CWTGD Chapter 441 - Gu Helian: He has to prevent Xiao from blowing the pillow wind on Tang Ning in the future
Gu Helian sat beside Rong Yue, rolling his eyes unceremoniously at Xiao Yan’s shy demeanor.
They were all men, who didn’t know how men thought?
What was this guy trying to pull, acting like this? Did he really want to claim that what happened earlier was Little Crabapple “forcing” him?
“Governor Xiao…”
Gu Helian opened his mouth to throw a sarcastic jab, but Xiao Yan looked up. “What does Uncle-in-law have to say?”
Gu Helian: “???”
Xiao Yan quickly showed a look of regret. “No, I mean, Master Gu…” He coughed lightly, as if covering up. “I spoke too hastily. What does Master Gu have to say?”
Gu Helian: “…”
His biting sarcasm lodged in his throat, that single “Uncle-in-law” hitting him like a chokehold.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s thoroughly “ravaged” appearance and recalling how close he was with Xiao Haitang, having crossed into physical intimacy, this scoundrel was now tied to her. Rong Yue had always refused to give him an official “title” and kept their relationship hidden from Tangning.
If he stirred trouble today, with Xiao Yan’s bewitching looks, a few whispered words in Tangning’s ear later could jeopardize his own chances of marrying into the Rong family. For the sake of his future happiness, Gu Helian flipped his attitude like a page in a book, his tone suddenly warm.
“What could I possibly have to say? I’m just worried about Tangning. She didn’t look right earlier, and Rong Yue is very concerned.”
Xiao Yan said, “Tangning recalled her childhood and nearly fell into a trance. What the Song family did still haunts her after all these years. Those past nightmares cling to her, filling her with despair that almost harmed her. I…”
He seemed to struggle to continue, his throat tightening before he went on.
"Although it was unavoidable, I was ultimately the one who lost my sense of proportion."
Xiao Yan lifted the hem of his robe and, without hesitation, knelt before Rong Yue.
“Tangning and I have long shared mutual feelings and pledged our lives to each other. But to act improperly before marriage is my fault, and I’ve wronged her.”
“For today’s matter, I’ll accept any punishment Aunt deems fit.”
The man, usually decisive and sharp as a blade, knelt abruptly, stunning everyone in the room. His tenderness when speaking of Tangning softened the cold edge in his features, making him appear gentle and compliant.
Kneeling before Rong Yue without a trace of reluctance, he took all the blame upon himself.
Rong Yue’s anger inexplicably lessened. She glanced at Qian Qiyue and Xue Ru. “You two, leave first!”
Qian Qiyue hesitated, but Xue Ru pulled her out.
Once the two young women left, Rong Yue studied Xiao Yan quietly for a moment before speaking softly. “Xiao Yan, I’m deeply grateful to you.”
“You saved Tangning at Lingyun Temple and escorted her back to the capital. Later, you took her as your sworn sister, protecting her from the Song and Lu families with all your strength. Your kindness to her is heavier than a mountain. Even my life was saved by you from Xie Tianyu’s hands.”
“If you asked, I’d repay you with my life without hesitation. But Tangning is different.”
Rong Yue’s lips tightened. She knew she and Tangning owed Xiao Yan immensely. Without his protection, they’d likely have perished at the hands of the Song family or Xie Tianyu. She’d have remained in the dark until her death, and her sister’s injustice would never have seen the light of day.
Xiao Yan was a good man, impeccable in character and conduct. She never looked down on him for his supposed disability, but that was on the condition that he cared for Tangning as a brother, not as a suitor aiming to marry her.
Rong Yue admitted she was selfish, but how would others view Tangning being with a eunuch?
How could she live her life?
Rong Yue, still beautiful despite being over thirty, had reddened eyes.
“Tangning has already lost her parents and her clan. Even I, her aunt, have been foolish for years, tarnishing my reputation and inviting ridicule.”
“She’s only just escaped that malice. She has a long life ahead. If she truly stays with you, her reputation will be ruined.”
Rong Yue stood and knelt before Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan reached to stop her but quickly sidestepped.
With tears in her eyes, Rong Yue said, “Supervisor Xiao, for all you’ve done for the Rong family, for Tangning and me, I’ll repay you however you ask. But I beg you to let Tangning go.”
“Rong Yue!”
Gu Helian tried to pull her up, but she held firm, staring stubbornly at Xiao Yan.
“Tonight never happened. Qian Qiyue and Xue Ru won’t say a word. Tomorrow morning, I’ll take Tangning back to the capital.”
Xiao Yan’s condition meant their intimacy wouldn’t ruin her physically. As long as it was kept secret, no one would suspect. Compared to a lifetime of shame and slander, her purity was a small matter.
Looking at the tearful Rong Yue, Xiao Yan said slowly, “If it’s only about my status, Aunt can rest assured. I was never castrated.”
Rong Yue froze.
Gu Helian, however, looked unsurprised, as if he’d suspected as much.
Xiao Yan met Rong Yue’s gaze. “Aunt, please stand. I’ll explain everything.”
As Gu Helian helped Rong Yue up, she didn’t resist this time, stunned by Xiao Yan’s words. Tears still clung to her eyes as she looked at him in disbelief.
“You… you’re not?”
“How is that possible?”
The palace was a place where every step was watched. How could someone hide whether they’d been castrated?
And Xiao Yan had risen to serve before the emperor, earning Emperor An’s trust to gain power in court. If he wasn’t a eunuch, how had he passed the palace’s scrutiny? How had he safely navigated the annual inspections of eunuchs and maids before he held power? How could Emperor An trust him?
Xiao Yan, sensing her doubts, spoke calmly. “I’m not a son of the Xiao family. When I was young, my family had ties to Grand Tutor Rong. After a calamity struck, my parents died. I was fortunate to be saved by Lady Rong, who cared for me while I recovered, and that’s when I met the young Tangning.”
Rong Yue’s mouth fell open. “You’re saying you’re an old acquaintance of the Rong family?”
Xiao Yan gave a low “Mm.” “In my youth, I faced disaster, my parents died unjustly, and with enemies everywhere, I had to change my name and enter the palace. The eunuch identity was both to gain power quickly and to earn Emperor An’s unquestioning trust.”
“My father’s death was a grave matter, not to be spoken of lightly. He had connections in the palace before his death, and when I entered, I was young. With Qin Niangzi’s medicine, I concealed my status. Later, as my power grew and I stood before the emperor, no one dared question me.”
Rong Yue’s brow furrowed as she studied Xiao Yan, skeptical but seeing no trace of guilt or hesitation in his steady gaze.
After a long silence, she asked, “Who was your father?”
Xiao Yan replied, “I’ll take you to meet someone. Once you do, you’ll understand.”
============
T/N: The way he just exposed himself
CWTGD Chapter 442 - Is Xiao Yan not capable?!
Rong Yue’s delicate brows furrowed in confusion, but Xiao Yan stood up and led her and Gu Helian outside without explanation.
Qian Qiyue and Xue Ru stood in the courtyard, about to approach as they emerged, but were stopped by someone. Xiao Yan, meanwhile, guided Rong Yue and Gu Helian toward the back.
The manor was eerily quiet at night, with only the chirping of insects breaking the silence.
Following Xiao Yan to a secluded small courtyard, they entered to find Lingyin stepping out.
“Supervisor.”
“Where’s Great-Grandmother?”
“She’s already resting. This servant has been watching over her.”
Xiao Yan nodded and led Rong Yue and Gu Helian into the room. Moving lightly, he prompted them to do the same, and they held their breath, following him to the dimly lit bedside.
A lamp flickered by the bed, illuminating an elderly woman with silver hair and a deeply lined face, her complexion pale and frail.
Gu Helian, having been away from the capital for years and rarely entering the palace even when he was there, found the sleeping figure unfamiliar.
But Rong Yue, who had married Prince Cheng in the late emperor’s time and visited the palace to pay respects to its key figures, and later as Princess Cheng under Emperor An, had seen people others rarely did. She stared at the woman, stunned for a moment, then leaned closer. Recognizing her, she gasped, her expression shifting dramatically.
The Grand Empress Dowager?!
How could it be the Grand Empress Dowager?!
“You!” Rong Yue looked at Xiao Yan, shocked.
Xiao Yan lowered his voice. “You must recognize her. She’s my father’s grandmother. I call her Great-Grandmother.”
Rong Yue’s eyes widened as she stared at the young man before her, her heart pounding. Her face paled, her lips trembled, and she swayed, nearly collapsing.
Gu Helian quickly steadied her. “What’s wrong? Who is she?”
Rong Yue opened her mouth but didn’t answer immediately, instead looking at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan’s lips curved slightly. “Since I brought you to meet Great-Grandmother, I have no intention of hiding anything. Master Gu has been devoted to Aunt for years; it’s fine to tell him.”
Rong Yue, still dazed, turned to Gu Helian. “She’s… the Grand Empress Dowager.”
Gu Helian froze. The Grand Empress Dowager?
Then Xiao Yan…
In a flash, he realized who Xiao Yan’s father was.
Gu Helian’s expression turned to astonishment. Even when Xiao Yan left the capital and suddenly returned with the young general of the Zhenan Army, he’d suspected Xiao Yan’s identity was unusual. But he never imagined Xiao Yan was the son of the infamous Crown Prince, the once-peerless imperial grandson of the palace.
No wonder he’d said his enemies were everywhere and that his father had left connections in the palace.
That brilliant Crown Prince, personally mentored by Emperor Taizu, had wielded power in court from a young age. Even after his sudden death, his influence couldn’t have been entirely eradicated.
…
When Rong Yue and Gu Helian emerged from the room, their expressions were dazed.
Moonlight spilled over Xiao Yan’s tall, elegant figure, his ethereal face radiating a noble air that was hard to ignore.
“Your appearance…”
“I used some methods to alter it.”
Xiao Yan spoke lightly, but changing one’s face was no simple feat. Rong Yue hesitated before asking softly, “Does Tangning know your identity?”
Xiao Yan replied, “She didn’t at first.”
“When I met Tangning, I recognized her as the little girl I’d known in my youth because of the token Lady Rong left.”
“She and Lady Rong saved me from peril back then, staying with me through my darkest days. I wanted to protect her to repay that kindness, but as we grew closer, I fell for her without realizing when it happened.”
“After I developed feelings for Tangning, I hesitated.”
Xiao Yan’s usual aloofness gave way to complete openness as he spoke to Rong Yue.
“I knew how difficult my path was, that one misstep could lead to ruin. I didn’t want to drag her into this mess. I only wanted her to live safely and smoothly. But Tangning was too wonderful, too wonderful for me to let go.”
“When she, knowing my supposed disability and my tarnished reputation, still held my hand and said she wanted to protect me, to keep me safe…”
“When she told me she’d stay by my side no matter what the future held, all my hesitation turned into an obsession that it had to be her.”
Xiao Yan gave a self-deprecating laugh, turning to Rong Yue.
“Tangning had been hurt by love before and initially only depended on me. It was my indulgence and temptation that led her to fall for me.”
“I know I’m despicable, but I can’t let her go.”
He was, after all, such a flawed man.
Rong Yue listened in silence for a long time, but Gu Helian suddenly found Xiao Yan more relatable.
Xiao Yan’s obsession with Tangning mirrored his own fixation on Rong Yue, like when he was driven from the capital and disowned by the Rong family.
Despite knowing Rong Yue was married with children, despite knowing she hadn’t chosen him, he clung to that faint hope, refusing to let go.
“Zhizhi, let Xiao Haitang decide for herself.”
Rong Yue glanced at Gu Helian beside her, then pressed her lips together and said to Xiao Yan, “I can’t stop Tangning’s choice, but I hope you remember what you’ve said today.”
“No matter what happens, treat Tangning well and protect her. If…”
She took a deep breath, her expression deadly serious.
“If one day you achieve your ambitions and rise to power but lose the love you have for Tangning today, for my sister’s sake, give Tangning back to me. Don’t let her sacrifice everything, risking her reputation to be with you, become a laughingstock in others’ eyes.”
Xiao Yan replied solemnly, “I’ll never let Tangning regret.”
Rong Yue’s lips twitched faintly. Men’s passionate vows in the height of love, how many lasted when the fervor faded? No matter how grand the promises, they often came to nothing.
Especially in an imperial family.
Xiao Yan knew a few words wouldn’t fully reassure Rong Yue. He said no more, only looking toward where Tangning was.
He would give his little girl the assurance she needed.
…
Rong Yue, Qian Qiyue, and the others stayed at the manor, claiming to be with Tangning.
When Tangning woke to bright daylight, she sat on the bed, dazed and disoriented.
“Awake?”
The sudden voice startled her. Tangning looked up to see Rong Yue entering with a copper basin.
Recalling the previous night, her face flushed with guilt, and she lowered her head, murmuring, “Aunt…”
Rong Yue approached and asked, “Are you feeling uncomfortable?”
“Huh?”
Tangning looked up, thinking Rong Yue was asking about her earlier fever and convulsions. She quickly said, “I’m fine now, and the fever’s gone. Don’t worry, Aunt.”
Rong Yue, exasperated, snapped, “Who’s asking about that!”
Tangning blinked, confused. If not that, then what?
Catching Rong Yue’s gaze on her neck, Tangning instinctively looked down, noticing faint red marks beneath her slightly open undergarments. She suddenly recalled Brother leaning over her last night, nibbling her neck and chest, whispering scandalously intimate words that made her writhe and cling to him, moaning softly…
Her face turned crimson. “Aunt!”
Seeing her realization, Rong Yue poked her forehead lightly. “Now you’re shy? What were you doing earlier?”
“A girl’s first time can be tough, and last night happened so suddenly. If Xiao Yan was too rough and hurt you, tell Aunt. Are you feeling alright? Did you two… fit well together?”
Tangning’s face burned redder than blood, her ears and neck flushed pink, her whole body seeming to ignite.
She lowered her head, her pale fingers clutching the blanket, wishing she could crawl under the bed. But Rong Yue kept pressing, and in her flustered state, Tangning mumbled a few words in a mosquito-like whisper.
Seeing Rong Yue’s shocked expression, Tangning, blushing, said, “I was out of my mind, clinging to Brother. He saw I wasn’t myself and only meant to comfort me, but… we didn’t go all the way…”
Rong Yue, realizing Tangning wasn’t lying and her demeanor didn’t suggest she’d been intimate, didn’t first think of Xiao Yan’s restraint. Instead, she marveled that with a stunning beauty like Tangning, clothes off and offered up, Xiao Yan could hold back?
She blurted out, “Is Xiao Yan… incapable?”
Tangning: “…”
Xiao Yan, eavesdropping outside: “…”
Hua Wu quickly turned her head, staring at the sky.
=======
T/N: Somehow this novel always surprises me lol================
You can read ahead to chapterr 470 (100+ extra chapters) here
Comments
Post a Comment