TCN: Mei Gongqing

Chapter 162: Two Gifts

Chapter 162: Two Gifts

Wang Hong was still looking at her quietly.

At last, he dropped his gaze and sighed, "Ah Rong." Sounding somewhat rueful, he looked outside as he said, "When I promised to make you my concubine, I..." His throat felt dry. "It wasn't because you risked your life in Mo'yang with me."

His hands slowly extended to weigh on her shoulders. At the moment he touched her, Chen Rong could feel that his hands were shaking.

"I really truly like you, Ah Rong. I really don't want you to be someone else's wife."

As if he didn't know how to continue, his eyes averted outside the window. His ever elegant face was now somewhat discomposed.

Chen Rong fluttered a glance at him and then retreated to the back.

She had scarcely moved before his hold on her shoulders tightened, so that she could only stand opposite him to look at him like this.

She couldn't move, so she didn't.

She obligingly rested in his arms, quiet and peaceful.

At this time, the setting sunset spread its golden light through the screens and onto their hair and robes.

Time had ceased to flow.

Wang Hong continued to hold Chen Rong's shoulders while his eyes stared off into the distance. At long last he recovered from this state to say: "Ah Rong, no woman has ever held the Grand Chamberlain title, let alone a nun. Even if you accept His Majesty's edict, no one will take it seriously."

"I know," came her reply.

Wang Hong's hand wavered between moving up and staying put. Slowly, it gently tipped her face so that he could look at her. His throat bobbed again as he said, "The Sima family is casual in their conducts... When you are with him you must watch your words and actions. Better he scold you than making a mistake."

"Aye."

He caressed her hair and added after some thought: "The Grand Chamberlain is a courtier title. If His Majesty calls for you, go and see him. If he doesn't, you may sleep in, or have a chat with other people. If others talk about the current affairs or the war in Nan'yang and Mo'yang, you should change the subject to discuss scenery, music, or even the trends in fashion, but you must never speak imprudence."

This was a earnest reminder.

In his arms, Chen Rong momentarily lapsed into a daydream:This aristocrat who is holding me in his arms, this Wang House of Lang'ya heir who is more admired than the emperor, the most famous nobleman of them all... might actually love me. What an absolutely wonderful illusion.

She closed her eyes, lips tugging into a smile.

But even she smiled, her expression was still one of coolness and calm.

Wang Hong bowed his head.

He held her face in both hands and looked down at her.

"You have a unique identity. Now that you are appointed Grand Chamberlain, public attention cannot be avoided. I can't explain everything clearly in such a short time."

He took the sachet from his belt and wore it on her.

Chen Rong looked at the sachet wondering, "You gave me one before."

"This is different from the previous one. I've worn this sachet since I was twelve; my people will all recognize it. Wear it when you go to the palace from now on. If anything happens someone will come to your aid."