Chapter 73

As soon as the words left her mouth, Luo Yan regretted them.

Although she had seen the picture book, she had only glanced at it briefly and vaguely remembered that the woman could take the lead, but she had no idea how exactly she should act.

Having tried this position briefly in a half-squatting posture with Zhu Yun's help before, Luo Yan's legs were sore and swollen that she immediately ruled it out.

There are forty or fifty more moves left. Surely no one would actually bother to memorize them?

Luo Yan glanced quickly at Zhu Yun and answered herself in her heart: There really is someone who went out of their way to remember this.

Before he first experienced sexual indiscretion, he wasn't particularly lustful; even his first release was under her control. But having tasted the sweetness, he developed an almost obsessive fervor for exploring her emotions.

He remembered it carefully, wanting to see Luo Yan happy because of him. As for himself, he trembled just from the gurgling spring water she fed him.

The experience was so wonderful that, despite her shyness, Luo Yan also longed for it deep down.

She longed to be intimately close to him, so close that there wasn't even a sliver of space left. She longed to control his emotions, to make him cry with tears in his eyes…

Luo Yan wrapped her arms around his neck: "Carry me over."

"OK."

The veil obscured Luo Yan's face, but also blocked her vision. She made two quick grabbing motions in the air, then grabbed Zhu Yun's forearm and followed closely behind the carriage.

She has now come to a conclusion: Zhu Yun is a straightforward person; if he doesn't like something, he simply doesn't like it. Conversely, if he doesn't bring it up, Luo Yan can still take advantage of him slightly.

For example, at this moment, he patiently refrained from swatting Luo Yan's hand away, and instead helped her up her lower back as she took a step.

This is truly something to celebrate.

Once seated, Luo Yan lifted her veil, smiled at Zhu Yun, and inquired, "Who did Lord Zhou invite tonight? Will he bring Sister Tao Hong along?"

Seeing her innocent and naive expression, Zhu Yun ruthlessly exposed her: "Who do you take Zhou Huanshan for?"

Luo Yan was taken aback, thinking to herself that she had been living a peaceful life these past few days and had actually assumed that her other sisters would also find a good place to settle down.

That day, Zhou Huanshan was surrounded by women on both sides. Now, he even holds banquets at Tianxiang Tower. He must be a lecherous old man who doesn't refuse anyone.

Despite her worries, she didn't show them. She nodded gently and quietly looked at the corner of Zhu Yun's robe embroidered with gold thread.

Zhu Yun, on the contrary, felt a little uncomfortable. He pulled her into his lap, gently lifted her bright little face with his index finger, and asked, "Are you feeling unwell?"

When she was sad, she couldn't stand hearing other people's concern. Luo Yan immediately turned her head away and said in a muffled voice, "I'm wearing makeup today, so don't make me cry."

Even the word "you" was used. The county government office, the study.

Cangshu, a trusted confidant, presented a secret report: "Young Master, we have investigated Miss Luo's background thoroughly."

Zhu Yun took it and saw that, as Wang Caifu had said, Luo Yan had been sold into the household at the age of six and had lived there until this year. However, the names of her biological parents were listed as unknown. He immediately frowned: "What does this mean?"

“Reporting to the young master, eighteen years ago, Jinzhou suffered a severe drought, and the villagers fled to various places. Later, they returned to their hometowns one after another, but most of their travel permits were unknown, so the government relaxed its inspections.”

"Oh, so they took advantage of the situation to abduct children."

Cangshu bowed and said, "The villagers of Luojia Village said that the Luo couple were of average appearance, but their only daughter was beautiful and delicate. Moreover, they did not show any remorse after selling their daughter, so this is the speculation."

Zhu Yun tapped the table twice, his expression indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger. After a long silence, he finally spoke: "Continue the investigation."

"yes."

All told, Zhu Yun had been staying in Jinzhou for more than ten days. The place was still far from the capital, and it was raining continuously. Every time he left the mansion, he would return covered in moisture, looking as damp and sticky as Luo Yan, but not as endearing as her.

He thought for a moment, then summoned the servant on duty: "Tell your mistress that I am returning to the manor tonight."

When she heard the news, Luo Yan was learning embroidery with Yu Rui with a bitter face.

The embroidered mandarin ducks looked as if they had drunk poison, and the embroidered flower stamens looked as if they were about to wither; there was no talent whatsoever.

She awkwardly put down the silver needles: "I'll change my clothes first, Yu Rui, you can go too."

Although Zhu Yun bestowed Yu Rui upon Luo Yan, he was the true master of the mansion and Yu Rui's mistress. They would inevitably meet again in the coming month, and the proper etiquette could not be omitted, which would also be a good opportunity for them to get to know each other.

Since it was night, Luo Yan had no intention of dressing up elaborately. She simply put a jade hairpin in her hair and wore a light blue long gown, looking graceful and elegant.

Yu Rui, though a woman herself, was still stunned by the sight. She thought to herself, "She looks good whether she's wearing light or heavy makeup; no wonder she caught Young Master Zhu's eye."

The two stood hand in hand on the steps, chatting idly, which was much more pleasant than Luo Yan waiting alone earlier.

She asked Yu Rui, "Have you thought about the future?"

Yu Rui paused, seemingly somewhat taken aback: "From now on?"

Luo Yan said, "Some women spend their whole lives hoping to marry a good husband, while others enjoy composing poems and couplets. Still others run schools or go into business. What about you? What do you want to do in the future?"

"I...I never thought of that."

Zhu Yun gritted his teeth for a moment, and only when the person in his arms softened did he want to comfort her, but then he heard Luo Yan speak calmly: "I was sold into the county magistrate's mansion when I was six years old, and I knew my identity at that time. But I had a long life ahead of me, so I deliberately didn't think about it and grew up like an ordinary young lady."

His palm was warm as he gently stroked Luo Yan without interrupting her. She continued, "If I hadn't met you, young master, I might have been... bullied. I may be blessed, but I can't help others."

"You see things very clearly." In the warm spring of March, a light drizzle was falling.

The crabapple trees in the garden were half-covered in morning dew. When the wind rose, a few petals fell in a flurry, attracting butterflies to dance around the branches.

More than ten women stood under the eaves, dressed in light gauze clothes, their slender arms faintly visible, outshining even the spring scenery in the garden.

The old woman in charge examined the people as if they were items, and then selected five who were even more beautiful, instructing them: "In a moment, the five of you will stand at the front, and the rest will go to the back."

The women responded in unison, "Yes, Granny."

This is a mansion on the outskirts of Jinzhou. Unlike the somewhat dilapidated scene inside the city, it is deep and spacious, with carved beams and painted rafters. Today, it is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, showing a prosperous scene.

Inside, the women were busy dressing and getting ready, all eagerly awaiting the arrival of the distinguished guest from the capital that Lord Wang had mentioned.

Tao Hong leaned casually against the couch, making it convenient for Luo Yan to draw floral patterns on her bright and thick face, and casually said, "Are you really going to go bare-faced?"

Luo Yan had almond-shaped eyes with upturned corners and sparkling light. She stared intently at the paintbrush, her slender wrists steady and graceful.

After finishing in one go, she put down her pen and slowly replied, "I know what I'm doing."

"What do you know?" Tao Hong laughed and scolded, "If you don't step forward tonight, you'll be personally taken in by Lord Wang."

Lord Wang was the owner of the mansion. He was over fifty years old, his belly looked like he was ten months pregnant, and his face was so wrinkled it could plow a field.

Luo Yan scoffed inwardly, her small face cold as she sat back down in front of the bronze mirror. The woman in the mirror had cherry-red lips and expressive eyes; even without makeup, she had already made everyone in the room pale in comparison.

She looks more and more like her past life—

Zhu Yun grew up in the treacherous capital city and had also experienced the battlefield with the army in his childhood. He didn't think he had much kindness in his heart. Luo Yan's realization was more pleasing to the eye than her crying and complaining.

"Let's not talk about that." Luo Yan suddenly thought, "If Lord Zhou takes a fancy to me, what if he kidnaps me?"

He let out a soft chuckle, still trying to scare her: "That's why I made you wear a veil, so that Zhou Huanshan won't come knocking on the door demanding people. Tsk, it'll be hard to stop him."

Luo Yan felt a pang of urgency and tilted her head back to kiss his thin lips, pleading sweetly, "I'm not feeling well today, perhaps..."

Zhu Yun found her appearance incredibly cute, and kissed her full earlobe, saying coldly, "My people, they can't move them yet."

She was skeptical, and when she got off the carriage, she covered herself up completely with her veil.

Zhu Yun, however, seemed to have changed his personality. Not only did he lead her into the private room by the hand, but he also pulled her into his arms. His warm chest pressed tightly against her back, their bodies completely intertwined.

Fortunately, her face was covered, so that Luo Yan's flustered expression and her unmade-up, blushing ear tips would not be revealed.

The two of them arrived last, which made them all the more conspicuous. Seeing this, Li Zhiying chuckled dryly, "It seems the young lady is quite favored by the young master."

Normally, Zhu Yun would have ignored her, but today, for some inexplicable reason, he said, "Hmm, no color can compare to her."

Zhu Yun's voice was cool and clear, yet his deep, slow tone carried an unexpected tenderness. Luo Yan almost lost control, silently cursing him as a vixen in her heart.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Huanshan became interested: "I was drunk that night and didn't even get a good look at what the young lady looked like. What a pity."

"Oh?" Zhu Yun lazily lifted his eyelids and said with a smile, "How about I take off this veil and let you see?"

"No, no, no." Zhu Yun: ... Cang Shu has removed Luo Yan's status as a slave and has come to the courtyard to report this.

Half an hour later, the carriage suddenly stopped.

A hand with distinct knuckles impatiently parted the curtain, revealing Zhu Yun's face with tightly furrowed brows.

Even so, he was still incredibly handsome. Luo Yan leaned affectionately on his shoulder, wisely avoiding mentioning their earlier conversation.

"They don't know proper etiquette."

He complained, but had no intention of pulling his hand away.

Luo Yan suppressed a laugh and said seriously, "There's a flower street ahead, and beauties are waiting by the window. If they see you, young master, they'll definitely throw all their silk flowers at you. I don't like that."

Zhu Yun had always been annoyed by the jealousy and rivalry among the women in the inner quarters, but he didn't know whether it was Luo Yan's composure or because he only had one woman in total. Upon hearing this, he was not angry at all, but rather secretly pleased.

He looked back into her clear, watery eyes and saw two versions of himself reflected in them. He felt a sense of satisfaction and reiterated, "I neither like nor will I frequent prostitutes. You can rest assured."

Zhu Yun paused briefly, then looked away: "Besides, they are not as beautiful as you."

Luo Yan was stunned as her jade-like earlobes turned crimson, and she also felt inexplicably uneasy.

She secretly pinched the flesh around her waist, using the pain to remind herself not to succumb. After all, two months in a lifetime is but a fleeting moment; enjoyment is fine, but falling in love is a burden.

Given the strict family traditions of Zhu Yun, it was impossible for him to bring her back to the capital.

Luo Yan herself was unwilling to give up her peaceful life to venture into that dangerous place, only to end up having to share a husband with other women.

She straightened up, pretending to look at the colorful wildflowers on the hillside, thus concealing the complex emotions in her eyes.

Zhu Yun was completely unaware of this, his gaze following the stray hairs falling from Luo Yan's temples. He saw that beneath the light veil, her full figure seemed about to burst forth, the golden magnolia blossoms stretched out of shape, revealing deep cleavage that made his tongue go numb.

Noticing his abrupt palm approaching, Luo Yan disregarded her sentimentality and glanced at him, asking, "What are you doing, young master?"

His expression remained unchanged, as if the warmth emanating from him belonged to someone else. His thin lips kissed Luo Yan's full earlobe, and he said in a hoarse voice, "I've never tried this in a carriage before..."

Luo Yan slapped away his mischievous hand: "As a member of the household, one should not act in a seductive manner. Young Master just reminded me of this this morning."

Zhu Yun immediately froze, her brows furrowing into a deep frown.

Compared to the unspeakable things that happened in this swaying carriage, Luo Yan would much rather go out for a walk, ride a horse, pick flowers, and fly kites—how carefree that would be!

She hugged Zhu Yun back and said coquettishly, "I want to learn to ride a horse, will you teach me, young master?"

Today, it was just a small gathering of a few people from the capital. Zhou Huanshan wasn't worried about others noticing anything amiss, so he quickly stood up with his wine glass in hand, saying, "You're really too kind of me."

Zhu Yun twitched his lips and kneaded Luo Yan's small hand resting on his wrist: "Lord Zhou, please sit down. My Yan Yan is easily frightened."

My Yan Yan?

He was stunned. His thin lips moved several times, but he didn't say anything.

Luo Yan bit her lip to suppress a laugh, deliberately saying coldly, "If I want to have an affair, I'll find ten or eight—ah—"

She was forcefully turned around.

Zhu Yun's face was as black as the bottom of a pot, his eyes flashing with anger, and he squeezed out from between his teeth: "You dare."

Luo Yan shrank her neck: "What about you! You're like a horny ghost every day, never satisfied with just once or twice. What will you do if you go to places you shouldn't go when we're apart for a few months?"

"Am I crazy?" He twitched his lips twice, utterly speechless.

Zhu Yun was certain that if he dared to have any thoughts, Luo Yan would run far away at full speed, and any Tom, Dick, or Harry would seize the opportunity to rush in front of her and show off.

He couldn't help but recall the way Cui Wuyang looked at Luo Yan, and how he shamelessly held her fingers.

"Are you trying to drive me crazy?"

Luo Yan felt a tickle on her ear from his shout and accused him, "You don't love me anymore."

Zhu Yun chuckled, composed himself, and kissed her cheek affectionately: "I love Yan Yan the most."

As soon as he finished speaking, blood rushed to his head. Luo Yan shyly raised her eyelashes, as if she couldn't believe what he had just said.

He pinched the girl's cheek, watching her delicate features scrunch up, and reiterated clearly and forcefully, "I love you the most, I only love you. I can't live without you."

The first half is a love confession.

The second half of the sentence, however, was so light it sounded like a sigh.

Luo Yan felt a lump in her throat and cursed the system in her heart for being so incompetent. It had separated them for two long years, to the point that they both feared separation, as if they might experience another time jump at any moment, leaving one of them trapped in hopeless waiting.

"Forget it." Zhu Yun hugged her tightly. "A woman should follow her husband wherever he goes, whether he's a chicken or a dog. You should stay with me."

Luo Yan hugged him back, "I love you too."