My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 51: How Long Are You Going To Keep Quarreling With Me? 

　　Yun Ling looked at her empty hands and lowered her head, “Your Highness, don't you know how important Master is to me? I just want to fulfill his wish. Otherwise, I won't have the chance when I return to the capital.”

        “There will be time in the future, I can bring you to Yunze again.” Xie Jue turned around, his back to her, “I can also have someone bring your Master's ashes from the capital to Yunze for burial.”

　　“Your Highness is the Crown Prince, and will be the Emperor in the future. Ruling the empire, how could you possibly have time to come to this remote Yunze?” Yun Ling looked at him, “Thank you for your willingness to help me move Master's ashes, but he raised me for many years. If I don't go personally to fulfill his wish, wouldn't that be ungrateful?”

　　“You've already avenged him with your own hands, that's your gratitude. As for other matters, I'll have people do it for you.”

　　“But…”

　　“No buts. The carriage to Zezhou is already prepared, there's no room for discussion.”

　　He walked straight out of the room.

　　Yun Ling stood there, silent for a while.

　　She didn't know what to do.

　　She had considered that he might not agree at first, after all, she had run away once before. But she hadn't expected his reaction to be so resolute. No matter how much she pleaded, he wouldn't allow it.

　　In truth, she was already under his control; she didn't know where to escape even if she wanted to. Furthermore, Pengshui County was far away and mountainous, and she didn't know anyone there—how could she possibly run away there?

　　He surely knew that.

　　But even so, he wouldn't let her go. What should she do?

　　How could she possibly not go to her Master's home? Now she only regretted not leaving for Pengshui County sooner. She'd always been thinking of preparing better, of being more certain, after all, she was facing powerful officials, and she was just a lowly merchant at the time. She hadn't expected to be unexpectedly discovered by him, making it impossible for her to go even if she wanted to.

　　While packing, she included two sets of clothes she'd made for her Master, and she also fashioned a small clay figure to serve as a grave marker. Later, she would find a way to reclaim her Master's indentured servitude money, land, and deeds from his uncle, to comfort his spirit in the afterlife.

　　But if he didn't agree, she wouldn't be able to do anything.

　　After an unknown amount of time spent pondering in the room, the door was suddenly pushed open. Grand Eunuch An, accompanied by two guards, arrived to carry her chests and packages. He approached Yun Ling and said, “Please, Lady Yun, hurry and board the carriage. His Highness is waiting for you inside.”

　　Yun Ling had no choice but to go out.

　　A magnificent carriage was already waiting outside the inn. Pei Yuan stood outside the carriage, reporting to the Crown Prince inside.

　　They were likely discussing the follow-up matters regarding Cao Zhiping. Their journey had been quite hurried; they had only delayed for two days and three nights at Dianji, completing the investigation in the shortest time possible.

　　His efficiency in investigating the case in Yunze was impressive; he had all the time calculated, after all, as a Crown Prince, he couldn't afford to leave the Capital for too long just for one case. It was clear that he truly had no time to stay an extra ten days or half a month to accompany her to Pengshui County.

　　She would have to go alone.

　　And she wanted to go alone, to personally retrieve her Master's belongings and inheritance.

　　After Pei Yuan finished his report, Yun Ling walked to the carriage and boarded it.

　　The carriage interior was spacious, carpeted with soft rugs. A hand warmer, tea, fruit, snacks, and even storybooks and illustrated scrolls were all readily available, ensuring a comfortable journey.

　　He was already seated inside, currently reviewing a report that Pei Yuan had just presented—likely an urgent dispatch from the capital.

　　Even outside the capital, he needed to review some urgent memorials.

　　Yunling ducked into the carriage and sat opposite him. He continued to read his report, ignoring her and without even raising his head.

　　Soon, everything was loaded, and Grand Eunuch An very thoughtfully boarded the carriage behind.

　　When they arrived, he had been with the Prince, attending to him. But now that the Lady Yun was present, his services were no longer needed. He possessed that much common sense.

　　With everyone ready, Pei Yuan gave the order, and they set off.

　　The journey from here to Zezhou would take several days; they would need to hurry.

　　The sound of hooves could be heard outside, but the carriage remained quiet. He leaned casually against the soft cushions in his dark robe, expressionlessly reviewing the report.

　　Yun Ling thought for a moment, then opened a cloisonné box inlaid with intricately carved branches and eight treasures. She selected a piece of fruit preserve that wasn't overly sweet. “This was made by a master craftsman in Dianji. His skill is exquisite, and the flavor is slightly different from the palace's. Your Highness, would you care to try some?”

　　Xie Jue added a line to the report without looking up. “I don't care for sweets. Eat it yourself.”

　　Yun Ling blinked, and could only put the fruit preserve in her own mouth.

　　Even though it wasn't very sweet, it was delicious.

　　Since her attempt at pleasing him was unsuccessful, Yun Ling swallowed the fruit preserve, pursed her lips, and said to him, “These Palace walls are high and deep. Once I enter, I'll never be able to leave again. Your Highness, do you really intend to leave me with such regrets?”

　　“But how can I rest easy? My Master's kindness in raising me is greater than the heavens. Won't Your Highness even allow me to fulfill this filial duty?”

　　Xie Jue frowned. “I told you, when I have time, I will definitely accompany you.”

　　“And when will that be?” Yun Ling asked. “Your Highness's affairs are numerous; you will certainly have no free time for at least several years.”

　　She paused, her voice suddenly softening,

　　“Besides, Your Highness, do you intend to keep me confined forever?”

　　Xie Jue's finger stopped, and after a long moment, he finally looked up at her. His stern face showed no expression, his tone calm yet unyielding. “At least for now, I will not let you leave my side for even a step.”

　　Yun Ling met his gaze.

　　Silence fell over the carriage.

　　After a moment, she helplessly turned her head, giving up on trying to persuade him.

　　The rest of the journey was quiet.

　　Yun Ling didn't try to speak again, taking up a storybook to read. He reviewed his reports, she read her book, and neither spoke again.

　　Soon, dusk fell, and they arrived at a ¹way station where everyone stopped to rest.

　　The guards quickly unloaded their belongings and began preparing the rooms.

　　Grand Eunuch An led people to prepare the bedding, and Yun Ling followed Xie Jue out of the carriage.

　　Just as Grand Eunuch An was about to invite His Highness to rest, he heard Yunling politely say, “Eunuch An, please arrange a separate room for me. I'm not feeling well and don't want to disturb His Highness.”

　　The smile on Grand Eunuch An's face faltered. He secretly glanced at the Crown Prince, whose expression seemed rather displeased, and hesitated. “This…”

　　Yun Ling said, “I see there are many rooms in this way station; there should be some extra ones. It doesn't matter how big or small, just assign me one.”

　　Then, turning to Xie Jue, she said, “I'm not feeling well and am unable to attend to Your Highness. Please grant me this.”

　　Xie Jue's face was as dark as ink, his thin lips pressed tightly together. “Arrange a room for her.”

　　Then he turned and entered his room with a flick of his sleeve.

　　Grand Eunuch An could only arrange it with a bitter expression, but he still cleverly placed her room right next to the Crown Prince's.

　　Yun Ling didn't say anything else. Taking her baggage, she entered her room and said apologetically to Grand Eunuch An, “I've caused you trouble.”

　　Grand Eunuch An shook his head. “It's my duty, Lady Yun. You don't need to worry, but…”

　　He wanted to ask what was wrong, but then he saw Yun Ling say, “The journey was tiring, and I'm truly exhausted. I'll rest first, and I won't need dinner.”

　　After saying this, Yun Ling nodded to Grand Eunuch An and gently closed the door.

　　Back in her room, she tidied up, changed into clean clothes, removed her hair ornaments, and got into bed.

　　He wouldn't let her go, and she didn't know what else to say to him, so she simply said nothing.

　　Thinking this, she closed her eyes, feeling weary at heart.

　　She was truly afraid—afraid that once she entered the capital, once she entered the palace walls, she would never be able to leave again.

　　She couldn't even fulfill her Master's last wish.

　　But what was her relationship with the Crown Prince now? How should she define it? He was always so forceful, never giving her a choice. Escape was the choice she made for herself, and she never regretted it.

　　But what was their relationship now? She couldn't even define it herself. Could she really escape from his forceful promise?

　　Perhaps she felt that since she couldn't choose and couldn't escape, she might as well accept her fate.

　　But she also had her own wishes, things she wanted to do.

　　She had no parents, only a Master who raised her, yet she had caused him trouble, and she couldn't even fulfill his last wish.

　　Thinking of this, she felt helpless, a sense of frustration and low spirits washing over her. She turned her head, pulled the covers higher, and slowly closed her eyes.

　　On the other side.

　　In the spacious room, Grand Eunuch An and two guards had prepared the evening meal. The Crown Prince had also changed his clothes and sat down in a chair.

　　Grand Eunuch An stood by, ready to serve the Crown Prince's meal, when he saw the Crown Prince raise his eyebrows. “Where is she?”

　　Just the single word ‘she,’ but Grand Eunuch An knew who the Crown Prince was referring to. He quickly replied, “Lady Yun said she wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be needing dinner.”

　　Xie Jue's fingers tightened around his chopsticks. “She didn't even eat dinner? Who is she angry with?!”

　　His voice dropped, and no one in the room dared to speak.

　　Silence reigned.

　　After a moment, Grand Eunuch An took a deep breath and tentatively suggested, “Perhaps I should send Lady Yun a bowl of sweet soup later? Not eating dinner is certainly bad for her health.”

　　The Crown Prince merely let out a cold humph.

　　But Grand Eunuch An knew he had to send that bowl of sweet soup.

　　Lady Yun disliked being waited on, and in this remote place, there weren't any nimble maidservants. Otherwise, choosing a few maids to serve Lady Yun would be much more convenient.

　　After finishing his meal, the Crown Prince retired for the night.

　　They had to leave early the next morning.

　　The night grew colder as it deepened. By the time of Xu (7 PM - 9 PM), the entire way station was shrouded in a gloomy darkness, silent and still.

　　Yun Ling had been in the carriage all day, and her back and shoulders were indeed aching. She lay down in bed and soon fell into a peaceful sleep.

　　Grand Eunuch An knocked on the door, and she woke up, saying, “Thank you, Eunuch An. I've already gone to sleep, I don't need anything.”

　　Then she drifted back to sleep.

　　Seeing this, Grand Eunuch An quietly withdrew, sighing softly. Yesterday everything had been fine, but today, it seemed the Crown Prince and Lady Yun had grown distant again.

　　The image of Lady Yun helping the Crown Prince with his belt that morning was still fresh in his mind. What had happened?

　　Even the Crown Prince's face was cold and gloomy.

　　Xie Jue finished reviewing all the reports.

　　Then he heard Grand Eunuch An say from outside, “Your Highness, Lady Yun has gone to sleep.”

　　“Mm.” Xie Jue paused for a moment before replying.

　　Then he got up, lifted the covers, and got into bed, closing his eyes tightly.

　　Xie Jue felt a headache coming on.

　　He had promised that he would take her back when he had the time, but just because he wasn't letting her go to Pengshui Village right now, she dared to give him the cold shoulder. And to sleep in a separate room? He didn't know who she was angry with!

　　……

　　The next day, An Zhong felt the atmosphere between the Crown Prince and Lady Yun remained the same—distant and cool.

　　Lady Yun didn't show any displeasure; her words and actions were no different from usual, yet something felt off.

　　Another day of urgent travel, in the freezing cold. Before nightfall, they checked into an inn to rest.

　　The inn was filled with travelers from all over, loudly boasting and eating peanuts. A robust man, with a plump figure, was boasting at the top of his lungs about the influential figures he had encountered over the years, only to be met with a chorus of jeers. Suddenly, a group of strong guards entered the inn, surrounding it, and the noise fell silent.

　　The innkeeper hurried out to greet them, and at that moment, a man who clearly appeared to be the leader stepped in, immediately stating his intention to book the entire inn.

        Pei Yuan reserved the entire inn, and the innkeeper's face lit up with joy. However, seeing the man exude a murderous aura, along with the group of stern-faced guards outside, he dared not say much. He offered extra money to the other guests to have them move to a different inn.

　　The few guests, having received additional compensation, had no objections. They packed their belongings and left, while some of the bolder ones sneaked glances at the luxurious carriage as they walked away.

　　Shortly afterward, a young man in dark robes emerged from the carriage. Tall, slender, and upright, his bearing was extraordinarily noble, though his expression was stern and unyielding, his face revealing little emotion as he alighted.

　　Following him, a woman emerged, her attire elegant and simple, her figure graceful and slender. Although a veil obscured her face, her light steps suggested a subtle fragrance, sparking the imagination.

　　After the young lady descended from the carriage, the man in dark robes walked towards the inn. They entered, one after the other, maintaining a slight distance between them.

　　Only then did the onlookers turn their gazes away.

　　But they felt strange. Since they were traveling in the same carriage, they should have been close, but their interaction appeared rather distant.

　　It was quite perplexing.

　　However, the pair clearly held high status. The sharp gazes of their guards caused the onlookers to tremble and quickly disperse.

　　With the entire inn booked, and such a generous patron, the innkeeper was naturally overjoyed, hastily bringing out the best wine and dishes the establishment had to offer.

　　After dinner, Yun Ling still asked Grand Eunuch An to prepare a separate room for her. She then took out pen, ink, paper, and inkstone and returned to her room.

　　The silver case was closed. She planned to write a letter back to her sister, Mu Dong, in Meiyang County, assuring her that she was fine and asking her not to worry. She also wrote another letter to Silan, mentioning the matter of the Prince of Linze, suggesting that if Silan was interested, she could still participate in the selection for the Princess of Linze.

　　Having finished the two letters, Yun Ling went to find Pei Yuan, asking if he could arrange for someone to deliver them to Meiyang County.

　　However, she saw that Pei Yuan hesitated. “Sending a letter is a small matter, but Lady Yun's letter needs the Crown Prince's consent. I dare not make the decision myself.”

　　Yun Ling pursed her lips and asked, “The Crown Prince said so?”

　　Pei Yuan shook his head. “Not exactly. It's just that when we are traveling, any letters to be sent must be reviewed by me. And Lady Yun's letters, I think, still require the Crown Prince's approval.”　　

       Yun Ling nodded, understanding. “Alright.”

　　Although they were just letters to her family, the military regulations were strict, and they couldn't be sent casually.

　　She took the two letters and went to the Crown Prince's room, knocking on the door.

　　A moment later, she heard his emotionless voice from inside, “Enter.”

　　Yun Ling pushed open the door and entered. In the brightly lit room, she saw him sitting in a chair, a letter and several reports spread out on the table. The letter was probably sent from the capital by carrier pigeon.

　　Yun Ling walked to the middle of the room, stopping a few steps away from him. The flickering candlelight cast her shadow silently on the wall.

　　“I wrote two letters that I'd like to send to Meiyang County,” Yun Ling said slowly. “Lord Pei said that it requires Your Highness's approval, so I came to ask.”

　　Xie Jue raised his head. “Letters? To whom?”

　　Yun Ling: “To my sister, and to my student, Silan.”

　　Pausing, she added, “If Your Highness is not at ease, you may open them and check.”

　　Xie Jue's brows furrowed slightly. “I merely asked a question. When did I say I wanted to inspect them?”

　　“If you wish to send them, then send them.”

　　Yun Ling nodded, saying nothing more. “Then thank you, Your Highness. If there's nothing else, I shall not disturb you further and return to my room to rest.”

　　With that, she turned and left, closing the door behind her.

　　Xie Jue watched her figure quickly disappear behind the door, without a moment's hesitation or pause. His handsome brows were tightly furrowed, his thin lips pressed together. In an instant, he felt a sharp pain in his temples.

　　Angrily, he slammed the report shut.

　　……

　　Winter had not yet passed; the night was deep, the dew heavy, and the weather bitterly cold.

　　Yun Ling had always had cold hands and feet. Even nestled in her bedding, it took a long time for her to feel any warmth, though thankfully the blankets were thick, and she wasn't uncomfortable while sleeping.

　　These past few days, she hadn't been deliberately arguing with him; it was simply that she had nothing to say to him. She couldn't even fulfill her Master's wish, which naturally left her quite frustrated and upset. Talking was pointless, and she didn't want to try anymore.

　　These past two days, the hurried travel had left her exhausted. Yun Ling closed her eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep.

　　She slept soundly, enjoying a peaceful night's rest.

　　Early the next morning, Yun Ling awoke. As her eyelashes fluttered open and her mind cleared, she noticed the warmth and comfort of the blankets.

　　It was almost too warm.

　　She shifted slightly, feeling his arm draped around her waist from behind. (T/N: LoL, she didn't go to him? No worries, he sneaks into her bed. 🤣🤣)

　　She froze. When had he come over? She hadn't even noticed.

　　And she had woken him.

　　Xie Jue, sensing her awakening, adjusted his arm, pulling her closer into his embrace.

　　The warmth filled the tent, silent and peaceful.

　　But after a while, the woman in his arms didn't turn around.

　　She remained still, facing inward, saying nothing, allowing him to hold her.

　　He gazed intently at her slender back.

　　Xie Jue had been awake for a while. After a pause, he leaned over and turned her face towards him. “How long do you intend to sulk at me?”

________________

¹Here's a simple glossary of terms related to ancient Chinese way stations:

- 驿站 (yì zhàn): Way station, a place for travelers to rest and change horses.

- 驿路 (yì lù): System of roads and stations used for official travel and communication.

- 驿使 (yì shǐ): Official messenger who traveled along the 驿路 (yì lù).

- 驿马 (yì mǎ): Horses kept at 驿站 (yì zhàn) for changing during travel.

- 驿卒 (yì zú): Workers at 驿站 (yì zhàn) who provided services to travelers.

- 驿符 (yì fú): Official document carried by 驿使 (yì shǐ) to identify themselves and their mission.

These terms represent key elements of the ancient Chinese way station system, which played a vital role in the administration and communication of the empire.

Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter