After Marrying the Disabled Prince (BG) - Chapter 17: Pei Yang

Pei Yuan abruptly opened his eyes. He couldn’t tell who was in front of him, only that someone had barged into the room. His gaze turned sharp as he raised his hand like a blade, ready to strike.

“Ah!” Pei Yang crouched down, hugging his head and immediately begging for mercy. “Fourth Brother, don’t hit me!”

Ah Huang, who had been nestled in Pei Yang’s arms, was squeezed in the process. The dog stuck out its head and let out a hoarse, desperate wail.

Pei Yuan snapped back to his senses and recognized the jade pendant hanging from Pei Yang’s waist. He withdrew his hand.

Only then did he take notice of Pei Yang’s ridiculous attire. Somehow, his hair had been dyed bright red, he was dressed in a purple robe embroidered with silver threads, and his black boots were adorned with two shiny golden tassels.

As ugly as one could possibly be.

A buzzing noise filled Pei Yuan’s ears. He grabbed Pei Yang by the collar, lifted him slightly, and growled in a low voice, “Get out. And take that stupid dog with you!”

“O-okay, okay!” Pei Yang scrambled to his feet, not daring to say another word, and dragged Ah Huang away.

Their hushed murmurs and rustling movements woke Bao Ning.

She felt dizzy and hadn’t gotten enough sleep. With her cheek pressed against the pillow, she rubbed against it sluggishly before slowly opening her eyes.

By the time the sun was high in the sky, shining brightly, Pei Yuan was standing about a foot away, lowering his head to fasten his belt.

Bao Ning thought her eyes were playing tricks, but after rubbing them, he was still there.

Shocked, she sat up abruptly, her long hair sticking to her face messily and comically.

Pei Yuan turned his head to look at her.

Her complexion seemed much better, though her lips were a bit dry. After observing her for a moment, Pei Yuan seemed satisfied. He reached out and pinched her cheek. “Not bad, your constitution’s strong—you recovered overnight. That’s impressive.”

He bent down to put on his shoes, stretched his arm to grab the teapot, and poured a cup of water into it before handing it to her. “Drink some water to wake up, then wash your face. You look like a smudged cat.”

Bao Ning held the cup, and the cold touch gradually brought her back to full consciousness.

She only remembered being sick last night, Pei Yuan forcing her to drink medicinal wine, getting drunk, spouting nonsense, and then him scolding her.

…Did they sleep in the same room all night? Nothing seemed to have happened, but it still felt awkward.

She sat there dazed, her mind still sluggish, following Pei Yuan’s movements with her eyes as he adjusted his belt again, rolled down his sleeves, and reached for the cane resting in the corner.

“Why are you staring at me?” Pei Yuan noticed her gaze, turned around, and tapped her wrist with his finger. His voice was deep. “Hurry up and drink, then wash up. We have guests coming today.”

Bao Ning blinked in confusion. “What guests?”

Before Pei Yuan could reply, a loud wail came from the courtyard.

“Brother! Brother, why is there a goose in your yard? It’s chasing me—I’m going to die! Come save me!”

Pei Yuan cursed under his breath and walked out. After taking a few steps, he turned back to glance at Bao Ning. “Make sure you’re properly dressed before coming out.” With that, he left, closing the door behind him.

….

The courtyard was in chaos.

To keep the chickens, ducks, and geese contained, Bao Ning had built a fence around a section of the yard, with a few small wooden shelters inside.

Somehow, Pei Yang had managed to open the gate, letting a particularly nosy goose wander out. It was now chasing after him, honking loudly while pecking at his backside.

Pei Yuan, leaning against the wall with an expression of utter disappointment at him. “Why did you provoke it? You have no guts and still go looking for trouble. Stop running! The more you run, the more it’ll chase you. Just turn around and grab its neck!”

Pei Yang howled as he dashed around the yard. “I can’t, Brother! I can’t! Look how fierce it is!”

Pei Yuan shouted, “It’s not even a month old! It’s smaller than your foot! Can you calm down for once? Pei Yang, are you a complete waste of space?”

Panicking, Pei Yang tried to grab a wooden basin from under the eaves, hoping to use it as a weapon.

Pei Yuan’s temples throbbed. “That basin is full of corn husks for the chickens! If you spill it, they’ll chase you even more! Stay put!”

Too late. Pei Yang had already flung the basin, dumping its contents all over the goose—and himself.

Bao Ning usually fed the animals in the morning, but since she had woken up late today, the chickens and ducks were still hungry. Now, catching the scent of food, they surged out of the enclosure one after another, swarming around Pei Yang in a flurry of flapping wings and scrambling feet. The dust they kicked up filled the air.

Pei Yang jumped around, screeching, “Brother! Why do you have chickens? And ducks? Oh my god, there are two geese!”

“Brother, when did you become an animal lover? My dear heavens, ahhhh!”

Ah Huang, who had been watching from the side, suddenly got excited. Eyes shining, the dog dashed into the fray, joining the chaos.

The small courtyard instantly became a battlefield of flailing wings, barking, and hysterical screams. The commotion was loud enough to be heard miles away.

Pei Yuan, completely unbothered, leaned against the wall with a cold expression, making no move to help.

By the time Bao Ning came out, Pei Yang’s clothes were riddled with holes. He was covered in dirt, looking like a beggar, on the verge of tears.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, she looked over hopefully.

Bao Ning clapped her hands. “Enough, settle down.”

Surprisingly, the chickens and ducks quieted upon hearing her voice, standing still and turning to look at her.

Bao Ning pointed at the fence gate and spoke in a calm but firm voice. “Get inside now. There’ll be extra food later, but if you don’t listen, no dinner tonight.”

Pei Yang watched in shock as the little creatures that had just been baring their fangs and claws at him suddenly seemed hypnotized. Obediently, they lined up, shaking their heads and wagging their tails as they walked into the enclosure.

Bao Ning walked over and shut the fence gate.

Ah Huang shook off the dirt from its body and silently followed behind her.

Pei Yang was in disbelief. “Oh my god.”

Bao Ning rested her hand on the fence and turned back to look at him, a little embarrassed.

In her rush to get up, she had only washed her face, leaving her features bare without any makeup. Her hair was simply tied up with a plain hairpin.

Recalling what had happened in the morning, Bao Ning realized Pei Yang must have barged into the house and seen her sleeping alongside Pei Yuan. Even though they were married in name, being caught in such a situation by an outsider was still quite embarrassing.

Pei Yang, however, was oblivious to her awkwardness. He only saw Bao Ning standing there, smiling gently, looking more beautiful than any of the concubines in the palace.

“You’re glowing like a fairy,” Pei Yang praised her.

Before Bao Ning could react, Pei Yuan had somehow appeared beside him and kicked him squarely in the backside. “You look like an idiot.”

Pei Yuan’s expression was not pleasant. “Come inside with me.”

Pei Yang let out an “Oh,” waved at Bao Ning, and followed Pei Yuan into the house.

Just before stepping in, he leaned against the doorframe and peeked out. “I brought some good food. Let’s eat together later!” Then, he was yanked inside by Pei Yuan, who grabbed him by the collar.

Bao Ning stood there in a daze.

She had recognized him—Pei Yang, the fifth prince of the current emperor.

This fifth prince was… truly one of a kind.

Glancing around at the messy courtyard, Bao Ning sighed in resignation and got to work cleaning up.

….

Inside the house, Pei Yuan sat on a stool while Pei Yang stood a step away, head lowered.

Pei Yuan asked, “Why did you barge in without knocking?”

“I did knock,” Pei Yang said, feeling wronged. “You didn’t hear it, so I went in. I didn’t expect my sister-in-law to be there. I barely got a word out before you woke up and started hitting me.”

Hearing him call her “sister-in-law,” Pei Yuan felt a little more at ease. He let out a neutral “Hmm” and said, “Next time, knock and wait. Don’t come in without permission.”

“Got it,” Pei Yang replied.

In front of Pei Yuan, he had always been obedient. Pei Yuan was six years older than him and had always been a reliable older brother.

Pei Yuan taught him martial arts. During a hunting trip, Pei Yang was almost killed by a wild wolf, but Pei Yuan saved his life. Since childhood, Pei Yang had relied on and trusted him.

“Forget it,” Pei Yuan said, no longer pressing the issue. He reached out and ruffled Pei Yang’s hair, frowning. “What’s with this color? It’s neither red nor black. It looks awful.”

Pei Yang, however, seemed proud. “It’s not ugly! I dyed it with balsam flowers—the same thing used to dye nails. Do you know about it, brother?”

“No,” Pei Yuan replied, motioning for him to sit down.

Pei Yang understood that Pei Yuan was no longer in the mood for small talk. His expression had shifted—he was going to discuss serious matters.

“You haven’t visited in a while,” Pei Yuan said, watching him closely. “Did something happen in the palace?”

Pei Yang pressed his lips together. “Father has named Third Brother as the crown prince.”

Pei Xiao… As expected…

Pei Yuan’s gaze darkened, but he didn’t comment on the matter. Instead, he asked, “How is Her Majesty the Empress?”

“Not well.” Pei Yang shook his head. “Ever since Eldest Brother went missing, she has been bedridden. She talks nonsense more often now, and the imperial physicians can’t diagnose her illness.” After a pause, he added, “The phoenix seal is now in Noble Consort Gao’s hands—she oversees the harem.”

Noble Consort Gao was Pei Xiao’s mother.

Pei Yuan rubbed his fingers together, his expression deepening. “What about your mother?”

Pei Yang looked a little confused. “My mother is doing quite well.”

“Hmm.” Pei Yuan nodded. “Be careful in the palace.” He stopped there and said no more.

Pei Yang was thirteen this year. In two years, when he turned fifteen, as long as His Majesty could hold on until then, he would be granted a royal title and could take his mother, Consort Zhao, to their fief, living a free and leisurely life as a minor prince.

Deep down, Pei Yuan didn’t want Pei Yang to be involved in the filth of politics. He was still young, having grown up surrounded by love and affection, his heart untouched by the world’s ugliness. Pei Yuan hoped he could stay that way forever.

Power could consume people’s hearts. The kindhearted would only suffer in its grip. Pei Yuan did not want to see Pei Yang go through such pain.

Suddenly, Pei Yuan thought of Bao Ning. She was very much like Pei Yang—born in the depths of corruption yet possessing a heart as pure as untouched jade, so clean and transparent that it evoked a sense of tenderness.

Someone like Bao Ning should never be dragged into the dirt. She should always remain as she is now, cherished and protected.

Pei Yang watched Pei Yuan lost in thought.

After a long moment, Pei Yuan waved his hand. “Go on.”

Pei Yang couldn’t wait to leave and quickly slipped out the door—only to find Bao Ning waiting for him outside.

“Your Highness, the Fifth Prince,” Bao Ning called to him softly, afraid Pei Yuan might hear. “Later… could you lend me your carriage?”