73 Chapter Seventy-Three
"If you won't let me touch it, then who will?"
Chapter Seventy-Three
The man put on the mask again and walked in.
The small room suddenly felt cramped, and the light reflected off the white gauze, creating undulating waves.
"The young lady then went to sit down and rest."
Liu Qingqing walked over stiffly, and only after sitting down did she notice that the man was wearing a moon-white silk robe. The silk was like water, flowing over the man's strong muscles.
“It seems like this is your first time here, young lady, and it’s also my first time meeting people. We’re not sure what to do. Let me tell you some interesting stories.”
The man then told the story of a scholar who lost his family and his childhood sweetheart, who supported each other and gradually made a living together, in a voice as clear as a spring hitting a rock.
Liu Qingqing rested her chin on her hand, listening intently.
Before we knew it, the story was almost over. "Did you like this story, young lady? If you did, I have other stories to tell."
Perhaps the story was too heartwarming and alluring, for Liu Qingqing was still immersed in it for a long time. Upon hearing this, she did not answer, but instead looked at him and asked, "What's inside the robe?"
I didn't notice it before, but now I see what looks like thin chains under the clothes.
The man smiled gently and with a flick of his long fingers, he untied the already loose tie.
Instantly, his robes opened, revealing golden chains inside.
The exquisite gold chain wrapped around his neck, and below it, a hollowed-out gold net covered his bulging pectoral and abdominal muscles.
Under the lamplight, they twinkled like stars, faint and indistinct, almost imperceptible.
His gaze, in particular, was serene and otherworldly, devoid of any seductive intent, yet all the more... alluring.
Liu Qingqing had never seen anything like this before, and she was amazed that it could be done like this.
His eyes widened in astonishment, his face flushed as if on fire, and he abruptly turned his head to the side, coughing violently.
The man stood up behind her and gently patted her back.
Will I be able to see the girl again next time?
"Cough cough..."
Liu Qingqing did not answer, and the man did not urge her, but placed his hand on her shoulder and gently massaged it.
This is also one of Qingfeng Hall's specialties—their massage skills are excellent.
As night deepened, Liu Qingqing dared not look the man in the eye, stammering and avoiding his gaze as she replied, "Next time, we'll talk about it next time. You can go now."
As he was leaving, Liu Qingqing suddenly called out to him, "What's your name?"
The man turned around, smiled gently, and replied, "My name is Yu Run, young lady."
She felt hot and humid all over and remained still in the room for a long time.
Only then did she realize why powerful men would indulge in places of pleasure. Qingfeng Pavilion wasn't even a place of pleasure, yet it inadvertently wove a dream that had long been shattered for her.
Liu Qingqing was lost in thought for a moment. It was getting late, so she decided not to return to the clinic. Liang Li was nowhere to be seen, so she told the innkeeper that she would go to the back courtyard to rest.
Liangli left her a separate bedroom in the backyard.
Outsiders are generally not allowed to enter the backyard.
She walked slowly, thinking about what had just happened, and unconsciously clutched her chest.
She suddenly stopped, looked up at the lonely moon in the sky, lost in thought. Should she... also stop dwelling on the past and find a new path?
There's a garden behind the porch in the backyard, and she wanted to go there to get some fresh air.
Just as she rounded him, a sudden thud startled Liu Qingqing, who took a step back. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was Xie Wu!
What are you doing here?
Liu Qingqing was surprised.
Xie Wu looked up at his wife's still warm gaze, and his eyes instantly welled up with tears.
Just now... just now...
He didn't even dare to look at the adult's staggering steps; even his stern brows and eyes seemed to have turned red.
The master has done so much for the lady!
But the lady had no idea.
He fiercely wiped away his reddened eyes, like a child who had been wronged outside and couldn't help but cry in front of his pillar of support.
What kind of life have they been living in Jialanyuan for the past six months?
The adults are not doing well, Miss Zhao is not doing well, and he is not doing well either!
His wife was his pillar of support; he knew that as long as his wife was well, they would all be well.
How he wished the adult would recover and return to his former imposing and majestic self.
"Madam, can you see the knife mark on the master's wrist?"
Xie Wu's honest face couldn't hide his bitterness. "Those were all cuts made by the master himself, one by one! Since you left, the master has been unable to sleep at night, as if he always has nightmares. Every time he wakes up, he cuts himself. Blood flows freely, but the master will laugh, and then tears will flow again as he laughs."
"Madam! Although I don't know what the master dreamed about, I know it must be related to you. The master returns to the main room every day, and even if he can't sleep, he sits there until dawn. The master... misses you very much!"
"And what about that Gu worm? Did Madam feel better after eating it?"
Xie Wu hesitated, then continued, "But the master's health has been poor lately; he keeps vomiting blood..."
Xie Wu wished he could rip out his heart and lungs for his wife to see, "After Madam's life was uncertain, the lord became furious and wiped out the entire Liu family. Liu Xu was dismissed from his post and exiled from the capital. He had a falling out with Xiao Yingshi, and Xiao Yingshi has disappeared without a trace. Madam... the lord... avenged you!"
“Back then, the young Ying was malicious and poisoned you when you returned to the manor… The lord immediately ordered me to fetch Yanluo Pills for you. Madam, a gentleman judges by actions, not intentions. Look at all the things the lord has done for you. Even when we were newly married, the lord still had you in his heart!”
"What kind of medicine did Xiao Ying give me?" Liu Qingqing asked.
Xie Wu choked up, but dared not speak, "You should ask the adults..."
Upon hearing this, Liu Qingqing was stunned, as if she could see his disheveled state through the passage of time.
"You adults..."
She paused, then spoke with a touch of melancholy, saying slowly, "...actually, he was a good person."
A faint sadness surfaced in his eyes; his feelings for her seemed to be a little more than she had thought.
Even if it's out of guilt.
Liu Qingqing was incredibly intelligent; she understood everything, but at this moment, she could only pretend not to know.
After all, it's all in the past...
"But…"
Liu Qingqing smiled apologetically at him, "I no longer have the same feelings for your parents as I did back then."
His voice carried a sense of ease and composure born from experience.
She said sincerely, "It was my recklessness and rashness that caused Lord Xie to panic. Although we were not close when we were young, we grew up together, and Aunt Jia took good care of me. Lord Xie must have been greatly shocked to think that I had suddenly died. Now I have all my limbs and am doing well. In time, Lord Xie will come to terms with it."
Xie Wu knelt there in astonishment, looking up blankly. He hadn't expected that his wife would stubbornly refuse to admit that the master had feelings for him!
The cycle of karma is real.
Liu Qingqing looked away, pretending not to understand Xie Wu's expression.
She stepped forward, bent down, and helped Xie Wu up. "Go back and take good care of your master. The road ahead is long. This is just a small cloud of miasma. How could it possibly trap your wise and mighty master? Don't overthink it."
They casually dismissed the matter with their words.
Xie Lang stood behind the corridor with his eyes downcast, the shadows in his eyes unreadable.
Each word pierced his heart. His veins churned violently, and he leaned against the wall, barely managing to suppress the taste of blood rising in his throat.
He had always refused to admit that he was moved by her and that he had feelings for her.
Now it's the other way around—no matter what others say about him having feelings for her, she pretends not to understand.
The cycle of karma is real, but who will escape its reach?
"Madam! Please persuade the master!"
Xie Wu's voice trembled with tears as he spoke again, "My lord, that Gu worm..."
The Holy Snow Mother Gu devoured all the remaining poison in the lady's body and transferred it to the offspring Gu, which is why the lady vomited blood so frequently!
"Thank you, Wu!"
Suddenly, Xie Lang's deep, hoarse voice came from behind the corridor. Xie Wu reluctantly shut his mouth and gritted his teeth. But he stubbornly turned his face away and closed his eyes tightly. If you looked closely, you could see that his eyelashes were wet with tears.
Liu Qingqing was surprised to find Xie Lang there as well. She took a closer look at him by the moonlight.
In the dead of night, his face appeared even paler. His features were unchanged from before, but he looked different overall, as if a cloud had been cast over a snow-capped mountain.
Perhaps it was the tranquility of the night, or perhaps it was the memory of Run that stirred within her.
Looking at Xie Lang again, she was surprised to recall the subtle and subtle kindness he had shown her after they got married.
He was still as handsome and upright as ever, like the son of the moon goddess, still able to stir her heart.
In an instant, she thought of that cold, lonely night that seemed both near and far. She blinked, and the fleeting emotion in her eyes vanished.
He walked up to her, stopped two steps away, and stared into her eyes.
But he didn't mention what had just happened, instead saying, "Wait for me a moment."
After saying that, he put on the human skin mask in front of her, carefully adjusted it, and then walked towards her.
At first glance, they look quite different, but upon closer inspection, one can discover subtle similarities.
No wonder he's so bold in traveling outside.
"Let's go, I'll take you back to the clinic."
Xie Lang took the lead and gestured for her to leave, saying, "My mother just sent a letter, so I'll tell you about it too."
Liu Qingqing swallowed back the refusal that was on the tip of her tongue. Aunt Jia had been very good to her, and she couldn't ignore her.
Then I glanced at the human skin mask covering his face.
He doesn't seem to hide anything from her like he used to.
Little did he know that his sticky, damp gaze made her heart beat even faster.
It's as if they can't live without her.
But... it can't be him anymore.
Once bitten, twice shy; she's learned her lesson.
The reason she didn't break ties with Xie Lang was this—if Aunt Jia really fell out with the Marquis, at least she would have someone to rely on.
Therefore, she had to know Jia's situation at all times, otherwise how could she lend a helping hand in time?
"How is Aunt Jia doing lately?"
She had only taken two steps when she asked impatiently.
Xie Lang tightened his grip at his sides and glanced at her. Once upon a time, this tense tone belonged to him too. But now? In her eyes, he was nothing more than an annoying object.
Perhaps it's not even as good as an object.
Xie Lang looked away with difficulty. "Father seems to have noticed and is trying to find out where Tingzhuxuan is. But my second uncle used some method and Father did not find any trace of Mother at Tingzhuxuan."
Upon hearing this, Liu Qingqing seemed to see the terrifying scene from that time. She whispered, "How did the Marquis find him? Did he search for him with a sword?"
Xie Lang glanced at her and scoffed, "Why would Father draw a sword against Mother? He must be trying to kill Second Uncle."
Liu Qingqing: "..."
Liu Qingqing's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly asked, "And then what happened?"
They had already left the backyard when they reached a carriage by a tree at the far end. Xie Lang gestured for her to get on, saying, "Let's talk on the way up."
After much hesitation, Liu Qingqing had no choice but to go up.
Xie Lang did not follow closely behind, but stood quietly beside the vehicle for a moment.
He needed to vent his burning jealousy; he had never imagined that he would be jealous of his own mother!
If someone had said that to him before, he would have asserted—how ridiculous!
Suppressing his raging anger, Xie Lang finally entered the carriage.
He paused as soon as he lifted the curtain, and seeing her looking at him with surprise, he bit his chin and pretended nothing was wrong as he sat down next to her.
She stood close to the carriage, as if afraid of touching him. He caught a glimpse of the gap between them.
Is he some kind of filthy, smelly thing?
She smelled of someone else, an annoying scent that lingered around him like a haunting ghost!
The stimulation made his blood rush to his head, as if his eyes were about to pop out.
"Did Aunt Jia say anything else?"
He lowered his eyes and answered each question, but he couldn't remember what he said.
Liu Qingqing then asked, "What medicine did Madam Ying give me back then?"
Xie Lang raised his eyebrows, not wanting to answer.
"I want to know."
"...It wasn't a good medicine. I had the Regent's Palace physician examine you, and he said there was a cure. After taking the medicine, you're fine now."
The strange thoughts finally came together, and it dawned on me.
That's how it is.
"You gave me Yanluo Pills just because of that medicine?"
Liu Qingqing showed no embarrassment, only regret, "What a pity."
“It’s no pity,” he said firmly.
Upon hearing this, Liu Qingqing became lost in thought, and remained silent for the rest of the journey, while Xie Lang sat quietly beside her.
It had been a long time since they had spent such a quiet time together.
Xie Lang felt satisfied, his heart throbbing as if it were about to burst.
The flickering candlelight in the car cast his shadow upon her.
Xie Lang's gaze was deep and unfathomable, and he even wanted to raise his hand to press down on his own shadow!
How could it possibly reach her?!
Unexpectedly, he was hit with a blow in the head: "Take me back to the clinic in a moment, and you may return to your other residence, sir."
Liu Qingqing didn't look at him, afraid of softening her heart, and even more afraid of repeating the same mistake.
Xie Lang lifted the carriage curtain and looked out the window, but calmly and softly discussed with her: "There have been frequent assassins at the villa recently. Please let me stay for two days, Madam."
Seeing Liu Qingqing's surprised look, Xie Lang continued, "I came here as a target, and I deliberately injured myself to lure the snake out. But the injury is real, I didn't lie to you."
Liu Qingqing recalled his bloody wounds and knew he wasn't lying, but...
"Can't you just pretend?"
Why must it be this real fighting?
Xie Lang laughed, "I don't know where the spies are, so I can't fool them with a fake story. The people over there are very cunning. Have you heard anything unusual about the Northern Rong?"
Liu Qingqing nodded.
Xie Lang: "Then we can't wait any longer. This method may be straightforward, but it's effective."
When Liu Qingqing heard him say these things for the first time, she stared at him in a daze.
"Don't worry about me, Qingqing. I'm tough and hard to kill. I'll be fine."
Who's worried about him?
Liu Qingqing turned her head away and remained silent.
They quickly returned to the clinic. It was late at night, and the two entered the courtyard through the back door.
She tacitly agreed to give him the room; given that the two countries were on the verge of war, she wouldn't be so stingy as to not be able to give up a single room.
As she walked toward the next room, she could feel the gaze behind her, but she did not turn around.
Lin Mei was not in the room; a note was left on the table saying that she would stay in her study for a few days.
Liu Qingqing remained silent for a moment, then put the note back.
After washing up, she lay back in bed and pulled the quilt over her chest.
I couldn't help but think of today, of that man who resembled Xie Lang, and of Xie Wu's heartfelt words.
She... never imagined that Xie Lang had done so many things in secret.
Why didn't he tell himself?
No wonder when she first came to the clinic, Doctor Lu told her to bring her husband along for the pulse check next time. There must be some things he couldn't tell her but had to tell Xie Lang.
She never expected that he would give her such a precious Yanluo Pill so easily in the beginning.
When he spoke of the war, his eyes were sharp and he did not show any selfishness. When he spoke of annihilating the enemy, his eyes burned with a fiery light.
He was broad-minded, a pioneer, and a good official. This was a side of him she had never seen before.
Humans are so complicated.
well.
She tossed and turned, sighed, and finally fell asleep.
She had a dream.
In her dream, Xie Lang still treated her well, not like an object or a pet, but like a person.
If you have something to say to her, or if you feel uncomfortable and unbearable because you don't understand why you are tied to her, you will openly and frankly ask her about it.
They solved one problem after another, and their hearts grew closer.
In her dreams, Xie Lang never neglected her; on the contrary, she always acted childishly, taking advantage of Xie Lang's affection.
In the dream, Liu Xu also considered bringing Liu Qingying into the Prince's mansion, and Xie Lang also planned to flatter them to their detriment, but he informed her first. Even so, even in a sarcastic tone, he never said anything that she was inferior to Liu Qingying.
He even hinted at the princess's affair to her first, preparing her mentally before gradually revealing the secret to her. Afraid of upsetting her, he stayed by her side every day, buying her flowers and even accompanying her into the small kitchen to devise recipes.
Even though she was resentful and refused to acknowledge the princess, Xie Lang did not force her. He did not compromise or give in because of the Regent's Palace.
He loved her, respected her, and always put her first.
The dream was so beautiful that it stirred her emotions, and she didn't want to wake up.
She knew she was dreaming, and in her dream she was watching how happy "Liu Qingqing" was, and she even started to miss Xie Lang for herself.
She wanted to laugh, but also wanted to cry.
Perhaps because her mind was in turmoil, she did not sleep soundly.
Lately, that feeling of being tightly bound, as if entangled by a sea monster, has returned, almost suffocating her!
Half-asleep, she felt a hot breath brush against the side of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.
Only one person knew how sensitive that area was, and she suddenly opened her eyes.
Sure enough, she was surrounded by iron arms around her waist and abdomen. The moment she opened her eyes, the breathing behind her stopped.
She swiftly pulled a dagger from under her pillow, deftly rolled to the foot of the bed, and immediately squatted down, pointing the sharp dagger at the other person.
But when he saw the person's face clearly in the moonlight, he frowned and froze for a moment. In less than a breath, a deep look of disgust appeared in his eyes.
Before the beautiful dream could fully dissipate in her mind, the reality in contrast appeared exceptionally harsh.
She inexplicably recalled the day she overheard the princess's conversation with Li Ying in the tunnel, and wondered if he had been watching her disheveled state like a ghost.
She recalled his self-righteous, stubborn, and hateful side!
If it weren't for that scornful and disgusted look, he might have been able to endure it a little longer. Xie Lang slowly got up and moved forward.
The jealousy, resentment, and intense longing that had been barely suppressed since their reunion surged forth like water bursting from a broken dam.
Seeing that the dagger couldn't stop him, did he still think he could do whatever he wanted in the Marquis's mansion?!
In her dream... they could have been so good together, but a bittersweet feeling kept bubbling up inside her, instantly making her furious!
On impulse, she placed the dagger against her neck.
"Lord Xie! We are now divorced. If you touch me again, I may not be able to do anything to you, but I can do nothing to myself! Just like this knife!"
Xie Lang never expected her to rebuke him like that.
Why?
What I saw in Qingfeng Pavilion today was like fire, fiercely scorching his flesh and blood! It crackled and popped as it burned!
He endured it with great difficulty!
The man's body was as white as jade, but now his body is covered in scars, and she dislikes him.
"If you won't let me touch it, then who will?"
He suddenly leaned forward and grabbed her knife. The sharp blade cut his palm, and blood streamed down her neck like rain, splashing onto her clothes and bedding.
Pat-pat, pat-pat, just like that day when the rain kept falling in the bamboo grove behind the study.
"Xie Lang, I have been very patient with you lately, not wanting to break off our relationship. Firstly, because of Aunt Jia's kindness. Secondly, I know you have important business here, and I can't let our differences cause a bigger problem."
She paused slightly, then decided to lay it all out, "But you shouldn't be pressuring me like this. Didn't you come every day before?"
"Did I force you?"
Xie Lang's eyes reddened, his expression a mixture of disbelief, a smile, and a hint of unease. "I just want to find you and live a good life with you. How could I dare to force you?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Qingqing silently raised an eyebrow, her gaze both mocking and sarcastic, like an arrow piercing straight into his heart.
He knows he was wrong in the past, and he...has regretted it.
"Qingqing, do you no longer have me in your heart?"
She used to love him so much.
Liu Qingqing's gaze was calm and indifferent. She shook her head and said, "No, Xie Lang, I no longer have you in my heart."
"Ever since you deliberately ignored me and treated me like a servant, I have no feelings for you."
She hardened her heart.
Warm, sticky blood seeped into the collar, making it feel wet and uncomfortable.
Xie Lang seemed oblivious to the pain, taking the dagger and throwing it to the ground. He slowly knelt before her on the soft bed, the brocade rustling, his eyes lowered as he gazed at her silently.
He raised his hand and placed it on the side of her neck where she had just placed the dagger; there was a faint red mark. "Don't do this again in the future. What if you really get cut?"
He murmured softly, "Aren't you most afraid of pain?"
He was terrified, fearing he would fall back into that hazy dream. He stared blankly at that spot, his vision blurring, and he squinted. Looking at everything around him, he was filled with dread at her self-harm.
"Don't cry."
When Liu Qingqing saw the tears in his eyes, she was first taken aback. When she realized she hadn't misread them, a feeling of satisfaction rose in her heart. She looked down at him with pity, "How could the invulnerable Lord Xie shed tears?"
She condescended to place her hand on his cheek.
Secret pleasure and resentment intertwined and clung to her.
No one had ever treated her like this before, she thought absentmindedly.
So this is what it tastes like...
This taste... is truly addictive.
No wonder Xie Lang treated her so coldly in the past.
Upon seeing Yu Run today, her previously vanished hatred for him resurfaced.
She hated him for ruining their happy and peaceful life!
Xie Lang's gaze was fixed on her face, and the next moment he obediently turned his head and snuggled closer to her, absorbing that faint warmth.
He was unaware that he had shed tears; the tears fell diagonally with his movements, flowing into her palm, which was burning hot.
He didn't speak, but his gaze was fierce and piercing.
Liu Qingqing flinched for a moment, then regained her composure and pressed him, "The past is over. If you feel guilty, how about we address each other as brother and sister from now on?"
With such tender gestures, he uttered such heartless words.
As for how to make him give up, Liu Qingqing had already thought of a way.
It's just like he used to be; let it cool off until he comes to his senses.
Isn't this how he treated himself in the past?
She is no longer willing to foolishly follow anyone with her whole heart.
She considered her options in her mind and decided that it was better to act sooner rather than later.
She seems to have been driven...to a state of abnormality by him.
She suddenly wanted him to experience the unbearable pain of heartbreak.
Xu Huan stated his request, "Since you came to Yingcheng as my elder brother, there have been many matchmakers coming to the clinic, causing me a lot of trouble. I think that since it is trouble caused by you, you should resolve it. Why don't you step forward and choose a husband for me? It would be best if you could find a good husband. If not, it can at least keep things going for a while."
Having said that, she looked at him calmly, waiting for his reply.
Xie Lang slowly looked at her, his eyes reddening. "Let me choose? Choose your husband?"
His voice was extremely hoarse and slow, each word enunciated lightly, and the magnetic voice that was as sweet as sour apricots was now filled with sharp grime.
Liu Qingqing nodded calmly, "I suppose I'll have to trouble Lord Xie. If it's not possible, then I will..."
"What, is it that you refuse, sir?"
Cutting flesh with a soft knife can really hurt.
He had no idea that she could be so cruel after she had shown him no love or affection.
He once despised others for going mad and losing face because of love, just like Wei Mingzhao, who abandoned all dignity and disregarded everything to snatch Xie Wanyan back to his mansion, even though Xie Wanyan had already written poems and gone boating on the lake with someone else.
He ended up in a worse situation than them.
The night was like thick ink, and her eyes were the only light.
"Ken..."
Xie Lang raised his eyes and stared intently at her. She was pressuring him like this, but it only made him love her more.
He chuckled softly, "How could I dare refuse?"
[Author's Note]
Next chapter preview:
"My lord, someone has come to report that General Ying is approaching Yingcheng."
But one problem after another arose.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
