Chapter 57 Chapter 57 Marriage, Sterilization
Lan Nongnong was always thinking about how to get out of the current predicament.
She was under constant surveillance, her clothes and bedding having to be provided by others, leaving her with nothing to hide. Within the Liuli Mansion, there were over a hundred people, and she encountered one almost every few steps. He threatened someone else's life, so she had to consider how to avoid harming the innocent.
She had no help from outside and was constrained from within. Even if she racked her brains, all her ways out were completely blocked by him.
However, from a distance, she only needed to maintain a healthy body that wouldn't hold her back, then appear weak to the enemy, causing him to lower his guard and lie in wait. Then, she could choose a time when he was not present and everyone in the mansion was distracted by other matters. Finally, she could leave behind sufficient evidence to deter him from taking action and harming innocent people.
With a clear direction, she could defeat them one by one. First, she had to exclude the aunts; they had always believed in her, and finding a good reason would be enough to appease them.
It is important to keep fit and exercise every day.
As the saying goes, opportunities come to those who are prepared. So, as long as she keeps this in mind, she can extract the inadvertent value from any subtle details.
For example, calming incense, wedding procedures, and selecting a matchmaker.
On the wedding day, no matter how arbitrary he was, he could not allow her to marry in the same mansion. This would be a humiliating act. Leaving the glass mansion and waiting for him to come and pick her up would be her only chance.
She knew about the extravagant publicity over the past two months, and she also knew that this day would be packed with people. And when there are so many people and so many eyes, it's the perfect opportunity to fish in troubled waters.
at last--
Lan Nongnong sat on the courtyard wall and suddenly laughed out loud. She couldn't help laughing, and her tears flowed like rain. She wished she could tear open the pain in her heart and throw it away!
The sun was high in the sky at this moment. She was basking in the sunlight from her high vantage point, but her limbs were cold and she was shivering.
The hand he extended trembled like a sieve as he pointed at the people below who should have been unconscious one by one. Finally, he stopped at the man on horseback, holding a piece of letter paper and wearing a bright red wedding dress, who should not be here to get married. He choked with anger and said, "You knew it long ago, you knew it long ago!"
Lan Nongnong's throat felt congested, nearly suffocating. Her head was buzzing and pounding, and for a moment she was unable to speak. She struggled to breathe, but her chest felt like it was clogged with water-soaked cotton wool. Each breath was difficult, painful, angry, and powerless.
It's ridiculous that she thought she was dormant and enduring humiliation, but in fact she was just a clown in the eyes of others!
The sky is high and the earth is vast, but it can't accommodate a mere girl.
“!”
Lan Nongnong was filled with hatred and rage, her eyes red as she stared intently, even considering the possibility of dying with him. Her body followed her thoughts, and by the time she regained consciousness, she had already plucked out her silver hairpin and leaped from the wall, stabbing him straight in the face!
"I'm going to kill you!"
"grown ups!"
"Ma'am, be careful!"
The alley suddenly erupted in commotion. Qin Jingyao remained motionless, simply looking up, a smile on his lips. He extended his arms and plucked the woman, who had rushed towards him with the determination of a moth to a flame, into his arms. He removed the silver hairpin from her hand and flung it far away, easily suppressing her struggles and letting her bite her neck as if on the verge of death.
His flesh stung, blood oozed out, but he laughed heartily, grasped the reins, and spurred his horse to the ground, saying in a loud voice, "Welcome my lady back home!"
"yes!"
Lan Nongnong hated her lack of martial arts skills, repeatedly letting him easily dominate her. She bit off a piece of flesh from her neck, spat it out fiercely, her lips and jaw stained with blood. This madman smeared blood into her mouth and forced her to swallow it. Whenever she choked and tried to vomit, he would pinch her jaw and kiss her deeper and harder.
-
He personally dressed her in the wedding gown, from head to toe, and personally arranged her hair and put on the phoenix crown.
Lan Nongnong was finally drugged and left limp, so he carried her into the bridal sedan chair with his own hands. He held her waist as she crossed the fire basin and bowed in the hall, all while someone else supported her.
She was wearing a red veil and could not see anything. The sounds of congratulations and laughter in the air seemed to be isolated from the vacuum and were hazy and difficult to distinguish.
She leaned on him, her veil lifted, and he held her hand as she drank the wedding wine. Then, like a puppet, she let him undress and wash, and lay naked between the scarlet bed curtains.
She didn't know what he whispered in her ear, but she knew that after he left, she grudgingly tried to gather her strength, but her body remained unresponsive, as if it had lost consciousness. Tears and sweat soaked her hair and skin, and only when night fell and the door opened softly did she gradually regain her strength.
Qin Jingyao, seemingly oblivious to the hatred in her eyes, approached with a smile, carrying a food box. He had already showered and was wearing only a slanted-lapel nightgown, revealing a sliver of his muscular chest. He sat beside the couch, scooped up some porridge, and smiled at her. "Nong Nong, do you want to eat it yourself, or do you want your husband to feed you?"
Lan Nongnong barely raised her arms, and upon hearing this, she ignored the fact that she was naked from the quilt down and swung her arm towards him!
"Shameless! Disgusting! Despicable!"
But just this one move exhausted all the strength he had just accumulated. He lay on the side of the bed, gasping for breath, and his hastily cut black hair spread out in messy arcs.
Qin Jingyao narrowed his eyes, took a deep breath, and suppressed the anger caused by her hair being cut. He stood up and moved the food box and porridge bowl away. She had eaten very little today, but since she had no appetite, force-feeding her would only make her feel uncomfortable later.
The candlelight flickered, and Lan Nongnong felt a sudden chill. She looked up to see him striding toward her. With a wave of his hand, the curtains fell, and the large red drapery drooped. The light suddenly dimmed, and the wide bed seemed oppressive and cramped as he approached.
"You are not allowed to come here!"
Lan Nongnong knew what was about to happen, and she also understood that she was powerless to stop it, yet like a drowning person, she still struggled despite knowing it was futile. But the bed was so small, and she had no strength left, so she could only watch him lean over and approach.
"Get away! I'm going to kill you!"
"Qin Jingyao, I hate you!"
"I don't want..."
"Get out! Get out!"
She was exhausted and dispirited, like a civet cat with its claws pulled out. Her blows felt like a caress, and her angry rebukes sounded like soft whispers.
Qin Jingyao's heart blossomed like a flower, and he couldn't help but laugh. He nuzzled her with the tip of his nose, listening to her panting and whispering, savoring her every whimper. The woman on the couch, whom he had used every possible means to obtain, was finally in his grasp.
No matter how much compassion he showed, he no longer had to endure it from this moment on.
The muscles on his back gradually expanded, and a light sweat seeped out. One hand interlocked with hers, leaving the other hand free--
Trembling and touching.
The red candles were burning brightly, the light and shadows were swaying, filling the room with warmth.
“--!”
Lan Nongnong's eyes widened, but she couldn't utter a sound. She felt as if her body were being torn apart by a raging fire, a stinging and burning pain. Tears silently fell from her eyes, her vision completely obscured by the man's furrowed brow. Her breathing became disordered, and her whole body trembled.
This state of mind, when seen from the outside, is a completely different scene. Her eyes are like water, shimmering and radiant, her cheeks are rosy, and her breathing is soft and charming, just like a delicate flower that has been carefully nurtured, finally blooming in the rain and dew.
--------------- ------- ----- --- --
Yesterday's wedding was grand, and all the officials came to congratulate him. Although the emperor and empress were not present in person, they bestowed generous gifts. Since there were no important matters at court, Qin Jingyao requested five days of wedding leave.
After tasting the sweetness, he couldn't bear to let go of his love, but he actually became a foolish person. His lust blinded his mind and he didn't attend the court early.
The effects of the drug had long since worn off, but Lan Nongnong still couldn't get up. Her entire body felt like it was falling apart, unable to even lift a fingertip, leaving only a few trembling breaths. Her tears had long since dried, her throat was hoarse and unspeakable, and only waves of sweat continued to seep out.
The light should have been bright by now, but it seeped in through the thin red curtains, making her feel hazy and swaying, making her dizzy and nauseous. Suddenly, she felt a crawling sensation like ants on the back of her neck, and her body trembled and suddenly tensed up -
When I woke up again, everything was dark and quiet. My breaths were steady and long, but my body felt like it was bound by shackles. The slightest movement was instantly tightened.
Lan Nongnong strained to lift her head, and immediately saw the sharp jaw and neck veins. Her breathing quickened, and her eyes burned, bloodshot, as if drawing the entire crimson curtain into them.
Like prey trapped by a giant python, she only had a glimmer of edge left in her teeth. Gathering her last bit of strength, she bit down fiercely on the defenseless throat.
"Oh,"
Those were not sharp teeth at all, and the biting felt more like teasing.
Qin Jingyao closed his eyes, feeling the pressure in his throat tighten and loosen, his body, already savoured, igniting like boiling oil on fire. His chest rose and fell, his breathing grew heavier, and the palm of his hand clasped around her waist burned like a brand.
However, the delicate body in my arms was like a pear blossom after being in the rain, trembling and weak, and it was no longer possible to receive my love.
A low, hoarse sigh escaped from his throat. Xiang Wei exerted force and forced open the harmless teeth.
The darkness obscured the strong desire surging in his eyes. He placed his big hand on the back of her slender neck and gave it a gentle pinch, causing the woman, whose eyes were bloodshot, to fall asleep softly.
-
Daylight streamed into the room. Lan Nongnong opened her eyes blankly, unable to adjust for a moment. She turned her head away. After a moment, she slowly turned back, her gaze fixed on the void. Her rising and falling breathing strained her body, and a low, muffled groan escaped her throat.
The sound was like a mechanism being activated, and several subtle footsteps were heard from outside.
"Greetings, madam. Madam, would you like to rise?"
A glimmer of light gradually gathered in her hollow eyes. After a night's rest, her body had regained some strength. Lan Nongnong supported herself with her arms and half-raised herself.
She hadn't been out of bed for several days, and even when she sat up, she felt dizzy. Her body, clean and refreshed, felt heavy and numb, and she couldn't move. She could only lean on her side, and needed help from others to wash, rinse, and drink water.
Her dark hair was carefully tied up and fell behind her. Three layers of fine fabric couldn't hide the scars dotting her neck. As Lan Nongnong lowered her eyes to sip her tea, the large scars spreading across the back of her neck flashed by.
Biyu and the other girl lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at her. After serving her breakfast, they suddenly knelt down and kowtowed, pleading guilty: "We have deceived Madam, and our crime deserves death. We beg Madam to punish us severely."
As the summer heats up, the glazed roof has been removed, and the sounds of wind and birdsong drift into the house. The house is quiet, with only the fragrance of flowers lingering in the air.
The two maids knew that they had served poorly in the past and should not have been retained. It was only because of their master's kindness that they were forgiven. Now, it was only natural that they should be punished for their deception.
Just as sweat was dripping down his forehead and his back was trembling slightly, he heard a hoarse, weak voice faintly say: "...You don't have to kneel before me. You were just following orders. It's me who accidentally hurt you earlier. I should be the one apologizing."
This unnatural calmness frightened the two maids so much that they broke out in a cold sweat. They hurriedly caught it with the back of their hands and lowered their bodies even lower: "Madam, you must not do this!"
"My humble servant body cannot afford to apologize to Madam!"
There was silence in the bed for a moment before a low, hoarse voice came: "Get up. Go make me a bowl of contraceptive soup."
The second maidservant, who had just stood up straight, trembled suddenly, and knocked her knees hard to the ground again, saying repeatedly: "I dare not!"
Lan Nongnong raised the corner of her lips slightly and changed the subject, "Then why don't we ask Doctor Mo to come over? Is that okay?"
The two men finally accepted the order. One bowed and left to pass on the message, while the other remained by the bed, two steps away from her.
Mo Chou arrived very quickly, seemingly having been waiting outside the courtyard for a long time. He did not enter, but simply stood outside the inner room door and bowed, "Greetings, Madam. I will do whatever you wish."
Lan Nongnong still hasn't corrected the address. No one will change it even if she tells him, so why waste her breath?
The inner chambers and the living room were crowded with servants, but she ignored them. Her voice, though weak, was clear and frank: "My uterine cold has not healed. Even if I get pregnant by chance, the fetus will be difficult to save. If I do get pregnant, will it be possible for it to survive? Will there be hemorrhage during childbirth, or even death?"
As soon as the words fell, the room fell silent.
This blunt statement startled Mo Chou, who only replied truthfully after a moment: "Madam, your uterine cold has not yet healed, making it difficult for her to conceive, and it is not advisable for her to do so for the time being. If she does become pregnant, it will be difficult to preserve her life."
"In that case, I'd like to trouble Doctor Mo to prescribe me some contraceptive soup, just in case."
"this....."
"Madam, please allow me to tell you that with your current physical condition, you don't need the contraceptive soup. Moreover, this medicine is cold in nature and conflicts with the prescriptions you take daily."
"Please think twice, Madam."
After Mo Chou left, Lan Nongnong lay down to rest again. By lunchtime, she felt a little more relaxed, and Biyu and the other two helped her down to the bed.
Her skin is now extremely white, and the rose marks on the inside of her wrists are becoming more and more noticeable.
After lunch, I regained some strength and could move slowly on my own without assistance. The slightest friction caused unbearable pain.
-
Qin Jingyao had taken several days off, and matters piled up. Upon his return to court, matters of all sizes piled up like snowflakes. He patiently handled each one, declining lunch. After reporting to the emperor, he rode back to his palace, and it was already 3 p.m.
The summer days were long, the sun still blazing high in the sky. The woman he longed for, the woman he loved so deeply, the woman he loved so much, lay in a rocking chair, dressed in white, quietly basking in the afterglow.
Peaceful and comfortable, the years are quiet and good.
It was as if her collapse and struggle on the wedding day were all an illusion.
Qin Jing walked closer slowly, with warmth in his eyes.
She is already his wife, married in a formal ceremony, and everyone knows it. How could it be an illusion?
"Are you feeling better?"
The dazzling light was blocked, and Lan Nongnong closed her eyes for a long time before slowly opening them to look at the person who came. Her eyes seemed calm, but deep down she was holding back a myriad of emotions.
She shook her head, her voice still hoarse: "Let's go soak in the hot spring for a while."
Qin Jingyao narrowed his eyes slightly, then responded with a smile, leaning over and gently picking her up.
The two of them went to the warm bath where the water was slippery and nourishing to the skin. They were both wearing only single clothes when entering the water. The water soaked through their clothes, and the red marks on her body were clearly visible like red plum blossoms reflected in the snow, which was tender and beautiful.
The pool wall was as solid as jade, and Qin Jingyao held her in his arms. The water was heavy, and even with his arms around her, she seemed to be holding his neck anxiously.
He placed his large hand gently on her belly and whispered tenderly, "...Nong Nong's body hasn't recovered yet. How can I bear to let you suffer the pain of pregnancy again?"
"...Medicine should not be used indiscriminately. I will be more careful in the future."
"I've been indulging myself these past few days. When I'm not at home, you're the only master. You don't have parents-in-law to serve, and external affairs won't disturb your peace. All you need to do is rest and recuperate slowly."
"...I just saw you exposed to the wind and sun. Can you still bear it?"
He whispered to her, but Lan Nongnong pretended not to hear. She raised her hand and pulled out the golden hairpin that she had specially pinned on her temples. In an instant, her long black hair fell down, attracting all his attention.
Her fingertips caressed the pulsating blue veins on the side of his neck, and her other hand suddenly gathered strength, gripped the golden hairpin tightly, and stabbed it down without hesitation!
The hot spring pool is round in shape, with a red-crowned crane head standing on the south side. Hot water pours out from the crane's beak, and the sound of water is loud.
But amidst this clear sound, there was a very light "ding" sound.
The next moment, the sound of water in the pool suddenly became chaotic.
Blood flowed down his well-defined shoulders, but unfortunately the amount of blood was not much, and as soon as it dripped into the water, it was washed away by the rapid current.
If it were winter, Qin Jingyao would never hide. He would gladly accept a few minor injuries to vent her anger.
However, her summer clothes were thin, and the injury on the side of her neck was difficult to hide. If someone saw it, it would be disadvantageous to her.
He bent his back slightly, smiling as he gazed at the woman whose hands were handcuffed behind her back, forced to look up with hatred in her eyes. He leaned over and wantonly invaded her lips and teeth until she was almost out of breath and almost suffocated, then he slightly retreated. He then brought his bloody shoulder to her lips and let her bite it hard.
He gently stroked her black hair that was scattered on the water and sighed softly: "Nong Nong is too impatient. You should have waited until I fell asleep before doing anything."
Lan Nongnong knew this, but the mere sight of him made her blood surge. It was a miracle that she could endure this long.
It’s just hateful, hateful!
“Ugh—!”
Suddenly, the back of her neck was firmly grasped, her lips and teeth sealed, and hot, fishy blood was forced into her throat. Lan Nongnong twisted and struggled, but in the end, like a fish on an anvil, there was no chance of escape.
She tried to open her eyes wide and glared at him hatefully, but when she saw the passionate smile on his face, she suddenly realized that making him bleed was exactly what he wanted, and it only added a bit of crazy fun to this entanglement.
What else can I do? What else can I do!
Her hands had been loosened without her noticing, and she suddenly grabbed at his neck, kicking him hard in the stomach with both feet. As soon as her lips and teeth were free, Lan Nongnong gasped and gritted her teeth, "You'd better never close your eyes, or I will kill you!"
"Hahaha."
He stood up straight, and the water in the pool crashed down. His muscles were toned, his back was tight and sharp, and his legs were powerful, and every step he took was filled with accumulated strength.
"If I can die at the hands of Nong Nong, what regrets would there be?"
Despite what he said, after nightfall, he tied her limbs tightly, pressing her back against his chest, so that she couldn't even bite him to vent her anger.
After two days, her health improved, but she could no longer rest at night. Her mouth was blocked, so she couldn't curse, her wrists were tied, and her legs were restrained. No matter how unwilling she was, she couldn't move.
She rolled and tangled until she was exhausted, and even when the restraints were later loosened, she had already been drained of all her strength.
Every time she woke up, he was gone. But when he was around, she felt as if her tendons and bones had been torn apart, unable to even struggle, let alone take his life.
Sleepless at night, drowsy during the day, Lan Nongnong could no longer remember how much time had passed. She only vaguely remembered waking from a daze and hearing Doctor Mo's low admonition: "Indulgence... may damage your health, don't..."
But he forced her to indulge herself in bed, and outside the door and through the windows, voices could be heard everywhere.
She didn't feel ashamed when she heard what Dr. Mo said, she just wanted to laugh.
In this absurd world, what shame is there?
After that, although his constant pursuit of her day and night had subsided a little, she was not at all happy. He simply stopped asking her every night and only came every other day. Once her period was over, he would take a leave of absence and even intensify his pursuit during the day.
Every time Lan Nongnong felt like she was about to die on her bed, he would forcibly pull her back to the world. She cursed him to die of exhaustion, but in the end, she was the one who had to take the medicine due to weakness.
Hatred seethed through her bones, yet it could not move him in the slightest, much less destroy the source of his evil. Unable to escape, unable to avoid, she initially managed to vent her anger by throwing objects, but then she accidentally cut her hand, and no more porcelain remained near her.
When it fell again, not even a sound could be heard.
I have to endure this day after day, and I don’t know how many more days and nights I will have to endure in the future. I also don’t know what the point of holding on is.
-
She had been feeling depressed, but Qin Jingyao handled the situation very carefully, preventing her old illness from recurring.
---
At the end of July, the heat is surging and the hot summer is at its peak.
Households with a little more money kept basins of ice in their carriages to cool off. The rich and powerful were even more extravagant, with servants carrying ice pots accompanying them when they traveled. Where they sat or lay, curtains of water hung down, and icebergs formed a circle around them, bringing an extremely cool atmosphere.
The Wang General's Mansion had earned its illustrious status through its hard work. Wang Yingzi had never experienced hardship except for martial arts training since childhood. Later, she married into the Zhenwu Marquis Mansion, with the support of both her husband's family and her own family, no one dared to neglect her.
Afterwards, the couple set up their own residence, and her husband, Fu Zhirong, treated her as superior in everything, with everyone in the house obeying his orders. In April, she became pregnant, and Fu Zhirong took even greater care of her, fearing that she would suffer from the slightest cold or heat.
Now, after just a few steps, I feel tired and hot.
Wang Yingzi was led to the "Xiaofeng Pavilion" in the courtyard and sat down. The well-behaved and smart servants served her flower tea and stood quietly by the side to fan her.
Two months ago, when Shang Shuling got married, she hadn't arrived due to pregnancy concerns, so she only sent gifts. Now that she had personally visited this renowned Liuli mansion in the capital, she could truly experience its grandeur.
The mansions of the rich and powerful are usually dotted with pavilions, dotted with rocks, with winding bridges and flowing water complemented by rare flowers and precious trees. This mansion is similar in many ways, but it is even more ingenious.
The carved beams and painted buildings are more and more exquisite, the flowers and trees are particularly gorgeous, and there are many exquisite furnishings that have never been seen before, and every detail is extraordinary.
It’s a pity that the glazed tiles on the top have been removed, so we can no longer see the dazzling sight.
Although the fan brought a gentle breeze, it was ultimately not as cool and pleasant as the iceberg. Wang Yingzi was pondering this when she suddenly saw a group of people coming out of the corridor behind the flower garden. The woman in the lead walked a little hurriedly, pausing every few steps. Two green-clad maids behind her repeatedly stepped forward to support her, clearly feeling unwell.
Wang Yingzi frowned and stood up, lifting her skirt to go out to meet the woman. However, she was pregnant and had difficulty moving, so she met the woman face to face before she had gone far.
The sun was at its peak, illuminating the vast expanse before her eyes. She was about to raise her lips to greet him, but the moment she saw his face clearly, she swallowed the words that were on her lips back.
The woman in front of me had bright eyes and slightly raised pink lips. She was wearing a peach-colored long dress with a light blue shawl over it. Her hair was tied up high, and two long peach-colored ribbons of the same color as her dress hung down from her bun, swaying gently in the wind.
Her clothes and makeup are lively, there is spring in her eyes, there is a faint trace of ear on the side of her neck, and her figure is slim and plump. At first glance, you can tell that she is a beloved and delicate girl.
But when she inadvertently lowered her eyes, a chilling aura emanated from her. Her skin was so pale, almost transparent in the sunlight, that at first glance she looked as if she were sculpted from ice and snow, a stark contrast to her former, bright-eyed, vibrant, and lively self.
Wang Yingzi stared at him for a long moment before she sighed softly, "Nong Nong, after getting married... things are really different."
Lan Nongnong wanted to smile like she always did, but her mood had changed, and the smile on her lips seemed forced. But since her friend was visiting, she had to force herself to smile.
"Sister Yingzi, how are you?"
Biyu had told her on the way here that her pregnancy was stable, but Lan Nongnong still didn't dare let her stand for long, so she gently took her arm and walked slowly towards the pavilion.
"It's my fault. I promised Sister Yingzi in a letter that I would come to visit, but not only did I not come, I even bothered her to come in person despite being pregnant..."
Her voice was soft, her words were appropriate, and her behavior was polite and considerate, but it made Wang Yingzi feel even more uncomfortable, and she didn't know how to respond for a moment.
Looking around, he saw maids standing inside and outside the pavilion with their heads bowed. Although they were polite and respectful, they stood very close to him. He was afraid that any private words they said would be heard.
Lan Nongnong knew why she frowned, and felt helpless. Although she had once wanted to kill that man, she would never harm herself.
It was ridiculous that he and the others refused to believe it and continued to stare at her closely, as if she would do something to hurt herself if she wasn't careful.
ridiculous.
Thinking of this, Lan Nongnong suddenly felt a surge of anger in her heart. She suppressed it and asked with a forced smile, "Sister, is there something you want to ask me today?"
As soon as she finished speaking, she realized that she had spoken out of turn. Asking the purpose of the visit like this was almost like driving someone away. She hadn't seen an outsider for a long time and didn't even know what to say.
He tried to turn the situation around, but in the end, no words came out.
Wang Yingzi took the opportunity to continue, "I haven't seen Nong Nong for a long time. Firstly, I'm worried about your health, and secondly, I want to invite you to go with me. There's a small Buddhist temple that's just opened on Miaofeng Mountain outside the city. I heard the scriptures there are very good, so I want to bring a copy back to offer as a sacrifice. So I'm thinking of inviting you to accompany us. I wonder if Nong Nong would be willing to go?"
Mentioning the Buddhist nunnery, Lan Nongnong couldn't help but think of Aunt Yuqing and the others. She wondered how they were doing now. Did they harbor any resentment for not having attended her "wedding ceremony"? Thinking of this, her heart felt like it was being pierced by a needle, a dull pain rising in her.
"If you have such a wish, my lady, shall I order the carriage to be prepared?"
Lan Nongnong suddenly turned around and saw Biyu nodding slightly.
She was naturally excited to be able to go out, but she knew there had to be a reason for the unusual situation. First, her friend came to visit unexpectedly, and now she was suddenly allowed to go out. No matter how she thought about it, it seemed strange.
Her heart was pounding and she still felt uncomfortable, but she turned to the woman opposite her who looked calm and said with a smile, "Of course I'm willing to go. But Sister Yingzi, can you still hold on?"
Wang Yingzi's brows relaxed, and she immediately stood up and held her hand: "Don't worry, Nongnong."
When they were about to leave, they each took a separate car. Wang Yingzi wanted to ride with her and chat, but was told that she could not keep ice in her car. Although she was pregnant and afraid of the heat, she could stand it, so she said it was okay.
However, Lan Nongnong refused. She didn't know whether Wang Yingzi's visit today was at his behest, but she absolutely could not let a pregnant woman suffer because of her.
Moreover, she had not interacted with anyone for a long time, and was afraid that her words might hurt feelings. She was even more afraid of hearing the other party say something that seemed to be comforting but actually required her to submit and compromise, just like the last time they met.
---
Miaofeng Mountain was twenty miles from the capital, and the carriage took about half an hour after leaving the city. Lan Nongnong hadn't been out for a long time, and at first she lifted the curtain to watch, but gradually her interest grew dull. Although the carriage wasn't too bumpy, she fell asleep without realizing it, and only realized it had stopped when she was gently awakened.
Not wanting to keep the pregnant woman waiting for too long, she hurriedly fixed her clothes and got out of the car. Unexpectedly, when she looked up, she was stunned.
“Nong Nong!”
The capital city was not like Yuqing, where the powerful and influential gathered. Although there were people to manage things, everyone in the nunnery still strictly followed their duties, fearing that any mistake would bring trouble to Nong Nong, so they tried their best to be thorough in everything and avoid any trouble.
Whenever a carriage or horse was seen approaching, someone would be waiting at the steps to greet them. This morning, upon hearing that Nong Nong was approaching, Yun An even arrived early. If it weren't for the nunnery's busy affairs, I'm afraid everyone would have gathered here to wait.
It wasn't until her hands were held by someone and the tears on her cheeks were gently wiped away that Lan Nongnong finally woke up from a dream and called out in a trembling voice, "...Aunt?"
Seeing her like this, Yun An couldn't help but have tears in his eyes, and said with pity: "Nong Nong has suffered."
Lan Nongnong didn't have time to think about why she said that. When she heard the word "suffering", the pain that had been accumulating in her heart for many days could no longer be suppressed. She suddenly threw herself into the other's arms and burst into tears.
Though located in the capital, this Buddhist temple resembled the Qingyun Temple of old, nestled against the mountainside. Beneath the long stone steps lay an empty space, only the gentle mountain breeze echoed, accompanied by a heart-wrenching cry.
She cried uncontrollably, as if a child who had suffered a lot of injustice outside had finally returned home and no longer had to suppress her sadness and could vent it all.
Wang Yingzi sat in the car and did not get out. Just hearing the crying made her heartbroken and she burst into tears. Biyu and others witnessed it with their own eyes and felt the same pain.
"...Don't be afraid, Nong Nong, your aunts are here. From now on, they will stay with you in the capital and will never let anyone bully you again."
"Cry. Nong Nong has been wronged. Crying will make you feel better."
Lan Nongnong cried until her head hurt and her throat was sore, and she couldn't stop sobbing. Gradually, she calmed down under the gentle caresses. At this moment, she suddenly remembered what Aunt Yun An had just said. She quickly stood up and asked in a tearful voice, "What did you mean by what you said just now?"
Yun An wiped away her tears, then raised his hand to wipe the corners of his own eyes, forcing a smile and saying, "Are you feeling better now? This is a long story, so please come back to the nunnery with me and we'll explain in detail."
Lan Nongnong was so anxious that she didn't care about anything else. She quickly took her arm and climbed up the stairs, adding in a low voice, "I'm fine. I just miss my aunts too much. Don't worry, aunt."
The stone steps were not long, and the two walked hand in hand. By the time they entered the nunnery, Lan Nongnong had already roughly understood the whole story.
The letters she had sent to her aunts in advance were never delivered. Her aunts were brought to the capital long before the wedding date, and even on the wedding day, they were arranged to watch the ceremony in secret.
She failed to show up before and after the marriage because he imitated her handwriting and used her name as an excuse!
Aunt Yun'an mentioned that she wanted to stay in the capital for a long time. It turned out that she was worried about her being alone there with no relatives to rely on, so she decided to move Qingyun Temple here.
Aunt Yun'an said it unintentionally, but if he had not taken the initiative to confess his identity to the aunts after getting married, and lied that she was crying all day because of missing her relatives, how could the aunts make such a decision that went against their conscience given their indifferent and reclusive nature?
It’s hard to leave your hometown!
How can people be so shameless and plot so much!
Incense curled in the Buddhist temple, and a golden Buddha statue sat solemnly. The sound of the wooden fish suddenly stopped, and Lan Nongnong's heart seemed to suddenly become silent with this decisive pause. She fell to her knees outside the Buddhist temple door, unable to hold on any longer.
“Nong Nong!”
"Don't cry anymore. You've been away from home for a long time. You should be happy to be reunited today."
"You are weak and afraid of the cold, get up quickly..."
Lan Nongnong refused to get up. She pressed her forehead against the door sill and gripped the door frame with her ten fingers, squeezing so hard that her nails lost all color.
Fearing they might hurt her, the few people were unable to help her up.
"...My aunts' advice in the past was based on my own foolishness, my self-righteousness, my credulity, and ultimately my deception. Furthermore, it caused them to worry about me and leave their hometown..."
She suddenly looked up, a deep red scar on her forehead was clearly visible, her eyes were bloodshot, and tears were falling like rain.
Lan Nongnong loosened her lips that had been bitten and bled, leaned over and looked up at the golden Buddha in the hall. Her expression was pious, yet shattered like a feather in the wind, and her voice was like a weeping oriole:
"Aunt Qingfeng, Aunt Yun'an, Aunt Yunming..."
"...I was wrong."
This word "wrong" came from the bottom of my heart and weighed a thousand pounds, so heartbreaking.
“Nong Nong!”
Biyu and the other person stopped outside the nunnery and could only vaguely hear the sad sobbing inside. They felt their hearts tighten and their eyes get hot.
The people in the nunnery who witnessed this scene were deeply shocked. With the exception of the abbot Qingfeng, who turned his back and covered his face, the rest of the people lost their usual indifference. Tears welled up in their eyes, they were at a loss, and even their chanting of the Buddha's name trembled.
"Fool, no one is perfect. Who can be without mistakes? Stop crying."
"Moving to the capital was our own decision. What does it have to do with Nongnong? You absolutely must not blame yourself like this."
"Exactly. Cultivation focuses on cultivating the mind. Where is not a place of cultivation? Changing to this new environment is another opportunity for cultivation."
"Nong Nong is so grief-stricken, but do you have any other grievances?"
The weight of guilt weighed heavily on Lan Nongnong, making it hard to breathe. The more her aunts tried to comfort her, the more she felt suffocated. A raging wind rushed down her throat, tearing at her internal organs. Her head throbbed with pain, as if her entire body would shatter at any moment.
But when she looked up, she saw all the aunts gathered around her, wiping her tears and rubbing her back. Everyone's face was filled with pity, and every word they said was full of love.
They were not blood relatives, brought together by fate, yet they worried and toiled for her, devoting all their energy to her. With such deep gratitude, how could she bear to make them endure even more?
This Buddhist nunnery, still called "Qingyun Nunnery," was also originally an ancient temple, even more majestic and extensive than the former Yuqing site. Every brick and tile bears witness to ingenuity, and every flower and tree exudes elegance.
Behind the Buddhist temple is a hidden paradise, with quiet rooms connected by corridors, stacked with strange rocks, and natural scenery. It is where the people in the temple live their daily lives.
The door of the nunnery closed gently, and everyone took their seats in the abbot's room in the backyard. After calming down a little, Lan Nongnong wanted to pick up the pot to pour tea for everyone, but was gently stopped.
The head of Qingfeng Temple sat at the head of the table, his expression calm, with only a barely perceptible hint of red in his eyes. He spoke softly to the woman who was suppressing her sobs but whose shoulders were still trembling,
"Answer me truthfully. Apart from him concealing his identity and deceiving you, is there anything else going on between you two?"
Her throat felt like it was stabbed with a sharp blade, and every swallow was excruciatingly painful. Lan Nongnong's throat moved slightly, and she slowly raised her eyes. Though slightly red and swollen, her eyes were clear and bright. She shook her head, her voice hoarse but each word firm: "Aunt, this is all, nothing else."
Everyone in the hall had experienced the world and understood human nature. How could she have cried so heartbreakingly just because of a deception?
The abbot of Qingfeng Temple then asked gently, "If that's all, why are you so grief-stricken? When did you realize his identity was fake? Why didn't you mention it in your letters? If you had such a grudge, why did you decide to get married? Is everything really as he said?"
Although the man has come forward to confess, we should not just listen to one side of the story.
The high-ranking families are like the sea, and the sudden change in status was so shocking that even they felt indescribable shock when they heard it, and they were only surprised and not happy.
She is a simple-minded woman with a clear distinction between love and hate, and she hates deception the most in love. How should she face it and cope with it when her beloved suddenly turns into a powerful official who is already married?
Lan Nongnong held a handkerchief and gently pressed her sore eye sockets, calmed herself down, held the teacup in both hands to moisten her throat, then took a deep breath and raised her head to meet everyone's gaze.
The corners of her lips pulled up into a forced and bitter smile. "To be honest, aunts, I've never had feelings for anyone before, and I didn't realize I was such a narrow-minded person. So narrow-minded, even though I've decided to forgive, I can't help but feel wronged and secretly depressed."
"Last October, I accidentally discovered that he was a fake and that he was already married. My aunts knew my personality well, so how could I be willing to share a husband with someone else? So, even though the thought of separation was like a thousand cuts, I was determined to leave. Unexpectedly, I fell into the water on the way and was swept away by the rapids. Fortunately, a mother and daughter surnamed Li from Changle Village rescued me."
"I later learned that he had been searching for me since I fell into the water, even earning the Emperor's censure. He sincerely apologized for concealing the truth and explained in detail that his marriage to Madam Xu was a temporary solution. Only then... did I forgive him."
"But after all, the knot in my heart is hard to untie, so I want him to marry me as if we were just acquaintances. I didn't tell my aunts in the letter, firstly because I was too embarrassed to speak up, and secondly because they are far away in Yuqing and can't reach me. Telling them would only make them worry more."
Lan Nongnong finished her words in one breath and took another deep breath. Her throat was still choked with a sob as she struggled to catch her breath, but she slowly let out a faint smile. "Fortunately, despite all the twists and turns, it's finally a happy ending. My aunts and I have been separated for so long, and today, we're reunited. I miss you so much, but I'm also still angry that he lied to me. Seeing your aunts so caring, I can't help but feel emotional."
"I never expected him to confess everything to my aunts. His concern caused them even more worry and anxiety, leading them to move their nunnery to Beijing. Although I appreciate his attentiveness to me, I ultimately ended up with bad intentions, and I feel even more guilty towards them."
After saying these disgusting whitewashing words, Lan Nongnong suddenly lowered her head, her eyes burning and her throat trembling.
Until this moment, she suddenly understood the deep meaning behind his moving his aunts here and revealing his identity.
Not only did he want her to be timid, he also wanted her to put shackles on herself with her own hands!
Since the aunts had moved to the capital, they inevitably interacted with outsiders. He hadn't deliberately concealed his actions, and even his power couldn't silence the public. The aunts didn't even need to inquire; just a walk through the city or a few casual conversations with pilgrims would give them the general idea.
She didn't know how much he had told her aunts. Because of this, if she didn't want her aunts to notice something and worry more, she couldn't complain at all. Instead, she had to praise him for everything and swallow all the bitterness in her heart.
As long as her aunts were in Beijing, she would be cautious and would not quarrel with him.
How despicable and disgusting this person is!
Her stomach suddenly twitched, and Lan Nongnong clenched her teeth, but still couldn't suppress the retching sound.
This immediately caused a panic in the room.
"Hey, Nong Nong, are you pregnant?"
"Are you still feeling uncomfortable? Do you want to go and rest for a while?"
"Do you know about this yourself? Does that person know about it?"
The abbot of Qingfeng Temple also frowned slightly and stood up to take her pulse.
Lan Nongnong was surrounded by everyone, and she felt her stomach churning more and more violently, and a chill rose from the bottom of her heart. She respected Doctor Mo, but did not dare to trust him completely. She could not stop the man from asking for sex, and she was under strict supervision. She had no way to go out and no way to prevent pregnancy, and she was in a state of anxiety all day long.
The nunnery had always been self-sufficient, and everyone had some knowledge of medicine, with Aunt Qingfeng being the most skilled. Although Lan Nongnong had read a few medical books with her, she had rarely put them into practice. She only knew a few herbs and had a superficial understanding of medical theory.
She reached out for Aunt Qingfeng to feel her pulse. After confirming again and again that she was not pregnant, she breathed a sigh of relief, her back numbing and slumping in her chair. As her mind relaxed, the discomfort in her stomach subsided.
Qingfeng still held her wrist, his brows furrowed. "When did you contract the cold uterus? Was it because of that time you fell into the water?"
Lan Nongnong nodded. Although her face was slightly pale, her smile was much more relaxed. "Aunt Qingfeng is a skilled doctor. It is indeed a relic from that drowning incident. Aunts, don't worry. I am recuperating now and will be fully recovered in a short while."
After she finished speaking, Lan Nongnong's mind suddenly moved, and her eyes fell on the ring on her finger. Her fingertips trembled slightly, and her eyes gradually became solemn.
Qingfeng nodded slightly. Although she was considered the most skilled doctor in the temple, she had been practicing in seclusion. While she could handle common ailments, she was unable to handle more serious cases. For example, at this moment, she could diagnose a strong sign of uterine cold, but she couldn't diagnose the underlying health issues.
After this misunderstanding, although everyone still felt a sense of indescribable disappointment in their hearts, Nongnong's previous explanation did not seem false and was roughly consistent with what the man said. Only then did their hearts finally settle down.
The head of Qingfeng Temple sat down again, fingering his Buddhist beads, and cast a cold gaze at her. He said slowly, "I have also heard about the matter of the Xu family girl. This matter is like drinking water, only the cold and warm can be known by oneself. Everyone's fate is different. Even we are doing what we want. Nong Nong does not need to add to the burden."
"There's only one thing I hope you'll remember. One person's plan is as good as three's; only when we think together can we benefit as many. Although your aunts and I are just ordinary people, we can still be your support."
Yun An and others also nodded in agreement.
Ultimately, despite his noble status, that person had deceived Nong Nong and tricked her into falling for him. His actions were truly despicable. No matter how much effort and money he spent, a man without integrity could not stand. In the eyes of everyone in the nunnery, he had already fallen into inferiority.
Despite all the frustrations, Lan Nongnong felt like a weary bird returning to its nest upon meeting her aunts. Her heart felt like it was soaking in warm water, filled with a long-lost sense of peace and comfort. She inquired about everything that had happened in the nunnery over the past year, until her aunts, citing her frail health as an excuse, firmly urged her to rest.
Although she hadn't been home for a long time, her aunts still kept a room for her. Lan Nongnong readily agreed, her heart burning with the pain that she could hardly contain herself.
Today she had experienced both great sorrow and great joy, and she felt exhausted and in urgent need of rest and to regroup.
After carefully applying ointment to her forehead, she awoke from a short nap and dined with her aunts again after a year. The table was filled with dishes and pastries, all of which she had always loved. Lan Nongnong swallowed the bitter taste in her throat, a smile of surprise spreading across her face, and she accepted everything with almost greed.
After the meal, she joined Aunt Yunting in making incense. They poured water for tea, and dried herbs for medicinal use. After a busy day of this, her tormented mood, which had been swirling like a frying pan for days, gradually calmed, and the unnoticed anxiety in her brows and eyes relaxed.
The aunts might have noticed something, but they were considerate and didn't ask any further questions. Lan Nongnong didn't want to disrupt the tacit peace between them, so she just quietly flipped through the medical books, wrote down the effects of a few herbs and her diagnosis notes, then knelt before the Buddha and closed her eyes to listen to the sutra.
At 3 p.m., Biyu arrived to report that he had arrived outside to meet her. Lan Nongnong slowly opened her eyes, exhaled lightly, stood up, and looked back, only to see him, dressed in a moon-white robe, elegant and graceful, striding in.
-
Although all the flowers are beautiful, they are not as beautiful as her smile.
"Thick."
Lan Nongnong also took a step closer to him, raised her hand and gently placed it on his palm, her eyes curved like the moon: "You came a little early."
Qin Jingyao folded his five fingers together, brushed the hair by her ear with one hand, and gently stroked the wound on her forehead with his fingertips. He paused for a moment, lowered his eyes and smiled, "You get tired easily. Although I know that the masters will take good care of you, I am still worried."
After he finished speaking, he raised his eyes, still leaning towards her, and nodded slightly to the nuns standing quietly with beads in hand in the Buddhist temple: "Thank you all for taking care of Nong Nong today."
The man had an imposing figure, gentle and composed manners, and a leisurely and elegant demeanor. However, his phoenix eyes were filled with a smile that could not be fully understood. His gaze passed by without truly taking anyone in. Instead, he gave off a distant and aloof air, a feeling of dignity and indifference that made one feel ashamed of oneself.
This statement seems humble, but in fact it implies belonging, and has quietly separated Nong Nong from them.
People who practice cultivation have a free and easy temperament and a clear mind, so they will naturally understand the profound meaning at this moment.
The condescending arrogance of those in power was fully revealed at this moment.
Those who have experienced the world know that power is as heavy as a chasm, which can make a huge difference in people's status.
Everyone understood silently, their minds were clear and bright, without any false thoughts.
If Nong Nong had not been beside him, I am afraid that this powerful and influential Shang Shu Ling would not even lower his gaze from the high platform to look at him.
No matter what, I just hope that Nong Nong is carefree and everything is well.
Since he had already made his identity known, as the Minister of the Chancellery, no one dared to neglect him, and he would not allow others to interrupt him at will.
The abbot of Qingfeng Temple stepped forward and clasped his hands together in greeting: "Amitabha, Your Excellency, your words are too kind."
Even though Lan Nongnong didn't understand the deeper meaning of his words, her heart sank because of Aunt Qingfeng's respectful and indifferent attitude, and she unconsciously tightened her grip.
This movement caused him to look back, but she didn't look at him. She only uttered a soft "ah" and smiled softly, "I'm this old now, why do I still need someone to take care of me all the time?"
Then she let go of her hand, stepped forward, and gently embraced each of the aunts, saying goodbye with a smile: "I am very happy to meet you again today. But it is getting late, so we can't stay long. I will come back to talk to you tomorrow, okay?"
Everyone agreed with a smile.
Lan Nongnong then turned around and returned to his side, letting him hold her hand. She looked up with a smile, and the man also lowered his brows and looked at her.
Under the Buddha statue, one is tall and noble, the other is smart and petite. They look at each other with affectionate smiles. They are truly a perfect match, very loving.
The slim woman was held in the man's arms and protected as he walked down the stone steps, carefully guarding each step and taking precautions.
After being politely declined, the crowd stood quietly at the door, gazing into the distance. This scene was so similar to last year's. But then, she had been alone, passionately walking the path, but now, things had changed; the two of them were now dependent on each other.
"...Amitabha. Abbot, do you think what Nongnong said today is credible, and does it contain hidden secrets?"
"Nong Nong has no scheming, and I don't know if I can handle the myriad waves in the deep courtyard of that noble family."
Lan Nongnong was young, inexperienced, and still unskilled in her lying skills. Everyone was so attentive that they could tell she was forcing a smile, but out of consideration for her feelings, they kept it to themselves.
The carriage waited quietly at the steps, its servants bowed their heads. When they reached level ground, the woman turned in front of the carriage, raised her arm and waved goodbye with a powerful gesture. The bright sunlight illuminated her smiling face, making it seem as if it were radiant.
The head of Qingfeng Temple waved goodbye to the carriage until it was far away. Then he turned back into the temple and said in a deep and steady voice, "She is reluctant to speak, but she must have a hidden secret. Since she has chosen to marry into this powerful family, she must learn to be cunning and shrewd. If she fails to understand the secrets, she will surely suffer this disaster. If she repents one day, we will help her. Just let things take their course."
"If your mind is not stable, you will cause yourself trouble. You need to recite the Tranquility Sutra several times today."
Everyone calmed down and clasped their hands in agreement.
---
As soon as they entered the carriage, Lan Nongnong's face suddenly turned cold. She tried to pull her hand away but couldn't. Her eyes pierced the man with a scorching smile like a knife. Her breathing quickened for a moment, but she seemed to be discouraged and turned her head away, unwilling to look at him again.
Qin Jingyao hadn't seen her so tender and submissive, almost genuinely, for nearly nine months. How could he tolerate the disparity between gaining and losing?
The carriage, drawn by two horses and four horses, exuded majesty on the outside and luxury on the inside. Inside, there was a four-foot-wide couch. With a single stretch of his long arms, he easily swept the woman, who sat with her back to him, full of resistance, into his arms.
The arms are like a cage, tightly locked.
"Now that the nunnery's masters have arrived in Beijing, Nong Nong can visit as often as before, or invite someone to stay with her. You were smiling like a flower just now, so why are you so stingy now?"
Lan's eyelashes trembled slightly, her chest rose and fell, and her nails dug deep into his flesh, carving red marks on the back of his hand. She took a deep breath, pursed her lips, and said nothing.
Qin Jingyao just lowered his eyes and glanced at her lightly, letting her vent. He sighed softly as if helpless, pressed her head gently on the side of his neck, and gently stroked her beaded earlobe with his thumb and index finger. He said nothing more, just quietly enjoying the tranquility of the intimate embrace at this moment.
As the carriage entered the city gate, the crowd suddenly became noisy. He loosened his arm, raised his hand and gently hooked the tassel beside him. The bamboo curtain on the left rolled up halfway, revealing a jade-colored gauze curtain as thin as a cicada's wing.
The street scene outside the car was slightly hazy, but the outlines and colors were clearly discernible, and even the objects held in the hands of many pedestrians could be seen clearly.
Lan Nongnong's eyes, which had been vacant and careless, suddenly widened, her breathing tightened, and she rushed to the window to take a closer look. Qin Jingyao did not stop her, but only gently pressed down her hand that was about to lift the curtain.
"Nong Nong has always been self-respecting and self-loving, and has found joy in self-reliance. Your illness has truly deprived you of much joy. Your painting skills are exquisite and unique, and this doll will surely be a world-famous. Now that your shop has opened in the capital, you can save yourself the trouble of traveling and fully display your talents."
"It's just that things are different now. If you still need the shopkeeper, you can hire him to continue running the shop for you, or you can open a new shop. It's all up to you."
His voice was gentle, every word was filled with doting, and his words were meticulous and thoughtful. But to Lan Nongnong, they all turned into a raging fire, burning her liver and heart.
The thought that she had suppressed before the Buddha not long ago suddenly rose up and vanished in an instant. A breath of air suddenly rushed to her throat, and she was about to turn around and explode -
At that moment, the carriage stopped. Across the street, a shop was packed with customers, the scene bustling with activity. And that woman, dressed in a blue dress and purple skirt, with her hair tied up and pinned up, standing by the door with her hands on her hips, looking around with a beaming expression, was none other than Wen Niang, who was supposed to be thousands of miles away?
The raging fire burned out, leaving only desolation.
Just like this moment, his rage was at its peak, and his boiling blood felt as if suddenly doused with ice water, chilling him to the bone. The breath he had just raised was like an ember, dissipating as soon as he exhaled.
Her head buzzed, as if a heavy object had fallen. Her fingers, tightly gripping the window frame, slowly loosened as she heard the person behind her ask gently, "We're meeting again, Nong Nong, would you like to get off the car and see us?"
Lan Nongnong couldn't help but let out a laugh, then turned around and sat down, her fingers tightly gripping the armrests, as if trying to gain support from them. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
To scare the tiger with a warning, stop when necessary.
Qin Jingyao curled the corners of his lips silently, and did not hug her again. He just forcibly snatched away her right hand that was tightly clenched on her knee, and gently rubbed it patiently until her knuckles loosened and he opened them one by one, then he clasped his ten fingers with hers and held them tightly.
The carriage pulled into the mansion and stopped in the courtyard. Lan Nongnong stared straight ahead, ignoring the fact that one of her hands was still restrained by him, and she stood up and exited the carriage. Qin Jingyao followed closely behind her until they reached Mo Chou's pharmacy. His smile suddenly faded, his eyes narrowed slightly, but he still didn't ask.
The pharmacy in the palace is for the private use of the master of the household. Those who can serve as the palace physician must be highly trusted by the master for their medical skills and virtue. This is a dedicated person, and the names of the medicines are not marked on the medicine cabinets.
Qin Jingyao stood silently by her side, watching her unable to break free. He could only clumsily open the medicine drawers one by one with one hand to identify them. He had always been in good health and rarely had any illnesses. Most of the medicines in this room were for her health.
Whatever she was looking for, it was doomed to fail.
Lan Nongnong closed the medicine drawer, turned around and bowed apologetically to Mo Chou, who was standing outside the door with a frown on his face. With a calm expression, he said something shocking:
"Please, Doctor Mo, prescribe a sterilization drug for me."
At this moment, the golden crow was sinking in the west, and the sky and the earth were dyed dark orange, revealing a sense of desolation for no reason.
The silence all around made me feel even more frightened.
Tongze, Biyu and other attendants had already knelt down far away, holding their breath and lowering their heads, with sweat on their foreheads and backs. They tried their best to hide the horror in their eyes and wished they could cut off their ears to avoid this storm.
Mo Chou, having been called by name, couldn't afford to withdraw and close his ears like the servants. He too, stunned for a moment as if hearing thunder, then hesitantly asked, "Please, my lord, my lady, forgive me... I was distracted and didn't hear you clearly. Could you, my lady, forgive me and let me say it again?"
The dead silence in the room was suddenly broken. Qin Jingyao suppressed his shock and anger, his fingers loosening slightly, revealing the red marks he had caused earlier. A fierce look flickered in his narrowed eyes, but the corners of his lips curved up as he chuckled softly, "I don't think I heard clearly either. Nongnong, why don't you tell me again? What medicine do you want Mo Chou to prescribe?"
Inside and outside the house, everyone was silent, their faces pale.
Lan Nongnong turned around and looked up at him for the first time since returning home. With her fair skin, dark eyebrows, bright eyes, and white teeth, her smile was like a shower of falling flowers, a beauty that captivated the heart.
However, the words uttered from those two soft, pink lips, which he had once held in his mouth and tossed and turned with care, were like a sharp knife cutting into his heart.
"I say, please ask Dr. Mo to prescribe a sterilization drug."
Lan Nongnong's smile remained undimmed, as if she hadn't noticed his sudden change of expression, which now turned icy. She turned towards the door and nodded slightly, "So, Doctor Mo, did you hear me clearly? If not, I might as well speak a little louder."
Mo Chou was terrified and had not yet responded when a cold and fierce shout rang out.
“Back off!”
Mo Chou and the servants in the courtyard responded with eager, respectful voices as if they had been granted amnesty. In an instant, the crowd retreated like a tide. The two wooden doors were quietly closed, and except for the attendants and palace guards, everyone else was dismissed.
The woman before him had a calm expression, a smile on her lips as she gazed out the door. Her long, dark eyelashes were glossy and slightly curled, her cheeks were plumper than a few days ago, her ears were small, like ingots, adorned with a pink jade bead, and her profile was gentle and submissive.
Qin Jingyao felt as if his internal organs were burning, his heart was burning with anger, his chest was heaving violently, veins on his forehead and neck were bulging, and the hostility and anger in his eyes almost burst out, which was terrifying.
He took a deep breath, suppressed the violence in his eyes, raised his hand to hold her chin and forced her to look straight at him. She did not flinch, but met his gaze directly, her eyes as clear as a mirror, as if she was completely unaware of the cruelty of his words.
Qin Jingyao laughed out of anger, his voice as if burned by a raging fire, low and hoarse and terrifying: "Nong Nong, do you know what you are saying?"
"nature."
Lan Nongnong felt a sudden sharp pain in her jaw and swallowed back a cry of pain. Seeing his face suddenly turn pale, she did not feel the expected joy in her heart, but only a bitter irony.
His fingers were extremely strong, and they clamped tightly like iron hoops. Lan Nongnong did not struggle in vain, but just looked up at him with a smile, the corners of her lips raised slightly, and her voice was as soft as a whisper.
"But don't get me wrong, this medicine is not prepared for me."
"You come to eat."
-----------------------
The author has something to say: 1 Quoted from Bai Juyi's "Pipa Song"
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