Chapter 86 Long Stay in Pingyi Pei Lang shook his head without a change in expression: ...

Lin Zhi remained silent for a long time. Just as Feng Yujiao was about to speak to comfort her, she heard Lin Zhi say softly, "Yes, it's over. We'll never see each other again, in life or in death."

“Sister, he was my nightmare, and I was his calamity. We shouldn’t have had this relationship.”

"What separates us is not just simple romantic love; too many barriers and misunderstandings lie between us, and no one can forget them."

"It's better to cut ties cleanly than to do that; it's better for everyone."

But Feng Yujiao still felt uneasy after hearing her words.

That person's appearance and demeanor clearly indicated that he was no ordinary person. Moreover, the two of them had a child together, a piece of flesh that fell from the mother's body!

Even if Lin Zhi could bear not seeing that person, the child was still her concern.

With a deep sigh, Feng Yujiao held her delicate hand tightly: "Fei... Azhi, no matter how that person treats you, just remember that there will always be a place for you in your elder sister's and brother's family."

Lin Zhi tried to hold back her tears, but couldn't help but tear up. She tried to turn her head away to suppress them, but instead leaned on Feng Yujiao's shoulder and sobbed softly.

"Ah Zhi!"

Pei Lang woke up with a start, reaching out to grab something, but missed. He lay on the edge of the bed, sweating profusely.

"Young master...you're awake. The doctor said that your previous illness was triggered by a sudden surge of anger, and you need to rest and recuperate now."

But Pei Lang brushed his hand away, frowned, and sat up from the couch, coughing lightly a few times as he felt the pulling pain in his heart.

But only this real pain could remind him that this was not a dream: Lin Zhi was not dead.

The man with light-colored lips sat on the edge of the couch with his inner garment slightly open, revealing his honey-colored chest and lean waist. He was wearing only an outer robe and propped his legs up.

"Are there any people staying in Pingyi Village?"

Xingyun nodded quickly: "I had someone buy the house next to Madam's, thinking that you might need it."

Pei Lang pursed his lips and nodded almost imperceptibly, a hint of confusion flashing in his usually sharp eyes: "She doesn't remember me..."

"Are you injured? Or..." Pei Lang couldn't bear to say the rest.

His heart ached whenever he thought about how Lin Zhi had overheard his conversation with Xiao Ting.

But back then, Xiao Ting was also very wary of her. If he and others knew that Lin Zhi was his weakness, she and her child would probably be in grave danger.

But when he thought of the devastating fire that had destroyed everything, he wondered if he should regret his actions.

"Let's not wait any longer. Let's take Mianmian and go to Pingyi Village."

Seeing him suddenly stand up, Xingyun followed closely behind, somewhat embarrassed: "Young Master, those wet nurses and maids..."

"I don't need them. Just you and the guards will come with me. Conceal your whereabouts and then come out again."

“Now that A-Zhi no longer has any feelings for me, she is still so wary of me. It would be bad if I frightened her further.”

“But Miss…” Xingyun frowned, somewhat worried.

Although Lin Zhaoning is considered well-behaved, she is still a child after all. She cries every night and always fusses in the winter. I'm afraid that without servants, the young master can't take care of her.

Pei Lang waved his hand and said, "I've been taking care of Mianmian since she was little. Now she can eat some rice cereal and goat milk. It's time to let Azhi meet her."

As soon as he finished speaking, Pei Lang's eyes darkened again. He didn't want to believe that Lin Zhi had forgotten him so easily. If he saw Mianmian, perhaps he could have more opportunities to spend time with her.

"Impossible! This is my home, I would never sell it to you!"

Luo Qinzhi was originally eager to see Miss Lin, but he didn't expect that someone would enter their house and want to buy their house?

Watching his mother treat these people kindly, Luo Qinzhi suppressed his dissatisfaction, his eyes glancing outside every now and then.

“Although this house has been passed down from generation to generation, it is indeed not worth that much money.”

"Besides, my son and I have lived here for decades and we don't want to go through the hassle of moving away."

Aunt Luo squinted slightly. Although she couldn't see the face of the person in front of her, she knew that the person was either rich or noble. Someone who could take out several hundred taels of silver at once was no ordinary person.

She was a little uneasy about her son's toughness. What if he offended these people and suffered retaliation?

With a smile on her face, Aunt Luo quickly stood up and walked to her son's side: "Qinzhi! This is so much silver, it's enough for us to buy a house in town."

"You'll have travel expenses to go to the capital for the imperial examinations in the future, so why refuse?"

Just as the mother and son were discussing in hushed tones, Pei Lang, dressed in a black brocade robe and a fox fur cloak, entered the room, frowning and staring at his subordinates with some dissatisfaction, complaining that they couldn't even buy a house.

"It's you!"

Luo Qin was initially somewhat swayed, moved by his mother's words, but when he turned around, he saw that face he could never forget!

This person is clearly the one who almost killed him yesterday!

He is also Miss Lin's enemy!

Seeing the frail scholar staring at him warily, Pei Lang's expression also turned sour. He hadn't expected that the person living just a wall away from Lin Zhi would be this man.

This further confirms that this person was taking advantage of their proximity to the source, which is truly despicable.

Looking at the distinguished man before her, Aunt Luo's legs went weak and she almost knelt down: "Qinzhi... what kind of person is this?"

"Why would you condescend to come to our house?"

Luo Qinzhi frowned deeply, first escorting his mother back to her room. He then stood straight in front of Pei Lang, his words resounding: "Please go back. My family will not sell our house to you."

"Even if you refuse to leave today, I, Luo Qinzhi, am not one to fear death. You may kill me, but don't even think about having any improper thoughts about Miss Lin!"

Before he could finish speaking, the man who had been in the courtyard suddenly appeared in front of him, grabbed his neck with his large hand, pinned him against the wall, and slammed him down heavily.

The sharp pain in his back made Luo Qinzhi's expression change slightly. His eyes turned red as he stared at the person in front of him: "Is there still any law in this world?! You dare to kill me?"

Pei Lang's eyes flashed with murderous intent, but then he remembered Lin Zhi's tearful and fearful eyes from yesterday, and after his impulsive act, he slowly loosened his grip.

“Young Master Luo, I just felt a strong connection with your house and courtyard, which is why I thought of buying it and also hoping to improve your lives.”

“Your mother is getting old and doesn’t seem to be in good health. Why not use this money to see a doctor and get some comfortable accommodations?”

After a fit of coughing, Luo Qin looked at Pei Lang with no softening in his expression: "How we live is none of your business!"

"I said I'm not selling, and that means I'm not selling. If you want to move in, fine, kill me and step on my corpse, then you can move in!"

Looking at this pedantic and inflexible scholar, Pei Lang felt impatient. He was also worried about his daughter, so he frowned and ordered someone to buy another house and courtyard not far away, opposite Lin Zhi's residence.

The family didn't hesitate at all when they saw the silver. They happily packed their valuables and moved out in less than an hour, as if they were afraid that Pei Lang would change his mind.

After everything was tidied up, Pei Lang watched his daughter drink her milk and fall asleep in her crib before standing in the courtyard, staring intently at Lin Zhi's tightly closed gate.

"Young master, the conditions here are rather basic. Even with the best materials, this is all we can manage for now. We are truly sorry to trouble you and the young lady."

But Pei Lang shook his head without any expression: "As long as I can see her, what does it matter if I live in a dilapidated house?"

"Has Azhi found out everything about what's been going on in Pingyi these past few days?"

Xingyun's expression was somewhat unpleasant. He slowly and ramblingly recounted Lin Zhi's life since arriving in Pingyi nearly a year ago. Apart from relying on his elder brother and later his elder brother and sister-in-law, he had been embroidering handkerchiefs and sending them out to exchange for money.

"The lady was beautiful, and it was said that many matchmakers and men in the village coveted her. There was even a blacksmith who almost climbed over the wall to get in... Later, it was rumored in the village that the lady had contracted tuberculosis, and that's when no one dared to come to her door anymore."

Hearing these words, Pei Lang clenched his hands tightly at his sides, almost drawing blood, feeling both bitter and aching in his heart.

She is so delicate and easily bullied, how long must she have lived in fear before she was able to finally live a peaceful life?

Those who bullied her deserve to die...

Pei Lang let out a deep breath, "What's the deal with that scholar?"

Xingyun frowned and lowered his voice, saying, "I have learned that this is the man who saved Pei Mingli. Later, Aunt Luo from this family also helped Madam a lot. She has been kind to Madam, so I'm afraid it is not convenient to take action against her easily."

"And this scholar, who also passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, still maintained proper decorum despite hearing rumors of his wife's tuberculosis, unlike others who avoided her like the plague..."

Seeing the young master's increasingly grim expression, Xingyun dared not speak any further and lowered her voice.

In the days when Lin Zhi was not by his side, he was surrounded by a person who was as annoying as a fly... Pei Lang narrowed his eyes dangerously, but had to put aside his killing intent.

"Alright, we can't touch this family for now. As for the matchmaker and the blacksmith, you know what to do with them."

"Now I need to be patient and not scare A-Zhi away again."

"Send people to follow her, but they are not allowed to show themselves except in case of danger or when she is about to leave. Just follow them from a distance."

"Yes, young master, rest assured."

After Xingyun left, Pei Lang continued to stare at the tightly closed door in front of him, as if he could see the person inside through the door.

Lin Zhi opened the door, intending to go to the courtyard, but couldn't help shivering. She pulled her winter clothes tighter around herself, feeling somewhat uneasy.

She had heard the commotion at the Luo family's house next door, but she didn't dare to show herself.

Fortunately, Pei Lang still had some reservations and didn't dare to make a move easily.

Even if he were the Grand Secretary, he probably wouldn't dare to be so presumptuous. If someone found out and caused a scene, he would likely be punished, even in the capital.

But she couldn't sleep peacefully as long as this person stayed.

He sighed in distress, but then he heard the faint sound of a baby crying.

The faint cries sent a chill down Lin Zhi's spine. She couldn't help but take two steps forward and stop behind the door, listening to the childish sobs, biting her lower lip tightly as she tried to hold back.

That's her Mianmian, her daughter!

She still remembers how soft and cuddly the baby looked when she held him in her arms. Now, a year has passed, and she doesn't know what Mianmian looks like or what his name is.

Lin Zhi pounded on the door in anguish, feeling as if it were so close yet so far away.

"Mianmian, don't blame your mother..."

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Author's note: There will be a Qixi Festival bonus chapter later, which is an extension of the earlier plot, showing the sweet moments between the young couple.

Please check the chapter titles and summaries before deciding whether to read them.

Happy Qixi Festival! [heart emoji]

1. The First Spring Dream

Before closing her eyes with the book in her hands, Lin Zhi thought she heard Chun Tao knocking on the door, as if asking if she was asleep. She wanted to reply, but her eyelids were too heavy to keep open, so she gave up.

Lin Zhi had only been asleep for a short while when she opened her eyes again and realized something was wrong. How did she end up in her cousin's courtyard?

She felt a little flustered and subconsciously pinched her snow-white forearm before realizing it was all a dream. She dreamt again of bringing plum soup to Pei Lang that day.

Lin Zhi was somewhat annoyed. Of all things to dream about, why did she have to dream about that day?

Carrying the plum soup in her hand, she didn't look around this time. Knowing that someone would appear behind her, she was prepared not to be startled again. But when she stood at the door of the study, the door opened and a lean arm pulled her straight in.

Lin Zhi's preparations were completely shattered by fright. After letting out a scream, even a small hairpin in her glossy black hair fell to the ground, pulling down two strands of her smoky black hair that floated in front of her face, causing a slight, untouchable itch.

She was breathing heavily, and before she could even settle down, someone grabbed her waist and pressed her onto the table.

Seeing Pei Lang, who was usually upright and proper, staring at her with his deep, dark eyes, Lin Zhi couldn't help but tremble. She cautiously observed his expression and asked, "...Cousin, is there something you need?"

"Cousin?" Pei Lang's expression changed drastically upon hearing her address to him, and he looked utterly displeased.

Lin Zhi blinked her bright almond-shaped eyes: What's wrong with calling him cousin?

But the next moment, Pei Lang's large hand, which had been gripping her slender waist, directly and clearly reached for her chest! Lin Zhi was so frightened that she almost screamed, but then she remembered that this was Pei Lang's territory, and even if she called for help, he could just kick her out with a word.

"Cousin! What are you doing!"

Pei Lang slowly approached, his strong, muscular body pressing against her chest, his voice slightly hoarse: "Didn't you call me 'my lord' on the bed last night? Why didn't I satisfy you? Are you angry?"

These words, like a thunderclap, exploded in Lin Zhi's ears. How could she, an unmarried girl, listen to such vulgar talk?

Lin Zhi was so ashamed and indignant that she thought Pei Lang was just teasing her, and she pushed him away, trying to run away.

But as soon as her hand touched Pei Lang's chest, she was surprised by the firm and slightly bouncy feel. She had heard that Pei Lang was once a scholar-general, but now that he had been a junior tutor for many years, she thought he had long since degenerated into a weak scholar. She never expected that the feel of his muscles would be so wonderful.

"Hiss!" Pei Lang's soft cry of pain brought Lin Zhi back to her senses. She quickly withdrew her hand as if she had been burned, but Pei Lang pressed it back down: "Wasn't biting me last night enough? Do you want to hurt me again now?"

Before Lin Zhi could speak, Pei Lang tore open the gold and jade belt with one hand and threw it on the ground. Luo Tuo opened his clothes, revealing his smooth, honey-colored chest.

A slightly warm, masculine scent washed over Lin Zhi, but it was only the intoxicating fragrance of cedar trees. Feeling a little dizzy, she looked at the few fine, cat-scratch-like red marks on Pei Lang's chest. Lin Zhi blushed with embarrassment and stammered, "You, you, you, what does this have to do with me? Pei Lang, let me go!"

Pei Lang frowned slightly, his handsome face close to hers, staring at the youthful Lin Zhi for a long while before slowly speaking: "A-Zhi, you're being naughty again."

Lin Zhi was slightly taken aback. The tenderness in his tone didn't seem to be feigned. But when she felt a chill, she looked down and realized that he had taken off her clothes. Her clothes were wide open, and the summer clothes were thin. Her lotus-colored undergarment wrapped around her body, revealing her soft, white skin.

"ah!"

A strange itch and restlessness surged up from her lower abdomen, and Lin Zhi couldn't help but shiver.

Pei Lang's hair fell to his chest, and Lin Zhi stared wide-eyed at his high, straight nose pressing against her chest, creating a deep indentation.

Warm, soft lips punished her by sucking a red mark on her body, and Lin Zhi felt her waist go limp for some reason.

Pei Lang pushed him away abruptly without any hesitation, leaving only the spot where he had just kissed feeling cool.

Lin Zhi, feeling dizzy and disoriented, didn't have time to react. She slowly tried to gather her clothes, but then she saw Pei Lang walking over with the bamboo ruler in his hand. Her heart tightened, and she didn't care about her disheveled clothes. She tried to run out, but someone picked her up around the waist and easily sat her on a soft chair, pressing her down onto his lap.

Lin Zhi threw herself onto Pei Lang, her face flushed red as if it were on fire. She had never been so intimate with a man before.

But she was even more surprised that she didn't feel any aversion at all.

The two were quite different in stature. Pei Lang had broad shoulders and long arms, and his whole body almost enveloped Lin Zhi, creating a strong sense of oppression. He grabbed Lin Zhi's delicate hand, raised the ruler, and slammed it down without hesitation.

"Mmm..." This time Lin Zhi was unprepared and let out a soft moan. Her voice was sweet and seductive without her even realizing it. As soon as she uttered that sound, Pei Lang's eyes darkened.

After being slapped three times in a row, Lin Zhi's eyes reddened slightly. Not only were her eyes wet, but she could also clearly feel that her underpants under her skirt were acting strangely. Both in pain and ashamed, she struggled to get off Pei Lang's legs, but after her soft, plump buttocks rubbed against her a few times, she suddenly dared not move.

Pei Lang slightly curved his lips, leaned closer and gently nibbled on her soft earlobe, speaking indistinctly, "Why aren't you rubbing anymore? Your husband should be thanking you."

Throwing down the ruler, Pei Lang's long, slender hands also became restless, slipping inside the delicate little garment at his waist and grasping a handful of silky, soft flesh.

"Mmm...no, don't rub!"

Lin Zhi pushed him away with some difficulty, but her hands didn't have much strength.

But Pei Lang's expression changed again, and he frowned, tightening his grip: "Why does it seem a little ill-fitting again? Is it because I'm carrying myself...?"

"The new clothes I made for you just half a month ago are already so tight, you little slut."

Lin Zhi's delicate voice was a little slurred, and she unconsciously thrust her chest against his hand, her red lips uttering not only a soft moan but also a sob: "It hurts! It hurts so much!"

Lin Zhi also gave up. Since it was just a dream, and Pei Lang had already done such a thing, what difference would it make if she cried a few times?

Bai Ruan's palms were still red, and she went straight for Pei Lang's face. He had already seen it, but he didn't dodge. He just listened to the crisp sound as she wished.

My heart was softened by tears, and I coaxed her softly, "Don't cry."

But Lin Zhi wasn't having any of it. She twisted her shoulder and shook off his hand, but tears still streamed down her face. Pei Lang couldn't do anything about her tears, so he simply got up and carried her to the soft couch.

Lin Zhi hadn't realized what he was going to do yet, but when she saw him squat down between her legs, she trembled and wanted to run away, but her slender ankle was grabbed by one hand. Pei Lang's usually cold and handsome face showed a rare tenderness. "Ah Zhi, don't cry."

The next instant, he lifted his skirt and slipped inside.

Lin Zhi closed her eyes tightly in embarrassment, but she seemed to have forgotten that even with her eyes closed, her other senses were even more acute.

A light rain was falling outside the window, but even the raindrops were devastating when they landed on the petals and leaves. The delicate petals and leaves were wet with raindrops and trembled.

The rain intensified, making Lin Zhi's vision blurry and her ears ring slightly. She lay on the couch for a long time before she recovered.

"Get out of my way!"

Her soft, delicate voice lacked strength, and she couldn't push away Pei Lang's large hands that were wrapped around her waist. She could only watch helplessly as his long, slender hands twirled and played with her long hair.

"All you do is bully me... You're so shameful!" Lin Zhi cried so hard she could hardly breathe, both angry and genuinely relieved yet ashamed.

Pei Lang sighed, grabbed a thin shirt and draped it over his shoulders, "Alright, alright, it was me who bullied you."

“I don’t know who it was that left your mark all over my body yesterday, saying that everything about me was yours. When you finally got your mark on my tongue and it was gone, you cried. Now that you’ve fulfilled your wish, you’re still not happy.”

"Don't cry, don't cry, that's when you're truly beautiful, that's when you're not ashamed."

He held her on his lap and rocked her gently for a while, coaxing her until Lin Zhi finally fell asleep sobbing against his chest.

When she woke up again, the empty bed beside her left her feeling somewhat lost. It took her a long time to realize that it was all a beautiful dream. Her face flushed red and then turned pale as she let Chun Tao help her change her clothes.

"Miss, why is there a small red mark on your waist? It looks like you were... pinched?"

Chun Tao frowned, thinking she had misread it, and wanted to take a closer look, but Lin Zhi dodged her and fastened the thin ribbon around her neck. "No...maybe I did it myself..."

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The author's note: The original intention was to help everyone understand that apart from personality clashes, the young couple was quite harmonious, and they were physically attracted to each other.

It's been revised again and again, so it should be released soon. I hope everyone enjoys this little snack.

The backstory is in Chapter 4. If you feel the connection is off, that's okay. Just think of it as a dream, hehe.

Thank you all for liking the cousin couple. There's not much left in the story, and it'll probably be over in September!

Thank you everyone for supporting the official version! [pat on the head][heart emoji] Thank you for liking it!