After Marrying the Disabled Fourth Prince

Chapter 17

Pei Yuan abruptly opened his eyes. He couldn't recognize the voice, only aware that someone had entered the room. His gaze sharpened, and he prepared to strike with his hand shaped like a knife."Ah!" Pei Yang crouched down, hugging his head, pleading immediately, "Fourth Brother, don't hit me!"Ah Huang was in his arms, and as Pei Yang crouched, Ah Huang was squeezed and stuck his head out, crying out loudly.Pei Yuan came to his senses, recognizing Pei Yang by the jade pendant at his waist, and withdrew his hand.Only then did he notice Pei Yang's attire. Somehow, he had dyed his hair red and was wearing a purple robe embroidered with silver threads, with black boots adorned with two shining gold tassels.He couldn't look more ridiculous.Pei Yuan's head buzzed. He grabbed Pei Yang's collar and lifted him up, whispering harshly in his ear, "Get out, and take that dumb dog with you!""Okay, okay." Pei Yang stood up, not daring to say more, and hurried away with Ah Huang in tow.Their hushed conversation and movements woke Bao Ning.Feeling dizzy and still tired, she rubbed her cheek against the pillow and slowly opened her eyes.It was already late morning, the sun shining brightly. A foot away from her, Pei Yuan was fastening his belt.Bao Ning thought she was seeing things, but after rubbing her eyes, he was still there.She sat up in shock, her long hair sticking to her face, looking both disheveled and comical.Pei Yuan turned to look at her.She seemed much better, though her lips were a bit dry. After examining her for a moment, Pei Yuan was satisfied and pinched her cheek, "You're tough. You got better in one night, impressive."He bent down to put on his shoes, then reached for the teapot, poured a cup of water, and handed it to her, "Drink some water to wake up, then wash your face. You look like a cat."Holding the cup, the cold touch gradually woke Bao Ning, bringing her thoughts back to clarity.She only remembered being sick the night before, with Pei Yuan insisting she drink medicinal wine, which got her drunk and made her talk nonsense, leading to Pei Yuan scolding her....Did they sleep together last night? Although it seemed nothing happened, it still felt awkward.Bao Ning sat there dumbfounded, her mind still foggy, her eyes following Pei Yuan as he adjusted his belt, rolled down his sleeves, and reached for the cane in the corner."Why are you staring at me?" Pei Yuan noticed her gaze and tapped her wrist with his finger, his voice low, "Drink up, then go wash up. We have guests coming today."Bao Ning was puzzled, "What guests?"Before Pei Yuan could answer, a voice from the courtyard shouted, "Brother, why do you have geese in your fence? They're chasing me! I'm going to die! Come save me!"Pei Yuan cursed under his breath and walked out, then turned back to Bao Ning, "Put your clothes on properly before you come out." He said, closing the door behind him....The courtyard was in chaos.To keep chickens, ducks, and geese, Bao Ning had built a fence in the courtyard and set up some simple wooden shelters inside.Who knew what Pei Yang had done to open the fence gate, letting a nosy goose out, which was now chasing Pei Yang, squawking loudly.Pei Yuan scolded angrily, "Why did you provoke it? No guts but always causing trouble. Stop running, the more you run, the more it chases you. Stop and grab its neck!"Pei Yang ran around the yard, "I can't, Brother, I can't. Look how fierce it is!"Pei Yuan shouted, "It's less than a month old, smaller than your foot. Can you calm down? Pei Yang, are you useless?"Seeing Pei Yang becoming more frantic, reaching for a wooden basin under the eaves as a weapon, Pei Yuan's forehead throbbed, "That basin is full of corn bran for feeding chickens. If you spill it, they'll chase you even more! Stand still!"It was too late. Pei Yang had already grabbed the basin and dumped it, covering both himself and the goose in corn bran.Bao Ning usually fed the animals in the morning. Since she was late today, the chickens and ducks were still hungry. Now, smelling the food, they all swarmed out, surrounding Pei Yang, flapping their wings and stirring up dust.Pei Yang jumped around, screaming, "Brother, why do you have chickens, ducks, and even two geese in your yard!""Brother, since when do you love animals so much? Oh my, ahhh!"Ah Huang, excited by the commotion, also rushed in to join the fray. The small yard was instantly filled with chaos, with chickens flying and dogs barking, making a ruckus that could be heard for miles, accompanied by Pei Yang's wails.Pei Yuan, leaning against the wall, watched with a cold expression, ignoring the chaos.When Bao Ning came out after getting ready, Pei Yang's clothes were already torn in several places, looking like a beggar, on the verge of tears.Hearing the door open, he looked over with a pleading gaze.Bao Ning clapped her hands, "Everyone, calm down."The chickens and ducks, hearing her voice, surprisingly quieted down and looked at her.Bao Ning pointed to the fence gate, her voice firm, "Back inside, now. You'll get extra food later. No dinner if you misbehave."Pei Yang watched in amazement as the previously aggressive animals obediently lined up and marched back inside.Bao Ning walked over and closed the gate.Ah Huang shook off the dirt and quietly followed her.Pei Yang was in awe, "Oh my god."Bao Ning, embarrassed, looked back at him.In her haste, she had only washed her face and put up her hair with a simple pin.Recalling the morning's events, Bao Ning realized Pei Yang must have seen her and Pei Yuan sleeping together. Although they were technically married, it was still embarrassing to be seen like that.Pei Yang, oblivious to Bao Ning's embarrassment, only saw her gentle smile and thought she looked more beautiful than any of the concubines in the palace.Pei Yang complimented her, "You're glowing, like a fairy."Pei Yuan had silently walked up behind him and kicked him, "You're like an idiot."Pei Yuan's face darkened, "Come inside."Pei Yang "oh"ed, waved at Bao Ning, and followed Pei Yuan inside.Before entering, he leaned on the doorframe and peeked out, "I brought some food, let's eat together later." He was pulled inside by Pei Yuan.Bao Ning stood there in a daze. She recognized him now; it was Pei Yang, the fifth prince.The fifth prince was truly... unique.Looking around at the now chaotic courtyard, Bao Ning sighed and resigned herself to cleaning up....Inside, Pei Yuan sat on a chair, while Pei Yang stood a step away with his head down.Pei Yuan asked, "Why did you barge in without knocking?""I knocked." Pei Yang felt aggrieved, "You didn't hear, so I came in. I didn't expect sister-in-law to be there. I just said one thing, and you woke up and wanted to hit me."He called her "sister-in-law," and Pei Yuan felt much better hearing that, "Hmm," he said, "Next time, knock, and don't come in without permission."Pei Yang replied, "Got it."He was always obedient around Pei Yuan. Pei Yuan was six years older and a dependable brother. Pei Yang had learned martial arts from Pei Yuan, and during a hunting trip, Pei Yuan had saved him from a wolf. Pei Yang had always relied on and trusted him."Forget it." Pei Yuan stopped talking about it and ruffled Pei Yang's hair, frowning, "What's with this hair? Red and black, it looks terrible."Pei Yang proudly said, "It's not ugly. I used balsam flowers to dye it, like how you dye nails. Do you know about it, Brother?""No." Pei Yuan beckoned him over, "Sit down."Pei Yuan was always somewhat strict and stern with Pei Yang. When Pei Yuan spoke, Pei Yang dared not disobey.Seeing Pei Yuan's expression, Pei Yang knew he wasn't joking anymore and was about to discuss serious matters."Why haven't you come over recently?" Pei Yuan asked, "Did something happen in the palace?"Pei Yang bit his lip, "Father made Third Brother the crown prince."Pei Xiao. As expected.Pei Yuan's eyes darkened, avoiding the topic, "How's the Empress?""Not well." Pei Yang shook his head, "Since Eldest Brother disappeared, the Empress has been bedridden, and she's been talking nonsense more often. The imperial physicians can't diagnose her illness." He paused, then added, "Now the imperial seal is with Noble Consort Gao, overseeing the six palaces."Noble Consort Gao was Pei Xiao's mother.Pei Yuan rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, his eyes deepening, "How is your mother?"Pei Yang was a bit confused. "My mother is doing fine.""Mm." Pei Yuan nodded. "Be careful of everything in the palace." With that, he said no more.Pei Yang was thirteen this year, with two more years until he turned fifteen. As long as the Emperor could hold on for those two years, Pei Yang could be granted a title and take his mother, Noble Consort Zhao, to their fiefdom, living a carefree life as a leisurely prince.In his heart, Pei Yuan did not want Pei Yang to be exposed to too much political dirtiness. He was still young, growing up amidst countless pampering and care, and his purity was rare. Pei Yuan hoped he could stay this way forever.Power could devour a person's heart, and kind people would fall into suffering because of it. He didn't want to see Pei Yang go through that.Pei Yuan suddenly thought of Bao Ning. She was very much like Pei Yang, born in the mud yet possessing a heart untainted by filth, clean and clear, making people want to protect her.Such a Bao Ning should not fall into the dust. She should always be as she was now, cherished and loved.Pei Yang watched as Pei Yuan sat there in a daze.After a while, Pei Yuan waved his hand. "Go on out."Pei Yang was more than eager, quickly slipping out the door, only to find Bao Ning waiting for him at the entrance."Fifth Prince," Bao Ning called softly, afraid Pei Yuan would hear, "could you lend me your carriage later?"