My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 104: Don't Lie To Children. (There Are Many Plots Between Xie Muyun And The Young Marquis)

　　The dark room was unlit, the windows and doors tightly shut, as if to prevent his escape. 

　　Yan Heng sat on the bed. The blood on his still somewhat youthful and handsome face had been wiped clean, but his dark, stubborn eyes remained sharp even in the darkness, like a wolf cub lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce and tear out its prey's throat. 

　　Yan Heng, the only son of the renowned Marquis of Dingbei, a spirited young hero. In the north, almost everyone had heard his name. But here in the watery south of Jinzhou, naturally, nobody knew him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been drugged by a dishonest shopkeeper upon entering Jinzhou, robbed of all his belongings, and sold to a human trafficker to become a prisoner. 

　　When he was beaten half to death, a little girl specifically requested to buy him, saving him from his misery. 

　　He had sworn in his heart that if anyone rescued him, he would repay their kindness a thousandfold. 

　　But before losing consciousness, he faintly heard the little girl's name.

　　He lived in the north, having only been to the Capital once or twice, and knew nothing of Jinzhou's customs. But… Xie was the Imperial surname; how could he not know that? 

　　It seemed the two children were Imperial relatives, their status higher than his, probably making his gratitude unnecessary. 

　　Yan Heng had been cared for for two days, the wounds from the beating already healing. He heard the guards say he would be sent back to the north in two more days. 

　　If it weren't for his injuries, he would have been sent away already. 

　　Indeed, the Imperial family. They recognized him as the Marquis of Dingbei's only son at a glance; the people involved must be influential. 

　　But he couldn't go back. 

　　He coughed, covering his mouth. Yan Heng acutely noticed a faint sound outside the quiet door.

　　At this hour, besides the guards on duty, everyone else was asleep. Who would come now? The movements were subtle, but a guard's keen senses wouldn't miss them. Since they were detected but not stopped, it meant the person couldn't be stopped, or shouldn't be stopped. 

　　Thinking this, Yan Heng silently lay down on the bed, closing his eyes to feign sleep. 

　　Sure enough, after a while, the door was quietly pushed open from the outside. Or rather, it wasn't quiet; the person simply lacked the strength to open it more forcefully, and perhaps even needed help to do so. 

　　After pushing the door open, the guards outside helped close it again.

　　Tiny footsteps sounded in the room, approaching him step by step, until someone stood by his bed. 

　　The person wasn't tall; Yan Heng could sense it even with his eyes closed. 

　　Holding his breath, he waited to see what the person would do. At that moment, the person seemed to raise a hand, reaching towards his throat. 

　　Killing by strangulation was the most silent method. 

　　Yan Heng quickly opened his eyes, swiftly raising his arm to subdue the person. But when he opened his eyes, he saw a little girl, with large, dark eyes, a fair and soft complexion, and an incredibly pretty face, standing innocently and cluelessly by his bedside, her small, white finger outstretched. In a flash, Yan Heng quickly altered the direction of his punch, his palm narrowly missing her face, avoiding injury. 

　　Her small finger remained suspended in the air. She had intended to poke his face, but because she was so short, her finger reached his throat.

　　“Big brother, what are you doing?” the little girl asked curiously, watching his movements. “Mother said your wounds aren't healed yet, you shouldn't move around.” 

　　It was the little girl who had insisted on buying him. 

　　So late at night, what was she doing here? 

　　Although she was just a child, Yan Heng still eyed her cautiously, simultaneously asking his question. 

　　Xie Muyun struggled to climb onto his bed, but her legs were too short. Despite her best efforts, she tumbled onto the floor with a ‘thump,’ landing on her back. Amazingly, she didn't cry, instead reaching out to him. “Big brother, pull me up.” 

　　Seeing her like a little turtle on its back, Yan Heng couldn't help but burst into laughter, almost choking with mirth. He kindly reached out and pulled her up, lifting the child onto the bed with one arm.

　　“You don't want to sleep with me, do you?” Yan Heng looked at her with disdain. “I don't sleep with little kids who wet the bed.” 

　　“Muyun doesn't wet the bed!” Xie Muyun's face flushed with anger. “And Muyun is not a little kid, you are!” 

　　This big brother wasn't that much older than her. 

　　Xie Muyun crawled further into the bed, pushing aside the thick blankets. After some effort, she finally found a finely crafted dagger hidden beneath the bedding. Just as she was about to pull it out, Yan Heng snatched it away. He said unhappily, “This knife is very sharp. What were you, little ghost, trying to do with my knife?” 

　　Xie Muyun sat up, staring longingly at the knife he held; its tip gleamed coldly. 

　　Her mother said she was too young to handle such sharp weapons. 

　　Seeing the child's longing gaze, Yan Heng boasted proudly, “This knife was a tenth birthday gift from my mother. A master blacksmith forged it for ten days and nights. It's incredibly sharp, instantly lethal. There's only one in the world.” 

　　His words clearly captivated her; her eyes widened with wonder. 

　　Children were so easy to trick.

　　“Do you want it?” Yan Heng put the dagger away, deliberately dangling it in front of the child. 

　　“Yes!” Xie Muyun immediately reached for it. But Yan Heng withdrew his hand, his voice softening as he coaxed the child. “Big brother can give this to you, but you have to promise big brother one thing, okay?” 

　　Yan Heng knew best. Children her age were innocent and easily tricked. A little enticement was all it took to win them over. 

　　He was right. 

　　Xie Muyun, her hands outstretched, immediately took the bait, nodding eagerly. “Okay.” 

　　“What does big brother want Muyun to do?” 

　　A smile appeared on Yan Heng's face. He pointed to the guards outside the door, whispering in her ear. “You see the guards outside and in the corridor? All you need to do is get them to leave.” 

　　“Why should I get them to leave?” Xie Muyun asked, puzzled.

　　This little ghost sure talks a lot. 

　　Yan Heng patiently explained, “They're like gate gods standing outside, keeping me awake.” 

　　“But—” 

　　“No buts.” 

　　“But—” 

　　“No buts!” 

　　“Okay then,” Xie Muyun slowly climbed off the bed, looking back three times. Her voice was childish and innocent. “Muyun will tell them to go away, but big brother, you can't leave, okay?” 

　　“My father said they're sending you back.” 

　　Yan Heng readily agreed. “Don't worry, I won't go.”  

　　“Don't lie to a child.”

　　Yan Heng lied casually, “I never lie to children.” 

　　Watching the little kid toddle out the door, Yan Heng chuckled softly. 

　　Little fool. 

　　He wouldn't lie to anyone else. 

　　The child summoned two guards outside, whispering something in their ears. At first, the guards hesitated, but after she said something else, the two menacing guards surprisingly obeyed and left. 

　　Xie Muyun happily walked back in, reporting her success. “Big brother, they're gone. You can sleep now.” 

　　“Amazing kid,” Yan Heng patted her head, offering insincere praise. But the little kid was thrilled, her chin lifted proudly. 

　　Yan Heng pressed on. “Since we have nothing to do, let's go play outside?”

　　Xie Muyun hesitated. “But it's so late—” 

　　Before she could finish, Yan Heng pulled her hand and started walking. “It's fine, we'll just take a quick look and come back. Listen, there's someone singing outside.” 

　　“Okay.” Hearing that, Xie Muyun readily followed him. 

　　Yan Heng led the little girl, step by step, onto the deck. The cool night air, carrying the dampness of the lake, brushed against their faces as they neared their destination. Soon, he would escape. 

　　All thanks to this foolish little ghost. 

　　Reaching the deck, Yan Heng again used the excuse of the guards making it uncomfortable to play, asking Xie Muyun to dismiss them.

　　Xie Muyun waved her small hand, and the guards obediently retreated. Then, tilting her head up, her eyes shining with anticipation, she asked, “Okay, big brother, they're all gone. What are we going to play now?” 

　　Yan Heng looked around. There were no guards, only the two of them on the quiet deck. The lake shimmered, reflecting the lights from the shore. If he jumped into the lake now, swam ashore, and disappeared into the crowd, he had a good chance of escaping. 

　　“Go play by yourself.” Yan Heng released her hand, his expression changing as he pushed the little girl aside. He sneered, “Who wants to play with a little kid like you?” 

　　“Little ghost, remember never to trust anyone, even if they seem harmless. That's the first lesson big brother teaches you.” 

　　Yan Heng dropped those words and prepared to leap into the lake. But just as he made his move, two incredibly agile figures suddenly appeared on the previously empty deck. Before he could jump, they pushed him back with lightning speed, sending him sprawling to the ground.

　　This skill was rare. Even in the north, where he'd seen many extraordinary people, few could match it. 

　　Yan Heng took a blow to the chest. Even though they clearly held back their strength, the pain still left him momentarily unable to get up. 

　　He heard a silvery, childish laugh. Turning his head, he saw the little girl he'd pushed to the ground. Her earlier expression of betrayal and tears was gone, replaced by unrestrained laughter. “Hahahaha! Hahahahaha!”

　　From her soft, petal-like mouth came two scornful words. “So stupid.” 

　　Her innocent, easily tricked demeanor was gone. 

　　The pretty little girl laughed for a long time before slowly getting up. With short legs, she walked to Yan Heng's side, looking at him as if he were some amusing spectacle, clapping her hands excitedly. “So funny.” 

　　“Stupid. There are Shadow Guards everywhere. Did you really think you could escape?”

　　Only then did Yan Heng realize the little girl had been playing him the entire time. She'd feigned innocence, pretending to be tricked, while skillfully manipulating him. 

　　This little girl, only five or six years old, possessed a beautiful, flower-like appearance that masked a mischievous spirit. 

　　He'd been careless, completely played by a child. Thinking this, Yan Heng gritted his teeth, wishing he could spank the little girl. 

　　Even her chubby cheeks couldn't hide her sly nature. 

　　Little Muyun squatted down, looking at Yan Heng, delighted. “Big brother, don't trust any kid, even if she looks... well, harmless,” Xie Muyun forgot what she had just said, stumbling over her words before continuing. “This is Muyun's first lesson for you.” 

　　Yan Heng ignored the little ghost, turning his head away in annoyance. 

　　Little kid, she doesn't even know what harmless means. 

　　Ignoring her? Xie Muyun insisted on engaging him, turning her head to follow his gaze, giggling. “Big brother, let's go play again?”

　　Who wants to play with her? Yan Heng couldn't help but roll his eyes, pushing away her chubby face. “Shadow Guards? Why do you have Shadow Guards around you?” 

　　If he hadn't heard wrong, the Shadow Guards were clearly... 

　　“Why wouldn't I?” Xie Muyun didn't understand his question. “Muyun has had Shadow Guards since birth.” 

　　“You—” Yan Heng was about to say something. 

　　“Muyun, are you causing trouble again?” A gentle voice came from a distance. 

　　The little girl turned her head, immediately standing up and happily running to hug the woman's legs. Her voice became incredibly sweet and childish, but this time, unlike before, it wasn't an act; it was genuine dependence. 

　　“Mother.” The little girl called out sweetly, then opened her arms to be held. 

　　The woman bent down and picked her up, helplessly tapping her soft nose. “If you cause trouble again, Mother will have to punish you.”

　　Dim light shone from across the shore. Yan Heng looked up at the woman holding the little girl. The child's beautiful features were clearly inherited from her. The night wind stirred her dark hair, and simply standing there, she exuded a warmth and serenity completely different from the mischievous child. 

　　After her arrival, the two Shadow Guards who had previously ignored him approached and helped him to his feet. The little devil, surprisingly, also ran over, appearing incredibly well-behaved, sincerely apologizing. Her head bowed low, she said, “I'm sorry, big brother. Muyun shouldn't have teased you.” 

　　Humph, Yan Heng scoffed inwardly. 

　　Even if she acted well-behaved, he wouldn't believe it. 

　　After a while, the woman slowly approached, concernedly examining him. “Child, are you hurt anywhere? Your wounds aren't healed yet; you shouldn't be moving around.” 

　　Her words, like her presence, were gentle yet powerful. 

　　Yan Heng stared at her for a moment, then suddenly knelt, bowing his head. “This humble subject, Yan Heng, son of the Marquis of Dingbei, greets Her Majesty the Empress.”

　　Yun Ling personally helped him up, smiling. “Get up, young Marquis.” 

　　Little Muyun stood beside them, clicking her tongue twice. “It seems you're not that stupid after all.” 

　　“Muyun.” Yun Ling stopped her. 

　　Xie Muyun pouted her lips, obeying her mother. 

　　Yun Ling turned to Yan Heng. His wounds weren't fully healed. She had planned to send him north in two days, but he tried to escape. This meant he wasn't kidnapped but had run away, and he didn't want to go home. 

　　“Yan Heng, why don't you want to go home?” Yun Ling asked slowly. “Would you be willing to tell me?”

    ——

　　Yan Heng had escaped with great difficulty; of course, he didn't want to go back. 

　　Since his mother's death, that place was no longer his home. He understood better than anyone that a stepmother often means a stepfather as well. 

　　Before his mother's death, his parents were loving, his family harmonious. He was the envied young Marquis of the north, enjoying endless glory and surrounded by admirers. 

　　His biggest worry was how to become stronger, to one day follow in his father's footsteps, fighting on the battlefield and protecting his country. 

　　But after his mother's death, everything changed. To find someone to care for him, his father took a new wife. Six months ago, his stepmother became pregnant, and the doctor determined it was a boy. This sparked certain ideas in her mind. 

　　His father, with his numerous military achievements, had been named Marquis of Dingbei. His estate would be inherited by his legitimate son. But if that legitimate son were to die, become incapacitated, or go mad, the inheritance would go to his stepmother's son.

　　Because of this, his stepmother sowed discord. Though she dared not directly harm him, she framed him for various misdeeds, leading his father to repeatedly lose faith in him, even resorting to family law several times. 

　　He was in a position where he could not defend himself. 

　　However, he understood that his father wasn't entirely blinded by his stepmother. Firstly, his father was busy with military affairs and had little time to discern right from wrong. Secondly, his father's heart had already leaned towards the stepmother; even if evidence were presented, it would be useless. 

　　Staying in that home was pointless, so he decided to escape, vowing to rely on no one and forge his own path. 

　　However, he was ultimately too naive and inexperienced, unaware of the darkness of the outside world, which is why he was drugged as soon as he escaped. 

　　Encountering the Emperor and Empress in disguise and being saved was sheer luck. Even so, he had no desire to return to that home. 

　　Yun Ling didn't expect him to have suffered such a fate. Furthermore, this ordeal bore a striking resemblance to someone else's.

　　It's unbelievable that the Marquis of Dingbei, a brilliant military strategist who repeatedly defeated foreign enemies on the battlefield and had a reputation for cherishing his soldiers, could be so muddle-headed in his domestic affairs. 

　　The little Princess, furious, stamped her foot and puffed out her cheeks. “Big brother's father is so bad! Mother, quickly order Father to behead him and avenge big brother!” 

　　This innocent statement left Yun Ling both amused and perplexed, unsure how to respond. 

　　After a moment's thought, she stroked her daughter's head and explained seriously, “Although your father is the Emperor, he cannot punish a subject for family matters.” 

　　Moreover, while the Marquis of Dingbei may be muddle-headed in his household affairs, his military achievements are numerous. He has defended the country and fought countless enemies, contributing greatly to the Great Jin Dynasty and its people. 

　　The current Marquis of Dingbei earned his position through hard-fought battles. 

　　As for the Marquis' family affairs, neither she nor Xie Jue (the Emperor) could interfere. 

　　After instructing a guard to take Yan Heng to bed, Yun Ling took her clamorous daughter to the study.

　　The door opened, revealing the bright candlelight within. Xie Jue leaned back in his chair, holding a letter. 

　　Before Yun Ling could speak, Xie Muyun bounced in, clinging to Xie Jue's leg. “Father, the Marquis is bad! He doesn't love big brother! You must help big brother!” 

　　Her words were disjointed, but Xie Jue understood. He let her hug his leg and handed the letter to Yun Ling. “An urgent message from the Marquis of Dingbei.” 

　　Yun Ling took the letter and unfolded it. The Marquis's letter began with greetings and profuse thanks, expressing his agonizing worry and longing for his son's return. 

　　From this short letter, Yun Ling couldn't gauge the extent of the Marquis's love. 

　　But this was his legitimate son. He must have been worried when his son disappeared, but she wondered if this incident would make him realize his neglect and poor treatment of his son. 

　　After reading the letter, Yun Ling carefully put it away and turned to Xie Jue. “Husband, when do you plan to send the child back?” 

　　“In two days. I will send extra guards to escort him back to the north.”

　　Sending extra guards was already a considerable concession for the child. 

　　Little Muyun immediately protested. “Why does Father still want to send big brother back? His father doesn't treat him well at all!” 

　　“Should he come to the Palace with you instead?” Xie Jue stood up and said calmly to his daughter, “His battlefield isn't the Palace.” 

　　Xie Muyun, hands on her hips, was determined to stand up for her big brother. “He should come to the Palace with Muyun!” 

　　“That's unreasonable.” Xie Jue walked away without stopping. 

　　Little Muyun quickly followed, clinging to her father's leg to prevent him from leaving. “Humph, Muyun wants to.” 

　　“Muyun wants to!” 

　　Her temper flaring, she became stubborn. “Father is the Emperor; everyone must obey him. I want to bring big brother to the Palace.” 

　　Seeing the father-daughter pair about to argue, Yun Ling quickly stepped forward and picked up her daughter.

　　The moment Xie Muyun was in her mother's arms, she pouted, tears welling up. She clung to Yun Ling's neck and cried. 

　　Yun Ling felt even more distressed. She patted her back and turned to Xie Jue. “Don't be so harsh on her. She's still young and doesn't understand some things. Explain it to her properly.” 

　　Xie Jue glanced at his daughter. Watching her tears fall one after another, she looked pitiful, yet he remained unmoved. 

　　His daughter wasn't someone who easily cried. Even if she fell, if no one saw, she would simply dust herself off and get up. 

　　At such a young age, she knew how to use tears to achieve her goals. 

　　But Yun Ling was soft-hearted and couldn't bear to scold her, even knowing she was pretending. 

　　After crying for a while, Xie Muyun secretly peeked to see Xie Jue's reaction. When she was discovered, she quickly buried her face again.

　　Xie Jue twitched the corner of his mouth. “She's my daughter. Do you think I don't know whether she'll listen to reason?” 

　　Reasoning with her was like playing the lute to a cow. 

　　Even Yun Ling couldn't help but shake her head at this. “Yes, you do know! Muyun's bad temper is just like yours; you're both unreasonable!” 

　　Xie Jue, who was suddenly implicated: “...” 

　　Little Muyun, who had been pretending to cry, secretly raised her head and stuck her tongue out at Xie Jue.

    ……

　　Yun Ling carried her daughter back to the room. It was late, and Xie Zhiyu was already fast asleep, snoring softly—utterly adorable. 

　　After undressing her daughter and putting her into clean sleepwear, Yun Ling placed her in bed. The little Princess, who had been making a fuss all night, was also tired; her eyes were heavy with sleep, yet she still clung to Yun Ling's sleeve. 　　　　

　　“Mother, big brother is pitiful. Muyun wants to bring big brother to the Palace.” 

　　“Mother…” 

　　If Father wouldn't agree, it didn't matter; as long as Mother agreed, Father wouldn't be able to do anything. She just had to beg Mother, and Mother, who loved her so much, would surely agree.

　　Yun Ling touched her daughter's soft face and sighed softly, smiling. 

　　So, it was because she felt sorry for the boy that she wanted to bring him to the Palace. 

　　Xie Muyun was extremely sleepy. Before Yun Ling could speak, she mumbled something in her sleep and quickly drifted off.

    ——

　　The next morning, when Yun Ling woke up, her arms were empty. The two energetic children had already gotten up and gone to play. 

　　They were staying in Jinzhou for a few more days, so there was no rush to go out. 

　　Xie Jue had been summoned to the Jinzhou government office early in the morning, and no one knew when he would be back. 

　　Yun Ling had just finished breakfast when the two children returned, chattering excitedly. “Mother, Mother!” 

　　Taking advantage of their father's absence, Xie Muyun tiptoed and tugged at Yun Ling's sleeve. “Mother, did you agree to bring big brother back to the Palace?” 

　　She was still thinking about it. 

　　Her daughter had always been like this, her domineering personality a mirror image of Xie Jue's. 

　　Xie Zhiyu was already sitting obediently at his small desk, writing characters. Hearing this, he looked up. “Sister, why haven't you given up yet? The young Marquis is impossible to bring back to the Palace with you.” 

　　“I don't understand. Why do you insist on bringing the young Marquis to the Palace with you?” 

　　Xie Muyun propped up her chin. “Big brother is pitiful.” Then, with a mischievous smile, she added, “And big brother is handsome. He can come to the Palace to play with Muyun.”

　　Xie Zhiyu: “...” 

　　It was mainly the last sentence. 

　　His sister had always liked beautiful people, even choosing the most attractive palace servants. 

　　Before Yun Ling could speak, Xie Muyun, clinging to her legs, started throwing a tantrum, insisting on bringing the young Marquis back to the Palace. Her chubby body wriggling made Yun Ling chuckle. 

　　Children this age really don't understand reason. 

　　“You want to bring big brother to the Palace,” Yun Ling asked her daughter gently, coaxing her. “Have you asked big brother if he wants to go to the Palace with you?” 

　　Xie Muyun didn't understand, her eyes showing confusion. “Why wouldn't big brother want to? His father is so mean to him. It would be much better to go to the Palace with Muyun.”

　　“Alright, then you go ask big brother yourself if he wants to,” Yun Ling said. “If he wants to, Mother will agree. But if he doesn't want to, we must respect big brother's decision, okay?” 

　　“Okay!” Xie Muyun nodded vigorously, her face beaming with excitement. She immediately ran off to find Yan Heng. 

　　Yun Ling watched her small figure and shook her head, smiling. 

　　She was her daughter; Yun Ling knew exactly how to reason with her. 

　　She had managed to persuade the older one; the younger one would be easy.

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