The Slender Waist-Chapter 663 - 478: The Passionate Lover

After that day, the voices in the Imperial Court clamoring for the appointment of a new sovereign went up in smoke.

Feng Yun heard people say that Pei Jue had thundered in the Chongzheng Hall, and on the grounds of "disregarding the young sovereign and harboring ulterior motives," he had severely castigated the court official who had opened the topic, deterring anyone from bringing it up thereafter.

However, the Empress Dowager had fallen ill, bedridden and unable to move her limbs or speak coherently.

The Young Emperor had Imperial Physicians on shift attending his dragon bed, dutifully providing soup medicine and acupuncture, but there were still no signs of waking up.

Even Yao Ru, whom Feng Yun had pinned hopes on, only sent back a message—

"External injuries are easy to heal, internal injuries hard to recover. It’s beyond the reach of soups and medicines, requiring only time for recuperation, humbly heeding the will of Heaven."

Therefore, even as Pei Jue strictly ordered silence, he could not stop the ever more intense spread of rumors, as well as the undercurrents surging secretly within the Western Capital Dynasty.

After the beginning of spring, the weather gradually warmed, and the climate became milder.

It wasn’t until the end of the month that Wen Xingsu arrived from Nanqi, just in time to encounter a late spring cold snap. A heavy snow fell again in Xijing; the palaces and city walls were enveloped in white as if midwinter had returned.

Upon receiving the report from the gatekeeper, Feng Yun hurriedly put on a cotton-padded jacket with wide sleeves and went out to welcome him.

Ao Qi was faster than her and zipped out in front of her.

By the time Feng Yun arrived, she saw Wen Xingsu standing under arches, clothed in wide robes and belts, exuding an elegant demeanor, smilingly waving at Ao Qi.

Ao Qi did not approach but looked at him from a distance.

Feng Yun laughed. "It’s been some time; Ao Qi refuses to recognize you now."

In the past in Huaxi, Wen Xingsu returned infrequently, so Ao Qi had little closeness with him, but whenever Wen Xingsu would visit, Ao Qi would always be joyfully following Feng Yun around.

This was clearly a sign of estrangement.

Wen Xingsu sighed with a smile, "I’ll have to ask Ao Qi later how exactly he gained Ao Qi’s affection."

Feng Yun said, "Ao Qi likes to eat fish."

She smiled as she spoke, and then invited Wen Xingsu inside, "Hurry into the house. Food and refreshments are all prepared, just waiting for you. Your luggage will be carried into the guest room by themselves; there will be no neglect."

Wen Xingsu smiled and offered his respects before leaving Pinshu there and following Feng Yun to the flower hall.

This time he came from Nanqi, and because he had not returned to Andu, he brought quite a lot of luggage.

Among them, a part was New Year’s gifts from the Feng Family for Feng Yun, which had taken no less than twenty ox carts to bring to Xijing.

The fully laden carriages entered the estate one after another, instantly stirring up liveliness.

Just as Wen Xingsu took his seat, Azuo and Ayou came following the noise, bombarding Wen Xingsu with questions and unable to hide the excited joy of children on their faces...

Wen Xingsu was well-prepared for his visit to Pei Residence, not only bringing gifts for Pei Jue and Feng Yun but also for Pei Chong, Pei Yao, and the couple Ao Qi, as well as for both the little ones, he had brought generous presents.

He laughed and told the servants to fetch toys brought from the south and some special snacks.

Azuo and Ayou were thrilled.

"Thank you, Uncle from Mother’s Family."

The two children were joyfully sent out.

Wen Xingsu smiled, took a sip of tea, and when he lifted his eyes, they revealed a trace of worry.

"Has His Majesty shown any signs of improvement?"

Feng Yun’s expression darkened as she shook her head.

Wen Xingsu knew she was very fond of the child and could not help but sigh.

"His Majesty has boundless luck and is under the protection of divine spirits; he will definitely turn danger into safety. Yaoyao, don’t worry too much."

Feng Yun nodded.

About Ayuan’s matter, she harbored an ostrich mentality, not knowing how to proceed.

Wen Xingsu noticed her mood was down and did not delve deeper.

"I can only stay in Xijing for about ten days before I must return to Andu Great Camp. Would you accompany me, Yaoyao?"

This was originally Feng Yun’s plan, to return to Huaxi with Wen Xingsu.

But with Ayuan’s fate uncertain and the tense situation in Xijing, she could not leave with a light heart.

"I will wait a little longer."

Wen Xingsu nodded, not asking what she was waiting for.

"Tomorrow, I plan to pay a visit to the Lord of Pingyuan County."

Feng Yun looked into his eyes and smiled softly, "I’ve already made arrangements with the county lord upon receiving the letter from my elder brother. She is utterly devoted to my brother, even having someone inquire about his arrival three times, unable to wait."

There were no deep yearnings, no restless anxieties.

Wen Xingsu’s face was calm, a faint smile on his lips as he bowed in thanks, "I am grateful to Yaoyao for making the arrangements."

Feng Yun fell silent for a moment before saying, "It’s been difficult to discuss due to the inconvenience of correspondence, and I never found a way to ask my brother directly. The private exchanges with the county lord, are you truly intending to seek marriage?"

Wen Xingsu affirmed with a hum, a complex light surfacing in his eyes.

"Sincerely."

Feng Yun asked again, "Have you thought it over carefully? There’s no taking back this decision."

Wen Xingsu replied, "I’ve given it thorough consideration."

Feng Yun glanced at his tranquil countenance.

"I remember my brother wasn’t willing to have any dealings with the Princess Residence due to the incident with the Prince of Danyang. Why did you change your mind so suddenly after a trip back to Nanqi?"

Wen Xingsu laughed softly, "Everyone must marry. Matchmaker’s words also can mistakenly join red threads; rather than letting them arrange a suitable stumbling block, why not cast aside worldly concerns and marry someone who is wholeheartedly devoted and simple-minded, a person of pure goodness?"

Feng Yun looked at him, hesitating to speak.

Puyang Yi was a widow, and naturally there would be some worldly prejudices against her. Her eldest brother could look past this, which filled her with joy...

But he spoke frankly, because Puyang Yi treated him well and was a person of simple thoughts and pure goodness, which was why he was willing to join with her in matrimony. Feng Yun’s heart felt subtly uneasy...

Marriage between a man and a woman shouldn’t be like this.

Yet, this way, it seemed there was nothing wrong either.

How many couples could spend a lifetime together and still not receive from their spouse such praise as a "person of pure goodness"?

At least her eldest brother valued Puyang Yi’s character.

Moreover, the happy marriage of Xiaoman and Zuo Zhong was right there for all to see.

If you find the right person, life will get better and better. Even if the eldest brother and Puyang Yi were not passionately in love, being talented and beautiful, seeing each other day and night, perhaps it was a marriage destined by fate...

At this thought, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

"Perhaps you won’t have to wait until tomorrow, Lord of the County might come looking for you."

Feng Yun was an astute predictor.

Ever since receiving Wen Xingsu’s gift, Puyang Yi’s heart had been inhabited by an anxious little deer, tormenting her day and night, making her long to rush to Wen Xingsu’s side to find out the truth...

She was straightforward and impassioned, disliking unclear and ambiguous situations, wanting to clarify everything.

As Wen Xingsu’s carriage entered the city heading for the Pei Residence, she had just accompanied the Grand Princess in her carriage into the palace to attend to the Emperor’s illness...

She watched as Wen Xingsu rode his horse past the long street.

At that moment, her heart flew away.

Once in the palace, the Young Emperor lay on the bed without a sound, his head pierced with terrifying silver needles, and the whole room filled with the smell of medicine, making Puyang Yi’s heart ache with pity and unable to bear looking...

Seeing the Young Emperor and thinking of Wen Xingsu, she felt like there was a piece of broken cotton stuck in her heart, bobbing up and down, until leaving the palace, she told a white lie to the Grand Princess, and with two maidservants, slipped away to the Pei Residence.

Feng Yun was an open-minded person.

She led the visitor into the flower hall and then excused herself.

She gave Puyang Yi and Wen Xingsu the convenience of privacy.

Wen Xingsu had also prepared to have a good talk with her...

Who could have expected that Puyang Yi would immediately speak bluntly, "I’ve been married before, had no children, and am somewhat foolish. My previous husband flirted with many, dying drunk in a lane of pleasure houses. I detested his bad luck; in anger, I smashed his household and set it on fire, then returned to my parental home. I didn’t abide by his mourning, nor did I attend the burial..."

The room fell into silence.

Wen Xingsu frowned, "I have heard a thing or two about the County Lord’s matters."

Puyang Yi did not dare look directly into Wen Xingsu’s eyes and turned her gaze aside slightly.

"Is General Wen sure about this? My reputation isn’t good, and I don’t have many skills. Counting on my fingers, there aren’t many merits to find..."

Liking someone can make one feel humble.

The proud and assertive Lord of Pingyuan County, too, had moments of insecurity and nervousness.

Wen Xingsu was silent for a while, "That’s perfectly fine. Aside from a useless good reputation, I have nothing at all."

Puyang Yi lifted her head to look at him, "General Wen, do you truly mean to spend the rest of your life with me?"

Wen Xingsu’s lips curled into a smile, his pair of black eyes deep and profound.

"I am not one for false emotions. Since I have spoken, I mean it."

The little deer in Puyang Yi’s heart panicked, jumping frantically, and she subconsciously swallowed.

General Wen, handsome and refined, had a sharp and distinct face, possessing the scholarly elegance of a gentleman from a great family, and with his lifelong martial training, a tall and straight figure, he seemed like a true gentleman, even more courageous and gallant than any other...

The more she looked at him, the more she was fascinated.

On the way there, Puyang Yi had thought about maintaining her composure and courtesy in front of him, not letting him see too easily that her heart had been given to him, so as not to fall into a lower position.

But truly sitting in front of Wen Xingsu, she felt dizzy as if lost in the clouds and mist, entrapped by his gentle smile, unable to extricate herself—

"I am willing to marry General Wen."

She blurted out uncontrollably.

Realizing she was too forward and too direct, her face turned red with embarrassment, and she inwardly gnashed her teeth, scolding herself for having no self-control.

Then, sitting with a face flushed red, like someone experiencing their first awakening to love, her eyes were watery, full of admiration.

"I will speak to my mother about this, and please, if General Wen could send a prominent matchmaker to my house to propose... We are both not young anymore, I believe my mother will not obstruct it."

Wen Xingsu: ...

Marriage is no trifling matter.

He thought it would take some time to reach this step.

However, in just the time of a meeting, this woman, spoiled since childhood, had already made her decision.

"Alright." Wen Xingsu seemed somewhat resigned, smiling, "I have already asked my younger sister to arrange it for me."

Puyang Yi embarrassingly uttered an "Mm," and lowered her head, pretending to fiddle with her sleeve cuff to appear calmer.

"With the Princess of Yonghuai taking charge, this matter could succeed."

Wen Xingsu’s lips curved into a smile, just like that.

Puyang Yi was startled.

Staring at his charming smile, she laughed heartily without any worries.

So this is what it’s like to discuss marriage with a beloved gentleman...

Such joy.