Chapter 35

Imperial Concubine Wei
Wei Li Lian
Hougong

“You were the person with the least number of garments sewn. However, each clothing was intricately made and designed as if it was done for a royal member.” Yu’er patted her head in adoration. “Imperial Concubine Wei, you amaze me.”

“I enjoy creating and designing, it can’t be helped, I have a bit of perfectionism within me when I make things.”

His smile disappeared as his eyebrows lifted. “Are you sure, you are alright?”

No. She was bothered. To get the slaves freed, the South Wing got into a compromising position. Things were turning out to be complicated.

“I am just sad that I won’t serve you every week like before. Now I have to join the long queue of women who sleep alone every night, hoping that someday their tally will be picked for a summon.”

He beamed as he rubbed her arms in assurance. “That’s not a problem. You will get preference, I will speak to Muqin.”

"This delights me."

They stood staring at the other, her emotions telling her she needed more of a connection, or that he did, though in reality it's both of them. His gaze was different in moments like these, soft and vulnerable, compared to the times he stood before others, when he was the emperor, the nation’s leader. The dragon was gone and instead it was the man who shared with her something deep, too raw to be described or put in words. If it were anyone else she would drop her gaze, but with him she was drawn in, always wanting more.

Her hands itched. She wanted contact, to feel him and to smell him. It is in his arms she was the most comfortable, safe, happy and fulfilled. Li Lian was taught independence. She didn’t need a man to rescue her and help her change the world. Mistress Ki taught her to think, strategise and be quick. Yet with this man, she wanted to be vulnerable, soft, delicate, so he would take care of her, love her and protect.

Then he said the words she needed to hear, "We're all right, you and me. Right?" She just nodded, taking in every moment for her memory, knowing this was their alright. Liking the other and enjoying their intimacy amidst the reasons why they couldn’t be, was alright. Because trying to deal with the problems between them would tear them apart. Rather shove it all under the mat until it piled enough to stink. At least when truth could not be held back any longer, they would have loved and cherished. It is better to love than not to love at all. In all the world there hadn’t been and wasn’t anyone for her. The one she could feel like they were eternal flames made for the other.

Her hand lifted, then dropped. She put it up again and hesitated, dropping it again.

He read her mind and smiled, his hands opened toward her. “Come. Hug me.”

That’s all she needed to jump into his arms. His air of manly scent, newness of fabric and herbs greeted her. She floated in the bubble called “Yuwen Hong”.

The frame of his strong body, muscles and robust build was beneath her fingers. Her head rested on his sturdy chest.

“Do you feel that?” He rubbed her back. “We fit like two perfect puzzle pieces. Will you ever doubt us again…?”

She winced, sorrowfully. She really hurt him the day she denied him in YiYuan, until now he sought to prove their compatibility. She wasn’t giving much to hold onto, either, the same way he wasn’t because of the many things that created a raft between them. Why was life this unfair? Couldn’t she be a normal woman who entered the palace and fell in love with the emperor? “I won’t. My feelings for you grow each day, I promise you.” Amidst the lies of the world, the ugly fate, she was falling, falling and falling.

Of course, Yu’er knows to ruin the moment with his perv behavior. One of his hands soothingly circled her back, then snaked its way down, landing on her buttock. She pulled it up to her back. But again, the other one found its way down to her behind, pinching her.

He was too much.

A loud cry came from the gate. It was a heavy hollow cry of heartache. “He likes her. He likes her!”

People were watching. Around him, she lost her brain and was brazen. Now the mean concubines had another big reason to gossip about her. Difference between her and Yuwen Hong, he grew up surrounded by people, he learnt to zone them out as if he was the only one in a crowd. She didn’t have this advantage as him.

Li Lian smacked Yu’er’s hand from her buttock and pushed herself from him. “Do you have to ruin it, as always?”

He didn't care that another woman cried from outside her gate because she saw the two of them. Li Lian thought he would address the matter. But all his attention was selfishly on her, not at all bothered about others. “It’s only you who makes me this crazy,” he said, proudly.

“And that makes you happy―?”

“Why not?”

“It makes me wonder―”

“Makes you wonder what?”

“Stop interrupting my sentences and let me speak.” Was irritating her his hobby?

He gave a closed-mouth laugh, clearly enjoying riling her emotions.

“Your Majesty, where were you last night?” She was mainly irritated about that.

"Uhh..." He shifted uncomfortably. “Someone missed me?” He tried to brush it off.

“I’m being serious,” she held her stance.

He smirked, pulling her to him and lowly spoke. “I saw you lying on the bed, so beautiful... and I thought I should sleep somewhere else because I could not handle it. I swear, woman. You are just too attractive.”

Li Lian blushed heavily, a contrast to her response. “Pervert.”

“You like me, still.”

She stupidly nodded.

He looked over at his retinue by the gate before saying. “Do you want to go play with me?”

“Play?” Sleeping together in this afternoon?

He flickered her forehead, playfully. Luo Meng did the same to her the other night. Was this a Dragon Palace people thing?

“Look at your dirty little mind,” he grinned. “I meant, do you want to go out of the palace?”

Did he have to ask?

Yes, yes, yes. But she rested her chin on her hand and pretended to think. “That’s not such a bad idea.”

“Good.” He clicked his fingers for Court Lady Nam. “Get her changed into more appropriate clothes.”

The garment Court Lady Nam held was of the same material type as one used to make Yuwen Hong's outfit, though hers you could tell it was for a woman. He was so thoughtful. They were going to be matching.

Very very cute.

Li Lian took this opportunity to joke. "Court Lady Nam must be happy there won't be anyone breaking the Dragon Palace rules and being problematic. No more troublesome female attendant."

"My lady... This…" Court Lady Nam stammered.

Li Lian laughed at her shyness with Yu'er while she rested her head on his chest. His hand took her in and affirmed that position by snuggling around her waist.

Li Lian was happy.

S.V