Chapter 22 Is my cousin's wife planning to... divorce my cousin?
Just as her hand was about to touch his chest, Mingwu suddenly stopped, bit her tongue hard, and the sharp pain instantly brought her back to her senses.
She abruptly withdrew her hand.
She assumed she had been bewitched by his good looks again. She cursed herself inwardly for not attending.
Lu Yuan did not stop her, but stared intently at Ming Wu with his dark eyes that could see through people's hearts, as if he wanted to see through her soul.
Suddenly, he chuckled softly, the sound particularly clear in the quiet room.
“Awu.”
His breath brushed against her trembling lips, falling like a declaration.
"You can't escape."
Lu Yuan's deep voice echoed in the quiet room, each word like a brand, burning into Ming Wu's heart.
Mingwu's heart tightened suddenly, and a chilling sensation instantly shot up her spine to her scalp.
Did he... figure something out?
Those unfathomable black eyes seemed to see through all her hidden thoughts.
Alarm bells rang in Mingwu's heart, and her nails almost dug into her palms as she barely managed to suppress the panic surging in her eyes. When she looked up again, her expression was one of perfect weakness and submission.
"Your Excellency is too kind. As the lady of the Prime Minister's residence, I naturally reside here."
Her fingers gripped the bedding tightly, the fine brocade quilt crumpled in her palms.
Having been married for over half a year, she had a fairly good understanding of Lu Yuan. On the surface, he appeared upright and honest, but in reality, he was domineering and intolerant of disobedience.
It's like those stories from popular novels: "I'd rather betray the world than let anyone betray me."
If he found out she wanted to escape, he would lock her up. This wasn't because he couldn't bear to part with her, and it had nothing to do with love.
Instead, he regarded her as his possession.
Even if he didn't love her, he couldn't tolerate her escaping his control.
Lu Yuan did not respond.
He simply looked down at her quietly.
The air seemed to be gripped tightly by an invisible hand. Even the flickering candlelight froze for a moment, casting only two faint points of light in his deep eyes.
It is bottomless.
"Knock knock..." The extremely soft knocking broke the deathly silence.
"Your Excellency, the Imperial Physician has arrived." It was Xu Ming's deliberately lowered voice coming from outside the door.
Lu Yuan finally looked away from Ming Wu's face, and the invisible pressure that had been gripping her dissipated.
He straightened up, his tall figure moving away from the edge of the bed, bringing with him a cool breeze that brushed against Mingwu's exposed skin.
Mingwu exhaled a barely audible breath, her tense nerves relaxing slightly, as if a drowning person had finally been able to briefly surface and breathe.
"Come in."
Lu Yuan's voice returned to its usual clear and cold tone, without the slightest ripple.
The scarlet gauze curtains were drawn again, separating the two worlds.
Through the hazy gaps in the gauze curtain, Mingwu watched as the Imperial Physician, bowing low, cautiously entered. Behind him followed a young apprentice carrying a medicine chest, his head bowed.
Lu Yuan's voice came through the gauze curtain: "Take the lady's pulse carefully."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
The Imperial Physician immediately responded and sat down on the small stool that Chunnan had brought. He then placed a silk handkerchief over Mingwu's wrist, which was sticking out of the tent.
My fingertips immediately touched the pulse.
After a long while, the Imperial Physician finally withdrew his hand, stood up, and bowed deeply in the direction of Lu Yuan.
Before he could speak, Lu Yuan gave him a look, and the Imperial Physician fell silent, bowing as he followed him to the outer room.
Mingwu watched the figure disappear behind the door, then lowered her eyes.
Huan Chunnan brought warm water, wiped her body briefly, and then fell into a deep sleep.
While half asleep, Mingwu sensed that someone was watching her.
She suddenly opened her eyes.
The tent was dimly lit, with the cool moonlight filtering through the crimson gauze curtains and casting a hazy glow on the floor. A tall figure stood before the bed, almost blending into the shadows.
It's Lu Yuan.
By the dim light, Mingwu could see what he looked like.
His long, dark hair was casually tied up, with water still dripping from the ends. Water droplets rolled down his firm jawline and disappeared into the depths of his open shirt.
He was only loosely draped in a dark nightgown, the belt tied carelessly, the collar wide open, revealing a large expanse of his muscular chest and well-defined collarbones.
Her pale skin gleamed like jade in the dim light.
With each breath, the air rose and fell slightly, carrying the warm, damp scent of a post-bath shower, a stark contrast to the cool air around them.
Didn't he leave? Why is he back?
And what is he trying to do by staring at her like that without saying a word?!
Mingwu was instantly wide awake, her heart leaping into her throat.
She quietly shrank to the inside of the bed, secretly pulling out the sharpest gold hairpin from her hair and clutching it tightly in her sweaty palm.
He asked in a cold voice, "What are you doing here?"
Lu Yuan did not answer, but slowly bent down.
His tall figure loomed down, casting a shadow that completely enveloped her.
The cool, agarwood scent mixed with the fresh fragrance of soapberry instantly and forcefully filled the small tent space.
His open shirt was only inches away from hers, and his warm chest was almost touching hers.
A drop of water slid down his wet temple, along the chiseled lines of his jaw, and stopped just at the sharp tip of his chin, trembling precariously.
"despair"
Water droplets fell, landing squarely on Mingwu's exposed neck.
It sent a shiver through her body; the subtle tingling sensation felt like an electric current carrying a hook, instantly coursing through her limbs and bones.
That familiar, uncontrollable tingling sensation surged up again.
Mingwu gritted her teeth, trying her best to restrain herself.
Her knuckles turned white from gripping the gold hairpin so tightly, and her fingertips were icy cold. Her whole body was tense, like a fully drawn bow.
It is so fragile that it seems as if it will break at any moment.
If he dared... she would definitely...
Lu Yuan said matter-of-factly, "Of course I'm here to sleep."
"no!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Yuan's hand reached into the blankets.
He moved so fast that Mingwu didn't even have time to react.
Hot fingertips brushed lightly against the soft flesh of her waist through the thin silk nightgown. A strong tingling sensation exploded from her tailbone, rushing to the top of her head, almost making her whimper uncontrollably.
Immediately afterwards, his palm was empty.
The gold hairpin, soaked with sweat, had been easily snatched away by Lu Yuan.
He held it between his fingers and glanced at it casually.
"This hairpin is a bit old. I'll have someone send some new ones tomorrow."
Having said that, he casually tossed the hairpin out of the tent, where it landed on the carpet with a thud.
Mingwu could only watch helplessly as her only "weapon" was gone.
Lu Yuan's dark eyes fell on her slightly flushed face, which was filled with shock and anger, and a hint of doting affection unconsciously appeared on his lips, a smile that even he himself did not realize.
"Madam, have you forgotten that this is the East Courtyard?"
Mingwu choked, then struggled to get up: "Then I'll walk by myself."
Lu Yuan's eyes suddenly darkened.
Does she really not want to be with me?
Of course, he was also aware that he had brought this outcome upon himself.
He sighed almost inaudibly, raised his hand, and easily pressed Mingwu back into the brocade quilt.
"You're not fully recovered, so you shouldn't move around. Don't worry, I won't touch you."
After saying that, he slowly straightened up, lay properly on the outside, and closed his eyes.
He wasn't covered by a blanket, and because of his earlier movements, the already loose belt of his nightgown had come undone completely.
Mingwu only needed to turn her head slightly to see that large expanse of cold white in the dim light.
She quickly averted her gaze, hastily turning her back to him. She froze, too afraid to move.
The night was quiet, and the water drain on the low cabinet was dripping.
The moonlight outside the window shifted slightly, and the light inside the tent dimmed a little more. Lu Yuan's breathing seemed to grow slower and more even, as if he were truly asleep.
Mingwu's tense nerves relaxed slightly.
Until he heard Mingwu's steady, long breaths, Lu Yuan, who was "sleeping," slowly opened his eyes. His gaze fell on the curvaceous and graceful figure on the inside of the bed, whose back was to him.
His Adam's apple bobbed silently.
His breathing suddenly became heavy.
He looked down at his own barely concealed, intense reaction, and a bitter smile appeared on his lips.
After the offspring Gu connects with the mother Gu, its once-proud resistance weakens further.
Xu Ming, who was standing guard outside, watched Lu Yuan repeatedly go to the outer room to pour cold water on himself, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Fortunately, spring has arrived and the temperature has risen. The Prime Minister, having practiced martial arts for many years, is in excellent health.
Otherwise, if this continues, we'll definitely get sick.
-
The next morning, the sky was a clear, bright blue, like a deep blue gemstone.
The steward bowed his head and held his breath, respectfully presenting a heavy ebony box to Mingwu.
"Madam, this was specially instructed by the Prime Minister to be delivered to you."
The box lid was opened, and the room was filled with light.
Phoenix hairpins inlaid with filigree and precious stones, plum blossom hairpins adorned with kingfisher feathers and pearls, hair ornaments with lotus scroll patterns... each piece is exquisitely crafted, valuable, and dazzlingly beautiful.
However, most of these were established by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Any other noblewoman would have been overjoyed. Gifts bestowed by the emperor from the palace represent status, favor, and a coveted status symbol.
However, in Mingwu's eyes, all of this was worthless.
They can only be stored away at the bottom of a box to collect dust; they can't even be sold for money.
She glanced at it briefly before instructing Chunnan to put it away.
Time flies by like flowing water, and it's already early April.
The warm breeze of late spring carries the fragrance of roses, which wanders through the vermilion-lacquered corridors.
The newly sprouted branches and leaves in the courtyard have long since lost their tenderness, and the dense shade covers the ground, casting dappled light and shadow on the bluestone slabs.
Mingwu leaned against the Xiangfei bamboo couch by the window, the bright sunlight outside making it hard to open her eyes.
She stared blankly at the dazzling light, feeling as if a huge, scorching hot rock was pressing down on her heart, weighing her down heavily.
Lu Yuan...
Indeed, as he said.
When they slept in the same bed, he kept his promise not to touch her, and even deliberately left a clear gap between them.
But that omnipresent sense of oppression was like an invisible cage;
That night, the unique, cool, agarwood fragrance that lingered around his nose was subtle and pervasive, penetrating every nook and cranny.
Even with his back turned, the undeniable heat emanating from the young man's body was clearly perceptible, even through the thin quilt...
All of this made her feel like she had thorns in her back, and she couldn't sleep peacefully.
She could clearly feel that as her body gradually improved, a mysterious sense of connection was also growing silently.
What was that? She didn't know.
But her intuition told her that she couldn't go on like this any longer.
With a sudden "whoosh," Mingwu stood up abruptly.
Perhaps because I got up too quickly, my vision went black for a while, my body swayed uncontrollably, and my feet felt soft as if I were walking on cotton.
"lady."
Chunnan was shocked and rushed forward to support Mingwu's swaying body, carefully helping her sit back on the couch.
Her voice changed: "This servant will go and fetch the imperial physician right away." With that, she tried to rush out.
"Chunnan".
Mingwu called out to her, took a deep breath, and suppressed the metallic taste churning in her throat. Her voice was soft but exceptionally clear.
"Pack your things, let's go back to the hospital."
Chunnan looked worried and hesitated.
"But Madam, your health... The Prime Minister specifically instructed before his departure that you need to rest quietly in the East Courtyard for some time and should not move around..."
"It's alright."
Chunnan saw that she had made up her mind, and observed that although her face was pale and bloodless, her eyes were still clear and her spirit was still holding up.
So he had no choice but to nod as instructed and turn to pack his valuables.
Mingwu didn't own many things to begin with. She didn't touch any of the silks, jewels, or precious objects that Lu Yuan had given her; they were all left untouched in a side room in the east courtyard.
Chunnan was quick and efficient, and soon packed up a few pieces of personal clothing and frequently used items, sending a maid to take them back to the courtyard.
He carefully supported Mingwu, taking slow, deliberate steps as they walked out.
Just as they entered the courtyard, a clear voice rang out.
"Second sister-in-law."
Mingwu looked in the direction of the sound.
Lu Cang stood tall and elegant under the plum tree.
The flowering season was over, and the lush branches and leaves were adorned with small, unripe fruits, about the size of a fingertip, which were faintly visible in the breeze passing through the courtyard.
Upon seeing Ming Wu, the sudden light in Lu Cang's eyes instantly dispelled the gloom of the past few days.
All notions of the proper distance between uncle and sister-in-law, and of the strictures of etiquette, were thrown to the back of his mind at that moment. He almost instinctively strode forward to meet her.
His gaze, filled with barely concealed anxiety and greed, was fixed intently on her.
She has lost so much weight.
It was as thin as a piece of plain paper crumpled by the wind, as if it would be scattered by the wind at any moment.
Her brother... failed to protect her!
A heart-wrenching pain surged through him, and he had to use almost all his strength to restrain the urge to pull her into his arms tightly.
He can't!
He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, forcibly suppressing the bitter taste in his throat.
He wanted to ask, was she feeling any better? He wanted to ask, had he been treating her well these past few days? He wanted to ask…
A thousand words were stuck in my throat, yet I couldn't utter a single one.
Under Mingwu's clear gaze, the emotions that were about to burst forth in Lu Cang's chest instantly subsided. He lowered his eyes sadly.
He stopped five steps away from her, maintaining a polite distance.
On his face was that gentle and polite smile again.
"I hope you are well, Second Sister-in-law."
Mingwu leaned against Chunnan, managing a weak smile, her voice barely audible.
"I hope the Third Young Master is well."
Lu Cang's gaze fell on her haggard face, a flash of heartache crossing his eyes. He then took out an exquisite brocade box from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.
"Second sister-in-law, your health is of utmost importance. This is a century-old ginseng that I found by chance. It is the best for nourishing blood and qi, and strengthening the body's foundation. Second sister-in-law, please don't refuse it. Consider it a small token of my appreciation. I hope you will accept it and take good care of yourself."
That brocade box was clearly very valuable.
Mingwu quickly declined, saying, "I appreciate the Third Young Master's kindness. However, this gift is far too precious, please..."
Before he could finish speaking, Lu Cang pressed the brocade box into Chun Nan's hand, as if afraid she would refuse again.
"Take care, Second Sister-in-law!"
He hurriedly left a sentence and turned to leave.
However, after taking only two steps, he suddenly stopped, as if he had remembered something extremely important, and turned around abruptly.
He quickly turned back, approached Mingwu's side, and lowered his voice to a whisper, carrying a hint of urgency and seriousness, his gaze sweeping rapidly around them.
"Second Sister-in-law, Qi Lan has suffered a backlash from the Gu seed, and things are not looking good. As for Mother... I'm afraid... Second Sister-in-law, you must be extra careful."
Mingwu was shocked, but before she could think it through.
Suddenly, a familiar, sharp shout pierced the air.
"What are you doing?!"
Song Yuxuan, like a burning flame, rushed forward. The red-gold and kingfisher feather phoenix hairpin in her hair swayed violently with her vigorous movements.
It reflects a dazzling light under the sunlight.
Without saying a word, she yanked Lu Cang away from Ming Wu, her voice so sharp it was almost distorted.
"Third cousin, what are you doing standing so close to second cousin's wife?!"
Lu Cang's usually gentle and refined face flushed with anger at the public questioning and pulling, and he abruptly shook off Song Yuxuan's hand.
He shouted sternly, "Song Yuxuan! What nonsense are you spouting?!"
"Am I talking nonsense?"
Song Yuxuan's eyes instantly reddened, her voice trembling with sobs and a desperate, shrill tone.
"Isn't it because you feel guilty? Just now you..."
"shut up!"
Lu Cang's face turned ashen. He glanced quickly at Ming Wu, a hint of pain and embarrassment flashing in his eyes.
He cut her off sharply: "You're utterly unreasonable!"
Having said that, he abruptly flicked his sleeve and strode away without looking back.
Song Yuxuan stared intently at his resolute departing figure, biting her lower lip tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.
Mingwu and Chunnan exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes.
Mingwu composed herself, carefully choosing her words, trying to soothe the situation.
“Princess…the Third Young Master was perhaps a little anxious just now, he didn’t mean to be mean to you, please don’t take it to heart.”
Song Yuxuan slowly turned her head to look at Ming Wu, her eyes filled with complex and unreadable emotions, including grievance, jealousy, and deep frustration.
She murmured to herself, her voice light and airy, tinged with self-mockery.
"Yes, he got anxious... because I touched on his sensitive spot."
That smile was uglier than a cry.
Mingwu sighed inwardly. She was not good with words to begin with, and now she felt even more at a loss for words, not knowing how to comfort this girl who was troubled by love.
Suddenly, Song Yuxuan raised her teary eyes and looked straight at Ming Wu with a desperate plea.
"Sister-in-law...please don't like my third cousin, okay?"
"Princess!"
Chunnan gasped in shock and cried out in a low voice.
"How...how could you say such a thing? If word gets out, what will become of Madam's reputation?"
The Third Young Master is the Prime Minister's own brother. No matter how anxious or heartbroken the Princess is, she cannot say such things without reason.
Startled by Chun Nan's shout, Song Yuxuan suddenly realized the rashness of her words and their potential consequences. Her face drained of color, and she lowered her head in remorse, twisting the handkerchief in her hands.
However, she still stubbornly looked at Mingwu, waiting for an answer.
Mingwu was slightly taken aback at first, then a knowing smile slowly bloomed on her lips.
How could she not understand the feelings of a young girl?
There was a time when she herself was like that.
Even just seeing Lu Yuan exchange a few words with another woman from afar, or a chance glance between them, was enough to stir her emotions and keep her tossing and turning all night.
A girl in love is always so paranoid and anxious, constantly worrying about losing what she has.
He treated all women around him as enemies and guarded against them.
Driven by sheer courage, she forged ahead through thick and thin, never considering that perhaps he didn't even like her.
She suppressed her smile, looked solemnly into Song Yuxuan's eyes, and spoke clearly, word by word.
"Princess, rest assured. I, Mingwu, will never have any romantic feelings for the Third Young Master in this lifetime. Heaven and earth can bear witness to my heart and mind."
Song Yuxuan's tense shoulders instantly relaxed, and she let out a long, relieved sigh.
She knew all too well that if Mingwu had feelings for Lu Cang, given Lu Cang's stubborn nature, he would fight tooth and nail for her. The men of the Lu family were all stubborn and had a mad side.
Thankfully... thankfully, Mingwu's heart belongs to Lu Yuan.
With a huge weight lifted from her heart, Song Yuxuan finally showed a genuine smile.
She took Mingwu's arm, her voice soft and sweet.
"Sister-in-law... I misspoke just now, please... please don't be angry with me, okay?"
She genuinely liked her cousin-in-law and didn't want to create any discord because of Lu Cang.
"Won't."
Mingwu gently patted the back of her hand, her gaze fixed on the hazy, dark mountain silhouettes in the distance.
She could tell that Lu Cang had no feelings for Song Yuxuan, and she didn't want this innocent and carefree girl to follow in her footsteps.
So I thought I'd try to persuade them.
His tone carried the desolation of someone who had been through it all.
"But Princess, falling in love with someone whose heart is not with you... this path is too bitter."
"I'm not afraid of hardship."
Song Yuxuan straightened her back, her eyes sparkling with a stubborn light, carrying the unique innocence and stubbornness of a young girl.
"Where there is a will, there is a way. As long as I treat my third cousin well, sincerely and day after day, he will eventually see it."
She seemed to be trying to convince Mingwu, but more like she was trying to convince herself.
Mingwu looked at the light shining in her eyes, and in the end just sighed softly, without saying anything more.
When it comes to love, unless one has personally experienced its bitterness, any advice from others is ultimately like scratching an itch through a boot.
"Oh, right!"
Song Yuxuan suddenly remembered the important matter, and her tone became hesitant again.
“Sister-in-law, about the matter of the women households you asked me to inquire about with my brother last time… I told him, but…”
She hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.
Mingwu's heart leaped into her throat, her fingertips clenching slightly: "What's wrong?"
Song Yuxuan hurriedly replied.
“Don’t worry, cousin-in-law. My brother didn’t refuse. It’s just that… he said this matter is of great importance, involving many details of laws and regulations, and that it would be best for you to… go and talk to him in person.”
She carefully observed Mingwu's expression.
In-person meeting...
Mingwu understood perfectly; this was the proper way to ask someone for a favor.
She suppressed her turbulent thoughts and put on a polite, faint smile.
“That is natural and as it should be. Please inform His Highness Prince Ning that Mingwu will definitely pay him a visit another day.”
“No need to reschedule!” Song Yuxuan immediately replied when she saw that she had agreed. “My brother will be at Xianle Tower tomorrow. He said that he will be waiting for you in the private room of the Tianzi class at Xianle Tower at 4:45 am tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Mingwu nodded in agreement.
Chun Nan, standing to the side, suddenly changed her expression and exclaimed.
"Madam, tomorrow... tomorrow the Prime Minister will be returning to his residence. How... how can this be?"
His Highness Prince Ning is quite the womanizer; rumors circulate that he has countless female lovers and acts in a wild and unrestrained manner. If the lady were to go alone, what if…
If the Prime Minister returns tomorrow and sees this...
Chunnan's face turned pale, and she dared not think any further.
Mingwu's eyes were firm: "My mind is made up."
This might be her only chance to break free from her cage and fight for a glimmer of hope. No matter how difficult or dangerous it may be, she has to take the plunge.
-
The next day, at Xianle Tower.
The top-tier private room is situated right by the water, with its carved windows half-open, allowing the lake breeze to carry in the moist air and dispel the slightly sweet incense in the room.
Mingwu sat upright in a round-backed chair covered with brocade cushions, her back straight, her fingertips unconsciously pinching her palms.
Chunnan stood behind Mingwu, watching the dashing prince sitting opposite her warily, as if he were a heinous womanizer.
Prince Ning, Song Yan, dressed in a brocade robe and a jade belt, leaned lazily against a soft couch by the window.
He toyed with a delicate white jade cup in his hand, but his gaze seemed to have hooks, lingering unabashedly on Mingwu's pale yet undeniably beautiful face.
"My cousin's wife wants to establish a female household, could it be that she intends to... divorce my cousin?"
Just then, a figure walked past the door. Hearing the conversation inside, the person suddenly stopped.
"Bang!"
The door was pushed open forcefully, and blinding light rushed in, outlining a tall and slender figure in the doorway.
Wearing a black brocade robe, he was none other than Lu Yuan, the Prime Minister who had just returned to the court.
It stood prominently in front of the door.
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