Chapter 24 Chapter 24 Separation
Hearing the steady footsteps recede, Tongze's eyes widened, nearly tearing. He had served the young master for years, and he and Jiang Ting were practically inseparable. Perhaps no one in the world knew the young master's ruthless methods and stern temperament better than they did.
Calm, indifferent, cold, cruel, clear-headed,
Even a noble ruler like the king of a country, or a close relative like the empress, could not allow a young man to carry her shoes. And now, an orphan girl dares to make such a bold request.
And the young master actually agreed? !
In shock, I even felt my crown go numb.
When the man in the dark green robe was about to pass by, Tongze suddenly shuddered and quickly lowered his eyes, not daring to look at the bright color that flashed by.
Qin Jingyao was already used to her nagging, so he approached her with his shoes in hand before she could say anything. Seeing her bare feet drooping, her stockings half-slipped off, he lifted his robe, knelt down, and lifted both shoes, ready to put them on for her.
He held the slender ankle with his palm, but suddenly felt his hand tremble, as if it wanted to escape. He smiled in his heart, but did not show it on his face. He clenched his five fingers to suppress the retreat and slowly put on his shoes.
When his fingertips brushed the soles of her feet, she let out a soft "whoosh" sound, like the claws of a kitten.
"Just walk a few steps to loosen up your joints and bones. If you feel any discomfort, rest immediately. Don't try to force yourself."
"Okay, I understand. It's all up to you."
Lan Nongnong held her chin with her hands and looked at him, the dimples on her cheeks were as sweet as honey.
Because of the injury on the sole of his foot, he had to walk on tiptoe, swaying from side to side, as clumsy as a penguin coming ashore for the first time.
"Yao Jing, look,"
She lightly tapped the stuffed pillows with her fingertips, her eyes sparkling with stars. "I sewed these myself. Aren't they cute?"
Suddenly, he pointed to the window and said, "That string of wind chimes took even more effort. The bamboo strips were old bamboo cut from the mountain behind us. I split them thin and polished them myself. Even the holes for the strings were slowly drilled out."
Standing on tiptoe, she couldn't reach it, so she tugged at his sleeve and said, "Shake it and listen. The sound is much clearer than an ordinary copper bell."
Lan Nongnong leaned most of her body in his arms and walked very slowly. But every time she saw something she had made, she couldn't help showing it off to him and had to pull him to take a closer look.
Whenever he praised her, she couldn't help but become even more proud, and she could even walk very fast on tiptoe.
She pointed to the rocking chair under the eaves, and said with a smile how comfortable it was to lie on it when she had nothing to do. She then pulled him to the small flower pot and said that the lotus in it had been blooming for a long time and the fragrance filled the whole yard.
She said that the water should be changed every so often. There was a little turtle in the pond that she brought back from the nunnery. She said that when it grows up, she will dig a bigger pond in the yard for it to live in.
Pointing to the pear and peach trees in bloom at the north corner of the yard, she said they would bear fruit in a month and would be edible in two or three months. She also said that when the fruit was ripe, she wanted him to help her pick the top and sweetest ones.
Lan Nongnong was in high spirits and had been talking non-stop since she stepped out of the door.
No one had ever said these trivial things to Qin Jingyao. He responded and looked at her beaming face, which was quite interesting.
"...There's also a swing, which I specially had made. It has armrests and a backrest, and is covered with cushions. You can sit and swing all day without worrying about falling."
When they reached the swing, Lan Nongnong almost hung her whole body on his arm. As soon as she sat down, she let her feet dangle in the air. She squinted her eyes in the bright sunshine, breathed a long sigh of comfort, and hummed weakly, "I'm so tired."
The woman lazily leaned against the swing armrest, her cheek resting on her right arm, her whole body bathed in the golden sunlight, her snow-white skin coated with a layer of soft light, her petal-colored lips curled up, and she said in a delicate voice: "I want to swing, Yao Jing, help me push it."
There was no wind today, and Qin Jingyao looked at her lazy and tired appearance like a cat, and he seemed to have lost his temper and let her do whatever she wanted.
He walked around to the back of the swing, waited for her to sit up straight, held on to it with both hands, placed his palms lightly on her slender shoulders, and pushed with a little force. Her light figure flew out like a butterfly, and came back in the wind.
The cheerful laughter rose and fell with the swing, as if it were echoing in the distant valley, as if it were whispering in the ear, and like pearls falling on a jade plate, the sound of tinkling and donging filled the whole yard.
Lan Nongnong was still ill after all, and her energy was low, so her voice, asking him to push harder, faded after a few words.
Seeing the tired look on her face, Qin Jingyao immediately stopped the swing and, without waiting for her to speak, lifted her up and carried her sideways. He walked towards the house and said calmly before she could protest, "Don't get too carried away. You can have fun now that you're well."
Lan Nongnong also disliked the feeling of being sick and weak, so she nestled in his arms and sighed softly, "I should have asked the master to make a double swing so that we could sit together."
As she finished speaking, her sluggish thoughts suddenly cleared up. She put her hand on his shoulder, raised her body slightly, and looked up to ask him, "There is only one bedroom in my house. Where did you sleep last night? Did you make do with a chair? Did you sleep with those two girls too? Oh, by the way, you said you had something to do, but after you finished your work, did everything go well?"
The courtyard was not big to begin with, and while they were talking, Qin Jingyao had already carried her to her bedroom, put her on the bed, bent over to take off her shoes, tucked in the corners of the quilt, and asked the maid to serve tea, testing the temperature before handing it to her.
He sat upright beside the bed, sipping his tea slowly. After three rounds of tea, he said slowly, "Everything is fine. Don't worry. The doctor said that the cause of your illness is excessive worry. The most important thing right now is that you follow the doctor's advice and recover quickly."
He brushed it off lightly, summoned some pills and candied fruit, and watched her eat them with a bitter face. Without waiting for her to speak again, he held her slightly cold hand, put it under the quilt, patted it twice, and smiled in his eyes, "Don't think too much, go to sleep."
Lan Nongnong was indeed sleepy. After being comforted by his gentle words, she seemed to have forgotten what he asked before. She just stretched out her hand and held his again, then she bent her lips, closed her eyes and fell asleep.
*
After all, the high fever caused by shock is different from an ordinary cold. However, within two days, Lan Nongnong had recovered.
A new layer of light pink scab has formed on the wound on the sole of my foot, and there is only a slight stinging pain when I walk. I think I will be able to walk normally again in three or two days.
She had been forced to keep him that night because of circumstances. Although she was becoming more and more dependent on him now, it was not right for a single man and a single woman to be in the same room. She was also afraid of what others would say, which would damage her reputation.
So in the past two days, Qin Jingyao came at dawn, chatting and laughing with her to relieve her boredom, and letting her do whatever she wanted. She often chattered non-stop, and he listened with a smile, and left only when dusk fell.
Only the two maids were forced to stay by him.
After this illness, Lan Nongnong keenly noticed that the invisible barrier between them seemed to have melted away for the most part. In the past, she would always muster up the courage to hold his sleeve, touch his fingertips, with a bit of cautious tentativeness,
But now he seemed to have let go of all the constraints of etiquette. When they met, he would naturally stroke her cheek, and his fingers would run through her hair like combing a cat's fur. Sometimes he would wrap her whole hand in his palm and knead it carefully, as if he was playing with a precious jade.
After dinner, the two of them would digest their food in the yard, and he would hold her in his arms and sit in a rocking chair or on a swing. He especially liked to poke the dimple on her left cheek with a smile on his lips, his eyes downcast, and a leisurely look on his face.
When love reaches its deepest point, one feels that even the closestness is not enough. Lan Nongnong naturally craves this intimacy. The warmth of the skin touching, the intimacy of the breath blending, are all evidence of the emotional stirring.
Compared to the self-disciplined and polite mutual respect, this kind of intimate intimacy is the kind of passionate love that can make people infatuated.
It was a leisurely afternoon that day. The two of them sat in a rocking chair under the eaves. Lan Nongnong sat horizontally on his lap, holding his left hand with both hands and comparing its length with her right hand in the sunlight. He was tall, with long legs and arms. His fingers were almost a knuckle longer than hers, and his palms were more than two circles wider, making her hand look even more petite and delicate.
Her hand could be completely wrapped in his palm, and from the back, she couldn't even see any trace of it. She was having a lot of fun playing with it, muttering "It's so big and long", then put it down to look at the jade piece hanging from his wrist, stroking the thick word with satisfaction, and then touching the thin calluses on his palm and knuckles.
"Yao Jing, you have so many calluses on your hands. Are you very good at martial arts? What weapons can you use? Swords, spears, swords, halberds, axes, halberds, hooks, forks? Do you know how to use a bow and arrow? Can you shoot an arrow through a willow tree from a hundred paces away?"
Without waiting for his answer, she continued to bombard him with questions, "How many can you fight alone? Who's more powerful than your follower? Oh, and what's his name? But since he's following you, he must be more powerful. Besides, he's tall and muscular, and he's serious. You can tell at a glance that he's very skilled in martial arts."
She finished her own answer and nodded affirmatively, then turned to ask another question, "Do you encounter any danger in your business? Are there still bandits robbing the roads these days? By the way, when will you finish my token?"
Qin Jingyao closed his eyes slightly, his expression relaxed, letting her play with his hands. He could hear her chirping questions in his ears, and a smile rose unconsciously at the corner of his lips, but he deliberately did not answer.
When she couldn't bear it any longer, she kicked her legs coquettishly, making the chair and herself creak, and then she hugged his arm and rocked left and right, calling him in a long and coquettish voice, and then he lazily opened his eyes and looked at her.
But he did not answer, still lying lazily, only slightly turning his head, glancing at Tongze standing by the wall on the right, his eyes roaming over his sturdy figure for a moment, as if silently confirming her evaluation, and as if containing some unspeakable deep meaning.
Lan Nongnong didn't understand what was going on, so she followed to see.
Tongze on the other side was already sweating profusely. When he heard that criticism just now, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Now that he was locked in by two pairs of eyes at the same time, he wanted to kneel down and beg for mercy to that heartless woman on the spot.
How could he be compared with the young master? How could he bear such praise from her? But he could not refute it. He could only tense his body and act like a wooden stick, even breathing lightly, for fear of disturbing his master's interest.
Qin Jingyao turned around as if nothing had happened, glanced at her clueless face, pinched her with his hand, and laughed: "His name is Tongze. Although Nongnong is a woman, she even knows the jargon of robbery. It seems that she often goes to teahouses to listen to stories."
Lan Nongnong sneered, but no one knew what she was thinking in her heart.
"As for the token of trust, I beg your forgiveness. I've been so busy with my duties lately that I haven't had time to prepare. I'd like to ask you to give me some time."
He had been busy with business before, and these past few days he had been taking care of her all the time. Lan Nongnong naturally knew that he was too busy to handle everything. She brought up the past now just to get some confirmation and give him a little spur.
"Okay, but there's always work to do. We can't extend the deadline indefinitely. Can you take a break from the busy schedule?"
Qin Jingyao smiled and nodded affirmatively: "Okay."
He lowered his eyes to gaze upon her contented smile, which gradually faded into darkness. Suddenly, his long legs touched the ground, his waist and back tensed in sharp lines, and he had already sat up from the rocking chair.
The sound of the mortise and tenon fitting together was crisp, like some kind of silent warning.
He put one arm around her slender waist and the other hand wrapped around her soft hands. He lowered his head and looked at her, looking up in confusion. He said, "The courtyard on Jingwu Street is spacious, with lush flowers and trees, and the scenery is quite beautiful. Nong Nong likes the swing, so we will install it there according to your wishes. There will be a carriage to take you to and from the nunnery, and servants will be available. Things like this will never happen again."
His thumb rubbed her finger bones, and his voice gradually lowered, "Is it okay for Nongnong to move there?"
Lan Nongnong didn't think much about it at first. She even wondered in her heart if it would be too fast to move in with him. Not to mention the present, even in the past, they had only been together for two months, which was considered fast.
She was shocked by his boldness and felt a little overwhelmed. It was as if all the sunlight was shining only on her. She was so hot.
Although she enjoyed being intimate with him, she was not ready to take a step closer, nor did she know how to politely refuse. At this moment, being held in his arms, she felt as if she was sitting on pins and needles, her eyes wandering around in panic, and she just wanted to find an excuse to get away.
As she was hesitating, she accidentally met his gaze. There was a startling calmness in his eyes, without the uneasiness she had imagined. Lan Nongnong was stunned for a moment, and the shy smile on her face suddenly froze. An inexplicable premonition made her heart suddenly sink, as if it was being grasped by an invisible hand, and even her breathing was stagnant.
Without giving it any thought, she opened her eyes wide, quickly grasped his hand, and asked breathlessly, "What do you mean? Are you, are you leaving?"
The fingertips she placed on his wrist were suddenly ice-cold, and she used so much force that even the joints turned blue. Her breath was choked in her throat, and tears trembled in her wide-open eyes. Her face, which had been as beautiful as a crabapple just a moment ago, was now completely drained of color.
Qin Jingyao wrapped his palm around her cold fingers, paused for a moment, and spoke in a deep but unquestionable voice, "We were originally scheduled to leave the day before yesterday, but Nong Nong suddenly fell ill. How could I leave now when you are injured? Now that you are getting better, and letters from home are urging me to leave, I need to hurry up."
He pressed his fingertips against her beating pulse, and his voice softened. "Your body can't stand the fatigue of traveling, so I can only leave you in Yuqing for a while and take good care of you. Only then can I leave with peace of mind. Don't worry, Nong Nong, I will send someone to pick you up after this is over."
If Lan Nongnong was a native of this place, or had elders and relatives around her, she would definitely be shocked and angry at his words. In fact, his words and arrangements were just like those of a concubine, showing no respect at all.
However, in the eyes of Lan Nongnong, who accepted that breakups and divorces were common, that separations and long-distance relationships were numerous, and who had spent the previous decade in an ivory tower and plunged headfirst into love as soon as she fell in love, his care, arrangements, and explanations were all understandable.
She knew that he was not from Yuqing. Since he was here to visit friends and do something, he would have to leave sooner or later. However, the sweet time they had spent together these days made her forget the fact that he would leave. She never thought that this day would come so soon and so suddenly.
In such a loving moment,
Thinking that he was about to leave, her heart suddenly ached. She couldn't help but cover her chest with her hands. A look of pain appeared on her face. Her nose felt dry and her vision suddenly became blurry.
It turns out that when people are extremely sad, their eye sockets really get hot, as if hot wax is melting under their eyelids.
“…”
"Yao Jing, are you leaving now? When will you be back?"
Lan Nongnong wanted to ask him if he could not leave, but her reason and upbringing told her that he had an emergency at home and she could not ignore the situation. For the first time, she realized that restraint could be so heartbreaking.
A barely audible sigh echoed from behind her neck. The large hand that always gave her a sense of security gently caressed her back, a gentleness bordering on cruelty. The tears she had been holding back finally burst forth, but she bit her lower lip tightly, swallowing even the sobs. Her body trembled like a leaf in the wind, and she ultimately refrained from uttering any words to persuade him to stay.
Qin Jingyao had long been accustomed to her cuteness and mischief, and had also imagined that she would cry and make trouble, but he had never expected that someone who usually loved to act like a spoiled child would be so sensible and distressing when leaving.
He patiently wiped away the tears on her face. His expression was calm, and his drooping eyelashes cast a shadow under his eyes. The bright sun gilded his features, making his handsome face look a little distant, like a statue of a god.
It is so close, yet so far away that it makes people feel cold.
"The convoy is waiting outside the city. I will leave after I have dinner with you. Nong Nong, don't forget the doctor's instructions. Don't worry too much and take good care of yourself."
The wrist that was touching her back was slightly raised. Seeing this, Tongze hurried forward and handed him an arm-long lacquered wooden box, then quickly retreated to his original position.
Qin Jingyao placed the box containing the deed in her hand, lifted her chin with his fingertips, and gently stroked her with his thumb. "Don't cry, the shops on Zhongshang Street are for you to play with, and the servants in the other courtyard are also at your disposal. Nong Nong just needs to wait obediently, okay?"
Lan Nongnong was still confused and could not comprehend the deeper meaning of his words. Although her heart still ached, her tears had gradually subsided. She raised her hand to wipe away the remaining tears. Her eyes, soaked by tears, were as clear as the blue sky after rain. Instead, she was worried that she would delay his work and be blamed by her family.
She stuffed the box back into his hand and said, "I don't want your shop, nor will I go to your villa. I feel more comfortable living in my own home. This illness was an accident, and I don't need anyone to take care of me. You don't have to worry about me."
"But you, since you received a letter from home urging you to come, it must be something urgent. You've already been delayed for two days, and the caravan is waiting outside the city. Why would you even have dinner with me? Were you planning to travel all night? That would be very tiring, and the night road is difficult and unsafe."
As she was talking, Lan Nongnong could no longer stay and jumped off his lap, accidentally pressing on the wound. She hissed softly, her legs softened and her body stumbled for a moment. She pushed away his hand that was trying to support her, steadied herself and tiptoed into the house. She looked back at him with eyes full of resentment.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier? I didn't have time to prepare anything for you."
Before he finished speaking, he rushed into the house. One moment he was full of reluctance and crying, and the next moment he was full of life again. His temper came and went quickly, just like the weather in March, so changeable.
Tongze stepped forward to take the wooden box, and beckoned a maid to hand it over.
The old elm rocking chair was still swaying gently due to inertia. Qin Jingyao had already stood up, hands behind his back. In the backlight, his eyes were as dark as ebony, and his gaze seemed to be fixed on the motionless swing on the north side.
The jade token between the fingers became slightly warm from being rubbed, and it drew a few unpredictable streaks of light in the sunlight.
*
After leaving the city, Lan Nongnong hadn't spoken a word. Her fingers tugged at his sleeves, her head lowered, her shoulders slumped. The orchid hairpin in her hair that swayed gently with the carriage seemed to have lost its luster. She looked as if she had been hit by frost and had become withered.
She clearly exudes reluctance from head to toe, but she doesn't say a single word. She's so sensible that it makes people feel distressed, but so stubborn that it makes people laugh.
Parting has always been difficult. Qin Jingyao did not say much, but just traced the outline of her finger bones with his thumb over and over again. When the carriage stopped, she suddenly raised her head in panic, her five fingers tightly entangled his sleeves, her lips trembled a few times, and in the end only a warm breath came out.
He lowered his eyes to glance at the wrinkled cuffs, and when he raised his eyes again, a soft smile appeared on his lips: "You have just recovered, and your foot injury is not healed yet, so you should not be exposed to the wind."
"Send it here."
After he finished speaking, he raised his hand to cover the top of her head, and his thumb lingered on her hidden dimple for a moment. Before the last trace of warmth in his palm had dissipated, he had already withdrawn neatly.
"Yao Jing!"
Lan Nongnong didn't hesitate at all and opened the curtain to chase after him. Her heart was burning with anxiety, and she didn't even feel the sharp pain from the squeezing of her foot.
It was the first time she fell in love with someone, and they were in love with each other, but when the love reached its peak, it had to come to an abrupt end. However, this short separation made her feel suffocated, so how could she pretend to be calm?
The sun was shining brightly in late spring, and the city gate was still bustling with the sounds of carriages and horses.
Qin Jingyao turned around and embraced the figure rushing towards him. He spread his wide sleeves to block out those inquiring gazes, pinched the slender waist with his palm and lifted it up, then walked straight towards the convoy waiting at the edge of the forest. Seeing this, seven or eight guards turned their backs in unison.
As soon as the two men stopped, the carriages behind them followed tacitly. The servants dispersed like a flock of geese, and in an instant they built a human wall beside the avenue, isolating themselves from the hustle and bustle.
Qin Jingyao has never been afraid of gossip, but when he saw her stumbling after him just now, he instinctively acted to protect her. He could ignore the criticisms in the past, but after he left, those bad words could not hurt her at all.
Lan Nongnong felt his sincerity and felt even more reluctant to let him go. She didn't care whether she would be seen or gossiped about. She wrapped her whole body around him like a vine, tightly wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face in his chest for a long time without saying a word.
After a moment, she forced herself to suppress her tears and raised her face. Although her eyes were still watery, she forced a sweet smile: "The first thing you should do when you get home is to write to me! You must think of me three times a day, no, five times!"
Suddenly remembering something, his eyes widened. "And there's a token of love. You've been putting it off for a long time. You have to send it to me within a month at the latest! Do it well, do it with all your heart! And write to me often. No, no, write one every day and send it to me!"
At the end of the conversation, the smile on his face was even more heartbreaking than crying.
Qin Jingyao was entangled by her tenderly, and he couldn't help but feel reluctant to let her go. He responded to her sentimental words and said, "Okay."
Lan Nongnong received the promise, but she didn't feel very happy. She felt empty in her heart. She had repeated the words of advice over and over again three times in the carriage. At this moment, her lips were trembling, and she couldn't squeeze out a word. However, she was reluctant to part with him. She could only wrap her ten fingers tightly around his palm, and her fingertips turned white, as if this was the only way to retain time.
Seeing her in such a state, Qin Jingyao's eyes couldn't help but soften, and he blurted out: "Why don't you leave with me?"
As soon as he said that, he realized that he had said something wrong. His eyes darkened and the smile on his lips faded slightly, but he did not speak again.
Lan Nongnong was also startled. She was obviously reluctant to leave, but her body took a half step back before her mind did. She was not only unfamiliar and uneasy about the unknown, but also because she had too many ties to Yuqing. She woke up here, her relatives and friends were here, and her business was here. How could she just leave?
Without much thought, she bit her lip, shook her head firmly, and feigned shock and anger: "Okay! Are you trying to trick me into running away with you? I can't believe you, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, are such a sanctimonious person, making such a frivolous and rude request to a lady like me! Humph, I punish you by sending you back to reflect on your behavior. If you haven't changed your ways next time we meet, I won't let you off easily!"
"Alright, alright, go away!"
Her brisk tone and playful words easily dispelled the momentary silence in the air that no one noticed.
Qin Jingyao was gently pushed by her, and the dark color in his eyes dissipated like clouds and mist. He smiled with interest and played along with her while apologizing: "I spoke out of turn, and I do deserve to be punished. I will follow Miss Nong Nong's teachings, but there is only one thing."
He raised his eyebrows in surprise, and looked her up and down with a smile, quite puzzled: "What does the word 'lady' have to do with us?"
After saying this, with her eyes wide open in anger, she walked towards the horse with a big smile.
Lan Nongnong puffed her cheeks in anger, but she didn't let go of him, and followed him closely until he turned and mounted the horse. Then her strength suddenly disappeared, and she didn't even have the heart to appreciate his elegant and handsome posture when he mounted the horse.
She looked up at him. The sunlight was so bright white that it was blinding. He stood against the light, his outline melted into the golden halo. She couldn't even see the expression on his face. She finally pursed her lips and said, "Yao Jing, I miss you so much, what should I do?"
As soon as the words fell, there was a sudden silence within the crowd, as if all sounds had been drained away, even the sound of breathing disappeared.
Qin Jingyao leaned over against the light, took off a jade pendant from his waist, put it in her hand, and said with a smile: "This is something I always wear, so let it accompany Nong Nong for a while."
His fingertips paused slightly on her palm, and he continued, "Longshuo City, Yao Mansion, Liushang Street. When Nong Nong misses me, she sends a letter here."
"Your foot injury hasn't healed yet, so you can't stand for long. Go back and be obedient."
He slowly loosened his grip, his sleeves fluttering as he stood up, his chin slightly raised. The coachman from the other courtyard stopped in front of him, opened the door, set the pedals, and then bowed his head and waited on the side.
Lan Nongnong's hands felt empty, and her heart felt empty too. The soft soles of her shoes stepped on the hard ground with scattered stone and soil particles, which hurt slightly.
She tilted her face upwards, the sunlight piercing her eyes, and her vision had already become dark, but she still blinked stubbornly, her eyelashes trembling slightly, trying to dispel the vague shadow and see him clearly again.
However, his outline was always hidden in the backlight, his features and expression were all swallowed up, leaving only a hazy shadow.
"Yao Jing, be careful on the road. You must write to me. Don't forget to think about me..."
After sending you a thousand miles, we must finally say goodbye.
Even if you are reluctant to let go, the person you leave will eventually drift away.
Lan Nongnong clutched the curtains tightly, her knuckles turning white. As the carriage swayed slightly, the man's figure gradually disappeared.
It turns out that the pain of separation in the world is not sudden and harsh, but lingering like this, inch by inch.
*
Five miles outside the Yuqing City Gate, guards in gray-blue tights, swords wielding, stood in silence, as still as iron. At Yuanpu Pavilion, civil and military officials, as well as wealthy merchants, who had heard the news, were all dressed in splendid attire, but their haste was evident.
Some people looked solemn, their fingers unconsciously stroking the jade belt hooks under their robe sleeves. Some people forced themselves to be calm, with just the right smile on their faces. Some people even had flattering wrinkles at the corners of their eyes, and their bodies unconsciously leaned forward three points.
It was early summer, 15:30, the scorching sun melted gold.
Everyone's forehead was covered with sweat, and their brocade clothes on their backs were stained with dark stains, but no one stepped into the nearby Yuanpu Pavilion to rest.
"...I am deeply grateful for your advice, sir. Otherwise, I would not have known that the Grand Marshal had changed his schedule at the last minute. If I had not been able to greet him, wouldn't I have been accused of disrespect? Your kindness, sir, I will always be deeply grateful and will never forget it."
"Your Excellency, the prefect, is a man of vision and decisive action. You have wiped out the remaining evildoers in one fell swoop, ensuring the safety of Yuqing. This is a blessing for the people of the city, and for us as well!"
"The Grand Marshal is a master of strategy. Even if he is temporarily recuperating in Yuqing, he can still see through the treacherous party. His achievements have been heard by the emperor, and promotion is inevitable. Before he even reached the age of thirty, he has reached the second rank and holds the military power of the Tiger Seal. It is truly..."
“…”
"I heard that Brother Guo has taken over all the shops on West Street, including the Grain and Salt Shops. He's truly observant and alert. His swift and decisive actions are still as strong as they were back then..."
"...A man should be like the Grand Marshal, who has accomplished great things and returned to the capital with great honors, and with a beautiful woman by his side, he would be crowned a marquis in no time, drunken under the flowers and the moon, the envy of us all!"
Flattery streamed down from behind him, but Lu Tingwen stood alone, his gaze fixed on the distance. Suddenly, dust rose from the end of the official road, and the sound of hooves thundered through the air. A horse galloped away, its dark blue brocade robe rustling in the wind. The silver threads on its robe gleamed in the blazing sun, seeming to push back even the dust within a thirty-foot radius.
The hustle and bustle behind him suddenly died down. Lu Tingwen, wearing a fourth-rank official robe with a crimson background and goose pattern, fluttered slightly in the wind. He raised his hand to straighten the gilded crown of his black gauze hat and led the officials forward three steps.
He stopped right where his steed neighed, his robe still tucked away before he and the others bowed deeply. "Lu Tingwen, the governor of Yuqing Prefecture, leads the entire staff in welcoming the Grand Marshal!"
"Your subordinates are here to greet His Excellency the Grand Marshal!"
The wealthy merchants in the city who had heard the news arrived, despite holding the honorary title of Yuanwailang obtained through donations, were not even qualified to submit their names on such occasions. Let alone presenting gold to the Grand Marshal, even wanting to show their faces was wishful thinking.
They didn't seek to leave a name for themselves before the nobles; they simply hoped to avoid being found guilty by their enemies or superiors. Furthermore, with officials of all ranks lining up to greet them, it was already too late. If merchants dared to step forward, it would not only be interfering in other people's affairs, but would also bring disaster upon themselves.
Therefore, a group of wealthy merchants had no choice but to fold their sleeves and bow, huddling like quails behind the ranks of officials, and bowing randomly to the sound of the ceremony.
Qin Jingyao sat still on his horse, the scorching sun casting a sharp, inky line across his figure. His eyes, cleaved by light and shadow, swept across the crowd indifferently, his voice like a blade shattering ice: "No need to be polite."
Lu Tingwen immediately led his subordinates in singing in unison: "We thank the Grand Marshal for his grace."
It had been more than five days since the rebel leader was brought to the capital, and the imperial court had issued two urgent edicts. Although Qin Jingyao was surrounded by the city's dignitaries and sent off, the horse under his crotch did not hesitate for a moment.
Just as he was about to raise his whip, he suddenly restrained his strength for some unknown reason. His pair of auspicious phoenix eyes, which were pierced with cold stars, glanced downwards, and his thin lips parted slightly. The sound was not loud, but it was like an icicle breaking through snow, and every word was nailed into everyone's ears.
"I have been recuperating in Yuqing for ten months by Your Majesty's grace. I am deeply impressed by the honest officials and the kind people here, as well as the beautiful mountains and rivers. However, I have been summoned by Your Majesty, and I cannot neglect state affairs. I will return to the capital today. However, I have one inconvenience. I hope you will be as kind as jade and live up to our reputation."
"If anything happens after you leave, don't blame me. I'm ruthless."
Who among those who could stand in this farewell procession was not a kind-hearted person? All the things he did during his recuperation here were as clear as ink splashed on white paper.
At this moment, the words were full of hidden meaning, almost revealing the truth. Everyone's hearts were thundering, but their faces remained calm. They all leaned forward in unison to respond, "We will follow the orders of the Grand Marshal!"
Lu Tingwen slowly raised his head, meeting that condescending gaze. With a barely perceptible click of his jaw, his black whip exploded in the air. The horse's hooves swirled into a cloud of dust, like muffled thunder rolling across the official road, ultimately becoming a trembling blue streak across the sky.
Everyone then slowly straightened their half-bent backs. The scorching sun had already soaked through the backs of their official uniforms, but all they got in return was a parting gift from the Grand Marshal that sounded like both praise and admonition.
Even so, no one in the room dared to frown. Instead, they stood with their heads bowed in even greater respect, as if what they had just said was some kind of golden rule.
They all smiled at each other, their eyes filled with tacit understanding. They say even a hero can be tempted by a beautiful woman, and today's encounter proved true. Though that distinguished guest wasn't accompanying them, he had been able to persuade the renowned iron-fisted General Qin to issue a warning in public. This honor was truly extraordinary.
This situation is indeed making those with ulterior motives hesitant. Otherwise, how could a mere orphan, even if she had once been favored, escape unscathed from such a storm of jealousy?
After all, crushing a rootless duckweed is easy as pie. But in the current situation, the woman not only cannot move, but must keep a distance.
This time when I return, I will strictly discipline my family and wait and see what happens.
*
In midsummer May, the sun is getting hotter.
Twenty miles south of Yuqing City, Qingyun Temple
"Amitabha, may donor Lin be well."
Yun An was so anxious that he moved the Buddhist beads a little faster, and the beads collided with each other, making a small sound. He stretched out his arm to lead people in.
"The abbot is already waiting in the quiet room. Please follow me."
Lin Siyi lifted his robe and stepped over the threshold, nodding slightly, "Master Yun'an, how are you? Thank you for your help."
Qingfeng Temple is built along the mountainside, nestled among dense forests and tall bamboos. The ancient trees are towering, with overlapping branches and leaves, creating a cool and refreshing environment. When people walk among them, they can only hear the rustling of bamboo waves, without feeling the heat, and their minds are at peace.
The quiet room was located behind the screen wall in the front hall. Yun An stopped in front of the door, clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist verse in a low voice. After the guest was led in, he retreated to the side of the abbot.
Lin Siyi straightened his clothes and bowed solemnly to the person sitting and chanting at the bottom of the shrine. His dark blue sleeves fell like clouds. "My nephew greets my aunt."
After the string of agarwood Buddhist beads paused for a moment, he sat down on the elm Zen chair on the left, his back straight as a pine tree, but he deliberately left one-third of the chair unfilled.
The headmistress of Qingfeng Temple, still holding her Buddhist beads, raised her eyes slightly, her gaze as cold as an ancient well, and cut short the greetings: "Can you confirm whether the origin of that person is true?"
Lin Siyi nodded slightly, tapping his knuckles on his knees twice. "Aunt's letter is very detailed, so this person's background is not difficult to investigate. Long Shuo sent a pigeon last night, saying that he is indeed the legitimate son of the Yao family, a maritime merchant family, and he also has a mansion in the capital. His family monopolizes the South China Sea spice route, and it is not an exaggeration to say that they are rich enough to rival a city."
"This man is twenty-six years old, the eldest son of a legitimate wife, yet he has never married. I heard that he was engaged to a daughter of the Xie family in Jinling, but the engagement was later broken off for some reason. Now the Xie family daughter is married to someone else, while this Mr. Yao has been wandering around the states, becoming a lonely and isolated person."
He pulled out a thin piece of paper from his sleeve, on which were densely written the date and place. "The Yao family is currently ruled by my biological father and stepmother, and my three half-siblings seem to be strangers to our family. I have verified it through various sources, and it is exactly the same as what was written in my aunt's letter. However, to be on the safe side, I specially ordered people to verify it with the Cao Gang and the Maritime Customs, which delayed me for some time."
After a brief pause, he added, "If my aunt still needs to investigate further, I can send people to the ports of Quanzhou and Mingzhou to investigate further."
"According to the records of the City Gate Office, this person came from Yanzhou over two months ago. His travel permit and household registration both indicate that he is from Longshuo. When he first arrived in Yuqing, he temporarily lived in the Yuqing Villa on Qingwu Street, but later purchased it."
"About a month ago, his followers came to visit with a letter to thank you and asked for an authentic calligraphy. Later, he bought five shops on Zhongshang Street, all in prime locations that are making a fortune. The deeds to the properties have now been transferred to Lan Nongnong's name."
"...This person left Yuqing three days ago. On that day, Nongnong personally went outside the city to see him off."
Lin Siyi's voice suddenly paused, his eyes flickered slightly, and he glanced to the left without leaving a trace. His Adam's apple rolled, and he finally swallowed the second half of his words.
The man surnamed Yao had been in and out of a woman's boudoir for two consecutive days. Even if he was using the excuse of diagnosing her illness, it was still against etiquette. Even if his behavior was innocent, it would be enough to ruin a girl's reputation if it got out.
However, since the man had arranged everything so thoroughly, he didn't want to discuss a woman's private affairs behind her back. If it weren't for my aunt's order to investigate this man's background, I'm afraid even he would have been kept in the dark. The man surnamed Yao was so meticulous that even the records in the government office were flawless.
The people in the nunnery treated Miss Lan as their junior, taking care of her food, clothing, housing and transportation, and loving her very much. If they heard the news, they would probably be unable to bear it.
Although he and Miss Lan were not close friends, he could get a glimpse of her character by looking at her words and actions.
She was frank in her actions and straightforward in her words, and even more rare was her soft heart, which concealed wisdom, and her agility, which revealed her tact. Even the hardest-hearted could not help but feel a little pity for such a brilliant person, spending every day with him.
He had also seen that Young Master Yao before. He had the demeanor of a dragon and a phoenix, and his whole demeanor was noble and extraordinary. He was definitely not an ordinary person.
When they saw each other off outside the city that day, he was hidden in the crowd and could be seen clearly. The man was extremely domineering, but also very cautious. He protected Miss Lan tightly and did not let others see even a glimpse of her face.
Behaving like this doesn't give people any grounds to criticize him.
Just talking about actions, every one of them is an act of protection.
Lin Siyi lowered his eyes to hide the ripples in his eyes, and stroked the embroidery on his clothes with his fingertips.
Love is as strong as wine and will eventually end. It is too early to discuss the disparity in social status. It is better to wait and see what happens.
Logically, the Lin family was considered a wealthy family in Yuqing, and Lin Siyi should have been among those who saw him off outside the city that day. However, he had just returned from Wucheng, dusty and exhausted, his clothes stained with travel dust, and his appearance disheveled, so his father had to go alone.
Who would have thought that this series of coincidences would cause him to miss the truth that was right in front of him.
-
Yun An breathed a sigh of relief, but there was still a wrinkle between his eyebrows.
The head of Qingfeng Temple nodded slowly, and the Buddhist beads in her hand, which had stopped at some point, began to move again. Amid the gentle sound of the beads colliding, her expression did not relax at all because of the wealth displayed by the man he mentioned. Instead, it became even more solemn.
A few shops were nothing. Although her profound painting skills would not make her a fortune, they were enough to allow her to live and eat as she pleased. If she had not been accustomed to living in the alleys, getting along well with her neighbors, and not liking to be surrounded and served by others, it would have been just a thought for her to move to a new house and have clothes to wear.
If the investigation is correct, this man is nearly thirty years old but still single. There are only two reasons for this: either he is a playboy, or he has someone in his heart.
If it is the former, with this person's elegant demeanor and immense wealth, even if they meet in a distant place, winning her heart will be as easy as taking something out of a bag. I'm afraid that Nong Nong is just another romantic debt added to his book of hunting for beauties.
If it was the latter, the false feelings would be even more heartbreaking. Even if he gave in a thousand times and really had some sincerity towards Nongnong, just in terms of family background, one was a wealthy businessman in Longshuo City, while the other was an orphan without roots.
The difference between heaven and earth means that this relationship is destined to have a difficult ending.
The rich family is as deep as the sea. Once you step in alone, you have no choice. This world always flatters the powerful and bullies the weak. Even if he protects you for a while, how can the pride in your bones withstand those gossips that are cunning but have hidden ulterior motives?
If she really swallowed her anger, wouldn't this heart-wrenching pain have worn her into another person? If his love for her faded, this uncaring duckweed would have no place to stand.
There are so many lovers in the world who have a love stronger than gold at first, but in the end, because of the difference in their family background, their love becomes a relationship of hatred and resentment.
What separates the rich from the poor is more than just a few steps, it's clearly a millstone that crushes tender hearts. Day after day, it wears away at them, and eventually, deep love turns into mutual disgust.
Rich, pure and simple, while Mr. Yao is too worldly-wise.
Qingfeng pondered for a long time and was not optimistic about this relationship. However, forcing interference might backfire. Fortunately, the man had left Yuqing.
No matter how strong the love is, it can't withstand the distance of time. If that Mr. Yao disappears from now on, it will make the love more intense. The thoughts will be gone, and it is better to be in pain for a while than to be in pain for a lifetime.
Lin Siyi's mission was complete, and upon his return, he still had many matters to attend to, having accumulated a considerable backlog from the investigations he had been undertaking. Since he was not in a position to attend the subsequent proceedings, he tactfully stood up, accepted a few blessed amulets, and gently said that if there was any command to send a letter, he would do his utmost to carry it out. He then bowed and took his leave.
As soon as he left Yun'an, he rushed forward impatiently, his brows showing even more worry. "Master, although we have already ascertained the truth, Mr. Yao is not a good match. Longshuo is far away, and the wealthy family is deep. If Nong Nong leaves, she will be isolated and helpless. We are not able to help her, let alone the status of her family. How will Nong Nong cope with it? Since she has left Yuqing, why not call Nong Nong back and explain the seriousness of the matter to her in detail? Nong Nong is smart and insightful, and she will surely wake up."
The head of Qingfeng Temple twirled the Buddhist beads in her hand, nodded at first, then shook her head slightly. "Nong Nong's heart is as clear as a mirror. She never betrays her likes or dislikes. I'm not worried about her giving in. Besides, that person has just left Yuqing, and she must be reluctant to let go. If I force her to stop now, I'm afraid it will backfire."
The abbot's eyes fell on the unopened cup of tea. "Wait a little longer. When her feelings are as warm and cool as the remaining tea on the table, then call her back and explain the reason in detail."
After hearing this, Yun An thought for a moment and agreed with it. He silently recited a Buddhist verse, and when he raised his eyes again, his eyes had regained their calmness.
"yes."
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