Chapter 150: Harmony (Bonus Chapter)
Fu Tingyun retreated several steps in shock, exclaiming, "How can this be? How can this be?"
She wasn’t incapacitated—what woman would ever ride on a man’s back? If anyone saw, wouldn’t they laugh at Zhao Ling for being henpecked and mock her for being domineering?
Zhao Ling didn’t need to guess to know what she was thinking.
His heart ached for her.
Yet there was no better solution.
Without a word, Zhao Ling stepped forward, took Fu Tingyun’s arm, draped it over his shoulder, and crouched down to lift her onto his back.
Fu Tingyun let out a soft gasp and instinctively tightened her arms around his neck.
Zhao Ling reassured her, "At this hour, everyone has either gone home or is still on West Street watching the lanterns. No one will see us."
Only then did Fu Tingyun have a chance to look around.
The moonlight bathed the street in silver, and the surroundings were silent, save for the red lanterns swaying in the summer breeze outside each household.
Her heart settled slightly.
Zhao Ling’s broad shoulders, sturdy back, and steady steps made Fu Tingyun lean against him unconsciously.
She remembered her childhood, when she would stay late at her grandmother’s house, and her mother would carry her home.
Back then, her mother had seemed just like Zhao Ling now—broad-shouldered, strong-backed, and steady-footed, filling her with an indescribable sense of security and comfort. As long as she was on her mother’s back, no matter what happened, she wouldn’t be afraid… Zuo Junjie still hadn’t been found, her father refused to acknowledge her, and she hadn’t yet sought justice from her uncle regarding her elder cousin’s wife… There were still so many things left to do. Yet at this moment, her heart felt utterly at peace and resolute.
As long as this man was willing to protect her like this, no matter what lay ahead, she wouldn’t feel fear or hardship.
Lost in thought, Fu Tingyun asked softly, "Aren’t you tired?"
Zhao Ling chuckled. "I once marched over a hundred miles in a day carrying more than a hundred pounds. This is nothing."
Was that how they had earned their present wealth and honor?
A pang of sorrow pricked Fu Tingyun’s heart, and she couldn’t resist pressing a light kiss to his neck.
Zhao Ling stiffened slightly, his steps faltering for a moment.
Sensing the effect she had on him, Fu Tingyun couldn’t help but smile, her lips curling with delight.
"Ninth Master," she murmured, closing her eyes and pressing her cheek against his back, feeling the warmth radiating through his clothes. "Let’s live well together for the rest of our lives."
Zhao Ling heard her clearly.
He gave a firm "Mm" and replied, "We will live well together for the rest of our lives." His tone was resolute, leaving no room for doubt.
Suddenly, a loud explosion echoed in the distance, and a brilliant firework bloomed across the deep blue night sky—vibrant, dazzling, like a meteor streaking through the heavens before scattering in a shower of sparks.
Then another firework burst into life, illuminating the western horizon.
Zhao Ling and Fu Tingyun paused to gaze upward.
Nearby, a young man’s voice grumbled in frustration, "If I’d known they’d set off more fireworks on West Street, I would’ve stayed longer."
Another youth chimed in, "Should we turn back?"
"Forget it," a third voice interjected. "By the time we get there, the show will be over. Might as well enjoy the view from here."
"But it’s not the same as being on West Street—that archway on Shuangnian Street blocks half the view.""Then let's go to Shuangnian Street to watch the fireworks..."
In the quiet night, the voices of the youths were exceptionally clear.
Fu Tingyun and Zhao Ling exchanged glances involuntarily.
Shuangnian Street connected to Chaoyangmen Avenue, one of the main thoroughfares of the capital. If not for the archway, it would be impossible to distinguish where Shuangnian Street ended and Chaoyangmen Avenue began. Both sides of the street were lined with shops, now closed, leaving nowhere to hide.
A dim yellow light appeared at the street corner.
Clearly, it was the lantern carried by those youths.
Fu Tingyun struggled anxiously, "You—you must put me down now."
As if such a trivial matter could stump him?
Recalling the scenes he'd observed while passing Shuangnian Street before, Zhao Ling chuckled reassuringly, "Just stay still..." His eyes scanned the surroundings and quickly spotted a narrow alley nearby, adding more confidence to his voice, "Don't shout too loudly, or you'll attract their attention." With that, he swiftly carried her into the alley.
The alley was a dead end, pitch-black inside. No sooner had they hidden than a group of extravagantly dressed youths, accompanied by numerous attendants, passed by the alley entrance.
Fu Tingyun let out a long sigh of relief. "That scared me to death."
Zhao Ling burst into laughter.
His laughter rang out particularly loud in the silent night.
Fu Tingyun hastily covered his mouth in alarm. "Keep your voice down! What if someone hears us?"
No matter the reason, hiding like this was hardly gentlemanly behavior.
But Zhao Ling licked her palm playfully.
Fu Tingyun jumped in shock.
How could he do such a thing?
She quickly withdrew her hand.
Zhao Ling chuckled softly. "Got it." Then, turning to look at Fu Tingyun, he said, "Let's go home."
In the darkness, his eyes gleamed brightly, fixed intently on her as if nothing else in the world existed beyond her.
Fu Tingyun found herself lost in that gaze, unable to look away.
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Back home, Zhao Ling personally fetched a basin of hot water to soak Fu Tingyun's feet.
She refused at first.
Zhao Ling's expression darkened. "Be good. This isn't the time for formalities. Let me check if you've got blisters."
Reluctantly, Fu Tingyun allowed him to move the lamp closer and examine her feet carefully.
Her feet were fair as jade, with faint blue veins visible beneath the skin, and neatly trimmed pink nails.
Zhao Ling kissed the top of her foot teasingly. "Good, no marks left. Otherwise, I'd regret it terribly!"
Fu Tingyun remembered how, when they fled Huayin, Zhao Ling had pushed her in a small cart the entire way... If her feet bore no marks, it was all thanks to him.
She recalled how Fourth Sister had once had delicate hands like scallions before marriage, yet within a few years of wedlock, scars had appeared. Fifth Sister had even discussed with the other sisters how "poverty-stricken couples suffer in all things." Yet back then, they hadn't been wealthy either! It just showed that life's quality depended on how one lived it.
When Zhao Ling finished washing up and got into bed, Fu Tingyun clung tightly to his waist, pressing herself against his back.
This uncharacteristic display of dependence made Zhao Ling turn over and pull her into his arms, asking softly, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Lately, he'd been rather unrestrained, and he wasn't sure if he'd gone too far."It's nothing," Fu Tingyun replied softly, burying her face in Zhao Ling's embrace.
Zhao Ling's heart instantly overflowed with tenderness. He gently kissed her forehead: "Then I'll go blow out the lamp."
Ever since their wedding night, Zhao Ling had always slept on the outer side of the bed, and it was always him who got up to handle any matters.
Fu Tingyun gave a soft "Mm" in response, and Zhao Ling propped himself up to extinguish the lamp.
The bed curtains were immediately plunged into darkness.
Zhao Ling thought about how he'd kept Fu Tingyun busy all morning when he woke up, then didn't return until midnight, even making her walk such a long distance. Though he held her soft, fragrant form in his arms, he restrained himself, merely stroking her silky hair gently and kissing her forehead: "Sleep now. If you're tired, we can rest at home tomorrow and go to Tanzhe Temple the day after. After all, the temple isn't going anywhere!"
Fu Tingyun found his words amusing and giggled twice, squirming in his arms until she found a comfortable position before settling down.
With her soft warmth in his embrace, Zhao Ling found it hard to sleep.
He opened his eyes wide, staring at the corner of the bed curtain as Mr. Zhao's words from days ago kept replaying in his mind: "What a pity for Marquis Yingchuan—a true hero of his generation, yet trapped by all those messy family affairs."
Mr. Zhao had been implicated in an imperial examination scandal in his youth, barred from official service for life. Though he now enjoyed great imperial favor, the matter from back then involved too many people to allow him to retake the exams, thus preventing him from becoming a grand secretary. Despite having known Mr. Zhao for only a short time, Zhao Ling greatly admired his strategic insight.
Mr. Zhao wouldn't have said those words without reason, would he?
He thought of the Marquis of Wuding's marriage.
What exactly was the Emperor planning?
When the Marquis of Wuding invited him to the wedding banquet, was it to befriend him or just to make up numbers for a lively occasion?
Though they say "when the birds are gone, the good bow is put away," if the Emperor proved to be similarly narrow-minded, it would be best to make plans early.
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Fu Tingyun seemed restless, turning over in her sleep.
He quickly reined in his thoughts, adjusted his position, and pulled her back into his arms.
But Fu Tingyun wrapped both arms around his neck, half lying atop him.
Zhao Ling flushed crimson.
Never mind... tomorrow would be fine, he'd let Nannan rest properly tomorrow...
He swore silently to himself even as his body took matters into its own hands, rolling over while whispering "Nannan" in her ear.
Fu Tingyun responded sleepily, her arms tightening around his neck as if unwilling to let go for even a moment.
Zhao Ling was overjoyed...
In the darkness, Fu Tingyun opened her eyes, smiling with pursed lips.
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With guests at home, it's really not suitable to continue writing. I'll post this extra chapter first—the update will be a bit late, please bear with me!
O(∩_∩)O~
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(End of Chapter)
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