24 Love
◎Brother Yan, eat more. You will have more strength when you are full.◎
Who else could have said this if not her "husband" who disappeared on purpose?
Most likely, he had come back from the stables because the family dinner was approaching. If he had stayed in the house with her, or had shown up a little earlier, she wouldn't have had to endure this.
Wei Ziyan stared at Yan Qizheng angrily without saying a word. Leng Xiang, who was standing beside her, quickly explained the reason: "Master, the young lady might have twisted her ankle."
Unexpectedly, Yan Qizheng snorted at her after hearing this: "Are you still drunk?"
The implication is that she was careless and it was her own fault.
Wei Ziyan was furious. Just as she was about to ask him if he hadn't seen his younger siblings, she remembered the time he'd helped her during an argument with Yan Qizhu. She swallowed her words back and walked away, ignoring him.
"Young Master, just now—"
"Lengxiang! Come and help me." Wei Ziyan shouted softly, interrupting the maid's chatter.
Leng Xiang, noticing the young lady's displeasure, quickly shut up and supported her as they slowly ascended the stairs. Wei Ziyan's left foot hurt, so she had to walk slowly, heaving her heels.
Yan Qizheng saw her limping from behind and felt that if he ignored her, she might become very upset. So he took a few steps towards her and softened his tone, "Let me take a look."
However, just as he squatted down, the woman in front of him moved back, avoiding his hand.
"Don't bother." Wei Ziyan refused coldly, holding Leng Xiang's hand and walking around him.
The cool breeze from the skirt brushed across Yan Qizhen's face. He widened his eyes slightly. How could he forget that this woman was temperamental and had a bad temper?
He shouldn't meddle in other people's business!
Gritting his teeth, he withdrew his hand and stood up. Yan Qizheng quickly walked down the bridge, not bothering to care about her anymore...
"Is it okay for Madam to walk over like this?" Leng Xiang witnessed the discord between the newlyweds from beginning to end. She was secretly shocked but didn't dare to say anything.
But now we don’t have to go to the horse farm, we have to go to the front yard instead, which is a long way to go. Leng Xiang is a little worried.
"It's okay." Wei Ziyan gritted her teeth.
Her foot hurt a little, but compared to the pain in her arm, it was nothing. She would rather suffer a little than fight for her dignity.
It took less than half an incense stick of distance. Wei Ziyan walked a little slowly and arrived at the front yard. She saw Yan Qi standing at the door of the middle hall, as if waiting for her deliberately. Seeing her arrive, he took a few steps forward and gestured for Leng Xiang to leave, and took her hand.
Wei Ziyan raised her eyebrows: "What are you doing?"
"Do you want the elders to see that we are not getting along?" Yan Qizhen asked coldly.
"Otherwise, do you want me to act with you?" Wei Ziyan asked again in a mocking tone.
"Unless you think you don't need me to act with you when you return home in three days."
"you……"
Before she could utter any more sarcastic words, Wei Ziyan felt her blood boiling in her chest due to Yan Qizheng's threat. "Let go, I can walk on my own!"
"Have you forgotten that you are still sick?"
“…” She was choked again.
When she returned from her escape, her mother told her that the wedding could go ahead because Yan Qizheng had found an excuse for her, claiming he was ill. Except for Master Yan and his wife, no one else was in the dark.
That's why Yan Qizhen pretended to be caring for her during the wedding ceremony yesterday, supporting her from beginning to end, hiding it from everyone's eyes.
Wei Ziyan was filled with hatred and anger at this moment, but she was controlled by others in every way. She could only puff out her cheeks in anger and glare at this hateful face. But this guy was actually proud, raised his eyebrows, and curled the corners of his lips slightly.
"The time has come. Don't keep your elders waiting for too long." After saying that, the hand that was holding her forearm exerted a little force and easily led her into the door.
"Here they come! New people are coming!"
Wei Ziyan had been trying to break free from Yan Qizheng's grip, but the sudden cry stopped her struggle. She looked forward, and everyone in the room was looking in her direction. She subconsciously pulled her hand back, but still couldn't break free from the restraints.
"Zi Yan..." At this time, the third concubine of the Yan family came over with a concerned smile and put her arm around her shoulders.
"Are you feeling better?"
Wei Ziyan could only nod obediently and replied with a vague "hmm". The Third Aunt said considerately: "Don't stand there, go sit down."
"good."
Unable to refuse the kindness, she had to ignore the grip on her hands and forced a smile as she followed Yan Qizhen and the Third Aunt inside.
Because it was a family dinner, there was only one large round table in the hall, and everyone sat around it. Wei Ziyan originally wanted to bow to Master Yan and his wife, but Madam Yan stopped her.
"You have just recovered from a serious illness, so please don't be polite. Please take a seat."
Wei Ziyan paused awkwardly with her half-bent body, replied softly, "Thank you, mother", and then sat down on the right side of Madam Yan.
On the left was naturally the head of the family, Yan Sunwei, followed by the second concubine, the third concubine, several young masters and young ladies, and then Yan Qizheng on her right.
Wei Ziyan, who was present at the meeting, had been seen by everyone before, but now that she had become the new daughter-in-law of the Yan family, she had to change her way of addressing people.
He first called them "Father" and "Mother", and then affectionately addressed the second and third concubines as "Aunt Ru" and "Aunt Hui" respectively.
The two concubines were quite cold when they met before, but today they seemed much more friendly and kept smiling at her.
Next up was Ruyi's son, Yan Qikuan, a year older than her, at a rebellious age. As far as she could remember, he had never even looked her in the eye. When she called him "Second Brother," he simply replied with a distant "Sister-in-law."
Finally, there are Aunt Hui’s unfriendly siblings, Yan Qizhu and Yan Qifeng.
The two of them happened to be sitting opposite each other. Yan Qifeng pursed his lips, feeling guilty and not daring to look at her. Yan Qizhu, on the other hand, crossed his arms and looked at her indifferently, as if he didn't care whether she had complained or not.
"Third sister, fourth brother." Wei Ziyan forced a smile.
"Sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law..."
There were two voices on the other side, one was timid and the other was extremely vague, thinking that they could just get by with perfunctory words, but Yan Qizheng caught them by surprise and said, "Call someone."
As the eldest brother, Yan Qi's authority among his younger siblings was unquestionable. Even though the two of them looked somewhat reluctant, they could only muffle and clearly call out, "Sister-in-law."
"These two children are still estranged!" Aunt Hui said with a smile: "Zhu'er, Feng'er, Zi Yan and we are one family now. You two should get closer to your eldest sister-in-law in the future."
As soon as she finished speaking, the Second Aunt also kindly extended an olive branch to her: "Yes, we are all family. Zi Yan, if you encounter any difficulties in the future, just speak up, don't be embarrassed."
Wei Ziyan had no way of telling how much sincerity was contained in these words, but at least she could save face by not embarrassing others.
She didn't expect everyone here to like her, and it was impossible for her to like everyone. As long as everyone was polite to each other and kept their distance, she would be content.
After calling everyone, Yan Sunwei said, "Today's family dinner, there's no need to be formal."
The family dinner officially started, but Wei Ziyan held up her chopsticks but didn't move.
I drank last night and was too angry to eat anything this morning. Although I feel hungry, I look at the table full of delicacies and have little appetite.
Just as she was confused, a bony hand brought a bowl of soup and placed it in front of her.
"Replenish your energy." Yan Qizhen's voice was very light and soft, and no emotion could be heard.
What he said...was that the kind of 'qi' she was thinking of?
Could it be that this person didn't forget to imply something to her even when he was pretending?
Wei Ziyan stared at the bowl of greasy chicken soup in front of her, deep in thought. When she raised her eyes inadvertently, she met the hostile gaze of Yan Qizhuo across from her.
Suddenly, Wei Ziyan had an idea and poured a bowl of turtle soup in front of Yan Qizheng. She whispered softly and considerately, "You should also replenish your energy."
Yan Qizheng glanced over and saw his mother's relieved and meaningful smile behind her head.
The morning's nagging words were still ringing in his ears. Yan Qizheng was silent for a moment, awkwardly looking away, and said to her in a low voice with a forced smile: "Eat your meal."
Well?
Is it because she didn't act well enough?
Seeing that the turtle soup was being ignored, Wei Ziyan stretched out her chopsticks, picked up a big fat chicken leg, and handed it to his plate obediently.
"Brother Yan, eat more. You'll have more strength if you're full."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Qizhen's ears turned slightly red, and Miss Yan opposite him almost popped her eyes out.
Isn’t it just pretending to be loving and harmonious?
Don’t you want to see her pestering big brother?
This kills two birds with one stone. Shouldn't both of you be satisfied?
Wei Ziyan suppressed a chuckle and contentedly picked up the spoon and sipped the chicken soup. The warm broth was delicious and instantly soothing to the spleen and stomach, and all the internal organs...
Today, Madam Yan invited a troupe of opera performers to entertain the family, and after the family dinner, everyone went to listen to the opera. Wei Ziyan didn't want to spoil the fun in public, but as soon as she stood up, her left foot began to hurt again.
Yan Qizheng heard her gasp softly, and then remembered that she had twisted her ankle. He asked his mother, "Zi Yan is still feeling a little unwell. Should I take her home to rest for a while, and then go to the opera later?"
When Mrs. Yan heard this, she smiled knowingly again.
She knew that newlyweds were deeply in love. In her eyes, her son and daughter-in-law had gone through many twists and turns before they finally became husband and wife, so spending more time together to cultivate their relationship was certainly more important than attending opera.
Madam Yan nodded with satisfaction: "Okay, take Zi Yan back first, and don't rush out again. There will be plenty of opportunities to watch the show."
This was exactly what Wei Ziyan wanted, so when Yan Qizheng put his arm around her shoulders and walked out, she obediently matched his harmonious movements. Once they were out of sight, Wei Ziyan twisted her hand away from him, drawing a clear line between them.
"There's no one here now, so there's no need to act."
Yan Qizheng's hands hung in the air, his expression somewhat speechless: "Can you walk by yourself?"
How could she not?
Wei Ziyan was about to walk to show him, but as soon as she took a step, she couldn't help but frown in pain. It turned out that without anyone to help her, it was indeed... a bit difficult...
"You don't know how to appreciate a good person." Yan Qizhen sneered.
"A good man?" Wei Ziyan responded without hesitation. "Would a good man force someone into marrying regardless of their wishes?"
"Who told you to lie and bully others?"
"Then I don't claim to be a good person." Wei Ziyan babble quickly, "Unlike some people who first act like bad guys and then pretend to be good people. How hypocritical and shameless!"
"You——" Yan Qizhen made her angry again.
You shouldn't be kind to this woman! She deserves the pain she's inflicted!
His resentful fingers stopped in mid-air, then he abruptly retracted them. Yan Qizheng flicked his sleeves heavily and said, "Then you bear it yourself!"
After saying that, he really left without looking back.
"Master, isn't the young lady with you?" Leng Xiang came towards him not long after he walked away.
She had been thinking about the family dinner, wondering how the eldest son and the young mistress were doing. She figured it was about time, so she came over to check on them, and happened to run into the eldest son halfway.
Yan Qizheng's face was still dark at this time! When she mentioned the young lady, he didn't want to say much and raised his chin back.
Leng Xiang understood: "Then this servant will go and fetch the young lady."
"Do you need to answer it?" Yan Qizhen said coldly, confusing Leng Xiang again.
"Is the young lady's foot okay?"
"She asked for trouble."
Leng Xiang was now certain that the young lady and the eldest son were still having a quarrel, and that the eldest son probably didn't know the truth.
"Young Master, you may not know this yet." Leng Xiang had to add this.
"The young lady didn't twist her ankle herself. She was on her way to the stables to look for you when she ran into the eldest lady and the third young master. Due to a disagreement, the eldest lady and the third young master pushed the young lady down."
The weather wasn't too hot today, but Wei Ziyan hadn't walked far when she broke into a cold sweat. She looked around, but couldn't see anyone who could help her.
The physical pain and inner loneliness brought tears to the eyes of the newlywed Wei Ziyan. Now, away from home, married to a man who didn't like her, if she was bullied or wronged, she would no longer have parents to stand up for her...
Just as she was secretly feeling sad, she noticed that Yan Qi had suddenly turned back, followed by Leng Xiang. Wei Ziyan quickly took a few deep breaths and suppressed the tears that were rising to her eyes.
She lowered her head slightly and continued to limp forward. She didn't want to pollute the eyes of the nasty person, nor did she want him to see her in such a miserable state.
Until a pair of black men's boots with gold inlays came into view, blocking her way.
"I'll help you."
The man's deep voice entered her ears, which was really funny! Wei Ziyan couldn't help but raise her head and glared at him angrily: "Why are you pretending to be a good person again?"
Even though she didn't want it, she couldn't help but feel bad when he completely abandoned her. Now that he was pretending to care about her, she felt wronged and angry for no reason!
Angrily dodging the hand that was extended in front of her, Wei Ziyan tried to circumvent him. Just after taking two steps, her whole body suddenly felt lighter.
It turned out that Yan Qizhen didn't care about anything and picked her up from the ground from behind.
"Yan Qizhen——" Wei Ziyan shouted tenderly, struggling hard in his arms.
"Put me down!"
"If you make a scene and fall down again, don't feel wronged if you get hurt somewhere."
As soon as Yan Qizhen finished speaking, Wei Ziyan's eyes became hot and she could only bite her lips to suppress the urge to cry.
Seeing that she had finally calmed down, Yan Qizheng hugged her tighter and walked quickly back to Fuxi Hall. He carried her from the courtyard gate all the way into the main room, and then placed her on the chaise longue in the outer room.
Dujuan and Ping'er in the room hurried over to serve, but they quietly retreated after receiving a signal from Aunt Lengxiang who came in later.
Yan Qizheng moved a stool over and sat down, facing Wei Ziyan: "Let me take a look at your foot injury."
“No need!”
Wei Ziyan angrily refused. Her appearance, coupled with her red eyes, made her look both pitiful and stubborn.
Yan Qizhen suddenly felt a little dazed, and a similar expression that little girl had made a long time ago popped up in his mind.
"Brother Yan, it was Qizhu who stole my things first."
"Sister Wei is lying! Big brother, it was Sister Wei who stole it from me."
"You are older than Qizhu, how dare you snatch things from Qizhu?"
When he said this, the little girl looked at him like this...
Yan Qizhen's heart was gently pulled, just as when he learned the truth from Leng Xiang and realized that he had wronged someone, it was as if something was secretly grabbing him.
"Heal your foot injury as soon as possible. You have to go back to see your parents in two days." Suppressing the unpleasant feeling in his heart, Yan Qizheng advised in a gentle voice.
These words hit Wei Ziyan's heart precisely. If her parents saw her limping, wouldn't they worry about her again? Even so, she couldn't calm down.
"Is there no doctor here?" Wei Ziyan didn't want to see him.
"I've practiced martial arts for many years. I'm better than doctors at treating these kinds of injuries." Yan Qizheng's tone remained gentle. "Besides, it would take time to see a doctor now. You'd be in vain."
Wei Ziyan was speechless, yet she didn't even give any permission. Yan Qizheng stared at her, tentatively reaching out and gently grasping her left ankle. Seeing that she didn't struggle or resist, he slowly placed the foot on his leg.
After taking off her brand new embroidered shoes, revealing her white brocade socks, Yan Qizhen looked up at her hesitantly again.
She seemed to think he had no ill intentions and let him do what he wanted. Only then did she start to remove most of her stockings. However, her eyes could not help but linger on her smooth, white skin...
Suddenly, the jade foot in his hand shrank back, and Yan Qizhen quickly caught it.
"Don't move."
He didn't look at her again, and deliberately ignored the soft and smooth touch under his palm, focusing all his attention on his ankle. Just as he twisted his hand a little harder, he heard a cry of "ah" and then a delicate "pain".
Yan Qizheng's heart trembled, and his hands followed suit. He quickly closed his eyes, blocking out his thoughts, and then, ignoring the interruption of the sound of pain in his ears, he moved quickly and efficiently, completing the inspection in a moment.
"There are no broken bones. Just rest for two days and you'll be fine." After saying that, when she looked up again, Wei Ziyan's eyes were filled with tears and she looked like she was crying.
"Squeamish!"
These two words came out without thinking, and Yan Qizhen regretted it as soon as he finished speaking.
He thought she would argue with him again, but unexpectedly Wei Ziyan curled her lips pitifully and tears fell like beads from a broken string.
"You..." Yan Qizhen was at a loss for a moment.
Leng Xiang, who was waiting not far away, handed him a handkerchief at the right moment. He grabbed it and started to wipe the tears. As soon as his hand touched her eyes, her tearful eyes looked straight at him.
"Yan Qizheng..." Wei Ziyan cried, aggrieved. "When did you calm down? Can you... let me go?"
Yan Qi took a moment to understand what he was saying, and froze in surprise.
Marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog.
She has already married him, but she still hasn't given up?
He should have been angry, but seeing how pitiful she looked, crying silently, he couldn't vent the anger in his heart.
I just don't understand how she can do this? Sometimes she can make people angry to death, and sometimes...
Stab someone to death...
"Go get some blood-activating and blood-stasis-removing ointment." Yan Qizhen instructed Leng Xiang.
"yes."
After the maid left, Yan Qizheng stuffed the handkerchief into Wei Ziyan's hand and said, "Don't cry, your eyes will be swollen soon."
"You haven't answered me yet..."
Wei Ziyan was still eagerly pursuing his answer, making him feel that if he didn't agree, he would be an unforgivable villain who raped a woman.
"Hmm..." Yan Qizhen could only respond very vaguely.
"Really?" Wei Ziyan was overjoyed. "You didn't lie to me?"
In his eyes, which had just turned red, the tears and sorrow were washed away by joy, sparkling brightly.
Yan Qizheng turned his face away, his tone stiff: "If you don't make trouble with me, in the future..."
"I won't make a fuss, I won't make a fuss."
"..." He hadn't finished speaking yet. How anxious was she?
Yan Qizhen started to get angry again.
"With your ability to irritate people," he glared at her sullenly, "I'm afraid you won't be able to wait until that day!"
"No, no!" Wei Ziyan quickly raised her hand and swore, "I promise not to make you angry again. I...I will listen to you and not go against you."
"Listen to me?" Yan Qizheng raised his eyebrows.
"Hmm." After nodding, Wei Ziyan realized that it was not appropriate and added "but".
"But you can't force me to...do anything excessive."
"What's too much?"
That... attempt last night was really too much! But how could a virgin like her say that? Wei Ziyan bit her lip, and her cheeks couldn't help but flush.
Perhaps he already understood her, and when Yan Qizhen saw this look, he actually understood it. Yan Qizhen suddenly leaned forward and approached her.
"Wei Ziyan," he stared into her eyes and said word by word, "A woman I, Yan Qizhen, don't even think about climbing into my bed, even if she throws herself into my arms!"
His face was too close, and his warm breath hit her face as he spoke. Wei Ziyan was forced to hide back, her body leaning back, and she almost collapsed on the chaise longue.
"Just say it, do you need to be so close?" She supported her body with her hands, with a hint of annoyance on her flushed face.
Yan Qizhen stared at her for a moment, then stood up and straightened his back.
"If I don't get closer, you'll be turning a deaf ear to me again."
Soon, Leng Xiang brought the ointment. Although they were husband and wife, it was far from the point where he could massage her feet. Yan Qizheng consciously gave up his seat, gave a few instructions, and turned to leave the room.
So, Wei Ziyan leaned on the chaise longue, and Leng Xiang rubbed her ankles for a while, and they indeed felt much more relaxed.
I should have taken a nap, but I woke up late this morning and have been dozing on the couch for half an hour, but I can't fall asleep. I can get up, but my legs are too weak to move around, so I can only stay in the room, which is pretty boring.
Not only was the courtyard of Fuxi Hall empty, but the house itself was devoid of anything vibrant. Wei Ziyan walked around the house and only found a pot of Phalaenopsis orchids, which looked very much like the one Yan Qi had forcibly taken from her.
Recalling the hateful words that guy said at that time, I still couldn't help but grit my teeth.
She took her flowers but didn't take good care of them. It was obvious that no one had taken good care of them, and dust had fallen on the orchid leaves.
At this time, Ping'er was serving in the room. Wei Ziyan asked her to get a small basin of water, soak a handkerchief in it, and carefully wipe every leaf of the orchid.
After wiping it clean, she propped up her hand with her chin, staring at the pink and white flowers in a daze.
When I return home, I'll bring some beautiful flowers and plants to put in the house. I'll also buy some green plants to put in the yard to pass the time...
Just when I was thinking about how to find some fun in the boring days in the future, I suddenly heard a thin and long "miao——" sound, which was lively and seductive.
Wei Ziyan stretched her neck, looking left and right, but saw nothing. Then she heard another meow. This time, she followed the sound and saw a small, snow-white head peeking out from the threshold.
Where did this beautiful Persian cat come from?
She tiptoed forward in surprise and just as she squatted down, the little guy clumsily jumped over the threshold. Wei Ziyan raised her hand and stroked the snow-white cat's head, whispering softly, "What's your name?"
“It’s called White Ear.”
A deep male voice sounded, and Wei Ziyan raised her head suddenly, and saw Yan Qi leaning against the door, looking down at her with a slightly raised corner of his mouth.
"Is it your cat?"
"Um."
"I didn't even know you had a cat."
Yan Qizhen touched his nose.
Given their previous relationship, it would be strange if she knew.
"How old is it?"
"Two and a half."
"Hmm... is it male or..."
"Female."
"Oh." Wei Ziyan wanted to hug it, but was a little afraid of its claws.
"Is it fierce?"
"You try it."
Yan Qizhen gently lifted Bai Er with his large hands and slowly placed her in her arms.
Wei Ziyan held it in one hand and gently stroked its fur with the other. Suddenly, it yawned, its mouth wide open, revealing its sharp teeth, which made her a little nervous.
After yawning, Bai'er lay down obediently and let her stroke his fur.
"As long as you don't annoy it, it's basically very well behaved." Yan Qizhen said, and stretched out two fingers to rub Bai'er's head.
His fingers were long, with distinct phalanges, and the force he pressed down looked heavy.
Wei Ziyan quickly reminded him: "Be gentle, don't make it anxious."
"You are too cautious. Give it to me." After saying that, Yan Qizhen picked up Bai'er and held him in front of his chest like a baby, rubbing Bai'er's body with his big hands without any hesitation.
It was true. Bai Er was poked and rubbed in his arms. Not only was he not anxious, he seemed quite comfortable.
"You're quite good at teasing cats." Wei Ziyan looked at him differently.
Yan Qizheng raised his eyes and smiled at her.
"It's just that I've figured out its temper... I didn't know that before, and when I got angry, I got pawed by it a lot."
"What's its temper?"
Wei Ziyan humbly asked for advice, but he smiled again and pondered for a moment before answering her meaningfully.
"It's hard to say... Anyway, we have to go along with it."
【Author’s words】
[Smirk] It seems like you are very good at coaxing your wife...
-----------------
Push the pre-collection of "Proton":
Every night, Gu Yunwan dreaded hearing the palace maid announce, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."
***
The six kingdoms competed for supremacy, with Song becoming the dominant power. The five kingdoms were forced to send their young princes to Song as hostages.
The ten-year-old princess of the Han Kingdom pretended to be her brother and became one of the hostages.
For five years, she carefully concealed her identity every day and walked on thin ice.
However, that night she accidentally walked into a trap set by others and was accidentally discovered to be a girl by the Crown Prince of Song.
Hehuan powder seeps into the internal organs, either death or...
"Your Highness..." Tears rolled down Gu Yunwan's eyes.
At this moment, she would rather die.
-
The hostages from the five countries all knew that the Crown Prince of Song looked like a gentleman, but he was actually a ruthless and cunning character. They could only flatter him but not confide in him.
The Crown Prince of Song also knew that these five men were insincere and each of them had bad intentions and ulterior motives.
Especially the Han hostage Gu Jinan.
He had a face that was more affectionate than a woman's, soft and gentle, and he could coax the other hostages into doing his bidding.
Tonight, his life or death depends on his thoughts.
"Your Highness..."
Xiao Jue's face was gloomy, and his bony fingers covered the tearful eyes beneath him.
"The crime of deceiving the emperor and destroying your clan is so great, how can you just die and get rid of it?"
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