The Emperors Pampered Wife - Chapter 128

The wind was blowing quite strong in the forest only open to the Regal Families. The leaves of the Majestic tree only a few managed to find was swaying marvelously and stood beneath it, was a raven-haired boy whose eyes was glued on the upper branches of the tree.

“Bro Zhao! I’m here!” a small voice suddenly shouted as she arrived under the shade of the tree. She was panting heavily with sweat dripping all over her face. “I’m sorry. I had trouble finding my drawing book”

Being the gentleman he is, Ji Li Zhao pulled out his unused handkerchief and gently wiped her face, an understanding smile adorning his face. “It’s okay, Wei Wei”

As soon as he finished wiping down her sweat, he looked up once more and Hou Wei Yan curiously followed what he did. “Anyway…what are you looking up there? You’ve been staring for a long time already”

Ji Li Zhao peeled his eyes off the tree and smiled at her before pulling her closer to him. A blush crept in her face but it soon disappeared when he directed her eyes on one of the branches in the tree. A strange creature was perched on it and it was looking directly at them as well.

“Can you see him?”

Hou Wei Yan nodded her head before she raised her head and redirected her gaze at Ji Li Zhao’s ash gray eyes. “It’s a bird…what kind of bird is that?”

“I’ve been wondering about that since earlier…but isn’t it a crow?” he muttered as he slowly released his grasp from Hou Wei Yan. He was so absorbed in the bird that he didn’t notice the disappointed look that marked her face as soon as he released his hands from her shoulders.

“Aren’t crows black, when did they start turning white?” she jokingly asked making Ji Li Zhao smile. “Who spilled chlorine in them?”

As soon as her words reached his ears, an endearing laugh was released from his lips. He reached out his hands and ruffled her hair, his laughter still filling up the field. “This is why you shouldn’t spend too much time with Yu Shou”

Hou Wei Yan was suddenly dazed…and the reason for this was his laughter. She was never one who likes to joke around too much, but if she could bring out such laughter, she would joke around in a heartbeat.

Because Ji Li Zhao looked more handsome when he laughed.

His canine teeth become visible to her and the look in his eyes becomes happier, as though nothing in this world could ever trouble him. His laughter…was so endearing it tugged her heartstrings.

[I want to protect that laugh…if I’m allowed to]

While she thought of this, a pink rosy blush returned in her face, and in order to hide it, she redirected her gaze on the odd bird above them. As she did, her eyes met his glinting eyes. She tilted her head in confusion and the bird surprisingly followed her. “I think it’s listening. Can it understand us?”

“It must be friendly since it didn’t fly away even after I discovered him” he blurted out, his eyes still glued on the sassy bird above them. After Hou Wei Yan arrived, it’s been looking at her since and was even ignoring him.

Hou Wei Yan kept her eyes on him and would purposely move her head so he could follow it. When he did, she let out a chuckle. “He’s probably thinking that it’s his spot so we should be the one leaving”

“Wow, pretty arrogant of you, don’t you think?” Ji Li Zhao said as he glared at the bird that’s been irritating him for quite a time now. Once he said this, the crow turned to him and let out a loud cry which only worsened his temper. “Now you’re picking a fight”

Seeing this interaction brought a smile to her face. [So cute]

“I think it likes you, Bro Zhao” she stated which eventually disrupted their staring contest. As though disgusted by this statement, the crow hurriedly turned to her and screamed at her instead.

“It clearly doesn’t and now I feel the same way” he childishly replied as he pursed his lips and let out a sigh. After this, he returned his gaze on the annoying crow and was now curious when it came down the branch.

The crow kept on looking at Hou Wei Yan’s bag making him look at it as well. “He’s curious. Did you bring food?”

“I brought peanuts” she replied as she opened her purple bag and brought out the snacks she brought for the day. After doing this, the crow screeched making both of them look at the bird.

Hou Wei Yan offered him a smile as she showed the peanut to him. “Do you want some?”

The crow immediately offered an answer with a vigorous cry. She chuckled at this and before turning to Ji Li Zhao. As their eyes met, their eyes immediately connected.

Crows don’t like it when humans are in close proximity when they are eating. They need to establish a time for feeding and make sure that they are at a safe distance.

Ji Li Zhao took hold of the peanuts and hurriedly climbed the tree. He placed it in the lower branch, a bit far from the crow, before immediately climbing down. Once done, he guided Hou Wei Yan to the other side of the tree. “We shouldn’t watch him eat”

She obediently nodded her head and followed his lead. Once they were comfortable, they brought out their art supplies. In the middle of it, Hou Wei Yan transferred her gaze on Ji Li Zhao. “What’s his name?”

“I don’t think we should name him yet. He probably won’t come back after finishing his meal” he answered as he helped her bring out her pencils. Hou Wei Yan was more interested in painting but because they’re in the open field, he decided to teach her sketching.

“I think it will” she replied with a huge grin on her face. “When it does, can we name him then?”

The bird was quite an oddball. He was friendlier than other birds and seems more intelligent than the rest.

[Maybe he’s used to humans already. Did he have a past owner?]

While she was thinking this, Ji Li Zhao had finished unpacking and as a reply to her question, he extended her hands and ruffled her soft and shiny brown hair. “Sure…now, should we start drawing?”

…..

“You’re here again, Mr. Crow” Hou Wei Yan greeted enthusiastically as she arrived under the shade of the tree. After the rest of the group left to visit their own families, Hou Wei Yan and Ji Li Zhao have been spending most of their time in the majestic tree.

She offered the crow a warm smile before waving her hands in front of it. “It’s me, Wei Wei”

“He won’t remember your name” Ji Li Zhao suddenly said as he helped her place down the bag she’s been carrying since earlier.

“He’ll get familiar with it” she replied confidently. After a while, she followed Ji Li Zhao’s movements through her eyes before she remembered something. The exciting thought made her clasp her hands in enthusiasm.

“He’s been coming back daily this past week. Don’t you think it’s time we name him? It’s not right to keep calling him Mr. Crow”

Ji Li Zhao was forced to halt his movements before he slowly turned towards the bird that also had his eyes on them. He honestly didn’t want to name it in fear that it would get attached too much…or vice versa. But looks like his initial plan was useless because he now looks forward to seeing the bird every time they visit.

“What do you want to name him?” he asked in defeat as both of them looked at the bird.

Hou Wei Yan placed her hands under her chin as she began thinking for a suitable name for such an odd bird. “He’s black and white like a—”

“Panda” her companion suddenly blurted out making her clap her hands.

[We thought the same thing…Yey!]

“Yeah, like a panda” she calmly answered even though she was secretly celebrating inside for thinking in sync with him. To hide her obvious blush, she raised her head and gave the bird a close eyed smile. “Little Panda…let’s call him Little Panda”

The bird cawed in reply before he diverted his attention to Ji Li Zhao. The arrogance marked in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed by the young boy so he raised his eyebrows to question such behavior. “I think he likes it a little too much”

While they were giving the bird his meal for the day, Hou Wei Yan suddenly remembered something. “By the way, Bro Zhao. I saw some big brothers arriving at your house”

“What?” he asked once more because he was unable to hear most of her words due to the sudden gush of wind that passed by them.

“I saw some big brothers entering your house”

Ji Li Zhao who was still eagerly feeding Little Panda who now comes down close to them to eat, suddenly froze up when he heard her words. If the ones who arrived in their house were unfamiliar to Wei Yan, then it must either be his brothers or his older cousins.

With the huge possibility of his brothers finally arriving in mind, he eagerly fed the crow and offered his hands to Hou Wei Yan. “Maybe it’s my brothers. Want to come?”

Hou Wei Yan looked at him in a daze forcing him to smile at her hesitation. “I promised to introduce you to them once they return, didn’t I?”

Although still a bit hesitant to meet his family, Hou Wei Yan nodded her head in agreement. She was taken by his smile and she knew right then, that she would lose to any of his requests if he flashes such an endearing smile.

Meanwhile, in the villa, the three Ji brothers fell into chaos when Butler Gu revealed that Ji Li Zhao was nowhere near the villa. “What do you mean Ah Li isn’t here? Where could he go aside this mansion?”

“The young master became friends with someone” Gu Man answered politely which made Ji Bao Shi smile. He had already predicted this, yet he never expected that the two would spend time in the forest which even Ji Xuejin fears.

Ji Xuejin who had always would the forest as eerie and creepy flinched it fright in worry with what he said. “Made friends?! In the forest?”

“They met there” he shortly replied before his gaze fell on the rustling bushes that separates the mansion and the wide Imperial Forest. “Oh, here they come…Welcome back, Young Master”

Ji Li Zhao who was busy brushing off some leaves from Hou Wei Yan’s shoulders suddenly stopped when he felt a few pairs of eyes staring at them. He hurriedly turned around and though he was expecting it, he was still stunned at the sight of his brothers eagerly waiting for him.

“Brothers” he muttered which confirmed Hou Wei Yan’s suspicions.

[So they’re indeed Bro Zhao’s brothers]

Ji Bao Shi who felt guilty ever since he left Ji Li Zhao alone, was the first one to open up his arms and welcome him in his embrace. “I’m back, Ah Li!”

How many days had he waited? How many prayers did he spend for this moment to come? He could no longer remember. But he knew, he’s been longing for this.

[But is it fine if I go back? Wasn’t I abandoned?]

Hou Wei Yan who noticed some moisture in his eyes and the trembling in his hands released her hands from his grasp and pushed him a little. Ji Li Zhao was taken aback by this gesture, but once offered a smile, he hurriedly ran towards his brothers without hesitation nor restraint.

[If they’re here…that only means they care. Even for a little, they care. That’s all that matters, doesn’t it Wei Wei?] he thought to himself before jumping in Ji Bao Shi’s arms.

Bao Shi immediately wrapped him in his grasp and once buried in his tight embrace, Ji Li Zhao finally uttered something. “You’re all here”

“We came here to fetch you” Ji Cao Shi suddenly blurted out which stunned Ji Li Zhao.

“What?” he worriedly asked.

Ji Xuejin who thought that his brother was worried about their return home pushed his wheelchair closer and offered him a reassuring smile. “We’re finally going back home”

[Going back home means leaving Wei Wei behind…she’ll be here until the end of summer…wouldn’t she feel lonely without me?]

With this in mind, he hurriedly turned around to look at Hou Wei Yan who was still standing where he left her. When his gaze fell on her, the brothers also redirected their attention towards her. “Who is she?”

Hou Wei Yan slowly approached before she gave a polite bow to those who are older than her. “Good afternoon, Bro Zhao’s brothers. My name is Hou Wei Yan and I live next door”

“Oh” Ji Xuejin blurted out before wheeling himself closer to her. “Are you Ah Li’s friend?”

Upon hearing such a question, she turned to look at Ji Li Zhao who did the same. Once their eyes met, a smile blossomed unknowingly in both their faces. “For now”

“Eh?”

“We can’t get married yet so we’ll stay as friends” Hou Wei Yan confidently answered loud and clear which sent the brothers and the other servants who were in earshot to gasp in shock.

All of them immediately turned to Ji Li Zhao who was bashfully touching his nape. This isn’t like him at all!

“EEH?!” Ji Bao Shi reacted as he forced his little brother to look him in the eye. With their position in mind, such marriage is deemed impossible. Although Xing Mei Yi accepted them warmly, the other Xing may react differently. Even Hou Renshu might not accept them fully considering the recent actions their grandfather did against them.

“What’s this about marriage, Ah Li?” he worriedly asked which made Ji Li Zhao wipe the smile off his face. He was aware of the recent actions his other family members did, but he considers all of it unrelated to their wishes.

Ji Li Zhao looked him in the eye and showed him his conviction. He promised Wei Yan that he will be her groom, and he will do anything to attain it. “It’s as she said”

Such confirmation coming directly from his mouth brought out a huge grin on her face. But although she was happy with this, there’s still one thing bothering her. “Are you going home now?”

The brothers looked at one another after hearing her question. They were initially planning to leave today but how can they suddenly leave when such news was brought to their attention?

“No…we’ll leave after two days” Ji Cao Shi suddenly blurted out.

His twin brother nodded at this however, Xuejin who was not expecting such development was brought to a state of confusion. “We will?”

“It won’t be good if we just leave” Ji Bao Shi answered while chuckling at his reaction. After this, he turned his gaze on Hou Wei Yan who was listening intently to their conversation. “Besides, we want to get to know you better, Wei Yan. Is that possible?”

“Of course…then, I’ll come back tomorrow. Bro Zhao should spend more time with his brothers” she replied enthusiastically before running off and waving her hands. “See you tomorrow, Bro Zhao”

Ji Li Zhao nodded his head and waved his hands as well. His eyes never left her retreating figure. Only when she was gone did he finally felt their curious and sticky gazes directed at him. “Wow, Ah Li found himself a beautiful bride”

“When did this happen, Ah Li?” Ji Xuejin curiously asked when he saw the faint blush that crept out of his little brother’s cheeks at the mention of ‘bride’.

He smiled to himself as he remembered what happened three days ago. “It’s our secret”

“You’re sure fast on your feet” Ji Cao Shi blurted out as he ruffled his hair. He grinned widely at him before urging him inside. “Let’s go inside. We have a lot of things to talk about”

Ji Li Zhao nodded his head in reply as memories of what transpired three days ago resurfaced in his mind.

He was waiting for Hou Wei Yan as usual while sitting comfortably under the tree. He leaned on the tree and decided to take a short nap, thinking that his companion will take a few more minutes before she would arrive.

However, before his eyes could be fully closed, sounds of painful cries and hicking reached his ears forcing him to bolt up in surprise. He looked around for the sound of such distress.

A few seconds later, there came into his view, Hou Wei Yan who had huge tears flowing out of her eyes like a broken damn. “Bro Zhao”

“Wei Wei” he called out worriedly as he runs towards her. Once he reached her, he immediately cupped her face and made her look at him directly in the eye so she won’t utter a lie. “What’s wrong? What happened to you?”

Hou Wei Yan who always answers whenever she’s asked something remained mute this time. She continued crying without any plan of telling him what happened and this worried him deeply.

He rubbed her cheeks and wiped away her tears, but because she was crying none stop, no matter how many times he wipes it away it was futile. Helpless, he pulled her in his embrace and hugged her tightly. “Don’t cry. Tell me what’s wrong. Did someone hurt you? Are you injured?”

She shakes her head in reply but before long, she cried once more. Her heavy breathing and her trembling body due to prolonged crying made Ji Li Zhao’s heart clenched.

[Just what the hell happened?]

“Wei Wei, we won’t solve anything if you don’t tell me what happened” he said as he did his best to lessen her tremor. If she continues crying like this, she may ruin her vocal cord or even collapse due to exhaustion. Furthermore, they’re still under the open field where the rays of the sun could reach and prickle their skin.

“If you don’t talk, I’ll be forced to carry you” he muttered to himself.

However, Hou Wei Yan had heard this. She slowly looked up, and although his figure was a blur due to the tears blocking her eyes, she did her best to convince him. “C-C-Carry me”

Ji Li Zhao smiled at this and before long, he began to carry her. He carefully carried her princess style and made her sat comfortably under the shade of the tree. What he did cause her to slightly calm down.

Although she was still hicking and sniffing, he decided it was best to ask her now. “So what happened?”

Hou Wei Yan stayed silent after he asked this. The conflicted gaze she had made it obvious that she was deliberating whether it’s best to tell him what happened.

He initially won’t force someone to tell him something when they don’t want to but this time, he wanted to know. This was the first time he saw her so shaken and so broken that he can’t but be curious of the cause.

As much as possible, he wants to lessen her burden because the tears in her eyes…brings immeasurable pain to him. He knew why he was so affected, but he wasn’t sure if it’s good to admit what it is.

“Bro Zhao knows about marriage, right?” Hou Wei Yan suddenly asked causing him to focus his attention on her more than the conflicted feelings resurfacing in his system.

“Only the basic. It’s the union of two people and their families” he replied before he looked at her in confusion. “Why would you ask?”

“Papa came earlier with my Grandpa and Great Grandpa” she suddenly opened up causing concern to Ji Li Zhao. Hou Renshu is known as a very stubborn man and he never compromises, especially when it comes to marriage within his family.

“Our family…well…in our family, the Elders are the ones to decide who we will marry”

“Well, Elders have a lot of say when it comes to marriage in our family as well. But if you say it’s your will to marry someone, wouldn’t they usually bend?” he replied as he slowly approached her who had her head buried in her closed legs and arms.

“I don’t think that’s the case for me” Hou Wei Yan honestly said. She’s still young, but she’s already aware of her position in the family. Her Great Grandfather holds the reign in the household and because her Grandfather is an obedient son, what he will say is absolute. “I…was asked to begin my bridal lessons”

“What?” he asked in both shock and confusion. Bridal Lessons at such early age?!

“Great Grandpa wants to start educating me on how to become a good wife and Grandpa agreed” she muttered in a dejected tone. Even her Grandmother was on their side so her Grandfather pushed for it further. “And he’s looking for a suitable groom for me”

Disbelief was clearly marked in his face upon hearing this. The Hou Family are quite influential, but for them to do such a thing to a Xing descent, isn’t it too much?! “What did Auntie Mei Yi say? Did she approve of this?” Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #’s-pampered-wife_11759015505515405/lifelong-promise_51279995116511615 for visiting.

“Great Grandpa is scary and she pays respect to Grandpa who is always kind to her. At most, Mom could only delay things” she answered before tears began flowing in her eyes once more.

“I know marriage is a lifelong promise and I need to live with the man they choose. But what if I don’t like them? What if he’s mean? They said that I should love my husband with all my heart but what if he won’t love me back?”

Ji Li Zhao stayed silent and allowed her to cry her heart out. She’s so young and yet she only understood this much. She already worries for her future as much as he does. He can’t allow her to worry about such a thing alone.

He can’t allow the girl that he loves to suffer in such way. “Then choose me”

“What?”

“You’re worried that he won’t love you back, right?” he asked as he flashed her a smile. Hou Wei Yan who was still in tears nodded her head in reply to his question.

“Then choose me. I will love you back and I’ll take care of you” Ji Li Zhao declared and confessed at the same time. She could easily bring out a smile on his face and wash away the fears that he always had. Their time was short, but he knew, she was the one for him. And he was confident, that he could love her for eternity.

When she remained silent, Ji Li Zhao decided to assure her of something. “Of course, if you ever love someone else, then I’ll help you be with that person. Forget about your Elders, I’ll help you marry the one you love”

Hou Wei Yan wiped away her tears before she slowly crawled near him. “I won’t take someone else’s hands. If Bro Zhao is willing to be with me then I will only hold on to your hand”

He simply nodded his head at her statement causing a smile to blossom on her face. Slowly, she reached out to his hands and held them in her tiny hands. “You’re hand is really warm, Bro Zhao. It’s radiating your kindness. Wei Wei loves it”

Her statement caused a tidal wave of emotions to blossom within him.

“So don’t cry about such trivial things. I’ll do my best so your Elders will choose me as your groom. That way you won’t have to cry anymore” he blurted out as he pulled her in his embrace. “You don’t need those bridal lessons as well. To me, whatever you do, you will always be a good wife”

The warmth emitting from his body made Hou Wei Yan’s tears stop from flowing. She hugged him back and instead of a frown, a smile was placed on her face. “Then from now on, Wei Wei is Bro Zhao’s bride”

Ji Li Zhao nodded his head at this before a caw and rustling of leaves ruined their moment. The falling leaves caused Hou Wei Yan to release herself from his grasp and as per usual, she warmly greeted the annoying crow. “Oh, welcome back, Mr. Crow!”

He chuckled at this before he wiped away her remaining tears and kissed the tip of her hands. He won’t let go of her hands, he will make sure that he doesn’t.

[This is my lifelong promise]