Chapter 33
The next day, Jiang Mian got up, still feeling dizzy. She couldn't remember when Shen Ji had left the night before, but she vaguely remembered that his clear, dark eyes were unusually gentle in the firelight.
She then realized that Shen Ji seemed even more unpredictable than usual last night. He suddenly came to find her, but did not say what was wrong. Instead, he held her hand and said some useless nonsense.
Jiang Mian pursed her lips, somewhat puzzled, but this did not affect her pleasant mood today.
Last night, she took the opportunity to make that request, firstly to get rid of the spies planted in Birou Courtyard, and secondly to take the opportunity to tell everyone in the mansion that she also has someone backing her up. Although her relationship with her cousin cannot be made public for the time being, she has someone protecting her, so Madam Jiang will not be able to interfere with her freedom so easily.
Thinking of this, Jiang Mian finished washing her face and drank two bowls of porridge in a very good mood.
While things were calm on one side, a turbulent storm was brewing in the peony garden on the other.
As Jiang watched the nanny below chatter on and on, she pinched the bridge of her nose with her nail polished fingertips, her eyes growing increasingly somber.
"He's only been away from the manor for half a month, and he's already grown too big for his britches."
They dared to bypass her and move directly to another courtyard; wasn't this a blatant disregard for her, the mistress of the house?
"Mother, don't be angry. It's just changing courtyards. There are so many empty courtyards in this mansion. Let's not bother with her." Shen Tang slowly peeled a grape, her pretty eyes, which resembled Jiang Shi's by seven parts, were full of disdain. She had just heard from the nanny that early this morning, the woman from Bi Rou Courtyard had packed her bags, saying that the courtyard was too yin and she wanted to move to the Begonia Courtyard in the north.
This wouldn't have been a big deal, but the person who ordered Jiang Mian to change courtyards was actually Shen Ji, who never interfered in the internal affairs of the mansion.
This is rather intriguing.
Jiang was in a somewhat awkward position. Although she was the mistress of the house, there were rules in the Shen family that prevented her from interfering in Shou'an Hall and Qinghui Garden. Not only her, but even the master could not make decisions about the person in Qinghui Garden.
The reason why the Shen family has fallen into ruin is largely because that person did not enter officialdom. If that person had entered the court as an official, Jiang Shi dared not imagine how many people would have fawned over him.
She doesn't need to rely on her children's marriages to secure her future.
Thinking of this, she sighed, then remembered something: "How is Qi Yu doing lately?"
“Young Master Qi is a diligent student, studying every day without fail, but…” The old woman hesitated for a moment, but still continued, “Yesterday, when Miss returned home, she bumped into Young Master Qi at the gate and they talked for quite a while. From what I saw, Young Master Qi seemed to have feelings for Miss…”
It's Jiang Mian again!
It's been half a year already, and I don't know what she's got that makes Qi Yu still so hung up on her. It seems I need to marry her off as soon as possible to completely put an end to Qi Yu's thoughts of her.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but look at her daughter in front of her again. Recalling the experiences of the past few days, she said with some displeasure, "Tang'er, it's time to consider your marriage."
Shen Tang hadn't expected the conversation to involve her. She absentmindedly responded twice, her mind filled with the image of the somewhat arrogant man she had seen at the Feng family's house that day.
She didn't know why she thought of him. After that brief meeting, she had been thinking about him day and night, as if her heart could no longer hold anyone else. Her father said that he was the heir of the Marquis of Anyang. She had never been to the capital. She was too young to remember when her elder sister got married several years ago, but the capital was full of high-ranking officials and nobles. Compared to Jizhou, it seemed to be the place she longed for.
Thinking of this, Shen Tang's eyes flickered slightly, and she slowly peeled another grape.
It took Jiang Mian three whole days to finally move into the Begonia Courtyard.
I heard that this courtyard was originally intended to be the residence of Shen Ji's mother, but after that woman passed away, the courtyard was left vacant. However, because it was close to Qinghui Hall, people would come to clean it from time to time. Even so, she still had it thoroughly cleaned.
Without revealing her relationship with Jiang, she dismissed the two people Jiang had arranged, citing the reason that she didn't need so many servants. She was certain that Jiang wouldn't come looking for her because she still needed to use her marriage, so she couldn't possibly displease her at this time.
Jiang Mian had a few days of peace.
In the past few days, Shen Ji has not appeared before her. That night, he said something strange to her without explanation and then disappeared. She went to Qinghui Hall twice, and each time Yun Qing stammered that he was busy.
Jiang Mian had no suspicions and didn't bother him.
Rarely having a few days of leisure, she spent her days reading and brewing tea, and her nights turning off the lights and going to bed early.
One evening, Shen Yan excitedly ran into her yard and placed an invitation face down on the table.
"Xiao Wu, come with me."
Jiang Mian looked at the invitation, which said that it was a polo match hosted by Young Master Feng.
A scene immediately flashed into her mind: in that long corridor where anyone could walk, that reckless playboy was doing that kind of thing in public.
She didn't like this person, but seeing Shen Yan's expectant look, she hesitated for a long time before asking, "Aren't the three sisters going?"
"She doesn't like these kinds of occasions, Xiao Wu, please, I really want to go."
It was rare for Shen Yan to ask her for a favor, and although Jiang Mian was somewhat reluctant, she still nodded when she saw the expectation and eagerness in Shen Yan's eyes. She didn't want to disappoint Shen Yan, after all, she was the only person in the manor who was kind to her without any ulterior motives.
After the two had finished their discussion, a maid suddenly came to report that Young Master Qi Yu had arrived.
Jiang Mian was taken aback and before she could react, Shen Yan looked at her impatiently with a mysterious expression in her eyes: "Xiao Wu, your cousin is here to see you."
"Fourth sister, don't talk nonsense."
Shen Yan shut her mouth, looking like she understood.
When Jiang Mian saw Jiang Qiyu, she recalled Shen Ji's abnormal appearance that night. She moved her wrist and curtsied, saying, "Young Master Jiang."
Jiang Qiyu's eyes dimmed for a moment, but he quickly concealed it and said gently, "Sister Mian, there's no need for such formality. We're about the same age, so just call me by the same name as Yan'er."
Jiang Mian smiled politely, but did not speak.
Jiang Qiyu's heart stirred again when he saw the girl's gentle and docile appearance. He had never seen such a beautiful person before, even more stunning than the beauties he could paint. Her lips were perfectly red, and the breeze blew through her hair. She stood there so delicately, yet she could arouse one's protective instincts.
But she was not weak; the moment he saw her, he knew he would never be able to control his heart.
After Jiang Mian greeted him, she went inside first. Jiang Qiyu looked somewhat gloomy, as if she was unwilling to get close to him.
"Cousin, come here quickly."
However, Chen Yan, who was standing to the side, did not notice anything amiss and continued to greet them warmly.
Jiang Qiyu stepped inside, frowned when he saw the invitation on the table: "Are you going to a polo match?"
“Yes.” Shen Yan nodded matter-of-factly. She had been locked up for half a year and missed out on all the fun things to do. Now that her mother was too busy to take care of her, she wasn’t going to stay quietly in the mansion embroidering. She wanted to go out, and no one could stop her now.
"Is Mian going too?" Jiang Qiyu asked gently, his gaze falling on Jiang Mian.
Jiang Mian was about to nod when Chen Yan pouted unhappily, "What do you mean Mian-mei is going too? It's like I'm going to sell Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu, tell me, are you going voluntarily?"
Shen Yan secretly squeezed her palm, but smiled on her face.
Jiang Mian found her somewhat adorable and was about to speak when Jiang Qiyu suddenly tapped Chen Yan's head: "Alright, I know what you're thinking. If you hadn't threatened and coerced her, how could a quiet girl like Mian have gone along with your nonsense?"
Shen Yan curled her lip, unconvinced.
Seeing that she was unyielding, Jiang Qiyu simply stopped talking. He looked at Jiang Mian with gentle eyes and said, "I will go with you tomorrow. Feng Liangyu is not easy to get along with. If anything happens, I will be there for you."
Jiang Mian felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze. She nodded vaguely, but didn't notice the sudden light that lit up in the eyes of the person next to her.
After discussing it, the three decided to set off the next day.
As dusk fell, after Jiang Qiyu and Shen Yan left one after another, Jiang Mian felt a little bored. She remembered that she hadn't gone to Qinghui Hall today, and that handsome face popped into her mind. Suddenly, she picked up a lantern and headed towards the side gate.
It had been several days since she had last seen Shen Ji.
Jiang Mian didn't know what he had been busy with lately, and thought that tonight would be a wasted effort. But then she saw the man hunched over his desk by the window. Perhaps he was about to rest, because he was only wearing a thin undergarment. His beautiful collarbone was clear and attractive. Jiang Mian was a little stunned. The next moment, she quietly walked up behind him.
The familiar fragrance wafted in, and Shen Ji paused slightly at the tip of his pen.
"Mian Niang."
When he called her name, there was always an indescribable feeling. Jiang Mian pretended to be disappointed and naturally wrapped her arms around his neck: "It's not fun. You always notice when I'm behind you."
He casually tucked a strand of her hair behind his ear, his dark eyes unfathomable: "Because I am very familiar with everything about Mian Niang."
"Is that so? Then Mianniang should also get to know her cousin."
Jiang Mian smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist. She sat down on his lap, feeling his strong strength beneath her dress. Jiang Mian was a little stunned. Her dark eyes lowered, and she saw his beautiful collarbones.
Shen Ji not only possessed an exceptionally handsome appearance, but her physique also seemed quite good.
That day, when she was bandaging his wound, she caught a glimpse of him by chance, which was already an accident. But after these few days of frequent contact, she discovered that Shen Ji was not the weak and scholarly young man she had imagined. He was accomplished in poetry and literature, and was not inferior in other aspects either.
I wonder if other parts of the body beneath this robe are also...
Jiang Mian's thoughts were drifting when suddenly her waist tightened. It turned out that her hanging ribbon had somehow gotten caught on the table leg. She came back to her senses and suddenly felt a surge of heat, but she did not leave. Instead, she took the opportunity to get closer to him.
"My cousin's eyes are very beautiful, like stars."
Like a lazy, carefree cat, she gently extended her fingertips and placed them on his face. In the hazy moonlight, Chen Ji's hand, which was holding a pen, suddenly landed on her exquisite curves.
He curled his lips into a smile and said, half-jokingly, "How about digging it up and giving it to Mian Niang?"
Jiang Mian was startled, wondering if she had misheard. The young man's expression remained unchanged, and even a meaningful smile appeared in his dark eyes. For a moment, she felt that he was not joking, but really would do it.
But she quickly dismissed the thought, wrapped her arms around his neck, suppressed the inexplicable discomfort in her heart, and shook her head.
"No, the stars are more beautiful in the sky."
Shen Ji gave her a deep look, but remained silent.
"I'm a little sleepy. It's a pity I can't be with my cousin." Jiang Mian stretched, seemingly extremely reluctant to leave, but her slightly flickering eyes betrayed her true thoughts.
She just wanted to take this opportunity to make Shen Ji believe that she was deeply in love with him.
Only in this way will he be completely convinced.
Jiang Mian thought she could leave after flirting with him, but the moment she stood up, the young man suddenly pulled her into his arms. Then, he lowered his head, a smile appearing in his eyes: "Mianniang is wrong. If one day you have your own star, you can only admire it alone, and no one else can touch it. Isn't that good?"
Jiang Mian was stunned for a moment, and before she could react, the young man lowered his head and kissed her lips.
Their lips touched, and she suddenly widened her eyes, feeling the breath between their teeth and hearing the soft sounds of their kiss in the quiet space. Though not loud, it was enough to make her blush.
After an unknown amount of time, Shen Ji stepped back slightly, grabbed the cloak from the other side, and casually draped it over her: "If you come again next time, remember to wear something warmer."
"Or, how about I have someone build a courtyard here for you to live in?"
His expression was serious, as if he were asking for her opinion, or as if he had already had this idea and was waiting for her consent.
Jiang Mian was still immersed in the feeling of his sudden kiss when she heard this, and subconsciously shook her head.
Her cousin actually kissed her.
Judging from his natural expression, he didn't seem to think that his action just now would surprise anyone.
Jiang Mian felt that the cloak was really hot around her, so she quickly got up, said goodbye, and left.
If she had known this would happen, she shouldn't have bothered him tonight.
Why is her cousin different from the one she remembers?
After she left, the young man's eyes suddenly darkened. His fingertips touched his lips, caressing them with a hint of affection, while a burning desire ignited in his eyes.
Not enough, still not enough.
She's so addictive.
A brief encounter will not only fail to dispel the desire, but will also make one more and more addicted.
But now, Jiang Mian...
It seems she isn't completely devoted to him.
Today he heard that an uninvited guest had gone to her courtyard and stayed for quite some time...
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