In the evening, Cheng Qing finally met the father he was most sticky with. The strength of that little bunâs cry made Mu Xi Yao feel like puking blood.
After marching for so many days, Zhong Zheng Lin felt the most alive at this moment. The little Cheng Qing was a ghost spirit with a clever head and sharp eyes. The moment the little bun saw his father, he quickly wobbled to him and almost fell head-on. Fortunately, His Sixth Highness stepped in to hold him, otherwise, the little bun would have a mushroom on his head.
Gui momo, who was in charge of Cheng Qing, was so frightened that her face changed as she quickly apologised.
âMomo, donât be too hard on yourself. This little guy needs to be taught a lesson otherwise he would go crazy. Let him fall once a day, letâs see if he doesnât have a long memory.â Mu Xi Yao helped Gui momo up thinking that the manâs pampering towards his son was not pleasing to the eye. âYour Highness, why donât we find a few kids of the servants for him to play with?â.
Cheng Qin spent the entirety of his day being cared for by the momos, Mo Lan and the others like a pearl, those who didnât know thought he was a girl. Besides, children who didnât have playmates wouldnât have a less fun childhood. She had to find some people to roll and wrestle with him. After all, adults would not understand childrenâs joy.
Zhong Zheng Lin kissed his sonâs cheek with eyes full of tenderness. The little guy grew taller, and his hands became slightly heavier. As for Mu Xi Yaoâs proposal just now, His Sixth Highness readily agreed.
Although the little girl herself was spoiled to the point of being outrageous, she didnât indulge her children in the slightest. In private she was very attentive to Cheng Qing and was very particular about everything he wore or ate. Her insistence and careful thought could only lead to Cheng Qinâs good temperament, and he would definitely not become one of those useless and dandy nobility children. In regards to raising her child, Mu Xi Yao could be regarded as a maverick among the noble girls in Shengjing.
âLet Tian Fu Shan bring you a list of candidates in a few days. If you like someoneâs child, just let them stayâ. His Sixth Highness had always acted quickly and decisively on his own wishes, and like so, he was extremely fast when dealing with Mu Xi Yaoâs request.
Mu Xi Yao was very happy with the Bossâs attitude, but how did she feel that he had the aura of a Mountain King when saying these words? Well, His Sixth Highness did go out to suppress bandits, naturally, when he came back he was full of gangster air. He actually said âjust let them stayâ as if it was a matter of one sentence. Didnât they still need the parentâs permission? He spoke as if they were robbing someone elseâs child, and her good intentions could be easily misunderstood by His Sixth Highnessâs style. Really, those who came from the royal family were used to being domineering, especially Zhong Zheng Lin!
Tian Fu Shan who was waiting outside with his ears pricked up secretly shouted that it was not good. This errand was not easy to handle. The little master was just one year old but he needed to arrange some servantâs kids as playmates. This kind of thing would be odd to find in anyoneâs house if not impossible and letâs not speak of them being all children, when playing, wouldnât they be distracted and really hurt the little master? Even if His Highness and cefei were okay with it, Consort Shu would not!
Tian Fu Shan had a bitter expression on his face. His Highness had put him in charge of all the errands and correspondence with the imperial palace. If Consort Shu was dissatisfied, he would be the first to be blamed!
Moreover, if this news spreads, Tian Fu Shan felt that he would be so crowded with women and children that he would have nowhere to stand. The eldest son of His Sixth Highness was the only child in the family, and the degree of favour was self-evident. Being childhood playmates, this kind of affection was by no means comparable to that of ordinary servants. And cefei had always been lenient and generous, her rewards always a little bit thicker than others. Being able to serve in front of such a Master was definitely something to look forward to in the days to come.
Zhao momo and Mo Lan guarded the outside room. Listening to the couple discussing the little masterâs education and settling it down so quickly, they felt their hearts break. Such a tender little master was actually pushed out by cefei to play with the servantâs children, how could cefeiâs heart be so hard?
The little master was exceptionally clever. At this age, he was able to walk very steadily but after all, his arms and legs were small. When Zhao momo thought that her little master would be led by those wild children to run around all over the yard, her heart throbbed like being stabbed by a needle and she even swayed a bit.
She stared at Mo Lan. Her eyes clearly send the message that when Mistress Yao was in the Mu Residence the little master was not taken care of properly, otherwise, he would not have grown like this causing him to be sent out.
Mo Lan reddened, her head was so low that she couldnât see anyone. The little masterâs temperament was obviously good, except for being a little noisy, he never gave anyone a problem. Now he was more capable of messing around and being unruly, but this was how every child of the aristocracy was raised! Being spoiled was to be on brand and there was nothing wrong with it. Cefeiâs outlandish ideas⊠could it be that she was just idle and spent her days just figuring them out?
âJiao Jiao, serve the bath.â His Sixth Highness ordered solemnly. Itâs just that the heat in his phoenixâs eyes made Mu Xi Yao shy.
Holding Mu Xi Yao in his arms, Zhong Zheng Lin strode towards the Shuangyan pool ignoring the disapproving gazes of Zhao momo and others.
Once the two masters entered the pool, the servants knew it would take more than an hour for them to come out. The two servant girls on duty were too shy to look at each other, and they couldnât stop fretting. Hearing cefeiâs coquettish moaning from inside, they flushed with embarrassment.
âYour Highness~~â Mu Xi Yao was so weak that she lay limply on Zhong Zheng Linâs chest, she felt so lazy she didnât even want to move her fingers. This man was too fierce, how did he endure the march, when he had no women around?
âJiao Jiao, hurry up and give birth.â The beauty was so close yet she couldnât be eaten, Zhong Zheng Linâs pain was like Mu Xi Yaoâs. His Sixth Highness who was purposefully teased by Mu Xi Yao felt he was about to combust from desire. âSuch a bewitching seductress, now youâre feeling uncomfortable?â
Just as he was about to scold her for being bold and provocative, he accidentally caught a glimpse of the white plumpness of the little woman. Zhong Zheng Linâs eyes darkened, and he quickly closed his eyes and calmed down his mind.
This fairy was really killing people. Once youâve got a taste of her, it was impossible to let her go. Zhong Zheng Lin felt that he was speechless when thinking about Mu Xi Yaoâs effect on him. The women he had before were not like her who could drive men crazy. His Sixth Highness who had been always apathetic to womenâs charms had to admit that each time he was intimate with Mu Xi Yao he often could not control himself and reason would fly away.
âYour Highness, your neck is leaning to the right!â Mu Xi Yao was terribly tired, how could she understand Zhong Zheng Linâs difficulty in forbearance? She pulled his arm, rubbed against him, found a comfortable position, and dozed off. âHuh? Why didnât qie see the cook qie asked for?â Just as the womanâs breath calmed down, she suddenly remembered the person she had been yelling about for a long time. Why hasnât he reported to Danruo Courtyard yet? âYour Highness, you didnât forget about this, did you?â Mu Xi Yao pouted.
If the moment the Boss got busy he forgot all about her request, then why did she abide by their agreement and wrote letter after letter every day without a break?
Before Zhong Zheng Lin could control his longing, he was provoked again by her pouting, as suddenly moist red lips were in front of him, dazzling his eyes.
âWant someone? Serve well, and weâll talk about it.â After saying that, he leaned over and devoured the delicate lips that had provoked him for a long time, biting the tip of her tongue lightly, and making Mu Xi Yao whimper softly.
Why again? Mu Xi Yao complained. If she had known that this beast could make trouble with any excuse, she would be out of her mind to mention the damn cook to him at this time.
âStill have the time to be distracted?â Zhong Zheng Lin raised his voice slightly when he caught a glimpse of Mu Xi Yao being lost in thought, and he kissed her even harder.
âAh!â Mu Xi Yao exclaimed. When she lowered her head and bumped into the man who had an arrogant look, a sensual face and intense eyebrows, she was so angry that she immediately took revenge. âYouâre so bad!â. The womanâs temper immediately flared up. She stretched out her hand, pulled Zhong Zheng Linâs sideburns, and vented her anger without any restraint.
This stinky man was unable to control himself, didnât he know that these matters needed to be done in a healthy amount? How long did he plan to soak in this pool? The Big Boss was mentally stable, and he didnât feel ashamed of being listened to by others when being intimate with her nor he was shy when giving others an erotic live broadcast⊠But she couldnât, she was a down-to-earth and serious person!
Zhong Zheng Lin didnât care about Mu Xi Yaoâs outrageous behaviour at all, on the contrary, his expression became more cheerful. âJiao Jiaoâs temper is more lovely than before. Itâs just right to be so coquettish.â
Red fierce horses[1] often arouse the interest of men.
Mu Xi Yaoâs movements froze, and she was suddenly dumbfounded.
Sir Boss, can you concentrate a bit and understand qieâs words? When will your self-talk, and groundless connections be corrected?
In the early morning of the next day, His Sixth Highness disappeared early. Mu Xi Yao was left alone, settled deep in the soft pillow, and she slept until Sishi[2].
[2] ć·łæ¶ sĂŹshĂ. 9-11 am (in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times).
âMistress, itâs time to get up.â Mo Lan bowed beside Mu Xi Yao and called out softly.
Sure enough, there was no movement. This scene was played every day, and Mo Lan was already familiar with it.
âMistress, His Highness ordered you to have breakfast, you must definitely not miss it. MistressâŠâ
Mu Xi Yao lifted the quilt with a groan, revealing her small head angrily.
âBut His Highness isnât here, right? So your Mistress will lie down and wait until His Highness comes back to remind me, then it wonât be too late to get up again.â Zhong Zheng Lin was really a pain in the bum, she was not allowed to rest at night, and he still asked her to wake up diligently in the early morning. She was a pregnant woman, alright? Not as good as that one with a martial arts foundation, he was so strong that Mu Xi Yao had lingering fears.
âHow does Jiao Jiao know that bendian is not here?â The Sixth Highnessâs casual voice came from outside the screen.
Mistress and servant looked at each other, Mu Xi Yaoâs eyes were wide open. Seeing that her Mistressâ face was not good-looking, Mo Lan quickly shook her head, it was definitely not that she was hiding something and not reporting it.
âYour Highness!â Mu Xi Yao pulled back the quilt, revealing only a pair of fiery eyes outside, as she coquettishly complained, âHow can you sneak around and secretly listen to othersâ conversations?â
This habit was a bit scary⊠Boss came to her courtyard at least twice a day, if this continued, wouldnât she be caught by him rather often?
Zhong Zheng Lin had changed into jet-black regular clothes, removed the crown, tied his hair in a high bun behind his head, and let his hair hang loose in a casual way. Pulling up the hem of his clothes, he sat on a wooden chair not far from Mu Xi Yao, with his long legs stretched out straight.
Sneaking around? Zhong Zheng Lin secretly wrote down this debt. Soon the little woman will be gentle and soft, throwing herself into his arms. He was in no rush to ask her to settle this account.
âShuzhong small dumplings, golden shrimp dumplings, and boiled tofu hasnât Jiao Jiao been greedy for a long time? Are you hungry now?â. There was no need to work too hard on waking the little woman. It was enough to adapt to her tastes. Mu Xi Yao could move immediately as soon as she was sure there was delicious food waiting for her.
âHuh?â The woman who was still lazy and half-asleep just now blinked, and her pupils suddenly became bright. When she understood the meaning of Zhong Zheng Linâs words she sat up with a cheer.
Stretching her arms forward, she smiled very sweetly at Zhong Zheng Lin. âQie wants to hug and freshen up.â
Aiyo, this change was too fast. Zongzheng Lin smiled and a flash of calculation crossed his eyes. He took a few steps to pick her up, put her on his lap, and ordered someone to bring a hot towel for her face to let this precious and squeamish little baby freshen up quickly.
The taste was indeed better when the beauty took the initiative.
After feeding her a cup of warm water, he leaned over and smooched her little mouth that was still smacking, âSatisfied?â
Mu Xi Yao felt refreshed after washing up and she nodded vigorously while hugging the Boss. âYour Highness, qie is starving to death because of you.â Itâs because you have too much physical strength, if it wasnât for accompanying you, qie wouldnât be so hungry early in the morning!
Mu Xi Yao was complaining, but His Royal Highness automatically understood it as a compliment. Being so admired by the woman in his heart, Zhong Zheng Lin felt delighted.
With her arms around the Sixth Highnessâ neck, she was carried all the way to the outside chamber. At the table, Mu Xi Yao sat on Zhong Zheng Linâs lap, waiting for the servant girl to serve the meal, her calves swaying triumphantly.
âQie knew that His Highness will definitely remember.â She printed a kiss on the side of the manâs face. At this time she looked very flattering.
Pointing at her forehead, Zhong Zheng Lin raised his eyebrows, âWho pouted, lost her temper last night then bit someone?â Now you know how to flatter? Just the night before she pulled his sideburns and refused to let go.
Mu Xi Yao was embarrassed for a moment, then rolled her eyeballs, and smiled extremely cunningly. âWhich little heartless woman served like this last night? Within so many women in His Highnessâs backyard, qie knows His Highnessâ heart the best. Your Highness, from now on, just come to qieâs room instead of those goblins. Your Highness should not bother to trifle with them.â
Mu Xi Yao leaned in to kiss his chin. She was confused and didnât remember who served him last night. Want to settle the score? She had to admit it first!
Seeing her playing tricks, Zhong Zheng Lin narrowed his phoenix eyes slightly and smiled condescendingly. âThe fairy from last night was so powerful that bendian still had a deep recollection of it this morning. Bendian doesnât know who is more capable, her or Jiao Jiao. Jiao Jiao, what do you think about testing it with bendian tonight?â
Mu Xi Yaoâs smile froze for a moment. Staring at the man in front of her blankly, she felt the urge to bury herself for a moment.
Blast it! The Sixth Highness had already mastered the art of flirting. She, a former flirt, was bested by the brazen Boss! How come the upright and stern man from before became so good at romancing?
Mu Xi Yao tugged on his cuff with a bitter face. âYour Highness, qieâs hungry. Maybe you can remember this after eating?â Eat at your heartâs content first, punishment will come later. For the sake of delicious food, Mu Xi Yao made some concessions, but she could barely think about what would come after.
Zhong Zheng Lin was amused by her reluctance to give in, and his eyes became soft as he gently stroked her hair. âThe goblin in the backyard is deadly, but bendian still really loves her.â After saying that, he kissed her forehead and ordered someone to prepare the meal.
Mu Xi Yao originally thought that the Big Boss would take the opportunity to balance their accounts, but she never thought that he would mutter such cloying words. Her snowy cheeks were instantly dyed with red clouds, and she felt as if she was burning hot.
The meal was full of affection, with a certain flavour of fooling around. The blushed Mu Xi Yao leaned against Zhong Zheng Lin, looking lovely and uncharacteristically obedient. When His Sixth Highness fed her, Mu Xi Yao smiled and squinted without refusing.
Zhao momo and her group walked out of the door on their own initiative, unable to hide the smile on their faces.
It seemed that His Highness had missed cefei. When he came back from Shuzhong at least two points of affection were added. Mistress Yaoâs shy and adorable appearance in the morning made them secretly happy.
In the entire Mansion, only this Danruo Courtyard still saw some laughter. The rest of the courtyards were silent and looked deserted. Every time someone passed by, they would see a scene of bleak autumn wind and twilight. It was only because of Mistress Yaoâs ability to win His Highnessâs heart that Danruo Courtyard had a good fate.
When Tian Fu Shan rushed to Danruo Courtyard to invite someone, he saw His Sixth Highnessâ relaxed eyebrows, looking to be in a good mood. Mistress Yao was concentrating on making tea and her actions were so pleasing to the eye that just looking at it once would make people unable to take their eyes off.
âMaster, Lord He Lian is coming to see you.â
âTake him to the study to wait.â He Lian Zhangâs coming at this time, it should be that He Lian Min Min sent him a letter. Seeing that things had turned around, he rushed to the Princeâs Mansion to plead guilty.
The old fox lived too well. This time that he was tripped up by someone it was excellent timing for him to be taught a lesson. Carrying people into his Mansion behind his back? This utilitarian old fox should cool himself down.
Zhong Zheng Lin had met He Lian Wei Rui before, and he was deeply impressed by her eyes that were the complete opposite of Mu Xi Yaoâs. Wanting to stuff this kind of woman into his Mansion, how could His Sixth Highness not be annoyed?
âWait,â Zhong Zheng Lin stopped Tian Fu Shan, who was about to leave, âtake a cup of cefeiâs good tea and send it to He Lian Zhang.â Drinking tea should wake up his calculating mind.
Mu Xi Yao secretly laughed, Zhong Zheng Linâs implied meaning was really wonderful. How could He Lian Zhang drink her cup of tea happily, he would definitely feel bad. Forget it, who told that guy it was okay to see her as a thorn in his side, his attitude just made the Sixth Highness disgusted with him at once. Let this be a lesson so he can remember it for a long time.
Tian Fu Shanâs face twitched as he watched cefei deliberately add jasmine and mint to the Longjing tea, making a good pot instantly become a womanâs scented tea.
Lord He Lian really stumbled this time, as he only managed to offend these two vindictive masters. Wasnât his original intention to please His Highness? Itâs just that there was no one in the Mansion who could please His Highness except from the one in front.
âMistress, why donât you go and see the Lord?â After all, Feng momo was an old woman of the He Lian family, and she dared not ignore the Lordâs arrival.
âSo what if we see him?â He Lian Min Min practised calligraphy calmly, waiting quietly for His Highness to send someone to pick her up after noon.
According to His Highnessâ instructions from that day, today she was scheduled to leave the Mansion for a pulse check. After that, she no longer had to worry about this matter. As for the price she had to pay... He Lian Min Minâs nose was sore when thinking about it.
âIf it wasnât for the He Lian familyâs eagerness for quick success and quick profit that they believed the old monkâs words and insisted on sending that bitch into the Mansion, would you and I have been forced to almost leave the Mansion without even having a place to stay?â
He Lian Min Min hated both the person who had plotted against her, and the He Lian family who was cold-blooded and ruthless; they even abandoned her, their blood relative.
âAfter this incident, apart from Madam, the He Lian family has nothing to do with us.â
Feng momo noticed that the young ladyâs face was blank of emotions. She guessed that her Mistress no longer had any resentment left, but instead her heart was completely chilled. This day was so beyond oneâs imagination. Everybody knew how difficult it was for a woman to live in the backyard without the favour of her husband or the help of her natal family. But Feng momo no longer dared to mention a single word about fertility or birthing an heir.
Front yard of the Sixth Princeâs Mansion.
In the outside the study, Lord He Lian was sitting upright. His face looked both helpless and exhausted.
He had been running around in the past few days, and asked for favours from everybody he could have asked favours from. Most were old acquaintances and colleagues in the officialdom, and although they not explicitly refused, they never agreed to speak on behalf of the He Lian family. The only few people who were willing to speak up and help were of a weaker rank and could barely rank among the Shenjing officials.
At this time, the name of He Lian Zhang being a loyal and clean official finally showed its disadvantages. People within factions naturally formed gangs and pairs, and often helped each other up. When something happened to him, who was a well-known loyal subject of the Emperorâs party, there were many people watching the scene, but very few came to help him.
The Emperorâs faction, that was, the party of the clean and loyal ministers, was formed mostly of literati and they have always looked down on each other, and couldnât be bothered to care for one another. It was not worth it to speak for the He Lian family. These people only looked forward to Emperor Yuanchengâs words, and Emperor Yuanchengâs attitude was unclear now, so naturally no one came forward to express their position.
Relationship Diagram (by Sith Kazar)
[1] Baidu. The rouge horse refers to the Yanqi horse, which often appears in ancient China. It is also a horse-shaped ornament. It is said to be a famous horse in ancient times. The oldest reference is from the âThree Kingdoms: Lu Bu Biographyâ. It is said that Wu Sangui and Lu Bu rode a colored rouge horse. Its âwhole body was as red as charcoal; from head to tail, one foot long; from hoof to the neck, it was eight feet high; screaming and roaring, it looks like flying into the seaâ.
[2] ć·łæ¶ sĂŹshĂ. 9-11 am (in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times).