Chapter 41 Chapter 41 Arrival, Testing

Qin Jingyao quietly appeared at dinner time. Lan Nongnong had clearly stated that she did not want anyone to serve her closely, so whether it was his instruction or not, the result was exactly what she wanted.

So when he came, she was completely unaware and still had her head down at her desk, concentrating on taking notes. Only by first recognizing the problem can one find a solution.

He hadn't appeared all day, but she forced herself to remember. She peeled away his revealed nature from those false tendernesses, pondered the stories people had told her about him and his methods, and pondered the cold, true side of him that had briefly been revealed to her yesterday when the truth had been revealed.

Only by seeing the real him can we guess his thoughts and find a way to deal with him.

Lan Nongnong never imagined she could defeat such a cunning and scheming minister, nor did she intend to engage in a dispute with him. As she had once told him, she was also to blame for being deceived to this point.

She just thought of this as a painful lesson, and her ultimate wish was to leave this place and have nothing to do with him forever.

Her fingers paused noticeably, her pen sluggish. Qin Jingyao knew she was aware of his presence, yet she remained silent. Once she paused and collected her thoughts, he slowly approached, chatting and laughing with her as usual, as if everything were normal.

"What are you writing?"

Lan Nongnong closed her eyes and gathered her strength. When she raised them again, a sharp light flashed in her slightly swollen eyes, piercing straight at him. She sneered, "It has nothing to do with you."

After she finished speaking, she stood up and walked outside, scooped water from the newly placed water tank in the yard to wash her hands, then returned to the hall and brought all the dishes for dinner to the corridor and placed them on the wooden table that was polished to a smooth jade finish.

She wrote in a later-generation font, a style very different from this one, so she wasn't afraid of him peeking at her. She had paid for the meal herself, so she naturally felt justified in eating it.

After not seeing each other for a day, Lan Nongnong just glanced at him, coldly threw down four words, and then ignored him as if he were nothing. She just picked up her chopsticks and ate, lost in thought.

If the mountain does not come to me, I will come to the mountain.

Qin Jingyao picked up her stack of papers, each of which had a different layout but was neatly organized, with neat handwriting but few strokes or drawings. He sat down leisurely opposite her, without disturbing her while she was eating, but just lowered his eyes to look at her carefully.

As he flipped through the pages one by one and read each word, his slender and sharp brows gradually furrowed.

Biyu led the maids and quietly came forward, setting out the same simple dishes, bowls and chopsticks, and then silently put on the robes and retreated in order.

Lan Nongnong had never thought that one day sitting at the same table with him would make her food so hard to swallow. She forced herself to swallow the food in her mouth, put down her bowl and chopsticks, stood up slightly, and reached out to take her own plate.

"If you leave now,"

His voice was as soft as tea, but every word was clear. "Starting tomorrow, all the maids who served you will be recalled. Meals, water, pens, ink, paper, and inkstone—everything, every time, will be exchanged for silver."

After a pause, he added, "As Nong Nong is usually generous, each item will cost 100 taels, and we will settle it now without credit.

"Yao-Qin Jingyao!"

Lan Nongnong was so angry at his shameless words that she wanted to raise her hands, but she realized that the dishes were still in her hands. She had to suppress her anger and put them back on the table, making the dishes clang.

Lan Nong's upbringing had never allowed her to point fingers at others, but now she could no longer suppress her anger. She suddenly straightened up, pointing a hand at him, her fingertips radiant with the surging blood, like a budding nail polish. Her eyes widened as she gritted her teeth, "Qin Jingyao! You are so shameless!"

"Okay, you are a Shangshu Ling and your family are very particular about expensive things. I can't afford them! Then don't stop me from using something from outside!"

Qin Jingyao was scolded by her so unscrupulously as she pointed at his nose. His eyes lingered on the beautiful fingertips for a moment, but he still smiled as he watched her angry and lively face.

If you count carefully, she had been in Beijing for less than two months. Yet every day when she returned home, she would smile brightly, happily and sweetly come forward to greet him, and put her arm around him, taking his pampering for granted.

Although she is still in his house now, and her every move is before his eyes and can be seen when he returns, she no longer has that bright smile that pleased his heart, and the intimate hold on her arms is gone.

But after just one day, he could no longer endure it.

She could be angry with him, but she could never look at him with complete disregard.

"Nong Nong is very brave and has disappeared before without telling me. Now he is very angry. If I don't stop him,

There was a faint smile in his eyes, and his voice was like a spring breeze binding feathers, "I'm afraid you'll use your old tricks again, but I don't know where to find you."

Lan Nongnong's heart suddenly tightened, her lips were tightly pursed, and a trace of panic flashed across her eyes uncontrollably.

Qin Jingyao smiled lightly, pretending not to notice. He rolled up his sleeves, picked up his chopsticks, and calmly served her the food. He said gently, "Your illness hasn't healed yet, and your throat is still uncomfortable. The food you eat is rough and irritating to your throat, and the ingredients are unknown. If it clashes with the medicine, it will harm your body. What will happen then?"

The words sound high-sounding, but they are just specious arguments!

Lan Nongnong was now wary of every word he uttered, and naturally would not be led astray like this.

"Don't bother, the ingredients are really unknown. I only eat steamed buns and rice, which always fills my stomach!"

Before she finished her words, she strode towards the courtyard gate with a heart full of anger. Qin Jingyao had not expected that she was such a tough guy. He was speechless for a moment, but he couldn't help laughing and almost laughed out loud.

He stood tall and straight, and no matter how fast she walked, he was already blocking her way in just two or three steps. Seeing her dodge as swiftly as a frightened rabbit, he didn't get angry, but just withdrew his hand and sighed as if in compromise.

"Why would you want to put yourself in such a difficult position?"

She had a strong character and would definitely go on a hunger strike if she was really deprived of food. Although he had a thousand tricks to force her to obey, since he had forced her to stay by his side, he naturally loved her and how could he bear to torture and humiliate her?

Moreover, the handle of this thing must be kept at the critical moment so that it can be hit with one blow.

Just as her eyes widened and she was about to explode, he smiled softly and said, "If Nongnong is willing to dine with me every day, why not make some concessions? I can reduce the cost of each item to ten taels. How about that?"

"Nong Nong should understand that if I really want to be cruel, I can just let my servants take the blame for you, and you will have to comply. It's only because you once said that our affairs should not involve others that I am willing to exchange money with you."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "If this doesn't work, then let's just call it quits on the exchange of silver, okay?"

"You're saying you won't implicate others, but aren't you threatening me with the safety of others with every word you say?"

Lan Nongnong was so angry at his shameless words that her scalp was numb. Looking at this face as clear as the wind and bright as the moon, she felt a surge of anger, but she had no choice but to succumb to his threats. She clenched her hands tightly, glared at him, and squeezed out a voice from between her teeth.

"good."

After saying this, she turned around and quickly returned to her seat. In just a few seconds, she cleared the bowl and dishes and wiped her lips with a handkerchief. Seeing his surprised expression, she felt the anger in her chest suddenly disappear, and she felt extremely relieved!

"I agreed to eat at the same table, but I didn't agree to eat together. You can eat slowly by yourself!"

Before leaving, she did not forget to snatch back the notes that he had just taken without asking, and took out a tael of silver from her bag. After a slight hesitation, she put it back, then angrily took out a ten-tael silver note and slammed it on the table.

During the Sheng Dynasty, when literature flourished, the price of paper had long been low. In the past, she would spend no more than a hundred coins per piece of paper. Even if his paper and ink were exquisite, one ounce of silver would be more than enough.

It’s just hateful that he asked for such an exorbitant price!

Qin Jingyao watched her storm off, his fingertips picking up the crisp, new, and clearly carefully preserved ten-liang silver note. His fingertips gently stroked the paper, as if he could still feel the lingering warmth of her body, and he suddenly chuckled.

A strong character is a good thing, and one must keep one's word. The expenses of this day are more than just food and drink. The few hundred taels of silver in her hand will not last for more than a few days. Once the silver is gone, it will be like a bird with broken wings, unable to fly again.

He gently folded the banknote, his left wrist, which held the bracelet, trembling slightly as a purse, slightly clumsily embroidered but delicately crafted, slipped into his palm. He had watched Yuqing embroider it stitch by stitch while she was recuperating. After returning to the capital, no one knew where it had been taken. It wasn't until she arrived that she had someone retrieve it.

With her fingertips, she opened the opening of the bag with pink and purple glass beads hanging on it, revealing a silver note worth one hundred taels, the same one she had handed to the maid last night.

*

The summer night after the rain in late August was even more humid and stuffy. In the darkened inner room, the ice box that once held the ice was empty, while outside the half-open window, a half-man-high ice bottle let out a faint cool breeze through the window slit.

The bed curtains were half-drawn, revealing a slender figure lying on its side, its outline hazy. Near the window at the corner of the bed, the aroma of wormwood, mixed with mosquito-repellent herbs, lingered quietly, intertwining with the soothing aroma of the room. The tightly closed door quietly opened, and under the hazy moonlight, a slender figure slowly entered, silently blending into the hushed silence of the room.

The visitor, carrying a dim yellow hollow glass lamp, walked around the screen, lightly brushed the gauze curtain with two fingers, leaned over, lifted his robe, and sat down beside the couch. The glass lamp rested on the small table beside the bed, the candlelight flickering, creating a faint halo.

Looking closely, the figure lying on her side with her back to the outside suddenly sank from her slender shoulders to her waist, which was half-exposed by the thin quilt, outlining a breathtaking and charming curve, and then rose again, slowly spreading out like ripples.

There was a faint fragrance in the light and soft breath, which was not noticed in the quietness of the room, but it was captivating.

The figure sitting quietly beside the couch suddenly moved. A hand with slender fingers, veins throbbing, gently covered the jade-like shoulder and slowly turned the person around. The woman on the couch lay down obediently, her long, dark hair, untied, lying quietly between the pillow and the quilt. She was so well-behaved that it made one's heart melt.

The nightgown she had made herself was slightly loosened from the movement of the nightgown. Above the tightly fitted garment, her collarbone, usually hidden beneath, was clearly visible. It was delicate and petite, her skin whiter than snow. A few red marks dotted her lustrous, radiant skin, making it even more gorgeous, like a crabapple blossom covered in snow, adding to its delicate beauty.

Qin Jingyao gently brushed the nightgown away from her shoulders and brushed aside the hair that lay at the side of her neck. A gentle kiss echoed, and the faint aroma of astringent medicine filled the air. Using his fingers as a jade tablet, he dipped the ointment and meticulously smeared the tiny traces of powder on her fair skin.

The slender neck beneath his finger, only half the width of his palm, suddenly arched back and tensed, appearing even more fragile and vulnerable. He swallowed lightly, and the softness rose and fell, emitting a very comfortable, hoarse, and soft moan.

Inside the glass lamp on the table, the candle wick suddenly crackled, and the long fingers applying the medicine trembled in response. The soft touch instantly transformed into a lightning bolt, violently coursing through the body from the point of contact between skin and flesh, whipping the spine and the back of the neck as if being whipped. The muscles in the body suddenly tensed, and the loose outer garment on the shoulders and arms was bulged with bulging muscles, giving it a distinct outline.

His long hair cascaded down his back, revealing the prominent, undulating blue veins on his neck. His Adam's apple rolled slowly and heavily, and he suddenly raised his eyes. His long eyelashes curved like blades. The flickering candlelight could not illuminate the dark expression surging in his deep eyes.

There was no more movement in the couch.

After a long moment, the medicinal fragrance gradually dissipated. Long fingers brushed against snowy skin, making a faint rustling sound. A thin quilt gently covered her waist. A figure beside the bed suddenly stood up, and the entire bed was plunged into darkness.

The man turned around and held the lantern. The sound of his footsteps gradually faded away, and the light also disappeared.

*

Lan Nongnong woke up the next day and, as usual, checked the affected areas of her neck and throat. Seeing that the redness and swelling had subsided a bit compared to yesterday, she couldn't help but feel a little relieved.

This brisk feeling lasted until she finished her breakfast, drank all the medicine, and applied the external compresses. It was not until she was about to wash the clothes that she suddenly felt his malicious intentions.

"...Can you say that again?"

Her voice was trembling, her eyes full of disbelief, as if she had heard something extremely absurd.

When Biyu received this order, she felt surprised and absurd. However, since the master had given the order, slaves and servants had no choice but to obey, even if it was difficult to speak.

She lowered her head and replied with difficulty, "My Lord has instructed me... to say that according to your agreement, if you want to wash clothes, the water, the wooden basin, the soap nuts, and even the space to dry them... all need to be exchanged for silver."

Biyu felt uneasy as her eyes widened wider and wider, filled with suspicion, and her voice became lower and lower until it was almost as soft as a mosquito's hum.

After a fresh rain, the sky was clear and high, and the courtyard seemed to have been thoroughly cleansed. Although the heat was still lingering, the surroundings were bright and clear.

The courtyard was empty now, save for two men facing each other in the corridor, one blazing with rage, the other weak and silent, head bowed. The air was both scorching and unbearable, yet deadly silent.

After a long while, Lan Nongnong was so angry that she laughed. "If that's the case, then the bowls, plates, spoons I use, the wooden comb I use to tie my hair, the bed I sleep on, the stools and chairs I sit on... do I have to exchange every one of these for silver?"

Jade lowered her head even lower, her chin almost touching her collar, and she stammered in embarrassment, "Young lady, you are clever... The master said that our agreement with you begins today. Everything you used yesterday, then, no longer counts."

"Qin! Jing! Yao!"

"I have never, never seen such a shameless person! This is simply too much!"

Lan Nongnong felt her vision darken, her lungs nearly bursting with rage, and her remaining rationality forced her not to vent her anger on others. She gasped for breath, her voice trembling as she spoke each word between her teeth.

"Where is he!"

"My Lord, at this moment, should be in the palace,"

Lan Nongnong said nothing more, suppressing her raging anger. She turned abruptly back into the house and began packing again. Fortunately, she had already packed everything she needed last time. In the past two days, she had only taken out some clothes to change into, and her household registration pass was still safely stored in her inner pocket.

She stuffed the clothes in her arms into the luggage compartment, put them on her shoulders, turned around and walked out quickly.

"girl?"

Her movements were so astonishingly fast that Biyu was caught off guard and unable to stop her. She hurriedly lifted her skirt and trotted after her, softly admonishing her, "Young lady, please don't be impulsive! Your Excellency treats you like a treasure, and he was probably just joking with you! If you have anything to say, we can talk it out when he returns. You haven't recovered yet, and it's the harshest time of year right now. If you get hit by the heat, won't you suffer even more?"

Lan Nongnong was too distracted by this. No matter how much she tried to persuade him, she remained unmoved. She was naturally strong and had been practicing fitness since childhood. Her steps were as swift as the wind, and in the blink of an eye, she had left Biyu far behind.

On the way to the gate, the servants and guards in the house were all surprised when they first saw her hurried steps. But when they saw Biyu anxiously chasing after her and heard her shouting, they suddenly came to their senses and hurriedly chased after her from all directions.

In the exquisite and elegant mansion, a woman was seen running at full speed with a bag on her back, followed closely by a dozen servants. Men and women were mixed together, clothes were flying, and the scene was as absurd as a play.

Lan Nongnong rushed to the front door, but was stopped by the gatekeeper and guards who had arrived at the scene. The gate was closed in front of him, and the pursuers were approaching from behind. In an instant, he was left with no way to advance or retreat.

The gatekeeper was about to go forward to persuade him to return, but before he could move his foot, he saw her suddenly pull out a wooden thorn as thick as a little finger, with one end sharpened to a point, and pressed it tightly against his throat, with a face as cold as frost, and step forward.

He looked as if he would stab anyone in the throat without hesitation if anyone dared to stop him!

This sudden scene frightened everyone so much that they were at a loss as to what to do. A dozen people stood there frozen in place, no one daring to touch her.

Lan Nongnong, still holding her spear in her arms, stepped up the stone steps and said coldly to the guard who had retreated to the door, "Open the door!"

To prevent them from making excuses, she suddenly exerted force with her wrist, and the sharp wooden thorn sank another half inch into her throat!

Everyone was frightened by her sudden action and cried out in surprise, but because of the strict order from the master, they could not let her go out without his personal permission.

But the girl actually threatened to kill herself. Everyone was afraid that she would hurt herself, but they did not dare to disobey the master's strict order. Unfortunately, the master was not at home at the moment, so they were in a dilemma and stood there.

Lan Nongnong's eyes flickered slightly, and she said no more, only stepping forward. As she expected, every time she took a step forward, the guard at the gate retreated a little, until finally, he actually gave way to her!

The door itself was incredibly heavy, with three five-foot bolts, each weighing at least ten pounds. She struggled to exert force with one hand, and after removing just one, her arm felt limp. With her heart pounding under the intense scrutiny of her surroundings, she resorted to using both hands to remove the remaining two.

Even the heavy door made of solid wood covered with copper required her to use both hands and exert all her strength to open it.

The strange thing was that even though she had put down the wooden thorn and no longer held it, and the nearest jade was only three or five steps away, everyone just watched and no one stepped forward to stop her.

However, after not going out for just a few days, standing in this wide and quiet alley again, I felt as if I was in another world.

Lan Nongnong glanced back and saw the servants standing respectfully outside the door, looking at each other in silence. She twitched her lips slightly, put away the wooden thorn, turned around and strode away with light steps.

*

In the southern corner of Beijing, Guiyun Inn is a small courtyard

"...Masters, please forgive me for any impoliteness or inconvenience caused by my poor hospitality. Nong Nong is unable to come in person right now, so I have asked you to deliver this letter. I hope you will forgive me."

Qin Jingyao took out a letter from his sleeve. Tongze stepped forward and respectfully took it. He presented it to the two of them along with the engagement ceremony, then bowed and nodded, silently retreating behind them.

Yun An and Yun Ming had been furrowing their brows ever since they learned that Nong Nong had developed an allergy. When she had insisted on living alone in the city, everyone had urged her to keep a dog for her house. It was also then that she had casually mentioned her fear of animal hair.

It was because what she said was too normal, and there had been no symptom in the past two years. Who would have thought that when the symptoms broke out, it would be as dangerous as Master Yao just said!

Although the two of them had resolved their doubts about not being able to see anyone when they arrived in Beijing the day before, they were still even more worried when they learned that she was avoiding seeing guests due to her illness.

He first unfolded the pink letter and carefully examined it. Seeing that the handwriting was correct and the letter was exactly what Master Yao had said, he breathed a sigh of relief. The two of them exchanged a glance, each reading a hint of helplessness in the other's eyes. This Master Yao was clearly covering up for Nong Nong.

Since it was inconvenient for them to go out, they could just come visit. Why go through so much trouble? In fact, Nongnong herself admitted that she had an allergic reaction, with rashes all over her body, and was too embarrassed to see anyone, so she asked them to wait for two days.

The two shook their heads and sighed, glanced at the ceremony, and then closed it and placed it on the table. When they raised their eyes, their gaze could not help but fall to the opposite side.

The faint fingerprints were still visible on the face of the handsome and dignified man.

"......Amitabha."

Yun An clasped his hands together and said slowly, "Although Nongnong has been spoiled since childhood, she is usually very well-behaved and sensible. I think she must have been extremely upset at that time and accidentally hurt you. Fortunately, you are broad-minded and did not hold it against her."

"Amitabha."

Yun Ming also clasped his hands together and said, "Nong Nong has always been kind-hearted. It is truly pitiful that she has suffered such a great crime this time. We two will apologize to you on her behalf. Please forgive us." People are naturally biased. Qin Jingyao didn't care about the two people's words of defense. He just smiled and nodded, saying it was a trivial matter. He was truly calm and open-minded.

People at the time valued their reputation and dignity above all else; being slapped on the cheek was a profound humiliation. A woman, expected to be virtuous and gentle, yet engaging in such a drastic act, would, if word got out, earn her a reputation as a shrew and be despised by others.

The two had initially spoken with apologetic apology, but seeing his magnanimity, they couldn't help but admire him. Previously, Nongnong had praised him highly, from his appearance to his character, and seeing him in person today, she knew every word was true, even better.

At this point, although they did not agree explicitly, they had actually agreed to his arrangements in their hearts.

"Engagement is a major event in life. Since Nongnong trusts us and treats us like family, we can't treat it lightly. It won't be too late to make a decision after meeting Nongnong and finding out her feelings."

"I have another question. When would you like to discuss this important matter in detail? As monks, we cannot discuss it directly. We will ask our secular relatives and friends to act on our behalf. Is that acceptable to you?"

Qin Jingyao nodded and said, "You two masters are absolutely right. However, I am ashamed to say that a month ago, the elders of the Jinye City clan summoned my parents, and they set off that same day. The journey is long, and even if we return quickly, we will not be back until this time next year."

"I should have gone with you, but I'm worried about Nongnong living alone in the capital, and I already have an appointment with the other masters, so I have to do this alone."

He continued apologetically, "Fortunately, the two elders left a letter before leaving, stating that they had no objection to the engagement. I only regret that I was unable to come in person to greet you. I apologize in this letter and hope that the masters will forgive me."

The orders of the clan leader have always been not to be ignored. How can one not respond to a summons? However, this Master Yao is willing to stay in the capital for the Nong Nong matter, and his importance is self-evident.

Now that he was polite and the elder had even written a personal apology, the two of them naturally had no complaints anymore.

"After Nong Nong recovers in a few days, you can meet the two masters. There's no need to rush the wedding ceremony in the next few days. The two masters have come from afar and must be exhausted from the journey. Please rest well here. I have instructed my servants to let you know if you need anything."

"I have some chores to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

Qin Jingyao stood up and nodded slightly to the two of them. After completing the formalities, he turned around and left with his men.

Yun'an and the other man escorted the guests to the gate of the villa, and watched the carriage go away before turning back.

One of them hadn't traveled far in a long time, and the other had just left the mountain gate. Traveling in the heat of summer was even more tiring. Now that their worries were at rest, they carefully wrote a letter to the abbess and asked a servant to mail it. They also agreed to go to the Lin Mansion to find the guards who had stayed in Beijing the next day, and then they each returned to their rooms to rest.

*

It was the exact time of Si, the sun was scorching, the streets were crowded with people, the cicadas were chirping, the birds were singing, all kinds of sounds were intertwined, and the place was extremely noisy.

Sweat kept rolling down from the temples and the back of the neck. It was bearable if it soaked through the clothes, but the sweat beads that slid down from the ears to the neck and flowed over the red marks that had not yet disappeared caused waves of itching and made the whole body uncomfortable.

There was only one clean cotton handkerchief left in her backpack. Lan Nongnong paused in the shade of a tree, carefully wiping the sweat from her neck. The blazing sun in the sky was so blinding that she couldn't even look directly at it.

She used her hands as a fan to dispel the heat. When the heat gradually dissipated from her body, she picked up the bag at her feet, put it on her shoulder, and stepped into the scorching sun without looking back.

Whether it was out of embarrassment or a surge of suspicion, Lan Nongnong felt as if countless gazes were piercing her from all directions, her nerves suddenly tense. Although sweat was drenched and her breath was burning, her hair stood on end, and a chill seeped from deep within her bones.

Lan Nongnong held her head high, her chest puffed out, her shoulders relaxed. She didn't follow the gaze, and her face was bare. With a clear conscience, she naturally dared to stand openly between heaven and earth.

She walked for a long time, sweat drenching her heavy clothes. She had only just walked down a long street. The city gate was still several miles away. Given her pace and exhaustion, even if she hurried at full speed, it would take at least two hours to reach it.

Lan Nongnong only walked on the paths shaded by trees, stopping to rest from time to time. Her eyes were blank as if she was in a trance, and her pace became slower and slower.

Just as she passed an alley, her body was suddenly pulled diagonally backwards. Lan Nongnong's heart almost stopped beating, but her mind was unusually clear at this moment. She almost instantly recognized the abnormality and even caught the sound of only a chaotic breathing behind her!

She took advantage of the momentum to stagger a few steps to steady herself, then immediately leaned forward to steady her center of gravity, and swung the bamboo stick that had been serving as a crutch backwards!

At the same time, a black shadow as fast as lightning suddenly attacked.

The scream of pain from being hit, the sound of a heavy object falling to the ground, and the sudden disappearance of the dragging sensation came at the same time! Lan Nongnong did not hesitate, gripping the bamboo stick tightly, turning quickly and blocking it across his chest, his eyes piercing, as he prepared to continue the attack while slowly retreating.

She was already exhausted and carrying her bag, so if she fled hastily, her unprotected back would be exposed to the enemy, putting herself in a desperate situation. Fortunately, there was a main street behind her, so if she retreated into the crowd, the enemy would be wary of her because they were watching her.

She tightly grasped the powder in her left palm, which had also never been used. If these two preparations still couldn't defeat the enemy and escape, she still had a third trick up her sleeve. For someone living alone, the more means of self-defense, the better.

However, her ruthless tricks, which were enough to make the criminals regret their actions, never saw the light of day.

Lan Nongnong saw the man staggering and hunching over, his arms tucked in and hidden, as he scurried past the wall. His back clearly showed the look of panic as he fled.

The alleys were secluded and interconnected, rarely visited by people. Although she was not wearing any adornment, a single woman carrying a bag on her back looked like a fat sheep waiting to be slaughtered in the eyes of those who cared.

A thug who dared to rob openly under the emperor's feet must be a well-versed villain, accustomed to such practices. Even if she had caught him off guard and injured him, she didn't believe that this blow would have such a deterrent effect.

Lan Nongnong was in a state of shock and uncertainty, her heart skipping a beat, her body frozen in place. After a moment, she slowly relaxed and hesitantly turned her head back. The person who had truly frightened the criminals away, without even uttering a sound, was already striding towards her.

"Are you hurt?"

Qin Jingyao's face was cold, his eyes deep. He lifted his hand and removed the bag from her shoulders. His fingertips gently moved the collar of her clothes, revealing two deep, pink marks on her delicate shoulders and neck. Her skin was already delicate, and the slightest pressure would leave marks. Now the bruises were everywhere, looking quite terrifying.

His pupils suddenly narrowed, and his gaze fell to her neck, which was covered in sweat and had purple puncture marks. He raised his eyes and silently scanned her tense and cold face, then looked over her shoulder to the wrist of the thief who was being escorted from the depths of the alley.

Tongze immediately understood and stepped forward, giving the guard a look.

"Take this beast to the authorities and punish him severely according to the law!"

"yes!"

"Please spare my life! Please forgive me! I won't dare to do it again! I won't dare to do it again—Ugh!"

The pleading sound came to an abrupt end, as if it was suddenly blocked in the throat.

Lan Nongnong had no time to dodge as he had already taken off her bag and the bamboo stick in her hand was also snatched away while she was distracted. Before she could see clearly, her vision suddenly darkened and a large hand came across her face, almost covering her mouth and nose!

A suffocating feeling overwhelmed her. Lan Nongnong pushed away with both hands, her feet retreating in panic, only to crash into his prepared arms. She flung herself forward as if on fire, but couldn't break free from the hand covering her lips. She immediately bent down and squatted, and surprisingly, she finally broke free from the shackles.

The criminal whose face could not be seen clearly just now has long disappeared.

He was really worrying too much. She would only applaud and cheer when she saw the evildoer who committed crimes in broad daylight being brought to justice. Why would she be afraid?

At this time, there was only a carriage at the entrance of the alley, which had stopped at some point in time. Biyu, who had never appeared before, was waiting by the carriage with her head lowered.

"Nong Nong has been out for a long time, and you're still tired and now you've got new injuries. I just noticed that your allergies seem to be recurring. You must not be willful or careless. Come back with me first."

Qin Jingyao put her bamboo stick, which was as smooth as a jade flute, into his bag. He held the bag in one hand and put his other hand on her shoulder to lead her to the carriage.

Lan Nongnong became alert and dodged quickly. She remained silent but her eyes quickly swept across the ground. When she reached the carriage, she suddenly stopped and turned around, looking at him coldly.

"I'll take the bus myself, please return the bag to me."

Although her voice was cold, it was slightly hoarse due to her lack of physical strength and breath, as well as her throat injury which had not yet healed. This cold remark actually sounded like anger and coquettishness.

Seeing that she was pretending to be cold and determined to persist until she achieved her goal, Qin Jingyao's eyes swept across her sweaty cheeks and neck, his eyebrows softened, and his smile was full of indulgence and pampering.

"good."

Lan Nongnong went straight for the luggage without asking Biyu for help, and got into the carriage without looking back.

From her departure to her return, it took less than an hour and a half. The servants in the house were all doing their jobs, and upon seeing her return, they all looked as usual and respectful as before, as if her previous shocking act of holding them hostage and forcing her way out had never happened.

Lan Nongnong saw this and felt even more suffocated. Fortunately, she took the opportunity to make a scene today, so it wasn't all in vain.

When Biyu came to ask her to bathe, Lan Nongnong did not refuse again, but still insisted on not needing anyone to serve her. Today, she finally saw clearly that her previous stubbornness in refusing his favors and instead exchanging silver for daily necessities had given him an opportunity to take advantage of her.

Without money, you can't move a step! According to the calculations Biyu had conveyed this morning, her several hundred taels of silver wouldn't last a few days. He was probably hoping she would continue to barter for goods, so that when she was penniless, all her plans and tactics would be meaningless!

Insidious and treacherous!

Lan Nongnong grew angrier as she thought about it. A sharp itch pierced her neck, and she couldn't help but slap the water hard. A splash of water suddenly splattered, and a few cool breezes hit her cheeks, just enough to mask the sudden drop of water when she blinked. The clear sound of water tinkled and fell away. She repeated this slapping several times, and finally the pent-up anger in her heart gradually vented.

After showering, I put on my clothes, wringed my hair until it was half dry, sat back at my dressing table, raised my head to undress, and carefully applied medicine to my neck and shoulders. The cooling ointment instantly soothed the itching. A closer inspection revealed that the affected area hadn't been aggravated by the repeated perspiration. I felt a sense of relief, and finally, I calmed down completely.

The capital was his territory. If he deliberately tried to stop her, she would be hard-pressed to earn a cent. The remaining silver was her last resort. Having seen through his scheme, she naturally couldn't do such a foolish thing, harming herself and benefiting others.

Since he was at the mansion, lunch was naturally served as promised. Lan Nongnong looked at the table full of fresh, bright dishes with a cold sneer in her heart. She met his smiling gaze and ate calmly and alone. She remained silent throughout the meal, letting her thoughts flow, completely unaware of his words.

He left as soon as he finished eating, not even bothering to glance back.

Qin Jingyao watched her back disappear into the corner of the corridor, then he leisurely picked up his chopsticks and glanced at the half of the dishes on the table that she had clearly eaten up. His eyes curved slightly and he actually chuckled.

Seeing him walk out of the courtyard, Tongze quietly stepped forward and followed him. When they were a little further away, he whispered, "Sir, the thief's hands have been amputated. After a thorough investigation by the Jingzhao Prefecture, it was found that he had committed numerous thefts and injuries, and committed countless evil deeds. According to the law, he shall be crucified."

Qin Jingyao murmured, then paused, "This man will be crucified in prison, without public display. He has committed crimes for years and has repeatedly evaded capture. I order a thorough investigation of the connections behind this, and a severe sentence will be imposed."

Tongze accepted the order without hesitation.

Qin Jingyao did not stay in the capital after the court session today, but his official duties continued. He simply returned home to review the documents. Even though he had a long-lasting love affair, the myriad affairs of state and government still needed to be decided.

Lan Nongnong had assumed that the day's events were tacitly understood and could be forgotten. She felt disgusted with him, so she ate a lot at lunch, and then declined Biyu's dinner, citing the heat, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

As she lay on the couch, lost in thought, a chill suddenly ran up her spine! She leaped up from the couch like a startled rabbit and turned around abruptly. She saw that the screen that had been placed in front of the couch during the day had been moved to the wall. She caught a glimpse of the man sitting by the window, leisurely sipping tea.

Lan Nongnong hurriedly pulled the thin blanket over her body and shouted angrily, "When did you come? Get out!"

Qin Jingyao looked up and almost choked on his tea.

She wrapped herself tightly like a cocoon, revealing only her radiant face. As night fell, the flickering light of the ivory candlelight in the room illuminated her dark eyes, snowy skin, and red lips, making them even more vivid. Furthermore, her now puffed-up expression made her appear even more lively, lively, and charming.

This woman, who can move his heart with her laughter, anger and scolding, is destined to be his only one.

Seeing him stand up and walk towards her instead of the door, Lan Nongnong's hair stood on end, her heart pounding, and she hurriedly reached out to grab the soft pillow on the couch and threw it at him.

"Breaking into a woman's bedroom at night, you lecher! Shameless! Get out!"

She hadn't noticed it during the day, but it became clearer at night. At that moment, he tilted his head slightly to avoid the target, casually took the pillow, and walked calmly without stopping. It made her feel as if she was once again in that day when the hidden motive was revealed.

Beneath the gentle appearance lies a strong invasion, and a terrifying feeling of oppression hits you in the face!

With a shiver almost creeping up her cheeks, Lan Nongnong suddenly threw off the thin quilt and jumped off the bed, rushing straight to the door. When passing by the clothes rack, she pulled off her coat and wrapped it around herself.

The word "bed" is cramped and ambiguous. Allowing him to get closer is tantamount to putting oneself in a weak position.

Qin Jingyao stopped suddenly and did not chase after her. He just walked back to the window, brushed his clothes and sat down. With a few words, she froze when she was about to run out the door.

"The abbot of the Great Baoen Temple has calculated that seven days from now will be an auspicious day for marriage."

"Qin Jingyao!"

Lan Nongnong turned around suddenly, her wide-open eyes filled with shock and anger. The finger pointing at him trembled slightly, but she bit her lips and teeth tightly without saying a word.

Qin Jingyao raised his eyebrows slightly in surprise, his thin lips curled slightly, and poured a cup of throat-soothing tea and placed it opposite him. He tapped the table lightly with two fingers together, and said leisurely: "If you want to talk, come back and sit down."

Then he leaned back in his chair, his long legs stretched out lazily, and looked at her leisurely.

Anger surged in her chest, causing her heart to heave violently. Lan Nongnong clenched her fists tightly, glaring angrily for a long time before finally, reluctantly, taking a step towards him.

She had come without delay, she didn't trust him at all, let alone expect any results from the talk. She wanted to see how he was going to deceive her, what tricks he was going to use, the sooner the talk was over, the sooner he could leave!

But her skills in cultivating her Qi were still limited, and her movements were stiff when she sat down, and her tone was still filled with lingering anger when she spoke.

"What do you want to talk about!"

Qin Jingyao saw it all and hid his smile in his heart. He had just thought that she had grown quite cunning by not exasperating herself immediately, but now it seemed that she was still a spoiled child and could not bear it at all.

"Before we get down to business, should Nong Nong first explain to me what happened today?"

"Confession?"

Lan Nongnong suddenly turned to look at him, and after being extremely angry, she calmed down: "You should explain, but it's not me who should explain to you, but you who should give me an explanation!"

Before she finished her words, she slammed her palm on the table! The teacup trembled slightly, ripples spread out, and her delicate palm felt a burning pain, instantly red. Her five fingers instinctively curled up in pain, and her brows knitted in pain for a moment, but she still held her composure and sternly attacked.

"Am I a slave in your house? Have I signed a contract to sell myself to you? Why do you forbid me from leaving the house?"

Qin Jingyao caught a glimpse of her quietly curling fingers, a smile spreading across his eyes. He tilted his head toward the window and ordered some blood-activating and stasis-removing ointment. He reached out to hold her hand to check on her, but she slapped him away.

There was a red mark on the back of her hand, burning and stinging the skin, which showed how hard she had used and how deep her anger was.

Qin Jingyao could even tolerate being slapped by her, let alone a mere slap on the back of her hand. But since he had already been hit, he couldn't let it go in vain.

In the candlelight, the red palms were as tender as fat, the slender fingers slightly swollen, and the pitiful place aroused a bit of secret desire. The struggling and twisting was like a raging fire, which only fueled the flames of the heart.

He gathered the strength of his knuckles and locked the fair wrist firmly in his palm. He lowered his eyes without raising them, and all the ripples in his eyes were completely hidden.

Lan Nongnong could no longer endure it. She suddenly stood up and pulled her hand away with all her strength. She pointed her other finger at him and said in a cold voice, "If you want to talk, then talk seriously! If you don't let go, don't blame me for being rude!"

Qin Jingyao slowly raised his eyelids, really wanting to ask her how rude she would be, but his Adam's apple rolled slightly. He slowly loosened his fingers, looked away, and poured himself a cup of tea.

Warm tea should moisten the throat, but now it makes you feel irritated.