Rodeé con mi brazo la esbelta cintura del hombre fuerte

Capítulo 38

Embraced by his strong arms in the darkness, she heard him whisper carefully and solemnly say to her: "I only wish to be with you for life, you can believe me." This belated promise, spoken from her man's lips at this moment, how could she not believe it?

Her chest felt tight, and her throat tightened slightly. She couldn't speak, she could only nod.

The night was past midnight. In just half a day, their emotions had risen and fallen like waves crashing against the peaks of a valley. After their passionate embrace, they should have been exhausted, yet sleep eluded them. They simply pressed their foreheads together, whispering to each other, as if trying to make up for all the tears and laughter they had missed over the past four years. He listened to her recount how she had settled in when they first arrived, the joys and sorrows of raising their child. Finally, he sighed deeply, "Xiao Bao is doing well. You've raised him very well. When I saw him, my heart..." He trailed off, unable to finish his sentence, and simply hugged her even tighter.

Danmei nestled against his neck, listening to his heartbeat, and whispered, "Prince Jing has come by occasionally these past two years, and I've heard him mention some things. I only know that the year before last, Prince Chong's residence was first ravaged by fire, and then the censor revealed that he had been secretly communicating with the Liao envoy, allegedly plotting to obstruct our dynasty's peace negotiations with Western Xia. The Emperor was furious, but out of pity for his past merits, he only stripped him of his princely title, demoted him to a county prince, and ordered his entire family to relocate to the far south. He was forbidden from returning to the capital without the Emperor's decree. Prince Jing sighed deeply when he spoke of it. After hearing this, I immediately thought of you..."

Xu Jinrong was taken aback, then chuckled softly, running his hand through the back of her head and rubbing it a few times: "No one knows me better than you. You're not wrong, I did it. You left me a letter before, saying it was to put your mind at ease. But I know that if it weren't for the pressure from the Prince Chong's mansion, you wouldn't have left like that. Although you thought you were doing it for my sake, in my eyes, I, a dignified seven-foot man, was being held back like this, unable even to protect my own wife. How could I face you? That's why I became so ruthless..."

After Danmei left, Xu Jinrong outwardly maintained a facade of goodwill with the Chong Prince's mansion, while secretly sending Steward Xu to the capital to negotiate. He promised to let her join his most lucrative shipping route, the grain transport camp, and verbally agreed to the marriage with Yu Yang, only citing official duties as an excuse to postpone the formalities until the following spring. The Chong Prince's mansion, seeing that he had agreed, thought he had been manipulated and had yielded, and were somewhat pleased, though not entirely at ease. Little did they know that he was audacious and had ulterior motives. The old Chong Prince was a cunning old fox; Steward Xu bypassed him and secretly bribed the heir with a large sum of money. The heir, raised in the decadent capital, like most aristocratic scions, was skilled in pleasure but lacked patience and cunning. Having received the large sum and been plied with fine wine, he lowered his guard, and soon Steward Xu extracted from him the information about the informant and the location of the secret letter. It turned out that the old Prince Chong had hidden it in a secret compartment in the wall of his study, the keyhole concealed so well that even the old Princess probably didn't know its location. Only the young prince, due to his past extravagance and financial constraints, knew his father must have a hidden treasure trove. He secretly observed it for a while before acquiring it. He even tried to open the lock when no one was around, but the only key was kept close to the old prince and he couldn't get his hands on it, so he gave up.

Several days passed, and on a dark and windy night, a fire broke out in the north study of the Prince's mansion at midnight. The fire raged fiercely, alarming everyone in the household who rushed to put it out. The old Prince was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. Once the fire was extinguished and the area had cooled slightly, disregarding the imminent collapse of the remaining beams and walls, he ordered his men to break open the half-collapsed wall. He was devastated to find that while the gold and silver inside had melted, they could still be remelted, but the calligraphy, paintings, and important documents he had collected and treasured for half his life had long since turned to ashes and crumbled at the slightest touch. Everyone in the mansion assumed that the fire was caused by a lantern hanging in the corridor. After his initial heartache, the old prince realized that it was fortunate he had managed to bring Xu Jinrong under his control and into his canal transport operations, so they could share the profits in the future. It was a case of losing one thing and gaining another. However, the secret letter had been burned in the fire, so he had to ask the man to rewrite it, attaching the list of Xu Jinrong's properties he had mentioned before. Only then would it be safe. Therefore, he immediately sent someone out of the capital the next day. Unexpectedly, less than two days after the man left, he himself got into trouble. He was accused by an imperial censor of colluding with the Liao Kingdom and plotting to obstruct the peace talks and truce between the Song Dynasty and the Western Xia.

At that time, the war between the Song Dynasty and the Western Xia in the northwest had lasted for several years, and both sides were exhausted. The Western Xia was particularly burdened by the war, and its treasury was empty. Moreover, Li Yuanhao had been killed by his son who cut off his nose, so he was willing to stop the war. As a result, secret envoys between Tokyo and Xingqing kept going back and forth.

The Song Dynasty and the Western Xia Dynasty had reached a truce, but this was not what the Liao Dynasty desired. For the past few months, letters from the Liao Dynasty had been pouring in, and they had even sent envoys to the capital, Tokyo, to pressure Emperor Renzong and demand more annual tribute. Some officials in the court advocated accepting the terms, while others strongly opposed them. The emperor was also very displeased and had been delaying his reply. After hearing the censor's impeachment, the emperor saw with his own eyes a secret letter from a Liao spy that had been seized at the border. It turned out to be addressed to Prince Chong, instructing him to persuade the emperor to accept the Liao Dynasty's terms during the court discussion. Otherwise, the war in the northwest would be over soon, and war would break out in the northeast. The signatory was Wu He, a right-hand man under Emperor Xingzong of Liao, and an old acquaintance of Prince Chong from when he was an envoy to Liao during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong.

Since the founding of this dynasty by Emperor Taizu, he had been a man of deep thought. Remembering that he himself had risen to power through a military coup, he was wary of his own princes to prevent internal strife. However, during the reign of Emperor Renzong, the emperor's benevolence led to a relaxation of these precautions. Now, this unexpected incident has occurred. Remembering the ancestral precepts, he was filled with anger and resentment, and could no longer restrain himself, erupting in anger on the spot.

Prince Chong was terrified to find himself in trouble for no reason, accused of treason. He cried out that he was innocent and had been framed. Emperor Renzong was furious and naturally wouldn't personally write to the Liao rabble for a confrontation. He wouldn't listen to reason and within a few days issued an edict stripping him of his princely title and demoting him to a county prince. His entire family was forced to leave the capital immediately and move to Guangnan Road in the far south. They were not allowed to return to the capital without an imperial summons, otherwise they would be considered rebels.

The old King Chong realized that he had been stabbed in the back during the delicate moment when the emperor was negotiating peace with the Western Xia and Liao kingdoms to start a war. He was merely a pawn used by the young emperor to make an example of him in front of his officials, and he knew that the situation was hopeless. He had offended many people in the past, and he pondered repeatedly about who was behind this. Just then, the messenger he had sent out returned with news that the person had fallen into a lake and drowned one night a month earlier while drunk.

Upon receiving this news, Old Prince Chong immediately recalled the fire that had engulfed his residence, a fire that had even alarmed the Emperor, prompting him to send inquiries. He had previously harbored a vague suspicion that Xu Jinrong was involved, and now he was absolutely certain. However, even knowing this now, he lacked evidence and was powerless to change the situation. He had spent his life clever and calculating, yet in his old age, he had made a careless mistake, being schemed against behind his back. Overwhelmed with grief and anger, he vomited blood. At this point, merely pleading his case would only further incur the Emperor's displeasure. He could only bitterly embark on a journey south with his family. The arduous journey, coupled with his advanced age, caused him to fall ill and never recover. Before even reaching Guangnan Road, he died in despair and resentment.

Danmei listened to him slowly recount his story, her heart pounding with fear. She gripped his arm tightly, and only after he finished speaking the last word did she let out a long sigh, saying, "I only knew that the trouble with the Chong Prince's mansion was over, but I never imagined there was more to it than that..."

Xu Jinrong gently stroked her face and said, "That's how it is in officialdom. One wrong move and you lose everything. If he hadn't gone too far and forced you away, I wouldn't have dealt with him like this. I didn't want you to know these things, lest you think I'm used to using ruthless methods."

Danmei was silent for a moment, then gently rubbed her face against his shoulder and said, "I understand the principle that when one is in a position, one is not free to do as one pleases..."

Xu Jinrong suddenly hugged her tighter and said, "I originally thought you didn't know about my affairs, and that you only avoided me for four years because I really married that Yu Yang. Since you clearly knew I had been looking for you, you still stubbornly avoided me for four years, making me run into walls everywhere. Whenever I think about this, I just want to give you a good beating to wake you up..."

Danmei bit his shoulder: "I'm right here with you. If you're not happy about it, then go ahead and fight. Otherwise, you'll hold a grudge when we get back."

Xu Jinrong chuckled softly, then reached out and twisted her ear: "See, I said one thing and you're already angry again. I admit I misspoke, but I wouldn't have the heart to hit you. What I meant was that I hoped you would be of one mind with me. If we are of one mind, what obstacle can't we overcome?"

Danmei gently kissed the spot where she had playfully bitten him earlier, then softly hummed in agreement, "I know what you mean..."

The two talked until past four in the morning, and when they were exhausted, they fell into a deep sleep in each other's arms.

The next day, Xu Jinrong woke up and, after a brief moment of mental blankness, immediately remembered everything from the previous night. He turned his head sharply and saw the woman beside him still fast asleep, her sleeping face sweet and innocent. Knowing that this was not a dream, he breathed a slight sigh of relief.

The room was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun; outside, the sun must be high in the sky. Knowing that Xiao Bao next door must have been properly dressed and ready, he didn't want to get up, only wanting to hold her and sleep a little longer. Just as his hand reached for her waist, he saw her eyelashes flutter slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes. They gazed at each other for a moment, and Xu Jinrong held her close for a few more tender moments. Suddenly, he heard faint sounds of Xiao Bao running and laughing downstairs. Danmei quickly nudged him, urging him to get up.

Author's Note:

I've seen everyone's comments and received many helpful suggestions. Thank you very much. Regarding the suggestion from readers who felt the development of these two chapters was a bit too fast, I explained it in the discussion thread, but I'll reiterate it here because other readers may share this feeling.

Actually, I didn't initially intend for them to reconcile immediately. Novels always have to have twists and turns to be interesting. I originally wanted Lord Xu to take Meimei back, but the two of them had a misunderstanding and a period of cold war. Then, a small incident occurred, which made them realize how important the other was to them, and they resolved their past grievances.

Later, as I wrote this far, I realized that my ideal Mr. Xu, being much older than Meimei, should be a magnanimous man who would take the initiative to show her kindness. Meimei, all these years, had been wavering between right and wrong, and after a good cry, she released her pent-up emotions. Plus, her husband is so gentle, considerate, and broad-minded, treating her like a daughter. Continuing to struggle with this would be pointless, so things developed this way. As for that little twist, I'll see if it's necessary later. If so, I'll write about it as a test; if not, I won't rush to a bad ending. Please rest assured.

Thank you all for buying V and following us all the way here.

Chapter 84

Xu Jinrong paused, then listened intently for a moment as she pointed, and sure enough, he heard the faint laughter of children mixed with the loud singing of geese.

Last year, a goose in a village hatched a brood of goslings. Xiao Bao took a liking to them, and the villager gave him one, which he raised like a treasure. Yesterday, he learned that he would be living with his new father from now on. He was fine with everything else, but he couldn't bear to give away that big white goose. Danmei had no choice but to ask him to bring it along.

Xu Jinrong removed his hand from her and laughed, saying, "Then get up. It's getting late." With that, he threw off the covers, rolled over, and quickly dressed himself.

Danmei also sat up, one hand grabbing the quilt to cover her chest, leaning out, and the other hand reaching for the pile of clothes she had taken off last night, but he quickly snatched them away and sat on the edge of the couch next to her, saying, "Let me help you get dressed."

Although they had been husband and wife for a year and a half, with nearly four years in between, Danmei still felt slightly uncomfortable waking up naked in front of him, especially since he was dressing her. Just as she was about to shake her head, she saw him unfold one of her inner blouses and lift her arm to put it on. He then bent down behind her to carefully tie the ties, the sleeves gently brushing against her face, and she could clearly feel his slightly rough but warm fingers unintentionally touching her back. Her heart warmed, and she obediently let him do as he pleased.

Xu Jinrong dressed her, not even removing her stockings, then knelt down to put her shoes on. Only then did he look up, smile, and take her hand to help her stand up: "All done." In the morning light, his smile looked warm and content.

Touched, Danmei couldn't help but stand on tiptoe, hug his neck, and lean on his shoulder, remaining silent.

Xu Jinrong was taken aback, probably not expecting her to react this way. He quickly hugged her back, gently patted her back, and whispered, "If you like, I'll dress you like this every day from now on..."

Xiao Bao woke up early, jumped out of bed, rubbed his eyes, and called out "Mother!" a few times. Usually, his mother would come in as soon as she heard him, but today she was late. Only Aunt Xiqing came in. Knowing that his mother was sleeping in the next room, he got dressed and was about to go next door to knock when Aunt Xiqing stopped him.

"I'll go wake Mother up."

Xiao Bao was a little confused.

Xiqing whispered, "Your father and mother are still sleeping. Xiaobao, don't disturb them."

"Daddy's here. From now on, Mommy will sleep with him all the time, and won't sleep with Xiaobao anymore?"

Xiao Bao pouted.

Although Xiqing was somewhat worried, he was amused by his expression and quickly coaxed him, "Other people's fathers and mothers sleep together. Hasn't Xiaobao always wanted a father? If your mother continues to sleep with you like before, your father will leave."

Xiao Bao frowned, his appearance somewhat resembling Xu Jinrong's. After thinking for a moment, he whispered, "Auntie, I don't want Daddy to leave. I'll let Mommy sleep with Daddy."

Xiqing laughed, patted his head, thought for a moment, then squatted down and said, "Xiaobao, don't call me auntie anymore. Just call me by my name."

Xiao Bao frowned again, but this time he shook his head: "Mom told me to call you Auntie. If I don't listen to her, she'll get angry."

Xiqing sighed inwardly, feeling helpless. She led him to wash up and have breakfast, then stood with him in the yard watching him feed the big white goose with vegetable leaves, slightly dazed. After a while, she came to her senses and looked up, only to see Jiang Rui standing outside the courtyard gate, seemingly looking at her. She felt a sudden panic, her hands and feet becoming a little awkward. After pausing to calm herself, she walked over to him and smiled, "Did you come to see the master? He's still with the madam and hasn't gotten up yet."

Jiang Rui blushed slightly and dared not look at her. He lowered his eyes and said, "Lord Yang sent an invitation early this morning, saying that tomorrow is his daughter Niu Niu's birthday. Knowing that your family is reunited, he invited us to come and celebrate together."

Xiqing hummed in agreement, and the two stood there motionless. Just as they were fidgeting, they heard Xiaobao cheering behind them: "Daddy, Mommy!" Turning around, they saw that the door to the room upstairs had opened, and their master and mistress had come out together.

The inn they were staying in was a small, secluded courtyard within a large inn. Though small, it was quiet and peaceful, having been entirely booked by Xu Jinrong. The innkeeper, though unaware of the guest's identity, knew Hangzhou was full of wealthy and powerful men, and seeing such extravagance, assumed the guest was someone of importance. He simply provided attentive service. Last night, upon the guest's return, a young woman alighted from her carriage, accompanied by a small child and a young maid, followed by a large, waddling white goose. Though quite surprised, the innkeeper dared not ask further questions, simply sending over a few more servants to attend to him.

Xu Jinrong had originally planned to leave today, but unexpectedly, he received his wife's return and Yang Huan's invitation. After discussing it with Danmei, he decided not to leave immediately. He planned to stay a few more days, tour West Lake, then set off for Suzhou to visit her family, and finally return to Huaichu.