CHAPTER 29 WHEN FAIRY MEETS DEITY
“Guo er, you dilly dallied on your Matrimony for ages! Must you do the same on Yan er now?!”
“I am marrying my lady next Spring, Mother. Why are you keep complaining?”
“Some of the royal guests already arrived. Few noble visitors are to be expected here in a day or two. Guo er, it is only proper that Yan er to be mentioned to them, or at least have the palace to notify your engagement with her to them. While we do not owe our neighbors or these visitors any explanation, this only polite informing your unavailability to the foreigners and aristocrats who came and hoping for an alliance”
“No, Mother”
His tone is final and Lady Hua glared at her son who chose not to see. She then scowled at the poor husband who took hint and said placidly, “Guo er, please don't upset your Mother like that. By the way, what is the problem with the idea?”
“Father, please allow me to do things in my own way” Yang Guo said firmly.
“And at your own sweet and lordly time, right?!” Lady Hua snapped at him angrily. She then stood up abruptly and without waiting for Father and Son to observe chivalry or marking ceremony, swept out of the room.
“Guo er, you really done it this time round. If you are not sorry for others, do so on your parents, or at least pity me. And I have to say you are indeed limiting Yan er to the extent of imprisoning her”
“Father, do you feel sorry for the other man Mother promised to in the first place? Have you ever pitied Mother leaving her beloved home and family behind to marry you? Yourself monitored her movements and tampered the correspondences without Mother's knowledge for ages, didn't you?”
“What does that supposed to mean?! And what my spying on your Mother have to do with this?! We are talking about you, and not me! Really Guo er, you are bit too much sometimes! Also get this straight once and for all, your Mother never engaged or ever betrothed to the other man!” His father got furious and Yang Guo noticed the temper exactly like that of his cousin Yang Kang.
“If I am too much, that because all of you being a pain on my neck and back the moment I was seventeen. Since I am the Lord of The Kingdom now, I shall make my own terms, laying my own conditions and deciding my own wills”
“You have changed, my son” his father said unexpectedly, his temper gone the way it came about. “You were never so steely or ever this dominating. Deceptive and impish too when comes to it”
“Ruling The Kingdom is not an easy job, while reigning effectively no simply task. The hardest are leading normalcy while protecting peoples and gratifying our kins. The most difficult are maintaining harmony, securing bloodlines and fulfilling own needs. Father, you never allowed Mother to slip through your determined fingers the moment she was discovered to be a girl. I am sure you do know what and understand why, don't you?”
Yang Xiao didn't bother to reply and Yang Guo stood up saying “Please pardon and excuse me, Father. Do convey my regards to Mother, and regrets for having to upset her”
Yang Guo moodily on the way to his Study, when a member of household informed “My lord, Master Duan Yu came to visit”
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“Teacher, you are leaving now? You are not staying until my wedding?”
“Of course I am leaving. Palace and Pugilist do not mix. Since you are going away soon, why on earth would I want to stay here for?”
“But teacher!”
“Now now, I make up my mind and already decided. As for your wedding, nothing will stop me from attending it, my lad”
“At least spend more time with us while I am still around”
“Your parents and I do not understand each other despite talking for hours. The lass and me cannot sit down even for short while without arguing. I better be off before getting bored with one another and at war with your precious”
Yang Kang sighed then, and about to speak again when Hong Qigong said seriously “You be careful when going to South, you hear me. I know you are a good Steward like your father, and hopefully a gentle husband to MinMin too. She is still young, if you know what I mean”
“Teacher...” the Steward began but the old man continued on as though no interruption “On my way here, I learned from sources that his Lordship is keeping a lady via negotiating means. Is it true?” The conversation came suddenly. His teacher had a knack to catch him unprepared, and likes to bring on sensitive topic when least expected.
So, what he supposed to answer?
“While I saw his Lordship, I didn't get to see the lady or witnessing him consorting any woman. I know he a respectable man and never into scandal before. But then again, men will men behind closed doors and beyond hidden walls. His Lordship shouldn't be involving in this kind of leisure or indulging in that sort of pleasure, discreet or otherwise. I understand this not my place to check on him, or to question the privileges. I just want to know whether there such truth in it"
Blood is always thicker than Water.
“Teacher, the lady was gravely injured when he came across her and has been ill for some time. He brought her back and the palace saw she on the verge of death. While recuperating here, she tried to leave but I believed the negotiation got misinterpreted, as usual. Teacher, years ago she actually rebelled my Uncle's decree and was reported fleeing and then missing from The Kingdom. We found out she the maiden who avoided the Selection and escaped the Presentation. By right, such crime should be legally subjected according to The Kingdom's Law but uncle willing to overlook the case seeing her ailing condition while his Lordship chose to forgive her folly. I supposed this where the sources went overboard, like what happened in my own case”
“She ignored The Kingdom's decree and ran away into hiding?”
“Aye”
“Then what now? Concubinage?”
“His Lordship is marrying Her Ladyship next Spring”
Neither Subjects nor Peoples have any say on whom The Lord Yang chose to wed. To against his Lordship's decision means challenging the Rights of Ruler and to object his intention means revolting the Laws of Kingdom. What Hong Qigong has against Yang Guo, who happened to reign successfully to date? And why would the old man wants to object his Lordship's Matrimony, given the fact all wishing, waiting and wanting him to settle down for only Kingdom's know how long? Also, Yang Guo is no ordinary Lord or a mere figure but an illustrated student of Quenzhen and distinguished disciple of the revered Wang Chaoyang.
“So his Lordship is finally getting to do it next, eh” came the eventual reply. “The lady agreed?”
“The lady consented to stay and his Lordship prefers formality over cohabitation. But teacher, please keep it to yourself for the time being”
“Hmmm.... I see his Lordship have no wish to steal the glorious moment from you by announcing his future Matrimony before your Autumn Wedding” Hong Qigong seemed to applaud the propriety and consideration, and is pacified by such generosity and thoughtfulness. “Say, is the lady beautiful?”
“Divine”
“Now now, your lass is pretty too”
“Cute”
“Ha ha ha!!!” His teacher being humored and satisfied. “Well lad, I am off now. See you in Autumn, ha ha ha!!!”
Hong Qigong left, still laughing and Yang Kang let out his breath, unaware he been holding it. He wasn't trying to deceive his teacher or wishing to hoodwink the latter, but certain family secret must remained private and maintained confidential at all costs. The Steward is still caught between guilt and conscience when a servant appeared bringing the news, “Master Duan Yu is here”
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Guo Jing settling down in his new Study ready to go through stacks of documents when an attendant came in, “My lord, Master Duan has just arrived”
“Alone?”
“No, he is with Miss... ah, I think uh... Madame Duan...”
“Where are they now?”
“At the west main hall, The Lord and his Steward should be on their way to see them”
Guo Jing dismissed the attendant and once alone, sighed. Really, time and distance have took care of the feelings but still, there are things don't simply end just like that. On his way out, he came across Huang Rong who on her way in with the new fellow maids. The attendants and servants saw their Premier staring at the girl, who seemed unaware she caught his attention.
Huang Rong knew he is looking, but she ignored him like the way she did other males. And what the heck that man trying to do anyway, drawing all interests and having every eyes onto themselves? Earlier, she was startled when Cheng Ying informing the change of duty. Huang Rong almost went hysteria when realizing herself is to serve the person whom she chose to avoid and keeping their distance. The same person who has been promoted and is now carrying the title Lord Guo.
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“I am very happy here!”
“Rong, you should count yourself lucky for the opportunity to serve Premier Guo at his Prime Residence”
Lucky my foot! My most unfortunate when this man is concerned!!
“Ying, please help me!”
“Now, now since day one, you do know we are subjected to transfer here and there, relocating now and then, don't you?”
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“Miss Huang, you together with Miss Zhong shall be the Premier's chamber maids” Like herself, Zhong Ling is transferred from South Household to Prime Residence. Meantime, Guo Jing passed by saying nothing. Drat the man! Since he didn't protest, then she have to do it herself! Meanwhile, all present fully designated and duly briefed. Seeing the man out of sight and definitely out of hearing, and upon the query “Any question?”
“I have!”
“Yes, Miss Huang”
“Can I have a change of position...?” causing her fellow maids to gape at her in surprise while she continued without preamble, “....in the kitchen, perhaps.... or at the receiving hall...... I do not mind chores like the outdoor gardening or feeding the hounds....” she trailed off seeing the chain of reactions ranging from smiling to frowning, and from amusement to suspicion.
“Provided one is willing to change with you” came the unemotional reply.
Huang Rong surveying around, hoping for positive feedback but none seemed to express gratefully. Instead, all eyed her either dubiously or knowingly to which she wanted to cry frustratingly.
“Miss Huang...” and she turned to face Zhong Ling who said, “Please keep me company....”
“Err.....”
“Miss Huang”
“Huh?”
“You to remain as chamber maid with Miss Zhong. Else, answer directly to the Premier's Cousin Sister”
At once, Huang Rong knew it was Guo Fu's doing. It really takes one to know its kind, or sort. Herself aware the lady's maliciousness have no purpose and knew the latter's spite for no reason. Oh damn, damn, damn!!!
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“What happened, brother?”
“My son showing off his mean streaks. That whats happened”
“Really?”
“Aye”
“So?”
“What to do since he took after you and not me”
“Hey, I was never mean!”
“You tell me, who the black sheep in the Yangs' family?”
“If I am the black sheep, then yourself the big bad wolf!”
“Right. I produced a Wayward Swayer while you delivered the Cradle Snatcher. Indeed, what a retribution”
Sudden silence greeted Yang Xiao and he threw a pensive stare at the other man, whose facade is thoughtful. The latter quiet mood and mask, exactly like what Yang Guo possessed. Both uncle and nephew shared the familiar mildness, and carried the same calmness.
“Nothing is perfect in this Universe, brother. And there nobody faultless in the Kingdom. We did and performed our duties, without spilling unnecessary blood or taking innocent lives. We fulfilled and shouldered the responsibilities the best we can, both politically and domestically. True, we are no flawless beings but neither we the despotic rulers nor those tyrannical sovereigns”
Yang Xiao didn't say anything so his sibling continued, “We inherited The Kingdom from our fathers, our sons inheriting it from us. Where there legacy and dynasty, there sacrifice and intrigue. Along the way, we took bit things for granted. All of us are only humans, brother”
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“Yu!”
“Greetings, my lord” he knew Yang Guo is upset because marrying Ying Ying without permission but heck, his Lordship went missing to only Kingdom's know where!
“You!”
“Greetings too, my lord” he knew Yang Kang is annoyed that himself jumping the queue but hey, there are times a man simply cannot wait!
All watched as the Lord and Steward lunged at Duan Yu, who cried out at the two men against him one “Unfair....! Madame, help....!”
“My lords....” Ying Ying reaching to support her husband and the men stopped upon the lady's protest. However before the cousins could speak or do anything else, Guo Jing appeared and Ying Ying called out smilingly, “Guo Jing!”
Seeing her happy, Guo Jing is overjoyed too. Strange might be but true from heart “Ying Ying” he returned warmly but remembering themselves suddenly, cleared his throat and “I mean, Madame Duan”
“Oh, just continue to call Ying Ying will do” Duan Yu's voice broke in and to cover his embarrassment, Guo Jing gestured “Duan Yu, congratulation”
“Ah, thank you very much my friend. But seems like there are some here who sadly lacking”
The cousins lunged at him again, and much to Yang Guo's disbelief and Yang Kang's amazement Guo Jing sided with Duan Yu, who together with his wife, surprised to find that the latter actually shielding him from the attack.
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“You are married!” Guo Xiang squealed in delight. With her are Lu Wushuang of West Household and Wanyan Ping from East Household.
“Yes, I am” Ying Ying grinned.
“Congratulation!”
“Thank you”
“How is it?” Guo Xiang asked excitedly. After all, it is only natural for girls to behave as such when a fellow sister got hitched, or being experienced, or just eloped... etcetera.
“Come on, tell us!” Lu Wushuang all ears.
“How is what?”
“Aww, don't feign ignorance!” Wanyan Ping pouted.
“Married woman shouldn't be shy or into embarrassment!”
“What are all of you on about? The trip, the proposal or the wedding?”
“Sex!” came from Guo Xiang forever the direct one while the other two burst out giggling “Good, great, amazing, excellent....?”
However, before Ying Ying could protest or voicing whatever, Guo Fu came in without knocking and announced imperiously, “Miss Ren, you are transferred to the Prime Residence, serving the Premier Guo with immediate effect”
The chirpy mood gone, and the atmosphere turned wrathful as Guo Xiang said, “She is Madame Duan now. By the way, what is she supposed to do in Guo Jing's home?”
Guo Fu smiled, neither kind nor humorous but baleful and mean.“She shall be his Resident Mistress seeing to his needs and overall comforts, of course”
“Are you mad, Sister?!” It goes without saying that even the most easy going personality can become hostile, also volatile when provoked.
“No, I am perfectly sane. Hey, not easy accessing or entering such Residence, you know, unlike joining the Harem. In any event, married woman shouldn't be shy or into embarrassment, you see” Before matter becoming explosive, Guo Fu has sense to retreat without another word leaving Guo Xiang glaring at her elder sister's back while the other two remaining wisely quiet. When the three turned to face the silent looking Ying Ying, they saw and noticed the latter rather uncomfortable.
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Ying Ying told Duan Yu what happened, and he asked calmly “You have problem serving Guo Jing?”
“None whatsoever but just not meet, Sir! Oh, don't you understand?!”
“Cool down, Madame. Indeed, I do and shall talk to his Lordship”
“Oh, surely we shouldn't bother him!”
“You are under his Protection, remember? Also, it is time for that woman to learn what Respect is”
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“... I will refund the Treasury for what my wife incurred without notice”
“There is not need for Ying Ying to leave her employment yet. As a matter of fact, I have been thinking Ying Ying attending and accompanying my lady in Summer during my absence”
“Your lady? Her ladyship?”
“Aye. Ying Ying is somewhat trained, and domestically experienced, isn't she?”
In other word, Yang Guo wanted his wife to watch and guarding the Bride closely. Duan Yu heard rumors and gossips but so far his Lordship yet to behave negatively in the open or exercising indiscretion to the front. The Kingdom is at most peaceful ever and prospering rapidly than before, meaning Yang Guo governing well and administrating impeccably. However, himself did notice his best friend has changed a lot. Good or bad, Duan Yu try not to judge the man he grew up knowing and playing with. As for his Lordship's personal life, he has no say on whom the latter chose to bed. Yang Guo just have certain privileges that all other men lacked.
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They met as boys, one student of Quenzhen while the other disciple from Shaolin. Their teachers and mentors, Wong Chaoyang and Yideng are best friends. Whenever the two men gathered together, these children got to meet. The moments apart, the youngsters keep contact by writings. Reaching maturity and upon completion, Yang Guo left Quenzhen and returned to the Palace while Duan Yu quited Shaolin and went back home. In between, regular visits and mutual correspondences. Their friendship remained steady and lasting to this day. Despite close relationship and being best pal, Duan Yu never interested in the man's wealth or power while Yang Guo never into offering the latter any title or bequeathing special status.
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“Yu..!” Yang Guo shook his friend.
“Huh...?!”
“It is still early to dream, my friend” he teased and Duan Yu's mind still blurred due to reminiscing “Uh... ah...”
“Never mind. You heard what said?”
“Err, no”
“I said I am bringing you and Ying Ying to see my lady tonight”
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She is so beautiful !
The couple's first thought upon meeting Wang Yuyan. Duan Yu's mind venturing further and his eyes went wandering only to be brought back quickly to the Kingdom by “Ahem...!”
“Yeah?” he blinked at Ying Ying, then Yang Guo, doesn't really know who sounded it for sure.
“Are you alright?” came the cool question.
“Never better, my lord” he is fast to reply wisely.
“Do you remember me, and yourself?” next the wifely reprimand.
“Of course, madame. I never be able to forget you” he said rather smoothly and went on to greet Yuyan gallantly, “My lady” followed by a chivalrous bow.
Yuyan knew Duan Yu, for Yang Guo told her many things and spoke of the peoples, in his private life. She aware of Ren Ying Ying too, and how the latter came about. Despite the man's earlier blunder, Yuyan found him decent and likable. As for the woman, she found affinity with the latter, and at ease with her presence. While the ladies chatted for further acquaintance, the men talked on to catch up. Ying Ying sensing Yuyan is cool but kind and genuine while Duan Yu regarded the lady with combination of admiration and fascination.
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Summer arrived and the Takeover went grandly and spectacularly. The Palace's guests and visitors awed at the splendid Succession, and are impressed by The Kingdom's regal System. Later, the attending Visitors mingled with Nobles while invited Guests entertained by Subjects. The Distant Royalty and Neighboring Aristocrat that present on time, of course sat down with the First Family.
“The Steward is getting married. What about the Lord of The Kingdom?” one asked delicately, and the princesses all eyed Yang Guo who replied vacuously, “Soon... soon... just be patient”
“Any suitable Candidates from here?”
“Hmmm..... “ Yang Guo just flashed his dashing smile, vexing his family members and keeping others in suspense. His dilly dallying moment irking his parents, especially the mother who fired his son with stare that spoke volumes while his deliberateness and languidness had the father shooting glances at the uncle who at his best to maintain diplomatic atmosphere and celebrating mood. As for the Lady Mu, she tried not to be distracted and distressed like the Lady Hua. Premier Guo is with them, and the man did his efficient part to follow the flow of conversations and keep their interactions going. There are experienced eyes, who saw the princesses' flirting silently with Yang Guo but the man is strangely unperturbed. There are aristocrat ladies who are much bolder and more coquettish than rest but the show failed to live up and all the steamy scenes falling flat when his Lordship stayed unresponsive to artful suggestions and crafty advances. “Perhaps, who knows....” and picked up his cup to toast formally around. The rest have no choice to follow suit.
When their eyes met, Yang Kang raised his cup to salute Yang Guo solemnly for the firm countenance yet polite front to which the latter returned gesture. Although himself to be married, Yang Kang is not spared but luckily, his seriousness prevented second attempt or further effort. He really felt likes what his cousin going through and truly admire the way Yang Guo doing it and handling the pressures. If the grim situation to be reversed and the focus on himself, his steely temper likely to produce grave results instead of the amicable effects.
As for Guo Jing, he caught some interested eyes too but the Premier is rather busy and too occupied for the time being to think about romance or coming attraction. Regarding his Lordship's circumstances, opinion wise Guo Jing pitied Yang Guo but then again he found the latter bit stubborn and just vehement when comes to matters concerning personal life.
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Ying Ying is keeping Yuyan's company, when the latter said suggestively “I would like to take a walk beyond these gardens”
“His Lordship said....” and is cut by her ladyship's “You don't say and I never tell”
“But....” Ying Ying still hesitated, and Yuyan sighed openly “With guards rotating and residents passing, do you think I be able to flee so easily?”
Ying Ying doesn't know how or what to response next. Indeed, she felt sorry for Yuyan, who deliberately isolated and practically immobilized by Yang Guo.
“Please don't be hard on me”
“Have little pity on me. What harm there be, considering yourself and myself still within his Lordship's domains” What Yuyan said is true and when ladies around the same age got naturally along, there bound to have something in common or sharing an adventure together.
“Alright, we make a quick round and back here equally fast. Deal?” Ying Ying sounded playful and Yuyan is delighted “Lets go!”
Because Ying Ying is a familiar face in West Household, the rotating guards didn't stop them, merely kept careful watch. Due to her union with Duan Yu, who at times in and out of the Palace without restriction as though himself part of it, the passing residents dare not raising their objection. Meantime, the two enjoyed exploring and playing contentedly until Ying Ying forgotten herself and overlooked the West Layout, leading Yuyan towards the Prime Residence until too late “Oh!”
“What?”
“My lady, we shouldn't be here. Come my lady, time for us to return anyway”
For a split second, Yuyan wanted to stay for the place serene and tranquil but then again, the activity starting to take it's toll on her being. After all, the Palace is vast place and stepping into distance no simple exercise for one's health who is controlled and being monitored at the same time. Just as the two began to go away, one on the way in and when three pairs of eyes met simultaneously “You!” Ying Ying's reaction very great and Huang Rong more than shocked while Yuyan frightfully stunned. “Divine Fairy!” Huang Rong gaped.
“Star Deity!” Yuyan gasped.
Ying Ying stared from Huang Rong and blinked at Yuyan, then back at Huang Rong again, couldn't really place the memory of such nickname. Meanwhile, Huang Rong looked from Yuyan to Ying Ying, and vice versa.
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Star Deity and Divine Fairy are renowned in Yin Realm. Both famed for accomplishment and beauty. However, they are neither friends nor foes. The rivalry between them almost nonexistent due to Miejue hardly crossed paths with Yaoyue while Moon Sect's members barely clashed swords with Star Sect's followers.
Never in dream or ever in imagination, that they find themselves seeing and meeting in this place. Never ever they thought too, noting individual changes where Yuyan registered Huang Rong's humility while the latter witnessed the former fragility. The skill banishment of each other is obvious. The aura of aggressiveness in Divine Fairy is lost and the poisonous air surrounding Star Deity is all gone. Strange it might be, but there seems to be silent understanding passed and quiet compromising between one another.
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Huang Rong said presently, “Sorry” The word is short, but very powerful that the two jerked for different reason“Huh...?”
“For what happened just now...” Huang Rong addressing Yuyan and facing Ying Ying “and of things in the past”
“Err... it is alright...”
“Uh... never mind....”
“I didn't know you ladies staying here”
“We are not....”
“How come you are here?”
“Guo Jing saved my life and pitying me, brought me back here and just got transferred....”
“Oh...”
“What about you?”
“I was here long ago, and recently got married. I will be attending and accompanying her Ladyship until Autumn, or perhaps Winter, depending....”
Huang Rong astutely eyed Yuyan who looked down and Ying Ying spoke then, “We better be going now” but Huang Rong who is lonely, suddenly protested, “No, please stay, I am boring since all gone to attend the Takeover!”
“Why are you here alone? Why didn't you join your fellow maids?”
“I don't like crowds”
Just then the sounds of sweet notes reaching their ears and the level of drumming noises echoing pleasantly around. “Dancing, oh....!” Like Yuyan, Huang Rong has been pent up for what it seemed ages is ecstatic! Ying Ying who happened to be a native of the Kingdom being no stranger to musical performances like Yuyan, is excited! Knowing Yang Guo would be busily occupied, Yuyan is aglow with pure joy! In life, there will be no second chance and luck with the right company, or such opportunity and timing with mutual longing that comes together this close! So what happened when Divine Fairy Wang Yuyan meets Star Deity Huang Rong? Well, exhaustion forgotten and sensibility gone, of course. Joining them is Ren Ying Ying to form the party and together, they kicked off to execute rare talents and displayed hidden endowments.
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Yang Guo who is weary decided to take a break. He signaled Yang Kang and Guo Jing casually to join him. They obeyed and politely excusing themselves, leaving the elders and their parents to handle and deal with their guests and visitors alike. Music started and performers entered from one angle as they left the hall opposite side, “Guo Jing, how is your new home?”
“Fine, thank you”
“Can we have a look?”
“Sure, you two are always welcome to have a look anytime”
On the way, they came across Duan Yu who is reading leisurely by himself. He didn't attend the Takeover and the three knew better than to press him. “Hey....”
“Want to join us?”
“Where to?”
“To visit the Prime Residence”
“Alright”
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Huang Rong have no problem getting into synchronizing steps with the ladies. Together, they swayed happily and moved in perfect harmony. They are young and everything about them enticing from whirling gestures to swirling hips. Plus there are spinning and not forgetting twirling too. The result are seductive motions and tempting forms. As the musical notes ready to conclude and the dancers reaching climatic end, that is when Yuyan the first to stop abruptly and prematurely, sensing the sudden intrusion just like the way before. Huang Rong split second later followed by Ying Ying. Next, their eyes zoomed to locate their sources of discomfits. The noise slowly died away, and the trio stood mute. For a moment, no one spoke. Yuyan felt like screaming but feminine pride forbids, while Huang Rong froze due to shock. Ying Ying suffered great embarrassment. It is not shyness or stunness but sexual tensions and arousing atmospheres that are unmistakable and uncomfortable. Imagine a bunch of guys come to view something unexpectedly or intimate on the fairer sexes without permission or consent. As Gentlemen of the Kingdom, they shouldn't stay on unannounced. It is not easy for the women to regain composure, and confidence at such instances, or the men to recover themselves for that matter. Someone have to take initiative breaking the stillness and silence, so who else but the Host himself? However, Guo Jing only managed to come up with an “Ahem....” then glanced at his Lordship who moved towards Yuyan and asked stiffly “How come my lady is here?”
At this point Ying Ying shook visibly, and Duan Yu who is collected by now hurriedly over to his wife, “Madame....” Before Ying Ying could speak or Yuyan to defend themselves, Huang Rong said breathlessly to Guo Jing “My fault.... They are blameless..... My lord can punish me by sacking....” she stopped, unable to go on as the man jerked to stare directly into her eyes presently. Certainly for the first time and definitely at close range. The ladies gaped at her while the men blinked, unprepared for the speech. Meanwhile, Huang Rong herself is jolted and unable to face Guo Jing any longer, lowered her eyes saying no more.
Yang Kang who is stirred like rest, but not as affected as much, “Perhaps Ying Ying to bring her ladyship back, and Guo Jing, you can decide what next on Miss Huang” His current speech not entirely adequate but thats all he could produce due to the sensations among them far from over. There moments of lingering aftermaths, before Yuyan addressing the Premier coolly “Pardon us for intruding and disturbing my lord's home” then adding somewhat tersely, “Miss Huang did nothing wrong so please forgive her”
Now that his friends either already married or soon to wed, Guo Jing who has never thought of Matrimony before is considering to end his bachelorhood at steady rate. Given the fact that his position does require a Lady and residence in need of proper Mistress but Easier said than Done. The dance stages, which neither boring patterns nor common orders but something else beyond mentions has awakened his male systems that refused to retire peacefully. Guo Jing whose love life is nothing messy but one heck of process the moment meeting Ren Ying Ying, who never his in first place but himself interested and respected, then intertwining with Huang Rong whom he rejected all her advances and is regretting the latter withdrawing states. He lost his chance once, only a fool will miss the opportunity twice. Before, Guo Jing only an ordinary Member of Court, but now he is the Premier of The Kingdom who not only gaining a title and owning an establishment, but capable to exercise certain favors as well. Besides, the spirit of Solitude Swordsman Dugu QiuBai within himself never passive or ever hesitant.
“I am not angry at my lady and Madame Duan for intruding my home. Neither I am upset at Miss Huang. I should be the one to say sorry for disturbing my lady's moment and privacy” came the gallant reply.
Of course he is not angry and upset, neither these men incensed nor wrathful! The ladies fumed inwardly.
“Let us go” Yuyan said quietly to Ying Ying and ignoring Yang Guo. Ying Ying unable to eye her own husband, silently complied. Huang Rong curtsied and retreated without further ado. The two ladies went away without ceremony, leaving the men in their respective mood.
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“Elder!” A pair of sibling ran to the old man.
“Greetings. Have you two been training hard?”
“Yes” they answered in unison.
“Good. By the way do you remember the Sister who saved your life from those Freaks?”
“Yes, is she well?” the boy asked.
“Has she recovered?” the girl inquired.
“Aye to both questions and next Spring, she is going to be the Bride of The Kingdom”
“Really?!”
“Since when I lied to you two?”
“Elder, can we go see and meet her?!”
“Hmmm.....”
“Please Elder! We never got to thank Sister properly!”
“Well, alright. But first you two must practiced hard to master the skill I taught you to perfection”
“Why?”
“Because one of them that survived the foul fight, might want to seek vicious revenge for her fellow Freaks on Sister's Wedding Day”
“Oh no!”
“If you siblings managed to master the skill, not only can repay Sister's kindness but also helps to prevent that Freak from framing Sister a Demoness on that big day. You two saw her mortal plight and human flight. You two are witnesses of the Inhumane blow that Sister took on behalf of yourselves. You two also saw and knew she suffered grievously for it”
“I will master my skill!”
“And I shall perfect mine!”
“We never let Sister suffering like before again!”
“Good”
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“The water is getting cold, my lord” Yuyan said and Yang Guo opened his eyes. Actually, he almost dozed off. He got up and she wrapped a piece around his body then moving away to pick up his sleeping robe. She came back and attending him like one doing his or performing her regular chores. The lady in very bad mood, but the man too fatigued to bother. In any event, he going off tomorrow morning and Yang Guo's whose nature peaceful and domesticated, have no wish to part company with her in foul manner. Admittedly, he being too controlling on Yuyan. As to what happened today, Yang Guo chose to disregard the ladies' aberration.
For her part, Yuyan knew herself is being unreasonable for it was their own folly and not the men' fault. While changing into nightgown, she heard Yang Guo went to bed and stepping away from the screen, saw his Lordship already snoring away. Aware too, he be away tomorrow for the whole Summer. At that point sadness and worry filled her while fear and longing all but consuming. If wild Instinct serves to be right, Yang Guo likely to encounter danger just as before. But what troubles her most, however, is he might come to discover the dark past and learning her worst secret.
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Duan Yu sipping his drink when Ying Ying returned and without greeting, she went past as though himself is transparent. Alright, he confessed, they were wrong but heck, the ladies at fault too. Putting down the cup, he followed his wife. “Madame....” he started only to be sounded by the latter, “I am tired, Sir. I wish to rest early”
“Just a short one” he replied briefly to which she responded by crossing her arms in a petulant manner. “Madame should exercise caution when comes to her Ladyship. I am not chastising you, but remember the case concerning the Lady Zhao? Not your fault and a different case altogether, yes, but I am sure Madame get my meanings. And his Lordship has reasons for restricting her Ladyship”
“He is immobilizing her as well!”
“Neither my place to comment nor yours to complain. Where is the loyalty to him, and what happened to discretion”
Ying Ying didn't reply and enough is enough so Duan Yu sighed, “I am tired too, Madame. Now, let us retire for the day, hmmm...” He knows this not the time to tease his wife about the dancing talent for no man likes to get kick out from the bed, you see.
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“My lord missed Elder Hong so much that you into ignoring me?” Due to his teacher's visit, the palace didn't present Zhao Min to him until tonight, perhaps in consideration of him going off tomorrow.
“Nay, my lady but today been a long day” he cannot help but wonder what his reaction like, if she happened to join her Ladyship dancing. Yang Kang recalled the Gentlemen' faces which were anything but calm while himself unruffled enough to muse at their expressions. Yang Guo and Guo Jing being the most influenced. As for Duan Yu, despite a married and experienced male, still melted. But then again, not everyday or any day, that one gets to see or witness his wife, and viewing more than one beautiful woman doing something like that.
“Oh? Well, do you want me to go so my lord can rest early and sleep properly?”
“Stay” he is not desperate, but very happy and feeling good to have her with him at the moment.
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CHAPTER 30 PUGILISTS, FREAKS AND CREEPS
Sneak Preview..............
“Hufei, greetings to my lords” the young man gestured.
“Hua Manlou, my fortune meeting my lords” the other man followed suit.
“Chen Jialuo” the third one introduced himself.
“Xuzhu” the forth, and happened to be a monk of Shaolin.
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“Dongfang Bubai, you Freak!” The beautiful Priestess Li Mochou of Emei responded by raising her staff.
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“My name is Yilin” the lovely female pugilist introduced herself and then pointing her sword at the villains, “and these two Creeps known as Twin Demon “Black” and “White” respectively, while those siblings are Seven Great Freaks of the South”
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“Senior!” Yang Guo called out, upon recognizing one of the oldest members Zhou Botong of Quenzhen Sect.
“Elder Zhou” Yang Kang greeted the childlike pugilist.
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“Qin Feng” the traveler replied.