Chapter 56 Chapter 56 Exclusive

The next day was the second day of the Lunar New Year.

Lan Nongnong's menstruation came suddenly, and she looked like someone suffering from a serious illness, her face pale, curled up on the bed, breathing weakly, and every breath she exhaled seemed to be soaked in ice.

She had come back from a severe cold. A few months earlier, after arriving in Beijing, her menstrual cycle, which had just begun to normalize, had become disrupted again. Her uterine coldness was so severe that her lower abdomen felt like it was sinking into an icy cave, and her cycles were irregular. For the past few months, every time this happened, she felt like she was experiencing a small death, a recurring torment.

This was the only situation Qin Jingyao was helpless to address. Therefore, those few days were the most difficult for him. Fortunately, she often closed herself off at that time, as if the pain was blocked out. If it weren't for her pale face and the cold sweat, her expression would have seemed as if nothing had happened.

Lan Nongnong's senses have revived now. Although she has been taking medicine every day, she can't stand this kind of tearing and stirring, and she feels like she is about to be torn apart by the severe pain.

She was completely defenseless and in excruciating pain.

Mo Chou gave her acupuncture to soothe the pain, but the bone-chilling cold quickly returned. The hot water bottle pressed against her abdomen, unable to penetrate her flesh. She felt as if she were once again enveloped in ice and snow, the cold seeping through the cracks in her bones, numbing her limbs and gradually losing consciousness.

After an unknown amount of time, her body gradually warmed up, only to fall back into the icy cold. The pain was the same, sometimes slow, sometimes intense, repeating itself over and over again. Lan Nongnong actually began to fear painkillers to dispel the cold.

She was soaked in tears and sweat, her hair and shirt soaked with pain. Her breath was barely moving, and she could only tightly grasp the arms that were wrapped around her, sobbing and begging, "Can you please continue the acupuncture? Or, please stop the treatment..."

Qin Jingyao knew she was in great pain. He saw it with his own eyes and felt the pain in his heart, but he had to cruelly refuse: "Leaving the needle on for too long will only intensify the pain, and even make it worse. If the disease is not treated, it will only get worse. How will you bear it next month?"

He kept wiping the cold sweat off her face, gently lifting her curled up body and letting her nestle in his arms. She was in pain and cold, her teeth were either clenched or trembling, and it was difficult for her to get the cup or spoon in and it would easily hurt her tongue.

Qin Jingyao drank the slightly scalding medicine or warm water by himself, leaned over to pass it to her, and even stayed close to her when she was reluctant to leave, allowing her to greedily absorb the warmth.

"Nong Nong, be good and bear with it for a few more days. I've ordered Mo Chou to increase the dosage and adjust the prescription. I'm sure you'll feel better. Nong Nong dared to jump into the river and hide in the snow. With such courage and strength, you will definitely be able to get through this menstrual pain."

Perhaps his words served as a boost to Lan Nongnong's spirits, and her fear of weakness gradually faded. She searched the vast knowledge in her mind, trying to ignore her senses, and she actually found a few useful methods.

"I've heard musk cream and saffron are very effective in treating menstrual problems. Please call Dr. Mo and prescribe some medicine for me."

Qin Jingyao's eyes flashed sharply, and he lowered his gaze to examine her. If she hadn't been so desperate and seeking medical help, he would have suspected she had ulterior motives. Musk and saffron, two highly toxic drugs that can cause infertility or miscarriage in pregnancy if taken long-term, would have made him suspect she had ulterior motives.

But this time, it serves as a reminder.

He naturally agreed.

During the mid-year holiday, my maternal family, far away in Puzhou, didn't need to visit. As for the Qin family, once a third-rank official now demoted to fifth, it was even less worth mentioning. Sending a steward to perform the formalities was enough to give the family face.

Therefore, Qin Jingyao had plenty of time to accompany her. He had been inseparable from her for the past few days, taking care of her closely, and finally accompanying her through this difficult time.

And she gained a lot. For example, at this moment, although she verbally agreed to treat him as before, she was not sophisticated enough after all. Although her eyes tried hard to restrain her true feelings, they still revealed her true feelings. However, her body had become accustomed to his touch and no longer resisted stiffly.

On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Lan Nongnong felt like she was reborn. From that day on, she began to make jewelry racks again, moved back to the Treasure House, and began to fulfill her promise.

She shared three meals with him and slept on the same bed at night. Whether reading or chatting, she always had to listen to him, and he teased her that her smiles were too fake, not sincere enough. While she practiced calligraphy and painting, he would read a book and drink tea beside her, or insist on playing chess against her will.

Sometimes, on a whim, no matter how soundly she slept, he would wake her up early for morning exercises. He easily learned the Eight-Section Brocade that she used to keep fit. It was originally a health-preserving technique, but he modified it slightly, making it more powerful and sharp.

During these ten days, no one had come to visit him, nor had he been seen going out. He seemed to have transformed into an idle playboy, doing nothing all day, just staying with her, spending every day with her, indulging in pleasure and wasting his time.

Fortunately, he would occasionally disappear for a while. Only then could Lan Nongnong finally catch her breath. She counted the days, feeling that each day seemed like a year.

---

Winter roads are difficult and long. On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, the young men who had returned to Beijing were required to depart for their posts. Lu Tingwen and the others had originally been scheduled to depart on the same day, but Qin Jingyao had been tied up in trivial matters and had not appeared since the Lunar New Year. Even at small gatherings with friends, he only sent a close attendant to apologize. If one had not proactively visited him, it would have been difficult to even meet him.

These friends of theirs were scattered all over the place, and it was rare for them to see each other for a year or even several years. So before leaving Beijing, they agreed to get together and arranged a motorcade to go ahead, so that they could not see each other until the eighth day of the first lunar month.

The sky cleared, the earth blanketed in silver. Twenty miles east of Beijing, a row of red plum blossoms bloomed proudly in the cold winter, a scene of isolation from the world.

A separate courtyard, built of green bricks and red tiles, with eaves and animal portraits, stands alone in the center. Surrounded by the fragrance of plum blossoms, the warmth of a warm pond, and the occasional chirping of birds in the woods, it is truly a paradise.

As the owner of the villa, Qin Jingyao was the host who not only kept the appointment but also hosted a banquet for everyone, but he was late.

Inside the courtyard's warm pavilion, a musician played a zither behind a curtained window. A few red plum blossoms were scattered across the corridor for the public to admire. Several figures sat or stood, all dressed in splendid attire, their manners graceful, their conversation and laughter lively, a scene of genuine pleasure.

"I am a little late. I will drink three cups as punishment at the banquet later."

The visitor spoke with a clear voice and a smile, evidently in a good mood. Several people in the pavilion had already risen to greet him, their hearts at ease.

"Hahaha, great! Brother Gu Yan can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. Today I will definitely test your tolerance!"

"Just as we were arriving, we heard the butler say that he was going to open the plum wine that had been aged for ten years. We are in for a real treat today."

"It's said that people are in high spirits when they are happy. Seeing Brother Gu Yan's bright face and face, there must be happy news. This wine should be a wedding wine!"

"Hahaha, that's right..."

Several people gathered together with smiles on their faces, bowed and extended their arms, talking to each other without arguing or competing. They were graceful and upright, without any flattery.

Qin Jingyao laughed out loud, walked arm in arm with everyone, sat down at the warm seats one by one, and chatted and laughed.

As the sun neared its zenith, Tongze arrived to invite the guests. Several people took their places, arranged in order of importance. Simple-dressed, delicate-looking maids filed in, carrying food boxes and utensils. They knelt at the table, bowing their heads, quietly awaiting the steward's instructions. Only their hands were exposed as they set the table, silently set the cups, and then quietly withdrew.

Tongze took the one-foot-square wine jar tied with red cloth brought by the steward, walked to the high table set in the middle of the corridor half a meter away from the banquet hall, and opened it in public with a clap of his hands.

Instantly, the sharp fragrance of plum blossoms, as sharp as snow, burst forth. He raised his arms high, and the reddish-brown wine gurgled into the cup, the sound sometimes stopping, then continuing, until the jar was sealed again, leaving not a drop spilled on the high table.

Fu Zhirong admired martial arts and valued talent. Seeing the tall table as smooth as a mirror, his eyes fell on Tongze's arms hanging at his side, and he praised: "With such arm strength, Tongze must be an expert at shooting arrows through the air from a hundred paces away."

The host at the head of the table remained silent. The praised attendant merely half-turned, stood where he had been, and, with a distant bow and a word of "I do not accept it," retreated to the corridor, lowering his brows and eyes. His composure, unperturbed by praise or criticism, mirrored that of his master.

As the saying goes, a seventh-rank official is a prime minister's doorman. Tongze, as a close attendant to the dignified Minister of the Chancellery, was expected to show respect to even the most important officials in the court. Furthermore, a trusted confidant who was given such important positions must have extraordinary character and ability. Therefore, the young men of noble birth at the banquet did not find it inappropriate to mention a servant at the banquet, and instead praised him with a few words of praise.

Although Qin Jingyao has many friends, there are only four people at the table with him who can sit down with him.

The sound of the piano was lingering, he rolled up his sleeves and raised his glass to invite everyone to drink, and then they stopped talking and drank together.

When the banquet started, Qin Jingyao really punished himself by drinking three cups. Everyone laughed and drank with him, and the atmosphere was lively and noisy.

After three rounds of drinks, Qin Jingyao briefly mentioned the prevailing sentiment in the court, then stopped there. Then, one by one, the others spoke of their aspirations. Officials should serve the court diligently and ensure the well-being of the people. Generals should defend the borders and establish their reputation. Businessmen should prioritize integrity and aspire to flourish.

At the end of their speeches, they all ended with "I want to go a step further and devote myself to my family and country", and of course there was also the phrase "I am willing to serve to the best of my ability".

Qin Jingyao and the others drank together. The liquor burned their throats, but they all drank it relentlessly, their faces unfazed and their minds clear. It wasn't until the first line, "We'll get married in May," came out that several people felt dizzy and almost thought they were hallucinating from the alcohol.

After all, these people were not ordinary people. After a moment of distraction, their minds quickly understood the whole situation. Fu Zhirong immediately raised his thick eyebrows and laughed loudly, "Marriage is naturally a great thing! Brother Gu Yan and I are both in Beijing, and we will definitely come to your house to ask for a glass of wedding wine!"

Lu Tingwen also smiled and congratulated: "I will certainly not be absent on this happy day. Congratulations to Brother Gu Yan on getting his wish."

Lin Xingzhi, a merchant, came and went freely, and smiled the most heartily: "A perfect marriage, a match made in heaven! I must have some of the joy at this wedding banquet. There's a new jade mine on Baofeng Road, and my sister-in-law loves jade, so we can get some chalcedony as a congratulations."

Of the three, one resides in the capital, while the other travels extensively for business, making their travels convenient. Lu Tingwen, for example, has completed his term as an exiled official and will return to Beijing to assume his important post as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Public Administration after handing over government affairs. However, Pang Jundu, commanding troops guarding the border, carries a heavy responsibility and cannot leave without permission.

Fortunately, he had a cold and stoic temperament and, having spent a long time in the army, he disliked socializing with officials from the capital. He filled his cup and stood up, saying, "I have to lead troops to guard the border, so I'm afraid I won't be able to attend your wedding in person. I'm offering this wine to congratulate you in advance on your wedding! When I return to the capital, I will definitely visit you. Please!"

Qin Jingyao smiled with his eyes wide open, his face full of joy. He stood up, thanked everyone, and drank the whole glass.

The three of them were about to leave Beijing, and Qin Jingyao was also worried about something, so they stopped the banquet at 11:00. As they walked out of the hall, chatting and laughing, Tongze handed the three carts of New Year gifts that had been prepared long ago to the three of them.

The three of them were returning late, all needing to hurry on their horses. Yu Yu paused before his horse, turned back, and bowed: "Brother Gu Yan, Brother Cheng Ying, please stay! I won't leave until I'm drunk when I return in May!"

"Stay!"

Qin Jingyao stood with his hands behind his back, nodded and smiled, "After sending you a thousand miles, we must finally say goodbye. I wish you all a smooth journey ahead."

Fu Zhirong then laughed and said, "Alright! I won't go home until I'm drunk!"

---

Time flies, winter goes and spring comes, and all things come back to life.

On the first day of spring, there was no wind or rain, but a sudden thunderclap struck. City guards patrolled the streets and discovered the scars of a lightning strike in a valley east of the city. The earth and rock of Cangshan Mountain had collapsed, half of it charred black, and the adjacent charity cemetery had also been burned down.

Thunder on plain ground must be a sign of bad luck in that place, attracting thunder from heaven to burn it to ashes. Later, the Son of Heaven respectfully informed the Heaven and Earth ancestors, and after receiving the instructions, he condemned the filth. Once the filth was removed, the country would prosper.

The emperor was delighted and ordered Pingshan to cleanse the land of filth. He also ordered the monks of the state temple to chant sutras day and night to purify the land. This continued for a month, and then a sweet rain fell from the sky. The emperor was delighted again, and he eliminated the most treacherous and evildoers, issued a general amnesty, and celebrated with the people.

Lan Nongnong's health was getting better day by day. The dragon under the glazed roof had gone out, and she didn't feel too cold as long as she wore thick clothes.

Spring brings sleepiness, summer fatigue, and autumn naps, especially when basking in the sun through glass, the warmth makes one drowsy. A rocking chair rests on the carpet in the center of the garden, its gentle rocking producing a hypnotic, creaking sound.

The words on the pages were blurred by the sunlight. Lan Nongnong blinked, her arms limp, and fell to her stomach along with the open book. A moment later, the rocking chair stopped, the umbrella half-shaded her face, her curvaceous figure still bathed in the sunlight, allowing the lazy woman to sleep peacefully.

When she woke up again, the sun was setting. Lan Nongnong opened her eyes for a brief moment, then closed them again. As she was contemplating the idea, she felt a tightness at the tip of her nose. She subconsciously parted her lips, and a joking laugh followed. "Since Nongnong has invited me to a kiss, I'd be remiss to refuse."

As the shadows descended, an arm suddenly emerged from beneath the thin quilt, its delicate hand slapping the evil hand. Lan Nongnong opened her eyes, her gaze devoid of the haziness of waking. She turned toward the newcomer and lazily extended her arms.

Qin Jingyao chuckled softly, leaned over and took the woman into his arms, whispering in her ear: "You're so sleepy, could it be that Nong Nong is a cat in disguise?"

Lan Nongnong felt tired of holding up her arm, so she withdrew her hand and curled it in front of her body, closing her eyes and humming softly: "I am a patient, and patients naturally feel more."

Qin Jingyao paused, lowered his head, raised his arm, and gently bit her jade-encrusted earlobe, causing her to flinch and gasp. He kissed her and gently rebuked her, "Don't keep mentioning illness. Nong Nong is much better now. With a little more time to recuperate, she'll be completely cured."

Lan Nongnong became increasingly ticklish, feeling as if bugs were crawling all over her body. She suppressed her trembling and pinched his Adam's apple. Sure enough, her hand trembled violently, and a muffled groan escaped from above her head, and her earlobe was released. She quickly raised her hand to wipe it.

These days, he had made no secret of his dominance. The more she resisted, the more he insisted on doing what she wanted, causing her to fall into his traps time and time again, losing ground step by step and suffering a lot. Only then did she figure out a way to deal with him without finding fault with him and preventing him from making further advances.

She stretched out her arms, raised her head and glared at him. The next moment, her head was spinning, and he had grabbed her knees and lifted her onto his back.

Lan Nongnong rested her head on his shoulder, her fingers twirling his hair, not exerting any strength at all, relying entirely on him to hold her body steady, and sighed, "How boring..."

She kicked her feet back lightly, chanting to him: "So boring, boring, boring, boring..."

Little did she know that her self-proclaimed chatter was actually like a lingering sound in Qin Jingyao's ears. She stopped reading until her mouth was dry, but he still felt that he had not finished.

However, she had been cooped up in the mansion for several months and was indeed aggrieved.

"in this way..."

He feigned hesitation, which indeed caused her to pounce on him. Although he tried not to ask, the tightly clasped knuckles on her shoulders and her rapid breathing had already exposed his inner thoughts.

He remained steady as a rock. When she couldn't help but cling to him, pushing and shaking him, a soft moan escaped from her nose, which made his heart tingle. He said leisurely to her, "Let Mo Chou take your pulse again. If there is nothing wrong, I will take you out on a sunny day with no wind. How about it?"

It wasn't even March yet, so the weather was still cold. She had seen dew on the glass roof in the morning, and if she wanted to avoid the wind, she had to wait until the end of March or early April for the warm spring.

Lan Nongnong lay down again, letting out a long sigh full of frustration.

Qin Jingyao couldn't bear to restrain her like this, but compared with indulging her for a while and her health, the latter was more important.

He reached back with his big hand and easily pulled her to him, gently coaxing her with his forehead: "Just be patient for a few more days--"

"Bear it! I've been bearing it for a long time, and I don't want to bear it anymore!"

The previously obedient woman in his arms suddenly erupted, her bright eyes burning with anger and resentment as she tilted her head upwards. A steamy, unrelenting gaze filled their eyes, her face tense and her breath trembling, as if she were about to explode or collapse at any moment.

"As long as you're well-protected against the cold and avoid the windy conditions near the water, why can't you go out?"

Yes, if she is kept warm, and not near water or exposed to the wind, where can she not go? Mo Chou also said that she has been isolated from the breath of nature for too long and needs to gradually perceive nature, otherwise it will be difficult for her to adapt to the flow of the four seasons.

The smile on his lips did not fade. Qin Jingyao held her steady with one arm and caressed her cheek with the other hand.

He had used every possible means to finally shackle this precious bird that soared freely between heaven and earth, its wings flapping and its clear song dazzling the senses. He trapped her in a greenhouse, claiming that the wind and rain outside the cage were harmful to her health and no longer fit to fly.

What Mo Chou said was true. After a long time, even if she had wings, the world would no longer be gentle to her.

Only he can protect her from wind and rain.

Just then, dark clouds moved in, the sky suddenly changed, and a spring rain as precious as oil fell in a fine stream, joined by the wind. Soon, streaks of water snaked across the glazed roof.

This time, Lan Nongnong ultimately failed to get what she wanted. She didn't believe him, but she respected Doctor Mo, who had been taking care of her health and speaking sincerely.

The weather is not good, but a healthy body is her greatest reliance.

Her brows were downcast, her mind was listless, her skin was as white as porcelain, smooth and radiant, and her lips were pale pink, yet hinted at illness. She sat by the window, lost in thought, her long hair flowing behind her like black satin, radiant and flowing.

The sky outside the window was gloomy, and the warm lights inside the house flickered, creating a hazy atmosphere. She looked like a delicately carved sick beauty, making one feel both pity and fear of hurting her with the slightest touch.

Qin Jingyao waved his hand and had the small table removed. He then pulled the woman, whose brows were slightly furrowed at the noise, into his arms. He leaned back in his arm, combing her cool hair with his fingers, stroking it softly with a smile. "Nong Nong Su loves listening to the rain to help you sleep. You've been reading the 'Tranquility Post' a lot lately. I'll read it to keep you company, okay?"

The woman in his arms closed her eyes but did not respond. Qin Jingyao also closed his eyes, bent one knee to embrace her, and recited in a low and gentle voice, neither hurried nor slow.

"...the mind is like floating clouds, empty of all gathering and dispersing; thoughts like flowing water, silent of all movement and stillness... Observe the bamboo in the courtyard, its heart is open and its branches are strong; gaze at the moon in the sky, its waxing and waning are not alarmed."

"...take a deep breath and exhale slowly, and all your worries will be washed away..."

The rain fell silently, and only the soft whispers behind her could be heard. Lan Nongnong closed her eyes and listened quietly, her mind gradually calming down and her thoughts becoming clearer.

Leaning against the window listening to the rain, with my beloved in my arms, I steal a half day of leisure in this busy life.

---

The first spring rain of February, the 33rd year of the Chengping reign, began as a gentle drizzle and gradually escalated into a pattering sound, lasting three days before it finally stopped. Five days passed before the sky cleared up. Tall branches of trees poked above the eaves, tiny buds beginning to break. A few days later, the withered branches were covered in a thin layer of new green.

The inside of the glazed roof is like a vacuum, isolating all the noise from the outside world.

Standing on the high pavilion and looking into the distance, you can see the hustle and bustle of traffic and people coming and going. It is not far away, but it is quiet and silent, as if in a dream.

Lan Nongnong turned her gaze and saw that the flowers had been dug out of the soil and replaced with peonies, the season's spring flowers. The corner lights had been replaced with flower lanterns, red carp had been introduced into the pond, and the eaves and windows had been renovated. From a distance, it looked like a bonnemo card, gradually being renewed from the front door inwards.

Spring had arrived, but she was still wearing her winter clothes. After the rain stopped and the sky cleared, she tried to reduce her clothing to adapt to the temperature, but her efforts were unsuccessful. After only one layer of clothing was removed, she felt cold all over in less than half an hour. Fearing that her old illness would be triggered, she quickly wrapped herself in a cloak and returned home.

He also noticed this and felt very happy about it after returning.

Lan Nongnong was preoccupied with her own affairs and no longer cared about it. After this incident, she had to rely on others to help her put on and take off her clothes, which actually helped her avoid a blind spot. If she couldn't reduce her clothes, she might as well add more.

She knew where the hidden window was on the glazed roof, so she went straight there after descending the high pavilion.

Biyu held two cloaks in her hands. She tied the pink cloak embroidered with colorful butterflies for her first, and then signaled to the person guarding the window to open it.

When the servant saw her nod, he opened the door a little as ordered.

Suddenly, the cool spring breeze blew in, and the noisy voices of people also came in an instant.

Lan Nongnong was momentarily overwhelmed by the clamor. Her vision went black, her ears buzzed, and she unconsciously held her breath until she was nearly suffocating before she regained consciousness. The tinnitus gradually faded, but a chill crept into her lungs, rapidly coursing through her limbs. Caught off guard, she shuddered.

Biyu had been staring at her, and seeing this, she waved her hand and ordered, "Close the window quickly!"

Lan Nongnong tried to stop him with a trembling voice: "No...no."

The servant looked at Biyu and hesitantly put down his hand.

Lan Nongnong pulled up her hat, covering her mouth and nose, and stepped back a few steps to stand with her back to the window. The spring breeze was actually quite warm and not harsh at all. Biyu and the others, wearing only a few thin spring shirts, didn't feel the chill standing in the wind.

However, she felt that the slowly flowing air easily penetrated her clothes and stuck to her back like ice, making her so cold that she couldn't help but shiver.

Lan Nongnong didn't dare to try again. Just as she was about to stumble forward, Biyu had already waved for someone to close the window. She quickly came over and offered her a hand warmer, then put on a cloak. She held her tightly and didn't let go, whispering soothingly, "Don't worry, girl. The spring chill is still strong. It's not too late to try again when it's warmer."

The chill she'd felt just now seemed to have seeped deep into her bones, freezing her to the point where even breathing felt dry and painful. Lan Nongnong had no words to say, so she simply shook her head. It wasn't until she returned to her bedroom, where the fire had already been lit, changed her clothes, and had a cup of hot tea that her tense body finally relaxed. However, her brows remained furrowed, and her gaze drifted into the distance, her thoughts uncertain.

-

After the court opened, Qin Jingyao wasn't as busy as he had been before the New Year. Especially after the New Year, she kept her word, obeyed everything, and was so obedient and gentle that he wished he could hold her in his palm and carry her with him. So, after leaving court, once he had finished his important business, he would return home and decline all invitations to banquets.

Seeing her lips pale and her shoulders hunched slightly, he simply glanced at her clothing without asking any further questions. He took off his outer robe, sat beside her, and pulled her into his arms, clasping his fingers gently. Two maids came in carrying a two-foot-long red sandalwood box.

Lan Nongnong put down her teacup and glanced sideways, her eyes devoid of curiosity. Since that day of compromise, he had brought her something valuable or novel every day. Though she felt weary, she had to cope, and over time, she had developed a certain acting skill.

He raised an eyebrow and asked, "What is it?"

Qin Jingyao chuckled but didn't answer, only glancing at the box. Jadeite Qingluo understood and stepped forward to take it, placing the box on the round embroidered table in front of her, which was draped with gold and purple tassels.

The lid of the box was opened, and the dazzling golden and red colors immediately caught everyone's attention. The two maids were stunned for a moment, and then hurriedly took out the items one by one, carefully carrying them out from the left and right.

The bright red wedding dress embroidered with gold thread mandarin duck and peony patterns slowly unfolded.

"In fifty-eight days, we will be getting married. Although the embroiderer has measured your figure, the wedding dress still needs to be tried on by Chong Chong to ensure it fits you properly. If it doesn't fit, there's still time to alter it."

Qin Jingyao released his hand, gently pushed the stiff woman, raised his chin and smiled, urging her: "Go."

Lan Nongnong's eyes seemed to be burned. She suddenly tilted her head to cover her eyes, a sob choked in her throat, and she took a long breath and said in a trembling voice, "Since it's tailor-made, there's no need to try it on. I've caught a cold, so I shouldn't change clothes repeatedly."

After saying this, he got up and left.

Qin Jingyao would not allow her to retreat. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her back. He placed his palm on her forehead and coldly scolded the servants, "With so many people serving you, you let Nong Nong get cold. You are really cunning and treacherous."

As soon as the words fell, the servants inside and outside the house all knelt down and apologized: "This servant has failed to serve you well. Please, sir, miss, punish me."

"Someone come--"

“Wait!”

Lan Nongnong grabbed his hand, took a few deep breaths, and slowly raised her head. The red of the wedding dress seemed to dye her eyes, a deep crimson.

Her lips moved slightly, but she couldn't force a smile. She lowered her head and leaned against his neck again, muffledly saying, "...I didn't catch a cold. I was just scared and made an excuse."

She shook her slender fingers gently: "Don't vent your anger on the innocent."

Qin Jingyao didn't order her to stand up, letting the servants kneel on the ground. He simply lifted her face with his fingers, opened her eyes, locked onto her red eyes, and asked softly, "What are you afraid of?"

Lan Nongnong raised her neck and swallowed, then met his gaze and blurted out, "I've never been married, so I'm afraid."

Seeing his startled expression, she almost sneered. She took a deep breath, suddenly stood up, and said to the two kneeling maids, "Please help me change my clothes."

Biyu and the other man expressed their gratitude and stood up to lead her into the inner room.

Lan Nongnong raised her hand to stop him, pulled her black hair to her chest, tilted her head and said, "Don't bother, just try on the outer clothes."

The two maids hesitated and didn't dare to respond. Lan Nongnong didn't feel embarrassed, she just looked up at him and said, "What do you think?"

Qin Jingyao had regained his composure and replied with a smile, "Since I'm trying on the wedding dress, I should try on the whole set."

Lan Nongnong didn't say anything more, just nodded and went into the inner room.

She didn't know how many layers her wedding gown had, so she just closed her eyes and let them put it on layer by layer. Only when they said, "It's done," did she open her eyes and look in the mirror.

But just one glance, and the emotions that had been suppressed for a long time turned into tears that burst out.

Qin Jingyao hugged her from behind, rubbing his ears and sucking away the tears on her cheeks. He looked at the person in the mirror, sighed softly and asked, "Why are you crying?"

Lan Nongnong's body stiffened, her nails digging into her palms. Tears blurred her eyes, and she only said softly, "I hate you."

"Oh, silly Nongnong, how can you express hatred between husband and wife?"

Qin Jingyao stood up, stretched out his long arms, turned in front of her, and gently clicked the phoenix crown embedded in her braided hair with his ten fingers. Then he leaned over and carefully held it for a moment, suddenly took it off and placed it on the dressing table, then stretched out his arms to embrace her in his arms.

He held the back of her neck with his palm, bent down and took the two soft petals in his mouth, rubbing them, sucking and biting them, and whispered: "But I love it too much..."

"Hmm--"

Lan Nongnong was caught off guard and unable to break free. Her breath was taken away, her tongue ached, and her nostrils were filled with the rich fragrance of sandalwood, nearly suffocating her. Her vision went black, her ears buzzed, and the grip suddenly loosened. Sweet, crisp air rushed into her lungs, and she was dizzy, gasping for air greedily.

When I stood up after breathing a little more smoothly, I heard him say, "Nong Nong's lips were pale just now, and her eyes are plump and rosy. Her complexion is just right."

Lan Nongnong's gaze drifted towards the mirror as he spoke. Sure enough, she saw her lips, beneath her plain face, were a deep crimson, even more vibrant than her wedding gown. Her eyes shimmered with water, a beauty truly captivating.

She clenched her hands tightly, not daring to look again. She staggered back, but fell deeper into his arms.

Qin Jingyao happily accepted Wen Xiang into his arms.

The wedding dress fit her well, so there was no need to try it on again. She seemed to finally realize the futility of it, and she closed her eyes and said nothing, letting him take off her wedding dress without any further resistance.

From that day on, Lan Nongnong seemed to realize the futility of struggling. After a few days of depression, her inner struggles gradually eased, and she suddenly became lazy. She no longer insisted on going out, but spent her days exercising, reading, practicing calligraphy and painting, sewing, and learning to braid her hair for fun. She would also find sparkling jewels and hide them around the house with them as blindfolds, asking others to help her disguise them, and then enjoy treasure hunting to relieve her boredom.

Occasionally, on a whim, she would go to his study to find him, drag him along on a treasure hunt, and even ask him about trivial matters concerning marriage when she felt like it.

Seeing the invitations written by him, Lan Nongnong was silent for a long time. Suddenly, she picked up a pen, crossed out the groom's name, and rewrote it, handing it back to him with solemn words.

"The only person I've ever been in love with and willing to marry is Yao Jing, who is innocent and has never been engaged. From now on, when I go out and socialize with others, I will use the name of my first wife, not someone else's second wife."

The wife of a second-rank minister, even if she is a second wife, is still the head of all the wives of officials, respected by everyone and in unparalleled glory.

However, compared with a reputation of innocence that is known to everyone but one that is done in a deceitful way, which is more important?

She is the only one in the world who does not care about power or position but follows her heart.

How can something forced be as comforting as something willing? Qin Jingyao had already gotten what he wanted, and was already content and deeply immersed in it. He only pondered for a moment after hearing this, and then he had no choice but to respond.

---

There was a flurry of activity in Mianhe Hutong, and no effort was made to conceal it. Though invitations hadn't been sent out, the powerful and influential in Beijing were already aware of the event. A wedding was imminent at the Shangshu Ling's residence.

But everyone thought that no matter how favored the woman was, she was of humble origin and could be at most a concubine.

Not only outsiders, but even Empress Guo of the Central Palace shared this sentiment. Therefore, despite all the rumors she had heard about how much his reputation had been damaged because of that woman, she kept it to herself, saying it was just a momentary infatuation and there was still a long way to go.

Who would have thought that his pampering and protection were not enough and he actually wanted to marry her? How could an orphan girl be worthy of being the wife of a second-rank minister?

Empress Guo's face was cold and her eyes were gloomy. She was about to yell at him, but she was stunned by his subsequent words.

"...in the name of Yao Jing, married on May 9th."

As soon as he finished speaking, you could hear a pin drop in the hall.

After a long moment, Empress Guo finally spoke, her astonishment evident: "...You want to marry her under a false identity?"

Could it be that all the fanfare and favors before were just a show?

Suddenly, Empress Guo felt relieved. For Gu Yan, indifference was always better than devotion. While marrying under a false identity was absurd and bound to draw criticism, it ultimately preserved the Shangshu Ling's status as his legitimate wife. This wasn't a bad idea.

The handsome, sturdy man in the palace, standing tall like a pine tree, wore a calm expression, showing no sign of joy at marrying. Empress Guo felt the heavy weight she had felt for days suddenly lift, and a genuine smile spread across her face.

"If you insist on doing this, then acting falsely is not a good idea. Just do it quietly."

Qin Jingyao was worried that his announcement wouldn't be enough, so why would he keep a low profile? He was now a second-rank official, his mother deceased and his father in hiding, so he could have decided his own marriage. Even if he had been implicated by the censors for marrying under a false identity, it wouldn't have bothered him.

Empress Guo had been kind to him in raising him, and it was only natural for Qin Jingyao to conceal this. However, he had only come to the palace to share the good news, not to seek permission. Furthermore, although their identities were fake, they were both upright and had no need to hide.

"I will remember your aunt's kindness. However, a wedding should be celebrated with great fanfare, and relatives and friends should be invited. Your aunt and Your Majesty are of noble status and cannot attend in person. Gu Yan and my wife will pay their respects from afar."

His seriousness made Empress Guo puzzled. But since it was just an empty title after all, she let him go.

After leaving the Empress's palace, Qin Jingyao went to the Emperor in the name of his nephew and reported the matter, which inevitably led to a reprimand. This way, he finally found his way out.

The next day, invitations were widely sent out, causing an uproar in the court and the country.

It's not uncommon for heartless men to resort to deception to deceive marriages, but who wouldn't try to cover it up, fearing they'd be criticized? And yet, this Lord Ling is so unashamed that he's actually publicizing it with such fanfare?

For a time, memorials from the censors accusing him of "lacking personal morals and being improper in conduct" flew onto the emperor's case like snowflakes.

Later, the people in the house sighed and laughed at the woman, saying that she was extremely favored at first, but in the end she was given a false name.

However, as soon as the rumor started, servants from the Shangshu Ling's mansion scattered wedding candies and money along the way, claiming that the Shangshu Ling had ordered that to congratulate the newlyweds, wedding candies and money should be scattered outside the city gate from 9:00 to 5:00 every day until the day of the wedding.

As soon as the news got out, the whole city was in an uproar. Soon, people from the surrounding villages and towns also flocked to the place on time to get the candy money.

Despite the prosperity of the Sheng Dynasty, sugar was still a rare commodity. Furthermore, the Shangshu Ling was lavish, showering the guests with candy and money. Anyone who reached out would find something, high-quality candies rarely found on ordinary days. Those who were more accommodating could even snag a few copper coins. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted, and everyone started with congratulations.

Sprinkling the ash for an hour every day for two months would cost so much that ordinary people would not even dare to imagine it, let alone calculate the details. They only knew that it must be a sky-high price.

After this incident, who would dare to say that the woman has fallen out of favor?

While commoners couldn't fathom it, the powerful in the capital saw more deeply. The Shangshu Ling's actions were similar to the temple fair held in the capital a few years ago; money was secondary; the most important thing was the "heart." Far from falling out of favor, it was clear that she was deeply protected, not even a single gossip about the woman would be tolerated.

Since ancient times, a woman's status has been determined by her husband. Even though that woman was originally an orphan, and didn't hold the official title of Shangshu Ling's wife, who wouldn't know who she truly was beneath that false title? Now that she's been crowned with great favor, she's soared to prominence, transformed into a phoenix, and no one dares to disdain gossip.

---

Time flies. The warm spring has just passed and summer has arrived.

Spring clothes are packed away, summer clothes are put on. Because of the influx of people who have come to grab wedding candy and money in the past two months, they inevitably wander into the city after leaving. As a result, not only has the city gate tax revenue increased sharply recently, but the shops and vendors inside and outside the city have also made a lot of money.

May 9th is an auspicious day for getting married.

The weather was nice, the sky was clear and cloudless.

On this day, every citizen who had received candy money rushed to the city before dawn to congratulate the Minister of the Chancellery. By dawn, the streets and alleys were already packed with people. Shops in the city, unable to operate, simply hung up closed signs to join in the fun. Many people even spontaneously hung red silk from their eaves to share in the festive atmosphere.

The Jingzhao prefect feared that a large crowd would cause disorder and tarnish the Shangshu Ling's auspicious wedding day, so he dispatched the Jingji Guard to patrol the streets before the city gates were opened. Fearing a shortage of manpower, he consulted his superiors and borrowed soldiers from the army to assist in the defense.

As the sun rises, the capital city is bustling with people, red silks are flowing, and the whole place is filled with joy.

Yao Mansion.

Red lanterns hung high, branches were draped in red, and a bright red carpet snaked from the main gate into the inner courtyard. Servants walked along the red carpet, some wearing red sashes around their waists or red scarves in their hair, their faces beaming with joy.

Qin Jingyao didn't want her to leave the mansion, but he couldn't let her leave with him, so he sent her to stay temporarily at Yao's mansion the night before. He would leave after everything was done on the day of the wedding.

In the main courtyard, Lan Nongnong had not changed her clothes yet. After being woken up, she sat on the edge of the bed and seemed to be in a trance.

The matchmaker in the courtyard didn't dare rush, but paced back and forth, fearing she'd miss the auspicious time. Maids, clutching wedding gowns and jewelry, were already waiting. Biyu glanced at the sky, then exchanged a glance with Qingluo. She whispered, "Miss, the auspicious time is approaching. Would you mind helping us dress and change?"

Lan Nongnong seemed to suddenly wake up, but in reality, her heart was pounding wildly, her chest aching with the shock of breathing. She raised her hand to her heart, looking into Biyu's panic-stricken eyes, and forced a smile, "...I'm a little nervous."

Biyu's shoulders relaxed, and she stepped forward to help her walk slowly around the house as usual, smiling and comforting: "I heard from the married women in the mansion that everyone is nervous on the day a woman gets married. Don't worry, my lady, the master has made all the arrangements, and I will be by your side the whole time."

Qingluo also came forward to help her wash and brush her teeth, and gently advised, "Don't be afraid, young lady. The master has specially prepared a golden apple-shaped Bagua lock for you. When you put on the red veil and sit in the sedan chair, just try to untie it and you won't feel nervous anymore."

The more the two tried to comfort her, the more anxious Lan Nongnong became. Her breathing became rapid, sweat dripped from her forehead, and her voice was weak: "Will there be many people today... No, I'm getting more and more panicked."

"I feel a little dizzy. Is Doctor Mo here? I want to take a bath and drink some wine to calm my nerves."

The two maids saw that she was so flustered that she was incoherent and almost laughed, so they tried to comfort her.

Lan Nongnong covered her forehead and took a few deep breaths, then nodded to Biyu and said, "I don't want to see too many people right now. Let's have someone send over the wedding dress first, and I'll have to trouble you to help me change later."

After the wedding gowns were presented one by one, he said to Qingluo, "Go get me a glass of wine. I need some to give me courage."

Qingluo had no choice but to exchange glances with Biyu before kneeling and retreating.

Lan Nongnong seemed unaware. She walked back to the bed, raised her hands to undress, tilted her head slightly and said, "Please put on the wedding dress for me."

There were more than ten servants in the courtyard, and guards were lined up outside the courtyard.

Biyu responded by walking towards the long desk by the door. Just as she leaned over, she felt a puff of air behind her head. Turning back alertly, she felt a sharp pain at the base of her neck, and her body instantly collapsed.

Just as she was about to shout, her mouth and nose were covered, and she suddenly inhaled the familiar and strong calming fragrance. She was afraid of hurting the girl, and her mind gradually became blurred as she hesitated. The last thing she saw was the girl's apologetic face.

Lan Nongnong didn't dare delay. Fortunately, she had made some progress in her physical training these days. Although not as good as before, she still managed to drag Biyu into the closet and hide it. Just as she had calmed down her breathing, Qingluo happened to return. She frowned and looked around: "Excuse me, young lady, why is Sister Biyu not here to serve you?"

Lan Nongnong stepped forward, looking calm and said, "I sent her to the study to get something."

Qingluo didn't ask any more questions. She walked to the window and placed a tray on the small table. She replied, "I brought you some fruit wine and a bowl of sweet porridge from the mansion. You shouldn't drink on an empty stomach. And since you can't drink much, it's best for you to drink less."

As soon as Qingluo raised her arm, Lan Nongnong bent her elbow and hit her in the back of the neck. Then she used an excessive amount of tranquilizing incense to knock her unconscious and helped her sit down in front of the dressing table.

Time was running out, so Lan Nongnong shook her hands to recover her strength. She poured some calming incense that she had kept in the interlayer of her bag into her handkerchief and held it tightly. Then she walked to the window and talked to the matchmaker for a few sentences, memorizing her tone of voice before calling people in.

As the saying goes, the first time is unfamiliar, the second time is familiar, and the third time you can become a master.

As soon as the person came in, Lan Nongnong closed the door and did the same thing to make the person unconscious, took off his clothes, dragged him to the bed, and hurriedly put on makeup in front of the mirror.

She cut her long black hair to her waist without hesitation and stuffed it into the drawer.

Then, she dressed Qingluo in her wedding gown, quickly wrote a letter with her eyebrow pencil, and slipped it into her palm. She gazed at herself in the mirror for a moment before tying the package she had brought yesterday, purportedly her dowry, against her stomach. Although the resemblance was only 60%, Lan Nongnong had no choice but to take this gamble.

Having been in such a hurry last night, and arriving late at night, Lan Nongnong had no idea if the house had been renovated. She closed the door and left, covering her mouth and nose with her sleeve, one hand covering her abdomen, and bowed. She looked at the servant in the courtyard, who had a suspicious and wary look on his face, and said in a muffled voice, imitating the voice of a matchmaker, "The young lady is having breakfast. Tell the old woman to come in later."

Then he approached a maid and said with a wry smile: "Excuse me, sister, where is the clean room in the mansion? I think I have a stomachache..."

Upon hearing this, the maid immediately stepped back half a step and covered her nose discreetly. The surrounding maids also frowned slightly and stopped looking.

"Turn left when you exit the courtyard, pass the winding corridor, and turn left again. It's the place with blue bricks and gray tiles. Go quickly and come back quickly! Today is the wedding day for the master and his wife, so you must not miss the auspicious time."

Lan Nongnong didn't dare to say anything more, and bowed repeatedly: "No, no! My sister is right. Otherwise... could you please send someone to my house? My sister is also a famous matchmaker in the capital. If something goes wrong with the old woman, there will be someone to take her place. Don't worry, I will only charge one share of the wedding money!"

The maid nodded and urged her to go quickly.

Lan Nongnong nodded hurriedly, clutching her stomach and lowering her head as she hurried out. As soon as she left the courtyard, she was questioned by the palace guards. She had managed to get away with it. Facing the sharp gazes behind her, she hunched her back and, seemingly in a panic, trotted towards the corridor.

Although she had lived in this house for some time, she had never set foot here. Fortunately, everyone was helping out in the front yard today, and she only saw the palace guards on duty along the way.

When she arrived at the clean room with green bricks and gray tiles, Lan Nongnong was immediately delighted. The clean room was close to the courtyard wall and seemed to be newly built. There were several unused green bricks piled at the back, hidden behind the bamboo bushes, and it was very secluded.

She didn't dare to be careless, so she raised her voice and asked, "Is anyone here?" After waiting for a moment without a response, she went back inside to check. When she came out and saw no one around, she quickly piled up the blue bricks and climbed up the wall.

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The author has something to say: Babies, remember to read the article on time tomorrow [shy]