The Emperor Chases His Wife

Chapter XX

CHAPTER XX: Thousand-Bone Physique

Che had always been the one to invite the women whenever they stayed late at the tea house, and even then, not a single one of them was allowed to touch Liuyun.

Imagine his surprise when he bumped into Lei – who Liuyun had dismissed while Nian was lost in admiring the garden – and asked about Liuyun's whereabouts, only to learn that he had company.

And not just any company.

A girl.

Che hadn't beloved it and had hurried over to see it for himself. Only when he spotted the skinny girl in a grey fur coat did he believe Lei's words.

He took that moment to turn to the girl and after a quick glance at her facial features, he recognized her as the Crown Prince's ex fiancée.

Why did Liuyun bring her here?

Being the ever graceful host that he usually was when important guests came to the tea house, Che tucked his fan into his belt and a warm smile grew on his face. "Since you're here I take it Liuyun has invited you as a guest. Please, this way. Come have a seat."

Nian opened her mouth to protest but Liuyun cocked his head in the direction Che was motioning, meaning for her to take Che up on his offer.

She gave Che a small smile. "Thank you for having me."

Nian headed in the direction Che was ushering her in. Che was a little taken aback but her pleasantness. In the Lintian Hall, Nian had defined herself as a strong girl who wouldn't take a beating from anyone, not even the Crown Prince himself.

It seemed that even thought her tongue was sharp she was pleasant when she was in a good mood.

Nian parted the hanging branches of the willow trees and entered the space. Near the bark of the willow tree, a small jade table and a few cushions had been set up with an upturned tea set on the table.

"You have a lovely place Zhuzi Zing." Nian's voice was pleasant as she took a seat at the table.

Che gave her a warm smile. "I'm glad you like it."

Suddenly the air grew cold and Che felt a shocking feeling coming from behind him. Even without turning around, he knew Liuyun was displeased with his actions. Nian was unaware of what was happening as she picked up a tea cup and a small saucer and placed it before herself.

With a cold shiver running down his spine, Che quickly picked up a menu from under the table, placing it on the table before Nian, instructing her to pick any tea she pleased and taking her order before scurrying off. A second longer and Liuyun wouldn't hesitate to shock his soul out of his body.

After Che had left, Liuyun took a seat on the opposite side of the table, his movements elegant and graceful.

Nian waited until he had settled himself before cutting to the chase. "Why did you call me here? You didn't call me here just to drink tea, did you?"

"Maybe this king did, maybe this king didn't." Liuyun smirked and leaned forward on the table and stapled his fingers under his chin. "Are you a fan of tea?"

"Not really. I haven't tied much tea outside of the basic ones." Nian shook her head. Liuyun tilted his head slightly. She was the Great Merchant's daughter. Her father was a merchant who worked between the four continents and he was exposed to several tea flavors.

They obviously weren't as exotic as the ones in Moonlight Tea Garden but Nian should have tasted a few refined flavors in her life. How come she didn't taste anything other than the basics?

Nian quizzically looked at Liuyun as he pinched his thumb and index finger together, slowly rubbing it together. A faint blue glow appeared before it quickly disappeared and Liuyun looked back up at her.

"What did you do?" She was generally curious about martial arts since she couldn't practice any herself.

"I sent a Direct Audio Spell to Che asking him to bring over some milk tea flavors for you to try." Liuyun charming voice carried a hint of playfulness. "Maybe you'll like something."

Nian was open to the idea of trying something new. Since she didn't get out of the manor much, her knowledge was really limited. Since Liuyun was willing to let her try some exotic tea, how could she let such an opportunity pass by?

She was about to say something about the tea when a thought struck her. Did Liuyun really invite her here to taste tea?

"Liuyun, why did you send a messenger to get me?" If he really wanted her to taste tea, couldn't he bring it to her?

"Really, clever girls are no fun." He sighed. Although he did not want to tell her that the real reason he brought her to the tea house was to spend time to her, he slightly avoided the main reason and gave her the second reason. His grey eyes became serious. "Girl, tell me, recently, do you often get a sharp pain in your lower back?"

Nian rarely saw his serious expression and when she did she knew it was a matter of grave importance. What's going on? She was still not used to such an abrupt shift in his personality. She nodded her head and answered. "Sometimes."

Liuyun had a complicated expression on his face. Sometimes the pain was so much she had a hard time falling asleep. But how did Liuyun know this?

"What's wrong? Am I sick?" Nian was well aware that she was a sickly person. If she exerted herself too much, she could collapse or catch a fever. Now that Liuyun had brought up the pains in her back, she was worried she had some disease.

Liuyun shook his head in a 'no' motion and a little relief filled her but it was not much. Then, what exactly is happening to her body? Liuyun tapped his finger on his chin as he stared out in the distance. Nian figured he was thinking of the best way to give her the bad news.

"Just tell me –"

"Have you ever heard of a Thousand-Bone Physique?"

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Zhuzi- the owner or master of a residence.