The Slender Waist-Chapter 322 - 227: Scumbags and Messed-up Affairs

After more than a year apart, Li Sangruo missed him deeply. As she watched that tall figure walk out with his hand on the Biyong Sword, her gaze flickered faintly.

The eyes of all the officials on the dock also fell on Pei Jue.

However, after taking two or three steps forward, he stopped and respectfully saluted.

"Please indicate your wishes, Empress Dowager."

Li Sangruo was dissatisfied with the distance he kept and subconsciously pursed her lips, lightly gathering her fur cloak.

"Pei Aiqing, step forward to receive the order."

Pei Jue clasped his hands: "This humble official carries a sharp weapon and dares not disrupt Your Highness."

Li Sangruo felt an inexplicable tightness in her heart.

Was he afraid the sword’s aura would disturb her?

Or was he afraid that the cheap woman in his house would be unhappy?

"No matter," she thought for a moment. In front of so many officials, it would not be good to break the rules, so she said, "You may remove your weapon and come closer."

Pei Jue paused in silence: "This general cannot comply."

A collective gasp of shock rose from the crowd.

In front of so many officials, Pei Jue dared to openly defy an order?

The sky was overcast, and the surrounding atmosphere turned cold and solemn.

Li Sangruo could not maintain her composure, and her voice became more severe.

"Are the words of this household no longer effective?"

"Your Highness," Pei Jue said, "the war has just ended, and Xinzhou City is not at peace. Bandit troubles are rampant, and the threat of thieves is vast. The Northern Yong army does not remove its armor or lay down its weapons, and we dare not let down our guard. I hope Your Highness can understand."

Li Sangruo looked at him, and her heart tightened again, filled with a desolate feeling.

What he said sounded reasonable, but it was all pretext.

He claimed he could not remove his armor, yet he could take a wife.

He would not lay down his weapon, yet he engaged in folly with Feng Shi Er Niang?

Mr. Pei!

How could you be so cold yet so captivating?

Li Sangruo silently watched him for a moment before adopting a dignified and composed voice.

"The Great General is loyal and brave, a fine servant of the country."

The officials echoed in agreement.

Li Sangruo, with her eyelids lowered, waved her hand.

"Set up the imperial entourage in Cuiyu."

-

Cuiyu was located on a small isle by Linhe, surrounded by water on three sides, very picturesque. This so-called traveling palace was temporarily arranged to welcome Li Sangruo, just like the Andu Villa; originally a lavish private residence, it was requisitioned by the Imperial Court.

Song Shou’an and Wei Zheng arrived back-to-back, and their visit was to attend to this matter.

The afternoon had passed, and the cold wind became stronger.

On the level cobblestone path outside Cuiyu, Li Sangruo’s carriage proceeded steadily, followed by officials guarding the procession.

In the rumbling sound of the carriage wheels, Li Sangruo, through the curtains, gazed at the upright figure riding on Ta Xue, feeling the ripples in her heart expand concentrically.

Years of yearning seemed to culminate at this moment.

She could see Pei Jue outside, but Pei Jue could not see her.

The scene reminded her of the first time she saw Pei Jue.

That year he was sixteen, and she was fifteen.

He was sweating profusely on the training ground, and like this very moment, through a layer of gauze curtain, she watched him wielding a long spear, dancing vigorously in the blazing sun. His muscles seemed to come alive, exuding an embarrassing strength. When he swung his sword and stepped forward, the tight waistband couldn’t contain the bulge below, which was more noticeable than anyone else’s despite the loose clothing.

In fact, she knew at that time that he was extraordinarily handsome, the kind of gifted young man her sisters spoke of.

That day, after coming down from the training ground, her sisters joked with her about being promised to Pei Jue, saying Mr. Pei was tall and robust, and she would have a tough time in the future...

Girls in their teens kind of understood, and the topics of the bridal chamber, though new and exciting, were not less intriguing than those of men.

At that time, she was very shy, eagerly anticipating yet somewhat fearful.

However, she waited for that hardship, waited a long time, through entering the palace and giving birth to a child, yet she never tasted that fabled endless pleasure...

"Empress Dowager’s carriage has arrived, open the central gate."

"Yes!" The thunderous voices did not interrupt Li Sangruo’s thoughts.

Her mind drifted as she gazed at the man through bleary eyes, the corners of her mouth curling slightly.

The guards stood on both sides of the gate, watching the carriage approach the central entrance when suddenly a dirty and disheveled figure stumbled through.

"Your Highness, save my life..."

"I have been wronged!"

With a thud, the guards quickly intercepted the man, who landed on the ground.

But even restrained, his mouth did not stop.

Struggling, he cried out loudly.

"Song Sizhu had a loving relationship with Your Highness, with the grace of a day’s marriage lasting a hundred days. How can Your Highness bear to watch him being framed and dying in ignominy..."

Li Sangruo’s mind went blank suddenly.

In a panic, she flung the carriage curtain aside, forgetting her dignity in her pallor, pointing at the man.

"Where did this madman come from spouting nonsense, gag him for me!"

"Your Highness..."

The man continued to struggle, but Wei Zheng stepped forward with large strides, and in the presence of the officials, without saying a word, drew his sword and swiftly slashed it across the man’s neck.