by Ning er
"You silly girl, you're already sick, but why aren't you resting in bed?" Qu Fei Qing looked around and saw the shadow behind the screen, so approached it while speaking to Yun Qian Meng.
"Oh!" After a soft scream, Qu Fei Qing immediately covered her mouth and looked at Chu Fei Yang with a panic-stricken Yun Qian Meng.
What frightened Qu Fei Qing even more was that why did Chu Fei Yang do things that may arouse suspicion? He not only intruded into the Empress Dowager's palace, but he was even carrying Yun Qian Meng. If others were to know of this, then Yun Qian Meng would live being judged by others for the rest of her life.
"She's injured." Chu Fei Yang was rather clever. He immediately knew what Qu Fei Qing was thinking about and was quick to explain.
"Injured? Where?" as expected, that shifted Qu Fei Qing's attention. She immediately approached Yun Qian Meng and pulled her hand over to examine it. Only after holding her hand did Qu Fei Qing realize the problem. Why was Meng'er unable to hold onto her hand?
"Benxiang will send Yun xiaojie home first. I hope that Qu xiaojie could cooperate with what follows." Chu Fei Yang calmly said. The coldness and mercilessness from his anger a while ago was completely unnoticeable.
Qu Fei Qing naturally understood what Chu Fei Yang meant. She immediately took off Yun Qian Meng's cloak and tightly held it in her hand as she nodded, "Don't worry, the most important thing now is to send Menger back. Could Chu xiang please not mention today's incident to anyone."
Qu Fei Qing still did not forget to remind Chu Fei Yang to protect Yun Qian Meng's reputation.
Chu Fei Yang looked at the Yun Qian Meng, who was already sleepy but still trying to open her eyes. He then quickly took down his black cloak and wrapped Yun Qian Meng in it, carefully covering her face before he he quickly brought Yun Qian Meng away from this dangerous place.
"Ying'er, Mu Chun, Le Yao, come serve me." Qu Fei Qing walked to the bed, pulled down the curtains, then called Yun Qian Meng's and her yatou in.
Yun Qian Meng felt an up and down while in Chu Fei Yang's arms. After a while, they entered a carriage, which then immediately started to move. After the carriage bumped along the road for a while, Yun Qian Meng's consciousness came back. She moved her neck and saw that the cloak that had covered her face had already been taken off by Chu Fei Yang.
Under the dim light, Yun Qian Meng saw Chu Fei Yang's eyes which were as bright as the stars and as deep as the ocean. They stared at her, making her face blush and burn even more.
Even inside the carriage, Chu Fei Yang had no plans of letting go of her, so she felt somewhat uncomfortable and exerted some effort in increasing their distance.
But Chu Fei Yang did not want to do as she wished, he only tightened his arms around her until her face was pulled to his chest again. Hearing the strong heartbeat, Yun Qian Meng stayed her imagination and tried to keep calm. "Why was xiangye in the the Empress Dowager's palace?"
The Empress Dowager's Feng Xiang Gong was one of the most securely guarded places in the palace. It was surrounded and protected by skilled guards all around. It should be impossible for random people to enter so easily.
"If I didn't appear, what were you planning to do?" Chu Fei Yang did not allow Yun Qian Meng to dodge the question and asked her straight to the point.
Rather than beating around the bush, it was faster and more efficient to just ask her directly. It would also prevent this cunning girl from changing the topic.
Yun Qian Meng was dumbfounded. She did not expect Chu Fei Yang to be serious, so unlike usual. When he looked at her with his eyes full of reproach for her carelessness a while ago, Yun Qian Meng's heart trembled. She awkwardly avoided the eyes that were staring at her and somewhat tiredly closed hers, planning to reply with silence.
"You think drawing red dots on your face would make those lustful gongzis step back?" Yun Qian Meng seemed unwilling to talk, so Chu Fei Yang spoke somewhat angrily. He then took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped away the red dots on Yun Qian Meng's face while continuing to speak, "Such an ugly face, how could he still have manage to put his hands on you?"
Hearing that, Yun Qian Meng suddenly opened her eyes, only to see Chu Fei Yang's laughing expression. She immediately knew that she had been tricked and her glowing eyes immediately glared at Chu Fei Yang. "You're right! I'm so ugly but Chu xiang still won't let go."
Chu Fei Yang only shrugged indifferently and replied, "I can't do anything about it. The Emperor sanctioned the marriage."
Yun Qian Meng felt upset. Based on Chu Fei Yang's tone, it seemed like he did it unwillingly, but it was he who had asked for the decree for marriage yet he seemed to have forget about that fact.
Chu Fei Yang was still concentrating on wiping away the red dots on Yun Qian Meng's face. His brows knitted tighter with every dot he wiped, as if the real appearance of Yun Qian Meng was worse than that with the dots.
"Sorry to bother Chu Xiang for having to do something you don't like." Yun Qian Meng bitterly said at the sour expression on Chu Fei Yang's face.
Hearing a series of laughter, Yun Qian Meng raised her head and looked up, only to see Chu Fei Yang laughing happily, far from the fake smile he had a while ago. Yun Qian Meng's ears were then closely pressed to his chest. Hearing his heartbeat, she knew that Chu Fei Yang was really amused right now and she also knew that his happiness had originated from her.
Yun Qian Meng felt somewhat awkward at becoming the source of someone else's amusement. She then turned away from Chu Fei Yang's lively handsome face and looked at the night sky outside the carriage.
"Next time, try to bring more yatou when you leave the house. I will also send some bodyguards to your xiangfu to guard your courtyard." Although there were already guards he put in secret, Chu Fei Yang did not tell her so Yun Qian Meng would not get angry at him again.
"Wouldn't that be too excessive? And also too eye-catching?" Yun Qian Meng did not want to be in the spotlight. She did not know how many envious people would be attracted by Chu Fei Yang's actions. She was afraid that these people who were keeping quiet for now would start trouble again behind the scenes.
"This is to let both of us be more assured and also to serve as a warning for others." Chu Fei Yang lightly said. His arms held her powerless body tightly but not enough to hurt her and also did not let her be shaken by the trembling carriage.
Yun Qian Meng's eyes turned and stared at Chu Fei Yang's eyes, "You know who is behind today's incident?"
Chu Fei Yang gave her a calming smile then said, "Rest well. I will settle all the problems."
But Yun Qian Meng had never been obedient. It was impossible for her to let someone who tried to frame her get away with it. Yun Qian Meng's expression became gloomy and she coldly said, "Chu Fei Yang, I am related to this incident—the victim, actually. I have the right to know the truth."
Unconsciously, Yun Qian Meng spoke in the tone she used in her past lifetime. Currently, her head was filled with thoughts of catching the suspect and did not realize it.
On the other hand, Chu Fei Yang slightly raised his brows after hearing her words. He stared at Yun Qian Meng with eyes filled with happiness. That somewhat fanatical look made Yun Qian Meng realize her mistake. Thinking of how she would explain it to him, she suddenly heard Chu Fei Yang say, "Finally, it's not Chu xiang anymore."
Yun Qian Meng was somewhat shocked, but she could not help but feel grateful that Chu Fei Yang had not noticed her improper words. But right after that, Chu Fei Yang said, "Meng'er, your manner of speaking a while ago is quite new."
Hearing him call her so intimately, Yun Qian Meng's ears blushed red. She pretended to be calm and coldly said, "I am not pedantic, I don't need to always speak so strictly. Who allowed you to call me Meng'er?"
Chapter 100: Part 1: Willing to Stay a Couple for Life? | Chu Wang Fei
"I'm allowing you to call me Fei Yang. It's appropriate to reciprocate, so in return I would naturally call you Meng'er." Chu Fei Yang, laughed mischievously, then imme
diately continued, "Meng'er, would you prefer to live in Chu wangfu or Chu xiangfu?"
In this moment, Yun Qian Meng was already losing to Chu Fei Yang in both physical and mental strength by a lot so she simply ignored him and let him talk to himself, as she stared at the scenery outside the carriage.
"You are ignoring me like this, yet there are many xiaojie who would certainly be happy to step into Chu xiangfu." Chu Fei Yang stared at Yun Qian Meng's calm expression, somewhat broken-hearted.
Yun Qian Meng's eyebrows actually scrunched up slightly at his words. And to Chu Fei Yang's eyes, it was actually a very pleasant surprise.
Yun Qian Meng quickly looked away from Chu Fei Yang's gaze and indifferently said, "I had not expected that xiangye wanted to also live the dream of leisurely enjoying life with multiple partners. How ambitious, I am quite amazed."
In a split second, but with great difficulty due to Chu Fei Yang's closeness, Yun Qian Meng had reverted back to her previous tone.
But Chu Fei Yang did not seem to be disheartened at her indifferent words and said, "If I did not desire a wife, naturally, I would not force myself."
"That being said, why did Chu xiang rush to ask the Emperor to bestow the marriage? Wouldn't being single afford you more freedom and leisure?" when she spoke, a gust of night wind burst in through the curtains, blowing pass Yun Qian Meng as she narrowed her eyes. She coldly stared at Chu Fei Yang and waited for his answer.
Chu Fei Yang just wrapped his cloak to cover her head, and embraced her firmly against his body in a cocoon. It looked abnormal but it seemed to hide his slightly hurt eyes, as he shallowly laughed and said, "Why don't you try to be a good wife, and make me give up such notions?"
Yun Qian Meng was startled at his words. She somewhat understood Chu Fei Yang's reasons for repeatedly bringing up the topic of marriage. The polygamy of ancient times was not something she desired. If her soul had not come from modern times, she would have naturally accepted it and even go so far as to reject respect for a woman's place in society.
To fit nicely in this kind of environment, Yun Qian Meng's heart understood. And with only her power it was simply a fantasy to change this kind of system, and she would only be overestimating her capabilities. Thus, she had never entertained thoughts of getting close to another person.
But today, an imperial decree had been bestowed, so she and Chu Fei Yang were now tied together. If she really were to spend the rest of her life in these ancient times, she may not be able to affect huge changes, but at least within her own circumstances, she would have some influence. Since Chu Fei Yang was addressing this issue, it would be best to take advantage of the opportunity and express her thoughts.
"If I agree to be a good wife, would you be willing to stay a couple for life?" the cold rays within her eyes soon passed, and was replaced by craftiness. Yun Qian Meng's eyes held a trace of extreme seriousness and she had been watching Chu Fei Yang keenly to gauged his reaction.
Only to see Chu Fei Yang's restraining to control a trace of a smile from the corner of his mouth, it did not appear to be his usual mischievous smile. The earnestness in those eyes made Yun Qian Meng's heart to shiver. She was fully aware that she was making it difficult for him by bringing up the issue with regarding the habits of men.
For most people, even if they were able to marry the first under heaven in terms of beauty, they would still hold a woman in each hand, unable to let go of a man's privilege. Even men of the common people also had a woman or two aside from their wife, what more for Chu Fei Yang, who stood at the top of privileged men.
As her mind was processing this information quickly, Yun Qian Meng's expression became more and more heavy. Though she looked very calm in Chu Fei Yang's eyes, she actually she had mixed feelings. All the while, she waited patiently for Chu Fei Yang to give her his answer, and did not make a sound so as not to disturb his train of thought.
Chu Fei Yang looked at Yun Qian Meng, on her crimson face, he clearly saw the woman's rare self-confidence and her beautiful eyes sparkled with wisdom and calmness. She was the Empress Dowager's niece, Fu Guo Gongfu's granddaughter, and xiangfu's legitimate born xiaojie. Each layer only elevated her status, making her honor and respectability matchless. She had almost been driven into the abyss beyond redemption only because Chen wang had withdrawn their engagement.
Though she had fallen from grace, this had not caused Yun Qian Meng to abandon herself and wallow in despair. Instead she had completely ignored how people judged her, she was confident, earnest, and lived prudently. She did not provoke anyone, but neither did she allow anyone to offend her and get away with it.
Such a woman was so special that she had caught his attention.
Especially the first time he had seen her behind Empress Dowager at the Palace, all wrapped in white muslin, her body dyed with blood, complexion pale, and her body in poor health. Nevertheless each step she took was steady as she walked towards the main hall. That moment, his curiosity had awaken for this girl. The whole time he could not understand why someone who had attempted suicide would later on have such an expression, it had immediately stirred his interest.
At Yun Qian Meng's question, Chu Fei Yang's heart once more throbbed with attractions and he almost let slip an uncouth remark. He quickly changed his mind when he saw Yun Qian Meng's serious expression. His carefully put on a smiling expression, he did not answer but returned it with a question, "Meng'er is asking this of me?"
Yun Qian Meng's brows slightly raised at that. There was a dangerous glints in her eyes, as she immediately sneered and said, "Don't you dare!"
Her heart was actually somewhat angry. A no was a no, so there was no need to push the decision onto her. With her so emotional, Yun Qian Meng started to struggle to leave Chu Fei Yang's embrace.
Chu Fei Yang looked at her weakened body trying to leave his arms, and the corner of his mouth gradually turned into a smile. He did not move his hands at all, allowing Yun Qian Meng's escape to go uninterrupted. As soon as she had successfully left his arms he quickly caught her in another embrace, which only got him a glare from Yun Qian Meng.
Those stunning, yet watery eyes were harbouring resentment towards him, but Chu Fei Yang still smiled so happily. With a slight hint of sorrow he mumbled, "You can only be coquettish with me."
If anyone else saw her like this, it might cause unnecessary troubles. Although Chu Fei Yang was quite sure of his abilities, with this excessively calm little yatou, he was never confident of anything.
When Chu Fei Yang had unexpectedly used "coquettish" to describe her, Yun Qian Meng suddenly realized what she must look like in front of him. Though she was able to show off a calm appearance, but such a situation still made her heart anxious. Suddenly frowning, she closed her eyes to calm her heart and to wipe away her unwillingness.
The inside of the carriage was quiet once more, in the silent night, only the sound of the wheels could be heard as it rolled over the limestone road.
Chu Fei Yang eventually indifferently said, "Meng'er, if someone is bothering you, you need not pay them any attention, and just let them come to me."
His extremely cold tone caused Yun Qian Meng to open her eyes to look at Chu Fei Yang, only to see an indifferent expression on his face. It was unlike his usual gentleness, or the rare stern expression he would show. This kind of coldness seemed to have some carelessness, but it was also a combination of many different emotions.
"Are you afraid I am unable to deal with it?" Chu Fei Yang's words had actually hurt Yun Qian Meng's ego a lot. So far, she had only had herself to depend on in this ancient time, but she had still been able to survived for so long. Hearing that Chu Fei Yang had been looking down on her unexpectedly made her somewhat unhappy.
Subconsciously, Yun Qian Meng was actually still reluctant to rely on anyone.
After all, the moon had different faces, people experienced different joys and sorrows. She could not expect that she and Chu Fei Yang would be on good terms for a lifetime, so she m
ust stay self-sufficient. She could not become a woman who lost the will to live after being bound.
Chu Fei Yang was plainly aware that this girl's fighting spirit had been ignited, and only liked her even more and wished to see her with this vibrant expression more often. Compared to the dull smiles from before, this made his heart much happier.
Even though he needed to confront his little fox's question, but at the moment, Chu Fei Yang prefered that she stayed quietly in his arms. Raising his right hand to her nape, he whispered in her ear, "These past few days have been relatively hectic. Tonight, you should rest properly."
He then looked down onto her milky forehead, where he then planted a very light kiss.
"Chu Fei Yang, you-" Yun Qian Meng tried very hard to open her eyes, but still lost to exhaustion. Her eye's instantly closed as she fell into deep sleep in Chu Fei Yang's arms.
When she had finally closed her eyes, Chu Fei Yang took his cloak and covered her head, so as to keep it from the cold breeze. The gentle eyes that had been looking at Yun Qian Meng's sleeping face turned to look outside the carriage and instantly transformed into cold and ruthless ones, chillness emitted from the aloof expression.
The carriage gradually drove into an alley. Chu Fei Yang carried Yun Qian Meng out of carriage and effortlessly into Yun xiangfu. Crossing through a few courtyards, they arrived at Qi Luo Yuan, where he placed her on her bed and immediately covered Yun Qian Meng with his cloak to use as a thin quilt. Soon he heard sounds of footstep from the outside. Chu Fei Yang quickly stepped back and hid behind a screen just when the door opened.
"It's ok, everyone may retire. I'll be here to take care of Meng'er." Qu Fei Qing and Mu Chun were helping someone, who was wearing Yun Qian Meng's cloak and gauze hat, into the room.
The yatou and pozi of Qi Luo Yuan had yet to step into the inner room, when they were driven away by Qu Fei Qing, while Mu Chun quickly closed the door. Le Yao who had been posed as Yun Qian Meng immediately lifted open the gauze hat, bitterly looking at Qu Fei Qing with pleading eyes. "Xiaojie, please don't make me pretend to be your cousin again. Nubi was nearly scared to death."