Wang Wan had been cooped up in her room for over a month. As winter turned to spring and her wedding day approached, the house gradually became lively again.
Although she was the legitimate daughter of the third wife, she was sickly and her family did not prepare a grand dowry like when her eldest sister got married. However, she still had everything she needed and was given a respectable life.
The dowry and betrothal gifts were piled up in the courtyard, and the dowry gifts from each family filled several baskets, overflowing with pearls, jade, gold and silver. Red silk was hung from the eaves, and everywhere was filled with joy.
She also received a congratulatory gift from Changning, a pair of rare purple cloud bracelets, which were said to be treasures presented as tribute by Ronglu.
As spring arrives, the earth is covered in gold, and the gentle morning breeze drifts through the window, masking the lingering smell of medicine in the room.
Wang Wan changed into a light blue dress and put on a cloak before going out.
Yesterday, Xie An invited her to Puguo Temple in the suburbs, saying that the peach blossoms on the back mountain were in full bloom, with pink blossoms everywhere, and the scenery was beautiful, perfect for a spring outing.
Puguo Temple is a popular place of worship year-round. The mountain roads on both sides are wide, and by lifting the curtain, you can see layers of mountain mist rising and falling, and lush pine and cypress trees.
Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, Wang Wan alighted from the carriage and, with the help of her maid, slowly began to climb the mountain.
There were many wealthy tourists visiting the mountain, making the whole place lively, with the soft laughter of children and noblewomen heard from time to time.
Her heavy heart felt a little lighter, and she opened her beautiful eyes to look at the scenery around her.
The mountain scenery behind the temple is extremely beautiful. Passing through the waterside pavilion, clusters of peach blossoms bloom in the grove, the trees and flowers are lush, the pond water meanders, and birds sing and flowers bloom everywhere.
Under the pavilion.
Xie Xuan listened to his second brother's words and lazily raised an eyebrow, "Western Region liquor, it's delicious."
Xie An sat in a wheelchair, dressed in a blue robe, his back straight.
"If you keep drinking like this, you'll be going to see your grandfather soon."
"---"
Xie Xuan was too lazy to listen to his lecture, so he patted his robe and got up.
"sit down."
"Second brother, please speak freely, I'm busy."
Xie An turned his wheelchair and slowly made his way to the back room.
"I'm going to get something. If Awan arrives first, I'll let her know."
Xie Xuan was taken aback, but remained calm. He grunted, lifted his robe, sat down on the veranda, and started fanning himself casually with a fan.
The sky was clear and bright, and the breeze in the woods was cool, carrying a few wisps of fragrance.
Wang Wan wore a thin shirt, her skin was fair and soft, and her hair was styled in a simple way with a white jade hairpin. She was without makeup and walked gracefully through the peach grove.
She looked up and saw the man sitting on the porch bench, and paused for a moment.
She thought she had gone to the wrong place, so she peeked out and looked at the pond behind her a few times. She didn't see anyone, only a few pilgrims passing by the pond.
Xie Xuan turned her head and glanced at her indifferently, "No need to look, Second Brother isn't here."
"---"
Wang Wan nodded and walked around the pavilion, intending to go to the back.
"He told you to wait here."
She paused, clutching her handkerchief tightly, her slender body stiffening slightly.
A warm breeze blew gently as the two sat silently in the pavilion, a subtle, indescribable feeling permeating the air.
Xie Xuan poured her a cup of hot tea. "Sister-in-law, you're so frail, yet you still have the interest to climb such a high mountain."
sarcastic and unsettling.
Wang Wan accepted the tea, thanked him, and didn't reply.
Xie Xuan seemed too lazy to talk to her. He looked at the brightly colored peach blossoms in the grove, the fallen petals scattered on the bluestone steps, and the fragrance of peach blossoms lingering around, adding a touch of tranquility.
The two waited for a long time, but no one came. Wang Wan felt uneasy and got up.
"I'm going back now."
"Since we're already here, why don't we go make a wish under the peach tree in the back?"
There is a thousand-year-old tree on the back mountain, covered with red silk ribbons. Legend has it that wishes made on it are very effective.
As the sun gradually rose to its zenith, its pale light cast a dappled pattern of shadows. A cool breeze carried the scent of lotus blossoms from the pond past the ancient trees, gently caressing the air and reaching the nose.
Xie Xuan leaned against a pillar under the corridor, quietly watching the slender figure under the ancient tree. The wind rustled by, blowing the hair at his temples. He remained motionless, and the light in his eyes could not be seen.
The setting sun cast a golden glow on the ground, and the bamboo groves lining the mountain path rustled softly.
The two walked slowly down the mountain. Wang Wan followed behind him, watching his back. Suddenly, a strange emotion welled up inside her, and she almost fell down the mountain steps.
He swiftly caught her around the waist and grabbed her, scolding, "What are you thinking?"
Wang Wan's face paled, and she snapped out of her daze. "I didn't see the road clearly, sorry."
After she finished speaking, she quickly pushed him away and hurried down the mountain.
The soft, fragrant jade was pulled from his arms in an instant, the faint scent of medicine still seemed to linger in front of him. Xie Xuan pursed his lips and watched her flustered figure, his face gloomy.
Xie An was waiting for the two at the foot of the mountain. When he saw the two figures coming down one after the other, he waved and called out to them.
Wang Wan saw him and slowly walked over.
"Didn't you go up the mountain?"
Xie An smiled gently, "Something came up just now." He paused, then suddenly pulled her closer, brushed the peach blossoms from her hair, and whispered, "How could you be so careless?"
Wang Wan was taken aback by his sudden action, and her slightly bent body stiffened.
He naturally moved closer, his lips almost touching her face, and whispered softly.
She instinctively tried to back away, but he grabbed her waist.
Wear more clothes.
A cloak was wrapped around her, warm and cozy, covering her entire body.
There weren't many people coming down the mountain at this time. Xie Xuan stood quietly on the mountain steps, watching the intimate actions of the two people beside the carriage. His dark eyes were deep and unfathomable, and the light of the setting sun shone on him, casting a long shadow.
The wedding was in two days, and the entire capital of Yan was bustling with activity. The roads were paved with red silk and red lanterns were lit. Even the usually quiet Qushui Garden became unusually lively, with crimson brocade along the way and various precious jewels and rare treasures inside the courtyard.
But the bride was sickly all day long, letting the ladies and maids do all the fuss and fun, as if she were an outsider watching all of this, without any of the pre-wedding tension.
The Third Madam invited the best nun in the entire capital to style her hair. The ladies and concubines of the mansion all dressed in their finest clothes to greet her. They came and went all day long, chatting and laughing. The threshold of Qu Shui Garden was almost worn out by the constant stream of visitors.
But on the eve of her wedding, when the nanny brought in the medicinal soup, she found that the bride lying on the couch had suddenly disappeared.
At first, they thought he had gone out, but after two hours he still hadn't returned. They then realized the seriousness of the situation and hurriedly sent someone to inform the lord while they themselves organized people to search everywhere.
The third wife's family lived nearby, and she was horrified when she heard the news that her daughter was missing.
When did it disappear?
"When this old servant discovered it, two hours had already passed."
The third madam roared, "You good-for-nothing! It's been so long since you came to report this! Go and find them! Seal the news! We can't let the old master and madam know!"
"yes."
All night long, the entire West Courtyard was brightly lit, with countless guards and servants searching everywhere. Secret agents were even sent into the city to look for them, but no news came back.
The third wife was so angry that she nearly fainted in Qushui Garden.
Tomorrow is her wedding day, but the bride has disappeared. How can we explain this to Madam Xie of Chen County?
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