Author's Note:
A new chapter is here, everyone! Leave your comments below!
Chapter 32 A Small Punishment
Dugu Jing leaned closer, looking anxious, "Wife..."
She blocked him with her arm. "Wait, did I say I forgave you?"
He glanced around the room, then slowly stood up. "Take off your clothes," he commanded.
A triumphant smile spread across his face as he hurriedly untied his belt. The red groom's robe was carelessly tossed to the ground, and he continued to strip with increasing enthusiasm.
"stop!"
If I take any more off, we'll be completely naked. Her face suddenly flushed red. "Who told you to strip down to your bare body?"
He immediately put on an innocent look and said, "Didn't you tell me to take my clothes off, wife? Why don't you take yours off too?"
I stared at him blankly. I simply went over and tied him up with his belt, made him kneel on the pile of nuts, and ordered him not to move. Once everything was done, I said in a serious tone, "Now, I'll state my demands."
She glanced at him sideways, then stuck out her index finger and shook it. "You have no right to speak."
"Let me begin. First of all, we've both traveled back to ancient times. You're a prince, and I'm the daughter of a minister. Although we're a couple in modern times, the historical context is different, and some things will inevitably change one day. Of course, my love for you has never changed."
What I'm trying to say is this: whether in modern times or ancient times, first and foremost, we need to create a good environment for our love. In ancient times, it was possible to have multiple wives and concubines, unlike today. Moreover, the bureaucratic system would increase your choices and temptations. I'm not sure if you'll continue to choose to love me; perhaps one day you'll regret it.
I still adhere to my monogamous system. I ask for nothing else, only that I find someone to grow old with. Feeling a little sad, I suddenly heard a groaning sound. Turning around, I saw Dugu Jing struggling and shaking his head. I almost forgot that I had gagged him. I quickly went forward to remove the cloth.
Dugu Jing let out a breath, "Yue'er..."
"Take back your joking attitude!" This is serious business, and I've never had such a serious discussion with him before.
"Okay, okay." He rubbed his sore knees. "Ms. Liu Feiyue, I swear, I will only marry you in this life, I will never betray you, I will never deceive you, and I will be good to only you for the rest of my life."
She pinched his cheek. "Really?"
"Really." He nodded, and casually stuck out his tongue and licked the back of his hand.
"Ugh, disgusting..." Quickly wipe it off.
Dugu Jing pressed forward, "How dare you call me disgusting? Watch out for the cannons..."
I didn't struggle. Our two burning bodies began to move rhythmically on the red bed. A tearing pain made me curse instantly, yet it was also filled with deep happiness.
The next day.
The maid outside the door had urged him several times, but he just didn't want to get up. He tried to move, but his legs and back ached terribly.
I glared fiercely at the person who was barely a centimeter away from me. A pair of warm hands were placed on my face, constantly rubbing against it.
"What are you doing? You're awake, so why are you pinching my cheek? Dugu Jing, don't forget, you're supposed to be playing the role of a profound prince."
His eyes instantly turned serious. "Wife, I have a question for you. You must answer me seriously."
I tried to open my eyes wide, to show that I was extremely serious. "My dear husband, please speak."
Suddenly, I felt a pinch on my waist, which startled me so much that I immediately screamed. My hand scrambled down and pinched again, yelling, "Are you trying to kill me?!"
Dugu Jing rubbed his sore bottom. "I want to ask you, if I hurt your family, what would you do..."
"Ah—" A short, sharp cry, the same spot was injured again.
"Of course I would, I'd kill you without hesitation!"
"Sigh." Dugu Jing sighed and recounted the whole story in detail.
Instantly captivated by this, it meant the treasure map for this artifact was located in the Liu family's possession. His eyes lit up; what more could be said? He patted the boy's bottom. "Come on, get up, let's go check out the Liu family's place."
The maidservant waiting at the door stared in disbelief as her mistress ran out joyfully, dressed only in her undergarments. Meanwhile, His Highness, casually draped in his outer robe and holding a woman's robe in his hand, kept shouting, one hand covering his buttocks.
"Look at you, what kind of behavior is this, rushing around like this?"
I stood still and looked at him as he carefully helped me put on my outer robe. "What are you doing?" Why are you poking at my head?
"I'll fix your hair for you. So I won't be laughed at if I go out."
The tiny bit of emotion she felt vanished instantly, and she glared at him.
Dugu Jingye suddenly realized his chauvinism. He tied his hair up and touched his forehead. "Alright, didn't you say you were going to the Liu residence? What are you standing there for?"
I brought a lot of things when I went back to my parents' home; basically, everyone received a gift.
Uncle Chen, who was driving the carriage, suddenly stopped. The carriage paused, and I accidentally fell into the arms of this lecherous man. I stopped him with a look before he could make a move.
He stuck his head out of the sedan chair and asked, "What happened? Why did the car suddenly stop?"
"Your Highness, the carriage cannot proceed. A large group of people have arrived at the Liu residence ahead."
Dugu Jing also stuck his head out, "Shi Yi, go see what's going on?" In an instant, his figure disappeared. He put his hand on my head, "He is my personal bodyguard, and you will have a personal bodyguard to protect you at all times from now on."
I gazed at his affectionate face. Was I really going to be a weak woman who always hid behind him, needing his protection? Catching a glimpse of relief in his eyes, I slapped his cheek.
She quickly covered the other half of her face, looking extremely aggrieved, "Why did you hit me?"
"Nothing, I just saw a mosquito."
"Your Highness, the body of the second mistress of the Liu family was found in the pond in the garden. They believe that the third mistress was responsible. The Bai family is making a scene outside, hoping that Lord Liu can have the third mistress tied up and taken to the government office."
Yesterday was my wedding day, wasn't it? Why did this happen? Could Madam Lan be the murderer? My mind was filled with doubt. I glanced back and saw Dugu Jing's thoughtful gaze. Suddenly, he pulled me into his arms. I was startled, and saw him about to get out of the carriage.
She patted him, saying, "What are you doing? What are you doing? Put me down."
With a playful smile, she said, "After all that commotion last night, you can still walk. You must be underestimating your husband."
You...you...you're ruthless! Ruthless!
To avoid being pointed at and gossiped about, she simply buried her head in his arms, listening to his triumphant laughter, and pinched his waist in annoyance.
Dugu Jing staggered.
"Your Highness, what's wrong? Is the Imperial Concubine too heavy?"
I was so angry I was shaking my teeth.
"How about I carry the Imperial Concubine?"
"Get out of the way!" came the authoritative voice. "Bring your things in as well."
The poor guard, devoted to his master, was carrying a huge pile of things, and no one else dared to help.
They jumped down as soon as they reached the gate. The courtyard was in chaos, filled with people. The red silk from yesterday was still there, and white mourning clothes were already draped over it. There was also a group of people crying and shouting.
"Liu Mengjun, you'd better give me my daughter in return!"
Various accusations and insults erupted, especially from one person in the middle. He pushed his way forward, making sure Dugu Jing didn't follow me. I almost didn't recognize the woman with disheveled clothes and loose hair; it was actually Madam Lan, her eyes somewhat unfocused. Apparently, she was the first to find it in the lotus pond this morning. You see, one of Madam Lan's biggest habits was feeding the carp in the lotus pond every morning; those carp were her treasures.
A group of people surrounded her, shouting, "You vicious woman! Men, carry her away and make sure she's drowned!" As they spoke, the group of people forced her forward.
There's no basis for this at all, so why?
"etc!"
Is that old man really Liu Mengjun? He looks so much older than I have seen him in just one day.
"Wait, I will give you an explanation, please don't do this."
A furious middle-aged man rushed out, shouting, "What explanation? We don't need any explanation, we just want this woman's life!"
Bai Mei's family was in the grain business, and most of them were uneducated. At that moment, they wouldn't listen to anything but one thing: that murderers should pay with their lives.
It was clear that a group of people were about to kidnap Madam Lan.
Suddenly a group of people appeared, swift and agile, and subdued the rioters who had kidnapped the people. A gleaming longsword was held to their necks.
Unable to move, Bai Er simply started cursing loudly.
The next second, like a machine that had lost power, its mouth was wide open and the sound stopped.
Dugu Jing walked in. "This matter needs to be investigated and handled by the government. Anyone who disobeys will be imprisoned!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a familiar voice rang out from the doorway.
"Fourth brother, I didn't expect to see you here too?"
The Crown Prince entered the Liu residence accompanied by a woman wearing a purple veil.
I stared at Dugu Jing, whose eyes were unreadable. Was this a coincidence or...?
"Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister-in-law."
Upon hearing this, a puzzled look appeared on her face. The woman then casually lifted her veil.
With a gentle smile, this woman was none other than Princess Sissi.
The four looked at each other, their minds racing with countless thoughts.
***
The people inside the hall have been settled in, and the Liu residence has entered a temporary period of calm. Madam Lan has been sent to her room to recuperate, and it is said that she cannot be asked anything now. Madam Mei's body has been sent to the government for investigation. Everything seems to be proceeding normally.
But the air pressure is still a bit low at this moment.
I stared intently at the woman in front of me; her smile always gave me a chilling feeling, though I didn't know why.
A pair of fair and delicate hands handed over a cup of tea. "Why are you looking at me, Fourth Sister-in-law? Have some tea."
I nodded and picked up the teacup.
Suddenly, his hand felt empty, and he looked over in surprise. Dugu Jing, a hint of tension and anger in his voice, exclaimed, "Qianxi!"
Xixi smiled faintly, her eyes brimming with interest. "Why are you so nervous, Fourth Brother? It's just a cup of Longjing tea after the rain. I just want Fourth Sister-in-law to try it."
Dugu Jing fixed his gaze on her, tilted his head back, and poured a cup of tea into his mouth without spilling a drop.
A series of clear, bell-like laughs rang out, and Xixi narrowed her eyes.