Planning
Pear Alley.
When Song Mingyan returned to the house he had recently bought, a servant handed him a letter.
"Your Highness, the Madam is urging you to return."
Song Mingyan lowered her eyes, her beautiful fingertips opened the letter, quickly scanned it, and a hint of coldness appeared in her eyes.
"Send a message to her that my marriage is none of her business."
The servants withdrew, and Song Mingyan stood by the lotus pond, looking at the clear water, recalling the scene of her reluctantly seeing him off.
It's been three years; he'll sort everything out sooner or later.
Mian'er will eventually come to his side.
**
When Jiang Mian woke up, Shen Ji was no longer beside her. She was a little stunned. She got up and touched the side of her body, which was already ice cold. She pursed her lips, unable to describe her feelings. It was already dark outside.
She got out of bed and called out.
He Yue seemed to have been standing guard outside the door the whole time, and respectfully said, "Miss."
Jiang Mian was taken aback, then asked, "Has Yun Ji not returned yet?"
"Miss Yunji, please prepare the medicine for Miss. If Miss has any instructions, please just call me."
He Yue remained respectful, leaving no room for criticism.
But the thought that she was Shen Ji's person made Jiang Mian feel somewhat repulsed. He Yue was a loyal person, just like Yun Qing, and she always obeyed Shen Ji's words. With her by her side, she was Shen Ji's eyes and ears, and her every move would be heard by Shen Ji.
but……
Jiang Mian suddenly realized that if that was the case, then did she know where Shen Ji had gone and when he would return?
Thinking of this, she lowered her eyes and asked calmly, "When did your master leave?"
Three hours ago.
"Where did you go?"
"This servant does not know."
“When will he come back? I’m afraid the medicine he left me won’t be enough to last until he comes back,” Jiang Mian added.
He Yue looked at her in surprise, then lowered her eyes, saying without any hesitation, "Don't worry, Miss. The young master has left you enough medicine for four doses."
Four times?
In other words, he will be back in a month at most.
She felt a little happy inside, but didn't show it on her face. She deliberately kept her eyes calm and said indifferently, "You can go down now and call Yunji over."
"yes."
Not long after, Yunji came in. When she saw Jiang Mian, she asked with concern, "Miss, you slept all day. Are you really alright?"
Jiang Mian smiled, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "During the time I was asleep, did anyone come into the room?"
"No, I've been outside the whole time, and no one has come in or out. Why do you ask, Miss? Could it be that something is missing?" Yunji was simple-minded and didn't think of anything else. Before they moved to the new courtyard, there were several maids acting suspiciously. Yunji had eliminated those with ill intentions during the last move.
So when Jiang Mian asked, her first reaction was that there were more disloyal people in the courtyard.
"No, it must be a nightmare."
It seems that Shen Ji left quietly. He did not make their relationship public, but he deliberately poisoned her with a curse that made her unable to leave him.
Thinking of this, she felt even more that she shouldn't have been soft-hearted and moved. The two of them lit candles and Jiang Mian said, "Listen to me, go to the market and buy some medical books, preferably books that record things like Gu worms. Remember, He Yue must not find out about this."
After listening, Yunji had some doubts, but seeing Jiang Mian's serious expression, she also nodded cautiously.
"The sooner the better, it would be best to go tomorrow."
She refused to believe that this Gu worm was truly incurable.
After Shen Ji left, Jiang Mian occupied the entire bed by herself. The candle was extinguished, and the room instantly became dark. She had slept all day, but now she was not sleepy at all.
She tossed and turned, and his image kept popping into her mind: his aloofness and indifference, his occasional jealousy. Although he often forced her to do things she didn't want to do, he had also saved her from danger many times.
However, from the beginning, she knew that this relationship would not last long. It would be better to get out of it before she got too involved. This fleeting relationship was over, and she would let the memory stay at its most beautiful moment.
She didn't want to be forced to become someone he abandoned in the future, so cutting ties early was better for both of them.
The next day, Yunji quietly went out through the back door, and then, avoiding everyone, went to Jiang Mian's room that evening.
The two, mistress and servant, lit a dim candle. Yunji slowly opened the bundle: "These medical books were bought at the market, and these were borrowed from Doctor Chen at the clinic. I remembered your instructions, Miss, and specifically looked for books about Gu worms. They are all here."
"Mm." Jiang Mian nodded. Yun Ji had brought back quite a few medical texts, and it would take her some time to read them all. However, she still had a month to finish reading them.
Yunji didn't ask any more questions. In her heart, she would support whatever her mistress did.
Jiang Mian stayed in the house for three days without going out. Although she did not find a way to remove the Gu, she unexpectedly discovered that the people of Southern Xinjiang were skilled in Gu. That day, when she went to the temple, she unintentionally heard that the abbot had traveled all over the world in his early years and might know about this kind of Gu.
However, how to go without telling everyone became a problem.
Jiang Mian pondered for a long time but couldn't come up with a solution.
Just then, Yunji quietly gave her a letter. She looked up and saw that Heyue had been sent away half an hour ago and wouldn't be back for a while. Jiang Mian immediately closed the door and eagerly unfolded the letter.
Upon seeing those reassuring words, she couldn't help but smile.
Brother Wen Shi always helps her in crucial moments.
These past few days, He Yue has been constantly monitoring her. She writes down who she meets and what she does, and sends the letters to Shen Ji by carrier pigeon. She sends a letter out every three days. Her every move is under that person's control.
Left with no other choice, she could only send a message to Wen Shi, telling him that she could not see him for the time being, and asking him to investigate whether there was a kind of Gu worm that, if ingested, could prevent a person from leaving the person who cast the Gu, and if the antidote was not taken within seven days, the person would die.
If a permanent cure can be found, that would be ideal. If not, we should try to find ways to slow down or control the symptoms.
Song Mingyan acted quickly, sending her a message within two days.
The letter said that he had sent people to look for her and that she should be informed immediately if there was any news. It also asked why they couldn't meet, as he missed her very much.
Jiang Mian held the thin piece of paper, feeling a little heavy-hearted. She didn't know how to reply. After all, three years had passed, and she now only regarded Wen Shi as an older brother, but he said he wanted to marry her.
Jiang Mian pursed her lips, her mind filled with complex emotions.
She picked up her pen and wrote: I will explain the reasons to him in detail later. I am very grateful that he is willing to help me. If he needs anything, I will do my best to help him.
Song Mingyan held the letter, his brows furrowed with gloom. He pondered the meaning behind her words; between the lines, she treated him like a stranger. It seemed he had underestimated her.
They thought Mian'er was still the same as she was three years ago.
But little did they know that time changes, and everything changes.
"Find out where Jiang Mian went during the days she disappeared."
The servant obeyed and left. Song Mingyan kept the letter safe and did not reply to her. The person he sent to Yangzhou that day returned and said that Mian'er had not returned. Later, he wanted to investigate where she was, but she suddenly returned to the Shen residence.
He trusted her and didn't investigate further.
Now it seems that someone is deliberately preventing him from seeing Mian'er. That person not only controls Mian'er's actions, but also subtly controls her heart.
**
Jiang Mian read the book several times and confirmed that it did not record any methods to break the Gu worms. However, it did record some Gu worms, such as the Love Gu, whose effects and functions were somewhat similar to the Mother-Child Gu. However, the Love Gu required immediate intercourse to activate, while the Mother-Child Gu could be suppressed with medicine.
Two rounds of the seven-day period have already passed, which means he will return in at most half a month.
Jiang Mian put the book away. There was no relevant record in the book, so she had to go out and ask the abbot of Jing'an Temple for confirmation.
But when she saw He Yue outside, she realized it was just wishful thinking.
How can I avoid He Yue? I've got it! Jiang Mian suddenly remembered that Shen Ji only told her not to see Song Mingyan, but didn't say she couldn't go out.
Perhaps this is a good opportunity.
The next day, the weather cleared up, and Jiang Mian did not avoid He Yue. She had a carriage prepared and said she was going to make a wish before the Buddha. He Yue hesitated, wondering whether she should tell the young master about this.
However, Jiang Mian was already prepared. She boarded the carriage, taking only Yun Ji with her, leaving He Yue in the mansion. The carriage drove away, and He Yue wanted to chase after it, but it was too late.
Before half a day's drive had passed, Jiang Mian had already arrived at Jing'an Temple. Compared to the quiet atmosphere last time, there were many more people in the temple today. She went straight to the point and asked the young novice monk about the abbot's whereabouts as soon as she entered.
The young novice was dazzled by her appearance and felt that she looked somewhat familiar. After thinking for a while, he suddenly realized that this was the beautiful woman from before.
He enthusiastically led the way for her: "You've come at the right time, benefactor. The master went out to give a sermon this morning, and according to the days, he'll be back soon."
"Okay." Jiang Mian was a little nervous, but also a little excited. Once the Gu poison in her body was cured, Shen Ji would no longer be able to control her.
The young novice led Jiang Mian through the covered walkways and finally stopped in a quiet Zen courtyard: "Please sit here for a moment, benefactor. Your master will be here shortly."
"Thank you for your trouble, little master." Jiang Mian smiled gently at him, her beautiful features and the way her eyes sparkled were like blooming begonias. The little monk's cheeks flushed slightly, he stammered in response, and hurriedly ran out.
This meditation room is very quiet and simply furnished.
She sat for a while when she suddenly heard footsteps outside. Jiang Mian thought it was the abbot and got up to greet him, but when she looked up, she saw a handsome face.
She was somewhat taken aback, the smile in her eyes slowly freezing, and she hesitantly called out, "Brother Wenshi?"
“It’s me.” Song Mingyan pushed open the door and said to Yun Ji, “You can go down now. I have something to say to Mian’er.”
Yunji looked at Jiang Mian, who nodded to her. She curtsied to the two of them, respectfully withdrew, and closed the door behind her.
The meditation room returned to silence. Jiang Mian unexpectedly ran into Song Mingyan here. At this moment, she was very glad that He Yue hadn't followed, otherwise Shen Ji would definitely have found out about this scene.
“Mian’er, I’m sorry. I was worried about you because you haven’t seen me. I had to bribe that little novice monk to give us a chance to talk.” Song Mingyan sat next to Jiang Mian, his eyes never leaving her since they came in.
"I..." Jiang Mian opened her mouth, unsure how to explain.
“We grew up together, so your problems are my problems.” Song Mingyan took a sip of tea, his eyes sparkling, his handsome face softening as he said calmly, “It’s not that you don’t want to see me, but that someone is forbidding you from seeing me, right?”
Jiang Mian looked up in surprise. How did he know?
Song Mingyan tapped the table lightly with his fingertips. Seeing her reaction, he understood. It turned out that his guess was correct.
“Mian’er, can I help you? No matter what difficulties you encounter, I will always be your support. I was before, I am now, and I will always be in the future.”
Song Mingyan said softly. His voice reminded Jiang Mian of the past, when he would always step in and resolve any difficulties she faced.
She had always thought she would marry him. If it weren't for the sudden news of his death, she wouldn't have been so heartbroken. But now, she was no longer worthy of him.
Knowing that her brother was the heir of a marquis's family, she was not worthy of his status. Moreover, she had not yet severed ties with Shen Ji, and she did not want to involve Song Mingyan.
Thinking of this, she slowly shook her head and forced a smile: "I have no difficulties."
Song Mingyan was somewhat disappointed; she still couldn't trust him.
“…Okay. Mian’er has grown up, but no matter how old you get, Brother Wenshi will always be with you. From now on, nothing can separate us.” Song Mingyan didn’t press her. He reached out and covered her hair as he always did, gently stroking it with restraint.
Jiang Mian stiffened, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
"If you're not in a hurry to get married, then take it easy for a few days. However, the seventh day of next month and the sixteenth day of the following month are auspicious days, and it would be a pity to miss them."
Three years have passed, so there's no rush. But for some reason, Song Mingyan felt that he had to marry Mian'er as soon as possible. Only with that marriage contract could they be truly together.
“The third day of the month after next is also good. If you like, is that day alright?” Song Mingyan asked patiently.
Looking into his sincere eyes, Jiang Mian couldn't bring herself to refuse. After all, she had always wanted to marry him, and now that he was alive and well and had appeared in front of her, saying he wanted to marry her, she should be very happy. But for some reason, she felt not a trace of joy in her heart, but rather a deep sense of unease.
“Mian’er, please don’t refuse me. I’ve waited three whole years for this day.”
Three years.
Nobody knows how he got here.
"Brother Wenshi..."
"Think it through. Send someone to tell me. I don't want to hear any rejection. Mian'er, I love you and want to marry you. That will never change." Song Mingyan didn't let her finish speaking. He stood up, suddenly leaned closer, restrained himself, and placed a kiss on her forehead before pulling her into his arms.
I held her for a long time, reluctant to let go, before finally releasing her.
“I have always been your Brother Wenshi, and you can trust me unconditionally.” Song Mingyan lowered his eyes and gazed at her.
Jiang Mian's mind was a bit of a mess when, just then, Yun Ji knocked on the door from outside: "Miss, the abbot has returned."
Song Mingyan, having not received the words he wanted to hear, stubbornly refused to leave. Jiang Mian had no choice but to agree. At this moment, all she wanted to do was see the abbot. After a hasty farewell, she went to the front courtyard.
The warmth of my palm hadn't yet dissipated, but the person was gone.
Song Mingyan lowered his eyes, a hint of indescribable loneliness in them.
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