CHAPTER 41 ENGAGEMENT AND BETROTHAL
After the Steward left the hall, his Lordship continued on socializing. You know, there are many, especially Foreigners and those Outsiders, interested to know everything, if possible, about his life and time. Well, humans' nature usually and genuinely curious, while generally if not universally, mortals tends to be inquisitive, you see. They very much hoping the man showing off his fairy like or divine looking Consort, that been heard speculating awhile, or led to believe existed, so to speak. But sorely disappointed, of course, for his Lordship deliberately being formal and practically behaving nobly. Since their craving unfulfilled, they fancying next, at least, got to witness the young and highly eligible Lord Yang choosing aristocrats or selecting princesses for the night, or seeing the latter ended up picking partners to pass casual time and taking companions for leisure indulgence. So almost all eyes spied on Yang Guo, together with their prying ears, including his parents and family members when he make his way, either easily or lazily, depending on opinion, towards the fairer sexes. He stopped, however, appropriately along the row and facing the tables. With a polite gesture and flashing the dashing smile, his Lordship said, “Ladies, I thank you for your esteem presences, and grateful for the wonderful presents....” lifting his cup toasting from first to the last, sweeping back and stopping gallantly to focus Li Mochou, who returned favor with manner befitting one's station. His gaze earnest and the deepening smile, appreciative. Now, such open but kind attention plus sheer compliment and male chivalry, tends to lift up a woman's ego and boosting the female's libido, regardless a Nun or being the Priestess. For split moment and a brief second, the Lord Yang Guo of the Kingdom caused the Head of Emei Sect, almost forgetting herself and regretted own calling! Not to mention, instantly delivering anticlimax to Spectators, thwarting aristocrats' scheme for compromises and frustrating every plotting princesses' hopes. His Lordship spoke again, this time generously to all, “Please enjoy yourself and the night... continue to feast and happy drinking...” As he addresses so, Yang Guo moving away casually, obviously taking leave but since didn't excuse himself aloud, Subjects and Members stayed on course, exempted from observing protocol while Guests and Visitors remained seated comfortably, without marking the ceremony.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Hong Qigong, a man of moral and role model of tradition, couldn't help but admire the young lord, whom may not exactly the greatest example of scandal free figure throughout Kingdom. But then again, deserving credit and additional repute for the latter didn't exercise indiscretions to the front or into performing imprudences with all these. Until today, himself yet to come across her in Yang Guo's arm or spotting any, beside his Lordship. Given most men in such position or of highest ranking, would have flaunt several wives and boasting countless concubines. Not to mention, keeping mistresses and collecting paramours. The Great Pugilist not blind, to Temptation thrown and the Coquettishness targeted, at the Lord Yang. Neither he insensible to the latter's privilege. Not at all easy for an adult male in healthy form and of virile age, to be immune and steadfastly refusing Seduction from women vying and competing, blatantly for his attention.
Zhang Sanfeng too, observed the young lord. Despite lingering gossip and spreading rumor, linking the man with scandal of cohabitation, the Leader of Wudang couldn't find anything negative to pinpoint, regardless Yang Guo doing his job as a charming Host or as their Ruler entertaining Foreigners in an engaging style. No secret that Kings throughout history and open knowledge that Sovereigns from everywhere, could freely bed maidens as many as they want without wedding them, plus enjoying as many females as they desire with lust, not love. Like Smiling and Laughing Wanderer, the Founder of Wudang also neither blind nor insensible. It is just not so simple for one disregarding sexual hints and ignoring indecent proposals, yet courteous and remained deferential at the same time. Zhang turned to face Yang Xiao, who observing his son too and judging the festive atmosphere. When their eyes met, the former raised his cup genuinely to salute his friend silently, and the latter toasting back quietly.
As for Outsiders consisted of Natives and the Pugilists, they always cherishing Yang Guo the same way they revering his Father, understood what private life means. Friends and Associates, valuing integrity and treasuring competency, found no purpose to intrude the Lord Yang's personal undertaking as long there Is discretion, neither having reason to probe his clandestine union since It went uncontroversial. Members of Quenzhen and Disciples of Shaolin should know better than getting involve with gossips and concerning themselves with rumors, publicly. Last but not least, Head Priestess Li Mochou of Emei much too wise not to bother with matter relating love and lust or tangle herself with affair and business of rests beside own. Foreigners who waiting and thirsting Dirt or hankering and salivating Infamy, to malice the Yangs and the Kingdom, by discrediting their young and handsome Lord, not to mention rich and a powerful Ruler, again sorely disappointed. Very much so, due to proof of man's strength against vice, and his self restraint against turpitude, thus leading the anticlimax result, that left nothing to kick off or being dig about.
Upon his Lordship's leave, and the Steward's absence, guess who being the Center of Attention and Focus of Attraction? Duan Yu, non related to Nobility and lacking standing in Hierarchy, neither obligating subject of Palace, nor direct member from Palace, decided enough is enough. Not that he inconsiderate friend, but after fifty rounds or having reaching so, has given enough face. Another good excuse in the form of checking his pregnant wife. So Guo Jing left to entertain and continue socializing. Luckily, the Premier recharged enough to take on the bets, which seemed getting heavier and more demanding. Fortunately too, the man has the Seven Siblings as strong backups, plus Nobles and Subjects, Elders and Counselors, Relations and Members. While at it, being one of the most eligible bachelors and third in command after the cousins, received voluntarily offers but you see, he kind of clueless. As for flattery attempts, he sort of no problem being piece of wood, you know. Soon, the Drinkers, meaning Guests and Visitors, fell flat on their face while their Challengers, meaning Outsiders, surrendered one by one.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
When he stepped into their Marital Chamber, the maids curtsied hurriedly and left speedily, closing the door behind. The Groom noticed the red veil carelessly on floor and the coronet upside down on chair. His eyes widened upon sighting his Child Bride who still in her wedding robes but the long hair loosened. Zhao Min's face red, and Yang Kang said disbelievingly, “You drink!”
“Yeah, finished whole pot while waiting”
“What?!”
“Finished. Whole. Pot. Was boring, my lord, and drinking only option”
Funny the maids didn't stop her for they supposed to drink together. And why the attendant and servants didn't clear up the mess? But then again, knowing Zhao Min, most probably snapped or likely shouting, their poor heads off. Since she already done so without him, what else can he say or to do, except frowning “Are you drunk?”
“Nah, I don't get drunk so easily. The stronger ones perhaps, but this something light on the tongue and easy with the stomach”
Now, that new to him and the man realized she startlingly sober and perfectly composed, for one who rarely touching wine and never into liquor “Where did my lady learn how to drink? Surely not from Palace training and Household program?” Yang Kang took a seat beside Zhao Min, who replied briefly “Ming Sect”
“Tell me, what else did you learn from Ming Sect”
“Smoking”
“What?!”
“I hated it, so stuffy and very smelly. But with bunch of jocks and group of blokes, one better practicing bad trades and mastering macho tricks”
Indeed, not a Wedding Night Yang Kang imagined to be, or expected to have. Or any man's dream, for the matter. Before the serious husband could open his mouth voicing displease, or telling rightly, which himself yet to determine, his bride inquired solemnly and suddenly, “Did Zhang Wuji came?” causing him to forget it altogether.
“Well..., yeah..., why?”
“Oh.... didn't get to see or meet, the man for long time, almost coming to a year to be precise” She sounded quiet and appearing somewhat forlorn, so Yang Kang felt like cold water being splashing onto his face. You see, Zhao Min said agreed to marry him, but the girl never once mentioned subject or touched topic, on Love.
“What with my lady and the Leader Zhang Wuji?!” he didn't mean to out like that, and she blinked in surprise, admitting “Nothing” then adding, “He didn't know my true gender, remember?”
The reality assured him, if not her confession, but somehow temper didn't cool down, as seized by idea never conceived, or ever considered, before. After all, the young leader is handsome, and if not wrong, sending hearts aflutter and having feelings infatuated “My lady admiring him?” He is not the jealous sort before this, but has to concede now, being the possessive kind.
“Nah, the guy just too wishy washy when comes Romance, which doesn't suit my taste or idea love. My preference would be strong character yet the jolly type”
What the hell does that supposed to mean?! Strong character, supposed he'll do but jolly type?? Heck, not basically confident or so practical there. Oh, definitely and certainly, not the Wedding Night Yang Kang wanting to be or wishing to have!
“My lord?”
“What?!” Just got out heatedly before able putting a stop to it.
“Are you alright? Bad headache or tummy upset after having so much drinks at one go? Do you want a relieving massage or the relaxing ointment” came the sensibility of bride and responsibility of wife. The Steward almost penchant himself being fully drunk!
“I am fine. Just...” he trailed off abruptly, losing all mood for.... well, everything.
“Do you want to change, then?”
He didn't reply immediately and when eventually so, “Yeah” tonelessly. So Zhao Min went about her duty efficiently while he being accommodating, and once finished she stood demurely.
“My lady can go and change as well” he said to her.
“Err....” she hesitated, and is it him, or the girl.... blushing...? Not embarrassed way or the shying manner but.... inconveniently?
“What is it, my lady?” he hopes his bride not going to quit their chamber and prays she not going to tell him sleeping elsewhere. Urgh, of all timings why must IT be tonight and right now?!
“Can my lord help me? There too many layers and being so many pieces. I am not familiar with its fashion and if doing myself, likely to spoil the gown, lousy patience like what happened to veil, you know and am easily annoyed like what with the coronet, you see. By the way, this your job and the husbandly task, right?”
Why O why, tell him Why his Wedding Night such a Process?
If before, Zhao Min succeeded making his male system crashing to only Kingdom's know where, now she deliberately set heart pumping and send pulse racing, unexpectedly! To be honest, Yang Kang have no problem helping her if the fashion turned out to be simple but these layers really bothersome and the pieces totally complicating. Soon, himself is impatient and grew very annoyed. Zhao Min protested, “Oy...!” when the Groom gave up and just tore them down awfully, leaving last piece hanging loose and likely to slip anytime from now. Frankly, this is not her first time angering and exciting him till no end, “Anything else, my lady?”
“Err, yeah... here” she picked up the cup, and continued “Drink it my lord. Think this a tradition for married couple, if not mistaken”
“I thought you said finished whole pot while waiting”
“Well..., yeah. About to drink this last when you came in”
“We are to drink together but since my lady already started without me, might as well you complete entire deed....” Yang Kang gestured for her to empty the cup, to which Zhao Min forming thoughtful impression, and mumbling “Drink together, eh? Hmm...suppo....” broke off and complying heartily. He wondered what next and watched on, as she put down the cup. The Steward Yang is off guard, when the Lady Zhao unhesitating pulled at him. The next thing he knew, tasted wine together with rest, felt her tongue tempting, like never before causing man forgetting everything and prompting him but swallowing all. Just as what begun, that how its end, and Zhao Min pulled back resulting man to burst ferociously, or explode sensationally, even himself doesn't know which “Don't tell me, my lady practiced that in Ming Sect too!” Utterly aghast, no doubt about it yet experiencing most heavenly stimulation, in his opinion. The fact she sultry yet very docile, before him, happens to serve as steamiest foreplay, in his eye.
“Nah, got to hear specifically from Madam Duan, and happens to learn more besides”
Now, this revelation and latest information, extremely kinky in his ear. Not his nature to snoop other males' sexual preference or their erotic fantasy, let alone peeping into his friends' intimate secret and their domestic bliss. But at this exhilarating moment, the Groom being driven to growling hunger and promising point, at arousing and needy stage, of no return. Yang Kang neither pervert being nor randy figure, but mortal urge to mate with right person and human desire to consummate with consensual partner. While pondering exotically and craving climactic state, the Steward also reckons not going to regard said couple in same light, ever again.
“Can we go to bed now, my lady?” he tried casually as usual, and as neutrally as possible.
“I thought you never ask” she sounded provocative, and is naturally inviting, leaving him to follow willingly and viewing appreciatively from behind, as the last piece dropping like one final act of stripteasing.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Yang Guo stopped the Guards from announcing and stepped into his domains, wave to silent servants and members. As he entered the Master Chamber, his Lordship dismissed maids and attendants with a quiet gesture. They retreated obediently and left soundlessly. Her Ladyship fast asleep, no surprise there, considering the late hour. He moved towards the bed, and watched her slumbering on peacefully. Wang Yuyan appeared like an innocent maiden to him then, and the man's lip curled into smile, that neither happy nor sad but irony thought Why, my lady? Why run away in first place? A longing moment and one's yearning commitment, he imagined Life and picturing Happiness. Along with domestic comfort, comes fine sons and the lovely daughters. His focus interrupted as the latter stirred, and suddenly awaken.
Yuyan didn't know what roused her to consciousness, and when noticing Yang Guo standing and realizing him staring, jerked up breathlessly, “My lord!” and for split second, looking panic for reason only known to herself. However his Lordship's air conciliatory then, and her Ladyship composed soon. He returned her greeting, “My lady” Since he is mild, and their atmosphere calm, herself cool enough to inquire, “How's the wedding?”
“It went perfectly well, heh, I never knew Yang Kang be so handsome in red. As for Lady Zhao, lovely veiled and exquisitely coroneted. Her bridal gown comes with beautiful cloak and the long train, several silk layers and bearing decorative pieces”
He spoke descriptively and eyed her unblinkingly, so Yuyan instinctively and wisely venturing into safer ground by asking, “My lord wants to change?” to which his Lordship chuckled knowingly and took own sweet time, answering “Aye”
Once done attending him, waiting the man to bed, and herself joining there. But Yang Guo didn't move, and this time eyed her lingeringly. Yuyan has an idea what the latter thinking but learned her lesson never to provoke the Lord Yang ever again, if possible. Banned from others except meeting Physicians and Servants, separated from rests except seeing Maids and Attendants, with his Lordship as only Companion, living very less stressful and pretty much easier, if he good mood and in best humor. Her ladyship tried not to upset the level of mutual understanding they achieved, or reached, so far. But then again, some things just don't work out successfully often, and forever. New problem arising, as the eyes lingered too long, which naturally vexing and practically annoying.
“Anything else, my lord?”
“Would my lady comply?”
Oh damn, he purposely trapped and deliberately tricked her, into deceptive conversation!
“This is late, my lord. And am very sleepy” her first reminder, next smart reply and he reached out closely and said gently “I know and am sorry, my lady”
Her Ladyship couldn't figure his Lordship out and decided to stop before this game went too far and out of hand. So, Yuyan opened her mouth to suggest retiring the same time Yang Guo sealed it with kiss. Well, customary and yielded but soon realized, tonight obviously different, and heavier than usual. Even his hands bolder than before, bordering to indecency. Her own came up to push him determinedly, but he wouldn't have it and continued to pet on and on. He smelt and tasted, strongly of wine and the liquor. Now, Yang Guo never took advantages during their intimacy but when man influenced by drinks... No, surely not going to....! Yuyan thought helplessly and about to struggle, when the echoes.... while Saber awaits, and Time permits.... of past, suddenly ringing and comes knocking. Her Ladyship gasped and moaned, between agony and ecstasy, causing his Lordship to pull away currently. Without thinking consequence, or considering effect, Yuyan blurted presently “What, sex with ropes and eyes blinding fantasy?” Really. Shouldn't. Have. And. Too. Late. To. Regret. Now! What happened to No Provocation motto?
The moment the stunning words out, shame and shock filled her completely while disbelief and passion on his face. Yuyan dashed off without idea or proper destination so Yang Guo sped after to catch hold of her hand, and swung to face him, demanding and promising “Yes!”
“No!” Her Ladyship protested and wrestled, but his Lordship sounded and subdued, “My lady don't say or suggest ideas, reminding or propositioning stuffs just like that but expect me to remain passive, and stay unresponsive!”
“I didn't mean it! I am sorry! Sorry, my lord, forgive me! Please!”
But all the harassments he faced tonight and fended off even before puberty, finally taken its toll. Plus all the pressures suffered and tested from young until maturity, comes cracking to front. You see, Yang Guo must have all of them out one way or another, or else going crazy sooner or later. Worst, madness erupted altogether or insanity beyond recovery. True, man is made of flesh and blood, not steel, you know, and this doesn't refer or limiting to, him alone. Neither he Monk to be nor Priest in training. Not to mention, excessive wining and over drinking.....
“I swear, will have that fantasy in Spring, my lady, at least once in our sexual lifetime, after officially wed and being legally married. By the way, myself don't mind twice, thrice or more but for now, from Autumn until Winter, am relief and rather satisfy to settle temporarily for this....”
“This” means undressing, and the latter felt the chill briefly, before off her feet and landing on the bed, and felt his disrobed being ended up warming her form. The mouth doesn't restricted kissing her lips alone, and hands once exercising self restrained, now roams uninhibitedly. Since meeting Yang Guo on day one, Wang Yuyan still doesn't know whether Bad Luck having crossed his path or Good Fortune guarding her dark past. To date, yet to discover whether Woe betides or Love beckons. While last, why not enjoy briefly what Life got to offer, and just relish on this Man afford to deliver?
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Ren Ying Ying didn't attend the Autumn Wedding, still sick smelling certain foodstuff and suffering fainting spells here, there, everywhere. So many times and to some peoples, pregnancy a nuisance and really inconvenient lot but then again, noble sacrifice and gifted experience for one who blessed to nurture Life and is allowed giving Birth. Duan Yu returned to find his wife having late night snack, which considered normal and generally acceptable, plus indulged by most expectant mothers. But manner of politeness and due matter of concern, “Madame, are you alright? You are not sleeping yet?”
“Was asleep, but awaken by hunger”
“Oh....”
“You smells wine and of liquor, Sir. Have you been drinking heavily and taking on strong bets?”
“Well, about fifty rounds....”
“Fifty?!” Ying Ying's eyes widened instantly and Duan Yu grinned to expose, “His Lordship close or almost, ninety” to which his wife didn't comment then, but seemingly to recall suddenly, “I thought yourself not much of a drinker!” causing the man flushed guiltily and whispered conspiratorially “Only pretending, so less entertaining at home plus having good excuse getting away, most times and at places”
The eyes, widened earlier now narrowed suspiciously, “What else you pretending, Sir?”
“Err... nothing else” Duan Yu put on a straight face, which Ying Ying found irresistible at the moment while herself seized by naughtiness this point. So standing up close to the husband, “Hmmm....”
“Err... Madame....”
“Hmm...?”
“What are you trying to do to me?”
“Tell me, what else beside wining and after dining?”
“Err....nothing else”
“Hmm...”
“Stop it, Madame! You are pregnant!”
“Oh, does that mean I am going to sleep like the nun and you to live like a monk?”
If man's mind high above the sky, and floating afar from the Kingdom, under influence of drinkings, is now being brought home to earth in hurry, as result of effects.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Guo Jing decided to retreat from the rounds and the man sought to retire for the night. As the Premier took leave, so is the Crown Prince Yeluqi. Both men came eye to eye, and standing face to face since the last gathering. Their relationship cooled down hitting rock bottom, and failed to regain past friendship.
“Your highness, I trust having good night and enjoyable time” Guo Jing spoke first.
“Excellent” Though brief, Yeluqi observed civility and both men aware they at the point of either make, or break. The Premier ready to make up but the Prince happens to break by, “I want to see, and wishing to speak, with Miss Huang”
The Lord Guo becoming to aware the Prince Kublai within hearing and Prince Huodu fast approaching. At the same time, the man could sense their highnesses noticed his being loggerheads with this Future King of Western Desert.
“Miss Huang is indisposed. Good night” Guo Jing rather abrupt then and Yeluqi wisely applied diplomacy, “A visit then, whenever convenient and upon permission”
The two reached them, and the Premier knew been cornered, perhaps a clever set up by these three. After all, he sure the Foreigners talked and confided among themselves, sharing thoughts and exchanging confidences. Not at all surprise if Kublai and Huodu fully aware of their fallouts. Now, if excessive wining could induce one to happy manner, over drinking would also incite the opposite nature. If Man afforded to cut the Crown Prince off from the girl once, then perhaps time to play Crook twice and all.
“One fine day then, and soon too, I hope. This a promise from me to you. Now, excuse me, your highnesses” Without waiting for reply and himself lacking gesture, Guo Jing turned to go, doesn't give a hoot who saw it. Neither give a damn who heard him.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Huang Rong saw new packages arrived and looked at Qing er, who said “For my lady” then. After Guo Jing spoken up the other day, and been petted until short of breath, the girl constantly beset by others, mostly family members bringing Jewels and Heirlooms while his relations, bearing Pearls and Jades. Also congratulated by rests, who are close to the man, giving presents and delivering gifts.
“My name is Huang Rong and why forcing me to marry him?! Why all of you peoples here, insisting and demanding me to wed the Premier?!”
“My lady, you owed the Lord Guo aplenty and lot. Repay his kindness and the generosity to you, if not reciprocating his feeling and appreciating the intention. My lady might be careless about own virtue and disregarding chastity, but the Premier a man of integrity and strict tradition. Myself have no idea why the refusal really, but last time I checked, yourself plaguing the man when he happened to reject ”
Star Deity knows by now, that Qing er never minced her words. She reported straight and direct to Guo Jing. If not mistaken, the Premier allowed the latter to exercise certain power and permitted using force, on herself where fellow maids couldn't and household members wouldn't. Also, Huang Rong already been sounded by the Guos' sisters earlier.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
“You may have no problem being labeled but my cousin brother's name and reputation must not be tainted, nor his privilege and honor be questioned!”
“You might choose lowering and free to debase yourself, but don't insult and degrading Guo Jing, belittling and disgracing us, understand?!”
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
“I thought today the Steward's wedding”
“Indeed”
“So why are you, and so many, still here?”
“Although loyalty and faithfulness to the Steward a must, nevertheless our first duty to the Premier, and is responsible for his Lady”
Damn, back to square one. Then again, what Qing er said true. Herself owed Guo Jing too much. The available funds she owned in Treasury, is poor and miserably few, not enough to reimburse whatever he procured for her so far. While at it, the Lord Guo also warned the Star Princess Yaoyue off and succeeded sending her highness fleeing. Heck, she able feigning ignorance and preferring obliviousness when comes to the man, but how to disregard connection and denying involvement with him, since witnessed by rests and acknowledged by others?
“My lady...”
“You knew from day one, since myself was placed here, didn't you? That he meant to compromise and paying me for keep, while yourself based in Prime Residence playing his Caretaker and being my Guardian” came the accusation which Qing er chose not to reply but diverting, “Do you want to take a walk?”
“Can we go outside?”
“Outside the gardens within Prime Residence yes but beyond that, no”
“I am not your Prisoner, and his Captive, or am I?”
“No, but without the Premier's consent, my lady neither permitted moving freely around and about, nor allowed to be left alone regardless the time”
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
The maids on night duties are startled when the Premier turned up so late, looking very red in the face and smelling heavily of drinks. He silenced them, and gestured they to leave quietly. The maids complied soundlessly and discreetly, leaving the Master and their Mistress together and alone for the first time.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Huang Rong opened her eyes, unsure what waking her before dawn, and almost screamed when a strong hand firmly on her mouth. When her eyes adjusted and focus properly, she went still eventually and he watched as the girl calmed down before removing the hand. Guo Jing then helped the latter to get up and himself sat down on the bed. “Why are you here? Where the maids? My lord....!” she trailed off suddenly, and uncomfortably as he seemed .... scaring her?
“I didn't attend you last night. Thought of doing so now”
“Err...”
Why on Earth chose such ungodly hour?!
Although the health could not be recover, his steady flow does help. The elements which irreplaceable, need to depend on his mighty strength, and she requires the additional energy as life support. Once done, Huang Rong tried to move away, as he too close for comfort and felt the proximity unsettling. Guo Jing drew the girl back and she cried out frantically “Arghh...!” and aloud but no alarm being raised, neither Qing er nor anybody, came in. “My lady....” his voice neutral, which served to frighten her more “Just want to tell you, our Engagement to be announce soon. Tomorrow morning, to be precise. Later today, I will inform his Lordship and the Steward first, then notify the Palace next”
Although appearing sober in her eyes, Huang Rong could sense the menacing air and dangerous mood he carried along with slight drunkenness and bit arousal that shouldn't be provoke, otherwise... Oh, herself dare not saying anything or thinking going there at all. Ah, the Guo Jing used to be so much different from the man he is now. Again, the girl tried to move away but the Premier tightened hold deliberately and possessively, found herself submitting to his will and male demand. After all, if one fails to settle her debt, one can always find alternative way to return favor. Maybe the wrong redress according to idea of right, but then again, how to address the wrongs when everything justify his very rights? Star Deity is not Native of Kingdom, and Beings of Realms neither have issue with Taboo nor problem with Liberty. Now the saying Live Life Full While Last, apply in her case.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Guo Jing finally got up from the bed, adjusted his clothes before bending down to pick up the fallen gown. His other hand went to lift separating the bedchamber adjoining curtains so could step away calling out softly, “Qing er” The maid came in alone, carrying a bucket which she put it down. The latter then walking over to take the gown from his hand, and the Premier said quietly “Give my lady a new one tonight, this piece is torn so dispose it” The task carried out neatly as though nothing unusual. After the man left, the maid waited for the girl to wake up, and attended the latter efficiently before prudently removing the spread and discreetly changing the comforter.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
“My lord? Wake up.... Oy!”
“Why in the Kingdom's name must we waking up so early?!”
“Early? This already half day gone!”
“I thought my lady complaining tired just now”
“Well yeah, but aren't we suppose to serve morning tea to your parents and others?”
Yang Kang got up slowly and saying plainly, “I thought my lady mentioned already half day gone, meaning now is afternoon” to which she answered equally so, “Well, yeah, afternoon tea then”
“What with you and tea?”
“Tea or no tea, you don't want to hear your parents complaining myself and others sounding yourself, do you?”
“I still don't get it, you and tea”
“My lord”
“What?”
“Don't forget there is also your TEAaaacherrr”
The change in man either miraculous or ridiculous, perhaps both combined. Zhao Min couldn't help it but laughing while Yang Kang scowled “What so funny, my lady!”
“You! Ha ha!!”
“Enough, my lady! When comes to my Teacher, don't play the Fool!”
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Her ladyship got up, ready to pick the gown he dropped on the floor last night when his Lordship's voice commanded, “Stay”
“This already late, my lord”
“No need to hurry, my lady, for today remained off” Yang Guo pulled her back, and Yuyan found herself on the bed. The man observed decency by pulling up their cover, and himself lain beside her. After a while, remarking “I shall announce our betrothal soon, tomorrow. The Palace will then issue Notice throughout Kingdom”
A stiff silence, and the Lord Yang addresses sharply, “My lady!” to which the latter responded bitterly, “Why must it be done so formally?! Can't my lord just leave as it is?!”
“Tell me why the objection, my lady? And such vehemence?” so Yuyan jerked up, and the cover fell down, “My lord knew Exactly. And. Precisely, Why!”
“My lady remember what I told you?”
He told her lots of things, and one of them about her Past and himself playing Devil “I am not worth it, my lord. She is the better choice” Her Ladyship replied, unaware the slip of tongue causing his Lordship to get up and asking “She?”
A curt silence, but Yang Guo chose to overlook and decided to venture elsewhere. Her state of undress, comes handy at that stage.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
“Why so late?!” Hong Qigong barked at the couple. Yang Kang trying hard and thinking fast of something that able to pacify his Teacher who ready to boom the lecture, when Zhao Min's spunk beat himself to it by pointing outrageously “This you Elder, who are early. Now, drink it or leave it”
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
“Guo er, there is no reason, neither excuse for you to postpone it any more”
“Who says I am postponing it, Father?”
“Guo er, how is Yan er?”
“My lady is fine, Mother, thank you for your concern. By the way her Ladyship conveyed regards to you both”
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
“Aye” The Steward agreed, while his Lordship nodded, approving.
“Thank you, my lords”
“You are welcome, Premier. By the way, I am thinking to make double announcement” Yang Guo remarked then, to which Yang Kang responded, “Oh? My lord meaning to join the Premier for an Autumn Engagement”
“Betrothal”
“What's the difference?”
“One long the other short”
“Eh?”
“Hey, get it right and not wrong idea!”
“Oh man, what did you do last night until so slow to get the mind up?!”
“Oy!”
A very amused Yang Guo and the equally tickled Guo Jing laughed until clutching their stomach, at Yang Kang whose face reddened so much at their double meanings, and of course, his slip of tongue as well.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
After the long night, comes the late afternoon. Most Guests chose to lie in while many Visitors absent themselves from Luncheon. Even Pugilists overslept with grave numbers having hangover. Overall, a lazy day for everybody except staffs on duty roster and the hours passing idly for everyone, except workers on time tables. Later, Dinner low profile and Supper no show.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
The next morning while breaking fast comes a pleasant surprise or dealing the greatest shock, depending on individual and at individual, when Supreme Chancellor Yin Yewang announced clearly and reading loudly “On this day, the Lord Yang Guo of Kingdom, officially named Wang Yuyan as his Bride of Kingdom. Henceforth, his Betrothed shall be formally known as the Lady Wang. His Lordship and her Ladyship will wed next Spring. The Marriage is to be legalized on the season's first week. At the same time, the Premier Guo Jing of Kingdom, is officially engaged to Huang Rong from Yin Realm, now formally the Lady Huang. Their Matrimony to be held in this coming Mid Autumn. Faraway Guests and Neighboring Visitors are welcome to share a warm and comfortable Winter with all of us here, and staying on until Spring, to celebrate The Kingdom's double occasions and invited to attend both ceremonies”
Immediately after the announcement, strong claps and excited murmurs, thunderous applauses and frenzy whispers, most noticeably from Peoples and Natives of Kingdom, Members and Subjects of Palace. As for the Foreigners, recovered to react whats right and expressing befittingly next. Soon, congratulations followed while compliments flowed. Amidst joyful mood and the delightful atmosphere, Guo Jing perceiving himself being sinisterly watched and his eyes calmly went to meet the threatening sources. Yeluqi is grimly quiet. Beside him, Huodu and Kublai are balefully silent.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
CHAPTER 42 DARK MOON RISING
Dark Moon Rising!
Yuyan realized with a jolt. Panic seized her while Fear chilling and Blood freezing. Because Dark Moon represents Miejue, Rising defines Coming.... Before, herself understood Attack and read Rampage but now, Dark Moon Rising all over the Palace meaning She. Is. Coming.... For Her!