Chapter 62 Chapter 62 Eat peach, carry
Neither of them prescribed any medicine. After leaving Anhetang, Yilan went to another well-known pharmacy in the city to take the patient's pulse.
She was so cautious that she even consulted some of the more reputable private doctors in the area, visiting no fewer than ten of them. Their pulses ranged from strong to weak, but all of them suggested a risk to her fertility.
Being told that one's infertility is a humiliating prospect for a man. And hearing it again and again, knowing the outcome, is like rubbing salt into a wound, adding insult to injury. Unfortunately, one of them was oblivious to the situation, while the other remained calm and composed, unconcerned.
As summer fades and autumn arrives, the sky clears and the air crisps, perfect for autumn hunting. In previous years, at this time, if it was a day off, Qin Jingyao would lead his guards into the wilds and mountains, stretching their muscles with his bows. The game he captured would be distributed among his attendants as a reward, and the intact pelts would be cleaned and sent to the palace. They would enjoy themselves until midnight, returning home.
Now that he had her, all the pastimes that once delighted him were no longer worth mentioning. He held her hand and strolled slowly, even if it was aimless, as long as she was by his side, he was happy.
She loved peaches, so last year, Qin Jingyao had a garden of peach trees transplanted to his farm in Diexiang Mountain. Hundreds of trees began to bear fruit, and each day, an experienced farmer carefully selected the sweetest, plumpest, and finest peaches to bring to her house for her enjoyment.
Peach trees usually bear fruit in spring and summer, but this peach forest blooms all year round. You can imagine the manpower required.
Lan Nongnong was unaware of the situation, believing the peaches she ate daily were purchased from outsiders. Suddenly, she saw a garden full of peach trees with intertwined branches, petals filling the air, and heavy fruit weighing down the branches. The wind blew, petals falling like rain, and the refreshing peach fragrance filled her face.
The petals are adorned on the hair and shoulders, gently caressing the cheeks, feeling cool and tender, making people feel intoxicated.
Being surrounded by such beautiful scenery, I feel like all my worries can be forgotten.
The veil has been taken off. Lan Nongnong slightly raised her head, her eyes lightly closed, a happy curve on her lips, and even the dimples hidden deep in her cheeks quietly emerged, showing that she was feeling relaxed both physically and mentally at the moment.
Qin Jingyao didn't disturb her, but simply put an arm around her waist and let her lean back on his shoulder. She was immersed in admiring the scenery, and he lowered his eyes to gaze at her, his eyes hiding a tenderness that no one else could see.
Until he heard her sigh, he smiled and whispered "Come", took her hand and walked through the rain of flowers, stopping in front of a swing covered with peach petals.
The swing was long and deep, more than enough for a reclining position, and it was covered with soft cushions. Qin Jingyao grasped her waist with both hands and gently lifted her onto it. His tall figure leaned forward, bringing an undeniable pressure. Lan Nongnong held her breath, concentrating, only to see him withdraw his arms and kneel before her.
However, he was very tall, and even when he was squatting he was still slightly taller than her.
"Nong Nong once said that she wanted to swing under the flowers. Today I will make your wish come true."
The man with a bright smile spoke gently, while holding up her peach-pink fingertips and leaning down to kiss them.
Suddenly, the scene in front of my eyes darkened, and the scent of sandalwood mixed with the sweet fragrance of peaches brushed past my nose. The next moment, the swing began to swing, and my vision suddenly rose, then suddenly fell.
Lan Nongnong only heard the man behind her laugh and say "Hold on tight", and hurriedly grabbed the soft straps of the backrest with both hands.
A sense of weightlessness washed over her, her chest tightening, and she suddenly stepped back. The heavy thoughts in her chest seemed to be pulled out, and her mind suddenly felt empty. When she was pushed up again, she saw a peach tree in front of her, its branches weighed down by blossoms and fruits. The hem of her skirt gently brushed against it, and the branches swayed, and the flowers fell like rain.
She unconsciously loosened one hand and tried to pull the swing, but before her fingertips could touch it, she was suddenly pulled back by the swing rope.
Lan Nongnong simply put aside all distractions and decided to have fun. She relaxed, leaning against the swing, letting it swing. The sky was blue, the clouds were white, the breeze caressed her face, and the falling petals resembled rain. It was such a relaxing experience.
He adjusted his sitting position slightly, and acted like a ruthless flower destroyer when rising and falling. He scooped up a handful of petals and placed them beside him, letting them float away with the rise and fall of the swing.
Catching a glimpse of a plump, juicy peach hidden among the blossoms, she yearned to pluck it. Knowing the distance and time were insufficient, she remained undeterred despite repeated failures. She constantly adjusted her stance, sweat forming from the repeated attempts, but she grew more courageous with each setback, her glassy eyes brimming with fighting spirit.
Perhaps her hard work paid off, for although she hadn't managed to pick any the first few times, the branches had loosened up. The next time the branches swung up and down, the peach actually fell off on its own, falling straight into her arms as she pulled.
"ha!"
Lan Nongnong was immediately overwhelmed with joy, not caring about the prickly hairs on the peel. Holding the fruit in her hands, she instinctively turned around to show it off. The swing stopped at that moment, and she turned halfway and then twisted back. Undeterred, she simply smiled and wiped it with a handkerchief.
The autumn sun was shining brightly, and the white sunlight was pouring down. She seemed to be sitting in a halo of light, shining brightly and dreamily.
Qin Jingyao lowered his eyes, a smile on his lips as he stared at her from behind. Although she stopped mid-sentence, he knew she hadn't finished speaking. She must have turned around, leaned forward with her elbows on the backrest, and raised her delicate hands holding the peach high. She raised her delicate face, which was as beautiful as snow, her dark eyes curved like crescent moons, her lips dimples like honey, and said to him sweetly and cheerfully,
"Yao Jing, look at the peaches I picked! Don't they look good? They must be very sweet!"
So lively, so vivid. In the shimmering halo, Qin Jingyao seemed to be witnessing this scene for real. He raised his hand to touch the dimple, his mind and heart moved as he nodded in response.
But what his fingertips touched was not delicate skin, but a void that made him feel like he was falling off a cliff and stepping into empty space, with nowhere to land.
The peach had been cleaned, but her hands still felt a little irritated by the thorns. Lan Nongnong looked up and around, but couldn't see the source of water. She also didn't know where Biyu and the others who had come with her were hiding.
The peaches as big as two hands were pink and attractive, and they looked like they were looking for food, making her mouth water.
The joy of the wild lies in being spontaneous and unrestrained. Moreover, the fruits and vegetables available at this time are all natural and pollution-free, so there's no need to be overly particular when out and about. Back in the mountains behind Guanzhong, and even during that brief period of rural life, I'd often just pick fruit, wipe off the dust, and eat it.
She placed the peach on her knees, clapped her hands together a few times, picked it up and lowered her head to take a bite. Unexpectedly, as soon as she opened her mouth, her hands suddenly became light and her teeth suddenly bit into nothing.
Lan Nongnong's cheeks puffed up with anger, and she pursed her lips and frowned, looking up at him. The man holding the fresh peach quickly knelt down and took her hand, pleading softly, "Don't blame me, Nongnong, don't be anxious. There's water not far away. Let me wash you clean before I come back."
He lifted her hand and blew on it gently, then wiped it carefully with a handkerchief, shook his head and smiled, "The thorns on the peach bark are prickly, and the thick fingers are delicate. You are willing to let go, but I am not. Wait a moment, I will be back soon."
Lan Nongnong didn't say a word, but her brows softened. It might not be elegant, but since someone else was doing it for her, why not?
She sat forward, tapping her toes lightly, and the swing began to sway slightly. Flower petals fell, and the autumn breeze was refreshing. She gathered her cloak and swung leisurely, looking at the scenery.
She saw him walk about thirty or four feet away, lift his robe, bend his knees and squat, stretching his shoulders. It turned out that the water source was so close, but she had not noticed it because it was hidden by the tree trunk.
The peach grove was filled with fragrance, but no bird was heard singing. Lan Nongnong looked up, closed her eyes, and listened carefully. There seemed to be a faint sound, but it seemed very far away.
Footsteps stopped in front of her, and a shadow fell beside her. Someone grasped her hand, and the chill made her open her eyes suddenly. Unable to pull it away, she lowered her gaze to see a hand, slightly darker than hers, holding a damp handkerchief. It wiped each of her fingers, then carefully cleaned them with a soft, dry handkerchief before clasping it in its warm palm. He waited until her body temperature returned to normal before releasing it, leaving her palm dry and clean.
A fresh peach fell into his palm at that moment, and a low, mellow chuckle rang out. "Take it first. I'll clean my other hand for you. I can peel it or cut it into pieces as you wish."
Once people let down their guard, they become susceptible to emotions, such as becoming soft-hearted or moved.
Lan Nongnong took a light breath, her eyelashes trembling slightly, and her gaze moved from her other hand to the peach. Suddenly, she lowered her head and took a bite. The rich juice burst out instantly, and the soft and sweet peach flesh filled her mouth.
Her brows relaxed suddenly, and her eyes narrowed slightly. Perhaps because the weather was so bright, the scenery so beautiful, and her appetite so fully satisfied, she ate with great joy, and Qin Jingyao's eyes curved as he watched.
He placed the dry handkerchief he had used to wipe her hands on his left palm, raised it to her lips, and said with a smile, "The peach skin is slightly astringent, so only the flesh can be eaten. Just spit out the skin."
Lan Nongnong paused chewing, glanced at him, and without looking up, her cheeks twitched, her lips parted slightly, and with a flick of her tongue, she spat the unchewed, but reddened, piece of peach peel into his palm.
A slightly scalding dampness seeped through the thin handkerchief, seeping into his palm, then penetrating his flesh and reaching his heart. The heat was fleeting, but Qin Jingyao shuddered as if burned. He held his knuckles motionless, his gaze lingering for a few breaths on the brittle peach skin in his palm. Slowly raising his eyelashes, he glanced towards her face, finally resting on her lips, still and tender, saturated with her juices and rosy red.
He leaned forward slightly, his Adam's apple rolling silently.
The peach was so large that Lan Nongnong felt full after eating most of it. However, the peach was so sweet and delicious that it would be a shame to throw it away. She had picked it herself, too. After a moment's hesitation, she continued to chew it slowly, her cheeks moving at a rate more than twice as slow as before.
I don’t know how tormented it is for those who watch it.
Given Qin Jingyao's status and position, it was impossible for him to eat leftovers. However, he would never allow anything that touched her mouth to become filthy or be picked up by others. Therefore, any soup or rice she left unfinished went into his mouth.
He was all too familiar with her satiated look. He could have eaten it all for her now, but he had something else he wanted to taste.
After eating a large peach, Lan Nongnong didn't even want to eat dinner. Peach juice soaked her lips, and her hands felt sticky and cool. She rubbed her chin with the back of her hand before getting up to wash.
As her toes touched the ground, a shadow suddenly fell over her. The peach pit in her hand flew out of her hand, and her vision spun. Before she could recover, her jaw was gripped and sucked. An itchy feeling instantly spread throughout her body, and she couldn't help but tense up and groan.
Lan Nongnong gasped and tried to get up, but the swing beneath her suddenly swung. Although she was not restrained, she rushed forward actively, and heard the expected mischievous laughter in her ears.
"You bastard--"
Qin Jingyao opened his arms to accept her offer, his arms clasping her soft, warm body, and slightly tilting his head to meet the angry, raised-faced woman. His arms suddenly tightened, his shoulders thrust forward, and he tilted his head back to swallow up all her sweet, sweet words.
The swing continued to swing back and forth, Lan Nongnong's back hanging in the air, the feeling of weightlessness following her everywhere. She was caught in a dilemma, her hands sticky and helpless, raised high, and she couldn't speak, letting him plunder every inch of her.
Although she had learned how to breathe, she still felt short of breath. The root of her tongue was numb and painful from being twisted, and her teeth were difficult to close. After an unknown amount of time, she was finally released, but she didn't care about being angry, she just gasped for breath.
﹣----
Lan Nongnong's pupils suddenly widened, and she gasped and cursed, "Qin Jingyao, you bastard! Stop it!"
Regardless of the stickiness on her hands, she grabbed his shoulders and pushed him away. But he knew her weak spot better than she did, and with a simple provocation, she was completely defeated and exhausted.
The swing no longer swung high, only swayed slowly back and forth. Flower petals entwined on the two-finger-thick iron chain occasionally fluttered down with the swing. A suppressed sob clung to my throat, trembling as it threatened to break.
Under the swing, a pair of feet in ink-black brocade boots stepped on the ground left and right. The outlines of the legs were sometimes tense and faintly visible under the cloak. They were clearly men's legs and feet.
But looking up, I saw only a slender figure on the swing, her purple satin cape embroidered with a gold gourd pattern undulating like clouds. Her slender fingers clasped the swing back with white nails, loosening and tightening from time to time as if in a spasm.
A hand suddenly emerged from under the cloak, the blue veins on the back of the hand seemed to be steaming, and it moved across the purple satin like a winding python, finally climbing to the side of the woman's neck, wrapping around her black hair and gathering it aside.
The hood hid her sweaty face, which was covered with her lips bitten and tears in her eyes. The big hand rested under the brim of the hat and never left.
The swing swung gently, the branches swayed, and the flowers fell. The autumn sun turned from blazing white to golden yellow, and the blue brick and stone path was lightly covered with petals, like a flower path.
A large hand moved to her shoulder, and the woman beneath the cloak leaned forward. Her legs tensed, and the cloak shifted upward, revealing a man with a slender, muscular figure. His dark hair flowed down, and his handsome face, lightly sweating and panting, slowly emerged from under the woman's hood.
The swing swayed, weightless, and the man suddenly stood up and took a few steps forward, a sigh escaping his throat. Hidden in the shadows, Biyu and the others appeared and approached, offering clothes. After the man took them and wrapped the woman tightly in his arms, they quietly retreated.
The peach forest is able to bloom all year round because of its environment. The forest is surrounded by walls, and deep inside is a hot spring surrounded by peach trees, with white mist rising from it.
Qin Jingyao carried someone in, and the servants and palace guards who were accompanying him stopped five meters away, dispersed spontaneously, drove away the idlers, and strictly guarded each place.
---
As night fell, Lan Nongnong, wrapped in a thick cloak with her hood buttoned low, walked out of the peach forest with a slightly unsteady gait. Qin Jingyao followed closely, with faint fingerprints visible on his cheek and a row of neat, dark teeth marks clearly visible on his collarbone where his clothes were loosely tied.
The two walked one after the other. The former's expression was hidden under the brim of his hat, but his whole body was full of anger, while the latter's expression was happy, and his eyebrows were full of the lazy smile of satisfaction.
Biyu and others were holding lanterns and leading the way about three to five feet ahead. Although they tried to avoid listening, they could still faintly hear voices from behind as if no one was around.
"...Since you've had your fun, I've scolded you enough, I've hit you enough. If you still have the energy, come at me. You're not strong enough right now, so why make things difficult for yourself?"
The rapid but uneven footsteps suddenly stopped, followed by a long inhalation, but no one responded, only the footsteps became faster and heavier.
"Oh."
Qin Jingyao stopped teasing her. He knew she was thin-skinned and delicate, but how could her tender parts, which had endured so much, withstand such carelessness? He strode over to her, knelt down, turned his head and smiled,
"We are still a thousand, three, four hundred paces from the carriage. All the mistakes are my fault. Madam, please be magnanimous. If you do not agree to carry me, would you condescend to let me carry you for a while?"
It's a rare day with good weather and a good mood, but I was completely disturbed by his insatiable and obsessed pursuit.
Lan Nongnong was annoyed that he didn't know how to handle the situation, and he had no self-control, let alone moderation! She didn't want to pay any attention to him, and without stopping for a moment, she walked around him and walked forward.
In the end, she was unwilling to give in. When she passed by, she saw that his posture was really annoying, so she raised her hand and pushed him hard on the shoulder.
Although Qin Jingyao was on one knee, his body remained steady as a rock. Her forceful push was like an ant trying to shake a tree, but he staggered, supporting himself with one arm. When he looked up, he looked stunned and bewildered.
Lan Nongnong caught a glimpse of it out of the corner of her eye, and the depression in her chest instantly dissipated. She couldn't help but raise the corners of her lips slightly, hummed softly, and without looking any longer, turned around and left.
Naturally, he didn't see that when the man behind him stood up swiftly, straightened his clothes and sleeves, a slight smile flashed across the corner of his lips when he lowered his head.
"Nong Nong went out today in high spirits," he said, his voice as warm as spring, slowly following her, "and she should return in high spirits."
Not only her, but all the people who followed her were dumbfounded when the master was rejected for the first time and even pushed to the ground without mercy.
Later, when I saw the adults lowering themselves to the ground and kneeling down again and again, I was shocked to the point of being numb.
Then he thought again, in the past, the master had always been indulgent and doting on his wife in the mansion, never fighting back or retaliating, and had no dignity as a husband. Now that he had angered his wife and was publicly insulted, it didn't seem surprising.
But the servants following behind suffered the most, their heads lowered like quails, as if the ground were covered with golden beads. The maid holding the lantern in front was also as stiff as a puppet, her eyes fixed, not daring to look aside.
Lan Nongnong wasn't as shameless as him, and she didn't want to continue the pointless stalemate. The sky darkened, and a chilly wind picked up through the forest. Having just come out of a hot spring, one shouldn't be exposed to the wind. She should take care of her own body; after all, she wasn't the one who would suffer.
If he wants to carry it, let him carry it as much as he wants.
Regardless of whether he could hold on or not, Lan Nongnong used a heavy weight and jumped onto his back, scolding him softly, "I don't want to ride in the carriage anymore. Just carry me back like this."
Qin Jingyao had anticipated her move, his lower body as steady as a rock. He extended his arms backwards as she leaped, catching his beloved wife firmly. He supported her knees with one arm, and with the other, he took her hands from his shoulders and rose to his feet.
After he had carried her steadily on his back, he let go of her hand and instead held her knees, wrapping them around his waist. He laughed out loud and said, "It's only a few dozen miles, what's the problem?"
After saying this, he turned around and told her to wrap her hood tightly, then he took big strides and walked on the moon.
He had broad shoulders and a long neck. Lan Nongnong clutched the brim of her hat beneath her cloak and lowered her head slightly, her entire body disappearing behind him. The shadows of the trees in the forest retreated rapidly, but she was unaffected by the night wind. The carriage followed closely behind, the sun having completely sunk below the horizon, and the sky was dark.
There were no farmers in the fields, no carriages on the roads. The crops, houses, and hills and slopes were all transformed into cold and lonely outlines.
The silver moon is about to rise, and birds are singing alone. Although my body is nestled against the back that is constantly radiating heat, I still feel the chill.
"...I'm late today, so please come back with me at night. The place is so simple right now, so I'll have someone make a good place for us to stay tomorrow. Next time we come, we can stay here even if it's late."
Lan Nongnong looked quietly at the night, without responding.
"...Nong Nong only ate one peach this afternoon, so he must be extremely hungry now. Would you mind asking someone to bring some fruit from the car to help him fill his stomach?"
Qin Jingyao waited for a moment, but there was still no sound behind him. He paused with a smile, glanced back, and continued to carry the person forward. The night breeze was slightly cool, but his voice was extremely soft.
"Medical texts say that when the liver qi is flowing smoothly, the heart is at ease, and the appetite is naturally stimulated. What would you like for dinner? Send someone back home to prepare it now, and we can enjoy it as soon as you and I return. If you can't think of anything at the moment, I will arrange your favorite dishes."
Just then, Biyu approached, carrying a red sandalwood food box. She was always afraid of the cold, so whenever she traveled, she always kept warm food and drinks in her carriage. Within the food box, two plates of delicate pastries still emanated a faint warmth.
Qin Jingyao knew her stomach was empty and that if she suddenly ate the glutinous rice cake, it might be difficult to digest and would damage her spleen and stomach. So he freed his right hand, took a clean silk handkerchief, held a piece of soft rice cake, and handed it over his shoulder, not minding that she ate on his back.
Biyu closed the food box and quietly stepped back. Lan Nongnong leaned her head against his shoulder, staring silently at the cake that was passed to her cheek, without moving for a long time.
He walked steadily, his arm hovering behind him, without any urging. It was not until the warmth of the pastry gradually dissipated that he smiled softly again, his voice soft and gentle.
"But you don't like the taste? You've been hungry for a long time, and the glutinous rice cake is hard to swallow right now. I'm worried you'll have a stomachache at night. Nong Nong, please be obedient and just have a bite, okay?"
The night was quiet, and there was still no sound behind him, only the gentle breaths brushing against the back of his neck, as soft as a feather. Even this made his heart soften, willing to be patient with him.
After a few breaths, there was a rustling sound of clothes behind him, and his hands suddenly felt empty.
His heart felt like a spark, instantly igniting a prairie fire. It burned, his throat pounding, and he suddenly raised his head, his eyes gleaming like stars, and a silent smile blossomed into the night.
With him like a screen in front of her, shielding her from the wind and a warm blanket on her body, Lan Nongnong was carried steadily on his back. She had no intention of actually asking him to carry her back. However, she had been disturbed by him for too long before, and she swayed with her steps and fell asleep unknowingly.
She was light and frail, yet unable to support herself after falling asleep. To prevent her from falling and disturbing her sleep, I had to lean forward and bend over, which was extremely strenuous. Not to mention the twenty-plus li walk required.
Since she was already fast asleep, Qin Jingyao could have called it a day. However, some things are easier said than done, but the timing is harder. She was finally showing signs of softening, so how could he miss such a golden opportunity? So, even though she was sound asleep, he still carried her back, step by step.
From dusk until the moon and stars were sparse, passersby were all stunned. But how could the looks and words of others compare to his deep sincerity?
After nearly three hours of walking and less than two hours of rest, Qin Jingyao rose before dawn the next day to attend a court meeting. After an hour of deliberation, he returned to the capital to review memorials from various regions and receive approval from various ministries.
After a short rest at lunch, he led his subordinates to inspect the supply departments of Yunze Canal and military affairs, making decisions according to the circumstances. His expression and behavior did not show any signs of fatigue.
When I returned home, the sky was already filled with sunset glow.
-
Lan Nongnong had recently become fascinated with mortise and tenon joints. It all started when a maid, sweeping the house, accidentally set up an antique shelf, knocking over a five-story treasure ship model he had found. The model was so sturdy that it fell nearly two meters to the ground, only damaging a section of the mast.
This ship is a full-scale replica of a recently retired warship from the navy, a vessel that is now completely unavailable. With this model, skilled craftsmen can construct a battle-worthy vessel. Furthermore, all the items on the antique display shelf are either exquisite replicas or unique pieces, each worth a fortune.
Lan Nongnong had visited various exhibitions and possessed a discerning eye. She usually merely admired such a masterpiece without delving into it. The maid had truly done it unintentionally, and she was so frightened that she knelt and apologized, trembling with fear.
A minor flaw in a treasure is indeed heartbreaking, but it's not a living thing after all. Lan Nongnong stopped Biyu from chastising her and brought the treasure ship to see if it could be repaired. Fortunately, the craftsmanship of this era was so advanced that all forms were formed by mortise and tenon joints of various sizes, including the mast. Although it had fallen off, it remained intact and could be reattached by finding a suitable fit.
After the treasure ship was restored, Lan Nongnong finally felt the itch to try her hand at it. Her study, once filled with Lego and jigsaw puzzles, could take her anywhere from an hour or two to three to five days to assemble. The feeling of utter concentration, the undivided attention, the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after completing a task, was truly captivating.
While calligraphy can improve one's character, it still takes a backseat. Qin Jingyao wasn't afraid of her asking for anything, only that she didn't want anything. If she showed any interest in something, he'd offer her all sorts of ingenious creations.
But she was too obsessed, often forgetting to eat or sleep, and would not tolerate any reminders or help. The good thing was that no matter what he said to her, she would nod and swallow whatever he fed her. Many times, he would sit beside her, watching her concentrate, and feed her mouthful by mouthful.
These days, she's been assembling a six-story, exquisite pagoda modeled after the Huguo Temple. Nong Nong is incredibly skilled, and now her study's multi-treasure shelf already boasts a house lamp, a ship, a tiger, and two rabbits, a skill she can master.
Qin Jingyao stepped inside and saw her sitting on the carpet with her knees apart, lost in thought, holding a mortise and tenon joint placed on a low table. He glanced to the side and saw the maid shaking her head. He then observed her expression more closely, seeing that her brows were relaxed and her breath was calm, so he waved the servant away.
"But is there anything you don't understand? Do you need my advice?"
Lan Nongnong snapped back to her senses at the sound, her gaze involuntarily darting to his legs. Then, as if struck by lightning, she spun back, her gaze lowered to gaze at the half-finished structure. Unable to place the parts in her hand, she acted nonchalant and shook her head, "No need. I'll just look at the blueprint."
Qin Jingyao was so perceptive. How could he not know why she was distracted when he saw her panic and the seemingly busy but actually unproductive state?
After understanding, the heaviness and soreness in his body instantly dissipated, as if gently soothed. A smile suddenly spread across his handsome face, and the joy radiating from within spread outward without any concealment.
"Is Nong Nong worried about something? How come she even forgot to tie her sleeves?"
Her clothes were all designed by him, with wide sleeves that fluttered gracefully with every move. However, the mortise and tenon joints needed a clean space, so she had someone build a fence. The wide sleeves made it difficult to move, so there was no need to make a new dress, so she simply found a cuff to tie it on.
Lan Nongnong only realized after he reminded her that when she woke up today and learned what he had done last night, she felt a little uneasy and even forgot to tie up her sleeves. If her mind was not at peace, how could she do something that required concentration?
She let go of the self-deception and held his hand that was tying her sleeves. Suddenly, her shoulders relaxed and she looked up at him, her lips curled up: "I won't fight today. I'm a little hungry."
Qin Jingyao's pupils dilated slightly, his eyes became brighter, he held her with his backhand, his Adam's apple rolled slightly as he whispered "OK".
-
To prevent her from becoming too obsessed with mortise and tenon joints and sitting for too long, Qin Jingyao once proposed a swimming competition with her. The largest hot spring pool in the palace was about ten feet long, and she could swim back and forth three times. If she could win, he would allow her to stay overnight at the nunnery, with the added caveat that each win would entitle her to a night's stay. This agreement was valid at all times.
As the saying goes, it is best to cater to the person's preferences and win his heart.
Lan Nongnong had long been unhappy about not being allowed to stay overnight. He'd endured the beatings and scolding without relenting, and she couldn't bring herself to confront him in front of her aunts, so she'd just keep it to herself. While she didn't know how good he was at swimming, she could improve his speed, but opportunities were rare.
Qin Jingyao saw the considerations she was making and just smiled without saying anything.
The two men are nearly one foot apart in height, and their speed, strength, and explosive power are not on the same level.
In the first round, Qin Jingyao estimated her speed and found that she was only one body length faster. After a short rest, she sped up in the second round, and the gap between them was more than half a body length. By the third round, the gap was only half a body length.
Water has resistance, and even though it's only three rounds, it's extremely stamina-draining. She didn't call for a halt, so Qin Jingyao kept playing. But for the established winner, the joy lies in the process.
A huge gap is boring and can easily demoralize the opponent. However, repeated narrow victories, where the opponent is neck and neck, can actually ignite fighting spirit and help one explore their limits.
At the end of the fifth round, Lan Nongnong called a halt. She was exhausted, and the water temperature wouldn't allow her to wait any longer. This was merely a test of the waters, a way of testing each other's strengths.
She knew her own limitations and expected to lose. Cold water wasn't the right place for her to practice right now, but it would be extravagant to have someone warm it up. Three hot spring baths a week at most was more than enough.
From then on, Lan Nongnong would go to the hot springs every two days to practice her speed, and in the rest of the time she would draw patterns, put mortise and tenon joints together, read and practice calligraphy. Although she didn't go out often, she still managed to fill her days with plenty of space.
By the end of October, the two had fought three times. Although they were still defeated repeatedly, their speed was gradually closing.
Wang Yingzi was already eight months pregnant. Her figure wasn't bloated, but her belly was unusually large, requiring assistance when she moved, sat, or lay down. Over the past few months, Lan Nongnong had often agreed to meet her, watching her belly grow day by day.
She couldn't imagine what it felt like to have a life growing in her belly, but when someone held her hand and placed it on her, and she felt the bulge that was said to be turning over and kicking its legs, she felt terrified.
That night I had a nightmare. I can't remember the exact scene, but I remember my stomach was stuffed with something, thrashing and writhing, and looking like it was about to burst. I woke up with a start and retched non-stop, and couldn't eat for two days.
Qin Jingyao hadn't expected her reaction to be so intense, even talking in her sleep without realizing it, holding her stomach and sweating profusely. Seeing her still trembling with fear after being awakened, he had to suppress all thoughts.
He hugged her, caressed her belly, and repeatedly said "If you are infertile, then you will not be able to conceive" to comfort her. He also privately instructed that no letters or gifts sent to the government office in the short term should be presented.
If they met, they would inevitably see the bulging belly. Lan Nongnong was unsure how to deal with this, believing it was simply the approaching due date. She was relieved not to have received an invitation. However, considering the timeframe, it was time to start planning the baby's third-day baptism ceremony.
In the past, I'd seen mothers often give gifts of gold and jade related to the Chinese zodiac, so gifts for a newborn weren't difficult to prepare. However, Sister Yingzi's pregnancy was difficult, and since a cesarean section wasn't available at the time, childbirth was a life-or-death experience, so she deserved more care.
The aunts are practitioners, so asking about these things might be inappropriate. Sister Wen Niang has already established herself in the capital, interacts frequently with people, and has children, so she might be someone to consult.
Just as she was about to leave, she received an invitation. After a moment's hesitation, she accepted it.
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