Who would put a green hat on themselves? - Chapter 14

As soon as Shi Miao left the Grand Princess’s sight, she immediately sent a message to Yun Qing through the hidden guards.

Upon receiving the information, Yun Qing abandoned his current duties and hurried to Xieyu Pavilion directly opposite the ferry.

Entering the best private room with the best view in Xieyu Pavilion, he stood by the window, unwavering, his gaze fixed on the ferry terminal, as steady as a pillar, unmoved even by a dragon’s upheaval.

He resembled a stone statue longing for his wife.

The oppressive atmosphere he radiated made his attendant, Mo Lie, shrink like a quail, too afraid to utter a word.

Yun Qing’s sharp, dark eyes, like a hawk, remained fixed on the young woman riding towards the Upper East City until she disappeared from view. He did not shift his gaze, standing still as the air in the room grew tense.

“Do these young women only like such effeminate men?” 

After about a quarter of an hour, Yun Qing finally spoke, his voice as cold as ice, yet with a hint of lingering resentment.

It was unclear whether he was speaking to himself or actually seeking Mo Lie’s opinion, but Mo Lie, who knew Yun Qing’s temperament well, dared not respond.

Mo Lie, originally one of Yun Qing’s secret guards and born into the Yun County Wang family, had been trained as an assassin since birth. He followed Yun Qing into battles, earning military merits, and had become a fourth-rank military officer.

In the capital, a fourth-rank official was not uncommon, but outside the city, such a position was prestigious. Yet, Mo Lie chose to stay by Yun Qing’s side as a secret guard.

“Did you hear me?” Yun Qing’s voice remained as cold as frost. To Mo Lie, it was clear that a storm was brewing.

Mo Lie, loyal and willing to serve Yun Qing, was reluctant to answer such questions but had no choice but to respond, “Effeminate men lack vigor and are inferior to the heir.”

Such questions were not meant to be answered seriously.

If asked, he would say that the young ladies of the capital prefer these cultured young masters over the brutal generals like Yun Qing. This preference was deep-rooted in the culture of the Wei Kingdom, which valued literature over martial prowess. Even after the new emperor’s accession, who placed emphasis on military officials, it would not change the inclination of women who preferred literary men.

Yes, young women now liked such effeminate men, but could he say that out loud?

Mo Lie wanted to ask, “Does the master not have any self-awareness?” But he did not dare to provoke Yun Qing.

“Do young ladies really have to get married?” Yun Qing posed another difficult question.

Since Yun Qing realized his unusual feelings for Yun Yue, he had been struggling to suppress them. However, such feelings could not be hidden. The more he resisted, the stronger the emotions became.

Finally, unable to control it any longer, he chose to seize and fulfill his deepest desires.

It was not surprising that things had reached this point; he was never one to compromise himself.

“From a worldly perspective, indeed, men should marry when they grow up and women should marry when they come of age,” Mo Lie replied cautiously, fearing that his response might upset Yun Qing further.

Men could pursue achievements without marrying by twenty and not be criticized, but young women were a different story. As they aged, families rushed to find them matches, fearing that if they waited too long, the good prospects would be taken.

If a woman did not marry and became an old maid, she would face public scorn, and her family would be shamed along with her.

In noble families, it was even more pronounced—honor and disgrace were shared.

Even if a family cherished their daughter and wanted to keep her a few more years, marriage arrangements were still made in advance.

Mo Lie could sense that Yun Qing was clearly affected by his answer. Not wanting to further provoke his master, he quickly tried to shift the topic.

“General, should we send someone to capture Miss San?” Mo Lie, trained as an assassin, thought that capturing Yun Yue might calm Yun Qing’s anger.

“Capture her? No, continue to follow her. I want to see how far she can escape.”

In truth, Mo Lie’s suggestion made sense, and Yun Qing understood it well. However, understanding did not mean agreement.

He was determined to have Yun Yue no matter what. No one could stop him. Even if he had to die, he would take her with him. The very thought of her trying to escape made her bold and foolish in his eyes. In the capital, where his spies were everywhere, he feared that news of her escape would reach him almost immediately.

Yun Qing was curious about what method Yun Yue would use to flee from him.

If she were too foolish, he would punish her even more harshly.

He had once considered that perhaps he would make Yun Yue disappear in the capital, then set up a small residence in the suburbs, put her in a golden cage, and break her wings, keeping her caged within.

In their own little world, she would not need clothes, only to spread her legs, serve him day and night, and bear his children.

He was reluctant to do so, but if she insisted on her own way, he would not hesitate to make his darkest thoughts a reality.