27 Chapter Twenty-Seven
◎“Married, entering the bridal chamber.”◎
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Upon hearing her hurried footsteps, Xie Lang had a general idea of what was going on. He quickly retied his clothes and put them back in their original place, then picked up a set of undergarments.
When Liu Qingqing appeared at the door wearing a thin gauze outer garment, Xie Lang had already closed the wardrobe door and was walking towards her.
In the dim, hazy light, Liu Qingqing could only see the outline of his figure, but could not make out his face or expression at all.
Bang bang bang.
The room felt as if it were covered with a thick quilt, the wind, the croaking of frogs, and the barking of dogs outside were gone. All she could hear was the sound of his approaching footsteps and the deafening pounding of her heart.
It was like the dull thud of a stone being thrown to the ground.
In an instant, he was in front of her and handed her the thin undergarment.
Liu Qingqing took it, her fingertips brushing against his palm. She braced herself, pretending not to notice his gaze, and took the opportunity to glance in the direction of the wardrobe. Her gaze fell to the ground, and she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that the wardrobe door was closed. But then she realized that her face had turned red, and without saying a word, she turned around and slipped through the crack in the door like a nimble kitten.
The soft silk glided over his fingertips, and the tingling sensation from her fingertips brushing against his palm was still there. In the days that followed, he had gone from being completely bewildered to gradually becoming familiar with the feeling after she had personally applied the medicine to his hands time and time again.
Although it was familiar, he looked down and saw the changes in himself, his gaze darkening, but he still couldn't adapt.
The door to the washroom was closed, but the sensation still lingered on his hand. Xie Lang unconsciously curled his fingers and then loosely clenched them into a fist.
He suddenly felt that the fact that they had not consummated their marriage had become a thorn in their side, causing them to drift apart every time they got closer. Her expression was indescribably complicated.
He was the one who wronged her. What difference would it have made if he had been a day late on his official business? He shouldn't have left her alone at home to face all the gossip.
The military commander was decisive.
Since that's the case, then let's just do it today.
Knowing that his wife wouldn't come out anytime soon, Xie Lang felt reassured and simply turned around and went out to summon Xie Wu.
In the bathroom.
Liu Qingqing almost buried herself in the water. If it weren't for the fact that it was late and her wet hair wouldn't dry anytime soon, she would have already crawled in!
Her whole body was burning hot, and she couldn't help but wonder if he had seen the storybook she had hidden.
He was annoyed at himself for being too hasty. He looked down when he returned to the bathroom and saw that his thin gauze robe was soaked with water and looked worse than if he hadn't worn it at all! As if she was thinking something, he wondered if she would overthink it and think she was trying to seduce him.
She didn't think that way!
I was so annoyed that I splashed some water, and then I held my breath, afraid he would hear me. I got annoyed again and again, and finally curled up into a ball and listened intently to the sounds outside.
Unexpectedly, I heard him open the door and then close it again; he had gone out.
Liu Qingqing froze, as if frozen in place for a long time.
It was hard to describe the feeling. At first, she smiled mockingly, but then her lips straightened again and she pursed them tightly.
She leaned against the tub and stared at the wall for a long time, then breathed a sigh of relief but felt cold all over. Just moments ago the water had felt scalding hot, but now it suddenly felt cool.
After sitting for a while, the courtyard was quiet, without a sound, not even the annoying croaking of frogs on summer nights had disappeared.
He has now recovered and is probably back to his official duties. As his nominal wife, she has no right to interfere. Given Xie Lang's aversion to trouble, once he leaves, he won't be back that night.
"This house is mine again, that's great."
Liu Qingqing scooped up a handful of water and poured it onto her arm. She glanced at the flower petals placed to the side, reached out and took the bamboo basket, poured them into the tub, and instead of getting out of the bath, she simply started playing.
In any case, it's always a good thing for her that his life is safe.
Perhaps it was because we'd been living too close lately that she developed a greedy desire for it.
He has already treated her well; she should not be greedy.
Liu Qingqing was intelligent and perceptive, and always knew what was important. In no time, she calmed herself down and put back the fleeting sense of loss that had appeared out of nowhere.
When I stepped out of the bathtub again, my state of mind was completely different.
She slowly dried herself and put on her undergarment. The thin undergarment that had just made her heart race was now just right for the warm summer night.
I was in such a rush that I forgot to bring my baby clothes.
However, since she was alone at night, not having underwear didn't bother her; in fact, it made her feel even cooler.
As I opened the door to the clean room, I took a deep breath. With increased force, the wooden door swung open, letting in the pouring darkness.
The bright lights inside the clean room and the darkness outside merged into a line, invisibly dividing the inside from the outside. Liu Qingqing looked down at it, then stepped forward.
It was dark outside, with only a lamp by the bedside, which he probably left on; the other lamps had been turned off when he left.
Liu Qingqing took a dry handkerchief and wiped the damp ends of her hair, then applied some perfume before going to sleep.
She sat back down on the bedside, propping herself up on her arms for a moment, her head bowed, lost in thought. As the candle flame flickered, she looked in the direction of the sound, got up, extinguished the lamp, lowered the bed curtains, and then nimbly slipped inside.
Lying down here after so long, my whole body feels so comfortable.
The soft couch I slept on a few days ago was not comfortable at all; it could not compare to the canopy bed that my mother had prepared for me long ago.
She lowered the bed curtains, as if she were the only person in the world.
She liked this feeling.
Peaceful and serene.
Although she was lonely, she enjoyed this safe solitude.
Images from her earliest memories flashed through her mind: the days of being cautious and timid in the Liu household, living under someone else's roof despite being the legitimate daughter; and the increasingly better days after marrying into the Xie family. Even in her half-asleep state, she seemed to see her mother. Her mother, beautiful and gentle, stood at the doorway, smiling at her. First, she rested her hands on her knees, then squatted down, extending her arms as if encouraging her to move forward. She stumbled and staggered into her mother's arms, those gentle arms embracing her tightly, and she could still hear the faint but tender praise in her ears.
She fell asleep.
His lips parted slightly, and he managed to call out in his dream, "Mother..."
A tear spilled from the corner of her eye, soaking the soft pillow before finally disappearing.
When Xie Lang returned, he saw that the bed curtains had been lowered, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
She's probably asleep; don't disturb her.
For this reason, Xie Lang did not allow any servants to come in and serve him.
When Granny Li learned that Xie Lang was going to prepare gourds for the nuptial wine, she was both surprised and delighted. Her face was full of kindness, showing none of her usual shrewishness. She even covered her mouth and smiled silently, tears streaming down her face.
With the help of Granny Li and Xie Wu, even in the dead of night, the gourd was quickly found. Xie Lang was even given a choice, and he selected the prettiest one.
These days he's noticed that his wife is fond of beautiful things and appreciates pretty appearances.
Xie Lang personally removed the pulp from the melon and then used a red thread to tightly tie the stem.
Granny Li was busy running around behind, handing things to everyone, and she couldn't be happier.
In other households, whether it's a royal palace or an ordinary family, people would use wine cups instead of gourds long ago. However, wine served in gourds has a deeper meaning. Gourds are extremely bitter and astringent, and the wine served in them is also tainted with bitterness. Newlyweds use gourds to drink the nuptial wine, which symbolizes sharing joys and sorrows.
Looking at her son-in-law's cold and serious profile, tears streamed down her face. Granny Li wiped them away roughly with her sleeve, and no one noticed.
Her daughter has finally made it through.
Even if you're quick, preparing things like dragon and phoenix candles will still take some time.
Xie Lang carefully arranged everything, and fortunately, he had a photographic memory and an excellent ability to restore most of the furnishings in the room. He even placed the red carpet and the large red "double happiness" character on the floor back in their original positions.
After closing the door, I intended to change into my wedding dress for the day, but I had worked up quite a bit of sweat during the busy day. Since she was already asleep, I simply went into the bathroom and washed off the sweat with her water.
She raised an eyebrow when she saw flower petals still floating in the bathtub, but readily scooped out the water anyway. She hadn't expected the fragrance to be so strong; after leaving the purification room and changing into her wedding dress, she was enveloped in the scent of flowers.
This was different from what he had expected. But it didn't matter, since he would have to wash it again anyway.
Judging from the sky, it was no earlier than 7 PM.
Let's wait a little longer over there, let her sleep a bit more, and let the fragrance of the flowers on him dissipate.
Afraid of disturbing her, Xie Lang rested on the couch.
His long years of military life had made him extremely alert to time, and he would wake up as soon as the hour of Chou (1-3 AM) passed.
He got off the bed, straightened his hat and robe, and walked towards the canopy bed.
Light the dragon and phoenix candles and set out the nuptial wine.
Gently lift the bed curtains, leaving only a layer of red gauze.
She slept soundly. It was summer, and the heavy bed curtains made the room feel stuffy and hot. A thin layer of sweat appeared on her forehead, her pink lips were slightly parted, and her damp hair clung to her fair cheeks.
Despite the heat, the brocade quilt was pulled up to her chest.
He gently brushed her hair aside with his fingertips, this time not afraid of waking her.
Because of his movement, Liu Qingqing opened her misty eyes, looked at him blankly, and then looked around.
Bright red candles, the nuptial wine on the wooden table behind him, and pastries on the octagonal table not far away.
Turning my gaze back to him, the bright red flower worn by the groom on his chest was incredibly striking, standing right between them.
It was a dream about my wedding day.
Liu Qingqing drifted into a dream, seemingly forgetting everything that happened before she fell asleep, and unaware of what lay ahead. Just like every time she had ever dreamt before, she only knew that she was dreaming.
She was used to having dreams that were so similar to reality; she had grown accustomed to it.
It seemed to be the same on their wedding night; he bent over and gazed at her before being hurriedly called away.
But she didn't move, curious about what would happen in her dream.
Will one leave without hesitation in a dream, just as one would in reality?
She waited quietly for him to leave again, like a detached outsider witnessing her being abandoned once more.
Liu Qingqing blinked gently, casually glancing behind him. He didn't move much, but patiently smoothed out the sticky, clinging strands of hair and tucked them behind her ears.
This was different from before. Liu Qingqing became interested and suddenly wondered how Xie Lang would act in her dream.
She could still dream of consummating her marriage with him, but they couldn't. Liu Qingqing sneered silently in her heart.
"What are you thinking about?" he suddenly asked.
Liu Qingqing focused her mind and gently shook her head.
How could I possibly tell him if I was talking badly about him in my heart?
"Then please rise, Madam, and let us drink a cup of nuptial wine."
After Xie Lang finished speaking, he turned around to get it. Liu Qingqing looked at his back suspiciously, thinking to herself, "Is this dream too real?" It was as if she had seen her mother in her dream, and after waking up, she could still feel her mother's fingers holding her.
Since it was a dream, it wouldn't hurt to grant his wish, and she was also curious about what Xie Lang would be like in the dream.
As she rose, her gaze swept over her thin clothes, then she glanced at the blazing firelight of the dragon and phoenix candles, which illuminated everything clearly. But what did it matter if it was clear? Her dream was her own little world, and Liu Qingqing had nothing to fear. So she followed him into the dimly lit other side of the room without hesitation.
He was standing by the octagonal table waiting for her. His wedding robes concealed his fierce killing intent, and the dim light of the night made Xie Lang look exceptionally handsome.
Far from the light of the dragon and phoenix candles, and only by the faint glow of the moonlit river, Xie Lang handed half of the gourd to her, while he himself held the other half and stood opposite her.
"I, Xie Lang, have married Liu Qingqing," he paused slightly, his voice growing deeper, "and from now on we will share the same fate and live this life together."
After saying that, he was about to lift the gourd, but seeing that Liu Qingqing was still stunned and hadn't moved, he raised his hand to hold the bottom half of it and brought it to her lips. When he drank it all in one gulp, he only let her touch his lips slightly.
Seeing her seem puzzled, Xie Lang explained in a low voice, "My mother once told me that this wine doesn't taste good, so I'll just let you have a sip for good luck."
She was still stunned when Xie Lang took the half-full, half-empty gourd and put it back on the table.
Just as he put it down and turned around, he turned back, picked up the gourd, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.
The lips seemed to still be imprinted on the spot where she had just touched them. Liu Qingqing blinked, thinking to herself, "Am I indulging myself like this even in my dreams?"
Then he produced a brocade box from somewhere and handed it to her. "This is a jade bracelet that my mother gave me when I was young. She told me to give it to my wife as my first gift after we got married."
Seeing that she remained reserved and silent, Xie Lang assumed she was shy, so he took it out and put it on her wrist, and comforted her, "Since it was given by an elder, you can accept it."
Liu Qingqing moved her stiff neck and lowered her head, swaying her wrist in the moonlight. The jade bracelet was translucent and lustrous, and with just a movement, it resembled ripples on a green pool. She looked at the other one, which was just as flawless.
How many pairs of such bracelets are there in this world?
This dream is so beautiful.
It seems that only he knows this regret, so he secretly weaves a fantasy to comfort himself when no one else knows.
As a child, she was disliked by her father and brothers and bullied by her younger sister. She would hide under the bed and cry herself to sleep, where she would dream that her parents were harmonious and loved her.
This is how she wants her new marriage to begin.
Thinking this, I felt a chill on my face. When I came to my senses and wiped my face, I realized it was a tear.
"I'm sorry."
A warm, large hand gently touched her tear stains.
She looked up through her blurry eyes and watched his prominent Adam's apple bob hesitantly. After a long while, she heard Xie Lang's slightly hoarse voice, "It will never be like before again."
Then she saw him take her hand and lead her towards the bed. He walked in front, and she followed behind him, looking up at his tall figure.
As he moved, the fabric of his clothes and the firelight outlined his figure.
Once the daytime disguise is removed, the general's beautiful muscle lines are no longer hidden.
Her strong and muscular back and shoulders seemed to shield her from the wind and rain, protecting her from everything.
She stared blankly.
The firelight gradually brightened.
The dragon and phoenix candles burned brightly.
Xie Lang turned around, about to speak, but stopped abruptly when he looked up, turning his gaze away to the ground. After a moment, his eyes still lowered, he asked in a low voice, "Did Madam guess that's why she wore this dress?"
She doesn't like to talk in her dreams.
Liu Qingqing looked at him without responding, but instead observed his gradually reddening ears with interest.
He seemed quite amusing in his dream, unlike the cold and dignified Lord Xie.
Before she could even think about it, her slender waist was suddenly gripped, and she was thrown onto the bed, feeling dizzy and disoriented.
Liu Qingqing suddenly felt a sense of panic, but immediately smelled the floral scent on him that was exactly the same as hers, and her tense body relaxed again. He didn't like using these strangely fragrant things.
She was terrified; she thought it was real.
It was just a dream.
She then adopted a relaxed, detached attitude, observing how the man in her dream would act. She was also curious about her own true feelings.
She had been having these kinds of vivid dreams for years, as if she could really see and touch people, so she wasn't surprised by this one today.
What one cannot obtain during the day, one will deceive oneself in dreams at night.
She dreamed of her mother when she missed her. Now that she's married into the Xie family, she naturally dreams of him.
"Would it be alright to lower the bed curtains?" Xie Lang looked up and asked in a hoarse voice.
Since it was all a dream anyway, Liu Qingqing was fine with it, so she nodded slightly.
As soon as he nodded, he waved his hand, and the heavy bed curtains fell again, blocking out the light.
The small room was instantly plunged into darkness and silence, with only the sound of breathing intertwining like vines.
The military general was decisive and anxious.
As night fell, he took her hiking.
It was a wild mountain covered in thorns, with no way forward, one they had never climbed before.
He gripped her hand tightly, his powerful arm wielding the sword to cleave through the annoying thorns and weeds. The mountain peaks were winding and twisting; the distant peaks seemed so close, but as soon as they crossed them and their strength dissipated, they found themselves facing an endless mountain path.
Xie Lang thought he had led her astray, so he pressed his sweat-dampened forehead against hers and apologized in a low, hoarse voice, "I'm sorry, let's try another route."
Xie Lang, a military general, had experienced the hardships of life and fought countless battles. He was extremely resilient, like a wolf king in the mountains who would not rest until he had taken a bite out of his prey.
So they regrouped and started looking for a new path.
What should have been a mere 15-minute walk along the two-mile mountain path took a full hour due to the undulating peaks and valleys, until finally we saw the magnificent scenery of the sea of clouds and the bright sun.
That was the result of Xie Lang dragging the physically exhausted Liu Qingqing along the way.
Sweat dripped down his body like raindrops.
The jade bracelets jingled crisply as they clattered together. A gust of wind howled, making it difficult for Liu Qingqing to open her eyes, for fear that if she did, the wind would blow into her vision.
Before losing consciousness, all she could think was—climbing mountains is truly exhausting…
This dream is so exhausting...
...
The sky was bright.
The smell of a burnt-out candle.
As soon as Liu Qingqing opened her eyes, she felt that things were very different from usual, and her lips were very sore and stinging.
What's wrong?
Feeling sore all over, she stretched while Li Mama wasn't around to serve her. She stretched her arms over her head and wiggled them back and forth like a little fish.
With hands clasped together, the moment they moved, they felt something was amiss.
Where did that crisp sound come from?
She raised her hand, looked in the direction of the sound, and the jade bracelet came into view.
Ignoring her discomfort, she sat up in disbelief and looked down at the round, plump pair of bracelets.
She looked at it the same way last night.
In that instant, as perfectly aligned as a mortise and tenon joint, everything from the previous night, like the mighty Qiantang River tide in the eighth month of the lunar calendar, flooded back into her mind.
how……
It doesn't seem like a dream.
She covered her face with her soft hands, and then fell back onto the bed like a willow branch.
"Isn't it a dream?"
After a while, she quietly lifted the blanket and saw the red plum blossoms, finally realizing the reality.
"It wasn't a dream after all."
She murmured to herself.
Afraid someone might suddenly come in, she quickly burrowed back under the covers, turned her back to the outside, and recalled the events of the previous night. Despite the captivating and alluring things that had transpired, tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about them—tears of joy, and also of relief…
An indescribable feeling.
We finally made it through...
It's finally over...
She covered her chest, curled up in the blanket, bit her lip, and cried silently and cathartically.
She felt delighted, but after the delight came a faint sense of frustration, which vanished in an instant before she could even grasp it.
I had a good cry and felt refreshed.
Good things have been happening one after another lately. Xie Lang has escaped danger and knows that the medicine her mother left her is very useful.
Whether it was Xie Lang or the clinic, estate, and shops left to her by her mother, they all gave her a glimmer of hope different from that of the Liu family.
She no longer had to hide in the small courtyard of the Liu family mansion, looking up at the sky in despair all day long.
It was as if warm light had finally broken through the clouds and shone on her. She felt warm all over, and even the waves of soreness felt pleasant.
She lay back, her hands folded behind her head like a child, feeling the bony protrusion of the bracelet.
Just as she was about to smile, she thought of Xie Lang's mother, Aunt Jia, who had been kind to her since childhood, and her mother-in-law whom she could not see after marriage.
She had seen these bracelets when she was a child. Back then, Aunt Jia told her, "I'll wear these bracelets first, and they'll be yours when you grow up. You have to take good care of them then. They were given to me by my grandmother, and you can pass them down to her in the future."
She initially thought about it and hoped for it, but later she dared not think about it anymore.
Images from her childhood flashed before her eyes, and Liu Qingqing blinked her moist eyes.
Unexpectedly, she actually ended up wearing those bracelets.
After her mother passed away, Aunt Jia, though unable to interfere in the Liu family affairs, still tried her best to take care of her; otherwise, Xiao Yingshi wouldn't have been so restrained. In fact, it could be said that Xiao Yingshi's ability to marry into the Marquis's mansion and receive Xie Lang's protection was all thanks to Aunt Jia.
Aunt Jia was charming and lively, but also brave and fierce; she was the most attractive woman she had ever met.
That's also the kind of person she aspired to be when she was a child.
She didn't mind that she wasn't favored by her father and brothers, nor did she mind that as a member of the Xie family, she couldn't help Xie Lang in court, nor did she mind that she was unworthy of Xie Lang.
Although Aunt Jia was a woman, she was more compassionate and righteous than many men. Her mother passed away early, so she had little memory of her, only knowing that her mother was kind and gentle. But she aspired to be a woman like Aunt Jia, who dared to act and take responsibility.
Actually, she missed Aunt Jia very much and wanted to ask her about her. She wanted to ask Xie Lang—what did her sister mean when she said their mother wasn't dead?
But she dared not ask, dared not speak, and dared not reveal anything in front of Xie Lang.
Even if she asked, would Xie Lang tell her? Let's not cause trouble because she knows this secret.
Their shallow marital bond couldn't withstand the slightest storm.
Just then, the door was pushed open with a creak. The calm and collected feeling he had just had instantly vanished, and he dared not move.
The familiar, steady footsteps belonged to Xie Lang.
She held her breath, afraid to breathe, like a cicada hiding under a tree, afraid to make a sound, for even a single cry would attract birds.
Unfortunately, this is just wishful thinking. The bird clearly hid the cicada here, so how could it not know?
Sure enough, the thought flashed through his mind, and a narrow opening was pulled open in the blanket. He reached out and touched the top of her head, paused for a moment, and then said, "Are you hungry? There's some congee and side dishes prepared in the kitchen, still warming on the stove. Shall I bring it in?"
Liu Qingqing remained silent, and Xie Lang was not in a hurry. Instead, he brought up another matter, "I think we'll have to get breakfast from the main kitchen today. How about we set up a small kitchen in the courtyard? Would you like that, Madam?"
These words were like a fishing hook, hitting Liu Qingqing's heart perfectly.
How could she not want a small kitchen!
Having a small kitchen would be incredibly convenient, unlike nowadays when one has to be careful about what one eats and drinks. Although she wasn't eating leftovers at the Liu residence, she was still eating cold food.
After marrying into the Marquis's mansion, if you were to ask her what she wanted most, it would be the small kitchen!
The dishes in the main kitchen are good, but when you bring them back, they're never as piping hot as when they're fresh out of the pot.
She often ate cold food, and she wished she could squat by the stove with her bowl in hand.
Therefore, Liu Qingqing instantly forgot all about the mess and jumped up. Her movements were so fast that the soft waves that the brocade quilt stirred up resembled the flapping of a bird's wings.
"really?"
Her eyes, as clear as water, shone brightly.
The black pupils reflected the water's color, like a joyful cat.
Xie Lang's Adam's apple bobbed, and he nodded in reply, "If you want it, then of course it is."
That's wonderful!
Why do people live?
While others eat to live, she doesn't; she lives to eat.
Even in the border region near the Liu residence, she would secretly roast fish and birds to eat at night.
Did she survive all these years because of her desire to marry Xie Lang?
no.
Every day she thinks, "I'll try my best to find some good food tomorrow."
That was the hope of life.
Perhaps it was because Heaven took pity on her for losing her mother at a young age, that Granny Li often managed to find fishermen eager to get rid of their fish. And when she was lost in thought in the courtyard, birds would always crash into the trees and die.
She trusted Xie Lang's character; she knew he was a man of his word. Since Xie Lang had agreed, it must be true!
The first rays of dawn instantly spread like wildfire, burning away all the gloom and sorrow in her heart just moments before!
"Does the little kitchen listen to me?"
After much deliberation, Liu Qingqing asked.
Xie Lang: "Your little kitchen will naturally be at your disposal."
Liu Qingqing is overjoyed!
But she couldn't help but think to herself, this man treats his real wife and his fake wife very differently.
Xie Lang lowered his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the bracelet on her wrist and then sliding down to her hand.
She clutched the blanket tightly with both hands, her head slightly lowered, seemingly lost in thought. Even through her drooping eyelids, he could see her eyes darting back and forth, her expression unusually lively. Xie Lang smiled, seeing that she was fully awake, and went out to fetch the food.
Taking advantage of her distraction, Xie Lang turned around and went out to order Granny Li to go in and serve her.
She seemed quite tired last night. Judging from her expression, she didn't want him to get too close.
I had only been awake for a short while when my head was filled with this and that, and I felt dizzy as if I had drunk fine wine.
She didn't even bother to listen to what Granny Li was saying with a beaming smile, letting herself be manipulated like a doll, with Granny Li constantly whispering in her ear.
She hastily put on her clothes before realizing what was happening, and suddenly turned around in surprise, asking, "What did you say, Granny? Who changed my clothes last night?"
Granny Li was also surprised: "It's the son-in-law! When he had hot water brought over, he didn't let anyone come in to serve us. He just took the hot water and closed the door, not letting us in!"
Thinking about how her son-in-law had done everything himself last night, Granny Li blushed.
I am also delighted for the young lady.
Granny Li started to speak, unable to stop: "I always said our son-in-law is good. In this whole capital city, not to mention which family's elders, which young master would wash and serve his wife and family so carefully and change them into new clothes?"
Granny Li looked left and right, and only when she saw that no one was coming in did she lower her voice and continue, "The young master didn't even have time to take care of himself. He washed you first and then rinsed himself quickly with the water you used. I heard everything clearly from outside."
As she spoke, Granny Li burst into tears again: "When the young master woke up, he asked if breakfast was alright, but at this inappropriate time, there was no breakfast. The young master then asked how it was before, and after hearing this, he said, 'Then set up a small kitchen in the courtyard.'"
Wiping away tears, she said, "The young master is a kind man; Miss has truly married the right person. Now, this old servant can face Miss in peace when I go to the underworld!"
It was him...
Liu Qingqing was stunned.
After Granny Li finished tidying up and left, Liu Qingqing seemed to wake up from a dream and hurriedly went to the wardrobe. Seeing that there was no movement outside, she pricked up her ears and carefully opened the wardrobe with a heavy heart. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the clothes still rolled up.
Xie Lang admired gentle and refined women, and he absolutely could not be allowed to know that she was actually reading storybooks. Reading storybooks was one thing, but reading those filled with scenes of beautiful women and lively conversation was quite another.
Even though her clothes remained untouched, her heart was uneasy. After much deliberation, she gritted her teeth and decided to take the risk!
They moved the storybook to a different spot.
But in her heart, she thought, "It's just the text, that's fine. She changed the cover, and knowing his personality, he definitely won't read it. But are the picture books hidden in her dowry chests still safe?"
Just as she was about to put it in the box, she heard his footsteps, so she hurriedly ran to the bedside and stuffed it under the covers. As soon as she relaxed, the tearing and burning sensation returned, and her legs went weak, causing her to collapse by the bedside.
I didn't get enough sleep last night, and this fall left me feeling groggy and disoriented, almost as if I didn't know what year it was.
The footsteps behind her quickened, and a strong arm easily lifted her up and placed her on the edge of the bed. Xie Lang then carefully examined her, and only relaxed his furrowed brows when he saw that her complexion was unharmed.
"Should we use it here or on the table?" Xie Lang asked in a low voice.
Liu Qingqing was dumbfounded by the question and looked at him in surprise. Could this person have had his soul replaced? How could he have changed so much?
Xie Lang misunderstood her gaze. After hesitating for a moment, he walked up to her and whispered, "For now, we can only have sex twice a month."
Seeing her wide-eyed expression, Xie Lang thought for a moment, then awkwardly patted the back of her head and whispered soothingly, "You're still not fully recovered; you still look swollen this morning."
Seeing that Liu Qingqing still didn't respond, but instead became like a cat with its fur standing on end, Xie Lang remembered how his father had treated his mother in his early years. He had no choice but to lean down and whisper in her ear, "If you still want to, we'll look for other ways."
After saying this, he stood up with a normal expression, as if he had not been the one who made the outrageous remarks, and sighed softly as if in resignation, "Please wait a moment, Madam, I will bring breakfast."
As Xie Lang turned around, Liu Qingqing's frozen mind began to thaw and start working. Her clear, fair, and delicate face suddenly turned bright red, her complexion radiant!
That idiot of his, what nonsense is he spouting!
She couldn't understand any of it!
When he brought out breakfast, Liu Qingqing lowered her eyes and refused to look at him. Xie Lang glanced at her several times and, seeing this, said nothing more.
After the two had eaten in silence, Xie Lang said that he had plans for the day: "I need to leave the manor and may not be able to return tonight."
After saying this, seeing that Liu Qingqing did not react, he stood up.
As he turned around, Liu Qingqing anxiously grabbed his wrist, looked up at him intently, and after a long while said, "Don't get hurt again."
Her slender neck resembled a beautiful, delicate vulva.
Xie Lang glanced down at her hand, his gaze lingering there. After a moment, he took her hand in return. "Don't worry, Madam."
After their marriage, he had never revealed any official business to Liu Qingqing, but today he added, "Don't worry, we won't leave the city today."
There will be no fighting if we don't leave the city, and even if we do, he won't need to lift a finger.
Liu Qingqing was relieved, but still didn't let go. This time she was really frightened. In addition, he suddenly wanted to leave after the tenderness. It was the same last time. He was fine when he left, but he was carried back lying down.
Thinking this, tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision and obscuring his expression.
She was afraid he would think she was being pretentious, yet she couldn't help but feel panicked.
His warm fingertips brushed against the corners of her moist eyes. "Why are you still crying?"
After thinking for a moment, he said, "I will send someone to deliver a carrier pigeon later. If there is any emergency, you can release the pigeon to send a message, and I will reply. If I am busy, Xie Wu will also let me know that everything is alright. Is that alright?"
Liu Qingqing nodded heavily, tears falling with her movements.
Xie Lang's eyes widened, his large hand hovered in the air for a long time before finally landing on her head and gently patting it.
Xie Lang left without a word, and Liu Qingqing, ignoring her aches and pains, reluctantly saw him off to the courtyard gate. Only after he was out of sight did she have Li Mama help her back to the main room, ignoring Li Mama's beaming face as she returned to her own room.
My emotions have been fluctuating wildly since last night. I've gotten everything I ever hoped for, but why do I still feel empty inside?
She looked at the empty hanging flower gate and lowered her eyes.
This time, Xie Lang left the Marquis's residence through the main gate in a very open and unpretentious manner, riding his horse to the Dali Temple.
News came the day before yesterday that the Governor-General of Huguang has finally been captured and is in the hands of Wei Mingzhao.
Now that he's been imprisoned, he'll probably never see the outside world again.
Upon arriving at the gate of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Xie Lang dismounted and handed the reins to Xie Wu. After taking a few steps, he turned back and instructed, "Send a clever carrier pigeon home."
Deliver to home?
Carrier pigeons?
Xie Wu looked bewildered and repeated in a low voice, "Should we send it to the old lady?"
Seeing his dull appearance, Xie Lang hissed, showing none of the gentleness he displayed in front of Liu Qingqing, and said disdainfully, "Why didn't you send it to my father?"
Seeing Xie Wu still staring blankly, Xie Lang shook his head and sighed helplessly, "Of course it's for Madam."
Hearing birdsong coming from the Jinyiwei compound, Xie Lang knew it was Wei Mingzhao urging him. Before Xie Wu could react, he continued, "If Madam sends a letter, put it away and wait for me to return. If I'm not here, just let her know you're safe."
Xie Wu stood there, stunned.
They actually sent a carrier pigeon to the lady?
Apart from the master's confidants, no one knew that the master kept carrier pigeons, not even the marquis!
It's still for letting people know I'm safe.
This time was different from usual. In the past, the master never informed the family of his whereabouts when he went out, not even the old lady. Xie Wu was greatly alarmed, but he knew that the lady had saved the master's life, and he also acknowledged the lady as his master, so naturally he would consider the lady's feelings. Since the master had given the order, he would definitely do his best to handle this matter.
Just as I was about to turn around and get things done, I was called back.
Xie Wu looked at the adult blankly.
Xie Lang: "Have someone build a small kitchen in your house immediately."
Xie Wu's eyes widened: "Immediately?"
Xie Lang nodded: "Hurry up."
After saying that, she strode towards the prison. The stench of decay and blood gradually filled the air. Xie Lang thought to himself that with the small kitchen in front of her, she would probably be able to spare some attention for it and wouldn't be thinking about him all day.
As soon as the thought arose, a warm feeling spread through his chest, and he raised his hand to press it down in confusion.
He entered the imperial prison in just a few steps. The prison was heavily guarded. When the Imperial Guards on both sides saw that it was Xie Lang, they immediately bowed respectfully and made way for him.
To prevent prisoners from escaping, the imperial prison was built underground, with only a few ventilation openings the size of bowls and basins. Few who entered came out alive, and those who were tortured into incontinence left an unbearable stench.
As Xie Lang entered the dark passageway, he covered his mouth and nose. As he walked, a fat rat with a bulging belly strolled by, carrying a piece of flesh in its mouth.
The ground was covered in black, putrid blood, and it took him a while to adjust.
This is no place for a human to stay. I don't know how Wei Mingzhao can stand it.
The prison cells had doors made of huge stones and no windows.
What a hellish scene!
At the end of the road was the place where the Embroidered Uniform Guard interrogated and executed people. Wei Mingzhao was facing away from him. Hanging on the rack was the Governor-General of Huguang. His inner clothes were no longer recognizable as their original color. They were covered with layers of blood and flesh, the collar was torn, and there were bloodstains on both sides of his ribs. It was obvious that they had been combed with an iron comb.
Wei Mingzhao stood before the rack, not turning around even when he heard the noise. The torch illuminated his face, which was covered with splattered blood.
The Governor-General of Huguang, who had been hanging his head, barely managed to raise it upon hearing the commotion. Seeing that it was Xie Lang, he cried out in a trembling voice, "Lord Xie, save me! Arrest this traitor! He is persecuting loyal officials!"
Everyone in the court knew that Xie Lang and Wei Mingzhao were at odds, each holding command of the Court of Judicial Review and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, respectively. The Governor-General of Huguang, however, actually thought he was saved.
Unfortunately, Wei Mingzhao didn't move at all upon hearing this. Instead, he scoffed coldly and waited until Xie Lang stood beside him before asking impatiently in a low voice, "Why are you so late?"
Xie Lang glanced at him but didn't respond.
Wei Mingzhao's piercing gaze swept over Xie Lang, and seeing that he was covered in limbs, he said with a faint sneer, "You are indeed highly skilled and daring, willing to use yourself as bait."
The Governor-General of Huguang, having risen to such a high position, was naturally a shrewd man. Upon hearing this, he froze instantly. Already barely holding on, he realized that these two murderers were in cahoots and knew he was completely finished. Overwhelmed with anger and anxiety, he immediately burst into tears and fainted, leaving a pool of yellow liquid on the ground.
Wei Mingzhao looked away in disgust. "I need to go back to the manor. You can hold the fort for now. He secretly gave the maps of several cities to the Qiang and Rong tribes. He also has accomplices in the court who are well hidden. We need to dig them out."
He turned around but stopped, without looking back. "Don't take risks next time, or I won't be able to explain myself."
After saying that, he strode away without the slightest hesitation.
Xie Lang watched Wei Mingzhao's hurried departure, and only after the person turned the corner of the corridor did Xie Lang turn back with a faint glance.
His gaze turned coldly to the Governor-General of Huguang, whose head was drooping on the wooden shelf. He raised his hand and ordered the jailer, "Bring up the hot charcoal and the branding iron."
The Governor-General of Huguang, who had been feigning unconsciousness, was shocked. His limp neck suddenly straightened, and he cursed, "You, Xie Lang, I thought you were a good person, but you're no good either!"
"You pretend to be a respectable gentleman in public, but do your family members know how ruthless you are!"
Upon hearing this, Xie Lang's temples twitched involuntarily, but he smiled faintly at the Governor-General of Huguang. His forced smile, bathed in the dim candlelight, resembled a bloodthirsty demon draped in human skin. The Governor-General's curses subsided, and his body trembled uncontrollably.
Someone came from behind, and a wave of heat hit him. Xie Lang turned around and saw that the charcoal was burning red-hot. Perfect, so he personally stuffed the branding iron deep into the charcoal brazier.
When the soldering iron is red-hot and shiny, lift your hand.
Upon receiving the order, the jailer immediately went forward.
Xie Lang took two steps back and hid in a dark corner, listening to the shrill screams with an indifferent expression.
His relaxed and natural demeanor, and the black fabric spreading out behind him, resembled the death-reaping cloak of Yama, the King of Hell, who had crawled up from the depths of hell.
-
Jialan Garden.
Xie Wu was very efficient; within an hour, a craftsman arrived with bricks.
This kept Liu Qingqing busy, so she had no time to think about Xie Lang.
The commotion naturally reached Shian Garden.
The old lady didn't say much upon hearing this, but only joked with the old nanny in front of her, "My grandson knows how to dote on his wife."
As he said this, the smile on his face faded.
Is the eldest brother still looking for Jia'er?
Granny An replied in a low voice, "Yes, the Marquis is still searching."
The old lady was silent for a moment, then asked, "Someone said they heard a woman talking in Pan'er's courtyard, is that true?"
Granny An: "I sent someone to investigate, but I didn't see anyone. Perhaps I misheard. But the Second Master is already over thirty, there should be someone in the courtyard who cares about him."
The old lady said, "That's how it should be, but there's no smoke without fire. You should investigate further. Don't keep anyone hidden away. If you like someone, a proper marriage is the right way."
Granny An: "Yes."
The craftsmen at Jialan Garden worked incredibly fast, and the small kitchen was finished in just one day.
However, the mud needs to be allowed to dry completely and harden before it can be used. Fortunately, in the hot summer, the mud dries quickly.
For a moment, everyone in Jialan Garden was filled with jubilation and anticipation.
When it was time to go to bed at night, Xie Lang still hadn't returned. Liu Qingqing felt a pang of sadness and was sitting in front of her dressing table, lost in thought, when suddenly there were a few muffled knocks outside the window.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly got up.
Could it be that Xie Lang has returned?
[Author's Note]
Next chapter preview:
Xie Lang was about to lie down next to her when he realized something was wrong; she was holding... a book?
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