RMACAUH Chapter 42
by VolareAfter Feng Chao pulled up his trouser legs, Chu Lingqiao only glanced lightly, a hint of surprise in his heart: “How did you kneel? It’s bruised so badly.”
Feng Chao put on a weak and aggrieved look, “I was originally not valued at home, and was disliked everywhere. My grandfather left some property in Chuting, but its management has been poor in recent years. I took this opportunity to take over, hoping to save it. If I can, they will definitely look at me with new eyes.”
“Isn’t this an encouraging and good thing? At least the courage is commendable.”
“But my grandmother doesn’t think so. She said I overestimated myself and punished me to kneel for an hour. The ground was hard and cold, and when the maid helped me up, my legs were numb.”
Chu Lingqiao frowned as he listened. It seemed that this rich young master’s life at home was not easy.
Come to think of it, if he was truly favored, why would he need to take prohibited drugs to appear as a man? He’s practically throwing his life away!
He took a bottle of self-made medicated oil from his medicine chest and handed it to Feng Chao, “Apply it yourself, and massage it a few more times. This medicated oil has a miraculous effect on promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.”
Feng Chao took the medicated oil in his hand, looking helpless: “But I haven’t massaged myself before. Dr. Chu, can you do it?”
Chu Lingqiao felt a surge of qi and blood, “Men and men should not touch hands.”
Feng Chao chuckled: “Why is Dr. Chu saying such things now? I remember when you first treated me, you said that in a doctor’s eyes, there is no distinction between genders?”
“That was to give you acupuncture, a helpless act. For this kind of thing, you can just find a maid or a *ge’er* to do it for you!” Saying that, he closed the medicine chest, ready to go back.
“Are you leaving already?”
“If I don’t leave, are you expecting me to stay overnight?”
In his anxiety, Feng Chao suddenly got up to chase after him. Who knew that a sharp pain came from his knees, and he knelt straight on the ground again with a ‘plop’.
Chu Lingqiao was so frightened that his heart almost jumped out of his throat. He couldn’t care less about etiquette at this moment, and he swept him up in his arms and put him back on the soft couch, checking the injury on his knees. They were getting even more bruised.
“You really are…”
“Wasn’t I afraid you’d run away?”
Chu Lingqiao glared at him, and annoyedly picked up the medicated oil. He first poured it into his hands and rubbed it warm before applying it to his knees, skillfully applying force to rub away the bruises.
“Does it hurt?”
“A little.”
“Okay, bear with it.”
He watched Chu Lingqiao sitting by his feet, looking down and carefully rubbing his injured areas. A warm current flowed through his entire body. This feeling was really good.
Suddenly, Chu Lingqiao felt someone grabbing his hair. He couldn’t help but look up, only to see a strand of his dark hair being pinched in his hand.
He uncomfortably tilted his head, “Don’t mess with it, sit still.”
Feng Chao couldn’t help but find it funny: “Are you shy?”
Chu Lingqiao secretly took a breath: “You’re a *ge’er* and you’re not shy, why should I, a dignified *langjun*, be shy?”
“Does shyness distinguish between *ge’er* and *langjun*?”
“I thought *ge’er* were more reserved.”
“That’s what you thought. As a man, expressing affection, how is it different from a *langjun*?”
Chu Lingqiao admitted defeat, “Yes, you’re right, I’m shy. Please,Young Master, don’t tease my hair anymore.”
Feng Chao didn’t care about him, laughing: “You rub yours, don’t mind me.” Saying that, he braided his hair with his own.
“…” Chu Lingqiao found that he really couldn’t do anything about him.
He didn’t know what was so interesting about his hair, but he had him braid it for a long time, until the bruises on both his knees were rubbed away. As soon as he got up, his scalp was pulled painfully, and he sat back on the ground.
“How many knots did you tie?!”
“Hahahaha… not many, not many, maybe a dozen or twenty!”
“You – naughty!”
“Don’t move, I’m untangling it.”
Feng Chao smiled, looking at him while untangling the braided hair.
The last strand was knotted into a dead knot. Feng Chao smiled awkwardly, “Um, Dr. Chu, this knot can’t be untied. Did you bring scissors?”
Chu Lingqiao only sighed helplessly, took out a cicada-wing knife from the medicine chest, and neatly cut off the strand of hair that was knotted.
Feng Chao held this strand of dark hair, stunned for a moment, before laughing: “Dr. Chu, take this as a souvenir.”
Chu Lingqiao was startled: “What would I do with this? I don’t want it!”
Saying that, his face flushed, and he turned around to carry his medicine chest.
“You don’t want it? I understand.” Feng Chao sighed in apparent disappointment, “I thought you had some feelings for me, it seems I was just being sentimental.”
After a moment of silence, Feng Chao said again: “I’m leaving for Chuting in another day. I don’t know when I’ll be back in the capital. I’m afraid I’ll never see Dr. Chu again in this life. Besides, my body, who knows which day… never mind, I’ll burn it, so I can give up on this thought!”
Saying that, he tore off the tassel from his waist and threw it into the charcoal fire. The charcoal fire sizzled and smoked, and it burned up all at once.
Who knew that Chu Lingqiao would turn around and desperately reach into the brazier, his expression urgent.
Feng Chao only wanted to tease him, but he didn’t expect him to do this. He hurriedly kicked the charcoal fire away and grabbed his hand to check it.
“Are you stupid? Did you burn your hand?”
Chu Lingqiao looked expectantly for a while, and only realized that it wasn’t his hair that was burned, and he knew he had been tricked.
Seeing his wide-eyed and distracted look, Feng Chao’s heart was on tenterhooks, regretting teasing him like this.
“Dr. Chu? Say something?”
“Oh, Dr. Chu, I was wrong, um? You’re not really angry, are you?”
“You said you didn’t want it, I…”
“I want it!” Chu Lingqiao came back to his senses, as if he had figured something out. He changed his previous coy attitude and held out his hand to him: “I want it now, can you give it to me?”
“What do you want?” Feng Chao put his hands on his shoulders and slowly approached him.
Looking at his frail appearance, he didn’t expect the muscles under his palms to be very firm.
“Why isn’t Dr. Chu speaking? Do you want me, or do you want… something else?”
Chu Lingqiao was as if bewitched, his eyes obsessively staring at the face in front of him. It was as if a fire had been lit in his body, and even his blood was boiling.
Seeing him in a daze, Feng Chao teasingly bit his lips lightly. Chu Lingqiao raised his chin wanting to return the kiss, but he backed away. Chu Lingqiao chased after him, and Feng Chao retreated a little every time he got closer.
Until the two of them fell together into the soft couch, Chu Lingqiao threw all the etiquette and shame he had learned to the wind.
He was captivated by this evildoer, lost his heart, and only wanted to be one with him, nothing else.
This time, he didn’t dodge anymore. Chu Lingqiao kissed his lips as he wished, and the itch in his body was soothed for a moment.
Feng Chao smiled like a triumphant fox, satisfied watching his obsessed and distracted appearance, but also willing to offer his only tenderness.
Just as the two were kissing passionately, Lin Huai’s voice came from outside: “Young Master, it’s late. Is Dr. Chu going back to the clinic, or should we prepare a guest room here for him to rest for the night?”
Feng Chao woke up a bit, pushed him away. Chu Lingqiao opened his dazed eyes, but was unwilling to let go of his lips, leaving a trail of wetness along his beautifully shaped long neck.
Feng Chao buried his fingers deep into his hair and soothed him gently, his voice slightly hoarse and his breath disordered, “No, tonight I want to have a… have a long talk with Dr. Chu. You go rest!”
Lin Huai was shocked listening to the movements inside. He wanted to rush in several times to pull this Chu fellow away and throw him out. How noble was their Your Highness? How could he be defiled by this kind of Grass mustard?
But then he thought, in these twenty-odd years, their Your Highness hadn’t had a single happy day. He finally found some fun, so what if he let him be?
Chu Lingqiao usually had an arrogant and aloof demeanor, but he was very clingy in bed.
One night of absurdity wasn’t enough. When he woke up at noon, he held Feng Chao and wouldn’t let him go.
Feng Chao was also helpless: “Isn’t Dr. Chu hungry?”
Chu Lingqiao stared at him with deep eyes: “Where are you going in Chuting? Chuting is too vast.”
“What? Do you want to come find me?” Feng Chao gently stroked his handsome face with the back of his hand.
“Do you want me to come find you?”
Feng Chao chuckled, “That’s up to Dr. Chu. If you want to come find me, how can I stop you?”
“We…” Chu Lingqiao paused, and asked him with difficulty: “What kind of relationship is this between us?”
He had no confidence in his heart, and didn’t even know his name, family background, or identity. He had always presented himself as a man, and he would definitely not marry normally, but he had taken his body, so he should take on this responsibility.
Feng Chao sighed softly, “Consider it… a fleeting affair? Don’t overthink it. Things will be as they were before, and as they will be in the future. You should also know that since I present myself as a man, I don’t care about these worldly etiquettes.”
Chu Lingqiao understood, it was just a night of pleasure, and it didn’t mean anything.
“Can you tell me your name?”
“If we have a chance to meet again in the future, I will tell you.”
Chu Lingqiao finally let go of him, turned his back, and didn’t ask anything.
“Lin Huai, come in and help me change.”
“Yes, coming!” Lin Huai had been pacing back and forth outside all morning, and finally he was summoned to serve him in bed.
This Chu guy was really clingy and didn’t understand the rules!
Lin Huai smiled and served Feng Chao to wash up and change into his clothes. He had to hurry into the palace to deal with the troublesome Empress Dowager.
But it was only this last day. His revenge had not been exacted, so he must not create discord with the Empress Dowager at the last moment.
After he left, Chu Lingqiao slowly got out of bed. The clothes that had been strewn all over the floor yesterday were gone, and brand new ones had been prepared and placed on the couch.
When he picked them up to put them on, a strand of hair fell out from inside. Chu Lingqiao felt a pang of pain in his heart, and his eyes turned red as he picked up the strand of hair. Then he carefully put it into his pouch and returned to the city clinic by carriage.
*
The last day in the capital was fairly leisurely. Everything that needed to be packed had been packed, and he was just waiting to go to the palace tomorrow morning to get the hand decree, bid farewell to the emperor, and set off immediately.
He and his maternal grandfather were leaving on the same day.
After Feng Yue gave Wei Xiaofeng the tourmaline earrings, Feng Yue gave him several more pairs. Wei Xiaofeng liked these pretty little things.
As he looked in the mirror and worried about which pair to wear today, a maid outside hurried in to report.
“princess, you have a distinguished guest. Prince has sent someone to lead them to the Purple Bamboo Pavilion.”
Wei Xiaofeng couldn’t think of anyone else but his grandfather, so he immediately dropped what he was holding and followed the maid over.
As soon as he entered the room, he saw Wan Lingxiu’s figure at a glance. He couldn’t hide his joy, and rushed towards his mother like he did when he was a child.
“Mother!”
“Xiaofeng!”
Wan Lingxiu’s eyes were moist, and she stepped forward to hug Xiaofeng. Suddenly, she realized something, “I should call you princess now.”
“Mother, in front of you, I will always be your child, your Xiaofeng, not any princess.”
Wan Lingxiu stroked his slightly rounded face. His skin was fair and rosy, and he must have been well taken care of in the palace. He looked much better than when he stayed at the Wei family.
“Is your separation from Wei Xinhe going smoothly?”
Wan Lingxiu looked at Wan Chuyi, who was sitting on the armchair, in surprise, “With your grandfather’s support, your mother will definitely not suffer.”
“Really?”
“Your grandfather took the dowry list and the expenses of the mansion over the years, and called in the clan elders to calculate the accounts. He didn’t say he would return it to me as it was, but at least he got back half of it. Wei Xinhe was afraid that the matter would really be brought to the government office, so he honestly divorced me.”
Wan Lingxiu shook her head with a sigh: “This money was still drawn from those betrothal gifts that Prince gave. I’ve brought them all over today.”
Wei Xiaofeng was surprised: “What did you bring them over for?”
“The expenses of this palace are extremely large. As princess, you will inevitably have to reward the servants frequently. Where do you Feel too much money? When you go to Guangling, the expenses will only be greater.”
Wan Chuyi nodded: “Your mother is right. You should accept all of this money.”
Wei Xiaofeng couldn’t make up his mind and looked at Feng Yue again.
Feng Yue laughed: “Make your own decision.”
“Then mother, aren’t you out of money?”
Wan Lingxiu couldn’t help but laugh: “I’m going back to Chuting with your grandfather, can he treat me badly?”
Wan Chuyi also echoed: “You can rest assured and go to Guangling with Prince. Your mother has also wanted to go home for a long time.”
Wei Xiaofeng couldn’t help but feel a burst of panic. This was also a farewell that he had to face. There was an end to every meeting in life, and there was a time for flowers to bloom and fall.
“Mother, maternal grandfather, I know your intentions, thank you.”
After speaking with Wei Xiaofeng, the father and daughter hurriedly left the palace and caught up with the carriage to Chuting.
Wei Xiaofeng stood at the entrance of the alley, watching their carriage go away, and didn’t want to leave until he couldn’t see it anymore.
Feng Yue knew the worry in his heart and comforted him: “Your mother will not suffer any grievances when she divorces and returns to the Wan family. You can rest assured.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Let’s go inside and talk.”
“Okay.”
The two entered the house, and Feng Yue said: “Your grandfather is not a short-sighted person. He is a very powerful businessman. His taking your mother back is not entirely without a plan.”
In fact, Wei Xiaofeng also knew that this was the truth. Being exposed by Feng Yue like this was a little uncomfortable.
“What is he planning?”
“He is gambling, gambling on your and my fate, whether we can be extremely noble in the world one day.”
Wei Xiaofeng took a sharp breath, as if even his fingertips were trembling. He had never thought of these things when he married Feng Yue. This was a path of no return. Once it started, it was either you die or I live.
Now, saying that he was afraid and wanted to quit would only burden Feng Yue’s heart and prevent him from letting go and fighting.
No matter what, he only needed to support him unconditionally.
Wei Xiaofeng gave him an encouraging smile: “You can rest assured and lead the charge. I will do a good job of supporting and logistics in the rear.”
Feng Yue chuckled and rubbed his head, “So good.”
*
The next morning, Feng Yue and Chen Guogong went to the palace together to get the decree for leaving the capital.
Before he left, the emperor called him to the imperial study. The father and son sat quietly for a while, without speaking.
Feng Yue felt like a huge stone was pressing on his heart, and he breathed heavily.
In fact, over the years, the emperor didn’t have no paternal feelings for him, it was just that there wasn’t that much.
If he hadn’t met Xiaofeng, he really wouldn’t understand why a person could be so biased.
Now he understood and accepted this fact.
Of course, he would never become his father. If he really faced his father’s situation, he would only go too far.
Love is inherently biased.
“Take care of yourself when you go to Guangling.”
“Yes, your son knows.”
“Do you resent your father?”
Feng Yue couldn’t help but smile sadly, “At first, I had some resentment, but later I figured it out, so I don’t resent it anymore.”
“What did you figure out?”
“I figured out that things that don’t belong to me are useless even if I force them.”
The emperor nodded with satisfaction: “It’s good that you can think like this, go! Go and live a good life with your *fu lang*, I hope you never set foot in this place of turmoil in the capital again.”
Feng Yue got up and bowed to him, “Your son takes his leave.”
He turned around and left the imperial study, leaving the towering palace walls, his steps firm and his eyes resolute, without looking back.
Fate was like an invisible cutting knife. With this one cut, he completely broke off from the past and headed towards a brand new, unknown future.
Two long teams left the capital together in a mighty manner and left the city.
“Lady, the wind is strong here, why not return to the palace earlier?”
Chen The Queen, draped in a fox fur cloak, stood on the city wall. The wind messed up her temples, and her weak willow-like figure swayed under the force of the strong wind.
Her eyes were dark and gloomy with a bit of sadness, and she only sighed, “The bright moon hides the tall trees, the long river disappears into the dawn sky.long, when will we meet again?”
It wasn’t until the two teams had left the city and gone far away that Chen The Queen turned around and went back to the palace.
Wei Xiaofeng was happy when he left the city. He refused to sit in the carriage and insisted on riding a horse with Feng Yue.
His horse riding skills were getting more and more proficient, so Feng Yue let him do as he pleased. Anyway, the journey was still far, and when he got tired of riding, he would definitely get into the carriage himself after this period of fun.
A hundred miles outside the capital, they set up camp near a village, preparing to rest here for one night before setting off again.
Feng Yue and Chen Sui’an went to the forest to hunt wild game. They plucked the feathers by the stream in the forest and returned with a full load.
The night was also lively. The soldiers were away from home all year round, and they didn’t hide anything they were talented in. They all had to come forward and show off.
Only at this time was there no distinction between people, no distinction between superior and inferior, noble and lowly.
This was also the time when Feng Yue felt the most comfortable.
In the evening, several people set up a target and took Wei Xiaofeng to learn archery.
Feng Yue watched for a long time from the side. The visibility was limited at night, so there was no accuracy. Wei Xiaofeng didn’t even touch the target with his first few arrows.
But it got better each time. In the end, he shot a four-ring arrow, which made him happy for a long time.
Those youngsters flattered him one after another, saying that princess was really too powerful!
Wei Xiaofeng listened to these words, his arms were so sore that he could barely lift them, and he wanted to show them off a little more.
If Feng Yue hadn’t forcibly pulled him away, his arms would have been useless tomorrow.
“A Yue, why are you pulling me? I want to play more!”
“Listen to me, you’ll know tomorrow morning that I think you don’t want these arms anymore.”
“I’m still fine now.”
Feng Yue didn’t listen to him, and called the accompanying maid to wash Wei Xiaofeng before going to the carriage to rest.
Wei Xiaofeng was in a bad mood and hummed a few times. He lay in the carriage and tossed and turned, constantly reminiscing about the fun of archery in his mind, repeatedly pondering the techniques he was taught, and then fantasizing about hitting ten rings in a row.
He fantasized until he fell asleep with a silly smile.
Feng Yue stayed with Chen Guogong until very late. The maternal grandfather and grandson always had endless things to say. Before going to bed, Chen Guogong solemnly handed a military talisman into his hand.
Feng Yue had watched these military talismans grow up since he was a child, how could he not know what they were?
This was the lifeblood of the Chen family army!
“Maternal grandfather?”
“When one day, thousands of troops and horses are used for you, and this vast land is in your hands, your orders will determine who lives and who dies! Maternal grandfather is waiting for you. In my lifetime, call me back to my homeland again.”
Feng Yue was suddenly filled with sadness, and tears welled up in his eyes. He just held the military talisman tightly for a long time, choking with sobs several times.
“Okay! Your grandson promises maternal grandfather that in your lifetime, I will definitely welcome you back to your homeland and enjoy your old age in peace!”
“When the sky dawns tomorrow, we, grandfather and grandson, will go our separate ways.”
“You have to take care of yourself.”
Chen Guogong laughed heartily: “Don’t worry, your maternal grandfather is still healthy and strong now. Living for another seventeen or eight years is definitely not a problem!”
Feng Yue followed him and laughed through his tears.
Feng Yue chatted with Chen Guogong all night, until the second watch. Feng Yue first helped Chen Guogong, personally served him to wash up, and then helped him to the carriage to rest.
By the time he returned to his own carriage, the sky was gray and about to dawn.
Feng Yue lay down beside Wei Xiaofeng, let him lean on himself, and massaged the muscles of his arms, hoping to relieve the soreness.
Feng Yue didn’t wake up for breakfast. He heard the horn sound in his sleep, and subconsciously reached out to touch the gun next to him. He suddenly rolled over and was about to rush out. Only when he lifted the curtain did he realize that it was a peaceful and prosperous era, and he was no longer in the army.
Zhao Guan, the accompanying steward, saw their Prince wake up and quickly trotted forward: “Prince, you’re awake. Can you have your meal now?”
“Where are my maternal grandfather and the others?”
“Oh, Chen Guogong and the others left not long ago, taking a step ahead of us and heading west.”
Feng Yue jumped out of the carriage, led the black-maned horse and chased after him all the way. The banners of the Chen family army were still fluttering in the wind. Feng Yue shouted in the direction they were going, “Maternal grandfather!A Sui! Safe journey, take care!!”
“Take care!!” Chen Sui’an rode his horse back for a distance, raising the flag in his hand to indicate that he had received his blessing.
Feng Yue smiled desolately and murmured, “Take care…”
*
Royal Villa, the Si brothers had been in the capital for more than half a month.
Si Ming was obviously a little impatient, thinking that if the emperor had no decree tomorrow, he would resign and return to Southern Zhao.
Si Mo was the opposite of him, looking leisurely and comfortable, holding a self-made slingshot and taking a bag of gold beads to flick everywhere.
Si Ming couldn’t stand his A playboy appearance, got up and left the house, and walked into the courtyard.
After he left, Si Mo collected the slingshot, leaned back into the soft couch with lazy bones, and stared blankly at the roof beam.
Since that parting in the small forest, he had never seen him again.
If the emperor bestowed a marriage, would he agree?
Si Mo was annoyed, and just sat up when he heard the sharp voice of the chief eunuch from outside.
“The imperial decree has arrived!”
Si Mo’s face lit up, and he quickly got up, tidied his slightly disheveled hair and clothes, and walked into the courtyard as solemnly as possible.