Chapter 29 You're on top of me

Inside the stone chamber, where wall lamps are arranged in a line, the faint sound of chains clanging can be heard.

In a brightly lit corner, a hunched man carrying a bucket of water splashed water on his "prey," waking it up.

When Yan Zhuyi regained consciousness, the flickering firelight blinded her. She turned her head to the side, and a string of water droplets dripped from her cheek.

As her consciousness returned, she looked at the hunched man in front of her in horror.

"It's you..."

Thank you, shopkeeper.

Yan Zhuyi was terrified. Could it be that he was still holding a grudge about the last time she asked for the reward?

That's a bit too much of a desire for revenge.

The hunchbacked man noticed her hesitation, chuckled, and hunched over as he went to the stove to light the charcoal.

Heat the hot iron.

Yan Zhuyi was trembling like a leaf. "Who are you?"

Where would a prominent and wealthy businessman get such a strong desire for revenge?

"Good question."

Shopkeeper Xie gestured with his chin toward the young man in the shadowy corner, "Yan Yi, you answer her."

"You bastard."

"...You little brat."

The young man carrying a knife walked into the firelight; a scar on his cheekbone was tattooed with a swallow.

The young man, with a blade of grass dangling from his mouth and an air of arrogance, said, "Why waste words with her? Bring me the branding iron."

"What do you want? What grudge do you have against me, a weak woman?"

The chains on the wooden frame clanged, and Yan Zhuyi, unable to break free, looked terrified, her face contorted with exhaustion.

The young man named Yan Yi rolled his eyes. "Let me make this clear first, we don't know how to be gentle with women. When the young master comes over later, you only need to answer yes or no, and swallow any other words."

"you......"

Yan Yi gave a sinister smile. "Didn't you hear me?"

Yan Zhuyi dared not say anything more, swallowing her doubts and fears.

After some time, one of the walls of the stone chamber suddenly rotated, and a man wearing a dark blue brocade cloak with diamond patterns and gold embroidery slowly walked in. The hood covered most of his face, leaving only the outline of his chin visible.

Superior and smooth.

Yan Yi, who had been nonchalant, immediately straightened up and bowed respectfully, saying, "Young Master."

The man stepped past Yan Yi, his pair of plain blue satin boots peeking out from beneath his swaying cloak. He approached Yan Zhuyi, raised his right hand, and lowered a death notice.

It was issued by the Yangzhou government office.

The concubine of the Crown Prince hanged herself.

There will never be another Yan Zhuyi in this world.

At this moment, Yan Zhuyi could no longer suppress her bitterness, and tears welled up in her eyes.

It was all a mirage, a fleeting illusion, and she didn't even have a chance to start over.

Who exactly are you people?

Yan Yi grabbed her cheek, his knuckles cracking. "You've already said it, so swallow the rest. All you need to do is answer whether you want to reveal the truth from three years ago once we arrive in the capital."

"!!!"

Yan Zhuyi had a guess in her mind: they were related to Jiang Yinyue, and were probably people from the Jiang family! The Jiang family was seeking justice for their young lady!

"Say it! Good or bad?" Yan Yi was clearly impatient, increasing the pressure and pinching Yan Zhuyi until she looked pained.

Deprived of her support, Yan Zhuyi's vision blurred. "I'd rather die than tell... Ah!!"

Yan Yi expressionlessly removed her jaw, causing Manager Xie to frown.

They don't know how to hold back.

Yan Yi turned to face the man who brought the obituary, "Young Master, rest assured, she will agree."

The man said nothing, turned and left. Under his cloak, which was billowing in the wind, a jade pendant with swimming scales was clearly visible at his waist.

After seeing the man off, Manager Xie returned to the stone chamber, set Yan Zhuyi's chin, and said with a grin, "You'll have to give in sooner or later, don't be stubborn. Are you hungry? Tell me what you want to eat."

Yan Zhuyi, who was nearly fainting, stared at them. Was one of them playing the good cop and the other the bad cop?

**

Before dawn, the crowing of roosters continued. Jiang Yinyue covered her ears, rolled over, and snuggled into a dry chest.

The blanket that was covering me had somehow ended up at my feet.

She moved closer to the source of heat, and heard the soft sound of tucking in the blankets.

"Um......?"

The woman, whose sleep had been disturbed, struggled to open her eyes, and what she saw was a snow-white nightgown that exuded the fresh scent of soap.

At the overlap of the pajamas' necklines, there was a flesh-colored...neck.

Realizing she had crossed a line, the young woman suddenly came to her senses and tried to roll back to the inside of the canopy bed, only to find herself sharing a blanket with Wei Qin.

Like a silkworm spinning a cocoon, it wrapped her up completely.

Beneath the snow-white nightgown, a strong, pounding heartbeat could be heard.

Jiang Yinyue looked up, but her view was blocked by Wei Qin's chin.

However, it was clear that Wei Qin showed no signs of waking up.

How did I manage to break in?

Jiang Yinyue moved backward, trying to get out of the quilt, but was pinned down by the man who turned over in his sleep.

In terms of height, Jiang Yinyue is considered tall for a woman, but next to Wei Qin, she appears petite and delicate, especially with her broad shoulders.

Suffocating under the weight, Jiang Yinyue pushed at the person pressing down on her, but her strength was weak, like an ant trying to shake a tree.

"Wei Qin".

"Um......"

You're pressing down on me.

Wei Qin turned to face inwards, pulled the woman, who was trying to leave quickly, into his arms, and locked her in place with one arm. He buried his face in the woman's silky long hair, rubbed his nose against hers, and found a comfortable lying position. "Sleep a little longer."

Completely restrained, Jiang Yinyue twisted and turned, almost unable to breathe.

This intimate embrace made her flustered.

But as she twisted and turned, Wei Qin wrapped his other arm around her waist, making her unable to move.

"Wei Qin, you're awake."

While fast asleep, Wei Qin felt a sharp pain in his abdomen; it was the woman in his arms who was squeezing his flesh with all her might.

But he didn't utter a single cry of pain, not even a hiss.

The man's abdomen was firm and bulging. When she tried to twist it, she couldn't reach any excess fat. Jiang Yinyue felt her fingers getting sore. She let go of him, blew on her fingers, and pretended to turn over.

"Don't move."

"You think I'll just stay still because you tell me not to?"

Miss Jiang struggled and writhed, her little face turning red.

The newly purchased water clock in the house pointed to the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), and the rooster next door jumped onto the roof and crowed loudly, which caused the stubborn little rooster in the Wei family's stable to squawk.

Jiang Yinyue got up, crossed her arms, and stared at Wei Qin, who showed no intention of getting up.

Yan Hongchang's case is not yet closed; we must follow the clues to find other officials involved in the case.

The task is arduous and the road ahead is long.

"Lord Wei should get up now."

If she weren't being used as a pillow and rubbed, Miss Jiang would never have been so tactless as to disturb her partner's rest.

This person wasn't asleep at all.

Wei Qin rested his head on one arm, closed his eyes and remained silent, letting his wife step over his waist, slip on her shoes and go to wash up.

At the second quarter of Chen Shi (7:45 AM), with a light breeze and clear skies, Jiang Yinyue arrived at the stable and watched with a smile the eager pony chasing lightning.

Without Yan Zhuyi as an obstacle, I can finally take Zhu Dian out for a drive.

The little guy was really bored.

"I'm sorry to have troubled you."

Her crimson-purple dress traced a crescent moon arc in the air as she mounted her horse, flicked her whip, and galloped away like lightning, ignoring the strange looks from the neighbors.

"The Wei family's granddaughter-in-law is really flamboyant."

"Who can argue with that?"

"But he's truly a lucky charm for his husband. Wei Qin has made a great contribution this time, and his future is bright."

"No, no, we can't compare."

The neighbors dispersed, leaving behind words of envy, jealousy, praise, or admiration.

Wei Ying pushed open the back door and gazed at her sister-in-law's figure with envy. If she had a healthy body, she could also learn horseback riding like her sister-in-law.

"Miss, please take your medicine first. You have a follow-up appointment today."

While others ate hearty meals of meat and fish or simple porridge and vegetables in the morning, she ate herbs instead of food. The fifteen-year-old girl was frowning until the energetic Jiang Yinyue returned.

"Sister-in-law."

"Why is Ying'er out here?"

"Is your sister-in-law busy today?"

Jiang Yinyue shook her head. "Is something the matter?"

Upon seeing Jiang Yinyue, Wei Ying couldn't help but beam with joy. She took Jiang Yinyue's hand and shook it gently, clearly wanting to ask for something.

In the early morning, the sky was clear and cloudless, a deep blue. Wei Ying, dressed in a light blue dress, appeared on the street with Jiang Yinyue. They stood on a high point, looking out over the bustling market, their gaze settling on a painter who was setting up a stall.

“There it is.”

Wei Ying pulled Jiang Yinyue toward the painter, "Sister-in-law, it was he who helped me to the clinic that day."

Although men and women should not have close contact, Wei Ying understood the principle of expediency in urgent situations. The grateful young girl did not want to repeat the scene of hiding behind her sister-in-law without the courage to thank her benefactor. This time, she carried two bags of gifts and walked ahead of Jiang Yinyue.

Jiang Yinyue watched the painter's back, narrowed her almond-shaped eyes, and raised her hand to cover her eyes the instant the painter turned around upon hearing the sound.

It's that conman.

His drawing skills are terrible.

Qi Bao, whose fur was extremely smooth, was drawn as a sloppy fat dog by this person.

Jiang Yinyue stopped and listened to the conversation between her sister-in-law and the painter.

The silver-robed painter looked at Wei Ying in surprise, then chuckled, "It was nothing, don't worry about it."

"You helped me."

"oh."

Sensing the other party's lack of enthusiasm, Wei Ying put down the gift and nervously clutched her skirt. She rarely interacted with outsiders and wasn't good at flattery, often resulting in awkward silences. However, she didn't want to hide behind her sister-in-law like a coward, so she mustered her courage and asked, "Did you open for business today?"

"Not yet, business is slow."

The silver-robed painter set up his stall, tucked his hands into his sleeves, and smiled, raising his eyebrows. "What, you want to patronize my business?"

"Um!"

"Come, come, come."

The man, his previous indifference gone, brought out a stool, patted the dust off it with his wide sleeve, and, thinking that the girl was frail and easily chilled, took off his outer garment and folded it on the stool, saying, "Please."

Wei Ying sat there, tidied her hair behind her ears, revealing a pair of fair ears, and sat there obediently, letting the painter look her over.

The painter held a brush and sketched the woman's outline from a distance. Then, he dipped the brush tip in ink and painted with flowing strokes, making Jiang Yinyue press her forehead in disbelief.

She quietly approached, looked down at the Xuan paper, and unexpectedly her gaze froze.

The brushstrokes are clearly fluid and masterful.

Jiang Yinyue felt resentful. What about the sloppy fat dog she drew last time?

Half an hour later, the painter put down his brush, carefully admired his painting, nodded in satisfaction, and beckoned Wei Ying to come forward.

Wei Ying exclaimed in surprise, "A master painter!"

Praise came out of his mouth without hesitation.

The painter chuckled, his voice clear and pleasant.

Jiang Yinyue poked at a blank spot on the Xuan paper. "Let's leave a seal."

Who knows, one day this painter will become famous, and his paintings will become collectibles.

Wei Ying nodded expectantly.

The artist smiled and agreed, then stamped his seal on the paper.

Thanks.

Jiang Yinyue asked, puzzled, "Only the surname?"

"The seal was carved by my own hand; the handwriting itself is its distinctive feature, so why bother with the name?"

"I am an ordinary person. May I ask your honorable name?"

"A rustic villager, an unknown person."

Wei Ying tugged at Jiang Yinyue's sleeve and handed her a silver ingot.

The artist exclaimed in surprise, "It doesn't have to be this much to take care of business."

"Just a small token of my appreciation."

After saying that, the girl rolled up the portrait, pulled Jiang Yinyue away, and seemed afraid that the other party would refuse.

Jiang Yinyue couldn't help but chuckle; her sister-in-law was too honest.

The painter weighed the silver ingot in his hand, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

**

Upon returning to the Wei residence, Jiang Yinyue received a letter forwarded by her mother-in-law.

A letter from the capital.

Recognizing the familiar handwriting, Jiang Yinyue smiled even before opening the package, her almond-shaped eyes brimming with joy.

Holding the letter, she returned to the east wing, sat down at the table, carefully opened the envelope, and was amused by the familiar tone of voice.

Jiang Song rambled on about everyday things, but the point she cared about most was her relationship with Wei Qin.

"Cherish the people in front of you, and don't bully your good son-in-law."

Jiang Yinyue pursed her lips, put her father's letter into the box, then took out a plain sheet of paper and wrote a reply.

When Wei Qin returned, she had already written three thousand words.

"Second-place scholar, shall we praise your wonderful father-in-law?"

Wei Qin walked behind her, bent down to look at the contents of the letter, then took her small hand holding the pen, and the pen danced with ink, producing brilliant writing.

Even an ordinary family letter has become a remarkable piece of writing.

The man's unusually high body temperature mingled with the warmth of the woman's delicate hands.

Jiang Yinyue's mind was blank; she was being controlled like a puppet as she wrote, her attention entirely focused on Wei Qin's icy hands.

The hands are narrow, slender, and have distinct joints. Under the thin skin on the back of the hand, the veins stand out. The strokes rise and fall with the force of the brush, like exquisitely crafted jade or rock carved by a knife and axe, which is extremely beautiful.

Jiang Yinyue turned her clear eyes and stole a glance at Wei Qin.

Her profile, bathed in the glow of candlelight, was breathtakingly beautiful, with her raven-black eyelashes casting a fan-shaped halo beneath her eyes.

"What are you looking at?"

Wei Qin suddenly spoke, turning his head to look at her. His sharp Adam's apple bobbed as he spoke, and his chin pressed against Jiang Yinyue's ear.

The two were extremely close, as close as they could possibly be.

Jiang Yinyue buried her face in the table, too ashamed to answer his question. "Keep writing, the messenger is still waiting in Grandfather's room."

"Okay." Wei Qin inadvertently glanced at the back of her neck, a section of skin that was warm, white and delicate.

He held the woman's hand tightly and continued writing, his strokes flowing and vigorous. The kiss on the back of her neck was as light as a drop of water, full of tenderness.

Jiang Yinyue, who was resting on her arm, trembled in her beautiful eyes.

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Author's note: My computer had a minor problem today. I spent ages figuring it out, but it's still not back to normal. Ugh, but thankfully it doesn't affect my writing.