Chapter 31 Chapter 31 Disagreement
Although they had exchanged letters frequently before, Lan Nongnong still had a lot to say to him. As the carriage rumbled forward, all he could hear was her voice, like a mountain stream bird, sometimes clear and melodious, sometimes brisk and unrestrained, each word wrapped in honey-like joy.
The rutting of the wheels harmonized with her crisp voice, occasionally interspersed with Qin Jingyao's deep response, his voice dripping with obvious laughter. Only when the tea on the small table had drained into her throat and her tongue tasted slightly dry did she stop talking, still unsatisfied, and subconsciously licked her slightly dry lips.
Just as he was about to raise his hand to pour tea, his eyes accidentally glanced at the night scene outside the window, and he was suddenly stunned. The lights on this long street were clearly not the familiar ones leading to the inn.
"Um?"
"This road doesn't seem to be heading towards the inn where I'm staying?"
"Now that we've met again, how could I let you stay in an inn again? I saw that place before when I was looking for you. It's a remote place with small houses and all kinds of people mixed in. If I had known your whereabouts earlier, I would never have let you stay there. Besides..."
Qin Jingyao leaned lazily against the back of his chair, his arms embracing the beautiful woman in his arms. His fingertips played with the rabbit ears in her hair, and he lowered his eyes to glance at her with a soft smile: "I just vouched for Nongnong. I want to take care of everything myself, so that you won't doubt my sincerity anymore."
"There are people who will take care of the people who brought you here at the inn. Just rest assured."
After all, this was the Emperor's home, so how could the inn be as shabby as he described? The rooms were elegant and well-appointed, and the lobby, packed with guests, was kept immaculately clean. Lan Nongnong had ample funds, so she had carefully selected and considered the safety of her accommodations.
He was so picky because, firstly, he really cared about her and wouldn't let her suffer even the slightest bit of injustice. Secondly, wasn't it also a habit he developed from being in a high position for so long?
When he looks at the mundane life and ordinary things in the city, he always looks down on them with a condescending attitude, and feels that all mundane things are not worthy of the treasures in his arms.
Opening one's heart is indeed a good way to eliminate unfamiliarity. For example, at this moment, Lan Nongnong has regained the intimacy they used to have when they were together in Yuqing. She leans relaxedly in his arms, her fingertips gently stroking the jade piece on his wrist.
She was touched, but upon hearing that, she quickly stood up, looked at him with a face full of resistance, and shook her head repeatedly: "If I go to your house, then I won't go! You know I'm used to living alone, and my manners are rough and clumsy. Your family is older than you, and you're from a wealthy family. I'm afraid of losing etiquette and making a fool of myself, and I'm also restrained and uncomfortable. Besides, how can a woman go to a man's house in the middle of the night?"
Lan Nongnong quietly swallowed back the word "unmarried" that was about to come to her lips, along with the truth that she had no plans to meet your parents.
She feared no gossip, but she didn't want to appear frivolous in the eyes of her beloved's family. According to etiquette and upbringing, she should have visited him openly, but at this moment, her heart was pounding with the hope of a hearty romance with him.
She didn't fear the constraints of time and space, the prejudices of the world, or even the vast distances between them; all she wanted was for their hearts to be together. As for the weighty commitment of marriage, or even the solemnity of facing her parents, she wasn't ready.
If I told him, I was afraid he'd think I was forcing him into marriage, and I was also afraid he'd suspect that avoiding discussing our relationship despite our intimacy would make me seem frivolous. Both sides were sensitive, so it was safer to keep silent.
"Anyway, the inn is quite nice. The rooms are clean, the staff are attentive, and it's convenient to come and go. Besides, I've already paid for half a month's rent. Now that we're in the same city, it won't take more than half an hour to meet each other, so there's no need to bother."
Every word she said was sensible and thoughtful, impeccable. If it weren't for the unconscious frown on her brow, the flickering light in her eyes, and the resistance on her jade-white face that she herself hadn't noticed, it would have seemed as if she had considered everything for him.
Qin Jingyao's eyes darkened slightly, and for the first time, they took on a look of scrutiny. The people of the Sheng Dynasty were becoming more civilized. Since Emperor Wu Sheng reformed the old system, he had abolished the harsh laws of the previous dynasty that confined women to the inner chambers, where they were not allowed to show even their faces or feet.
However, despite the current social trends, the distinction between men and women is a principle ingrained in human ethics for thousands of years.
They had held hands, embraced each other on the mountaintop, kissed under the moon, and shared their love on the same bed, just like now, they were so close to each other.
This time, she disregarded worldly ethics and came all the way to find him.
No matter how careless she was, she always crossed the line. How could she, so smart and bold, so independent, not know that it was time to seek a place of honor? But not only did she not have any such thoughts, but she avoided them as much as possible?
Lan Nongnong's entire body tensed unconsciously as he held her gaze. The car windows were clearly open, and there was an ice cauldron emitting a faint chill inside the carriage, yet she felt beads of sweat about to break out on the back of her neck.
Her fingertips unconsciously tightened as she repeatedly scratched the strokes of her name carved into the jade. Her throat suddenly felt dry and painful, and she didn't know if it was because she had talked too much or because of something else. She unconsciously extended her tongue to moisten her dry lips, her eyes wandering, not daring to meet his gaze.
It was not until he suddenly looked away and relaxed that she felt as if she had been pardoned, and her tense shoulders suddenly relaxed.
"Don't worry, Nong Nong. I won't let you be criticized. And after learning that you were coming to the capital, I had someone prepare a place for you. The servants are all carefully selected and responsible people. You are the only master in the house, so you won't feel constrained at all.
"Since the inn room has already been paid, let the people who brought you here stay for the time being. Now that you are with me, I will take care of your safety and well-being."
Qin Jingyao had no intention of concealing his identity. As she was so passionate and enthusiastic, and had come thousands of miles to show his love for him, he was not reluctant to give her a legitimate status.
He had no bad habit of abandoning women after having an affair with them. Even though he had previously had a casual flirtation with Yuqing, he had no intention of abandoning her after returning to the capital. For him, protecting a woman was really just a trivial matter that could be easily accomplished.
It’s just that compared with the present, the weight has become heavier, and the status has also become higher or lower.
But now it seems that she has other ideas.
Moreover, with her stubborn and gentle exterior but strong interior character, if she knew that she had been deceived, there would probably be a huge uproar.
Qin Jingyao couldn't help but glance at her clueless expression. He'd ignored her previous musings about loyalty and morality between men and women, but now, for some reason, they suddenly flooded his mind, causing his heart to skip a beat.
She was lively and courageous, and after what happened, he really wasn't sure how she would react when she learned the truth.
However, she had just arrived in Beijing and her mind was not yet settled, so there was no need to rush.
She didn't want to mention her status, whether out of shyness or other concerns, but it was all under his control. No matter what, he would never treat a woman he truly loved as a concubine.
*
Lan Nongnong had come to see him, naturally hoping to spend every day with him. Now that he had made such thorough arrangements, she happily agreed. As for the inn money she had already paid, there was no need to refund it. Who knew, if she got tired of shopping one day, she could use it as a temporary resting place.
She was in a daze and didn't notice it when she got on the carriage. When she got off, she found that the blue silk canopy and the gilded bronze palace plaque that showed her status had been quietly removed without her knowing when.
Lan Nongnong's knowledge of Long Shuo came from a few brief mentions from Brother Lin and bits and pieces from the innkeepers. In the vast city of Long Shuo, she only knew the road from the inn to his residence. The rest was like a maze, leaving her with no idea where she was. She'd quietly lifted a corner of the carriage curtain upon entering, and only felt a slight sense of relief when she saw it wasn't the Yao residence.
On the night of their reunion, Qin Jingyao had not left. Learning that she had already finished her dinner, he personally escorted her to her bedroom, instructed the maid to serve her diligently, and then returned to the main courtyard to dismiss the servants.
He sat upright in the hall, closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment, then tapped his fingertips lightly on the red sandalwood table. Then he opened his eyes and ordered in a calm voice, "Go open the treasury and fetch the hibiscus jade and carving tools that were tributed by Minzhou in the 30th year of Chengping."
Jiang Ting's heart trembled, and he immediately bowed and agreed. He nodded slightly to Tongze, then he personally took the reins and rode back to the mansion to retrieve the item under the moonlight.
The Sheng Dynasty was a prosperous and well-off country, and while pink jade was rare, it was not a truly exceptional treasure. However, the hibiscus jade you just mentioned was a national treasure presented to the emperor personally when the patrol envoy returned from Yancong two years ago.
The Yancong tribe, living on an isolated island and lacking resources, viewed jade as a sacred object of spiritual connection. They offered the precious jade of the Mountain Heart as a token of their surrender, unaware that the Sheng Dynasty was vast and rich in resources, and that such jade veins were not uncommon.
At first, everyone in the court laughed at him for being so narrow-minded as to regard a stone as a treasure. But when the true appearance of the precious jade was revealed, they realized that even a small country could possess such a rare treasure.
The jade was the size of a large bowl, shimmering crimson and pink throughout. Most remarkable of all, the chalcedony seemed to be imbued with countless golden particles, shimmering like a galaxy as it swirled in the light. Such a vibrant color wouldn't have won the Emperor and Empress's favor, but it had the harem's concubines obsessed with it. Who knew the Empress would give it directly to the Master along with a batch of other gifts?
The Lord was away at the time, following an imperial decree, and was unaware of this matter. It was the Lady, upon hearing of the jade, who came to ask for it. However, according to regulations, gifts from the palace required the Lord's personal approval before they could be withdrawn from the treasury.
At that time, the Lord was thousands of miles away, so there was no need to send a letter to inquire about such a small matter. Therefore, the jade was kept in the treasury. I think the lady had asked for an audience with him recently because she also wanted to inquire about this jade.
Unexpectedly, the master now wanted to give this jade to Miss Lan. Even more surprising was that from what he said, it seemed that he wanted to carve it himself.
He personally greeted her, tolerated her playfulness and anger, and took care of her in every possible way. He put so much thought into her, even deliberately concealing his identity.
Such favor is rare and unheard of.
Jiangting shook his head and whipped his horse. As a follower, I only obey the master's orders!
*
There's a world of difference between a home and an inn. As far as sleeping comforts are concerned, the former offers tranquility and peace, allowing for a deep sleep. The latter, with its constant comings and goings, is inevitably subject to noise and disturbance.
Lan Nongnong put down the heavy burden on her heart and slept soundly all night. When she woke up, the morning light had already filled the window.
She remembered what Yao Jing had told her last night, that because the Red Di envoys had arrived in Beijing, many things were complicated, and he needed to finish his business affairs as soon as possible before he could come back to be with her.
As soon as he arrived at the mansion last night, he summoned all the servants to pay their respects to her, and made it clear that they would serve her as their master from now on, and told her to do whatever she wanted.
Lan Nongnong was not used to such a scene, but she could not refuse, so she had to politely let the maid who was more respectful than Yu Qingshi help her change clothes and have a meal, and then she began to stroll around the mansion with great interest.
This house is more like an exquisite small garden than a mansion. Five courtyards are arranged in layers, the courtyard is spacious and bright, pavilions are scattered among the blue bricks and red tiles, and auspicious glazed beasts squat on the eaves.
A cobblestone path winds through the rockery, a winding corridor connects to the moon-shaped gate. A turquoise lake is dotted with water lilies, and the subtle fragrance of exotic flowers and plants wafts around, even filtering the fierce summer heat into a cool breeze through the hall.
Aside from the differences in popularity, artifacts, and scale, it bore a striking resemblance to the Mountain Resort she had once visited. Not only were the plum trees and crabapple blossoms in full bloom, but even more remarkable was the presence of a hot spring!
The fact that Yao Jing's family could afford such a mansion right at the feet of the emperor shows how wealthy they are.
To be honest, although Lan Nongnong had never compromised on food, clothing and other expenses, although she felt relaxed and comfortable when living alone, she could not help but be vigilant and cautious at all times.
She had a bathtub made specially for her in Yuqing, suitable for both sitting and lying down. She also had a variety of dried flowers at home, but she never dared to indulge in them. Now, looking at the open-air hot spring in front of her, with white steam rising and surrounded by flowers,
Lan Nongnong surrendered in an instant.
She glanced back, blinking her eyes, brightened by the heat, and looked at the maid who had been so respectfully serving her. Her smile was filled with unconcealed joy. Although Biyu had only served her for a night and a half, she felt as close to her as if they had been together for years, and she understood her feelings before she even opened her mouth.
"The hot springs here are full of living water, and they are cleaned daily by a dedicated person. The spring water moisturizes the skin and prolongs life, relieving fatigue."
Jade whispered softly, "You seem stiff, perhaps from the fatigue of the journey. You might as well relax in the spring. There are screens in the back room, which will be set up for you shortly. No one will dare to disturb you without your permission."
He added with a smile, "The kitchen came down to report this morning that there was rose wine and peaches in the well. The young master had specially ordered the osmanthus Dingsheng cake made before he left. It will be served with the ice cup later."
After just one day, Lan Nongnong was nearly overcome by the overwhelming wealth. No wonder everyone coveted the throne. Even the servants of the wealthy were so attentive, so what kind of celestial life must an emperor lead, with the lives of his entire clan and the fate of his entire family hanging in the balance?
Seeing her kneeling down to undress her, Lan Nongnong suddenly came to her senses. She quickly protected her clothes with one hand and held out the other hand to block the way. With an embarrassed smile on her face, she said, "No need, Miss Biyu. I can do it myself. Just please arrange the screen properly."
Biyu kept saying, "Young lady, you're embarrassing me," and then she pulled back half a step. She glanced at the maid a few feet away, but she remained within reach, slightly bent forward, arms raised to the sky, as if ready to receive the clothes at any time.
Lan Nongnong felt uncomfortable all over, but she couldn't persuade her no matter what she did. She was secretly lamenting the strict rules of the noble family. When she accidentally saw the screen carried in by several servants, she was stunned.
Although this hot spring is in the open air, it is hidden deep within the courtyard. The pool is surrounded by black and gray pebbles of varying heights, all polished to a smooth jade-like consistency. This provides ample concealment, and there are servants on duty everywhere.
She had originally thought the so-called screens were just five or six panels, covering the entrance to the water. But she hadn't expected that what she saw before her—one, two, three, four...—was actually a twelve-panel, four-curved screen embroidered with hundreds of flowers. In a matter of moments, it was skillfully unfolded by the trained servants, creating a vast, isolated world.
It’s truly...huge wealth.
Lan Nongnong, once a top swimmer, declined Biyu's offer to join her in the pool. After the maids had all stood back to back behind the screen, she relaxed in the two-foot-long pool, where fragrant petals swayed and clung to the water.
However, the pond was no deeper than my shoulders, so even if I had all the swimming skills, it would be difficult to display them. I reached the shore after just two swims, leaned on the round black stone whose curve fit my neck perfectly, closed my eyes and rested.
The spring water, with its soothing warmth, enveloped the body with an almost suffocating force. The steaming floral fragrance, intensified by the heat, wafted into the nostrils as it ascended, deftly neutralizing the characteristic sulfurous aroma of the hot springs.
The peaches were soft and juicy, their sweet juice splattering between lips and teeth. The fruit wine was clear and sweet, cooling her throat. The hot spring water heated her blood, and the extreme relaxation gave rise to a feeling of ecstasy. If Biyu hadn't worried that soaking too long would harm her health, Lan Nongnong would have almost fallen asleep.
As soon as I left the shrouded hot springs, the pressure on my body suddenly dissipated. I took a deep breath, and the cool air rushed into my lungs. My body felt so light that I felt like I was about to fly away on the wind.
It had been a long time since she had soaked in a hot spring, and even longer since she had enjoyed such a pleasurable bath. Her muscles and bones softened from the warm water, and she let go of her shyness as the maid helped her put on her clothes. She reclined on the refreshing couch for a moment, her hair dried, her laziness gone, and she felt refreshed. She walked with a spring in her step, though her outer garment kept slipping off her shoulders, requiring her to constantly hold it in place.
Lan Nongnong looked down as she walked, and could not help but raise her hand to touch her shoulder. The touch was warm and smooth, making her linger. Her skin was already as radiant as snow, and after being cleansed by the hot spring, it was even more translucent.
Hot spring water washes away the fat in your skin, the ancients were right.
In the scorching summer heat, the clothes prepared at home were all made of light, soft, and smooth fabrics. Over her undergarment, she wore a cherry-pink, chest-length skirt, the hem embroidered with a faint butterfly pattern that only appeared in the light. A matching gauze shawl hung loosely over her shoulders. Her long, black hair, which reached below her hips, was loosely tied in a pink satin bun. A golden butterfly with a pearl flower was pinned to each of her hairs, its wings fluttering with each step, making it look lifelike.
She came dancing in the sunset, her skirt brushing against the bluestone path, making it hard to tell whether it was her figure that made her dress look more delicate, or her dress that made her delicate figure more vivid.
Looking at her brows again, she was relaxed, her cheeks were as red as the color of a crabapple, and her whole person was as fresh and bright as a newly opened peony. But when her eyes moved inadvertently, she revealed a few traces of lazy charm that was very different from her usual style.
Just like a cat waking up from a spring sleep, with an unconscious charm.
"Yao Jing!"
"You're back!"
Qin Jingyao paused outside the Moon Cave entrance, his hands clasped behind his back as he watched her leap for joy as she approached. The evening breeze blew the pink satin and gauze shawl from her temples behind her, accentuating her slender neck, like a crane's, and her flesh and bones shimmered in the twilight.
Lan Nongnong stood gracefully in front of him, her soft hand sliding into his palm like a swimming fish, her five slender fingers weaving and intertwining, so delicate and smooth that it was impossible to hold them, making his deep eyes darker.
She raised her fair and rosy little face, her slender neck and shoulders were stained with a light blush, which made her features more distinct and her lips more rosy.
"When did you come back? Did everything go well today?"
"Of course it went smoothly. Did you get bored at home today? What did you do?"
Qin Jingyao gently pulled back the veil that had slid down to her shoulders and took her hand. He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb, paused for a moment, and then lingered on it, unable to let go.
He held her hand and walked slowly towards the garden. He tilted his head to observe her complexion carefully. Seeing that it was even and smooth, he nodded with satisfaction. "The hot springs in this house are quite nourishing. If you find them rich, you can soak in them every few days. When you get tired, you can switch to another spring."
Although Qin Jingyao was not extravagant, he was extremely particular about his daily expenses. Knowing that he enjoyed hot springs and baths, he dug large and small hot spring pools in every residence he owned, whether given by the emperor, donated by others, or purchased by himself. So, when he said he would change when he got tired, it was true.
Lan Nongnong let him hold her hand as they walked side by side. The evening breeze blew through the rosy clouds, tangling their sleeves together. Just being together like this quietly, her heart felt like honey welling up, and the smile on her dimples was so sweet it almost burst open.
She tilted her head to look at Tongze behind him, her eyes curved with a smile: "Tongze, how are you? You are as charming as ever."
Qin Jingyao blinked slowly, glancing behind him. Tongze's back stiffened instantly, and he lowered his head even lower. He replied in a muffled voice, "Miss, I'm fine," and quietly retreated into the shadows. He disappeared without a trace until later.
Only Yu Jiangting suppressed the smile on his lips, concentrated more and held his breath, kept a distance of three meters and followed quietly.
Lan Nongnong was in a cheerful mood, oblivious to the legal battle behind her. She spoke enthusiastically, "Your garden is so huge. It took me half a day just to walk around it. We just had a bath in the hot springs, so it wasn't boring at all. The only thing we needed was a guide. It's a perfect view... I'll give it a six."
Lan Nongnong clasped his hand tightly, oblivious to the heat. Suddenly, she leaped in front of him, her slender hands swinging lightly as she walked backwards with lotus steps. Her upward-turned smile, reflected in the sunset, was even three times brighter than the evening glow.
"Will you be free to accompany me tomorrow? I want to travel all over Longshuo, visiting famous historical sites and savoring local delicacies. You must recommend some carefully, and after I have tasted them one by one, I will choose the best and have Brother Wu and the others take them to my aunts and Brother Lin."
"I will write a letter to the aunts later, and Miss Biyu will deliver it to the post station tomorrow. Also, you are at Yuqing Villa, so you must write a letter to Miss Qingluo and the others to apologize. I deliberately concealed the truth."
She looked away with a guilty conscience, stole a glance at his expression, and said in a casual tone, "Please bring some of Longshuo's fashionable items with you. Brother Wu, please take them along as well. This is also my humble apology..."
Before she could finish her words, Lan Nongnong suddenly remembered something. She no longer cared about feeling guilty and looked at him with wide eyes: "I heard that some masters are used to taking people away to vent their anger. Have you ever punished them because of me? The fault is all mine. If you deducted the monthly salary, I will definitely double it! If it is another punishment, you should write a letter to rescind the order immediately and compensate me for a small amount for the time being. When I return, I will go to apologize in person!"
After she finished speaking, she looked him in the eye and asked softly, "You wouldn't do something like that to vent your anger, would you?"
They had just reunited, and Qin Jingyao didn't want her to be bothered by these trivial matters. But she was born with a pure and kind heart. She didn't care about the difference between high and low, and she treated people equally. This clarity and openness was her most precious quality.
However, it would have been better not to mention it in the past. Now that I am by his side, I should make the difference in our identities clear.
"Since Nongnong has interceded for them, then I'll just give them a light punishment. But you must understand that there's a difference between master and servant. It's not reasonable for a master to bow his head and apologize to a slave."
"Nong Nong is kind and generous, which is rare. However, since you are in this position, you should do your job. Before I left, I repeatedly instructed them to put you first in everything. If your servants do their duty and follow your instructions, even if you intend to conceal something, you will not be completely deceived."
"If you disobey orders and neglect them in the beginning, or fail to provide adequate care in the end, you should receive a small punishment or a big warning."
"But,"
The smile on Lan Nongnong's face suddenly faded, and surprise appeared in her eyes. She opened her lips as if to argue, but in the end, no words came out.
They had never truly argued before. Even when they had minor disagreements, he always smiled and gave in, always accommodating her. But it wasn't until this moment that she suddenly realized that those sweet and sweet times before were because every word and every sentence was about love, never stained by the dust of reality.
She was also surprised to realize that beneath the sugar coating of love were their deeply rooted and completely different concepts and perceptions.
Masters are superior, servants are inferior; servants who disobey orders and fail to perform their duties should be punished. This is not only his principle, but also an iron law that no one in the world, from top to bottom, can question. The emperor's rule and the people's peace and security all depend on this clear order.
This is the rule, there is nothing wrong with it.
Even Qingluo and the others themselves probably believed this, even though the root of this disaster was entirely due to her own selfish thoughts, causing them to suffer innocently.
At this moment, Lan Nongnong truly realized that she was really wrong.
The mistake was not in coming to look for him, but in involving someone else who had nothing to do with their affairs.
Furthermore, if you truly love someone, you should be determined to face everything side by side with them. Even if your opinions differ, as long as you stay within the boundaries, it's simply a matter of mutual acceptance or even changing for the other person. Whichever path you choose, you must muster the courage to try and fight for it.
Now that you have made up your mind, there is no reason to retreat when faced with difficulties!
Lan Nongnong's brows relaxed suddenly, and she raised her eyes to look at him again, her gaze clear and firm. "Since you clearly ordered them to put me first, I forbid them to ask questions. They followed orders and did not go beyond them. They were just following orders, so it can't be considered dereliction of duty, let alone neglect of care. If they agreed on the surface but secretly investigated, that would be the real violation of orders."
Her voice was steady, each word clear and distinct, like pearls falling on a jade plate, yet it held a quiet strength that refused to retreat or yield. "You've given the order, and I have my own principles. Both sides represent the master's will. They're caught in the middle. Who should they listen to?"
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