Chapter 47 Jealousy
When it came to feeding the medicine in the middle of the night, Jiang Yinyue didn't do it herself. She just crossed her arms and watched Wei Qin get up with "effort," her face showing a shrewd look that said she was no longer being fooled.
"Lord Wei, please take it yourself."
Leaving behind a statement that left no room for negotiation, the young lady hummed a little tune and walked behind the screen to take a bath.
A screen obscures the spring scenery of misty mountains and blooming flowers.
The young woman with willow-leaf eyes and plum-like cheeks was soaking in the bathtub when she suddenly squinted and observed the figure by the bed through the semi-transparent screen. Confirming that the person was obediently drinking medicine, she unconsciously curled up the corners of her mouth, revealing her red lips and white teeth, like magnolia blossoms in bloom.
A gentle, reserved smile, silent and still.
The woman who had just emerged from the bath tiptoed to the bedside and tucked the blankets around the sleeping man.
The old doctor's herbal decoction had a calming effect, so let's assume he really fell asleep.
Jiang Yinyue sat on the edge of the couch and murmured softly, "Don't lie to me anymore."
Even though she has let go of the past when she was deceived and used by Wei Xichen, the scars remain in her heart, and she can no longer tolerate the slightest deception.
**
Within a few days, the Duan family was surrounded by government soldiers. Duan Feng, who claimed that everyone in his family was innocent, was afraid of the instruments of torture and voluntarily confessed the names of several of his uncles who were not on Wei Qin's list.
Extremely ironic.
After reviewing Duan Feng's confession, the Crown Prince leaned back in his armchair with a frown and pinched the bridge of his nose.
From the Salt Transport Office and the Salt Tax Office to the major salt fields, the investigation into corrupt officials has delayed the continued southward journey.
The eldest princess, who was about to return home, offered a cup of fragrant tea and advised, "It's not advisable to linger in Yangzhou any longer. The matters concerning the southern tour can also be entrusted to trusted ministers. Your Highness should return to the capital as soon as possible, lest you miss your last meeting with the Grand Secretary..."
Wei Xichen had already learned from the letter delivered by the messenger that his maternal grandfather was nearing the end of his life, but as the Salt Commissioner, he could not abandon the imperial orders at hand.
"Let's delay it for a while longer."
"What about continuing the southern tour?"
"I would like to trouble my aunt to inquire with Father Emperor about the replacement of the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War."
The eldest princess nodded, her beautiful eyes glancing at the little tabby cat in her nephew's arm, "Regarding the imperial concubine selection..."
"I've made my aunt come all this way for nothing."
"Knowing you've missed your chance, should you still stubbornly persist?"
The nephew's stubbornness from childhood was all condensed into this bitter old relationship. As someone who had been through it all, the princess empathized with him, but she did not share her nephew's obstinacy.
Firstly, Jiang Song was the eldest son of a prestigious family and was highly valued by the emperor, who used him to balance the power in the court and the country, so he could not be taken by force. Secondly, looking back over the years, he realized that he was not as devoted as he had imagined. The sum of his new and old loves could not compare to even a fraction of that person's affection. However, the novelty could still dilute the bitterness of unrequited love.
"Your Highness has never experienced romance and doesn't understand its charm. Why not indulge yourself once and perhaps change your mind after experiencing it?"
Wei Xichen leaned back in his chair, his golden appearance unable to conceal the desolation in his heart. "Aunt, please go back."
The eldest princess reluctantly got up, feeling uneasy. The restraint and gentleness she was cultivating might not necessarily be a strong character, but could also be a sign of evil thoughts. If there were no emperor to restrain the crown prince's every word and action, and if there were no powerful opponent like the third prince, would the crown prince, who had been restraining himself for so long, unleash his evil thoughts?
Even the most upright and honest reputation can crumble in the face of desire.
Evil thoughts and self-control coexist.
Half a month later, on his way back to the post station after seeing the princess off at the ferry, Fu Zhong smelled a rich aroma of wine. He looked at the white-haired old man who had just passed him, and his gaze shifted from the two wine jugs that were clattering together to the silhouette of the man.
The gloomy sky blurred his vision, and Fu Zhongcai rubbed his eyelids and laughed to himself.
I thought I had met a senior colleague.
Before the heavy rain, the fierce wind raged through the vegetation, whipping up yellow sand. After walking several dozen steps, the white-haired doctor suddenly turned his head and curled his lip.
The old doctor, who had returned to the Wei residence carrying a wine jar, examined Wei Qin's wound and snorted, "Youth is indeed a blessing; he recovers so quickly."
The wound has scabbed over and no longer needs to be bandaged.
"The scorching summer rains are coming soon, so I'm going home to build a shelter for my flowers and grass."
Jiang Yinyue handed over the consultation fee.
The old doctor weighed it in his hand. "Is there too much extra money for the tip?"
"Yes, to thank you for your kindness and skill."
"I love listening to you talk, but..." The old doctor glanced at Wei Qin, who was bowing her head to tie her belt, shook her head, and hesitated to speak.
Other doctors make money by making house calls, but he lost three hundred taels of silver!
Wei Qin raised his eyes and blinked lazily.
The old doctor insisted on taking his leave in the pouring rain, wearing a straw raincoat and singing a folk song, looking quite carefree and content.
Standing in front of the gate, Jiang Yinyue couldn't help but wonder what kind of experiences had shaped the old man's easygoing and fearless nature.
This old man must have experienced many trials and tribulations to be able to calmly face the storms.
Only after the old man's figure had completely disappeared did Jiang Yinyue turn around, and a horse's neighing echoed through the torrential rain.
A purebred thoroughbred horse, strong and powerful, treads on muddy ground as if walking on flat ground.
Jiang Yinyue, who was lagging behind her mother-in-law and the others, stared blankly at the person and horse that appeared in the rain, her almond eyes suddenly turning red.
She looked as dashing and spirited as when we first met.
"Sister Hongmei."
A tall woman in her early twenties sat astride a fine horse, the sound of hooves echoing behind her.
More than ten female guards appeared together.
"We, your servants, greet Miss!"
Before heading to Yangzhou, Jiang Yinyue was a pampered child who had everything done for her. These female guards were a "fortress" that Jiang Song had given to his daughter, so that she could grow up slowly in a sturdy swaddling cloth.
They took care of Jiang Yinyue's daily life meticulously, especially Hong Mei, who was almost inseparable from her young mistress.
Before Jiang Yinyue could greet her, Hong Mei, who had dismounted and strode forward, wrapped her arms around her waist, lifted her up with one arm, and weighed her in her arm.
"You've lost weight."
"I haven't lost weight."
Jiang Yinyue realized what was happening and hugged Hong Mei's neck tightly, acting as intimately as sisters.
The torrential rain couldn't drown out the women's laughter.
Holding Hong Mei in her arms, Jiang Yinyue found a long-lost sense of familiarity and security.
"Miss, the young master is returning to the capital."
Jiang Yinyue's eyes reddened even more; she longed to return home.
Wei Qin stood under the eaves, watching Jiang Yinyue lead several female guards into the house, chatting and laughing, his narrow eyes slightly lowered.
Throughout the day, Jiang Yinyue was immersed in exchanging pleasantries with her old friends. There was no pretense or pretense; her heart was open, her face was relaxed, and she transformed back into that innocent girl who had never experienced heartbreak.
Surrounded by guards, the girl had no time to spare and did not return to the east wing until evening.
After the old doctor left, Du Juan carefully cleaned the vacated west wing room and left it for Hong Mei to stay temporarily. The other guests were arranged by Jiang Yinyue to stay at a nearby inn.
They traveled day and night and deserved a few nights of rest.
As the night grew quiet, Du Juan, who had been lingering outside the west wing, knocked on the door. "Second Young Mistress, it's time for the Second Young Master to take his medicine."
Jiang Yinyue, who was cheek to cheek with Hong Mei, smiled and nodded, "Just give it to him."
Du Juan squeezed the tray in her hand and slunk away to the east wing.
They walked extremely slowly, covering a distance of just a few steps.
Hong Mei glanced at the half-open window and vaguely caught a glimpse of a figure standing in front of the window on the opposite side.
"It seems the young master doesn't like me. I'd better go to the inn and stay with my sisters."
"No, he's cold on the outside but warm on the inside."
Hong Mei raised her luscious red lips and stroked the woman leaning on her shoulder. "Master hopes that Miss will return to the capital as soon as possible. Has Miss decided when to set off?"
"You all need to take a break."
"This servant is afraid of delaying the young lady's meeting with the young master."
Jiang Taolue, who had been guarding the border for many years, was returning to the capital to visit his family and to pay homage to the emperor. He might also be ordered to complete some imperial decree, so he might not be able to stay in the capital for more than a few days.
Jiang Yinyue had no objection, but she still needed to discuss it with her in-laws.
But tonight, she only wants to immerse herself in the reunion with Sister Hongmei; other matters can be discussed in a couple of days.
"Is Miss not going back to her room tonight?"
"I'll stay with my sister."
Hongmei stroked her young mistress's soft, long hair and smiled affectionately. If it weren't for the master's bad idea of making her young mistress and her husband travel together alone, she wouldn't have been separated from her young mistress for so long.
The heavy rain stopped, the moon rose above the clouds, and its clear light bathed the ground.
As Jiang Yinyue and Hong Mei walked into bed hand in hand, Jiang asked uncertainly, "When brother returns to the capital, will sister...?"
"This servant will accompany you, Miss."
"Actually, it's possible..."
"This servant only wants to stay with Miss."
Jiang Yinyue was speechless. She was still struggling to sort out her feelings for Wei Qin, so how could she convince others?
"Miss and son-in-law?"
"fine."
With one hand held by Jiang Yinyue and the other behind her head, Hong Mei faced the ceiling, lost in thought. The master's first bad idea was to get rid of her from the young lady's side to create an opportunity for his son-in-law. His second bad idea was to make her act as a vixen to seduce the young lady and arouse the son-in-law's jealousy.
During these few days of rest, she still needs to add fuel to the fire.
Old fox, old fox, you're so cunning in your daughter's marriage, and she's your only ally?
"Have the young lady and the young master... consummated their marriage?"
Jiang Yinyue was utterly humiliated and buried her head in the blankets, making Hong Mei's lips twitch.
Even an old fox can miscalculate; over time, feelings may not develop.
The next morning, Jiang Yinyue was dressed and dressed by Hong Mei, and she transformed back into the most dazzling and radiant young lady.
From the hair to the soles of the feet, everything is exquisite.
Unlike Wei Qin's makeup and hair style, Hong Mei prefers a relaxed and glamorous look.
The young woman, dressed in red, was stunningly beautiful, drawing gasps of admiration from her two sisters-in-law.
"Sister-in-law is so beautiful."
Overwhelmed with praise, Jiang Yinyue, unable to contain her excitement, lifted her skirt and ran to Wei Qin, tilting her head back and waiting for the compliments.
Wei Qin, who had been ignored all night, stared at his wife, so close yet so far.
His gaze inadvertently fell on Hong Mei, who was leaning against the east wing door.
That glance was cold and distant.
Hong Mei shrank her neck. Having crawled out of the mud, she had seen all sorts of wicked people. From the first glance, she felt that this son-in-law was not someone to be trifled with.
Not receiving any praise, Jiang Yinyue proudly lifted her skirt and twirled halfway around, drawing a beautiful arc at her ankle. She ran towards her sister Hongmei, pulled her outside, and, taking advantage of the clear weather, planned to lead a group of female guards to appreciate the stunning scenery of Yangzhou.
More than ten people boarded several covered boats.
Cormorants landed on the awning, and mallards paddled through the clear water, guiding the boat towards the shimmering depths.
With Jiang Yinyue around, the quiet and composed female guards, surrounded by a gentle breeze, chatted and laughed, no longer wearing stern faces.
A sedan chair on the shore was stopped.
The guards acting as sedan bearers, along with the person inside the sedan, noticed the scene in the water.
As Wei Xichen, who had been working through the night at the Salt Transport Office and was about to rush back to the post station for a bath, gazed at the water and, in an instant, felt as if he had returned to many years ago.
A carefree young girl was playing with palace maids by the pond in the Imperial Garden. Upon seeing him, she abandoned everyone and ran straight to him.
The feeling of memories hitting my heart is devoid of warmth, leaving only emptiness.
Because Wei Qin was seriously injured and recuperating, the task of investigation and accountability fell on his shoulders. In order to return to the capital as soon as possible, he had been working almost non-stop for the past few days.
Exhaustion breeds weariness, and the Crown Prince, deprived of any nourishment, begins to relax.
Apart from Jiang Yinyue, no one could relieve his exhaustion.
That's always been the case.
Wei Xichen recognized Hong Mei among the guards and began to guess.
Jiang Taolue, who was guarding the border, was about to return to the capital. Hong Mei had come to pick up her young mistress and bring her back to the mansion to reunite with her brother.
**
As dusk settled and the setting sun cast its rays upon the grass and trees, the willow branches swayed gently in the twilight. Under the hazy yellow sky, Jiang Yinyue returned to the Wei family with three jars of vinegar. She handed two jars to the cook, Aunt Cheng, and carried one jar herself, intending to cook a special meal for Wei Qin.
"Something to cool you down, come and have a taste."
After being neglected for nineteen hours, Lord Wei closed the door, blocking out the faint glow of dawn in the dim sky. He walked to the table, took the vinegar Jiang Yingyue offered, took a small sip, and felt the sour taste spread across his tongue.
After drinking two small bowls, Jiang Yinyue asked, "Don't you like it?"
"acid."
"Then don't drink it."
The thrifty Miss Jiang tightly sealed the lid, held it in her hand, and planned to take it to the opposite room.
Wei Qin asked, "Are you staying there again tonight?"
"Uh-huh."
"Until we return to Beijing?"
Jiang Yinyue sniffed the air. "Is someone jealous?"
She picked up the jar, shook it, and smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Oh, so you drank vinegar."
Wei Qin remained silent, only watching her laugh.
How can laughter last against seriousness... Jiang Yinyue straightened her posture, "I've been separated from Sister Hongmei for too long, and I want to spend some time with her."
"When Miss returns to the capital, will the time we spend apart be short?"
"Then I'll go back to the room tomorrow night... to keep you company."
Having received the promise, Wei Qin not only failed to ease his tense jaw, but also grasped Jiang Yinyue's wrist, gently squeezing it between his fingertips, and asked, "When do you plan to set off?"
"Let's wait two more days."
"It's been a month."
"What, a month?"
Wei Qin's enigmatic features were shrouded in the dim light of the small room, casting a shadow. "What do you think?"
Jiang Yinyue couldn't keep up the act any longer. She put down the jar, shook the arm that was being held, and said in a reasonable tone, "I'll give you an answer next time we meet."
"Can't you give it to me?"
Jiang Yinyue, who was indeed unsure of her feelings for Wei Qin, nodded seriously. Whether it was the affection that had grown over time as her father had wished, or a complex mix of kinship, gratitude, loyalty, and tacit understanding, she could not discern the truth.
Perhaps because she had been hurt before, she became sensitive and perceptive in matters of the heart. She always felt that Wei Qin was a green mountain shrouded in mist, seemingly close at first glance but untouchable.
He carries too much on his mind, so much so that he is unwilling to reveal it.
A warm heart and a deep mind are two different things. He was a good person, so good that she was willing to get close to him, but she was powerless to dispel the fog surrounding him.
For example, he was unwilling to talk about his childhood. She tried to probe carefully, but all she got in return was a cold "It's not worth mentioning."
How could she possibly accept him wholeheartedly?
“Sister Hongmei is waiting for me.”
"I'm also waiting for you, Miss."
Noticing Wei Qin's growing seriousness, the already short-tempered Miss Jiang twisted her wrist and said, "Give me some more time!"
Wei Qin tilted his head and tugged at the corner of his lips. He thought she had accepted him, but in the end, he was disappointed.
The hand gripping the woman's wrist gradually loosened, and in the corner of his eye, the figure in the red dress quickly ran towards the door.
But just as Jiang Yinyue opened the door, a hand with bulging veins pressed down on the slightly open door, trapping the woman between the door and its own arms.
Wei Qin cupped Jiang Yinyue's face in his hands and leaned down to kiss her.
Kiss him hard.
His heart, numb with pain, had no desire for anything but revenge, until he encountered a ray of sunrise and began to yearn for light.
He could have been patient and persuasive, but the appearance of Hongmei diverted the attention of the woman who had been completely devoted to him all this time.
She was never someone who couldn't live without him.
Even Hongmei could steal her favor.
"Ugh... what are you doing... ugh..."
Deprived of her breath, Jiang Yinyue's pretty face flushed red. She angrily pounded on the man who was restraining her, but ultimately, considering his injuries, she didn't dare to use force. However, this only made the man more persistent in his plundering.
With Wei Qin's other hand controlling her lower back, she was forced forward by a force, pressing against the man's hard lower abdomen.
Hong Mei called softly from outside the door. Jiang Yinyue dared not struggle any longer, afraid that others would hear their intimate and romantic sounds.
In her anxiety and anger, she bit Wei Qin's lip.
The smell of blood spread.
Their lips were now tinged with a bright red hue.
Jiang Yinyue looked up; she wasn't going to be at a disadvantage.
Wei Qin hugged the sulking woman tightly, trying to calm her down and also to quell his own barely suppressed jealousy. He was envious of Hong Mei, and it was hard to contain his jealousy.
For the first time in my life, I've felt jealous of a woman.
-----------------------
Author's Note: Jiang Song: Old ginger is spicier! [doge emoji]
100 small red envelopes
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