Chapter 42 Chapter 42
He raised his chin slightly, moved his neck left and right, and half-raised his long arm to brush across his collar. Then he tilted his head to look at her, his lips curled slightly. "Of course we have to talk. There's no rush. Let's apply the medicine first."
At this moment, Biyu's voice came softly from outside the window: "Sir, Miss, the blood-dissolving ointment has been delivered."
Mr. Qin Jingyao stretched his arm out the window, then withdrew, holding a finger-high celadon medicine bottle between his fingers and offering it to her. Seeing she ignored him, he didn't get angry. He simply turned his wrist slightly, placed the bottle next to her hand, and said nothing more.
Being controlled by others is like being trapped in a cage, with every move restricted.
Lan Nongnong took a deep breath, suppressing her rage. No matter how angry she was, she shouldn't go against her body. She removed the medicine plug and hid her numb and painful right hand on her knees under the table. Her face remained expressionless, her eyes lowered as she quickly and meticulously applied the ointment.
The medicine bottle tapped lightly on the table, followed by an urgent voice: "If you want to talk, then talk quickly. I'm tired and need to rest."
The two of them sat across from each other at a table. Qin Jingyao was more than half a foot taller than her. He lowered his eyes and took in the painfully curled fingers and the forced coldness on his face. They were like the two poles of truth and falsehood, each open and honest, yet contradictory.
"It's the hottest time of the year right now, and Nong Nong's wound hasn't healed yet, so it's not advisable for him to go out. If you really have something important to do, just let me know."
His tone gradually deepened. "Threatening someone's life like today must never happen again."
After a pause, he continued, "Although the capital is under the rule of the emperor and has strict laws, those who are naturally inclined to evil do not need a reason to act. It is indeed rare for someone to always be vigilant, but one must never take chances. Who knew that today the opponent was only one person? What you saw is the truth."
Lan Nongnong's round eyes suddenly opened wide, and she was about to refute, but as soon as her lips opened, she was interrupted by something he suddenly took out.
"This is a self-defense weapon I specially ordered someone to find for you today."
Qin Jingyao lightly pushed a short fine steel hairpin with his fingertips. It was slender and weighed only five or six taels. "When it is swung out, it can be extended to the length of an arm, and when it is retracted, it can be only a palm inch away. It can be worn as an accessory on weekdays."
"Because it's sharp, you need to be careful not to hurt yourself by mistake."
Its color was as green as jade, and its shape resembled a sleeve flute. It looked not like a sharp weapon but rather an elegant ornament. He demonstrated with his slender knuckles, pressing lightly with his thumb and flicking his wrist. Suddenly, it stretched to an arm's length, and the tip flashed with a cold gleam.
With a light flick of his index finger, the joints gathered and returned to the space between his palms. Finally, he casually flipped over the last two fingers, using them as a support to hold the palm flat, and held it in front of her.
Lan Nongnong had never expected him to act like this. She stared at him in a daze, forgetting to react. When that slender finger lightly reached forward, she took it without a second thought.
"Thick,"
She turned around in a daze, her eyes still dazed. Qin Jingyao locked his gaze with hers and sighed softly, "I've been hiding my identity from you, and I've been treated coldly for days. I'm willing to endure it all. I just hope you can calm down for a moment and let me explain a few things."
Lan Nongnong blinked and suddenly came to her senses. Her fingertips tightened unconsciously, and the cool object suddenly pressed into her palm, but she quickly let go and dropped it on the table as if she was burned.
But the rage that had filled his heart just now was like a container that had lost pressure, and it was difficult to fill it up again. Yet it was stuck in his chest with no way to vent it.
If he had intended to be honest, he would have had countless opportunities to do so, but his words and actions did not reveal a single flaw, clearly intending to deceive to the end. Regardless of whether he had hard reasons or not, the deception and harm were facts.
Her mind was as clear as a mirror, yet the word "explain" still stung her heart. A wave of grievance washed over her, and tears instantly filled her eyes. She bit her lip tightly, using the pain to suppress weakness, and fought back the tears, trying hard to maintain a bravado armor.
With a tense face and cold eyes, he watched to see how he would try to argue.
"you say."
Qin Jingyao took in all her suppressed grievances, his tense back suddenly relaxed, and his expression became softer and more affectionate.
"Initially, I met Nongnong under a pseudonym, but as time went on, I fell in love and became timid. Nongnong's pure and sincere approach to love made me fear losing you, so I kept putting it off, making mistakes again and again, and never dared to confess."
His voice was deep and earnest, "It was indeed my fault for deceiving Nongnong and causing you grief. However, my feelings for you have never been false. Nongnong braved the hardships and traveled thousands of miles to Beijing to find me. Her heart is as pure as fire. How could I, as your concubine, yield to her? I will dote on you with all my heart, obey you in everything, and never let you suffer even the slightest injustice, only then will I live up to your deep love."
"As long as Nong Nong can calm down your anger, I will do whatever I can to help you. Even if it's beyond my ability, I will do my best."
Qin Jingyao suddenly stood up and walked in front of her. He lifted the corner of his robe and knelt down. Even when he bent down, he was still almost at eye level with her. He raised his hands and held her hands, his eyes never leaving hers. His expression was solemn and sincere.
"I now ask you with all my heart, hoping that, considering our mutual affection and deep love, you will forgive me and reconcile with me."
A face like that of a banished immortal is now filled with sincerity, and the eyes are bright as stars, as if all the heartfelt feelings are expressed in this moment.
Lan Nongnong stared at him in amazement, tears suddenly rolling down her cheeks, her throat trembling, and she murmured as she shook her head, "...How is it possible?"
How can we get back together?
In this world, not everything can be reversed.
If you just conceal your identity, for the sake of our undying love, even if the family is as rich as the sea and the road ahead is unpredictable, I will dare to face it with gritted teeth.
But you only have your first wife. Even if the future is bright and you have all the glory, there is no room for compromise or turning back.
As for the words about not humiliating herself by being a concubine, whether it was perfunctory or calculated, it had nothing to do with her, and she didn't care!
Lan Nongnong closed her eyes, took a long breath, and slowly exhaled. The rage that had been burning in her chest suddenly died out like clouds and mist, leaving only wisps of green smoke lingering freely. It wasn't burning, nor was it hot, but it seemed to melt into her blood, clinging to her bones, silently permeating her limbs and bones.
She opened her eyes, and the flames of anger that had always burned in her pupils had completely dissipated, leaving only a deep pool of silence.
It turned out that the only thing she had been holding on to was the deception. As long as he was willing to admit his mistake and sincerely repent, she could let it go so easily.
Qin Jingyao watched every change in her expression, his heart sinking a little, yet beating rapidly. All his composure and ease in control vanished in an instant.
That hint of luck that was expected but hidden was ultimately completely dashed.
The soft hands in his palms trembled slightly, and his heart trembled violently as if struck by a heavy blow. He suddenly retracted his fingers, suppressing the muffled groan that was about to escape his lips, and swallowed back the pleading question along with it.
The color of his eyes gradually darkened, becoming deep and unfathomable.
"Let's stop here..."
"Yao Jing."
Lan Nongnong suddenly felt very tired, both physically and mentally. She couldn't pull her hands away, couldn't move, but she was no longer as irritable as she had been that day. She lowered her eyes to look at him, meeting his slowly rising gaze. In a quiet, weary voice, she repeated, "Let's stop here, Qin Jingyao."
Her voice was as light as a falling feather, but every word was clear. "I no longer blame you for lying, but this is the end of the relationship between you and me."
"That's it?"
Under the flickering candlelight, the handsome man suddenly curled his lips into a faint smile and slowly stood up. His figure was tall and straight, and his innate dignity and the arrogance tempered by power blended seamlessly, transforming into an unattainable pressure and indifference.
The posture of leaning forward thus appears extra condescending.
"I've already told Nongnong that we should never talk about separation again. Since you've touched my heart, how can you escape alone?"
Lan Nongnong was forced to look up at him, her pupils wide open, her breath caught in her throat, as if she was facing something extremely terrifying, her head, neck and back were stiff and tense, but the belief in her heart became even more unshakable.
One moment he was gentle and affectionate, whispering softly and yielding, but the next moment he became so cold, arrogant, selfish and domineering.
This person's temperament was so treacherous and unpredictable, truly terrifying. Every moment spent with him was torture, and the imprisoned hands felt like being gnawed by a thousand ants, the stinging pain piercing my heart.
Lan Nongnong turned her head away from him, her chest heaving violently and her breathing becoming rapid, but she suppressed the thought of arguing and said in a firm voice, "I'm tired and have a headache. I need to rest. You go!"
Qin Jingyao freed a hand, intending to stroke her slightly furrowed brow, but she dodged it with her head tilted to the side. He chuckled softly, his palm passing over the faint pink mark on her ear, firmly grasping the back of her head, his fingers slightly clasped together. She had no choice but to face him.
His thin lips replaced his fingertips, resting on her furrowed brow. Though he couldn't see her expression, he could clearly feel the subtle draft of air against her long eyelashes as she suddenly opened her eyes. He gently moved his lips against hers, smoothing the frown between her brows with a gentle yet irresistible force.
The sudden increase in breathing and fierce struggle instantly broke the previous coldness and silence, and actually made him feel a little relieved.
The wet, grinding sensation between her eyebrows was even more intense than the itching she felt when she was allergic, more like ants gnawing at her heart, making it unbearable for her. However, Lan Nongnong clenched her fingers tightly, her nails digging deep into his palm, and she clenched her teeth, suppressing her anger, fearing that she would hurt him again.
But she overestimated her patience. In just a moment, her stomach churned and her throat tightened. However, no matter how hard she struggled, she could not get away.
The involuntary resentment and the discomfort of stomach cramps intertwined and almost overwhelmed her.
The moment her brows suddenly became empty, she collapsed in the chair as if she had been pardoned. Before she could catch her breath, her jaw was suddenly clamped by iron fingers, and her face and neck were forced to look up high. Lan Nongnong raised her eyes in panic, her eyes were watery and slightly red, and her eyelashes were wet and curled, looking so pitiful.
However, the more pitiful she looked, the more furious Qin Jingyao grew. The veins on his arm, which held her tightly, bulged, his knuckles brittle as iron, his back tense as a bowstring. Only by relying on his remaining rationality to control his strength did he avoid hurting her in the slightest.
He released his other hand, which was throbbing with veins, and let her scratch and push away as soon as her hands were free. His thumb pressed directly on her moist, crimson lips, grinding them left and right. Suddenly, he exerted force with both fingers, pinching her jaw and prying her teeth open.
His dark eyes held her tightly, and as she stared at him in shock and anger, he leaned forward, moving closer and closer, covering her. His lips and teeth rubbed against hers, prying her in, accurately capturing her soft tongue and twisting it around.
"No!"
Lan Nongnong was speechless, her breath choking, her chest heaving violently, her throat trembling and contracting more rapidly, her sobs and groans trapped between her nose. Her head was firmly restrained, her body pinned down, her hands captured again. She tried to close her teeth, but his fingers clamped between them, leaving her lips and tongue exposed for his unbridled exploitation. It was as if she was reliving the day she was tied to the chair and had her ears pierced!
As she struggled fiercely, her clothes were disheveled, her black hair was flying, her vision was dark and suffocating. When she was on the verge of suffocation, she suddenly closed her eyes and broke off the gaze, and slammed her head towards him.
"ha--"
Lan Nongnong lay in his arms, tears rolling down from the corners of her tightly closed eyes, her lips moist and slightly open, her throat contracting as she gasped for breath, her body trembling and numb, feeling uncomfortable and dizzy, as if she was falling from a height of thousands of feet, and the feeling of weightlessness gripped her whole body.
In a trance, a warm big hand gently stroked her back, patting it slowly, as if to soothe her trembling.
Lan Nongnong had just recovered from the dizziness and before she could stand up, she raised one hand high up and swung it down fiercely with the wind.
"Shameless!"
Qin Jingyao has no masochistic tendencies, and he does not think there is anything wrong with being intimate with his fiancée.
He easily caught her wrist, lifted her soft and boneless body and approached her. As they breathed in, his eyes swept over her slightly parted lips and trembling throat, lingering especially on her neck before locking onto her wet and angry eyes again.
"Is your stomach still upset?"
Those few simple words made Lan Nongnong's hair stand on end. He was so close, his breath like a bowstring ready to be released. Although his voice was soft, the dark eyes looking down at her made it clear that if she dared to nod in agreement, he would seal her lips once again.
Night fell, and all was silent. Within the half-open window, two breaths intertwined, deep and shallow, intertwining. The candle wick in the lotus-shaped glass lampshade suddenly popped with a soft snap, and the light and shadows in the room swayed momentarily.
Cold sweat trickled down the back of her neck, leaving a damp, sticky feeling on her back. Streams of cold air, accompanied by suppressed inhalations, filled her lungs, temporarily calming the rage within her. Lan Nongnong closed her eyes, and after several attempts at self-comfort, she finally convinced herself to ignore the strangeness in her mouth and forcefully suppress the repulsion surging within her body and mind.
But in the end, he couldn't say anything against his will, and he could only take a long, slow breath and gradually fell silent.
Qin Jingyao chuckled with regret, not exposing her poor disguise. He simply lifted her into his arms and strode towards the bed. When he put her down, he leaned over and held her in his arms, then rewarded her with a tender kiss on her rosy lips.
Seeing the fine grains on her clear skin, her breathing stagnant, her body tense, her throat swallowing repeatedly but suppressing no sound, he slowly straightened up, stroked her suddenly relaxed neck with his thumb, met her suddenly opened panicked and forbearing eyes, and asked softly,
"Nong Nong has always loved being intimate with me. She was so resistant just now. I think the medication she took recently may have hurt her body, right?"
What does it have to do with medicine? It’s obviously that I hate your touch!
Lan Nongnong stared at him with her eyes wide open, angrily refuting him in her heart. However, the fingers wandering around her neck, his seemingly leisurely yet unquestionable sitting posture, and the unspoken implication in his words were like invisible shackles, forcing her to be cautious and ultimately not dare to reveal her true feelings.
She lay on the couch, like a piece of fish on a chopping block, and had to pretend to be submissive, seeking temporary peace and preparing a way to escape in the future.
Yet her lips were pursed like iron pincers, and she could not utter a single soft word against her will. She seemed to have iron teeth, and the thousand words in her throat were choked by her unyielding spirit.
She had never suffered such injustice, nor had she ever been so helpless! Only then did she realize how shallow her tear glands were. Whenever she was extremely angry or humiliated, tears would fill her eyes uncontrollably and flow down.
Seeing her like this, Qin Jingyao felt a pang of pain in his heart. His smile faded, and he felt a pang of pain in his heart. He knew she was stubborn, but he had never expected her to go to such lengths.
Finally, he couldn't bear to force her any further, so he took a soft handkerchief and gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, sighing with pity: "If Nong Nong doesn't want to talk, just hold my hand, okay?"
He even lifted one of her hands and placed his left hand under her fingertips, so that they could touch with just a slight movement of her knuckles. His gesture was extremely submissive.
However, this tiny gap seemed like a world of difference to Lan Nongnong. Even a moment of compromise would be a deep humiliation to her.
......
After a long time, her fingertips finally fell with trembling hands, and the choking sound stopped abruptly.
A large hand with a slightly darker complexion suddenly grasped the jade-white slender fingers into its palm. The delicate fingers, with their well-proportioned flesh, were as soft as boneless, clinging tightly to his palm. Even if it was forced, it still made Qin Jingyao feel a sudden surge of satisfaction. The pleasure flowed from his spine to every part of his body, like a raging torrent that was difficult to suppress.
"Good boy Nong Nong,"
"If you just make a small concession, I'll be completely satisfied and will do whatever you ask."
The breath brushing against her cheek was restrained yet scorching, and her chuckle was tinged with the undisguised arrogance of a victor. She was lowered, and the broad, sky-shaping chest suddenly rose and left, instantly dispersing the long-lost shadow.
Under the bright light, the handsome man with a noble face had a faint smile in his eyes and a gentle and peaceful aura. He once again turned into the elegant and graceful young man who made her fall in love at first sight and became increasingly obsessed with him, and was as noble as jade.
*
The one-sided pain, stalemate and rejection she had felt in the past few days seemed like a dream, and disappeared as soon as she woke up.
The items that had been removed from the house at her request were silently returned to their original places, and the servants who had been transferred out also returned to their posts and performed their duties diligently. The pink bracelet on her wrist, the jade token of love, and the pink jade earrings were all quietly put back on without her noticing.
Lan Nongnong sat in front of a fragrant wood dressing table carved with pomegranate flowers, watching him insert the pink jade hairpin into her hair. Her nails dug deep into her palm, and she suddenly looked away.
The woman in the mirror looked familiar, yet a strange coldness settled between her brows. Her face, naturally delicate and charming, even when she wasn't smiling, now seemed to be smiling even when she wasn't. Though her lips were tightly pursed, the corners of her vibrant red lips were naturally raised. Her face was divided in two at the lip line: one half was icy and cold, the other half was filled with a nightmare-like smile.
Qin Jingyao leaned over and looked into the mirror with her. He gently stroked her brow with his index finger, tilted his head and kissed the dimple on her left cheek, but his eyes were fixed on the reflection in the mirror.
His fingertips lightly brushed over the fading scars on her neck, and he spoke softly, "In two days, these scars should be completely gone. However, Nong Nong's allergy to animal hair is still a hidden danger and should not be ignored. I've summoned Mo Chou to come over. I'll have him carefully feel your pulse and develop a prescription to cure you completely."
He stood up, palm facing upward, gently supporting her elbow, his eyes never leaving her face. "Due to allergies these past few days, Nong Nong has had to avoid many of her favorite foods. Now that the external symptoms are almost gone, the taboos can be lifted. All the dishes you ordered earlier are now served."
After a pause, his voice was as gentle as before: "Nong Nong always said in the past that delicious food should not be wasted, and worries can only be relieved by delicious food. Today, don't let this delicious meal down."
Lan Nongnong finally glanced at him in the mirror, and the shivers that had suddenly spread through her body gradually subsided like waves of rice. She stood up, ignoring the hand that had been hanging in the air for a long time, and walked out with her shoulders straight.
Qin Jingyao didn't get angry but laughed instead, completely enjoying her little temper. He caught up with her with a stride of his long legs, and directly captured the slender hand that refused to submit into his palm, holding it tightly.
*
Allergies are caused by one's physical constitution; there's no cure except careful avoidance. Lan Nongnong reacted calmly to the doctor's conclusion, which mirrored that of later generations of physicians.
Mo Chou's medical skills are superb and have been honed through countless trials and tribulations, so Qin Jingyao has no doubt about it. However, the allergy attack is really dangerous, and if this disease is not cured, it will become a serious concern.
After all, livestock are different from humans; they don't know the difference between right and wrong, and they don't understand human speech. Domesticated animals can be controlled, but stray animals are more difficult to keep under control. Living in the world inevitably involves wandering, and she, by nature, is unrestrained. While she might tolerate being confined to her house for a short time, she couldn't possibly be confined for long.
He also didn't want to destroy her nature for this.
"...Every disease has a solution. If you're at a loss, invest time in research. Even if there's no cure instantly, there must be a way to alleviate the symptoms."
As a doctor, Mo Chou was always interested in studying difficult diseases, and what he said was exactly what he wanted. He immediately took out two items from the medicine box. One was a brocade-sized cold pack wrapped in cotton cloth, bulging with a strong medicinal fragrance. The other was a white porcelain bottle the size of a palm. He handed it to the maid and said,
"Your Excellency is very far-sighted and your words are absolutely true. I will do my utmost, studying day and night to find a way to eradicate this disease. Here are two things: one is a calming and odor-removing cooling pack that I have carefully prepared. The other is an emergency pill refined from various anti-inflammatory herbs. Please carry them with you, young lady, in case of emergency."
Allergies are no small matter; the agony of an attack is still fresh in my mind. Lan Nongnong accepted the offer solemnly, stood up, and bowed to Mo Chou with a straight face. "Thank you, doctor."
How could Mo Chou dare accept the gift when the host was present? He was caught off guard and had no time to avoid it. He hurriedly stood up to return the gift. Without saying anything more, he hurriedly took his medicine box and left, saying that he was going to study the disease.
Since there was no way to cure the problem completely, they had to take some measures. Soon after, the imperial court issued two edicts to ensure the safety of the people.
First, to prevent livestock from harming people and spreading disease, wild and stray animals were prohibited from roaming around civilians' homes. The court established shelters on the outskirts of cities to capture stray animals. Citizens who captured and handed them over to the government could receive a reward according to regulations.
Second, anyone who keeps livestock is prohibited from taking their pets out of the house without permission. Owners must dress cleanly when leaving the house. If livestock injure anyone, they will be severely punished to serve as a warning to others.
However, before this order was issued, there was considerable opposition within the court, with many opinions expressed. Censors repeatedly submitted memorials denouncing the decree as abusing public power for personal gain, wasting resources and money, and offering absolutely no benefit. However, these were refuted in court.
The ministers frankly stated that both orders were aimed at protecting the people. Centralizing the management of stray livestock would reduce the harm and disease they cause. Strict regulations on livestock breeding would encourage owners to fulfill their responsibilities and prevent disturbances to the people. Rewards for capturing stray animals would encourage the public to work together to keep the streets clean.
Severe punishments for harming animals serve as a warning to owners to keep a close eye on their pets. In the long run, this can lead to greater peace and tranquility in the marketplace, reducing the incidence of disease and illness, a truly beneficial policy for all.
The censor was speechless at the time, as if opposing it would be misleading and harming the people. Thus, the policy was carried out unimpeded.
This is a later story, so let’s not talk about it for now.
*
For the next two days, their interactions were as intense as when she first arrived in Beijing, even more so. Lan Nongnong's face remained icy, while Qin Jingyao smiled in response. Knowing she was filled with disgust and scorn, he still had the audacity to discuss the wedding ceremony with her.
He seemed to want to confirm that her retching at his touch was due to the medication, so whenever he appeared, he would be intimate and demanding. Once he noticed the slightest tremor in her throat, he would aggressively seize her like a dormant hunter snaring his prey. But she was afraid to act rashly, with other plans in mind, so she could only remain silent and submit.
The only thing that cheered her up was that the allergic red marks had completely subsided and she had stopped taking the decoction.
She really couldn't hide her thoughts. Although she pretended to be calm on the surface, the bright light in her round eyes had already clearly reflected her inner thoughts.
Lan Nongnong endured for a long time, feeling that each day was like a year. She knew that her mind and cunning were as shallow as a child, so she spoke before he could get close to her: "You promised yourself that you would let me go as soon as I recovered. Now that I have recovered, I am leaving now!"
The pupils in her bright eyes shrank and trembled slightly, but they remained fixed on him as if facing a great enemy. Her fists were clenched tightly, waiting for him to break his promise in the slightest, and she would immediately reveal her true intentions!
"OK."
He chuckled in agreement, but his eyes were unfathomable.
Lan Nongnong hadn't expected him to respond so easily. While she was stunned, he pushed her closer and kissed her lips. She snapped back to her senses and suppressed the thought of escaping. She turned her head and gasped, "I want to go out alone."
Unexpectedly, he still didn't respond, "Okay."
Lan Nongnong knew that there must be something fishy about his ready agreement, but she had no time to care. As long as she could step out of this door, she would have a chance to break the deadlock.
But before she could be happy, his request came right after.
Qin Jingyao met her angry gaze, and her bright eyes finally reflected his figure, which made his heart burn. But this was not enough,
"Nong Nong hasn't smiled at me for a long time,"
He raised his finger and gently stroked her creamy left cheek meaningfully.
Lan Nongnong hadn't felt this angry in a long time since she had been deliberately keeping a cold face. She raised her head and glared at the face in front of her, and the more she felt, the more hateful it became.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and raised the corners of her lips stiffly. The dimples she forced out were shallow and raw, far less sweet than the natural smile, and could hardly satisfy the person who had been waiting for so long.
"When Nong Nong is happy, her eyes will bend into a smile, her eyebrows will bend like crescent moons. Her eyelashes seem to be untouched, and her eyes are as bright as night stars, shining brightly. The corners of her lips will naturally rise, and her dimples will be like flowers blooming, soft and sweet, like a fragrant scent."
Qin Jingyao described it slowly while using his finger as a pen to gently trace on her stiff face, trying to turn the forced smile into a natural and sweet one.
A short pain is worse than a long one.
Lan Nongnong didn't want to cause any more trouble at the last minute, so she simply treated herself like a dumb puppet, letting him paint her face. She forced a corner of her lips and squeezed out a voice through her teeth: "Is it okay now?"
Qin Jingyao stared at her smiling face, and seemed to be distracted for a moment, then suddenly hugged her into his arms, hiding her fake smile along with her face, his eyes dark and flickering.
It's different after all.
Even if the curves of the eyebrows and lips are copied exactly, it is still completely different from the sweet smile that comes from the heart.
The former is just a cold and heartless puppet, while the latter is a lively and vivid person.
How can it be the same?
If she follows his plan, given her personality, she will probably never give him a sincere smile again in her life.
What's the point of staying with a cold and boring person day and night?
No.
Qin Jingyao slowly raised his eyes, his gaze was deep and cruel, and suddenly became as quiet as a cold pond.
Be it anger, hatred, or coldness, it doesn't matter. His intensity is always fresh, vivid, and unique.
He gently stroked the ornament on her earlobe with his fingertips, not lowering his head to look at her. "I won't follow you, but the carriage and servants are indispensable. Nong Nong can come and take a look at our new home. If you find anything unsatisfactory, you can order changes at any time. I have prepared gifts in the main courtyard. Nong Nong may want to go and see if you like it."
"The heat of the last ten days of summer is intense, so you should leave early and return early. If there are other places you want to go, you may want to check them out first and make a note of them. I will accompany you on my day off. My servants will bring you enough silver, so you can buy anything you like. Don't break or lose the jewelry you carry with you."
His fingertips brushed across the earring, and his tone deepened: "There is only one thing, Nong Nong, don't forget, you have already held my hand."
He spoke as if to himself, but Lan Nongnong could hear every word clearly, and she felt an inexplicable shudder of fear, her hair standing on end. Before she could react, her body was suddenly released, and she immediately retreated quickly.
She looked up suddenly, only to see him standing under the eaves, his hands clasped behind his back. The sunlight only illuminated the corners of his smiling lips, while his penetrating eyes were hidden in the shadows, half-lidded, making it even harder to discern their expression.
The feeling of panic suddenly reached its peak! Lan Nongnong's mind went blank for a moment. His words of advice hadn't left a single trace. She bit her lip, no longer looking at him. Without saying a word, she turned and hurried away.
*
The Sheng Dynasty held an early court session at five o'clock in the morning. If there were no important matters, the court would be dismissed at the beginning of the morning. Qin Jingyao finished handling several important government affairs and returned to his residence at around noon.
At this time, the sky was clear and the morning light was just beginning to break, it was still morning.
The Yao residence is located in a wealthy neighborhood. It takes less than two quarters of an hour to drive to the new residence in Mianhe Hutong, and even if you walk, it will take half an hour to arrive.
After she left, Qin Jingyao stood silently under the eaves, eyes closed, silent and motionless. Half an hour later, the sun gradually rose higher, and the shadows that had covered his eyes were completely dispelled by the light of heaven.
He suddenly opened his eyes and saw two guards standing at the bottom of the stairs, both wearing the dark blue uniforms of the Qin Mansion, waiting quietly like pine trees.
The clothing of the new mansion in Mianhe Hutong is black with silver inlays.
"big--"
Qin Jingyao raised his hand and waved them away. The jade piece on his wrist swayed lightly in the wind, shimmering in the sunlight. The delicate and charming "Nong" character was reflected in the sunlight, appearing particularly innocent and simple.
It was so small that a light touch with a slightly calloused fingertip could completely isolate it from the brilliance of the sky.
"I gave you a chance, Nong Nong."
He walked down the stone steps in a flowing, elegant black robe, like a moving cloud. "In an hour, send a carriage to wait outside the annex of the Guiyun Inn in South City."
"yes!"
Tongze responded and a guard immediately went to deliver the message, and he followed closely behind.
*
Lan Nongnong always kept money, household registration, and travel permits close to her heart, but now was the time to use them. Even though she had stepped out of the house, it was only from a small cage into a larger one.
She had grown up under the care of her parents, never having to face any hardship, let alone stand on her own. But now she was alone, with no one to rely on and no one to turn to.
She had racked her brains over the past two days and had thought of countless ways to escape, some by gradual means, some by surprising means. However, all her plans were ultimately crushed to dust by the absolute power he wielded.
This is not a novel or a film or TV show where you can easily get away with it with a flash of inspiration, and then the logic is self-consistent.
She was in the real world, while he was the Minister of State, with immense power over the government. The capital was a place he could turn over and over again. Escaping from his watch would be as difficult as ascending to heaven.
Her appearance was already well known to everyone, and with just one order from him, she would have nowhere to hide.
Lan Nongnong remained undeterred. No one is perfect, and even the most careful decisions can lead to mistakes. At least now, she could be confident that as long as she remained patient and restrained herself until his so-called marriage was finalized, she would be safe for the time being.
This period of time is the time for her to carefully try and make mistakes.
For half a day, she strolled through the streets like a traveler, carefully observing the eaves of the city towers, the various aspects of the market, silently observing the expressions and pace of passers-by, quietly listening to the laughter and trivial discussions in the street conversations, and paying special attention to the strictness of the city gate guards.
She thought she still had some time to work it out slowly, so her expression was completely different from when she left the house.
However, all her strong spirit and hidden plans disappeared in an instant when he suddenly appeared, took her to a place, and said those words with a smile as gentle as the breeze and bright moon.
She heard what he said clearly, but she was unwilling to accept it. She murmured absentmindedly as if she was in a nightmare, "What did you say?"
Qin Jingyao wiped the sweat from her temples and gently smoothed her hair. He examined her for a moment before nodding in satisfaction. "Yun'an, Master Yunming arrived in Beijing four days ago. At that time, your allergy wasn't fully healed, so it was inconvenient for us to meet. I've already told them to come and reunite when you recover. They're waiting in the courtyard right now."
"Since Nong Nong treats me like a family member, how can I keep my elders waiting for so long? Come with me into the hospital."
Although his words were urgent and he held her hand, he did not move an inch.
Lan Nongnong could no longer deceive herself; she was about to be driven mad! Her chest heaved violently, her head pounding, her head spinning, her vision blacking out. She suddenly shook his hand off, staggering back, her whole body trembling.
"Why would the aunts come to Beijing? How did you know? It was you who did it. You called them here, right?"
Her eyes were bloodshot and her voice was trembling. "What did you do? What do you want to do? What do you want to do?!"
Lan Nongnong fiercely pushed away his outstretched hand. Like a warrior defending a treasure, she sprinted over, blocking the door with her frail frame. Her wide-open eyes blazed with an unprecedented rage as she lunged at him.
"Whatever you want to do, just come at me! Don't involve the aunts! If you still have any blood in you, let the aunts go. Whatever happens between you and me should be settled between us. Don't involve innocent people!"
Although she acted aggressive, she was still a delicate woman after all. Her voice was trembling like a leaf in the wind. She was just a paper tiger, so fragile that it would collapse at the slightest touch.
Qin Jingyao frowned slightly, barely perceptible, unwilling to provoke her further. But now that things had come to this, how could he give up halfway? Since she was determined not to turn back, he had no choice but to exploit her weakness and teach her to face reality. She had no other choice but to return.
Our affairs should not be interfered with by others, so there is no need for you to do so."
"You treat them like family, so I should love them as well. The courtyard is quiet, and I've already sent a letter to inform you. Your excitement has disturbed the two masters."
Lan Nongnong was horrified and instinctively tried to turn back, but she was restrained as soon as she turned. She immediately struggled hard and opened her mouth to shout, but a palm was pressed down on the back of her neck. The sound that escaped was muffled and unclear, but it seemed to be a sound that tempted her to think.
Before the two men appeared, the place had been cleared, and even the servants who accompanied them were nowhere to be found. There was complete silence all around.
Before she noticed anything unusual, Qin Jingyao lowered his eyes and glanced at her. His eyes suddenly became stern. He clamped her tightly with both arms, turned around and stood with their backs to the door. At the same time, he leaned over and whispered in her ear,
"The two masters are about to leave, and they don't know my true identity. Since Nong Nong doesn't want to implicate others, what should we do in this situation?"
"Before you left, I specifically told you not to remove your jewelry. Now your earrings are gone, and your hairpins have all fallen off. You're pretending to obey me, but you're actually disobeying me. Have you figured out how to explain this to me?"
Lan Nongnong had long forgotten his instructions and had no intention of giving any explanation at this moment. Compared with these trivial matters, she was more unwilling to let her aunts see her in such a miserable state.
The anger suddenly stopped, and shame and panic surged in my heart.
It was she who ignored her aunt's advice and insisted on going to Beijing. It was her naivety, foolishness, and mistrust that led to her being imprisoned with no way out.
She was alone here, having suffered so much injustice, and she missed her family so much. However, she did not dare to see them at this moment, fearing that her aunts would worry and feeling ashamed to face them.
Lan Nongnong's mind was in turmoil, and she just wanted to escape. She didn't know when the arms that had been restraining her had loosened. She immediately wanted to run away, even grabbing the man with her backhand, but the surroundings were quiet, the door was open, and the sound of footsteps became clearer and clearer. She was afraid that she would be seen before she could hide.
Seeing her so flustered, Qin Jingyao found it funny, but he couldn't help but wonder what kind of family she was born into to have such a character, so pure that she couldn't tolerate even a single "lie"?
"Stay calm, don't panic."
He held her trembling back firmly in his palm and said in a deep and steady voice, "If you don't want to reveal any traces, just leave everything to me."
Facts have proved that when people are panicked and at a loss, they will subconsciously follow the instructions of others like a puppet.
He told her to stand straight, and she did. He told her to look up, and she did. He instructed her to breathe, and she adjusted her breathing. He asked her to smile, and she curled her lips. With gentle pats on her back, in sync with her breathing, he repeatedly said, "Don't worry." The earrings and hairpins she had discarded were silently returned to their original places between his fingers.
When the voice that was so familiar that it made her nose ache sounded, although Lan Nongnong's heart was pounding, she gradually calmed down.
Although they had only met once, Young Master Yao's stature and bearing were truly one in a million. Furthermore, the quiet and peaceful location clearly indicated that he had carefully arranged it, having even sent advance notice. Therefore, Yun An and the others recognized him instantly from just seeing his back.
This Mr. Yao was a truly tall and straight figure. When he slightly turned sideways, the two women were surprised to realize that he was actually protecting someone in front of him. Although they had never seen the person, they seemed to have sensed something and stepped out of the door at the same time, looking forward to it with full of expectation.
When the man's true face was revealed, the two looked at each other in surprise, smiled broadly, and called out in unison.
“Nong Nong!”
"Young Master Yao mentioned that you had a sudden allergic reaction the other day. Are you feeling better now?"
"You've been alone in Beijing these days. Has everything been going well?"
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