An hour had passed since they made their way to Zhengzhou. In that span of time, Yu Mei would not speak a word to Pei Nan. This was driving him crazy. All he did was play a little trick on her. Why was she so mad at him.
The atmosphere outside the carriage wasn't doing too well neither. Chu'mei was already bickering like crazy with Feng Ju. The sitting area was rather tight. They had no choice but to sit close to one another. Every time Feng Ju had to raise his arm to move the rein, his arm would slightly brush her arm. He would get an earful from the annoyed Chu'mei.
Feng Ju pulled the rein on the horse again, his arm hitting hers for the sixth time. Or so he thought. Chu'mei turned her head, gave him a death glare and roughly pushed his arm away. "Feng Ju! You pervert. Stop taking advantage of me." She quietly spoke, afraid to alert her lady and his highness.
A playful smirk appeared on his lips. "Take advantage of you? Why would I do that in front of other people." He leaned closer to her. "Don't tell me you get turned on when other people are watching. Tsk tsk." He shook his head disapprovingly. "Which man will be unlucky to marry you."
Chu'mei's jaw almost dropped to the ground. She lightly punched his arms a few more times. "Feng Ju you dirty minded person. Your mind is always filled with dirty things. Unlucky to marry me? What about your future wife? She might die from anger first."
He quickly placed both reins in his hand and grabbed one of her wrist with the freed hand. He pulled her closer in.
Chu'mei became flustered.
"If you hit me one more time, I'll really kiss you in front of his highness and Consort Pan. Then you'll be my unlucky wife who might die from anger." He threatened.
Chu'mei felt her cheeks burn from embarrassment and anger. She pictured him kissing her again. "Fine! But you better not touch me again." She sulked before turning her head away to look at the trees, trying to do whatever it took to distract herself. Who says she would marry him. Even if he got on both knees, she wouldn't.
Back in the carriage, Pei Nan was not making any progress. Why was it so hard to coax a girl, he thought. But then again, this was something he has never had to do before. It was always women who clung onto him, whether it was for power or money. This was much more difficult than being in battle. In fact, he much preferred to fight an army single handed than to coax his wife.
Why in the world was she still so mad? It's not like he really kidnapped her. A woman's mind was truly too complex for him.
What he didn't know was that she stopped feeling angry with him long ago. Instead she was still feeling embarrassed for referring to herself as his beloved consort. That was the silliest lie she ever spouted. He was probably making fun of her right now, she imagined. How could she face him.
Pei Nan cleared his throat.
"Aren't you curious as to why I brought you along to Zhengzhou?" He questioned.
Of course she was curious. Well…at least her eyes were.
"I wanted to show you my favorite place." He honestly spoke.
"Favorite place?" Yu Mei's interest tripled. When she caught herself speaking to him, she pretended as if she didn't care.
"I was only a young boy when my father took me to Zhengzhou. This was the very place I got lost at." He chuckled when he thought about it.
Yu Mei frowned. [That was it? That was your story? Why in the hell was I curious for.] She secretly complained. Yu Mei placed both her hands in her laps and sat up straight. She too cleared her throat. "Your highness, if you were just going to tell me a very uninteresting story, you shouldn't have said anything." She emphasized the word uninteresting.
He arched his brow.
"You didn't look curious. I thought you didn't want to hear." He replied.
"Well…I'm not curious. But since you've already mentioned it, go on." She started to become flustered. Pei Nan was satisfied with her answer. He casually leaned back and continued. "You should know I was a really mischievous kid. My father was visiting the town magistrate and I snuck out one day. Who knew the city was so big that I actually got lost. I used up all the allowances I had on me for food. The food is really delicious." He said.
"We're going to get food?" Yu Mei's eyes widened in excitement.
"No. We're going to go visit my savior." He killed what little excitement she had.
Yu Mei didn't feel too dejected. Even if he prohibited her from eating, she could always find a way to get food. What she was more curious was about his childhood. "You...mischievous? I don't believe it." she scoffed.
This time it was Pei Nan who sighed deeply. "I really was a naughty child. To be honest, that was the last I could remember being that carefree. If I could, I might have wished to never be found." He closed his eyes and recalled his young days. To be a prince, be the example to the country, not show any signs of weakness and bear the responsibility of the nation. Was the sacrifice really worth it? To lose oneself while trying to gain the heart and respect of the nation? Being a prince was really too burdensome.
Yu Mei's heart skipped a beat for a moment. What was with this mood, she thought. She didn't like this side of him. She preferred the grumpy Prince Nan over this disheartened Prince. For the first time, she felt his pain. What heavy burdens did he carry? And why did she not know what to say to him. Awkwardness and silence filled the carriage.
Not long later, they arrived on the country side of the city where a large house made of earth and wood stood. A large fence was built around as small trees covered the left and right of the house. The house wasn't grand but big enough to fit a large group of people.
Pei Nan helped Yu Mei out of the carriage. Yu Mei's first thought was to compliment on how serene and cozy the place looked. Then she noticed the three wooden tables and six benches outside. She could assume many people lived here. She couldn't blame them; it was a beautiful place in the countryside. This quietness was soon replaced by laughter and screams as tens of boys and girls came rushing out of the house.
"Big brother Nan!" Kids ranging from 5 to 13 called out repeatedly. All their little hands reached out to grab hold of Pei Nan. Many of them clung onto his legs as they could only reach so much.
The shocked Yu Mei couldn't help but be startled at the sight. She took a step backwards to give them space as she observed the scene.
It was as if her eyes were playing tricks on her; Pei Nan picked up a little girl with piggy tails up. His smile was bright as he lifted her up in the air. The little girl's giggle somehow made Yu Mei's heart melt.
"Me next! Me next!" shouted all the kids as they tugged at his pant.
"Calm down little ones. There's only one of me and tens of you. Wait in line." He patiently told them. The kids immediately stopped complaining and stood there waiting for their turn.
The sound of giggling could be heard for countless minutes as Yu Mei stared at her husband. Who was this person? Why was he so playful? So gentle? And so carefree?
Is this my husband?
Baffled. The only word to describe her feelings. Even then, her eyes did not stray away. Who knows when a slight curve had appeared on her rosy lips.