Chapter 40 Pleasure (Two-in-One) [System: Main Quest One, ...]
For several days in a row, Yu Wenxue was absent-minded in everything she did.
They either pick out the meat and eat the bones while eating, or they peel an orange and eat the peel while throwing away the orange.
Orange peel is quite bitter.
This was Yu Wenxue's first time eating it.
She attributed it all to the emptiness of having nothing to do.
As the saying goes, without pressure there is no motivation. Suddenly surviving all kinds of death missions and being reborn is something no one would be used to.
Yes, that must be it.
There is no other reason.
Even Gu Rongting, who was usually slow to react, noticed this unusual behavior and whispered to Lin Qingwan, "What's wrong with my cousin?"
Lin Qingwan smiled slightly: "Perhaps you're lovesick."
Gu Rongting slapped his thigh, suddenly realizing something, and said, "Then why don't you take her pulse and see how to treat this illness?"
Lin Qingwan: "..."
Unaware that the two men had already planted the seed of "lovesickness" in her mind, Yu Wenxue took the initiative to take on the task of setting up the academy in order to stop herself from overthinking.
These days, the epidemic in eastern Yunnan has been brought under control, and people are gradually returning to their normal lives, with many vendors walking the streets and alleys selling their wares.
The inn, originally used to shelter patients, was left empty. Gu Rongting eventually bought it and converted it into an academy, specifically for children who couldn't afford to go to school.
That day, Yu Wenxue went to the street to buy some writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. After asking several local women, she finally came to a simple calligraphy and painting shop.
The shop was deserted and looked dilapidated, as if it were about to close down, much like the brothels in the capital.
After quickly selecting a few items, my gaze was drawn to a book with a familiar cover.
As she randomly flipped to a page, Yu Wenxue's face turned from white to red, and she snapped the page shut again.
Isn't this the erotic picture book she drew back then?
They're selling them all here?
Before she could put it back, a long, slender arm reached out and snatched the book from her hand.
Looking up, she saw a smiling young man leaning against the bookshelf behind her, looking at her with a greasy gaze.
He even licked his lips.
This action reminded Yu Wenxue of the "wall slam" scene in old-fashioned CEO novels, instantly giving her goosebumps and making her feel extremely uncomfortable.
She raised her hand, gave an awkward smile, and said, "Excuse me, could you move aside?"
"Woman, here to buy books?"
"......"
Yu Wenxue gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to spit out the orange peel she had eaten that morning, and slipped out from under his armpit.
The man wasn't annoyed. He shook his wide, light green robe and uttered the classic line: "Ignoring me? Woman, you've successfully piqued my attention."
Which landlord's foolish son inserted domineering CEO quotes into this?
Yu Wenxue naturally ignored him, paid the money, and left with her things.
Unexpectedly, the man was quite agile, catching up with her in a few quick steps, spreading his arms to block her way: "I've never seen this young lady before, whose family are you from?"
"What is your name? How old are you? Are you married?"
Yu Wenxue was at her wit's end and decided to just give him a piece of her mind. She said, "My name is Xiaohua. I'm thirty-three years old. I have a son and a daughter, and I'm pregnant with my third child... My husband works at a blacksmith shop and has a really strong hand."
The unspoken message is: You better behave!
After saying this, the man's eyes flickered, and he hesitated noticeably for a moment.
"You're lying. You don't look thirty-three at all." He looked her up and down and laughed, "Even if it were true, it wouldn't matter. Women of this age are the most charming."
Yu Wenxue: "......"
She shook her head, turned around, and ran back in another direction.
I hope I never run into this person again.
However, things did not go as planned.
After hiding away in the academy for a few days to keep quiet, Lin Qingwan finally persuaded her to go out. While choosing fabric, she encountered that domineering young master again.
Today he wore a bright red outfit that was even more eye-catching than last time, but with a blue iris pinned to his chest.
Sure enough, as if he had predicted her appearance, the man, carrying a bunch of brass keys, reached out to stop her, saying, "Miss, we meet again! It really is a case of fate bringing us together from afar! Doesn't this mean we are a match made in heaven?"
He waved his hand, the keys clinking together. "Here's what we'll do: you're mine, and these are yours."
"how?"
"Not good." Yu Wenxue felt a chill run down her spine, thinking to herself how this person was so persistent, and pulled Lin Qingwan away in the opposite direction.
The man followed behind them, chattering incessantly: "My name is Fan Zhuo, you still haven't told me your name!"
After saying that, he reached out to touch Yu Wenxue's shoulder, but before he could touch her at all, he was unexpectedly hit by a flying stone.
Yu Wenxue paused, even the gardenia in her hair stood up.
She turned around happily: "You're back..."
Before she could finish speaking, a young man in white stood not far away and smiled at her: "Miss Yu."
It was Wei Heng.
The flowers have wilted.
Yu Wenxue's upturned lips flattened out again.
Seeing this, Lin Qingwan understood a bit more; Wen Xue must have mistaken this action for the Second Young Master.
However, the second young master is far away, and will soon be going on a military campaign with the crown prince. She and her brother Ting haven't figured out how to inform him yet...
After not seeing each other for several months, Wei Heng was excited and thrilled. He never expected to actually see his beloved here. He stammered, "What a coincidence, you're walking here too."
Yu Wenxue: "Yes, what a coincidence, I also have two legs."
Fan Zhuo got up from the ground and stared at Wei Heng in disbelief: "You're her blacksmith husband?"
“He’s not.” Yu Wenxue denied instinctively.
"I knew it! He looks like a pretty boy!"
Upon hearing this, a fleeting look of disappointment crossed Wei Heng's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
Lin Qingwan knew that the two were old acquaintances, so she didn't want to disturb them too much and politely invited Wei Heng to have dinner at the academy.
Wei Heng stood in front of Fan Zhuo and smiled at Yu Wenxue: "Okay."
Fan Zhuo dusted himself off: "I want to go too..."
Before she could finish speaking, Wei Heng subtly tripped her.
Because of this delay, by the time he got up, the others had already walked away chatting and laughing.
...
Wei Heng did indeed harbor a sliver of hope for this trip.
Ever since Yu Wenxue went to the imperial palace, he has never had the chance to see her again.
After making several inquiries, I finally learned from the servants of the Marquis's residence that she was going to marry into Shuozhou.
At that time, he wondered if he would have even the slightest chance if he proposed first.
Soon, a major event occurred in the Marquis's mansion. He had no way of knowing the specifics of the matter, but the fact that Yu Wenxue had not married rekindled his dead heart.
As I was preparing to travel and see the beautiful landscape, I chose Yidong, the southernmost part of the country, as my first destination.
Unexpectedly, he stumbled upon a stroke of luck.
It's as if even God is on his side.
In order to cultivate a closer relationship, Wei Heng stayed at the academy under the pretext of helping out.
"Wenxue, where is the inkstone?"
"Wenxue, leave this to me."
"Smelling the snow..."
Gu Rongting sensed something was wrong.
They don't even call her Miss Yu anymore, they just call her Wenxue now!
No, he has to write to Xun Han.
Such a wonderful cousin shouldn't be snatched away by someone else.
He had to keep an eye on his younger brother...
The moonlight was hazy, and a dark figure flew down from the eaves and tied the written note to a carrier pigeon.
*
The capital city, Huamanlou.
Seven young and beautiful maids, dressed scantily, stood in a row to greet their master whom they would be serving that day.
Prince Pingkang, supporting his bulging belly, slowly passed by the group.
After glancing at him casually, she said quietly, "Ever since Gu Huaisheng became a cripple, your eye for talent has gotten worse and worse."
The guards were terrified, exchanging bewildered glances, not daring to utter a sound.
A eunuch-looking eunuch spoke up: "Your Highness, these are all beauties newly presented by the flower and bird envoys from various regions. If you don't like them, we'll go and get another batch."
"Alright, I didn't come here to see beauties today." Prince Pingkang casually pointed to a few girls, "You, you, and you..."
"Come and serve me."
"yes."
Ever since the previous emperor's obsession with Liubo (a board game) ruined the country, the late emperor ordered a ban on this activity among the common people.
Little did people know that while Hua Man Lou was ostensibly the largest brothel in the capital, it secretly served as a gambling and entertainment venue for high-ranking officials and nobles.
Prince Pingkang lifted his robe and sat down, displaying great generosity, "One hundred taels."
The game of Liubo is very simple: throw six chopsticks and move six pieces. Throw the chopsticks first, then move the pieces.
About an hour after an incense stick has burned, the game of chess has been decided, and the Prince of Pingkang's expression changed slightly.
He lost all one hundred taels of silver, leaving not a single coin.
"Bad luck, let's try again!" He then waved his hand and said, "Five hundred taels."
Soon, the five hundred taels were all lost.
The Prince of Pingkang was furious and slammed his fat hand down: "How dare you play tricks on me?"
"Oh, Your Highness, what are you saying?" The shopkeeper hurriedly stepped in to smooth things over, trying to appease this distinguished guest. "Perhaps you're just having a bad day. If Your Highness is tired of playing, why not try something different and take a look at the private room next door?"
"Speaking of which, we recently got a new gadget here..."
After hearing the shopkeeper's whisper, Prince Pingkang's expression softened slightly. He exhaled a few breaths and asked, "Really?"
"Of course I would not dare to deceive Your Highness."
As they were talking, the group was taken to the next room.
As they passed the corner of the corridor, the last maid paused and dropped the handkerchief in her hand.
Hidden in the shadows, Guan Nan picked up the handkerchief and turned to walk towards the secret room on the second floor.
In the secret room, Gu Yun Shen leaned back lazily in his chair and peeled a grape.
A pure white homing pigeon flapped its wings and landed on the back of his hand.
He gently stroked the pigeon's head feathers and removed the letter tube from its leg.
The letter arrived last night from Yidong.
After skimming through it, the letter in his hand was instantly crushed into dust.
"So quickly, the rabbit has already been coveted."
He let out a very low chuckle, wiped his hands, and picked up another grape.
So sour.
It doesn't taste good at all.
The sweet, soft feeling of that afternoon came back to mind again...
That is the sweetest thing in the world.
Gu Yunshen raised an eyebrow slightly, somewhat surprised that this thing was not at all shy.
Curious, he crouched down and stroked the kitten's head.
The kitten's dark pupils reflected the boy's handsome face, then it rolled over and affectionately rubbed its belly against his palm.
"You do resemble your master quite a bit."
The kitten twisted even more violently.
Gu Yunshen didn't know why Yu Wenxue liked small animals until he rubbed the back of her head that day and realized that the furry feel was indeed comforting.
No wonder she liked it; he was extremely pleased as a result.
But how can a kitten compare to her for petting?
Guan Nan stood at the door, feeling that the scene was unexpectedly eerie, and cautiously said, "Young Master, it's a success."
Gu Yun Shen hummed in agreement and continued to tease the kitten's belly.
A cat's belly is very soft, but it has little fur, and its body feels quite different from its head.
As soon as he touches it, it squirms and makes gurgling noises.
I wonder if Yu Wenxue would make that sound if I touched her belly...
Just thinking about it is interesting.
Guan Nan touched his arm, still confused by his young master's smile.
When did he start liking animals?
"Didn't you hate furry, squeaky things the most?" Gu Yun Shen said seriously, "Hurry up, don't wait too long, or what if the rabbit gets lost?"
"Yes." Guan Nan scratched his chin, looking completely bewildered.
They're playing charades with him again.
The young master was clearly teasing the cat, so where did the rabbit come from?
Gu Yun Shen smiled, picked up the little white cat with satisfaction, and swaggered out of the secret room.
"Let's go to the blacksmith's shop."
Look, is his custom-made gold chain finished yet?
*
On a beautiful, sunny day, Yunjin Academy officially opened for the new semester.
Lin Qingwan sat on the veranda, her eyebrows curved, patiently embroidering patterns on her wedding dress.
According to the tradition of this dynasty, it is considered auspicious for the bride to embroider her wedding dress herself.
However, daughters of wealthy families often entrusted their embroidery to the embroiderers in the mansion, and then added a few symbolic strokes to show their care. It was rare to see someone like Lin Qingwan who did everything herself, which shows how much she valued her marriage.
After finishing embroidering the eyes of the mandarin ducks, Lin Qingwan handed the wedding dress to Yu Wenxue and asked expectantly, "How is it?"
Yu Wenxue looked at it carefully and finally said affirmatively, "Very good, but slightly inferior to mine."
Lin Qingwan was amused by her appearance and gently tapped her forehead: "When will Wenxue embroider a wedding dress for herself?"
"Me?" Yu Wenxue was slightly taken aback, then shook her head: "I'm not getting married."
Lin Qingwan didn't expose her, but blinked her eyes and drawled, "Then the Second Young Master will be heartbroken~"
"What does it have to do with him..." Yu Wenxue was afraid that she would continue to tease her, so she quickly changed the subject and said, "The Dragon Boat Festival is coming soon, why don't you teach me how to braid longevity threads?"
"OK."
Lin Qingwan carefully put away her wedding dress and took out a handful of colorful silk threads from the embroidery basket.
The two girls squeezed onto a bench and chatted for the entire morning without realizing it.
The sun was shining brightly outside. As soon as Gu Rongting entered the courtyard, he saw such a harmonious and beautiful scene and couldn't help but stop in his tracks.
This is what a family should be like.
Gu Rongting smiled and was about to speak when he heard a sound like firecrackers.
"I have to say, this place is really hard to find. You've come all the way to open a school in this desolate wilderness?"
It was none other than Fan Zhuo.
Yu Wenxue was struck dumb. Following the sound, she saw Fan Zhuo followed by five or six servants carrying in two large boxes.
Wei Heng came running up, panting, looking embarrassed: "Sorry, there were too many of them, I couldn't stop them."
Gu Rongting: "What does Young Master Fan mean by this?"
Fan Zhuo, hands on hips, said, "Proposing marriage? Can't you tell?"
Yu Wenxue's eyelids twitched.
What a classic plot of a domineering CEO meeting a naive girl!
Gu Rongting was on high alert. Why was one person not enough? Someone else wanted to take his cousin away?
He almost couldn't hide the disgust on his face, but he maintained his composure and asked politely, "Whom does the young master wish to propose to?"
Fan Zhuo reached out his hand behind him: "Xiao Hua!"
Yu Wenxue: "......"
Is it too late to play dead now?
She gave Lin Qingwan a look and tiptoed back.
Fan Zhuo quickly said "Hey!" several times, "Wait a minute, don't go... Ah!"
Suddenly, a stone hit my buttock, and it hurt even more than the last time I was hit. I even managed to squeeze out a few tears.
He clutched his aggrieved backside and angrily shouted, "Who, who hit me?"
The servants all shook their heads, indicating they knew nothing about it.
Yu Wenxue hid in her room and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
This childish behavior is more like Gu Yun Shen; only he would be so vindictive.
However, perhaps she was overthinking it. How could Gu Yun Shen possibly be here?
As she laughed, her lips drooped again, and she inexplicably recalled that afternoon's kiss.
She did it to save someone, but what about him?
She shook her head to stop thinking about it, sat down at the table, and began to weave a longevity thread, just like she had during the day.
A few cooing sounds came from outside the window.
I opened the window, and a carrier pigeon flew in.
With a nervous heart, Yu Wenxue removed the letter tied to the pigeon's leg.
It's very short, just one sentence:
Happy birthday.
Who will remember her birthday?
Yu Wenxue peeked out and saw a box of moderate size on the windowsill.
The exterior is sculpted with a cat, the outline of which is very similar to the one she left in the capital.
It's obvious who it is without even having to guess.
She opened it excitedly, her eyes and brows beaming with joy.
Inside was a cat-shaped pen holder and a pink cloth bag.
The pen rest is made entirely of white porcelain, and even the small tuft of yellow hair on its head is almost identical, clearly modeled after Wen Yu.
Yu Wenxue's mind stirred.
While walking, he accidentally dropped the cloth bag on the ground, revealing a bit of its golden edge.
It is a gold chain with a hidden mechanism.
......
The climate in eastern Yunnan is hot, and people start consuming iced drinks as early as the end of April.
Fan Zhuo strolled casually down the street, holding a bowl of freshly bought ice cream.
The servant following beside him respectfully asked, "Young master, are we really going to the academy now to wait for them to come to us?"
"Go? Why not go?" Fan Zhuo swallowed a large mouthful of food and wiped his mouth. "Hasn't Xiao Hua agreed to marry me yet?"
The servant looked troubled: "Young master, even if you're angry with the master, you can't treat marriage like a game..."
"I'm serious!" Fan Zhuo pounded his chest and stamped his feet, seemingly very dissatisfied with his words.
"Besides, that old man wants me to marry that shrew; she could knock me down with one punch!"
"This, this... how can you call the master 'old thing'..."
"What are you afraid of? You screamed too, didn't you?"
The servants were on the verge of tears.
Suddenly, a gust of cold wind swept by and overturned the spoon in the ice bowl.
The servant couldn't help but shrink back: "Young master, let's go back to the manor to rest."
"Look at you, so cowardly." Fan Zhuo scoffed, then placed the ice bowl in the servant's hands, cracked his neck, and gestured, "Step back behind me, let me do it!"
The two walked forward, carrying lanterns.
Soon, another gust of wind blew by, extinguishing the lanterns in their hands.
"That's strange," Fan Zhuo murmured. "It was sunny during the day, so why is the wind so strong at night?"
The servant was terrified and clung to Fan Zhuo's arm, refusing to let go, his voice trembling: "Young Master, what should we do now? Should we turn back the way we came?"
"You're so easily frightened by a gust of wind? Don't ever mention that you're from the Fan family again."
"But......"
"If you're afraid, go back by yourself."
The servants fell silent.
If you walk straight along this road, you'll reach Yunjin Academy in less than a mile. Fan Zhuo plans to stay here and find Xiaohua to propose marriage as soon as it's light tomorrow.
A short while later, a white ghostly figure floated past the two of them.
Fan Zhuo rubbed his eyes, and when he looked again, the white figure had already disappeared.
Just as I was about to walk forward, my ankle was tightly wrapped around someone.
He kicked hard, but there was nothing beneath his feet.
The servant was so frightened that he wet himself, tears and snot streaming down his face. He wiped his dirty face and cried out, "Young master, don't go any further! This mountain is full of yin energy; it must be haunted!"
"You look like a ghost! You'd scare even the most wicked person out of their wits!"
Before he could finish speaking, he was patted on the back by a hand.
Fan Zhuo frowned: "Don't touch me."
"I...I didn't touch it..."
Looking down, he saw the servant curled up on the ground, making it impossible for him to touch his shoulder.
Fan Zhuo swallowed hard, even his most resolute mind had to waver, his eyes darting around uncertainly, "Alright, let's go back tonight, we'll come back tomorrow morning."
Turning around, the light, white ghostly figure flew past them again.
"ah!"
Now I have no choice but to believe it.
Fan Zhuo immediately collapsed to the ground, completely losing his composure.
The master and servant huddled together, trembling uncontrollably.
"Quick, let's go..."
The next morning, Gu Rongting announced the good news in high spirits.
"Fan Zhuo was terrified and refused to come no matter what. He insisted that our academy was haunted and that he had encountered some evil spirit last night."
Lin Qingwan frowned slightly: "Haunted?"
Gu Rongting: "I don't know the specifics, but in short, he said he would never bother my cousin at the academy again."
Whether there are ghosts or not, he doesn't know, but no one can break up their family.
No, there's someone else in the way.
Gu Rongting glanced at Wei Heng, who was tending to the flowers and plants in the courtyard, and narrowed his eyes.
Yu Wenxue kept her head down and focused on eating, but her eyes kept darting around.
Her sixth sense told her that this matter was most likely related to Gu Yun Shen.
But he was thousands of miles away, so how could he get the news so quickly? Doesn't that prove that he had been keeping an eye on him all along?
Thinking about the gold chain she received last night, she was so angry that she ate two extra bowls of rice.
But then again, even Lin Qingwan didn't know her birthday, so how did Gu Yunshen know...?
Never mind, one thing at a time. If she accepted someone's gift, she should reciprocate.
Meanwhile, at the Hall of Diligent Governance.
"You unfilial son!" The Emperor was furious. He threw the memorial impeaching Prince Pingkang in his face and scolded him, "Since we returned from the spring hunt, there have been countless memorials impeaching you, yet you still show no remorse and have even set your sights on my concubines!"
Prince Pingkang prostrated himself on the ground, his face flushed an unnatural red. "I beg Father Emperor's forgiveness! Your son knows his mistake."
The crown prince coughed a few times and, supported by others, stepped forward to advise, "To know one's mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue. Father, please don't hold it against my second brother... cough... cough."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's expression softened slightly. Without even glancing at Prince Pingkang, he waved his hand and said, "Your health is not good. I still intend to send someone else to handle the Longxi war."
"Although I am physically weak, I am very familiar with the defenses along the Longxi border. Even if I do not go to the front lines, it will be good for me."
The Crown Prince showed no emotion on his face and said calmly, "There is one more thing. On this trip, I plan to take the second son of the Gu family with me. He is both literate and martial, and extremely perceptive. He is a rare talent."
The emperor narrowed his eyes and refused without much thought: "No."
A hint of doubt flashed in the prince's usually calm eyes.
Then the Emperor added, "There are many talented people in the court who can lead troops into battle. What ability can a mere boy have?"
"Has Father Emperor ever seen him?"
The Emperor rubbed his temples, not answering his question: "I am tired. We will discuss this matter later. You may all leave."
Prince Pingkang was overjoyed and was about to express his gratitude when he was hit in the face by an imperial edict.
"He is confined to his residence for three months and may not leave the residence unless it is for an essential matter."
"Your subject obeys."
The Crown Prince was helped out of the palace gate, and as he passed by the Prince of Pingkang, a faint smile appeared on his lips.
Prince Pingkang rose with a disheveled look on his face, spat on the ground, and, completely lacking the dignity of a royal nobleman, cursed, "A sickly fellow like him dares to fight me? I wonder if he even has the life to survive!"
The eunuch beside him quickly chimed in, "His Highness the Crown Prince is weak and sickly, and the Third Prince is too young and incapable. The only one who can ascend to the throne is you."
These words pleased Prince Pingkang greatly, and he raised his eyebrows: "She's just a woman, who cares about Consort Zhou or Consort Yao? Once Father Emperor dies, won't they all be mine?"
"Your Highness is right."
Prince Pingkang straightened his clothes, the fire within him still burning, threatening to ignite a wildfire.
"Go to Huamanlou."
*
The moon was high in the sky, and silvery-white light shone on the hazy gauze curtains.
Yu Wenxue carefully arranged the longevity thread she had woven and entrusted Gu Rongting to send it back to the capital.
I wonder if this round trip will be able to deliver the longevity thread to Gu Yun Shen before the Dragon Boat Festival.
Anyway, she's already given it to him, so he can't use it to cause trouble when he comes back!
Lin Qingwan and Gu Rongting's wedding was scheduled for the Mid-Autumn Festival in August. During this time, she was busy handling the affairs of the academy and preparing for the wedding in her spare time. She was so tired that she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow every day.
She will be able to complete the task soon.
Then I can do whatever I want!
After taking a bath, she lay in bed and snuggled into bed, falling asleep peacefully.
[System: Main Quest One: Please find a kissing partner within thirty days.]
Yu Wenxue was having trouble breathing.
Author's Note: Daughter: Oh no, it's my turn now [frightened]
To avoid making going to work or school too painful for some kids (I absolutely don't mean to criticize me, just a friend of mine, um, definitely not me [crying emoji]), I'm doing a double update today [praise emoji][praise emoji]
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