Chapter 51 Chapter 51 Recurrence of Illness
Several ink-soaked paper balls were discarded in a wicker basket beside the table. The desk was long and deep, and upon it lay a single sheet of white rice paper, pristine as new, with not a single stroke of ink on it.
A fine-bristled brush rested idly on the inkstone, the ink still wet. Lan Nongnong sat alone at her desk, her hands threaded through the warm jade tassel that clung to her forehead, her fingertips pressing deeply into her temples. Her head bowed, her face almost entirely submerged in shadow.
Her eyes were tightly closed, her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and a deep frown appeared between her brows, as if she was trying her best to resist some invisible pain.
Biyu and Qingluo looked at each other silently, but because they were instructed not to go forward and disturb them, they even breathed very lightly.
The stabbing pain in her skull gradually faded. Lan Nongnong slowly lowered her hand and raised her head. Her eyes were drooping, but her gaze was unfocused. After an unknown amount of time, she blinked, and a gleam of light gradually gathered in them.
He lowered his head to glance at the rice paper on the table, then tilted his head to look at the paper balls in the wicker basket. A trace of dejection flashed across his eyes. Before he could finish writing a few words, a lot of paper had been wasted.
She frowned, thinking she needed more exercise. But after sitting for a short while, even with the backrest propped up, she felt her neck aching and her shoulders stiff. She raised her hand to rub the back of her neck, and the warm jade bracelet on her wrist slipped off, hitting the gold lock on her bracelet with a crisp tinkling sound.
As soon as he placed his hands on the edge of the table, Biyu and the other one hurried forward to support him, one on each side.
"Young lady, you haven't recovered yet. Sitting for a long time will inevitably be exhausting and harmful to your body. It's already past noon, and the food has been kept warm. Why don't you eat first, take a short rest, and then practice calligraphy?"
These days, she wasn't as cold and resistant as before, so Qingluo dared to speak up. She had been a maid hired from the Yuqing Courtyard. Because she knew some writing, acted prudently, and knew when to act, she was chosen to serve the young lady for a few days. Then, she was fortunate enough to travel to the capital and become a top-ranking maid in the current Shangshuling's mansion. This great fortune had befallen her, and she must have put in a great deal of effort, diligently learning the rules from the mansion's steward.
She knew that she had benefited from someone's help, and she simply hoped that the girl would be well.
Biyu was transferred from the Shangshuling Mansion and was the head maidservant to the mistress. The young lady had no interest in trivial matters, and when the mistress was away, she would arrange all matters, big or small, in the courtyard. Her mind and means were beyond the reach of ordinary maids.
So she wasn't annoyed when Qingluo rushed to show off. For slaves, honor and disgrace depended on their masters; serving them wholeheartedly and doing their best was a good thing.
Furthermore, ever since that incident, the young lady had become extremely defensive, unwilling to speak to anyone except those who knew about it. Although Qingluo hadn't served her long, there was still some affection between them.
Lan Nongnong did not refuse, but she had little appetite, so she casually stretched her muscles, asked the two men to move away, and stood alone in front of the window to practice her skills.
When she was in school, Ba Duan Jin was a required course, a top choice both for its physical fitness and its aesthetic appeal. However, now that she was still weak and hadn't practiced for a long time, she couldn't even hold a steady horse stance after several days of practice, so she had to settle for a few short stretches.
Biyu and the other two had quietly retreated without anyone noticing. Qin Jingyao, dressed in a blue satin robe with a cloud pattern on it, stood tall and graceful in front of the door, his hands clasped behind his back, his brows and eyes hidden in the shadows of the doorway, staring silently.
Although her movements lack the grace of dancing and the strength of physical training, her body sways rhythmically as she breathes in and out, which is similar to the art of physical fitness.
Today, the sky was bright and clear, and the sunlight outside the window was radiant. On the incense sticks in front of the window, two clear blue porcelain vases were placed on either side, with several branches of beautiful crabapple blossoms scattered around them. She stood by the window, the light of the sun casting a hazy shadow, adding a touch of ethereal air to her figure.
Qin Jingyao seemed to be burned by the light. He suddenly narrowed his eyes, stepped into the light with his long legs, and took the woman who happened to be retracting her posture and breathing slightly into his arms.
Lan Nongnong stretched out for a bit, but didn't break a sweat. The stagnant energy still clung to her body, and she didn't feel any relief. She forced herself to wash, change clothes, eat, and take her medicine, but then she could no longer resist the weariness. She didn't even feel the tingling pain in her head, and fell into a deep sleep.
By the time the needles had finished removing the cold, a thin layer of sweat had formed on her forehead. Qin Jingyao gently wiped it, carefully brushing behind her ears and along her neck. He then gently probed her forehead with the back of his hand. Despite the sweat, her forehead was still cold to the touch. He then touched her fingers, palms, lower back, knees, and soles of her feet. Every spot felt a chill that seeped into her bones.
His eyebrows were furrowed, his jaw was tense, but he remained restrained and his breathing was steady.
The two maids tiptoed over and brought the hot medicine bag warm on the stove, then bowed and retreated outside the bedroom door.
Qin Jingyao lay on his side, facing her, one knee bent, his forehead supported by one arm, his gaze cast down in silent concentration. He held a medicine bag in one hand, hovering it over her forehead, warming it. When the heat faded, he replaced it with a new bag, warming her palms, knees, soles of her feet, and lower back. Whether he lifted her knees or helped her turn over, he was gentle and careful, not wanting to disturb her sleep.
*
In the middle of January, winter was bitterly cold. Rooftops were covered in white eaves, veiled in lush greenery, and everywhere was a blanket of silver. The streets were still crowded, the meticulously maintained plum groves and gardens bustled with visitors, and the river, still bustling above the thick ice, was bustling with activity.
Just after New Year's Day, several carriages covered in dark blue cloth and laden with goods arrived at the Qin Mansion. Despite the grandiose commotion, reminiscent of the construction of a celestial palace, no one was surprised or even awed. Instead, the entire capital was filled with a sense of celebration, ready to unfold as the New Year approached.
Staying indoors, she felt lost in the passage of time. Lan Nongnong knew she had caught a severe cold. The room was warm, and while everyone else wore thin shirts, she, wrapped in a padded jacket, still felt warm. Even if the doctor hadn't told her not to, she wouldn't have dared to venture out into the wind.
The flowers in the house are changed daily, never the same. Lan Nongnong carefully counted them, from the initial crabapples, lily of the valley, and hydrangeas to the various flowers of various shapes and colors today, there are already 28 varieties.
During these days, she followed the doctor's advice, ate on time to replenish her qi and blood, took medicine, took medicinal baths, exercised, and slept well. Her days were full and orderly, and she didn't feel bored at all.
Oh, and she also learned to play leaf cards, which were a gift from Sister Yingzi. But playing cards is very tiring, so Biyu and the others are very strict, only allowing her to play three games at a time. If she plays more than that, they're afraid it will give her a headache.
Fortunately, hard work pays off. Now her wrist no longer shakes violently when she writes, and her posture in Ba Duan Jin is becoming more and more standard. However, she still cannot overexert herself.
Ever since receiving Sister Yingzi's letters, Biyu had written every reply for her. Now that she could finally write her own reply, Lan Nongnong wrote without stopping, churning out five or six pages in one go.
After writing it, she reviewed it from the beginning, deleted some trivial parts, and re-transcribed it. She also attached a purple-based gold-thread Ruyi bracelet that she had woven with her own hands after her hands became steadier as a return gift, and asked Biyu to send it to him.
She naturally did not know that this handwritten reply letter and the hand-woven ring had been replaced with their original items before they left the house. She also did not know that every item sent to the house was carefully inspected and disassembled, and only after confirmation that there was no problem would it be replaced with a top-notch item of the same appearance and delivered to her.
I just heard a lot of new and interesting things these days thanks to the correspondence with Sister Yingzi.
The New Year is approaching, I must get better soon and go ice skating with Sister Yingzi as invited by her.
Lan Nongnong's thoughts raced, and before she knew it, she had already reached the door. Just as Biyu was about to step forward to stop her, she spun on tiptoe and headed for the window. A thick curtain hung over the door, tightly pressing it shut, making it impossible to see anything. However, the glass window was clear and bright, allowing for a clear view.
Outside the window, the trees are lush and green, the flowers are in full bloom, butterflies flutter and dance, and birds can be heard chirping. The ground and the eaves are dry and clean.
She hadn't seen the light for a long time, and her skin was whiter than pearls. Her eyes were like dots of lacquer, and her eyebrows were like paintings, and at this moment they were slightly frowning.
The place where I live now, from right to left, is the study, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Although separated by doors, they are all connected internally, so I don’t need to go out to go anywhere.
Lan Nongnong couldn't remember clearly. Could it be that there had been no snow in the capital during these days?
She gazed up quietly, and soon felt dizzy, as if blinded by a bright light. She quickly raised her hand to shield her eyes, tilted her head, and closed her eyes. As her sight faded, her body suddenly lost balance and swayed slightly, and she couldn't help but let out a soft hiss.
Biyu and the other girl watched intently, and seeing this, they hurried forward to support her: "What's wrong, young lady? Are you feeling unwell?"
Qingluo was even more cautious. She helped her sit down and said, "I'll go get the doctor," then turned to leave.
Lan Nongnong's vision went dark, and she could only raise her hand to stop the voice: "No need to call a doctor, I just saw light in my eyes suddenly, just wait a moment."
Since she had spoken, Qingluo could not disobey. She simply glanced at Biyu again. Seeing Biyu rise from the young lady's presence, she carefully examined her eyes and body, finding nothing unusual. She nodded slightly, feeling relieved. She said gently, "Now that you mention it, young lady, I've heard that looking at bright light for too long can cause blacking out. Fortunately, it's nothing serious. I'll warm a cotton towel for your eyes, perhaps it will ease the discomfort a little."
Lan Nongnong didn't try to stop him. She fumbled to place her hands on the couch and tried blinking again, but her vision was still pitch black, and there seemed to be a faint buzzing in her ears.
She was not alarmed, but turned towards Biyu and asked doubtfully, "Has it been a while since it snowed in the capital?"
Just then, Qingluo returned with a copper basin brought by her maid. Biyu carefully placed a soft pillow under her and helped her lean back. She then took the cotton towel soaked in warm water from Qingluo and gently placed it over her eyes.
The two men, one on each side, held a dry, soft cotton cloth and gently wiped the water marks on the sides of her eyes. They replied softly, "Young lady, it has snowed several times this month. It was even snowing in the capital the day before yesterday."
The face covered with a white scarf moved slightly, and the pale lips opened slightly. After a pause, he asked again: "Then why is there no snow on the treetops and roofs?"
Biyu didn't suspect anything. She gently took off the still warm cotton towel, wiped the moisture around her eyes with a dry soft handkerchief, and rubbed it gently with a hot pack to dispel the cold air.
Seeing her open her eyes, blinking slowly, and her moist eyes gradually regaining clarity, he breathed a sigh of relief. Together with Biluo, he helped her sit up, put a pillow under her waist, and replied with a smile: "Miss, you didn't notice it when you were sick. There is no snow in our house."
Seeing the puzzled look on her face, he smiled and pointed to the glass window behind her: "Miss, look at this glass window."
Lan Nongnong looked back as she was told, but felt confused. She turned her head halfway and responded softly, looking inquiringly.
Biyu and the other woman smiled at each other, their smiles revealing pride. "The young lady doesn't see snow because my lord has invited skilled craftsmen from the Ministry of Works and purchased colorless colored glass from the common people. They've covered the entire mansion with colored glass, blocking out the cold, rain, and snow, protecting the young lady from the slightest chill. To prevent the mansion from feeling stuffy, a colored glass window is opened daily in each courtyard for ventilation. So, no matter how windy or snowy it is outside, our mansion is as warm as spring."
"Not only that, thanks to the young lady, the entire mansion has underground heating. Thanks to the young lady's grace, we, the servants, and others have been spared the bitter cold of winter. Everyone in the mansion is grateful for the young lady's kindness and prays every day for her speedy recovery."
"It's just that the house has a heater, so it's warmer than the courtyard after all. You're still weak now, so you need to take good care of yourself to prevent any future illness. Don't worry, young lady. Your condition is of great concern to you. With Doctor Mo's careful care and the servants' attentive service, you will be able to go out and relax soon."
As for the matter of the glazed roof, the two seemed to have been expecting her to ask, and as soon as they opened their mouths, they rushed to talk, like pouring beans, and spoke eagerly. However, seeing that the girl's face was not as curious and happy as expected, but instead expressionless, they immediately fell silent.
They looked at each other in confusion, feeling uneasy.
*
In winter, all things lay dormant, but the soldiers in the army worked tirelessly, regardless of the weather. After inspecting the camp, Qin Jingyao did not return to the yamen. All matters were assigned to his subordinates, sorted by priority, and sent to him for review before being presented to the emperor.
Previously, she had been seriously ill, so he had turned down many invitations. Now that the Lunar New Year was approaching, officials from all over the country began to come to the capital to report on their work and pay visits. Old friends from all over the world also arrived in the capital, so these days, there was no shortage of drinks in restaurants or at the Shangshu Ling's residence.
By the time he returned home, she would probably have already gone to bed.
I wonder if any of the gifts that were sent to the mansion, selected, and presented to her in boxes would suit her taste.
On this day, Qin Jingyao said goodbye to his friends and got on the car while being sent off respectfully. The cold moon was already hanging high in the sky.
He sat firmly on the only official hat chair facing the car door, his legs naturally spread out, his posture as broad as a horse and a golden sword, his arms stretched out on the armrests, his head slightly tilted back, his eyes half closed, revealing the sharp and protruding Adam's apple on his slender neck.
The long street was deserted, with the rumbling of carriages and horses, occasionally rolling over snow that had slid from the roofs, making a soft, creaking sound. Suddenly, the long, drawn-out call of the night watchman could be heard from afar, followed by two gongs, heralding the arrival of the second watch.
Qin Jingyao suddenly opened his eyes, his Adam's apple rolling slightly, and he raised his head, his gaze deep and compelling. He then lowered his eyes again, his left palm spread out. In the dim candlelight, his thin lips lifted slightly, a faint smile forming.
There was a faint scent of tranquilizing incense in the carriage, but it couldn't cover up the smell of alcohol that permeated his clothes and hair.
Normally, when Qin Jingyao returned home in a carriage, he would stop directly in front of her Treasure House. However, in recent days, he had been drinking and, fearing that the smell of alcohol would offend her, he would often get off the carriage outside the mansion gate.
The cold air entering the lungs can not only dispel the feeling of drunkenness, but also refresh the mind.
Her joys, sorrows, anger and happiness are the direction of the wind in this mansion.
As soon as he entered the mansion, he keenly sensed something was amiss and immediately raised his hand to stop the butler who was about to report. His eyes, dark as whirlpools, darkened by alcohol, swept like a sharp sword towards the maid who was supposed to be standing guard outside her room.
Immediately, with a biting cold air and steps as fast as a tiger, he rushed straight to the inner courtyard.
Biyu felt a thorn in her back, her whole body trembling violently, her throat as if clogged. As the icy gaze, like a knife, passed by, she hurriedly stood up and trotted after him, breathing heavily and trembling as she recounted the day's events in detail.
"...The young lady hadn't eaten much at dinner, so she had difficulty swallowing the medicine and soon after, she vomited it all out. I didn't dare delay and immediately summoned Doctor Mo to examine her. Doctor Mo said the young lady had excessive liver fire and ordered me to brew her a herbal tea to calm her liver fire."
"In the afternoon medicinal bath, the young lady felt chest tightness and dizziness after less than half an incense stick of soaking, and it was really difficult to continue. The servants did not dare to take it lightly and urgently asked Doctor Mo to come again. After the examination, he still said it was all caused by liver fire and heartburn. The young lady was exhausted both physically and mentally, and fell asleep early before the evening..."
As she finished speaking, she reached the courtyard gate. The tall, stern figure in front of her suddenly stopped. Biyu felt a sharp pain in her heart, almost wanting to cry out in pain. With a thud, she fell to her knees, but she dared not raise her voice. She only pleaded in a whisper, "We have failed to serve you well. Please punish us, sir."
At this time, the servants in the courtyard also knelt down, bowed their heads to the ground, and waited for their fate.
Qin Jingyao stood outside the door, his chest heaving beneath his official robes, his fists clenched. Though half his face was obscured by the shadow of the eaves, the gloom in his eyes could not be concealed. He glanced coldly at the servants who bowed their heads on the ground.
The higher the family's status, the stricter the rules. The servants who served were all indentured slaves or domestic slaves, their lives and deaths dependent on the master's whim.
The thought of a severe punishment welled up in his throat, but he swallowed it back. He suddenly turned and strode towards the adjacent courtyard, followed closely by Tongze and the palace guards.
Not long after, Qin Jingyao returned wearing only a white robe, his hair still wet, and strode into the courtyard.
Outside the courtyard, there were many people lying on the ground. No one dared to stand up until they were called. They all knelt with their heads bowed to the ground.
*
The bedroom is warm and inviting, with the subtle fragrance of beautiful flowers everywhere, diluting the stagnant atmosphere of the floor heating and the fire. The room is decorated with light, bright colors such as pink, green, orange, and white, and a large pink and white lotus-patterned carpet is spread on the floor.
As soon as I stepped in, I felt my eyes become clear and my body and mind became relaxed.
The door closed silently the moment he entered. Qin Jingyao suppressed the chill around him, his breath softened, and he walked past the door frame and screen, gently lifting the purple-pink curtain.
A pale yellow gauze lantern hung in the room, its soft light undisturbed her sleep, a hazy and lingering light. She lay curled up facing inward, her whole body wrapped in a soft, warm quilt, revealing only her nearly unreal, pale face.
The coolness of his clothes was still there, and he was not in a hurry to touch her. He just rested his long arms on her waist and leaned over to listen to her breathing.
The breath is long and slightly heavy, but there is no feeling of stagnation.
After a moment's silence, he stood up and walked to the fire.
Qin Jingyao, a martial artist, had a thriving yang energy. After standing before the stove for just a few moments, the chill dissipated. Heat rose from his tight skin beneath his nightgown, and by the time the moisture in his hair had evaporated, sweat had already set in his back.
In previous winters, wherever he slept or walked, he could avoid burning any earthenware fire; a copper stove would suffice. But now, he was in a place where both the earthenware fire and the stove were burning, feeling like being exposed to the scorching sun. Add to that the alcohol he had drunk, and his stomach burned, making him feel even more stuffy and hot.
As soon as I got into the bed, I fell into the thick and warm quilt.
He didn't have to suffer from the heat, but as long as she was obedient and snuggled in his arms, he would feel relaxed and happy.
Perhaps because she went to bed early, or perhaps because she felt a tightness in her chest, Lan Nongnong suddenly woke up. She opened her eyes and stared blankly ahead, her gaze unfocused. She seemed awake, but in reality, her mind was blank.
"Thick,"
Lan Nongnong blinked, gradually regaining consciousness. She looked up at the sound and saw a handsome, extraordinary smile in the dim light. She seemed to find it unfamiliar, staring silently. After a long pause, she let out a soft "oh" and wanted to lower her head to continue her trance.
As soon as she moved her head, a hand gripped her jaw and left cheek firmly, holding them in place. She had no choice but to raise her eyes again and look at him.
Qin Jingyao's heartbeat was so intense that it ached in his chest and ribs, yet his smile deepened. Uncovered by the covers, he lay lazily on his side, knees bent, forehead supported by one hand. His phoenix eyes lowered, tenderness brimming, a smile on his lips, his dark hair flowing down behind him, a look of unspeakable elegance and grace.
"Why are you awake? But you want some water?"
Lan Nongnong wanted to shake her head, but she was restrained and unable to move. With her cheek held, she was too lazy to speak, and just stared at him in silence. After a moment, her eyes involuntarily began to unfocus.
Qin Jingyao's heart tightened, his scalp ripping and ache, and his breathing suddenly increased. He simply leaned over, pressing his forehead against hers, forcing her to see only him. His nose nuzzled against hers, the cool, soft touch sending shivers down his spine, and a sweat immediately broke out.
His voice was very low, hoarse and pleasant: "I've been busy with official duties these past few days and haven't been able to spend more time with you. Is Nongnong angry with me?"
Qin Jingyao had already washed and changed his clothes when he arrived, and had drunk a bowl of strong tea to mask the smell of alcohol. However, the two of them were too close, and the faint aroma of alcohol still lingered between them.
Lan Nongnong's mind was distracted and she could hardly concentrate. She was easily attracted by the smell of alcohol lingering around her nose. Her eyes wandered, her nostrils moved slightly, and she couldn't help but sniff the fragrance.
She was only curious and exploring, but she didn't know that such intimate caressing was like temptation and demand, which instantly made Qin Jingyao's self-control collapse.
He knew she didn't mean it, but it was this unintentional temptation that was the most alluring.
He had lost her tragically, but then found her again. He held her tightly in his palm like a villain holding a treasure, and occupied her openly.
The one you love is right beside you, hugging, kissing, bathing with you, and even sleeping on the same bed.
He is not a saint and has endured for too long.
The air inside the closed bed curtains suddenly grew thick. After a few rustling sounds, the woman's faint intake of breath seemed to be swallowed up and stopped abruptly. Only the man's heavy breathing remained, especially clear in the silence.
Lan Nongnong couldn't withstand his surge, her lips and teeth unable to open or close, unable to break free. The flesh beneath his palm was as hard as iron, burning like fire. She couldn't push away, and a fiery palm firmly gripped the back of her neck, her jaw restrained, and her throat choked uncontrollably.
She could only press her cheek against his, rubbing against him, trying to breathe through her nose. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead and neck, clinging to their skin, wet, slippery, and sticky, causing the breath she had finally managed to escape to slip away, forcing her to struggle and cling to him again.
Lan Nongnong was ticklish, and would raise her hands to beg for mercy if her neck was even slightly touched. Strands of hair were now clinging to her neck, making it unbearable. She raised her hand to brush it away, but as soon as she moved, a hot, large hand suddenly grabbed the back of her neck.
Fingers with thin calluses slid down her shoulders like playing a piano. The lingering tingling instantly turned into an involuntary fear, causing her body to thrust violently. She tried to twist and struggle, but was only held tighter by the force.
The itchiness drove her to tears. She was unable to speak, and even her teeth lost control. She could only whimper and sob, mumbling, "Itchy, no," and even almost begging for mercy.
But the man on her seemed to have lost his mind, not caring at all, and with such force that he seemed to want to drag her tongue out and swallow it into his stomach. Every time his palm passed by, she trembled and gasped between his lips and teeth, her body shaking like a petal hit by rain.
After an unknown amount of time, the crisp air finally rushed into her throat, and her lungs, which had been about to burst, suddenly felt refreshed. Suddenly, her head felt numb, and her body felt light. The nagging itch could no longer control her.
The turbulent emotions just now suddenly faded away, and she was calm and indifferent, as if her soul had left her body and was floating in the air, looking down at everything with cold eyes.
Seeing him holding up the back of her neck and burying his head in her, her pajamas were soaked with sweat, revealing her ape back and wasp waist as if she were nothing, and he covered her tightly under his body.
Lan Nongnong suddenly realized how petite she was in front of him. She nodded unconsciously, and the next moment her consciousness was pulled back into her body. Her body felt heavy, and the feeling of being out of control, soft, itchy, and numb came over her again.
Pleasure surged through her limbs, a tremor pulsing through her body. The veins in her neck throbbed, her muscles tensed like a bowstring, and the arms supporting her sides bulged and bulged.
His body was drenched in sweat, and his pajamas clung to his skin, sticky and unbearable. Qin Jingyao freed one hand and yanked the clothes away. The silk fabric tore with a crisp sound. The soaked fabric fell to the floor with a dull thud.
The bed felt like it was scorching a furnace, his naked, bulging chest heaving violently as beads of sweat streamed down his face. His eyes, etched with lust, burned darkly, like magma seething beneath them. His gaze locked onto the woman beneath him, like a hunter finally catching his long-coveted prey, his eagerness and greed filling him with the urge to devour everything.
On the slender white neck, traces of red plum blossoms like falling snow are dotted together, like star chains gently winding around, so beautiful that it is breathtaking.
She collapsed beneath him, lying sideways on the brocade quilt, her long black hair spread out across the pillow. Her soft hands, seemingly grasping but not grasping, rested lightly on his heaving heart in a protective gesture. Her lips, like red petals, parted helplessly, her soft tongue faintly visible against her teeth between her rapid gasps.
Her lips were moist as if stained with morning dew, and her body could not stop trembling slightly, interspersed with intermittent tiny sobs. Such a delicate and weak demeanor only made the desire of the man who had already tasted the sweetness even more intense, and he could never be satisfied.
Sweat dripped from his tense jaw, and the sharp lines of his face tightened, becoming even more incisive. His long arms, shimmering with the faint light of water, reached out towards the woman, seemingly ready to be picked, his movements carrying an irresistible sense of possession.
The quilt was tucked tightly under her neck. A large, veiny hand wielded a soft towel, carefully wiping her damp cheeks and neck. Her dark hair was smoothed down and spread out over the pillow. As he did so, his eyes darkened, yet he dared not look any further.
The shadow beside the couch swayed, the curtain opened briefly, and then was closed tightly again.
Qin Jingyao walked over the screen, strode to the table, opened the lid of the pot, held the pot, raised his head, his Adam's apple rolled rapidly, and drank it all in an instant.
However, his whole body was burning with heat, and drinking a pot of warm water was just a drop in the bucket and failed to relieve the heat at all.
He closed his eyes and raised his head, his breath heavy and hot. With his hands on his hips, he parted his lips and took a deep breath. After several breath adjustments, the surging desire within him was finally suppressed. His body tensed and tense, but when he opened his eyes again, though undercurrents surged, they had regained clarity.
The sweat marks were hidden by his long gown, and Qin Jingyao called for someone to come in in a hoarse voice. He returned to the bed, picked up the quilt and the woman who was as soft as boneless, and turned to walk into the bathroom.
When he came out again, the bed was brand new, and the thick and hot smell of lust had disappeared without a trace.
Her eyes and nose were red, and her body was still trembling from time to time due to sobbing. Qin Jingyao lowered his eyes and took a deep breath. He put her into the bed and turned to leave, but he accidentally caught a glimpse of a tear streak winding down from the corner of her tightly closed eye.
He knew she was awake, and knew she must be terrified. But he felt no regret or guilt for what he had just done.
Qin Jingyao's body was still simmering with heat, and washing her just now had only exacerbated it, making him desperate to vent. His voice was hoarse, his breath scorching, but aside from the faint throbbing of a vein in his forehead, his expression remained calm and composed.
He gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with his fingertips, then leaned over and kissed her lips, forcing her to open her eyes and look at him. In between his hot breaths, his low, hoarse murmurs, wrapped in lingering desires, penetrated her inch by inch.
"...Good boy Nong Nong, would you like some water?"
Tears were merely a lingering physiological reaction. Lan Nongnong's mouth was indeed dry, but she was too tired to open her eyes. The man seemed to have a telepathic connection with her. As soon as their lips parted, he lifted the back of her neck and passed warm water to her lips.
She opened her lips and swallowed eagerly like a baby bird. Once her thirst was quenched, she was no longer able to hold on. Without even wiping the water marks from her lips, she fell into a deep sleep.
Qin Jingyao was left with a look of doting and helplessness on his face. He carefully settled her down before getting up, putting on his clothes, and heading for the open-air pool in the mansion.
--
Qin Jingyao felt guilty for not being able to accompany her more during her illness. However, the New Year's Eve palace banquet had just passed, and the clan banquets and social gatherings with dignitaries continued uninterrupted. As the Grand Marshal, he commanded all the troops under heaven. The troops guarding the borders were personally approved and decided on all military pay and rewards. He also had to dispatch officials to ensure that supplies were delivered to every military camp.
The military and political affairs are so complicated that it is difficult to extricate oneself.
The Emperor, fearing the cold, had long since moved to the Warm Palace, temporarily suspending his morning court session. All court affairs, no matter how big or small, had to be discussed and agreed upon before being submitted to the Warm Palace for His Majesty's review. Consequently, this winter, Qin Jingyao had been incredibly busy, with no time for rest.
He was fully dressed, but she still hadn't woken up.
Qin Jingyao frowned slightly, stretched his arm out from behind the bed curtain, and pointed outside. Biyu, who was waiting inside, immediately understood, carefully took something from the treasure shelf, and bowed to present it.
The necklace, made of emerald white warm jade, was rather heavy, and because she had previously been frail, she feared it would not be able to bear it, so she had kept it in her dressing shrine. Fortunately, she was getting better and better, and her health was improving. The blood-colored warm jade he had specially sent to the south to find had also arrived in the capital yesterday.
The lower part of the necklace is woven with soft gold threads into a knot, and the blood jade is also carefully inlaid with a lock ring by the craftsman. When the two are combined, they form a knot that is firm and difficult to separate.
Qin Jingyao gently straightened her body and gathered her long black hair to one side. His gaze lingered on her neck for a few breaths, and he put his hands around her neck to tie the necklace for her.
Her skin was incredibly white, and though the lustrous, warm jade had been polished to a smooth, even slender hue against her skin, it still seemed to overshadow her at her neck. Conversely, beneath her collarbone, the droplet-shaped, egg-sized blood jade resembled a red plum blossom in the snow, or a true heart bursting forth from its body, blazing brightly and swaying with a startling sway.
Her breathing was shallow, and her body rose and fell slightly. Qin Jingyao placed his palm lightly on her, and warmth slowly spread from his palm. He slowly closed his fingers, as if holding her heart in his palm.
--
The master barely slept all night, and Tongze remained awake until dawn. Outside the glazed roof, snowflakes drifted down, turning into water droplets upon touching the ground and then freezing into ice flowers in an instant.
Several palace guards, working in pairs, carried ladders to the glazed roofs of each courtyard and opened the reserved dark windows one by one. A cold wind, carrying snow with it, howled in, and the warmth that had been lingering in the palace all night also surged up with it.
Half a minute later, the cold air had washed through the mansion, leaving it clear and airy, and the lush greenery and flowers began to unfurl and perk up. With the dark windows closed, Tongze concentrated his thoughts when he heard several footsteps suddenly stop outside the Cangzhen Courtyard.
The captain of the palace guards, Feng Po, appeared outside the courtyard gate and bowed to report. Tongze nodded slightly, and as he turned sideways, he heard footsteps approaching from inside the house, and he raised the curtain in time to greet them.
This courtyard is to be sheltered from the wind, so a seven-foot-wide vestibule is built outside the main door. Even if the wind enters the first curtain, it will be difficult to get through the second door.
As the white nightgown fluttered past, Tongze immediately pressed down the door curtain, and the curtain-holding maids on both sides of the hall then worked together to close the curtain.
---
Lan Nongnong's mouth felt dry, yet every swallow was smooth and effortless. She blinked, vaguely remembering she'd sweated a bit the previous night. She touched her lips, which were still numb and slightly swollen. The most uncomfortable part was the dull pain at the base of her tongue, causing her to gasp softly.
With Biyu's help, he sat up and suddenly felt a heaviness around his neck. Looking down, he discovered that a white jade necklace had appeared around his neck, with a red jade hanging from the bottom. It swayed gently with his movements, emitting an elusive warmth.
Lan Nongnong raised her hand and grasped the ruby. It was the size of her palm, and somehow it continued to radiate warmth. As she released her grip, the ruby naturally fell, resting against her collarbone. Warmth slowly spread from her heart, gradually spreading outward.
As she got out of bed, she noticed a thin jade necklace around each ankle, also warm against her skin. She put on her shoes and socks and walked a few steps, feeling no discomfort, so she paid no further attention.
It wasn't until she was putting on her makeup in the mirror that she caught a glimpse of herself and was startled. Leaning in for a closer look, she saw a patchwork of marks on her neck, which grew darker and denser as they moved behind her ears and along her neck, like layers of crabapple petals.
Lan Nongnong seemed frozen in place, motionless, her eyes blank and lifeless. After an unknown amount of time, she suddenly stood up and began to undress.
Seeing this, Biyu and the other girl were both stunned. Although Yunying was unmarried, they had all been carefully trained. When I made the bed last night, I knew that the master and the girl had not really gotten together.
But even so, the bed was a mess, and when he changed clothes, he saw marks all over the girl's body. Compared with the situation when they slept on the same bed before, it was very different after all.
The master seemed determined to get her, and the two men thought she was still having trouble accepting it, so they hurried forward to dissuade her, "Young lady, no! You haven't recovered from your cold yet, you absolutely cannot rashly reduce your clothes!"
"Whatever you want to do, just tell us. If you don't like the clothes you wear, I'll ask someone to bring the hanger."
As the saying goes, "two fists are no match for four hands," especially since Lan Nongnong was now frail and sick. However, in the eyes of the maids, she was their mistress after all, so she refused to obey, and the two maids did not dare to actually step forward and forcefully pry her hands apart.
Seeing the two of them looking anxious, Lan Nongnong was startled for a moment, then suddenly realized what they were worried about. She nodded gently and said, "Then please bring another stove. Don't worry, I'm just taking a look."
What are you looking at?
The two dared not ask further questions. Since she had made her decision, a servant's only duty was to do her utmost to please her master. Now that everyone in the mansion revolved around her, even if she didn't need them, they had to keep several stoves ready daily, just in case.
Lan Nongnong didn't have to wait long. In the blink of an eye, four or five more heaters had been added to the room. The temperature suddenly climbed, and the flowers that had once bloomed seemed to curl up under the heat.
She took off her clothes piece by piece. The dressing mirror was about half a person's height. If she got too close, she couldn't see her whole body. If she got too far, it was blurry and hard to make out. Lan Nongnong stood in front of the mirror and suddenly turned around and asked, "Is there a mirror that can reflect my whole body?"
The two maids stared blankly, and when they heard the voice, they nodded hurriedly and said, "Yes, yes! We will have someone carry it here right away!"
The mirror was originally placed in the bathroom, but Lan Nongnong had never noticed it, so she naturally didn't know it.
After arranging everything as she instructed, Lan Nongnong walked over to the mirror as if no one was around. Brass mirrors were common in the Sheng Dynasty, but this mirror was of exceptional clarity. It reflected the person without distortion, but rather as if it added a layer of soft light, making the skin and bones appear even more radiant and beautiful.
Aside from those marks, the skin in the mirror was incredibly white. Lan Nongnong couldn't quite remember if she'd ever been this fair. She seemed taller, too. Turning sideways, her long hair fell to her knees. She gathered her hair in front of her. It was jet-black, soft, and smooth to the touch. It felt so tingling and soft as it brushed against her skin, a truly pleasurable sensation.
It's such a good growth, it would be a shame to cut it off, but it's too long to hang down like this.
His eyes inadvertently swept across his wrist, and Lan Nongnong was suddenly startled. She loosened her fingers, and her long black hair suddenly cascaded down like a waterfall, flowing and fluttering, so beautiful that it was breathtaking.
She tilted her head slightly and looked at herself in the mirror. Her forehead, neck, wrists, waist and even ankles seemed to be adorned with ornaments wherever she could wear them.
Well, strictly speaking, these are not just decorations, they can also be used to keep warm.
But it's so strange,
Lan Nongnong frowned, pondering for a moment. Suddenly, it dawned on her: it was a shelf for hanging ornaments. The thought faded. She stretched her arms, looked at herself in the mirror, nodded repeatedly, and suddenly burst out laughing.
Little did she know that the two maids who were standing there holding their breath were so frightened by her inexplicable smile that the smiles on their faces had already become so stiff that they looked uglier than crying.
Although the room was sweltering with sweat, she was so naked, and her cold hadn't healed yet, that it wasn't a good idea to leave her out in the sun for long. Unconcerned about whether or not this might anger her, one hurriedly fetched some clothes to cover her, while the other leaned over to help her put on her cotton shoes.
She softly advised, "Yesterday, the young lady complained about the bitterness of her tea, so I ordered the kitchen to make some Ten Treasures Porridge, adding icing sugar and fruit nectar. It smells sweet just by the smell. The young lady likes sweet things, so she will definitely like it."
Another person also whispered, "The servants will be more nimble. After you have eaten and taken your medicine, you will not be delayed in your physical training."
"My Lord, out of pity for you being unable to go out, has specially collected all the novelties of the capital for your entertainment. Many of these things I have never even heard of, and I am fortunate enough to see them now, all thanks to you, young lady."
Their movements were quick and decisive, giving no sign of having been kneeling all night. They dressed her while they spoke, then called in the maids waiting outside the bedroom door. One helped her wash and brush her teeth, while the other combed her hair. By the time Lan Nongnong came to her senses, she was already seated at the table, bowl and chopsticks in hand.
In addition to Biyu and the other person, there were several maids serving tea who stood quietly with their heads bowed.
Lan Nongnong looked up and saw that everyone had a plump face and delicate features. They were dressed in blue-gray or green-gray maid's clothes. Their hair was decorated with hairpins of the same color as their clothes, and matching earrings hung from their earlobes. They looked neat, energetic and likable.
There was silence all around. Although he tried hard to smile, he could not hide the forced look between his brows.
Lan Nongnong lowered her eyes, realizing that she had frightened them by taking off her clothes and looking at herself. She felt sorry for them, but she couldn't say it out loud, otherwise they would surely kneel down in fear and cry out in shame.
Her brow furrowed slightly, and the sweet porridge tasted bland. She quickly swallowed a few spoonfuls before her stomach felt bloated. She knew it was her state of mind, and unwilling to trouble Dr. Mo, she forced herself to swallow the medicine, only to vomit it all out in an instant.
Suddenly, a noisy sound rose in her ears, like the panicked cries of Biyu and Qingluo. Lan Nongnong was vomiting so much that her head was dizzy and her ears were ringing. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she seemed to be completely unaware of the pain. Instead, she raised her lips and whispered to them that nothing was wrong.
After a flurry of activity, she had returned to her bed, unaware of what had happened. She felt a splitting headache and a general sense of weakness. She figured she'd caught a cold from undressing, and she felt bad for not being able to cope, and for disturbing everyone else's peace.
Self-blame and guilt surged over her, making her heart feel heavy. She dared not speak, and could only curl up on her side, letting the tears flow silently.
The calming incense was rekindled in the room, and the tearful woman on the couch gradually fell asleep. Qingluo stayed by the couch, waiting, while Biyu accompanied Doctor Mo to the courtyard gate, then hurriedly said, "Doctor Mo--"
Mo Chou knew what she was about to ask, so he raised his hand to stop her. He frowned and said in a deep voice, "The young lady's pulse is stagnant, and her qi is congested in her chest. Her body is experiencing a mixture of cold and heat, clearly caused by a sudden change in temperature. Her physical condition is extremely weak now, and the slightest carelessness could ruin all her previous efforts. You are serving her so closely, how could you be so negligent?"
Biyu had no way to defend herself, so she simply bowed deeply and whispered, "It's all because of our poor service. I hope Doctor Mo will take the trouble to diagnose and treat you."
Mo Chou had been concentrating on his duties these past few days, and the current situation was within his expectations. After a moment's reflection, he said calmly, "For the next few days, you can postpone the pills and medicinal baths. You can use the medicinal packs to heat the girl's head, palms, and soles. When you return, I will ask for permission to administer acupuncture and moxibustion to relieve the symptoms."
Seeing her expression suddenly relax, Mo Chou, remembering the punishment the servants in the courtyard had received last night, could not help but remind her gently, "Serious illnesses require slow recovery. You will serve closely and be extremely considerate and attentive. I am often in the mansion. If your illness becomes serious or you find yourself in a difficult situation, you can always come to me."
After a brief pause, he continued, "After the young lady's fumigation is finished, you can send someone to get some blood-dissolving ointment and distribute it to everyone."
Even as they walked away from the corridor, Biyu bowed her head and knelt respectfully, seeing them off. She only rose slowly when her legs gave out the strength to support them.
---
Lan Nongnong felt as if she really had a heart disease. She was sleepy, often felt that everything was boring, was unwilling to speak, resisted talking to people, and was afraid to look people in the eye. She often shed tears for no reason, her thoughts were in a mess and it was difficult for her to concentrate.
She knew in her heart that this state was inappropriate and she should cheer up and do the opposite of the decadent state mentioned above.
She made it through the college entrance exam, so why would she still be afraid of this little mental illness?
But her consciousness seemed to be separated from her body. One side was full of fighting spirit and fearless, while the other was like a dead tree, difficult to move at all.
For example, right now, she watched Biyu and Qingluo playing the exaggerated game of throwing pots to get her moving, but nine out of ten times they missed, and the distance was only three meters. If it were her turn, she would only need to calculate the parabola and she would be able to hit the target at least ten times.
Another example is leaf cards, which have a total of forty pieces. They only have two players playing against each other. If they can clearly calculate the cards and carefully observe the placement, expression, and speed of their opponent's cards when they play, the outcome can be determined in less than five rounds.
As for kicking shuttlecock, stepping on the ball, and guessing riddles, they were originally simple games, but the two of them were able to make them complicated, playing them to the point of scratching their heads and looking embarrassed, which made people anxious just watching.
Lan Nongnong folded her arms and shook her head, thinking to herself that if it were her, she would kill the other party without leaving a single piece of armor. But her body refused to obey her orders, and she could only watch helplessly, anxious in vain.
One day, she was carried to the window and saw a snowman standing in the courtyard. Unlike the round head, thin arms and legs, and large belly she had made, this snowman was the full height of a human. The folds of its dress and the texture of its hair were all clearly visible, and its eyebrows, eyes, mouth, and nose were even more lifelike. At first glance, it looked like a snow fairy transformed into a human form.
Although she remained silent, her gaze remained fixed on the window for a long time. She stared for so long that she suddenly became puzzled. The sky had long been obscured by the glazed roof, and there was a fire dragon running underground. Given the temperature in the mansion, the snowman should not have survived for so long.
After a long time, she realized that there was a thick layer of ice under the snowman, which was difficult for heat to penetrate. No wonder it had not melted for three days.
The only annoying thing is that this body is so stubborn that no matter how she tries to persuade it kindly or how harshly it tries to provoke it, it remains as steady as a rock and remains unmoved.
Not only that, she refused to eat properly. The physique she had finally built up over the past few days was becoming increasingly heavy and weak. Her consciousness also became increasingly scattered and weak, and she would often drift off to sleep without noticing, and it was unclear when she would wake up.
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