The Noble Woman’s Guide On How to Tease One’s Husband

Chapter 113

The Noble Womans Guide On How to Tease Ones Husband Chapter 113

Translated by: Oinkoink

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Though it was a false alarm, Chu Jinglan was still extremely furious with Meng Chens attempted assassination on Ye Huaiyang. Those imperial guards on-guard at Xuande Gate at that time were also severely punished. He had ordered all Meng family members who enter the palace would be subjected to inspections and immediate execution would be enforced should sharp weapons were found.

His bottomline had really been trampled this time. Originally, he wanted to remove the Meng family but now he was unable to do so.

Seeing his discontentment these days, Ye Huaiyang dared not mention this and merely asked Yueya to inquire about the situation outside. She heard that the badly injured Meng Chen had been lying in bed for half a month and kept rambling such incoherent speeches this whole time about why kill her or destroy the Ye family. When Meng Qi came to the palace for an audience later, he was blocked by Zhuo Jin. Unable to meet Chu Jinglan, he then went to Chu Zhenghes mansion. When he returned home, his whole person was silent and just waiting to marry Meng Chen off to the Zhizi, Wu Lun, after the Spring Festival.

[T/N: (Zhz) a prince sent to be held in a neighbouring state as a hostage in ancient China]

By chance it was Ye Huailis day off on the day of her marriage and he took advantage of it to enter the palace to see Ye Huaiyang.

Wisps of white vapor were curling from the pot of fruit tea on the round marble table which obviously had just been prepared while the sweet fruity aroma filled the air that inexplicably warmed the heart. Both brother and sister were sitting facing each other on either side of the round table where one dressed in an ink-colored brocade robe while the other was wearing a moon-white palace dress. From a distance, they looked like a plain-colored misty cloud landscape painting that complemented each other perfectly.

Elder Brother, you really hide it very well from me.

Fiddling with the plump strawberries in a container, Ye Huaiyang had no intention to eat it. Instead, she kept glaring at Ye Huaili but Ye Huaili just relaxingly drank his tea without taking her censuring seriously.

It was because we knew you would stop it that His Majesty and I decided to hide it from you.

Ye Huaiyang was furious, Was I wrong to stop it? What if the Meng family instigates the Northern troops to rebel after the killing of Meng Chen? Not only will there be lots of trouble in the capital, the three states in Northern Land will be out of His Majestys control and should the Yi tribe take advantage of the chaos to invade then the line of defense in the north will be breached where the consequences will be unimaginable! You definitely know these better than me, why dont you dissuade His Majesty?

I dont want to. Ye Huaili turned his head to look out the window and a layer of cold frost shrouded his eyebrows, Because I want to kill her too.

Ye Huaiyang was completely rendered speechless.

Yanger, I dont know how His Majesty spent those three months but a day seemed like a year to me. I often dreamt of Father and Mother at night, dreaming of the day they left when they steadfastly told me how I should take good care of you and Xiner but you were dead at that time and Xiner was missing. When I thought of their entrustment, I had an excruciating headache and felt so deeply ashamed to ever see them again in this life, do you understand this kind of feeling?

Elder Brother, I

Turning his head back, Ye Huaili stared at her piercingly, At that time, I blamed His Majesty for your death and I also blamed myself for not doing my best to stop you from marrying him. My heart was full of guilt and regret. Even though I spent the whole day fighting at close quarters in the bloodbath battlefield, I didnt feel tired nor in pain, my whole person was numbed and it was only with this avenging-heart that I persevered to Wangdu. Tell me, how could I spare the person who harmed you under these circumstances?

Once his words waned off, Ye Huaiyangs eyes were full of tears.

Yueya felt distressed upon hearing these too. Handed her a handkerchief, she urged her softly, Niang-niang[1], do take care of your health.

Without uttering a word, Ye Huaiyang immediately threw herself into Ye Huailis embrace.

Silly girl, what are you crying for? Ye Huaili embraced her, the gravely stern line at the corner of his mouth finally eased up and curled into a shallow arc, As long as you are safe and sound, I will just consider it a nightmare. As for Meng Shi[2], I wont touch her since you dont want to.

Touch her or not, your military power has already been handed over

Ye Huaiyang felt utterly unbearable when she thought of this. Ye Huaili is innately a man of war and now he only holds an idle position in the royal court with no soldiers or generals under him. He seems to be at peace without half a word of bitterness but he most certainly has gone through a state of psychological struggle. Knowing him profoundly, how could Ye Huaiyang not understand these?

I would have done so even without the Meng family. Ye Huaili placed his hands on her shoulders. His eyes were full of affection, You have monopolized the imperial harem and dominated the imperial favor, if I still hold any military power, it will only give pretext to those courtiers to vilify you.

A few golden beans trickled down again and dropped on the lapels, soaking it with deep water stains. Looking at Ye Huaili, Ye Huaiyang felt her heart crumpled into a ball with dull pain.

Whats the harm if they vilify me? Residing in the inner palace, I have His Majestys protection in front of me, what can they do to me? Her speech was out of tune with choking, Defending the countrys frontier is your aspiration, I dont want you to give up such an important matter for me

In Elder Brothers heart, you are the most significant.

Hearing this, Ye Huaiyangs tears became all the more unstoppable.

Sighing slightly, Ye Huaili helped her to sit back down again before carefully wiping away the teardrops that were on her cheeks and said softly, Not only that, Xiner will resign from his official position at the Central Secretariat once the courts state of affair is stabilize and return home to handle the clans affairs.

No dont do this. Ye Huaiyang shook her head repeatedly where the glistening crystals sprinkled like broken diamonds.

Yanger, listen to me. Ye Huaili placated her. The emotion in his eyes was like a mild sea of steadily calm ripples. The position of the Empress is glorious and also challenging. For you to sit securely and go hand-in-hand forward with him, you are bound to sacrifice something. For us, we are content as long as you live well, do you understand?

Biting her lips, Ye Huaiyang gradually calmed down.

Even though there is no distrust between Chu Jinglan and her, she has to be weak to strengthen the Ye family. This is the rule of the game which she knows very well. By doing so, Ye Huaili not only eased up her pressure but also reduced Chu Jinglans burden. Facing this erratic royal court, they still have a long way to go from now on and they must not dawdle at the starting point.

Both Elder Brother and her twin brother are doing it for her which she understood.

Elder Brother, I know.

Ye Huaili smiled drily, This is the right way, retreat ten thousands steps to move forward. Even if its not for yourself, dont you still have to consider my nephew?

Ye Huaiyang ranted, What if its a niece?

Fine, fine, niece then. Ye Huaili looked at her helplessly, then added, Anyway, this time Aunt has asked me to bring all the boys and girls things over, so you wont have to worry about birthing anything.

What if I give birth to a monkey? Ye Huaiyang was deliberately being mischievous when unexpectedly someone outside the door responded suddenly.

Is the Empress calling Us[3] a monkey in a roundabout way?

With sleeves fluttered and a charming demeanor, Chu Jinglan walked in with vigorous strides. Ye Huaili hurriedly got up to pay his respect but he waved his hand and his line of sight clasped on Ye Huaiyang with slight oppression that caused her to blush and not dared to look directly at him.

Hateful, why do you have such sharp ears?

The husband and wife are usually this intimate, so naturally he is inured to them. However, as a true courtier in heart, Ye Huaili soon noticed Chu Jinglan had returned at an unusual time it was now shenshi (3pm-5pm), he should be in the Imperial Study Room dealing with the political affairs, so why had he came back to Taiji Palace?

But this was not something he should ask about. Since he had been here for a long time, it was time to go back.

This Minister will not disturb Your Majesty and Niang-niang, and will leave for now.

Chu Jinglan nodded slightly while Ye Huaiyang turned around to ask Yueya to send him off but she did not forget to urge him, Elder Brother, remember to express my gratitude to Aunt.

Ye Huaili nodded and immediately left Taiji Palace.

Only the couple was left in the hall once all the palace maids were dismissed. Sitting down with Ye Huaiyang in his arms, he asked about her condition today as usual which Ye Huaiyang answered one after another and also opened those gifts sent by the Ye family for him to see. There was a gold jade longevity lock, a hundred-blessings patterned jacket and even a cradle made of red sandalwood with engraved auspicious animals and flowers whose workmanship was very exquisite. At a glance, these valuables were all from famous craftsmen. Not knowing where Ye Huaili got all these from which he likely had taken a lot of effort.

Chu Jinglan listened patiently from beginning to end and occasionally revealed subtle delight. No matter what Ye Huaiyang said, he responded with indulgence. But Ye Huaiyang felt something was amiss as she talked. Hence, looking at the color of the sky outside the window, she reacted at once.

Why is he back at this hour?

Ye Huaiyang didnt have time to lament her own slow-wittedness and decisively stopped his action of looking at this and that, said, Is there something that you came back for?

En. Chu Jinglan tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and spoke lightly, I want to go outside the city to pay my respects to Minister Yue, would you go with me?

Yes. Ye Huaiyang did not have the slightest hesitation.

Rarely raining during winter in the north, it had been continuous in recent days which scattered the floating duckweeds, splashing the dead leaves while raising the dampness of the mountains and plains making the martyrs shrine located there more mournful and desolating.

The mountain road was a bit muddy and it took some effort for the group to set foot on the spacious and flat limestone path before the imperial guards stood guard outside. The two of them walked into the cemetery in plain clothes. A raven-colored stone tablet was erected in front of them, on which two rows of large characters in seal-script were engraved in cinnabar grit Though the body is dead, the spirit will never die while the soul is the hero of the ghosts.

Looking past the stone tablet, their lines of sights ultimately fell on the back slope of the hill. The withered grassland was quiet and full of square tombstones that resembled the terracotta warriors of Emperor Qin which was solemnly desolated and unbeknownst how long their eternal sleep.

Countless martyrs who died for the country were buried in this cemetery, which was also Yue Tings final destination. Ye Huaiyang suddenly remembered the scene where his decapitated head hung on the city wall for public viewing and she could not help but feel sad.

Chu Jinglans heart ought-to be extremely sad too when he saw it at that time, wouldnt he?

Emperor Father, King Uncle Rong and Lord Yue were all elders who were profoundly fond of him, but in the end only Lord Yue was left, yet who knew it was really saddening that even he couldnt stay on.

Tilting her head slightly, Ye Huaiyang saw Chu Jinglan didnt move after placing the incense sticks. His thin lips pursed tightly like the cold sharp edged blade and his whole person stood statue-like in the dreary misty rain without even being aware that half of his body was wet. She tilted the magnolia umbrella over where the little shade crept onto his shoulder which instantly brought his senses back.

Its okay. Unbeknownst if the two words Chu Jinglan spat out in a low voice was to reassure her or himself. Taking the umbrella handle, he covered her closely again.

Ye Huaiyang could not figure out what he was thinking but with a softened heart, she immediately asked softly, Not knowing if Lord Yue has any family? If they are settled down comfortably, Lord Yue should be relieved knowing that in the underworld.

Chu Jinglan shook his head slowly.

Others only knew how impressive this powerful minister was but no one knew that his wife passed away early. He had been alone without any children. Seemingly tolerably well when he was alive but once he was dead, it seemed so miserably lonely. If its not them, perhaps there is not even anyone to come pay him respects.

Momentarily quiet, Ye Huaiyang turned her gaze inadvertently and caught a glimpse of Chu Jinglans tightly clenched fists. She reached over subconsciously to grasp them before gently prying them open. At this moment, as if electrified, her mind remembered something that she understood at once.

He was still blaming himself for not being able to prevent Yue Tings death and also not executing Meng Chen to avenge him.

Thinking about this, she tactfully persuaded, Jinglan, let all these go, Lord Yue will not blame you.

Is that so?

He, who usually is calm and composed in doing everything, unexpectedly appeared dubious. Yue Tings standing in his heart could be seen that Ye Huaiyangs nose felt slightly sour and the answer she gave was resolute.

Of course it is.

There was another reason why she was so sure To vent out for Yue Ting, it is better to torment Meng Chen than to finish her off with a single stroke.

[1] (Ning ning) a kind of respect for women in Chinese . It is generally used to address queens, concubines, princesses and other royal and aristocratic women

[2] (Sh) Maidens name / Family clan.

[3] (Zhn) We/Our, used by an Emperor in proclamations instead of I

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