Chapter 60 Why is he dreaming about her constantly? ...
She hated that version of herself.
Whenever Xue Lanyi mentioned Wei Zhang's name, she would unconsciously rub her arm repeatedly, as if there was something dirty left on her body that she couldn't wipe off.
Watching her movements, Su Yin secretly touched the wound on her wrist.
She seemed to understand Xue Lanyi's feelings very well and admired Xue Lanyi's courage to fight against fate.
Su Yin pressed down on her incessantly rubbing hands, "Do whatever you want. If there's anything you need me for, I'll do it even if it costs me my life."
Xue Lanyi felt the warmth of the back of her hand, and the haunting image that had been haunting her mind finally faded away.
There was always a tacit understanding between her and Su Yin, requiring little verbal communication.
"Thank you." She returned Su Yin's hand, pondered for a moment, and then said in a low voice, "I have a secret medicine prescription here, and I need your help to prepare the medicine according to the prescription. I'll have Granny Liu write the prescription later..."
Boom—
A rumble of thunder sounded from the horizon.
Caught off guard.
Xue Lanyi's eyelids twitched, and she looked towards the horizon.
The wind and rain, which had stopped overnight, were about to resume, with dark clouds rolling in like a sea on the horizon.
The real storm is still brewing.
Xue Lanyi's words froze on her lips.
Frightened, patches of damp, dried makeup fell from her face, resembling a faded, mottled wall.
Grandma Liu did not return last night, and Xue Lanyi herself was feeling unwell. With no one to help her wash up, her face was covered in rain and tear stains.
Where is Granny Liu?
Only then did Xue Lanyi realize that she hadn't seen Granny Liu all night, and her worry deepened.
She had too many entanglements, which led to her being constantly controlled and oppressed by Wei Zhang.
Su Yin had never met Granny Liu, but she knew that Xue Lanyi couldn't bear excessive worry, so she lied, "The Duke was furious and punished everyone around the concubine by making them clean and sweep the ancestral hall."
"This is a good thing."
At least I don't have to live in fear with her.
Xue Lanyi curved her lips into a smile, and her face powder fell in a flurry.
Su Yin took out a handkerchief and wiped her cheeks.
"Let's not talk about that anymore, look what I brought you."
Su Yin tilted her head and smiled, her voice light and gentle.
She took out a lotus leaf chicken from the medicine box, along with Pu'er tea, jujube paste pastry and longan candy from Xinglinfang, and placed them one by one on the low table, as if by magic.
The room was filled with the aroma of lotus leaf chicken.
Looking at the dazzling array of food on the low table, Xue Lanyi suddenly felt hungry.
Yesterday I was busy with Wei Zhang's succession banquet and didn't eat anything from morning till night.
The food that Su Yin sent was a timely help.
Moreover, every dish Su Yin brought was one of Xue Lanyi's favorites.
"How did you know..." Xue Lanyi swallowed almost imperceptibly.
Su Yin glanced at Xue Lanyi with embarrassment.
She was not familiar with Xue Lanyi before, so she naturally did not know her preferences.
Strangely enough, she was stopped by Prince Xiao of Western Qi before she entered the Duke's mansion today.
The prince, a burly man, cornered her in a dark alley and began to tease her.
Later, he lifted Su Yin's chin and told her to buy these foods for Xue Lanyi, and even specially instructed her to pair them with a cup of Yipinju ripe Pu'er tea.
His words were flippant: “Don’t let her get too thin from hunger, and don’t let her eat too much and get sick, otherwise she won’t be able to play with me for many more rounds.”
Prince Xiao gave very specific instructions, telling him exactly which shop to buy what food.
So Su Yin decided to give it a try and bought all the food he recommended.
Unexpectedly, it really suited Xue Lanyi's taste.
However, there was no need to tell Xue Lanyi any other dirty talk.
Su Yin brushed it off, saying, "I asked my cousin about your preferences before."
“Zhou Yu.” Xue Lanyi’s eyes lit up.
He remembered everything perfectly.
Even the cooking temperature and dipping sauce for the lotus leaf chicken were prepared according to Xue Lanyi's preferences.
Smelling the pleasant fragrance filling the room, Xue Lanyi suddenly felt her breathing become easier.
Her belief yesterday that people are all deceitful was too extreme.
In fact, sincerity begets sincerity, which is an eternal truth.
She was accompanied by Su Yin, Grandma Liu, and her close friend who always cared about her.
How can we become pessimistic and world-weary because of some unworthy people?
To live a good life, one should not stumble in the rain and become mired in the mud, sinking into depravity with those vile people.
Xue Lanyi broke off a chicken leg and handed it to Su Yin, her smile brightening considerably, as if the sun had finally come out after the rain.
Cheers!
Su Yin and she toasted each other with a chicken leg.
In the evening, Su Yin prepared medicine for her, cleaned her up, and then left before nightfall.
When they arrived outside Chong'an Hall, they ran into Wei Zhang.
Wei Zhang looked travel-worn, his black cloak billowing, exuding an even greater aura of power than usual.
Su Yin stepped aside and curtsied to him, but he seemed not to notice and walked straight past.
Behind him followed high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Rites and Commander Shen, each with a solemn expression, slightly bowing, following closely behind, not daring to get too close to him, yet not daring to stay too far away.
"Sir, shall we prepare a meal? You and the four gentlemen haven't eaten all day, perhaps..."
Qingyang followed at the back, but the study door locked halfway through his sentence.
The door knocker trembled, making the night even colder.
The study was dimly lit and cramped.
Wei Zhang stood with his hands behind his back in front of the multi-branched lamp stand, lighting the candles one by one slowly and deliberately.
A dim, yellowish light gradually spread from around him, eventually reaching the ministers behind him.
Shen Jinglan was only a step behind him, the closest to him, and the halo of light first revealed his eager expression.
"I don't understand. His Majesty has already promised you the position of Duke of Wei and Grand Secretary, as well as thousands of acres of imperial estates and the glory of wearing a python robe and jade belt. With such boundless imperial grace, all you ask is that you give one of your concubines to Western Qi to quell the war between the two countries. What difficulty is there in that?"
Shen Jinglan spread his hands, "I didn't know that you, Duke of Wei, were such a romantic young man who loved beauty more than power."
Wei Zhang ignored him, and simply lit the candle thoughtfully.
Shen Jinglan had no way to deal with him, so she changed the subject, "Moreover, the people of Dayong have all heard that you, Duke of Wei, quelled the war without firing a single shot, and they call you: 'One-handedly set the world in order'."
If you want fame, you'll get fame; if you want profit, you'll get profit. What's there to hesitate about?
These words caused Wei Zhang to pause in his fingertips and furrow his brow.
Last night, on his way to the palace, his carriage was stopped by a group of border people.
On the busiest street, Longhu Street, several people kowtowed with tears of gratitude, thanking Wei Zhang for his righteousness in stopping Xiao Cheng's invasion.
They also presented a plaque that read "One Hand Decides the Fate of the World".
The news spread throughout Shengjing as the wildfire spread rapidly.
After this day of fermentation, his reputation was probably known to everyone in the Dayong Dynasty, and even the children's songs praised him for his great sense of justice and his ability to turn the tide.
This matter will benefit his promotion and even more so his reputation.
But Wei Zhang was not happy.
They didn't think the appearance of those border residents was a coincidence.
"Qingyang, have you found out where the rumors started?"
The moment the border residents appeared, Wei Zhang realized that someone was secretly manipulating public opinion.
Qingyang, who had been frantically investigating for a day, bowed and reported from outside the window: "Your Excellency, I have determined that the children's rhymes spread southward along Huacheng, Yancheng...
This transmission path is completely consistent with Xiao Cheng's route to the capital.
In other words, Xiao Cheng was already spreading rumors about abandoning his concubines for the sake of the people on his way to the capital.
In this way, the people have come to firmly believe in Wei Zhang's righteous deeds.
As the saying goes, "Those who are praised highly will fall hard."
He has already been placed on a pedestal; if he refuses the marriage proposal again, public opinion will go to another extreme.
If the border war breaks out again due to the failure of the marriage alliance, then Wei Zhang will be seen as a treacherous minister who is blinded by lust and only cares about his own selfish interests.
Even with the grand undertaking still unfinished, official reputation remains crucial.
Xiao Cheng had grasped this point about Wei Zhang.
Wei Zhang remembered that six years ago, Xiao Cheng had made great military achievements, but he was just a brave man. He never expected that Xiao Cheng would have such a complicated mind now.
Wei Zhang remained silent and put down the tinderbox.
Only three lamps were lit, their light dim and flickering.
Seeing him frowning in thought, Shen Jinglan immediately advised, "You don't need to care where the rumors came from. As long as you release the person, you will gain both fame and fortune."
You are as clear-headed as a mirror; you should know what the most advantageous choice is. Why let a woman sway you and ruin your life…
"My affairs are none of Lord Shen's concern."
Wei Zhang disliked his bossy manner and gestured for him to leave, saying, "Qingyang, see the guest out."
"Wei Yunjian, don't be confused..."
The other colleagues stopped Shen Jinglan.
Wei Zhang's face was already quite gloomy.
Now that he has been granted titles and official positions, and has returned to court after his leave, his power is even more comparable to others. Who can compete with him?
Under his protection, Shen Jinglan knew that it was no longer possible to kill Xue Lanyi, so he resorted to the next best thing: to send Xue Lanyi to another country.
But in the end, he didn't dare to provoke Wei Zhang indefinitely, so he could only proceed gradually.
Each person respectfully bowed and left.
The door was closed.
It creaked and groaned.
The study felt unusually empty tonight, and the lingering echoes of the past lingered for a long time.
Wei Zhang stood there expressionless for a long time before finally saying indifferently, "Take off your clothes."
From entering the palace last night to the end of court today, a full twelve hours have passed, and almost all the civil and military officials have been arguing and debating about the marriage alliance.
The turmoil at court left Wei Zhang somewhat exhausted, and he only felt a little better after changing into a light and loose nightgown.
"Would you like some red bean porridge for dinner?" Wei Zhang asked wearily.
Ying Qi, who was helping him fasten his belt, paused, looked up, and met Wei Zhang's calm eyes.
The two remained silent, a hint of surprise appearing in Wei Zhang's eyes.
Clearly, he didn't notice who was undressing him at all.
At this moment, the area between the eyebrows bulges.
Ying Qi, assuming he hadn't served him well, swallowed hard and said, "I'm clumsy, please forgive me, sir. Otherwise, I'll have someone else serve you, he's..."
"No need."
Wei Zhang has been alone for over twenty years. Could it be that he can't live without her?
He tied a knot at his waist, then turned and left.
The door swayed slightly back and forth.
Ying Qi stood there, stunned, watching Wei Zhang's angry figure disappear into the night, scratching his head in confusion.
Did the Duke have a fight with my brother?
Why did your expression change so drastically before I even mentioned your name?
I don't understand...
Meanwhile, Wei Zhang returned to his bedroom, took a bath, and then went to bed to rest.
I was exhausted last night and stayed up all night.
But tonight, even at the second watch of the night, I still can't fall asleep.
After tossing and turning on the couch, he saw the ugly rabbit that Xue Lanyi had placed in the inner corner of the bed.
She really liked the rabbit. After asking him several times, she finally got the rabbit out of the trunk and even made it little clothes and a little red hat.
The hat had two holes, revealing the erect ears.
This appearance is somewhat more pleasing to the eye than her previous deformed and distorted face.
Wei Zhang unconsciously picked up the rabbit and placed it on the empty pillow inside.
Above it, the fragrance of agarwood is faintly visible.
Wei Zhang smelled the fragrance and then closed his eyes to fall asleep.
In his confusion, he instinctively stretched out his right arm.
A moment later, some weight was placed on his right arm.
He lifted his eyelids.
The girl rested her head on his arm, facing him, and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Wei Zhang frowned and pushed her away, "Stop fooling around, we have important matters to attend to tomorrow!"
"The concubine-taking ceremony is tomorrow, I can't sleep." The girl moved even closer, pressing her cheek against his chest.
"Yun Jian, your heart is beating so fast." She looked up at him with her clear almond-shaped eyes.
Blinking, like stars in the sky.
"Actually, you're also looking forward to our wedding tomorrow, aren't you?"
"No."
"So, secretly, do you really like being held by me?"
"No." His voice was even deeper.
The girl's eyes darkened for a moment, still unconvinced, she pouted: "But why does your heart beat faster every time I say something? You clearly like me, so why don't you... Ah!"
Wei Zhang suddenly flipped over and pinned her down, pulling her hands, which were causing trouble underneath, out of the quilt and examining her burning fingertips.
Why do you think so?
His breath was hot, and he leaned down to kiss me...
But there was nothing there.
Wei Zhang stared down at the cold pillow, panting, sweat beading on his temples.
After a long while, his blurry vision gradually cleared, and he sat up, rubbing his brow.
How could he have such a dream?
Is he really being controlled by a woman?
Wei Zhang took a deep breath and shook his head.
He knew better than anyone that sending Xue Lanyi away would be entirely beneficial to him.
He didn't need to go against the entire court and the entire Western Qi for Xue Lanyi; he wasn't some fool who would risk everything for a woman.
Besides, Xue Lanyi has deceived her lord so much and shows no remorse, so what's the big deal about letting her go?
There are countless noble ladies in Shengjing, many of whom are gentle and virtuous. There will always be someone who can please him.
Wei Zhang's mind flashed rapidly through the noble ladies from prominent families who had been his betrothed to him in the past, like flipping through a book in his mind, faster and faster.
It seemed as if they were in a hurry to grab something.
But then, on the last page, that familiar smiling face suddenly appeared again.
"Qingyang!" Wei Zhang shouted sternly.
The unusual ruthlessness made Qingyang's eyelids twitch. He hurried to the window, trembling with fear, "Master, what are your orders?"
Wei Zhang's lips moved, but he didn't say anything.
After a long while, he instructed, "The incense in this household is dying out. Go and invite the clan elders to look after a marriage for me."
"ah?"
Qingyang blurted it out.
But sensing the intense emotion within, he quickly rolled his tongue and replied, "I will take care of this matter first thing tomorrow morning."
"Immediately, now."
"..."
Why are you in such a hurry?
Qingyang was puzzled and paused for a moment, but dared not question it and went to do his job.
The footsteps faded into the distance.
Wei Zhang was still not at peace, so he got up and prepared to look at the official documents.
As I walked to the back window, I caught a glimpse of a flickering candlelight outside the window crack.
Shuanghuazhai is actually located behind Wei Zhang's bedroom, in a lower-lying area.
Wei Zhang could see the courtyard from the back window.
It was now past midnight.
Xue Lanyi slept too long yesterday and didn't get any sleep during the night, so she put on a cloak and sat by the window to read a book.
He casually picked up an old storybook from the house.
I intended to use this to distract myself so I wouldn't be afraid of being alone in the yard.
The books, left out for years, smelled musty, and the wind and rain outside only added to the eerie atmosphere.
Xue Lanyi was terrified. She could only recall the nursery rhyme that Granny Liu had sung to her that day and try to hum it softly, pretending to be relaxed to bolster her courage.
Wei Zhang watched from afar as gardenias fluttered in the air throughout the courtyard.
Petals rained down in front of the window.
She leisurely flipped through the book, her intermittent humming melodious.
How leisurely and carefree.
After leaving him, even the sorrow in her eyes disappeared.
He left her alone in the cold courtyard as punishment, but now she seems to enjoy it.
If she knew that the entire Dayong was helping her escape his grasp, wouldn't she be overjoyed?
Or perhaps she already knew about Xiao Cheng's scheme and was already looking forward to leaving the Duke's mansion?
Wei Zhang stood in the shadows by the window, looking down at her with his fingers curled into his palm behind his back.
The night wind made the window open and close repeatedly, and the light spots cast by the diamond-shaped window frames flickered on his face.
After a long while, his eyes, which had been clouded all day, gradually cleared. He pulled his gaze away from Xue Lanyi and went to the outer room.
The outer room was brightly lit.
Just a door away, he gradually emerged from the gloom, the bright light shining on his face.
His face had regained its composure.
He walked to the chessboard and looked down at the unfinished game of Go.
This is the endgame of the game between Xue Lanyi and Wei Zhang the day before yesterday.
The black and white pieces are locked in a fierce battle, with neither side gaining the upper hand.
Xue Lanyi has already placed a white piece.
At that time, Wei Zhang was distracted by other matters and did not make a move.
Now it's Black's turn to make a move.
"Qingyang." His voice returned to its cool and unhurried tone.
Qingyang, wearing a straw hat, had just returned from the rain.
Suddenly hearing his master call him, and remembering how urgently his master had urged him earlier, he assumed that his master was going to ask about the marriage proposal again. He bowed and reported, "I have already asked the three clan elders to find a noble lady of equal social standing overnight. The clan elders will hand over the list of eligible women to you tomorrow morning at dawn."
"No need."
"..." Qingyang opened his mouth, but was speechless for a moment.
Wei Zhang picked up a black chess piece and examined it by candlelight. "Go to the Shen residence and tell them that I have approved the matter of sending a concubine."
Qingyang's already open mouth became even more stiff.
After all, the master has only had this one capable concubine, Xue, by his side all these years, and given his temperament, it's hard for him to back down.
Fearing another wasted trip, Qingyang mustered his courage and asked Wei Zhang, "Does Your Highness really intend to make Concubine Xue the principal wife of Prince Xiao?"
"It's to send her away for a political marriage."
As for whether she can become Xiao Cheng's principal wife...
Wei Zhang placed his piece into the game.
In the blink of an eye, the black pieces have surrounded the white pieces.
The more white pieces you place, the more pieces you capture.
The joy of playing chess lies in no longer having complete control over the game.
At the crucial moment, she thought she had seen the light at the end of the tunnel, but in reality, she was still half a point behind.
Wei Zhang narrowed his eyes, surveying the chessboard with disdain, a hint of interest barely visible on his lips.
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