Chapter 246 "Thorny Words"

Before leaving the Li residence, Gao Ziang hoped that Wanning would decisively cut off her connections with the palace, but she did not. He cared so much about her and even said words that would make him leave, so he left in a fit of anger. He himself knows that what he said contains angry words.
He firmly believes that Wanniang is the person who will accompany him throughout his life, so how could he easily change? The reason he is so angry is because the Emperor has caused him a great sense of crisis. He is tired of explaining to Wanning and hopes to cut the Gordian knot. But Wanning just can't do it.
No matter how Wanhemeimei provoked herself in the past, she would never truly get angry. But now, when she is genuinely upset, she remains indifferent. Does she really not care about her own feelings? The more he thinks about it, the angrier he gets.
That evening, as the sun had just set and the sky hadn't turned dark yet, he and his adopted son came to the Qin Fang Pavilion again. He booked a private room for themselves and asked for the service of a girl named Zhu Yun, without calling any other person.
At this moment, Zhujun was dressing up. She didn't want to keep the guest waiting too long, so she unconsciously sped up, especially because the person she longed for was coming.
Inside the elegant room, Gao Ziang poured himself a glass of wine.
The attendant by his side, Yier, looked at him with a hint of fear and said, "Young master, I don't quite understand your taste. That Zhuyun lacks knowledge, talent, and character. She can never compare to Miss Wanning in terms of beauty. She may still be frivolous and immature, pretending to be pitifully innocent in order to win your affection. Yet you fall for her tricks. She's clearly after your wealth. Miss Wanning doesn't bother to argue with her, displaying a virtuous and gentle demeanor. She deserves your lifelong care and protection."
High Zi'ang's face sank and he said, "If you can't stand it, then leave!" He took a sip of wine and continued, "I don't need you to serve me. Constantly whispering in my ear, when will you stop?"
"Young master!"
High Zi'ang cast a look of even greater disgust and fierceness, causing Yier to shudder. Yier understood that even if he was speaking the truth, it would be seen as belittling in the young master's eyes. Continuing to speak might very well backfire.
In the face of the young master, Yi'er could only bow down and say, "If you tell Yi'er to get lost, then Yi'er will go. But, young master,..." The words were on the tip of Yi'er's tongue, but he forced himself to swallow them. He felt that if he didn't say anything, the young master might not listen and would go against him even more. In a little while, Zhuyun would come, and the two of them would simply drink some wine. If the young master were to stay overnight at Qingfang Pavilion tonight, it would not be good. This time, Yi'er wouldn't be able to find reinforcements everywhere. He could only tell the old master that this was what the young master brought upon himself.
He plans to go back to the manor first. If the young master doesn't come back by then, he will definitely go and tell the master.
"Young master, it's good for you to hang out here and relax." He hastily finished the unfinished sentence, and then left.
Just out of the room, I turned the corner and bumped into Zhujun.
Both of us had no intention of talking, but when we were about to pass each other, Yier said, "Young Master indulges in luxurious living occasionally, it's inevitable that he may act a bit spoiled. Don't be fooled by it, Zhujun. I advise you not to dream anymore; his heart has always belonged to someone else."
"Are you talking about Li Wanning? So what? Isn't he coming to see me now? And soon, I'll be the only one accompanying him, maybe even in my room." Zhu Yun looked smug, took a couple of steps, and stopped to say, "Hmph! You're just a servant, daring to offend me. One day, when he takes me as his concubine, I won't need your good days!"
It's too early for Zhujun to have this dream, right? Yier knows the Young Master better. The Young Master appears to be a playboy, but it's all because of his feelings for Miss Wan. He would never take her as a concubine.
"Marry you as my concubine? Hmph!" Yier scoffed disdainfully. Then she left without even looking back, leaving the Qinfang Pavilion behind.
Zhujun entered the elegant room and saw Gao Ziang drinking alone. As she approached him, she said, "Young Master, why are you drinking by yourself? You didn't even wait for me."
"Gao Ziang raised his head and looked at Zhu Yun, who was slowly approaching, and said gently, 'Zhu Yun, come and accompany me.'"
"Aren't you already here?" Zhu Yun sat down next to Gao Ziang and poured herself a drink. "Here, young master, I toast to you."
Gao Ziang raised his glass with a smile and drank a toast passionately.
"Master, let me pour you a drink." She filled both their glasses, "I was so happy when you came to find me."
Gao Ziang stretched out his hand and embraced Zhu Yun. He gently handed her a glass of wine.
Zhu Yun laughed lightly and tasted the wine with relish. After finishing the glass, Zhu Yun slowly reached up and caressed his neck, giving him a light kiss on the cheek, not wanting to leave for a long time.
Gao Ziang lowered his head slightly, and after a moment, his deep voice sounded: "Zhu Jun, dance a dance for me."
Zhu Jun was very confident in her dance, smiled and answered: "Yes."
She got up, with her graceful curves on full display.
Zhuyun's dance moves were delicate and graceful, flowing effortlessly. Without any accompanying silk and bamboo instruments or orchestration, it was clear that her skills were solid. Her singing and dancing could indeed be considered exceptional.
The silk dress floats, looking particularly pleasing under the night lamp. Gao Ziang gazes at Zhu Jun's light, dancing steps, intoxicated by the alcohol.
Zhu Jun returns to Gao Ziang's side once again and softly says, "The most beautiful dance moves in my life are only dedicated to you, Young Master."
He smiled faintly, and Zhuyun seemed already satisfied.
After a moment, she stood up and took his hand, "Young Master, come with me."
Gao Ziang guessed that Zhuyun might want to invite him to her room, but his heavy body showed no intention of getting up.
Zhu Jun saw through his thoughts: "Young Master, don't worry. I know you won't be staying in my room for the night, and besides, it's still early. Zhu Jun just needs a favor from you."
"What's the matter?"
"You will know when you come with me."
Zhujun brought Gao Ziang into her room and placed a pile of embroidery tools in front of him, saying, "I would like to ask Young Master to tattoo a 'Gao' character on Zhujun's back."
"Zhu Jun, why do you have to do this? I am not worthy of you--"
Zhu Jun covers his lips with her hand: "I am willing to do this. How could you not be worthy? If you are not worthy, then no one in this world is worthy. Master, you may not like me, but you cannot stop me from liking you. I just hope that the words are pierced by your own hand. Can't you fulfill this small wish for me?"
Gao Zi'ang still hesitated.
Zhu Jun continued to persuade him: "Originally, two people who share the same feelings would embroider each other's surnames on their bodies. I can't bear to see you hurt your body, of course, I know that I am not worthy of your liking, let alone love. With my identity, I don't even dare to think that you would like me, knowing that I am simply not deserving of you. No matter how you say it, it's all wishful thinking, but I just hope that one day, Zhu Jun's name can appear in your heart. At this moment, I have a dream, and I am also happy."
After speaking, Zhu Yun didn't plan to discuss with him anymore. She pulled down her shawl, revealing her snow-white and smooth back, and without saying a word, she lay on the bed.
Gao Ziang pondered for a moment. In order not to disappoint her, he had no choice but to follow her lead. He took the needle, heated it on the candle, and then dipped it in color. As he made the first stitch, he immediately raised his hand and asked, "Does it hurt?"
Zhujun replied, "Young master, it doesn't hurt. You can freely prick, it's not the first time I'm embroidering on my body." In fact, when the first needle was pricked, that piercing pain had already spread throughout the body.
Gao Ziang knew she was just enduring it. He wrote the character "Gao" stroke by stroke, carefully and neatly, enduring to finish it, fortunately the strokes were not too many.
Throughout the process, Zhu Jun even if it hurt, didn't make a sound.