Chapter 74
Using the special ointment, Zhu Yun's wound healed extremely quickly. Luo Yan stroked her smooth skin with her finger, and couldn't resist leaning down to kiss it twice.
She leaned her weight against Zhu Yun's back and teased him, whispering in his ear, "The storybooks say 'scars are a man's medals,' but my Yun is beautiful all over, fair and pink."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yun did not show any embarrassment as she had expected. Instead, she turned her face and glared at her.
Luo Yan suddenly became suspicious: "Could it be that I said something before?"
He responded coldly, slapping Luo Yan's buttocks a few times as punishment: "You shamelessly tried to touch me, saying how smooth and hard I was, and even telling me to be careful not to get hurt so I wouldn't have scars."
"Impossible," she denied outright.
Zhu Yun had no intention of arguing. In short, because of her words, he began to diligently apply the ointment to avoid being disliked by her.
Luo Yan looked shocked, her lips, swollen and red from his kisses, twitched slightly as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. Zhu Yun was in high spirits, gathered his clothes, and went to pack his bags with a smile.
He would never tell Luo Yan the truth—
She said those words while drunk.
At that moment, the girl tore open his undergarment, her fingertips constantly rubbing the tiny scars, her eyes filled with heartache. But after a moment of sadness, she took Zhu Yun's hand and kept making him touch her heart.
Luo Yan said excitedly, "I also have scars here, from surgery."
All Zhu Yun could feel was the girl's steady heartbeat and her extraordinary softness, which even trembled under his palm with each movement.
He immediately broke free, but the blushing persisted until late at night. Each time it subsided, the clear sensation returned when he closed his eyes, causing him to blush again.
Zhu Yun thought his time was coming to an end, so he got up and wrote two lines of his will.
Zhu Yun was even more surprised than her, seemingly unable to believe that anyone could be knocked out by sweet fruit wine.
Just as Zhou Huanshan was vividly describing a spectacular sight on the outskirts of the city, Luo Yan suddenly threw off her veil, clung to Zhu Yun's shoulder, and said aggrievedly, "I can't see you clearly anymore."
Zhu Yun pulled her into his arms, lowering his gaze to stop Zhou Li's probing look. He then stepped back from the mahogany chair, picked up Luo Yan, and strode away without even saying goodbye to Zhu Yun.
Luo Yan was unusually quiet, her alluring eyes scanning his face back and forth, bolder than ever before.
Once inside the carriage, Zhu Yun patted her bottom without any mercy and said coldly, "Get down."
"You're so fierce." Not only did Luo Yan cling to him, but she also became aroused by his looks and kissed his Adam's apple domineeringly.
It was described as a kiss, yet it didn't quite feel like one. Another carriage approached along the narrow path, its canopy slightly higher, exuding an air of grandeur. Seeing Luo Yan and her companions blocking the way, the host poked his head out; it was none other than Li Zhiying.
Luo Yan nodded slightly, gave a simple bow, and then turned to call the coachman to lead the carriage to the crossroads so that others could pass.
"Miss Luo." Li Zhiying dismounted and looked at her, asking with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"
Xiangye stood in front of her and answered on her behalf: "Thank you for your concern, sir. My master just can't stand the bumpy ride. Please go ahead."
Li Zhiying didn't take Xiangye seriously and immediately raised her eyebrows slightly: "When the master is speaking, how can a maid have the right to interrupt? Is this how the Zhu family teaches the rules?"
Luo Yan calmly pulled Xiangye back, thinking to herself, "When Zhu Yun was here, this Li fellow had no temper at all. Why is he putting on airs today?"
As the saying goes, something unusual must be going wrong. She curtsied and said, "Lord Li must be going to a banquet at Master Zheng's estate, right? My young master set off half an hour ago."
Originally, it was thought that bringing up Zhu Yun would make Li Zhiying back down, but unexpectedly, he sneered, and his facial features seemed to distort slightly.
Xiangye shoved Luo Yan and shouted sharply, "Run!"
However, Li Zhiying was prepared. Two tall and strong servants easily captured Xiangye and threw her straight down the mountain. Luo Yan hurriedly took five steps when a cold longsword pressed against the back of her neck.
Li Zhiying strolled over leisurely and instructed the coachman he had bribed beforehand: "Tell Zhu Rangchen that his beloved mistress wants to elope with me."
"You!" Luo Yan's face was full of anger, but considering the dangers of swords, she softened her voice, "What do you want to do?"
Little did they know that a woman's timidity is what most easily arouses a man's protective instincts.
Li Zhiying twitched his lips, signaling his men to sheathe their swords, and said with feigned humility, "It's windy outside, my beauty, please come with me to the carriage to talk slowly."
As he spoke, he reached out to help her, but Luo Yan subtly avoided him and quickly climbed into the carriage.
Li Zhiying's gaze was sinister and direct, like two snake tongues, gliding over every inch of her body.
Luo Yan suppressed her disgust and pretended to be calm as she spoke, "Why did Lord Li mention 'eloping'? Aren't you afraid of getting yourself into trouble?"
"Does the beauty care about me?"
Li Zhiying laughed twice and sat down beside her. Seeing that Luo Yan's face was pale, he didn't rush to do anything.
He scoffed, "Madam Zhu has a terrible reputation. Do you think your young master will bring you back to the capital one day?"
He then appealed to her emotions: "If you follow me, you can be raised as a concubine if you have children. Why should you be buried in this poor and remote place?"
Luo Yan was filled with fear, trembling uncontrollably, and tears streamed down her face.
Li Zhiying's heart softened a little at her crying, and he gently comforted her, "I won't hurt you, don't be afraid."
Upon hearing this, Luo Yan slightly raised her eyes and asked with extreme timidity, "Is this true? But, what should we do if Young Master Zhu wants to pursue this matter?"
Women are merely icing on the cake for them; who would really make a big fuss about them? Besides, the second young lady of the Zhu family will soon be marrying into the Li family. No matter how arrogant Zhu Yun is, how could he let a mere concubine interfere with his own sister's marriage?
Li Zhiying originally intended to wait until Zhu Yun forgot about Jinzhou and Luo Yan before taking the beauty back and pampering her.
Unexpectedly, Zhu Yun took the initiative to seek advice from Zhou Huanshan last night on how to settle the concubines who had been with the main wife before she entered the household. His implication was that he wanted to bring Luo Yan back to the capital.
If Madam Zhu were to fly into a rage, Luo Yan would likely lose her life. But if Zhu Yun protected her, Li Zhiying would have no chance.
So, taking advantage of the crucial moment when the two families were to be betrothed, Li Zhiying took a risky move and deliberately tricked Luo Yan into falling into his trap.
As for "eloping," it was to make Zhu Yun despise Luo Yan, so that he could give up his feelings for the beauty and have only himself in his heart and eyes from then on.
A sinister glint flashed in Li Zhiying's eyes: "That day at the magistrate's mansion, you originally intended to come with me. If it weren't for Zhu Rangchen's interference, would I have been willing to let you suffer such a fright today?"
Luo Yan covered her lips with a handkerchief, pretending to be nauseous from the jolting, so as to prevent Li Zhiying from having the urge to force a kiss on her.
Fortunately, they soon arrived at the foot of the villa. Li Zhiying led Luo Yan into the pavilion, fetched some water for her, and showed her the utmost care.
"Thank you, sir." She forced a smile, but in her heart she was calculating how to make Zhu Yun believe her.
Last time, Zhu Yun flew into a rage when Zhou Huanshan glanced at her a couple of times. With such a volatile temper, if she truly believed Li Zhiying's words and her possessiveness flared up again, wouldn't Luo Yan be beaten to death?
Seeing Luo Yan remain silent, her beautiful face now showing signs of illness, it only fueled his burning desire.
Li Zhiying had been holding back all the way, and was already itching to make a move. He raised his finger and pressed it heavily against her lips.
At this moment, the manor gate was kicked open with a loud bang. Luo Yan subconsciously looked up and met Zhu Yun's cold, icy eyes.
Dingxiang's soft tongue licked it, as if savoring something, and Zhu Yun's eyes suddenly darkened, his breathing becoming heavy.
Luo Yan rested for a moment, her eyes fixed on the handsome young man before her, filled with affection.
A fondness for physical appearance. The sun was high in the sky when Luo Yan slowly awoke.
After her desires were released, her red lips were swollen, and her eyes and brows exuded a faint charm, like a delicate flower cherished by the morning dew.
Xiangming stepped forward to help her dress, her gaze inevitably falling on the purple and blue marks on her porcelain-white skin. She had never imagined that the cold and aloof young master could be so passionate, and she couldn't help but blush with embarrassment.
Luo Yan was completely unaware of this. She peeked outside and asked Xiangming, "Has the young master left the manor?"
"Yes," Xiangming replied softly. "I've also brought the luggage that you left at the magistrate's residence. If you'd like to see it, I'll take you there after our meal."
She wasn't in a hurry. First, she strolled around Zhu Yun's room, but unfortunately, she only found military books and travelogues. She didn't know where the indenture would be kept.
Luo Yan suddenly felt bored and ordered two servants to carry the luggage back to the small courtyard.
Her belongings consisted of nothing more than a box of painting tools, a box of old clothes, and copper coins sewn into her inner pockets—she was truly shabby.
Calculating the odds, Zhu Yun will be staying in Jinzhou for over a month. After he returns to the capital, he will gradually forget about her. At that time, Luo Yan will need to find ways to earn money to cover the household's expenses herself.
What kind of work should I do? The next morning, the maid brought over a bowl of dark soup and, unusually, spoke, explaining in a slightly hoarse voice, "This is the prescription given by Magistrate Wang, who said it would have no harm to my health."
It turned out to be the rumored contraceptive soup.
Luo Yan blushed and said in a weak voice, "Young Master and I have not yet... consummated our marriage."
The maid showed no surprise, bowed respectfully, and withdrew with the soup bowl. A moment later, Xiangming entered with another maid: "Miss, the carriage is ready. Today, Xiangming and Xiangye will accompany you to stroll around the city."
"good."
Her face was flushed, and she hesitantly got out of bed, noticing that her wrists and several other areas of skin were sore and tingling. She couldn't help but recall how someone had coaxed her to close her legs tightly last night...
They never consummated their marriage, yet they still suffered just as much; the wolf cub, newly defiled, was not to be trifled with.
Because Luo Yan had been raised in the inner courtyard for many years, she was naturally fairer than the average person. Zhu Yun did not actually use brute force, but he left obvious marks wherever he went, which made the maids tremble with fear.
But she acted as if nothing was wrong, only worrying about what kind of clothes could cover the hickeys on her neck.
"Where is the veil and hat?"
Xiangye silently offered the leaves, and Luo Yan, curious, turned her head to look at her: "How old are you?"
"Miss, I am seventeen years old."
The maids and servants in the manor share two characteristics: firstly, they are taciturn and have a shrewd tongue; secondly, it is not that Luo Yan judges people by their appearance, but rather that they are truly far from being of average appearance.
Considering Zhu Yun's statement about strict discipline at home, it seems that his parents carefully selected the servants to prevent their son from developing feelings for them.
Thinking of this, Luo Yan shuddered. She clasped her hands together and prayed fervently that her affair with the innocent young master, which was part of her contract of indenture, would not be exposed.
Xiangming served her for several days and found Luo Yan to be exceptionally beautiful and gentle. Seeing that she seemed distracted, she took the initiative to ask with concern, "Miss, are you feeling unwell?"
"It's alright." Luo Yan forced a smile, focusing her attention on her career. She asked, "If I take a fancy to anything..."
Xiangming, being quick-witted, replied, "Just buy whatever you like, Xiangye will pay for it for you, Miss."
Stared at with such affection by her beautiful eyes, Xiangye's dark face flushed slightly, and she replied dryly, "Don't worry, miss."
That would be excellent.
Luo Yan's expression softened slightly. After entering the most bustling South Gate Street in Jinzhou, she changed into a light gauze veil and walked alongside Xiang Ye and Xiang Ming.
Unaware of current fashion trends, she picked out several dresses based on her own preferences. Seeing that Xiangye paid without hesitation, she tentatively asked, "I'd like to buy some jewelry, but I don't know..."
Xiangye nodded: "Don't worry, young lady."
Since that's the case, Luo Yan didn't stand on ceremony and bought one gold hairpin and one silver hairpin, plus a bamboo-green purse embroidered with magnolias.
Although she didn't return with a full load of purchases, the shopping trip was still comforting, and even after returning home, the smile on her face hadn't faded, and she looked radiant.
Zhu Yun glanced at it discreetly, then looked back at the book in her hand.
Just then, Luo Yan was preoccupied with her two expensive hairpins and did not want to stay long. She tied the purse to his waist and said, "I used to think that you were the most handsome man in the world, but now even a god descending to earth would pale in comparison."
On the other hand, Luo Yan had lived in the county magistrate's mansion for nearly ten years and had very few opportunities to go out. She was not even familiar with the local customs, only knowing that it was called the Great Ling Dynasty, a country that did not exist in the history she had learned in her previous life.
She sighed deeply, leaned back on the brocade quilt, and felt melancholy about her belated career.
Zhu Yun returned to the manor after noon. As usual, he listened to the servants' brief account of what Luo Yan had done during the day. He raised his eyebrows high and said in disbelief, "She's still sleeping?"
He summoned the accompanying physician and hurried to the courtyard, where he saw Luo Yan lying on the couch, only her gentle little face showing, with her lips slightly upturned, clearly sleeping soundly.
Since there were no symptoms, Zhu Yun dismissed the physician, pinched her delicate nose, and successfully woke Luo Yan up.
She stretched leisurely, looked at Zhu Yun with her watery eyes, and said softly, "Young Master, you've returned very early today."
"Are you a pig? You sleep at night and you sleep during the day too."
After being harshly scolded, Luo Yan looked bewildered, but showed no fear.
She knelt up and tentatively put her arms around Zhu Yun's lean waist, rubbing against his chest affectionately, and said, "Young Master is not here, and there is no one to talk to in the manor except for Xiangming. I am so bored."
Before Zhu Yun could answer, Luo Yan asked softly, "I would like to go out for a walk. Would you allow me, young master?"
The doe-like eyes gazed up at him without blinking, and Zhu Yun felt half her body go numb. The words of refusal that were on the tip of her tongue turned into, "Let the maid follow."
Overjoyed, Luo Yan clung to the young and strong body, sealing Zhu Yun's words with a kiss before he could back out.
When the wet kiss landed on her neck, Zhu Yun thought to herself that she could not indulge in lust in broad daylight;
As the soft, boneless little hand pulled off her belt, Zhu Yun thought to himself that it would be better to end this sooner rather than later.
When the snake-like, smooth arms tightly wrapped around the back of her neck, Zhu Yun's eyes darkened, thinking to himself that he was determined to torment the little vixen until she couldn't get off the ground.
Zhu Yun had never seen such a shameless woman before. But she was drunk and impervious to reason, which only fueled her lustful desires.
The unfamiliar yet passionate response made Luo Yan shift her hips uncomfortably. Her eyes were innocent, but her hands embraced Zhu Yun, pulling him close and planting sweet, playful kisses on his lips and chin.
Zhu Yun's patience ran out, and he took the initiative, pinching her face with two fingers to force Luo Yan to open her lips, revealing her shyly peeking tongue. He sucked hard, hearing Luo Yan let out a charming moan, but ignored her struggles, domineeringly penetrating deeper, as if to seize every inch of her breath.
How could Luo Yan bear it? Tears blurred her vision, and her temples were disheveled, like flowers and leaves after a frost, looking utterly pitiful.
He withdrew his finger, kissed the blushing earlobe, and almost murmured, "So fragrant."
When she opened her eyes again, her usually cold gaze was now filled with overwhelming lust. Luo Yan reached out and scratched his palm, but her hand was easily suppressed.
Luo Yan had regained consciousness, yet she was struggling in a state of utter torment. The water represented her fear of Zhu Yun, while the fire represented her yearning for him.
She forgot that Zhu Yun was the one in charge.
He carried Luo Yan straight back to Qingfeng Courtyard, pinned her down, and kissed her haphazardly. After a while, a hint of confusion appeared between his delicate features, and sweat beaded on his forehead.
Luo Yan caught her breath and tentatively asked, "Has Young Master never done this before?"
Zhu Yun's face suddenly turned cold, seemingly embarrassed, but with a strong temper, she retorted, "You've done that before?"
She blinked and said frankly, "No."
Hearing this, Zhu Yun's emotions calmed down a bit, and when she spoke again, she was less angry. She explained to her, "My family is very strict, and this has never happened."
Luo Yan was overjoyed and determined to enjoy life to the fullest. She reached out to unbutton Zhu Yun's clothes, tilting her head back to signal him to kiss her.
Once they were completely honest with each other, her small hand groped downwards, grasping his vital point, and whispered in his ear, "You really haven't even had a lover in the room?"
Zhu Yun had no idea that anything other than swordplay could make him sweat profusely. He immediately let out a muffled groan and replied weakly, "No."
Luo Yan awkwardly fiddled with the objects, and taking advantage of Zhu Yun's easygoing nature, asked again, "Do you have a fiancée?"
He kissed the cherry blossom in his mouth with a hint of reproach, warning, "Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask."
"Why shouldn't I ask?"
Luo Yan blushed, ignoring his feigned fierce gaze, and said with a hint of coquettishness, "If you really have a fiancée, I should stay far away, otherwise I'll be dead, what should I do then?"
Now lying in her arms, even with her aggressive demeanor, she is nothing but charming and adorable.
Zhu Yun felt a surge of satisfaction welling up inside him, a tingling, numb sensation, as if he were in a dream. He propped himself up with one hand, looking down at Luo Yan, and casually brushed aside a strand of wet hair from her temple.
For some reason, Zhu Yun suddenly thought of winter in the capital city—
"Thank you, cousin." Zhu Yun stepped aside from the two and helped Luo Yan to her seat.
Qin Yuan took the seat to Luo Yan's left and pestered her to share the story of how she met and fell in love with Zhu Yun. Shangguan Chang, upon hearing this, had a sudden inspiration and said with great interest, "Why don't you tell me a story of the strange and supernatural?"
Zhan Feng: "I'm good at this."
His story contains no gods, ghosts, or monsters, but he recounts the "funny things" of committing murders in the middle of the night with a smile, which is chilling. Luo Yan and Qin Yuan are so frightened that they huddle together.
Cui Wuyang glanced at him and curled the corners of his mouth up. Then Zhan Feng began to recount old news he had heard in the palace.
This time, when Luo Yan reached out to hug Qin Yuan, Zhu Yun hooked her neck and pulled her back.
With no one to hold onto, Qin Yuan turned and embraced Leng Mingyue. The latter frowned, resisting the urge to shake him off.
"Aren't you afraid?" Qin Yuan asked, trembling.
"What is there to fear?"
As a doctor, I've seen countless corpses. Leng Mingyue asked curiously, "Has the Qin family fallen to such a state?"
"My talent lies in making poisons, not in healing people."
Leng Mingyue had intended to make a sarcastic remark, but her words abruptly stopped. She noticed Luo Yan's eyelashes drooping in fright, while Zhu Yun casually covered her ears and chuckled as he leaned closer to whisper something.
The young man had a captivating gentleness about him, and he and she were a good match.
Cui Wuyang also paused for a moment, then quickly recovered. His gaze swept over Luo Yan's vivid features, while he heard Qin Yuan and Leng Mingyue's whispers... like the childhood Luo Yan had once described that he longed for.
Although this scene came late at the age of nineteen, Cui Wuyang thought that he would never forget it even in ten or twenty years.
Sister, may your life be smooth and carefree.
May you and your husband live happily ever after.
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