51 Chapter Fifty-One

◎“If I go, would you, little sister, be willing to stay with your master?”◎

Chapter 51

Startled, Liu Qingqing immediately shuddered and dared not utter a sound. She squinted and looked closely before realizing that the figure was quite familiar.

"...Husband?" she asked tentatively in a low voice.

Why has he been standing by my bedside every night lately? It's kind of creepy.

She propped herself up on her arms and got closer, then smelled a faint aroma of wine mixed with the scent of moon scales on his body. She breathed a slight sigh of relief. “Are you drunk? I’ll call Qingju to make my husband a bowl of hot soup.”

Xie Lang remained motionless and silent, but she could feel his gaze fixed on her.

She rose lightly, also harboring thoughts of avoiding him. If he were to rest in the main room tonight, she wondered if she could spend the night in the warm room.

The moonlight was faint; he stood alone in the darkness...

The vast darkness behind him resembled a giant cloak, seemingly possessing the power of a thunderbolt!

I felt that he was different from usual, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why.

The moment her foot touched the ground, his large, pincer-like hand gripped her arm. "A cup of hot tea will suffice."

Liu Qingqing was stunned, then heard him say in a low, hoarse voice, "Madam Lao, wait for me to come back."

Before she could ask what she was waiting for, Xie Lang slowly emerged from the darkness, gave her a deep look, and then headed towards the washroom.

Soon after, the sound of dripping water could be heard, as if someone was washing themselves.

...

What does this mean?

Liu Qingqing was puzzled.

Liu Qingqing walked to the table, poured hot tea, and held it in her hands to warm them.

The sudden movement had startled her, causing her to break out in a cold sweat and her hands to feel icy. The early autumn night was chilly, and she was trembling slightly.

Then I calmed down and realized that I was probably overthinking things.

Since their marriage, they have only slept together a limited number of times, which is easy to count. They've only been married for a few months, and they've only slept together twice a month. How many times could that be?

Xie Lang didn't like that kind of thing; he was only going through the motions with little interest, not at all like a strong and powerful military general. Even when she was like that before, he had been able to refuse her. He didn't like her either, and it wasn't the 55th of the month, so Liu Qingqing felt that probably nothing could be done.

He must be out socializing. Liu Qingqing put the teacup back on the table and glanced at the washroom again. There was no way to avoid it, so she simply went back to the bed, lay down with her back to him, closed her eyes again, and tried to fall asleep before he returned.

Or perhaps he thought he was asleep. Apart from the two times a month when they shared a room, they slept separately in bed, and he rarely paid her any attention.

As her thoughts drifted by, Liu Qingqing couldn't help but laugh at herself again.

His indifference was crystal clear; he was distant and cold towards her, yet she still fawned over him like a blind man, making him a laughingstock.

He still treats her well, thanks to Aunt Jia's good upbringing. Who knows what he really thinks of her?

If she didn't know, so be it; but now that she did, Liu Qingqing absolutely couldn't afford to be disliked.

No longer thinking about him, her heart became obedient. She closed her eyes; the quilt was warm and cozy, and sleepiness returned.

In her half-awake state, she seemed to hear Xie Lang pause in his footsteps after coming out of the washroom.

The fabric of his clothes rustled softly against the brocade quilt as he got into bed and lay down on the other side.

As she grew sleepy, she wrapped herself tightly in the blanket, just as she was about to fall into a deep sleep, a hot breath swept past her ear, making her hair stand on end.

She was startled and the person behind her paused. When she opened her blurry eyes, she felt him suddenly reach out and pull her tightly into his arms.

etc……

Why did this happen so suddenly?

Although they have occasionally slept in the same bed recently, they each sleep separately.

Even the brocade quilts were used by each person individually.

It can be considered the Chu River and Han Border, clearly divided!

...

So many times before, they had never done this, and she had no idea that she... was so weak-willed!

She thought she was invincible!

He seemed like a cultivator, possessing magical powers.

It must have been some kind of magic.

She made up random excuses for herself.

She tried to speak to stop him but couldn't, so she tried to hide, but he held her tightly.

She quickly grabbed his strong wrist from behind to stop him.

How can he do whatever he wants? She's not made of clay!

Xie Lang seemed completely oblivious to her rejection, and flipped her over like a fish, staring intently into her hazy eyes before letting out a soft laugh and lowering his head.

Liu Qingqing: ...

She clutched the ends of his silken hair and called out to him in surrender.

How shameful she is, as if she were made of clay.

The old craftsmen at the village entrance, and even the young children who love playing with mud, all know that mud figures become wet and sticky once they get wet.

"Shh",

He looked up, leaned close to her ear, and whispered, "Don't make a sound. Granny Li and the others are asleep. Madam doesn't want to wake them, does she?"

In the darkness, the ethereal and alluring voice was like a seductive siren hidden in the sea.

He was usually composed and proper at that time, remaining silent and not pressuring her.

They have always been mild-mannered, even considered polite.

He used to be so easy to talk to, but today he's suddenly become difficult to get along with, like a wild fish that's taken the bait and won't give up.

Liu Qingqing was in a daze, and while she was cursing inwardly, she suddenly decided to give up and not let it go.

Even if he's a male prostitute outside, he's still clean.

Just then, at the very last moment, Xie Lang suddenly stopped and restrained himself, burying his head in her neck.

"Tomorrow is the fifteenth."

He explained in a hoarse voice why he had stopped, but his mind was still on the pill, and he remembered that he couldn't let her take it in this situation.

I was afraid she would take medicine haphazardly behind my back.

The excuse is ridiculous, but it's the only one we can use.

Xie Lang finally threw herself back down, her dark eyes churning with emotions she couldn't understand.

He gently gathered her clothes to her surprise. Liu Qingqing hesitated for a long time, wondering what to say, when she saw him fall down beside her again, and in the next instant, his long, iron-like arms pulled her into his embrace.

Liu Qingqing: ?

Did you provoke her anger and then stop?

Her back pressed against his burning chest, feeling his heart pounding. It was rare for them to be so "intimate," so Liu Qingqing decided to let it go; she had never understood him.

She couldn't help but scoff, "Just say he doesn't want to do that with her."

She could smell a faint scent of alcohol, but she wasn't bothered; it would be better if she didn't.

Exhausted from the day, I drifted off to sleep.

Hearing her steady breathing, Xie Lang couldn't fall asleep.

He glanced at her obedient and gentle profile. Seeing her sleeping peacefully, Xie Lang felt a surge of anger. He had never felt such an indescribable emotion before.

Why did she accept these pills? They clearly had a very good relationship. What was she plotting?

I woke up the next day.

The space beside her was already empty, and Liu Qingqing reached out to touch it. The spot where Xie Lang had slept last night was now completely cold.

She withdrew her hand and wrapped herself tightly in the quilt again.

Remembering Xie Lang's unusual behavior last night, she realized that she had read too many stories about him and that he must have been agitated by alcohol to come looking for her.

But he probably didn't like her, so even after going to such lengths, he was unwilling to actually touch her.

That makes sense; he was like that before.

Perhaps in his heart, she was not qualified to bear his children.

Just like he said, Qingying is better.

Liu Qingqing hugged herself, the sadness in her eyes quickly suppressed.

She allowed herself only a few moments of sorrow, her pupils churning with pain and grief. She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, they were completely calm. She rolled out of bed and quickly went to open the makeup box. The brocade box was still there, and she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

She summoned Zhao Pansheng in, and after washing up and having breakfast, she left the mansion with Lin Mei.

Unbeknownst to her, a figure followed like a ghost from the shadows as the carriage drove out of the Marquis's residence.

Today, Liu Qingqing has two things to do: first, to present the gift to the Princess, and second, to have Lin Mei check if the pills are genuine.

I came in a hurry today, hoping that the Princess Consort is at home and can spare a moment to give her this gift.

Although the princess gave her a jade token that allowed her unrestricted access, Liu Qingqing dared not use it carelessly.

The Regent's Palace and the Marquis's Palace were actually not far apart, but because they were separated by only one mansion and two streets that did not connect, one had to drive around them. This detour made them seem farther away.

Liu Qingqing ordered the coachman to stop the carriage in a slightly distant alley. As soon as she stepped onto the saddle, she held onto Zhao Pansheng's arm to steady herself.

The two then headed towards the Prince's Mansion, which was heavily guarded, with soldiers standing guard at the gate.

The surrounding streets were bustling with people, but once inside the Prince's Palace grounds, a solemn and dignified atmosphere prevailed.

People also passed by, but they kept their distance and walked quickly, heads down.

Zhao Pansheng gently tugged at his mistress's sleeve, hesitatingly saying, "Miss, look at that person..."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingqing looked over and was immediately stunned.

That's not...

The two looked at each other and both saw the shock in each other's eyes.

That person looks like Mu Ziying, doesn't he?

It looks like that boy.

But he was quite different. He wore a moon-white brocade robe with dark patterns, his long hair was tied up with a jade crown, and he strode with his head held high, exuding youthful vigor. One glance was enough to tell that he was a young master from a noble family.

"It's probably just that they look alike, right?"

Liu Qingqing glanced at Zhao Pansheng. She wasn't sure either, but she thought, "If he were really a young master from a wealthy family, why would he end up on the streets and stay peacefully on the estate for so long?"

Zhao Pansheng felt that what the young lady said made sense.

But... are there really people in this world who look so alike?

The young master's raised eyebrow and light smile were exactly the same as that of the boy.

Seeing Zhao Pansheng hesitate, Liu Qingqing whispered again, "Even if someone is scheming to get close to me, what do I, a mere woman, have that is worth scheming against?"

These words made Zhao Pansheng frown. She couldn't bear to hear her mistress speak of her like that. "Miss is still young and beautiful. How can she be considered a woman?"

Distracted by this, Liu Qingqing became preoccupied, realizing that those who frequented the Prince's residence were no ordinary people. She glanced down at the purse lying quietly in her palm, and, thinking of the Princess's entire private storeroom, she clenched her fingers in a daze. Would the Princess even look at such a simple item?

She also felt that it wouldn't be right to have Zhao Pansheng deliver the purse to the gatehouse.

"Never mind, let's go to the market first."

Liu Qingqing glanced at the imposing and solemn gate of the Prince's Mansion, "There must be distinguished guests at the Prince's Mansion today, so we shouldn't disturb them."

The master and servant got back into the carriage, and Lin Mei was quietly leaning against the corner.

The three of them then went to the busiest street in the capital and instructed the carriage to stop far away. Fearing that the driver would become suspicious, the three of them first strolled around the street after getting off the carriage, and then spent a long time looking at the silver shops. While Liu Qingqing was making her selections, Lin Mei quietly left.

Zhao Pansheng turned around in surprise, glanced at the young lady who seemed unaware, and finally looked away indifferently.

Lin Mei was efficient. Liu Qingqing had just selected from the celadon jade openwork sachet and agate grape pendant displayed by the shopkeeper when Lin Mei returned. She stopped beside Liu Qingqing and gently nudged her with her arm to let her know.

Liu Qingqing understood and hastily selected a celadon jade openwork sachet pendant. "Shopkeeper, I'll take this one. How much is it?"

As the shopkeeper packed the package, Liu Qingqing's heart pounded, as if a thousand white rabbits were jumping inside her chest.

However, he appeared completely unperturbed.

"Please take this, sir."

The shopkeeper respectfully handed over the packaged brocade box, which Zhao Pansheng quickly accepted.

The three walked towards the carriage. As soon as they boarded, Lin Mei nodded to Liu Qingqing, whose fingers suddenly clenched. Zhao Pansheng glanced down at her.

Once the matter was settled, he was eager to return home.

I imagine that Dr. Lu, with his temperament, will surely give me some advice.

Unfortunately, before he could even summon Lin Mei for a detailed talk upon returning to the manor, someone reported that Liu Qingying had returned from her day off.

As soon as she entered the mansion, she saw Liu Qingying standing guard by the screen wall. Upon seeing Liu Qingqing, she smiled sweetly and bowed to her elder sister.

In just a short time, he seemed quite different from before.

Liu Qingqing glanced at the golden sun hanging in the sky and took Liu Qingying back to Jialan Garden for lunch.

After lunch, she took Liu Qingying for a walk in the courtyard to help her digest.

Liu Qingying was surprised; this was the first time her sister had taken her for a stroll in the Marquis's mansion.

They wouldn't even let her into the yard before.

Liu Qingying secretly observed her sister, feeling that something about her sister was different.

She couldn't pinpoint exactly where it was, but it was just different. Her expression was more detached than before, and she seemed lighter than ever, as if... the kites she used to fly as a child would be blown away by a mere gust of wind.

When she came today, she didn't expect that her sister would still have reserved that small courtyard in the Marquis's mansion for her, nor did she expect that her sister would treat her so kindly without holding a grudge.

After entering the academy, with Madam Xie's reputation protecting her, Liu Qingying didn't suffer too much. She saw a lot, heard her classmates talk about the secrets of officials' households, and heard them complain about their family matters, thus gaining a lot of knowledge. She also realized how spoiled she had been and how much she had wronged her sister.

Her feelings for her sister were quite complicated.

She knew she was born to a second wife and was inherently inferior to her older sister, but she didn't want that. So she always wanted to get back at that level, to be superior to her sister in every way, and to take everything from her.

But then again, she also liked her older sister. Whenever she saw her sister's indifferent and aloof demeanor, she felt unhappy and wanted to be closer to her, even if it meant getting angry and just wanting to see her a little more.

No one taught her right from wrong; the people in the Liu family indulged her.

Seeing the outside world made Liu Qingying realize how much of a scoundrel she had been before.

There is a small lake in Jialan Garden, and there is a willow tree by the lake. It is a weeping willow that is growing very well.

The two sisters walked over side by side. Liu Qingying regained her composure and glanced at the branches swaying in the wind.

This weeping willow looks very well cared for.

Just like people, trees show their true value if they are carefully nurtured.

Liu Qingying then looked at her older sister.

Although her elder sister had lost some weight, her complexion was rosy and her eyes were bright; she was being well cared for by the Marquis's household, which put her at ease. She seemed troubled, though, but she'd heard from her classmates that who in the capital didn't have worries? At least the Marquis's household had a clean backyard, free of any sordid affairs. She'd also heard there was more…

They paused by the lake, standing beneath the weeping willows. Liu Qingqing had brought Liu Qingying here today on important business.

She glanced at her and saw that she was lost in thought, so she asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Liu Qingying snapped back to reality, realizing she had been daydreaming again, and quickly apologized in a low voice, "I'm sorry, sister."

Liu Qingqing laughed and said, "What's there to be sorry about?"

He then asked, "Is there something troubling you at the academy?"

Liu Qingying bit her lip, hesitating even more. She had wanted to tell someone for a long time, but she was too embarrassed to say it. Since her sister asked, she decided to go for it!

Seeing that she was looking her over, Liu Qingqing understood that it must be something that others should not hear. Liu Qingqing waved her hand to tell the servants to retreat further away.

"Alright, can you talk now?"

Liu Qingying nodded emphatically and leaned closer. "Sister, I heard from my classmates that there is a third-rank official in the capital whose wife was originally his father's second wife."

Perhaps due to her shock, Liu Qingying spoke in a hoarse voice, only daring to whisper, afraid of being overheard by others.

"It is said that the two were childhood sweethearts. When he went to the capital to take the imperial examination and passed, the sky fell down when he returned home! His daughter was taken as his second wife by his father, and when he returned home, he was forced to call her 'mother'."

Liu Qingqing stared wide-eyed in surprise, her face full of disbelief. "Is that so?"

Liu Qingying frowned and clicked her tongue, "That's not all! Then, for some reason, the father suddenly passed away. After that, the man observed three years of mourning, went to take up his post, and got married. As a result, a few days ago, his relatives from his hometown came to help, and his wife was recognized!"

Liu Qingying finally found someone to confide in, so she decided to speak her mind. "I said, those people back home are so blind. They've been married for many years and have two children. Their relationship is great. They haven't taken any concubines, not even a maid. Why do they have to bring this up? Isn't that right, sister?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingqing didn't react for a moment and nodded blankly.

Liu Qingying stroked her chin, squinted her eyes, and said, "Now I suspect that the father might not even know how he died. I don't think it's a big deal; bad deeds will be punished."

Liu Qingqing also found it strange, why must he marry the person the child likes?

She thought about it and then asked.

Liu Qingying snorted coldly, "I heard that the father thought his son was exceptionally talented and had a promising future in officialdom, so he found another wealthy and powerful family to marry into. Originally, everyone knew what was going on and was just waiting for the boy to pass the imperial examination so they could arrange the marriage. But unexpectedly, the boy did so well in the exam that it aroused greed. The father knew his son was stubborn and wouldn't give up on what he wanted. This family also had some influence in the area, so they used a scheme to force the girl to marry into the family, thus completely severing the two's marriage."

She leaned closer and said again in a hushed voice, "I heard that once they marry her, they just leave the girl in the yard and don't care about her at all. It's not a real marriage. The girl lives worse than a servant. She's hungry, cold, and has lost her reputation and marriage prospects, and she still has to work. They're so malicious! They're going to trap that girl for the rest of her life. No wonder this person is so angry."

"How can you not be angry when the girl you cherish so much is treated like this?"

Anyway, Liu Qingying felt that this person was too wicked and deserved to die.

As if listening to a story, Liu Qingqing's emotions rose and fell with it, until finally a faint sorrow arose. She felt pity for this girl she had never met; this person must have had a much harder life than she had.

Liu Qingqing thought of Aunt Jia, who was trapped in her second uncle's courtyard, and couldn't help but feel worried. What use would it be if she threw away money? Aunt Jia couldn't get out and wouldn't be able to spend it at all. So she couldn't help but inquire what the people were thinking.

Liu Qingying said, "What can you think? It's a matter of mutual consent. In the past, princes and nobles of the previous dynasties had all done this. Just surviving was a blessing; they didn't have time to think about such nonsense. I've heard that since the Regent came to power, he has promoted freedom of marriage, and mutual affection is the most important thing. As for those outdated customs and etiquette, they've all been thrown to the back."

Do you think... this marriage is a good match?

Liu Qingying was taken aback when her sister asked her that question.

"Well, I guess so... Nowadays, not to mention officials and wealthy merchants, even ordinary, well-off families have three wives and four concubines. That man is in a high position and still devoted to her, so I guess he's good enough?"

Finally, drawing out the last syllable, Liu Qingying seemed somewhat hesitant.

Liu Qingqing was lost in thought upon hearing this.

Is it a good thing to gain someone's unwavering devotion after being treated badly and then bearing their infamy?

If she hadn't met this father and son, the girl might have had a peaceful and happy life.

Liu Qingying has changed quite a bit.

Seeing her sister's surprised and intrigued look, as if she had become a novelty, Liu Qingying blushed and stammered, "That's true. It's not easy to survive in the past ten years. It's already difficult for women, so why bother with anything else?"

Liu Qingqing then asked, "Why haven't I heard about this?"

"Before things even started to get out of hand, this person swiftly suppressed them."

Liu Qingying sighed, "No wonder some people will stop at nothing to climb the ladder. Only by holding a high position and having power can one protect the people they want to protect."

As they talked, they arrived at the bamboo grove in the Hou Mansion Garden.

Seeing her sister lost in thought, Liu Qingying quickly said, "Sister married well, so naturally you find those things ordinary."

Seeing her sister looking over, Liu Qingying realized that her words sounded a bit sour, so she quickly waved her hand and said sincerely, "Just look at this willow tree, and you can tell that my brother-in-law has my sister in his heart. What a good omen!"

Is she in your heart?

A smile spread across Liu Qingqing's lips, but a hint of mockery flashed in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingqing's gaze towards Liu Qingying became more serious, as if she wanted to discern whether the words were sincere or feigned.

"What's wrong, sister?" she asked softly, sensing something was amiss.

Liu Qingqing shook her head in realization: "I feel you've changed a lot."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingying smiled shyly and murmured softly, "I was wrong before."

The two sisters knew perfectly well what was wrong.

After seeing a wider world, she no longer tried to steal her sister's things to get her attention. Thinking back to her previous unreasonable behavior, she felt ashamed.

Looking at her, Liu Qingqing felt that her younger sister was a beautiful and lovely flower, making her all the more pitiful.

She took off the openwork jade sachet she had just bought and lowered her head to tie it around Liu Qingying's waist. Liu Qingying's eyes widened, and she blinked away the hot tears welling up in her eyes. She froze, her heart in turmoil, not knowing what to do. She hadn't brought anything for her sister today!

Just as she was feeling annoyed, she suddenly heard her sister ask her in a low voice.

"If I go, would you, little sister, be willing to stay with the adults?" she suddenly asked, her question quite abrupt. Perhaps it was this story that stirred her emotions.

She knew that the mother and daughter's eyes would light up every time they saw Xie Lang.

She didn't want to be a nuisance, and she returned everything that didn't belong to her.

After asking the question, Liu Qingqing looked up at the clouds in the sky. Perhaps it was because the medicine had truly given her confidence? She finally asked the question, feeling a sense of satisfaction at revenge, but also a sense of melancholy at the inevitable end.

All of it passed by like fleeting clouds, leaving only a bitter taste in the air.

Liu Qingying opened her mouth in astonishment, her eyes blinking rapidly. She was still clutching the jade pendant her sister had given her, her heart pounding with excitement.

She had only told her mother about it before, and hearing her sister mention it sent a chill down her spine. How did her sister know she had said such nonsense? Could it be that her mother had done something foolish again?

She cautiously observed her sister's expression, and only breathed a slight sigh of relief when she saw nothing amiss. Still not entirely at ease, she pretended not to understand and asked, "Why do you ask that, sister? What kind of companion?"

Compared to the second half of the sentence, she was more concerned about the first half: what did it mean if I left?

Then she heard her sister say with a gentle smile, "Naturally, it's the kind of companion who grows old together and stays by your side forever."

Xie Lang, who was hiding behind the bamboo grove for some unknown reason, heard these words and involuntarily tightened his fingers, shattering the teacup!

[Author's Note]

Next chapter preview:

The subtle clues from before finally came together: why she stopped talking to him, stopped practicing her staff techniques with him, why she became distant, and why she avoided his touch. It turned out she wanted to leave.

Why did he want to leave? He didn't understand.

What's wrong with them?