground against overwhelming odds, was a testament to the greatest virtue.
It is said that he was still unmarried in South River, but now, with the decree of adopting a son and the decree declaring the Pei family as never to be deposed, he has suddenly gained both a son and an empress upon ascending the throne. It is likely that he would be extremely displeased.
The courtiers, trembling with fear, watched the new emperor's clearly displeased face, but couldn't help but admire him. Despite everything, he still followed the late emperor's will meticulously, demonstrating great benevolence and righteousness.
However, they did not know that Xiao Yuan was actually dissatisfied with the lack of grandeur in the empress' enthronement ceremony. The ceremony’s arrangements, which had been meticulously planned by the Ministry of Rites, were obstructed by Pei Qing, who gently persuaded him to keep his temper in check.
"Not done with your bath yet?" The familiar voice rang out as Xiao Yuan entered the room effortlessly. "Perfect timing."
He casually removed his dragon robe, prompting Zhi Lan to quickly retreat.
As Pei Qing was about to come out, she collided directly with the man's embrace, the intense heat instantly enveloping her. Xiao Yuan looked down at her and asked, "So eager?"
Pei Qing's face turned red with embarrassment. "N-No."
Seeing her flushed face, Xiao Yuan couldn't help but swallow hard. His gaze was direct and intense, causing Pei Qing to gently push him away. "You... still have injuries. We have prepared a medicinal bath for you today, so you should bathe first."
The air was filled with heat and steam. As he bathed, Pei Qing went out to fetch clean undergarments and medicinal ointment.
Hearing the sound of the bathwater, Pei Qing turned around to see him approaching with his undergarments loosely worn. The man’s well-built physique looked extremely attractive, with water droplets trailing down from his chest to his abdomen, soaking his clothes and accentuating his muscular lines even more enticingly.
She quickly averted her gaze. “Why don’t you fasten your ties? If you catch a chill, it will only worsen.”
Xiao Yuan, finding her bashful reaction quite amusing, lazily sat on the edge of the bed. “Since I need to undress anyway, why bother with the ties?”
Pei Qing was astonished by his shamelessness. He spoke such indiscreet things so casually.
Xiao Yuan waved his hand. “Isn’t undressing necessary for applying medicine? Why are you so surprised?”
“Huh?” Pei Qing finally realized what he meant and felt very embarrassed. She held the medicinal ointment but was reluctant to approach him. “Or, perhaps I should call General Chu to apply the medicine for you.”
Injuries from battle, she thought, might be better treated by someone who understands how to apply the medicine most comfortably.
Xiao Yuan frowned. “I made him a general, not a frequent visitor to the harem. If things are calm now, and he dares to come to the harem again, I’ll have his legs chopped off and dried to make jerky for dogs.”
At that moment, Chu Li, who was inspecting the military stores in the outskirts of the capital, sneezed heavily.
The man’s harsh tone had some effect. Pei Qing walked over with the medicinal ointment. “General Chu treats you so well, why are you always so harsh with him?”
Her delicate fingers dipped in the ointment gently applied it to the wound. The injury itched slightly, and Xiao Yuan casually propped up his long legs, leaning to one side, while his fingers toyed with a strand of her hair. “If I treat you well, why do you still want to refuse me?” As he spoke, he took her hand in his. “I don’t want to scare you, but Qing’er, I can’t hold back much longer.”
If he had his way, he would have waited until their wedding night before addressing that matter, treating her with the respect she deserved. Afterward, however, despite having the letter of appeal in hand that could justify his actions, he could have acted as he pleased.
But Pei Qing’s tears were like knives, each drop cutting him deeply, making it impossible for him to act.
Pei Qing sensed the grievance in his words and lowered her head, not daring to meet Xiao Yuan’s gaze. “I’m not refusing... I’m just worried about your injury.”
“So it’s this you’re worried about?”
Pei Qing did not see the satisfaction flashing in his eyes. She only felt his hand slipping inside her robe. She shivered but did not pull away.
Xiao Yuan pressed closer, his hands unfastening her clothes as he pretended to negotiate, “If that’s the case, then could you check for me? There’s a wound on my lower abdomen, and I’m not sure if it affects other areas.”
Pei Qing immediately looked up, her face full of concern. “Which areas?”
“You’ll find out soon,” Xiao Yuan murmured with a low laugh as he kissed her lips.
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