My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 52: OK? 

　　She was angry with him, and he hadn't slept well for the past two days. The nerves in his temples were throbbing

　　Yun Ling pulled his hand down and slowly sat up. “I'm not angry with Your Highness, I just don't know what to say to Your Highness.”

　　“Your Highness doesn't know, when I was first sold into the Palace as a child, my body was very weak. I almost died several times and no one cared. It was my Master who was kind, he spent all his savings to make medicine for me and treat me so I could survive.”

　　“My Master has been very kind to me, I want to fulfill my master's wishes. But Your Highness won't let me go, what else can I do?”

　　Xie Jue lowered his gaze, looking closely at her. Seeing her expression downcast, her delicate pink-and-white face filled with disappointment, his eyes darkened. “It's not that I won't allow you to go. If you want to go, of course, I will accompany you; it's just that I don't have time this time.”

　　“Chen Zhan has already sent a message by carrier pigeon. After the trial of Qin Yi and ensuring that the affairs of Yunze are properly handled, I must return to the capital immediately.”

　　He leaned in, wanting to hold her in his arms. “I promise you, once I have some free time, I will definitely accompany you back to Yunze.”

　　However, Yun Ling turned away from him.

　　It was a silent refusal.

　　She spoke softly, “Rather than waiting for an indefinite future, I'd rather know why Your Highness won't let me go on my own. I don't need Your Highness to accompany me.”

　　“Your Highness knows my abilities. I can handle it alone. If you're worried, sending a few more people wouldn't hurt.”

　　Xie Jue slowly withdrew his hand, his thin lips pressed together.

　　Silence filled the tent.

　　Yun Ling turned her face, tilting her chin slightly upward as she looked at him, seeking an answer.

　　Xie Jue looked at her, meeting her gaze. Then, softly, he said, “Yes, I simply don't want you to go alone.”

　　“I've said it before, you are not allowed to leave my side. Pengshui County isn't that far from Zezhou, but no matter how many people I send with you, I still…”

　　He pulled her forcefully into his arms as he continued softly, “...feel uneasy.”

　　This woman, whom he loved deeply, made him feel an uncontrollable fear of loss, a fear he couldn't even control himself.

　　It was utterly absurd.

　　Having said that, he quickly released her, turned, and got out of bed. He didn't ask her to help him dress; he put on his clothes himself and left directly.

　　The room fell silent.

　　Yun Ling sat there blankly for a long time, lost in thought.

　　As soon as dawn broke, it was time to set off.

　　By the time Yun Ling had changed and packed her things, Pei Yuan and a group of Jinyiwei were already waiting outside the inn.

　　Only Xie Jue remained, along with Grand Eunuch An, who was waiting with her breakfast.

　　Seeing her emerge, her usually rosy cheeks were pale, and she seemed listless and despondent.

　　Xie Jue's brow furrowed, and he said coldly, “I won't let you—”

　　Before he could finish, she suddenly walked over and hugged his waist.

　　His body stiffened.

　　Yun Ling hugged him tightly, her face pressed against his chest. She softly called out, “Your Highness.”

　　Seeing this, Grand Eunuch An wisely retreated.

　　Xie Jue paused, his Adam's apple bobbing. “What are you doing?”

　　Yun Ling looked up at him, her expression serious. She spoke each word clearly, “Back then, I had no choice. If Your Highness hadn't forced me, hadn't belittled me, hadn't broken your promise about my wish, and hadn't forced me to become a Cèfēi, why would I have run away? It wasn't solely my fault.”

　　“Now I know how Your Highness feels about me, and there's no need for me to run anymore. I promise Your Highness, I will return as soon as I've finished.”

　　After a moment's thought, she bit her lip, reached out to take his finger, and tiptoed to kiss his lips. Her tone was soft, “You promise me too, okay?”

　　Xie Jue looked at her intently. After a long moment, he took her wrist, pulled her closer, and buried his face in her hair. “Lady Yun's beauty tactics have become increasingly skillful. You always know how to handle me.” (T/N: Beauty trap is the best!! Trap him more,Yun Ling. 🤣)

　　Yun Ling rested her chin on his shoulder, her face slightly flushed.

　　“So, does Your Highness agree?”

　　Xie Jue remained silent. If it weren't for Chen Zhan constantly urging him, going with her would have been the best option.

　　He sighed softly, his voice a little stiff. “Ten days.”

　　“I'll give you ten days. Whether you've finished or not, I'll come and get you after ten days.”

　　Yun Ling hugged him back, the corners of her eyes slightly upturned. “Okay.”

　　——

　　Another day and they would reach the border of Zezhou. Pengshui County lay in a different direction from the city; past the upcoming crossroads, one path went left, the other right.

　　Inside the carriage, Yun Ling had initially been sitting beside him, grinding ink. Somehow, she found herself forced onto his lap, her arms around his neck, her face tilted up to receive his kisses.

　　He held her chin, lifting her face; his grip was firm as he kissed her deeply and passionately.

　　A soft moan escaped Yun Ling's lips as their mouths clung together. Her delicate face was flushed crimson. She pushed lightly against his chest. “Your Highness… in broad daylight…”

　　It was still inside the carriage, where someone could easily overhear them.

　　Xie Jue ignored her. “It doesn't matter. No one dares to come in.”

　　Yun Ling tried to speak again, but her words were lost in his deeper kisses.

　　They reached the crossroads. A guard outside let out a sigh, and the carriage slowly stopped.

　　But his kisses didn't stop.

　　Only when she was breathless did he finally pull back, using his thumb to wipe away the traces of moisture from her lips. “I've assigned two of my most skilled guards, and two expert trackers to you. If anything happens, they will protect you.”

　　“Dealing with that petty county magistrate will be a simple matter for you. But poor mountains and bad waters breed unruly people, so you must be careful. If things go wrong, come back, and I'll send someone to take care of it.”

　　Yun Ling nodded. “I understand.”

　　Xie Jue seemed a little angry. He pinched her cheek and kissed her hard again. “And,”

　　“Come back early. I'll be waiting for you in Zezhou.”

　　“Okay,” Yun Ling looked at him. “I'll come back as soon as I'm finished.”

　　Yun Ling got out of the carriage; four guards were already waiting outside.

　　Two Jinyiwei and two female Shadow Guards. All of them were highly skilled.

　　To avoid attracting attention, Yun Ling specifically asked the guards to find her a simple, unassuming carriage.

　　Two Jinyiwei rode ahead to Pengshui County to make arrangements, while the two female Shadow Guards, one driving and one protecting her inside the carriage, accompanied Yun Ling.

　　Noticing Yun Ling looking down at two sets of new men's clothing in her hands, the Shadow Guard, Bai Ling, proactively asked, “Lady Yun, what do you plan to do? If it's revenge, give me their names. Within a day, I will wipe out their entire family.”

　　The Shadow Guard's methods were swift, precise, and merciless.

　　Yun Ling shook her head. “If everything could be solved by simply killing people, it would be simple. Besides, some people might be innocent, and I don't want blood on my hands.”

　　Bai Ling asked, puzzled, “Then, Lady Yun, you intend to…?”

　　Yun Ling said, “You don't know, my Master suffered great slander and humiliation at the hands of his uncle. I don't just want his money; I want to clear my Master's name.”

　　As a child, whenever her Master mentioned this, he would fall silent for a long time.

　　The look on his face was one of deep heartbreak, sadness, helplessness, resignation, and despair.

　　Her Master, Wu Shengping, originally came from Wujiacun village under Pengshui County. His parents died when he was eight, leaving him to seek refuge with his uncle's family in the county. But he never imagined that his uncle's family were cruel wolves in sheep's clothing. They not only swallowed up his inheritance but also constantly beat him, locked him up without food, and tormented him. His so-called cousin constantly bullied him, blaming him for any wrongdoing.

　　When he was fifteen or sixteen, he tried to fight back, only to be branded ungrateful by his uncle's family, becoming a target of village gossip. Everyone called him an ungrateful wretch who deserved to die alongside his parents. Even his grandmother, who had been kind to him, died of anger because of him.

　　He was driven out of Wujiacun village like a dog.

　　Once out of the village, his wicked uncle's schemes continued. He was thrown into a sack and sold for ten taels of silver to a human trafficker, eventually ending up in the Palace as a eunuch.

　　Meanwhile, his uncle lived a prosperous life, thanks to the money from his sale and the family's land deeds.

　　It's truly unjust.

　　But before his death, Master often spoke of returning to Pengze. Yun Ling had asked him why.

　　Master just smiled and said to her, “Silly child, that's my home. My parents are there. When a person dies, they should return to their roots.”

　　She didn't know what home was.

　　She didn't have a home.

　　So she never understood Master's obsession with returning to his roots. But she wanted to fulfill Master's wish.

　　——

　　Before arriving in Pengshui County, Yun Ling had spent the past two years thoroughly investigating the situation of her Master's uncle's family.

　　The uncle, Wu Tiande, and his wife, Wang Shi, had a son and a daughter. The daughter had married into a neighboring village long ago. Because Wu Tiande and his wife had exploited her terribly, she never returned. Their son, Wu Youlong, was her Master's cousin. While not academically gifted, Wu Tiande had used money to secure the best tutors in the county for him. After many years, he finally managed to pass the imperial examinations and become a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examinations). Whether he passed legitimately or through other means, Yun Ling couldn't say for sure.

　　After all, Yunze was a place rife with corruption, where officials were unscrupulous and the people followed suit. It wasn't known for its integrity.

　　Now, Wu Youlong was a county magistrate in Pengshui County, and his family lived a prosperous and complacent life. The villagers of Wujiacun were proud of Wu Youlong, saying he brought honor and success to their village—unlike his ungrateful cousin. Wu Tiande, with his vast wealth and a son who was a magistrate, enjoyed a comfortable retirement, waited on hand and foot by several maidservants.

　　And this Wu Youlong, as a county magistrate, secretly embezzled public funds and even colluded with gambling dens, making a fortune.

　　What a happy family.

　　They say that evil will be punished and good will be rewarded. But a kind person was tortured to death in the Palace, while this family of heartless villains flaunt their wealth, are showered with praise, and receive accolades for bringing honor to their ancestors. Is this justice?

　　……

　　Wu Youlong and his colleague, Yáng Gāng, the Chief Clerk (zhǔbù - 主簿), were drinking in a fine private room at the Yong'an Restaurant. This man indulged in fine wine, beautiful women, and the sweet taste of flattery.

　　Yáng Gāng took a large gulp of wine and sighed, “A mouthful of nǚ'ér hóng wine goes down so smoothly!”

　　Wu Youlong, his face flushed from drinking, said, “Brother Yang, drink as much as you like. Tonight, we drink until we drop!”

　　Yáng Gāng flattered him, “They say Brother Wu is generous and wealthy. Today, Yang has witnessed it himself.”

　　He was also a county official, but he didn't have such extravagant means.

　　He then whispered, “Brother Wu, what are your methods for making such a fortune? Perhaps you could share them with your brother?”

　　Wu Youlong waved his hand dismissively. “It's all inherited wealth from my ancestors. There's no special secret to it. Let's not talk about it.”

　　Yáng Gāng, somewhat embarrassed, stopped. Suddenly, he whispered again, “I do have a way, though. Invest any amount, and you get double the return. It's incredibly fast money. I've already invested everything I own, and I'll get my profits in a couple of days.”

　　Wu Youlong scoffed. There was no such thing as easy money in this world; even gambling houses had losing bets. This fool was going to lose everything and cry about it.

　　Wu Youlong was waiting to see him fail.

　　However, two days later, he saw Yáng Gāng happily purchasing a blue and white porcelain vase with a moon design. The vase cost at least ten taels of silver. He was so stingy, yet he actually bought it!

　　Wu Youlong pulled him aside privately. “Brother Yang, have you struck it rich?”

　　Yáng Gāng didn't hide it. “The money I invested last time, the return came in. In just two days, I earned a full five hundred taels!”

　　Two days, five hundred taels! Wu Youlong was shocked. How was that possible?!

　　And if there was such a lucrative opportunity, why would Yáng Gāng be so kind as to tell him?

　　Seeing Wu Youlong's doubt, Yáng Gāng pulled him aside and whispered, “You know the Ge family's gambling house in Zezhou, right? The Ge family's second-in-command has branched out on his own, opening a branch in Zezhou. He urgently needs a large sum of money. Ge's second-in-command said he'd double anyone's investment. The Ge family's gambling house has been around for decades—you know their skill at gambling, right? It's just that things are sensitive right now, only a few people in the neighboring county know about it. My cousin told me; he already made a fortune. He wouldn't lie to me, so I gritted my teeth and invested everything I had. Guess what? I really hit the jackpot!”

　　Wu Youlong still couldn't believe it. “If it's such a good opportunity, why would Brother Yang share it with others?”

　　Wouldn't he secretly keep it all to himself?

　　Yáng Gāng replied, “Ge's second-in-command needs a lot of money. I can't keep it all to myself. Why not share it with my brother?”

　　Seeing this, Wu Youlong finally wavered. “What's the minimum investment?”

　　Yáng Gāng held up one finger.

　　“One hundred taels?”

　　“One thousand taels.”

　　“Why so much?!?”

　　Yáng Gāng said, “Do you think Ge's second-in-command wants just any small amount of money? He doesn't have time for small amounts. If you're investing, it has to be a significant sum. His gambling house is getting bigger and bigger. Last time, the minimum was five hundred taels; this time, it's one thousand. I've already invested all my earnings. Brother, what do you say? Want to try your luck? One thousand taels is nothing to you, right?”

　　Wu Youlong, being cautious, still shook his head.

　　Yáng Gāng said, “Suit yourself, brother. But let me remind you, Ge's second-in-command is only accepting investments for three rounds. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; you won't get another chance.”

　　Wu Youlong scoffed, thinking that Ge's second-in-command might just run off with the money.

　　However, the next day, he heard that Ge's second-in-command had mortgaged his entire mansion and invested it all in the gambling house.

　　It didn't look like he was planning to run away.

　　A few days later, the smile on Yáng Gāng's face was impossible to miss.

　　Wu Youlong, feeling increasingly envious, couldn't help but ask what happened. He learned that Ge's second-in-command had paid out the returns again.

　　In just seven or eight days, Yáng Gāng had invested in the gambling house and earned over a thousand taels! Wu Youlong couldn't earn that much in ten years. He was green with envy!

　　After work, Yáng Gāng was hurrying to leave without even looking at him. Wu Youlong quickly stopped him. “Brother Yang, where are you going?”

　　Yáng Gāng replied, “Nothing much. It's Ge's second-in-command's last round of investment. I have to hurry; otherwise, I'll miss out.”

　　“Do you need anything, Brother Wu? If not, I'll be going—”

　　Just as he was about to leave, Wu Youlong stopped him. “Brother Yang, you've kindly invited me several times, and I've been blind to the opportunity. Can I join you this time?”

　　Yáng Gāng hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. Considering you've always generously treated me to drinks, I, Yáng Gāng, am not the kind of person who hogs everything for himself. Let's go; go home and get your money, and we'll go together.”

　　“No need,” Wu Youlong pulled one thousand taels from his chest. “I've already prepared the money.”

　　Seeing Yáng Gāng's wealth, he hadn't slept well for the past few days. He'd been burning with envy and had prepared the money beforehand.

　　Yáng Gāng frowned. “One thousand taels? Not enough.”

　　“How much is needed then?”

　　Yáng Gāng held up five fingers. “Five thousand taels!”

　　Five thousand taels?! Wu Youlong almost popped his eyes out. His entire family's wealth was only slightly over three thousand taels!!!

　　Seeing Wu Youlong hesitate, Yáng Gāng pulled him aside. “Don't blame your brother for not warning you. This is the last chance to get rich. If you miss it, there's truly no more.”

　　Then, he pulled five one-thousand-tael bank notes from his sleeve and showed them to Wu Youlong. “I earned two thousand taels myself. My cousin and all my other relatives pooled together three thousand taels. We're just waiting to invest! Are you still hesitating?”

　　Wu Youlong's eyes widened as he stared at the bank notes in Yáng Gāng's hand. Five thousand taels! He actually had five thousand taels in bank notes! This clearly meant he had made a profit from Ge's second-in-command!!! Otherwise, he wouldn't dare involve all his relatives; it must be profitable!

　　That's five thousand taels!

　　His entire Wu family had only earned three thousand taels over decades of hard work. His father had only managed to sell his useless younger cousin for ten taels, enough to cover a year's tuition fees for a teacher.

　　Now, in just a few days, he could earn five thousand taels. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that might not come again in decades.

　　But such a large sum of money… if it's lost, the entire Wu family would have nothing to eat… they might even be completely ruined…

　　Seeing Wu Youlong hesitate, Yáng Gāng didn't push him. “Brother Wu, if you don't want to invest, it's fine. Opportunity doesn't wait for anyone. I have to hurry. I'll go ahead.”

　　With that, he turned to leave in a hurry.

　　Wu Youlong watched his back, feeling the pain of five thousand taels slipping away. He gritted his teeth and chased after him. “It's not that I don't want to invest, but I don't have that much cash on hand. Brother Yang, could you wait while I go home to raise the money?”

　　Yáng Gāng had almost earned the equivalent of his decades of work with just a couple of investments, and Wu Youlong wasn't willing to miss out.

　　Seeing Wu Youlong's genuine desire to invest, Yáng Gāng said, “Fine, I shouldn't get rich alone and invite envy. Brother Wu, hurry home and get the money. I'll wait for you at Yong'an Restaurant at the hour of the Xu (戌时: 7 PM - 9 PM).”

　　Wu Youlong rushed home and gathered all his family's money. After counting, he was still short one thousand five hundred taels, and he paced around anxiously.

　　He turned to Wu Tiande. “Father, are the deeds to Wu Shengping's land and house, and our family home, all kept with you?”

　　Wu Tiande had just been enjoying a cup of tea, his legs being massaged by a young maid. Seeing his son's anxious expression, he asked, “Yes, what's wrong?”

　　Wu Youlong quickly explained everything to Wu Tiande.

　　Wu Tiande's cloudy eyes suddenly lit up. “Is this really true?”

　　Wu Youlong: “Father, don't you trust me? Once we get ten thousand taels this time, we'll move to a three-courtyard house. We'll live in luxury and style. Everyone will bow and scrape before you.”

　　“Good, good!!” Wu Tiande clapped his hands repeatedly, got up, and went into the house to retrieve all the land and house deeds to pawn them.

　　After Wu Youlong left with the bank notes, Wu Tiande sat back down and took a long, satisfying sip of tea.

　　He felt more refreshed than ever before, lightheaded and happy, even humming a little tune.

　　Once he had ten thousand taels, Wu Tiande would be one of the most important figures in Pengshui County. He would strut around Pengshui County, buying more properties and whatever he wanted. Life would be so much easier. He could even donate a little money to Wujiacun village to show off, and those people would be grateful, praising and flattering him. Just thinking about it made Wu Tiande feel happier than a god, eagerly awaiting his son's return with the money.

　　……

　　In a private room at the Yong'an Restaurant, two Jinyiwei stood at the door. Yun Ling sat by the window, staring blankly at the neatly stacked five thousand taels of banknotes and the deeds to her master's house and land that she had redeemed.

　　The two deeds were yellowed with age, seeming as though a breeze could scatter them.

　　Bai Ling said from behind her, “Lady Yun, it's already the eighth day. In two days, we must set off.”

　　Yun Ling nodded. “I know.” She had been in Pengshui County for eight days. The Shadow Guards the Crown Prince had given her were incredibly effective. In these few days, they had not only found the original human trafficker but also a family who had been neighbors of Wu Tiande when he had moved.

　　“Tomorrow, we'll go to Wujiacun village again.”

　　If all went well, they could finish up and return to Zezhou tomorrow.

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