48 Chapter Forty-Eight
◎Where is the lady now?◎
Chapter Forty-Eight
They looked at each other, and for a moment, there was silence.
Liu Qingqing huddled there like a frightened bird, her thin clothes trembling with fear.
When Xie Lang saw the unease in her eyes, he frowned slightly, then stood up straight, his narrow eyes, like those of an eagle or a falcon, still fixed on her face.
"Madam, did you have a nightmare? It was me."
Liu Qingqing's mind cleared instantly. She snapped out of her daze, grabbed the corner of the blanket to cover herself, and continued, taking advantage of his words, "Yes, my husband, I had a nightmare."
A knowing glint flashed in Xie Lang's eyes. "I'm going to wash up. I'll be right back."
Just as he was about to turn around, he stopped, turned back, and said with concern, "Don't be afraid."
After he entered the washroom, Liu Qingqing wrapped herself tightly in a brocade quilt.
She hugged her knees, curling herself up as if that would bring her some warmth. She stared blankly at the koi and mandarin duck design on the brocade quilt, feeling a chill run through her body.
I don't even know what I was thinking.
It seems like I've thought about a lot of things, but it also seems like I haven't thought about anything at all.
When she heard the sound of water in the bathroom gradually subside, she came to her senses, thought for a moment, and decided to get out of bed to pour Xie Lang a bowl of hot tea.
She had just gotten out of bed when goosebumps rose on her fair arms. She gently touched her arms and realized as she moved around that the cold sweat from the brief moment before had already soaked her back.
Fortunately, the moonlight made it impossible to see through her nightgown.
After pouring hot tea and testing the water temperature, Liu Qingqing waited at the door of the washroom with the teacup in hand.
The initial shock had long since passed; in fact, she couldn't afford to be sad now. Just like her situation back in the Liu family mansion, making a good living was the most important thing.
She also thought that Xie Lang was a powerful figure who could turn the world upside down with a flick of his wrist, and he could treat her however he wanted.
In the six months since they got married, they had been through quite a few things. She had previously thought that even though they didn't express their feelings for each other, they were still very respectful to each other.
Unexpectedly, he could ignore her whenever he wanted, and she blamed herself for being too naive.
Liu Qingqing shook her head helplessly, mocking her own arrogance.
From the very beginning of their marriage, she wondered how much she meant to him. Now, she felt dejected; perhaps she wasn't that important. Although Liu Qingqing was troubled, she wasn't easily defeated. She had initially thought that strangers couldn't quickly become husband and wife; it was all just wishful thinking. They could adjust to each other more, especially since he was a favored son of heaven, a close advisor to the emperor, who had never suffered a loss or humbled himself since childhood. Surely, one day he would consider her more?
Despite all her precautions, she still fell into a trap of tenderness and lost her delicate heart.
She patted her chest and said that Xie Lang was a good person. He was in a high position and was willing to marry her. After the marriage, he would protect and help her. She just didn't like the forced marriage.
During this time, Liu Qingqing thought about it and realized that she would also be unhappy if she were in her shoes.
Perhaps the only thing wrong was that he acted as if nothing was wrong, but he was already prepared to give up on her. Lately, she wondered if she was seen as a clingy pest by others? Someone who clung to her, took advantage of her, and wouldn't leave?
Otherwise, why didn't he just tell her directly?
Just say it directly.
She insisted on marrying him against all odds, and now he's secretly trying to get a divorce. It's like they're retaliating for each other.
Is it his fault that he doesn't like her?
cannot.
She wasn't good enough for him.
Thinking about it this way made me feel much better.
But when I exhale, I feel a strange pain in my heart.
She's still feeling down lately, and she sometimes cries secretly when no one's around, being careful not to get caught.
Her heart was breaking that day; how could she become numb in just a few days? During the day, she could only distract herself by doing other things. When she returned to the main room at night, the oppressive pain almost suffocated her.
"Perhaps it's because I didn't sleep well."
She rubbed her chest and blinked away the tears in her eyes.
She loved him, and they were husband and wife, so she got what she deserved, but she felt sorry for him.
The more Liu Qingqing thought about it, the more pitiful Xie Lang felt, and the more inexplicable her temper tantrums a while ago seemed.
She's the one who got the benefit and is now acting innocent, isn't she?
Thinking about it this way, not only should I leave, but I should leave cleanly. Before I leave, I should try to make amends to him in some way.
She ruined his marriage.
I forced myself to come to terms with it, and my narrowed chest finally opened up, making it easier to breathe. My heart still aches slightly. Even though I've come to terms with it, it's still someone I loved. How can it not hurt when someone is ripped from my heart?
Just as I was lost in thought, the door to the washroom opened.
Liu Qingqing quickly composed herself and was about to take a step forward when she heard a whoosh of wind. Before she could even see what was happening, she was about to fall. The teacup she was holding wobbled precariously, about to tip over. Not daring to scald him, Liu Qingqing instinctively pulled her wrist inward. Although she managed to avoid it, most of the tea still spilled onto her.
I'm sorry.
Just as Xie Lang opened the door, he heard breathing and assumed the incident was happening in the study. He instinctively reached out to defend himself, but by the time he realized it was Liu Qingqing, it was too late. He could only watch as she poured tea on him. Xie Lang quickly reached out and pulled her into his arms.
Their bodies were pressed together, separated by a thin nightgown, their breaths hitting each other's faces.
Xie Lang stared into her watery eyes and asked with concern, "Are you burned?"
As he spoke, he helped her stand up and then lifted her clothes to take a look.
Liu Qingqing seemed to wake up with a start, shuddered, and took a step back abruptly, "Husband, I'm alright."
After saying that, she squeezed past him into the bathroom, leaned against the wall, tilted her head back, closed her eyes, and hid her tears.
A sharp pain shot through my heart, and a throbbing sensation welled up in my eyes.
She told herself, "I can't let myself get into this anymore. I have to give him back his freedom. I shouldn't covet what doesn't belong to me."
Her fingernails dug deep into her palm, and the pain brought her back to her senses.
Only when the knocking sounded did she seem to wake from her illusion and look in that direction.
Xie Lang's deep, concerned voice came from outside the door, "Are you burned?"
Liu Qingqing then pulled away and quickly lifted her clothes to take a look. Although it was a little red, it was nothing serious. How hot could tea that could be drunk really be?
"You weren't burned."
She raised her voice slightly.
Xie Lang, still uneasy, said from outside the door, "I'll go in and check."
"That won't do!" she exclaimed in alarm, grabbing the door tightly.
It wouldn't have mattered before, but now that we know what he's thinking, it's inappropriate to be naked together again.
It's one thing to delay someone's wedding, but what kind of behavior is it to also be concerned about their health?
She wouldn't do something so shameful.
She hurriedly said, "Please, my husband, get me a clean nightgown."
Upon hearing this, Xie Lang outside the door curled his fingers and responded in a deep voice.
Xie Lang went to get her a nightgown. When he opened the wardrobe, he saw the storybook she used to read, openly squeezed among the clothes, apparently having fallen there unintentionally. He glanced at the washroom, chuckled, and gently shook his head, hiding the storybook inside.
He never imagined that Xie Lang would one day hide this for his wife. But he couldn't leave it hidden, or Liu Qingqing would be angry. Since she didn't want him to know, he would just go along with her wishes and pretend not to know.
After taking his pajamas and closing the closet door, he carefully examined them one last time. He was quite satisfied with how well he had hidden them before leaving with peace of mind.
He knocked on the door, and a slender white arm reached out from the crack. Xie Lang glanced at it, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.
"Change quickly, don't catch a cold."
His voice was hoarse.
Like a kitten, Liu Qingqing stretched out her hands, exploring left and right. Xie Lang smiled and handed her the nightgown. Liu Qingqing grabbed it, her cool fingertips brushing against Xie Lang's warm palm as she took it.
After the door closed again, Xie Lang remained in the raised hand position, feeling an itch where her fingers had slid, and her gaze lingered there for a long time.
After this incident, the atmosphere between the two was somewhat better than before.
Liu Qingqing came out of the washroom and was surprised to find Xie Lang still waiting at the door. She then smiled at him and said, "Husband, please rest."
Perhaps because he felt guilty, Xie Lang treated her even more kindly and took her hand. Liu Qingqing's body stiffened slightly, but she quickly relaxed a little, afraid that he would notice.
Back on their beds, they each covered themselves with their quilts.
Xie Lang glanced at her as she lay flat and obediently, her closed eyelashes trembling slightly. Knowing she wasn't asleep, and still thinking about her frightened state earlier, he asked, "What happened just now?"
Liu Qingqing was praying to fall asleep quickly when he suddenly spoke to her.
He usually didn't talk to her much after getting into bed, except for that kind of thing. Liu Qingqing was surprised and opened her eyes to look at him.
The moonlight was hazy, casting a faint glow.
Before she could answer, seeing the panic in her eyes, Xie Lang couldn't bear to ask any more questions. Instead, he took her hand and said, "I'm here, don't be afraid."
His voice trailed off, "Go to sleep."
It's precisely because he's around that I'm afraid.
If there were man-eating beasts nearby, Liu Qingqing tried her best to relax.
After a moment, her breathing gradually became even. Her hand slipped from his palm; she seemed cold, turned her back to him, and curled up into a ball.
Xie Lang then stretched out his arms and pulled her into his embrace. The two were close together, and he easily noticed her menstrual belt. He murmured in confusion, "Is her period still not over?"
It seems to be taking longer than usual. I wonder if it's because I caught a cold last time. I'll remember this and have the doctor check my pulse again later.
He hugged her, thinking about how she had finally smiled at him, and his long-tense heart finally relaxed.
Before going to sleep, he suddenly remembered that this time, knowing he was injured, she didn't seem as nervous and worried as last time? On second thought, it must be because this time it wasn't too serious.
Night slipped by in an instant.
In the early morning light, Liu Qingqing shivered and woke up from the cold.
She pulled the quilt tighter, intending to go back to sleep, but as soon as she closed her eyes, she sensed something was wrong.
Two hot breaths brushed past her ears, and her back was pressed against a firm, warm chest.
How did she end up in his arms?!
Not to mention that, although Xie Lang was not awake, something energetic was right next to her thigh.
This startled Liu Qingqing so much that she instantly woke up completely.
She tiptoed out of his blankets and carefully stepped onto the bed. Before she could take a step, she heard him ask from behind, "Why are you awake?"
She was pinned to the spot.
Seeing that it was still early, Xie Lang asked, "Are you feeling unwell?"
Liu Qingqing was afraid of disturbing his sleep, so she quickly said, "Husband, please go to sleep first. I'll go to the bathroom."
Having said that, he hurried away.
Xie Lang initially wanted to go with her, but then he thought about how sensitive his wife was, so he decided against it.
Once she entered the washroom and could no longer see her, Xie Lang withdrew his eyes and gently closed them.
Perhaps because I had something on my mind lately and hadn't been sleeping well, I fell asleep again after a few breaths.
When I woke up again, it was as if I had only closed my eyes for a moment before I opened them again, and it was already broad daylight outside.
Xie Lang subconsciously reached out to his side, only to find that the spot where Liu Qingqing was sleeping was already cold.
This was the first time he woke up without Liu Qingqing. Before, if he was in the room, she would always be by his side.
Xie Lang sat up, surprised that he had slept for so long. He rubbed his swollen temples and glanced at the empty space beside him.
My heart, which had just begun to ease slightly last night, has been stirred up again.
He took leave today, washed up, and prepared to go to the training ground.
He was thinking of practicing martial arts before going to find Liu Qingqing. He hadn't spent much time with her lately, so he would see what she wanted to do and accompany her.
Just as I stepped outside, I saw a servant carrying ice coming in through the hanging flower gate.
Xie Lang frowned slightly and beckoned the person over. "What is the use of this ice?"
The servant bowed and replied, "Madam has recently taken a liking to iced fruit drinks."
Upon hearing the reply, Xie Lang's brow furrowed even deeper.
The strange, eerie feeling in my heart gradually became uncontrollable.
Just then, Granny Li came over, and he asked first, "Madam's period hasn't ended yet, how can you use ice?"
Granny Li looked blankly at Zhao Pansheng and Qingju: "Is the Madam's period not over yet?"
Zhao Pansheng and Qingju exchanged a glance, then simultaneously lowered their heads.
Xie Lang seemed to understand something, his brows furrowing slightly.
She lied to him?
He then asked, "Where is Madam now?"
Liu Qingqing is in the garden.
She got up early and hid in the washroom for a while before coming out, all to avoid Xie Lang.
She didn't even have time for breakfast, telling Granny Li that she felt refreshed today and wanted to take a walk in the garden.
After what had happened before, how could Granny Li dare to let the young lady go to the garden alone?
She found the garden of the Marquis's mansion to be quite eerie. Not only did they have people follow them, but they also found gold hairpins and gold earrings for the young lady and put them on her.
The jade bracelet, a family heirloom, is on her hand and cannot be removed, but can't she wear something else?
She muttered to herself, "I'm spending a lot of money to ward off evil spirits. Miss, please don't take it lightly. Besides, it looks good on me. It gives me a very imposing presence. Anyone who sees it will know that I'm a noble person who shouldn't be trifled with."
They kept trying to persuade her, afraid that she might take it off if she was unhappy.
Not only that, but Zhao Pansheng and Qingju also had to come along.
Let her go then; she'll figure something out later.
As soon as I entered the garden, a morning breeze swept by, bringing with it a cool mist from the lake.
Liu Qingqing shivered and hugged herself, turning back to tease the two protectors behind her, "It's quite chilly today, making me feel strangely energetic. Do you feel cold?"
She said she was cold, and Zhao Pansheng quickly said, "I'll go back and get you a cloak."
After Zhao Pansheng walked away, Liu Qingqing strolled leisurely, her eyes darting around, and she pretended to sigh, saying that she suddenly wanted to eat soup noodles.
They figured Zhao Pansheng would be back soon, so one of them could stay with him.
Indeed, Qingju, who was devoted to her master, hesitated several times before saying that she would go back and make noodles for her master.
Looking around, the vast garden was lush with bamboo groves, filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers, but only she remained.
Liu Qingqing breathed a sigh of relief and touched her bulging sleeve.
Before coming out, she went to the east wing and took a stack of silver notes from the books. Time was short, but she estimated that there were at least a thousand taels. She also grabbed a handful of gold beans and put them into her sachet. After thinking for a moment, she took out some medicinal pills.
Quickly go around to the east corner of the garden, which is right next to the back courtyard of Uncle's Listening Bamboo Pavilion, the place Aunt Jia told her about last time.
I had originally intended to try my luck, but on my way to the garden, I overheard that neither the Marquis nor my second uncle had returned to the mansion yesterday.
This is a great opportunity!
With swift movements, he stuffed the silver note into the sachet, lightly tiptoed up, and threw it with a powerful throw.
With a plop, the sachet fell into the courtyard.
A clear, questioning voice was heard, "Qingqing?"
Liu Qingqing felt reassured and murmured twice.
Fearing that Zhao Pansheng would notice something amiss upon his return and thus make it inconvenient to stay any longer, she couldn't help but feel pleased that she had accomplished something, and the corners of her lips curved upwards.
As soon as I hurriedly walked out, I saw someone standing there.
Upon seeing who it was, Liu Qingqing's heart skipped a beat.
She stopped, then subconsciously took a step back before finally speaking in a daze, "Husband."
Xie Lang noticed all of this. His gaze moved up from the damp mud on the edge of her brocade shoes until they met.
Unexpectedly, he didn't ask her what she had been doing alone in the corner of the garden. Instead, he reached out his hand to her and asked, "Are you cold?"
Startled, her heart nearly leaped out of her throat. Afraid he would notice something amiss when he went over there, she quickly took two steps forward and tightly grasped his hand. "It's not cold."
In her panic, she didn't notice that he had been asking her lately if she was cold.
Xie Lang lowered his eyes, looking at her knuckles, which had turned white from the effort. He then looked up and swept his gaze over the panic and trepidation in her eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Let's go, back to the hospital."
He didn't know if she could sense his lukewarm apology.
Her head was throbbing, and Liu Qingqing thought she heard him sigh. Once she was far away and saw that he seemed normal, she felt relieved and finally came to her senses.
She glanced at him discreetly: "Why didn't my husband go to practice martial arts?"
Golden arcs of light shone on his handsome, jade-like face, mingling with the morning mist and exuding a divine glow.
Like being struck by lightning, Liu Qingqing's soul trembled slightly. Before he could notice, he quickly looked down and saw their hands clasped together.
Aside from being in the room, the two maintained a distance from each other in public. Liu Qingqing knew that Xie Lang did this intentionally, and was also afraid that he would overthink it and think she was shameless and would try to cling to him, so she wanted to let go.
The next moment, however, he held her tightly.
Liu Qingqing looked up at him in a daze, but he seemed oblivious and led her onward.
The long corridor was bustling with servants coming and going. When they saw the two of them approaching, they quickly stepped aside and lowered their eyes. They could not avoid seeing Lord Xie leading his wife. They both saw the shock in each other's eyes, and then they both breathed a sigh of relief.
The weather at Jialan Garden has finally improved!
Xie Lang escorted the person to the entrance of Jialan Garden and happened to see Zhao Pansheng carrying a cloak and hurrying out. Xie Lang then handed the person over to Zhao Pansheng, stood at the gate, took the cloak, and casually fastened the knot for her as if no one was around.
"I'm off today. Where would you like to go, Madam?"
What's the meaning?
Liu Qingqing was stunned.
Xie Lang then patiently said, "If there's anywhere you'd like to go, I'll accompany you. No rush, just let me know after you've had breakfast."
After Xie Lang left, Liu Qingqing returned to her room in a daze.
What does he mean by this?
Her heart was in turmoil, unaware that he might have noticed something amiss.
She secretly prayed that Aunt Jia would follow her plan and not be exposed too early. She feared she wouldn't be able to withstand the bloodshed.
When Granny Li brought in breakfast, she saw the young lady standing there, her hands neatly clasped together, muttering to herself.
Just as he was shaking his head and laughing, he heard the young lady suddenly scream in pain, so he quickly put down what he was holding and went over.
Granny Li has very sharp eyes.
He turned around and closed the door, ignoring the young lady's objections, and began to loosen his clothes to check where the injury was.
I could see a large red mark on his chest.
"How... how did this happen?"
Liu Qingqing's skin was so fair that it was as if chicken blood had been sprinkled on snow, making people tremble with fear.
Liu Qingqing glanced down at it.
Last night they said it wasn't burned, but the delicate skin on her chest still turned red.
She didn't take it seriously, saying, "Granny, it'll be fine in a couple of days. Don't worry about it."
When Li Mama saw this, she immediately became anxious, glared at her fiercely, and pulled Liu Qingqing to apply the medicine.
Xie Lang turned back halfway, signaled the servants to be quiet, and walked back to the main room. What he saw through the crack in the door was this scene.
A thought arose in her mind—she didn't want him to apply the medicine to her.
She said she hadn't had her period even though it had ended early.
They wouldn't let him get medicine even though he was burned.
She was in the garden today... and she was also hiding something from him.
Suddenly, another fact was revealed, starkly displayed before him—she didn't want him to touch her.
Suddenly, it dawned on me how long it had been since they had slept together.
She used to always cling to me, even if it wasn't the 5th or 15th of the month, we would still be close and intimate. But now I realize that she hasn't been like that lately.
He knew she loved him and admired his body. Sometimes, in his half-awake state, he could feel her secretly touching his chest.
Why have you suddenly become so distant? He won't even touch me anymore?
For some reason, I remembered her soft laughter in the private room next to Jialanju.
This discovery gave him a strange feeling.
It seems like she hasn't smiled at him like that in a long time.
The fifteenth is in a few days, and he wants to find out what's going on.
Before that, he went to check out the garden.
Upon arriving at the garden, Xie Lang followed the route he had taken and circled around to the eastern corner of the garden, where he saw traces on the grass.
Although she seemed to have tried to cover it up, how could she escape his eyes?
He stood where she had just stood, looking up at the towering red wall before him.
It is the courtyard wall of Tingzhuxuan.
Make a mental note of it, and Xie Lang turned and walked towards the training ground.
He also recalled the two or three unusual incidents his wife had done in the garden.
I had a fever once from being startled, then another time I had a fever, and now it's today.
Just as Xie Lang was about to step out of the garden, he stopped and looked back at the long, blood-red walls of his second uncle's Tingzhu Pavilion in the garden.
With something on my mind, I became somewhat engrossed in martial arts practice.
After taking a bath in the study and having a quick breakfast, Xie Lang prepared to return to the main house to fetch Liu Qingqing.
I wonder where she wants to go today?
Wherever we go, he will accompany us.
Last time I saw her, she really loved the kite and also enjoyed the food at Jialanju.
For the first time, Xie Lang asked Xie Wu, "What are some places in the capital that women like to go?"
Xie Wu was hiding behind Xie Lang, rubbing his shoulders. For some reason, the master was really ruthless when practicing martial arts today. Several times he barely managed to dodge the blows. He wondered where the master got such a strong temper.
The imperial court has been making good progress lately, following the established procedures.
Just as he was grumbling to himself, Xie Wu heard the adult ask him a question. He immediately straightened up and opened his mouth to answer, but he stammered and couldn't say anything.
He hadn't paid attention to any of that!
Xie Lang glanced at him coldly, "How come you don't even know this?"
Xie Wu was unconvinced, thinking, "Even the adults don't know?" But he dared not speak.
With the moisture around him almost completely dissipated, Xie Lang turned around, opened the hidden box, took out safflower oil, and threw it into Xie Wu's arms.
"You're granted a day off today."
Xie Wu was overjoyed and no longer felt any pain in his body. "Thank you, Lord Xie!"
Xie Lang smiled slightly, waved to him, and walked away.
Xie Wu watched the man's receding figure with deep feeling—since marrying his wife, the man had become more and more humane.
First I felt happy for the adults, then I felt a pang of sadness for them.
How wonderful it used to be, whether it was with Lord Hou or Lord Wei, how did it turn out like this?
After a thoroughly enjoyable martial arts training session, Xie Lang felt much better.
As I approached the hanging flower gate of Jialan Garden, I inexplicably felt my heart pounding. I inexplicably clutched my chest and stood there for a long while before finally stepping inside.
The main room door remained closed; Xie Lang assumed she hadn't finished washing up yet.
She has always loved beauty.
Thinking of this, he paused, realizing he hadn't bought her any jewelry or accessories. He quickly decided that he would buy her more today.
I climbed the steps and gently knocked on the door.
"lady?"
No one responded for a long time.
Xie Lang frowned slightly, and was about to knock again when he heard Li Mama's questioning voice from behind, "My lord?"
Xie Lang turned around and looked at Granny Li.
Granny Li glanced at the adult, then at the closed door behind him, and understood. "Miss is not in her room. She left the manor after finishing her breakfast."
Xie Lang seemed surprised and incredulous. "She left the manor? Where did she go?"
Liu Qingqing is at the Regent's Palace.
She hadn't believed Xie Lang's promise to accompany her at all. In the past six months of their marriage, he had only taken her out once, and that was only because he was following the old lady's instructions. Liu Qingqing now knew better than to do anything that would annoy others.
No more waiting idly.
So when someone from the Prince's mansion came to invite him again, he quickly went with them.
For the princess to have to urge her three or four times, how dare she! Besides, she couldn't afford to offend her.
He was pouring tea for the princess, and because his sleeves were wide, his arms were accidentally exposed.
The bruises on her fair, jade-like arm were glaringly obvious. Ying Yi's pupils contracted sharply, and he quickly grabbed her wrist and turned it around. "How did this happen?"
Ying Yi's hands trembled as she rolled up her sleeves, revealing a shocking mix of bruises and red marks. Her eyes reddened, unable to conceal her anger. "How did you get so many injuries?"
[Author's Note]
Next chapter preview:
"Cousin, may I speak to you in private?"
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