Un sueño de transmigración

Capítulo 100

"No!" I cried out in my heart, but he took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside mine, entwining it with mine. My breath was cut off, until it seemed there was no air left in my chest, until I thought I would suffocate in the next second, before he reluctantly released me, his lips and tongue still lingering on my lips, and he sighed softly, "Once we are married and you truly become my queen, I will return this jade pendant to you."

I closed my eyes involuntarily, feeling a buzzing in my ears, but his voice came softly again: "King Xiu Ruo has agreed to our marriage and will issue a decree tomorrow. Just wait for me to return to my country to report and then I will come to marry you in person."

His body pressed firmly against me. I struggled, but to no avail. I shook my head desperately, repeating over and over, "No, no..."

"Don't want to?" He chuckled, pinching my chin with one hand to stop me from shaking my head. His voice was gentle, yet tinged with hatred and anger. "It's too late to regret it now. How could I easily let go of someone who deceived and used me like that?"

After saying that, he lowered his face and sealed my mouth with his kiss once again.

Despair and shame overwhelmed me, and I couldn't break free. I could only open my mouth, but dared not bite down too hard. My breathing returned to normal, and I wanted to cry, but suddenly no tears came. Xi Lan and I shouldn't be like this! Countless times I'd wondered what would become of Xi Lan and me—would we remain friends, or become strangers? But I never imagined that one day we would be in this situation!

Clouds Drunk and Moon Slightly Asleep (Revised Edition) Volume Four: A Hidden Melancholy and Resentment Arise in the Rain Palace

Chapter word count: 4308 Update time: 08-12-24 12:57

Xuanyu Palace

I don't know when Xi Lan left, only that he stood by my bedside for a long time afterward. When I woke up, it was already broad daylight. I touched my lips and called Yan'er in to serve me.

After Yan'er left, Wang An brought in breakfast. I was able to sit up by myself and then used my left hand to drink the porridge with a small silver spoon.

"Wang An, just say what's on your mind." I glanced at Wang An, who was standing to the side with a hesitant expression, and said directly. After spending these past few days together, I had a general idea of Wang An's personality; he wouldn't look like this unless it was something serious.

“Princess,” he approached, hesitated for a moment, and then said softly, “I heard that Envoy Ye Cang was murdered at the inn last night.”

What? I choked on my porridge and started coughing. Wang An reached out and gently patted my back. It took me a while to find my voice: "Once you leave Xiuzhou, you should have been escorted by many people. Besides, that envoy had many guards with him. Where did you get the news? Have you found the murderer?"

"An urgent report came early this morning: His Majesty is currently in the Xiuyuan Hall discussing matters with his ministers, and it is said that the murderer has not yet been found."

Feeling rather tasteless, I put down my chopsticks and lay down on the bed. The air grew cold, and I pulled the thin quilt over my chest, but my anxiety only intensified. How could such a mess have happened? A strange feeling crept over me; who was behind it, and what was their purpose? But whatever their purpose, there was only one outcome: if the old man didn't handle this properly, war between the two countries might break out.

A startling thought suddenly popped into my head: Could it be that Xiu Ruo has been anticipating such a battle all along?

Xi Lan delayed her return to Tianqing for a few more days because of this incident. To prevent a repeat of the tragedy, the old man needed to rearrange the accompanying personnel and make proper arrangements along the way, so he politely asked Xi Lan to stay. Of course, I didn't think things were that simple. The old man was probably prepared for the worst, leaving Xi Lan behind to see Tianqing's reaction and discuss important matters. After all, if war broke out, Xiu Ruo would need allies the most.

The marriage alliance and the issuance of the imperial decree were temporarily put on hold, or perhaps simply not announced for the time being. In the afternoon, Wang An told me that Long Yao's envoy would arrive in Xiuzhou soon, and it seemed to be Long Yao's Prime Minister Yun.

I was stunned. It was my brother! Was he coming too? My heart, which had been hanging in suspense, suddenly felt a little relieved. If only my brother were here. Faced with this predicament, I couldn't change anything on my own. Xi Lan's matter was unexpected. With my brother here, at least I could discuss things with him. I knew Yun Feng wouldn't agree to me having any involvement with the royal family, but leaving the palace might not be a bad thing for now!

After several more days of anticipation, I was able to get out of bed and walk around, and the bandage on my right hand had been removed. My ten-day confinement was also over. At noon that day, I heard that Long Yao's envoy had arrived at the palace, and it was indeed Yun Feng.

"Grandmother, has my brother really arrived at the palace?" I put down my chopsticks and ran straight to the Empress's palace. The timing was perfect; the Empress had just finished eating but hadn't gone for her afternoon nap yet. I ran up to her, took her hand, and asked happily.

“Yes, your grandfather passed away not long ago, and your brother has been placed in Xuanyu Palace. However, they should still be discussing important matters in the front hall right now. You've been here for a while now, and you don't even see your father often. Go and see your brother later.” She smiled at me, paused, and gently patted the back of my hand that was holding hers, sighing, “Are you feeling better? This time, go see your brother openly and honestly, don't pretend to be a palace maid and climb trees anymore.”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" I nestled into her arms, overjoyed. I chatted with the Empress for a few more minutes, then personally helped her to the soft couch to rest before returning to Zuiyue Palace. The Empress didn't seem too worried about state affairs; I wondered if it was just her personality, or if she trusted the old man to handle the matter of Ye Cang's envoy. I rested for a while as well, and soon it grew dark.

I jogged along, with only Wang An by my side, and when I was almost at the gate of Xuanyu Palace, I unexpectedly ran into Xilan.

"Xi Lan, what are you doing here?" I haven't seen her since that night, and now that I've met her, my face can't help but feel a little hot.

He walked straight past me without looking at me, his voice cold and clear: "I have heard that Yun Xiangxian of Longyao Kingdom is renowned throughout the world, and I have never had the opportunity to meet him. Today, I have a rare opportunity, how can I miss it?"

Speechless, I could only follow behind him, heading towards the palace gate. The guards of Xuanyu Palace saw me approaching from afar, and someone went in to report. Although the messenger hadn't come out yet, no one dared to utter a sound as Xilan and I walked straight in. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Xilan slowed her pace until she was alongside me, then resumed her normal speed, and the two of us continued inside.

"Brother!" I ran towards the dark figure walking towards me with a faint smile, wrapped my arms around his waist, buried my face in his chest, and started to act coquettishly.

His hand hesitated for only a moment before he hugged me tightly, as if he sighed, and then his voice rang out above my head: "Moon, Moon!"

After a long while, he finally let go of my hand and pulled me to stand up obediently. He affectionately patted my head and said, "Still so childish. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"

It was a sigh, it was indulgence, but there was not a trace of blame.

"I haven't seen my brother for several months. How could I not be excited to finally see him? Hehe."

"And who is this?" Yunfeng pulled me aside and bowed slightly to Xilan, who arrived shortly after.

Xi Lan stared straight at Yun Feng, then glanced at me. Her gaze shifted between me and Yun Feng, and a hint of confusion and doubt appeared in her eyes. In an instant, she regained her composure and bowed slightly to Yun Feng, answering frankly, "I am Tian Xi Lan. I have long admired Prime Minister Yun's virtuous reputation. I am honored to have come to visit you. I hope Prime Minister Yun will not take offense."

"Tian Xilan?" Yun Feng repeated almost inaudibly, his expression hardening. He nodded to the white figure before him, then bowed and said, "So it is His Highness the Sixth Prince of Tianqing. Thank you for your kindness in taking care of my sister and saving her life. Yun Feng expresses his gratitude."

"You're too kind, Prime Minister Yun. Princess Zuiyue is no ordinary person. Even without Xilan, she was able to turn danger into safety. So please don't take this matter too seriously, Prime Minister Yun." Xilan also bowed to Yunfeng in return. Her words seemed polite, but they were actually sarcastic. Then, her expression turned serious, and she said leisurely, "It is truly Xilan's good fortune to meet Prime Minister Yun today."

"Your Highness is too kind." Yunfeng finished speaking and turned to me, smiling gently. "You haven't eaten yet, have you? Why don't you eat with your brother?"

I nodded hastily and looked up at Xi Lan. Yun Feng, contrary to his usual behavior, not only didn't send us away but also invited Xi Lan to join him. Xi Lan's gaze met mine, a look of confusion flashing in her eyes before she turned to Yun Feng, smiling and nodding in agreement. The two of them, without regard for etiquette or impropriety, sat down to share dinner.

Halfway through the meal, I realized the atmosphere at the table was strange. I knew that although Xi Lan used to always have a smile on his face and seem good-natured, that was about it; I'd never actually seen him open up to anyone. And Yun Feng, as Er Linzi would say, was taciturn. Although things seemed to have improved now, and he always had a faint smile, it was a smile that made people feel distant and uneasy, let alone chat with anyone. But then, I suddenly realized that Xi Lan and Yun Feng actually had a lot to talk about and shared a lot in common, and these topics and shared interests didn't seem to be about me.

Of course, they would occasionally mention me, and only then could I chime in. Every time they did, I would get very nervous. I was afraid Xi Lan would say something inappropriate, and I worried that Yun Feng might say something he shouldn't, making Xi Lan suspicious. Although I didn't like my current situation with Xi Lan, I didn't have the courage to provoke him and cause him to regain his memories. I was afraid that a Xi Lan with his memories restored would be even more unbearable to face. Fortunately, their conversations didn't cross any lines, which eased my mind somewhat.

"Moon, I brought you some things, they're in the west wing. Would you like to go take a look?"

I winked at Yunfeng, then put down my chopsticks and stood up. Anyway, I was full, so I figured I might as well go and see what was going on. Besides, I always felt that Yunfeng was using this as an excuse to get rid of me so he could talk to Xilan about something. At this critical juncture with Envoy Ye Cang, maybe the two of them really did have something to discuss.

When I went outside, I saw Wang An standing alone. As if he knew where I was going, he led me directly to the west wing. I didn't encounter anyone along the way, which I found slightly strange, but before I could ask, we arrived at the west wing.

“Princess, this servant is waiting outside.” Wang An stood by the door and bowed as he spoke.

I glanced at him questioningly, then reached out and pushed the door open.

I didn't see the large box or bundle I had imagined. There was nothing on the table except a tea set. I stepped inside and decided to search carefully again. My brother couldn't possibly be lying to me, could he? Or maybe Wang An led me to the wrong house?

I had only taken two steps when the door behind me creaked shut. I turned around in surprise, and before I knew it, I was being pulled into someone's arms.

Heavens are furious! How dare someone try to take advantage of me in this place? I immediately instinctively stomped hard on the man's foot, but whether he dodged quickly or I misjudged, I missed. One move failed, so I tried again. I bent my knee... oh well, if this one works, then I'm sorry!