Chapter 124: The Crossdressing Plan
The two did not return to their respective homes. On the one hand, it was still undecided who would act as bait, and on the other hand, Madam Wang still had things to say to Xie Huailing.
Honestly, judging from her attitude, Xie Huailing couldn't tell whether Wang Lianhua was marrying her or she was marrying Wang Lianhua. However, she hadn't thought about this issue in detail. Her stomach wasn't healthy enough because she didn't like to eat, so it was better not to make things worse.
In conclusion, the two of them went to Wang Yunmeng's mansion without saying a word on the way, and Wang Lianhua did not bother her again. This is enough to show that her last words had indeed caused real injuries, and no matter how Wang Gongzi tried to deny it, he could not deny it.
What made Wang Lianhua's heart even more devastated was that, after returning to the towering palace, Wang Yunmeng unexpectedly met Xie Huailing first. Her feelings for her own son were perhaps only slightly deeper than Xie Huailing's for him, but even that was like trying to ignite a fire in winter. According to the maid's report, Wang Yunmeng told Wang Lianhua to wait outside until she finished talking with Xie Huailing before going in.
In this situation, Wang Lianhua was truly disheartened. He genuinely respected and loved Wang Yunmeng, but what could he do? He might even get a scolding today, a scene that would surely bring tears to anyone's eyes and sadden anyone who witnessed it—or so it might seem.
Xie Huailing left Wang Lianhua at the door and went inside himself.
After Wang Yunmeng took her hand and said "I'll treat you like half a daughter," her attitude truly softened, and she looked at her with exceptional kindness, asking how the "Tianyun Five-Flower Cotton" was doing and whether the letter to Su Mengzhen had been sent. Xie Huailing feigned composure and dealt with this insincere behavior, only perking up when Wang Yunmeng mentioned Wang Lianhua at the end.
“I didn’t take good care of my child when he was little, and he’s grown up to be like this.” She knew about the resentment between Xie Huailing and Wang Lianhua, but she didn’t expect Xie Huailing to be more lenient. Perhaps it was because she, as a mother, had never been lenient with Wang Lianhua. “If there’s anything you can’t get along with him, just do it. He’ll listen to you on his own.”
Cold and heartless, that's all there is to it. Even at this point, she still doesn't want to take care of Wang Lianhua herself. Wang Yunmeng continued, "When he was little, I didn't allow him to go out. It seems like he spent all his time in his bedroom looking in the mirror. Although he later learned how to please girls, he wasn't a very good person, and I know that too."
Then she smiled gently, with boundless kindness, as if spring flowers were blooming before her eyes: "Alright, I know you still have something to say to him, go to his room and wait for him."
After saying that, she didn't care about her son's privacy and had someone take Xie Huailing away.
Wang Lianhua was still standing there outside the door, seemingly understanding that his mother's call wouldn't bring good news. He was like a green sapling carrying a hint of worry, requiring great concentration to discern his subtle unease. Flowers easily fall at dusk, always inexplicably reminding one of his name. Did the person who named him love him, or was he destined to lack something, which was reflected in his name? These were all things that couldn't be explained, and no one would dwell on them.
Xie Huailing would never tell him that she hadn't said anything bad about him; it was Wang Yunmeng who felt his progress was slow. She wouldn't think it was a good thing, but if he did, then so be it. Compared to wasting breath trying to clarify things, was a little resentment really that much more important between them?
.
Flowers adorn the green window, moonlight shines through the soft curtains, the silk shadows are combed away, and the gauze wardrobe remains cool. This doesn't seem like a man's room; it evokes a subtle, intimate atmosphere, more like a woman's room. But if its owner is named Wang Lianhua, Xie Huailing wouldn't find it strange.
The maid closed the door, shutting out laughter and chatter outside. Wang Yunmeng told her to make herself at home, and Xie Huailing actually started browsing Wang Lianhua's bookshelf. The first row was mostly filled with serious books and martial arts manuals, either Wudang sword techniques or Emei mental cultivation methods, interspersed with some military strategy readings. The next row had books of poems, all of which were worn down to the point of being folded at the corners and had been smoothed out, showing that he had put in a lot of effort.
But as she continued, the stories she found gradually strayed from the main subject, including excerpts from operas and vernacular stories—truly a complete collection. From the talented scholars and beautiful women of the Southern School to the enduringly popular stories of young success in Bianjing, it was a veritable feast for both the highbrow and the lowbrow. Xie Huailing even found "The Wandering Chronicles," most of which were books she had read countless times at the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion.
Not wanting to clash with Wang Lianhua's taste in books at all, Xie Huailing quickly stuffed the book back in, pretending that she hadn't seen anything.
As she shoved the item into the shelf, something behind it made a noise. She paused, moved to the shelf, and stretched out her arm, her sleeve nearly touching the floor. Luckily, her clean clothes, which she had changed out of, were free of dust. She easily retrieved the item from behind the shelf: a small, somewhat old bronze mirror. The surface was far from smooth, and the indelible stains hinted at whose past remained.
Xie Huailing recognized it at a glance; it was the mirror Wang Lianhua had used when she was a child.
It was well hidden, and she tried to stuff it back in, but just then the door opened, and the owner of the house, burdened with unbearable sorrow, closed the door behind him.
Why are you here?
"Ask your mother, I don't want to be here either."
Wang Lianhua didn't reply. He removed his disguise, revealing a face that showed considerable anxiety. He knew Wang Yunmeng wouldn't have any kind words for him; even if he hadn't done anything wrong, he would still have to kneel down if he interrupted. This young man was like a boat adrift in a rut, and he certainly wouldn't turn to his mother.
He was overwhelmed by the storms that had engulfed him, feeling weary and depressed. Suddenly, his palms began to itch uncontrollably.
Xie Huailing noticed this and, wanting to take advantage of the situation, sat on his bed. Instead of sitting properly, she propped herself up with her hands and lazily leaned back to look at him: "You look quite unhappy, but looking at me won't help. It's not like I'm the one who asked you to get scolded. If I'm going to sleep with you tonight, you can go find your own blanket."
Wang Lianhua laughed. At dawn and dusk, when they couldn't stand each other, the smoke and fire of the sunset made it a perfect time to settle scores and put an end to everything.
He shouldn't have acted out at this time, but it's not unusual for a dashing and carefree young man to do as he pleases. And then, the most pleasing face of the woman before him, a beauty as exquisite as jade, hanging beneath his crimson bed curtains, was like a flower by the water; water at dawn and dusk is still water.
Wang Lianhua had almost forgotten why he initially decided to provoke Xie Huailing, even putting aside his important matters to provoke her.
"Why bother looking for a blanket? It's pointless."
Wang Lianhua stepped forward, placing a few fingers on Xie Huailing's shoulder and gently pressing them down. The bedroom, meant for sleeping, had transformed into a scene of passion. He moved closer to Xie Huailing's collar, intending to place his hand on her neck, his intent already intense.
His head also lowered, and at this moment he was happy, wanting to see the clouds and rain, to cherish kindness and dew. Xie Huailing, however, did not back down. She seemed to never learn to be afraid, even in the tomb passage, she was indifferent, the gloom of the ancient tomb was not her color.
"So what color should it be?" Wang Lianhua wondered. In fact, that was the same question he had been pondering from the beginning.
The remaining distance was so close that even the word "foot" didn't seem appropriate. Wang Lianhua exhaled and smiled again. But strangely, Xie Huailing didn't resist. She suddenly leaned forward and rested her chin on Wang Lianhua's shoulder—this was the closest they could get.
She was very cold, that was Wang Lianhua's first feeling; at this moment he was very happy, even though he hated her, he was happy, and if only she could have a different soul, that was Wang Lianhua's second feeling.
The third sensation was pain, so intense that he felt powerless; the pain seemed to pierce through him.
Before he completely collapsed, Xie Huailing gave him a forceful push, causing him to tumble to the side beside her. Her dress was still stained with blood, which was to be expected; at such close range, any hidden weapon would inevitably leave some blood.
There was no smell of blood; the warm, ambiguous fragrance in the room overwhelmed everything else. Xie Huailing leaned to the side, her turn to half-press on Wang Lianhua: "You're really something, your 'Tianyun Five-Flower Cotton'."
A slender silver needle was inserted into Wang Lianhua's abdomen. She then pulled it out, and the young master let out a short groan.
He couldn't resist; all he had left was the strength to speak. Who knew what Xie Huailing had smeared on the silver needles? He could only grit his teeth, humiliated by being outmaneuvered once again. The resentment he harbored for "Tianyun Wuhua Mian" was all in his eyes. His earlier restraint in teasing Xie Huailing instantly melted away. Clouds and rain? Where were the clouds and rain now?
Looking at him, Xie Huailing figured out what the sugar Situ Bian had boiled was for. It was probably a family heirloom medicine. Since it wasn't poisonous, it was exactly what she wanted.
She got up, then her knees were on the bed, kneeling beside Wang Lianhua. Maintaining this position, she moved her other knee to his other side. She was practically sitting on him.
As she pressed her hand against the wound, Wang Lianhua groaned suddenly, her face turning deathly pale. She placed her hand on her unusually beautiful face, which was now resting in her palm.
Her features were sculpted by a radiant glow, her warmth seeping into them as well. Under the crimson shadows, the beauty was breathtaking, and looking at him was like gazing into a dream. If only this face could be replaced by someone else.
Xie Huailing couldn't help but think this, and raised her hand to touch her hairpin.
With a quick swift movement, she removed several hairpins, and her long, flowing black hair was draped over her shoulders. She said, "What was Young Master Wang trying to do just now? Was he trying to get closer to me? Well, I also want to get closer to Young Master Wang. Could you give me a chance?"
Without any intention of asking questions, she put down her hairpin and immediately grabbed Wang Lianhua's collar.
This was the first time in his life he had experienced such an ordeal, how could he not feel ashamed? Wang Lianhua gritted his teeth, yet still managed a beautiful smile, as exquisite as a painting, radiant with every hue: "Good sister, since you want to be close, why restrain me? I'll do the work."
“That won’t do.” Xie Huailing refused decisively. “The intimacy I’m talking about is not the same as your intimacy. What I’m thinking is that inviting Young Master Wang to try on my clothes is the most intimate thing in the world. Anyway, you’re not that much taller than me.”
Wang Lianhua understood her meaning, but he hadn't expected her to persist. Moreover, the insult about his height made him unable to continue the act any longer, and he felt an urge to bite her. Rather than reiterating that he would grow taller with age and was no longer short, he wanted to protect his masculine dignity and barked, "Xie Huailing!"
It was no use. Xie Huailing had already stripped off his outer robe, and even his inner garment was loosely torn off, before she went to take off her own outer robe.
Then... the door opened.
Bai Feifei, who had arranged to meet Xie Huailing at this house, heard from the maid that Xie Huailing had been in Wang Lianhua's room and things had gotten dark, fearing something was wrong. When she arrived, she heard Wang Lianhua shouting again and hurriedly kicked open the door.
And so she saw Xie Huailing lying on Wang Lianhua's chest, his clothes half-undone, his hair completely disheveled, his robes about to be undone. Seeing the young man she had subdued beneath her, his face contorted with resentment, he refused to give in. Yet, bound by deep affection and intoxicating fragrance, she could not relent, forcing them to continue their lovemaking until the night grew longer. This scene was like a pear blossom overshadowing a crabapple, snow-white petals vying for color. Even Bai Feifei, with her vast experience, was stunned, staring at the two of them.
Bai Feifei: "..."
Xie Huailing: "..."
Wang Lianhua: "..."
The silences of the three people each had their own meaning. Xie Huailing knew that Bai Feifei had misunderstood and thought that she was going to make a move on Wang Lianhua. She was about to explain and try to salvage the situation, but Bai Feifei didn't give her a chance and spoke first.
She scolded Xie Huailing with exasperation: "You didn't even lock the door?!"
Then she retreated, moving with the speed of a white ghost, or perhaps more accurately, a phantom. Giving no chance for anyone inside to react, she slammed the door shut with a strange tenderness and unwavering trust in Xie Huailing's far from noble character. The sound of the door locking from the inside followed. Truly, no one in the world could rival her as a best friend.
The one who was dumbfounded was Xie Huailing. She suddenly froze, staring at the closed door, not knowing where to begin her rant. Should she complain about why Bai Feifei had believed her "bold actions" so readily, or about Bai Feifei's reaction of scolding her for not locking the door...? If it was just being tolerant, wasn't that a bit too much? Did she really have to tolerate everything, even locking the door for her?
Xie Huailing was deeply moved and felt that she could not waste Bai Feifei's good intentions; she was determined to accomplish something.
Wang Lianhua blushed completely, his cheeks turning a deep red, like clouds of rosy hues that seemed to drift across snow. But he couldn't muster any strength, and because Xie Huailing was pressing on his wounds, he could only breathe intermittently, completely at Xie Huailing's mercy, at her mercy and torment. After regaining her senses, Xie Huailing even pressed his lips more forcefully, saying to him, "What should I do? I'm no longer innocent."
"You didn't have one to begin with!" Wang Lianhua really wanted to bite her, but as soon as she opened her mouth, another finger pressed down on her.
"I don't care, you have to pay me back. You absolutely have to wear my clothes." Xie Huailing looked down at him, sniffed, and smelled the incense on his body. He was more deserving of the word "beauty" than any woman. "By the way, what did you call me just now? What was the first part of my full name again? Say it again."
Wang Lianhua did not answer, remaining defiant to the death. However, Xie Huailing grabbed a hairpin and pressed it against his throat, leaving him no choice. He forced a smile, a smile that seemed shy, and forced out a deliberately drawn-out, sweet voice: "Okay, sister, sister."
Xie Huailing put down the hairpin, her movements nearly tearing his undergarment, revealing only a hazy glimpse of the boy's slender yet handsome figure. She patted his face and said, "That sounds good, I like it, keep going."
He turned his head away, but didn't shake off her hand. Xie Huailing lowered her body slightly, meeting his eyes that hated her so much they wanted to skin her alive, as if he wanted to grow another hand to tear her apart. But it was like a clear reflection in water. Their bedroom suddenly became like a porcelain cup, with an increasingly intense arrogance overflowing and swaying in the room, like a burst of fiery light.
In that instant, a sudden, surging echo reverberated, and his expression changed, making her realize that her eyes would likely be equally unforgiving. Resentment stripped away the skin of the first word, leaving the second, naked and seemingly submerged in a river. It shouldn't have been so heavy, but the echoes reverberated, the cool river water flowing gently by. He lay in the river, her hand naturally half-drenched in the water. The suffocating fragrance had vanished, and the warmth surging beneath the red veil was gone. Everything was clear; she seemed to have a different set of thoughts. In the river, she was a door.
The door rattled as the river water washed over it. The next moment, she was about to grab the hairpin and stab it into his chest, knowing that blood would immediately splatter and drag her down with him into death.
Xie Huailing gazed at his face.
But she didn't, and there was no river here. She pulled her hand away, and when she turned it over, there was a crisp sound.
Xie Huailing slapped his face with the back of her hand.
She said, "Why are you looking at me like that? Your life is so boring and pathetic. Shouldn't you be grateful to your older sister for showing you some pity?"
Then her fingers pressed back against his lips, probing deeper. Wang Lianhua's resistance was futile; he had no strength left. He only had energy left, enough to keep him breathing. His heart and face burned with pain as he clearly saw Xie Huailing's energy. The person he hated most, cloaked in his most beloved appearance, had triumphed. His heart and eyes were filled with loathing for her.
"Next time you come to hate your sister, remember that your sister 'likes' you, understand?"
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Gong Jiu: Who is truly happy for me?
This is still a chapter I'm afraid of being taken down.
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