Chapter 20 The person I like is Miss
Jiang Yinyue was stunned. Wei Qin said he had someone he liked...
Why didn't you accept her suggestion to divorce, instead of forcing her?
As the steam dissipated, the man in the bathtub raised his eyes, his muscular chest half-submerged in the water, with ripples spreading across his chest.
"The person I like is Miss."
A strong wind suddenly blew in from outside, rattling the door and windows, making a creaking sound. Jiang Yinyue didn't even know how she got back to bed. She curled up in the corner of the bed, wrapped in a blanket, staring at Wei Qin's figure.
The sudden confession of his feelings caught her off guard, and she fled in a panic. Wei Qin did not press his advantage, but instead cleaned the bath tub and towels as usual, keeping the house neat and tidy.
Jiang Yinyue's mind was in a mess; the sensation of their lips touching remained vivid in her mind even after the brief contact.
Wei Qin came to the bedside, but did not approach. He asked from a distance she could bear, "Miss, have you thought it through and decided to divorce me?"
For some reason, Jiang Yinyue suddenly couldn't meet his gaze. She wrapped her arms around her knees, rested her chin on her forearm, and said sullenly, "You don't have anyone you like... why should I get a divorce if you don't have anyone else you like? Having a marriage would save me a lot of trouble, why would I create trouble for myself for no reason?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Wei Qin grabbed her toes, which were tucked under the covers. Her body lost its balance due to the forward pull and fell backward, sinking into the soft bedding.
Her black hair was loose and flowing.
Wei Qin grabbed her ankle and pulled her toward the bed. Amid the woman's astonishment, he said earnestly, "Miss, you can think about it for a long time, you can refuse me, but don't talk about divorce so easily again."
Having meant well but botched things, Jiang Yinyue knew she was in the wrong for shattering the peaceful tranquility. She kicked away Wei Qin's hand, silently lay down in bed, and mumbled a "hmm".
"You can't..."
"Um."
"Hmm what?"
"I understand what you mean, Miss."
Jiang Yinyue said no more, hiding under the covers as she recalled Wei Qin's words expressing his feelings. Besides disbelief, she felt as if an invisible hand was beating a drum in her heart.
Wei Qin liked her.
He actually likes her.
When Wei Qin finished tidying up and approached again, he had just sat down on the edge of the bed when Jiang Yinyue, who was wrapped up like a cicada pupa, asked him to sleep on the floor.
This way, there's no worry about the in-laws seeing it and causing any trouble.
She pouted, looking somewhat spoiled, but her blushing cheeks betrayed her inner turmoil—the turmoil of not knowing how to get along with Wei Qin.
**
The next morning, the weeping crabapple attracted bees and butterflies, and the purple-leaf peach blossoms were in full bloom.
Jiang Yinyue woke up amidst the fragrance of flowers, and in her drowsy state, she turned over to face outwards. She was startled by the flower wreath beside her pillow, and all her sleepiness vanished.
Just past the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), the sound of fabric rustling came from outside the canopy bed. A curtain blocked the view. Jiang Yinyue sat still, one foot sticking out of the quilt unconsciously curling up.
Taking a deep breath, she lifted the curtain and secretly peeked at the person's back.
Her superior figure, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, is especially beautiful when wrapped in a snow-white inner robe. Even just her back view is pleasing to the eye. When she wears an official robe, she exudes elegance and grace.
"woke up."
"No!"
Caught peeping, Jiang Yinyue quickly pulled down the curtain, crawled under the covers and closed her eyes tightly, but a refreshing scent disturbed her, causing her eyelashes to tremble.
Wei Qin lifted the curtain with one hand, remained silent for a long time, and finally sat down on the edge of the bed to smooth her long, loose hair.
The fragrance of flowers is rich on my fingertips.
These are probably remnants from fresh flowers picked early in the morning to make wreaths.
Jiang Yinyue opened one eye, then slowly opened the other. "What are you doing?"
"Many flowers bloomed this morning."
So what? So you wove a flower wreath and gave it to her?
Jiang Yinyue felt a strange sense of pride, but she didn't show it on her face. She sat up with a straight face and stared at the man's excessively pale fingers in the dim light.
Wei Qin was skillful, no less so than Hong Mei. Jiang Yinyue commented in a pretentious manner, "It's quite exquisite. It would be even better if there were a few more blue flowers, like a rainbow in the sky."
Wei Qin picked up the flower wreath and placed it on her head. His dark eyes reflected the wreath's multicolored hues, further highlighting the woman's fair and snow-white skin.
"I'm going upstairs."
He spoke casually, then suddenly leaned down and kissed Jiang Yinyue's cheek.
The slightly cool touch startled Jiang Yinyue, making her back stiffen and forget to breathe. She stared blankly as the man's figure disappeared into the small room.
The fragrance of the flowers lingered, and only when that refreshing scent disappeared did she gasp for breath, her chest heaving.
The kiss on my cheek felt cool, yet it burned my heart.
Jiang Yinyue was even more confused.
The capital city, the Imperial Study.
The gilded openwork incense burner emitted wisps of smoke, filling the air with the fragrance of ambergris. Emperor Shunren, after reviewing the memorial delivered by the Jiangning Commander, leaned back on his dragon throne and let out a sigh of relief.
A pair of hands with nail polish gently pressed on the emperor's temples, the pressure gradually increasing to just the right degree.
Emperor Shunren enjoyed it quite a bit, and patted the woman's waist with his eyes closed.
The woman knelt down in the emperor's lap, hooked her arm around his waist, and began to sway from side to side.
With no palace servants in the imperial study, the emperor, who had been tense for a long time, relaxed after a messenger from Jiangning delivered good news on horseback. He began to play with the beautiful concubines he had recently brought into the harem, but at the sound of a report, he pushed the concubines away and straightened his dragon robe.
"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived."
Empress Dong, with her aloof and elegant demeanor, entered the imperial study, offering her greetings while glancing at the beautiful woman who was hurriedly tying her skirt sash.
"go out."
The beauty dared not linger, and bowed as she retreated, clutching the thick hem of her skirt.
Emperor Shunren pressed his temples, smiled, and spoke highly of the Crown Prince's recent situation.
Empress Dong's complexion did not improve. The unseemly laughter of the man and woman still seemed to echo in the study. She should have gotten used to it by now, but she still couldn't help but recall the year they first met, the irrepressible attraction and temptation between their eyes.
At that time, Emperor Shunren, who was still the crown prince, only had one wife, who was her best friend. However, she still broke off her existing engagement and competed with her best friend for the favor of a man.
If not moved by love, how could one go to such lengths?
Emperors are both passionate and fickle, easily bored and fond of the new, yet ridiculously claiming to be nostalgic.
He often expressed his guilt towards his first wife.
The mind of an emperor is beyond comprehension.
"My father has been suffering from a cold all winter and has not yet recovered. I am worried about him and wish to return to the manor to visit him."
In recent years, Grand Secretary Dong's health has deteriorated significantly, and he has fainted several times during the morning court sessions. Emperor Shunren said gently, "Please convey my regards to my father-in-law and tell him not to overwork himself. The affairs of the cabinet can be delegated to other Grand Secretaries."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
Empress Dong left after a short while, then turned and left. As she walked out of the imperial study, she squinted at the dazzling sunlight. Amidst the brilliance, she saw a figure in scarlet robes slowly approaching.
The middle-aged man was tall and handsome, with a short beard and a pair of peach blossom eyes that seemed to be smiling but not smiling. He bowed to Empress Dong from a distance and said, "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty the Empress."
Upon seeing Minister Jiang Song, Empress Dong's tense jaw relaxed slightly, and she smiled faintly, "Minister Jiang, have you come to pay your respects to His Majesty?"
"A major case in the Ministry of Justice has made progress, and I have come to report the details to Your Majesty."
When the topic of major cases came up, Empress Dong recalled the assassination attempt three years ago. Both the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review failed in their duties, failing to capture a single suspect. The assassins were likely a group of suicide squad members who all bit their tongues and committed suicide; the mastermind behind it has yet to be found.
The biggest suspect fell on the Cui family. However, in that year, Cui Wei, the eldest son of Grand Tutor Cui, improved firearms and led the Shenji Battalion to repel the enemy army on the northern border, making great achievements. Since there was no evidence pointing to the Cui family, the Cui family not only did not get involved, but also became the most famous in that year. Cui Wei became the God of War General of the Great An Dynasty.
Empress Dong, too lazy to engage in the usual pleasantries, exchanged a few pleasantries with Jiang Song and then left the palace with her entourage.
Jiang Song was on his way to the Imperial Study when he also saw a figure approaching.
Grand Tutor Cui Sheng, holding a feather fan, brushed past Empress Dong with a smile.
Each and every one of them, hypocritical and scheming, wears a mask in this deep palace.
Jiang Song cupped his hands in greeting, his peach-blossom eyes sparkling with a smile.
Grand Tutor Cui walked up to Jiang Song and asked in a hoarse voice, "Minister Jiang, are you also here to pay homage to His Majesty?"
"Yes, elders first, please, Grand Tutor."
Grand Tutor Cui didn't stand on ceremony and patted Jiang Song on the shoulder with a smile, "I like Minister Jiang's insightful nature. I'll invite Minister Jiang to a banquet another day."
He deliberately emphasized the word "appreciation" and patted the table with more force.
"I'd rather obey than be too respectful." Jiang Song asked the old man to go first, and waited quietly outside the Imperial Study, smiling as he patted the wrinkled shoulder.
People with different principles cannot work together.
Returning to his magnificent yet empty mansion in the evening, Jiang Song received a letter from the steward.
It is a letter from my daughter.
That brat always deliberately tries to annoy him in her letters. Other people's children are sweet and gentle, but his...
Jiang Song carefully tucked the letter away, humming before even opening it, and quickly went into his study. Under the lamplight, he read the contents of the letter over and over again. His biggest concern was whether his daughter was healthy, followed by whether his son-in-law would have a smooth start after taking office, and then whether the Wei family would be friendly.
The letter mentioned everything, but it didn't mention whether the young couple's relationship had improved.
Jiang Song tapped his hand on the desk, picked up his pen, and began writing. First, he gave a forceful reminder to his daughter that she must cherish the people in front of her. Then, he began to tell a story about their family in a gentle and conversational manner.
The middle-aged man finished writing his reply with a smile, put it in an envelope, and sent it to Yangzhou overnight.
**
As the sun set, its rays shimmered like gold. Jiang Yinyue accompanied Wei Ying along the riverbank, where flowers glittered. Miao Die and the newly arrived maid, Du Juan, followed behind.
The four strolled along, stopping frequently to admire the fiery red sunset over the river.
Suddenly, a voice that was both unfamiliar and somewhat familiar rang out, carrying a question.
"How about chasing electricity?"
Jiang Yinyue turned her head and saw Han Jian, dressed in a lead-white robe, leading a horse past.
"It's you." Jiang Yinyue walked over quickly, smiling. There was no unpleasantness from meeting an enemy on a narrow road. She still remembered the favor Han Jian had done for Wei Qin when he helped him mount his horse. Although it was a small favor for a martial artist, many people would be stingy with such a small favor.
"Zhu Dian is great, but someone lives in Yangzhou, so it's inconvenient to take it out for a ride."
"No need to imply anything."
In the matter of Yan Zhuyi, Han Jian's favoritism was obvious.
Jiang Yinyue pouted, regaining the familiar feeling of being with him. She glanced at him and teased, "This outfit suits you quite well."
The white color softened the man's fierceness.
Han Jian clasped his hands and coughed, a kind of burly man's embarrassment at being praised. At this moment, Wei Ying's annoyed murmur came from behind the two of them.
"I forgot to bring one of the medicines."
This means that the four of them will have to return to the house quickly, which will spoil everyone's leisurely stroll.
Wei Ying felt extremely guilty, clutching the medicine bag slung across her shoulder helplessly, "Sister-in-law..."
"It's alright." Jiang Yinyue walked over and took the little girl's hand. "The sunset on a clear day won't be stingy with its beauty. We can come and admire it another day."
"I happen to be going to the Wei family's place on business, I can get the medicine for you."
Han Jian suddenly spoke.
Jiang Yinyue didn't stand on ceremony, "Then I'll trouble you."
Han Jian nodded, mounted his horse, and did so without hesitation.
Wei Ying didn't recognize this fierce-looking, burly man, so she couldn't help but ask about his identity.
Jiang Yinyue smiled helplessly amidst the magnificent sunset. Han Jian was like a puppet who had been tied to his master's strings since childhood, obeying his master's every command. But as he grew older, he developed his own consciousness and was no longer a puppet without a heartbeat.
Half an hour later, Han Jian, who had delivered the medicine back to the Yan residence, came to Yan Zhuyi and plated the freshly baked shumai.
Yan Zhuyi suddenly had a craving for shumai from a well-established restaurant near the Wei residence. She only mentioned it briefly before Han Jian returned with a paper bag. She was quite surprised and smiled at the silent man, noticing his newly changed thin shirt.
It seems to be imitating the Crown Prince, but it lacks the elegant charm of snow-white and moon-white.
Yan Zhuyi thought of a phrase: "Dong Shi imitating Xi Shi" (a Chinese idiom meaning to imitate someone poorly).
"This color doesn't suit you."
Han Jian paused, then silently stepped back. "Thank you for the reminder, Your Majesty."
Before long, Han Jian changed back into her usual old clothes, which displeased her two younger sisters.
Spring was in full bloom, and the robe was a new garment they had specially prepared for their brother.
Han Jian didn't explain; his burly figure looked somewhat forlorn in the setting sun.
As Yan Zhuyi stepped out of the room, a hunting dog suddenly rushed out, barking wildly, but was quickly grabbed by a servant.
"This humble servant was careless... I beg Your Majesty for mercy..."
Yan Zhuyi looked at the hunting dog, which resembled the Crown Prince's beloved dog Qi Bao by seven parts, and stopped Han Jian, who was about to step forward, saying, "This little beast looks quite young."
"Your Majesty, it is one and a half years old."
"No wonder he's so lively and energetic, like a calf."
Unlike Qi Bao, who lies in the East Palace all day long and doesn't react no matter how much she teases her, she's like a fourteen-year-old dog, listless and dispirited.
Since Yan Zhuyi returned to the mansion to visit her family, all the young ladies of the Yan family, regardless of age, have moved out of their boudoirs and temporarily resided in other courtyards.
It was all because Yan Zhuyi said, "I want peace and quiet."
After a while, the maid Han Yan, having written a hundred invitations, clenched her trembling fingers. "Your Highness, an invitation from the wife of the Commander of the Three Departments..."
"I'll write it myself."
The wives of the Provincial Governor, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, and the Military Commander all reside in Jiangning. Yan Zhuyi wants to hold a Summer Solstice Banquet to establish her authority, and she must invite influential noblewomen to support her. The wives of the three military commanders are the most suitable.
Those were all wives of high-ranking officials of the second rank.
The Crown Prince is still in Yangzhou, and I believe the three ladies would not dare to refuse her invitation.
Yan Zhuyi let another maid, Han Xun, trim her nails while she carefully considered the guest list, hesitating whether or not to invite Jiang Yinyue.
If she doesn't invite her, it would seem like she's being stingy.
**
When Jiang Yinyue escorted Wei Ying back to the house, the little girl could not hide her joy, the joy of finally having a playmate after years of being secluded in a corner.
Wei Huan, the eldest daughter of the Wei family, was surprised that her cousin had become a chatterbox and was no longer a silent person. She couldn't help but exclaim, "Sister-in-law, you really know how to handle things!"
Jiang Yinyue smiled without saying a word. When she returned to Hanlan Garden, she saw Wei Qin chopping firewood in the yard, his ramie coat tucked into his waistband and his sleeves rolled up to his arms.
With a pair of long, slender legs slightly bent, she raised her hand and brought down the axe.
The wooden blocks on the ground were all uniform in shape.
Madam Gu gently wiped her son's forehead. When she saw her daughter-in-law return, she suppressed a smile and went back to her room, leaving the young couple alone.
Jiang Yinyue slowly walked to Wei Qin, who was still chopping wood. Seeing that his forehead was covered in a thin layer of sweat, she thought that her mother-in-law might be watching from the shadows. So she took out her embroidered handkerchief and wiped Wei Qin's forehead.
Wei Qin looked up.
Their eyes met.
The thin layer of sweat on the man's forehead, like a gentle spring breeze, spread down to Jiang Yinyue's back.
A simple glance was enough to defeat her.
That sudden kiss finally pierced through the blurry window paper, forcing Jiang Yinyue to reconsider this marriage forced upon her by her father.
"You're sweating, let me wipe it off for you."
She gripped a handkerchief and vigorously wiped Wei Qin's forehead, trying to conceal her inner turmoil with a serious expression.
In her memory, Wei Qin was always taciturn, but at some point, a subtle aggressiveness appeared in his eyes.
"You're not allowed to...anymore..."
Her hand holding the handkerchief paused on the man's forehead, and she only awkwardly withdrew it after he stepped back.
Wei Qin continued chopping wood. After piling the wood in the corner, he pulled over the woman who was standing still, looking conflicted. "I was rude. I won't do it again."
Jiang Yinyue turned her head in surprise, feeling a sense of disappointment at having received an answer. This person gave up so quickly...
"oh."
She gave an awkward smile, her cheeks and jawline stiff.
But Wei Qin's next words miraculously dispelled the inexplicable sense of loss she had just experienced.
"I will not offend you without your permission."
Jiang Yinyue, who was feeling lost in the clouds, was suddenly greeted by a ray of sunset shining obliquely through the clouds. Suddenly, everything became clear. She cleared her throat and strolled around the courtyard with her hands behind her back, silently processing her fluctuating emotions.
This also seemed to tacitly approve of Wei Qin's gradual approach to her.
The premise is to proceed gradually and give her time to adapt.
A gentle breeze blew, and the young woman strolling alone had a small flower woven from green grass tucked behind her ear, which, together with the flower wreath on her head, formed a rainbow of colors.
"Did anyone from the Salt Transport Bureau give you any trouble today?"
Wei Qin did not deny it, which was expected.
Jiang Yinyue transformed amidst gossip and rumors. She could understand the predicament of being targeted. Out of loyalty, she decided to take Wei Qin out for drinks.
All hardships can be swallowed in one gulp of wine.
"Let me make this clear first, I'm not drinking."
She crossed her arms and adopted a serious and earnest demeanor.
Since it was her suggestion, Wei Qin naturally wouldn't easily spoil her mood. They went to the same rice wine shop as last time, and seeing that the only table in the shop was full of diners, they ordered two small jars of rice wine to taste back home.
As night deepened and the stars twinkled, the dimly lit alleyway was quiet and secluded, with the occasional bark of a dog coming from over the wall.
Wei Qin squatted down in front of Jiang Yinyue again, just like last time in the snow.
The young woman, who was a little tired from walking, didn't hesitate. She carried a wine jar in each hand and climbed onto Wei Qin's back.
As she raised her gaze, she looked up at the Milky Way, feeling even closer to the myriad stars.
The bright moon stretched the two intertwined shadows, while the shadows of a pair of wine jars cast on the ground swayed gently.
Once things were out in the open, Jiang Yinyue put aside the awkwardness between them and kept talking to Wei Qin incessantly, mostly comforting him, even though Wei Qin didn't feel the slightest discomfort from being ostracized.
A heart fortress as strong as copper and iron is not so easily breached.
With someone comforting you by your side, who wouldn't want to accept that kind of care?
Wei Qin was no exception; he listened quietly, nodding occasionally.
At the fork in the alley, Wei Xichen watched a couple walk away, his hands hanging at his sides feeling a little cold.
That witty and charming young woman was his childhood sweetheart.
Flowers fade and bloom again, spring is still bright, only the plum blossoms are blooming on a different branch.
-----------------------
Author's Note: Little Wei confessed his feelings, and his handsome dad made an appearance too! [cheering emoji]
The next chapter will be updated at midnight on Monday.
A wave of small red envelopes dropped
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