Beg You
Not knowing why she was so stubborn, Ye Youqing could only nod: “It so happens that I also have something for you.”
A smile spread across Ci Ke’s lips as she placed her hand into Ye Youqing’s palm.
The two of them wrapped themselves in new fur coats and stepped out. Outside, Zhou Ziqiu and the Sixth Prince, who were sitting, stood up and approached them.
“How is it?” Zhou Ziqiu asked.
While taking the fur coat and putting it on, Ye Youqing said, “It’s nothing serious. It would be inconvenient for us to stay here any longer. Since we’ve warmed up, we’ll send her back to the mansion first.”
Zhou Ziqiu nodded reassuringly and comforted Ci Ke: “After what happened today, those idle rumors will likely spread by tomorrow. Such disgraceful acts that tarnish the imperial family’s face, the Emperor will not commit again. You can rest assured.”
Ci Ke smiled at her, reached out to grasp her hand, then restrained her smile and said, “Aunt, are you really sure you are alright? It’s best to have the imperial physician examine you. We can’t just keep dragging this on.”
“I’ve already been checked. It’s just a cold. You should be worrying about yourself now, not about me.” Zhou Ziqiu scrutinized Ci Ke’s face, her five fingers painted with red lacquer (a traditional practice of painting nails in ancient China) gently caressing her cheek with affection.
Ci Ke beamed, then lowered her gaze.
“The wind and snow are heavy. Take good care of her,” Zhou Ziqiu said to Ye Youqing beside her. She then signaled Chunhong to open the door. The wind, mixed with snowflakes, swept over them, making people shiver with cold.
After Ye Youqing bid farewell to Zhou Ziqiu, she took Ci Ke’s hand and walked into the somber yet pure world. Using Zhou Ziqiu’s token, they exited the palace gates and proceeded along the long street.
Fearing to attract attention, Ye Youqing did not take a carriage.
In this weather, few ventured out, and there were only sparse footprints on the ground. Diligent families had swept a path across the Imperial Street, making walking less arduous.
“Do your feet hurt?” Ye Youqing asked, looking down.
“I’m not made of porcelain,” Ci Ke replied with a smile. She took Ye Youqing’s hand and looked up at the rooftops. “This is the first time we’ve watched the snow together, isn’t it?”
Ye Youqing nodded.
“In the past, I watched these scenes alone, or I didn’t have the mood to watch at all. When it snowed, I would worry about how today’s work would be even harder,” Ci Ke said lightly, shaking the snow off her shoulders.
The two walked past a mansion gate, where a thick layer of snow had accumulated. Icicles hung from the eaves, obscuring the characters on the plaque.
“This is the first household I served as a slave,” Ci Ke said, as if talking about someone else.
Ye Youqing frowned and looked over. She recalled the scene when she first met Ci Ke and imagined the young girl suffering daily hardships and bullying. Her emotions became complicated, and she stopped in her tracks.
Ci Ke, being pulled back, turned around and saw the woman looking up at the plaque. Her phoenix eyes reflected the sky, filled with something stirring.
“Ye Youqing,” Ci Ke suddenly spoke, gently turning her head back with her hand, and asked warmly, “What are you thinking about?”
(If you're not reading on littlepandatranslations.com, it means this has been stolen)
“I’m thinking that if I had looked at you earlier, you might not have had to suffer so much,” Ye Youqing said.
“As it is now, I am already very fortunate,” Ci Ke said softly, tenderly pulling Ye Youqing along as they walked towards the Zhou Mansion.
The two entered the mansion gate, and Zhou Hong, hearing the commotion, hurriedly ran out from the courtyard. He first checked that Ci Ke was fine, then turned and saw Ye Youqing, stopping in his tracks, both relieved and surprised, exclaimed:
“Miss… When did Miss Ye return? Just now when I saw you, I thought my eyes were frozen.”
“I’ve only been back for a few days,” Ye Youqing said, placing her index finger on her lips, “Remember, do not reveal this.”
Seeing her return, Zhou Hong finally breathed a complete sigh of relief. He quickly nodded, pulled Ci Ke towards the house, and said, “You must be freezing. I’ve had someone prepare medicinal soup, it’s kept warm in the house. Miss Ye, you should drink some too. You must have faced quite a bit of wind coming here for Ci Ke.”
The room was already heated, warm and cozy inside. Ye Youqing took off her fur coat and handed it to a maid nearby. Observing Zhou Hong’s hesitation to speak, he finally called the maid away, patted his head, and said, “You two haven’t seen each other in a long time and must have many things to do. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure no one disturbs you. Just call if you need anything.”
After saying this, he glanced at Ci Ke, shook his head, closed the door, and walked away.
Ye Youqing was amused by his actions. As the room quieted down, she turned and teased, “What, has your elder brother fully accepted it?”
Ci Ke’s face turned slightly red, “I never mentioned this matter, so it must be.”
“And what about you? Your parents, would they agree…” Ci Ke slowly withdrew her smile, her thoughts anxious.
“If they don’t agree, would you not stay with me?” Ye Youqing deliberately raised her eyebrows, earning an angry glare from Ci Ke. However, the anxiety finally began to fade.
Ye Youqing picked up the medicine bowl from the table, scooped a spoonful with a porcelain spoon, and brought it to Ci Ke’s mouth. Ci Ke frowned as she drank it, then looked up and said, “It’s just a bit cold, I’m fine now, I can do it myself.”
Ye Youqing’s hands flashed, easily avoiding her hand.
“Let me feed you. Doesn’t the medicine taste less bitter this way?” Ye Youqing said, appearing serious.
Ci Ke let out a light laugh, reached out to grab the medicine bowl, and drank it all in a few gulps. “Bitter things will always be bitter.”
Ye Youqing looked at the bowl that was handed back to her, feeling a mix of amusement and helplessness. She gently put it aside and said solemnly, “Alright, what do you want to show me?”
Upon hearing this, Ci Ke’s expression changed slightly. She bent down beside the bed and pulled out a moisture-proof lacquered wooden box. The box was tightly sealed, suggesting that the items inside were highly treasured.
When Ci Ke opened a corner of the box, Ye Youqing immediately knew what was inside. A flash of bright red appeared, and when the box was fully opened, it was like a vivid blaze, adding a few degrees of brightness to the entire room.
Ye Youqing slightly widened her eyes, lifted her leg, and walked forward. She reached out and touched the smooth, glossy fabric. Occasionally, she felt a few rough spots—these were the jade beads sewn onto it. This exquisite and beautiful wedding dress was something she had never seen before.
“Did you sew this by hand?” Ye Youqing asked in astonishment.
Ci Ke nodded, her eyes filled with hope as she looked at the dress in her hands. She laid it flat on the bed, revealing a similar one next to it.
(If you're not reading on littlepandatranslations.com, it means this has been stolen)
“There’s one for you as well,” Ci Ke said, taking out another garment from the bottom of the box. It was almost identical to the first, but instead of an elaborate robe, it had narrow sleeves, making it look more agile.
“Do you like it?” Ci Ke turned her gaze to Ye Youqing. Ye Youqing’s eyes softened, feeling a bit of moisture welling up in them.
“I like it,” she said, pulling Ci Ke’s hand closer to examine it. “No wonder it took you several months to prepare. Your hands must have been injured many times, right?”
Ci Ke’s long, slender fingers were smooth and delicate. Upon closer inspection, tiny white scars could be seen.
“It’s just sewing some clothes,” Ci Ke said lightly. She then thought of Ye Youqing’s hands and a look of heartache appeared on her face.
Suddenly, she pressed Ye Youqing’s shoulders and spun her around so that she faced away from the bed. Only then did she speak from behind her, “Close your eyes. Unless I call for you, you mustn’t turn back.”
Ye Youqing didn’t know what else she was planning to do, but she could only comply and close her eyes. Outside, the sound of the wind gradually stopped, the sky was no longer gloomy, and the white snow reflected the daylight, making the room even brighter than before.
From behind came the sound of rustling, and Ye Youqing could smell the increasingly pervasive fragrance of cosmetics, a scent that was somewhat intoxicating.
After an unknown amount of time, Ci Ke spoke again. When Ye Youqing turned to look at her, her breath caught, and even her heart seemed to skip a few beats.
The hem of the skirt spread out like layers of flowers, the shimmering jade as clear as water, balancing the slightly somber bright red. The wide sleeves were adorned with gold threads, forming the shapes of clouds and cranes (a traditional motif symbolizing longevity and good fortune).
Ye Youqing had seen Ci Ke in wedding attire before, but none suited her as well as this one. Her slender waist was adorned with golden beads, swaying with her movements.
For a moment, Ye Youqing was speechless, her throat moved before she could make a sound: “Isn’t wedding attire only worn on the wedding day?”
“I wanted to wear it for you to see,” Ci Ke said. Her complexion was much rosier under the wedding attire, imbued with a touch of joy. She stood up, walked over to Ye Youqing, and handed her a brush dipped in red rouge.
At this moment, Ci Ke’s beauty was breathtaking. Ye Youqing’s heart beat faster and faster. She had to deliberately avoid looking at Ci Ke’s appearance and took the brush, examining it.
“It is a custom in Qi State, on the wedding day, to dot a red mole on the bride’s forehead, to bring happiness to the brows (an expression meaning to bring joy and good fortune).” Ci Ke said, leaning her face closer.
Ye Youqing calmed her surging emotions, raised her hand, and dotted a spot on Ci Ke’s forehead. The bright red color adhered, and Ci Ke’s eyes sparkled. Ye Youqing couldn’t resist and let the brush tip slide down, placing another dot at the corner of her eye.
The upward tilt of the eye added a bit of red, making her seem even more enchanting.
“Very beautiful,” Ye Youqing said as she put down the brush.
“Can you remove your disguise?” Ci Ke asked softly, feeling that Ye Youqing seemed somewhat hollow. Ye Youqing did not refuse and washed off the covering on her face in the hot water prepared for Ci Ke.
Her own face was even more delicate. Just as Ye Youqing wiped the water off her face with a towel, Ci Ke quickly grabbed her hand and slowly pulled her towards the bed.
The woman kicked off her shoes and socks, her legs quickly curling up on the bed. Her shoulders moved slightly, and the wide sleeves slid down her clothes, piling up beneath her.
“Ci Ke,” Ye Youqing said with a tone of restraint, feeling that her voice didn’t even sound like her own and seemed very unfamiliar. She held Ci Ke’s hand and gently asked, “What are you doing?”
“Ye Youqing, I am really scared,” Ci Ke suddenly said, pulling Ye Youqing onto the bed.
(If you're not reading on littlepandatranslations.com, it means this has been stolen)
The surrounding fragrance became increasingly heady, making Ye Youqing feel dizzy. “I’m here, what are you afraid of?” she said helplessly.
“I believe in you, but after all, we are facing the Emperor. If we succeed, fine, but if we fail, there will be no room for retreat…” Ci Ke’s tone was soft and melodious, yet mixed with a hint of fear, “I can’t bear the feeling of being apart from you anymore.”
Ye Youqing understood her worries and was momentarily speechless.
“But this time, I at least want to leave something behind; I don’t want any regrets.” Ci Ke’s voice was like wisps of light smoke, brushing past Ye Youqing’s heart, gently stirring it.
Ci Ke suddenly pulled out the hairpin from Ye Youqing’s head, causing her jet-black, elegant hair to cascade over her shoulders, accentuating her features, making them appear even colder and more unparalleled. Ci Ke used her hand to smooth out the crease between Ye Youqing’s brows.
Who could withstand such an action from Ci Ke? Ye Youqing lowered her head and tried to keep her voice steady, “Ci Ke, you know…”
After all, Ci Ke was from ancient times, and Ye Youqing was afraid she might think that getting married merely meant sleeping together.
Yet, she saw that woman untie her garments, her mutton-fat jade-like shoulders seemed to be oiled, smooth to the touch, soon reflecting a jade-like luster under the daylight.
A rush of heat surged from her heart to the top of her head, and Ye Youqing lost herself for a moment. Then she saw the woman’s seductive eyes softly leaning in, leaving a kiss on her neck, “Ye Youqing, I beg you.”
