Chapter 54 Chapter 54 Exclusive
Although Qin Jingyao lived in seclusion at home, he wasn't always by her side. She was currently patiently waiting, and pushing her too hard would only make things worse.
The secret guard sent a letter saying that the man was seriously ill and could hardly get up. He was being kept alive with medicine and would only have three or two days left.
That man was a thorn in the emperor's side, and after so many years, a conclusion must finally be reached. However, the timing was delicate: the annual festival was a happy or unlucky occasion for the emperor.
Other matters may be put on hold, but such a secret cannot be delayed even for a moment.
Qin Jingyao rested his knuckles against his forehead, his eyes slightly closed. He reached for the teacup, but his fingertips touched it with a crisp snap. He suddenly opened his eyes and looked down, only to see a mess of broken porcelain on the floor.
Broken porcelain, cracked.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, her brows gradually furrowed, and her heart inexplicably skipped a beat.
Instantly, his mind raced. The court was at peace, and the world was peaceful. Only...
He suddenly looked up, leaned sideways with one arm on the handrail, and looked through the window toward the courtyard gate. As expected, a figure who should not have appeared there suddenly appeared.
He comes with great momentum and ill intentions.
"Qin Jingyao!"
Lan Nongnong had never set foot in the study, so she had no idea that Biyu and the others had stopped outside the courtyard, standing with their backs to them. Nor did she notice that Tongze and the palace guards had withdrawn their gestures to stop them. In an instant, all the servants in the academy had retreated.
Qin Jingyao stepped out of the inner room at the right moment, his face showing surprise and joy. He extended his arms to greet her, "If Nong Nong needs anything, just send someone to inform me. I'm flattered that you came here in person and asked me to come."
Lan Nongnong dodged to the side, her body trembling for some reason. Her expression was tense, her eyes fixed on him, and she coldly questioned him word by word: "I ask you, why did your wife leave? When did it happen?"
Qin Jingyao quickly scanned her expression, understanding her feelings and instantly grasping her concerns. He suppressed his smile, nodded, frowned, and pretended to have something else to hide. He reached out to help her again, "This is a long story, Nong Nong, please don't worry, sit down first..."
How could Lan Nongnong be willing to sit down? She waved her hand and retreated, moving to the chair and standing still, holding the back of the chair, and said stubbornly: "Then you should keep your long story short!"
Seeing him still have the leisure to pour tea, Lan Nongnong's mind exploded. She felt that all the quiet cultivation she had put in these days had gone to waste. She raised her finger and shouted angrily, "Qin--!"
"Don't be angry, Nong Nong. You're feeling better. I'm just worried that your anger might harm you."
Among the five elements, water can overcome fire.
After experiencing her tendency to break up, Qin Jingyao had handled it with ease. He was very humble and, regardless of her struggles, he forced her to sit down, lifted his robe, and squatted in front of her with his knees bent.
The movement was so skillful that he was stunned, then shook his head and laughed.
He gathered her cold, trembling hands into his palms, transferring a steady stream of warmth. He tilted his head slightly to meet her gaze, his eyes devoid of any guilt as he spoke sternly, "The Xu family and I originally had a deal. Now that the deadline has expired, we should terminate the contract and divorce."
This short sentence avoided the important issues but was concise and to the point, causing Lan Nongnong's anger to suddenly stop, and only astonishment remained on her angry face.
On the way here, she'd thought of countless possibilities: shame, self-blame, resentment, but she hadn't expected this explanation. She stared at him, her mind blank, and it took her a long time to blink back and regain her composure, finally escaping the trap he'd set her.
She wanted to refute one side of the story, but how could she gain trust? However, the right to speak always lies in the hands of the powerful. Even if she saw that lady now, she would probably be constrained by her power and dare not say anything.
But, but,
Lan Nongnong's breathing suddenly became rapid, her chest heaving violently, her head buzzing and stinging, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Was it just a coincidence? The deadline had already arrived the moment she showed up?
She glared at him with resentment in her eyes, choking with sobs, her voice tight: "I, don't, believe it!"
Qin Jingyao raised his hand to wipe her tears, but she took the opportunity to pull out one hand and slapped it away. He was about to explain, but was stunned by her continuous words.
"You are the second-rank minister of the current dynasty. How could you not know the great and small things in the world? How could you not know that in this world, as human beings, women are so weak!"
"If there really was such a deal as you say, then six years ago she was only sixteen or seventeen. What kind of desperate situation would have forced her to consider marriage as a bargaining chip? It must be because, faced with so many choices, even using marriage, which is as precious as life to a woman at the time, as a bargaining chip, and enduring the constant fear of its end, day and night, was the best way out!"
"But you're different. Perhaps you acted on a whim, or perhaps you were pressured into marriage but refused to give in, so you found a powerless, helpless shield. You two may have a deadline, but if I hadn't appeared, this deal might have continued forever!"
"Even if you terminated the contract midway, without me, it should have ended in a low-key and peaceful manner!"
"Do you know how much gossip a woman who divorces her husband will suffer?"
"People's words can kill people!"
At this moment, Lan Nongnong truly hated him. Tears washed her eyes clear, and she revealed her hatred to him without reservation.
"But all of this was ruined because of my existence."
"It was me! When she was legitimately your wife, I took away her chance to spend time with her husband. And it was because of me that she was forced to terminate her contract and leave, suffering from all kinds of cold stares and ridicule!"
"Everyone knows that it was my presence that drove her away. I will forever bear the stigma of being shameless, stabbed in the spine, and nailed to the pillar of shame!"
Lan Nongnong glared at him with hatred, her whole body trembling. Her hands, unable to break free, felt like they were entangled by snakes and insects, making her feel extremely sick. With her way forward blocked, she stood up and kicked the chair away from him, standing apart from him. She fought back the stabbing pain in her head and struggled to pry his fingers apart.
Her burning eyes fixed on his eyes, which had turned from looking up to looking down, and she choked and trembled as she said, "This is all your fault! It was you who lied first, forced me to stay behind, and brought me to this point—"
"It's because of you that she fell into such a terrible situation."
"It's you who killed both of us!"
The pain was unbearable, as if she had been struck repeatedly by heavy punches. Lan Nongnong gritted her teeth and swallowed a groan, looking away in disgust. Her nails scratched bloody marks on the back of his hand, but she couldn't break free. Hatred surged, and she even wanted to find a knife to cut off his hand, to sever all ties with him.
Catching a glimpse of the porcelain plate of fruits on the coffee table beside her, she turned around abruptly, overturned it, grabbed it, and suddenly raised her arm to smash it. The porcelain pieces pierced into the flesh on the back of his hand, but he seemed completely unaware of the pain and let her scratch and stab him.
Seeing that her struggle was futile, Lan Nongnong did not hesitate to scratch her wrist with the porcelain shard. The sharp notch instantly pierced her delicate skin, and blood gushed out.
She raised her head with red eyes: "Let me go, or break this hand."
Everything happened in a flash. Qin Jingyao was caught off guard by her disgusted gaze. Although he quickly snatched the porcelain shard and applied pressure to the wound, a glaring bloody mark was still left on her wrist.
Lan Nongnong suddenly lost her support, feeling powerless yet filled with hatred: "Let me go! You make me sick!"
“Thick…”
He held her completely in his arms, her throat tight and her voice trembling imperceptibly. She struggled desperately, her head banging against him despite a splitting headache and clenched teeth. She even squeezed her eyes shut, as if she hated even looking at him.
But how can this be possible?
Absolutely not!
Qin Jingyao's chest heaved, his eyes churning with dark currents. He grabbed her chin and forced her to look up. Even though her eyes, which suddenly opened, were filled with hatred, he still felt a sense of relief.
"Even if the emperor is judging a case, he must listen to the reasons before making a decision. How can Nong Nong make a conclusion on his own and convict me? No matter what, you should at least allow me to have my say."
"The matter is settled. Any excuses are just specious! Shameless! Despicable! Hypocritical! Disgusting! Let go!"
Her voice was trembling, but every word was as sharp as a knife, and she struggled with resolute hatred.
Qin Jingyao's forehead veins throbbed, his breathing suddenly became disordered, and a faint fishy sweetness rose in his throat. He took a deep breath to steady himself, his throat rolling, and his eyelids trembled slightly for a moment.
Perhaps sensing her discomfort, he took two quick steps back, settling firmly into a seat. He pinned her between his knees as easily as if she were handling a garment, his arm looped around her waist, clasping both wrists. Ignoring her struggles and curses, he lowered his head and sucked the blood from her wrists until only a delicate red mark remained, no more blood seeping out.
He leaned back in his chair, his face affectionate and gentle, but his lips were stained with blood, his eyes were dark, and his slight smile sent a chill down one's spine.
"Even if Nongnong doesn't believe me, I still have to tell you the truth. There is nothing wrong with telling you this."
He moved his thumb and reached into her mouth to save the lip that was almost bitten. He let her push and bite him, and even though the skin was broken and blood was drawn, his smile did not diminish in the slightest.
"I have no intention of taking credit for this, but if it weren't for me, the Xu family girl would have died six years ago."
He was pleased to see her body tremble, her face filled with surprise, her teeth clenching, and she swallowed unconsciously. Her eyes dimmed slightly, and she continued leisurely, "As you expected, at the time, I was being pressured to marry and have an heir. I was overwhelmed by this pressure, and burdened with the heavy responsibility of my family and country, I had no desire to marry. I would have been indebted to a pampered woman if I had married her and then ignored her. It happened that on my return to the capital, I saw Xu drowning in the river, and I ordered someone to rescue her. Saving someone thoroughly was crucial, so I sent Jiang Ting to investigate the situation. It turned out that this girl was being tortured by her biological father and stepmother, who wanted to give her to a wealthy, unethical old man in exchange for money."
"She knew she had no chance of survival even if rescued, and unwilling to endure the humiliation, she attempted suicide again. Jiang Ting, knowing I was being forced into marriage, came up with a plan. With my approval, we negotiated a formal contract, which neither party could terminate at any time, allowing us to marry freely. From beginning to end, Xu and I never shared a room together."
"As Nongnong said, women are weak. Although this contract is a lifeline for her, it ultimately takes away the name of her engagement. And because of me, she's been the target of endless jealousy for six years. So, this time, she's taking the initiative to ask to leave. I'll pay her ten thousand taels of property as agreed, grant her protection at the Shangshu Ling Mansion, and completely eliminate the Xu family's future troubles for her."
After he finished speaking, his brows knitted slightly, as if he was puzzled and aggrieved. He leaned forward and held her face, locking her stunned eyes. He sighed softly, nuzzled her nose lightly, and pecked her lips closely. "I don't think I owe anyone anything in this matter. I really can't bear that Nong Nong dislikes me so much because of this."
"I never intended for Nongnong to bear the shame and infamy. I only owe Nongnong this matter. If there are any negative consequences, I will bear them alone."
Lan Nongnong's eyes widened, the pain in her mind swirling even further because of his words. She was lost in thought for a long time, closing her eyes and breathing, forcing herself to endure the pain, waiting for her reason to gradually return before she could think carefully.
Every word he said made sense, without exaggeration or modesty, and he appeared to be particularly objective and frank.
In such a desperate situation, making a pact with someone to escape the predicament and seek refuge was indeed the best option. Even if she left, she would have gained enough wealth to support herself, and her ferocious relatives would no longer be able to control her.
If she wants, she can find a true partner who will support her through thick and thin. Even if she is single, she can still live a peaceful and stable life without having to live in fear and anxiety.
Only at this point can we say that we have overcome adversity and are reborn.
Lan Nongnong judged others by herself, subconsciously examining them with the thinking of later generations, and unknowingly was dragged into his language trap.
She opened her eyes, and the overly calm expression on his face made her feel as if she didn't understand and accept it, she would be unreasonable and irrational. Her brows were furrowed, and her brain was still throbbing with pain, but her thoughts gradually became clearer as she tore it apart.
Lan Nongnong looked around and then looked back into his eyes. The anger in her eyes had not faded, but turned into caution and vigilance.
People are born different, and she is even more different from the people in this world. How can one judge others by oneself, assuming that what one wants is what they want and what they enjoy? And how can one be so high and mighty as to think oneself reasonable and make arbitrary judgments on others' behalf?
When did she become so conceited? Or was it that, subconsciously, this was the only way to alleviate the heavy guilt in her heart?
It turns out that her heart is not completely upright, and it is so ugly!
Lan Nongnong felt a sudden pain in her heart and a sharp pain in her nose, but she refused to escape. Her education and upbringing had taught her to face things with courage, to confront them squarely, to examine herself, and to surpass herself; she would never allow herself to become a deserter.
She looked at him, horrified. A few words had left her speechless, filled with self-doubt and self-reflection, almost forgetting that no matter what their true feelings were, she had ultimately been deceived and bound by him, becoming the subject of public criticism.
He is the one who should be ashamed. She should not be shaken or doubt herself because of his mistakes.
She looked at him, her heart gradually calmed down, and she gently turned her wrist.
Her calmness actually made Qin Jingyao inexplicably upset. As he slowly let go of her hand as she instructed, he thought to himself that with her temper, she might slap him hard again.
He could silence the crowd, but he couldn't stop the whispers. She was indeed being criticized because of him, and if she was angry, it wouldn't matter if she hit him. However, there was a banquet in the palace the day after tomorrow, and he was afraid he would inevitably attract attention again.
As he thought so in his heart, his eyebrows and eyes curved slightly, a smile appeared on his lips, and he was actually a little impatient.
However, she freed her hand, but did not raise her arm to attack. Instead, she wiped her lips heavily with the back of her hand. His face suddenly darkened.
Lan Nongnong suppressed the discomfort in her throat and stomach, and said indifferently, "Are you done? If you are, then let me go."
Her waist suddenly tightened. She seemed to know what he was going to say. A mocking tone appeared on her lips: "Don't worry, I just have a headache. I'll go back and rest. After all, with my current physical condition, I can't leave your warm home."
If you get better, you will leave, right?
Qin Jingyao felt a chill in his heart, but he still held her hand tightly. He ignored the mockery in her words and smiled bitterly: "There is a deep knot in my heart. I thought that since this matter has been resolved, you should let go of your grudge--"
Lan Nongnong sneered and interrupted him: "My heart knot has never had anything to do with others. But you are trying to shirk responsibility like this, which is really despicable."
Qin Jingyao's eyes suddenly changed color, and he closed them before saying in a hoarse voice, "...Your emotions have been so volatile today, I'm afraid you've been hurt. I'll take you home and ask Mo Chou to come and see you. The wound on your wrist needs to be bandaged and treated."
Then he bent down to hug her.
Lan Nongnong held his arm and stood up without looking at him. She said firmly, "I can walk by myself. I need some quiet time. Don't follow me."
After a moment, the restraints around her body suddenly loosened. Lan Nongnong turned around and left without hesitation.
On the bony back of his hand, pale blue veins bulged, forming ferocious arcs. Blood continued to ooze from several wounds, then silently dripped.
Qin Jingyao stared at her receding figure, his eyes dim and his face as cold as iron, as if intense emotions were surging in his heart.
After a long time, he asked people to change clothes.
*
When Qingluo returned, Biyu reminded her that she was ready before she went to the bedroom door and reported, "Miss, I'm back."
A moment later, light footsteps approached, and the door silently opened. She looked up and saw the girl, her hair flowing like clouds, as if she had just woken from a nap. Her face was calm, and her eyes were tearless. She walked out slowly, wrapped in a thick shawl, nodded slightly at her, and gestured for her to take a seat.
Qingluo was confused and uneasy, not daring to sit down. Just as she was about to speak, the girl spoke first, "It was my fault for not thinking clearly enough. I forgot that the post station was closed due to the New Year holidays. It's freezing cold, and you must have made a wasted trip."
The girl's letters were always delivered by messengers from the palace, so why would they ever bother with holidays? Even on New Year's Eve, as long as a letter arrived, they would take the horse and set off. But this matter was kept secret from the girl.
Qingluo's heart skipped a beat when she heard this, thinking she had revealed herself. Then she remembered Biyu's warning and calmed herself down. She smiled as usual, "My lady, you are too kind. Serving you is my duty, and I don't deserve your politeness."
"I was just about to report that the post station has received the letter and other items you entrusted me with. Because I was worried you might be anxious, I specially marked it as urgent. However, with the frequent rain and snow in winter, even a fast horse would take twenty to thirty days to deliver it. Our post stations in the capital are open all year round. It's my fault that I didn't tell you in advance. I'm sorry you missed me."
Even if the post station is really closed, since I have told the girl that I am not closed yet, the post station will have to open its doors to welcome guests tomorrow even if it is open.
Lan Nongnong smiled faintly, without commenting, and handed her the remaining silver as a thank you gift and went to rest. She then said to Biyu beside her, "I have nothing to do here, you can go and rest too."
Biyu hesitated slightly: "Miss--"
Lan Nongnong nodded at her and insisted, "I'm a little tired. Let's go and rest. By the way, let everyone in the courtyard rest early, okay?"
How could Biyu dare to make the decision for her? Nor did she dare to refuse by citing the Lord's order. Her thoughts raced, and she could only bow apprehensively and retreat. She arrived at the courtyard and told the servants to leave together, while she and Qingluo Hou stayed outside the courtyard gate.
Lan Nongnong didn't care whether she was pretending to obey or not. She sat quietly for a while with her chin propped up, then got up and went to the study next door, rolled up her sleeves and ground ink.
When adding clean water to the inkstone, the proper amount should be used. Too much water will make the ink bland, too little will make it dry. Apply even pressure to avoid damaging the ink stick. Grind slowly, allowing the ink to initially float and spread. Keep the direction steady, applying water with measured pressure and persistence until a fine, smooth ink is achieved.
Lan Nongnong lowered her eyes in concentration. Her wrist gradually felt cold and sore, so she held it with her sleeve, doing circles again and again tirelessly.
My mother once said, "Grinding is like handling affairs; if you take your time, you will achieve perfection." This is true for ink and for affairs, and it can also help you cultivate your self-cultivation and calm your mind.
If one's mind is restless and one's temperament is unstable, one will not be able to produce good ink and it will be difficult to accomplish good things.
Lan Nongnong had once heard a saying, "A stubborn stone mistakenly thought to be jade, only after scraping away all the gold and lacquer can the true nature be revealed." She had only thought the saying was beautiful, but due to her limited experience, the people and events that truly touched her heart were few and far between, and those were often superficial.
It was not until she experienced it herself today that she suddenly realized the profound meaning of these words.
She thought she had made progress after going through life and death ordeals, but in fact, her nature was hard to change.
When her safety line is not touched, she can still remain calm. However, once her bottom line is touched, she can no longer remain calm.
But if you ask yourself, she can't change now, and she doesn't want to change!
That was her nature. If even her true nature changed, she would no longer be herself, but just a false shell, a soulless puppet.
Perhaps she would suffer for this in the future, but that was a matter for the future. Maybe, maybe not. At least at this moment, she didn't want to compromise herself for a future that might not happen.
She firmly believes that instead of changing yourself, it is better to change your approach.
The ink is of just the right thickness, with a smooth color and uniform texture.
Lan Nongnong stopped and sighed, put down the ink stick, rubbed his wrist lightly, then picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote on the paper in one go.
"A stubborn stone is mistakenly thought to be jade; only after scraping away all the gold and lacquer can the true form be seen."
Lan Nongnong looked at it for a moment, then suddenly folded the paper, her breathing suddenly becoming disordered.
Burning pain hit her forehead. She didn't dare to think any more. She crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it into the wastebasket. She spread out new rice paper, breathed slowly, calmed her mind, and started writing again.
"Things have changed—"
Bang!
A burning pain surged across her face, and the chaotic images in her mind instantly vanished. Lan Nongnong took a deep breath and picked up her pen again.
"Realize that the past cannot be changed, but know that the future can be pursued!"1
Lan Nongnong stared silently for a long time, repeating the same thing in her heart, and finally breathed a sigh of relief. Although her expression was still tense, there was a hint of relief in her eyes.
She put down her pen, tucked the hair that had fallen across her forehead behind her ears, and nodded slightly, thinking that she had made some progress after all. She had learned to weigh the pros and cons, and she was no longer desperate to leave like she had last time.
I understand better...letting go.
---
The bead curtain rustled softly, and footsteps stopped almost inaudibly in front of the bed.
There was only a dim night light left in the house, and the faint fragrance of flowers floated in the air, which had lost the strong sandalwood smell and made it even more elegant and pleasant.
Qin Jingyao stood with his back to the light, his expression veiled in the shadows. He paused for a long moment, then finally raised his hand to part the bed curtains. Only a slightly undulating silhouette of the woman on the couch was visible, her brocade quilt tightly wrapped to her neck, her face facing inward, unwilling to reveal even the slightest bit.
He stared silently into the darkness for a moment, then suddenly stood up and left. Not long after, a faint light appeared, and he returned with it.
The hexagonal pavilion lamp is placed on the bedside table, and its soft light gradually shines, slowly illuminating this small world.
She slept soundly. The eyes that had pierced him during the day were now obediently closed, her eyelashes curved, her cheeks slightly puffed out, her complexion smooth and fair, appearing harmless and well-behaved. Just looking at her like this, the coldness that had once covered his face, like frost, quietly dissipated.
"In your eyes, there can be hatred, but there can never be disgust or evil."
Qin Jingyao leaned down, with an attitude of complete possession, and whispered with one arm on her neck. His fingertips gently stroked her thin eyelids, and then slowly moved down, reaching into her neck, and gently lifted her hidden cheek back.
His thumb unconsciously stroked the other side, the touch different from the smooth and delicate texture of the other side. There was a slight stiffness that made his knuckles pause. His eyes suddenly fixed, and as he looked intently, the tenderness on his face was instantly replaced by a cold murderous intent.
His chest heaved violently beneath her thin clothing, but he suppressed his anger, fearing to disturb her. Holding the lantern closer, he saw the distinct palm print on her face. Qin Jingyao took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment, and gently removed his hand from the finger marks on her cheek. He then examined the wound on her wrist, carefully tucked in the quilt, extinguished the lantern, and suddenly stood up.
The cold moon is half hidden in the night sky, and the corner lamp in the mansion is always on.
The maids who held the curtains in the hallway had long since been sent off to rest, leaving only Biyu and the other two still waiting inside. Normally, one of them would have gone to rest by this time, and their shift would return later in the night, but tonight, with the master returning late, the two dared not move, not even to whisper.
The girl was kind-hearted and often let them rest together during the day, so even at this late hour, neither of them felt sleepy.
Usually, adults would change their clothes and then go to bed directly, and leave quietly before dawn the next day, when the girl was about to wake up.
Biyu estimated the time and thought that there would be nothing else to do tonight. She was about to call Qingluo to rest first, but just as she looked up, she heard footsteps approaching. She hurriedly turned around to salute, but was frightened by the cold and murderous aura of the person who came before her and fell to her knees with her legs weak.
Qin Jingyao didn't even glance away, but just whispered the chilling word "come out", then strode out of the hallway and stopped suddenly about five or six feet outside the yard.
The murderous aura in his body was no longer concealed. He suddenly turned around and glared at the two maids who had hurriedly chased him and were kneeling on the ground. His words were filled with murderous intent.
"Where did the scar on her face come from?"
The two knew disaster was imminent. They still remembered going out and calling the maid from the servants' quarters to stand guard in the hallway. They were trembling with fear and were startled by the words. Qingluo hurriedly replied, "My lord, when we last saw the young lady today, we didn't see any injuries on her face. Please take a closer look."
Biyu added, "The young lady stumbled on the rockery before going to the study today. After returning to the courtyard, she refused to allow the servants to serve her. Even dinner, medicine, and washing were all left and she left. I am certain that when I last saw the young lady at 5 p.m., there were no scratches on her face. After she retired, the servants remained outside her bedroom door and did not hear any shouting or yelling."
The guard on duty at the courtyard also knelt on one knee and replied in a deep voice, "Sir, we have been strictly guarding the courtyard. We have not seen any strangers enter, nor have we heard the young lady calling for anyone."
Qin Jingyao had regained some composure by this point, but as soon as he closed his eyes, the startling fingerprints on her face came vividly to mind. A closer look revealed the marks were indeed in a different direction than those caused by an external force. This mansion was entirely shrouded in glazed tiles, and every hidden door was guarded, both openly and covertly. Her courtyard was of paramount importance.
There were some guesses in my mind, but the anger in my chest was burning more and more fiercely.
However, these servants repeatedly failed to provide adequate service and were truly useless.
"Everyone in this yard--"
“Wait!”
The sudden voice startled Qin Jingyao. When he looked up, he saw her wearing a warm hat and a cloak, walking quickly towards him.
He frowned, took the cloak from Tongze's hand, and strode forward. His eyes swept over the guards kneeling at the gate to apologize. He put his arm around her and was about to take her back, saying softly, "It's cold at night, what are you doing out here?"
Lan Nongnong had rushed out, the cold wind blasting her neck and turning her lips pale. She leaned forward, ducking to avoid him. She stepped forward to help Biyu and the other two up, then pretended to ask the guards to stand. After making apologies to each of them, she turned and said, "I hit them myself. It has nothing to do with them. Thank you for your concern, but there's no need to implicate the innocent."
After saying this, she no longer looked at him, called up Biyu Qingluo, wrapped her cloak tightly around her, and walked towards the courtyard with her head down.
Qin Jingyao's cold gaze swept over the few people she had treated so tenderly. As An Xiang passed by, he stretched out his long arms and lifted her up horizontally. His cloak swirled around her, wrapping her tightly. He strode away, saying in a cold voice, "Wait outside the courtyard. Don't come even a step closer without permission."
"Let me go!"
The cloak was thick, and Lan Nongnong was pressed against his chest, unable to push away. Her voice was muffled, as if she was acting coquettishly. Finally, she was able to catch her breath, but her body suddenly fell. She subconsciously clutched his collar, her heart tightening, her vision slightly blurred, and he was already leaning back on the couch. She felt warm, and was wrapped tightly in the thick quilt.
Before I could catch my breath and focus my eyes, I felt the hairs on my body stand on end.
He placed his arms on her waist, holding her tightly beneath him in a gesture of complete possession, his eyes dark and silent. Between the curtains of this private bed, the air was tight, dangerous, and full of oppression.
Lan Nongnong felt as if she was suffocating. She retreated backwards in panic as if avoiding a snake or scorpion, but found that there was nowhere to escape. She could only force herself to remain calm and drive him away in a timid voice: "I need to rest. Please leave immediately!"
Qin Jingyao said nothing, only silently staring at her. A faint light flickered in his eyes, as if he had realized something. He suddenly said, "Nong Nong is so gentle to his servants, why are you so stingy with me?"
Lan Nongnong didn't want to talk to him anymore in this situation, so she turned her head away and said, "We can talk later. Please leave now."
Qin Jingyao didn't ask any more questions, but nodded and stood up.
Lan Nongnong felt relieved and gasped for breath, only then realizing that she had been holding her breath. Before she heard the door open, her heart suddenly jumped up again. Just as she sat up and tried to touch the secret compartment at the head of the bed, a light suddenly shone from inside the bed.
She turned around in panic and saw that he had returned. As her hand touched the secret compartment, her wrist suddenly felt numb, and her fingers loosened. The object fell back to its original place with a thud, and she was completely captured in his arms.
"Ugh—let go!"
Qin Jingyao glanced at the familiar instrument in the secret compartment, raised his foot and gently pushed it closed. He turned to the woman who was still struggling, her clothes slightly disheveled, and sighed softly: "I just wanted to apply medicine to Nong Nong. Why are you so wary of me?"
After saying that, he showed her the medicine bottle between his fingers.
His expression was gentle, but Lan Nongnong could only feel her heart beating like a drum. Not wanting to argue any further, she simply said, "Leave the medicine here. I can apply it myself."
As soon as he finished speaking, he heard him sigh again, as if helpless.
She felt an inexplicable chill, a dull pain in her chest as if struck by a heavy blow. Her guard grew even stronger, her eyes darting around, desperately searching for a way out. The next moment, her hands were suddenly grasped firmly behind her head by a large hand. She froze in reaction, her eyes a mixture of shock and anger, and she broke free with her legs, kicking him.
"Let me go! Get out!"
Qin Jingyao didn't flinch, glancing at the wound on her left wrist as she let her slender feet press against his chest and waist. Her force wasn't so much a blow as a teasing. Seeing her half-exposed legs, she ignored them, her creamy skin, oozing with fragrance, swaying before his eyes, a silent teasing.
Qin Jingyao's eyes darkened and suddenly became deep, but she was completely unaware of it. He tortured her until she was breathless and naked. He covered her ankle with his hot palm and squeezed it. Her delicate body froze immediately, and then she struggled and kicked even more violently.
He held her tighter and whispered hoarsely, his voice deep and dark, "I'm not a saint who can remain calm even when a woman's hand is on my chest. If Nongnong knows how to be afraid, then just be obedient. I'll just apply the medicine for you and it will be fine."
He didn't say anything more, but the burning sensation spreading from his ankles made his unspoken words clear.
Lan Nongnong felt as if she were being entangled by a python. She froze, then began to tremble uncontrollably. She didn't want to show weakness, but she remembered the phrase "take it slow, and you'll have a smoother transition." She repeated it silently several times, but she remained silent, her body gradually softening.
Although Qin Jingyao felt regretful, he still kept his word and let go of his hands, waiting patiently for her to curl up her legs, comb her hair, slightly tilt her head, and reveal her profile with the finger marks still on it, and her slender, white and graceful neck, as if offering a sacrifice.
Lan Nongnong squeezed her eyes shut, her teeth clenched, forcing herself not to dodge, hoping to get rid of him as soon as possible. She tried her best to block out her senses, but his breathing became increasingly distinct in the darkness. The touch of her fingertips delicately applying the medicine followed her everywhere, like a nameless object of fear. Her hair stood on end, and her breathing quickened.
She clasped her hands around her shoulders, pinched her fingertips tightly, and her eyelashes trembled like rain, looking like she was trying her best to endure it.
Qin Jingyao wouldn't mistake her for being emotionally aroused, but he gladly accepted her sentiment. When the plaster had soaked through, and she had reached her limit of patience, she withdrew at the right moment, saying, "Alright," with understanding.
Seeing her breathing heavily as if she had been pardoned, her eyes, as alert as a little animal, looked at him, black and white clearly, as if she was about to say something that would displease him again.
"Even if you get angry again in the future, don't hurt yourself. You don't feel bad, but I do."
Who wouldn't feel bad for themselves? A slap in the face to wake yourself up is worth it.
She remained silent, so he continued quietly, "Your maid said you hit your back today, so lie down and apply the medicine."
Lan Nongnong felt like she was being teased and immediately flew into a rage, raising her finger and scolding him: "Don't go too far! You're breaking your promise and bullying others too much!"
Qin Jingyao pressed her hand lightly with his fingers, his eyebrows slightly raised, and said confidently: "When I said that the medicine would be fine, I meant that all the injured parts needed medicine."
He then tapped her left wrist which was protected in front of her shoulder.
Lan Nongnong then felt a sharp pain in her left wrist. She was so angry that her head ached. She gritted her teeth and said, "My back is not injured!"
"We need to check to see if there are any injuries."
"You! Shameless!"
However, no matter how much she scolded him, it was just scratching the surface. He was determined not to give up until she got the solution, and she was afraid to act. When she hesitated for a moment, he actually made a move to raise his hand.
The two men remained deadlocked for a while, neither conceding.
Lan Nongnong's eyes unconsciously swept towards the secret compartment, intending to use the same trick to force him to retreat, but before she could act, he quickly opened the secret compartment as if he had foreseen it, took out the contents and threw them outside the bed. There were no sharp objects to be found on the bed. She had just fallen asleep and woken up, and there was not even a hairpin in her hair.
But in the current situation, the longer she delays, the more disadvantageous it will be for her.
Lan Nongnong closed her eyes. She had no choice but to extend her left hand while panting. She forced herself to resist the touch and immediately withdrew her hand. She smoothed her hair to her chest and slowly turned her back to him, but in the end she was unable to undress him.
She covered her head and made a final struggle: "Men and women should not touch each other, call Biyu!"
A woman's shy look is particularly charming.
Although only the back of her neck was exposed, her hands tightly grasping the collar of her clothes made her waist look extremely thin, and a thin line was faintly visible from left to right under her shoulder blades. She was so nervous that she was breathing rapidly, as if she could not bear it any longer.
Qin Jingyao adjusted his breathing, but his voice tensed for no reason. "They were serving you closely, but they didn't know you had injuries on your face. How could they trust you? If Nongnong can't do it, I'll help you change your clothes."
Before Lan Nongnong could even speak, she felt a surge of heat on her shoulders. Startled, she dodged forward, but the step-out bed, a custom-made one she had paid a fortune for, stood behind a half-man-high wardrobe. With her fingers clasped around the door, there was no way forward. She straightened her waist and leaned forward, her curves undulating and graceful.
The eyes of the person behind her suddenly darkened, but she was completely unaware. She clenched her fingers tightly until her fingertips turned white. Her breathing became disordered during the struggle, causing her shoulders and back to rise and fall.
After a long moment, Lan Nongnong slowly sat up, her shoulders straight. The silk dress slipped from her shoulders, dangling at her elbows. A pink lace, half a finger's width, stretched across her snow-white back. The pink and white intertwined like the delicate petals of a flower, revealing her slender figure, a breathtaking beauty.
There was silence behind her for a long time. Lan Nongnong was about to speak when the nightgown piled around her waist was suddenly thrown back onto her shoulders, and a thick quilt was also wrapped around her. She only heard a word, "No harm," and when she came to her senses again, the bed was empty and the door opened softly.
She lifted the bed curtains and looked inside, only to breathe a sigh of relief when she saw that no one was in the room. Then, as she lowered her eyes to tie her dress, the belt couldn't bear the strain and snapped.
Lan Nongnong raised her head and looked out the window, the corners of her lips curled up and a sneer escaped from her throat.
---
New Year’s Eve is the day when the family reunites.
Lan Nongnong rose as usual, as if nothing had happened the previous night, and patiently nursed herself to health at her own pace. However, the constant headaches were a hidden danger. After Mo Chou finished examining her pulse, she took the initiative to describe her symptoms in detail, humbly asking, "...The pain is especially severe when my emotions are fluctuating. Doctor Mo, will these headaches be completely gone after I recover? Or will they linger?"
Mo Chou paused for a moment after hearing this. His Excellency asked him about this every day, and he had repeatedly explained to him that the head is unlike the body: the body can be strengthened by external forces, but the mind must not be manipulated recklessly.
The girl's cold has clearly damaged her fundamental health. It's not a big deal in the warm spring and autumn when there's no seasonal stress, but the sweltering summer and bitter winter temperatures are the worst.
He believed that patients should be aware of their own symptoms in order to properly address them. The young woman was insightful and open-minded, knowledgeable in medicine, and had never been shy about seeking medical attention. She should have been told the truth. However, his concern was causing confusion, and he feared that knowing the details would cause the young woman to worry and harm herself.
Lan Nongnong had always held traditional Chinese medicine in high esteem. Seeing him deep in thought, his expression profound, she assumed he would suffer from complications. She had already suspected this, but wasn't afraid. She sympathetically said, "Doctor Mo, don't worry. I know my headache is difficult to cure. I just hope you'll leave me some medical advice and let me know how to manage it."
Her understanding made Mo Chou a little embarrassed. He didn't look up again. The finger marks on the girl's face, though light, were particularly striking. He was really startled when he first saw them this morning. Fortunately, the marks didn't look like they were caused by external force, otherwise there would have been bloodshed in the mansion.
Women are delicate, and when a girl gets angry she will even beat herself. It is really admirable.
"The young lady's insightful nature is unmatched by ordinary people. As long as you maintain a calm mind, avoid extreme joy or sorrow, pay more attention to the cold and hot seasons, and avoid the wind and the cold, you will be fine. As the saying goes, winter diseases are treated in summer. When summer comes, I will prepare a good remedy for you, which will surely achieve twice the result with half the effort."
Lan Nongnong nodded, and asked how long the medicine would need to be taken before getting up to see the guest off.
When they went to the study, Biyu Qingluo followed closely behind. Lan Nongnong felt guilty for causing them to be blamed yesterday, so she told them to go back and rest, and not to accompany her.
Normally, they would have obeyed orders to leave at this point, but today they found excuses to refuse, saying they would simply stay by her side and not disturb her. Lan Nongnong assumed they were afraid she would make another mistake that would implicate them, and since she had already broken her promise with her past, she said nothing more.
Even before nightfall, firecrackers were already blasting from all directions. Darkness quickly descends in winter, and Lan Nongnong only listened for a moment before it was completely dark.
Countless bright fireworks lit up the night sky at this time, and the glass roof was reflected with colorful lights, and the crackling sound was endless.
The sound of orderly footsteps approached from afar. Lan Nongnong looked over and saw the maids carrying the food lined up and entered the courtyard. They knelt before her and saluted in turn. Soon, the aroma of various dishes burst out from the house, filling her nostrils with a rich fragrance.
Following the aroma, Lan Nongnong entered and saw that the round table, about half a meter in diameter, had been doubled in width. A set of white, red-glazed vessels, meant to bring good fortune, was laid out on three layers of plates, large and small, inside and out. The dishes were brightly colored, the presentation exquisite, and the food was dazzling.
During the Chinese New Year two years ago, after returning from her aunt's house, she never treated herself badly even when she was alone. She ordered a few dishes from the restaurant, set out five sets of bowls, chopsticks, and chairs, and placed a family portrait opposite, her parents, brothers, and sisters smiling as if listening.
Lanterns and colorful paintings hung high in the courtyard and inside the house, vases held flowers, and the coffee table was piled high with fresh fruits and melon seeds. But she was the only one who spoke from beginning to end, and when she stopped talking, the room fell silent.
"Why don't you sit down?"
Lan Nongnong was drawn out of her memories when a tall figure entered the hallway. She glanced up at him, but said nothing, taking a seat nearby. She hadn't called Biyu and the other two; they definitely wouldn't sit at the table with him around.
Suddenly remembering something, he stood up and went back into the inner room. After a moment, he came out with two red envelopes and handed them to the two of them. He said with a smile, "It's lively outside tonight. You've been bored with me in the mansion all day. It's time to go out and relax."
The two took the red envelopes, looked at each other, knelt down to accept the reward and express their gratitude, but did not move.
"Since it is the master's order, then listen."
Hearing this, the two of them felt relieved and knelt down to thank them, "Thank you for your grace, young lady, and thank you for your grace, sir." Then they went out the door.
Tonight is New Year's Eve, a time to bid farewell to the old and usher in the new. Outside, fireworks are ablaze. The curtains on both sides of the hallway are drawn, only a few more bottles of fire are lit. A table is set in the hall, with only two chairs facing each other. No matter which side you sit on, you can look out the window and see the view.
At the sharp contrast between bustle and stillness, several musicians carrying pipa, guqin, sheng, and xiao instruments entered the courtyard, paid their respects, and then quietly withdrew. Soon, the melodious sound of music began to rise, reflecting the brilliant night sky and creating a unique atmosphere.
It was New Year's Day, and Lan Nongnong wanted to spend it happily, so she returned to her seat and picked up her bowl and chopsticks.
Qin Jingyao calmed himself down a bit and picked up her favorite dessert with his chopsticks. He was about to put it in her bowl, but his arm paused slightly, and it finally landed on the clean plate beside her. Seeing that she didn't move, he lifted the lid of the bowl and handed her the thick sweet soup, saying gently, "It's a little appetizer. Soup first, then food, is the best way to maintain good health."
Lan Nongnong hesitated for a moment, then glanced across the table, her brows furrowed slightly. There was only one bowl of soup on this table full of delicious dishes? When had he ever been just a body away from her?
Now, every meal of hers consisted of medicinal food, with her daily tonics simmered in her soups. She didn't want to feign anger and refuse to eat, or have the kitchen remake the food later.
His hand suddenly felt lighter, and Qin Jingyao felt relieved. He watched her with a smile as she ate the soup. The soup bowl was only the size of a teacup, and she ate it naturally and gracefully, finishing it in just five or six gulps.
He rolled up his sleeves, took the empty cup and set it aside. He then took the jade wine jug and filled two cups. He held one cup for himself and handed the other to her, saying gently, "This wine is brewed from flowers, fruits, and herbs. It nourishes the body and replenishes energy. Tonight, we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, leaving all the past behind. Drink this cup of wine, and may it be strong and good for the new day."
Lan Nongnong looked up at him. His smile was gentle and clear, like a spring breeze. Today was indeed a good day. She pursed her lips and smiled softly, and the dimple on her left cheek finally appeared after many days.
She took the cup and sniffed it. There was no smell of alcohol or medicine, only a sweet aroma that made her mouth water. She had never been allowed to drink at home, and she hadn't dared to touch it since coming here. Today, she would just try it.
She raised her glass to drink, but was stopped by someone grabbing her wrist. She quickly twisted her wrist to avoid it.
Qin Jingyao was amused by her greedy look. He was usually not allowed to raise his glass when being toasted, but today he was actually actively seeking someone to clink their glasses. The jade cup was lightly touched, making a crisp clink. He raised his glass in gesture, his eyes never leaving her face, and drank it all.
As the fruit wine entered her throat, Lan Nongnong's eyes suddenly widened, looking at the empty cup. The wine, refreshingly cool at first, transformed into warmth as it passed through her throat, a warmth that penetrated her lungs. Her internal organs, which had been chilled by the cold, suddenly warmed up, as if immersed in perfectly warm water; it was incredibly comfortable.
So when the cup was refilled, she drank it all in one gulp. She was greedy for the long-lost warmth that radiated from within, and she was tireless and still wanted more.
During this time, someone spoke to her, but she was impatient to listen, even less to respond. The "bad guy" took her wine cup as a threat, so she just casually responded. Her stomach was bloated, and someone kept feeding her food when her cup was empty. Since it was her favorite food, she forgave him.
But he fed him too much and he couldn't even drink the fruit wine.
“How annoying…”
Her cheeks were rosy, her eyes were crystal clear and watery, her lips were rosy from the fruit wine, and she was pouting slightly in complaint, looking very delicate and lovely.
Qin Jingyao pulled her soft body into his arms, holding her hand as she tried to grab the wine cup, and couldn't help but laugh. The cup was small, and to prevent it from conflicting with her medicine, he used a very light brew. Even though she looked drunk, she had only drunk six cups, the equivalent of three cups of tea.
"Thick..."
He called her softly. She was leaning against his shoulder, half-closed her eyes, lost in thought. He moved his legs slightly, and she suddenly woke up, hurriedly throwing her arms around his neck, her face full of panic.
He chuckled softly, intending to tease her again. He saw her hooking one hand around him as she searched for the "culprit." He helped her just in time, and when she found him, she showed a look of surprise and satisfaction, raised her hand to pat him, and muttered incoherently, "Bad leg, trying to throw me..."
But because of dizziness, she missed the target and her body tilted, closing her eyes and screaming in fear. He pulled her back into his arms, and immediately grasped his clothes tightly like a vine, shouting in a low voice: "I'm going to fall, I'm going to fall!"
Qin Jingyao hugged her tightly, stroked her hair and soothed her softly: "Don't be afraid, Nong Nong, I'm holding you, you won't fall."
"Nong Nong, you are safe, don't be afraid."
She calmed down so easily, lying obediently in his arms, humming something. She was completely drunk, but she was so obedient, so obedient that his heart softened.
"Thick..."
She responded dazedly.
Qin Jingyao carried her to the rocking chair in the hallway and sat her down, carefully wrapping her in the cloak. The music outside the courtyard had stopped, but the glazed roof was filled with noise and splendor, rising and falling one after another.
It flickers, as if time is flying by.
The rocking chair swayed gently, and there was peace around the two of them, as if they were supporting each other and spending the rest of their lives together.
"You have to be this well-behaved even after you wake up, okay?"
"Okay?"
"Hmm..."
He lowered his eyes, gently pinched her jaw and coaxed her softly, "Nong Nong wants to say it, okay."
When she didn't respond, he kept whispering in her ear until she was fed up and said "OK".
"Nong Nong, please stop blaming me and make peace with me, okay?"
"......good."
"Nong Nong, be obedient and never think of leaving me again."
"good..."
"Every year from now on, Nong Nong will stay with me to celebrate the New Year."
"good...."
"I wish it could be this long..."
Be of one mind with me, keep this oath together, stay together till old age, and be together through life and death.
On New Year's Eve, fireworks and silver flowers filled the air, and the rosy clouds shone endlessly. In the small courtyard beneath the glazed roof, all was silent, and only a satisfied chuckle could be heard.
-----------------------
The author has something to say: 1 From Tao Yuanming's "Returning to the Countryside"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
