Chapter 153: Loss of Virtue in the Inner Court

Faced with Wei Linglan, Zhao Hengyi lost the composure he had so effortlessly displayed in front of Miao Xiaoyu. Instead, he felt acutely inadequate, looking hopelessly awkward and green.

"I've been tied up with work lately. If I weren't coming to see you, I wouldn't even have had the time to wash up and change my clothes."

Meeting those mocking, phoenix-like eyes, Zhao Hengyi felt as though all his inner thoughts were being completely seen through by her, which inevitably stirred up a competitive urge within him. "When does the County Princess plan to return to Jiangling City? I’ve prepared some gifts for you; I'll have Xiaoyu present them to you then. With so many pressing matters on my hands, I'm afraid I won't have the chance to see you off in person."

"Oh? And are we throwing a tantrum now?"

A flicker of mischief crossed Wei Linglan's semi-smiling eyes, revealing a rare, girlish playfulness. "Why, did I get it wrong when I called you a little thief? Master Zhao, as a brother-in-law, to write verses like 'Clouds think of clothes and flowers think of face' to your wife's elder sister—what makes you anything other than a little thief?"

Enchantress!

Zhao Hengyi slumped in helpless defeat, the dignified facade he had just put on instantly collapsing.

He had hardly been a child when he first arrived in the Great Yan Kingdom. Even though the body he currently inhabited was not yet twenty years old, his mental age ought to be quite mature. So why was it that whenever he faced Wei Linglan, he acted no differently than some wet-behind-the-ears punk?

What on earth had gone wrong in the process, for heaven's sake?

"Big sister, it was my fault. I accept any punishment, beating or reprimand!"

Dropping the burden of playing the upright gentleman, Zhao Hengyi instantly felt a wave of relief. "We've developed a new fragrance for the Nine-Flower Jade Dew, and one of them should suit you particularly well. I've had people prepare plenty of it for you to play around with when you're bored.

"Also, our workshop has produced quite a few new armor plates, tailored specifically into scales. I've set aside a share for you; you can have someone weave them into a soft, close-fitting vest. Times are chaotic now, so the Daughters' Army shouldn't keep such a high profile as before.

"And regarding those men in black who besieged the County Princess's manor last time—aside from that Huang Xin fellow, is there any news on the identities of the others? I can't shake the feeling that their origins are somewhat suspicious. Since you're staying alone in Jiangling City, please be careful in all things."

"What's this? Now that your identity as a little thief has been exposed, you have no more scruples left? You're starting to openly care about your widowed elder sister-in-law?"

Wei Linglan’s words were exceptionally barbed. She had never brought up her status as a widow before; presumably, she hadn't cared much about it. Yet ever since she met Zhao Hengyi, for reasons unknown, she found herself intentionally or unintentionally bringing up her widowed status herself. "Alright, alright, stop wearing that gloomy face. I'll do as you say, won't I?

"Staying in Jiangling City with the Daughters' Army guarding me, plus all those repeating crossbows you sent—in short, my safety isn't an issue.

"As for those men in black who dared to besiege the manor, they seemed to have materialized out of thin air. No matter how much we investigate, there isn't a single lead.

"I've already sent people to ask my father for help with the investigation, so I imagine there will be news in a few days.

"As for yourself, the imperial court will likely issue rewards in a few days. That cement formula you came up with—the new prefect Zhang Qicheng and magistrate Liu Rui have reportedly joint-signed a petition reporting your merits to the court.

"As for the Baron of Dangyang... you shouldn't worry too much either. Marquis Weiwu values his son deeply, so he will surely find a way to bring him back safe and sound from Yonggu City.

"There now, don't be angry. Why do you have the temper of a child? Were you really expecting me to find a way to coax you?"

Zhao Hengyi couldn't tell whether this was Wei Linglan's original personality—merely hidden when interacting with others in public—or if she only exhibited such a playful and teasing attitude when facing him alone. He truly could not fathom what was genuinely going on in the heart of this siren.

"I wouldn't dare ask the County Princess to coax me personally. I'm a grown man, and I won't hold a grudge against you!"

As if deliberately trying to emphasize something, Zhao Hengyi finally let out a defeated sigh. "Why did I say so much to you anyway? I'm just a brother-in-law; I have no right to manage you."

Such a sense of powerlessness rarely befell Zhao Hengyi. Even in the most perilous moments, he had always appeared full of confidence and immense strength.

This rare display of dejection made Wei Linglan somewhat anxious for a moment, as she felt she might have taken her teasing too far and genuinely angered a man much younger than herself.

"Don't be angry, don't be angry. Why wouldn't you have the right to manage me?"

For reasons unknown to herself, Wei Linglan, who had always been unrestrained and bold, found herself experiencing such a state of anxious attachment. The feeling was entirely novel—somewhat tart, somewhat aggrieved—yet it was one she found willingly intoxicating and impossible to break away from. "You've sent me so many gifts and shown concern for me at every turn. As the saying goes, 'those who take things are short of hand'; naturally, you have the right to manage me.

"Tell me then, how does my little thief intend to manage me?"

Even while intentionally yielding, Wei Linglan couldn't resist teasing the little thief before her once more.

"Since you're willing to be managed, you have to mean it."

"Of course I mean it."

"Do your words count?"

"Naturally they count!"

"Then from now on, you are not allowed to call yourself a widow on a whim."

"..."

Wei Linglan fell silent for a moment, her expression taking on a rare hint of desolation. Zhao Hengyi didn't speak again either. After a brief pause, the Princess of Xiangcheng finally revealed a smile once more.

"Very well. This County Princess honors her word; I'll do as you say."

It was still that mature and independent temperament, save for the semi-smiling expression that had vanished from her face. Wei Linglan displayed a rare sincerity and firmness. "It's just that my status isn't something I can decide for myself. Of all the things in this world, how many go according to one's wishes?

"If you don't wish to hear it, I won't say it anymore from now on.

"Living alone here in Jiangling, my reluctance to return to the Duke of Lu's estate partly stemmed from a desire not to be constrained by others, but in truth, it was largely because those grand, towering mansions are devoid of anyone close.

"Now that I have you, Xiaoyu, and the younger sisters, I feel as though there are many more loved ones in this world.

"You must take good care of yourself. Whatever you wish to do, place your own safety above all else!

"Do not easily court danger. As I said before, Marquis Weiwu cares deeply for his son. After all, Song Ying'an is a rare young talent, and most importantly, since he holds the title of Baron of Dangyang, he won't be competing with his eldest brother for anything.

"Alright, alright, don't look at me like that. I am a young woman after all; even if I am a few years older than you, there are times when I am vulnerable and yield. How could I always remain as unyielding as a man?"

Coupled with Wei Linglan's unique expression, these words were spoken with such pitiful charm and alluring grace that it seemed as though Zhao Hengyi had genuinely done something to bully her... What an enchantress!

Even when revealing her true heart, she didn't forget to harbor a hidden agenda. Are all the women of the Great Yan Kingdom this formidable?

Unbidden, Zhao Hengyi thought of Consort Chen, the favorite in the inner palace. Rumors had it that following her last failed attempt, Consort Chen had already begun a new round of efforts to depose the Empress.

Word had it that this time, officials belonging to Consort Chen's faction were claiming that the torrential rains following the severe drought had caused floods everywhere within the borders of the Great Yan Kingdom precisely because virtue was lacking in the inner palace!