Ling Shuang
Ling Shuang wore a light blue jacket with a front opening, and her hair was adorned only with a plain silver hairpin in the shape of a plum blossom. She was only in her early forties, but her hair had already turned gray.
"Auntie, you're here!" Wei Qiao craned his neck and looked towards the door. He greeted Ling Shuang happily as she entered the room.
Ling Shuang had been on tenterhooks the whole way after hearing the news of Wei Qiao's injury, but seeing his rosy complexion now put her mind at ease. Walking to the bedside, she carefully examined Wei Qiao, confirming there were no other wounds, before smiling and teasingly saying, "You're such a worrywart. I was so concerned when A Gui told me you were injured, but thankfully you've recovered. Next time, don't try to be a hero; the Emperor's life isn't as important to me as yours."
Wei Qiao listened with enjoyment to Ling Shuang's rambling. He had been raised by Ling Shuang since childhood, and in the first few years, Ling Shuang had to sell her needlework to support him. Because they had no money, Ling Shuang once caught a cold but never went to get medicine, which eventually left her with a chronic illness. Later, Ling Shuang received her mother's dowry from his mentally ill maternal grandmother. With that dowry of several thousand taels of silver and the five shops her grandmother had left to her mother, his and Ling Shuang's lives finally improved.
Ling Shuang remained unmarried for life to raise him, treating him as her own child. In his heart, he had long regarded her as his mother as well.
After he passed the imperial examination, Ling Shuang's health deteriorated further. The doctor advised her to take good care of herself, so he sent her to a manor in the outskirts of the capital. Ling Shuang disliked the Wei family, which had caused her young mistress's death, and after going to the manor, she no longer had to see Zhang Yunyao and Wei Changsong from time to time, and her health indeed improved a lot.
Seeing that Wei Qiao was smiling at her but not taking her words to heart, Ling Shuang sighed inwardly. Oh well, the child is grown up and has his own considerations.
"I heard from A-Gui that you brought Wei Kang's wife to your residence?" Ling Shuang asked, looking at him inquisitively. Wei Qiao had remained unmarried for many years, and she had even suspected that he might have some hidden illness. Now that he was willing to keep a woman by his side, it dispelled her doubts.
Fearing that Ling Shuang might misunderstand Xi Chun, Wei Qiao quickly explained, "They didn't consummate their marriage."
“I know, Wei Kang died in the wedding hall. That heartless couple deserved to be unlucky; they couldn’t even keep such a good child like Wei Kang.” Ling Shuang felt nothing but disgust for Zhang Yunyao and his wife, but she couldn’t feel any aversion to Wei Kang, this gentleman. Instead, she felt some pity for him. The character of Zhang Yunyao and his wife was completely unworthy of her son.
"Aunt, are you going to stay at the manor for a while this time?" Wei Qiao asked. They hadn't lived together for a long time since Ling Shuang moved away.
Ling Shuang nodded. "I plan to stay until you've fully recovered before returning to the estate."
As Fu Qing was about to lead her to her residence after leaving Wei Qiao's room, she said, "Fu Qing, take me to see that girl first."
"Miss, Aunt Ling Shuang is here." Shui Xian hurriedly came in to inform Xi Chun when she saw Fu Qing and Ling Shuang coming over.
Xi Chun was at a loss for a moment. She straightened her hair and clothes and hurriedly went out to greet them at the door.
The moment Ling Shuang saw Xi Chun, she knew why Wei Qiao was so determined to bring her to his side. Such a beautiful girl was indeed a rare find.
"Xichun greets Aunt." Xichun bowed to Ling Shuang.
Ling Shuang quickly walked to her side, helped her up, and said kindly, "Good child, get up quickly."
Ling Shuang pulled Xi Chun into the house and sat down, chatting with her about everyday things. Learning that Xi Chun was an orphan who had suffered in the Wei family for years and had been sent to the palace by Wei Changsong for personal gain, Ling Shuang felt pity for her.
Holding Xichun's hand, Ling Shuang said with emotion, "Good child, you've suffered so much. From now on, live a good life with Wei Qiao. With your aunt here, he won't dare to bully you."
Wei Qiao listened to A Gui's account in the bedroom, and only felt relieved to hear that Aunt Ling Shuang and Xi Chun got along well. He was still somewhat worried that his aunt might have some reservations about Xi Chun's identity.
"Master, you can rest assured and focus on your recovery. I think Aunt Ling Shuang really likes Miss Xi Chun."
At dinner time, Xichun brought a bowl of porridge to Wei Qiao's bedroom again. Xichun presented the porridge to Wei Qiao like a precious treasure, asking, "Look what this is?"
Seeing the lily porridge in the bowl, Wei Qiao smiled and asked, "Did Aunt Ling Shuang make this?"
Xi Chun shook her head and said proudly, "This is what I made. Aunt Ling Shuang taught me how to make it. Aunt said it's what you like to eat most when you're sick. These lilies are fresh from the estate; Aunt specially had them dug up today."
Xi Chun scooped up a spoonful of porridge, blew on it to cool it down, and held it to his lips. "Try it. I even added a little honey to it."
As Wei Qiao sipped the sweet lily porridge, he praised, "It tastes just as good as Aunt Ling Shuang's."
Wei Qiao liked it, and Xi Chun was also very happy. "If it tastes good, then drink more. Aunt Ling Shuang said you love lilies, so she brought a lot of fresh lilies from the estate this time."
A few days later, Wei Qiao's injuries had healed considerably, and he was able to walk again. Xi Chun helped Wei Qiao take a walk in the front yard. Although the early summer morning sun wasn't scorching, Wei Qiao was still sweating profusely after walking around for a while.
Xichun took out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat. "We arrived here this morning. I'll take you for a walk in the yard this evening when it's cooler."
The two returned to the house. Wei Qiao's inner garment was soaked with sweat, and he wanted to change his clothes, but neither A Gui nor Zhao Yu were in the front yard at this time.
"Xichun," Wei Qiao called to her.
She looked up at him. "What's wrong?"
"I need to change my clothes. You go wait outside."
Xi Chun glanced at his injured left arm. "Your shoulder isn't healed yet, so it might be inconvenient for you to do it alone. Let me help you change."
Taking a clean undergarment from the wardrobe, Xi Chun walked up to Wei Qiao and began to untie his belt. She had no erotic thoughts in her mind; she just wanted to help him change his clothes quickly, so she worked swiftly and stripped Wei Qiao of his upper garment in no time.
Seeing Wei Qiao's muscular upper body, Xi Chun felt a little embarrassed. She didn't dare to look directly at his skin and turned her head to look at the candlestick next to her.
Wei Qiao looked at Xi Chun, who was holding a garment but had the cuffs of her inner garment far away from his hand. He turned his head to look at her face and saw that her fair skin was flushed with pink, making her exceptionally beautiful and charming.
Wei Qiao couldn't help but reach out and touch her face. Xi Chun turned to look at him in surprise. Her reflection was in his deep, still eyes. Xi Chun looked intently at every inch of his face, determined to etch his image into her heart.
Wei Qiao saw her rosy lips and bright eyes, and leaned down to plant a deep kiss on her lips.
Wei Qiao conquered Xi Chun's mouth, and Xi Chun responded passionately. In no time, they were both lost in passion. Xi Chun climbed onto Wei Qiao's arm, feeling his body stiffen momentarily, before she realized what she was doing. Xi Chun gently pushed Wei Qiao away, ending the lingering kiss.
Wei Qiao was still lost in the kiss with Xi Chun. He looked at Xi Chun in front of him with a dazed and resentful gaze, not understanding why she suddenly pushed him away.
Xichun lowered her head, avoiding his eyes, and said softly, "Don't catch a cold, put your clothes on first."
Xi Chun unfolded her sleeves again in front of Wei Qiao, who obediently put on his clothes. Xi Chun suddenly remembered that she had promised to cook with Aunt Ling Shuang, so she hurriedly said goodbye to Wei Qiao and prepared to leave.
Wei Qiao cupped her lips and kissed her passionately before letting her go. "Xi Chun, you provoked me first today."
Xi Chun arrived at the kitchen with a sweet feeling, reliving her kiss with Wei Qiao the whole way.
Ling Shuang had already prepared the ingredients and was waiting for Xi Chun in the kitchen. Seeing her come over with a happy look on her face, she teased, "Girl, what's making you so happy?"
Xi Chun touched her face; it was burning hot, undoubtedly bright red. She hadn't expected herself to be so obvious, so she quickly lowered her head, pursed her lips, and shook her head, saying, "It's nothing, Auntie was just teasing me."
Ling Shuang knew it must be related to that kid Wei Qiao. Xi Chun was shy, so she didn't press her for details. Instead, she took her to the stove and started teaching her how to cook.
After learning a few dishes from the capital from Ling Shuang, Ling Shuang discovered that Xi Chun had some talent in cooking. In her spare time, she taught her all of her favorite signature dishes.
By July, Wei Qiao's injuries had been diagnosed by the imperial physicians as having healed, and the toxins in his body had been completely cleared.
Ling Shuang felt rather bored living in the city, and now that Wei Qiao was better, she was preparing to return to the manor. "Wei Qiao, your aunt is leaving. Take good care of yourself. Xi Chun is a kind-hearted girl; you must treat her well."
Upon learning that Ling Shuang was leaving, Xi Chun went to her residence to persuade her to stay, "Auntie, won't you stay a few more days?"
"I've gotten used to life on the estate. Besides, I still have vegetables I grow there, and it's time to harvest them."
After seeing Ling Shuang off, the dinner table fell silent, with no one laughing or talking. As Wei Qiao's health improved, he had more official duties to attend to. Xi Chun visited him several times, but he was always busy with work, so she rarely bothered him. The two only ate or talked together when Wei Qiao had free time.
After finishing dealing with the Ministry of Justice's official documents in his study, Wei Qiao looked up and saw that the sun was already setting. Remembering that he had neglected Xi Chun these past few days due to the backlog of official duties, he decided to go to Shiliu Courtyard to have dinner with her.
As we approached the entrance of Shiliu Courtyard, we heard Xichun sighing over the empty space inside, "Narcissus, I wish there was a swing here. Such a large open space is being wasted."
Xi Chun, with her back to the courtyard gate, didn't see Wei Qiao enter. Shui Xian, standing opposite her, caught a glimpse of Wei Qiao walking into the courtyard and quickly reminded her, "Miss, the master has arrived."
Hearing Shui Xian's words, Xi Chun turned her head and happened to see Wei Qiao standing at the courtyard gate, smiling at her. Xi Chun lifted her skirt and quickly walked to his side, smiling, "Are you done with your work?"
Seeing her smiling face, Wei Qiao felt all his fatigue vanish. He raised an eyebrow and nodded at her, "I'll have dinner with you." With that, he took Xi Chun's hand and led her into the main room.
After dinner, Wei Qiao took Xi Chun for a stroll in the garden to aid digestion. A gentle evening breeze carried the sweet fragrance of the roses. The two walked side-by-side, Xi Chun's hand in Wei Qiao's. She turned her head to look at his face, as if she were back to that night when he held a candlestick and escorted her back to Qingwu Garden. Back then, they weren't very familiar with each other, and their walk together felt distant. Now, their hearts were together, and walking hand-in-hand felt even sweeter.
Sometimes Xichun really wanted to hold his hand and walk with him forever, as if that would lead to what people call forever.
Wei Qiao recalled that Pang Lian had reported that the Emperor had favored two new concubines, and that he must have forgotten about Xi Chun's affair.
"Happy spring."
"Um?"
"If you get bored staying in the manor, you can have your maid accompany you to stroll around the streets. However, you have served in the Yuanhe Palace for many days, so if someone recognizes you, remember to wear your veil when you go out."
"I see."
The two walked to the pavilion at the edge of the garden. The night breeze made the thin bamboo curtains hanging in the pavilion sway back and forth, and insects chirped from the grass. Wei Qiao sat down on the bench next to the King of Wu and beckoned to Xi Chun, who was still standing by the pavilion, "Come here."
Xi Chun walked to his side, and Wei Qiao pulled her onto his lap. Xi Chun saw someone carrying a lantern walking around in the distance, and she struggled to get up from Wei Qiao's lap, afraid that others would see them. Wei Qiao put his hands around her waist and whispered in her ear in a deep voice, "Don't be afraid, I promise no one will come."
Wei Qiao's voice tickled Xi Chun's heart like a feather. She turned to look at him; his eyes were brighter than the stars in the sky. Xi Chun reached out and gently touched his eyelashes. Wei Qiao's eyelashes were thick and long, and Xi Chun had longed to touch them. Now that she touched them, she couldn't help but chuckle softly. Wei Qiao felt a little ticklish and grabbed her mischievous hand. Seeing her smiling eyes, he froze for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Wei Qiao, I really like you so much." Xi Chun climbed up Wei Qiao's neck and whispered in his ear.
Her soft, gentle voice seeped into Wei Qiao's heart. A faint smile appeared on Wei Qiao's lips as he reached out and cupped her face in his hands, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. The two embraced, enjoying the summer evening breeze, until the moon was high in the sky, at which point Wei Qiao reluctantly saw Xi Chun off back to the Pomegranate Courtyard.
The next morning, Xichun had just gotten up and hadn't even washed up when she heard Shuixian's delighted cry, "Girl, come and see!"
Xi Chun put on her coat and went outside to see. Sure enough, a swing set had been erected at the place she had mentioned yesterday. She knew that Wei Qiao must have overheard her conversation with Shui Xian yesterday and had it specially made for her.
While Narcissus was combing her hair, they were still talking about this matter, "Miss, the master really cares about you. He only mentioned it yesterday, and he's already done it for you today."
Xi Chun agreed with Shui Xian's words. Wei Qiao treated her very well, and she hoped she could be good to him in return. She thought of the two pairs of silk stockings she had sewn in the wardrobe, matching Wei Qiao's foot size; now they looked too flimsy and embarrassing to show off. After breakfast, Xi Chun went to the front yard to find Fu Qing.
"Does the young lady want the master's undergarments?"
"Hmm, I'd like to make two new sets for him to match."
"Okay, I'll bring the young lady a set of clothes that the master doesn't usually wear later."
Xichun returned to Shiliu Courtyard and played on the swing with Shuixian. Before lunch, Fuqing brought Xichun a set of Weiqiao's undergarments and two bolts of fabric suitable for making undergarments.
Wei Qiao has been away from the manor for the past few days while on duty at the Dragon Feather Guard. Since Xi Chun can't see him, she has been burying herself in the room sewing clothes, hoping to finish sewing the two undergarments before he returns.
"Miss, I heard from the people in the front yard that the master has returned," Shui Xian said to Xi Chun as she entered the house with a joyful expression.
"Really?" Xichun happily stood up from the stool. The two undergarments she had just finished sewing last night were ready to surprise him today.
Xi Chun carried the clothes to the front yard. The bedroom door was closed, and there was no one in the study. Xi Chun planned to ask someone where Wei Qiao was, but she couldn't find a trace of him after searching for a long time. Just as she was about to return to Shiliu Courtyard, she heard voices coming from the small flower hall as she passed by.
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