Chapter 77 Through the gap in the wedding tent, a cold, stern profile appeared...
In the courtyard, Mu Qinghong looked at the silhouettes of a man and a woman gazing at each other on the window paper, and held on tightly, saying, "Just let my brother have his wish, let's not bother him."
"Ah Hong, it's not that I want to bother you."
Moon Lady is not a meddlesome person.
She was naturally happy for her sister and Xuan-ge, who had finally become a couple.
However, while cutting clothes for Xue Lanyi these past two days, I noticed her tattoos and the hickeys that haven't faded yet.
Those marks clearly indicate that it was not done willingly.
Yue Niang simply wanted her sister to have everything go her way in the future, so that she would no longer be coerced by external affairs.
Although Mu Qinghong was doing this for the good of her sister and Xuan Ge, why force her sister to show Xuan Ge her wedding dress now when her sister doesn't want to?
Yue Niang remembered that Mu Qinghong wasn't like this before.
Even when he was still in the Eastern Palace, Mu Qinghong was particularly fond of Xue Lanyi.
Back then, it was often said that no man in the world was worthy of her, not even Wei Xuan.
Therefore, in his heart, Mu Qinghong felt closer to Xue Lanyi.
Why must we go against Xue Lanyi's wishes today and insist on arranging for Xuan Ge to see the wedding dress ahead of time?
The future is long and prosperous, why should he rush things?
"Ah Hong, you seem a little different today. Is there something you're hiding from me?" Yue Niang looked at Mu Qinghong suspiciously, sensing that he was preoccupied.
Mu Qinghong froze, then waved her hand, "What... what could possibly happen to me? Yue Niang, you're overthinking it."
Yue Niang's gaze lingered on Mu Qinghong.
"Oh dear, I just feel... I feel that life is so bitter."
Mu Qinghong's voice choked as she said this, and her moist eyes twitched upwards. "Many things are beyond our control, shouldn't we seize the day and enjoy life?"
"Live for the moment...?"
When Mu Qinghong taught Yue Niang to read last time, he explained to her that the so-called "seize the day" means that no matter how difficult things may be in the future, one should take advantage of the good times and live happily.
Just like the new clothes she made, if she doesn't wear them in time, they will fade and become less pretty as time goes by.
However, from now on, they, their sister, and Xuan-ge will live in this paradise for a long, long time.
There will be no hardship, no wasted time, so why must we seize the day?
Moon Lady frowned in confusion.
"Okay, stop thinking about it."
Mu Qinghong gently tapped her forehead and pulled Yue Niang out of the courtyard. "Shall we go see if Da Pang's baby has been born yet?"
"Oh right, Big Fatty is still having babies!"
Yue Niang's eyes flashed, and her attention shifted to the pigsty outside the courtyard.
Just then, the squealing of suckling pigs came from the pigpen.
Moon Lady lifted her skirt and trotted towards the pigsty.
Mu Qinghong stood still, her eyelashes drooping slightly, before following Yue Niang's steps.
Over the years, their food, clothing, and daily necessities have all been brought in from outside by Wei Xuan's people.
This is not only troublesome, but also makes them feel guilty for relying on others for food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, and they are too embarrassed to ask for help if they are short of anything.
So, Mu Qinghong and Yue Niang learned to plant a field of corn and sorghum and raised a litter of pigs.
Three months ago, the sow whom the Moon Goddess named Big Fat became pregnant.
She got even more excited.
To ensure the sow could give birth smoothly, I didn't sleep well for three months. On sunny days, I cut grass for the pigs and fed them extra food; on rainy days, I held an umbrella to shield them from the rain.
Now, hard work pays off, and the sow has given birth to six piglets in one litter.
"Ah Hong, look, so many pigs!"
Excitedly, Yue Niang ran into the pigpen, holding four piglets in her arms.
"What perfect timing! I was just wondering what gifts to give my sister and brother Xuan, and now I have them!"
"If we sell these four piglets, we can buy a whole set of silver jewelry. It shouldn't be too shabby as a gift for my sister, right?"
Mu Qinghong's eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Yue Niang, who was squatting among a litter of piglets.
Although she was dressed in coarse linen, her eyes shone like bright pearls at that moment.
Mu Qinghong choked.
In fact, even if Xuan Ge were down on his luck, his years of military achievements would be enough to ensure they would live a comfortable life.
The elder sister's phoenix coronet and wedding gown were made of the finest pure gold and jewels, so she didn't need any silver jewelry.
But this was the most presentable gift that Mu Qinghong and Yue Niang could offer.
Not wanting to spoil her mood, Mu Qinghong nodded, "Sister will like it."
He went into the pigsty, picked up the remaining two piglets, and squatted down next to Yue Niang. "Why don't we just sell the other two and buy yourself a pair of silver hairpins?"
"ah?"
Moon Lady's expression brightened slightly, but she quickly shook her head again. "I don't like silver hairpins. I prefer the peach wood hairpins that Ah Hong makes. They're lightweight and smell nice."
The Moon Maiden smiled sweetly, a speck of dirt on her cheek—the dirt kicked up by the pig's hooves when she was catching it.
Mu Qinghong gently wiped it with her fingertips.
How could he not know that she liked silver hairpins?
It was only with great difficulty that they managed to raise six piglets.
She built a new pigpen for the piglets well in advance.
Where would you be willing to sell them all?
“We’re not selling pigs anymore. I’ve painted twenty more pictures. Let’s sell them all. Maybe we can get a set of silver jewelry and a silver hairpin.”
After Mu Qinghong finished speaking, she added in a low voice, "If you don't have enough to buy silver hairpins, you can buy two packs of sweet cakes."
"Painting and calligraphy bring in money too slowly. If you want to eat sweet cakes, you might as well take my embroidered handkerchief and sell it."
Moon Lady blurted out, then realized she had misspoke. She opened her mouth stiffly and said, "Ah Hong, I... I didn't mean your calligraphy and painting are inferior to your embroidery."
It's...it's that the people in town don't know how to appreciate things!
Ah Hong's calligraphy and paintings are the best. If they could be sold in the city, they would definitely fetch a very high price, at least five taels of silver!
Moon Lady confidently held up a five.
Mu Hongqing laughed.
He had known all along that the people here didn't know what they were talking about.
When he was in Shengjing, every painting he created was priceless and extremely rare.
Mu Qinghong sniffed and grasped her nervous fingers. "Alright, let's not argue with those who don't know their stuff. It's getting dark, let's get some rest so we can go to the market tomorrow."
"No, I have to go tonight." Yue Niang also grasped his hand in return, and the two clasped hands together, gently shaking them. "I plan to sell the piglets as soon as the market opens tomorrow morning, and then rush back to attend my sister and Xuan Ge's wedding. Otherwise, if A Hong hasn't given his gift before the banquet starts tomorrow, wouldn't that be impolite?"
She carefully observed his expression.
Tomorrow, Young Master Zhou and Young Master Xie will both be coming, and they will certainly pay their respects.
Yue Niang was also afraid that he would feel uneasy if he came empty-handed.
Mu Qinghong understood Yue Niang's intentions, so she stopped trying to persuade her.
"Then I'll go with you. There won't be many people around at night, so no one will notice me."
As he spoke, he pulled Yue Niang to her feet.
Moon Lady shook her head again, "You stay with my sister, I can go by myself."
If Mu Qinghong appears in public, it will be too easy for her identity to be exposed.
Therefore, for the past six years, Yue Niang has been the one to handle everything that needs to be done in public.
Yesterday, Mu Qinghong overheard hunters on the mountain saying that a young and pretty widow lived there.
He felt terrible and pleaded, "I'll wear a veil. Let's go and come back as soon as possible. There won't be any problems."
“The donkey cart needs to carry piglets, you’re too fat to fit,” Moon Lady insisted.
"Furthermore, didn't I tell Ah Hong the other day that the Duke of Wei arrived at the border city three days ago? If he sees us and follows the clues to capture Sister Yi and Brother Xuan, how can we face them?"
Ultimately, isn't it our business that Xuan Ge and his sister have been separated for nearly six years?
We can't be a burden to them anymore, and we certainly can't let them get arrested again, right?
The Moon Goddess was lecturing on profound truths.
Mu Qinghong neither said she was right nor wrong; she simply listened to her in silence.
At this time, the sky was gradually darkening.
The sun sets below the horizon.
Mu Qinghong's face was shrouded in darkness.
Moon Lady couldn't see his expression clearly, but she could sense the dejected aura emanating from him.
His head drooped lower and lower, looking strange.
Was he upset because Yue Niang kept rejecting his kindness?
But right now, everything should prioritize my sister's and Xuan's marriage.
Not knowing how to comfort him, Yue Niang thought of a tried-and-true method. She tilted her head and smiled at him, "Ah Hong, I've calculated it. We can still save one or two taels of silver from selling the pig. How about I go to the bookstore and buy you a few books? What would you like to read? The Analects? The Book of Rites? The Record of Gentlemen?"
Mu Qinghong suddenly opened his eyes and saw her pure smile.
The Moon Goddess is not the beauty people describe, but she is as pure and flawless as the wildflowers under the moon.
Mu Qinghong hugged Yue Niang's shoulders, "I... will never read books again."
"Why?"
Mu Qinghong didn't answer, but only said, "Go early and come back early. I'll pick you up at the canyon entrance tomorrow morning."
"I won't get lost."
I want to pick you up.
"..."
Yue Niang sensed that Mu Qinghong had suddenly become very down. She couldn't figure it out, so she rested her chin on Mu Qinghong's shoulder and said, "Then I'll wait for you to pick me up and take me home."
Mu Qinghong's stiff back finally relaxed a little.
The two women placed the piglets in a wooden cage, and Yue Niang sat on a cart, cracking her whip, and headed towards the full moon on the horizon.
She was very small, and soon her figure was hidden by the half-person-high wooden cage.
The wooden cage was very heavy, making the donkey cart wobble and sway.
Only after the person and the car disappeared into the outline of the full moon did Mu Qinghong turn her gaze away.
Unable to sleep, I sat on the veranda, picked up the half-embroidered little bib that Yue Niang had made, and gently stroked it.
The kylin pattern on the red velvet cloth is a work of art from the Crown Prince's palace, and it is extremely exquisite.
The fabric is a bit rough; it's already rough enough to chafe an adult. I wonder if it will chafe a baby's delicate skin?
A ripple appeared in Mu Qinghong's eyes, which quickly subsided. She picked up the embroidery needle and continued embroidering the bellyband, following Yue Niang's stitches.
As Xue Lanyi and Wei Xuan stepped out of the room, they saw Mu Qinghong embroidering intently under the eaves of the opposite house, her needle and thread moving back and forth.
Ah Hong knows how to sew?
Xue Lanyi was somewhat surprised, but she quickly understood.
After five or six years of fleeing, how could there still be a Crown Prince who was waited on hand and foot?
"Didn't you treat my brother well?" Xue Lanyi and Wei Xuan stood face to face, holding hands, and she wrinkled her nose at him.
Wei Xuan was well-intentioned in taking care of everything, but he was simply too busy to attend to everything and inevitably overlooked some details.
Secondly, the Crown Prince, after all, has the pride of a Crown Prince, and he won't proactively tell him about any difficulties he encounters.
He also had to consider the prince's pride; he couldn't keep asking him every day if he had eaten enough or if he was warm enough.
In this case, the crown prince might not be happy, and might even become suspicious.
Being the eldest brother puts you in a dilemma.
Wei Xuan gently shook Xue Lanyi's hand, "I will definitely pay more attention in the future and try my best not to let my brother and sister-in-law suffer any grievances."
"Who's your brother or sister-in-law?" Xue Lanyi rolled her eyes at him.
She knew her brother's nature, of course.
They'll hurt his pride if they ask too many questions.
Well then, I'll try to comfort my brother later.
Wei Xuan has done enough, taking care of her younger brother and enduring many hardships.
How could she bear to really blame him?
She tucked Wei Xuan's stray white hair behind his ear. "There's still a lot to do tomorrow, including entertaining guests. So... why don't you... sleep in the woodshed tonight?"
As soon as Xue Lanyi spoke, her cheeks turned bright red.
There were only four rooms in the courtyard. The other two rooms were given to Mr. and Mrs. Ahong and Granny Liu, so Wei Xuan had to make do with living in the dampest kitchen.
Since the wedding is tomorrow, Xue Lanyi doesn't need to make him suffer in the cold wind in the dark room just because of some worldly customs.
"Let's live together."
The girl muttered to herself, wishing she could bury her head in the ground.
Wei Xuan's ears burned, and he stammered for a moment, "I...I still need to practice martial arts tonight, so I'll sleep in the kitchen to avoid...to avoid waking you up."
"..."
Xue Lanyi's anger, which had been rising in her throat, was instantly extinguished, and she simply said "Oh".
"Then you should rest early," the girl said in a muffled voice, curtsied, and turned to leave.
A hand grabbed her wrist.
He gently rubbed the girl's tiger's mouth with his calloused fingertips for a moment, and said in a stiff voice, "Hai Shi (9-11 PM), I will come over after practicing martial arts and taking a bath at Hai Shi."
"oh."
Xue Lanyi said "Oh" again.
This time, the voice was much lighter.
The blush on her face spread all the way down her neck, and she gave Wei Xuan a light peck on the cheek in a fluster.
"Then I'll go take a shower first!"
After saying that, he quickly jogged away.
She ran too fast and bumped her head on a pillar. Her head started ringing, and she realized she was running in the wrong direction. She angrily kicked the pillar, touched her forehead, and ran back to her dormitory.
But actually...
She wasn't kicking the pillar, she was kicking Mu Qinghong's leg.
A dull pain made Mu Qinghong gasp. When she came to her senses, she saw the woman's back reflected in the window of the opposite dormitory.
Xue Lanyi's shoulders trembled slightly, as if she were somewhat agitated.
In the middle of the courtyard, under the bright moonlight, a tall man with slightly flushed cheeks gazed at the silhouette of the girl in the distance, standing so stiffly that he almost became a statue waiting for his wife.
Mu Qinghong rewound her memory and vaguely heard what the two people had said in the courtyard.
He stood up and stood shoulder to shoulder with Wei Xuan, experiencing his infatuated perspective.
"My sister already invited you in, why are you refusing, brother? You're just making trouble for yourself... Brother!"
Halfway through her sentence, the tall man beside her suddenly stumbled.
Mu Qinghong quickly supported Wei Xuan's arm, "Brother, you..."
Wei Xuan's face was already pale, his trembling hand pressed against his lips, making a shushing gesture, and then he pointed to the kitchen.
He looked terrible, but he clearly didn't want Xue Lanyi to notice anything amiss.
Mu Qinghong had no choice but to suppress her fear and swallow her gasp.
The two of them dared not make a sound and helped each other to the kitchen.
Wei Xuan quietly closed the door.
Immediately, a mouthful of blood gushed out.
"Brother Xuan!" Mu Qinghong quickly helped him sit on the straw mat, tore off a piece of silk handkerchief, and squatted down in front of Wei Xuan to wipe away the trickling blood.
But the blood kept gushing out, never stopping.
"I'll go get the doctor!"
"Need not."
Wei Xuan sat cross-legged, focusing his energy in his dantian, and his intermittent breathing finally stabilized. "Don't worry, it's just the same old problem, nothing will happen."
Earlier, Wei Xuan's eyes had been cured by Doctor Meng Luo.
However, at the same time, Dr. Luo unexpectedly discovered a chronic poison in his body that could damage his bones and muscles.
This poison is insidious and gradually erodes people's character over time.
When the poison recurs at night, it causes excruciating pain, like the liver and gallbladder being torn apart, requiring the use of internal energy to suppress it.
Mu Qinghong and Yue Niang knew about this, but Xue Lanyi did not.
That's why he didn't stay with Xue Lanyi just now. Besides considering her reputation, more importantly, he didn't want her to see his current disheveled state.
Even Doctor Luo can't cure this poison, so why bother letting her worry about it unnecessarily?
Fortunately, the poison will not spread rapidly unless violence is used.
He won't die.
He can stay with her until she's old.
Wei Xuan patted Mu Qinghong on the shoulder, "Keep your voice down, don't make any noise and let your sister hear, okay?"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Mu Qinghong's trembling hands continued to wipe the blood off Wei Xuan's clothes.
That's really strange.
The poison had been lurking in his body for two months, and Wei Xuan had no idea when or by whom it was administered.
It has absolutely nothing to do with Mu Qinghong, so why should he apologize?
Wei Xuan saw that he was becoming more and more agitated, and his muttering was getting louder and louder.
He firmly grasped Mu Qinghong's wrist. "Listen carefully, I'm fine. Don't worry your sister!"
Wei Xuan remained as steady as Mount Tai, while Mu Qinghong was like a mountain about to collapse completely, lost in thought.
Wei Xuan leaned down slightly and looked directly into Mu Qinghong's eyes.
"Ah Hong, my sister has worn her wedding dress twice, and each time it was filled with suffering. I want to give her a perfect wedding. Can you help me?"
Wei Xuan's gaze was so firm, brooking no argument, yet filled with the utmost longing and humility.
Mu Hongqing looked up at him, and his expression finally calmed down.
She stared at him silently for a moment.
Mu Qinghong didn't answer, swallowing the words "I'm sorry".
He looked away and lowered his voice, "I won't go to the doctor. How about I get some water for my brother to wash his face?"
Seeing that he had calmed down, Wei Xuan released his hand and instead rubbed his head, saying, "You little rascal."
In these six years, Mu Qinghong has also experienced life and death, great storms and waves, and has become much more composed.
I don't know what's wrong with me today; one minute I'm incredibly carefree, and the next I'm incredibly anxious.
Wei Xuan thought that he probably felt uneasy because he thought Wei Xuan's health was failing and he wouldn't be able to protect them in the future.
"Don't worry! This place is not only well-hidden, but I've also set up many traps. There's absolutely no way an outsider could break in. Just live a good life with Yue Niang, and I'll take care of everything else."
Wei Xuan stood tall, like an unyielding mountain, ready to shield his loved ones from wind and rain as long as he had breath.
No wonder my sister keeps thinking about it.
"Brother-in-law."
Mu Qinghong suddenly called out.
Wei Xuan was taken aback, then chuckled and said, "Aren't you afraid your sister will beat you up?"
"Anyway, whether it's this life or the next, I only recognize Brother Xuan as my brother-in-law." The boy raised his chin.
The two looked at each other and smiled.
Wei Xuan was even a little embarrassed, her ears turning red. "Go fetch some water, and keep your voice down."
Okay~
Mu Qinghong took a deep breath and stood up.
I opened a crack in the door and saw the figure of a woman pacing back and forth in the window opposite.
My sister must be nervous too, and really looking forward to becoming husband and wife with Xuan Ge, right?
Mu Qinghong remembered that the night before Yue Niang married him, she also tossed and turned, unable to sleep, pacing back and forth.
His smile faltered slightly as he turned his head. "Brother, I have a question for you. You lied to Xiqi for my sister, breaking your gentlemanly promise to them. Don't you regret it?"
Wei Xuan was a truly upright and loyal man.
Now, in order to save Xue Lanyi, he first agreed to serve Xiqi.
After borrowing the power of the Western Qi, he broke his oath and fled into the deep mountains.
This will surely be recorded in history.
Despite his outstanding achievements, he cannot escape the reputation of being a treacherous and untrustworthy person.
"Don't you mind? Don't you regret it?"
Wei Xuan's expression hardened slightly.
Of course I'll mind being infamous for all time.
but……
"To me, no amount of fame or fortune can compare to your sister's joy and well-being."
When Wei Xuan spoke, his eyes and brows conveyed an indescribable gentleness.
How much must one love someone to smile just by mentioning them?
Mu Qinghong gripped the door latch tightly, and then, as if struck by a thought, she smiled to herself.
"Will Xuan-ge go to keep my sister company tonight?"
What's wrong with you today?
That's weird.
Wei Xuan didn't answer his question, but Mu Qinghong knew that Brother Xuan was a man of his word.
Since he had promised his sister, he would definitely go and accompany her.
Mu Qinghong's lips opened and closed repeatedly. After a long while, he said, "Brother Xuan... go early, so that my sister doesn't wait in vain and leave with regrets."
The last four words were spoken very softly.
The sound of the door closing masked it.
The sluggish sound of the door opening and closing carried into the house across the street.
Xue Lanyi paused, then immediately turned around, quickly climbed onto the bed, and lay down with her back to the door.
His eyes were tightly closed, and his brows furrowed more and more tightly with tension.
The rooms here are simple, with no distinction between inner and outer rooms. Once Wei Xuan enters the room, they can only sleep on the same bed.
Should she turn her back to him or face him?
Should they each sleep on their own pillow, or sleep together?
Could something else happen?
Xue Lanyi's mind was filled with a thousand thoughts.
She knew in her heart that Wei Xuan had been carefully protecting her self-esteem these days.
Therefore, even if he is in the same room as her, he will only sleep far away from her.
But they were about to become husband and wife.
If she doesn't take the initiative, he probably won't dare to approach her. Even if it's their wedding night tomorrow, he might not do anything.
But if she's too proactive, won't she seem frivolous?
Xue Lanyi pondered for a while, and finally, she stuffed the new pillow prepared on the right side of the bed into the pillowcase.
On the already cramped tatami mat, there was only one pillow.
Xue Lanyi lay down on her right side, leaving her left side for him.
Ah Xuan wouldn't think she was frivolous.
They should take another step forward.
Xue Lanyi took a deep breath, clenched her fist into her hand resting on her cheek, and waited quietly for any movement outside.
She could vaguely hear the sound of the kitchen door opening and footsteps moving across the street.
He drew closer and closer to her, almost within arm's reach.
A sudden night wind arose outside, scattering the footsteps.
Everything fell silent.
Xue Lanyi breathed a sigh of relief.
Immediately, a feeling of emptiness overwhelmed my chest.
It's already past midnight, and Wei Xuan still hasn't arrived. Is he not coming to keep her company tonight?
Was she in too much of a hurry?
Xue Lanyi had become sexually frustrated, wanting a man to embrace her more deeply and kiss her more passionately.
She would be disappointed if he didn't come.
Inside the four-sided curtains, Xue Lanyi lowered her long eyelashes and pouted.
Just then, a gust of wind blew the door open.
The cold night wind rustled the window paper and sent a chill down Xue Lanyi's spine.
She was about to get up and close the door.
A tall, imposing figure slowly approached and stood behind her.
There were no lights on in the house, and the night was especially dark in the deep mountains.
Xue Lanyi couldn't see anything, but she could feel someone shielding her from the wind and frost, and her back wasn't so cold anymore.
The look of disappointment on his face instantly turned into a smile, and although his eyes were closed, the corners of his eyes couldn't help but turn up.
But after a long while, she didn't see the man by the bed make any move.
He just stood there silently.
Xue Lanyi could feel a gaze fixed on her back.
Ah Xuan, are you shy?
"Come on, come on up," Xue Lanyi said in a stiff voice.
The night was cold, and he was taciturn. Xue Lanyi couldn't bear to see him suffer in the cold wind, so she moved to the inside of the bed.
The empty pink mattress and pillows bore the dents left by the girl.
She was very thin, so the indentation was very shallow.
But even without touching it, you can feel that the dented area is soft, carrying her body temperature and the faint scent of sandalwood from her body.
She is like a piece of warm jade, delicate, fair, and warm. When held in the arms during autumn and winter, she exudes a continuous stream of warmth, soothing one's chest and feeling very comfortable.
The man beside the bed couldn't help but catch his breath.
With long fingers, he lifted the curtain and slowly moved it toward Xue Lanyi's cheek.
Inside the square curtains that kept out the light of day, the black jade thumb ring with gold thread patterns on the man's thumb was particularly eye-catching.
The thumb ring was made using the Kintsugi technique, which involves piecing together the jade pieces that had been broken into pebbles and then filling each broken crevice with molten gold.
The black jade core was permeated with gold water, and from then on, the gold and jade were inlaid and inseparable.
In the darkness, this thumb ring, covered in gold thread patterns, gleamed like the scales of a golden snake, and touched Xue Lanyi.
Leng Yu stroked her slightly upturned eyes and burning cheeks.
Finally, it lingered on Xue Lanyi's lips.
The warmth of someone else still lingered on her soft lips.
The man's fingertips stiffened slightly.
In an instant, the surrounding air seemed to cool down a bit.
The apricot-colored curtains moved on their own without wind, sometimes opening and sometimes closing.
Through the gap, a deep and cold profile was faintly visible.
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