Chapter 45 Exclusive 26 She waited for him for a long time, and...
Zhang Ruoling lowered her eyes, folded the handkerchief and placed it on the table. Her voice was as soft as raindrops falling on water. "As long as you don't tell me what's on your mind, I won't ask. It's getting late, and you have to go to the palace for duty early tomorrow morning. Let's rest first."
Chen Jinxing reached out and gathered the loose hair around her ears. His fingertips brushed her earlobe and he looked at her slender white neck. Somehow, he thought of the red mark on Chen Jinshi's neck, and then he thought of Am's lips.
He said nothing more, merely holding her hand, his fingertips gently stroking her knuckles. The silence in the room made this moment of tenderness all the more genuine, and it seemed that his former life of conformity had been nothing wrong.
He leaned over and picked up Zhang by the waist. Zhang Ruoling was startled and subconsciously reached out to grab his collar. The tips of her ears instantly turned red, and her voice trembled a little: "You...what are you doing?"
Chen Jinxing looked down at her, then walked steadily towards the inner room. He snorted coldly, "Do you know how much trouble Shi Ge'er and the others caused? Don't you think things between us are too gentle?"
Zhang Ruoling was momentarily startled by his blunt words, her cheeks flushing. Chen Jinxing had always been too gentle, even his posture wouldn't change.
She lowered her eyes, not daring to look at him, and said in a voice as thin as a mosquito: "They are them, and we are us."
He placed her on the couch, his shadow covering her entire body. His tone was somewhat hoarse and inexplicable. "The difference is, they only dare to do it secretly, but we can make a noise so that everyone can hear it."
Zhang Ruoling shrank back, looking up into his deep, unfathomable eyes, her heartbeat getting even more frantic. She opened her mouth, but he grasped her chin and gently lifted it up.
Chen Ying lay on the bed. It was normal for her to feel uncomfortable sleeping in the new house. She tossed and turned several times, and thought about the fact that she had been sleeping with Chen Jinshi for several days in a row.
She'd fallen asleep to the sound of his heartbeat. His presence was so overwhelming that even when they were simply hugging each other, he felt like he could push into her at any moment. She had no resistance to him, ever since he was a child. He hugged her when he wanted to, rewarded her when he wanted to, rewarded her when he wanted to, and she left when he wanted to, and she returned when he pulled her back.
Fortunately, he didn't need milk when he was a child, so he was already very big when she came.
She turned over, facing the wall, and tried to suppress her chaotic thoughts.
The burning sensation of him pressing against the door panel still lingered on her skin, and she could still smell the unique heat of a young man on the side of her neck.
She turned over and lay flat on her back, breathing softly. He could easily occupy all of her, both her mind and body.
Their first taste of love was a lifelong bond. Even if they lived far apart, whenever she thought of him, she would always recall the moment he thrust into her. She would savor that moment over and over again, as her reward for him and his devotion to her.
She was obsessed with his strong, young body, his fearlessness and reckless vitality, and the contradiction between his pleading and dominance.
She closed her eyes, a soft sigh escaping her throat unconsciously. Every touch was like the affection and desire entangled in her bones and blood.
The strength with which he gripped her wrist was so clear, his whole body was like a burning fire. Young people are naturally impatient, and his breathing was heavy and deep in the crook of her neck.
When I stepped into this house on the first day of the new year today, I didn’t feel it was small at all. It was just enough for my family to live in, until the sound coming from the main room came clearly into my ears.
Chen Ying opened her eyes and, in the quiet of the night, heard it very clearly.
She sighed, fearing an even harder night to sleep. She felt a sense of daze. Chen Jinxing had always been a well-behaved man, and he knew the mansion was small, so why would he…
But then again, he and Chen Jinshi are brothers after all. One is bold enough to do anything, so why would the other care about these things?
She simply covered herself with the quilt and fell asleep. Just as she was thinking about it, there were two light knocks on the window frame, and a very light "Ah" came in through the gap.
Her whole body stiffened, her fingertips twisting the quilt. Apart from Chen Jinshi, no one would knock on her window so late at night.
"Chen Ying, I know you are not asleep." The voice outside the window was very soft.
She didn't lock the door. She didn't know why Chen Jinshi learned the word "politeness" tonight.
"Come in and don't make any noise." She covered her head and her voice came out muffled from under the quilt.
Moonlight immediately poured in. He was wearing a plain white shirt with his chest wide open and his hair scattered on his shoulders. He came in quietly and closed the door behind him.
She heard him come and sit down beside her bed, get into her bed very skillfully, and put his arm around her waist.
Chen Ying was embraced by his warm arms, and the tension in her body instantly relaxed a lot. His strong chest pressed against her back, and his chin rested on her neck, quickly wrapping her up tightly with warmth.
She turned around, and her lips were instantly clamped. He stretched out an arm to wrap around her, supporting her body, and pressed down with his lips and teeth. She hugged his neck, and her fingertips climbed tightly onto his shoulders, telling him of her desire. A soft cry escaped from her throat, just like a dead tree coming back to life, her wish came true. She had been waiting for him for a long time, and he came at the right time. Everything was so perfect and natural.
Chen Jinshi received her joy and happiness, her expectation and desire. The movements between his lips and teeth became more urgent, and he gasped softly in his throat: "Amu, Amu..."
His trembling hand brushed across her shoulder, easily stripping off her soft nightgown. The boy's body heat enveloped her like a warm stove, and Chen Ying loved the feeling of being enveloped like this. Her hand, which had been climbing over his shoulder, slowly slid down, her fingertips brushing against his open chest. When she touched his muscular chest, he stiffened, then held her tighter in his arms. His lips moved away from hers, and with a suppressed sigh, he gently bit her earlobe.
Chen Ying closed her eyes, gently pinched his skin with her fingertips, and a soft moan escaped from her throat.
She knew she had to restrain herself tonight. This was their first night back home, and if they couldn't separate tonight, how could they ever separate again? Her body was always more honest than her mind. She craved his warmth and warmth, accustomed to getting what she wanted.
All the restraint and entanglement became natural under his touch.
Chen Jinshi was well aware of her compliments, and his movements grew gentler. He gathered the scattered hair from her cheeks, his fingertips brushing against the corners of her reddened eyes. His voice was soft as a whisper, "Chen Ying, this is destined. We're entangled together. It's fate, and we can't escape it." She shuddered, her fingertips digging deep into the muscles of his upper arms. He raised his hand and covered her open lips, her head tilted back, to prevent a whimper from escaping.
The wind started blowing outside the window, causing the curtains to sway slightly. Chen Jinshi lowered his head, almost touching her ear. The noise coming from the main room had stopped at some point, and the rustling sound here seemed even louder.
She had no choice but to hold him tightly. Only by being inseparable could they prevent the violent opening and closing of their bodies. Their vigorous energy was carefully restrained, yet it was used to the utmost. Chen Ying didn't know why, but in this restraint, she was completely immersed in the crushing.
His breath fell on her skin, holding her waist firmly, she trembled all over, her chin rested on his shoulder, and her arms hugged him with all her strength. Only in this way could they melt into each other's bones and blood in the most restrained range and achieve perfection.
The sound of the wind gradually died down, leaving only the sound of breathing in the room. He knew when to reach out and cover her lips. He always had some foresight.
Chen Ying's teeth rubbed against his palm, leaving a trail of saliva. He paid no mind. He inserted a finger, and she bit it gently, the damp heat that enveloped it making his heart tremble. His breathing became ragged for a few breaths, and he lowered his head, brushing his nose against her sweat-soaked temples. He chuckled softly, a sigh of satisfaction in his voice: "Go ahead and bite me." Otherwise, she would bite her lower lip tightly.
Chen Jinshi suddenly felt that this mansion was too small, but looking at the person in his arms, he thought that being small also had its advantages.
Chen Ying just felt that tonight was not the right time. The moonlight outside the window had shifted its position, shining through the curtains onto the edge of the bed, casting a blurry and lingering shadow of the two people.
When the sky was just getting light, a faint light came in from the window, illuminating the tent in a dim light.
Chen Jinshi gently removed his arm from around her waist and slowly sat up. Seeing her open her eyes, his voice was still hoarse from just waking up: "Awake?"
Chen Ying didn't respond, just said "hmm" softly.
She pushed him up and said, "Go back to your room first, otherwise they will see you not in the room later."
Chen Jinshi leaned over to kiss her, but she gently avoided him. He then tucked the quilt in for her, his eyes sweeping over the fading red mark on her neck. His Adam's apple moved, and he just squeezed her hand before getting up.
Chen Ying lay still, the warmth of his kiss still lingering on the tip of her ear. There were gradually noises outside the window; someone must have gotten up.
She turned over and looked out the window. Chen Jinshi had just finished dressing. He quietly pushed the door open, glanced at her, and then left. Chen Ying propped herself up on the couch, feeling a slight soreness at the base of her legs. She lowered her head to adjust her collar, covering the scar on her neck, then stood up and opened the window, letting the cold wind in and hit her cheeks.
Chen Jinxing had left home long before dawn and took a carriage to the palace.
After a while, the crowded house gradually became lively. The servants got up from their work and gathered in the main room, waiting for the grandmother to get up to discuss matters.
After all, Zhang Ruoling is the daughter of a wealthy and respectable merchant family in Jinling, and her housekeeping skills are better than Chen Ying's.
Seeing the commotion in the main room, Chen Ying was standing by the window in a daze. Chen Jinshi had changed into a brocade robe and had his hair tied up neatly. He walked over from the west wing to meet her in front of all the servants in the mansion.
Three or two maids bowed and greeted him: "Hello, Second Master."
He walked past them and headed straight towards her. He stopped at her door and bowed: "Greetings to Mother. Mother, are you up yet? Did you get a good rest last night?"
Chen Ying took a deep breath, walked to the door, opened it, and the bright sunlight poured in, reflecting on her amber pupils. She frowned and said lightly: "Well, I rested well."
She didn't let him in, but just told him, "After you have breakfast, go and study."
He bowed: "Yes, Am."
He was about to leave openly when he saw the red mark on her neck and said, "Mom, it's cold today. You'd better put on a big fur cloak before going out."
After saying that, he turned and left. Chen Ying stroked her neck, went back to her room, combed her hair, changed her clothes, and walked towards the main room.
Zhang Ruoling was waiting for her. "Mom, you're here just in time. We just moved here and there are so many things to do at home. I'm so busy that I'm exhausted. I'm really sorry to bother you."
Chen Ying walked into the main room. Zhang Ruoling was sitting at an eight-immortal table with a blue cloth-covered account book spread out in front of her. She ordered the maid, "Bring a pot of pre-rain Longjing tea. Mom likes to drink that in the morning."
Chen Ying sat down at the table, her eyes sweeping over the account books and several pieces of paper covered with words on the table. The words recorded the daily necessities and the monthly wages of the servants. The handwriting was neat and beautiful. Several maids in charge of the hall were already standing there.
She picked up the teacup and glanced at Zhang Ruoling. The sounds of last night kept ringing in her ears, making her feel uncomfortable.
Zhang Ruoling rambled on, "There are now twelve servants in the mansion. Back in Jinling, it was just enough to keep us busy, but here, the house seems so overcrowded."
Chen Ying put down the teacup and said slowly, "This house is so small. The kitchen, woodshed, and servants' quarters are all squeezed together. Isn't it really crowded? If you find it inconvenient, just count the extra people and make do with them through the winter before letting them go."
"I thought so too." Zhang Ruoling nodded immediately and picked up the wolf hair brush to write two strokes on the paper. She was careful and considerate in her work and could have taken care of the housework by herself, but there were still "elders" at home, and there were some decisions that she had to ask before taking any action. This was her etiquette.
After settling these, Zhang Ruoling put down her pen and stood up with a smile. "Since Mom thinks it's feasible, let's just do it. Today, Jinyun is up, so let's go to the market first. It's always better to go to the market early, right? My winter clothes and quilts at home were too heavy to bring here, so let's go shopping today."
The two of them had a simple breakfast, and then took Chen Jinyun and two strong maids and got on a carriage to the streets of the capital.
Zhang Ruoling lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and whispered, "Although the place we live in is small, it's not far from the Imperial City. Jinxing will go to the palace to take up his post, and the carriage will reach Taihe Gate in half an hour."
Chen Ying followed her gaze and vaguely saw the towering palace walls and flying eaves in the distance, majestic in the morning mist.
She had come to Jinling from Loufan, and it was her first time entering the prosperous place of flowers and willows. She was shocked with everything, and the majesty of the capital was even more shocking. She had never thought that she would be able to set foot here in her lifetime.
But she also couldn't help but think of some past events. This was where her mother grew up. Therefore, when she rode in a carriage through these roads, she always felt a special feeling in her heart.
Zhang Ruoling added, "Our house is in Jinguanfang on West Street, which is a fairly remote area in the capital. Firstly, it's close to the imperial city, and secondly, most of the people living in the area are the wives of officials. We can live here with peace of mind."
"Yeah." Chen Ying responded lightly.
Zhang Ruoling pointed to the stretches of blue bricks and gray tiles across the street and said, "Look over there. I heard that officials above the fourth rank can live in courtyards with three entrances and three exits. Those are where the assistant ministers, censors, and the like live." As she spoke, her face showed longing.
Chen Ying smiled and said, "You understand a lot."
Zhang Ruoling smiled, stuck out her tongue, and said shyly, "Jinxing told me everything."
After she finished speaking, she carefully looked at Chen Ying and continued, "I heard that Am has some friendship with the young master of the Xie family. The Xie family doesn't live here. They live a little further ahead in a large house that occupies an entire street."
Chen Ying paused as she held the heater. She hadn't thought about Xie Qingyue for a long time. She wondered how he was doing in the North.
Whenever I think of him, my mind is inevitably filled with the words he said before he left.
She suppressed the turmoil in her heart and explained, "We have some friendship, but it's not too deep."
Zhang Ruoling saw that she didn't want to discuss the matter further, so she tactfully changed the subject. "Jinyun, your brother and I have discussed this. In two years, when you reach the age of marriage, we'll find a way to send you to the Beijing Flower Viewing Banquet. You can make some good friends there, and then... you can also meet some friends your age in Beijing."
Chen Ying stroked Chen Jinyun's head and said softly, "Time flies so fast. In the blink of an eye, Jinyun has grown up."
Chen Jinyun snuggled in Shen Ying's palm and nodded to Zhang Ruoling: "Thank you, sister-in-law."
Zhang Ruoling smiled and said, "I'll make you the most fashionable skirt and the most beautiful headpiece. I guarantee that our Jinyun will look better than anyone else when she goes out."
Chen Jinyun blushed and snuggled into Chen Ying's arms. Chen Ying's fingertips gently brushed Chen Jinyun's hair and whispered, "Yes, it's time to look forward to it. When the time comes, Am will also prepare a gift for you. What do you want? Talk to Am first."
Chen Jinyun's eyes suddenly lit up, not because of the gift, but because of: "Am, you won't leave?"
Chen Ying was stunned. It was not that she didn't want to leave, but she hadn't thought about leaving for a long time. It was difficult for her to remind herself over and over again that she would have to leave sooner or later.
As they were talking, the carriage gradually slowed down, and the maid outside reported: "Miss Chen, Madam, we are now at Jinxiu Street, and the cloth shop is just around the corner."
Zhang Ruoling pressed the corner of her lips with a handkerchief and changed the subject: "Get out of the car quickly."
The two were helped out of the car by the maid. Chen Ying stepped down. The street was bustling with people. Zhang Ruoling had already gone to inquire about the prices of fabrics in the capital.
When Chen Ying looked up, she saw a huge and imposing signboard of "Shen's Pharmacy" across the street.
She was stunned. She didn't expect to meet him so early.
The pharmacy was also crowded with people coming and going in gorgeous clothes. The shop assistants all had a dignified demeanor and looked down on people.
As she looked into the store, it was hard not to wonder if she might run into her maternal grandfather or uncles here. Unfortunately, she had never seen them before, and even if they stood face to face, she wouldn't recognize them.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Chen Jinyun pulled her sleeve, bringing her back to her senses.
Chen Ying took a deep breath, suppressed the emotions surging in her heart, and forced a smile: "It's nothing, go in quickly and pick out the fabric you like."
Chen Jinyun nodded "yes", but looked at the sign of Shen's Pharmacy, then looked at Am, and it was not difficult to think of something.
She put her hand into Chen Ying's palm and asked her to hold her hand.
"Amu, come in and pick one too."
In the evening, the three of them returned to Chen's house, dragging a carriage full of things.
Several maids came up to unload the goods. Chen Ying sat in the living room. Zhang Ruoling made her some tea. "Mom, take a rest first. You must be tired today."
Chen Ying took the teacup and felt a little tired. She looked at Chen Jinyun who was happily helping to move the cloth in the courtyard and smiled, "It's not tiring at all. Look how happy Jinyun is."
Zhang Ruoling sat down beside her, followed her gaze, and couldn't help laughing: "The light pink one is for Jinyun to make a coat, and I think the aqua green one suits you best."
Chen Ying paused as she held the teacup: "Such a crisp color is best worn by little girls."
Zhang Ruoling said, "Mom, you have fair skin and broad bones. Only you can pull off that aqua color. It doesn't look voluptuous, but still manages to look dignified. If you don't want to make it into a coat, you can make it into pajamas or panties."
Chen Ying wanted to refuse, but Zhang Ruoling persuaded her repeatedly. She couldn't refuse it, so she nodded and told someone to take it and do it.
As he was speaking, the sound of a carriage was heard outside the door, and two people came to the door to announce that they had arrived, showing a sense of family atmosphere.
Chen Jinxing walked in wearing a dark blue official robe, with a cold air all over his body. His steps made a rustling sound, but his face did not look good.
He bowed to Chen Ying first: "Amu'an, did your shopping go smoothly today?"
Zhang Ruoling quickly stood up and went to greet him, taking the cloak he had taken off, and asked the maid to bring hot tea: "Everything is fine, we bought a lot of things, Jinyun likes them very much, and Am also picked out the right ones."
Chen Jinxing followed her gaze and looked at Chen Ying. His eyes lingered on her face for a moment before he said, "Winter in Beijing is much colder than in Nanjing. It's better to prepare more clothes."
Chen Ying didn't care about anything else and just asked him, "Did your duty at the palace go well today? I'm afraid the masters in the palace are not easy to serve."
Chen Jinxing rubbed his fingertips along the rim of the cup for a moment, his brows slightly furrowed. "No one in the palace wants to embarrass a mere court judge like me. However, there's one colleague among my colleagues who's particularly harsh and arrogant. I'm new here, so it's difficult to deal with him."
As he spoke, he looked up at Chen Ying.
At first, Chen Ying didn't understand why he was looking at her. Logically speaking, Chen Jinxing should have been capable enough to deal with these things in the officialdom. It was just a matter of time.
He lowered his eyes and drank a sip of hot tea, and she suddenly understood something.
The Shen family pharmacy has a deep presence in Beijing, so it is quite normal for some of the family members to work in the Imperial Medical Bureau.
"Shen Zhongli is one level higher than me, and is considered my superior. He is highly trusted by the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, and he also has a family background. Seeing that I was appointed by the Empress Dowager, he is quite scrutinizing me and always makes things difficult for me."
Zhang Ruoling, listening from the side, quickly said, "Perhaps he's just a strict person and isn't targeting you. You're new at the Imperial Hospital, so just be careful and don't take it personally."
"I hope so." Chen Jinxing put down his teacup. "After just a little inquiry, I know that the Shen family is extremely difficult to get along with. They are all arrogant and look down on others. I can't help but overthink it. They have deep roots. If they deliberately dislike me, I'm afraid it will be difficult to deal with."
Chen Ying didn't answer, but she knew what Chen Jinxing meant.
If the two families resolve their misunderstandings, they will eventually become one family.
If there is such a relationship and Chen Jinxing doesn't think of using it, then he would be stupid.
But Chen Ying couldn't help but think that if it were Chen Jinshi, even if he was pushed to the extreme, he would not come back to beg her to take a step forward.
But there was nothing to think about. The two brothers were different. Chen Jinshi was too extreme in his approach and didn't know how to be tactful, which was actually bad. Just asking for help would make things much easier, so why not do it?
However, Chen Ying originally didn't want to recognize her maternal grandparents.
Zhang Ruoling was unaware of the implications of this, but felt sorry for her husband. She quickly said, "I'll have the kitchen get up early tomorrow and prepare some hot porridge and pastries for you. Take them with you to the palace so you don't have to work on an empty stomach. If you're truly too busy, find an excuse to push it off. You can't let them treat you like a cow."
Chen Ying looked at the two of them looking at each other and was about to say something when Chen Jinshi came in from outside.
He walked over to Chen Ying, sat down straight, leaned his back against the chair, casually put his arms on the edge of the chair, and raised his chin slightly, as if he was the master of this family.
"Brother, are you bothering Emu about this?"
Chen Ying's face darkened, and she looked at Chen Jinshi coldly: "We are talking about business, go read your book!"
Chen Jinshi didn't get up, but tapped his fingertips lightly on the armrest. He said casually, "Brother, I'll do this for you. I'll wait for him at the gate of the Imperial Hospital tomorrow. If he tries to make things difficult for you again, I'll beat him up until he's convinced."
"How dare you!" Chen Jinxing slammed the table. "Don't think you're fearless. The Imperial Palace is a place where you can't do anything foolish!"
Chen Ying also glared at him: "Chen Jinshi, Shen Zhongli is my uncle." Her mother's younger brother.
Chen Jinshi was startled, and the corners of his mouth curled up: "It's my uncle, Mom, why didn't you tell me earlier."
Chen Jinxing stood up with a tired look on his face. "I've already dealt with this matter. I mentioned it to Am today just to let her know. There are many ways to resolve this matter, but I don't want to cause any conflict with the Shen family, so I can't help but speculate a little more. Chen Jinshi, please calm down."
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