Chapter 762 - 539: Running With It

Chapter 762: Chapter 539: Running With It

The wilder Song Yunzhao’s horseback ride with Feng Yi had been during the day, the more miserable she was that night. It felt as if her thighs no longer belonged to her.

Feng Yi applied ointment for her, murmuring as he did, "This is my fault. I forgot you don’t ride often. I thought it wouldn’t be a problem with me leading you, but who knew you were so delicate."

The insides of her thighs were chafed red.

Song Yunzhao hadn’t expected it to be this bad either. While on the horse, all she’d felt was pure joy and exhilaration. ’Faster! This is amazing!’

But she wilted the moment she got back.

The after-effects were a little intense.

"Were you like this when you first learned to ride? Was Feng Ze like this too?" Thinking of her son, Yun Zhao’s heart ached for the little boy.

"Boys are all tough and thick-skinned. How could they be like a delicate doll like you?" Feng Yi shook his head. When the two of them did *that sort of thing*, he never dared to be too rough, or she would be covered in marks the next day.

After the ointment was applied, Yun Zhao pulled on a pair of wide-legged, soft silk trousers to avoid any friction.

Feng Yi washed his hands and returned to see Yun Zhao waddling out one slow step at a time, and he pressed his lips together to stifle a laugh.

Yun Zhao shot him a sidelong glance.

Feng Yi went over to support her. "Next time we go riding, we’ll be more careful. We’ll go a bit slower and for a shorter time, and you’ll be fine."

"Alright," Yun Zhao nodded. The main problem this time was that they’d ridden for too long, chafing her thighs. A shorter ride would be fine.

"Where’s Feng Yun?" Not seeing her younger son, Yun Zhao asked Feng Yi.

Feng Yi replied, seemingly nonchalant, "He was clamoring for his older brother, so I had someone take him over to Feng Ze’s."

Yun Zhao didn’t suspect anything. After all, Feng Ze had been playing with Feng Yun often lately, and Feng Yun seemed much more lively than before. He had indeed grown quite attached to his brother.

"I’ve noticed that when Ze’er is with his little brother, the little one is much more energetic. If he has the time, we should let him look after his brother more often."

’If the two brothers grow up together with a good relationship, there will be fewer disputes between them in the future.’

’Nurturing their bond has to start when they’re young.’

"You have a point. I’ll have someone add a bed for Feng Yun in Feng Ze’s quarters. That way, if he doesn’t want to come back one night, there will be a place for him," Feng Yi said.

"That could work." Yun Zhao thought it was a good idea.

Feng Yi immediately ordered Meng Jiuchang to see to it. Then he turned back to Yun Zhao and said, "Once we return to the palace, I think we should move Feng Ze to the front courts first. That will give Feng Yun more space to run around."

This time, Yun Zhao didn’t object. She knew it was only a matter of time.

With Feng Yun off at Feng Ze’s place, only Yun Zhao and Feng Yi remained in Hua E Building. They dismissed all the attendants and sat by a window on the second floor, which overlooked the scenery of Long Lake.

In the distance, the palace lanterns ringing the lake looked like a sky full of stars. The view from their spot was unparalleled.

It was rare to have such a quiet moment, and Yun Zhao found she was a little unused to it.

Feng Yi looked at her and asked, "Are you tired?"

Yun Zhao glanced at the memorial in Feng Yi’s hand. "Are you going to keep reading?"

"I’m reading the greeting memorials sent by officials from the northern regions. Aren’t we inspecting the border in a few days? It’s a good chance to get a preliminary look at the situation." Feng Yi looked at Yun Zhao. "You should get some rest. I’ll read a little longer."

Yun Zhao didn’t want to go. She simply grabbed a soft pillow, placed it beside Feng Yi, and leaned half against the pillow and half against him. "I’ll keep you company."

Feng Yi glanced at her. "Alright."

The palace lamp sputtered, the sound especially loud in the silent night.

Yun Zhao took out a small pair of silver scissors, moved the lampshade aside, and trimmed the wick. The light stabilized, and she put the shade back in place.

Turning back, she saw Feng Yi watching her and said, "Now it won’t flicker and hurt your eyes."

Feng Yi set down the memorial. "Come on, it’s time to turn in."

"You’re not reading anymore?" Yun Zhao asked as she got up.

"It can wait until tomorrow." Feng Yi picked Yun Zhao up and carried her inside the bed curtains.

Yun Zhao watched him cautiously. "I’m injured today."

Feng Yi said irritably, "What, do you think I’m some kind of beast?"

Yun Zhao burst out laughing.

Both annoyed and amused, Feng Yi blew out the main lamp, leaving only one lit in the corner, before lifting the curtain and getting into bed.

As soon as he lay down, Yun Zhao rolled over and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Feng Yi pressed down on her wandering hands. ’She’s doing this on purpose, just to tease me.’

Leaning against Feng Yi, Yun Zhao felt a subtle change in a certain part of his body. This time, she behaved, obediently closing her eyes.

Hearing Yun Zhao’s breathing gradually even out, Feng Yi let out a small sigh of relief. He gently turned and gathered her into his arms before closing his own eyes.

Because of Yun Zhao’s injury, Feng Yi postponed the planned banquet by a day, and this time, Yun Zhao didn’t object.

Her leg injury wasn’t severe; once the swelling went down, it would be fine. But attending today was definitely out of the question.

However, Yun Zhao first sent word about the banquet to the three concubines, letting them pass the news down the ranks.

Many family members had accompanied the court on this trip; quite a few of the concubines’ paternal families had people in the retinue. Yun Zhao sent out a decree: anyone whose family had come to the traveling palace would be allowed to meet with them.

The entire traveling palace buzzed with excitement as everyone looked forward to reuniting with their families.

Yun Zhao, for her part, sent a letter to the First Madam. That’s right, the one accompanying the court this year was again the First Madam. Her father had remained in the Capital City to oversee matters, so Mrs. Cai naturally had to stay in the capital as well.

This time, it wasn’t just the First Madam; the First Master had also been brought along by imperial decree. Such an honor was reserved only for the family of the Imperial Concubine.

Not only that, but Yun Zhao also personally penned invitations to Xie Linlang and Song Yexi. They wouldn’t just see each other at the palace banquet tomorrow; they could also go out together in a couple of days.

’Just thinking about it made her happy.’

’Besides, if she didn’t make a big show of things, how would Zhao Ling’e ever get an opportunity?’

’Hasn’t the Zhao Family been watching her closely?’

’She would give them that chance.’

’Let them see what the truly arrogant and domineering Consort Ming was like.’

Consort Shu was quite surprised that Yun Zhao was hosting such a grand palace banquet this time. She took a boat over to discuss the arrangements with her.

As soon as she saw her, Consort Shu teased, "You used to be the one most averse to hassle. Why the change of heart?"

Yun Zhao had someone serve her a bowl of iced dessert to cool off before replying, "If I don’t make a grand affair of it, how can everyone have a lively reunion with their families?"

Consort Shu had a feeling Yun Zhao was up to something, but since she wouldn’t say what, there was no way to guess.

’As long as it wasn’t aimed at her, it was fine.’

"This is the guest list I had someone draw up. Take a look." Consort Shu handed over the roster.

Yun Zhao took it and flipped through it page by page. The last page listed those without accompanying family members. She thought for a moment, then said, "Tell these few that we’ll find an opportunity for them to meet their families once we return to the capital. Otherwise, it will be hard on them to see everyone else meeting family while they cannot."

"You’re certainly becoming more soft-hearted," Consort Shu huffed.

Without looking up, Yun Zhao retorted, "Of course. Just dress me in glittering gold, and I’ll be ready for my gilded statue."

"I give you an inch and you take a mile, don’t you?" Consort Shu said, exasperated but amused.

Yun Zhao chuckled. "Of course. I can’t let our dear Lady Shufei’s good intentions go to waste."

Consort Shu scoffed playfully, then got back to business. "Where should we set up the banquet? Nanny Yao from the Empress Dowager’s side came by to pass on her wishes. She wants it to be held on the lake."

A glint flashed in Yun Zhao’s eyes. ’On the lake, eh?’

’A perfect spot.’