Chapter 28: I’ll Protect You

“Lie still. Let’s just talk properly for a while.” Chu Mingxi pushed at her.

Wei Qingchen observed her complexion. It truly wasn’t as flushed as before. But being so close, she could see her cheeks were like fine jade, skin delicate and smooth, her long eyebrows as elegant as a painting. Her unique fragrance drifted over, all-pervasive, wrapping around Wei Qingchen herself. Wei Qingchen’s eyes filled with infatuation, and she couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

Such shameless, boorish behavior naturally annoyed the beauty. Chu Mingxi’s face turned cold, and she forcefully pushed her, causing Wei Qingchen to sway backward. Only then did Wei Qingchen startle back to her senses. Once fully aware again, remembering what she had just done made her feel lecherous and ashamed. Her face reddened. As she released her hold, she glanced hesitantly at Chu Mingxi. Chu Mingxi didn’t want to look at her and turned her back, facing the wall to lie down.

The two lay there awkwardly for a while. Then, Chu Mingxi sighed and slowly turned back around. Just as she opened her mouth to ask her something, she discovered the little Heir had actually fallen asleep!

And she was sleeping so blissfully! Contentedly! With such ease!

She really wanted to kick her off the bed!

Chu Mingxi glared at her resentfully.

The target of her glare was completely oblivious. Her eyes were naturally closed, her pink lips slightly puckered in a healthy, rosy hue. Her breathing was gentle and long, with a long interval and subtle rhythm between inhales and exhales. Clearly, she was someone who had practiced internal martial arts and possessed internal energy. For someone only sixteen or seventeen, achieving such a physique must have required tremendous effort and persistence, right?

Chu Mingxi’s cold expression slowly softened. The early winter afternoon sunlight warmed the inner chamber. She slowly closed her eyes, and, lulled by the steady, peaceful breathing beside her, drifted into dreams.

The words that needed to be said on this day were ultimately never spoken. Wei Qingchen never did understand why the Old Titled Lady coaxed her into eating deer kidneys. And Chu Mingxi didn’t ask her why she had been clutching her waist that day.

The two of them seemed familiar yet remained essentially strangers. Luckily, they were newlyweds, so even if they were slightly formal with each other, no one thought anything amiss.

The third day of their wedding arrived. According to Eastern Radiance Kingdom custom, the new bride was to return to her maiden home for a visit on the third day. The Grand Princess had instructed people to prepare generous gifts early in the morning. Three full carts were loaded outside. The drivers and the young servants accompanying them were all dressed in brand-new clothes and shoes, everyone looking bright and refreshed! Whether the groom accompanied the bride was optional, without a strict rule, especially for prominent aristocratic families, which were often held back by reservations about status. Therefore, when Chu Mingxi rose and freshened up, seeing that Wei Qingchen had also changed into brand-new attire—a purple robe, a silver headpiece, a jade belt, and leather boots, all of which complemented her smiling, radiant face, making the sight truly pleasing to the eye—she felt a slight surprise, and just a touch of unconscious pleasure.

After having breakfast with the Grand Princess, the young couple set out early. Wei Qingchen rode a horse, while Chu Mingxi sat in the carriage. The maids were all settled in the mule cart behind them. Only Jingyun was brought along to attend them.

The horse’s hooves clip-clopped onward. Passing the bustling market district, they slowed down even more. Sounds of lively noise and chatter drifted into the carriage. Chu Mingxi pushed open half the carriage window. Wei Qingchen, riding alongside, leaned her head over at the movement and asked, “What is it? Should we stop and rest?”

Chu Mingxi shook her head. Seeing the concern in her eyes, she couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Seeing this, Wei Qingchen’s eyes curved. She controlled her horse even closer, practically riding against the side of the carriage.

Chu Mingxi let go of the window frame but leaned her head over to remind her, “There are many carriages and horses out here. You should be careful, too.”

Wei Qingchen had been practicing archery and horsemanship with her father, the Marshal, since childhood. Her equestrian skills, let alone in the Capital City, were among the best in all of Eastern Radiance. But she didn’t argue. Instead, the smile in her eyes deepened. She nodded lightly and cheerfully at Chu Mingxi.

Chu Manor and Jingyuan Marquis Mansion were separated by half the Capital City and over a dozen market districts. The journey would always take over two hours. Jingyun took the opportunity to tell the Young Mistress about the people and affairs within the mansion, one thing after another. Chu Mingxi listened patiently, occasionally asking a question or two.

By the time they arrived at the main gate of Chu Manor, several relatives had been waiting for a long time. Seeing that the Heir, the Heir, had personally escorted her back, there was no one who wasn’t delighted. A crowd of people greeted them and cheerfully led them inside.

Qi Xiaolong didn’t rush to look at the return gifts first. She only took her daughter’s hand and looked her over from left to right. Seeing the slight blush of a new bride on her face, yet still graceful and poised, it was obvious her husband’s family treated her very well.

A woman next to her stepped forward to flatter. “Our girl has married so well! This headdress and jewelry set must be worth a fortune, just from a glance.” As she spoke, she reached out, wanting to touch it.

Chu Mingxi stepped back slightly, lowering her head as if bashful, naturally avoiding the hand. She smiled faintly. “Second Aunt flatters me.”

As she said this, she glanced toward Wei Qingchen. Wei Qingchen stepped forward and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with her. Chu Mingxi introduced, “This is Second Aunt. And that is Second Uncle.”

“Second Uncle, Second Aunt.” Wei Qingchen cupped her hands and offered a polite salute.

The second eldest of the Chu family, Chu Shen, was in his forties. He was dressed like a wealthy man and was currently holding a cup of tea. Seeing Heir Wei greet him, he merely nodded, putting on the airs of an elder.

Wei Qingchen didn’t react, but Chu Mingxi’s gaze had already turned slightly cold.

Putting on such airs right from the start—it seemed today wouldn’t end peacefully.

Sure enough, after exchanging a few pleasantries, Chu Shen spoke up. “Qingchen, ah, since you call me Second Uncle, then I shall call you Qingchen. Is that acceptable?”

“Second Uncle, please speak.”

Chu Shen grunted an acknowledgement and pointed his hand at Chu Mingxi. “This niece of mine, she is good in every way, except she’s too headstrong. I am both happy and worried that she married into the Marquis Mansion. Happy that she married well, worried that her heart is still entirely set on those little family affairs of ours. Before, it was one thing. But now that she’s married, which decent household would let their wife run around outside every day, showing her face in public? So I’ve been thinking, I, after all, am one of the men of this family. Since her father, my elder brother, is no longer here, I must protect these two nieces. Now that she is married, from now on, she should simply support her husband and educate her children. Leave all those burdens behind comfortably. That would make her father, watching from the other side, happy too.”

His speech triggered varied expressions from everyone present. Qi Xiaolong was so furious her face turned dark. Her daughter and son-in-law were visiting for the first time after the wedding, and the second branch was already this impatient to seize power?

Chu Mingxi’s face was extremely cold. Wei Qingchen, however, was still smiling. Sitting in her chair, she dusted off her robe and said, “Second Uncle, I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.”

“How could you not understand!” Chu Shen grew anxious. Was this Heir slow? He had explained it so clearly!

Wei Qingchen replied, “Now that Mingxi has married me, she is one of my people, Wei Qingchen’s. Whatever she likes to do, I will allow her to do it. Not to mention that the Imperial Medicine Hall is a family business she manages. Even if she wanted gold mountains or silver mountains, my Jingyuan Marquis Mansion can afford to give them to her! Moreover, Second Uncle just said you wanted to ‘protect this niece.’ What? Is my Jingyuan Marquis Mansion some sort of dragon’s pool or tiger’s den?” She dropped her smile and stared straight at Chu Shen. The sharp, battle-hardened aura cultivated on the battlefield spread from her clear, bright eyes. “Or are you saying, Second Uncle, that you think you can take it upon yourself to discipline a member of my Jingyuan Marquis Mansion household?”

Chu Shen’s mouth hung open, stunned. Beads of sweat the size of soybeans slowly slid from his forehead down to his chin. He was speechless for a long moment.

The banquet at Chu Manor ended around dusk. Because she had drunk wine at the feast, Wei Qingchen didn’t ride her horse back. She joined Chu Mingxi in the carriage. Jingyun and the other maids were all sent to ride in the back cart. Only the young couple was inside.

The road was bumpy. Wei Qingchen felt a bit dizzy and leaned her head against the carriage wall. Chu Mingxi, seeing she looked quite uncomfortable, reached out and pulled her over. She slowly massaged her temples. Wei Qingchen let out a long sigh of relief, narrowing her eyes in comfort.

The carriage lantern hung in the corner, casting flickering shadows. Chu Mingxi gazed at the person so close to her. The handsome face was flushed crimson from the alcohol. Looking carefully, it was clearly the face of a very beautiful girl. But just now, when she had protected her in front of everyone, the fierce killing aura around her was impossible to hide. Which one is your true self?

Lost in thought, Chu Mingxi’s fingers slid down and lightly pinched her plump earlobe.

“Hmm?” Wei Qingchen tilted her head, pressing her cheek against her hand.

The heat made Chu Mingxi curl her fingers slightly. Wei Qingchen, overcome by the alcohol, couldn’t sit steady anymore and was already starting to slump down.

Chu Mingxi sighed and reached out to catch her, holding her close.

With effort, Wei Qingchen sat up straighter. She looked at Chu Mingxi and smiled. “Don’t be afraid.”

“What have I to fear?”

“Don’t be afraid. You have a second uncle; I have an Imperial Uncle. My uncle is more formidable than your uncle.” Wei Qingchen’s eyes were full of laughter, and within that laughter was a hint of doting. “Whatever you want to do, go ahead and do it. I will protect you.”

Chu Mingxi looked at her earnest, serious face, her heart slightly shaken. But then she saw the tipsy, cat-like look on her face again, and couldn’t help but find it funny. She played along. “Alright. Whatever I want to do, I’ll do it.”

“I’ll protect you!”

“Mm. You protect me.”

She helped her shift position, letting her head rest on her thigh. She stroked her arm and said, “Take a nap. I’ll call you when we arrive.”

The cool, medicinal fragrance spread from her surroundings into her heart. Wei Qingchen settled in and peacefully dozed off.

The Heir could have wedding leave, but the Grand General still had to attend court. The day after Wei Qingchen’s visit to Chu Manor with her wife, Wei Huaishu returned from court and brought back a piece of news.

The Liao people in Huazhou were in rebellion!

The Liao people were previously mountain inhabitants of Huazhou, making their living in the mountains. It was a poor, remote region, and the people struggled to survive. The court had primarily taken an approach of civilizing them, and in recent years, they had become considerably more peaceful. Who would have thought they would dare stir up internal rebellion at a time like this?

Under normal circumstances, Wei Huaishu would surely bring Wei Qingchen along with him. However, right after the wedding, the Grand Princess wanted to let her stay. And then there was Old Madam Wei. The last time Wei Qingchen had been ambushed at the Northern Border, she had nearly lost her life. Old Madam Wei could not bear to see her return to the battlefield.

Wei Huaishu had no choice but to summon Wei Qingchen and let her decide for herself. In his view, although this son of his was a bit naughty, he had always understood the bigger picture since childhood. Every time they went on a campaign, he scrambled to serve as the Vanguard Army. This time should be no exception.

Who knew that after listening to his instructions, Wei Qingchen blinked and replied that she wished to stay at home.

Wei Huaishu nodded, about to praise her for understanding duty, but before the words “Good child” were even fully out, he registered what she said and glared! “What did you say?!”

“Your child is willing to stay behind in the Capital City… to be filial to the Old Titled Lady and Mother…” Seeing her father’s face darken, Wei Qingchen swallowed. “And to… to study military strategy…”

“Study military strategy?” Wei Huaishu put his hands behind his back, staring at her. He gave a predatory, menacing smile. “Is military strategy something you study at home?”