Neun Lieder

Kapitel 4

Dongfang Yao raised her face, pleadingly saying, "Let me help you, okay? Okay? Everyone else has a doll, but I don't! Give me one, please... I really want one..."

The pleading look in Dongfang Yao's eyes sent a shiver down Rongyue's spine! In her memory, her brother Yao was an extremely proud and unyielding man, who had never begged anyone, not even in the most difficult times, and had never humbled himself before. Now, seeing such an expression on his face, so similar to his, left her stunned, and her heart ached terribly! She stared at him blankly, unable to recover for a long time…

By the time she regained consciousness, Dongfang Yao had stripped her naked! Even after years of being surrounded by men, Rong Yue was still a woman. Being presented so naked before a man filled her with unbearable shame. She quickly pulled the blanket over herself and warily eyed Dongfang Yao's beaming smile.

"Wife, time to sleep, the baby is born—" Overjoyed, Dongfang Yao hugged Rongyue and patted her head like a puppy, tucked her in, closed her starry eyes, and was about to meet the Duke of Zhou in sleep.

Huh? Rongyue was dumbfounded this time. What... what's going on? It turns out she was worrying for nothing. That's not what they meant at all!

I have no idea which half-baked teacher gave him his wedding night lesson! He thinks he can have a baby like that? Heh, he probably won't lay a single egg in a hundred years!

Amused, Rongyue glanced at the satisfied look on Dongfang Yao's face, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart...

Dongfang Lie must be a trained fighter; his slap caused her swelling to last for a week. Resting her head on Dongfang Yao's lap, eating the peeled purple grapes he offered, Rongyue felt incredibly sweet, as if she had returned to the happy times of over a decade ago.

These past few days, she'd come to a realization. Rather than spending the rest of her life in agony, it was better to be able to see Yao-gege's shadow whenever she wanted, like this. Even though she knew he wasn't him, even though she didn't love him, even though he was just a substitute, as long as his face resembled his, wasn't that enough? Just seeing him warmed her heart, didn't it? As long as he was there, she felt Yao-gege was still with her, didn't she? She believed Yao-gege's spirit in heaven wouldn't blame her; after all, her happiness was Yao-gege's greatest wish, wasn't it? However, treating him as a substitute for Yao-gege was unfair to this foolish man…

Rongyue glanced guiltily at Dongfang Yao, who was happily peeling grapes, but then shook her head vigorously, banishing the guilt from her mind. There is no absolute fairness, nor absolute unfairness in this world! Even though he's a substitute, he's happy, isn't he? As compensation, she would treat him well, making this fool the happiest man in the world…

These past few days, with Dongfang Yao by her side, Rongyue has been experiencing the most relaxed and carefree days she's had in ten years. There's no bloodshed, no killing, and no scheming; the simple-minded Dongfang Yao always inexplicably lifts her spirits.

Rongyue's eyes crinkled into a smile as she picked up her homemade charcoal pencil. With a flick of her wrist, she meticulously sketched Dongfang Yao's silhouette on the paper. Since her beloved Yao had passed away, she had learned to draw portraits, often searching for his image on paper again and again in the quiet, desolate night…

"This old servant greets Your Highness!" Just as Rongyue was enjoying her painting, an old but somewhat rude and arrogant voice suddenly interrupted.

Rongyue frowned, put down her paintbrush, and glared sharply at the source of the voice—Liu Fu, the head steward of the Prince's mansion.

"What's up?"

"Your Highness, the Prince wishes to leave the residence, but his stubborn temper has flared up, and he refuses to allow the guards to accompany him. This old servant is worried about the Prince's safety, but he does not want to disobey the Prince's wishes. Therefore, this old servant has taken the liberty of coming to ask Your Highness for advice..." Liu Fu's sarcastic tone made Rongyue's heart burn with anger!

"This servant is bullying his master!" Rong Yue gritted her teeth, suppressing the curse that was about to escape her lips. Shit! He, who raised the young prince single-handedly, doesn't know how to appease him? Doesn't he understand how to handle this kind of situation, instead needing her, the newly arrived princess, for instructions? This old dog is clearly here to intimidate! He takes advantage of being given a little respect! Just because he watched the young prince grow up and has a close relationship with him, he's so arrogant and disrespectful, not putting her, his mistress, in his eyes! He wants to give her a hard time, doesn't he? He wants to warn her that even she, the dignified mistress of the royal palace, has to rely on him, Liu Fu, doesn't she? Bah! Does he really think that no one but Liu Fu can persuade Dongfang Yao? Hmph, Liu Fu, today, you'll open your dog eyes wide and see how powerful Rong Yue is! So you won't look down on people like that in the future!

"Where is Your Highness now?"

"It's right at the gate of the Prince's mansion..."

"Take me there!"

"Yes, this old servant will lead the way!" After glancing at Rongyue with a hint of mockery, Liu Fu turned and led Rongyue through the winding corridor toward the gate.

Hmph, does she really think that marrying into the Prince's mansion makes her the mistress? What an arrogant little brat! She practically raised the Prince herself; even the Empress Dowager doesn't understand him as well as I, Liu Fu, do! If she thinks the Prince is foolish and easy to talk to, she's sorely mistaken! The Prince has a terrible temper and is incredibly stubborn and headstrong! Going along with him is fine, but if you go against him and anger him, hehe, then that ignorant fool can only pray for good fortune! Does she really think that being pampered by the Prince for a few days will sway his will? The Prince is just indulging in novelty; once the novelty wears off, he'll still want to go out and find more fun, won't he? Princess, after today you'll understand that without my help, Liu Fu, you won't be able to move an inch in this mansion…

From afar, Rongyue saw Dongfang Yao, his face pale and filled with murderous intent, kicking and punching the guards who were blocking his way. The guards knelt in a row, blocking the exit, and no matter how much Dongfang Yao kicked and punched, they didn't budge.

"Are you going to let us pass or not!" Dongfang Yao roared, veins bulging on his forehead, and a hint of murderous intent flashed in his eyes as he looked at the guards.

The guards exchanged glances and then lowered their heads in silence, but a hint of fear appeared on their faces compared to before.

"You dare disobey me! I... I'll kill you all!!" With a whoosh, Dongfang Yao drew the iron sword from one of the guards and began stabbing at the kneeling men on the ground—

"Clang—" The iron sword flew out of Dongfang Yao's hand, drew a perfect arc in the air, and landed with a thud.

While everyone was stunned by this sudden change, Dongfang Yao's roar pierced the sky again: "That damned dog of a servant..." When he turned around in a rage and saw that it was his newlywed queen who had kicked away his sword, he swallowed the words he was about to say and turned his face away, suppressing his anger.

She had always thought Dongfang Yao was simple and honest, never imagining he could possess such a ruthless and cruel side! Although she herself wasn't a good person—killing had been commonplace for her over the past ten years—she didn't kill without cause; she was simply fulfilling her duty. His treatment of human life as worthless, taking it at will, truly disgusted her. Moreover, she had her own selfish motives: she didn't want this man, who resembled her brother Yao, to have blood on his hands, because her brother Yao hated the taste of blood, hated it to the point of despise…

"What are you doing, Brother Yao?" Rongyue asked with a smile, gently straightening Dongfang Yao's ashen face.

As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face. Rongyue's constant smiles calmed Dongfang Yao's rage considerably, but he still replied coldly and irritably, "It's all because of these lackeys! I don't know if they've eaten a leopard's gall today, daring to openly oppose me! Humph, I'm so angry! So angry—" At this point, he kicked the guard on the ground in uncontrollable rage.

Liu Fu, just as expected! Rong Yue's sharp eyes swept over him, her killing intent surging, startling Liu Fu so much that his heart trembled! What a sharp gaze! Rong Yue was the second person to make Liu Fu, a man who had survived countless storms, feel a chill from the bottom of his heart, and the first was the current emperor, Dongfang Lie.

Hmph, that lackey Liu Fu has some nerve! He even dares to plot against her! Luckily, she noticed Dongfang Yao's dark side in time and didn't voice her dissuasion, otherwise she would have walked right into the line of fire and been courting death! Liu Fu, trying to frame her? Hmph, she'll make him lose more than he gains!

To everyone's surprise, she affectionately linked arms with Dongfang Yao and said sweetly, "So, Brother Yao is going out to play! That's great! I haven't gone shopping in ages. Take me with you, okay, Brother Yao?"

"So my wife likes to go out and play too! That's great! Wife, hurry up, today is the monthly opening day, the streets are so fun! Let's go, wife, let's go! I can't wait—" Upon hearing this, Dongfang Yao's fierce expression vanished instantly, and he pulled Rongyue along, jumping and skipping, looking completely like an innocent child.

Seeing the joy that had spread across Dongfang Yao's cheeks, Rongyue felt a mix of emotions. A dull, somewhat oppressive feeling settled over her. Kicking aside a guard blocking her path, Rongyue led Dongfang Yao out of the mansion.

"Your Highness, please wait!" Liu Fu, seeing that things were going completely against his expectations, hurriedly stepped forward to block Rong Yue's way.

Looking defiantly at Liu Fu's unfriendly expression, Rongyue giggled, "What, does Chief Steward Liu also want to go shopping with us?"

Liu Fu's expression immediately changed: "How dare this servant! But when traveling, it would be best for Your Highness to bring a few guards along to prevent any unforeseen events..."

“But Brother Yao doesn’t like it…” Rongyue pretended to be reluctant and made excuses, not expecting to hear Liu Fu grinding his teeth.

"This servant is only thinking of the Princess Consort. You must know, the Prince is of noble birth, and if anything were to happen to him... Princess Consort, I'm sure the Emperor and Empress Dowager would not let this go so easily..."

"Hmm, that makes sense... but what does this have to do with me? Shouldn't the guards in the manor be responsible for the prince's safety? And the guards are under the command of Steward Liu! So, if something happens, it shouldn't be my fault, right, Steward Liu?" Ignoring Steward Liu's sullen face, Rongyue pulled Dongfang Yao along, her mood brightening as they ran towards the street. Behind them, Liu Fu, stomping his feet in anger, watched the cheerful figures ahead and gritted his teeth in fury, saying, "Your Highness, we'll see!"

Volume One, Pear Blossom Courtyard, Melting Moon, Chapter Seven: An Encounter in the Alley (Part One)

To put it simply, the opening day of the Eastern Dynasty was like a modern market day. On this day of the month, merchants from all over the country thronged the city, their shouts and calls echoing through the streets and alleys, creating a lively and bustling scene!

The city was bustling and lively that day! Everyone's face was full of smiles, and they were all beaming with joy. Some were buying snacks, some were looking at trinkets, and some were watching the amazing acrobatic performances...

The city's liveliness infected Dongfang Yao, and he pulled Rongyue towards the crowds. Unlike Dongfang Yao's exuberance, walking on the real, ancient streets, touching the tangible city walls, gazing at the rustic red walls and green tiles, and seeing the real long-haired ancient people, Rongyue's feelings were indescribably complex. The skyscrapers, cars, and airplanes of her past life were now far behind her, as if from another world. No, not just as if, she was truly separated from the world, truly unable to return…

Unaware that she was now alone, Rongyue, whose gaze was unfocused and dazed, had somehow managed to let go of Dongfang Yao's hand...

"Brother Yao!" Rongyue was shocked to see her empty left hand. She pushed through wave after wave of people, searching and calling out to Dongfang Yao again and again in the sea of people...

No, no, no!!! From the bright sunshine to the rosy sunset, until the lights of every house were lit and dusk was falling, Rongyue searched almost the entire imperial city, running through every street, but still couldn't find Dongfang Yao! Damn it, why is he running around like this! Royal families have always been rife with trouble. He's the only prince of the Eastern Dynasty; who can guarantee that no one with ulterior motives will target him? Besides, he's a weakling, a fool who can't even distinguish between good and bad people! What if he's being followed…

Rongyue's temples throbbed, and her unease surged! While furious at Dongfang Yao's reckless running around, she hated herself even more for her carelessness! Dongfang Yao, where are you? You... please don't be hurt...