My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 46: You Actually Want To Marry Another Man? 

　　He stared intently at her fair and delicate face.

　　His phoenix eyes darkened, and he squeezed her face, saying harshly, “Say you're wrong, and I won't hold it against you.”

　　Yun Ling looked into his eyes, her eyelashes fluttering.

　　Not hold it against her… Not hold it against her for running away?

　　She had deceived him. He had said he wanted to kill her, and locked her in this room for a day and a night.

　　He was known for his intolerance of deceit, his cruelty and cold-bloodedness. In the past, he had always used his power to intimidate and force her into submission. 

　　This time, he was surprisingly willing to let it go, saying he wouldn't hold it against her.

　　As long as she admitted her mistake.

　　But this time, she refused to make a hypocritical apology.

　　Meeting his gaze directly with wide-open eyes, Yun Ling pressed her lips together and remained silent.

　　Silence stretched across the room.

　　Xie Jue waited a long time, but she still didn't say a word, just continued to look at him.

　　His breathing grew heavy with anger. He nodded harshly, “Good. Very good.”

　　Suddenly rising, he threw on his robe and left.

　　The door slammed shut, a clear indication of the anger of the departing man.

　　Soon, the room fell silent.

　　Yun Ling slowly sat up from the bed, gazing at the closed door for a while before closing her eyes and letting out a soft sigh.

　　It looked like he wouldn't be back tonight.

　　Thinking this, Yun Ling got up, neatly arranged the bedding, and then lay down under the covers.

　　After a day of fright, despair, and fear, her nerves had been taut, unable to relax for even a moment. She was exhausted.

　　Closing her eyes, the image of him storming off flashed through her mind.

　　It seemed she couldn't escape his grasp, no matter what she did. And she didn't have the strength to run again—he wouldn't let her run again.

　　It seemed she could only resign herself to her fate.

　　Lost in these hazy thoughts, Yun Ling unknowingly drifted off to sleep.

　　Surprisingly, she slept quite well this time. Perhaps it was because the tension had finally eased; she no longer had to constantly worry about being caught by him, allowing her to relax completely. As a result, she slept soundly until dawn.

　　A beam of sunlight streamed through the window, falling on Yun Ling's brows and eyes. She lightly furrowed her brow and awoke from her dreams.

　　Just as she sat up, a maid knocked on the door from outside, “Lady Mu, are you awake?”

　　Yun Ling got out of bed and tidied herself up. “Come in.”

　　The maid entered with a basin of water, ready to assist her with her morning routine.

　　Having been in the Liu household for some time, Yun Ling had interacted with the maids and servants. She smiled and said, “Xiao Qi, I can manage by myself.”

　　Xiao Qi placed the basin down and, having been instructed not to say much, quietly left the room.

　　After finishing her morning routine, Yun Ling tied her hair up with a green silk ribbon.

　　Since she couldn't leave the room, she continued working on the etiquette book she hadn't finished writing the day before.

　　The sun climbed higher in the sky.

　　Warm sunlight streamed in, making the room much warmer.

　　Yun Ling wrote the final character and put down her brush. Slowly straightening her aching back, she looked up. She couldn't see outside, and didn't know what time it was.

　　Sighing, she stood up and knocked on the door, asking, “Eunuch An, what time is it?”

　　“It's just past noon.”

　　So late already? Yun Ling was somewhat surprised. “His Highness hasn't returned yet?”

　　“This servant doesn't know.”

　　“His Highness, is he investigating a case?” Yun Ling asked.

　　His personal visit to Meiyang County from Yunze was certainly for important business; perhaps he was investigating a case.

　　It was just bad luck that she ran into him.

　　It was also her fault for being secluded in Meiyang County, cut off from outside news. If she had known anything about what was going on, she wouldn't be in this passive situation.

　　Since she asked, there was no reason not to tell her. Lady Yun was always measured in important matters.

　　An Zhong thought for a moment, then opened the door and entered, explaining the whole story from beginning to end.

　　“Two hundred thousand taels of silver, all gone?” Yun Ling exclaimed in surprise.

　　To embezzle two hundred thousand taels of silver meant for disaster relief and even murder the imperial envoy... it was unlikely ordinary bandits could accomplish this.

　　And to keep such a huge matter so secret, she hadn't heard a single whisper of it in Meiyang County.

　　Among the officials of Yunze, only those with high power or officials colluding with each other would dare to be so bold. The Crown Prince is probably just struggling to find evidence.

　　“No wonder he came to Meiyang County himself.”

　　Grand Eunuch An, however, suddenly shook his head. “Originally, this matter was assigned to Young Master Chen, but His Highness saw a calligraphy practice book in Lady Yun's room, and then decided to go to Yunze himself.”

　　A calligraphy practice book... That was an old book her master had given her when she first learned to read, filled with her crooked writing of the characters ‘Peng Ze.’

　　And Peng Ze was the present-day Zezhou.

　　Grand Eunuch An continued, “His Highness has been searching for you, Lady Yun, for three years, but has been unable to find any trace. Upon seeing your handwriting, he decided to come personally to look for you.”

　　“After you escaped, His Highness strictly ordered that your name not be mentioned in the palace for these years. It truly seemed like he hated you to the core. But now that he's seen you, all that talk of a thousand cuts has vanished.”

　　“Even coming to Yunze in person was just to find you, Lady Yun.”

　　Yun Ling lowered her head, remaining silent.

　　Indeed, his personal visit here was merely to bring her back.

　　His possessiveness was such that even in death, she could only die by his side.

　　She had nowhere to escape, so what could she do?

　　As soon as Grand Eunuch An finished speaking, Xie Jue returned from outside. Pushing open the door and seeing them talking, he frowned. “What are you talking about?”

　　Grand Eunuch An only then realized he'd been careless enough to leave the door unlocked when he entered. “Your servant…”

　　Seeing this, Yun Ling took over the conversation. “I was just asking Eunuch An why His Highness came here.”

　　Xie Jue remained silent.

　　Soon, two maidservants brought in the midday meal, and Grand Eunuch An quickly served the Crown Prince.

　　Yun Ling sat opposite him.

　　He acted as if he were in his own home, completely without restraint.

　　Pressing her lips together, she spoke, “When can I leave? With His Highness here, I can't escape no matter what.”

　　“The matter will be resolved soon,” Xie Jue said without looking up, “You will naturally be able to leave then.”

　　But then, it wouldn't be just leaving; it would be departing Meiyang County altogether.

　　He was about to leave Meiyang County!

　　Yun Ling's heart suddenly felt a pang of panic. If he left Meiyang County, she would have to leave with him.

　　This place where she had lived for two years, her painstakingly built Yunyi Workshop, the school she was about to open, a group of lovely children—her students and friends—and her Sister Mu Dong—she would have to abandon them all.

　　This peaceful life, though isolated from the outside world, was a place where she felt an unprecedented sense of tranquility.

　　Yun Ling pressed her lips together, and with a final glimmer of hope, asked, “Can't Your Highness just let me go? I don't want to return to the Palace. What's the point of forcing me to stay by your side?”

　　“Have you become too naive from staying outside the Palace for so long?” Xie Jue put down his chopsticks, his thin lips twitching slightly. “Whether it is meaningful or not, I have never cared.”

　　“Here in Meiyang County, you're blind and deaf, oblivious to the dangers that have come near,” Xie Jue lifted his eyelids slightly. “Is this the life you want?”

　　“If one day overwhelming power descends, will you be able to protect yourself?”

　　Yun Ling lowered her head and said nothing.

　　Yes, she had been careless here.

　　But when one lives a peaceful life, there's no need for vigilance.

　　Only those who constantly live in danger need to be vigilant.

　　But is such a tense life truly better?

　　After a moment of silence, she took a step back. “If that's the case, I want to go home first. Give me some time. Before leaving Meiyang County, I need to settle things here. If Your Highness is worried, send someone to follow me. Where could I possibly escape to?”

　　This was her way of negotiating with him.

　　He understood her.

　　And she, naturally, understood him.

　　Xie Jue, who had already risen to leave, stopped in his tracks at her words.

　　After a moment of silence, he agreed.

　　“As you wish.”

　　After he left, Yun Ling let out a soft sigh. She knew she couldn't escape Meiyang County; he knew it too. Therefore, he allowed her to go home.

　　She knew his anger, his high-handed nature that wouldn't tolerate being tricked or deceived; that's why he wanted her to admit her wrongdoing. But how could she admit it? Escaping was her choice; she had no regrets and didn't want to apologize.

　　And where would their relationship go after an apology?

　　So this time, she refused to bow her head.

　　Since he didn't intend to kill her, it would be better for both of them if they calmed down and found some peace.

　　After the Crown Prince left, Grand Eunuch An and a guard were ready to accompany her home.

　　Eunuch An, seeing that the tension between her and the Crown Prince had eased, relaxed considerably, smiling. “Lady Yun, are you ready? Once you are, let's set off. We need to be back before dark.”

　　“Yes,” Yun Ling nodded.

　　As soon as she stepped out of the room, she saw Liu Silan running breathlessly towards her. Before she reached Yun Ling, two guards stopped her. Liu Silan trembled slightly, her eyes fixed on Yun Ling. “Teacher…”

　　Yun Ling was surprised by her sudden appearance.

　　Turning to Grand Eunuch An, she said, “Miss Silan is my student, and I have something to give her. Please allow me to speak with her for a few moments.”

　　Grand Eunuch An nodded and waved his hand. The two guards stepped aside.

　　Yun Ling walked over and took Silan's hand, leading her to a quiet corner. It was within sight of the guards, yet offered some privacy for a conversation.

　　Seeing Yun Ling approach, Liu Silan quickly grasped Yun Ling's wrist tightly, desperately trying to pull her away. “Teacher, I'll take you away.”

　　But as soon as she made a move to escape, the two guards shot her a chilling glare.

　　Yun Ling held Silan's wrist, stopping her. “I know you mean well, but it's not possible.”

　　Liu Silan said tearfully, “I just found out that the Prince of Linze is keeping you here. I want to rescue you. After all, this is our family's place, and I still have some say.”

　　Yún Ling shook her head, telling her not to act rashly. “There's no need, Silan. You saw those guards. Even if you gathered all the servants in the Liu Mansion, they wouldn't be a match for just two of them.”

　　“Has the Prince of Linze gone completely lawless? This is kidnapping!” Liu Silan was furious.

　　To her, Lady Mu was not only her teacher but also her elder sister.

　　She taught her diligently and strictly, bought her delicious food and fun things, and Silan could confide in her teacher about any worries or secrets. Why would such a good teacher be imprisoned?

　　Seeing Silan so angry, Yun Ling felt the gloom in her heart lift slightly.

　　She smiled faintly. “It's alright, it's not a big deal. I'm essentially a member of his household; it's only natural that I return with him. Don't worry, he won't do anything to me.”

　　Since she couldn't help, why worry Silan?

　　Liu Silan was momentarily stunned. “Teacher... you're someone from the Prince of Linze's household?”

　　Wasn't she said to be from the capital? How could this be…

　　Yun Ling said nothing more, but took a booklet she had compiled from her sleeve and handed it to Silan. “I wrote this in the past two days. It contains the rules of court etiquette and some reference books. While I'm gone, you can use this booklet to continue your studies.”

　　Liu Silan stared blankly at the booklet, her voice muffled. “I don't want to learn. I'm not participating in the Prince of Linze's selection of consorts…”

　　He's so bad.

　　Yun Ling smiled, pressing the booklet into her hand and whispering in her ear, “Take this for now. If you still want to try for the selection of consorts next year, then go for it. Even if you don't participate in the selection, what's inside will always be useful to you.”

　　The matter of the Crown Prince impersonating the Prince of Linze was of great importance; she couldn't tell Silan yet. She would send someone to explain everything after the missing silver case was resolved.

　　Liu Silan obediently took the booklet, sniffling and wiping away her tears. “Then, Teacher, are you leaving Meiyang County? Will you ever come back?”

　　“Yes,” Yun Ling replied, letting out a soft sigh as she released her hand. “I'm afraid... I won't be coming back.”

　　The Palace walls are high and deep, and she wouldn't have the opportunity to return.

　　Liu Silan burst into tears instantly. “Wuuu... Teacher…”

　　Grand Eunuch An reminded her from behind, “It's getting late.”

　　Yun Ling nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

　　Liu Silan choked back sobs, saying behind her, “Teacher, your kindness is as vast as the sea. I will remember you.”

　　Yun Ling paused for a moment, then continued walking.

　　Having a student who remembers her... that's enough.

　　Mu Dong sat in the courtyard, distraught and anxious. Suddenly, she saw the door open and Yun Ling walk in. She immediately stood up, excited, but her smile faded slightly when she saw Grand Eunuch An behind her.

　　Hurriedly, she walked over and took Yun Ling's hand. “I've been worried sick these past two days.”

　　Yun Ling said to Grand Eunuch An, “I'll go inside to pack my things and say a few words to Sister Mu Dong.”

　　Grand Eunuch An nodded in agreement and remained in the courtyard.

　　Returning to her room, Yun Ling looked at her cozy home, lovingly decorated bit by bit. Every chair and table, the bluish-white gauze curtains, the bedding on the bed, the vase by the windowsill... everything was hand-picked by her.

　　Pulling her gaze away, Yun Ling sighed and began to pack.

　　She had packed some things when she prepared to leave Meiyang County before, but this time she was truly leaving, so she needed to pack more thoroughly. She also needed to prepare a few more things.

　　Seeing her packing, Mu Dong asked in shock, “You really intend to leave with...?”

　　Yun Ling nodded, looking at Mu Dong, “Sister, His Highness won't trouble you. I'm leaving Yunyi Workshop to you. Live well here in Meiyang County in the future.”

　　Following her further, perhaps the only outcome would be returning to the deep palace together. Why bother?

　　Mu Dong shook her head, her eyes welling up. “No, no. We sisters must stay together.”

　　“Sister, listen to me,” Yun Ling pulled her down to sit, explaining bit by bit, “This time I leave, it's very likely I won't return. I might only be able to go back to the Palace. The Palace isn't a good place; without power, one will be bullied. Dongdong's tragic death has been my lifelong regret. I don't want you to suffer with me in the palace. If I can't even protect you then, how will I ever live with myself?”

　　Mu Dong's eyes were red. “Is returning to the Palace the only option? Is there really no other way?”

　　Yun Ling gazed longingly at the sunlight outside the window and slowly said, “Perhaps.”

　　In truth, she herself didn't know what the future held. How could the Crown Prince just let her go? But he still needed to investigate the whereabouts of the disaster relief funds, so he wouldn't be returning to the Palace immediately.

　　Let her think about it along the way. Perhaps she could find a chance to talk to him seriously.

　　Mu Dong held Yun Ling's hand, weeping uncontrollably.

　　She knew that if she insisted on following Yun Ling, she would only be a burden.

　　But she truly couldn't bear to part.

　　Yun Ling's eyes also reddened, and the two embraced tightly.

　　……

　　By the time she finished packing, it was already dark. When Yun Ling left the room, she saw a tall, slender figure standing in the courtyard.

　　Her steps faltered.

　　When did he arrive?

　　Xie Jue turned his head at the sound of her footsteps, glancing at the package in Yun Ling's hand. His thin lips moved slightly. “All packed?”

　　Yun Ling nodded. “Yes. When did Your Highness arrive?”

　　“Just now,” Xie Jue said, his brows furrowed. “Those people have already left Meiyang County under the cover of night. We should go as well.”

　　Time to leave.

　　Yun Ling hadn't expected it to be so soon. She thought she could stay for another two days.

　　Turning around, she grasped Mu Dong's hand. “Then, Sister, I'm leaving. If there's a chance... I'll come back to see you.”

　　Mu Dong nodded, tears blurring her vision. “I'll wait for you here.”

　　The Crown Prince had already gone out. Though reluctant to leave, Yun Ling could only follow.

　　After walking for a while, she realized they weren't heading towards the city gate, but rather seemed to be taking a water route.

　　Xie Jue explained, “From the south of Meiyang County, there's only one road, which passes through Dianji. If my entire party travels by land, we'll be a large and conspicuous group, easily exposed. Therefore, we've split into two groups – some will follow by land, while others will take a water route to Dianji.”

　　The water route would also be faster, Yun Ling thought.

　　A large, two-story merchant ship was already moored at the shore. This was probably the largest ship available in Meiyang County, capable of holding at least a hundred people.

　　She wondered how he managed to arrange it.

　　In the blink of an eye, Xie Jue had already boarded the ship.

　　The night wind was strong, and the gangplank leading to the ship swayed precariously. Yun Ling, already unsteady on her feet, nearly stumbled forward when a sudden gust of wind hit.

　　Just as she was about to fall, a pair of strong hands grasped her wrist, steadying her with a gentle pull.

　　Looking up, she saw his sharp, distinct features.

　　His expression was cold and impassive.

　　After regaining her balance, Yun Ling bowed slightly. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

　　Xie Jue merely gave a soft “hmm” in response.

　　Most of the guards had boarded the ship, leaving only Grand Eunuch An slowly climbing aboard.

　　Standing on the deck, the salty sea wind hit her face, cold and damp.

　　Yun Ling took one last look at Meiyang County, feeling a pang of reluctance.

　　“If you like this place, I can bring you back sometime,” Xie Jue said softly, noticing her lingering gaze.

　　Yun Ling turned to him. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

　　Seeing that his expression was much better than yesterday, Yun Ling said warmly, “Your Highness, do you intend to keep someone guarding me constantly? It's as if I were a thief.”

　　Xie Jue's thin lips twitched. “If you were more well-behaved, I wouldn't need to go to such lengths.”

　　“As if I could jump overboard from this ship,” she retorted.

　　Xie Jue paused, unable to refute her, and let out a cold snort.

　　Suddenly, a shout came from the shore. Yun Ling turned her head and saw Mu Dong, who had somehow managed to catch up, waving to her from the bank, having come to see her off.

　　“Ah Zhao, take care!”

　　Yun Ling smiled, walked to the edge of the gangplank, and waved back vigorously. “Sister, go back.”

　　As her voice faded, another figure emerged from behind a tree, wearing grey homespun clothes, and ran towards the shore.

　　Upon seeing the newcomer, Yun Ling's heart leaped.

　　Mu Dong was also startled, looking at Zhang Ren. He had secretly followed her.

　　Zhang Ren looked at Yun Ling on the deck and waved. “Lady Mu, I've been thinking about this for days, and I still can't let you go. But I mean no harm. I just wanted to see you off.”

　　Yun Ling's heart sank, but she forced herself to remain calm. “Brother Zhang, I've received much kindness from you these past days. You're a brother I deeply respect. Please thank Sister-in-law Zhang for me as well.”

　　Zhang Ren's face fell at her words.

　　At that moment, Xie Jue approached, his voice neither loud nor soft as he addressed Zhang Ren on the shore. “You can't let her go? Why? Could it be...?”

　　He asked slowly, seemingly calm, “Could it be that there's something between you two?”

　　His perceptiveness was remarkable.

　　Yun Ling quickly said, “No. I and he absolutely—”

　　The shadow guards behind her pulled her away before she could finish.

　　Zhang Ren hadn't expected Lady Mu to be accompanied by such a young and handsome gentleman, one who clearly possessed an air of authority. Understanding instantly, and unwilling to create a misunderstanding, he quickly explained, “No, please, sir, don't misunderstand. Lady Mu and I have no romantic involvement. Although my aunt introduced us a few times, Lady Mu has no interest in me.”

　　The moonlight on the sea fell upon Xie Jue's sharp, distinct profile, half hidden in the darkness, obscuring his eyes. He suddenly chuckled softly, his voice oddly chillingly calm.

　　“Only a few meetings, you say.”

　　Yun Ling closed her eyes in despair.

　　Zhang Ren tried to say something more, but at that moment, two agile guards disembarked and easily subdued him. Zhang Ren panicked. “What are you doing...?”

　　Xie Jue's expression seemed even more dangerous than the turbulent waves, his thin lips uttering two words flatly, “Kill him.”

　　Mu Dong, standing nearby, collapsed to the ground in terror.

　　Yun Ling struggled against the restraints of the shadow guard, shouting to stop them. “Stop!”

　　The guards' hands froze.

　　Yun Ling hurried to Xie Jue's side, seizing his sleeve tightly. “Don't kill him. I've only met him a few times; there's absolutely no romantic involvement. And I made it clear to him long ago that I only consider him a brother. Your Highness can investigate if you don't believe me; I haven't spoken a single false word.”

　　“Not a single false word?” Xie Jue forcefully grasped her wrist, his eyes veiled with a dark, sinister light, his face a whirlwind of terrifying rage. “What does it matter if you've only met him a few times? You dared to associate with another man behind my back, you harbored thoughts of marrying another man—you deserve to die!”

　　“For years, I've searched for you across the land, sleepless nights, my dreams filled with your image,” his brow furrowed fiercely, his voice choked with furious hatred. “And you dared to think of marrying another man?”

　　The sea wind whipped her hair.

　　In his eyes, she was nothing more than his possession.

　　But she wasn't.

　　“Why can't I?” Yun Ling looked up at him, forcing her eyes open. “Before I left, I wasn't Your Highness's consort. I'm a commoner; naturally, I have the freedom to marry.”

　　“Marriage?”

　　Xie Jue laughed coldly, his expression more terrifying and frantic than a demon from hell. “Talking about your freedom to marry in front of me—what a laughable notion.”

　　“Then I'll let your so-called freedom to marry die right now!”

　　Yun Ling stood before him, shouting, “If an innocent person dies because of me, Your Highness, do you intend for me to live in guilt until my death?”

　　Xie Jue's eyes were bloodshot, his fury erupting. “You defy me for a man; he must die!”

　　He snatched a sword from a guard, intending to kill Zhang Ren himself.

　　Yun Ling closed her eyes heavily, hopelessly, tears streaming down her face.

　　Why was everything always beyond her control, a cruel twist of fate?

　　Her tears scattered in the cold, salty sea breeze, vanishing without a trace.

　　She stepped forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist from behind, her voice choked with emotion as she cried out, “Xie Jue!”

　　“From beginning to end, it's only between you and me; it has nothing to do with anyone else. Why do you have to take your anger out on others?”

　　Not addressing him as ‘Your Highness,’ but daring to call the Crown Prince by his name in public!

　　The entire ship was kneeling, even Grand Eunuch An dared not lift his head.

　　Xie Jue froze.

　　Yun Ling's tears fell. “You forbid me from associating with others, but your so-called indulgence and affection—is it to make me your Cèfēi? I shared life and death with you in the Cold Palace, accompanying you from obscurity to glory. I was endlessly grateful to Your Highness, content to be a female official, willing to serve Your Highness for life. Your Highness treats everyone equally, yet because of your past grievances and prejudices against palace maids, you always belittle me. You have feelings for me, yet you won't even allow our relationship to be seen, and you even want me to choose a proper wife for you.”

　　“But do you know that in the Palace, if there's only affection and no status, your love is a fatal poison? I might not even know how I die one day!”

　　“Well said,” Xie Jue slowly turned around, lowering his head to forcefully wipe away the tears under her eyes. “Do you think that with your lowly palace maid status, I can make you what?”

　　“My status as a palace maid is lowly,” Yun Ling, suppressing her tears, looked up and said each word clearly, “but I would rather be a commoner's wife than a consort in the East Palace.”

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T/N: OMG, I was practically screaming while translating this chapter, especially the last paragraph! What a rollercoaster! The author is incredibly skilled at evoking emotion. 😂 My heart rate spiked more times translating this chapter than Xie Jue's did. Seriously, this emotional whiplash is intense. I swear, I went through a full range of emotions—from frustrated sympathy for Yun Ling to wanting to throttle Xie Jue (but also kind of admiring his insanity). Xie Jue, honey, you're a menace, but a captivating one. Also, Yun Ling, girl, I feel you. Solidarity. May we all not find someone who looks at us the way Xie Jue looks at Yun Ling (It's truly terrifying!!). 😂

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