Chapter 17 He had gotten used to Cui Ying's presence and stayed overnight.

It seemed as if a flock of ravens were cawing overhead. Cui Ying's tone was one of shock, her almond-shaped eyes wide open:

"Xiao Qiyu, you really don't trust me that much?"

Xiao Qiyu grabbed her hand, which was still pressed against his lower back, and pulled it away. His burning gaze was tinged with cold light: "Likewise."

Cui Ying stopped pretending and forcefully pulled her hand away, shoving him in the chest to make sure his breathing was away from her ear.

However, to onlookers, this action appeared more like a couple flirting.

Kong walked to Cui Ying's side and coughed imperceptibly: "Mind your manners."

Cui Ying: "..."

She's been wronged!

Just then, Chen Shuangshuang was about to leave with the Duchess of Huguo, so she ordered her maid to invite Cui Ying to come over for a chat. Cui Ying hurriedly left Xiao Qiyu and ran to find Chen Shuangshuang without looking back.

In the height of summer, July, the hydrangeas outside the ceremonial gate are in full bloom, their vast expanse of pink and purple shading the sky, a cool breeze blowing beneath them, and a rich fragrance filling the air.

Cui Ying and Chen Shuangshuang strolled under the flowers, hand in hand as they had done in their childhood. Petals fell on their hair and shoulders, and they became two carefree little girls again.

“I remember the last time I saw you was at your wedding,” Cui Ying sighed. “I don’t know how long it will be before we meet again. Maybe you’ll be about to give birth.”

Chen Shuangshuang laughed and said, "It's not your fault. I'm just married, it's not like I can't show my face to people anymore. Why can't you come and play with me?"

Cui Yingfei glared at her: "Don't try to trap me. The Duke of Huguo's mansion is, after all, your husband's family, not your own. I'm used to being a troublemaker. You were fine when you were in your boudoir. No matter how bad you were influenced by me, your parents couldn't say anything because of their relationship with my parents."

“But now that you’re married, if I go to see you again, I’ll have to consider your in-laws’ opinions. The Duke of Huguo’s mansion is known for its strict rules. Your mother-in-law can raise such a rigid man as your husband, so naturally she can’t tolerate any nonsense.”

Cui Ying looked up at the vibrant hydrangeas, reaching out to catch a falling pinkish-purple petal: "I'm fine. I'm an indestructible, unyielding, and resilient person. No matter what outsiders say about me, I can just cover my ears and pretend I don't hear it. But Shuangshuang, I don't want to tarnish your reputation, and I don't want you to have a bad time in your in-laws' family because of me."

Chen Shuangshuang stood there stunned under the flowers, speechless for a moment.

She knew that Cui Ying was always rough around the edges but actually quite meticulous, but she never expected that Cui Ying's mind could be so meticulous.

Since marrying into the Duke of Huguo's mansion, some people envy her for climbing the social ladder, while others wish for her to be rejected by her in-laws. Even her parents, whenever they see her, always remind her to be gentle and virtuous, to put her mother-in-law first in everything, and never to do anything disobedient or disrespectful.

Little did anyone know that from the second day after her marriage, she personally washed her hands and cooked soup every day, and went to her mother-in-law's room to pay her respects before dawn. Spring turned to summer, rain or shine, and in the past six months, everyone in the Duke of Huguo's mansion praised her highly. Even the old women who tended the fire said that the young mistress was an honest and virtuous person.

Only Cui Ying saw her difficulties and felt sorry for her situation.

Chen Shuangshuang was on the verge of tears.

Why are your eyes red?

After waiting a while without Chen Shuangshuang speaking, Cui Ying turned to look at her and panicked: "I was wrong, I was wrong! It's my fault for gossiping for no reason. Shuangshuang, don't cry, I promise I'll come visit you again!"

Chen Shuangshuang grabbed Cui Ying's hand that was swearing, and smiled through her tears, saying, "Alright, I won't cry just because you won't come to play with me. I'm just touched. Third Sister, it's so kind of you to think so much for me. I'm truly grateful to you."

Cui Ying breathed a sigh of relief, her delicate chin slightly raised, quite pleased with herself: "Right? Wasn't I very thoughtful? Humph, although they all say I'm brainless, I think I'm quite intelligent."

"Who said you're brainless?" Chen Shuangshuang said angrily.

Who dares to say that she, with her angelic beauty, understanding nature, lively charm, superb martial arts skills, handsome appearance, exceptional talent, intelligence, and universal love, is brainless? Who is it!

Through the colorful falling petals, Cui Ying blinked her almond-shaped eyes and looked towards the ceremonial gate where the powerful and nobles gathered.

The setting sun casts a golden glow, and the deep blue copper tiles gleam like glass. The gable ends extend down from the main ridge, with auspicious beasts arranged neatly on them, each one lifelike.

Xiao Qiyu stood beneath the majestic and heroic Suanni beast, his robes stained red by the setting sun. His profile was as handsome as a banished immortal, and every gesture exuded the refined elegance that a scion of a noble family had been trained in since childhood, a natural air of nobility.

He maintained a humble smile throughout his interactions with the constantly chatting guests.

Even when faced with obviously sarcastic teasing, he can respond calmly and methodically.

Perhaps feeling a sudden sting on his cheek for no reason, Xiao Qiyu turned his head and met Cui Ying's gaze under the hydrangea.

A summer breeze blows, and the girl stands quietly, her clothes fluttering with the petals, shimmering and more vibrant than the sunset.

Surprisingly, Xiao Qiyu felt that Cui Ying had started to resemble a human being.

The next moment, Cui Ying grinned and made a face at him.

Xiao Qiyu: "..."

He knew it.

After a cup of tea, the afterglow faded and night fell.

Chen Shuangshuang reluctantly bid farewell to Cui Ying and boarded the carriage of the Duke of Huguo's mansion with her mother-in-law.

Before leaving, Cui Ying wanted to ask her for two more pieces of salted citron.

Cui Ying said, "You know what, right after I drank it, I felt like I was going to die, but after this afternoon, my throat feels unusually comfortable, and I can speak with much more strength, so it's clear that the product is good."

With a wave of her hand, Chen Shuangshuang shoved the entire bowl of salted citron into Cui Ying's hand.

"Use it as you like. When you're done, go to the Duke of Huguo's mansion to get more. I have plenty there, all pickled for over twenty years. They're especially good for coughs," Chen Shuangshuang said.

If this were during her youth, Cui Ying would have given Chen Shuangshuang a big hug. But now, with so many elders around and the pressure of etiquette, she could only hold Chen Shuangshuang's hand, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she said, "Shuangshuang, you're the best to me."

The sweet, soft sound, so delicate it could be stretched into silk, gave Xiao Qiyu goosebumps.

Cui Ying noticed Xiao Qiyu's disdainful look, punched Xiao Qiyu in the chest, and said fiercely, "What are you looking at? Haven't you ever seen a beautiful woman act coquettishly before?"

Xiao Qiyu took a half step back, feeling a dull pain in his chest, and said coldly, "You'd better change the word 'beautiful' to 'fierce'."

How could someone so small have such strength?

"What are you looking at? Haven't you ever seen a tough woman act cute before?"

Cui Ying raised her eyebrows, looking quite proud.

Xiao Qiyu had nothing to say.

As the two bickered, the maids lit lanterns one after another. As dusk fell, the bright lanterns swayed in the evening breeze.

After seeing Chen Shuangshuang off, Cui Ying lingered at the ceremonial gate for a while, then accompanied his parents and elders to see off the remaining guests before heading to Fushou Hall to bid farewell to his grandmother.

The aroma of dishes wafts through the Fushou Hall.

The eldest princess specially ordered the kitchen to prepare Cui Ying's favorite dishes, but instead of setting them on the table, she put them in a vermilion lacquered mother-of-pearl food box and said to Cui Ying, "You've been busy entertaining guests and toasting all day long, and haven't eaten a single meal. This is all your favorite food, so you can eat it on your way to the Marquis's residence. Remember, my child, no matter how busy you are, you must not neglect your stomach, or you will get sick."

The lamplight cast a soft glow, and the princess, with her full head of silver hair and kind smile, resembled an old immortal in a painting.

Cui Ying's eyes welled up with tears, and she nestled into the princess's arms, unwilling to leave, softly pleading, "Grandmother, your granddaughter can't bear to part with you."

The eldest princess stroked her dark hair and sighed, "Good child, your grandmother will also miss you."

"It's just that men should marry when they come of age and women should marry when they come of age; it's all natural law, and this day will come sooner or later. I'm already much more at ease knowing that you can marry into the Marquis of Dingyuan's family. At least I don't have to worry about you being made difficult by your in-laws day and night. You're naturally straightforward, and if you go to a place where people's hearts are treacherous, you'll suffer a lot."

Cui Ying felt a lump in her throat, thinking that her grandmother had always worried about her the most since she was a child. Large tears rolled down her cheeks, wetting her long eyelashes, making her look pitiful.

The eldest princess wiped away her tears, softening her voice even more: "Grandmother is getting old, and to be frank, every time we meet again, it will be one less time. That's why we must cherish the time we have together and not let tears ruin our laughter, don't you think, my little one?"

Cui Ying nodded vigorously, but tears kept streaming down her face, and she was trembling slightly.

After a while, urged by the eldest princess, Cui Ying finally got up and prepared to return to the Marquis's residence with Xiao Qiyu.

After leaving Fushou Hall and reaching the ceremonial gate, just as he was about to board the carriage, Cui Ying paused and suddenly said, "I've made up my mind. I won't go back tonight. I want to stay and keep Grandmother company."

Originally reluctant to part with her daughter, Madam Kong was speechless upon hearing this and exclaimed, "What nonsense are you spouting now? What kind of logic is it for a newlywed bride to stay at her parents' home for only three days after her wedding?"

Cui Yan also said, "If this gets out, what will outsiders think? Even if you don't think about yourself, you should at least think about Qi Lang. What do you expect him to do?"

Without hesitation, Cui Ying looked directly at Xiao Qiyu beside her and asked, "What do you think?"

Xiao Qiyu looked completely indifferent, not even blinking: "I'm fine with anything, whatever you say."

Cui Ying: "Okay, it's settled then. You go back first tonight, I'll stay and keep Grandmother company, and I'll go back tomorrow morning."

Xiao Qiyu: "Mm."

Then one mounted his horse and left the mansion, while the other turned around and returned. The actions were swift and decisive, without any hesitation.

Kong Shi and Cui Yan were left bewildered in the evening breeze, remaining dazed for a long time.

...

The sound of horses' hooves echoed outside the west gate of the Marquis's residence. Xiao Qiyu dismounted, and servants swarmed forward to take the whip, lead the horse, offer tea, and wipe his sweat.

"Why is it that we only see the young master returning, but not the young mistress?" A perceptive servant had already asked.

Xiao Qiyu did not elaborate on this, but instead asked, "How is the old lady today?"

"My lord, the old lady is still coughing today, and it is worst in the morning and evening. She even called the imperial physician last night and took some expectorant medicine. She has just fallen asleep now."

Xiao Qiyu frowned: "I understand."

Back at Qiyun Pavilion, Xiao Qiyu intended to take a bath and go to bed early, but after he finished bathing and lay down, he couldn't fall asleep no matter what.

Beside his pillow were the storybooks Cui Ying loved to read, and on the table were the pastries Cui Ying loved to eat. The bed was filled with the sweet fragrance of Cui Ying, as if she were right beside him, busy eating, drinking and playing. But when he opened his eyes, the room was empty and her figure was nowhere to be seen.

It was so quiet, so very quiet.

Xiao Qiyu had always preferred quiet, but at this moment he could not bear the silence at all, and his heart was pounding.

"Golden wind, jade dew," he called out as he sat up, his phoenix eyes revealing a hint of irritation.

Two clean-cut servants bowed and entered: "What are your orders, sir?"

Xiao Qiyu said impatiently, "Why is it so quiet tonight? It's summer, where have all the insects gone? I haven't heard a single chirp."

Jin Feng and Yu Lu exchanged a glance and said suspiciously, "My lord, the chirping of insects in this courtyard has never stopped. Please listen carefully."

Xiao Qiyu was taken aback for a moment, then waved for the two to leave.

After the door closed, Xiao Qiyu lay down, but was wide awake. He stared blankly at the two silly mandarin ducks embroidered on the top of the tent.

It's not that there are no insects chirping, it's that he can't listen to them.

Xiao Qiyu suddenly realized something terrifying.

In just three days, he seemed to have already gotten used to Cui Ying's presence.

A note from the author:

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"I am an indestructible, unyielding, unbreakable, and unexploded copper pea." — Guan Hanqing, "A Branch of Flowers: Unyielding to Old Age"