Reborn Lady

Chapter 128

Xu Qingwan stood not far away with her maid, as if she were oblivious to the lively chatter nearby.

On the other side, beneath the eaves, Concubine Li cast a fleeting glance in their direction and remarked to Princess Xu, “Is Qingwan feeling somewhat tense? Look, Xianxian and Yingying seem to avoid her and prefer to be with the third daughter-in-law.”

Princess Xu responded with a faint smile, “Qingwan has always been the more reserved one.”

Concubine Li smiled and said, “Yes, Xianxian and Yingying are lively, and the third daughter-in-law has become more and more intelligent this year.”

Mrs. Wen and Mrs. Cui standing in the back felt that she was being sarcastic.

Mrs. Cui shook her head slightly at Mrs. Wen, signaling her not to get involved.

When someone came to convey that the king was about to leave, the female relatives hurriedly stopped talking, arranged according to seniority, and left the station quietly and orderly.

Xiao Heng was going to sleep in the afternoon, so he went to the wet nurse’s carriage.

Wei Luo rode the horse for a whole morning but got into Yin Hui’s carriage in the afternoon. As soon as he got in the carriage, he took off his dust-stained coat and put it on the side seat.

Yin Hui also prepared a basin of water and towels.

Wei Luo wiped his neck and face three times in a row, and the water in the basin became muddy.

“Is this the same for you in the guard?” Yin Hui joked. Such a fastidious person stayed with a group of sweaty soldiers every day. She really didn’t know how he endured it.

Wei Luo ignored the ridicule; he always kept a clear distinction between errands and personal affairs.

“How is Xiao Heng, was there any discomfort?” Wei Luo leaned on the carriage board and let out a long and comfortable breath.

Yin Hui: “He’s fine, but it’s Si Lang who looks listless.”

Wei Luo frowned and said, “Second brother is really something. Knowing that Si Lang is weak, why bring him out?”

Yin Hui: “Maybe I think the more delicate he is, the more difficult it is to care for him, and there should be no problem with doctors accompanying him.” 

As she spoke, she brought a plate of sliced ​​pears in front of him.

The pear slices were thinly sliced, crystal clear and watery, sweet and juicy in the mouth, and thirst-quenching.

The couple ate a plate next to each other. Yin Hui put the plate in the small cupboard. When she turned her head, she saw Wei Luo with his eyes closed about to take a nap. Although his face looked tired from the journey, his brows were stretched.

Yin Hui was not sleepy; she leaned against the corner of the carriage on the other side, staring at Wei Luo’s handsome face in a daze.

In his previous life, the King of Yan harbored a lingering resentment towards Wei Luo due to the martial arts contest with Feng Teng, an incident that indirectly led to both Feng and his son leaving the guard. Although it was purely an accident caused by Wei Luo, King Yan remained steadfast in his disapproval. Wei Luo was his son, but Feng Su had been a loyal confidant who had stood by his side through thick and thin, akin to his right hand. Losing the kingdom’s top general due to his son’s actions fueled King Yan’s antipathy towards Wei Luo. While he permitted Wei Luo to accompany him, he forbade him from participating in the hunting activities once they reached the paddock.

This lingering anger persisted until Wei Luo made significant contributions on the battlefield the following year, eventually dissipating. During this period, Wei Luo was often absent, and the moments he spent by her side were disappointingly rare. His silence during their time at the paddock was even more noticeable.

At that time, Yin Hui was both apprehensive of and deeply affectionate toward him. Everything changed, and the three of them could now enjoy their time together.

On July 25th, the group of people finally reached the Pine Forest Paddock. A courtyard had been constructed on the outskirts of the paddock. Since they might only visit every two or three years, King Yan had refrained from undertaking any major construction projects. The courtyard was built in a style similar to that of an affluent family, with the exception of higher walls.

Yin Hui and Wei Luo were assigned to a small courtyard, where the couple resided in the upper room. The wet nurse took care of Xiao Heng in the west wing, while the maids occupied the east wing. The other heirs of King Yan were also assigned to such courtyards, and they all shared a kitchen.

On that particular day, all Yin Hui needed to do was rest and unwind. After entering the room, she lazily sprawled on the couch in the adjoining room, reluctant to move.

Yin Hui only ventured to the washroom when the attendants brought in water. Jinzhan efficiently assisted her, rubbing her skin and rinsing her off. Just as Yin Hui was settling into the bathtub for a leisurely soak, Wei Luo came.

“Third Master, Madam is taking a bath,” informed Yinzhan.

Yin Hui heard Yinzhan’s voice, followed by Wei Luo’s approaching footsteps. In the next moment, the door curtain was lifted, and Wei Luo entered. Jinzhan wisely withdrew and closed the door from the outside.

Wei Luo glanced at Yin Hui, removed his clothes, and moved behind the dressing screen with a bucket of water. He poured a mug over his head and sprinkled two on his body.

The screen here wasn’t as fine as the one they used in Pingcheng; its material was thicker, and Yin Hui could only discern a vague, tall and well-proportioned figure. She shifted to the side with her back turned to the screen and spoke while enjoying the moment, “Will you be staying here tomorrow?”

Wei Luo replied, “No, I’ll be horse racing with my father tomorrow morning.”

Yin Hui inquired, “You all can go horse racing, can we join in?”

Wei Luo responded, “We’ll follow the princess’s arrangements.”

Yin Hui added, “If the princess has no plans, can I go horse racing with the third sister?”

Wei Luo paused and said, “Yes.”

Yin Hui was astute and understood how to align with her third sisters. Their father favored the third sister, and sometimes, when their father was angry, the brothers could only remain silent, but the third sister dared to jest.

After their separate showers, Wei Luo entered the bathtub and sat across from Yin Hui.

Yin Hui looked at Wei Luo, and their eyes locked. After a while, she lowered her gaze and said, “You take your time; I’ll leave first.”

Wei Luo leaned closer.

The autumn sun shone brightly, and the window paper couldn’t completely block it out. The interplay of light and shadow in the bathroom added a sense of secrecy to the atmosphere.

Yin Hui nestled in Wei Luo’s embrace.

“Aren’t you tired after a week of running around?” Yin Hui panted, and a drop of water from her hair slipped onto her eyelashes, blurring her vision.

Wei Luo had felt weary on the road, but once they had arrived, fatigue seemed to vanish. At that moment, all he desired was to be with her.

But the doors and walls of the post station were far from soundproof, so he didn’t act on his desire, and even his second brother wouldn’t dare to engage in any indiscretions in such a location.

The bath had been so relaxing that Yin Hui had slept from dusk until the early morning of the next day. She awoke to find Wei Luo had already risen and changed his clothes. Their eyes met, and the typically reserved man appeared to offer a faint smile before leaving immediately.

Author’s note: 

Second Master: Is the third brother in high spirits?

Third Master: Just like you.

King Yan: Keep it down, you two!