Chapter 22 022 Cousin Qingli
Meng Qingshan knew she was unwell. While she was resting, she got into the carriage. Jiang Zhao and Jiang Yue got out of the carriage without being told. He raised his hand and placed it on her forehead. The dry, rough touch brought a slight pain. He put it down after a couple of breaths, looked up at her, and asked, "Are you still feeling unwell?"
The terror of the dream still chilled her to the bone, but seeing how casually he spoke of it, as if she were the only one filled with grief and indignation, a surge of anger welled up in her mind, and she retorted without any politeness, "I also owe it to my brother for allowing me to return to my old home."
The sarcastic tone made him pause, his brows furrowing tightly, his gaze sharpening as he scrutinized her for a moment before continuing in a gentle tone, "If you are unwell, you can see Mr. Li immediately. You cannot enter for another ten days..."
A buzzing sound annoyed her, and she interrupted him before he could finish, saying, "Brother, if you have nothing else to say, please leave. We are powerless and helpless. How you deal with us is entirely up to you."
The carriage fell silent. His face visibly darkened, and his eyes narrowed. The savage glint in his eyes almost made her breathless. It was clear that he was completely enraged, but she was already annoyed and met his gaze without flinching.
Meng Qingshan felt his breath quicken. Seeing her eyes wide open, he chuckled inwardly. He suddenly stepped forward, his calloused hand pressing against her stiff neck. Before she could retreat, his gaze swept over her face inch by inch.
Her heart pounded instantly, and the rapid pulse in her neck was clearly felt through his fingers.
He was dressed in a dark brocade robe with subtle embroidery of water patterns. The cuffs brushed against her skin, causing a slight shiver. His broad frame looked down at her, giving her a clear view of his strong neck and powerful muscles, like a wild beast that had finally torn away its gentle facade, eager to devour her, its prey.
Just as she was about to beg for mercy, the large hand behind her suddenly released her grip, and she quickly retreated. When she looked again, he had already lifted the curtain and stepped out of the carriage.
She leaned against the car wall, panting heavily. Waves of lingering fear washed over her. The distance between them had been too close, so close that she could see intense anger and possessiveness in his brown eyes.
Jiang Yue and Jiang Zhao came in and exchanged a glance at her pale face. General Meng's dark and murderous look just now was truly terrifying. He must have been angry with Miss. Jiang Yue refilled a cup of hot tea and she slowly took it. The warmth from her fingertips immediately spread throughout her body.
She snapped out of her daze, dismissing the strange feeling, and had only one thought: she really shouldn't have confronted him head-on.
Seeing the young lady's expression, Jiang Zhao started a conversation, saying, "Miss, there's an extra carriage at the back of our group, and it's a master and servant couple."
Qingli hadn't noticed, could this be the important matter he was talking about? She asked, "Do you know who it is?"
Jiang Zhao shook her head. "I was down there for too short a time to ask around. But Granny Cheng is in the carriage behind. I'll go find Granny Cheng and give her my report next time we have a break."
Qingli paused. Was Jiang Zhao implying that her argument with Meng Qingshan was too short? If it had gone on longer, she probably wouldn't have survived. Just thinking about how he was about to devour her made her shudder.
Li Qingwu sat slumped on the carriage, fanning herself with a round fan. Chun Ya, standing beside her, was fanning herself with a palm-leaf fan. The round fan was pretty, and the palm-leaf fan created a breeze, so she wanted both.
Li Qingwu kept in mind the words of discipline her mother had told her the night before. Worried that her cousin would come looking for her, she put on her emerald green dress, spread out the hem, and sat upright. But after walking for half a day, her back felt like it was broken and she could no longer stand up. Every now and then, she would ask Chun Ya to sit on the carriage shaft to see what her cousin was busy with.
Her cousin didn't see it, but he discovered some shocking news. She immediately snatched the palm-leaf fan, stared at Chun Ya, and asked, "Say it again!"
"I heard that there is a young lady staying in the carriage ahead. She came back from the border with General Meng."
"Do you know their name, appearance, and what they look like?"
Chun Ya knew nothing when asked, and was immediately hit on the head with a palm-leaf fan. She dodged left and right. Li Qingwu, having vented her anger enough, said angrily, "I don't know where this wretched hussy came from. After the carriage stops, I must go and see what kind of monster she is."
"My cousin is handsome and has a bright future. We can't let her ruin his reputation."
"My aunt wouldn't allow it either."
Finally, as if she had convinced herself, she calmed down.
When she finally had a chance to approach the carriage in front, it was already seven days later when they arrived at the post station on the outskirts of the capital. Li Qingwu hurriedly got off the carriage and squeezed to the side of the carriage in front, intending to get a clear look.
A cool breeze wafted from the lifted carriage curtain onto her flushed cheeks, bringing her a sense of comfort. Inside, there were gold, silver, jade, pearls, and brocade. The woman surrounded by servants wore a moon-white gauze dress embroidered with silver lotus flowers, and a jade bracelet on her wrist. The jade bracelet was a deep, vibrant green, the same kind of jade she had only ever seen on the wife of a prefect, and even that was less than a tenth the quality of hers.
The thought that these all belonged to her cousin made her unable to suppress her jealousy any longer.
She pretended to stumble and fell on top of the woman, knocking her veil off her head, wanting to see where this enchantress came from.
Qingli's eyes lit up, and she instinctively caught the person in front of her. Looking down, she saw the woman's mouth agape, as if she had seen a ghost. She stood up from her and backed away, her fingers pointing at her, trembling as she repeatedly said, "You...you..."
Beneath her slender, willow-leaf eyebrows were a pair of phoenix eyes. Qing Li knew who she was at a glance, but she also mocked her, saying that Meng Qingshan's important matter was actually her. Her adoptive mother used to like Li Qingwu the most and jokingly said that she should grow up to be her daughter-in-law.
It seems the adoptive mother is about to get her wish.
Girls change a lot as they grow up; the dark-skinned little girl has become a pretty young lady. Suddenly, she felt a tightness in her chest and snorted. Meng Qingshan, with his eyes looking up to the sky, how could he distinguish between beauty and ugliness?!
She glanced at Meng Qingshan not far away. It had been many days since they had last seen each other after their argument. He was dressed in a black brocade robe and stood in front of the post station chief. He was as handsome as a bamboo stalk. After changing out of his military uniform, he lost the roughness of a warrior and exuded a strange attraction.
Suddenly, an indescribable tightness made her irritable. She took the veiled hat that Jiang Zhao had picked up and put it back on, walking past Li Qingwu without looking to the side.
Whether it's Li Qingwu or Wang Qingwu, once they're in the capital, they'll find an inn to stay in, find an opportunity to look for their grandfather, and then it'll be none of their business anymore. Thinking this way, the turbulent thoughts in their hearts gradually calmed down.
Li Qingwu remained leaning against Chun Ya, her hand gripping Chun Ya tightly. Chun Ya grinned, not daring to utter a sound. The immense panic made her feel unreal. How did she come back? How did her cousin find her? Did her aunt know? She nervously strode forward, wanting to repeat her old trick and reveal her true colors to everyone.
Jealousy and fear had already caused Li Qingwu to lose her composure.
Granny Cheng, however, remained wary of her, her large body blocking her way, preventing her from getting close.
A group of people came down the stairs, all dressed in dark blue close-fitting clothes, covered in dust, presumably just resting and changing horses. Just as the man passed by, the leader stopped, looked him over, and called out, "General Meng."
Meng Qingshan turned around, took two steps forward, and bowed, saying, "Fourth Prince."
Ling Zizhan called out to someone, but didn't know what to say. Touching the women behind him, he pretended to be natural and said, "The new mansion is lush with green leaves and deep courtyards. General Meng has made great achievements over the years, and it is time for the whole family to be reunited."
Meng Qingshan gave Qingli a deep look, then turned around and explained with a barely perceptible blush, "Fourth Prince, you are joking. My widowed mother only had me as her son and was busy with military affairs. This time, she specially returned to her hometown to bring her cousin to the mansion to fulfill her filial duties on my behalf."
Qingli was taken aback. Before she could think further, she saw that the Fourth Prince was looking over. Li Qingwu, who was standing beside her, felt awkward and didn't know what to do. When she met Meng Qingshan's gaze, she had no choice but to bow and say, "Qingli greets the Fourth Prince."
Li Qingwu shuddered and came to her senses. She hated her for being so obsequious, but she imitated her. "Qingwu greets the Fourth Prince."
The post station on the outskirts of the capital was not the same as the one in Taiyuan Prefecture. Officials who had come to the capital to report on their missions, as well as officials who had received orders from various places, were all watching the scene in the hall and knew that the famous General Meng had brought his two cousins back to the capital.
Some people envied it, and others were curious about it.
Ling Zizhan had important business to attend to, so he only exchanged a few words of pleasantries before riding away.
At this moment, the post station was like a boiling pot. Many officials, whether they were going to or leaving the capital, all wanted to go up and chat with the new nobleman. Meng Qingshan, who had not been so patient for a long time, agreed and repeated the fourth prince's words.
Li Qingwu was stunned by the scene before her, so Qingli had no choice but to agree reluctantly. Everyone praised General Meng for his family's profound learning and manners, seeing that she spoke gently and politely, was very well-mannered and knew how to behave appropriately.
Through the thin veil, she could see the faint smile on his face, his features sharp and deep, and his inherent noble air, making him truly captivating.
She was completely unaware that from this moment on, General Meng's name, along with the two cousins he had brought back, had spread throughout the capital.
After resting at the post station for one night, the next day, before the sun was high in the sky, Meng Qingshan led his carriage back to the newly bestowed residence, located in Yong'an Lane, two lanes away from the palace. The residence belonged to a prince of the previous dynasty. That prince was extravagant and indulgent, and loved to enjoy life. He ordered skilled craftsmen to build a courtyard garden covering hundreds of acres with multiple lanes and four courtyards, in the style of Jiangnan.
A few years ago, the site was divided and renovated into three mansions by the Works Department, and they are still grand mansions that are rarely seen.
Inside, the garden features green tiles and red eaves, pavilions, ponds, springs, rocks, and trees. Although it was only Meng's mother who managed it all, the flowers were still fresh and the plants were lush and vibrant, even under the quiet shade of the windows. On this hot summer day, it felt cool and pleasant.
Meng's mother had been waiting at the door for a long time. Seeing her son return unharmed, tears streamed down her face. She clung tightly to Meng Qingshan's arm, afraid of losing contact with him again. Tears streamed down her cheeks and into her mouth, tasting bitter. She murmured, "My son..."
Meng Qingshan glanced at the carriage. The horse stamped its hooves restlessly, causing the two small bamboo lanterns by the door to sway slightly. The red tassels beneath them swayed, making his heart itch slightly. Knowing that she was inside just a door away, he lowered his eyes and slowly called out the words that his mother had been waiting for, "Mother, are you alright?"
Mencius' mother was already sobbing uncontrollably.
Inside the carriage, Qingli felt uneasy, listening to her own pounding heartbeat. Her face was pale. She had actually arranged to say goodbye to Meng Qingshan last night, but unexpectedly, a note was thrown into the room in the middle of the night.
"I have recovered from my illness, and my situation is not noteworthy. I have gone into hiding, and we are all doing well. We will meet again when the opportunity arises."
She recognized it as her grandfather's handwriting, but she couldn't figure out what went wrong or why her grandfather was being noticed. She wondered why the person who delivered the letter, who had found her room, didn't show up and explain.
The last time they communicated, she had Wang Da find a bodyguard from Taiyuan Prefecture to write a secret letter detailing all the details and send it to the capital by express horse. They had also arranged a meeting method. However, unexpected twists and turns occurred. Nevertheless, her grandfather's recovery was a blessing in disguise, which calmed her uneasy heart a little.
As long as everything is alright, there will always be a chance to meet again, she comforted herself, and exhaled a long breath.
Since her grandfather's men were able to find her, she could simply wait patiently.
Unfortunately, I've become entangled with him again, which is a real headache and a difficult situation.
The initial fear subsided, but a wave of panic washed over me.
All she could hear was her adoptive mother praising Li Qingwu. She hadn't seen her adoptive mother for five years. Years ago, her adoptive mother watched her leave the courtyard. When she struggled and begged for help, her adoptive mother stared at her coldly for a moment, seemingly relieved yet regretful. She hurriedly took out a jade pendant from her bosom and threw it at her, whispering a few words in her ear. The buzzing sound made her momentarily confused, and in her daze, the sedan curtain fell.
Now that they are separated by a door, the situation will be completely different when they meet again.
Suddenly, a sense of inferiority and resentment welled up in her heart, leaving her momentarily powerless. Her hands clenched tightly together, her fingertips turning bluish-white, and her breathing became irregular due to the sounds outside.
After the pleasantries were over, the servants below knelt down and bowed in unison to pay their respects to the master of this illustrious general's mansion. Meng Qingshan's imposing presence and the chilling aura he exuded from battles silently intimidated the servants, who knelt on both sides to welcome their master back to the mansion.
With a gleam in her eyes, Meng's mother held Meng Qingshan's hand in one hand and Li Qingwu's hand in the other, secretly sighing that the days of hardship had finally come to an end. She walked forward, but unexpectedly, neither of them moved. She turned back and looked at them in confusion.
Li Qingwu had a thousand words to say, but unfortunately, she couldn't express them all in one sentence. Although she was dazzled by the wealth of the general's mansion, she thought that if she married her cousin, she would also be a general's wife who would be at the beck and call of servants. With silks and satins, gold hairpins and jade hairpins in the house, there would be no room for her. Suddenly, her mind cleared up. When her aunt looked at her, she stood there frozen, wanting to say something but unable to, and looked helplessly at her cousin.
Meng Qingshan kept looking at the carriage and found that it was still motionless. His brows furrowed tightly. He strode towards the carriage. The coachman had already left. He opened the carriage door and looked at her sitting inside.
The rising sun cast its light on the two beads of sweat that had spilled from Qingli's forehead, shimmering with golden light. A gentle breeze stirred their breaths together, and the faint fragrance emanating from her body intensified with the heat, even staining the hem of his dry clothes.
His nose twitched slightly, and he lowered his gaze, noticing that her skirt was wrinkled above her knees, with her clasped hands resting on it, the skin showing where they had been pressed together, looking quite pitiful.
Qingli was caught in a mental struggle, her eyelashes fluttering incessantly. She was truly unsure how to face Meng's mother—whether to condemn her, remain indifferent, or simply let things go. Her mind was a jumbled mess, and she couldn't come to a conclusion.
She regretted it; she really shouldn't have gotten entangled with him like this.
The distance suddenly closed, startling her. Before she could react, he grabbed her wrist and abruptly pulled her out of the carriage. The light was already scorching, making her flinch slightly. But it seemed that this action had provoked him, as a fierce aura erupted from him. When she looked up, his sharp gaze was fixed on her, as if piercing her heart and clearly declaring that she had nowhere to escape.
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