The villagers of Huaxi Village were still unaware of the Prince of Yonghuaiâs return; before sunrise the next day, people had already begun patrolling the fields and starting a day of labor.
From the rooftops of each household, wisps of cooking smoke rose, children cried, and amidst the crowing of chickens and barking of dogs, a new day began.
The people of Changmen Village, however, were whispering quietly, walking cautiously.
The King had returned late last night and had not yet risen; no one dared to disturb him.
Yuan Shangyi came after breakfast.
The Young Emperorâs daily routine was the same as in the palace, getting up early, half-asleep while being attended to for washing and then reading, eating.
Except for the time he was sick, it was the same every day.
These days Feng Yun was always going to the mines, very busy, and Yuan Shangyi hadnât seen her for two or three days. Last night, he had especially doubled his homework for his tutor, so that today he could come to find her after his early meal.
The guard in the villa was strict, seemingly a bit out of the ordinary.
Yuan Shangyi asked Alou.
"Has the lady risen yet?"
With dark circles under her eyes, Xiaoman came out yawning, but upon seeing the Emperor, she hurriedly answered before Alou, with a beaming smile.
"Your Majesty, the lady needs to sleep a bit longer. Would you like me to take you to admire the lotus flowers or to see the turtles in the stone trough?"
Yuan Shangyi felt slightly disappointed and shook his head.
"I only have half an hour before I need to return to my studies."
Xiaoman uttered an âohâ.
The King and Zuo Zhong had hurried back on horseback last night without bringing others. Xiaoman wasnât sure if their whereabouts could be disclosed; hesitating for a moment, she coaxed Yuan Shangyi.
"Your Majesty, why not sit for a moment in the study? Iâll go inform the lady right away..."
"No need." Yuan Shangyi didnât want to disturb the ladyâs sleep on his account. He said, "Iâll go to the study to read. When the lady awakens, then we can talk."
Xiaoman, who was often with Feng Yun, was also familiar with Yuan Shangyi and quite fond of this sensible and considerate Young Emperor. Hearing his words, she hummed in agreement, led him into the study, presented him with some fruit and served him a drink before going to check on Feng Yun.
She didnât dare wake the King after he had returned.
Peeking in from the outer room, she asked Huanhuan in a hushed tone, who was on night duty,
"Has the lady awoken yet?"
Huanhuan shook her head, her cheeks rosy.
"She asked for water twice last night, slept late, she might not wake up until noon..."
Xiaomanâs heart skipped a beat.
"When did the Left Guard leave?"
Huanhuan replied, "After the King and the lady went to bed."
True to his duty, fearing that the King might call for him.
In Xiaomanâs mind appeared the clear image of Zuo Zhongâs serious face in the moonlight. Actually, he wasnât the type of man who was extremely handsome, but with thick eyebrows, big eyes, well-proportioned features, and a tall and straight figure, every time she saw him, Xiaoman felt a sense of security...
"Big sister Xiaoman." Huanhuan asked, "Shall we wake the lady?"
Xiaoman returned to reality, "No, no, no, letâs wait a little longer."
She didnât want the Young Emperor to wait for too long, yet she didnât dare to provoke Pei Jueâs irritation; she was troubled either way...
"Xiaoman, whatâs the matter?"
Feng Yun, faintly hearing Xiaomanâs voice from her position, asked as she raised her head, and was about to rise when she flopped back down.
Her body was so sore, her waist felt as though it was about to break.
From the outer room, Xiaoman said, "His Majesty has come over, looking to play with you, my lady. I told him to study in the study, and wait until you have risen..."
"Mm, Iâll be there shortly."
Feng Yun said as she turned her head to look at the still peacefully sleeping Pei Jue beside her.
That ruthless man who devastated with his touch was still in deep slumber.
Pei Jue usually rose quite early, and over two lifetimes, she rarely woke in the morning to see Pei Jueâs sleeping face.
Probably fatigued from travel, he was sleeping very soundly today; he wasnât as prim and proper as usual, with one arm turned over, draped around her waist, his face showing exhaustion, and days-old stubble on his chin...
In the wilderness, he probably never had a full nightâs sleep, whereas Feng Yunâs living conditions were quite fastidious; the bed and its accoutrements were exquisite and luxuriant, soft and comfortable; for a man lying there, he likely wouldnât awaken for half the day...
Feng Yun gently held onto his arm, trying to move it away.
To her surprise, the man was very alert. As soon as she moved, he tightened his arm and swept his leg over, trapping her snugly against him.
Before Feng Yun could speak, Pei Jue lowered his head and kissed her urgently, insatiably, hardly seeming like someone who had indulged in frenzied release just the night before.
"Pei Gou!" Feng Yun gritted her teeth.
Her body felt so achy and weak that she couldnât help but grab the back of the manâs neck and pull forcefully.
"Are you trying to torment me to death?"
Her words carried a complaint, but in the manâs ears, it sounded like coy reproach.
With the soft, fragrant wife in his arms, whom heâd pined for months, now regained, Pei Jueâs mouth went dry, his belly ablaze, and that fiery urge left him parched with longing.