My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 81: I'm Just Worried About My Husband.

　　She had been the one to arrange everything in Jinhui Hall, where Emperor Jingning now rested.

　　Since the Crown Princess had said so, the two guards stepped aside and no longer obstructed her.

　　Yun Ling told Lǜyī and Lǜshuǐ to wait outside, then pushed open the door and entered alone.

　　As soon as she entered, a strong, pungent scent hit her—a mixture of death, decay, and sandalwood.

　　The sandalwood came from incense burning in the room, but the smell of decay emanated from Emperor Jingning himself.

　　Yun Ling walked to Emperor Jingning. Almost four years had passed. Now, Emperor Jingning lay in bed, emaciated and unable to move his limbs. Only his cloudy eyes could still move.

　　Upon seeing Yun Ling, his pupils constricted, and his whole body trembled. He seemed to want to say something, but no sound came out.

　　His throat had been poisoned by the Crown Prince.

　　This was the same tactic Emperor Jingning had once used on Empress Zhaohui. Not only that, but a formation had also been set up in the room, which was extremely malicious, ensuring that Emperor Jingning would not find peace even in death. Everything he had done in the past had now returned to haunt him.

　　Over the years, Xie Jue had not allowed Emperor Jingning to die but had instead subjected him to daily torment. He not only rendered him mute and immobile but also administered drugs that caused him excruciating pain, as if his bones were being scraped.

　　All of this was a consequence of Emperor Jingning's own actions.

　　In those despairing nights after his biological mother had died, the young Sixth Prince, caught in the web of suspicion and oppression from Emperor Jingning, had witnessed the consequences of the Emperor's cruelty. Even during the years when he had been marginalized in the Cold Palace, if Emperor Jingning had possessed even a shred of compassion, he would not have allowed the eunuchs and palace maids to bully him so mercilessly.

　　Each and every incident was a deep-seated grievance.

　　How could he not harbor deep hatred for Emperor Jingning?

　　Emperor Jingning deserved it; this was all his retribution. But at this point, he should be dead.

　　After one last look, Yun Ling turned and left without hesitation.

　　……

　　Before entering her sleeping quarters, Yun Ling asked again, “Has His Highness returned?”

　　The young eunuch shook his head. “Not yet.”

　　It's okay if he doesn't come back.

　　Yun Ling lowered her eyes. She needed time to think carefully.

　　As soon as she returned, Yao Qingling arrived, followed by several maids carrying newly crafted hairpins for Yun Ling to choose from.

　　Yun Ling selected a few. As she held a gold and jeweled butterfly hairpin, she accidentally touched the tip and discovered it was sharper than usual, almost cutting her hand.

　　“Why is it so sharp?” Yun Ling asked.

　　Yao Qingling replied, “This hairpin's design is rather ornate; therefore, a thinner shaft was used.”

　　“What's wrong? Does Your Highness find anything inappropriate?”

　　Yun Ling lowered her eyes, looking at it for a long time before speaking. Finally, she put the hairpin back down, saying, “It's too sharp. It could injure both the wearer and others.”

　　Yao Qingling said, “Yes, I will have them remake it.”

　　After Yao Qingling left, Yun Ling let out a slow sigh.

　　……

　　The Crown Prince was busy today and didn't return for dinner.

　　Night fell, and the palace maids lit the lamps, dispelling the darkness in the hall.

　　Outside, it was dark and quiet.

　　Yun Ling loosened her clothes and sat in front of the bronze mirror, removing her hair ornaments. Her ink-black hair cascaded down, covering her delicate shoulders.

　　Lǜshuǐ brought water for the Crown Princess to wash her hands.

　　Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and the Crown Prince walked in.

　　The palace servants quickly bowed.

　　Xie Jue simply said, “All of you may leave.”

　　“Yes.”

　　The door opened and then closed.

　　Finally, the quiet returned.

　　Yun Ling stood up from her chair and walked in front of him, asking with concern, “Your Highness, why are you so late today? Did you have dinner?”

　　“News came from Yunze. I have eaten,” Xie Jue replied, lowering his head to kiss her lips as he spoke.

　　He kissed her gently, lingeringly.

　　Yun Ling let him kiss her for a while before she heard him say, “You went to Jinhui Hall today?”

　　He knew so quickly.

　　Yun Ling knew she couldn't hide it from him, and she hadn't intended to. “Yes, I went to take a look.”

　　“Why did you go see him?” Xie Jue slowly raised his head. “A dying wretch. There's nothing important about him; it's very unlucky. That place isn't a good place; don't go there again.”

　　“Since Your Highness finds it unlucky,” Yun Ling said slowly, “why won't you let go and settle this feud?”

　　She said earnestly, “Emperor Jingning living until now, torturing him further won't resurrect Empress Zhaohui, nor will it bring Your Highness comfort. Instead, he has become a thorn in Your Highness's side.”

　　Indecipherable emotions flowed in Xie Jue's eyes, deeper than the dark night outside.

　　After a moment, he turned around and said faintly, “No need to say any more. I have my own plans.”

　　“In short, you mustn't go there again.”

　　Having said that, he didn't look at her again. He went behind the screen, changed into his sleeping clothes, removed his boots, and got into bed.

　　Clearly indicating he didn't want to discuss it further.

　　The lights in the room flickered slightly before settling down, burning steadily.

　　Quiet and silent.

　　Yun Ling stood for a while. Seeing that he seemed to have fallen asleep, she finally sighed helplessly, extinguishing a few of the lamps on either side. The light in the room immediately dimmed.

　　A dim, yellowish darkness filled the room.

　　Then Yun Ling also got into bed, lifted the covers, and lay down beside him. Turning around, she reached out to hug his waist and gently pressed her face against his chest, leaning against him.

　　Listening to the beat of his heart.

　　So frail and soft.

　　After a while, his arm wrapped around her back, holding her tighter.

　　Yun Ling took the opportunity to hug his neck, softly saying, “I was only worried about my husband.”

　　“Whether Emperor Jingning lives or dies is none of my concern. In fact, because of you, husband, I hate him too. But since ancient times, regardless of the reason, patricide has always been a heinous crime. The longer Emperor Jingning lives, the greater the risk of exposure. If it is ever discovered, you might face universal condemnation. When I went to see him today, all my thoughts were for you, husband. You should know that.”

　　“I know,” Xie Jue held her, still not opening his eyes, only saying softly, “But don't involve yourself in this matter. I have my own judgment. Go to sleep now.”

　　Yun Ling wasn't giving up, continuing, “I know you can't let go of your hatred, husband. But a kingdom without an Emperor for a long time is not a good thing for the country or the people.”

　　“Your Highness has been the Crown Prince for too long.”

　　Yun Ling's words weren't unreasonable; indeed, every sentence hit the mark.

　　Because of this, Xie Jue couldn't refute her.

　　His head seemed to ache again, causing Xie Jue to furrow his brow and purse his lips. Suddenly, he let go of her, turning away. “I told you, don't interfere. You're just a Crown Princess; how dare you meddle in politics!”

　　Yun Ling didn't back down either: “Your Highness was just telling me about Yunze's affairs; isn't that also a matter of state? If you say I'm meddling in politics, wasn't that information you yourself told me?”

　　“Loyal ministers offer advice without fear of death, and neither do I,” Yun Ling said, “Even under Your Highness's immense pressure, many officials still submitted memorials requesting Your Highness's ascension to the throne, but Your Highness, trapped in hatred, has not accepted them.”

　　“As Your Highness's wife, I also have a duty to advise. I think of you in everything; what have I done wrong?”

　　Xie Jue pursed his lips, speechless.

　　His brow furrowed deeply, then even deeper, before he finally sat up. “You—”

　　“What about me?” Yun Ling also sat up, looking directly at him without flinching. “Does my husband intend to punish me for this?”

　　“Punish you?” Xie Jue pressed his brows together, a wry smile playing on his lips. “How am I supposed to punish you?” 

　　Punishing her would be less effective than punishing himself.

　　Rubbing his aching temples, Xie Jue closed his eyes, got up, and put on his boots. “I'm not going to talk to you.”

　　Opening the door, he left quickly without looking back.

　　He was gone.

　　Yun Ling blinked, looking at the empty, dark night outside; his figure had disappeared.

　　She sighed deeply and helplessly.

　　This was the first time since their marriage that they hadn't slept together.

　　She really is a good-tempered person; she wouldn't mind minor things if they didn't bother her.

　　But when she's serious, she's also quite stubborn. Otherwise, she wouldn't have argued with him just now.

　　She had originally intended to speak to him calmly; she isn't usually impetuous, but how did she end up arguing with him?

　　These past few days, for some reason, Yun Ling has felt her temper has been rather strange.

　　——

　　Xie Jue slept in his study last night and woke up the next day with faint dark circles under his eyes.

　　Without her, he couldn't sleep well at all.

　　He always felt something was missing, a hollowness in his arms.

　　Chen Zhan hasn't been sleeping well either these days. The reason? Since His Highness married, the old man at home has turned his attention to him and begun to pressure him to marry.

　　Going through countless flowers without a single leaf sticking to him—that's Chen Zhan's life principle. He won't get married early and let a wife tie him down.

　　So these days, he's been having a rather hard time.

　　But surprisingly, Chen Zhan discovered that the newlywed Crown Prince was also in a bad mood today. He let out a “yo,” gloating, “What's wrong with Your Highness today?”

　　“You don't seem very happy? Could it be that you had a—” Before he could say “fight,” Xie Jue coldly raised his eyes to look at him.

　　Chen Zhan pouted and didn't say any more.

　　But it was really rare. The Crown Princess has such a good temper, always accommodating him. How could they suddenly have a conflict?

　　Xie Jue: “Let's talk business.”

　　Mentioning business, Chen Zhan immediately became serious. “As you expected, following the lead of the witch doctor who spread the news, it's indeed related to the strategist behind Qin Yi.”

　　“You had people forcefully suppress that group of rebel soldiers and had them all killed. Sure enough, taking advantage of this opportunity, they began to spread rumors about your tyrannical and ruthless rule behind the scenes. Their conspiracy has surfaced.”

　　Xie Jue's clearly defined fingers tapped lightly on the table, his lowered eyelashes concealing the emotions in his eyes.

　　After a moment, he nodded. “I understand.”

　　After Chen Zhan left, Xie Jue went to the Jinhui Palace.

　　The guards stationed outside immediately stepped aside, and Xie Jue pushed open the door and entered.

　　The heavy sandalwood scent couldn't mask the smell of decay. Xie Jue walked step by step to Emperor Jingning, looking down at him from above.

　　Looking at his biological father, who had been tortured to the point of emaciation, Xie Jue's eyes held only indifference.

　　His thin lips slightly parted. “Xie Jing, how have you been these past few days?”

　　Emperor Jingning's face immediately contorted.

　　Whether from pain or anger, the once high and mighty emperor was now neither man nor ghost. 

　　Xie Jue watched coldly, unmoved.

　　“Are you thinking, if you had known this would happen, you should have killed me regardless of what the world thought?”

　　Emperor Jingning had harbored murderous intentions towards him more than once.

　　At that time, he was still young, and his mother had just passed away. Soon, he faced several near-death experiences, and he knew clearly that Emperor Jingning was behind them.

　　Confining Xie Jing here to torture him was meant to make him neither able to live nor die.

　　He rarely came to Jinhui Palace because even he had to admit that every time he came here, the violent intentions in his heart surged uncontrollably.

　　The hatred of these more than ten years had sunk deep into his bones, forming poisonous thorns that were difficult to remove and an uncontrollable violence and bloodlust. It clung to him like an evil spirit.

　　A sharp, tearing pain pulsed at his temples. Xie Jue turned and left quickly.

　　——

　　The Crown Prince has been sleeping in his study for the past few days.

　　This is unprecedented.

　　It has caused Lǜyī and Lǜshuǐ to worry.

　　Yun Ling, however, doesn't mind, and he's been busy lately.

　　It's probably because of Yunze's matter.

　　This is good. She needs to think things over, and she doesn't want to argue with him anymore.

　　It happened that at this time, Old Madam Xiao entered the Palace to see her. Upon learning of her grandmother's arrival, Yun Ling happily went to greet her.  

　　Since her return home, Yun Ling hadn't seen her grandmother again. After two months, Old Madam Xiao still looked quite well.

　　Yun Ling said with a smile, “Grandmother, why did you come? I'm sorry to bother you to come and see me. I should be the one to see you!”

　　Old Madam Xiao also looked Yun Ling up and down for a while. Seeing that her complexion was rosy and her spirits were high, she knew her granddaughter was doing well in the East Palace and felt relieved. She patted Yun Ling's hand affectionately,

　　“You can't easily leave the Palace, and I have nothing to do at home, so I came to see you.”

　　“Grandmother, everything is fine with me. Don't worry.”

　　“Good, good.”

　　Inside the palace, Lǜyī and Lǜshuǐ quickly served tea to Old Madam Xiao.

　　The grandmother and granddaughter, having not seen each other for a long time, exchanged many intimate words.

　　“The Lady Liu has arranged a marriage for Mingrong. Your grandfather and I went to see the young man; his character and learning are both excellent, and he's a good child.”

　　“It's been decided so quickly?” Yun Ling asked. “Whose son is it?”

　　Old Madam Xiao said, “He's the only son of the Minister of Guanglu Temple. He's also related to the Liu family's clan. Speaking of which, he's also Mingrong's cousin.”

　　“Did Mingrong agree?”

　　“Mingrong didn't object. She met this cousin a few times when she was a child, and they have some feelings for each other.”

　　Mutual affection.

　　With that, Yun Ling had nothing more to say.

　　Old Madam Xiao said, “Seeing you all get married and find your places, Grandmother is relieved.”

　　“Jinyue is also growing well, she can smile now, and she's very cute.”

　　Xiao Jinyue is her brother's daughter.

　　Everyone and everything seems to be moving forward, never stopping.

　　But some wounds, though seemingly healed, are not.

　　Like the Xiao family, and like the Crown Prince.

　　Thinking of these things, Yun Ling was distracted unconsciously.

　　Seeing this, Old Madam Xiao looked at her quietly for a while, then suddenly asked, “Ah Ling, how are you and the Crown Prince lately?”

　　Unexpectedly questioned by her grandmother, Yun Ling was stunned for a moment, then looked up to meet her grandmother's clear gaze.

　　Yun Ling didn't hide it. “The Crown Prince and I have had some disagreements these past two days, but it has nothing to do with our relationship. Grandmother, don't worry; your granddaughter will handle it.”  

　　Seeing that she wouldn't elaborate, Old Madam Xiao didn't press further, only saying, “Grandmother knows you're a clever child, and I don't need to worry. Grandmother has no other wish than for you and the Crown Prince to be well.”

　　“Granddaughter understands.”

　　The grandmother and granddaughter talked for a while longer. Yun Ling took her grandmother for a stroll in the Imperial Garden, and time slipped away quickly, the half-day passing in a blink.

　　Old Madam Xiao couldn't stay in the Palace for long. Yun Ling reluctantly saw her grandmother out of the Palace and returned. It was already dark.

　　After walking for half a day, she felt somewhat tired. Yun Ling had someone prepare hot water for her to bathe and change clothes.

　　She felt much more comfortable after her bath. After drying her hair, she was about to call for someone to put out the lights and rest when the tightly closed palace door was suddenly pushed open.

　　Immediately afterward, Xie Jue walked in.

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