Chapter 94
By the second morning in Beijing, Yunzhu had her day mapped outâpaying a long-overdue visit to Sun Yurong, honoring their deep-rooted bond.
As she prepared for the outing, Cao Xunâs sharp gaze caught her. His tone, equal parts firm and enticing, cut through the air, âLet me escort you.â
Yunzhu, poised yet unwavering, dismissed the offer with a measured smile. âThereâs no need. Your schedule is demanding. Focus on that instead.â
But the Duke wasnât one to retreat so easily. His voice dipped, laced with smooth persuasion. âYunzhu, you and Sun Yurong are closer than blood. Her childâs birth isnât just an ordinary moment. My presence would only elevate this occasion.â
With his unshakable persistence, Yunzhu let herself relent.
At the crack of dawn, armed with a perfectly curated full-moon gift, the two set out together. While Ah Jiu managed the Dukeâs restless steed, it was clear that Cao Xun couldnât be caged within Xu Mansion for long.
Inside, Sun Yurong and her husband, Xu Guan, awaited their arrival, the air tinged with eager anticipation.
Sun Yurong, already blessed with a naturally voluptuous figure, now glowed with maternal softness. Her full, luminous face carried a flush that only amplified her allure.
The carriage doors opened to reveal Yunzhuâs polished elegance, each movement a testament to her refinement. By her side stood Cao Xunâhandsome, confident, but with a commanding air that spoke of precision and control.
Sun Yurongâs smile wavered for a split second, her eyes flickering with something unreadable before she recovered, her practiced charm taking hold. She greeted them both warmly, though the surprise in her gaze lingered a beat too long on Cao Xun.
His lips curved into a faint smile as his rich baritone carried his words effortlessly. âYunzhu couldnât contain her joy at hearing of your sonâs birth. Unfortunately, my obligations limit my time, but I wouldnât miss the chance to extend our congratulations in person.â
Xu Guan, ever the gracious host, stepped forward, his demeanor dripping with genuine hospitality. âMaster Cao, itâs an honor to have you here. Please, come inside and make yourself at home.â
As Xu Guan led Cao Xun toward the main hall, Sun Yurong clasped Yunzhuâs arm with subtle intimacy, pulling her aside. There was a faint edge to her grip, a signal that didnât go unnoticed.
In the serene comfort of Nuan Pavilion, the wet nurse cradled the infantâa plump, rosy-cheeked little wonder who cooed softly, his tiny limbs full of vitality.
When Yunzhu scooped the child into her arms, her laughter rang light and teasing. âMy mother said you had a chubby cherub on your hands, but this little one exceeds expectations!â
Her mind flashed briefly to Liu Jingâs daughter, whose delicate frame seemed almost frail in comparison to this robust bundle.
Sun Yurongâs lips curved into a playful smirk as her eyes slid to Cao Xun. âYou know,â she started, her tone syrupy sweet but unmistakably sharp, âhe wasnât much different as a childâround and sturdy. But under the Dukeâs training, he became quite the agile young man by eight. A far cry from my poor brother, donât you think?â
Her words dangled provocatively, her gaze shifting back to Yunzhu, daring her to take the bait.
Yunzhuâs curiosity sparked, her eyes drifting to Cao Xun, who met the exchange with a low, knowing chuckle. His answer was effortlessly smooth, with an air of practiced indifference. âItâs true, though Iâd say the results speak for themselves.â
The room warmed with laughter, but beneath the surface, the interplay of looks and words left threads of intrigue lingering in the air.
Sun Yurong couldnât help but revel in the sweet satisfaction bubbling within her, even if Cao Xunâs pleasantries were likely just thatâpolite gestures. As he stepped away and Xu Guan headed to the study, the two women were left alone in the cozy Nuan Pavilion. Their conversation flowed smoothly, almost seductively, like a warm, lingering breeze.
Sun Yurongâs lips curved into a sly smile. "Your husbandâs generosity caught me off guard," she admitted, her tone laced with subtle admiration. "Considering his lofty stature, I didnât expect such warmth. Perhaps he reveals a softer side in private. It seems your closeness with me has persuaded the Duke to train my son personally. I owe you a debt of gratitude, truly."
Yunzhu, ever composed, responded with a polished smile. "Your commitment to shaping your son into a man of strength is commendable. I must say, thereâs someone elseâsomeone with sharp intellect and the prestige of ranking second in the imperial exam. A father like him could offer invaluable guidance, donât you think?"
Sun Yurongâs eyes gleamed, catching the undertone. "Oh, Iâve been navigating both scholarly and martial paths for my son. Your esteemed familyâyour father, your elder brotherâany one of them could impart such wisdom. And knowing your husbandâs busy schedule, I wouldnât hesitate to turn to them."
Yunzhuâs admiration felt almost tangible. "Youâre remarkable," she said, her voice soft but intense. "A mother who never stops thinking ahead."
The words drew a knowing smile from Sun Yurong. With a hint of curiosity, she veered the conversation toward Yunzhuâs adventures of the past half-year. Tales of mountains and sea spilled forth, yet something stirred beneath Sun Yurongâs expressionâa flicker of envy. It deepened when Yunzhu spoke of her marriage.
"Duke Dingguo⦠Heâs steadfast," Yunzhu began, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "Always by my side, in every sense."
Sun Yurong arched a brow, her words laced with an edge. "When you married, I admit I had doubts. The age difference⦠I wondered if heâd be as pliable as some husbandsâwilling to yield to every desire."
The pause that followed was deafening, the question unspoken but unmistakable: But does he give you everything you want?
Yunzhuâs gaze lingered on her bundled child, her thoughts drifting to the coming return to Beijing. The twelfth lunar month loomed large, and though Cao Xunâs desires burned fiercelyâeven in his early thirtiesâheâd exercised restraint that night. The effects of his medicine were uncertain, and for now, he had chosen abstinence.
After an hour at the Xu residence, Yunzhu returned to the Dukeâs mansion. New Yearâs Eve was tomorrow, and preparations demanded her attention.
That evening, after an indulgent day of leisure, Cao Xun strolled into the mansion post-dinner. The air was thick with festivity. Yet, despite the busy day, the couple found solace in each otherâs presence. Cao Xun, intent on crafting a poetic couplet, kept Yunzhu close, her voice filling the room in a constant stream of chatter.
When the family gathered for New Yearâs Eve dinner, the Dingguo Palace felt emptier than it should. Only four sat at the table. Pan shi, who had visibly withered since the young emperorâs death, bore the sternness of a woman beaten down by grief. Once a beauty, her gaunt cheekbones now painted her as bitter and unapproachable.
Her icy gaze swept over Yunzhu, who sat demurely beside Cao Xun. The young Dukeâs attentions didnât escape Pan shiâs notice as he served Yunzhu with care. A sharp sneer twisted her lips.
"You two have been glued together for half a year," she began, her tone cutting like a blade. "I had hoped Yunzhu would bring back some⦠results. And yet, her belly remains flat as ever."
Beside her stood Cao Shao, a marriageable brother-in-law with a quiet intensity about him. Pan's words, sharp and cutting, showed no regard for decency or dignity.
Cao Shao frowned but kept his composure. "If motherâs unwell, Iâll have my son accompany you back," he offered evenly.
Pan Shi ignored her son completely, her sharp eyes fixed on Yunzhu, radiating disdain.
Before Yunzhu could respond, Cao Xun cut in, his tone firm and dismissive. "Second brother, please escort mother out."
He had no intention of humoring Pan Shiâs antics any longer.
Cao Shao understood his brotherâs firm stance without needing further explanation. Their motherâs incessant provocationsâespecially tonight, on New Yearâs Eveâwere an open attack on Yunzhu. If Cao Xun didnât draw the line, his wife would bear the brunt of their motherâs bitterness.
With a subtle apology to his brother and sister-in-law, Cao Shao guided their mother to her feet. His touch was steady, but his eyes held a restrained frustration. Pan Shi didnât bother masking her disapproval. She left with her head high, unaffected, abandoning the New Yearâs Eve dinner like it meant nothing.
Just as they were stepping out, Cao Xunâs voice rang with quiet authority. "Second brother, stay with mother tonight. Your sister-in-law and I will go for a walk."
Without glancing back, Cao Shao replied, "Alright."
Cao Xun watched them leave, his thoughts resolute. His eldest brother deserved better than this chaos. He deserved Yunzhu, and they both deserved peace.
Taking Yunzhuâs hand, Cao Xun led her outside. The cool night air wrapped around them, but he had a destination in mindâDuke Ningguoâs mansion.
The atmosphere in the Dukeâs home was warm, lively, and utterly different from the tension theyâd just escaped. Meng Shi, ever perceptive, greeted them with a knowing smile but didnât press for details. She welcomed them into the fold of card games and laughter.
Yunzhu, surrounded by joy, occasionally glanced at Cao Xun, wondering if he found it all tiresome. When her brother and sister-in-law whispered something to her, she leaned toward Cao Xun and asked, "Are you leaving?"
He glanced at her stack of winnings and smirked. "What? Afraid youâll lose without me? Iâve got plenty of gold beans left."
Her glare was fierce, but her lips betrayed a hint of amusement as she turned back to the game.
Later, the streets were still, the quiet punctuated only by the sound of their carriage wheels. By the time they reached home, the tension between them had shifted into something magnetic, unspoken yet undeniable.
Theyâd held back for weeks, but tonight, restraint had no place. Cao Xunâs passion ignited, and Yunzhu, caught in his pull, soon surrendered and took charge, surprising even herself.
As he hovered over her, the weight of his longing clear in his gaze, Cao Xun reached under the pillow and retrieved a small porcelain bottle. Yunzhuâs curious eyes flicked to the bottle, her breathing still uneven.
"After I left Xuâs house this morning, I went to see the doctor," he explained. "He confirmed the last of the poison is gone. This is a refillâjust in case."
His words were steady, his gaze unwavering as he swallowed the medicine, never taking his eyes off her.
Yunzhuâs hand tightened around his wrist, her emotions swirling.
Cao Xunâs lips quirked into a knowing smirk. "Whatâs that look for?"
"You planned this," she accused, her voice trembling between frustration and desire.
His eyebrow arched playfully, his teasing silence confirming her suspicion.
When he downed the medicine again, her response was immediateâa mixture of indignation, surprise, and something deeper she couldnât quite name.
Frustration hit Yunzhu like a storm, and before she could stop herself, she shoved him away, retreating to the bed. She clung to the quilt like it was her last defense, her breath heavy with a swirl of anger and pain.
Cao Xun wasnât about to let her shut him out. He turned her to face him, his sharp gaze catching the glimmer of tears streaking her flushed cheeks. His fingers brushed away a tear that had traveled to her ear, his touch soft but charged with an intensity that made her pause. His voice dropped, low and deliberate. âAre you even ready for a child?â
Yunzhu's eyes narrowed. âReady?â she shot back, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. âYou, of all people, dare to talk about uncertainty? You can see right through me if I even glance at another man. Yet youâre clueless about whether Iâm willing or not?â
His smirk was faint, but it stung all the same. âOh, I know what you think about other men, Yunzhu,â he said, his voice taunting yet calm. âI know when Iâm absent from your heart. But thatâs just itâI canât be sure if Iâm truly in it.â
Her laugh was bitter. âYouâre not. Youâre just another passing indulgence. Youâll devour this meal and move on to the next. In two years, weâllââ
He didnât let her finish. âLetâs not ruin New Yearâs Eve with words that cut too deep, alright?â His interruption was gentle but firm, and he reached for her, only for her to slap his hand away with venom.
Her anger exploded. âYou had the audacity to do that on New Yearâs Eve! Knowing damn well what tonight means, and yetââ She broke off, her fury escalating when she noticed the small pill in his hand, its scent faintly bitter yet unmistakable.
The porcelain bottle in his grasp seemed like a cruel joke, and before she could lash out again, he pulled her into his arms, ignoring the way she stiffened against him.
Her rage burned brighter. It wasnât just the pillâit was the deception, the way he had shut her out, his stoic face hiding too much. But he wasnât stoic now. His hands cupped her face, his lips brushing away her tears with surprising tenderness. His voice, low and raw, sent shivers down her spine.
âYunzhu,â he murmured, his tone vulnerable yet firm, âI donât know how else to prove it to you. Iâve given you every piece of my heart. Every damn piece. But no matter how well I treat you, another man could do the same, and it wouldnât matter to you. Because you donât need me.â
His voice broke slightly, a rare crack in his armor. âI can strategize a hundred moves in court, but when it comes to making you love me? Iâve tried everything, and nothing works.â
His hand tightened on her, his frustration bubbling to the surface. âI didnât mean to deceive you about the medicine. This isnât a competition with Pan Shi or anyone else. Having a child is more than thatâitâs forever. I need to know itâs what you want. Not out of duty. Not out of pressure. But because you want this life with me. Because you want me.â
His lips brushed against hers, his words laced with a desperate honesty that disarmed her. âYunzhu, Iâm not young anymore. Can you stop hating me for once?â
Her mind flickered back to six months ago, to his voice trembling when she mentioned separating. He had bent over backward for her, his every action designed to keep her, to satisfy her, as though the thought of her leaving was too much to bear.
She remembered the warning heâd given her before they marriedâhow he wouldnât indulge her whims like a lovesick fool. Yet here he was, doing just that, his pride discarded for the sake of holding on to her. Her anger faltered, giving way to something softer, something that scared her more than she cared to admit.
But in reality?
Since the day they tied the knot, Cao Xun had spoiled her rotten, giving her everything her heart craved. The only exception? The tangled mess of politics during the little emperor's reign. He couldâve had anyone, yet he chose her.
Maybe, just maybe, heâd thought about reining her in. Maybe thatâs why heâd once dared to hurl those sharp words her way.
But Yunzhu? She wasnât the kind of woman to roll over and take it. If he thought he could be cruel, sheâd ice him out like he was nobody.
In the end, Cao Xunâtwelve years her senior and wise enough to know betterâbacked down. He bit his tongue and never dared to cross that line again.
Her icy resolve melted. Wrapping her arms around his strong frame, she leaned into him, her cheek pressed against his shoulder. âAlright, I forgive you,â she said, her voice softer now, but no less commanding.
His gaze flicked to the medicine bottle sitting nearby. âIâm glad youâre willing,â he murmured. âBut if you still have doubts, Iâll keep taking it until youâre ready.â
That bottle wasnât a bluff. Heâd do itâheâd wait for her, as long as it took.
She smirked, teasingly slapping him. âFine. Eat up. Take all the medicine you want. Keep at it until Brother Xian is married off and has kids.â
Cao Xun caught her hand, his grin slow and steady. âWe donât need to keep score with anyone else. If kids happen, theyâre a bonus. If not, thatâs fine too.â
Her tone softened, but the fire didnât fade. âBut I want them.â
She wanted a daughter with her beauty, or a son with his strength and sharpnessâsomeone whoâd outshine everyone.
Cao Xun didnât need a second to think. The moment she spoke, her desire was his command.
He gave her a firm, immediate answer, his voice carrying the weight of his devotion.
She bit her lip, her cheeks heating, then struck him again with playful frustration.