TIGR Chapter 116

The Imperial Guard’s Revenge

Chapter 116 Reconciled

Lu Heng held Wang Yanqing in his arms as he walked toward the bed. His steps were quick and steady, and by the time Wang Yanqing reacted, her back already made contact with the bed. A shadow immediately loomed in front of her. Wang Yanqing grasped the edge of the bed, flustered and unable to speak properly: “What are you doing? It’s still bright outside…”

Lu Heng reached out to lower the bed curtain, blocking the light from outside, so only a dim, warm glow bathed the bed. Lu Heng sat down at the edge of the bed, with a composed air, and asked: “Do you have any other requests?”

Wang Yanqing, half-propped up on the bed, was so stunned that she lost the ability to speak. Since she didn’t refute, Lu Heng took it as consent. He reached out and held her ankle, taking off her shoes, and said: “Sister, I followed your ideas and played the role of a good brother who had no desires for two years. Isn’t it time to listen to me today?”

Wang Yanqing was wearing soft embroidered shoes for indoors. After Lu Heng took off them off, he didn’t let her go and took the opportunity to play with Wang Yanqing’s slender feet. Wang Yanqing had never seen such a scene before and was so embarrassed that her neck turned red and quickly withdrew her leg: “Who’s your sister! Shameless, let go!”

However, the more she struggled, the more excited Lu Heng became. Wang Yanqing was wearing a magnolia-colored horse-faced skirt today. After untying her shoes and socks, her petticoat slid down her calves, revealing her lean and straight legs. So, as she struggled, more and more skin was exposed. Wang Yanqing noticed that Lu Heng’s gaze slid along her legs, but she didn’t know where to go. Her head buzzed and her cheeks turned red.

Wang Yanqing became furious and raised her other leg to kick him, trying to detach herself from him. However, Lu Heng did not retreat. He raised his hand to catch Wang Yanqing’s calf and pressed with slight pressure, loosening her immediately. Lu Heng took the opportunity to press in front of Wang Yanqing, clasped his fingers around her waist, and untie her laces skillfully: “You called me shameless, now I need to live up to your expectations. We got married on the twelfth day of the first month, and today is the tenth. Considering a minimum of once a day, you already owe me twenty-nine wedding nights. I don’t want to put you in a difficult position, so I won’t charge you interest. Just think about how you will pay me back, alright?”

Wang Yanqing was preoccupied now, her belt was untied, and her long skirt draped on the bed like petals, gorgeous and beautiful. Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she grabbed Lu Heng’s sleeves with both hands, not knowing what to do. After holding it in for a long time, she could only say angrily: “Who owes you?”

Lu Heng smiled without saying anything, remaining calm and composed, as he continued to unbutton Wang Yanqing’s clothes. The upper jacket was tied with thin straps and was easy to take off with a tug. Before long, Wang Yanqing’s outer clothes were stripped off, revealing her porcelain-white skin underneath.

Even though it was late spring, the air was still chilly, and goosebumps broke out on Wang Yanqing’s exposed skin. Lu Heng looking distressed, leaned over to hug her. He let her lean on his arms and said: “I was inconsiderate today and forgot to ask them to prepare the warmer. Just bear with it and it’ll be fine in a while.”

Lu Heng’s official uniform was made of the finest tribute brocade, which was delicate, smooth and shiny. Wang Yanqing’s pale, fair skin rested against his bright red flying fish outfit, creating a captivating contrast that was both dazzling and alluring. The clothes carried his body warmth, and Wang Yanqing leaned against the fabric without feeling cold. She let out a soft hum, not bothering to think about what he meant by, “It’ll be fine in a while”.

Lu Heng held her with one hand and unbuttoned his clothes with the other. His fingers were long and agile, gliding along his neck with an indescribable beauty. Lu Heng unbuttoned his collar and said: “Qing Qing, help me untie my belt.”

Lu Heng had just been promoted to the second rank, so he used a flowered rhinoceros belt decorated with rhinoceros horn and mica. He could unbutton his shirt with one hand, but one wasn’t enough to unfasten his belt.

Wang Yanqing didn’t dare look at him. She raised her eyes guiltily and ran her slender fingers along his waist and abdomen, carefully searching for the buckle. She was not very skilled and searched for a while without success. Her soft, delicate hands explored his waist ineffectively.

Luo Heng’s Adam’s apple moved, and his voice unconsciously became hoarse. His eyes darkened, and he asked in a husky voice: “Did you find it?”

Wang Yanqing was still feeling around when Lu Heng reached out and grasped the back of her hand, guiding it toward a certain spot: “It’s here. Can you figure it out?”

Wang Yanqing really didn’t know how to untie it. She fumbled with the fastening of the floral buckle for a long time, but the belt remained tightly fastened around his waist. Lu Heng’s fingers plucked Wang Yanqing’s waist slowly, and his tone seemed to be urging her: “Qing Qing…”

Wang Yanqing inexplicably felt as if she were being inspected by a teacher checking her homework. She couldn’t care about her embarrassment and lowered her head to look at Lu Heng’s belt. It was finally undone now, but she felt something strange under the fabric and couldn’t help but look down again.

Lu Heng’s Adam’s apple moved, and a laugh came from his chest in a low tremor. He usually gave a faint, teasing smile, but this time, it was a genuine smile in every sense. After he finished laughing, he swept away the clothes piled on the bed, laid a confused Wang Yanqing down on the quilt, and said sincerely: “Qing Qing, you really are cute.”

Wang Yanqing only had a vague understanding at first, but when she was laid on the bed and clearly saw their differences, she finally realized what just happened. Wang Yanqing’s face was red as if it was about to burn. Lu Heng stood up and quickly threw off the burdensome clothes from his body. He supported his arms beside Wang Yanqing: “Tell me if you feel uncomfortable.”

He took off his coat, and Wang Yanqing finally saw the wound on his shoulder. The arrow wound was deep and difficult to heal. Wang Yanqing looked at it with pity, her lips trembling as she murmured softly: “You are still injured… maybe we should just forget it.”

Lu Heng couldn’t bear to hear such words. The wound mostly healed, but even if he were on the verge of death, he was determined to see it through to the end today. Lu Heng said: “It’s okay. Relax.”

She fell asleep from exhaustion. When she woke up the next morning, the bed curtains were tightly drawn, and the light was dim and muted.

Without needing to ask, Wang Yanqing knew it was already quite late. She crawled out from under the blankets and realized she was dressed in an undergarment, her body feeling fresh, as though it had been washed last night. She had no awareness of the latter half of the night, but she didn’t need to ask who had taken care of her.

Wang Yanqing felt extremely awkward. She only dared to call for her maid after putting on her outer garments. Thankfully, the maids seemed completely at ease, as if they had no idea what had happened the previous night, and Wang Yanqing let out a silent sigh of relief.

She tried her best to act normal, but her middle ached and she had no strength to walk properly, every step brought a twinge of pain. She had no choice but to lean against a pillow and rest quietly, conserving her energy.

Today was supposed to be a significant day, the wedding of Fu Tingzhou and Hong Wanjing, a day full of subtle tension. However, due to her own private discomfort, Wang Yanqing had neither the strength nor focus to pay attention to the occasion. It wasn’t until the music and drums from the celebration reached her ears that she absentmindedly asked: “Whose wedding is it? Why is the celebration so grand?”

The maids curtsied and lowered their heads, replying: “The Marquis of Zhenyuan and the Marquis of Yongping’s third Miss.”

Wang Yanqing’s hand paused slightly before she continued flipping through her book calmly. Fei Cui had been freed from her servant status, but she still attended to Wang Yanqing these days. She carefully glanced at her, then hesitantly spoke: “Miss…”

“Second Brother is marrying today and completing his wedding rites. It’s a good thing.” Wang Yanqing turned to the next page of her book and said softly, “It’s a pity I’m not in a condition to attend in person to offer my congratulations. Could you ask the housekeeper if the wedding gift has been prepared? If the gift from the Lu Mansion hasn’t been sent yet, please add mine as well.”

The maids took their leave. Although Lu Heng did not attend the wedding banquet at the Zhenyuan Marquis Mansion, he would certainly send a gift. That gift would come from the Lu Mansion, so the maids needed to speak with the housekeeper at the Lu Mansion if they wanted to add Wang Yanqing’s name.

Fei Cui watched Wang Yanqing’s unruffled demeanor and understood that she had truly let go. A sense of quiet sorrow filled her heart. Once a perfect match, now each of them was on their separate paths, marrying others. They had become strangers. The young miss had already moved on, and Fei Cui hoped that the marquis would be able to do the same soon.

Wang Yanqing continued to read in peaceful silence. Fei Cui saw that she didn’t want to be disturbed, so after refilling her tea, she quietly exited. Wang Yanqing leaned back on the soft couch, the sunlight splayed warmly over her, making her feel drowsy.

She grew tired of reading and glanced outside. Beyond the half-opened window, a cluster of apricot blossoms was in full bloom, a soft pink and white cloud in the sunlight. The bell at the eaves jingled with the breeze, its tinkling sound clear and light. Wang Yanqing stared absently at the shadows of the flowers, thinking to herself, that it was spring again.

They watched so many flowers bloom and wither together, yet now they had become strangers. When she first learned that he was marrying someone else, the pain had been suffocating. But today, hearing the drums and joyous sounds of his wedding procession, she found herself calm, without any ripple of emotions.

They had all grown up. The promises made in their youth ultimately turned into nothing more than a joke. Wang Yanqing no longer felt any stirrings of affection for him, but she couldn’t bring herself to offer him a wholehearted blessing as he sought another love. She simply wished that he would get what he desired, and that he would be satisfied and content.

Now that the emperor was ill and the morning court had been canceled, coupled with the fact that today was the wedding of the Zhenyuan Marquis and the niece of the Wuding Marquis, many people attended the feast, leaving the government offices empty early. The marriage between the Zhenyuan and Wuding Marquises was a grand event, with a vast crowd of supporters, but Lu Heng was not among them.

Lu Heng’s power already surpassed that of Guo Xun’s, and in the capital, gatherings like these were no longer a necessity for him. He could attend if he wanted, but if he didn’t, no one could say anything.

In fact, both sides could breathe a sigh of relief with Lu Heng’s absence. Despite his young age, his official rank already stood alongside his peers’ fathers, and sometimes even grandfathers. It was a bit awkward for him to make toasts at such events. Moreover, Lu Heng was part of the Imperial Guards, the elite force responsible for gathering intelligence. If he attended, no one in the room would dare to drink.

Not to mention, Lu Heng’s own wedding had indirectly been ruined by Fu Tingzhou, so expecting him to give Fu Tingzhou face was out of the question. Given the choice, he would much rather spend his time making up for their wedding night with Qing Qing.

With all the other government offices empty, Lu Heng returned home early. He had finally fulfilled his long-cherished wish the night before, and all day long, he had been in high spirits with a smile lighting his face. He knew by midday that Wang Yanqing sent a gift for Fu Tingzhou’s wedding, and the thought made him secretly pleased. He could barely wait to find his beloved Qing Qing.

When the maids relayed the message that “the Supreme Commander has returned,” Wang Yanqing was surprised. Just as she took a few steps, the curtain was lifted, and Lu Heng entered. Wang Yanqing asked: “Why are you back so early today?”

Lu Heng casually unbuttoned his cufflink and said: “There were no pressing matters at South Fusi, so I came back to see you.”

Wang Yanqing didn’t respond immediately. Given her knowledge of the Imperial Guards, she knew South Fusi was never really idle. She watched as Lu Heng untied his embroidered spring knife, and suddenly asked: “You’re constantly running between South Fusi, the Lu Mansion, and here, isn’t it tiring for you?”

Lu Heng’s hand paused for a moment, and he didn’t rush to set the knife down. He looked at her and replied: “It’s no trouble at all. Whatever you wish is wonderful.”

The Lu Mansion was the residence Lu Heng’s family purchased when they moved to the capital. Since they were all part of the Imperial Guards, they chose a location close to South Fusi when buying the property. On the other hand, Wang Yanqing’s current residence was a newly purchased house, far removed from the bustling city and the imperial palace, quite inconvenient for a government official.

Wang Yanqing always felt that sooner or later, she would have to move back to the Lu Mansion. Rather than wait, she decided to bring it up herself: “Your daily attendance at court is more important. Let’s move back to the Lu Mansion soon.”

“No need to wait.” Lu Heng immediately responded, “We can do it today.”

Wang Yanqing was momentarily stunned: “Today?”

She thought this would be a lengthy process. Who moved houses without preparing for at least ten days or half a month? But Lu Heng was someone who did what he said. Without hesitation, he took Wang Yanqing’s hand and said: “No need to pack up your things. Anything missing, we can buy a new set of. Just leave what’s here for now, we might need to come back and stay sometime. Let’s go while there is still light outside.”

Lu Heng looked as if he couldn’t wait to pack Wang Yanqing up and take her away immediately, as though afraid she might change her mind. Wang Yanqing felt helpless and said: “At least let me gather a few sets of clothes.”

Wang Yanqing had always considered this place a temporary residence, so she didn’t have much to pack.  The belongings were easy to manage, but the issue was with the staff. The Lu Mansion was fully staffed, and bringing too many people back would only be a burden.

Seizing the opportunity, Lu Heng suggested: “Didn’t you say you wanted to send Fei Cui back to her hometown? Since the river is thawing now, I can find a few people familiar with the southern region and send her back to find her family.”

Lu Heng did not hide his intentions, presenting his calculations plainly before Wang Yanqing. He was straightforward and this openness made it easier for her to accept. Since Fei Cui had to leave sooner or later, and Lu Heng had taken the initiative, Wang Yanqing was confident he would ensure nothing went wrong for Fei Cui.

Besides, with the Imperial Guards, known for their ruthlessness, keeping an eye on things, Wang Yanqing didn’t need to worry about Fei Cui being deceived by her family. Wang Yanqing nodded and said: “Alright.”

Her compliance, so unquestioning and without hesitation, seemed unreal to Lu Heng. Lu Heng left to arrange the carriage for their departure, and Wang Yanqing used the time to call Fei Cui over and explain the situation regarding her return home.

Fei Cui had long prepared for this. She watched Wang Yanqing then and now, and though she could not bring herself to say it aloud, in her heart, she knew she could no longer claim the marquis was better than Lu Heng. Wang Yanqing reconciling with Lu Heng was undoubtedly a good thing, and as a maid from the Zhenyuan Marquis Mansion, Fei Cui understood she should step aside and not be a burden to her mistress any longer.

Their ten-year bond as mistress and servant had reached its natural conclusion, and this parting, though bittersweet, was a proper and graceful ending.

Lu Heng patiently waited for Wang Yanqing to finish her conversation with Fei Cui before he escorted her to the carriage. As the carriage rolled through the streets and alleyways, Wang Yanqing could tell without even lifting the curtain that they had arrived at the Lu Mansion.

It felt as if she had been away for a long time, but when she reflected, it had only been a month. She stepped out of the carriage, and the familiar sights greeted her as if she had never left.

Lu Heng, too, seemed moved by the moment, and he took her by the hand, guiding her toward the main courtyard. Outside the main courtyard, red silk banners still hung, and the air was filled with the vibrancy of blooming flowers, creating a festive atmosphere. Even the dragon and phoenix wedding candles were still in place inside.

The warmth inside the house felt like spring, and the paper cuttings and red silk were completely dust-free, as though time had frozen. Everything appeared to be exactly as it had been on their wedding day.

Wang Yanqing stood amid it all, a faint sigh escaping her lips: “Why is it still like this?”

“How could I remove it without waiting for you?” Lu Heng gently placed his hand on her shoulder, guiding her to look in the other direction, “I’ve already arranged your wedding gown, just waiting for your return.”

Wang Yanqing’s gaze shifted ahead, where a magnificent bridal gown hung behind a screen. The phoenix coronet and bridal robe shimmered like a cloud of rosy mist, looking brand new. Her eyes grew a little teary, and she turned away, saying softly: “There’s no need. The ceremony is already complete, keeping these things serve no purpose.”

“How could it serve no purpose?” Lu Heng replied, his tone firm yet tender, “We haven’t shared the meal, or the marriage wine. A wedding is too important to be done carelessly.”

Wang Yanqing’s throat tightened, and she couldn’t speak. From behind, Lu Heng gently wrapped his arms around her, resting his cheek against her hair: “Would you be willing to complete the remaining rites?”

Looking at all of this, how could she not be moved? She nodded, swallowing back tears: “Alright.”

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