Chapter 246: Chapter 246

　　Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

　　Meixiang responsibly said, “I still have to pack up your room for you.”

　　“There is no need. I am feeling rather good today, so I will pack it up myself.” Chu Qiao did not wait for Meixiang to make any response before taking the water and heading back to the room. Following which, she leaned her ear on the door. Only after Meixiang and Jingjing had left did Chu Qiao finally heave a sigh of relief.

　　Zhuge Yue leaned on the bed and casually stated, “Look at you, like you just stole something.”

　　Chu Qiao stared at him. Walking over, she pulled on his arm. “While there is no one here, quickly head back to your own room.”

　　“I don’t want to,” Zhuge Yue crisply refused. “Only if you wash my face for me.”

　　Chu Qiao was confused, as she asked, “Why?”

　　“If you do not do it, I will not head back.”

　　“Zhuge Yue…you are such a…” Chu Qiao was in a dilemma for a long time before finally walking to the basin and preparing the towel to help wash his face. She rolled up her sleeves. Her posture did not look like she was not trying to wash someone’s face, but more like she was going to start a fight.

　　Squatting before him, she rubbed on his face with all her strength. He frowned very slightly but did not say anything while keeping up his smile. Chu Qiao suddenly felt bad and started to gently wipe down his face after sighing.

　　As the sun peeped through the open window, it shone on the duo. Time seemed to have gone back over ten years, as she needed to wake up very early each morning to help him wash up, wear clothes, and eat breakfast.

　　“See, even after spending so much energy, in the end, I am still doing what I was doing at the beginning.” Chu Qiao pouted as she hung her head, defeated.

　　Zhuge Yue smiled, and replied, “It is merely that justice has long arms. You are born to be mine. No matter how you try to escape, you will not be able to.”

　　Chu Qiao gave him a glare and chided, “What kind of rubbish analogy is that?”

　　After he brushed his teeth and washed up, and tidied up his appearance, Chu Qiao pushed him off to the door, and rushed him, “Quickly, leave!”

　　Zhuge Yue turned around and stared at her. “What kind of woman are you? Even couples who were merely married one day will remember each other forever, yet you change your attitude so quickly.”

　　“Leave! Leave! Go back to your own room.”

　　“Young master!” A crisp and joyous voice sounded, causing Chu Qiao to be utterly stunned. She turned around only to see Yue Qi standing outside the window. Seeing her, Yue Qi happily greeted her, “I had gone to Young Master’s room this morning, but seeing that he was not around, I guessed that he had spent the night with you, Miss.”

　　Pingan stood behind Yue Qi, and behind him, there seemed to be many people. As they were far away, one could not make out what they were talking about. Suddenly, one could vaguely hear a cheeky cheer from afar, “Sister has finally married. I will not need to hear her rambling anymore!”

　　At that instant, the door opened with a creak. Meixiang walked in with Jingjing and some other servants. Seeing Zhuge Yue, they greeted him respectfully, before heading to Chu Qiao’s bed, wanting to tidy things up.

　　Chu Qiao suddenly remembered how there were still bloodstains on the bed. Just as she was about to prevent them from cleaning up, Jingjing walked up with a bowl of soup, and whispered in Chu Qiao’s ear, “Sister Meixiang specially instructed this herbal soup to be brewed. It is good for replenishing any blood loss. Sister, please drink up.”

　　Chu Qiao’s eyes were seeing black, as her cheeks turned crimson red.

　　Zhuge Yue walked up and picked up that bowl. Passing it to Chu Qiao, he smiled, “This is indeed good for you. Xing’er, drink up.”

　　On the same day, the boat stopped by at Lanling Province for food supplies before continuing on the journey. Two days later, they finally arrived at Hu Province.

　　The group landed. Although they had arrived within the Xia territory, it was clear that Zhuge Yue’s bodyguards seemed to tense up even more. Just as they reached the port, there was a team of 500 soldiers waiting for their arrival, and all females accompanying the entourage were disguised as men as they mixed in with the group. The entire situation was rather secretive.

　　Seeing how most of the soldiers had some form of a tattoo on their face, she realized that they were all from Qinghai, and she suddenly felt at ease.

　　Reaching the Baolin Province, there were 3,000 Qinghai soldiers guarding at there. Amongst which, there were 1,000 of them wearing green leather armor. They exude overwhelming bloodlust and killing aura. One could instantly tell that they were masters of martial arts.

　　Yue Qi proudly informed her that those were all his subordinates, and were from the elite seventh division from back in Qinghai. This was merely a small detachment as the remaining were all guarding at Cuiwei Pass and in Zhen Huang City.

　　After resting in Baolin Province for one day, they began on the journey to Zhen Huang on the next day. At dusk, they finally saw that majesty castle.

　　In this vastness, everything was so silent as the winds stirred up waves of grass in the plains carrying the withered leaves along. This was truly the weather of the Xia Empire, with the unique taste of the wind and chill. Chu Qiao lifted the curtains to the carriage, revealing the scenery of the massive city gates towering over them, basked in the crimson shade of the setting sun. She was suddenly reminded of how back in the day, she and Yan Xun relied solely on each other to survive in this gigantic prison while hating everything around them, hoping that catastrophe would befall this city and wash all these glories away. After spending all of their effort planning, they were finally able to carve a bloody path through this prison that had held them for over eight years. Yet today, she had willingly stepped foot into this city again, as she entered this suffocating city again.

　　Six years ago, she had left this place for a man. Six years later, she returned to this place for another man.

　　The changes in fate are ever so amazing. Even movement by a single step results in an unknown that one could never fathom. Despite that, one must keep walking on.

　　As the wind blew past one’s ear, it gave off a small whimper. A hand suddenly stretched out from behind, bringing her into an embrace. Zhuge Yue’s voice resounded from behind, extremely peaceful he was, his very tone seemed to calm people down. “Don’t worry, I am here.”

　　Chu Qiao gently smiled. He always seemed to be saying that. She leaned back, as she inhaled deeply, as though trying to remember his scent forever, before closing her eyes. Tightly, she grasped his hand, as though she would never ever let go.

　　Zhen Huang City was no longer as prosperous as it once was. Even though it was not night time yet, the pedestrians had already slowed to a trickle. Upon seeing Zhuge Yue’s carriage, all avoided the entourage like the plague. It was apparent that this city was merely a shadow of its former self, as it no longer had the crowds and bustle that it once boasted.

　　As the carriage turned around Xuanhua Street and entered Baiwei Road heading towards the west of the city, Chu Qiao was slightly taken aback and asked, “Are we not heading back to Zhuge Residence?”

　　Zhuge Yue smiled. “I am the Grand Marshall of the Xia Empire. Naturally, I live in my own official residence.”

　　Upon hearing that, Chu Qiao felt that all her tension loosen up. She could not help but tmile.

　　Zhuge Yue teased her, “How could you let your emotions show so easily on your face? How are you worthy of the title of the King of Xiuli?”

　　“What is there to hide before you?” Chu Qiao naturally responded, taking Zhuge Yue by surprise. After which, he hugged her and praised, “Well said.”

　　There were not many people on the street, and naturally, the carriage was able to travel faster. Before long, they had reached the official residence situated beside Biliu Lake in the west of the city.

　　Chu Qiao had seen this residence before, as this was one of the side palaces of the imperial palace, and was constructed with such grandeur. The carriage did not stop and walked all the way into the gates. Only upon reaching the inner gates and after the servants had all entered into the compound did Zhuge Yue leave the carriage with Chu Qiao following behind.

　　Chu Qiao had immediately spotted Huan’er standing at the side, her eyes completely red. Seeing Chu Qiao, Huan’er’s tears started to fall. Even though this was no longer the same residence, they were old friends. Chu Qiao felt a sense of nostalgia as well as she stretched out her hand. Huan’er instantly galloped over on her horse, and immediately tried to kowtow to Chu Qiao. Chu Qiao quickly tried to stop Huan’er, yet Zhuge Yue held her back and said, “From now you are the mistress of this residence. It is only natural that they greet you.”

　　Just as he said that, all the maidservants and servants had knelt down and prostrated themselves to her while saying, “Greetings to the Mistress.”

　　Chu Qiao helped Huan’er up. After so many years, her appearance had changed slightly, and had turned rather elegant and graceful. She had already become a supervisor for dozens of maidservants in the Zhuge Residence.

　　Huan’er informed Chu Qiao while crying, “This servant knew that you would definitely return, lady. Your room has already been tidied up, and has always been reserved for you, lady.”

　　Chu Qiao felt rather embarrassed how she was being referred to as “Lady” all the time. Yet Zhuge Yue felt it was completely normal, as he informed, “Her room can be emptied. Bring all her belongings to my room.”

　　The crowd immediately understood the meaning behind that instruction. Huan’er immediately started to command her maidservants to assist Chu Qiao in moving luggage, and Meixiang and Jingjing also helped out. The residence was suddenly busy with life.

　　“Let’s go,” Zhuge Yue said in her ear, and without waiting for her response, he pulled her hand and started to walk.

　　As night descended, the crescent moon hung in the sky giving off a dim light. With torches being lit up on the sides, the warm lights illuminated the duo. Without speaking, Zhuge Yue kept walking. The night winds brought along chills, yet it was uniquely refreshing. Zhuge Yue’s sleeves were full of embroideries, and occasionally brushing past Chu Qiao’s sleeves, it gave off a rustling sound.

　　A very light aroma could be smelled. It was not particularly strong, yet it seemed to be everywhere. This was a special breed of orchid, giving off a unique fragrance.

　　Zhuge Yue was always one who knew how to enjoy life. Perhaps this was due to his noble upbringing. Backed by centuries of the prosperity of the Zhuge Family, he was different from the normal nobles who ascended to wealth quickly. It was as though every single plant here exuded a noble aura.

　　Pushing aside the gate that was made out of Phoebe Zhennan wood, one could see a bedroom that was extremely elegant in design. It was not particularly majestic, yet it exuded a serene aura that one could barely comment on. Stepping on the thick and soft carpet, it felt like one was walking on clouds. The design of the decorations and furniture made the house rather elegant to live in, with a sense of overwhelming classicism. With 18 layers of veils lining the corridor, it headed straight to the inner bedroom.

　　“Are you tired?” standing before her, he asked.

　　Chu Qiao shook her head, and cupped her stomach. “I merely feel really hungry.”

　　A maidservant dressed in red quickly addressed her, “Food will be ready soon. Will Master and Mistress head to the dining room now?”

　　Zhuge Yue shook his head, and told Chu Qiao, “I have some urgent matters and cannot eat now.”

　　Chu Qiao nodded. “Alright, go and settle your business first.”

　　“The servants are still preparing the horses. I can still wait a while.” After saying that, he hugged Chu Qiao. The embroideries on his chest tickled Chu Qiao’s face. She could hear the vibrations coming from his chest saying, “Xing’er, you are finally back.”

　　Chu Qiao smiled and returned the embrace. In her heart, there was an overwhelming sense of elation that she found impossible to describe with mere words. In the room there was incense, inciting one’s sleepiness.

　　“Tonight, wait for me here.”

　　Chu Qiao’s face turned slightly red, as she lifted her head up and smiled sweetly to Zhuge Yue, “Then, make sure you return early.”

　　Zhuge Yue nodded. At this moment, the horses were ready. Zhuge Yue told Chu Qiao, “I will head to find the Seventh Highness. Eat up first, and rest early.”

　　“Alright.” Chu Qiao tiptoed and lightly pecked on his lips. With a red tint on her face, she cooed into his ears, “Be careful on your way.”

　　A tinge of jubilance flooded Zhuge Yue’s eyes, as he forcefully hugged Chu Qiao before heading out.