Chapter 68 Extra

Chapter 68 - Extra

Fu Anyian tugged on her sleeve, halting her steps and spoke with a gentle tone, truly fearing that she would return to the Princess' residence. Although the two mansions were close, if she were to truly return and live there, convincing her to come back would be a difficult task.

With his jaw set firm, he raised his eyebrows in a conciliatory smile, "Let's discuss this matter further, what do you think?"

Originally, he intended to soften their interaction as husband and wife, but unfortunately, he seemed to have overdone it, causing someone to genuinely become upset.

Yu Xi glanced at him sideways and let out a light huff, "There's nothing more to discuss. I'm returning to the Princess' residence now."

At least she could enjoy a few days of peace and quiet.

Upon hearing this, Fu Anyian signaled to the others with his eyes, waiting for them all to exit before he affectionately wrapped his arms around her waist and gently kneaded, causing a tingling and numb sensation that was hard to ignore.

"Speak your mind," she evaded his palm, not giving him a direct gaze.

Yu Xi maintained a stern expression for a while, then continued, "I think we should both take some time to calm down first."

If she were to return to the residence just a few days after marriage, rumors would undoubtedly circulate. However, her decision to return was reasonable, and no one could find fault in it. Therefore, she was not afraid of any criticism.

Fu Anyian regretted his decision, wishing he hadn't added those hundred rules. Not only did it drain his mind, but it also angered her.

Now, it was too late for regrets.

"I've calmed down. In my opinion, let's discuss matters rationally."

They were the only masters in the residence, with no others to consider – things would be simple.

Yu Xi turned to meet his gentle gaze, her smile veiling a hidden edge. "No need, I'll return to live there for a couple of days."

Despite Fu Anyian's persuasion, she insisted on returning. In the end, he let out a deep sigh, throwing up his hands in resignation. "Very well then."

Hearing his acquiescence, Yu Xi grew even more frustrated. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Instead, she called for Dong Ling and Chunhua, instructing them, "Pack our things."

Dong Ling and Chun Hua came in and took a look, and immediately realized that something was wrong with the atmosphere, so they went to organize her commonly used items without saying a word.

Observing the two at odds, they whispered to each other, "Chunhua, grab just a couple of items, got it?"

"Understood, understood."

She had her wits about her; with their current affectionate state, how long could their cold war last? Perhaps they would reconcile the very next day.

Both Dong Ling and De Shun lowered their heads, secretly stifling their laughter. If not for the presence of the main parties, they would have burst into laughter long ago.

Dong Ling swiftly finished tidying up and bowed respectfully. "Princess, you're ready."

Yu Xi's chest heaved as she waited in vain. Why wasn't he saying anything? He was usually quite talkative, so was he really asking her to leave?

She slightly turned her body and glanced at Fu Anian, who was calmly sipping his tea. Her face turned green with anger. Very well, if he truly wanted her to go, then she would go. It would be a relief for both of them.

Lifting her gaze, Yu Xi led the others out, giving a heavy harrumph before leaving.

The servants standing in the corridor held their breaths, all bowing their heads in silence.

She walked extremely slowly, stealing glances behind her with the corner of her eye. Whispering to De Shun, she asked, "Did he chase after us?"

"No," De Shun replied.

Yu Xi gritted her teeth. So all that display of his undying love for her was just an act. How deceitful!

"Never mind."

With quickened steps, she arrived at the main gate in no time. Yu Xi paused and glanced behind her; Fu Anniang had yet to follow.

How infuriating!

Thus, less than half a month into their marriage, Yu Xi returned to live in the Princess's residence.

Within the room, the servants trembled with fear, each finding an excuse to withdraw. Only Wang Quan remained, urging, "My Lady, aren't you going to chase after him?"

Fu Anniang sipped her tea calmly, unruffled. "What do you know? I'm not chasing after her."

Wang Quan remained silent, inwardly thinking: In the end, it won't be me who suffers the consequences; it'll be you, Sir.

-

As dusk deepened, the shadows lengthened.

The Princess's residence bustled with activity for a while, but once the commotion died down, all that was left was silence.

After returning from the Fu residence, Yu Xi sat in her room, attempting to read a book. However, she couldn't focus on the words, her gaze fixed outside, hoping for some sign of movement. Yet, even now, Fu Anniang had yet to come.

Yu Xi decided not to wait any longer. She put the book down and instructed Dong Ling to bring some refreshments. She hadn't eaten much during dinner and was now feeling hungry.

After satisfying her hunger and thirst, she took a bath and changed her clothes before going straight to bed. Indeed, the bed was quite comfortable to lie on.

Yawning, she closed her eyes, and her mind began to drift into a daze, ready to fall asleep.

Just as Yu Xi was about to doze off, Dong Ling knocked on the door and whispered from outside, "Princess, have you fallen asleep?"

"What is it?"

Rolling onto her side, Yu Xi cracked open one eye to reply. Then, Dong Ling hesitantly spoke, "Lord Fu has arrived."

The moment Dong Ling finished speaking, Yu Xi was fully awake, all traces of sleepiness gone. She sat up, lowering her gaze in thought. "Tell him I'm asleep and to return home."

Dong Ling acknowledged the instruction and headed to the front hall to convey the message.

Hearing no more noise from outside, Yu Xi laid back down. Fu Anian hadn't pursued her earlier but chose this particular time to come. What did he mean by that? What was his intention?

Given his attitude, Yu Xi had no intention of acknowledging him. She shut her eyes, intending to continue her sleep.

In the main hall, Fu Anyian was not at all surprised that Yu Xi had not come to meet him. Knowing her temperament, it would be strange if she did show up.

Sure enough, she pretended to be asleep and ignored him.

"Sir Fu, please return home first."

Dong Ling gave him an eviction notice. However, Fu Anyian was prepared. With a wave of his hand, Wang Quan placed a bundle on the table. "Arrange a room for me. I'll stay here."

After Fu Anyian spoke, Dong Ling and the others' expressions changed. They immediately replied that they could not make such a decision and hurried off to consult the princess, leaving Fu Anyian and his companion behind.

Half-awake, Yu Xi was once again roused by Dong Ling. Irritated, she jumped out of bed and flung open the door, yelling, "Send him back. Don't bother me!"

Especially, do not disturb her sleep.

Dong Ling looked conflicted. Glancing back, she realized Fu Anyian had somehow followed them without her noticing. Immediately, she swallowed her words and obediently waited aside.

Noticing the subtle expression on Dong Ling's face, Yu Xi stepped out of the door frame for a look. She was only in her undergarments, her graceful figure accentuated by the breeze that caused her clothes to cling to her skin, making her even more alluring.

The warm, ochre light illuminated her profile, imparting a gentle and mild aura, quite different from her usual regal demeanor during the day.

Fu Anyian's gaze darkened as he fixated unblinkingly on her, perhaps searching for the remnants of their past encounter.

Observing her turn back to close the door, Fu Anyian strode forward swiftly, extending his foot to intercept her action.

"Have you cooled down after being angry for a few hours?"

Yu Xi looked at him, still smiling carefree, seemingly unaware of any wrongdoing. She huffed coldly, "I wasn't even angry, Lord Fu is overthinking."

With a firm push, Fu Anyian opened the door and entered the room, casually shutting it behind him.

Wang Quan stood outside, watching silently. He sighed inwardly, realizing that even the great lord was not immune to restlessness. It had only been a few hours, yet here he was, chasing after her so hastily that he'd skipped dinner.

Ah, what a fuss these two lords were making.

-

Inside the room, Yu Xi wrapped herself in an outer robe, observing him with utmost vigilance.

She had said it before – in the Princess' residence, she held the authority.

Fu Anyian raised an eyebrow and sincerely replied, "Yes, Princess is right. I am here to ask if I can stay for a few days."

Stay for a few days here?

Yu Xi lowered her head, pondering for a long while. If Fu Anyian stayed here, he would have to follow her every command, wouldn't he?

That seemed acceptable.

Lifting her head, Yu Xi maintained a stern expression with no emotions showing. "Sure, stay as you please."

Her little thoughts did not escape Fu Anyian's observant eyes. Knowing she was still upset, he decided to humor her and left without another word, leaving her untouched.

Listening to the sound of the door closing, Yu Xi glanced over and caught a glimpse of a corner of his garment. She blinked, then happily went to bed.

That night, she slept soundly and woke up refreshed the next morning.

After getting dressed and attending to her grooming, she asked De Shun, "Where is he?"

"He hasn't returned from court yet."

Yu Xi acknowledged with a soft hum, savoring her breakfast in silence. As she chewed, she pondered how long Fu Anyian would stay here.

Could it be less than three days? She couldn't be bothered to think about it.

After the morning court session, Fu Anyian yawned discreetly. The unfamiliar bed last night had disrupted his sleep, leaving him slightly drowsy this morning. He blinked, only to have his shoulder suddenly tapped from behind.

Lin Xuean smiled mischievously, "Having a spat with the princess, I see?"

Fu Anyian glanced behind him and saw Zhao Yunzhou approaching from a distance. Their eyes met, conveying unspoken sentiments.

He averted his gaze, replying, "Who told you that? It's not true."

"Don't deny it. Someone saw the princess return to the palace."

Fu Anyian realized the source of Lin Xuean's knowledge. So that's why he knew.

With his hands clasped behind his back and his chin lifted slightly, he said, "Why all the fuss? How long the princess stays is none of your concern."

Lin Xuean chuckled at his stubbornness, mocking his pride even in such a situation, "Don't blame me for not warning you. Be careful, lest it ends up like the last time..."

"Nonsense."

His words were cut short by Fu Anyian, who had a stern expression on his face, with his brows lowered.

Lin Xuean shrugged, deciding not to speak further to avoid a scolding, which would not be worth it.

Upon returning to the Princess's residence, Fu Anyian asked Wang Quan, "Where is the Princess?"

"She's in the backyard flying a kite."

He nodded, inwardly musing that she seemed to be quite leisurely, even more so than him.

-

Fu Anyian stayed at the Princess's residence for three days before mustering up the courage to visit her room at night. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and smiled warmly.

"You said we should share a bed every three to five days, and I've kept my promise."

It had been four days since their last encounter.

Yu Xi took off her earrings and playfully responded, "That may be true, but there can be special circumstances."

"What's going on?" It surely wasn't because he had something special.

She got up, pushed his hand away, tiptoed, and whispered into his ear, "It's that time of the month."

The romantic atmosphere didn't last long as Fu Anyian's mood was dampened by her words.

He looked down and gave an amused sigh. "Ah, no wonder you were so generous to let me in."

Accepting his fate, Fu Anyian was not in a rush. "Come here, let me rub your stomach."

He remembered that sometimes, she would have stomachaches.

Yu Xi took a deep breath, feeling secure. "Mm, alright. You'd better do a good job, or I'll kick you out."

Fu Anyian rubbed her stomach for a while. Noticing her dry lips, he fetched a cup of water.

"I'm not drinking it."

She didn't want to get up in the middle of the night; it would be troublesome.

"Sip it." Fu Anyian sat down by the bed and continued, "Has His Majesty mentioned the date for the autumn hunt?"