Chapter 16 (1/2)

Chapter 16: Wed Again [R18]

In the past few days, the benevolent emperor Xu Rui had no appet.i.te. The Great General had won the battle and his prestige was high among the people. Although he was a loyal and devoted subject, the Qian family are not without beastly desires which was also the reason he did not dare to confide in him with entire sincerity.  Additionally, when his brother-in-law Ji Rufeng requested to administer the disaster relief for Qu Province it was as if his right arm had been choppped off. In the next few days, Qian Mingxue will return to court and will be t.i.tled as a marquis therefore until then his struggle's for sleep will continue.

When Ji Rufeng said farewell to Xu Mo, he continued to linger and was reluctant to depart from her. Xu Mo also became slightly reluctant after their many intimate days but she could not change his decision and could only watch him from afar as he left.

She heard the Great General had returned and her royal brother will prepare a banquet but she had no interest to attend and was unaware that a major event will fall upon her.

In the early hours next day, the imperial decree arrived.

Xu Mo learned she had been bestowed to the Great General whom she had never met. Her whole body crumbled apart as if struck by thunder and promptly left for the palace.

Xu Mo was admitted into the hall once she had been announced and saw her brother's relieved expression while her own was full of hidden bitterness.

Xu Rui looked at his own sister who had not spoken a word since she entered. Xu Mo's face was puffed up cutely like a child as she displayed her dissatisfaction to him. With his heart full of tenderness, he patiently a.n.a.lysed the pros and cons with her.

Xu Mo finally understands the emperor's troubles and agreed but her heart still found it difficult to accept. In the past month, she had received two men and now there will be third soon. It was stressful to even think about it.

Xu Rui saw she had accepted but was still somewhat depressed so he smiled, ”This Great General of mine has gained the interest of many ladies of prestigious families! How come you look so miserable.”

Xu Mo remained silent. If she said two husbands were enough then her royal brother will surely reprimand her again.

Xu Rui saw her look quite defeated and spoke again, ”Be at ease. General Qian may have been out on campaign* for many years but he was not born out of a rough family. Moreover, you two have met before and he asked for the marriage because he cares about his old affection so he will treat you well.”

*TL-note: A series of military operations intended to achieve a goal, confined to a particular area, or involving a specified type of fighting.

Xu Mo casually nodded her head. She had no mind to listen and naturally was unaware of the a previous meeting and old affection that his royal brother referred to.

Departed from the palace and inside the carriage. She had planned to visit Hanshan Temple before she married but Rufeng will not be home for another two or three months and she does not know when Yunfu will return. It will be rather boring with just her in the house.

When the carriage arrived at the palace gate, a sudden cold but firm voice was heard.

”Northwest Great General Qian Mingxue request to meet the Her Highness The Princess.”

Xu Mo closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. She had stumbled upon the precise matter she wanted to forget at this moment yet she still must see him.

The servant lifted up the curtain and reached out a hand.

Xu Mo lowered her body and took the tough silk covered hands down the carriage.

Qian Mingxue stared at the figure who appeared in front of him and felt as if he were in a dream. Just a while ago they could only meet each other in a dream but now she was  in front of his eyes as clear as day. She was still so elegant and refined but in the recent year, she seems to have shed a bit of her childish nature and become even more beautiful.

Qian Mingxue looked at Xu Mo and naturally, Xu Mo also looked at him.

He stood upright like a pole with a slender but strong stature and wore a tiger patterned dark reddish purple chang pao*. Many years in the battlefield had turned his skin into the colour of wheat from the wind and sun. His sharp eyebrows, high nose-bridge, thin but tight lips and the majestic body was full of valour and vigour. She did not expect that not only this person could fight but was also born so remarkable just like the cold and cool military personnels depicted in modern fiction novels.

*TL-note: A traditional Chinese dress (or robe, long jacket or tunic) worn by men. In function, it is considered the male equivalent of the women's cheongsam (qipao). These types of dress were widely adopted beginning under the Manchu rulers of the Qing dynasty, who required that men in certain positions wear this style.

Xu Mo felt a little scared. Rufeng and Yunfu both practised martial arts so their bodies were naturally st.u.r.dy but this person was excessively strong. She was only half his width and her height barely reached his chest therefore how many people would be able to bear married to such an iron-blooded man. Additionally, it has been said in medical books that men with straight noses are abundant and in that aspect are very valiant.

Xu Mo felt as if her life was likened to that of a bok choy*. She is going to die by s.e.xual pleasure!

*TL-note: Bok choy, pak choi, or pok choi is a type of Chinese cabbage. Also an euphemism for s.e.x.

Qian Mingxue had a sharp sense and naturally sensed her gloominess. He deliberately fixed himself up and even reserved his tough tone for today's meeting but he still did not understand why she was this way.

”Princess.”

Xu Mo returned to her senses, ”General Qian, why don't we talk at my residence. There are many inconveniences here.”

Qian Mingxue naturally agreed.

They arrived one after the other at the princess' residence. After they got out of the carriage, they both entered into the residence together.

The small manservant stepped forward and announced the second husband have returned.

Xu Mo sighed a breath of relief. They can both talk to each other! She will stay on the side and munch on melon seeds.

Yunfu naturally knew about the marriage as he severely missed her these past two weeks. His own blessed little wife made him feel helpless but fortunately, he had the advantage to be with her an entire year and to also have the appearance of a celestial being. Xu Mo's nature was not bad but she was still a woman who was fond of handsome men. If he were anything less than the outstanding Ji Rufeng then it would really be inexcusable.