My Darling, Coax Me.

Chapter 102: Xie Jue's Daily Routine Of Taking Care Of The Baby (Being Jealous).

　　The grass is green, the swallows are flying, and spring is in the air. 

　　New willow branches sway in the wind along the shore, while a peddler's long, drawn-out cries echo through the streets. 

　　A magnificent cruise ship is about to dock. Two children, like delicate carvings of jade, run out of the cabin. Dressed in matching blue and pink, they have long, thick eyelashes and dark, bright eyes. They are stunningly beautiful, captivating at first glance. Seeing the bustling marketplace on shore, the two children skip and hop with joy. 

　　The sound startled someone inside, who was enjoying a cup of tea.

　　Moments later, a tall man emerged, clad in a dark silk robe embroidered with gold. He exuded an air of nobility, yet his aura was icy cold. Perhaps disturbed by the children's commotion, his handsome, sharp brows furrowed. “Be quiet,” he commanded. 

　　Be quiet?

　　That was impossible. 

　　They say the mouths of five or six-year-old children are harder to stop than a breached dam. 

　　Regardless of the man's chilly and dangerous aura, the two children paid no heed. It seemed they were accustomed to it. 

　　Little Muyun tugged at Xie Jue's sleeve, her chubby fingers pointing towards the shore. “Father, let's go play, let's go play!”

　　The Great Jin Dynasty was currently enjoying peace and prosperity, with no major affairs to attend to. Xie Jue decided to take his wife and children to the south, to see the mountains and rivers that Ah Ling loved. 

　　Moreover, the incident with the National Master had upset her deeply, causing her to shed tears. 

　　She rarely cried, and she wasn't someone who liked to cry. Initially, her tears in front of him were somewhat feigned. Her sweet words and tears were meant to coax him. 

　　To coax him to let go of his suspicions and defenses, to coax him to soften his heart. 

　　But later, it wasn't like that. She would cry for him when he was hurt, cry for him when she worried, and cry in front of him when she felt wronged. 

　　But he could no longer bear to see her cry for him. 

　　March was a time of beautiful scenery in the south, with willow trees swaying gracefully and sparkling blue waters. She would surely love this place. 

　　“Father, Father, let's get off the boat!” A cacophony of voices reached his ears.

　　His sleeves were tugged on from both sides, each by a little one eager to disembark and play, their incessant chatter surrounding him. 

　　Two six-year-old children were more troublesome than eight hundred ducks. 

　　Yun Ling was tired from the previous night and was still asleep. Not wanting to disturb her, Xie Jue gave instructions to the attendants behind him before taking the children ashore. 

　　Jinzhou was renowned for its beautiful scenery and the silk it had produced since ancient times, with silk goods displayed even on street corners, a testament to its wealth. 

　　Willows danced in the breeze along the shore, and the constant calls of street vendors filled the bustling marketplace. 

　　Xie Muyun was already ecstatic. Spotting a stall selling windmills, she cried, “Muyun wants this!” 

　　Of course, someone immediately stepped forward to pay for the little Princess's whim. However, before they had explored much further, news of Xie Jue's presence in Jinzhou reached the local officials. 

　　Although Xie Jue was traveling incognito, Jinzhou's prosperity meant its officials were far from incompetent.

　　It wasn't long before the Jinzhou officials arrived. While they refrained from disturbing the citizens, their presence—a row of officials in uniform standing at the end of the street—was still somewhat intimidating. 

　　Even more apprehensive than the commoners were the officials themselves. 

　　No one knew the Emperor had secretly arrived in Jinzhou. Had they not seen the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) on the shore, they would still be in the dark. 

　　Fei Ying relayed the officials' intentions to Xie Jue. 

　　Xie Jue glanced sideways, handing the windmill to the young Crown Prince and knocked on his little head before turning to leave. 

　　The large group of officials at the end of the street dispersed, and the marketplace quickly returned to its lively state.

　　A street performer was showcasing their juggling skills, drawing a large crowd. The performer, balancing bowls on their head, slowly raised their foot, extending their arms, lifting the bowl higher and higher... Already balancing a dozen bowls, the onlookers held their breath, afraid to even breathe too loudly lest they cause the bowls to fall. 

　　Little Muyun was completely captivated, her beautiful, glass-like eyes fixed on the performer without blinking, her concentration so intense that her pretty little mouth was tightly pursed in nervous anticipation. 

　　The performer lifted the bowl on their foot to its highest point, then tossed it upwards; it landed perfectly atop the others. 

　　“Bravo, bravo!” The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

　　“Yay!” Little Muyun's eyes sparkled, and she turned to look for Xie Jue. But when she turned around, her father was gone. 

　　She tugged at the sleeves of the nearby Fei Ying, her lower lip trembling, about to burst into tears. “Fa- Father, where's my father...?” 

　　The little Princess, despite her young age, had a remarkably loud cry that could be heard for miles around—a fact well-known to all the Jinyiwei. They were already dreading the task of soothing her. 

　　Just as the Princess opened her mouth to wail, the young Crown Prince, returning with a sugar figurine, popped it into her mouth. The impending cry vanished instantly, replaced by the happy sound of the little Princess licking her sweet treat.

　　All the Jinyiwei breathed a collective sigh of relief. 

　　Thank goodness His Majesty had left the Crown Prince behind; otherwise, things would have been truly chaotic. 

　　Although still young, the little Princess was domineering, difficult, and incredibly clever—almost all the Jinyiwei present had experienced her temper tantrums. 

　　What a little rascal. 

　　“Where's Father?” Xie Muyun asked her brother, still licking her sugar figurine, her little chubby face puffed up like a pufferfish, threatening to explode. “Father always does this; he's always so busy, he never spends time with Muyun.”

　　It seemed she was genuinely angry this time; even the sugar figurine couldn't stop her. 

　　All the Jinyiwei were at a loss for how to comfort her. 

　　Xie Zhiyu suddenly pointed. “Hey, look, what's that fun thing over there?” 

　　The little Princess's eyes widened, her head swiveling. “Where? Where is it? What fun thing?” 

　　All the Jinyiwei: “...” 

　　There were indeed many interesting things in the alley ahead. The little Princess, after a quick tour, had completely forgotten about her father. 

　　Having just purchased a clay doll, a faint, weak whimpering sound drifted from her right. 

　　“What's that sound?” Xie Muyun curiously approached the source. At the end of the alley, a rough-looking man with a scraggly beard was loudly hawking his wares, announcing the arrival of new ‘good stuff.’

　　The ‘good stuff’ were the slaves kneeling on the ground. Several of the more lively ones had already been sold, leaving only a teenager, beaten and bloodied, barely clinging to life. His handsome, youthful face was smeared with blood, yet his eyes, dark and intense, held stubborn defiance and a chilling coldness. A fierce glint, like that of a vicious lone wolf, shone in their depths. 

　　Seeing this, the owner kicked him again viciously. “Bah, you worthless thing! Do you think you're some kind of noble young master? You're nothing but a dying dog!” 

　　Another kick, this time squarely on the boy's back, forced a fresh gush of blood from his mouth. The gruesome scene caused passersby to avert their gazes and hurry past.

　　All the Jinyiwei, fearing the Princess and Crown Prince might be frightened, quickly stepped forward to block their view. 

　　The Princess clenched her fists, her little face screwed up. Then, lifting her eyes, she asked her brother with sparkling eyes, “Brother, can I buy him and bring him into the Palace?” 

　　There wasn't a trace of fear; she was clearly excited. 

　　Truly a demonic little Princess, completely unafraid. 

　　Yet, she was only... six years old. She was the spitting image of her father. 

　　Xie Zhiyu showed no fear either. He had seen the boy—defiant, unyielding, and fierce. But his fingers, though bloody, were long and clean, suggesting he wasn't born into poverty. He might be from a wealthy Jinzhou family. How could his sister possibly bring him back to the Palace to become a eunuch?

　　“No,” the young Crown Prince said after a moment's thought, shaking his head. 

　　All the Jinyiwei collectively breathed a sigh of relief. Buying other things was one thing, but purchasing a slave of unknown origin was something they couldn't authorize. 

　　“I will buy him,” Xie Muyun put her hands on her fat waist and said domineeringly. “I've set my eyes on him!” 

　　However, without the Crown Prince's approval, none of the Jinyiwei dared to act. 

　　“Do you dare disobey me?” the Princess fumed. “I'll tell Father to punish—” 

　　“Sister, don't be silly,” the young Crown Prince interrupted, his handsome face serious. “Father wouldn't agree.” 

　　“I don't care!” The Princess was determined to buy the boy. 

　　The owner, seeing their clothing and the numerous guards surrounding the children, realized their noble status. His eyes lit up. “Miss, this slave may be unruly, but he's a strong lad. He'd make a fine guard dog. Ten taels of silver, and he's yours.” 

　　Upon hearing this, the boy glared even more fiercely at the owner.

　　The Princess, even more insistent, waved her hand, ordering someone to take the boy. She was determined to buy him, ignoring everyone's objections. 

　　All the Jinyiwei were now in a difficult position, unsure how to proceed. 

　　The Crown Prince was also worried; if his father didn't return soon, he wouldn't be able to control his sister. 

　　Fortunately, Xie Jue returned at that moment. 

　　Steady footsteps approached; all the Jinyiwei parted to allow him passage, bowing respectfully. 

　　Xie Muyun immediately ran to him, hugging his leg, her phoenix-like eyes shining with the same fiery intensity as his. “Father, buy him.” 

　　Xie Jue glanced at the battered boy, then looked away. He bent down, grabbing his daughter by the scruff of her neck and lifting her away like a chick. His thin lips moved, and he said slowly and calmly, “Xie Muyun, do you know how much your domineering and unreasonable behavior repels people?” 

　　“What?”

　　Little Muyun, put her hands on her waist, bounced her legs in the air, saying in a childish voice, “But they say Muyun's temperament is exactly like Father's!” 

　　Xie Jue: “...” 

　　All the Jinyiwei lowered their heads, pretending not to hear. 

　　Children say the darndest things. 

　　Xie Muyun giggled, hugging Xie Jue's leg again, her little arms outstretched. “Father, hug.” 

　　Xie Jue casually scooped her up, pinching her chubby cheeks. “You should be grateful…” 

　　“That I'm Mother's daughter,” Xie Muyun finished, beaming. “Children benefit from their mother's status.” 

　　Xie Jue's lips curved into a slight smile. Turning to Fei Ying, he instructed, “Take the boy back.” 

　　“Yes,” Fei Ying replied immediately.

    ……

　　Back on the ship, the two children ran inside to find Yun Ling. 

　　“Mother, Mother…” 

　　But she wasn't in the room. 

　　“Where's Mother?” Little Muyun asked, clutching a string of candied haws, her head swiveling around. She'd brought candied haws for her mother. 

　　Even the usually calm young Crown Prince was starting to panic. “Where did Mother go?” 

　　After all, they were only six-year-old children. Not finding their mother upon their return naturally caused them distress.

    ——

　　When Yun Ling awoke, she didn't see her children. A maid informed her that Xie Jue had taken them out to play. 

　　She looked out at the scenery from the ship. The shore was bustling with people. Children ran around happily, playing with pinwheels. 

　　Jinzhou was picturesque, with stunning mountains and rivers. Yun Ling thought that considering her daughter's playful nature, they wouldn't be back anytime soon. She decided to go ashore and experience the beauty of Jinzhou herself. 

　　Usually, her children complained about their father not having time for them, so she figured she'd let the three of them have some father-son time together. 

　　However, she unexpectedly encountered Liu Silan. Years had passed, yet seeing her again felt like only yesterday.

　　She was holding a child. Upon seeing Yun Ling, she looked incredulous. She quickly placed the child in the arms of the man behind her and hurried towards Yun Ling. However, seeing the stern-faced, powerful guards behind Yun Ling, she hesitated, stopping uncertainly and looking at her with some apprehension. 

　　“Silan,” Yun Ling smiled, calling her name. 

　　“Teacher,” Liu Silan ran to her side, tears welling up in her eyes. “It's been so many years. I never thought I'd see you here.” 

　　Yun Ling was equally moved. She then glanced at the man behind Liu Silan and the child in his arms. 

　　It seemed Silan hadn't chosen to become the Princess Consort of Linze after all, but had instead chosen the person she loved.

　　Liu Silan explained that the man was her cousin from her hometown. He was kind to her and very attentive. Their trip was a visit back home to see family. 

　　Yun Ling was happy to see her living such a fulfilling life. 

　　They sat down at a teahouse and talked for a long time, even discussing Mu Dong. Over the years, Mu Dong had remained unmarried and had successfully expanded Yunyi Workshop. Everything seemed to be going well for everyone. 

　　They lost track of time, and as the sun set and night fell, the lights of Jinzhou City began to twinkle. 

　　Realizing they'd spent too long together, Liu Silan stood up to bid farewell, her voice tinged with reluctance. “Teacher,” she asked, “Will you ever return to Meiyang County? To see Mu Dong and me?” 

　　Yun Ling smiled and nodded. “I will.” 

　　She would go back to see them.

　　The peaceful days in Meiyang County were beautiful; she would never forget them. 

　　But she didn't dwell on the past. Looking forward, embracing her love, and enjoying her current happiness was enough. 

　　Leaving the teahouse, all the Jinyiwei protecting her respectfully asked, “Your Majesty, shall we return?” 

　　“Let's go back.” 

　　It was getting late. If she didn't return soon, there would be chaos.

    ……

　　On the lake, several pleasure boats drifted, their elegant music and dazzling lights reflected on the water's surface. The lively sounds of singing and music contrasted sharply with the quiet stillness of the magnificent ship moored nearby. 

　　Only a few lanterns illuminated the ship. All the Jinyiwei stood silently at various points. A gentle breeze stirred Xie Jue's long hair as he stood at the edge of the boat, his tall figure unyielding even in the dim light. His embroidered gold-threaded black robe sleeves fluttered in the night, his commanding presence suggesting he stood atop a pinnacle of power, overlooking all. 

　　Footsteps approached from behind. 

　　Xie Jue turned to see her standing at the edge of the dock. Her jet-black hair, like polished silk, was elegantly arranged, a few strands dancing in the breeze. Her apricot eyes, like spring water, met his, the corners slightly upturned, seeming to hold a misty, gentle light. 

　　One glance. One glance was all it took to seal their fate.

　　Xie Jue's deep black eyes, reflecting the shimmering lights, gazed at her. His thin lips parted slightly. “Xiao Yun Ling, returning this late...are you planning to abandon your husband and children?” 

　　Yun Ling: “...” 

　　Abandon her husband and children? She was only a little late. 

　　Seeing her return, the two children immediately ran towards her. “Mother, why are you back so late? Muyun missed you.” 

　　The little Princess chattered away. 

　　Yun Ling touched her children's faces; surprisingly, they weren't acting up tonight. 

　　She glanced at Xie Jue, who was now seated on a scarlet chair. It seemed his presence kept the children well-behaved. 

　　Little Muyun tugged at her sleeve, excitedly sharing, “Mother, Muyun brought a big brother home today!” 

　　“What big brother?” Yun Ling was curious, turning to her son. 

　　The young Crown Prince obediently recounted the day's events to his mother.

　　Xie Muyun was overjoyed, twirling in her little dress with delight. 

　　Yun Ling, however, sensed something was amiss. Her daughter's antics were one thing, but why would Xie Jue bring the boy back instead of simply letting him go? 

　　“Who is that child?” Yun Ling asked him. 

　　Xie Jue, holding a book, didn't look up. “The only son of the Marquis of Dingbei. He snuck out. We'll send him back tomorrow.” 

　　Before Yun Ling could respond, the little Princess was struck dumb. “Send him away? No! Muyun wants to take him to the Palace!” 

　　Xie Zhiyu shook his head. “Sister, the young Marquis can't go to the Palace with you.” Because entering the Palace meant becoming a eunuch. 

　　The little Princess felt like the sky was falling. “Waaaaah! Why...? I saw him first…” Her wail was earth-shattering. 

　　Xie Jue wasn't indulging her. “Just because you saw him first doesn't mean he's yours.”

　　Yun Ling found the situation both humorous and frustrating. She quickly knelt down to wipe away her daughter's tears. 

　　“Father is bad,” Xie Muyun sobbed. 

　　The little Princess was even more heartbroken, her arms like lotus stems tightly wrapped around Yun Ling's neck, tears falling one after another. “Mother...Muyun is so sad…” 

　　“Then how can Muyun stop crying?” Yun Ling kissed her daughter's cheek. 

　　She wouldn't spoil her, but her daughter was so upset; she needed comforting. 

　　“Um…” The little Princess hiccuped, sniffing her nose, and after a moment's thought, said, “Then Muyun wants to sleep with Mother tonight.” 

　　The air in the room seemed to freeze for a moment. 

　　The young Crown Prince, anticipating this, quickly covered his ears, but still heard his mother's gentle reply, “Okay.”

　　! ! !

　　And then,

　　Xie Jue suddenly stood up, closing the book in his hand. “I should remind you, she's faking it.” 

　　As soon as he finished speaking, the little Princess deliberately wailed loudly, “I want to sleep with Mother!” 

　　Yun Ling patted her daughter's back. “She's genuinely upset today. Let's agree to it; it's not a big deal.” 

　　Xie Jue threw the book on the table, his lips pursed tightly. “No.” 

　　Yun Ling still didn't change her mind, sighing softly. “She's still young.” 

　　“You... hmph.” 

　　Xie Jue flicked his sleeve and left. 

　　The young Crown Prince silently shook his head. Father always got angry with Mother at times like these. 

　　But it was no use; Mother never went back on her word.

    ——

　　The two children, tired from their day of antics, lay sprawled out, sleeping soundly and perspiring slightly. Sweat beaded on their foreheads and noses. 

　　Their eyelashes were long and thick, their noses high and straight, their lips thin. Both children strongly resembled their father; Muyun in personality, Zhiyu in appearance. 

　　Yun Ling softly kissed each of their tender faces before slowly getting up.

    ……

　　The water in the bath was almost cold. Xie Jue stood up and put on his nightclothes. 

　　Before he could fasten his robe, the door opened, and Yun Ling entered. 

　　It was late, and the maidservant walking outside moved with light steps. 

　　Xie Jue saw her come in and said calmly, “Are they asleep?” 

　　“Mm-hmm.” Yun Ling walked in front of him. Seeing his robe was unfastened, she lowered her head and slowly fastened it for him. “The children are still young. Why do you always get jealous of them?” 

　　He had a bad temper, and Xie Muyun had inherited it; she was quite the little imp. 

　　Xie Jue looked down at her movements, remaining silent. 

　　Yun Ling looked up at him, a smile on her face, and tilted her head to kiss his lips. 

　　Xie Jue finally twitched the corner of his mouth and said grumpily, 

　　“You know what that little imp is up to. You're just spoiling her.”

　　“Why don't you show me the same patience?” 

　　Yun Ling wasn't sure what more she could do. As she fastened his robe, he began to unfasten hers. 

　　So she simply stopped. 

　　Xie Jue put his arms around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. His moon-white nightclothes were loose, revealing his strong chest. His dark phoenix eyes fell on her lips, and he issued a quiet command, “Coax me.” 

　　“What?” 

　　Xie Jue reached into her clothes, his burning palm resting on her waist. Leaning down, he pressed close to her neck, their hair entwined, and gently kissed and licked her skin. “Before, you only coaxed me, not those two little brats.”

　　A smile flickered in Yun Ling's eyes. Their relationship had begun with her showering him with sweet words to save her life. 

　　But he had been so ruthless back then, showing no sign of being moved. 

　　“¹Zhaozhao wo yi. You said that to me then…” Xie Jue lightly sucked on her neck. “And I believed you.” 

　　The moment he believed her was the moment she had him completely under her spell. 

　　But he didn't mind. 

　　He only cared about... 

　　Xie Jue's kiss moved to her soft lips, pressing and lingering. “You must always coaxing me, only me.” His breath enveloped her, swirling and intoxicating. 

　　Despite the forceful tone, it sounded almost childishly clingy. 

　　“You're being so childish,” she chuckled. 

　　Yun Ling tilted her head, her eyes curved in a smile, and kissed his lips, saying with utmost sincerity, “Mmm... ²Zhaozhao wo yi, qingqing wo xin. In fact, I love my husband the most.”

________________

Glossary:

¹ 昭昭我意。(zhāo zhāo wǒ yì): Brightly illuminates my intention; or, Clearly reveals my intention.

² ‘昭昭我意，卿卿我心’ (Zhaozhao wo yi, qingqing wo xin) is a phrase often used in ancient Chinese love poems and literature. It translates to:

- 昭昭我意 (Zhaozhao wo yi): Clearly my intention/desire

- 卿卿我心 (Qingqing wo xin): My heart belongs to you (卿卿 is a term of endearment for a beloved)

Together, the phrase expresses a deep and unwavering love, meaning something like “My heart belongs to you, and my intentions are clear: I love you.”

It's a romantic and poetic way to express a heartfelt devotion.

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