Chapter 28 Marital Relationship
Back at Xianyang Mountain, the two sat down at the table and planned their route to Ye City.
Zang Fan was experienced, but the escort agency always traveled the main, unobstructed roads, which were not necessarily the most convenient routes. Therefore, Ning Jue made a different plan: he would first take Bai Hua by carriage to Danzhou, and then board a ship at the Danzhou dock to travel south by sea.
He informed them of the plan.
Bai Hua had no objections and followed Ning Jue's arrangements in everything.
Seeing her unwavering trust in him, Ning Jue's eyes were filled with mockery. He thought to himself, "She has no sense of caution at all. She's been sold out without even realizing it, and I'm even paying for her own ticket."
Ning Jue: "We'll be at sea for at least seven days on this journey. The conditions on board are so-so, the food is simple, and the cooking is even simpler. It's mostly tasteless grain porridge and pickled vegetables. I'm fine with that, I don't care about the food. I'm just worried that you'll be tired and have nothing to eat. By the time you disembark, you'll have already lost a lot of weight."
Bai Hua didn't want to always appear weak and helpless in the young master's eyes. On their journey together, she was not a burden, but a helpful assistant.
So he said earnestly, "Don't worry, young master, I can endure hardship and will not complain on the way."
Ning Jue said casually, "But I don't want to see you suffer. Besides, you look just right now, good-looking, don't lose any more weight."
Bai Hua blushed slightly, lowered her eyes, and replied softly, "How can I control that? A Peng will try to eat as much as possible then."
Ning Jue had already come up with an idea: "The food on the ship is bland, and no matter how hard we try, we probably won't be able to eat much. Why don't we prepare some braised beef and dry biscuits in advance and bring them with us? We can mix them together and they won't be so hard to swallow."
Bai Hua nodded, finding the idea feasible, and suggested, "Shall we go down the mountain to buy it tomorrow?"
She harbored a selfish motive, thinking that if she could go down the mountain again, she would have a chance to contact her cousin and spread the news that she had accompanied Ning Jue to Ye City, so that her cousin could keep track of their whereabouts.
Ning Jue spoke up, disrupting her plan: "The braised beef at the shops down the mountain is just so-so. It would be better to just buy some from Aunt Li's house. Her skills in making braised beef and drying meat are superb. When I first rescued Xiao He, Aunt Li often brought me food. Zang Fan was so hungry for it that he would come up the mountain every few days to mooch a meal."
Since the young master said so, Bai Hua could no longer insist on going down the mountain to the market in the city to buy it.
So he obeyed and said, "Apeng will follow your instructions, young master."
It was getting late, the night was deep, the mountain fog was thick, and the path was difficult to walk on; it was clearly not a good time to go out and visit others.
After dinner, Bai Hua tidied her clothes and bundle in advance.
Seeing that the wardrobe contained more women's clothing than men's clothing, she asked Ning Jue, "Since I'm traveling with you, young master, am I to dress as a man for the entire trip?"
Ning Jue was wiping his sword sheath in the main room when he heard this. He paused in his work of removing the rust, pondered for a moment, and then looked up to answer.
"After we arrive in Ye City, wear men's clothing when you accompany me to meet guests, and do as you please at other times."
After thinking for a moment, Bai Hua put the folded hibiscus skirt into her bag and replied, "Then I'll bring a few more skirts with me, so I can be more comfortable."
Ning Jue casually replied, "Yeah, women's clothes aren't too tight."
Bai Hua pursed her lips, blushing as she didn't respond.
Ever since she wore men's clothing once, the young master seems to have paid extra attention to whether it was too tight or not.
She didn't seem to be in much pain at the time...
Bai Hua glanced down, a hint of annoyance in her eyes. She had never been greedy or gluttonous, yet since childhood she had been more voluptuous than her peers, most notably her breasts, which were too large to be grasped in one hand, not even halfway. She had secretly tried it herself when she first came of age, her cheeks flushing like ripe peaches, wondering if her palms were too small to hold them.
After Ning Jue finished wiping her clothes and sheathed her sword, he reminded her, "You don't need to bring too many winter clothes. The climate in Ye City is warm, and you won't feel cold wearing a thin shirt."
Bai Hua snapped out of her daze, her cheeks flushed, and replied calmly, "I understand, young master."
After packing her belongings, Bai Hua took the initiative to come out of the house to help Ning Jue.
Ning Jue politely declined, saying, "It's alright, I only have a few clothes to pack, I can handle it myself, you go and rest."
Bai Hua shook her head. She came up the mountain to be the young master's personal maid. He spoiled her so much that she never had to do any dirty or tiring work. She was so lazy that she almost forgot her own status.
She should work harder and remind herself to stay true to her duty.
So he walked over, stepped forward, and hugged Ning Jue's bundle to his chest, insisting, "Let me do it. Just tell me which items I need to bring."
Ning Jue hesitated, but seeing that she was holding onto the package tightly, he had no choice but to let her be.
There was only one wardrobe in the room, placed in the bedroom, with the couple's clothes stacked separately in two layers.
Bai Hua entered the room, placed the package on the edge of the bed, walked to the wardrobe, listened to Ning Jue's description, and helped him take out several light-colored robes, carefully folding them.
The young master's robes were made of Shu brocade, mostly in light colors, with moon white and jade being the most common. His robes fluttered, and when he drew his sword horizontally, he exuded an aloof and detached aura, his cold and imposing presence perfectly complementing the sharpness of the Azure Shadow Sword he held.
These clothes suit him very well.
Bai Hua casually asked Ning Jue, "Did you always buy your own clothes in the past, young master?"
Ning Jue stood outside the door, back to back with her, and replied truthfully upon hearing the voice: "My master's wife used to make them for me. After she passed away, I found an experienced tailor and asked him to imitate her techniques and stitches to make new clothes for me."
It's clear that the master and mistress mentioned by the young master are like father and mother to him. It's just a pity that both of his closest relatives have passed away.
Bai Hua sighed with regret, saying sincerely, "Master's wife has such good taste; these clothes suit the young master perfectly."
Ning Jue then asked, "Do you know how to make clothes?"
Bai Hua lowered her eyes, somewhat embarrassed: "I'm not very good at needlework. I can't make a whole robe, but I can embroider patterns on the collar, cuffs, and hem of clothes. I can also make small items like purses and sachets."
Ning Jue: "That's very good."
This deserves praise? Bai Hua was even more embarrassed.
In the Yan state, the constraints on female virtues were extremely strict. The Three Obediences and Four Virtues, as well as female precepts and admonitions, were the basic requirements. In addition, the rules of clothing and elaborate rituals were also necessary to be memorized and mastered.
Bai Hua was spared the ordeal because of her parents' favoritism. When she first learned needlework, she pricked several fingers and blistered. Her parents were heartbroken and indulged her laziness, letting her neglect her needlework skills.
Therefore, Bai Hua is skilled in calligraphy, painting, music, and chess, and is quite talented, but she is only hindered by needlework.
When Bai Hua was surprised to be praised for what she considered her weakness, her heart skipped a beat.
On a whim, she offered, "When we return from Ye City, I'll sew a purse for you, young master. I promise I'll make it look nice and won't tarnish your refined taste."
Ning Jue didn't reply immediately. After a laugh escaped her throat, she finally spoke, "Okay, you don't need to be nervous. Even if the stitches are messy, I will still wear it."
Bai Hua's lips curved into a deeper smile, quite encouraged.
After packing the clothes, Bai Hua turned around, beckoned to Ning Jue, and asked him, "Is there anything else you need to pack, young master?"
Ning Jue walked to the bedroom door and hesitated, saying, "There are still some... I can pack them myself. You can put the package aside."
Bai Hua: "Young Master, just give the order."
Ning Jue: "No need."
Bai Hua was puzzled but insisted on not moving: "I am right next to the wardrobe. Is there anything else you need to do, young master? Please give your instructions."
Ning Jue pursed his lips, still hesitant, unusually unhappy.
Seeing Bai Hua's determined attitude, Ning Jue sighed and had no choice but to raise his hand and point to the bottom shelf of the cabinet.
When he spoke again, his tone was somewhat uneasy, and his face was tense: "Just take a few from there."
Bai Hua nodded happily, squatted down nimbly, opened the drawer, and reached inside.
Her movements were faster than her eyes, so by the time she glanced over the stacked items and noticed that they were the young master's undergarments, her palm was already firmly gripping the leg of the trousers.
She stood frozen in place, her movements abruptly halted, her breathing quickened, her heart skipped a beat, and she felt completely lost.
No wonder the young master declined repeatedly.
Why is she so determined to be strong?
Bai Hua was furious. She had taken the initiative to take on this job, and if she went back on her word now, she would be even more ashamed.
Behind them, the young master's gaze was fixed intently on them, impossible to ignore.
Bai Hua dared not greet them. After calming down, she forced herself to close her eyes, reached out and pulled out a few strips, stuffing them haphazardly into her package.
After tying the package in a knot, Bai Hua stood up, feigning composure, and strode over to Ning Jue, handing it to him with her arm outstretched.
Ning Jue took it.
Bai Hua looked away, never glancing at him. After handing it over, she turned and left without a word, as if avoiding him like the plague.
Ning Jue stopped her, staring at her normal face and her unusually red and hot ear tips, and smiled silently, finding her extremely cute.
He had originally intended to let her go, but now he suddenly felt a bit like teasing her.
He asked her in a languid tone, "Didn't you insist on helping me? Now that you've done a good deed, aren't you going to ask me for a reward?"
Bai Hua pursed her lips, and two rosy blushes appeared on her cheeks, the color of peaches. Her eyes were also clear and bright, reflecting the most enchanting shimmering light.
Ning Jue stared at her, his gaze deepening slightly.
"...Young master, you shouldn't joke with me like that."
She struggled gently against him, her eyes watery, her voice low and tinged with grievance.
Ning Jue raised an eyebrow, her heart itching, and asked her in a deep voice, "Then how should I start a conversation with you? Just saying thank you seems insincere enough."
Hearing him ask and answer his own question, Bai Hua blushed even more, and even the skin on her neck turned a different color.
She lowered her head, her dark eyelashes curled, and murmured, "It's best not to speak. Young master, please check the package yourself and make sure there are no omissions."
After saying that, he forcefully struggled to free his wrist.
Ning Jue, afraid of hurting her, loosened his grip on her, and watched as she steadied herself and ran into the bedroom, looking flustered and hurried. He couldn't help but sigh helplessly.
Now, she's so embarrassed just helping him fold his underwear. What will happen next? How will she listen to her cousin, seduce him, marry him, and learn the sword techniques?
To be honest, he's getting more and more excited.
...
The next day, the two got up early and went to Aunt Li's house in Green Ivy Village.
Bai Hua had just begun to tell Aunt Li about their travel plans, and before she could even mention her need to buy braised beef and dried pickled vegetables, an uninvited guest suddenly barged into the courtyard.
The newcomer was dressed as a peasant woman, appearing to be in her forties or fifties. She wore a gray-green short jacket and a brown coarse cloth headscarf. She entered the courtyard with an aggressive air.
Aunt Li glanced awkwardly at Ning Jue and Bai Hua, and told them to wait.
They got up to greet them, and the two of them started arguing after a short while.
It's probably human nature to watch the excitement. Bai Hua heard the commotion and curiously stood by the window, opening a crack to try and hear what was going on.
Ning Jue sat in his original spot, sipping tea. The tea was just so-so; he was simply passing the time.
I thought I could make it quick down the mountain and back, but now... I'm afraid I'll have to be delayed for a while.
Looking ahead, Ning Jue saw Bai Hua craning her neck to look outside, and shook her head with a smile: "You're curious about the village women's quarrel?"
Bai Hua kept her eyes glued to the outside world. Upon hearing this, she didn't shrink back but continued to stare, explaining things to Ning Jue as she went.
"A little bit. From what I overheard them talking, it seems this unfamiliar aunt asked Aunt Li to act as matchmaker for her daughter. Everything was going well, and the marriage was almost finalized, but for some reason, the groom's family suddenly changed their minds and refused to let her go..."
At this point, Bai Hua frowned and paused, then commented, "How can we do this? What about the woman's family's reputation?"
"You seem to have a lot on your mind." Ning Jue, suddenly intrigued, struck up a conversation with her again. "I'm sitting here, not far from the window, how come I didn't hear your story?"
Bai Hua didn't even turn her head: "You can read lip movements to understand parts that are hard to hear. You weren't watching closely, so how would you know the details?"
"You've gained another skill."
Ning Jue smiled slightly, put the cup on the table, and got up to walk to the window.
He leaned forward slightly, his arms encircling Bai Hua's sides, his chest almost touching her back.
Bai Hua noticed this and froze.
Immediately afterwards, an undeniable surge of heat emanated from her neck, causing her shoulders to tense and her fingers, which were lightly resting on the windowsill, to slowly tighten. She used the pressure to steady herself and held her breath, uncomfortable with his aggressive approach.
But Ning Jue wanted her to adapt as soon as possible.
“…Young master, please…” her voice trembled slightly.
Being so close and in such an ambiguous posture would be quite indecent if noticed by others.
Ning Jue opened his mouth, and as his lips parted, the peak of his lips almost brushed against her earlobe.
His deep, hoarse voice rang out: "I don't want to know about other people's trivial matters. I just want to get the braised beef as soon as possible, set off as quickly as possible, and try to get to Danzhou before evening to board the ship, so as not to waste the ship tickets that Zang Fan went to great lengths to ask someone to buy for us."
Bai Hua's eyelashes trembled, and her heart pounded wildly.
"Then, go and call Aunt Li... and bring her back."
Ning Jue raised his hand and placed it on her lower back, about to continue teasing her, when he clearly heard the unfamiliar woman outside raise her voice and say—
"It's all your fault for meddling! My daughter and Gao Sanlang had already taken a liking to each other. But when she came to your house to deliver gifts and express her gratitude, Gao Sanlang was seduced by one of your female guests and became infatuated with her. After returning home, he has been cold to my daughter ever since. A few days later, he sent someone to say that the betrothal gifts have not been delivered and the marriage certificate has not been issued, so the marriage should be called off... What kind of nonsense is this!"
Aunt Li was dumbfounded: "A female guest at my house? Who...?"
She paused, then suddenly realized something and instinctively glanced towards the window.
Bai Hua dodged in time, staring in astonishment.
She met Ning Jue's gaze, paused for a moment, and then hesitantly asked, "The female guest that woman mentioned, is it me?"
Ning Jue's expression was not solemn, and he also had this suspicion, but before he could reply, the conversation in the courtyard was clearly heard into the house again.
"Since we've asked you to do this, and we're not short of money, you should do your best to help us make the connection. How can you just successfully connect us and then immediately bring in someone to steal our man?"
Aunt Li exclaimed, "I really didn't know about this. There must be some misunderstanding."
The woman wouldn't let it go, and continued aggressively, "My daughter told me that the female guest who came to your house the other day was as beautiful as a fairy, and her figure was dazzlingly alluring. What were you thinking when you invited such a person to your house? Everyone wants to find a beautiful wife, and you have resources for all of them. Gao Sanlang has been tempted and now he wants to find someone better while he's still single. Tell me, where does this leave our family's reputation?"
Aunt Li also had a headache: "I really didn't expect this, but she's a decent girl and definitely didn't mean to steal someone else's husband. And she doesn't even fancy Gao Sanlang..."
The woman scoffed: "No matter how good-looking she is, she's still just a village girl. Why would she look down on Gao Sanlang? His family has land and property; he's a hot commodity. Did his family secretly give you money to do this despicable thing of intercepting him halfway through?"
Aunt Li looked wronged and was about to raise her hand to swear an oath when she suddenly heard the door creak open.
The two women were drawn by the movement and turned around at the same time.
The door was wide open, and a man dressed in a moon-white brocade robe stepped out of the threshold. His clothes fluttered, and he was aloof and extraordinary. After descending the stone steps, he slightly raised his eyes, which carried a hint of scrutiny and impatience, as well as a touch of indifferent distance.
He held the hand of a young woman whose face was as white as jade, whose eyebrows were as dark as distant mountains, whose eyes were captivating, whose beauty was like that of a fairy, and whose temperament was even more otherworldly.
The two stood side by side in front of the crowd, looking very well-matched.
Aunt Li blinked, realizing what was happening. Seeing that Young Master Ning was there to protect her, she introduced the young lady directly, saying, "This young lady is the female guest who was there that day."
The woman opposite reacted for a moment, stared at Bai Hua, narrowed her eyes, and was about to lash out.
Ning Jue stepped in front of her and said coldly, "It must be a misunderstanding. We are already engaged and will be married soon. She has already pledged herself to me, so why would she try to steal your daughter's boyfriend? Putting aside whether she has the energy, even if she did, with her high standards, she wouldn't even look at anyone else."
He spoke boastfully without batting an eye.
The woman was unconvinced and tried to argue: "How is it impossible? Although you are beautiful, do you also have wealth to rely on?"
Ning Jue said calmly, "I can afford a dowry of hundreds or thousands of gold pieces. Can the young master of the Gao family you mentioned provide one?"
"You think it's something just because you say so?"
"Yes, if I say so, then so be it."
Overwhelmed by Ning Jue's imposing presence, the woman actually began to believe him to some extent.
She glanced at Bai Hua again, looking her up and down, and said sourly with resentment, "If you really have such a big family fortune, why don't you find a more virtuous mistress? You can't really trust someone like her to stay at home."
Ning Jue pondered for a moment, and then patiently agreed with the woman: "I am worried, so when I go out, I always have her by my side. I feel more at ease having her with me. Besides, I really can't bear to leave her alone at home, all alone in an empty room."
Upon hearing this, the woman's face flushed red and then turned purple, and she hesitated several times before finally speaking.
He thought to himself, "This young master has a cold and aloof demeanor, how could he utter such frivolous words?"
She couldn't vent her anger, and had to swallow it back. She felt extremely uncomfortable, but couldn't find a reason to continue making a scene, so she had no choice but to leave awkwardly.
Seeing this, Aunt Li breathed a sigh of relief and repeatedly apologized to Ning Jue and Bai Hua.
Since the journey had been delayed for quite some time and the rest of the trip might be a bit rushed, Bai Hua quickly explained her purpose and needs to them.
After learning about the situation, Aunt Li immediately ran to the kitchen, packed the braised beef and dried pickled vegetables into separate packages, but insisted on not taking their money.
Ning Jue placed a silver ingot by the window and told Aunt Li that he wanted to ask her to buy meat and make a pot of braised meat for him. He would feel embarrassed to ask her for money if she didn't accept it.
Aunt Li regarded Ning Jue as her savior, so how could she refuse her benefactor's request?
So he had no choice but to obediently accept the money.
After seeing the two to the door, Aunt Li asked curiously, "Young master just said that he and young lady are engaged. Is this true or false?"
Bai Hua explained before Ning Jue could: "It's just an emergency explanation, Aunt Li, please don't take it seriously."
Ning Jue glanced at her but didn't say anything.
After saying goodbye to Aunt Li, the two of them set off down the mountain with their luggage.
Throughout the journey, Ning Jue remained mostly silent and did not initiate conversation. Bai Hua secretly observed him out of the corner of her eye and belatedly realized that he seemed to be in low spirits.
He had been quite interested in dealing with the woman just now, but his expression froze as soon as he left Green Vine Village.
Bai Hua pondered carefully, recalling the explanation she had forced herself to give.
Is it because of those words that you are displeased, young master?
Bai Hua hesitated, tugged at Ning Jue's sleeve, and tentatively asked, "Young Master? Shouldn't I have explained earlier?"
She asked sincerely.
Ning Jue hesitated for a moment before replying, "Whatever you say."
Bai Hua sighed, "If you follow my lead, Young Master will be unhappy. So let's not follow my lead and let Young Master have his own wishes."
Ning Jue asked, "You'll listen to me?"
Bai Hua nodded: "I'll listen."
Ning Jue stopped in his tracks, glanced down at her, and said sourly, "You just went out for a meal and ruined a perfectly good match. Tell me, how are you so capable?"
Bai Hua blinked her eyes aggrievedly, her voice hesitant: "This matter has nothing to do with me. I was being very proper at the time and couldn't even remember what that young master of the Gao family looked like. I definitely didn't seduce him on purpose."
“I know.” Ning Jue snorted coldly. “If you really gave him the signal, he would probably have found out which family you belonged to that very night. He wouldn’t have waited several days before breaking off the engagement.”
Bai Hua showed a lingering fear.
Seeing her like this, Ning Jue was a little annoyed: "What are you worried about? Even if he finds out you're my daughter, do you really think he can take you away in front of me?"
That makes sense when you think about it that way.
Young Master's martial arts are unparalleled. Even if dozens of people surround the bamboo house, he could probably still safely lead her away.
Bai Hua breathed a sigh of relief, looked at Ning Jue, and smiled obsequiously: "Outside, I still need your protection, young master."
"You just found out?" Ning Jue's lips curled into a slight smile, then he changed the subject and asked her, "Since you want me to protect you on your journey to Ye City, what should our relationship be?"
Bai Hua thought for a moment and suggested, "...a master-servant relationship?"
Ning Jue said coldly, "I'm afraid we can't protect him."
Bai Hua pondered seriously, then said, "How about... a brother-sister relationship? I'd be sorry to trouble you, young master, to pretend to be my relative."
Ning Jue looked at her without speaking. After a long while, he said in a somewhat forceful tone, "It's not convenient either. How about we become husband and wife? When we're traveling the world, I can protect you the best with this identity."
Bai Hua pursed her lips, not responding immediately.
She had never traveled the world and had no experience of wandering, so she didn't know whether what the young master said was true or false.
Is pretending to be husband and wife really the most convenient thing to do?
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