Hong'an Xiangzhuang - 9

Hong'an Xiangzhuang - 9

The red rays of the setting sun fell on the tea table, where a bright yellow scroll lay quietly on the edge, its jade shafts at both ends gleaming coldly.

A thin wisp of white mist escapes from the teapot spout; the Jun ware teacup has a warm and lustrous glaze; the pre-Qingming Longjing tea is clear, sweet, and mellow, its aroma refreshing and invigorating.

Zhao Yunkang and Yun Yixia sat on official hat chairs on either side of the tea table, neither of them touching the scroll.

His back was ramrod straight, his gaze fixed on the imperial edict, a turbulent undercurrent swirling in his eyes, his lips pressed into a straight line, his breathing heavy and restrained.

Before leaving with the imperial decree, Zheng An cautiously told Zhao Yunkang that the Empress Dowager was lonely and would leave the Crown Prince in the palace to keep her company.

The implication was that he should be more courteous before going to the palace to bring his son back to the Prince Kang's residence.

Yun Yixia lowered her long eyelashes to hide the cold mockery in her eyes. Her fingertips lightly twisted the hem of her clothes, one twist after another, her movements slow and gentle, suppressing the anger in her heart.

Royal family, this is never going to end, is it!

The air was thick like paste, with the sound of a copper water clock dripping in the corner, mixed with the aroma of tea, ink, and the somber scent of nanmu furniture.

"Feel sorry!"

Zhao Yunkang's voice was hoarse as she recounted her experiences of the day; anyone would be unhappy in her shoes.

“Thunder and rain, all are the Emperor’s grace.” Yun Yixia slowly stroked the rim of the cup with her fingertips. “I have never hosted a banquet for foreign guests in the palace before… If anything goes wrong, I hope Your Highness can lend a helping hand.”

"Don't worry!" Zhao Yunkang poured her tea. "Empress Dowager wouldn't dare to completely hand over the reins to you!"

"So, is the person assisting me Zheng An or the Empress?"

Yun Yixia politely picked up her teacup, never looking up at the man opposite her.

"Zheng An!"

Zhao Yunkang could tell that Yun Yixia was suppressing her anger, opening her mouth several times and then closing it again, trying to say as little as possible and make as few mistakes as possible.

"Whom should I ask for the annual regulations for organizing imperial banquets for foreign guests?"

"Just look for Zheng An!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Yun Yixia picked up the teapot and poured tea, filling it to the brim until it was almost overflowing before putting it down.

"It's getting late, you should get some rest!"

"Respectfully seeing off Your Highness!"

The two treated each other with utmost respect. After the courtyard gate closed, Zhao Yunkang hurriedly summoned the strategist.

"Uncle Ma, how do you appease your wife after you've upset her?"

Zhao Yunkang stared at Ma De with watery eyes, hoping to find a "standard" answer to refer to and learn from.

Thinking about how Yun Yixia had kept her eyes downcast and never looked at him... it hurt!

"General, the princess is not my wife, so we cannot generalize!"

Ma De chuckled twice, indicating that he couldn't help. If he dared to let his wife experience what happened today, he would rip her ears off the moment the door was closed.

Northern women are known for their fiery tempers; a single statement like "My wife won't allow it!" is as powerful as an imperial edict.

"General, organizing a palace banquet is no small matter. If you are not busy with military affairs, why don't you go with the Princess?"

Seeing you there, most of the people handling the affairs wouldn't dare to make things difficult for the princess.

Judging from Zhao Yun's actions, helping her solve the problem would make it easier for her to calm down.

Upon learning that the princess was "Zhao Yun," Ma De re-examined and studied her past behavior.

She's more like a man than a man!

This is why they never imagined that "Zhao Yun" would be a woman.

"That's a good idea!"

Zhao Yunkang plans to visit Yun Yixia tomorrow; maybe he can even get breakfast for her.

As the first rays of dawn touched the earth, the dew from the previous night clung to the windowpanes, and birds chirped from the eaves.

Yun Yixia sat in front of the mirror, the morning light streaming through the window lattice, giving her a light golden velvet edge.

Her long, black hair cascaded down her shoulders like flowing water, and Bai Wei came over to help her tie it up.

"My lady, everything is ready. Would you like to go and take a look?"

Mu Jin walked over with a smile, sat down beside her, rested her chin on her hands, and watched her wife do her makeup with great admiration.

Her oval face, with its smooth contours, was smaller than the palm of her hand, and her skin was as smooth and white as mutton fat jade.

Two crescent-shaped eyebrows, their color like distant mountains shrouded in mist, with the ends of the eyebrows gracefully curved.

Her almond-shaped eyes were slightly round, with the corners of her eyes curving upwards slightly. The fan-shaped double eyelid creases were smooth and clear, making her eyes appear deep and mysterious.

At this moment, Yun Yixia lowered her eyes, her thick eyelashes casting light shadows on her eyelids, her straight nose bridge was round and perky, and her pink lips were full and juicy.

The more Mu Jin looked at it, the brighter it became. Back then, she had given up her identity as an "assassin" without hesitation because of this face.

What could be more joyful than snuggling up with a beautiful woman?

That is to become the biggest helper to the beauty and be an indispensable presence by Yun Yixia's side.

Peony sat on the other side, also resting her chin on her hands, admiring the beauty as she did her hair.

A beautiful morning begins with your eyes...

"uh-huh!"

When Zhao Yunkang entered, he saw three maids surrounding Yun Yixia. Her face was beautiful and elegant, radiant, and her sweet features exuded a scholarly air.

A white jade hairpin was inserted diagonally into her concentric bun, and a few strands of hair hung loosely down, clinging to her fair ears and slender neck.

He looked at the three maids and inexplicably felt that they were an eyesore.

"Good morning, Your Highness!"

Yun Yixia stood up and bowed, and Zhao Yunkang went over to help her up.

“Between husband and wife, there’s no need for such formalities.” He pulled the person out of the ‘circle of people’. “Would you like to go out today?”

"Your Highness, is there something you need from me?"

Yun Yixia recalled yesterday's less-than-pleasant meeting and wondered what he wanted to do today.

"Cough cough!"

Zhao Yunkang felt a little embarrassed and turned his head to look elsewhere.

"You're hosting the palace banquet... I'll accompany you... If you have any questions, you can ask me!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Zhao Yunkang had never handled palace banquet matters before, so if Yunyi and Xiazhen had any problems, they could only turn to Zheng An.

However, since he took the initiative to be the "tiger," it was only natural for her to step forward and be the "fox."

Out of respect for Prince Kang, others would not make things too difficult for her.

Such benefits, delivered right to your door with no side effects... only a fool would refuse them!

Yun Yixia casually asked if they wanted to have breakfast together, and Zhao Yunkang readily agreed, his hand unconsciously resting on his stomach, clearly indicating that he was already quite hungry.

Crystal shrimp dumplings are as translucent as gauze, lily porridge is fragrant and nourishing, and pickled cucumbers are refreshing and help to cut through the richness...

After breakfast, while I was washing my hands and rinsing my mouth, someone came to report that the carriages and horses were ready.

Bai Wei took the brocade cloak and tied the ribbons for Yun Yixia, while Shaoyao casually handed her a hand warmer, and Mu Jin stood beside her helping to straighten the hem of her clothes.

Zhao Yunkang took a deep breath, feeling like an outsider.

"Hibiscus, you stay with Baiwei; Peony, come with me."

"My wife..."

"My wife, let's go together!"

Bai Wei looked at her wife with a determined gaze; she couldn't possibly stay indoors forever.

She wasn't the one who did something wrong... so why should she confine herself to her mansion?

"Can!"

Yun Yixia helped Bai Wei up, patted her shoulder, and then turned and left with Zhao Yunkang.

Two carriages were parked outside the west gate of the Prince's Mansion. The first carriage was decorated with simple wood carvings and draped with blue silk curtains, exuding a low-key and elegant air.

Zhao Yunkang got into the car first, turned around and reached out his hand. Yun Yixia was stunned for a moment, then put her fair and delicate hand into her calloused palm.

He clenched his palm and felt the soft, smooth texture, as if he were holding a piece of tender tofu that he could crush with the slightest pressure.

Zhao Yunkang eased up a bit and steadily pulled Yun Yixia into the car, where she sat not too close to him.

The carriage was furnished with mats and brocade cushions, exuding a faint camphor wood scent. The space wasn't large, and the two men's sleeves were folded together, their knees almost touching.

"Let's go!"

Zhao Yunkang shouted outside, the coachman gave a light stern reply, the packhorses started moving, and the wheels rolled over the bluestone road, making a rumbling sound.

As the carriage entered the bustling city streets, the noise seeped in through the carriage walls.

"Look, take a look! New fox pelts from Northern Xinjiang have arrived, the fur is shiny and thick!"

"Sesame cakes! Freshly baked, piping hot sesame cakes!"

"Sharpening scissors~ Cracking kitchen knives~"

The shouts, calls to sell, bargaining, and children's laughter blend together to create a vibrant scene of everyday life in the city.

"Your Highness, do you know where I'm going today?"

Yun Yixia held the hand warmer, the warmth spreading from her fingertips to her palms and throughout her body, but the smile on her lips did not look friendly.

"Aren't you going to the palace?" Zhao Yun Kang was a little confused. "Aren't you going to the palace banquet today?"

"Go!" Yun Yixia tilted her head to look at him. "Before that, I'll ask the Prince to watch the play!"

She lowered her eyes and smiled softly, her fingertips sliding along the texture of the heater, revealing a delicate and fluffy touch.

"If Your Highness watches this play and is still willing to host a palace banquet with me..."

"how?"

"Tsk~ You should watch it first before you comment!"

Zhao Yunkang was completely confused. The carriage stopped in an alley. He lifted the curtain and lowered the bamboo blind, through which he could vaguely see what was happening outside.

The alleyway was narrow, and the walls on both sides were not high, so the carriage could see the vermilion gate of the opposite courtyard.

Sunlight filters through the leaves and falls on the stone path, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Huang Chongyang straightened his clothes in front of the mirror, his fingertips trembling violently. The woman in the bronze mirror had a beautiful face, but her eyes were shrouded in an inescapable gloom.

The maid rushed into the room and saw that her mistress was pale and hesitated to speak.

"Speak!"

Huang Chongyang's voice was surprisingly calm, but his lips trembled uncontrollably.

“My lady, General Xue did not return to the manor last night. Someone saw him enter a secluded courtyard.”

"knew."

Huang Chongyang's hand froze in mid-air, and the person in the mirror's eyes dimmed.

This is the ninth time this month!

The Huang family and the Xue family got engaged a few years ago. Xue Ning had been staying on the frontier and had not returned. When he came back, he brought gifts to see her. He smiled honestly but did not mention the marriage.

The elder brother was worried and sent someone to secretly keep an eye on Xue Ning, discovering that he often stayed out all night.

This marriage... is better off not happening!

Where is my brother?

"The eldest son is in the study, saying he's waiting for you to come together."

Huang Chongyang nodded, took a deep breath, and turned to leave her room.

The corridor was a bit chilly, so she pulled her shawl tighter and walked with unusually firm steps.

The brother and sister met without speaking, but a single glance was enough for them to understand each other's thoughts. They boarded the carriage and headed straight for the third house in Wutong Lane on West Street.

As its name suggests, every household in Wutong Lane likes to plant sycamore trees inside their courtyard walls.

Huang Chongyang stood in front of the vermilion gate, her heart pounding like a drum. Huang Chongyue walked over and patted her on the shoulder, offering silent support.

"Brother, please climb over the wall and open the door so I can come in, okay?"

She looked up at her brother, her eyes welling up with tears, stubbornly refusing to let them fall.

Huang Chongyue walked to the wall, took a few steps back, took a running start, climbed onto the top of the wall, and nimbly flipped over.

A moment later, the sound of the latch sliding was heard, and the vermilion gate opened.

The house was not large, and the entire courtyard was clearly visible. The bedroom door was ajar, and one could vaguely hear voices inside.

Huang Chongyang paused for a moment, but Huang Chongyue had already strode towards the bedroom and kicked open the door.