His eyes were so full of deep affection and earnestness. Song Wanchu didn't know that during the three years when they were still husband and wife, every time she turned her back, Liang Yuzhou would look at her like this.
The warmth from the brazier spread through her hands to her whole body. Her chest felt hot, and she couldn't help asking, "Then when I wanted to buy that red agate bracelet, why did you say, 'Do you like bright red so much'?"
That sentence had made her feel dejected for a long time. Later, when the agate bracelet appeared on Yu Huiyan's arm, it had broken her heart completely. She was convinced that Liang Yuzhou was mocking her for not being worthy to be his main wife.
Liang Yuzhou's eyes dimmed slightly. He covered her hand with his palm. "It was my tone that was wrong and made you misunderstand. Actually, I was trying to test your feelings to see if you were willing to be my main wife."
Song Wanchu was a bit stunned. If what Liang Yuzhou said was true, then this misunderstanding was too big and too deep.
But she could clearly remember the tone and expression on Liang Yuzhou's face when he said that sentence.
It was that kind of casual mockery. A casual remark had shattered her dignity.
"I was too arrogant and self - centered. I thought you loved Shi Luohan, but I was also reluctant to not win your heart. That attitude of mine was actually a disguise for my vulnerability and sensitivity."
The once cold and noble young master of a prominent family was now squatting in front of her, like a god who had fallen into the mortal world, sincerely repenting.
Song Wanchu always thought that a person's in - born character couldn't be changed. In the past, she also didn't quite believe that Liang Yuzhou could completely change himself in order to win her back.
She always thought that one day, he would turn back into that arrogant, cold - hearted young master.
But at every moment after she reunited with Liang Yuzhou, Song Wanchu couldn't find any trace of his past self in him.
She never dared to overestimate her weight in his heart, but he had indeed changed completely for her.
Song Wanchu didn't dwell on the past any longer. Holding the brazier, she quietly smelled the elegant fragrance of the peonies.
She didn't know from which moment on, she was embraced by Liang Yuzhou. Her head rested on his shoulder. The two of them snuggled up to each other, like a pair of deeply in - love mandarin ducks.
"What did you say when you went to the Chu family? How are the old lady and your aunt?"
Song Wanchu was concerned about the Chu family.
Yao Guang had made Yue Chenkong bleed in public. The Yue family was already in a state of panic and on the verge of collapse. The Chu family was also implicated.
The power struggle had pushed the Chu family to the forefront. If the Chu family made a wrong move, it might fall into the abyss.
Liang Yuzhou said slowly, "The old lady of the Chu family is ill. All the younger generations of the Chu family are taking turns to take care of her. They don't receive guests or go out. I met Chu Shangxu at the side gate. He said that the old lady was missing you in her illness and hoped that you could go back."
Song Wanchu thought thoughtfully, "The old lady's illness came at a very opportune time."
Those who had experienced great storms were truly excellent helmsmen.
Only a person like the old lady of the Chu family could steer the big ship of the Chu family so that it wouldn't capsize.
In the afternoon, Zhou Sheng brought the latest news from the city. Three of Yue Chenkong's vice - generals had been secretly executed by the Crown Prince. Liu Zhonglin had been promoted to the fifth - rank commander.
The Crown Prince had already sent a memorial to the capital to depose Yue Chenkong as the governor of Yunzhou. Once the emperor issued an edict, Liu Zhonglin could replace Yue Chenkong and become the new governor of Yunzhou.
He had made outstanding achievements but had been suppressed by Yue Chenkong for many years. Now he had finally seen the light after enduring the darkness.
"Master, Liu Zhonglin said that it was your assistance and guidance that allowed him to rise to prominence. He is very grateful. Now that he has the military power in Yunzhou and knows a bit about your difficulties, if you have any problems, just ask him."
Zhou Sheng repeated Liu Zhonglin's words to Liang Yuzhou.
Liang Yuzhou's face was cold. "No need. You tell him that the situation in Yunzhou is still unclear. He should respect the Crown Prince and must not do anything to disobey the Crown Prince, or all his efforts will be in vain."
Song Wanchu admired his overall view.
He cared about love, but he wasn't indulged in it. He had a very clear mind.
The Crown Prince was the only one who could control the overall situation in Yunzhou. He didn't want to cause trouble for the Crown Prince on his own initiative.
"There's another thing. As soon as the Crown Prince returned to the city, he heard the news that the old lady of the Chu family was ill. He should have arrived at the Chu family by now."
Song Wanchu knew that she would soon be able to return to the Chu family.
Liang Yuzhou didn't say a word, but he tightened his grip on her hand.
She hadn't left yet, but why could she see reluctance in his eyes?
In the evening, Taoist Qiu carried two flasks of good wine.
"Stinky boy, you promised to watch me drink a few cups. Let's do it tonight."
The Crown Prince had a deep mind and hadn't shown his attitude towards Taoist Qiu yet. He didn't know whether the Crown Prince would arrest him and take him to the capital for punishment or just pretend that nothing had happened.
Taoist Qiu couldn't figure it out either.
But he had already decided to leave Yunzhou to avoid the limelight, lest his emperor nephew have a whim and issue a nationwide arrest warrant for him.
The moment of farewell came too soon. Liang Yuzhou was silent. Just as he sat down with Taoist Qiu, a young Taoist came to report, "His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."
Song Wanchu's heart tightened suddenly.
She thought that someone from the Chu family would come to pick her up.
The Crown Prince had actually come in person.
With his status, it was really beneath his dignity.
Taoist Qiu muttered a few words unhappily.
But when he went to greet the Crown Prince, he still had a smiling and kind look on his face.
It was just like an old grandfather looking at his very promising eldest grandson.
The Crown Prince didn't act high - and - mighty. He saluted Taoist Qiu as a junior.
"The old lady of the Chu family is ill and misses Wanchu. I'm here to take her back to the Chu family."
He scanned the surroundings. His eyes were as deep as the sea. "Where is Wanchu?"
Song Wanchu knew she couldn't hide. She tidied up her clothes and was about to walk out.
But her wrist was grabbed. Liang Yuzhou put his arm around her waist with one hand and lifted her chin with the other. He kissed her passionately.
Their lips were intertwined, and their breaths were mixed together. The kiss started gently and then became passionate.
Liang Yuzhou's lips moved down along her neck, leaving a trail of warmth and moisture. Song Wanchu let out a soft moan. She wanted to push him away, but her hands were already weak.
His lips stopped at her collarbone. His teeth gently ground against her fair skin. The force wasn't heavy, but Song Wanchu felt as if Liang Yuzhou was going to swallow her whole.
"Don't—"
It was too late for Song Wanchu to stop him. A series of hickeys were left on her neck, and there were two rows of clear tooth marks on her collarbone.
Liang Yuzhou looked at his exclusive mark with satisfaction. He hooked his lips slightly. "Wanchu, I'm sorry that you have to go back with Lu Sihong. I'll try my best to get into the Chu family as soon as possible."
How could Song Wanchu not know his little thoughts?
Liang Yuzhou carefully tidied up her hair and clothes.
When Song Wanchu walked out of the room, there was still a tingling sensation on her lips. Every time she breathed, she was surrounded by his lingering breath.
The Crown Prince was standing at the door of the small courtyard.
The setting sun cast a yellowish glow on him. He looked at Song Wanchu and smiled gently. He didn't look at all like he was looking at a prey that had escaped from his hands.
Liang Yuzhou stood under the eaves, watching Song Wanchu step by step towards the Crown Prince.