Chapter 141: Deep in Love

It was raining cats and dogs. Hu Dapao skipped down the mountain slope, carrying Nangong Bi in his arms. The girl was trembling, her eyes tightly shut, and her lips frozen purplish-blue.

Hu Dapao had no idea what had happened. Why had Nangong Bi exited the city all alone in such heavy downpour?

Where had she been headed?

Anxious and worried, he removed his military robe to wrap around the girl, gently put her down in a sheltered spot on the slope, and then ran out into the rain.

The young girl was unconscious. Not wanting to leave her alone for too long, Hu Dapao collected a bundle of tree branches and hurriedly returned.

All the branches were soaking wet, so it was impossible to light them on fire. Hu Dapao removed his inner robe and twisted it dry. Striking the flintstone repeatedly, he finally managed to produce a few sparks to kindle a flame.

Sweating profusely, he set the branches burning and built a campfire. In the billowing black smoke, he sat down by the fire and hugged the girl tightly.

“Cold… cold…” Nangong Bi’s frozen lips stuttered, her whole body shaking uncontrollably.

The young girl, who had been leading a delicate and glamorous life, was now in torment. Hu Dapao could not bear to witness her suffering. He wished he could’ve taken her place.

Sensing the man’s body heat, the girl kept moving closer, her arms wrapping tightly around his shoulders. Her face was pressed against his chest.

Hu Dapao was naked from the waist up. His bulging muscles were firm and toned, a stark contrast with the girl’s tender softness. Wrapped in soggy clothes, the contours of her physique were visible.

Hu Dapao remained motionless. The only thing he could feel was the girl’s gentle breaths on his chest. It felt burning hot, as it was boring straight into his heart to take root.

The flickering flames illuminated the man’s boorish face. He swallowed repeatedly, his heart pounding faster than the cascading rain.

He continued to sit stiffly, not daring to lower his head. He feared that a single peek at the girl’s gorgeous face would set his heart wild beyond control.

He knew, only too clearly, that he wasn’t worthy of her.

It was hard to tell how much time had passed. Nangong Bi’s torso finally warmed up, and her consciousness returned as the girl slowly opened her eyes.

Perplexed, she then abruptly looked up and gaped at Hu Dapao’s blushing face.

Stunned to find herself leaning against the half-naked man, and petrified to realize they were hugging each other, Nangong Bi shuddered in anger and shame, her pale face turning crimson red.

Whack! She slapped the man hard, frantically hopped onto her feet, and tossed the military robe aside. “You… bastard!” She glared at him in fury.

The girl’s palm print was visible on the man’s cheek. “Sorry.” He lowered his head and remained motionless. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I just… I saw you were unconscious…”

“I don’t want to hear your excuse!” Traumatized and enraged, Nangong Bi bored at him unblinkingly, her voice cold enough to drip icicles. “No matter what happens, I’ll never marry you. Even if His Majesty decides to execute me, I still won’t marry you!”

Hu Dapao lifted his head and saw the immense hatred glistening in the girl’s eyes. “What did you say?” he asked dumbfoundedly, his chest knotting up from the inside.

“Stop playing dumb!” Nangong Bi scoffed at him. “Don’t tell me you didn’t see the imperial edict endorsing the marriage?”

“What imperial edict?” Hu Dapao was further baffled. “What do you mean?”

His shock and confusion appeared genuine to Nangong Bi. “His Majesty ordered me to marry you,” she said, her voice remaining frigid. “I came today to tell you that you’d better give up for good. There is no way in hell I’ll marry you!”

As she finished her declaration, she turned to leave.

Taken aback, Hu Dapao hopped up to stop her. “Where are you going? It’s still raining!”

Whack! Nangong spun around and again slapped him. She hollered in disgust, “Don’t touch me, you barbarian!”

Hu Dapao turned pale and staggered backward. Seizing the moment, Nangong Bi dashed out into the rain.

Snapping out of his daze, Hu Dapao chased after the girl and again grabbed her arm. “You can leave when the rain stops.”

“Leave me alone, you bastard! Bastard! Don’t you know how much I hate you? How much I despise you? I’ll kill myself if you ever touch me again!” Nangong Bi screamed in seething anger, swinging her arms at Hu Dapao and kicking him frantically.

Hu Dapao remained motionless, his posture taut, and his face sheer white. Like an immovable rock in the cruel rain, he remained utterly still, grabbing firmly onto the girl’s wrist.

“Let me go! What exactly do you want?” Nangong Bi didn’t have the strength to break free. She burst out crying.

“I’ll leave.” Hu Dapao’s voice was flat, his face expressionless. His hollow eyes gazed blankly at the girl. “You can find shelter over there.”

Holding the girl’s arm, he led her toward the bottom of the slope.

Utterly drained, Nangong Bi stopped struggling. Like a marionette, she stiffly followed him downhill.

Hu Dapao added all the remaining tree branches into the campfire. He then picked up the military robe and again wrapped it around the girl. “Don’t cry, I’ll go see His Majesty and nullify the marriage proposal,” he said softly, as he strode away into the hazy downpour.

Nangong Bi watched on in awe, as the man’s half-naked torso gradually vanished into the thick rain. She did not know why she suddenly found tears rolling down her cheeks.

Hu Dapao didn’t walk far, as he was unwilling to leave Nangong Bi alone in the remote wilderness. He reached behind a mound of rocks, where the girl could no longer see him and sat down. The unceasing rain was splattering mercilessly on the swollen palm print on his cheek.

The fact that His Majesty had endorsed the marriage failed to fill him with joy. The hatred and disgust in the young girl’s eyes lingered in his heart. He felt dull chest pain as if someone had punched him hard.

He knew, he had always known, that he was not worthy of her. He should have never dreamt of the impossible.

Had His Majesty become senile? How could a lowly civilian like him possibly be worthy of someone as elegant as Nangong Bi? No, he was even worse than a civilian. He was an illiterate country bumpkin; a former mountain bandit.

The girl was like a fluffy cloud in the sky, while he was more disgusting than a puddle in the mud. They were from two completely different worlds.

Sitting at the base of the slope, and wrapping both arms around her propped knees, Nangong Bi soon stopped crying and gazed blankly at the extinguishing campfire. The military robe was still wrapped around her, emitting a strong masculine scent, which only intensified her agitation.

She had no idea that the man was still sitting on the other side of the mound, guarding her and protecting her with unwavering determination.

The two of them kept on sitting. One stared at the campfire, the other huddled in the rain. The small, rocky mound separating them felt like the impenetrable border between two drastically different realms of existence.

When the rainfall turned less intense, Su Jiu and Nangong Shu immediately headed out to search for Nangong Bi. Chang Huan also accompanied them.

They visited two of Nangong Bi’s closest friends, but they failed to locate the girl at their homes.

Meanwhile, Chang Huan’s men came back with a report. The soldiers guarding the city gate had allegedly seen Nangong Bi riding out of the town.

“She went to see Hu Dapao.” Nangong Shu knitted a deep frown.

The barracks were not at all close to Shengjing City. In such heavy downpour, with the girl all alone…

The group hurriedly rode out of the city to continue their search.

Out of Shengjing, galloping along the main road for over two hours, they finally saw Nanggong Bi’s horse resting on the side of the road. “Bi’er! …Bi’er!” Nangong Shu dismounted and shouted in all directions.

Su Jiu and Chang Huan also began searching high and low.

“Brother! I’m here, Brother!” Nangong Bi rose onto her feet and waved at Nangong Shu.

Nangong Shu dashed over to the base of the mountain slope.

Meanwhile, Su Jiu caught a glimpse of Hu Dapao sitting on the other side of the mound. Seeing the man half-naked and soaking-wet, Su Jiu felt tears welling up her eyes. “Dapao!” She called out and hurried over, visibly concerned.

Hu Dapao had been sitting in the rain for over two hours. For two hours, all he had heard was the deafening downpour. Su Jiu had to call him several times before he finally looked up. “Boss!” He rose onto his feet and greeted her in a husky voice.

Su Jiu ran over to him and removed her robe to wrap around him. “Silly man. You’re such a silly man.” She tried hard to fight back tears. “What are you doing sitting around in such heavy rain?”

However, Hu Dapao didn’t take her robe. “A little rain is nothing.” He widened his mouth to force a smile. “There is nothing to worry about.”

Chang Huan also hurried over. Spreading a bamboo umbrella to shield the two, he studied Hu Dapao with a frown.

He asked, “What happened? Why are you here?”

Hu Dapao turned and glumly gazed ahead.

Wrapping an arm around Nangong Bi, Nangong Shu brought his sister over. Upon seeing Su Jiu and the gang, Nangong Bi froze briefly and drooped down her head. “Give it back to him, Brother.” She took off the military robe and handed it to Nangong Shu. Her voice was faint, almost inaudible.

Nangong Shu sighed. He took the robe and approached Hu Dapao, with an apologetic look on his face. “I’m sorry, my sister has been spoiled rotten. It was capricious of her.”

“No, it’s not Miss Nangong’s fault,” Hu Dapao replied with the utmost respect and took the robe. “It was me who caused inconvenience to the Nangong Family.”

Knitting a frown, Nangong Shu said nothing more. He turned to look at Su Jiu, whose face was expressionless and turned to leave.

Nangong Bi was escorted by his brother to the city. Su Jiu and the other two waited a while longer before riding back. It was already dark when they reached Shengjing.

The rain had stopped, but the wind had turned more chilling. The city streets were deserted, shrouded in glum desolation.

The weather was not about to change for the better. The dark clouds in the sky hinted at the inevitable return of unceasing downpour.

“It’s late, Boss. You ought to go back to the Ji Manor,” said Hu Dapao.

“And you? What’s your plan?” Su Jiu asked.

“I have to go to the palace. And plead for His Majesty to withdraw the imperial edict.” Hu Dapao’s eyes were filled with sorrow, yet his voice was firm with determination.

Su Jiu nodded with a frown. “I’ll go with you!”

“No, you can’t,” Chang Huan interjected. “Many in the palace have seen your face, Boss. You can’t go there. I’ll keep Dapao company. Anything happens, I’ll report to you.”

Su Jiu had been to the palace several times before. Everyone there knew her as the Young Mistress of the Ji Family. Surely it wasn’t a good idea for her to be seen together with Hu Dapao.

“All right, you go with Dapao.” Su Jiu said, still visibly concerned. “Take care of him.”

“Don’t you worry.”

Chang Huan and Hu Dapao headed for the palace. Meanwhile, as she was still unable to shake off an irking sense of unease, Su Jiu did not return to the Ji Manor. Instead, she decided to stay in the office of the trading company.

When the two men reached the palace, the front gate was tightly shut. Hu Dapao told the guards he needed to see His Majesty regarding the marriage proposal.

One of the guards headed inside to report. A moment later, a eunuch came out. “His Majesty is having dinner with the Empress Dowager. He said if General Hu were here to show his gratitude, it wouldn’t be necessary. You can go home now, general.”

“No.” Hu Dapao frowned. “I’m here to plead for His Majesty to forfeit the marriage arrangement. Please announce it to me one more time, sir.”

The eunuch sized him up in disbelief. Hu Dapao had been a civilian before becoming a general. Marrying Miss Nangong would be an incredible fortune. Why would he want to forfeit the arrangement?

After another moment’s wait, the eunuch again returned and declared, “His Majesty states that the order has already been given, and the marriage proposal can no longer be withdrawn. Please go back to your barracks, general.”

Hu Dapao swiftly knelt. “I’m not worthy of the Nangong Family. Not worthy of Miss Nangong. I’m determined to withdraw the marriage proposal. Please ask His Majesty to select another suitable match for Miss Nangong. If he doesn’t agree, I’ll stay here on my knees!”

Irritated, the eunuch shot Hu Dapao a look and raised his shrill voice. “Nonsense! How dare you decline such kindness, general? His Majesty thinks highly of you, and that’s the reason he ordered Miss Nangong to marry you. How dare you disobey an imperial edict?”

“That’s not my intention, not at all. The fact of the matter is, a lowly man like me is not a suitable match for Miss Nangong by far. Please plead with His Majesty once more!” Hu Dapao straightened his back, his face exuding unshakeable determination.

“You…!” The eunuch stared at him in anger, then shook his head and headed back into the palace.

Bam! The heavy gate was slammed shut once again.

And the gate did not open again. Hu Dapao kept on kneeling into the wee hours. Rainfall soon resumed, and strong wind swayed the lanterns hanging before the gate. Their feeble, flickering light was swallowed by the downpour, seemingly about to extinguish at any time.

In the darkness, Hu Dapao kept his back ramrod straight. “You ought to go home, Chang Huan.” His voice was dull and hoarse as he turned to face him. “No need to keep me company.”

Chang Huan lifted an umbrella to shield Hu Dapao. “Boss told me to watch over you. I’m not leaving,” he said nonchalantly. “Besides, we’re all members of the Dragon Conqueror Gang. No matter what happens, we don’t desert each other.”

Hu Dapao said nothing more.

The rain cascaded down the palace gate and converged into a meandering stream at its base, which flowed past Hu Dapao’s legs and rustled into the night.

Su Jiu had been waiting in the trading company all this time. With Chang Huan still not returning, she again hurried to the palace.

Er Mao drove the carriage to take Su Jiu there. Upon reaching the palace gate, they could see two figures in the darkness, one standing and one kneeling. Su Jiu told Er Mao to stop the carriage and headed over alone.

Hearing footsteps, Chang Huan turned around and was surprised to see Su Jiu. “It’s cold out here, Boss,” he said with concern. “You ought to go home. I can stay here with Dapao.”

Su Jiu reached behind Hu Dapao. She knelt on one knee and wrapped a shawl around the man.

Hu Dapao turned around. His pale face was drenched by the rain, yet his eyes glistened a black light.

“I never wanted to see her unhappy, Boss.” Hu Dapao muttered, forcing out a smile. “When I saw her crying, it felt like a knife slashing into my heart. Am I… Am I a fool?”

Su Jiu remained silent, taken aback by his obsession.

Yet another obsessive man in her life.

But when had it all started? When had Dapao fallen in love with Nangong Bi? She had no idea.

“Yes, you’re a big fool!” Su Jiu chuckled, trying to brighten the mood.

Hu Dapao also smiled, albeit a sad smile, as if the rain was seeping into his eyes and flowing straight into his heart.

Su Jiu looked up into the sky. It was already late autumn. Why was it still raining so hard?

When would the rain ever stop?

In the Nangong household, Nangong Shu was also gazing into the heavy downpour outside, knitting a deep frown. Having pondered for a moment, he picked up an umbrella and headed for the door.

The veranda was dim, shrouded in fog and rain. Nangong Bi rushed over and asked anxiously, “Where are you going, Brother?”

Nangong Shu turned around. “How come you’re still awake, Bi?”

The girl’s hair was loose and messy. A brocade shawl wrapped around her frail body and a fox fur hat partially concealed her delicate, strikingly pale face. “I couldn’t sleep.” She shook her head, ill at ease. “Are you going to see Hu Dapao?”

“I plan to pay him a visit.” Nangong Shu nodded.

“I’ll go with you!” Nangong Bi picked up her pace and held onto his arm.

Nangong Shu pondered, an ambiguous expression deepening on his face. He then nodded faintly. “Let’s go.”

The two boarded a carriage and headed for the palace.

It was a desolate rainy night, and the wide main street was deserted. The only audible sound was the clattering hoofbeats, echoing like thunder.

The carriage reached the palace gate and came to a halt. As she pushed open the window, Nangong Bi could see Hu Dapao kneeling in the distance, shrouded in the heavy rain. For a moment, a tremor shot through her heart, and she bit her lip hard.

“Tell him to go home, Brother.” Her eyes turned red as tears welled up.

Nangong Shu replied with a brief nod. He opened the umbrella, got off the carriage, and slowly walked over to Hu Dapao.

“General!” Su Jiu heard him and turned around.

Through the cascading rain, Nangong Shu locked his gaze on Su Jiu’s stern face, suddenly overwhelmed by a momentary sense of regret. “Stop kneeling there, Dapao.” He turned to look at Dapao and said calmly, “Go home.”

Hu Dapao shook his head. “I have to see His Majesty. I have to withdraw the marriage proposal!”

“His Majesty’s imperial edicts can never be withdrawn. Go home right away. It’s an order!”

“Forgive me, but I simply cannot obey.” Hu Dapao’s voice was turning thick and husky.

Nangong Shu studied him with a frown, his umbrella-holding hand turning white-knuckled. Maybe he was aching for his subordinate’s suffering, or maybe he was irritated by the man’s hopeless stubbornness.

“Let him be,” said Su Jiu. “Just leave him here, general. You ought to go home.”

She and Chang Huan each held an umbrella to shield above Hu Dapao. Half of her body was soaking wet, standing straight in the dim, flickering light. Despite that, however, Su Jiu’s face was calm, showing not a hint of anger or sorrow.

Nangong Shu paid her another lingering glance, then turned to leave.

Back in the carriage, he saw Nangong Bi still huddling in a corner. “Brother…” She looked up, teary-eyed.

Nangong Shu slowly shook his head. “He wouldn’t listen.”

Nangong Bi gazed out of the carriage window. “Su Jiu must hate me now,” she said with a bitter smile.

She knew only too well how close Su Jiu was with Hu Dapao and the boys. How protective she was to them. She would never forgive Nangong Bi for having caused Hu Dapao so much pain and anguish.

With sorrow and regret welling up in her heart, Nangong Bi wasn’t sure who was to blame, and who was to hate. A myriad of interwoven emotions brought tears down her cheeks.

“How about you?” Nangong Shu knitted a frown and pursed his thin lips. “Do you want to forfeit the marriage arrangement?”

Nangong Bi froze. She bit down hard on her lower lip, hard enough to pierce the skin and let out a faint trickle of blood. “No matter what, I’m not marrying anyone,” she said stubbornly.

She had been born into the Nangong Family. The life of an ordinary woman, one that consists of serving a husband and taking care of her children, would be a life she hated and held disdain for. In her young and fanciful heart, there still lingered a dream, in which she would one day marry someone of her own choice. Someone with whom she could travel the world and share a carefree life.

Yet, the Emperor had vanquished her dream. He was forcing her to marry someone she didn’t like, and she didn’t even have the power to refuse. How could she live with such a compromise?

Nangong Shu took out a silk kerchief to wipe away her tears. He sighed, soundlessly.

…

It was already late night, and Su Jiu still hadn’t returned to the Ji Manor. Ji Yuxian stood in the veranda, his frown knitting deeper by the second.

The nanny came over to him. “Go take a rest, Eldest Young Master. Young Mistress must be staying in the trading company to wait for the rain to stop.”

The man had on a red robe. His handsome face appeared cool and distant at this very moment. “When did the Young Mistress leave home?” he asked blankly.

“In the morning,” answered the nanny.

Still frowning, Ji Yuxian picked up a bamboo umbrella and strode into the rain.

The nanny watched the rain smearing his departing figure into a hazy red shadow. A faint grin curled the corners of the woman’s lips.

She had expected it. The man couldn’t fight off the urge to go looking for his wife. He never could.

The carriage from the Ji Manor idled outside the trading company, which had closed a long while ago. Jin Feng had knocked on the door repeatedly, before an employee appeared, holding a lantern and yawning aloud.

Upon seeing Ji Yuxian, the employee quickly straightened and then bowed. “Master Ji!”

Ji Yuxian entered the shop. “Is Master Jiu here?” he asked.

The employee shook his head. “Master Jiu only just left.”

“Where did she go?” Ji Yuxian squinted both eyes.

“I don’t know, but I overheard Master Jiu telling the carriage man. Seems like they headed for the palace.”

“The palace?” Ji Yuxian frowned even deeper, then spun around. “Jin Feng!”

“Yes, sir.”

Jin Feng hurriedly boarded the carriage and rode toward the palace gate.

“What happened earlier today?” Ji Yuxian asked calmly, as he shoved open the carriage door. The sound of ceaseless rain muffled his voice.

“His Majesty announced an imperial edict,” answered Jin Feng. “Miss Nangong is to marry Hu Dapao.”

Ji Yuxian pondered. In a flash, he seemed to have understood everything.

Jin Feng drove the carriage faster and faster, rushing down the deserted streets.

As the carriage stopped and the three figures outside the palace gate became visible, Ji Yuxian’s face abruptly dropped. He hopped off the carriage and stomped over.

Heavy rain pounded down on Su Jiu’s shoulders. Her lower half was soaking wet and her face ghastly pale. It was cold, too cold for her to sense Ji Yuxian approaching.

Suppressing his anger, Ji Yuxian gaped at her with inky black eyes. “What are you all doing here?”

Startled, Su Jiu lifted her head. Her eyes glistened momentarily upon seeing the man. “How did you know I’m here?” she asked blankly, the light in her eyes gradually dimming.

“Was I supposed to search the entire Shengjing City high and low for my wife? Would that ease your surprise in seeing me?”

The rainfall was deafeningly loud, adding to the cold tinge in the man’s voice.

Su Jiu studied him in silence.

Chang Huan raised his head and stared at Ji Yuxian with apparent hostility.

Ji Yuxian took off his robe and wrapped it around Su Jiu. Ignoring the others, he lifted her into his arms. “Tell me, what is he doing there?” he asked, glancing over at Hu Dapao, who was still kneeling stiffly.

“Nangong Bi doesn’t intend to marry Dapao,” Su Jiu said softly, pursing her nearly frozen lips. “Dapao would like His Majesty to withdraw the imperial edict.”

Ji Yuxian listened on, then let out an abrupt sneer. “Hu Dapao wants to be a fool and you’re egging him on.” He gaped at Su Jiu coldly. “Don’t you know such behavior would only agitate His Majesty further?”

Su Jiu raised her head to look at him.

Hu Dapao shuddered briefly. “It doesn’t matter, His Majesty is agitated. It doesn’t matter if he decides to execute me,” he spoke in a hoarse voice. “The only thing that matters is to withdraw the imperial edict!”

Ji Yuxian squinted his eyes. “All this for a woman,” he said, curling his lips with an ambiguous grin.

Hu Dapao shuddered again, his kneeling posture momentarily losing its uprightness.

Surprised by Ji Yuxian’s insight, Su Jiu arched her brow and gaped at him.

Ji Yuxian turned to look back at her. “Hu Dapao is willing to suffer for someone he loves. Who knows, spending a night soaking in the rain may change the girl’s mind. But what do you have to gain?”

“I feel like it.” Su Jiu stared at him, seemingly irritated. “What does this have to do with you?”

Ji Yuxian’s face instantly dropped. A suffocating, dull pain rose into his chest. His eyes turned cold as if they were veiled by a chilling layer of rain and mist.

“Master Chang is right. It’s of no purpose for you to keep me company,” said Hu Dapao. “Please go home and leave me here alone. The rain won’t kill me.”

Chang Huan gazed at him with apparent concern. “You should go home, Boss. Let me stay here with Dapao.”

“All right. Take good care of Dapao.” Su Jiu nodded. “If he passes out, carry him home and feed home a bowl of ginger broth.”

“Will do.” Chang Huan replied with a grin.

Just as Su Jiu turned to leave, she suddenly found her body levitating into the air. Ji Yuxian lifted her and carried her away.

Not struggling, Su Jiu allowed the man to carry her into the carriage. Jin Feng spun the horses around and rode back into the rainy night.

Chang Huan gaped at the departing carriage until it vanished into the dark haze. With a bitter smile, he tossed aside the bamboo umbrella and sat down on the ground. He studied Hu Dapao kneeling next to him, and suddenly felt a connection with the man. A kinship between two tortured souls.

They each wanted someone, yet both had failed to get who they wanted.

As soon as they boarded the carriage, Ji Yuxian instantly tore off Su Jiu’s robe. His movements were forceful, even violent. A dire contrast to his usual tenderness.

“What are you doing?” Su Jiu reeled back.

“The clothes are all wet. Take them off. Do you want to catch a cold?” the man yanked her over and skillfully removed all of her clothes. Sizing up the young girl’s delicate body, his eyes devoid of affection, he wrapped her up in a quilt and forcibly hugged her.

All the commotion came to an abrupt stop. An uneasy silence was restored.

Su Jiu gazed at the flickering candle on the table, lost in thought. Ji Yuxian, on the other hand, was still agitated. He was angry at Su Jiu for putting so much importance on the members of the Dragon Conqueror Gang. Angry at her total disregard of her health. Angry at how easily she had forgotten him.

Each of them was engrossed in their thoughts, and the two remained quiet throughout the carriage ride. Only the night watchman’s wooden drum could be heard thumping in the cold night, echoing through the downpour.

Back to the Ji Manor, Ji Yuxian carried Su Jiu into the bedroom, removed the quilt wrapping around her, and tossed the girl directly into the bathing pool.

Plomp! Su Jiu sank into the pool of warm spring water. Coughing and heaving, she raised her head above the water surface and leaned against the jade platform.

Ji Yuxian took off his underclothes and moved toward the girl. He lifted her by the waist, yanked off the purple ribbon holding her hair, and leaned over to kiss her cheeks passionately.

The sight of her standing in the rain outside the palace had driven him mad.

Only this girl could make him lose control in this whole wide world.

Stiff at first, Su Jiu’s body soon softened, surrendering to the man’s kisses. Yet, her mind was preoccupied with what she had heard in the study earlier today, which somewhat dampened her usual enthusiasm.

Thinking her glumness had been caused by Hu Dapao’s misfortune, Ji Yuxian didn’t bother to explore any other reasons. He kissed the girl a while longer, panting and hugging her tightly.

“It’s a matter of affection, which is not something you can be of help.” He kissed her earlobe, his warm breaths rustling her hair. “He has to figure things out on his own.”

Su Jiu froze briefly. It took a moment for her to realize Ji Yuxian was talking about Hu Dapao. Saying nothing, she gave a faint nod.

The two bodies were entwined in the spring water, which warmed them up in no time. Su Jiu rested her head on the man’s shoulder and half-closed her eyes.

“The marriage arrangement cannot be withdrawn. Nangong Bi has no choice but to marry Hu Dapao. Maybe love and affection will grow between the two as time passes.” Ji Yuxian’s voice was slightly husky.

Su Jiu turned and gazed at him with her glimmering eyes. “Are you sure His Majesty won’t withdraw the imperial edict?”

“I’m certain. Ever since the establishment of our kingdom, no imperial edict has ever been withdrawn. His Majesty is most unlikely to start a precedent. Besides, the marriage between Nangong Bi and Hu Dapao carries another level of unseen significance, which makes it even more impossible for it to be forfeited.” Ji Yuxian carried on, as he pecked every inch of Su Jiu’s neck.

Su Jiu gently pushed the man’s shoulder, her skin tingling from the kisses. “What unseen significance?” she asked.

“To maintain peace and stability,” Ji Yuxian answered patronizingly, focusing more on the kisses.

Frowning, Su Jiu pondered his words. A shudder suddenly shot up in her chest. “I’m tired, Ji Yuxian,” she let out a faint groan.

Ji Yuxian raised his head and gazed at her beguiling face through the hazy steam. He ran his fingers across her supple lips, gently lifted her chin, then leaned over to kiss her on the lips. “All right, you’re off the hook today,” he said after a long pause. “I’ll take you to sleep.”

Su Jiu nodded briefly and wrapped both arms around his shoulders.

Supporting her waist, Ji Yuxian lifted the girl out of the water. The man’s shoulders were broad, and his waist was narrow and firm. His chiseled, lean torso pressed against the young girl’s soft, exquisite flesh. They were a match made in heaven, perfectly complementing each other.

Out of the pool, Ji Yuxian took a towel and wrapped it around Su Jiu.

Su Jiu nodded, her arms casually resting on his shoulders. Veering past a dividing screen, he gently placed her in bed.

The dark-purple satin sheet further accentuated the fairness of the young girl’s skin. Her body had already blossomed, overflowing with heart-stopping sex appeal.

Ji Yuxian’s breathing turned heavy. He hurriedly covered the girl with a blanket and kissed her between the eyebrows. “Go to sleep,” he whispered.

Su Jiu let out a muffled groan and closed her eyes.

Not knowing how much time had passed, Ji Yuxian abruptly woke up from a dream and opened his startled eyes. It was still dark, but the rain had already subsided. A thousand faint raindrops were drumming the plantain leaves outside.

He turned and found the young girl sleeping beside him. Panic finally faded away, and his heart stopped palpitating. He reached out to embrace her and kissed her cheek. He kept his movements slow and gentle, not wanting to wake her up,

The girl was in his arms, yet he still felt an unnamable sense of unease. He couldn’t fall back asleep till dawn, as if he was fearing she would vanish into his dreams.

When the sky finally dawned, Su Jiu woke up in the man’s arms. Upon fluttering open her lashes, she was instantly swallowed into Ji Yuxian’s deep, dark eyes. His lips pressed hard onto hers. Both were breathing heavily as they became one.

As the morning court was held, all the officials who made their presence in the palace couldn’t wait to gossip about the marriage arrangement between the Nangong Family and the guardian general.

Knitting a thoughtful frown, Qiao An strolled toward the main hall.

“Master Qiao!”

A husky voice snapped Qiao An out of his daze. He spun around and saw Xiao Lie, also known as Prince Rui, standing on the steps before him and gazed blankly at him.

“Your Royal Highness!” Qiao An hurriedly bowed.

Xiao Lie swung his gaze toward a giant pagoda tree beside them. “Let’s talk over there, Master Qiao,” he said, keeping his voice hushed.

“Yes, sir.”

Qiao An followed him over.

The two stood under the ancient tree. Wearing a purple embroidered robe, Xie Lie exuded the exquisite air of royal upbringing. “Do you plan to make a plea for General Hu this morning, Master Qiao?”

Qiao An was a bit caught off-guard. “Yes.” He nodded earnestly.

“Master Qiao, you ought to think twice.” Xiao Lie lowered his voice further and continued, “General Hu’s behavior has already agitated my father. If you get yourself involved at this juncture, not only will you infuriate His Majesty further, the connection between you and General Hu will also be exposed. No good will come of this. His Majesty won’t change his mind in the least!”

Dumbfounded, Qiao An gaped at Xiao Lie, before gradually coming back to his senses. Droplets of sweat instantly beaded on his forehead. “Thank you for your guidance, Your Royal Highness! I almost lost my mind.”

He had been worried about Dapao. During the whole morning, he had been contemplating how to convince His Majesty to forfeit the marriage arrangement. However, Xiao Lie’s words had rudely awakened him. The Emperor would never withdraw an imperial edict. Any more pleading would only intensify his anger toward Hu Dapao and cause even more dire consequences.

The rain had stopped completely in the morning. Dewdrops flowed along the veins of the tree leaves and dripped onto Qiao An’s neck, their chilliness making him shudder.

Prince Rui knew very well that he and his brothers were being observed and judged by the Emperor. Yet, he had taken the risk to give a warning, which made Qiao An grateful, as well as a tad overwhelmed.

“Master Qiao, you are a wise man. However, affection for a loved one always leads to the lapse of judgment. You ought to know what to do this morning. And what not to.”

“Yes. Thank you, Your Royal Highness,” Qiao An again expressed his gratitude.

With a faint nod, Xiao Lie ambled away.

A moment after Xiao Lie had left, Qiao An emerged from behind the big tree and headed for the main hall, feigning nonchalance along the way.

The morning court proceeded. Upon finding out Hu Dapao was still kneeling outside the palace gate, the Emperor indeed became furious. He sent the head eunuch out with his order: if Hu Dapao refused to go back to the barracks, he would surely face severe punishment.

Among the literati members lining the left side of the court, Xiao Jing, also known as Prince Zhao, could barely conceal the coldness in his expression. His eyes drooped down, and his hands clenched into two tight fists under his embroidered robe.

His Majesty would rather give Nangong Bi to a barbarian than to agree to his proposal of marrying the girl. Just wonderful, considering he was his father’s flesh and blood!

All he could see now was an Emperor, not a father.

Nangong Shu erected in the front spot of the military officers. Upon hearing the Emperor’s order, he hurriedly knelt on one knee. “The entire matter was caused by my sister’s capriciousness, Your Majesty,” he pleaded with the utmost respect. “She refuses to marry anyone. It’s not Hu Dapao’s fault. Please spare him, Your Majesty!”

Sitting high up in the throne and wrapped in a bright yellow dragon robe, the Emperor gaped down with a smirk. “All I see is Hu Dapao kneeling outside the palace, trying to manipulate my decision.”

“That is not Hu Dapao’s intention. He is, in fact, an honest man. Only, he is too young and stubborn. His indiscretion does not mean any disrespect.”

“I used to think Hu Dapao was talented and capable, and thus a perfect match for Nangong Bi. That was precisely the reason I approved the marriage proposal, after much discussion with the Empress Dowager. But now you are telling me he intends to forsake my goodwill. My imperial edicts are not to be withdrawn under any circumstance. Go tell Nangong Bi that if she defies my edict, her whole family will have to pay for such insolence!”

Nangong Shu quickly kneeled. “Our family has no intention of defying Your Majesty’s orders. I shall talk some sense into my sister!”

“That’s more like it.” The Emperor’s agitation subsided somewhat.

A eunuch subsequently headed out of the palace gate to relay the Emperor’s words to Hu Dapao, who was expected to respond at once.

After having been kneeling the whole night in the rain, Hu Dapao’s face is ghastly pale, yet his posture was still ramrod straight.

Just as exhausted, Chang Huan peered over at him with a frown. “Stop being so stubborn, Dapao. It won’t work with His Majesty.”

Raindrops dripped down from Hu Dapao’s fluttering eyelashes and rolled down his cheeks like tears. “Please go back and inform His Majesty.” He swallowed hard and said to the eunuch, “I would like to volunteer to be transferred to the far-northern outpost by the border!”

Chang Huan shuddered in shock. He spun around and gawked at Hu Dapao.

The eunuch was also stunned. “Are you sure, General Hu?”

The northern border was bitterly cold, with snow falling throughout most of the year. It was also plagued by endless warfare with neighboring countries. Back in the days, the Nangong Family had become the guardians of the far north, precisely because no one else had wanted the post.

Hu Dapao was now a fourth-rank general. After the marriage with Nangong Bi, he would have a promising future and a comfortable life in Shengjing City. Yet, he was volunteering to be a guardian of the northern border.

Without the Emperor’s specific order, it would be a trip with no return, and he would have to spend the rest of his life there.

“I’m more than sure. Please inform His Majesty.” Hu Dapao kowtowed. His voice was husky, yet tinged with unshakeable determination.

The eunuch sighed, shaking his head. He cast Hu Dapao one last glance of pity, then turned to leave.

“Dapao! You…” Chuang Huan stared at the man, gritting his teeth.

However, Hu Dapao appeared utterly relieved. “I may have to leave again soon, and I may never return,” he let out a long breath. “Please take good care of our boss. And take good care of yourself. As long as I’m still alive, we’ll meet again one day!”

His voice turned fainter and fainter, as he got all choked up.

“All this for a woman? Is it worth it?” Chang Huan asked aloud, his eyes turning red.

Hu Dapao drooped down his head, saying nothing.