Chapter 76

 Wei Meng wanted to say something else, but was interrupted by Pei Yuan: "If you have time, do something useful. Matters between husband and wife are not something you need to worry about."

"How is this not important?" Wei Meng said anxiously, "Young General, you really need to consider this path..."

Pei Yuan asked, "I remember you have a subordinate named Chen Jia?"

Wei Meng was taken aback, clearly distracted by the topic: "Ah, yes, there is. He was just promoted. The kid looks like a black coal ball, dull and not very talkative, but he's quite smart and has some talent in leading troops and fighting. I was planning to observe him a bit longer before promoting him further."

"Let me use him for a few days," Pei Yuan put down his pen, "I'm leaving the day after tomorrow, and there's no one watching over Bao Ning. I’m worried. With so many enemies and so many eyes on me, I want to catch such an opportunity. Transfer Chen Jia to be her bodyguard."

Wei Meng hesitated: "Isn't there someone else? Chen Jia is a good kid, and he might rise in the future. Using him as a guard for the household might be a waste of his talents. I have many capable soldiers, good-looking, with nice manners. How about someone else..."

Pei Yuan’s expression turned cold: "I chose him, and that's his fortune!"

Wei Meng awkwardly fell silent.

Pei Yuan said, "Get him here as soon as possible."

Wei Meng reluctantly accepted the order and walked out.

Pei Yuan watched his retreating figure, snorted, and tapped the papers in his hand.

That old fellow who’s never been married doesn’t understand a thing. Why choose Chen Jia? Does he really think he’s smart? Wrong. The reason is that he’s ugly and doesn’t talk much. It’s impossible to find a man who’s with Bao Ning all day and is likable. He must be someone Bao Ning would find annoying to even look at.

The uglier, the better.

That night when Pei Yuan returned, Bao Ning was in the yard fiddling with her new toy, something like a sling.

It had a wooden square base with a large spoon on top. When the spoon was pressed down, it immediately sprang back, flinging whatever was in it.

Liu Momo and the two dogs were playing with her. The spoon was filled with pieces of cooked beef, which were flung out for Ah Huang and Ji Xiang to chase and eat.

Bao Ning was directing, "A bit to the east, a bit to the east, don’t give Ji Xiang any more. It’s had nine out of ten pieces, too greedy!"

"Ah Huang, run! You're a six-month-old big dog, and you can’t even beat a two-month-old puppy. Don’t be so weak!"

"Yes, Ah Huang, finish it!"

"Hey, Ji Xiang, stop biting the dog! Hey, that’s unreasonable, let go of Ah Huang's tail, stop biting!"

Pei Yuan heard Bao Ning’s anxious calls from afar, and Liu Momo was also shouting, "Ji Xiang, let go, don’t bite the tail!"

He entered the yard and saw the two dogs wrestling near the rose bushes.

Ah Huang and Ji Xiang were spinning around like small spinning tops, with Ah Huang howling and swallowing the meat in its mouth. Ji Xiang was growling, biting Ah Huang’s tail, and pushing its backside with its dark nose. After some tussling, the two dogs lost their balance, tripped over each other’s legs, and fell into the flower bed.

Bao Ning shouted angrily, "Hey, my flowers, my flowers!!"

Pei Yuan, expressionless, went to break up the fight.

"I told you, you shouldn’t keep two dogs. Get rid of one quickly." Pei Yuan walked over to the window, grabbed one dog by the back of the neck, and threw it aside, turning to scold Bao Ning, "What were you thinking! Making two dogs fight over a piece of meat, are you trying to watch them fight?"

With flowers trampled, Bao Ning was heartbroken, pulling at her sleeve. She didn’t have time to tend to the flowers and hurried to check Ah Huang’s injuries.

Fortunately, there was no blood, just a patch of missing fur. Looking back at Ji Xiang, its fur was in its mouth.

However, Ji Xiang wasn’t in much better shape. It had just been shaved earlier in the morning, and now it was left with bare skin. Ah Huang’s claws had scratched it badly.

Liu Momo quickly called two servants to take the dogs to a side room to recover.

A Mian lay nearby, chewing on grass, looking like it was enjoying the show.

Pei Yuan turned back and took Bao Ning’s hand, pulling her into the room. Her hand was greasy from handling the meat, and Pei Yuan dragged her to the sink and scrubbed her hands.

"How old are you to be doing such childish things? Aren’t you embarrassed?"

Bao Ning leaned back against Pei Yuan, her hand being held and washed. She felt a mix of shame and warmth, and whispered, "Be gentle, it hurts."

Pei Yuan snorted, pinched the tip of her finger: "It’s good that it hurts, so you’ll remember and not do such stupid things again."

"I won’t do it again." Bao Ning softly admitted her mistake. Pei Yuan handed her a towel to dry her hands. Bao Ning thought for a moment and added, "But I’m not stupid. I made the sling myself, based on the sketch in the military manual. It took me a long time to make. When the Ruyi Building opens, I’ll sell them for one or two silver coins each."

Pei Yuan asked, "Have you had dinner?"

"I’ve eaten. I didn’t expect you to come back so early, so I didn’t wait," Bao Ning shook her half-dry hands and went to wrap her arm around Pei Yuan’s. She rubbed her cheek against his upper arm, "I saved some delicious food for you, beef stew with radishes. It’s still in the pot. Do you want to eat now?"

Pei Yuan smiled and rubbed Bao Ning’s head. When their relationship was not so close, Bao Ning was like a timid little rabbit. Now that they were closer, she had become very clingy and affectionate.

His desire was rekindled.

Pei Yuan closed the door and windows, then walked over to Bao Ning, picking her up: "Hold on tight."

Bao Ning gasped and instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, anxiously asking, "What are you doing?"

"What am I doing? You, of course."

Pei Yuan grinned and reached up, grabbing a handful.

He maliciously kneaded it a few times and whispered, "You usually keep your feelings hidden, thinking there's not much to you. But now I know, it’s quite ample."

Bao Ning tensed all over. Memories of the previous night surfaced, and she felt a mix of embarrassment and fear. She tried to get down, but Pei Yuan held her waist and blew into her ear, "Where are you running off to?"

Bao Ning whispered, "Don’t touch me..."

"I’m here to take care of you. Just lie down, isn’t it comfortable?" Pei Yuan carried her to the edge of the bed and coaxed, "Good Ning Ning, I’ve been holding back for so many years, finally getting a taste of it. I need to have a bit of you, otherwise, are you trying to drive me mad?"

Bao Ning fell into the soft bedding, and Pei Yuan leaned over, his nose touching hers, with a teasing smile: "Or maybe, you should take care of me?"

He grabbed her hand, starting to explore below: "With your little hand, or with your little mouth?"

This man talks so crudely! Bao Ning was breathless, feeling pained, and didn’t want to be nibbled on anymore.

Knowing he’s sensitive to gentle persuasion, Bao Ning lowered her voice, "A Yuan, I’m uncomfortable, my period is about to start. Don’t do this..."

Pei Yuan stopped immediately, frowning: "Has it started?"

Bao Ning shook her head: "Not yet, but it will be in a couple of days."

"Okay, rest well. Listen to Liu Momo, don’t do what she says you shouldn’t." Pei Yuan closed his eyes, giving her a fierce kiss on the lips. He then controlled himself, lifting his face and asking, "Didn’t she say not to touch cold water?"

Bao Ning had just started her period two months ago, which was new for both her and Pei Yuan. They were still figuring things out.

Bao Ning nodded.

Pei Yuan straightened up and sat beside her, placing his hand on her stomach, and asked softly, "Does it hurt?"

Bao Ning carefully checked, and thought, oh no. Maybe lying was catching up with her. She had no sensation a moment ago, but now, the pain was real, like being pricked with needles. Her face turned pale.

"It seems it has really started."

Pei Yuan cursed under his breath, took off her shoes, and tucked them under the blanket: "Lie down, I’ll get you some hot water."

He was still aroused, sweating, with a bulge at his waist. He rushed out in a hurry.

Bao Ning buried half her face in the pillow, feeling a bit apologetic as she watched his retreating figure but also feeling a bit sweet. She had always wanted this kind of life, with a caring husband.

He didn't know why Bao Ning suddenly felt such pain. He asked Liu Mama for the recipe for red date and ginger syrup, made a big pot, and when he returned, she was moaning and couldn’t even speak. He forced her to drink the syrup and placed a hot water bottle by her belly.

Pei Yuan couldn’t sleep well all night. The first half of the night, he listened to her moans and changed the hot water bottle. In the latter half of the night, she complained about her butt sticking and being uncomfortable, needing to change her underwear. At this point, Bao Ning didn’t feel embarrassed; cleanliness was more important than anything else. Pei Yuan, wearing only his underpants, sleepily got out of bed to find her new underwear and had to wait behind the screen until she finished changing before he was allowed to come back.

After a night of turmoil, Bao Ning woke up the next morning full of energy, while Pei Yuan looked exhausted.

Liu Mama wondered how things had reversed so completely from the previous morning. This morning it was the Fourth Prince who was bedridden, while yesterday it was the Young Mistress.

In the evening of that day, Pei Yuan set off for the capital. Before leaving, he checked on Bao Ning’s condition in the courtyard and, seeing that she was fine, felt reassured.

He brought along the guard named Chen Jia, gave a brief introduction, and instructed, “Make sure not to wander off on your own. Even if Liu Mama is with you, you must always take Chen Jia along.”

Bao Ning examined the skinny little guard in front of her and smiled gently.

Chen Jia saluted her with a military salute, his face reddening as he squeezed out three words with difficulty: “M-Mistress, good.”

Bao Ning looked at him in surprise. Was he a bit of a stutterer?

Pei Yuan was satisfied with Chen Jia’s appearance and awkwardness. He took Bao Ning inside and gave her numerous instructions. Bao Ning found his nagging annoying and, unable to tolerate it any longer, pushed him out, saying, “It’s getting late. General Wei is waiting for you at the door. Don’t dawdle.”

Pei Yuan looked somewhat sad. “I’ll be away from you for almost an entire day. Don’t you miss me?”

Bao Ning would rather he left quickly. It was fine before, but since last night, he had been overly clingy and annoying.

Bao Ning said, “I will miss you, but you should leave quickly!”

Pei Yuan, sword in hand, left the room, glancing back three times. Bao Ning waved cheerfully, while Pei Yuan’s face darkened. He silently cursed her for being ungrateful and a heartless person.

As he passed Chen Jia, Pei Yuan sternly said, “Speak less and do more. Understand?”

Chen Jia nodded. Pei Yuan strode out, and when he reached the courtyard gate, he couldn’t help but look back again. Bao Ning was already out of sight. He was really looking forward to leaving.

Pei Yuan whistled for Sai Feng, mounted his horse, and rode off toward the village with a cold face.

Bao Ning had a very comfortable night.

The whole bed was hers, and she could roll around without anyone sleeping awkwardly and pressing down on her. The next morning, she made a bowl of wontons, ate her fill, washed up, dressed, and went out with Liu Mama and Chen Jia to visit the shops.

The craftsmen hired for Ruyi Building were numerous, and it was expected to be completed in half a month. They were still in the process of tearing down walls.

Bao Ning stood by watching the workers demolish the walls with hammers. It seemed like a boring task, but watching it was quite interesting. Liu Mama chatted with her about which worker had the most strength and which one was skilled enough to make a hole in the wall with three hammer strikes, while others needed seven or eight.

Chen Jia stood behind like a wooden post, his eyes scanning around in vigilance.

When the dirty little boy appeared at the street corner, Chen Jia noticed him immediately.

He was dressed in quite luxurious clothing but looked about three or four years old. From the fabric, he seemed like a young master from a wealthy family, holding a delicate rattle drum.

But his face was dirty, and his clothes were ragged, looking rather unintelligent.

Someone was teasing him, and the child didn’t know how to avoid it, standing there foolishly. When someone tugged at his sleeve, seemingly trying to take him away, the child panicked, bared his teeth, and bit the person hard, then ran madly in Bao Ning’s direction. He was running blindly, and when he saw Chen Jia blocking his way, he ducked to try to squeeze through his legs.

Chen Jia grabbed him by the collar.

Bao Ning heard the noise and hurriedly turned around to see the snotty, tearful child and was stunned. “Whose child is this?”

Pei Yuan and Wei Meng had ordered two pots of tea and were listening with their eyes closed to the conversation in the next room.

The walls were thick, so it wasn’t easy to hear clearly. Fortunately, they had arrived early and used a small trick to drill a hole in the wall, allowing faint sounds to come through.

The heir of the Chongyuan Marquis, Jia Ling, was a well-read scholar, and so was Pei Xiao. The two exchanged pleasantries for a while. Wei Meng was feeling drowsy, finding it quite tedious. After about fifteen minutes, they finally got to the main topic. As they had suspected, Pei Xiao wanted to find out the location of the second carriage used by the Emperor during his travels.

Jia Ling had a clear weakness; he had no children. Although he was the eldest son, his position was not secure. Pei Xiao promised that after the matter was resolved, he would remove Jia Ling’s younger brother, Jia Xian, and secure his position as heir. In addition, he would reward him with a thousand taels of gold and four Persian beauties.

Jia Ling hesitated only for a moment before agreeing, with the only condition being an additional sum of money.

Pei Xiao naturally agreed.

The two men were very pleased with their agreement and raised their glasses in celebration.

Wei Meng looked astonished and whispered to Pei Yuan, “Is that it? I thought they would negotiate for a day and a half. Such a big matter, and they made a decision just like that?”

Pei Yuan said, “What reason does Jia Ling have to refuse? If he doesn’t seize this opportunity, his brother will push him aside sooner or later. From the moment he received the appointment as the deputy commander of the escort, Jia Ling knew what Pei Xiao would say. They’re both smart people; he had already made up his mind.”

Wei Meng asked, “Shall we keep listening?”

“Since we’re here, let’s listen,” Pei Yuan said, tapping his fingers on the table. “Do you understand what this teaches us?”

Wei Meng asked, “What?”

“Don’t be too guilty when you’re doing something dishonest,” Pei Yuan said. “Pei Xiao was overly cautious. He didn’t dare invite Jia Ling to his residence, fearing someone might see. To avoid suspicion, he chose this teahouse. Who would have thought that his cleverness backfired, and we had the upper hand? Not everyone can think of drilling a hole to eavesdrop.”

Wei Meng laughed. Taking a sip of tea, he listened to the two men in the next room discuss various trivial matters. Allies also need to build rapport. Jia Ling started flattering Pei Xiao, saying, “Your Highness, you are indeed blessed with beauty. Your Empress is beautiful, and recently you have taken a consort. Your residence is full of beautiful ladies and countless concubines, truly enviable.”

Pei Xiao replied with a faint smile, “The heir is not lacking either. The heir’s wife is elegant and gentle, unparalleled in the world, truly a good wife.”

Jia Ling shook his head and sighed, “It’s a pity that I’ve never had the fortune to have a child, which causes unrest in the inner quarters.”

Pei Xiao said, “I also have this difficulty, just waiting for the right opportunity.”

Jia Ling was puzzled, “Your Highness has a young son, four years old this year. It’s different from my situation.”

Pei Xiao lowered his eyes and smiled without speaking.

Seeing his expression, Jia Ling suddenly remembered that Pei Xiao’s child was born to a concubine and had a difficult birth, which seemed to affect his health.

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