Chapter 64 Chapter 64 Palace Banquet, Thick Clothes

Lan Nongnong lost her appetite at lunch. She felt a strange sense of panic and a surge of uncontrollable anger. She couldn't concentrate on calligraphy or puzzles.

The warmth within the glazed roof was like spring, yet, fueled by the raging fire within her heart, she felt a sudden surge of destructive desire. She suppressed it, her brow furrowed, her lips pressed together, her breathing quickening, her forehead throbbing with a throbbing pain.

She wanted to push the door open to breathe in the crisp, cool air, but she was afraid her weak constitution would catch a cold and worsen her illness. Although she appeared fine on the surface, her underlying health was far worse than before. She didn't want to risk a permanent illness for a moment of comfort and become a veritable sickling.

But then I thought, it's just a cold breath, how could I fall ill so easily? Wasn't there nothing wrong when I went out just now?

I suddenly gave up on myself. Why bother looking back and forth? Just focus on the present happiness first!

When Qin Jingyao returned home, he saw her pacing back and forth on the White Jade Bridge, her hands on her hips. From afar, he could sense a sense of restlessness lingering around her. Glancing around, he saw the maids waiting at the foot of the bridge with their heads bowed. He took a few steps onto the bridgehead and caught the woman turning to leave.

Suddenly, the soft jade and warm fragrance came into his arms. He chuckled and leaned closer: "I am so happy to have such a beautiful woman in my arms."

The happier and more relaxed he seemed, the more Lan Nongnong's anger boiled over. It was as if she had finally found an outlet for her frustration. She raised her hand and pushed his face away, kicking his legs. "Who's trying to throw themselves at me? You're so self-indulgent! Let me go! Don't bother me anymore!"

Qin Jingyao was not angry, did not ask any questions, and did not let go, just let her kick and vent. When she was exhausted and panting, and leaned against him limply, he picked her up and held her horizontally without giving her any resistance.

The White Jade Bridge was a broken bridge, with one side of the steps sunk into the lake. The bridge deck was swept daily, keeping it spotless. He sat on the ground, one knee slightly bent for her to lean on, one leg stretched out on the stone step.

The lake rippled, only an inch away from reaching the soles of my boots. The palace's greenhouse felt like spring, the lake clear and turquoise. Schools of dragon carp leisurely wagged their tails, and water plants swayed gently with the waves, creating a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.

The embers of her depression gradually dissipated, and her pounding heartbeat subsided. Lan Nongnong gazed out at the lake, took a deep breath, and exhaled gently, her lips pursed slightly, as if she were embarrassed by her recent loss of composure.

Then her eyes were determined. Since it had come to this, what was the point in being upset? She supported herself on his forearm and was about to stand up when she heard him speak softly, "Nong Nong, can you tell me now what's causing you to be so uneasy?"

Lan Nongnong suddenly turned around and met his intense gaze. He was born with a pair of classic phoenix eyes, their dark pupils deep and dark, and his gaze always carried an air of oppression that refused to be looked away. His eyelids were long and narrow, narrow at the inside and wide at the outside, and his eyelashes were dense and straight. When they fell, they cast a bewitching shadow, making people involuntarily indulge in that false affection.

Lan Nongnong had fallen for his looks and demeanor in the past. Even though her mood was no longer the same as before, she was still stunned for a moment when she met those eyes filled with tenderness and concern.

Unbeknownst to her, Qin Jingyao, too, felt a surge of pain in his heart and a tingling sensation down his spine, his lips curling up unconsciously. A smile spread across his phoenix eyes, swirling like a whirlpool, nearly drowning her.

The back of her neck was lifted by a warm palm, and their lips pressed against each other, rubbing and twisting. Her teeth, barely clenched, were easily penetrated, entwined and entwined. She swallowed unconsciously, her breathing gradually becoming rapid. Suddenly, she came to her senses and instinctively raised her head to retreat, but she couldn't break free, and was sucked deeper.

Her body slumped backward, pressed tightly against his chest. Her hands, pushing him away, were forced to climb onto his shoulder, embroidered with silver silk auspicious clouds, her fingers clenching tightly, squeezing until her fingertips turned white.

When her body was lifted up again, the air with the fragrance of lotus flowers rushed into the crimson lips that were slightly parted, and Lan Nongnong's head was still buzzing. The wet mark on the corner of her lips that she had not swallowed was bit by bit pecked away, and she listened to his hoarse voice ringing softly in her ears.

"Don't worry, Nong Nong. Just bear with it for now this winter. When next winter comes and you're well again, you can face the wind and pile up snow as you wish."

The buzzing sound gradually subsided, and the heat in my body calmed down, leaving only an inexplicable feeling of boredom.

She remained silent, so Qin Jingyao spoke softly, "The Imperial Astronomical Observatory has chosen a date. It will be sunny for three consecutive days seven days from now. I'll take two days off. Would you mind taking Nongnong out for a walk?"

Seeing that she still didn't respond, he smiled and whispered, "The annual holiday will be in a month. You and I can leave Beijing and stay at the hot spring villa. What do you think?"

No matter how he tried to persuade her softly, Lan Nongnong remained silent. When her hands and feet had regained some strength, she wanted to get up.

Qin Jingyao tightened his grip around her waist with his five fingers, and gently lifted her face with his big hands, forcing her to look into his eyes. His eyes flickered imperceptibly, his smile still warm.

"Although the palace banquet has complicated etiquette, the dance and music are quite impressive. The hall is covered with floor heating, and our seats are on the inner side, so it shouldn't be a problem for you. If Nongnong is willing to go, perhaps it can help to relieve your boredom."

Lan Nongnong subconsciously frowned and said without hesitation, "No."

Even though she was naive about worldly affairs, she knew the Emperor and Empress might not favor her, and she was even more unwilling to humble herself and accept their favors. The palace was a place of strict etiquette and was filled with powerful figures. She knew she couldn't handle it with all the proper etiquette or the tactful manner. Such honor and favor, a testament to her social status, held no allure for her; it would have been tantamount to courting hardship.

"Biyu and the others have taken good care of me, and I know how to take care of myself. If I want to go out, why should I wait for you to accompany me? You can go to the banquet by yourself, and I will stay with my aunts for a while."

She stared at him, her expression and tone unyielding: "I have made up my mind. There is no room for negotiation."

Qin Jingyao was stunned for a moment by her preemptive words. He gently moved his hand around her waist to her lower abdomen, and his laughter was filled with doting: "Before I even opened my mouth, Nongnong already put the blame on me. Although the palace banquet is grand, it is also noisy and complicated. You are not energetic in winter. If you go, you will be tired. It is better not to go."

His fingertips tenderly stroked the embroidery on her sleeves, his tone becoming softer, "But how can I bear to leave you alone in the mansion? When the day comes, I will first send you to the nunnery to be with your aunts, and then you can go to the palace for the banquet."

Lan Nongnong didn't expect that he would respond so readily. She felt like she had punched cotton. She was annoyed for a moment, but she didn't say anything more. She let him hold her hand and walk down the bridge.

-

The winter snow fell intermittently three times, and New Year's Day was here in a blink of an eye.

According to the rules of the palace banquet, all officials must wear court robes and wait for the emperor to ascend the palace at the beginning of the Yin month. When they arrive, they must present congratulatory messages and praise the emperor to show the country's prosperity, the strength of the army, and the power to conquer the barbarians.

This time, envoys from various vassal states arrived to offer congratulations. The emperor offered wine, performed elegant music, presented gifts, and held military exercises to demonstrate his prowess. Palace banquets traditionally lasted no longer than dusk. Since Emperor Wu Sheng secured his throne, this was extended to the evening to reward meritorious officials. This dynasty continues this practice, but the current emperor, in poor health, often leaves the banquet before 3 p.m., allowing his subjects to enjoy themselves.

This year, the emperor had already issued an edict directing the Minister of State to preside over the banquet for the ministers. He also specially ordered the women of the imperial family to enter the palace before the banquet, where they were served imperial food, watched dancing and music, and admired rare treasures. This was a crucial opportunity for the women of the imperial family in the capital to broaden their social circle and demonstrate their status.

A woman's honor and disgrace, before marriage, is tied to her natal family, and after marriage, to her husband's family. Given Qin Jingyao's position, even if his wife didn't hold an imperial decree, she was still the most important person under the empress, and should have been surrounded by everyone and enjoyed the utmost glory.

Even though the Emperor and Empress had not explicitly asked him to bring his family to the banquet, if she still desired it, he would protect her and not let her suffer any injustice.

However, since she had no such intentions, and she was weak in winter, he could not bear to see her burdened by such empty reputations. Moreover, the etiquette in the palace was strict, and if she really went, she would inevitably have to kneel and pay homage. He could not bear to see her bowing to anyone, even if the recipient was the supreme ruler of the world.

How could the person he cherishes so much suffer the slightest injustice?

It was nearly 3:00 AM when Qin Jingyao finished cleansing them. With this beautiful woman in his arms, it should have been a night of passion and intimacy, but the court meeting was approaching. If it weren't for his strong self-control and his consideration for her fatigue, he would have lost himself in indulgence.

At this moment, he could only rub her ears and cheeks, using his lips instead of his hands to caress her lingeringly, especially rubbing her soft belly repeatedly until his blood vessels expanded and his heavy clothes were soaked with sweat. Then he suppressed his restlessness, tucked in the corners of the quilt, put on an inner garment, and quietly left.

He went to the martial arts arena to practice boxing in the breeze. When the heat on his body had dissipated, he motioned to Tongze, who was waiting nearby, to come forward. After listening to his whispered report, he nodded slightly.

Lan Nongnong wasn't one to stay in bed, but she couldn't resist someone indulging her all night. Winter made her muscles sluggish, and by the time she opened her eyes and drew aside the curtains, it was already daylight outside.

As consciousness gradually returned, her body still lingered from last night's illusions, a throbbing, ache, and weakness. Over the past six months, her body had been forced to adapt to sex, and while the pain had subsided, the excessive soreness and swelling between her bones and flesh was still etched in her bones, making it even more grueling.

After about a cup of tea, the numbness gradually disappeared and the remaining bloating in the abdomen slowly dissipated.

Lan Nongnong supported herself with her arms and sat up sideways. Because her center of gravity was leaning on the couch, her lightly tied nightgown was slightly loose, revealing dense kiss marks under her snow-white neck like a dividing line. Even though they saw them almost every day, Biyu and the other girl who accidentally caught a glimpse of them still felt their ears burn.

Inside, smokeless charcoal burned, and a thick, soft blanket covered the floor. After washing, she stood barefoot before the mirror, unfeeling the cold. The person in the mirror had skin as radiant as snow, eyes bright and watery, shimmering, lips plump as a newly blossoming crabapple. A slight frown between her brows served as the finishing touch, adding a touch of freshness and energy.

I'm going out today, and I've already chosen my clothes and accessories. I've ironed them with the scent of flowers and then dried them by the stove. Each piece still retains its warmth as I put it on.

Lan Nongnong looked at herself in the mirror, raised her neck and took a closer look. Only after confirming that all the marks were hidden under her clothes did she breathe a sigh of relief.

Ever since the red mark on her neck that she accidentally left behind was seen and teased by her aunts, she had a huge argument with him. Although he smiled and promised to be more careful next time, he then doubled the mark, which was not to be shown to others, and branded it in a more private place.

Even so, she was still worried and would check carefully before going out every time, and would cover up any trace of something with makeup.

But he hadn't taken two steps when annoyance came over him again. Even if he tried to accommodate her in every way, when would this period of hiding and avoiding others end?

As soon as Qin Jingyao entered the room, he met her watery eyes, which were filled with a hint of anger. Seeing her gait slow and her waist shift slightly, he immediately understood. He couldn't help but chuckle. He took two steps forward and picked her up horizontally. He sat down at the dining table and massaged her waist and legs with his big hands.

Lan Nongnong knew that she couldn't break free, so she just treated him as a servant as usual, and didn't want to waste time arguing with these trivial matters and add to the trouble. She just glanced at him, picked up her chopsticks and ate without waiting for him.

There was a palace banquet today, and logically he should have been present in the palace, but she didn't ask any further questions.

When she was seven-tenths full, the soreness in her waist and legs had subsided, so she pushed him away and stood up, asking Biyu to prepare the carriage.

Qin Jingyao, rather than being annoyed by being discarded after being used like this, smiled instead. In the past, he had personally led troops on the front lines. While he didn't have to sleep in the open air, he knew the importance of speed in war and was accustomed to the informality of military life. Without saying much, he picked up his chopsticks and ate his meal, moving quickly but gracefully.

Before her travel suitcases were loaded into the car, he had already rinsed his mouth and washed his hands and followed her.

The continuous sunny days had melted away the accumulated snow, and officials had already kept the main thoroughfares of the capital smooth and clean. As the capital of a nation, even with the constant flow of traffic and the lashings of rain and snow, these thoroughfares had never been dented or cracked.

It was almost 9:00 when she left, and only half a day had passed since the palace banquet ended. However, on the way to Qingyun Temple, Qin Jingyao kept giving her instructions, as if they were about to part for a long time.

Whenever she wanted to go to the nunnery, he always said this. Lan Nongnong had already heard it so many times that her ears were numb. She just nodded in response and ignored him.

As soon as the carriage slowed down, before it even stopped, she was already eager to get out. Qin Jingyao chuckled softly, wrapping his long arms around her to steady her. He fetched a cloak, a neck guard, and a hood from the carriage frame, carefully dressing her one by one until only her clear, bright eyes were visible. Only then, satisfied, did he lead her down the carriage.

When Qingyun Temple was first established in Kyoto, Tongze was ordered to donate the land deed and several cleaning servants to the temple as a token of support. However, the monks in the temple politely declined, saying that "this is a place for pure cultivation and should not be involved in external affairs."

Tongze knew that the Master's care for the nunnery was simply out of love for his wife, and that this was different from his meticulous care for his wife. Therefore, he did not force his Master to do anything, but secretly ordered people to regularly look after the temple's maintenance, winter charcoal firewood, and other miscellaneous matters.

However, whenever the lady wanted to come to the nunnery, he would send people to sweep the courtyard one day in advance, prepare a warm stove and fragrant tea, and even cover the long stone steps with non-slip felt carpets. He would sweep away the snow when it fell and melt the ice when it formed, making sure that wherever the lady went, she would feel warm and safe, as if she were walking in a spring courtyard.

Lan Nongnong looked up and saw a figure standing at the top of the stairs. She couldn't help but smile beneath her mask. She regarded the aunt in the temple as a family member, so why would she bother her elders to greet her again?

She turned to look at him, her voice soft and low beneath the cotton towel: "If you still want to enter the palace, I can go up by myself."

Although the snow has stopped temporarily, the cold is still there.

She was wrapped in several layers of thick clothing, and covered with a pink cloak with white trimmings, intricately embroidered. It not only looked warm, but was also meticulously woven by the embroiderer with thousands of stitches. It looked like satin, but was actually soft velvet, as warm as a fur coat. The hood and lapels were trimmed with a satin velvet collar imitating mink fur, almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

She was shrouded from head to toe in a cloak, only a pair of round, cat-like eyes gazing up at him. Her furry attire made her look like a snowy civet, a sight that softened anyone's heart and made them unable to let go of their love.

Lan Nongnong turned her head to avoid his hand, frowned slightly, glanced at him impatiently, turned around and went up the stairs on her own.

His temperament is as proud and straightforward as a cat, sharp and bold.

The smile in Qin Jingyao's eyes deepened. He stared at her back for a moment, then quickened his pace to catch up with her. With his long arms, he put his arm around her shoulders and covered her with his thick satin cloak.

When the two reached the top of the stairs, everyone in the nunnery was already waiting. Before Lan Nongnong could speak, everyone had already bowed to the man in the black cloak.

Before she could finish her words, he stopped her with a flick of his wide sleeves: "Nong Nong and I are husband and wife, so why should you masters be so polite? Nong Nong is afraid of the cold, so please let us talk in the hall."

The abbot of Qingfeng Temple readily accepted the advice and politely responded, "Your Excellency is lenient, but etiquette cannot be abandoned."

Then he smiled at Nong Nong and extended his arms to lead the guest in.

Qin Jingyao glanced at her side and saw that her expression had eased a little. He also relaxed his expression and smiled gently. He didn't let go of her shoulder until the warmth of the side hall hit him. He took off his black cloak, but he didn't sit down. He just shook her hand and said to everyone in the nunnery,

"Thank you all for taking care of Nong Nong today. I will come and take her home by midnight at the latest."

After saying this, he lowered his head and softly warned, "It's cold in the mountains. Once you're inside, don't leave unless it's necessary. The alternating heat and cold makes it easy to catch a cold. You're weak, and if you catch a cold, you'll suffer for a long time. Just leave everything to the servants, and wait for my return."

Lan Nongnong didn't want to argue with him in front of her aunts, so she could only smile and nod in agreement.

The two of them bowed their heads, then raised their heads, their eyes meeting, a look of deep affection. Qin Jingyao's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, and he gently instructed the maid to serve her well. He seemed to realize that his presence was making everyone feel awkward, so he considerately did not stay any longer.

He nodded slightly to the others in the nunnery, said "stay", gently pressed his palm against the back of her hand, gave her a soothing smile, and then turned and left.

---

New Year's Day is the first day of the lunar year, and people often burn incense and worship Buddha on this day, hoping for auspicious omens for the new year. Many people wait outside temples before dawn to be the first to burn incense.

In the past, when she was in Yuqing, her aunts did not allow Lan Nongnong to wear monk's robes, so she wore plain clothes to help prepare food, copy scriptures, or distribute peace and blessing bags. Although she was busy, it was rare that she felt lively and fulfilled.

Thanks to its advantageous location, Qingyun Temple has become a popular destination in Beijing over the past six months. On weekdays, there's a constant stream of pilgrims and servants offering prayers on behalf of their master. Given the temple's current fame, it should have been packed today, but it officially opened its doors to visitors after lunch.

Lan Nongnong didn't give it much thought, nor did she inquire about the reason behind this. Last year, she hadn't been able to return to the nunnery to help, so today she had decided to contribute more. Since she was willing to help, no one would refuse her.

Because a notice had been posted the day before, pilgrims soon began to enter the temple.

New Year's Day was a major festival, after all, and the abbot of Qingfeng Temple personally came to the Buddhist temple to preside over the ceremony. After a few brief words, he left Yun'an alone, while the others returned to their seats.

The amulet had already been written and sealed, and the two of them worked together to carefully fold the remaining paper and put it into the brocade bag one by one. They whispered and laughed softly as they went along, a warm and warm feeling.

Although the nunnery had underground heating, it was still situated halfway up a mountain, amidst the cold forest and the solemn stream, a chilly air permeating the air. A long corridor separated the back hall from the Buddhist temple, creating a significant temperature difference between inside and outside.

When the first talisman bag was full, Lan Nongnong stood up and prepared to take it to the Buddhist temple. Yun An didn't stop her, but only looked her in with a warm gaze. Unexpectedly, as she pushed the door open, a bone-chilling chill hit her head, causing her to shudder violently.

Biyu, who was waiting at the door, stepped forward immediately. Qingluo was a little slower and quietly waved her hand behind her back. A maid stepped forward in response. The three of them moved in an orderly manner and instantly covered up the vague figure that flashed by the corner of the corridor.

Lan Nongnong regained consciousness from the chill and saw the four maids who had accompanied her into the temple all looking at her with worry. Biyu gestured to the maid behind her to take the lacquer tray and then placed the warming stove in her hands, gently advising,

"While Madam is busy in the hall, the servants dare not approach for fear of getting contaminated by the talisman paper. Leave these errands to the servants. The cold air flowing through the corridor is most likely to invade the body. Please return indoors and do not catch a cold."

The maid holding the lacquer tray knelt hurriedly and said, "Madam, don't worry. I will be very careful not to touch the talisman bag and not damage the blessings."

After saying this, he turned around and walked quickly towards the Buddhist temple.

Before Lan Nongnong could utter a single word, she was escorted back to her room by three people. As the door closed, the chill instantly dissipated, and the warmth of the room enveloped her, causing her to sigh in relief.

Yun An sat at the table, taking in all the noise outside. Seeing her come back and sit down, he said nothing. After filling another plate of talismans, Yun An stood up and said with a smile, "I'll take this one away. Nong Nong can continue folding."

Without bothering the maid, he carried the lacquer tray out of the house. He went straight to the side hall and handed it to Yunting, who then offered incense to the pilgrims before the Buddha. After the pilgrims in the hall had dispersed, he went to the abbot's seat to listen to a few words before leaving the Buddha Hall. He then went to the study to get some brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone before returning to the back hall.

Before anyone arrived, a voice was heard: "There are too many pilgrims today. I'm afraid we won't be able to close the temple until the evening. After folding the amulets, we still need to copy some sutras. Nong Nong will have a busy day today."

Yun'an had been gone for a while, but Lan Nongnong didn't suspect anything. Even in the back hall, she could faintly hear voices in the front hall. Qingyun Temple in Beijing was quite large, with a constant stream of pilgrims. The temple was already understaffed, and during this festive occasion, it was naturally stretched thin.

In fact, she didn't need anyone to accompany her here, but the aunts were always afraid that she would have no one to talk to, so they had to leave someone to accompany her.

Hearing this, she raised her eyebrows and chuckled, "Aunt, please don't underestimate me. My best skill is copying. Just give it to me."

Yun An seemed to be amused by her cunning appearance. He handed over the paper and pen, and took over from her to slowly fold the talisman bag, his eyes full of pity.

The nunnery consisted of seven or eight rooms, spaced sparsely apart. Its elevated location made the sky seem even more vast and the clouds low. It was past mid-afternoon, and the sun was blazing brightly. Although the nunnery was clear of snow, the adjacent mountains and forests were still covered in a blanket of white. Light streamed in through the clear windows, illuminating the room like a lamp.

Her hair, fingers, wrists, neck, and even her clothes and shoes were all adorned with glittering pearls and jade. Her hair and clothes were filled with a rich and elegant fragrance. From head to toe, everything about her showed how much she was loved and pampered.

Nong Nong was born with a delightfully round face, and now her cheeks are plump and rosy. However, when she works at her desk, the delicate contours of her cheeks are clearly visible, a sign of her sudden weight loss in the past.

Her lips were red without any makeup, but she always pursed them unconsciously, which was obviously a habit developed from years of forbearance.

If you look carefully, you can see the involuntary repression flowing everywhere beneath the splendor of the brocade.

The smile on Yun An's face was hard to maintain, but it spread again the moment she smiled. She put down the talisman paper that was accidentally crumpled, reached out to straighten her warm collar, and said in a low and soft voice,

"Your other aunts and I made a winter coat for you, but I'm not sure how well you can handle the cold these days, and whether it's thick enough. The lucky bag you have is enough. You've been writing for a long time, so take a break and come with me to try it on."

Lan Nongnong had no doubts about it, and smiled as she put down her pen and agreed.

Although the back hall wasn't very spacious, entering from the right side of the desk, one could see a row of rooms connected to a corridor. This was originally a place for pilgrims to rest and stay overnight, but due to limited staff and the lack of frequent visitors, it was changed to a place for copying scriptures and quiet meditation.

Inside, there are tables, chairs, beds, tea sets, and bookshelves, but the space is a little cramped.

Lan Nongnong followed Yun An into the second wing of the hallway. The interior was clear at a glance. Three sets of gray-blue clothing lay side by side on a bed covered in plain blue and white bedding. The colors were sober and the styles simple, and at first glance, they looked like ordinary clothes, but they were a stark contrast to the clothes her aunts had made for her in the past.

A closer look revealed the dense stitching, the softness and warmth to the touch, evidently filled with the finest cotton. The underlying meaning was self-evident. Lan Nongnong felt a warmth in her heart, a surge of bitterness rising in her. She lowered her head and gently stroked the fabric, a silent sigh escaping her lips. Then, she took a deep breath, her eyes curved like the moon, and raised her hand to unbutton the buttons.

Yun An left the door open. The hall and corridor were paved with wooden planks, and at this moment, there was a complete silence, even the slightest movement could be heard. The warmth of the stoves on either side of the door made the air less chilly even with the door open.

She wore a white and purple jacket that covered her waist, embroidered with large peonies and outlined with silver thread. When she took it off, she wore a sleeveless, ankle-length jacket and skirt of the same color. Fortunately, she had a well-proportioned figure, with thin shoulders and a slender waist, and long limbs. Even through the layers of thick clothing, her figure still looked graceful.

But Yun An, who was undressing her, saw how slender her figure was, stripped of her outer garment and clad only in a white cinched waist. The beads of peony cores on the brocade pricked her palm, and she let out a breath, suppressing her heartache as she hurriedly grabbed the dress on the left side of the couch and quickly put it on her.

She suddenly took off her coat. Even with the heater in the room, Lan Nongnong's hands quickly lost warmth, and her whole body tensed up. Fortunately, the winter clothes her aunts had made were really thick, and once she wrapped them up, she felt warm and comfortable, sighing with satisfaction.

She gently touched the cuffs. Though the material was only half a finger thick, it was incredibly dense. It wasn't noticeable when she was laying it on, but once she put it on, she realized how slim-fitting the shoulders, arms, and waist were. Following Aunt Yun'an's lead, she put on another layer and put on the jacket and skirt she had taken off earlier. Despite feeling slightly constricted, the short jacket concealed it, making it seem as if she hadn't put on any extra clothes at all.

There was sweat on her forehead and neck, but she shuddered suddenly, and the smile on her face froze. She suddenly raised her eyes to look at Aunt Yun'an, and the sudden thought in her heart made her tremble all over.

Aunt Yun'an's gaze was no longer concealed, filled with heartache and reluctance, her eyes were filled with tears but as resolute as a blade, like a hurricane that swept her mind into the abyss.

It was not until her survival instinct awakened her from the suffocation that she seemed to struggle back to her senses from the bottomless dizziness.

Sweat clung to her neck, her throat sliding as she swallowed back all the words she had to say. Even though her inner thoughts had been exposed in the moment, Lan Nongnong forced a smile and feigned indifference, her voice dry and weak: "...Aunt, I'm not that afraid of the cold anymore. There's no need to wear so much—"

"It's very cold in the mountains, so it won't hurt to wear more clothes."

Yun An carefully smoothed the wrinkles of her clothes, his eyes glancing towards the door. His voice was almost whispered, but only audible if close to the ear. "There are banknotes and two sets of household registration passes sewn into her clothes, both stamped with official seals. You can use them without worry. A family of pilgrims will be leaving the nunnery later, and they're about to leave the city. You can take off your outer clothes and jewelry and sneak into the carriage... A servant from the Lin family will meet you there."

Her fingertips trembled slightly, but she still moved steadily to straighten her clothes. "...After this, don't tell anyone where you're going. Just like when you were in Yuqing, find a place where the neighbors are friendly, make a living with a skill, and live a peaceful life without worries about food and clothing."

Lan Nongnong had a premonition when she was interrupted. But when she actually heard Aunt Yun'an meticulously arranging her escape plan, she felt a panic-stricken grip on her chest. In an instant, all the heat in her body vanished, and a bone-chilling chill swept through her limbs, causing her to tremble uncontrollably.

However, his eyes gradually became clear, and then firm.

The kindness shown to her by her aunts had long been beyond her ability to repay. How could she selfishly leave and leave the disaster to the aunts who had nothing to do with her, and become an ungrateful person?

Moreover, it was too hasty and sudden.

"aunt."

Her icy hands suddenly grasped the warm hands on her lapel. Since they both knew each other, it would be embarrassing to try to hide it. Lan Nongnong suddenly smiled, her eyes sparkling, and her voice, though low, trembled slightly, "My aunts are all for me. How could I bear to bring trouble to you?"

Yun An was shocked, tears streaming down his face. He was about to speak when she held him down firmly.

"Aunt, listen to me. I'm angry about his previous deception. Even though he admitted his mistake and showed concern for me, I still feel resentful. Ultimately, it's because I didn't know him well enough to let it go. But we're not perfect, and who can be without fault? He's trying so hard to make amends, and I, like a plant, can't remain indifferent."

Her smile became more natural. "Now that we are husband and wife, I was just angry for a moment, not to the point of sneaking away. Don't worry, aunt, you know my temper very well. If I really couldn't tolerate it, I wouldn't stay for another day. Even if I have to leave, I will leave with dignity."

Suddenly, her voice turned apologetic. "It's my fault. My unstable temper has caused the aunts to worry about me. I know their concern can be distracting, but my husband is a man of high rank and power, handsome, and known for his love for his wife. If I lose such a husband because of a momentary anger, I would be at a great loss."

She gently held Yun'an's hand, her eyes clear. "Don't worry, Auntie. I know what's important and what's not. When Auntie Qingfeng and the others are free, I'll ask you to help me sort things out. When the nunnery is freer, I'll explain everything to them in detail."

She spoke with conviction and sincerity, each word coming from the heart. Yun An seemed convinced, his expression softening as he nodded in agreement, saying he needed help at the vegetarian restaurant and asked her to go with him, forgetting to change his clothes as he spoke.

---

Imperial Palace

In the Taiji Hall, music and dance filled the air, and fine wine filled the jars. Laughter and conversation filled the air as the cups were exchanged. The women leaned forward to whisper, their gazes drifting vaguely toward the Shangshu Ling's table to their left. Court officials and foreign envoys also paid close attention.

The former suspected that the lady was just a name, and would never be accepted by the upper class. The latter had deeper thoughts.

An hour ago, the palace banquet had just begun. Shortly after the envoys presented their gifts, everyone saw the Minister of Chancellery approach the emperor, whisper a few words, and then leave from a side hall. Throughout the feast, singing, dancing, and performances, he was nowhere to be seen. It wasn't until the military demonstrations that he quietly returned and stood behind the emperor.

Although his expression was normal, and even gentler than usual because of the palace banquet, with a faint smile on his face, he looked approachable, but there was a biting coldness about him that seemed to have come from the ice and snow, which made people feel daunted.

On the occasion of this state banquet, one cannot help but wonder whether something big is going to happen.

While the court officials could still maintain their composure, the envoys were filled with anxiety. First, the Shangshu Ling's whereabouts were elusive, and then, the military equipment was so impressive at the military training grounds that they could not help but think of the Red Di tribe's rebellion the previous year, which had been suppressed by this Shangshu Ling, a man with a fierce heart and a crane's appearance, earning the court the reputation of having a garrison there.

Could it be that our country or another department has behaved improperly again and angered the Celestial Empire?

As they thought about it, their breathing sounds rose and fell like a swarm of snakes in the forest. The envoys wished they hadn't returned to the posthouse to get more information. The grand hall was warm as spring, but their spines were chilled by the shock. The warm wine in their throats felt like boiling water, burning unbearably.

Facing the various gazes in the hall, some obscure and some inappropriate, Qin Jingyao simply raised his arm to hold up the glass, and glanced past them vaguely, like a stone thrown into still water, stirring up ripples.

At the hour of Shen, the Emperor and Empress set out for the Ice Lake, accompanied by officials, their families, and envoys. As soon as the Emperor took his seat and offered a feast, musicians from the troupe began to perform a dance on the ice, their robes fluttering and their figures dancing gracefully.

Afterwards, strong soldiers wearing silver armor and holding long spears fought on the ice, and children from noble families with red and blue ribbons on their arms played hockey to grab the ball. The performances were endless, attracting the audience's attention and the sound of cheers.

After the three performances were over, the emperor gave an oral order, ordering the Secretary of State to preside over the banquet and telling everyone not to be so formal, and then he took the empress away.

With the Emperor and Empress gone, the atmosphere at the banquet relaxed, and the atmosphere grew more lively. Female members of the family and young men took to the ice rink, or gathered with acquaintances to admire the ice sculptures. Those of appropriate age, both men and women, donned skates to show off their graceful demeanor, vying for attention.

Qin Jingyao's seat was just below the Emperor, giving him an excellent view. He wore a faint smile, his eyes half-closed as he gazed at the scene, but in reality, none of the various figures in the scene were taking in his view.

Court officials and envoys came one after another to toast, their monotonous flattery mingled with cautious inquiries. He responded with a faint smile, his glass barely touching his lips.

As the sun sets, the colorful lanterns built of ice gradually light up, and the hazy light begins to bloom. It is beautiful, but also very cold.

A palace maid leaned forward to report that the hall was warm and the banquet was ready. Qin Jingyao stopped tapping his fingers on the table and stood up. With a sway of his robe sleeves, he invited everyone back to the hall to sit down.

The crimson official robe meandered across the table like flowing water, and in the thin white porcelain wine cup with crane glaze, there was still half a cup of fine wine left.

---

The repeated jolts and muffled cries awoke Lan Nongnong from her drowsiness. Before she even opened her eyes, a sharp wave of grief washed over her. The moment she did, tears could no longer be contained.

"...Although you hid it well, we can still tell whether you're truly happy or just pretending. Nongnong has always acted with a carefree spirit. Given your personality, if you weren't concerned, why would you force yourself to endure such hardship?"

"It's just that those involved are confused. At our age, we have long since become indifferent to the mundane world. Wealth and hardship are but a spiritual practice. If we let you become trapped in this, it would ruin our practice and disturb our Buddha's heart."

"You are still young and should be free and unrestrained. Don't let one thing blind you and trap you for life!"

"Nong Nong, do you still remember what you said before entering the capital? If you are ruthless, I will give up. You were so free and easy. But now I only see a timid and hesitant mediocre person!"

“If you are left with more pain than joy, you should throw off the shackles and follow your heart.”

"Without desire, one is strong; without desire, one is fearless. Never forget your original intention..."

The earnest instructions and harsh scoldings from her aunts before she fell into a coma were still ringing in her ears. At this moment, how could Lan Nongnong not know her own situation?

But if she disappeared, her aunts would be blamed and angered by him. If she sacrificed them to gain freedom, she would feel guilty for the rest of her life and would be unable to rest day and night.

Why wait until today?

Her aunts risked their own lives for her, so how could she just ignore them and only care about herself?

The shouts suddenly intensified, and the carriage, having accidentally slipped into a snow pit, jolted violently. Lan Nongnong had no time to lose focus. She hurriedly looked around and groped around. The untied sack came loose easily. The compartment she was hiding in was narrow, and she stretched her legs and pressed against the wall, barely able to steady herself.

The hand warmer rolled off in the swaying motion, but fortunately the carriage's body swayed, clanging and clattering, and the dull gurgling sound went unnoticed. The driver shouted, the horses neighed, and the carriage returned to the road. The wheels creaked through the snow as it moved forward.

Lan Nongnong let out a soft sigh. The blinding white light of the snow streamed in through the cracks in the carriage, casting a series of interlaced beams of light and darkness, bringing with it a biting cold wind that howled fiercely in the cramped space.

She knelt and pressed her back against the wall, huddled in a corner barely sheltered from the wind. She was wrapped in several layers of thick clothing, a hat, scarf, and gloves. Aside from a slight chill on her cheeks, the heat from her body lingered, so she didn't feel cold.

The hand warmer had been picked up and put back in her arms. She took off her gloves and felt it carefully through the cloth cover. It was warm. According to the warmth of the hand warmer when she woke up, combined with the glimpse of daylight just now, she should have slept for no more than half an hour.

Her fingertips suddenly froze, and her fingertips unconsciously pressed the bottom of the stove. The thick touch confirmed her guess. She hurriedly untied the laces, pulled off the cloth cover, and reached under the stove. Sure enough, she took out a lucky bag the size of a plum.

Lan Nongnong took a deep breath, suppressed the sourness in her throat, held the heater back in her arms, carefully opened the lucky bag, and pulled out the expected letter.

A low and vague whisper came from the partition. She folded the letter again and stuffed it back into the lucky bag, hiding it in her arms. She wiped away her tears, and when she raised her eyes again, they were as clear as a wash. There was no hesitation or struggle, only clarity and determination.

She waited patiently for her chance, carefully surveying her surroundings. When her strength gradually returned, she peered through the gap to confirm her location, then unbolted the lock and leaped down into the snow.