Chapter 103 "Pei Jinghuai, I seem to have gotten even more..."

If you head east from the capital, you'll arrive at Yuquanzhuang around 3 PM.

It is said that there are hot springs in those mountains. When they were first discovered, many high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital rushed to buy land there to build estates. You couldn't get one without status and connections.

The estate of the Marquis's residence was bestowed upon him by the late emperor because the late Marquis had rendered meritorious service in protecting the emperor during the western expedition.

Shen Lingyue couldn't sit still in the carriage, so she slipped out and rode a horse for half an hour. Then she came back with a mouthful of sand in her mouth, spitting it out.

She slumped in the carriage, humming weakly, "High-speed rail is out of the question. Why didn't my fellow villager think of getting a green train out of Suzhou?"

If the Qing dynasty could build railways, why can't our Daye?

“Perhaps the productivity level was not high enough in the early days of the founding of the country.” Yan Yi thought about it seriously for a while, following her thoughts. “Building a steam train is not difficult. The difficulty lies in how to build a railway.”

Given the level of infrastructure in ancient times, it was already quite an achievement to build and maintain the official roads connecting various towns in a smooth and spacious manner, let alone railways, which had even higher construction requirements.

Ironware is still a controlled product. Without enough iron ore, where can we build railway tracks?

The two exchanged a glance and sighed in unison.

They are living a life that many ordinary people can only dream of, but that's all.

Shen Lingyue clenched her fist to encourage herself, "Keep going, for the hot springs!"

She finally managed to get out of the house, and she insisted on soaking herself until she was completely soaked before she felt she had made her money back.

...

Pei Jinghuai hadn't been here for several years because he also thought it was too far.

Fortunately, his worst fears did not come true after he arrived at Yuquan Village.

The entire estate was built around several hot spring pools, each with a bathhouse and a small courtyard for resting. The two furthest pools were a quarter of an hour apart.

Pei Jinghuai raised an eyebrow and glanced at Pei Jingyi: "We're staying on the east side, so you'll go to the pond on the west side?"

Pei Jingyi was also eager to get away from him, so he readily agreed.

The two men tacitly took their wives' hands, one to the left and the other to the right.

"Chirp!"

Pei Jinghuai slapped his forehead, "I almost forgot about it."

Turning around, he saw a fiery red, furry figure pounce over, easily climbing onto Pei Jinghuai's back, its two front paws pawing at his shoulders, whimpering and acting cute.

Pei Jinghuai grabbed the fox's muzzle and shook it twice, trying to reason with it: "Look, the surrounding mountains are full of flowers, trees and shrubs, and there are little rabbits and pheasants. Tonight, you can go and frolic all over the mountains by yourself. Don't come back unless you have to."

After saying that, it took the scarf off its body, pushed it towards the mountain, and patted its big tail, "Go play."

The scarf turned its head, its round, black bean-like eyes staring at him for a long time, making Pei Jinghuai feel guilty. He then bowed to it, "Great Scarf Immortal, please give us some face and don't bother us tonight, okay?"

"...Chirp!"

The scarf seemed to be throwing a tantrum. It turned its head haughtily, darted into the bushes, and quickly disappeared from sight.

Pei Jinghuai strode to catch up with Shen Lingyue, only to hear her ask, "You just let the scarf out like that? Aren't you afraid it will run away?"

“How could that be?” Pei Jinghuai waved his hand, his face serious. “A fox that has eaten roast chicken, stewed chicken, and hand-shredded chicken can’t go back to living a life of eating raw meat and drinking blood.”

Shen Lingyue: ...That makes a lot of sense.

After walking for a while, a quiet and elegant courtyard appeared ahead, nestled in a bamboo grove. From deep within the bamboo grove, faint steam rose and drifted, making the temperature on the ground seem several degrees higher than at the entrance of the village, exuding a warm and comfortable feeling.

Shen Lingyue quickened her pace and walked into the bamboo forest, exclaiming, "Wow, it's actually an open-air hot spring!"

Imagine this: the moon shines brightly, illuminating a secluded bamboo grove, and she relaxes comfortably in a hot spring, enjoying the surrounding natural scenery while sipping wine and eating fruit…

This trip was definitely worth it!

"Let's grab something to eat first, then pack up the things we'll need for tonight... What are you thinking?"

Shen Lingyue turned around to speak to Pei Jinghuai, only to see him staring blankly at the hot spring pool, his ears turning a suspicious red.

Pei Jinghuai snapped out of his daze, and seeing that no one was around, he suddenly stepped forward, pulled Shen Lingyue into his arms, and lowered his head to nuzzle her nose. "...Of course I was thinking about you."

Shen Lingyue felt a little embarrassed by his actions, so she reached out and hugged him back, patting his back reassuringly. "Okay, I know it was my fault for inviting my older brother and sister-in-law without telling you beforehand... but they don't live with us, right?"

Her eyelashes fluttered, and her fingertips drew circles on his chest. "Now, I guess I've kept my promise?"

Pei Jinghuai loved seeing her nestled in his arms like a little bird, and he couldn't help but turn his head to kiss her.

Shen Lingyue cuddled with him by the pool for a while, and seeing that things were about to escalate to something indescribable, she quickly stopped him: "...Let's go back to the room and rest first. I haven't taken a bath after a day in the carriage."

Her face flushed, she glanced at him quickly, and whispered, "Wait until tonight, I have a surprise for you."

Pei Jinghuai was indeed intrigued. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself down, then took her hand and walked outside.

The two returned to the courtyard as if nothing had happened. Qingchan and Shuangxu quickly packed up the pillows, blankets, and all the utensils they had brought.

After waiting a while, the manager sent someone to bring food. It was all made from ingredients grown on the estate, either steamed or cold, retaining the original flavor. It was perfect for them to have a bite to eat after a long day of travel and when they had no appetite.

Shen Lingyue secretly called Qingchan over: "...Where is that bundle that I specifically asked you to put away separately before you left?"

Qingchan understood immediately. While Pei Jinghuai went out to question the steward, she deftly took out a tightly wrapped package from the box. "Miss, it's all here."

Shen Lingyue quickly opened the box like a thief, glanced at it, then blushed and closed it again, saying to Qingchan, "Take the blue one downstairs to your sister-in-law later."

"Oh." Qingchan covered her mouth and chuckled. "No wonder Miss asked me to make two sets. It turns out she was thinking about the eldest young mistress."

Shen Lingyue feigned composure: "We should share the good fortune."

It was she who encouraged Yan Yi to go out, saying that a change of environment would help with conception, so a little bit of assistance is definitely necessary! ^_^

Qingchan recalled that she had hidden in her room the entire time she was sewing these two sets of clothes, not daring to let anyone see her. Now, she felt her face flush and her heart race. She couldn't help but mutter softly, "I think the ones who should be enjoying themselves are the eldest young master and the second young master..."

The heat that had finally subsided on Shen Lingyue's face suddenly flared up again, and she pretended to raise her hand to hit her: "You talk too much, why don't you go now?"

Qingchan deftly picked up the bundle and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Miss, Shuangxu and I will both put cotton in our ears tonight so we won't hear a thing."

Before Shen Lingyue could even get angry or embarrassed, he quickly ran away.

"Did your young lady send this to me?"

Unaware of what was going on, Yan Yi lifted a corner of the bundle and saw a nearly transparent light blue gauze fabric inside, as well as two small pieces of cloth with a somewhat familiar shape... Her face flushed instantly.

This little moon, really... it actually made her a big one without saying a word!

Is she really going to wear this to the hot springs tonight? That's way too much... way too much.

Qingchan was delighted to see the shy and flustered expression on her face. Her smile deepened, and she curtsied, saying, "Young Madam, this is a token of my young lady's affection. She said she wishes you and the young master a... unforgettable night."

Yan Yi was caught in a dilemma: accepting the gift or not. She was utterly devastated.

Qingchan had just stepped out when Pei Jingyi walked in. Seeing her staring blankly at a small bundle-like object, he couldn't help but ask, "Did your sister-in-law send someone to see you about something?"

"No, it's nothing." Yan Yi hurriedly picked up the bundle, her eyes darting away, avoiding his gaze. She tried to appear more natural, and quietly walked to the bedside, haphazardly stuffing the bundle under the covers. Turning to him, she smiled, "You went out just now?"

"Hmm, it's been a long time since I've been here. I asked the village head for a layout map so we can see if there are any fun places around here."

As she wished, Pei Jingyi did not press the matter further and changed the subject.

After Yan Yi thought she had gotten away with it, she got up and went to the bathroom next door.

Pei Jingyi immediately went to the bedside and pulled out the bundle she had hidden.

"What's this?"

Pei Jingyi picked up a slippery, light blue piece of cloth that looked like it was made of just a few ropes sewn together, and a rare look of confusion appeared on his face.

...

You should take a shower before soaking in a hot spring.

Pei Jinghuai was eager to go with her, but Shen Lingyue ruthlessly rejected him. She carried a small bundle and discreetly entered the bathroom. Before closing the door, she reminded him, "Go shower next door. Wait for me to call you in later."

Mysteriously... Pei Jinghuai was still thinking about the "surprise" she mentioned, and he agreed to every condition Shen Lingyue proposed.

After waiting for a long time in the bathhouse, Qingchan finally knocked on the door: "Young master, Miss is waiting for you by the hot spring pool."

Pei Jinghuai put on his outer robe and rushed out.

Qingchan seemed to see a blur flash past her eyes, so fast that she couldn't catch it. She stretched and rubbed her sore neck.

Hopefully, the needlework she finished by burning the midnight oil will also bring them an unforgettable night.

Soaking in hot springs is great; she doesn't have to stay up all night boiling water.

...

Pei Jinghuai walked to the edge of the bamboo forest and suddenly felt inexplicably nervous. He subconsciously slowed his pace and carefully walked onto the cobblestone path leading to the hot spring pool.

Turning past a natural fence made of vines, he held his breath at the sight before him, even though he had expected it.

Under the tranquil moonlight, she soaked in the milky white hot spring with her long, black hair flowing freely. Her round, almond-shaped eyes were bright, and her wet eyelashes fluttered as she looked at him. A mischievous smile, familiar to him, played on her lips. Like a little fox who had wandered into the human world, she had turned the tables and lured the hunter step by step into the trap she had set.

Pei Jinghuai heard her breathing become heavier. At this moment, everything around her became a backdrop to her, turning into an unreal halo under the hazy moonlight, like a veil falling on the world.

He walked forward step by step, faster and faster, until his foot slipped uncontrollably and he fell into the pool with a splash.

Shen Lingyue was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter without any restraint.

She knew she had always been attractive to Pei Jinghuai, but she didn't expect that the environment tonight would double the effect!

A string of bubbles rose to the surface of the water, but Pei Jinghuai did not surface after waiting for a long time.

Shen Lingyue stopped laughing and walked nervously towards the edge of the pool. "Husband, husband, are you still there?"

The pool isn't deep, so how did he fall in and not be able to get out?

Shen Lingyue suddenly felt nervous. Could it be that she hit her head and was knocked unconscious when she fell?

She quickly reached out and flailed around, when suddenly she felt something grab her ankle underwater, and screamed in fright, "Ahhh—!"

With a splash, Pei Jinghuai burst out of the water, creating a huge spray. He stretched out his long arm and pulled her into his arms, pinching her waist threateningly. "Still dare to laugh at me?"

Shen Lingyue was so frightened by him that tears streamed down her face. She was both angry and annoyed, and she punched his chest hard. "I'll laugh, I'll laugh, what can you do to me?"

"Of course I can do it to you, so what?" Pei Jinghuai pulled her closer, their bodies almost pressed tightly together underwater. The thin fabric felt like nothing, and they could clearly feel each other's body temperature gradually rising.

The pool was filled with mist, enveloping the surroundings in a white haze.

Pei Jinghuai placed his hand on her shoulder and stroked it downwards inch by inch until he finally sensed something was wrong.

Both of them went into the water wearing pajamas, but the ones she was wearing today seemed a little different to the touch.

He looked at her questioningly, "What about the surprise you promised me?"

Shen Lingyue was still angry that he had hidden in the water to scare her, so she turned her head away haughtily and refused to answer.

Pei Jinghuai raised an eyebrow.

It's okay if she doesn't tell him; he can figure it out on his own.

Pei Jinghuai quickly stripped off her outer garment. The wet fabric was shaken in mid-air, splashing countless water droplets. Under the moonlight, it was as thin as a cicada's wing and almost transparent.

His eyes darkened slightly, and taking advantage of Shen Lingyue's inattention, he suddenly lifted her up in his arms.

She gasped softly, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist, which also caused her upper body to emerge from the water.

When Pei Jinghuai saw the two small pieces of cloth hanging on her body, his lower abdomen tightened instantly.

Shen Lingyue never expected that the "surprise" she had carefully prepared would appear at such an unexpected moment. She frantically tried to steady herself while raising her hand to cover it.

"What's there to be nervous about? It's just us here."

She was forced to hug his neck, her face flushed as she closed her eyes.

His gaze seemed to materialize, traversing his territory inch by inch until it stopped at a certain spot.

...

Practice has proven that cherries that have been moistened with water are indeed exceptionally juicy and sweet.

There's nothing more pleasant than soaking in a hot spring while eating fruit.

The moon quietly hid behind the clouds, shadows rose and fell, and mist filled the air.

Shen Lingyue felt that she had indeed received a big surprise—she had seen another side of Pei Jinghuai that no one knew, all with just a set of semi-transparent lingerie.

Just like a large dog that is usually well-behaved and docile, it still retains the wolf's nature deep down.

Once the prey has fallen into your grasp, you must conquer and possess it inch by inch until you can no longer advance.

Bubbles of all sizes rose on the surface of the water. She couldn't tell if the water was too hot or if her mind was hotter. No matter how many times she opened her eyes in a daze, he could always catch her gaze and test her limits once again.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she cupped his face and kissed him passionately, her eyes glistening with tears as she looked at him.

"Pei Jinghuai, we've been married for so long, and I think I like you even more now."

"Just a little?"

Pei Jinghuai held her tightly, refusing to let go, and then leaned forward again as if dissatisfied, saying, "Say it again."

Like a traveler who has strayed into a flower garden, he stubbornly pursues only the butterfly he desires.

Finally, he got his chance. The butterfly fluttered its wings and landed in the center of a flower's heart. He approached step by step, carefully pinched the butterfly's wings, and the glittering powder fell down, fluttering and hitting the flower's heart. The heart trembled and the stem swayed, releasing a pool of nectar.

Shen Lingyue whimpered, almost crying, and bit his shoulder in a fit of anger, "You...you won't allow it again..."

Pei Jinghuai seemed to be deliberately teasing her, always finding the perfect moment that left her feeling awkward and unsatisfied, forcing her to lean trembling close to his ear and say something nice that would please him before he would stop.

"I like you...not just a little...I like you the most...Brother Xiaozhou..."

He kissed the corner of her tearful eyes, his high, straight nose gently brushing against the tip of her nose.

"Good Yue, my little butterfly, I like you the most too."

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Author's Note: [doge][doge] This is today's hot spring couple~

While writing this chapter, I suddenly recalled Yuezai and Pei Er's wedding night, hehehe. Who would have thought that only a little over a year has passed? (pointing and whispering) (heart emojis)

After updating for so long, I sometimes feel a bit numb [crying emoji]. I desperately need a sweet and loving couple to recharge!

[Let me see] Under the same moonlight at the same time, it's up to your imagination to guess what happened between Big Brother and Yan Yan! [Sprinkling flowers] Oh dear, what little pieces of cloth and strips of cloth? It's so hard to guess! ( )