CHAPTER 46 MANDATE AND LOVE (The Harem)
PART ONE
Simply put, Rocking!
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There no music, but fast movements “Hummed” and hot steps “Drummed” plus bold forms
“Strummed” as Attraction while “Elegance” completing Dance. After years and rounds of boring show, this neat Performance simply Refreshing! After decades and repetitions of unexciting pattern, this dramatic Fashion absolutely Smashing! The sight thrilling but without Seduction. Their display rousing yet minus Temptation. The dancers came to close with Divine Fairy staging her stunning pose and reached climatic end where Star Deity finishes with a stylish poise.
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A. Deep. Silence....Time merely stopped and Moment just paused, before a burst of loud applauses and the rushing of sound claps. Yuyan blushed and Huang Rong naturally while their Maids flushed shyly. Her Ladyship spotted the Yangs among Spectators, and her color heightened when they started to move in slowly but definitely forward. Huang Rong saw Guo Xiang here and Guo Fu there, then out of nowhere stood Guo Polu with the Guos' clan being everywhere. The First Family stepped out, startling Spectators. All around them hastily marking protocol and duly observing ceremony. Yuyan and Huang Rong, together with their maids curtsied at the First Family and Lady Hua reached out to take her hands into own saying in wonder, “Yan er, I didn't know you could dance so well. Rong er, you are very good too”
“Lovely scene, marvelous style and breathtaking synchronization” Lady Mu complimented generously.
Yang Xiao grinned to convey his admiration while his sibling winked, as sign of appreciation. These men eyed them rather arrestingly, if not quite roguishly. After all, Wang Yuyan considered one of most beautiful women throughout Kingdom, perhaps Universe rivaling Angels and Goddesses. Huang Rong of Yin Realm is exquisite, ravishingly and exceptionally so, probably surpassing all fairest Princesses in Fairy Lands or equaled to legendary Beauties of Ancient Times. The two eyed these men back. You know, despite advancing age, the Yangs' still attractive and are sophisticated males with very own appealing personality.
“Ahem!” Both Lady Hua and Lady Mu cleared their throat simultaneously. Instead of getting red face, Yang Xiao turned on his charm while the brother became suave and sentimental. Both husbands confidently and gallantly, reaching out for their respective wife's hand and kissing it. Yuyan finally concluded where Yang Guo inherited his quirk and learned the kink from. Huang Rong found courtly behavior engaging and flowery gesture endearing, for first time. Another burst of loud applauses and sound claps, accompanied by feminine “ooooh...!” at the rarity and masculine “aaaah.....!” due unexpected publicity. You see, there time even the most Cynic longs for some good Old Drama and appreciates real classic of Timeless Romance. Examples are this couple lasting for decades, while that pair lives up to reputation. Despite the Siblings' one sided affection and their Consorts' negative impression, both marriages grew unbelievably strong on shaky ground and their unions enviably successful year after year. These Yangs are the archetypical angsts and solid proof of bittersweet trials, of a Match made not in Heaven but via Mandate. And Love proves genuinely from the heart, in order to conquer all. The Couples remembered themselves not alone and the Brides recalled Spectators still lingering. Before Yang Xiao gesturing to dismiss, a distant “AHEM!” clearly beat him to it. All zoomed to the source, and eyes either widened in panic or blinked in surprise, depending on the owner, upon sighting Lord Yang and Steward Yang, together with Premier Guo..... How long they been standing there watching?....The men neither smiling nor frowning but among the three, Yang Kang less intimidating. Usually he most serious and grave but it seemed, not the case here. At once, crowds quickly dispersed, gatherings hurriedly disbanded and groups rapidly separated. While at it, the masses much too scared to recollect protocol and way too frightened to think ceremony.
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From nearby and above balcony, Duan Yu reacted by putting his hand closing own mouth, to prevent making any noise. The man found entire setting amusing yet worrying. The second feeling is stronger, for these guys known practicing strictest privacy and deliberately keeping lowest profile, when comes to their consort. He hopes Yang Guo will not venting temper then and prays Guo Jing shall not expressing anger there.
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His Lordship stood stiffly in front of her Ladyship and countenance severe that even the parents tensing a bit, “Guo er, there is no harm for Yan er to dance with Rong er together with their maids, is there?” Lady Hua spoke first. He didn't reply and as severeness grew austerer, his father said, “Guo er, you did mention her Ladyship dancing in the openness before, didn't you, so what is problem here?”
“My lord, I am sorry. There won't be next time” Yuyan apologized out of blue. Better she facing the man's wrath alone than all of them suffering his lordly mood.
“It is not her Ladyship's fault, my lord. Silly idea and daring suggestion, all mine” Huang Rong voluntarily took the blame, fazing Yuyan and unsettling others.
“No....”
“Yes, so punish me...”
“My lady” Guo Jing addressed presently and Yang Guo ordered abruptly, “Enough” before continuing sternly, “This Leisure can be arrange with musicians and done at appropriate place on appointed time in the near future. Myself loves enjoying and having such Pleasure too”
It took the hearers moments to understand what said, while their pondering going on, his Lordship held her Ladyship's hand and in a softer tone “After superb workout and the great exercise, my lady must rest and Lady Huang should too, hmmm....” Despite show of Imperiousness, man's indulgence towards her unmistakable and his leniency on the ladies is obvious. The Lord Yang and his Bride left without ceremony, and their company quietly parted a line to make way for the First Couple. The Lord Guo after nodding silently at the First Family which they acknowledged in return, next to make his move pulling Huang Rong along since the Steward Yang opted to stay behind with parents and kins.
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Duan Yu releases his breath and man smiled by himself with the unspoken proverb, All Well Ends Well!
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“Where did my lady learn how to dance?”
“I used to participate Village Dances and took part in Performing Arts since young”
“Oh?” Yang Guo's eyes narrowed slightly before masking carefully, that Yuyan missed it, “My lady are not from Zhongnan Countryside, or are you? You told me before, Home in the North but never once, mentioned Location” he remarked mildly, so very mildly that she failed to note his intention or registering the purpose, behind.
“No, I am from Peach Blossom Valley”
“A distant neighboring village of Zhongnan”
“Yes”
“Known for exotic Cultures and tribal Habits, due close border and friendly dealing with Northern Desert. There is another border nearby and a different Territory altogether, where their Natives known as The Huns, womenfolks skilled for handicraft and menfolks famed for horsemanship”
“Aye”
“Which Art, memorable and what Dance, best?
“Art, not much but Dance, all are interesting if not best. The unforgettable one was coming of age, and myself joined every fifteen years old girls for “Bonfire” where we to str... ah...” she halted suddenly and alerted sharply, to which the man calmly finishes for her “... strip naked during Burning and prancing nude engulfed by Flame until It died out. The name “Bonfire” merely a Masquerade. It is actually “Striptease” for teenage girls to have hormonal fun, at the same exposed to female sensuality”
Oh, damn him! Damn damn damn!!
“How come my lord knows?” Yuyan asked composedly.
“I was Heir and am Lord, of the Kingdom, in case my lady forgotten. As long as nobody gets harmed or abused during process, killed or sacrificed in progress, the Palace allows all sorts of practice and tolerates every kinds of freedom, be it Secret Society or Underground Organization or Anonymous Circle or Private Covenant or Home Pagan or Common Mass etcetera. Bonfire is categorized under Nude Party”
Her Ladyship said nothing then, and chose to focus elsewhere. His Lordship's hand came up to the chin, and when their eyes met, commanded “Dance”
“No!” came the icy refusal to which he smiled slowly and hinted deliberately, “Or else...”
“I am tired, my lord, and is sleepy!”
“In those days I understand and be considerate but now, I believe my lady's health no longer weak and as fragile like before....,” as he spoke, the hand left her chin to have his fingers trailing lower so she jerked up and stepped away, angrily “Nay!”
Yang Guo stood and Yuyan knew the man always get what he wants once setting his mind to it. What infuriating her Ladyship's most, his Lordship ended up winning more, if not all “Don't!”
“Just a short Dance, my lady” He started to move, and she began to back off, “I am not going to do Striptease for my lord!”
“I merely said Dance but since my lady mentioned Striptease...” he is closing in and there no place for her to avoid the inevitable, “Please, my lord, don't force me!” Cornered, she pleaded which so unlike herself but then again, has learned from past lessons that putting up fight only own embarrassing situation or landing uncomfortable circumstance. After she struck him the last time, Yang Guo neither giving Yuyan another luck nor having second chance.
“First Dance, then” to which the latter blinked between agitation and confusion, “Huh?”
“First Dance” his Lordship repeated and seeing her Ladyship failed to register, reminding “The first dance I saw you emerged from rows of Trees, and against backdrops of Woods, delivered a Landscape performance based on it's Season. Or should I say, Forest Spring Dance. And do correct if wrong, my lady's recent one with Lady Huang, although pattern mixed and style changed, nevertheless based on the original track Summertime”
It seemed the man's cleverness and brilliancy knew no bound. He could actually name the First perfectly and then telling the Second outright. At that point, objection forgotten and in place is the stirring appreciation, if not growing admiration. In the past when she a semi demoness, Yang Guo been stressing Yuyan with domination and imprisonment but of these days, although his Lordship still controlling nevertheless been relaxing the tight grip....
“My lady” his tone firmly determined and she aware an Edict when heard one. Now the Maiden knew useless and hopeless to protest like a Virgin when Lord Yang already seen so much and definitely knew too much! Not to mention kissing here and touching there, wandering freely and roaming everywhere so might as well bring it on bravely, and all out boldly. Yuyan's voice impressively cool, “But this is Autumn, my lord”
“Meaning yourself preferring Last Fall.... hmmm” equally damn good at reading between the line and if Yang Guo not mistaken, the steps adventurous with titillating movements. Not Voyeurism but ahem, Provocation.
“Precisely” her Ladyship's daring spirit has his Lordship grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
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Guo Jing uncommunicative on their way and is pensive after they entered her chamber. The startled Qing er registered the Premier's strange mood and unusual quietness, and surprised that Lady Huang came back early with Lord Guo. According to Timetable, herself supposed to bring the girl in later. She been preparing a hot bath mixing several aromatic oils for Huang Rong in big tub, whim rather than scheme. Also courtesy from The Harem. The latter been tired again lately, and the maid thinking to pamper her Mistress. Sensing the awkward atmosphere between the couple, Qing er doesn't know whether good timing or worst idea. Based on Prime Schedules and due to Family Restrictions, their Master shouldn't be here tonight, or tomorrow night and so on, until Matrimony. She also didn't have precaution ready and now too short notice preparing or arranging for discretion. Since only days away, missing potion not big issue but this conjugal visit or his overnight stay can break tradition and a sensitive matter, never mind fact the two already cohabited.
Meanwhile, Huang Rong tried to make eye contact with Qing er who seemed ill ease. At the same time, Guo Jing spotted the tub behind Screen. His nostrils caught something soothing yet naturally inviting and practically sensuous. Man calmly recognized these essential oils often discreetly used in Harem and are privately indulged by Couples. Not truly aphrodisiac but the effect potent “Qing er, are you done?”
“Err..., yeah...,”
“Then leave us”
“Yes my lord”
Once alone, “By the way, Qing er told me earlier that my lady have nothing to shift over to the Master Chamber”
“Err...., yeah....,”
“You do know we are getting married in less than week time, don't you?”
“Yes my lord”
“What about gifts from my family members and presents from your fellow maids?” he reminded then to which she fails to reply there. After a slight pause of conversation, continued “Once we are married, besides Qing er attending and serving my lady personally, you will also share Ling er be need, or for company, since she is my own chambermaid. And if my lady wishing it, I shall request to have Cheng Ying transferring over here. The four of you can amuse yourself with anything and at anywhere within Prime Residence, but please stay away from my Study and also don't turn our Home upside down” Really, the Premier did his best accommodating Huang Rong, who very grateful if not deeply touched, “I do wishing it, my lord. I appreciate the kindness and your generosity”
What about Love?
A shadow flashed across his face and Star Deity seized by feelings that been safely locked away, peacefully buried with time. Also, there moment like this where she cannot feigning ignorance or playing dumb forever. Her eyes darted apprehensively and came to notice the tub.
“The water getting warm, my lady, I call the maids in for you” The Lord Guo turned around and about to when it dawned her Qing er being absent but the man is present while maids are nuisance, so she voiced out “My lord” first.
“Yeah?” he turned back to face her, and Huang Rong asked without symptom of hesitation, “Do you want it? I can disrobe for my lord”
It took him several instants to understand her intention and not misinterpreting otherwise, “Am not supposed or expected here, and I believe Qing er specially prepared it for my lady to enjoy alone”
“The tub is big enough for two, my lord”
Again, it took him several instants and longer than the first, before he finds tone to sound waspishly “If, my lady wants to thank me, let it be genuinely from Heart and not just through Body. If sex is all I desire, The Harem offered aplenty from smutty Coupling to erotic Threesome”
The silence after that plainly strained her and acutely drained him. She to break it by reasoning “I wasn't thinking to return favor, my lord. Since both of us going to take bath anyway, might as well having together here”
Guo Jing eyed her straight, neither yielding nor retreating. He done talking and doing. With Marriage approaching, what else but going with Flow again on Huang Rong's part. In the past, she indebted to Man and Kingdom, these days her Life on Loan and since Realm left behind, Trouble went missing and Problem zero profile, “My lord?”
“Qing er didn't arrange my bathrobe or prepare the additional garment. I have nothing to wear later” the man pointed out then and added dryly afterthought, “or tomorrow morning, for the matter”
What the Heck he trying to do? Playing hard to get??
“Qing er also didn't have anything handy or necessity ready, when you decided turning up one drunken night. So, why my lord fuss over little inconvenience like lacking bathrobe or garment? Our wedding merely ceremony and the formality, we are as good as Man and Wife, are we not?”
For one who seeming melancholic and appearing absentminded, she is pertinent when he least expected.
The guy doesn't have to explain or need to defend, for the girl marking first effort and her steady initiative, for Romance “Why bother dressing up, only to strip off?” Imagine, a dangling fish right in front of the waiting cat. So folks, know what the saying goes?
To Hell with Family Restrictions.
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News of her Ladyship's cooking in the kitchen reached Yang Kang's hearing and Zhao Min's knowledge. Praises on the Bride's culinary skills came to the Duans' ears. Lady Zhao and Madam Duan confessing to themselves and not admitting to their spouse, that they are no super Cook but can prepare egg and just boil soup. As for Dancing, the two got it from their husband and one longs for fun again but the other yet to experience such exposure. However, both have to put off amusement that considered heavy for expectant mother to exercise. Meanwhile, Ying Ying fully recovered after staying abed for some time. The Physician issued Certificate of Fitness, and Duan Yu allowed the wife moving beside himself or with company. Meantime, the men found pregnant women moody and temperamental, pretty sensitive and highly emotional. Between the two young mothers to be, Ying Ying's temper way better than Zhao Min's, the former because readiness and maturity whereas the latter not suppose marrying let alone carrying. As for the young fathers to be, Duan Yu easily coping up fine but Yang Kang faring not so well. Thats the price he to pay for taking a child bride and having an underage wife.
“I missed eating duck meat” Zhao Min craving shortly and Yang Kang said indulgently, “Tell your maids, my lady, and they know who to inform”
“But I prefer the wild ones! My lord, when is the Hunting Season?”
Instead of replying, the Steward sipped his drink telling, Nonsense! Outrageous! The Duans looking from her to him, then staring back at her who sounded, “My lord, I am talking to you!”
“The answer is no! My lady cannot go hunting!!” the man retorted sharply then and poor cup breaking anytime soon under his grip.
“Who said I be the one hunting? You do it and I want my lord using own hands and bare skills to catch because very stupid to apply arts or weapons, just to bring down a duck”
Something seconds to explosion, and it did explode with Steward Yang snapping impatiently “My lady got to be kidding!” and fuming inwardly, Preposterous! What next? Chasing chicken?!
Likely to burst any moment from now and it did with Zhao Min's tears, causing panic to the men and resulting Ying Ying to shoot at Yang Kang, “My lord, can't you just suit the Lady Zhao! She still young after all and is carrying your baby, remember? And it is very bad to shout during one's pregnancy for disturbing the unborn so do keep that in mind and your anger in check!” Now, strange might be but the Steward always having soft spot for her due to unexplained affinity and tends listening to the latter. A fact noted and accepted by many but forever vexing the Palace Ladies, especially irking Guo Fu who envied their agreeable chemistry. Meantime, the man regretted his manner and watched quietly as Ying Ying comforted his consort. Duan Yu blinked at his wife's fiery remonstration and is amazed by Steward Yang's unexpected meekness. When their eyes, she said to her husband, “It been a while too, that myself last tasted wild duck”
You see, Duan Yu is not Yang Kang so no trouble getting her fancying hint, “Fine, Madame. I catch one for you” to which the Lady Zhao stopped crying and sniffed, “W..Will you have one for.. for me.. as w..well?”
Again, Duan Yu is Duan Yu and the smooth fellow replied gallantly and complied formally, “If my lady wishing it”
“Y..yes p..please” she smiled sweetly. You know, to have a Friend or another Man taking over is insulting so Yang Kang glaring at Duan Yu who shrugging off carelessly. Seeing the Steward taking out on her husband blatantly, Ying Ying obviously displeased while Zhao Min looking disappointed. Realizing he, as Gentleman of Kingdom, single handedly upsetting these ladies and unfairly treating the Lord's best pal, poor guy experiencing guilty conscience and feeling utterly wretched. If his parents got winds of the son sending their precious and pregnant daughter in law weeping, oh himself not going to hear the end of it! And worst still, should it reach his teacher's ears!! Doubtless the two always loggerheads but in reality, Hong Qigong treasured Zhao Min more than own Disciple!!! Ah wait, his uncle did tell him to learn a thing or two from the reliable source, right?
“I. Do. It!” Yang Kang growled heatedly and then kicking himself soundlessly, Don't and can't believe myself being cowed and tamed into going after Duck!!
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“Wang Yuyan, you are doomed!”
She gasped aloud “Nooo...!” and jerked up, alarming Yang Guo who jumped beside her, “My lady!” Shaking and shivering, Yuyan blindly sought for cover, gown, robe – anything, for warmth, except the one beside her. Sensing great distress and extreme disturbance, man instinctively reached out to calm the frantic flow. When her Ladyship being quietened down, only then his Lordship threw the spread over themselves. “Bad dream?” he asked, breaking the silence to which she failed to response, “It is alright, my lady”
No, it is not alright! Not at all!
“Something, or Someone, from the past came to haunt my lady in dream. If not What, then Who is it, my lady?”
Nothing escape the latter's knowledge and before the bride replying or denying, Yang Guo able to summarize, “Elder Huang said One of the Four managed to escape his mighty impact while the kids witnessed Fleeing. This Inhumane Creature happened to be a Vicious Enemy and came across The Kingdom's Notice, knew my lady survived their foul blows and lives on to marry Lord of The Kingdom soon. My lady's Dream all about The Wedding going to be A Nightmare” proving his prowess and intelligence, beyond extraordinary level. Yet, having Mental Problem and possessing Loony Complex. Hah, what a Paradoxical existence!
“It is not too late, to regret or calling off, my lord”
His Lordship leaning over and her Ladyship shifting away, no mood to entertain so his mouth came to contact her neck. Instead of insistence or usual persistence, kiss went rampantly elsewhere while hands equally unrestrained causing their spread roughly thrown, or flung aside, resulting the bride's gasping again, only opposite from the first.
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Huang Rong's throat is dry. Guo Jing's arm around her and she careful not to wake him. About going off, when the same arm came up possessively to retain in time and he got up sitting beside her, “What is it, my lady?”
“Thirsty”
“Let me go and get for my lady”
The Premier reached out for a handy piece to wrap around his waist for decency before stepping away from the bed. Behind curtain the Lady Huang pulled up a spread from her messy bed to hide modesty. Knowing she drinks a lot, he filled the cup full and bringing it over. The Lord Guo watched on as his consort emptying the content, and said suddenly, “Hey, leave some for me!” Startled, Huang Rong blinked at him and spied the cup. From the expression, Guo Jing could tell she finished all and sighed smilingly “Oh, never mind” He took the cup from her hand when Star Deity pulled at him unexpectedly. Before could react whatsoever, soft lips locked and licked own one. As her tongue plundering his mouth, he tasted sweet wetness and hungrily demanded for more. The gesture that stunning him earlier, now shocking man further. Both heard cup shattering sound and felt their covers slipping but neither she stopped to look nor he bothered to check. A mere drop not enough to quench thirst. After preliminary need in bathtub and then rigorous activity on bed followed next by brief rest, the couple set for record breaking passion. The aromatic air still lingered strongly and continued to provide an intimate atmosphere that keeping them invigorated. Therapy and virility a powerful combination while vitality and sexuality the forceful drive. Both are very influential factors so the Lovers up to steamy rounds and sweaty sessions, all night long.
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The Pugilists arrived with some company, two days before Mid Autumn Wedding. The Premier received them happily and is joined by his Lordship and the Steward, together with their longtime Friend. Hua Manlou and Hufei are unknown to Guo Jing but he recognized Lu Xiaofeng while all three are fresh acquaintances for Duan Yu. After them, the four joyfully welcoming two newcomers in the forms of Yu Daiyan and Zhang Cuishan, of Wudang. Amidst celebrating moods and festive happenings, Guo Jing's connection with Shaolin a distant one so the Monastery only send minor representative, that is Xizhu who simply delighting the cousins and easily pleasing Duan Yu, and giving enough face for the Groom. Li Mochou not attending but the Head Priestess delivered a congratulatory note through her messenger Yin So So of Emei, who caught the eyes and interests of Zhang Cuishan. The Guos Clan having neither proper bond with Martial Schools nor existing tie with Major Sects, with exception of Quenzhen where Yang Guo the only member. However, other Association turning up one by one and many Friends showing in groups. Yang Wu Lang came last, on behalf of the General and Family, but Hong Qigong neither heard laughing around nor seen skipping about. Knowing the latter well, the Yangs and the Guos took no offense.
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On the Nuptials day also happened to be Mid Autumn Festival, so the Wedding Ceremony went doubly well and perfectly timed. Once the Formality done and over, the Bride got ushered away and his Lordship let her Ladyship to accompany Huang Rong. The Groom remained to toast family members and entertaining pugilist friends, wining with royal guests and dining with noble visitors. Yang Kang returned favor representing Guo Jing if bets heavy and demands strong with Yang Guo taking over challenging rounds. The Steward, also surprisingly a great drinker, got plenty times and has lots of freedom since Zhao Min being confined whereas his Lordship all out sporting with his guests and very decorously pleasing the visitors, leaving Yang Wu Lang tackling and handling mightier stuffs. Never parents or kins, elders and nobles, members and subjects seen the three cousins Happy-Smiling-Go-Laughing as one, before! Overall, beautiful occasion and wonderful night, due additional merriments and extra amusements, plus thousands of lanterns of variety sizes and multiple shapes. However, the event slightly marred when the Premier came face to face with three foreign Princes. The voices died down suddenly and pairs of eyes zoomed knowingly, including that of the Yangs, the Guos and even the Duans.
“Congratulation, Lord Guo” Yeluqi said and raised his cup, without sign of resentment while Kublai and Huodo followed suit, without trace of hostility. In any event, the two highnesses seemed distracted, and if the Groom not mistaken, they often straying to someone and that someone is Ren Ying Ying, who inconvenient to join her Ladyship with the Bride. At this point, these Foreigners reminded Guo Jing sharply of the Late Bu Jingyun and Niefeng of Yang Realm, “Thank you, your highnesses” the Premier kept his voice polite, and Yeluqi responded befittingly before excusing himself together with the two princes. It is him, or volume of murmurs going louder and sea of whispers getting higher?
“Jing?” Wu Lang beside him and Guo Jing responded, “Yeah?”
“Are you alright?”
“Shouldn't I be?”
“Your face pale”
“Oh...”
“Here, drink this to remove your white cell and bringing back red blood in place” which likely to burn one's throat and upset the stomach if abused “You do know I have a wedding night, don't you?”
“Man, I heard and believed you enjoyed and indulged one Exploit too many, including an overdose Ecstasy during Restriction. Say, still not enough of it? Hey, I didn't know my lord damn hot male with one good stuff!” came the significant version and Guo Jing went deep scarlet. Wu Lang chuckled “Now, thats the rightful color!”
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“Madame?”
“Hmmm...”
“Are you unwell?”
“Yes”
“Then lets go back to our Quarter”
“But...”
“No but Madame, and I am sure Guo Jing understand”
Once the couple alone in their chamber, Duan Yu remarked carefully “So its them” and Ying Ying blinked blankly “Huh?”
“Their highnesses Huodu and Kublai, they are the ones bothering you from afar, aren't they”
“How do you know, Sir?”
“Your husband may be simple commoner but neither blind idiot nor stupid fool, Madame”
“Sir....” she started uneasily and he said coolly, “Remember how I dealt with Sexual Harassers?”
“Those were intruders and trespassers, but these are royal princes and noble guests!”
“Royal princes or noble guests, they have no right desiring my pregnant wife or liberty lusting what is mine”
“Sir, please don't....” Ying Ying began worryingly only to have Duan Yu cutting in neutrally, “Relax dear, poor and lacking might be comparing to others, but like rests Natives of my birth and Peoples in the Kingdom, myself a learned Merchant and the civilized Gentleman, not Caveman or Barbarian”
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The cousins took a break, away from drinks and crowds, “My lord”
“Aye?”
“Some of these Foreigners started to show their true colors”
“Yes”
“Guo...” The Steward began seriously only to have his Lordship cuts in solemnly, “As long the three royal highnesses still behaving appropriately and not otherwise, the Kingdom shall tolerate his fault and will forgive their flaws”
“But Ying Ying being virtually harassed and Duan Yu very pissed off. Come to think of, the two behaved just like Wind and Cloud during first encounter, only minus action. While at it, we have Jing disgusted at one and is annoyed at the other two”
“Ying Ying under my direct protection, a fact the two well knew from palace sources and Duan Yu my very own best friend, the story of our childhood all three of them fully aware. The case between Jing and Yeluqi considered close unless the latter primitive enough to lay hand on Lady Huang of Kingdom, risking mutual peace and upsetting diplomatic front. Resentful his highness maybe for losing to our premier friend but I believe the young king in waiting, will not attempting anything or shall getting personal for now. Last but not least, the Duans are Natives of Kingdom and subjected to none except the Lord. So far, Kublai maintained his distance despite the open opportunity of proximity and Huodu smart not to seize any advantage when there chance, meaning they are thinking twice before incurring my wrath”
A momentary pause, and is gravely broken by Yang Kang's “I received from inside sources and reliable rests, that the Mongolian and Persian often gathering accounts and individually checking Kingdom's news, got together later, believed to discuss or exchange information with the Westerner”
“No surprise there. We did the same to our neighbors and others, only differently and more discreetly. Indeed the Future King of Western Desert prudent fellow and main strategist, to let his comrades doing dirty jobs and spying works. Among all heirs apparent and the crown princes, he most educated and worldly groomed. Apart from dangerous Mongol Empire and greedy Persia State as our future or major threat, it would seem we also have menacing Western Desert to beware of once Yeluqi sat highly on the throne and mightily among other desert kings, who are but aging rulers and lazy leaders”
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Her Ladyship requested Qing er to allow them privacy, and the maid wise to retreat with Zhong Ling and Cheng Ying, at the outer chamber together with servants and attendants along. Once they are out of hearing, Yuyan turned to face Huang Rong who lifted up the veil and pulled it down. The former using low voice while the latter applying hush tone.
“Are you happy?”
“I should be, considering all happened and what passed”
“Do you love him?”
At that, Star Deity let out a vacuous smile and said in the distant tone, “Loved him once, long ago but it wasn't reciprocated. To tell it short, just when I thought everything done and over, Guardian Hua Wuque stepped in and even Almighty thought it fun. Then Death but next thing myself know and yourself aware, Mandate decreed otherwise and willed us Love”
As Divine Fairy Wang Yuyan, she understood Star Deity Huang Rong. To date, Yang Guo is committed to their Relationship, never mind the flings if really one or his liaisons should there any, be it inside Palace or outside Kingdom “Do. You. Love. Him?”
Instead of replying, the latter eyed her Ladyship smilingly first then pried suddenly, “How about yourself? What happened after we danced that day?”
“Err.....” Off guard, Yuyan temporarily speechless and Huang Rong's smile deepened, to the extent of mischief, “Tell me yours and I say mine, deal?”
Colors of embarrassment heightened, but you see, mature stuff very inviting to know and intimate secret absolutely naughty to share, “Deal!”
“You first”
“No, you first”
“You are senior than me, and the older sister”
“What is your age?”
“Still sweet seventeen. Coming Winter, Eighteen. You?”
“Twenty one next Spring”
“Heh, my lady first!”
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Despite sharp ears, she couldn't hear their whispering properly and Qing er looked up blankly, when the ladies giggled aloud as though having great fun and sharing big joke. She stared at Zhong Ling and Cheng Ying who tried best to listen into the ladies' conversation but obviously failed, since blinking back equally clueless. Servants just as blank and from looks on them, Attendants are clueless too.
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“Wow! All that yet still....!!” Huang Rong said, then repeated, “Wow!!!”
“Stop wowing! Your turn to spill!!”
Once the girl finished relating, the other one went on and on, “Oh my....! Oh... My....!! My O My.....!!!”
“Why wait, Sister?”
“He's the one waiting and keep on teasing, not me” Yuyan grumbled somewhat crestfallenly.
“Tell me honestly, his Lordship impotent or something?”
“I can frankly tell his Lordship a macho guy and the alpha male, only to be guided by Quenzhen's teachings and influenced by Priest Wang's beliefs”
“Quenzhen? Priest Wang – Wang Chaoyang?? One of the Five Greats of Kingdom???”
“Aye, he a student from Quenzhen and the disciple of Wang Chaoyang”
“Ah?! Really?!!”
“Yeah, really”
“By the way, you do know their story, don't you?”
“You mean Wang Chaoyang and Lin Chaoying? He mortal and she immortal, well yeah but thats all I heard”
“Simply put, the Tale of Forbidden Couple, abruptly ended and painfully separated, where he becomes a Priest while she disappears from Earth”
“Men like him no problem fighting Dragon or trouble killing Monster but ask to face woman heart to heart or brave taboo one by one, he rather jumping down the cliffs. However, instead of Suicide, sorry excuse hiding behind religious robes. Whereas she chose voluntary seclusion and entered heavenly reclusion. Tragic”
“It didn't quite stop there, did it? But continues with Dragon Girl...” Huang Rong trailed off regretfully but Yuyan finishing flatly and managing unemotionally, “..... forever tempting Lord Yang. We can't blame love karma or lusty cycle, can we?”
“My lady...”
“I am fine, Sister. Already aware of their dalliance for quite sometime. Also not objecting the Lord's polygamous indulgences or questioning string of conquests and tracking list of mistresses. Glad not to involve with his illicit engagements until white hair, or coping up with his extramarital affairs into old age”
“Lets talk something else... ”
“How about you feeling right now, excited?”
“Like a Virgin about to be Deflowered” Star Deity pertly put to crack Divine Fairy up.
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The fun seemed endless and their joke appeared boundless when the Premier came in soberly, together with his Lordship who red in the face, but is sedate. All fast to observe Protocol and quickly marked Ceremony. The Ladies within must be alerted, and they heard the bride hurriedly put on the veil. Her Ladyship stepped out, and his Lordship gestured for them to leave. The Groom waited until the First Couple retreated, before dismissing all. They left speedily, closing windows along and locking doors behind.
Once alone, Guo Jing and Huang Rong celebrates the final ritual by toasting each other and sealing marital tradition by drinking wine. Finishing the last drop, they face one another and the Groom said to his Bride, “His Lordship to announce a Winter Holiday soon, but before this and long ago, I already applied leave only postponing or delaying next. However, this time for sure and be taking off weeks before Winter. I will leave the Palace and shall bring my lady along, to visit my late Teacher's grave. He passed away last Winter, on the first day of Season. This coming one, marked his one year Death Anniversary. We should pay our respect together there”
“Your Teacher, Dugu Qiubai, dead?”
“Yes”
Guo Jing's sad revelation appeared linking to Huang Rong's unhappy past, and she saying nothing in return. Perceiving negative air and mood change, the Lord Guo's hand came up to tilt the Lady Huang's chin. When their eyes met, “If he's still alive today, I am sure full of joy and couldn't wait to meet my lady” Still, there is no reply. Well, such compliment to Star Deity have no stirring effect. So, the Premier tried again with “Am glad we officially wed and legally Man and Wife, no need leaving every morning or sneaking away every time after stolen kiss and experienced bliss with my lady” which isn't the best warm up line but does burn her countenance bit, which enough to fire his system. At last, the picture of blushing Bride and elated Groom!
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When Qin Feng met up with Yang Guo, Yang Kang is present for the reunion and exchanges of information but absent later because the Traveler requested a private audience with his Lordship. Once the Steward gone, “Forgive me, meant no disrespect and am not imposing but....” he trailed off and Lord Yang said “Feng, please continue”
“May I see your Mother, the Lady Hua and speaking to her alone?”
“Huh?! You knew my Mother?!”
At that, Qin Feng rather uncomfortable and quite regretting the whole thing, “I... No. But... Just...”
Something seemed to dawn Yang Guo then and he went over to address briskly “Qin Feng” who responded dutifully, “My lord”
“Why?”
“Err....”
“Well?”
“My lord, I am Traveler of Kingdom but standing here today, playing the Messenger of a fellow Acquaintance and recently deceased Man. My lord, please do not ask me for details that only meant for your Mother, which just couple of words, really. However, I understand if my lord refuse to grant me this request”
“He was the other man, wasn't he?”
The traveler unable to reply, but one's uneasy silence an obvious answer to question. On his liberal side, Yang Guo doesn't mind to let Qin Feng seeing Lady Hua and speaking to her, but on other hand, if Yang Xiao got to know... Ah, even the Lord dares not imagine his Sire's wrath. Oh, not a Decision for the Son to make.
“You have to ask my Father. I arrange for a meeting, so can make the request directly” least and best, he could do for all of them.
“Thank you, my lord but there is no need for me to meet your Father in order to see your Mother. I am not a close friend to the dead man but just tried helping to fulfill one's last wish. Since already done my best, consider matter close and over”
“Why miss the opportunity and throw away your chance?”
“Do you really want me to speak it or spell out, my lord?”
Images of his Father furiously snatched and forcefully seizing many documents from A Zhu or A Zhi, his mother's maids, flashed clearly across Yang Guo's mind. Came to witness by accident. Memories of his Father cruelly ripped letters and angrily burning stacks inside the Study, as sharp as yesterday. Happened to know by coincidence.
“I thank for my lord's generosity and appreciating your effort” the man bowed formally and gestured ceremoniously before continuing humbly, “I bothered my lord long enough, so would like to excuse myself now”
“Feng”
“My lord?”
“What is his name? Where the resting place?” and when the latter hesitated, Yang Guo added sadly, “Please. What harm there be in telling? The man a late subject of mine and also my mother's deceased acquaintance. As Lord and Son, I to acknowledge his passing and pay last respect, one day”
“Gongsun Zhi and he wasn't buried” Qin Feng told him.
“Excuse me. Wasn't buried? I don't understand!”
“On deathbed with final breath, he told me to scatter his ashes outside Kingdom”
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“Guo er, are you alright?”
“I am fine, Mother”
“Are you sure, my son? You seemed off color”
“Just tired, Father”
“Well, please slow down a bit, then. Don't overdoing it” came maternal smile and paternal smirk, which mean the parents misinterpreting his Lordship and referring her Ladyship, not speaking on works or talking about duties.
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Days later, there a hearty surprise, or the best joke, ever. Too bad for Wu Lang, who already left. Eyes widened and ears extended at the sight of two Gentlemen carrying a quacking duck in their hand. Hurried Footsteps can be heard from open corridors, side walks and hall ways while Hasty Movements along balconies, paths and staircases. Duan Yu quite comfortable and rather easygoing because he is Commoner and no big deal playing the Peasant. But Yang Kang is Steward of Kingdom, for Heaven Great Almighty's sake and this inside the Palace, damn it! Hunting and Trapping one thing, but going after duck different case and very shaming, altogether. Poor man doesn't know to put or hide, his face! It certainly didn't help the one he holding making most sound. Seriously, the Steward felt like strangling and mangling the noisy animal to death!
When a baffled Yang Guo saw his cousin's thunderous feature and the pathetic duck, realization dawned and his Lordship went into fit of laughter. A bewildered Guo Jing rushed to see what the ruckus about and coming across miserable Yang Kang with an equally pitiable duck, plus the Lord's hilarity the Premier couldn't help but cracking up as well. Because Steward Yang scowling, others and rests including foreigners who gathered nearby and outsiders that grouped closely, wouldn't dare so openly or doing it loudly. Both Lord Yang and Lord Guo holding their stomach, almost ending up on floor, when a melodious voice rang across the space “Sir, you are back!” halting the guffaws and commanded all attentions. Even ducks stopped quacking and ceased flapping but none took notice.
Ying Ying appeared with Zhao Min, who being chaperoned by Lady Mu and the three surrounded by maids and followed by attendants. Duan Yu smiled and walked over to his wife. Yang Kang still scowling when Lady Zhao, accompanied by Lu Wushuang, approached the Steward and addressing disbelievingly “My lord really catch me a duck! Oh, thank you, my lord!! Thank you so very much, you are the sweetest husband there is in Kingdom, one and only throughout Universe!!!”
If Duan Yu is Duan Yu, then Zhao Min must be Zhao Min whose petite figure yet to show the bump meaning still cute and dainty, standing on all her toes throwing arms around the husband to peck his cheek, “Muah....!!!!” Never mind Steward Yang messy sweaty and smelly. Their spectators gawked on, either swearing it miraculous or scoffing as ridiculous, upon man's reaction from darkest countenance rapidly to brightest expression and from gravest manner schooled to mellowest self. At the same time, Ying Ying gave Duan Yu one too, lower profile but more serene and with warmest compliment. Once, the latter successfully generating jealousy of entire hall winning a fair maiden without anything pricey or worthy to show off. Now, the same man no problem getting the whole palace green with envy by having lovely and pregnant wife waiting lovingly and contently, for his return with only duck in hand. The young husbands and fathers to be, reciprocating tenderly, one putting his best cosy front while the other accomplishing own melting charm, that earned them united masculines and collective feminines, “Awww....!!!!!” The Pugilists are combination of humorous figures and lively characters plus touch of romanticism, and this bunch of guys got carried away by mushy scenes and swept off by domestic skills, went as far as whistling "Phewittt.....!!!!!!"
Never the atmospheres so dreamy, never the moods absolutely gooey and never the peoples completely moony. From their viewing balcony, “How I wish am young again! We missed out all courting funs and wooing comics”
“You and your Wolfish style, did but I with my Sheepish tactic, didn't”
Well, Yang Xiao admits Defeat this one and allows his young sibling Ace for once. As for the General, their third last baby brother did in Foxy manner and all they can say is, History!
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At another balcony, Yeluqi stood quietly and left silently before being spotted spying.
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Duan Yu perceived himself sinisterly watched, or rather Ying Ying being thoroughly viewed at. He sought the source, and found both Foreigners already shifted eyes and focusing elsewhere. Man's impatience running thin, but then again Precaution better than Confrontation. Yang Guo didn't miss his best friend's hidden rage and self restrain, neither Yang Kang nor Guo Jing, for the matter. And the three glancing up to where another Foreigner lurking there earlier.
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Mid Autumn continued leisurely and casually towards End Autumn while Pugilists and Outsiders left. The First bunch for adventure and pursuing pastime, the Second batch either going home or detouring elsewhere, before gloomy day hindering all and lousy weather spoiling it. Inside Palace, during Court hour and at daily Assembly, the Duck episode helps cheering most work boredoms and relieving many stiff formalities. Meantime, the Lord Guo already off and away with the Lady Huang. During their Premier's absence and leave, Steward Yang neither overworked in Study nor overloaded at Office, meaning Kingdom in neat Reign and Administration accordingly to Rule. After his Lordship officially declaring Winter Holiday, sought her Ladyship to say “Come my lady”
“To where?”
“The Harem”
“Whatever for?”
“So I could introduce some palace ladies and few harem women to you. It wouldn't do, to have Yourself fighting with Them over Myself, would it?”
“Excuse me!”
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PART TWO
Sneak Preview....
“Indeed” his Lordship replied indulgently and facing her indignant Ladyship, addressed loftily “They are my Favorites here in the Harem”
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“Until today, Lord Yang Kang hates to come here. The Steward's last appearance in The Harem, was when his Favorite the Lady Li passed away years ago. Long before he brought the Lady Zhao home as his Child Bride”
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"It is time"
"Nay!"