Chapter 38 (First published on Jinjiang Literature City)
Chapter Thirty-Eight
After that night, Pei Zan did not come to the courtyard for several days in a row, whether due to busy official duties or some other reason.
The maids serving Lin Rong were uneasy, wondering what had happened between the two mistresses after the concubine fell out of favor.
Especially now that Pei Zan and Wu Nianzhen's wedding date has been set, in early winter of October, the mansion not only vacated the main courtyard, but also hired a skilled craftsman to make a set of cabinet furniture from precious fragrant wood.
Following his master's instructions, Uncle Feng presented the Wu family with elaborate gifts. When delivering the monetary gifts, wedding cakes, sacrificial animals, and delicacies, Uncle Feng deliberately avoided Lin Rong, fearing that she might be displeased.
Even when distributing money to the old women and maids in the mansion, Uncle Feng would secretly send someone to the front yard to give them a tip, not daring to get in Lin Rong's way.
But Lin Rong wasn't stupid. She had seen many servants' joyful expressions when they received rewards. As soon as she saw those maids carrying vegetables out of the courtyard and returning with beaming smiles, she could guess that they had received a lot of lucky money.
Lin Rong sighed when she thought about how she only had five taels and two mace of silver in her purse. If only she were just a servant, she might have received a few taels of silver as a reward.
Lin Rong couldn't leave the house and spent all her time holed up in the small courtyard, gazing absently at the floating clouds drifting in through the square courtyard.
Perhaps Uncle Feng knew that Lin Rong was really bored, so he specifically asked Pei Zan if it was possible to send an invitation to the Zheng family and ask Zheng Huiyin to come and visit Lin Rong.
After receiving permission, Zheng Huiyin paid a visit the next day.
Upon seeing Lin Rong for the first time, Zheng Huiyin was startled: "Rong'er, how come you've lost so much weight?!"
Lin Rong originally ate and drank well, and was plump and radiant. In addition, she had a beautiful figure with a curvaceous body, making her extremely attractive.
Now that her chin is more pointed, her dark, grape-like eyes appear even larger. Although she is still a beautiful woman, she has inexplicably gained a touch of melancholy.
Zheng Huiyin wondered if Lin Rong was unhappy because Pei Zan and Wu Nianzhen's wedding was approaching, which was why she looked so haggard.
Upon hearing Zheng Huiyin's words, Lin Rong casually came up with an excuse to gloss over the situation: "It's already early summer in June, it's hot, so I'm eating less and naturally I've lost weight."
Zheng Huiyin didn't want to bring up Lin Rong's painful past, so she didn't press the issue further. She simply replied vaguely, "Rong'er, how about I talk to Uncle Feng and ask him to take you out for a walk to cheer you up?"
In the past, Lin Rong would have been very happy to go out.
But after the last military banquet, she already understood that no matter how much she went out for a stroll, she would eventually return to this quiet and deserted little courtyard. So why add any more hope?
Lin Rong smiled and shook her head: "No, it's fine to sit in the courtyard... Sister Zheng, can I ask you for a favor?"
Ever since Pei Zan discovered that she had consigned the embroidery for sale, Lin Rong had given up any thoughts of making money in secret. Now, even when she asks Zheng Huiyin for help, she doesn't dare to ask for anything too outrageous, lest her sister be implicated.
Zheng Huiyin was not afraid to help Lin Rong. Her brother was a general under Pei Zan, and she had powerful backing, so she was not afraid of Pei Zan's attacks.
Zheng Huiyin said, "I said I treat you like a younger sister, so of course I'm willing to help you."
Lin Rong smiled sweetly: "Sister, take Sesame with you. If it wants to leave, let it go; if it doesn't, send it to the countryside. Don't let it stay here."
Zheng Huiyin knew that Sesame was the first horse Lin Rong had tamed, and it held a different meaning for Lin Rong. Why would she suddenly ask her to take it away?
“I don’t have many opportunities to go out horseback riding. Sesame has been with me all day, locked up in the stable. It’s so boring. Please do me a favor and take it with you, sister.”
Lin Rong pleaded repeatedly, and Zheng Huiyin no longer hesitated and readily agreed.
In the afternoon, Lin Rong gave Sesame a final bath.
Lin Rong was soaking wet from the splash of water. After drying the horse's mane, she hung a red silk tassel she had embroidered on the saddle, patted Sesame's head, and coaxed it, "Go with your older sister. If you stay here, I will only feel worse."
It's unclear whether Sesame understood, but at least when Zheng Huiyin led it away, Sesame didn't resist.
Seeing the person and horse walk out of the many hanging flower gates, a genuine smile finally appeared on Lin Rong's face.
Two days later, the Wu family sent over Xia Miao's hunting invitation from the mountains.
Lin Rong was not good at riding and archery and wanted to decline, but Uncle Feng said that it was an invitation specially sent by Wu Nianzhen, and it would be bad for Miss Wu's reputation if she didn't go.
When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. Lin Rong didn't refuse anymore. Like a puppet on a string, she let the old women bring her newly tailored summer clothes and foreign-style clothing, dressing her up as a clean and neat foreign girl.
Because it was early summer and the weather was a bit hot, Lin Rong didn't wear a padded jacket, but only a single-layered, narrow-sleeved, turned-down collar Western lotus patterned Hu-style robe, and on her feet, a pair of soft lambskin boots.
Perhaps seeing Lin Rong's bright and beautiful clothes, the maidservant had a unique idea: she wrapped her hair with persimmon-red ribbons, braided it into several lively little braids, and hung a red agate beaded silver chain on her forehead.
As she walked, Lin Rong's black hair flew high, its silver bells jingling, giving her the alluring air of a princess from a foreign vassal state.
Lin Rong glanced at the fish tank in the courtyard, which symbolized "prosperity and good fortune," and thought to herself: dressing up too nicely is not a good idea. What if Pei Zan sees her and thinks she's being neglected and is trying to curry favor? That would be embarrassing.
Lin Rong tentatively asked, "How about we take the hair accessory off?"
The maids were pleased with their own work and shook their heads repeatedly, saying, "Madam looks so beautiful!"
"Yes, yes, it's so beautiful!"
"Your Highness must outshine all the other beauties, otherwise Governor Pei will forget about you, and things will get difficult from now on..."
They were Lin Rong's maids, so of course they hoped that Lin Rong was well.
Before Lin Rong could even begin, Uncle Feng had already reported from outside the courtyard: "Miss Lin, hurry up, our master is waiting outside!"
Lin Rong was still somewhat afraid of Pei Zan, so she didn't dare to delay and quickly walked out of the courtyard gate dressed like this.
The guests attending this mountain hunting banquet included not only young masters and ladies from Luzhou, but also some officials and military officers.
For young men who admired young women, it was nothing more than a hunting feast for leisure. But for Pei Zan, it also meant demonstrating military strength, training troops, and inspecting his territory in front of local officials and military generals from the six prefectures.
This is the only way to deter those treacherous generals and traitors, and to warn them that even if they harbor disloyal intentions, they should not act rashly, lest they lose their heads.
Lin Rong saw the carriage protected by heavily armed soldiers in the distance. She gritted her teeth and climbed onto the carriage using a footstool.
The curtain was lifted, letting in a sliver of light into the carriage.
A handsome man in a black, narrow-sleeved riding outfit leaned against the car window, remaining silent.
Lin Rong was somewhat taken aback when she first saw Pei Zan wearing such a close-fitting outfit with narrow sleeves that accentuated a man's strong, muscular shoulders and back.
Soon, she lowered her eyes and sat in the far corner of the carriage.
The carriage soon set off, and the golden sunlight streamed into the carriage. As the thin gauze curtains trembled and shifted, the light and shadow fell on Pei Zan's cold face, flickering and changing with the bumpy journey.
Pei Zan remained silent, and Lin Rong, being rather oblivious, insisted on striking up a conversation.
She pretended to be mute, hooking her fingers around the sash of her clothes, turning it back and forth, and flipping the rope several times.
The atmosphere was unusually tense. Lin Rong dared not provoke Pei Zan and felt extremely uncomfortable the whole way, not even moving her bottom.
Two or three hours later, the carriage arrived at the foot of the mountain.
Pei Zan got off the carriage first, followed by his warhorse Mo Yu.
When Lin Rong stepped off the footstool, the man's dark eyes were cold as he glanced at her and asked, "Where's your scraggly horse?"
Lin Rong paused for a moment, then realized that Pei Zan had asked about sesame seeds.
Lin Rong gave a vague answer: "I gave it to Sister Zheng... I don't have time to ride it, it's useless to keep it in the mansion."
Pei Zan didn't ask too many questions. He took the reins with one arm, stepped onto the horse, and his movements were smooth and graceful, showing his heroic spirit.
"Lin Rong, come up here."
Lin Rong heard a cold, low call and looked up in surprise.
Pei Zan, riding his horse against the light, looked down at her and actually extended his hand.
Lin Rong was stunned.
The hunting party was crowded and noisy, and there was a chance of bumping into Wu Nianzhen. Lin Rong didn't have Pei Zan's thick skin, and she didn't want to ride a horse with him, so she changed the subject: "No need for the Grand Commander to trouble himself... I can ride a horse, I can ask the stable boy for a gentle mare."
"Lin Rong, don't make me say it a second time." Pei Zan's eyes were sinister, and his tone was unfriendly.
Lin Rong learned her lesson from the military tent and knew that disobeying Pei Zan would not end well.
She stopped resisting and placed her hand in the man's cool palm, letting him suddenly pull her into his arms.
Lin Rong settled down on the horse.
In an instant, a muscular, strong arm encircled Lin Rong's slender waist. The overwhelming heat unique to Pei Zan surged from the man's broad chest, so intensely aggressive that Lin Rong felt uneasy.
She carefully bent down, trying to get away from Pei Zan. Unexpectedly, the next moment Mo Yu took off running, mane flying, and Lin Rong, caught off guard, fell back into Pei Zan's arms in a sorry state.
The flowers, trees, and shrubs before him were like phantoms, left behind by Pei Zan. The fierce wind was like a knife, making Lin Rong's almond-shaped eyes sting and almost impossible to open.
Lin Rong's heart pounded wildly, her grip faltering. With nowhere to put her weight, she could only helplessly cling to Pei Zan's strong arm holding the reins... Lin Rong had never known that someone could ride a horse so wildly. No wonder Pei Zan was able to catch up with her so quickly when they were fleeing that day, even though he was more than ten miles away.
Once Mo Yu reached the mountaintop where they had already set up camp, Pei Zan finally slowed down his horse's pace.
Lin Rong was so frightened that she had difficulty breathing, was panting heavily, and was too exhausted to even speak.
Before Lin Rong could even offer a few polite words of praise for Pei Zan, a magnificent white horse suddenly galloped across the lawn in the distance.
"Commander Pei!" It was Wu Nianzhen's horse.
Wu Nianzhen caught up with the horse and greeted it happily.
Today, Wu Nianzhen also dressed in a smart riding outfit. She wore a beaded headdress, held a riding whip, and wore a scarlet riding outfit. She looked flamboyant, bright, and very lively.
Wu Nianzhen smiled and chatted, seemingly unconcerned that her fiancé was riding a horse with another woman in his arms. She looked up and greeted Lin Rong generously, "Sister Lin, it's been a long time."
Lin Rong nodded awkwardly: "Greetings, Third Miss."
Lin Rong had thorns growing on her buttocks, making her feel uncomfortable all over. She truly felt like a big stick separating lovers, wishing she could disappear into the ground and escape.
Just as Lin Rong kicked her leg, Pei Zan's long fingers gripped her slender waist tightly, pulling her back into his arms.
Lin Rong: "..."
Lin Rong had no choice but to stiffly sit back on her horse.
Fortunately, Wu Nianzhen showed no sign of distress. She simply looked at Pei Zan with admiration and asked shyly, "Governor Pei, your horsemanship is excellent. Would you mind taking the time to give me some pointers?"
Wu Nianzhen was Pei Zan's legal wife, so since she wanted someone to teach her horsemanship, Pei Zan naturally agreed.
Pei Zan did not refuse Wu Nianzhen in public. He dismounted nimbly and handed the reins to Lin Rong.
“I will give Miss Wu some pointers on riding skills. You can ride around the lake... Mo Yu can speak and will not throw you off the horse, so there is no need to be too afraid.”
Lin Rong nodded obediently, eager to leave as quickly as possible.
Mo Yu kicked its four hooves and carried Lin Rong away.
As she was leaving, Lin Rong inexplicably turned back and glanced at him.
In the vast mountains and forests, Pei Zan and Wu Nianzhen, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, stood facing each other.
In terms of looks alone, the two are an extremely well-matched couple.
After Lin Rong had run far away, Pei Zan withdrew his gaze, walked towards Wu Nianzhen, and asked her coldly, "What can't you do?"
Wu Nianzhen was an experienced horse rider; she simply wanted Pei Zan's company, which is why she made up the story of being a poor rider.
Wu Nianzhen hastily fabricated a question: "For some reason, every time I dismount, Pearl is always startled..."
Pearl is the name of this white horse.
Pei Zan stroked the riding whip in his hand: "Get on the horse and take a look."
Wu Nianzhen obediently climbed onto the horse's back.
As Wu Nianzhen walked past Pei Zan, she caught a whiff of an extremely elegant and antique sandalwood scent. Almost instantly, Wu Nianzhen suddenly remembered that Lin Rong had also had the same faint fragrance on her sleeves when she attended the banquet earlier.
To be able to use the same incense as Pei Zan, one must either be favored and be in charge of Pei Zan's personal clothing, or have an intimate relationship and share a bed with him every day.
For some reason, Wu Nianzhen felt a slight pang of sadness and a touch of inexplicable jealousy.
Wu Nianzhen glanced at Lin Rong in the distance for no apparent reason. Suddenly, she had a flash of inspiration. While demonstrating the dismounting action as instructed, Wu Nianzhen stepped into the wrong stirrup and deliberately fell towards Pei Zan.
Wu Nianzhen screamed, "Governor Pei, save me!"
However, upon hearing this, Pei Zan did not reach out to help, but instead strode away, only extending a horsewhip to press against Wu Nianzhen's back.
Wu Nianzhen was suspended in mid-air, slightly taken aback.
She intentionally wanted Pei Zan to be chivalrous, so that when she fell from her horse, he would hold her slender waist and embrace her...
Unexpectedly, Pei Zan, so oblivious to the situation, used a horsewhip to gently push her back onto the horse.
Wu Nianzhen's lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to speak but hesitated.
Before Wu Nianzhen could even offer her pitiful complaints, Pei Zan had already cast a cold glance at her, giving her a meaningful look.
A moment later, Wu Nianzhen heard Pei Zan speak, uttering a sentence that sent chills down her spine.
“Miss Wu, I’ll spare you some face since this is your first offense… Don’t ever try such petty tricks on me again.”
Author's Note: This isn't a story about palace intrigue, but I won't spoil it, take your time~ This isn't a tragic ending~ [Let me see]
This is Sunday's update~
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