Chapter 165:
“Wanwan, don’t always try to hide from me,” he sighed softly. “I’m really not scary.”
“…” Xie Wanning was speechless.
“Why that expression?” Pei Yuqing smiled. “When have I ever been fierce with you?”
Xie Wanning thought for a moment and said, “Anyway, you’re not truly harmless!”
Pei Yuqing’s smile deepened. He reached out to pull her into his arms and said gently, “You only need to know that I truly love you.”
The warm and shy youth from their first meeting, who would blush to the tips of his ears just saying a sweet nothing, could now express his affection straightforwardly.
He did not deny her words.
Harmless?
How could someone who stood firm in the imperial court and was deeply trusted by His Majesty be harmless.
If he truly had no methods at all, that would make him truly vulnerable to anyone.
Xie Wanning pursed her lips as she looked at him, her feelings complex.
…………
Even when quarreling before, they were still under the same roof, seeing each other often. This time Pei Yuqing was leaving the capital, the first separation for the couple since their marriage.
Xie Wanning was very reluctant to part. This reluctance showed in every way.
She was reluctant to refuse his closeness, visibly soft-hearted toward him.
How could a perceptive man like Pei Yuqing not sense her change in attitude? He certainly wouldn’t stop when he saw it was going well. Instead, he understood “pushing one’s luck” very thoroughly.
Over the next two days, he didn’t even step out of the courtyard gate. Not only that, he didn’t allow Xie Wanning to leave the courtyard gate either. The two stuck together like glue.
Time passed in a flash. Parting inevitably came. Perhaps afraid he wouldn’t be able to bear leaving, Pei Yuqing rose early. He kissed the exhausted young lady in his arms and left without waking her, departing quietly.
When Xie Wanning woke, the bed beside her was already cold. She lay stiffly on the bed, feeling disappointed and empty inside.
Over half a year since marrying in, she was no longer a new bride. But Princess Duanyang truly doted on her only daughter-in-law, feeling sorry for her. Worried she would be lonely without her husband, she often called Xie Wanning to the main courtyard for chats when there was nothing else.
Pei Yuxuan also came to Xuan Hua Courtyard every few days to find her and play.
Among their conversations, the one they talked about most was naturally Pei Yuqing.
They worried he might encounter danger while away.
Fortunately, Pei Yuqing was indeed thoughtful and considerate. Three days after leaving the capital, while still on the road, he had already sent back a letter.
The letter was personally delivered by Pei Er. It was only then that Xie Wanning learned he had truly left his capable confidant in the capital.
She was both angry and moved. She opened the letter and read it carefully.
The letter was not long, with neat handwriting suitable as a calligraphy copybook. It described the sights along the road after leaving the capital, with deep affection revealed between the lines.
Seeing the words “madly missing you” at the end, Xie Wanning’s nose stung, and she nearly burst into tears.
She walked to the desk, wanting to write a reply. Her wrist hovered in the air, but she couldn’t bring herself to write for a long time. Ink dripped onto the white xuan paper, forming a blot. Xie Wanning sighed, put down the brush, turned, and took out the belt she had just embroidered, handing it to Pei Er.
“Tell him not to worry about home. He should prioritize his own safety. I’ll be waiting for him to return safely.”
The imperial court was full of intrigue, with the struggle for crown prince amid unrest everywhere. Even the capital wasn’t absolutely safe, let alone outside.
Moreover, the Second Prince had previously suspected the Qing Tian Guard was in Pei Yuqing’s hands, serving as the Son of Heaven’s eyes and ears.
Who knew how many people aware of his identity wanted him dead, and yet at this time he was assigned to leave the capital.
