Great! A big grassland is what I want. Come, pinky promise— a gentleman’s word is as fast as a horse’s whip. Wei Lin extended her hand, sealing their oath with a clasp and two pats.
Alright, it’s late spring and early summer now. Let’s see your tribute. Before Wei Lin could respond, Xi Linxuan dismounted and stood beside the horse.
Your Highness, Your Highness…
Didn’t I tell you I can move freely now? Don’t believe me? This palace will punish you. Xi Linxuan raised an eyebrow.
Wei Lin carefully jumped off the horse, handed the reins to Xi Linxuan, then jumped away, laughing: Come on, chase me. If you catch me, I’ll accept the punishment.
With a slightly lame foot, how could he catch her? Confident, Wei Lin ran backward. But when she saw Xi Linxuan running, she was gradually surprised and slowed down, allowing Xi Linxuan to catch her, pulling her into his embrace.
My legs are better than you thought, Xi Linxuan said.
Your Highness looks majestic when striding. I can’t help but be charmed, Wei Lin laughed.
Ah, even limping, why not stride confidently to cover this small flaw?
*
Riding a horse is tiring. This palace wants to sit and rest a bit. Xi Linxuan pulled her to sit down, facing the sunset.
Wei Lin leaned on his shoulder, filled with joy. This moment of quiet companionship felt impossible yet unforgettable.
We agreed, later I’ll circle a big grassland for you. You’ll cook fish and shrimp for me, and make clothes from roe deer skin. But your cooking skills don’t seem very good! Xi Linxuan said.
What’s difficult? I’ll learn from the kitchen lady in a day. Wei Lin replied confidently.
Look! Xi Linxuan suddenly pointed at the sky.
What? There were only red clouds and the sun, no birds.
Impressive. Xi Linxuan replied seriously.
Where?
You just blew it up! Xi Linxuan poked her forehead.
Wei Lin laughed, sizing up Xi Linxuan doubtfully: No, you’re clearly sitting right here. Then she stood up and ran, determined.
By the time they returned, it was dark. Feng and a group of guards with bright torches were searching for them, relaxing only upon their return. At the mansion, Tuoba Jingshen unexpectedly arrived with bad news.
This matter, I can only say this much. Imperial Father should withdraw the decree. Tuoba Jingshen said in the candlelight.
Wei Lin sat beside Xi Linxuan, her head slightly lowered.
Xie Si Dian informed that this matter requires careful consideration, Xi Linxuan said.
Tuoba Jingshen left, and the couple sat silently, with Feng Shou standing beside them. Finally, Xi Linxuan broke the silence and instructed Feng Shou: “Serve the meal, I am hungry.”
Feng Shou left, and he walked up to Weilin, taking her hand: “Wei Chen, are you afraid of death?”
Weilin hugged his waist, whispering: “I’m afraid of dying. After death, I won’t be able to eat, drink, or ride a horse. We have a life-saving talisman; we should use it. One day, we’ll find a way out, right?”
“Wei Chen!” Xi Linxuan crouched down to meet her gaze, “The husband you married has already made you suffer. If I continue like this, do you plan to let me be at peace for the rest of my life?”
His gaze was focused and deep, but his expression was full of guilt, making Weilin want to endure. She avoided eye contact, afraid she might cry, and hugged him tightly: “Yes, I want to make you owe me during our difficult times. Later, when you’re successful, you’ll continue to be good to me because of your debt. So, I don’t mind you owing me now.”
Silence. Xi Linxuan’s voice was slightly choked, his arms firmly gripping her shoulders.
Weilin comforted herself.
The princess about to be married might be favored, serving as a talisman against evil spirits and small dangers.
Yet, Weilin felt uneasy remembering her mother’s expression when Wei Fengye returned home. She aspired to be a broad-minded woman unaffected by honor or disgrace, but as Tuoba Jingshen said, this matter was settled, and she was unwilling to share a husband.
“Wei Chen, let’s escape. From now on, I’m no longer a prince, and you’re no longer a princess. We’ll hide in a remote place, live in anonymity, and have children…”
“But there are beauties in the palace, my parents in Huo Kingdom, and my brother in Yan Kingdom. The palace’s suggestion is not wrong. When we can escape, we’ll run away to the Western Regions. I’ve always wanted to see the people described in books,” Weilin said.
Escape seemed impossible. Leaving this mansion and city would only lead to death.
“Hmm, okay,” Xi Linxuan agreed.
The favored princess of the Rong Dynasty entered, wearing a tight-fitting dress. Weilin puzzled over the princess’s belly, wondering if she could be so fat at her age.
“Wei Chen, move over a bit.”
“Hmm? Oh.” Weilin shifted inward and pulled the blanket.
“How cold, having all this flesh.” A warm body pressed against her.
Weilin woke up, tried to turn but was tightly wrapped, only managing to turn her head slightly to see half a face.
“Palace Lord, how did you come over?” Weilin asked, confused.
“This is my bedroom. How could I not be here? Would I sleep on a grass mat?” Xi Linxuan replied, pressing her head to his chest. “It’s almost late spring, and you’re still so cold. Are you sick? I’ll call a doctor tomorrow.”
“Palace Lord, is this okay?” Weilin was worried.
“Wei Chen, don’t worry. The princess will disappear soon.”
“Ah? Why?”
“This is not something a woman should ask. Just sleep well.” Xi Linxuan patted her back.
In the morning, the Rong princess paid her respects, claiming she was unwell and couldn’t attend regularly. She soon left after a short visit. Clever palace maids whispered that the princess slept all day, craved sour foods, and needed help bathing. Though Weilin had just married, she worried, especially after Xi Linxuan’s words about the princess “disappearing soon.”
The princess paid her respects without meeting outsiders, and her attendants were replaced by Rong people. In this mansion, she seemed more like a guest but rumors began to spread. Weilin was quick-tempered.
Although this woman had not stolen her husband, she couldn’t tolerate anyone tarnishing her reputation. One day, when Xi Linxuan was absent, she decided to confront the princess. The maids tried to stop her, but after some persuasion and threats, they let her pass.
The princess appeared worried and had lost weight since arriving. Weilin suppressed her anger and adopted a caring smile: “I heard the princess is ill. Has the national doctor seen you? It seems there’s been no improvement. Why don’t I examine you? We in Yan Kingdom have a unique diagnostic method. I learned a bit during my time in the inner chambers.”
The princess agreed, and Weilin, who had only read medical books superficially, carefully examined her through a mix of coaxing and intimidation.
“Madam, good news. Looking at the pulse, it should be about a month along,” Weilin said slowly, observing the madam’s expression.
“I know; don’t worry, it’s your lame husband’s child. Marrying him was just an expedient measure,” the madam replied contemptuously.
Weilin stared at her and suddenly slapped her: “As a lowly concubine, how dare you speak of your husband with such disdain. My husband may be limited in mobility, but his noble character is something a mere concubine could only look up to.”
Although some say the Rong people do not understand etiquette and shame, one should not let others look down on them. Kindness should not be forgotten.
It was the first time she had raised her hand to hit someone, and her hand and heart both ached.
What wrong had she and Xi Linxuan done to endure such humiliation? Heavens, how unfair!
This was the first time Wei Lin, who had always accepted her fate, felt dissatisfied.
