Chapter 35 Chapter 35 Tossing and turning

At the beginning of the evening hour, Fu Zhirong returned from duty. He was still in his official robes, his sword still at his waist, when his wife grabbed him and dragged him straight into the house. The door closed gently behind them, but he shuddered as if facing a formidable enemy, his muscular body suddenly tensing.

Before his wife could ask, he bent down, carefully observing her expression, and said with an apologetic smile, "Madam, please talk it over. Please don't resort to violence. If this is my fault, I will apologize to you. If anyone is so foolish as to displease you, I will immediately go to your house and seek justice for you!"

"Fair? Ha!"

Wang Yingzi sneered, let go of his hand, pushed him away, and sat down at the main seat. She slammed her palm on the table, her eyes narrowed slightly as she scrutinized him and asked tentatively, "Then maybe you could go to the Shangshu Ling Mansion and seek justice for me?"

Fu Zhirong's heart skipped a beat, his thoughts racing in an instant, but he couldn't figure out when she had started this feud with the Shangshuling Mansion. He couldn't get justice for this, and he feared he'd be skinned alive if he went. But that didn't stop him from speaking righteously, "The Shangshuling Mansion may be a distinguished family, but under the Emperor's feet, if they're truly in the wrong, I will do my utmost to seek justice for my wife!"

Having been childhood sweethearts for years, how could Wang Yingzi not hear the cowardice behind his words? Although her anger had gradually subsided, she still refused to give in and was determined to get some clues from him.

"Very well! My husband, you are responsible for defending the Imperial City. You have always been sharp-eyed and upright. Tell me, Lord Qin Ling concealed his identity, deceived an innocent girl, and forced the daughter of a good family to become a concubine. Is this an act that is unjust? Should he be punished?!"

"hidden--"

Fu Zhirong suddenly raised his head. Although he didn't say anything, the expression on his face showed the shock in his heart.

"He actually concealed his identity and tricked an innocent woman into becoming his mistress?!"

Although Wang Yingzi had her suspicions, she still held onto a glimmer of hope. Now, in front of her loved ones, the anger she'd suppressed all day was instantly ignited. Unable to contain herself any longer, she immediately erupted in curses.

"He's a high-ranking official, a second-rank official, and a relative of the emperor, yet he resorted to such tactics to deceive an innocent woman! He used the ruthless judgment of the court to punish a weak woman. How shameless!"

"Nong Nong is so frank and sincere, so endearing, that even I can't help but be fond of her. How could he be so cruel as to deceive such a pure girl?! Nongnong and I have similar temperaments. I was furious just by hearing this. If she knew that her sincerity had been deceived, how angry and heartbroken would she be? How would she cope with it?"

Wang Yingzi was so angry when she spoke that she put herself in other people's shoes. If someone dared to cheat and humiliate her like this, she would have been so angry that her eyes would turn red. If she didn't beat that person up and ruin his reputation, she would never be able to get rid of the hatred in her heart!

Suddenly, a thought struck her, and she abruptly turned her attention to the tall, muscular man cowering beside her. She demanded, "Nong Nong is the woman that Qin Linggong had a lingering love with in Yuqing, right? Then why did she come to the capital? Did Qin Linggong really keep her out there, nameless and without status? When did you find out? And how much do you know? You knew it long ago, yet you covered it up. Are you the same kind as him?!"

Fu Zhirong was frightened by her rising anger and dared not say a word. Now that he had been exposed, he dared not hide anything anymore and could only answer every question honestly, but he also did not forget to complain about his own injustice:

"Madam, please bear with me! I only know that Lord Ling did conceal his identity when he was in Yuqing, and it was only after hearing rumors in the capital that I speculated that Miss Lan might be the same person. I know nothing else! Lord Ling is so cunning, if he deliberately concealed something, how could a subordinate like me know? Every day when I return home, I only have eyes for Madam, and my attendants are all men. Even when I leave the capital on official business, the three servants keep an eye on Madam. God knows, I dare not have even the slightest second thought!"

He finished speaking in one breath, then observed her expression and said cautiously, "Besides, Madam, there's really no need to be so angry. Although the Lord Ling has concealed his identity, not only you and I, but everyone in the capital knows that he values ​​Miss Lan very much. Otherwise, why would he condescend in his busy schedule to personally accompany her to the Pear Garden to watch an opera?"

"Madam has often said that your Lordship holds a high position of power. Given his status and influence, if he simply wanted to settle down with a woman, he could have simply taken her into his household. Why would he go to such great lengths to conceal her identity? In my humble opinion, there must be something else going on here that no one else knows about."

Wang Yingzi was just overwhelmed by anger, but after listening to his detailed explanation, she couldn't help but feel that there was some truth in it.

Yes, with that person's status and position, everything in the world can be easily obtained by him. Why should he be on guard everywhere and deliberately conceal things?

Seeing her expression gradually soften, Fu Zhirong breathed a sigh of relief. He tossed aside his sword, took off his official robes, and pulled her to sit beside him. He said gently, "After all, this is someone else's private matter. Madam, there's really no need to be so angry. Everyone has their own fate. How can you know that this is definitely a bad thing for that girl?"

After all, she was an orphan, previously unable to even reach the threshold of the Shangshu Ling Mansion. Now, not only had she entered a prestigious family, but she was also deeply favored by the Mansion Master. Although she hadn't officially entered the mansion yet, it was only a matter of time. For her, it was no exaggeration to say that this was an incredible wealth and luck.

Fu Zhirong's upbringing prevented him from discussing women's private affairs too much. Besides, this was, after all, the romantic affair of his friend and superior, and he shouldn't talk about it all day long.

Wang Yingzi came from a noble family, so how could she not know the importance of family status? The Shangshu Ling's mansion was prestigious, and countless women flocked to it, unable to obtain it. There was something hidden, and the Shangshu Ling was so devoted to her, so he must have some future plans. So, for her, it was a stroke of luck.

One worry was temporarily resolved, but the other still hung in the air. "You don't know, but Yinghuan met Nongnong a few days ago and fell in love with her. Today, when I ran into Nongnong, Yinghuan was there too, and out of courtesy, I had to briefly introduce the two. However, Yinghuan was overwhelmed with emotion, and his words might have gone too far. I've already explained the pros and cons to him and ordered him to pack his bags and hide for a while. Please make arrangements to have him leave the capital tomorrow, and ideally, he should return in three to five months."

"Also, I've asked my mother to explain the severity of the situation to my father when he returns home, and to write a letter on his behalf, stating that Yinghuan had no intention of offending me. Please draft another letter with a similar message and have it delivered to Lord Linggong's residence."

Fu Zhirong was completely unaware that his wife's brother was involved, and his expression suddenly grew serious. Even an ordinary man wouldn't tolerate his wives and concubines being coveted, let alone someone as self-centered as him.

While others didn't know the true story, he knew the reason behind the frequent intrusions of the falcon in the capital over the past few days. Furthermore, his claim of a hidden agenda wasn't empty talk. He had gone to such great lengths to create a fake identity for the girl, one that would stand up to scrutiny. His dedication alone showed he had absolutely no tolerance for any injustice.

Even if my wife's brother only has feelings for me, it's still best to stay away for the time being. I just hope that you can show some mercy to me for the sake of our past friendship.

*

He usually wore wide-sleeved, dark-colored robes in cool colors like dark blue, dark green, dark green, and white. Those light, elegant blue and light-colored robes that had captivated her at first sight and deepened her love for Yuqing were rarely seen.

Lan Nongnong lowered her head as she twisted the thread, her thoughts drifting for a moment before quickly returning to their original focus. Sewing a belt wasn't like the soft material of ordinary clothing; it was thicker and stiffer, requiring extra force with every stitch. Even with her full arsenal of needles, scissors, and thimbles, her slender fingers still bore a few faint red marks.

A blood bubble had formed beneath the thimble on her right middle finger, but she was so focused she didn't even feel the pain. Thinking of how handsome he looked with the belt tied around his waist, a sweet smile spread across her face, and she didn't even notice someone quietly entering the room.

Qin Jingyao was ignored by her, but he didn't get angry. He just stood there quietly with his hands behind his back, looking carefully at her rare and elaborate dress today.

Her hair was combed together and tied into a round bun, which made her facial features more beautiful, her face delicate and small, and her neck slender and fair.

Her hair was adorned with a series of pink, yellow, and honey-colored floral pearls and jadeite, with the familiar lily of the valley and hibiscus hairpin quietly embellishing it. A long tassel dangled from the hairpin behind her head, sliding down to her collar as she bowed her head. A purple, pink, and gold-painted lotus flower crown graced her bun, adding a touch of splendor.

She has a pretty face, plump and fair cheeks, and even more rare is that she has abundant energy and blood. After these days of careful care, she looks more radiant than ever, her skin is white and rosy, and you can tell at a glance that she is in very good health.

With just a touch of makeup, her beauty, though only seven points, glowed with twelve points of brilliance. Far from being able to overpower her, those precious jewels and jades instead enhanced her inherent confidence, giving her a naturally noble air.

Her eyebrows are lightly drawn, her lips are lightly rouge-colored, and a pink lotus is carefully outlined on her forehead. The pure and clear aura of the lotus instantly hits you in the face.

It is fresh and elegant, yet unforgettable and leaves a long aftertaste.

He remained contented, pausing to savor the moment for a while. Then, he stepped forward, leaning over her back, watching her delicate hands as if weaving through flowers and clouds. Her movements were skillful and gentle, radiating a unique tranquility.

His gaze slowly ascended, finally resting on her beaming face. Her lack of desires made her carefree, even when alone, she found contentment, unperturbed by external distractions. Yet, she seemed cut off from the outside world, evoking an inexplicable sense of detachment, a feeling of detachment that made it difficult to look at her.

The thought of someone else seeing her in this state suddenly made her heart surge with irritability. Her knuckles tightened slightly, and a chill deepened in her eyes.

When someone called her softly, Lan Nongnong frowned impatiently, as if she was disturbed. After a moment, she stopped her hand belatedly. She turned her head suddenly, and the pearls in her hair trembled, making a small and clear tinkling sound.

What came into her sight was a handsome face with a smile, but for the first time she did not show any joy. Instead, she suddenly panicked and dodged, her hands quickly hiding at her waist.

But the needle tip is sharp and can pierce into the skin and flesh in a hurry.

Lan Nongnong's body shuddered violently, and a soft hiss escaped her lips. Before she could turn around to check, the light in front of her eyes suddenly dimmed. The dark blue brocade had been thrown onto the table, and her hands were immediately grasped by a pair of warm hands.

Before she could even see the wound, she felt a sudden warmth at the base of her left thumb, a damp, soft touch, and the pressure of being licked like an electric current coursed through her body. Her body, having never felt such a touch before, instantly went limp, her scalp tingling, her entire body trembling uncontrollably, and a soft, sticky moan escaped her throat, making her blush.

Qin Jingyao suddenly raised his eyes, and the woman's shy, bewildered expression caught his eye. The sweet, fishy taste in his mouth suddenly felt like a fire, crackling and burning along his veins. His eyes suddenly narrowed and darkened. Although his tongue was no longer full of blood, he still licked her wounds meticulously, exploring them like a patrol of territory.

The palm gripping her delicate hand burned like fire, veins bulging at the wrist and back of her hand. His scorching breath caused the flower-bud-like fingertips in his palm to curl timidly. He raised his head, his thin lips stained red, perhaps from the blood or from the sucking, a color both gorgeous and dangerous.

The wound was no longer wet, and there was no pain at all, but beneath the skin it felt like burning charcoal, and waves of numbness and tenderness were present.

Lan Nongnong's cheeks burned like fire, yet she seemed frozen in place. She stared blankly, breathless, her back aching with tension. Her body tried to pull her hand away before her consciousness could, but she couldn't break free. Suddenly, a powerful force pulled her away, and she fell into a cool yet scorching embrace.

"What are you hiding from?"

A low, hot breath brushed against her ears and neck, and Lan Nongnong's hair stood on end, and she flinched. She instinctively tilted her head to hide, and struggled to retreat, but two fingers gripped her chin and gently lifted it up.

The man's muscular legs passed over her side, wrapping around her waist. One hand grasped her wrist, his thumb occasionally rubbing the injured area, bringing waves of unbearable numbness. She was forced to raise her slender neck, her skin tense. Every swallow was difficult and rapid, the sound amplified in her ears, roaring like thunder.

Lan Nong's eyes sparkled, the steam from her eyes penetrating her thin skin, leaving the corners of her eyes pink and moist. Her long eyelashes trembled timidly, her eyes dodging and flickering, but she never dared to look up at him.

The lips seemed to have been burned dry of moisture, appearing even more crimson and smooth, forcing the small tip of the tongue to repeatedly dart out to moisten them. However, each time they retracted, the lips became even more lush and lustrous, and with the slightest movement, the shimmering crimson would appear and disappear, this concealed appearance only making it even more alluring and impossible to look away.

"No, I'm not hiding anything..."

Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's, her eyes wandering. "Um, you, when did you come back? I, I have something else to do, so I won't have dinner."

"You've worked hard all day, go have a meal and rest early! By the way--"

The tassels hanging from her hair suddenly reminded Lan Nongnong of something, and she forgot her shyness for a moment. She grasped his collar with her hands, raised her chin, and turned her face towards him. Her jewels and jades jingled, and her eyes sparkled as she looked at him with a look of pride and expectation of praise, "Do I look good dressed like this today?"

"It is, unrivaled in the world,"

The low, hoarse chuckle, accompanied by the tickling sensation of fingertips rubbing her neck, forced Lan Nongnong to moan and gasp softly. As soon as she came to her senses, her head was buzzing with shame, and her breathing became disordered.

She couldn't stand the predicament and tried to escape in a panic. She felt her waist tighten and her jaw was lifted higher. When she raised her eyes in panic, a shadow had already covered her and her lips were suddenly grabbed.

As her teeth were about to open, it was like a huge wave crashing onto the shore, invading, sweeping, and entangling with overwhelming force. She felt like she was being dragged into a deep swamp. The more she struggled, the deeper she sank, and she was forced to follow. It was also like falling into molten lava, scorching hot, and the breath in her chest and lungs was almost dried up, leaving only intermittent muffled moans.

It's hurried and messy, sweet as honey, soft and weak.

Lan Nongnong's neck was so tight and painful from tilting back, but the back of her neck was firmly grasped, leaving her with nowhere to retreat. Her hands struggled in vain, and when she was half-conscious, she almost thought she was about to suffocate, the shadow suddenly moved away.

The sweet air rushed into her lungs, and her limp fingers suddenly clenched. Her slightly parted lips felt swollen and numb, and she was panting greedily. The root of her tongue had long been numb and painful from being sucked. Her vision went black, and her ears were buzzing.

She had no strength left, her whole body was hot and soft, and she was trembling and unable to stand steadily. She was only able to stay standing because of a strong arm around her waist.

She is truly delicate and boneless, breathing softly, and her beauty is irresistible.

As soon as his thumb touched the hot and soft lips, she trembled violently, but ultimately she was unable to close them.

Qin Jingyao's eyes were as dark as the abyss, tinged with a faint crimson. His chest heaved, his Adam's apple rolled, and his gaze was as sharp and stern as a hawk's. He looked down from above, sizing him up like prey, pondering how to devour him. The fierceness and fierceness between his brows were fully revealed at this moment.

Lan opened her eyes, her lashes fluttering, her eyes already red and wet, looking pitiful. Though her breathing had gradually calmed, her mind remained numb and hazy. She moved her tongue slightly, wanting to speak, but it brought back a sharp pain. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and clear tears rolled down her flushed cheeks.

She looked up at him, her nose slightly irritated, her eyes filled with coquettish accusations and a hint of fear. This wasn't their first kiss; back then, under the soft moonlight and dim lamplight, their lips pressed gently against each other, a gentle, lingering kiss as gentle as a gentle breeze and drizzle, driven solely by emotion, untainted by lust, leaving her completely relaxed and intoxicated.

But this time, the kiss was as strong and fierce as a storm, mixed with a little pain, and full of desire and aggression, which made her unable to control herself and feel afraid.

Previously, she couldn't resist the longing and overcame all difficulties to come find him, her heart filled with pure love and affection. But it was not until this moment that she suddenly realized that lust was an inevitable part of love.

But she had no experience in love. Even though she had lived in an environment before where people did not keep it a secret, they only talked about it superficially without going into the deeper meaning.

As for what to do after the love deepened, she had no idea. So now, in this relationship where she thought she had the upper hand, she didn't know what to do next.

"it hurts..."

She murmured softly, not knowing that her sweet breath, timid, delicate and completely defenseless posture would only arouse more desire in people's hearts.

With a slight thought, he grabbed the rich and sweet food into his lips, sucking and rubbing it, like a hungry person getting food, the taste penetrated his bones.

Qin Jingyao couldn't bear to startle her, so he stopped after a brief taste, forcing himself to restrain himself. He gently grasped the back of her neck and pulled her into his arms. The room was silent, filled with only the faint fragrance, punctuated by the sound of his heavy, gradually slowing breathing.

When the rise and fall of her chest subsided and the plundering intent in her eyes disappeared, he stroked the back of her sweaty and slippery neck, raised his left hand to take a closer look at the wound. There was only a tiny red dot left, like a cinnabar blood mole, falling between the pink and white palm, eye-catching and even more tempting.

He caressed it, then let go, reaching out and retrieving the "culprit" on the table. A low, hoarse chuckle escaped his throat, his warm breath brushing against his lips as he asked teasingly, "What is this?"

Lan Nongnong felt relieved, immediately putting her previous worries behind her. She hurriedly stood up to take it back. However, her body was still limp and she couldn't muster any strength. Before she could stand, she fell back. She didn't care about her embarrassment and reached out to grab it, but he suddenly raised his arm high.

Her eyes suddenly widened, and she turned her head abruptly, her tone filled with annoyance. However, because her lips were slightly swollen and painful, she couldn't help but hiss softly, and the words that came out of her mouth seemed to be held in her mouth, making them sound even more delicate and sticky: "Give it back to me!"

"I forgot about the bleeding from the sharp needle just now."

Qin Jingyao glanced at her sideways and saw that she was angry just now, but now her cheeks suddenly turned red, her bright eyes were dodging, and the momentum she had before had long disappeared without a trace.

He exerted force on his wrist, and the silver needle detached from the edge of the satin. He flicked the ribbon with his finger, and it landed steadily on the desk like a butterfly. Then he leaned over and grasped her right middle finger, intending to remove the copper thimble.

As his fingertips turned, he heard her scream in pain. He frowned and stared intently, only to see that the skin on the side of her slender finger was torn and the flesh was exposed, revealing a piece of bright red tender flesh.

"Someone! Bring me some clean water and medicine!"

He gave an order in a deep voice, and the servants who were waiting outside the door immediately responded and left in a hurry.

The pain was so intense that Lan Nongnong couldn't pull her hand away, so she leaned forward and gently blew on the wound.

A cool breeze temporarily eased the burning pain, but she couldn't stop curling her fingertips in pain. Clearly, she had been fine before, but it must have been because he had kissed her so fiercely, and as she struggled to resist, the thimble had rubbed her flesh!

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but turn her head and glare at him, only to be met with a solemn expression on his face, and her heart skipped a beat. He said in a deep voice, "If Nongnong is interested, I won't stop you. But if you get hurt, I can't let you do it. As the master of the house, if you need anything, just tell the servants, and don't do it yourself."

His tone was filled with unprecedented strength and arbitrariness. Lan Nongnong was stunned and felt uncomfortable and dissatisfied. "This is just an accident! I didn't expect this material to be so hard. I--"

"I have made up my mind, no need to say more."

His eyes fell on her bloody finger, "I know your feelings, but if this feeling comes at the cost of serious injury, I will not be happy even if I accept it."

"Can--"

Qin Jingyao stared at her for a moment, his gaze as dark as ink, an invisible pressure gradually looming over her. His voice was low, but every word was clear: "Nong Nong, be obedient."

Lan Nongnong was momentarily intimidated by him, her lips slightly parted, but she ultimately gave up on arguing. She knew he meant well, but her chest felt like it was holding back a breath, unable to swallow or exhale.

The wound was exposed, and even though he was extremely gentle, the water still caused a burning pain when he wiped it. Lan Nongnong, however, simply pursed her lips and gritted her teeth until the wound was properly bandaged and applied. She never cried out in pain, nor uttered a word, her brow furrowed in a look of obvious depression.

My lips and tongue still hurt, and I was in a depressed mood, so I didn't even want to eat.

How could Qin Jingyao allow her to treat him so coldly?

He was a few years older than her and knew she was always delicate and could not stand being wronged, let alone this time she was hurt because of him. Even if she got angry and had a tantrum, he was happy to let it go, happy to patiently coax her, pamper her, and let her do whatever she wanted.

She twisted away, but he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. She refused to eat, so he personally fed her with a spoon. She remained silent, and after several attempts to coax her failed, he leaned over and kissed her stubborn lips until her breath was hazy and she whimpered for mercy.

He pressed her step by step, but also acted cautiously, and finally made her obey and agree to his wish.

After the meal, Lan Nongnong reluctantly ate some of the food, but the redness on her lips, which had not subsided to begin with, became even more swollen. What was even more infuriating was that she was half-forced and half-cajoled into agreeing to many unreasonable requests.

She was furious and wanted to regret it immediately, but the difference in size and strength between them was so great that he only needed a little effort to restrain her again. This repeated several times, and Lan Nongnong became increasingly frustrated. After finally breaking free a little, she quickly raised her hand to cover her red and swollen lips and kicked the complacent man hard.

She opened her eyes wide, cursed "shameless" in a muffled voice through her palm, added angrily "it doesn't count", turned around and ran away.

The man's muffled laughter from behind her infuriated her. She couldn't help but turn around and glare at him fiercely, but fearing he'd catch her again, she vented her anger with a few empty punches, ignoring the increasingly loud laughter behind her. Naturally, she didn't notice that the servants in the courtyard had already been silenced by her kick.

"Your Excellency, the Wang family and Master Fu both sent their stewards to deliver letters a quarter of an hour ago."

Qin Jingyao watched her disappear into the bedroom, a smile still lingering on his lips, oblivious to the faint footprint on his skirt. When he caught a glimpse of it while changing, his eyes flickered slightly, a hint of a smile flickering across them. He casually took the letter and read through its contents before his eyes dropped.

By the time he returned home, her attendant had already reported everything that had happened during the day in detail. The contents of the letter were consistent with what the servant had said. Qin Jingyao glanced at the letter, which contained apologies such as "You are young and ignorant, and I meant no offense." A hint of coldness still crossed his indifferent brows.

A pearl falling into the dust, its brilliance is hard to conceal, and it is inevitable that it will attract attention. But since this unique treasure in the world has willingly fallen into his arms, no matter how dazzling it is, he will not allow others to covet it.

Not a single thought or idea can be surpassed.

"Reply to the government and tell them not to return to the capital for two years. Tell them to explain themselves to the Wang family."

The sons of the rich and powerful often joined the army to gain experience. After a little hard work, they could rise through the ranks.

Although Wang Yinghuan had been in the Imperial Guard for only a year, his family had already made arrangements. He would be promoted to Colonel this year, and one or two more levels higher in the next. He had been aiming for the positions of General and then Grand General, the positions Fu Zhirong was about to take.

Yet, with a single, casual remark, Qin Jingyao had effectively cut short Wang Yinghuan's once smooth path to success. Not to mention the countless favors he had to pay, and the sheer amount of money he'd spent on scheming, while his future wasn't completely shattered, it was at least a reminder that he wouldn't be able to advance any further for the next two years.

Power is ever-changing, unpredictable. Once you leave the capital's power-hungry enclave and return two years later, times and people will have changed.

The Wang family and the Fu family are related by marriage, and he wanted Fu Zhirong to explain it. This was like throwing a huge hot potato to him, and also a way to vent his anger on him for not being able to manage the family well.

Once this letter was sent, it went without saying that a rift would arise between the Fu and Wang families. With no wars now raging, the power of military commanders was waning. Although the Wang family was a prominent family, having been passed down for generations, they had few avenues for making money. Their years of hard work were wasted, a truly devastating loss.

Perhaps it was the words "sisters" in the letter that moved him. Before Jiang Ting left, Qin Jingyao finally showed mercy and reduced his sentence by six months. As for whether he could return to the capital, it all depended on his own luck.

He was about to leave when Tongze, who was supposed to stay at the Shangshu Ling Mansion, came running over with a worried look on his face. After a hasty greeting, he quickly approached and whispered something in his ear. In an instant, Qin Jingyao's expression suddenly changed, and he said in a deep voice: "Prepare the carriage!

"yes!"

*

In the northern suburbs of Longshuo City, desolate graves abound, mass graves nestled against the hillside, and within a radius of three to five miles, few people ventured. Only a few scattered burial mounds, separated by several miles, could be seen, their dead trees and crows adding to the desolate silence.

The moon is bright, the stars are sparse, and everything is quiet.

A rapid clatter of horse hooves roared towards them, and they suddenly stopped outside one of the charity cemeteries. The black lacquered wooden door swung open silently, and the person who came in dropped the reins, abandoned his horse, and rushed in, his figure instantly disappearing into the darkness.

Once inside, they walked straight through the empty hall where the coffin was placed. The back door opened, and before them was a towering mountain, seemingly a dead end. At that moment, the rock, which had been tightly sealed, suddenly cracked, revealing a dark passage barely wide enough for two people to pass side by side.

The arrivals were a group of four, two of whom remained outside the door, while two others, one in front and one behind, entered the corridor. The lamps on the walls of the corridor burned eternally, with no wicks left to ignite. Only a dead silence reigned. The deep, dark passage seemed endless, so quiet that only the echoing sound of their footsteps could be heard.

Qin Jingyao, dressed in a black robe, walked in the front. A quarter of an hour later, his vision suddenly opened up. The firelight was as bright as daylight. He had actually passed through the mountain and arrived at a courtyard sealed with bricks and stones on all sides.

The place was only one-third the size, but there were several men in black clothes standing on both sides. Their clothes were hard to discern, but they all held long swords. There was a guard every three steps, and the place was heavily guarded and silent.

Upon entering the courtyard, I felt a sense of oppression and crampedness even greater than the quiet passage I had just entered. Looking up, I saw that the roof was also sealed with bricks and stones, with only a three-foot square opening left, like a skylight, admitting the thin sunlight from the sun and moon.

Deep within the courtyard stood a single stone house, embedded deep within the wall. Not a single inch of wood could be seen in the door, windows, or walls. Only a narrow door, barely an arm's width, remained in the center, and a window, half an arm's width, opened on the left side, near the roof. Faint firelight seeped through the cracks in the door and window, while the hoarse, heavy breathing of a wild animal could be clearly heard through the stone walls.

A man stepped forward quickly, bowed with his hands clasped, and spoke quickly, "I'm here to see you, sir. Your Excellency, that cripple was attempting suicide by chaining himself. Fortunately, we discovered him in time, examined his injuries, and applied medicine. While his throat and neck are injured, making it difficult for him to eat, his life is not in danger. However, since being rescued, he's been crying, laughing, and cursing non-stop, seemingly going insane."

crazy?

A sneer crossed Qin Jingyao's lips, and without stopping, he stepped straight through the narrow door. His tall and graceful figure, as soon as he entered, caught the sudden attention of the man tied to the stone bed inside. The man shuddered and flinched for a moment, then roared a fierce curse: "...Qin, Qin, Jing, Yao!"

"You traitor! You are committing treason and plotting to usurp the throne, yet you dare to come before me!"

The man on the bed struggled violently, seemingly oblivious to the pain. He suddenly raised his head, his eyes bloodshot, and cursed. The chain marks dug deep into his neck, a crisscross of purple and black, and veins bulged, threatening to burst. His face was hideous and terrifying.

"The sun is shining brightly! You have gained your position illegitimately and have stolen the divine artifact. You will surely be punished by heaven! I am waiting to see your retribution! Retribution! Hahahahaha! Kill me! Kill me if you have the guts! Hahahaha."

"I am the crown prince appointed by my father! I am the emperor destined by heaven for this Sheng Dynasty! I will exterminate all nine generations of your clan! I will peel off your skin and pull out your tendons, grind your bones into dust and scatter your ashes! Come here! Jiang Chunming! Guo Lin! I have an order! I have an order! Hahahaha... I am the Son of Heaven! I am the Emperor!"

If he had been a few years older thirty-two years ago, or if Emperor Wusheng could have held on for a few more years, it would have been very likely that the throne would have been passed on to him.

It’s a pity that it’s the time and the fate.

And he is not even a bandit who wins and loses.

Wishful thinking will only harm others and oneself. Now that he has come to this end, he still refuses to repent.

Qin Jingyao stood quietly by the door, watching him curse, howl, and go berserk. He rushed over in the dead of night without saying a word, his eyes as calm as if he were looking at a dead object.

When the man's throat swelled and his voice became hoarse, leaving him unable to speak, he spoke calmly, "Use the best medicine to treat him. Since he wants to hang himself, we will help him after he recovers. Have a doctor wait nearby. As long as he has a breath left, we must save him."

His tone was calm, as if he was giving instructions for something mundane. "Help him to the end. When he gets tired of this neck-wrapping method, we can try something else."

He glanced indifferently at the room and added, "This place is still too spacious. Tomorrow we'll fill it with mud and seal it off except for the stone bed."

Since he has been given wealth and honor but does not know how to cherish it, he will just have to struggle in the mud and suffer all kinds of hardships.

As soon as he finished speaking, the man who had just seemed mad suddenly froze, his frenzied state instantly frozen. Unmistakable fear and trepidation suddenly flashed in his sunken, bulging eyes.

From a luxurious palace with fine clothes and delicious food and a large number of servants, he fell step by step to this shabby stone house, eating bran and vegetables, with only deaf and mute slaves by his side.

He had long since awakened from the dream in which he vented his anger and threatened death because the emperor didn't dare to kill him. The emperor had never taken his life, but he had never appeared in person either. Only the beastly demon before him dragged him back into the abyss of despair time and time again.

The loyal and righteous men who repeatedly came to his rescue were all hunted down and killed, and his pride had long been crushed and worn away. He knew that he had no way out, but he hated himself even more for not having the courage to even die.

He is covered in a human appearance, and roars about his noble status all day long in a cowardly manner, but he has actually become a tamed animal, with only the instinct to wag his tail and beg for mercy.

He regretted it, regretting that he had committed suicide and caused trouble because of a momentary anger! Now he was even afraid of losing this little bit of sunlight, afraid that he would really have to sleep in a cell as narrow as a cage, afraid that he would fall into a situation even worse than his current one!

He begged for mercy, his throat whimpering and vomiting blood, looking horrible. However, the man was as cruel as iron, not even glancing at him, and turned away indifferently.

This cold reaction further provoked the people in the room to scream crazily, the sound was like the howling of ghosts and wolves, so terrifying that it was hard to tell whether it was a plea or a curse.

If outsiders heard it, they would probably think it was the screams of a ghost in purgatory and feel terrified.

However, at this moment, the shrill sound was finally blocked by the thick stone wall, with only a few faint residual sounds leaking out. It was also completely trapped in this jar-like courtyard. No one could hear it clearly, and no one cared.

Before leaving, Qin Jingyao paused and said calmly, "Leave him alive."

There are always those who claim to be righteous, willing to risk their entire clan's lives like moths to a flame. These termites may be tiny, but they lurk everywhere. Rather than mobilize an army to kill a chicken to scare the monkeys, it's better to lure them with bait and catch them all in one fell swoop.

On the eve of the execution, the emperor suddenly changed his mind and could not bear to kill him, so he only ordered him to be imprisoned.

Perhaps because he was ill at the end of his life, he wanted to accumulate good karma so that he could face his ancestors with dignity after his death, or perhaps he was soft-hearted for a moment and cared about the blood ties with his brothers.

He had to live no matter what.

*

When Qin Jingyao returned from the palace, it was already late at night, the moon was high in the sky, and the surroundings were quiet and peaceful.

Knowing that the light in her room was still on and she had not yet gone to bed, he changed his clothes and washed up, feeling refreshed all over. He turned around and walked towards her residence.

Lan Nongnong had no idea he'd left again. When Biyu knocked on the door to report, she was still hunched over the couch, her fingertips unconsciously caressing her lips, her mind racing. The mere thought of that kiss that evening sent a surge of heat through her body. Her bare, white feet arched unconsciously, and her cheeks burned.

But deep down, she couldn't help but feel afraid. She couldn't tell whether this fear was due to the sudden display of his inherent aggressiveness or the unease she felt about this unfamiliar desire itself.

She liked all kinds of intimacy between them, the warmth in her palms when their fingers were clasped together, the boundless security and reliability when he held her hand tightly, and she was even more greedy for the complete relaxation and peace of mind when she snuggled in his arms. She was also intoxicated by the warmth of his fingertips when he often caressed the dimples on her cheeks, and the cherishment and love that were silently conveyed in those movements.

The deeper the love, the more greedy it becomes. We want to be together constantly, seeking every trace of intimacy in every gesture. We become possessive, craving intimacy, even the fusion of body and soul.

Chastity is indeed a moral code and a virtue, but it is not indispensable. In her youth, love was just a barren blank to her, so she never thought about it.

However, in this feudal era where chastity is regarded as the criterion, even though the two of them are in love with each other and have a mutual understanding, she dares to express her love boldly and live with him in the same house without caring about the worldly affairs. However, she has not yet lost her mind so as to do something self-deprecating or indulgent that makes him feel frivolous and gullible.

She had promised her aunts that even if she lost control of her emotions, he should still do something. Although she had not yet considered discussing marriage, it would be irresponsible of him to avoid the topic.

By then, no matter how much she likes him and loves him deeply, she will definitely feel contempt for him and then resolutely cut off all feelings.

Lan Nongnong was in a state of turmoil, tossing and turning alone in her bed. She didn't want to disrupt the current situation, and she was even a little afraid to see him.

Although escaping is not her usual style, no one is perfect, let alone an ordinary person like her, so there are times when she needs to be alone and calm down.

"I'm already asleep. Let's talk about it tomorrow!"

After saying this loudly, Lan Nongnong got off the bed, put on her slippers, quickly ran to the lampstand, took off the shade, blew out the candle, then tiptoed to the window, quietly opened a crack and peeked out.

Her thoughts were really shallow. Not to mention her vigorous response, the noise of her running, which was not light at all, and the sound of the window opening, which seemed particularly abrupt in the silent night, had already exposed her little concealment.

Not to mention the moonlight mixed with the courtyard lights pouring down, casting her slender figure hidden behind the window clearly on the window paper, making it visible at a glance.

Qin Jingyao's lips curled up in pleasure, but he didn't expose her. She was simple-minded and still naive about love. He didn't restrain himself from kissing her today, which must have startled her.

He walked slowly to the window, pretending not to know that she was hiding behind the window and peeping at him like a cunning little fox.

He paused for a moment, half turned around, and spoke slowly as if to himself: "Nong Nong has been in Beijing for a long time, but I haven't been able to accompany you. I feel really guilty. So I specially set aside a day to take a look at the foreign market with you tomorrow. Now that we have rested, we--"

Before he could finish his words, the half-closed window creaked open. The woman who had been hiding behind it suddenly leaned out most of her body.

"Yes, yes! Yao Jing, wait a minute!"

Qin Jingyao stopped where he was and turned back with a look of surprise on his face, "Didn't Nongnong take a break?"

The darkness of night obscured the smile in his eyes and the blush on Lan's cheeks. She pretended not to hear him, and when he still didn't come, she leaned further out, her silky nightgown sliding off, revealing a patch of skin that was blindingly white in the moonlight.

The outer coat was draped over her body as if it were nothing, and she hadn't noticed it yet, but Qin Jingyao's face suddenly darkened. He immediately dismissed all the servants in the yard, turned around and approached, and his tall figure trapped her tightly between the windowsill and himself.

Looking from behind, I couldn't even see the corner of her clothes.

Lan Nongnong felt his presence flash before her eyes. Her left shoulder suddenly felt warm, and then his fingertips gently touched it, sending a wave of tingling sensations. Before she could regain consciousness, her body trembled slightly, her left shoulder seemingly numb, leaving only the burning warmth of his fingertips.

She suddenly gasped, her right hand trembling slightly as she tightened her collar. Looking down, she realized with a start that her expression was inappropriate. The bun she had worn during the day had already come undone, hanging loosely at the back of her head. Her long black hair spread out across her back, with a few strands falling in front of her.

Her outer garment was as thin as mist, revealing only her chest, which was faintly visible, and her neck and collarbone were completely exposed. Her figure had always been well-trained, and although she was not plump and voluptuous, she had a well-proportioned figure. Her underwear was tied loosely at her waist, and the slightest movement would reveal a faint glimpse of her white and soft waist.

Of course, current nightgowns wouldn't be this fitted and comfortable; Lan Nongnong had them specially altered. She didn't like nightgowns that were too big and always squeezed her, so she had them made to fit her better.

Of course, the most important thing is that she cannot sleep in the same position until dawn. Although silk is cool and smooth, it loses its elasticity after all.

It was hot in the summer, and she was used to wearing this kind of pajamas when she was in Yuqing. She didn't even wear an outer shirt when she went to bed, just a soft and cool silk quilt covering her body, which was really comfortable and free.

This outfit would be acceptable for wearing in later times, but in the present, it was too revealing to be noticed. She didn't know if it was her own mind or because he was so close, but she felt her skin burning, scorching hot. Not even the night could mask the shimmering crimson hue that radiated from her body.

Lan Nongnong no longer dared to look up at him. Her shoulders hunched slightly, her arms folded over her chest. She no longer cared about the bait he had thrown earlier. She just mumbled as if her tongue had been burned, "Tomorrow, let's talk about it tomorrow."

Before he could finish his words, a slender white wrist quickly closed the window, but was suddenly grabbed by a hot and powerful hand.

"Did your hand touch the water? Did you change the medicine? Did you change the ear straps?"

A low, hoarse voice came from above her head. Lan Nongnong almost instantly remembered the reason why his voice was so low last time. She was suddenly panicked and afraid. She stepped back, but her wrist felt like it was clamped by a branding iron. She struggled until her wrist turned red but still couldn't get it free. She hurriedly replied to him, "I didn't touch it. I changed it!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his iron-like palm loosened, but she didn't have time to be happy, because he said, "Left hand."

Lan Nongnong was anxious, yet unable to escape. A thin layer of sweat had already formed all over her body. Annoyed for a moment, she no longer cared about her embarrassment. She suddenly raised her head, her eyes blazing, and she was no longer shy. She lowered her arms, her body naturally relaxed. Her shoulders, her curves, her waist, her arms, like a lotus blossoming at night, bright and radiant.

She raised her left hand, spread her fingers wide, and flashed her palm towards him. Then she raised her chin slightly, turned her neck left and right, and said fiercely, "It's all fine now. I'll show you! Now that it's all fine, I'm going to sleep!"

There was no light in the room, only a sparse moonlight and the residual light from the courtyard lamp that filtered through his side. The wound wasn't large, and it would have been difficult to discern in the dim light. However, her skin was so fair and tender that it was clearly visible even in the darkness.

Qin Jingyao lowered his eyes, took her left hand and carefully examined the wound, confirming that it had not recurred and was properly bandaged. He then looked up at her earlobe and saw that the redness and swelling were shallow and the red rope was brand new. He then gently turned the ear rope knot with his fingertips to check before letting go.

Lan Nongnong felt as if she had been pardoned. She didn't even bother to say good night. She quickly retracted her hand and slammed the window shut.

Qin Jingyao was first turned away from the door, then blocked out the window. He found the experience quite novel, and felt no annoyance at all. He gazed through the window into the dark room until he heard her hurried, chaotic footsteps gradually fade away. The rustling noises finally died away. He stood there in silence for a moment before turning and leaving.

The night obscured the expression on his face, but his strong and muscular outline was clearly visible as he walked, and his surging power almost suffocated the servants around him.

That night, the cold water barely extinguished the burning heat in his strong body, but the deep and intense desire and lust in his eyes took a long time to subside.

The main courtyard was chilly and the lights had been on for half the night, but Lan Nongnong was completely unaware. She had been through a lot that day, and her mind and body were both excited. Her mind was full of a mess of thoughts, and she tossed and turned until late at night before she fell into a drowsy sleep.